WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE AND MEANINGFUL INDEPENDENCE DAY! | | |
NEWS & EVENTS
June 30 / July 7, 2026
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THE RAINBOW ON THE BASEBALL CAP
When several San Francisco Giants players objected to wearing a Pride-colored version of their team's logo, most reactions focused on whether they had broken the rules.
They had.
But the incident raises a deeper question: What was the LGBT civil-rights movement actually trying to achieve?
In this week's commentary, Rabbi Falick explores the difference between securing equal rights and requiring public expressions of agreement.
CLICK HERE TO READ
| | Topics and programs subject to change. Please check the calendar or latest newsletter! | |
✦ THIS Friday, July 3 at 7pm
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Join us as we celebrate the
Bar Mitzvah of
ELI ZELDES
Eli will share the lessons and values he has learned from studying the life of Billy Joel. While best known as one of America's most successful singer-songwriters, Joel has also devoted significant time and resources to supporting music education, disaster relief, veterans, and other charitable causes. Through his presentation, Eli will explore how Billy Joel has used his success to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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Join us for a Shabbat dinner to celebrate our July birthdays!
When ... utilizing the most modern televisual technology and long-range wireless radiovision circuits ... Rabbi Falick (who will also be fully radiated) will appear to virtually lead blessings over the candles, wine and challah!
Please bring an appetizer, salad, side dish, entree, or dessert. (We'll provide the birthday cake, beverages, and a few tasty temple leftovers, too.)
FEATURING OUR BIRTHDAY SONG SERENADE TO...
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Michael Ross
Shira Roza
Helen Balon
Alex Elkins
Brandon Jozlin
Miriam Leventhal
Dan Ernst
Lev Rynsky
Evelyn Kreger
Karen Shernit
Audrey Pleasant
Suzanne Busdiecker
Gerald Lieberman
Beverly Schneider
Joel Brown
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Roy Chestnut
Julius Denenberg
Marcia Himelhoch
Paul Caradonna
Matthew Grulke
Mary Monahan
Judith Freund
Susan Friedman
Sidney Young
Beverly Shapiro
Paula Creed
Amber Bordoley
Alan Levy
Deepa Pinkney
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WED., JULY 22, 6:30PM
WHISTLER: A NOVEL
by Ann Patchett
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The acclaimed, prize-winning #1 New York Times bestselling author returns with a moving novel about the sweetness and impermanence of life and the enduring power of human connection.
When Daphne Fuller and her husband visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, they notice an older man following them. He turns out to be Eddie Triplett, Daphne's former stepfather, who was married to her mother for just over a year when Daphne was nine. Now fifty-three, she hasn't seen Eddie since the event that changed both their lives. Though their relationship was brief, it left a lasting mark, and their unexpected reunion rekindles a bond neither wants to lose again.
Whistler is a story of two people reflecting on the choices they made—and those made for them. It explores memory, courage, loss, and the small moments that shape our lives, while celebrating the enduring power of love and the profound impact of being truly known by another person.
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WED., AUGUST 26, 6:30PM
THE LAST KINGS OF SHANGHAI: THE RIVAL JEWISH DYNASTIES THAT HELPED CREATE MODERN CHINA
by Jonathan Kaufman
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An epic multigenerational history of two rival Jewish dynasties whose fortunes became intertwined with the rise of modern China.
For more than 175 years, the Sassoons and the Kadoories—two Jewish families originally from Baghdad—helped shape the economies and politics of Shanghai and Hong Kong. They profited from the Opium Wars, survived Japanese occupation, cultivated relationships with Chinese leaders, and ultimately saw their empires transformed by the Communist Revolution.
In The Last Kings of Shanghai, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jonathan Kaufman traces their remarkable journey from Baghdad to China, exploring family rivalry, political intrigue, immense wealth, and moral compromise. He also recounts their extraordinary humanitarian efforts during World War II, when they helped rescue and protect 18,000 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution.
Their story offers a compelling window into the forces that shaped modern China—and into the legacy these families left on Shanghai, Hong Kong, and the world.
| | Members, No charge / Nonmember welcome, $10 | | |
JAZZ AT CHJ!
Shahida Nurullah Sings The Great American Songbook
Sunday, July 12
3:30pm
$25 online or at the door
Join us for an in-person afternoon of timeless tunes as Shahida Nurullah brings the Great American Songbook to life!
Expect smooth vocals, classic melodies, and a cozy vibe that'll have you tapping your feet all afternoon long.
Don't miss this chance to experience pure musical magic
right in your neighborhood.
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In Hebrew, Kesher means Connection — and that is the purpose of a wonderful new committee we are forming at CHJ.
Our new Kesher Committee—chaired by Sarah Markowitz—will help our congregation stay connected through life’s simchas (joys) and tsuris (troubles) ... celebrations, illnesses, losses, recoveries, milestones, and difficult moments.
If you are interested in volunteering ...
please contact Sarah at: 1Luciannn1@comcast.net
or the CHJ staff at: office@chj-detroit.org.
And as we get underway ... please let Sarah know if you or another congregant could use a phone call, card, meal, visit, or any other gesture of support.
LET'S KEEP CHJ CONNECTED!
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HEAR US BETTER!
Ask for a "TELECOIL" in your new hearing aids!
If you are considering new hearing aids, be sure to choose models equipped with a TELECOIL which allows seamless use of the hearing loop in our building.
You may also want to look for Auracast-compatible devices, as we hope to introduce this newer technology in the near future.
For more information, please contact Audrey Pleasant: audreypleasant@gmail.com.
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Thursday, August 20
Join us for a brunch and presentation by Ryan A. Patricka, Assistant U.S. Attorney (federal prosecutor in the anti-corruption unit and elder justice coordinator).
Topic: SCAM ALERT
Learn about the current scams and how to protect yourself. Rave reviews after previous presentations! Guests welcome. Spread the word! Watch for more details to come!
| | SOUPER SUPPER COOKBOOKS ON SALE! | | |
We are continuing to collect food and other needed items (e.g. diapers--especially large sized, feminine hygiene items, cleaning products, toiletries) for local charities. When you come to our building for an activity or are just in the neighborhood, you can drop some off.
To learn of additional efforts—current and planned—contact Audrey or come to an SJC meeting. All are invited.
Success depends on the help of many people.
For more information, contact Audrey (audreypleasant@gmail.com).
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JOIN THE SJC EMAIL LIST!
We have so many plans in progress!
To keep up to date, be sure you are signed up for the SJC email list
Contact Audrey Pleasant:
(audreypleasant@gmail.com) to sign up!
No obligation!
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A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ...
ELISSA HEPNER
AND HER DAUGHTERS SOLEIL (SUSAN) AND MARCIE
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We are grateful to them for taking us on a wonderful trip down Birmingham Temple's Memory Way on June 29 by sharing their stories of the very, very first days (and later) of our congregation!
A special shout-out of thanks also goes out to Rabbi Miriam Jerris for guiding the conversation, and to Richard McMains for bringing everyone together.
Please watch for more of these special pop-up programs throughout the summer and beyond!
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WELL WISHES
BEST WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY TO
Joe Barclay
Lee Bricker
Rabbi Jeffrey Falick
Judy Freund
Jim Walker
Please inform us if you know that someone is ill or in need.
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ONLINE, IN-PERSON & BOTH!
Classes are for members only or by arrangement with Rabbi Falick or Ann-Marie Fisher, exec. director.
THE AMERICAN JEWISH EXPERIENCE
In person and online. Members only. Mondays at Noon. On hiatus.
SOCRATES CAFE
Tuesdays, 11AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/182488428
MAH-JONGG
Tuesdays, 1-2:30PM, In-Person
For more information, contact Denise Parker, 248.321.9428.
YOGA
Wednesdays, 9:30AM, In-Person
with Connie Grossman
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