Shalom all! I hope this introductory blog finds you well. I’m frankly starstruck to be writing to you from my platform as DJJ’s new Program Associate.

DJJ leader Marty recently wrote an op ed for the Detroit Jewish News on the need for real regional transit in Southeast Michigan, urging support for Motor City Freedom Riders' rally this Friday, May 12th:

Over these next three weeks, the Motor City Freedom Riders are gearing up for a “Rally for Real Regional Transit.” The event is also being supported by Detroit Jews for Justice. I urge the Metro Detroit Jewish community to attend and raise its voice for accessible and affordable public transit. The 3-mile QLine streetcar, a $140 million project that duplicates existing bus service along Woodward, is opening May 12 to a planned celebration by “local officials and dignitaries.” Meanwhile, those same officials and dignitaries continue to do very little about the ongoing transportation crisis in our region, as thousands of Southeast Michigan residents are stranded by the lack of adequate transit service in the city of Detroit and the suburbs.

Read on here!

Details on the rally can be found here. Email our transit justice liaison Bobby at [email protected] to join DJJ'niks in attending.

No two Seders are the same, for me this year's seders were unique for two reasons: Number one- Just days before passover, my brother Ilan's son was born, and I became an Uncle for the first time! While my parents were in Israel celebrating and attending the bris, I stayed in Detroit, connected by WhatsApp, and attended friends' seders. Which brings me to the second unique seder piece:

The 50th anniversary of the Detroit Rebellion. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the hosts of my first night's Seder, the Lerman-Sinkoff family, were planning to use the Detroit Jews For Justice '67 Passover Supplement even without my suggestion. I did bring extra copies of course. For me it was interesting to hear from individuals who lived through the moment - some had memories of the Merchandise Mart explosions, others memories of police reactions, and still others memories of not really understanding the depth of what was going on. Rooted in memories, we had an excellent discussion sharing our thoughts on oppression, violence, and uprising. I learned of the difference between tactical non-violence and moral non-violence, and heard great and passionate arguments for why seder participants believed that violence was either never a good solution or why it was often times the only possible solution. While we did not all agree, hearing the arguments play over the seder was interesting and new for the table for me. I'm glad to have been enriched by the conversation! 

Sara Lerman Sinkoff, Ruth Lerman, and Mark Sinkoff, my excellent seder hosts. 

Check out this video of our Purim brunch and spiel! Filmed and edited by the incredible Natasha Tamate Weiss and featuring the talents of Corn Potato String Band and Devin Samuels. A big shout out to our gracious hosts at Ant Hall and to all our leaders who made this event so powerful and joyful. Click here to to see photos!

DJJ leader Rachel wrote the following supplement for our first-ever Passover event, "Let My People In" on April 15. Read it below!

Don't get us wrong, we've got a hell of a lot of work to do. But that's just it - WE do. Trumpism's onslaught is meant to exhaust us, a strategy that feeds on our sense of atomization. Don't take the bait! We should always push ourselves and each other to do more, but sometimes, as individuals and organizations, we have to say "dayeinu", and keep working to build a movement with capacity on all fronts. 

Click here for the Detroit News' coverage of our new "Dayeinu" and other Passover inspired action.

A liberatory Passover to all!!!

Check out this Detroit Jewish News write up on our upcoming event "Let My People In: Refugee Voices and the Music of Daniel Kahn". You don't want to miss this evening - click here to buy your ticket today and share the FB event here!

Each week of the Omer—the seven weeks between the holidays of Passover and Shavuot—is an opportunity to open your heart and mind for Revelation, and to engage in moral revolution by learning about work for social and economic justice happening across the U.S. today.

DJJ leaders Jake Ehrlich and Zak Rosen developed a Passover Torah supplement inspired by the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Detroit Rebellion, with art by Julia Loman. Click here to sign up to receive an email download of the supplement to use at your seder.

Check back here in the coming weeks to learn more about DJJ's event series exploring the legacy of '67.