News & Events, March 4, 2025

NEWS & EVENTS

March 4, 2025

HOW "TWO JEWS, THREE OPINIONS" DEFINES US

CLICK HERE TO READ

DURING THE WINTER MONTHS,

WHEN THERE ARE WEATHER WARNINGS...

CHECK YOUR EMAIL AND OUR WEBSITE FOR CANCELATIONS!

✦ Friday, March 7, 7PM

▶︎ RABBI FALICK WILL SPEAK:

PRELUDE TO PURIM:

JEWISH HEROES / JEWISH PRIDE

In honor of next week's Purim holiday and the heroism of Queen Esther, Rabbi Falick will talk about the power of Jewish pride and identity in a complex world.

Through the stories of heroes of Jewish literature and history we'll reflect on how

Jews throughout history have displayed Jewish dignity and pride.

Together, we'll consider what their life lessons mean for us today as we navigate the challenges of modern Jewish life.

IN PERSON OR ON YOUTUBE:

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

FRIDAY

NIGHT,

MARCH 14, 6:30PM

Join us for hamantaschen and other delights as we celebrate the holiday with a short Purimspiel and good company and a rousing game of PUB TRIVIA!

WEAR A COSTUME OR FUNNY HAT!

ALL ARE WELCOME!

NO CHARGE!

✦ Friday, March 21, 7PM

▶︎ RABBI FALICK WILL SPEAK:

THE NEW ONLINE THREAT ... AND WHY IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK

Yes, Christian nationalism remains a problem… but as online right-wing extremism grows—making enormous inroads in Musk’s online "X" (Twitter) swamp—it’s becoming clear that there is a different right-wing threat—one more potent and powerful than Christian fundamentalists.

In many ways, it poses a far greater danger—not just to the future of America, but specifically to American Jews and other minorities.

Unconstrained by any moral framework—and wholly unlike Christian fundamentalists, who are bound by religious doctrine and traditional political structures—this new online right operates without limits. Thriving in digital spaces, it mainstreams antisemitism, white supremacy, misogyny, and other hate-filled exclusionary ideologies at a scale that fundamentalists never could.

Uninterested in legislating morality, its followers aim to reshape American society itself—redefining the boundaries of acceptable discourse and pushing dangerous ideas from the fringes into the mainstream.

As it gains influence in politics and public debate, the question isn’t just how dangerous it is, but whether we are truly prepared to confront it.

NO SHABBAT SERVICE ON MARCH 28

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

The congregation is looking into starting a professionally-guided Grief Support Group sensitive to and respectful of the beliefs of Humanistic Jews.

If you are interested in participating or learning more, please contact Ann-Marie Fisher at ed@chj-detroit.org.

SAVE THE DATE:

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.

WATCH FOR MORE DETAILS

A Weekly Class with Rabbi Falick

THE AMERICAN JEWISH EXPERIENCE

NEWCOMERS TO THE CLASS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!

Because of the way the class is structured every session is accessible. And if you want to catch up on previous sessions, they're all available on YouTube (link below).

JOIN US!

Classes are held (most) Mondays at 12:30PM.

Next dates: March 10, 17, 24;

NO CLASS ON MARCH 31

Available LIVE on Zoom at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81445899010

CLICK HERE TO CATCH UP AT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

SPECIAL INVITATION:

A VISIT TO JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES, ANN ARBOR

Tuesday, March 18

Noon - 1PM

(with optional lunch & activities to follow)

Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County has invited us for a special tour to learn about their refugee resettlement services, heavily impacted by federal budget cuts. Visit this LINK to learn more.

With our committee's decision to support their work, we will be taking a tour of their facilities in order to learn more.

Please RSVP if you would like to join us (and indicate if you are able to help with transportation OR need a ride!) to audreypleasant@gmail.com.

Meet at:

JFS of Washtenaw Co.

2245 S. State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104