NEWS & EVENTS

Jan. 6, 2026

COMPREHENDING JEW-HATRED

What makes Jew-hatred so persistent—and so uniquely dangerous?

In today's commentary, Rabbi Falick introduces a framework for understanding how hostility toward Jews has taken different forms across history, and why that matters now.

Today's commentary also previews the two-part Shabbat presentations on January 16 and 23 (see below).

CLICK HERE TO READ

Topics and programs subject to change. Please check the calendar or latest newsletter!

✦ THIS Friday, Jan. 9, 7PM

▶︎ GUEST SPEAKER SHARON GADOTH FROM "NATURE ISRAEL":

"PROTECTING NATURE IN ISRAEL"

Guest speaker Sharon Gadoth will speak to us about Nature Israel, an organization that supports the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, the country's oldest and largest independent nonprofit environmental organization.

In person or streaming on YouTube at THIS LINK.

✦ Fridays, Jan. 15 & 23, 7PM

▶︎ RABBI FALICK WILL DELIVER A TWO-PART PRESENTATION:

HOW HATRED ADAPTS: JEWISH PERSECUTION—THEN AND NOW

In this two-part Friday night presentation, Rabbi Falick will explore the long and complex history of hostility toward Jews, with special attention to how Jew-hatred has repeatedly changed its form across different eras.

Drawing on ancient sources, religious history, and modern political developments, the talks will examine three major manifestations of Jewish persecution: theological hostility rooted in religious doctrine, modern racial and ethnic antisemitism, and the contemporary phenomenon of antizionism as a vehicle for delegitimizing Jewish peoplehood.

Together, these sessions aim to provide historical clarity and conceptual tools for understanding why Jew-hatred persists—and why it so often appears in new and unsettling guises.

▶︎ Each talk is freestanding and can be attended independently. Both sessions will be live-streamed, recorded, and made available afterward on our YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person or who wish to watch later.

HOLIDAY PROGRAM!

FRI., JAN. 30, 6PM

(Please note time!)

▶︎ TU B'SHEVAT PROGRAM

& SHABBAT DINNER!◀︎

FEATURING: Special activities for Spinoza Program children!

Join us for a special Shabbat dinner program to celebrate Tu B'Shevat ... the harbinger of SPRING!

Considered the "Arbor Day" of the Jewish calendar, Tu B'Shevat has evolved to include its own (VERY short) version of the Seder.

The Tu B'Shevat Seder celebrates changes in the climate in the months ahead. We'll move from the cold of winter to the warmth of summer in our hearts as we use a wonderful Humanistic Jewish version of this Seder.

Requested Donation: $5 per person

RSVP: office@chj-detroit.org by Wed., Feb. 19

NOON ON MONDAYS

THE AMERICAN JEWISH EXPERIENCE CLASS

Upcoming Classes: EVERY MONDAY IN JAN. & FEB. (except Feb. 16)

In person or on Zoom (members only):

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

Visit THIS LINK to watch previous sessions!

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Sunday, March 8

Lunch Making Tzedakah Project is BACK!

CHJ Members of all ages are invited to participate in our lunch making project for the N.O.A.H. Soup Kitchen.

Workers are needed for the assembly lines on the afternoon of Sunday, March 8.

We'll deliver and help serve the lunches on the morning of Monday, March 9. (RSVP for delivery / serving to Audrey with what you are volunteering for.

We need donations of egg , tuna, and chicken salad and desserts.

Contact Audrey Pleasant (audreypleasant@gmail.com) with ANY questions!

SOUPER SUPPER COOKBOOKS ON SALE!

Copies of the 10th anniversary Souper Supper for Charity recipe book are still available. Contact office@chj-detroit.org to pay and pick up. (Or contact Audrey Pleasant, audreypleasant@gmail.com, for arrangements.

NEXT SJC MEETING

Thurs., Jan. 15, 7PM, on Zoom:

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

Come help us plan!

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

COLLECTIONS CONTINUE!

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).