Detroit Jews For Justice

Four DJJ leaders were selected for The Well and Detroit Jewish News' "36 under 36" this year!

All month DJJniks have been busily planning our 3rd Annual Purim Extravaganza, and while doing so we've gotten a few, "What's a Purim?"

We were so inspired by our comrades at Bend the Arc for demonstrating at the Capitol this week for a Clean Dream Act. 86 rabbis and leaders representing 18 Jewish organizations were arrested for civil disobedience as they raised their voices, sang, and embraced in support for Dreamers. This action was a model for how we can act as a Jewish community in solidarity with the immigrant communities who are being targeted by unacceptable policies. 

Check out this poem about Jewish migration, written by the mother of DJJ leader Devin Samuels! 

On Saturday December 16th, an auspicious 180 celebrated DJJ’s 3rd Annual Festival of Rights. Co-Chair Emma Share opened the event by sharing some of our accomplishments... 

I’ve been privileged to attend several programs hosted by the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable, a national umbrella of organizations seeking to advance social justice from a Jewish perspective. Last month’s JSJR Network Assembly was even more special as my incredible colleagues, Eleanor and Valeriya, staff we were able to hire only because of your past support, participated with me.

Leader Lori Lutz wrote an incredible op ed for the Jewish News connecting the water main break in the suburbs to a larger regional crisis, including water shutoffs in Detroit. Read an excerpt below and check out the full article here. Learn more about how to support our water work and fight for state-level policy solutions at www.detroitjewsforjustice.org/water.

As a white, college-educated (without debt), employed Bloomfield Township resident, I enjoy: hosting sleepovers for my daughters and their friends; knowing that even if we lose power or water, the municipality will make the necessary repairs; not having to choose between paying the water bill or the electric bill this month and knowing that if I inadvertently skip a bill, I can call the utility company and ask to have any penalty waived and even if they don’t, that I have the means to pay it; and knowing that arriving late at work (as I did last week) won’t jeopardize my job. What to me seemed like a temporary inconvenience averted last week is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to so many families in Detroit (and Flint)--having to figure out how to make it through the day without the certainty of accessible and affordable water.

Read on here!

Dana, Eleanor, & Marni attended the Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative's House Gala last week. Marni reflects on the stunning evening.

Original, handmade art by DJJ leader Allie Zeff

I often say that Detroit Jews for Justice provided me another chance at Jewish community, but it’s even deeper: DJJ revolutionized my understanding of Judaism. Along with scores of Metro Detroit Jews, I’ve discovered deep alignment between living a Jewish life and working for an equitable world. That was made possible by donors like you. 

On this #GivingTuesday, we need your help.

Check out our Fall update!