Fall Update 2018

Dear friends,

T’chiyah, our amazing host synagogue, recently brought renowned eco-feminist, anti-war activist, and poet Marge Piercy to town for a poetry reading. One of my favorite Piercy excerpts is from “The Low Road”:

It goes on one at a time,

it starts when you care

to act, it starts when you do

it again and they said no,

it starts when you say We

and know who you mean, and each

day you mean one more.

In the wake of violence in Pittsburgh and Jeffersontown, the end of daylight savings, and ongoing water shutoffs in Detroit, darkness looms heavy. Undeniably, on Tuesday we took significant steps towards advancing our democracy, especially from the passing of Props 2 & 3. But even if all our wildest electoral dreams were realized, the tools for calling forth the light, for building out the we, would not be changed.

Regardless of our government’s makeup, our demands for clean, affordable water for all, for housing justice, for worker rights, would not be changed. We adapt, and our power grows.

After 2016’s election, Rabbi Alana and Eleanor wrote a note to our most core leaders:

“We honor you... You are what democracy looks like - and we celebrate you.”

After Tuesday’s election, the only thing I’d add is that the “you” that YOU make up today is twice as large as 2016’s. Our core leadership team doubled in two years. We’re outliving them.

Onwards,

Valeriya Epshteyn

Program Associate

On the horizon

8 Days of Water Justice

December 2nd-December 10th, online

DJJ leaders are developing a social media campaign that will tie the story of Hanukkah to our struggle for water justice. Subscribe here to receive daily emails throughout Hanukkah, with educational content on local water issues and clear actions you can take to advocate for clean and affordable water. Stay tuned for more info to share with your networks!

Save the Date: Water Justice Gathering at Menorah in the D

Sunday, December 2nd, 6:30PM, Campus Martius

Join us for a DJJ gathering at the annual Menorah in the D celebration. Immediately after the official candle-lighting, we will gather at 6:30pm for song and ritual and to hear from speakers about local struggles for clean and affordable water. **RSVP here!** More details coming soon.

Facing Race

Nov 8 - 10, Cobo Center, Detroit

DJJ is on the Local Host Committee for this amazing convening of over 70 workshops and 180 presenters. Register here today!

DJJ New Leader Orientation

Thursday, December 13th, 6-8PM, location TBD

Have you been thinking about getting more involved in DJJ? Our in-depth orientation will help you learn how. RSVP here! (If you want to learn more about DJJ in the meantime, reach out to Director of Organizing, Eleanor, at [email protected] to meet with a current leader.)

Babies, Bubbies & Babke

5th Saturday of every month, 10AM-Noon, 15000 W. 10 Mile Rd, Oak Park

Do you delight in warm, intergenerational community? Want to (consensually) pinch the cheeks of the next generation of progressive Jews? Come out to T’chiyah for a special Saturday morning Shabbat service designed for the whole mishpokhe (family)! Accessible, short, sweet & songful, with a light nosh afterwards. All are welcome! This is a recurring event that will begin on 12/29 and repeat on every 5th Shabbat of the month. Questions? Email [email protected]

Become a Repair the World Fellow

Our comrades at Repair the World - Detroit (including Zach, interning with us this year) are looking for next year’s crew of Fellows. Apply here by January 31st to make the priority deadline!