Dear friend,
I went off script when I represented DJJ at the Women’s March in Detroit. I looked out at the beautiful, diverse, passionate and hopeful mass, and I felt a clear need for us to connect with each other. I called on the crowd to say to their neighbors:
I’m gonna keep building beloved community with you.
I’m gonna keep building messy movements with you.
I’m gonna keep showing up for you.
I’m gonna keep holding you accountable -- with love.
When our movements splinter, white supremacy and patriarchy benefit. We are deeply grateful for the visionary Jewish Women of Color who called our community in and pointed us forward. Watch their brilliant leadership shine in this video.
Detroit Jews for Justice is here to make sure that, in our small corner of the world, Jews remain an essential partner in coalitions that strive for our shared thriving. Thank you for making it possible.
Onward!
r.a.a.
On the horizon
February General Meeting
Tuesday, February 19th, 6PM - 8PM
Mondry Building (15000 W. 10 Mile Rd, Oak Park)
Schmoozing and snacks 6:00-6:30pm. The meeting will start promptly at 6:30 and go until 8:00.
4th Annual Purim Extravaganza
Tuesday, March 19th, 5PM - 7PM
Ant Hall (2320 Caniff, Hamtramck)
Open to the public and free due to the generosity of donors and the creativity of fabulous volunteer leaders. Get a taste for what this event is like by viewing a video of 2017’s shenanigans. The family-friendly evening will feature a satirical spiel that applies the ancient Purim story to contemporary justice issues, a costume contest, and a bloody mary & mimosa bar.
Save the Date: Tax Foreclosure Session at Limmud Michigan
Sunday, March 31st, 1:45PM - 2:45PM
West Bloomfield JCC (6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield Township)
DJJ housing justice liaison Gabe Slabosky and Lauren Fine, DJJ's Jewish Communal Leadership Program intern, will be leading a session on Unconstitutional Tax Foreclosure at Limmud Michigan. Their session is at 1:45, but Limmud goes all day with a wide variety of Jewish education opportunities. Registration opens 2/21. Learn more at limmudmichigan.org
On the blog
Hellos and a 'See You Soon'
Welcoming Our New Purim Producer!
Why I'm Here - Welcoming Dan Klein
My First #GivingTuesday with DJJ
On Hanukkah
...A miracle has happened here
Hanukkah Text and the Bravery to Act
Making Art for Sunday’s Hanukkah Action
DJJ In Action
Rabbi Alana's Remarks at the Women's March Michigan
Detroit Demands a Green New Deal
Class, the Jewish Community, and anti-Semitism
DJJ’s Service Project with One Michigan
Speaking Out Against Lame Duck
Coming Together for DJJ’s December Orientation
On the bookshelf
On Water & Environmental justice
Water Is The New Gold: Monica Lewis Patrick on the water crisis
Beyond The Water: Lead Exposure In Michigan's Children
The Green New Deal Must Put Utilities Under Public Control
On the Women’s March
We Jewish Women Must Show Up At The Women’s March
On Enacting Change
A Brief Guide to Making a Better Tomorrow
Ursula Le Guin's intro to The Left Hand of Darkness
In the News
“Illuminating Water Justice” Featured in Detroit Jewish News
Y’shkoyach* to Our Comrades…
- Solidarity-Detroit chapter for raising $1000 for Siwatu-Salama Ra (give online here!)
- Detroit Justice Center for being chosen as one of 8 organizations in the Detroit Lions’ new social justice initiative
- The renewal of Avodah’s transformational Speak Torah to Power series
- Eleanor Gamalski for her 3 years on staff with DJJ!
- Repair the World Detroit on a jam-packed weekend full of service during MLK weekend!
*y’shkoyach, short for yasher koach means “more power to you!”
