What Keeps Our Flames Burning: Fall Update

Check out our Fall update!

Hi, I’m Aaron, water justice chair.

DJJ is committed to building a world that embraces universal human dignity and honors the deep connections between us all. So this Fall, we’ve pursued a water justice campaign in solidarity with the People’s Water Board, focusing on three bills that would broaden water shut-off protections and decriminalize the act of turning one’s water back on. Deepening our connections to synagogues around the state and spearheading a coalition of organizations with similar statewide affiliates, we’ve built grassroots power in the districts of members of the House Representative’s Local Government Committee in order to pursue a crucial hearing on the three bills.

& I’m Emma, co-chair of Festival of Rights this year!

We’ve been preparing for a night of celebration and reflection at our annual Festival of Rights. On Saturday evening, December 16th, we'll gather for a Hanukkah bash with food, a silent auction, and live Klezmer music. We’ll unite to reflect on the essential interconnectedness of Metro Detroit communities, and to honor some of our community partners. Like the steadfast oil of Hanukkah, we hope to share what keeps our light going, fueling us to persevere in fights for equity and justice. Join us by RSVPing here.

We’re grateful to have DJJ as a community that keeps our flames burning bright. Read on for more about what we’ve been up to….

In Solidarity,

Emma Share & Aaron Appel

Give a Gift Today

Our year-end fundraising campaign is launching on #GivingTuesday!

Reach "chaier & chaier" with us this year as we raise $36,000 from grassroots supporters like you.

Give a gift today.

Art at right by DJJ leader Allie Zeff

Havdallah & The Great Water Sing-out!

Saturday November 25th
5:30-7pm
Rabbi Alana's Home
584 Arden Park Blvd

The fight for water justice is a deeply spiritual, joyful, life-affirming one. Join T’chiyah and RCD for their 4th Shabbat Havdallah thisSaturday for a deep dive into music of water. One year after the historic stand of the Water Warriors at Standing Rock, the struggle for water rages around the world, including our own cities.

During a week which erases our Native brothers & sisters, we come together to lift up this struggle which they lead. We'll learn several songs that will fortify us in our work for water justice, as well as an intergenerational sharing of songs that lift up the theme of water. You are invited to bring only your voices, though we will accept drink offerings. No RSVP required.

There's a Crisis: Water You Going To Do About It?

Thursday December 7th
7-9pm
Bean & Leaf Cafe
106 S Main St, Royal Oak
RSVP here.

Who makes decisions about water in the city of Detroit? In Metro-Detroit? What can the Jewish community do about it? Join Detroit Jews for Justice and The Well to explore Detroit’s water crisis through a Jewish perspective. We’ll be discussing all of these questions and more alongside an activist guest speaker. More details coming soon. RSVP here.

What’s a Jew to Do? Racism, Anti-Semitism and Where They Intersect

Sunday December 10th
1-4pm
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue
1457 Griswold St, Detroit
RSVP here.

Join us for an interactive workshop with community organizer and political activist Yehudah Webster - co-sponsored by NextGen, DJJ, Detroit City Moishe House, Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, The Well and Detroit Jews for Justice. We’re delving into the complicated issues of modern-day racism, anti-Semitism and exploring how these power dynamics are playing out in our own backyards. RSVP here.

Festival of Rights

Saturday December 16th
7-9 pm
Trinosophes
1464 Gratiot Ave, Detroit

With our free annual Hannukah party, we continue to celebrate together and affirm our commitment to fighting for a just world. Festival of Rights energizes our community through a rejuvenating evening that celebrates the year's accomplishments, lifts up our ongoing campaign work, and honors our community partners.

We'll have noshes (like fair trade gelt), klezmer music, political education, & a silent auction of local goods & services. All are welcome. This year, we'll be observing Havdallah, a weekly end-of-Shabbat ritual, at the start of the program. Art at right by Zoe Cohen -- www.zoecohen.com

Y’shkoyach* to Our Comrades...

-Jews United for Justice, for a hugely successful Heschel Vision Awards

-The Women’s Convention -- organizers, service workers, and host committee alike!

-The Raiz Up for pushing forward the unanimously successful Detroit city council measure transforming Columbus Day into Indigenous People’s Day

-Detroit People’s Platform & Housing Trust Fund Coalition for passing Mary Sheffield’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

-Motor City Freedom Riders for their Halloween “Trick or Transit” canvass

-The Great Lakes Environmental Law Center, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, and WSU Transnational Environmental Law Clinic for passing a bulk storage city ordinance to reduce pet coke pollution

*y’shkoyach, short for "yasher koach," means “more power to you!”

Making it Happen

Like what we're doing? You make it possible! By getting involved, spreading the word, and contributing. Visit our website, become a leader, and support our work with a donation.

Detroit Jews for Justice
http://www.detroitjewsforjustice.org/