Suicide prevention group hosts fundraiser

Suicide prevention group hosts fundraiser

Garrett’s Space, (https://www.garrettsspace.org/) a suicide prevention nonprofit, is hosting Go4GarrettsSpace, a fundraiser on August 25 that will feature moving speeches from individuals touched by suicide and recorded testimonials from well-known figures in the entertainment space including actress Lucy Liu; J. Smooth-Cameron, who played the role of Gerri on the hit television show Succession; and Phillipa Soo, who played the role of Eliza opposite Lin-Manuel Miranda in Hamilton. There will also be live performances from a variety of musicians, singing groups, and Broadway performers as well as a variety of fitness classes.

“Embracing Our Differences” raises awareness of antisemitism

“Embracing Our Differences” raises awareness of antisemitism

Mollie Meadow, a member of the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation, recently had her artwork selected in a juried art contest through Embracing Our Differences Michigan, a non-profit organization that celebrates diversity. Mollie’s drawing and art and other selected 2023 entries are currently displayed on billboard-sized banners at installations at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor and Riverside Park in Ypsilanti.

Adult bat mitzvah: First, we needed a tutor

Adult bat mitzvah: First, we needed a tutor

Daryl Hafter and Ellen Schwartz became close friends while team-teaching a humanities course at Eastern Michigan University. In the late 1980s, Ellen proposed having a joint adult bat mitzvah. “Oh, no,” Daryl said, “I’m really busy with an article, two conference papers, and a review.” Ellen was relieved! But then, this fall, Daryl called her up. “Remember your proposal about a bat mitzvah?” she asked. “Let’s do it!” Lily Ladin had been helping Daryl learn to read Hebrew since she never learned it as a child, and a good goal seemed to be an adult bat mitzvah. So, we began to plan.

Andy Schiff’s art featured at JCC’s Amster Gallery

Andy Schiff’s art featured at JCC’s Amster Gallery

By Drew Coel, Marketing and Program Associate at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor The Amster Gallery at the Ann Arbor JCC continues to feature the work of local artists for all in the community to enjoy! Starting on June 6, the JCC will showcase the beautiful abstract acrylic paintings of Ann Arbor…

JFS gearing up for Afghan refugee resettlement

JFS gearing up for Afghan refugee resettlement

Ken Wachsberger, special to the WJN The calamitous withdrawal of U.S. troops after twenty years in Afghanistan provoked a frenzied flight of refugees from the Taliban-ruled country. Now, the United States is gearing up to accept an influx of over 90,000 Afghan refugees in the next 12 months. Michigan alone has agreed to take in…