NEWS & EVENTS

April 8 / Passover 2025

(Next Edition: April 22)

Did the Exodus really happen? Maybe not as tradition teaches, but something happened to inspire it!


In this week's commentary, Rabbi Falick looks at a recent book about the historicity of the Exodus. There's also an attachment with a supplement about the Exodus for your seder.

CLICK HERE TO READ

APRIL 11 - No Shabbat Service - HAPPY PASSOVER!

✦ Friday, April 18, 7PM


▶︎ RABBI FALICK WILL SPEAK...


OLDER THAN ASHKENAZIM: CELEBRATING THE JEWS OF N. AFRICA & THE MIDEAST

When we think of Jewish history, many of us picture Eastern European ancestors. But for centuries, the heart of Jewish life beat in the Middle East and North Africa.


In this talk, we will celebrate the Eastern Jews—sometimes called Mizrahim—whose communities in places like Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, and Iran shaped Jewish thought, culture, and tradition for over two thousand years.


We’ll explore their rich histories, dramatic 20th century exodus, growing majority in Israel, and enduring influence on Jewish life today.

IN PERSON OR ON YOUTUBE:


Click HERE or on the graphic for YouTube (live & recorded).

✦ Friday, April 25, 7PM & Sat. April 26, 9:30AM


▶︎ MOVEMENT SHABBAT!


WITH LEADERS FROM THE SOCIETY FOR HUMANISTIC JUDAISM & INT'L. INSTITUTE FOR SECULAR HUMANISTIC JUDAISM!

Our special weekend of Humanistic Jewish Celebration Learning begins on Friday night at 7pm:


  • Celebrate the publication of Contemporary Humanistic Judaism: Beliefs, Values, Practices with its editors Rabbi Adam Chalom (Kol Hadash, Deerfield, IL) and Rabbi Jodi Kornfeld (Beth Chaverim, Deerfield, IL). They will share why this volume represents an important milestone for Humanistic Judaism.


We continue with learning on Saturday, April 26 from 9:30-11:45am


  • At 9:30am, join us for a panel discussion with Rabbi Chalom, Rabbi Falick and Rabbi Kornfeld: "Blessings and Curses in Deuteronomy"


  • At 10:45am, learn about "The History and Future of the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism" during a panel discussion with Rabbi Chalom, Madrikha Julie Gales (Jewish Cultural Soc., Ann Arbor), and Rabbi Miriam Jerris (Soc. for Humanistic Judaism).


ALL ARE WELCOME!

MAY 2 - No Shabbat Service

ROAD CONSTRUCTION ON 12 MILE!


Starting on April 14, resurfacing work will begin on 12 Mile Road between Inkster and Autumn Ridge (just east of Middlebelt).


Our building, located on the south side of 12 Mile, will be directly affected.


  • Eastbound 12 Mile will be closed during construction.


  • Westbound 12 Mile will remain open.


  • Eastbound travelers will need to approach from Inkster Road or from west of Inkster in order to access the building.



  • Expect detours and delays, especially near Inkster Road, where parts of the intersection will also close in phases.


Construction is expected to last through early fall 2025.

HAGGADAHS ON SALE NOW!


Need a Humanistic Jewish Haggadah? Our very own is available now for $8 / copy.


Please email office@chj-detroit.org right away with your order!


In addition to our own Haggadah, other great Humanistic Jewish Haggadahs may be purchased through the Society for Humanistic Judaism at THIS LINK.

HUMANISTIC

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

BEGINS WEDNESDAY,

APRIL 16, 10AM


Twice monthly for six sessions.


For more information please contact Ann-Marie Fisher at ed@chj-detroit.org.

IN MEMORY OF THE SIX MILLION


Sunday, April 27, 3PM


"SOUNDS NOT SILENCED"

A Concert of Holocaust-Era

Jewish Composers

A legacy of incredible music from the Holocaust survives left by composers, only one of whom survived, who suffered during the Shoah.


Join us for a presentation of rarely heard masterworks performed in this chamber music concert. Under the direction of CHJ's own Joseph Palazzolo, virtuoso musicians will bring these compositions to life.


The program will also share the fascinating stories of their struggles to compose these works and to ensure that their music would survive them, to be performed for generations to come. With compositions spanning different nationalities and styles—some full of pathos, others bright and lively—this concert is a powerful testament to triumph over tragedy.


Timed to Observance of Yom Ha-Shoah, Jewish Holocaust Memorial Day, a brief candle-lighting will precede the concert.


NO CHARGE FOR MEMBERS

DONATIONS REQUESTED FROM GUESTS

MOTHER'S DAY CONCERT

AND BRUNCH

May 11, Noon


Click HERE or on the graphic to purchase tickets in advance.

NEW PROGRAM!


The Social Justice Committee is happy to announce our new project:


OUT AND ABOUT A CAUSE

Enjoyable outings to raise funds for causes we support. 


Join us for our inaugural program...

Eastern Market Tour!

Enjoy a guided stroll through Detroit’s Eastern Market with our host Linda Yellin of Feet on The Street. This is a private tour for temple members and friends that will enlighten us on the development, community, and art of the Eastern Market District. Market snacks of cheese and crackers, nuts, and chocolate are included in the tour. The tour is limited to 25 participants.



Tuesday May 13, 10:30AM

Rain or Shine

Meet at 10:15 / 2-hr. tour begins at 10:30

at Eastern Market's DeVries & Co.,

2468 Market Street, Detroit

Parking available in the lot adjacent to Market Street

 

Contribution: $36 per person (double Chai!)


Checks must be at Temple no later than May 6

Please make the check out to Congregation for Humanistic Judaism and add “Eastern Market” in the memo line.

 

Net proceeds support the refugee resettlement programs at Freedom House and Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County.

 

Questions? Contact Audrey Pleasant, 313.478.6414, or Karen Strichartz, 248.508.1137

NEXT SJC MEETING


Sunday, May 18, 11AM, on Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82417709465


Come help us plan!


For more information and meeting password, contact Audrey Pleasant (audreypleasant@gmail.com).

JOIN THE SJC EMAIL LIST!


Stay up-to-date!


If you want email updates about events, contact Audrey Pleasant:

(audreypleasant@gmail.com) to sign up!


No obligation!

KNIT, CROCHET & CRAFT FOR A CAUSE!


Next Gathering TBA

An array of recent warm hats knitted by our group!

Contact Audrey Pleasant: audreypleasant@gmail.com to be on the reminder list.

IMPORTANT LINKS


YAHRZEITS

Click here to see upcoming Yahrzeits.

TRIBUTES

Click here to see recent Tribute Gifts.

WELL WISHES


BEST WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY TO


Lee Bricker

Saul Forman

Jim Walker


Please inform us if you know that someone is ill or in need.

COMMUNITY EVENT


Detroit Jewish Federation:

Celebrating Israel at 77

We’re marking Israel’s 77th Independence Day by returning for a private evening at the Detroit Zoo. Join us as we come together for an unforgettable community celebration!


Dress in your favorite white and blue and get ready for an amazing time—there's something for everyone:


  • Food Tent Featuring Israeli Favorites (Dietary laws observed; dinner served until 8:00 pm)
  • Community Fair Hosted by Our Partners: Enjoy Israeli-themed crafts, games, and more!
  • Opening Ceremony (6:45 pm)
  • Meet & Greet Israeli Characters Through the Ages with the ShinShinim.
  • Zoo Exploration: Roam the zoo at your own self-guided pace. 


Take advantage of our early-bird prices by registering before April 20.


$20 per person (3 and up)

$65 per family (2 adults + up to 5 kids)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

ONLINE, IN-PERSON & BOTH!

Classes are for members only or by arrangement with Rabbi Falick or Ann-Marie Fisher, exec. director.


RABBI FALICK'S MONDAY CLASS:

THE AMERICAN JEWISH EXPERIENCE

In person and online. Previous sessions can be viewed at our YouTube channel (link at top of newsletter). RESUMES IN THE FALL!


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.


CANASTA

Thursdays, 1-3PM, In-Person

For more information, contact Debbie Lopas at 248.331.3480 / debbielopas@gmail.com or Cathy Radner at ‭248.229.8954‬ / radner210@gmail.com.


YOGA

Wednesdays, 9:30AMIn-Person

with Connie Grossman

ZOOM REQUIRES A PASSWORD!

The password was sent under separate cover. Please contact rabbi@chj-detroit.org if you need it.


ONLINE VIDEOS OF PROGRAMS & CLASSES

Visit LibrarySHJ.com and our YouTube page for videos of past services, classes, lectures, and more!

CONGREGATION FOR HUMANISTIC JUDAISM

OF METRO DETROIT


248.477.1410 / office@chj-detroit.org


STAY CONNECTED:

VISIT OUR WEBSITE!