Detroit Jews For Justice

Aurora captivated the entire room!  She is a very gifted author who writes directly from the heart.  Her self-proclaimed “medicinal stories” are exactly that—restorative words that have healing power through a kinship and affinity to those living on the margins of society.  

Friends,

We just got the news that the City of Detroit will resume water shutoffs next month -- over 17,000 homes are at risk -- 

17,000 elderly, parents and children at risk of diseases that should be unheard of in this century; 17,000 Detroiters at risk of criminalization and loss of child custody; 17,000 networks of neighbors, classmates and coworkers whose health will be compromised.

And that’s millions of dollars to Homrich, the company hired to execute shutoffs. In honor of Passover, please consider making a monthly gift or one-time donation so Detroit Jews for Justice can fight these unjust and unwise shutoffs.

My journey to Lansing to observe World Water Day proved to be a trip filled with engaging, ever-changing emotions.  Along with DJJ leaders Sureena, Rondi, Hannah L, Eleanor and Rabbi Alana, we learned, marched, sang, shouted, felt anger and laughed.  We shared all this with about 300 other Michiganders committed to bringing attention to water justice issues.

This week, Rabbi Alana contributed a Torah commentary to the Detroit Jewish News, reflecting on the theme of civil disobedience. In an excerpt, R. Alana writes:

"The summer we moved to Detroit, Mike Brown was murdered by police in Ferguson, Mo. That fall, when the non-indictment was announced, Justin and I joined with hundreds of Detroiters in protest. ...civil disobedience is an act of faith, an act that says: I will use my God-given body to fight for the freedom and dignity of God’s creatures, and I believe that it will make a difference."

This year's Purim spiel, co-written by Geulah Finman & Aaron Mondry, in consultation with housing justice liaisons Dana Kornberg & Gabe Slabosky, has been beautifully captured by the talented folks at Reel Clever Films!

Last Sunday, I attended DJJ’s Purim Extravaganza at Ant Hall. I was excited to see so many people attending, both celebrating our victories and viciously mocking those who are acting to tear us down (as Detroiters, and as people working to end unconstitutional tax foreclosures).

DJJniks march on MLK Day in Detroit

Dear friends,

I know you’re gonna say, “duh,” but it took a meditation retreat in SoCal to remind me that though this work threatens to exhaust and depress, it doesn’t have to. Actually, it mustn’t. We must do whatever it takes to make this work joyful and nourishing.

Hazon-Detroit has been supporting us in making our events and general operations more sustainable. DJJ is proud to be doing this work as a Hazon Seal of Sustainability site.

DJJ Staff and Leaders collaborated on our first-ever year-end report, drawing inspiration from other Jewish social justice organizations across the country.

On January 31st, I attended the training cosponsored by DJJ, "Get Your People: The Role of White People in Ending Racism."