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NEWS & EVENTS
May 5, 2026
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| Topics and programs subject to change. Please check the calendar or latest newsletter! | | |
✦ THIS Friday, May 8, 7PM
▶︎ RABBI FALICK WILL SPEAK:
"JEWISH LIFE IN AN ILLIBERAL AGE" - KEY INSIGHTS FROM TWO LEADING JEWISH VOICES
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Rabbi Falick will present and discuss highlights from a recent episode of "Identity Crisis," a podcast produced by the Shalom Hartman Institute.
His talk will draw on the much-discussed conversation between Yehuda Kurtzer, president of the Institute and Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.
Rabbi Falick will focus upon these issues that they addressed: the tension between Jewish flourishing and rising anxiety, the pressures facing liberal democracy from both the right and the left, and the enduring question of how Jews sustain both security and responsibility in an uncertain age.
At a moment of rapid change, this is an opportunity to reflect not only on where we stand, but on what it will take to shape the future.
The presentation is self-explanatory but those wishing to hear the podcast can find it at THIS LINK.
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✦ Friday, May 15, 7PM
▶︎ RABBI FALICK WILL SPEAK:
THE MANY FACES OF ORTHODOX JEWRY
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Rabbi Falick will explore the complex and often misunderstood world of Orthodox Jewry.
While commonly viewed as a single, unified tradition, Orthodox communities are in fact deeply diverse, ranging from ("ultra-Orthodox") Haredi and Hasidic groups that may seek separation from secular society, to Modern Orthodox communities that attempt to engage with it.
He will examine their shared foundations, their internal divisions, and the historical and ideological forces that have shaped them, including differing attitudes toward modernity, education, and Zionism.
The evening will offer a clearer understanding of how these communities developed, how they function today, and why they continue to evolve in such different directions.
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TOMORROW!
Wed., May 6, 11AM
Join CHJ Members for a visit to ...
HABATAT GALLERIES COMPLEX
4400 Fernlee Ave., Royal Oak
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Join us for a FREE visit to the oldest and largest gallery in the United States devoted exclusively to artists working with glass as their medium!
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Arrive on your own and join us for lunch nearby!
Please RSVP to: Sarah Markowitz,
1luciannn1@comcast.net.
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WED., MAY 13
6:30-8PM
JOIN US FOR A BOOK DISCUSSION OF
THEATER KID:
A BROADWAY MEMOIR
BY JEFFREY SELLER
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We’re launching a pilot book discussion group and you're invited!
Our first selection—led by Elaine Fieldman—is:
THEATER KID: A BROADWAY MEMOIR (2025)
BY JEFFREY SELLER
This memoir follows the author's journey from growing up in Oak Park to becoming a self-made Broadway producer behind Rent, Avenue Q, and Hamilton. Along the way, he reflects on his family life, his Bar Mitzvah at Temple Israel, and his evolving outlook.
It’s an easy, engaging read—often funny, sometimes moving—and there’s plenty here for us to dig into together.
The book is available on Kindle as well as at Schuler Books and Book Beat (just be sure not to confuse it with a similarly titled book by Luiz Goncalves).
BRING A BROWN BAG DINNER ...
... and join other CHJ members to be part of this first conversation as we get the group off the ground.
Questions? Please contact Elaine Fieldman at efieldman4@gmail.com.
RSVP to Michele at the office at 248.477.1410 or office@chj-detroit.org.
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Introducing the Inaugural Presentation of ...
The James Jacobs Speaker Series
Featuring:
Nancy Costello
Professor of Law &
Director of the First Amendment Law Clinic
Michigan State University
"Is a Free Press Still Possible in 2026?"
A Conversation on Media, the FCC, and the First Amendment
Wednesday
May 27, 6:30PM
$10; Students Free / Doors Open at 6PM
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Join us for an insightful exploration of the evolving relationship between the federal government, private media ownership, and our constitutional rights.
In an era of rapid mergers and shifting platforms, Professor Costello will lead a discussion on how these changes impact the diversity of viewpoints available to the American public as she addresses:
- FCC & Media Mergers: Understanding the "behind-the-scenes" regulatory approvals that are consolidating old and new media organizations.
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Shifting Voices in Media: A look at recent changes involving high-profile figures—such as the conclusion ofThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert and shifts at CNN—and what they signal about media independence.
- The First Amendment Today: Can our legal frameworks effectively protect a wide range of viewpoints against the influence of large-scale private and government partnerships?
- The Future of Dissent: Discussing the importance of maintaining a news environment where diverse voices can be heard without fear of being silenced.
About the Speaker
Nancy Costello is a Clinical Professor of Law and the Director of the First Amendment Law Clinic at Michigan State University. With a background as an investigative journalist for the Detroit Free Press and the Associated Press, she brings a unique perspective to the intersection of law, journalism, and the protection of free expression in the United States.
About the James Jacobs Speaker Series
CHJ expresses our profound gratitude to James Jacobs for establishing this new speaker series, a testament to his generosity and his commitment to critical thinking. This series is grounded in the belief that important issues deserve careful examination, informed by evidence and shaped through thoughtful inquiry.
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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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UKRAINIAN EVENT RAISED $800!
SJC Chair Audrey Pleasant writes:
THANK YOU to all who contributed to the success of the Ukrainian Dance Concert fundraiser. What an amazing performance!
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BENEFIT CONCERT FOR LOCAL CHARITIES
Sunday, May 24, 4PM
BAROQUE MUSIC BY LES ECURIES DU ROY
A Concert of Baroque Rarities
Featuring: Linda Munch, Soprano; Christopher Brodersen, Baroque Oboe and Bassoon; David Schreiner, Baroque Bassoon and Recorder; Janet Cannon, Viola da Gamba; Diana Munch, Harpsichord
Suggested Donation: $20
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Net proceeds to benefit:
Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County:
A private non-profit social services agency community founded in 1993. Originally established by the Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County to assist the growing number of refugee families in Ann Arbor from the former Soviet Republics, JFS has since grown into an organization providing programs and services ranging from older adult caregiving to resettlement and career services and more. The mission of Jewish Family Services is to create solutions, promote dignity and inspire humanity. Website: jfsannarbor.org
Freedom House Detroit:
Mission: Support and empower refugees, asylum seekers, and others seeking humanitarian protection on their journey to safety, security, and freedom by providing comprehensive services in an inclusive and welcoming space. Website: freedomhousedetroit.org
For more information, contact Audrey Pleasant (audreypleasant@gmail.com).
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WHISTLE KIT MAKING EVENT
Wednesday, May 6
Starting at 5:30; arrive when you can.
| | 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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WELL WISHES
BEST WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY TO
Joe Barclay
Lee Bricker
Rabbi Jeffrey Falick
Susan Lipson
Jim Walker
Stacey Wolf-Lark
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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