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."

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

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!