Note: All addresses are in Ann Arbor, unless otherwise specified.

Community Organizations

Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Ann Arbor
2939 Birch Hollow Drive, 48108
tel: 677-0100
Website

The Foundation exists to ensure that the high quality of Jewish life will continue in Washtenaw County for our children and our grandchildren; that the Jewish agencies and institutions will enjoy continued growth; that the congregations can fulfill their dreams; and that commitment to Israel and Jews throughout the world will continue. Under the auspices of the Jewish Federation, the Foundation's partners build their own endowments under the umbrella of the Foundation.

Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County
2245 S. State Street, Suite 200, 48104
tel: 769-0209
Anya Abramzon, Director

Jewish Family Services (JFS) is a nonprofit social services agency serving the people of Washtenaw County for over thirteen years. JFS offers a variety of services to the local Jewish community with the support of the Jewish Federation.

Jewish Community Center of Washtenaw County
2935 Birch Hollow Drive, 48108
tel: 971-0990
Leslie Bash, Executive Director

The Jewish Community Center strives to build a strong and cohesive sense of Jewish community and Jewish identity. The JCC initiates community-wide programs, brings together a diverse Jewish population, serves as a meeting place for Jewish organizations and provides high-quality programming for Jewish people of all ages from the youngest child to the oldest adult. During the year, the JCC holds many popular community-wide events.

Jewish Historical Society
c/o Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
2939 Birch Hollow Drive, 48108
tel: 734-677-0100
Elise Weisback and Carol Finerman, chairs

Jewish Historical Society is a volunteer organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of documents, photographs and artifacts relevant to Jewish history in Washtenaw County. Its activities provide a link between the past and present to ensure that future generations will understand how the Jewish community of Washtenaw County was established and developed. Its collections are available to students, researchers and other people interested in the sociological, religious and cultural history of our community.

Washtenaw Jewish News
2935 Birch Hollow Drive, 48108
tel: 734-971-1800
Susie Ayer, Publisher and Editor

The Washtenaw Jewish News is a free and independent newspaper published ten times per year. It features news of Jewish congregations and organizations in Washtenaw County, Michigan, news of the national and international Jewish communities, and about Israel. The paper highlights interesting people and events, lists lifecycle announcements, and includes a monthly calendar.

Congregations and Religious Life

Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan
tel: 994-5822
Rabbi Rod Glogower

The Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan is one of Ann Arbor's oldest Jewish organizations. Its roots go back to the mid-1960s, when several University of Michigan faculty families, feeling the lack of an Orthodox minyan in town, began weekly services, gathering in members' homes on a rotating basis. Today the AAOM meets in the University of Michigan Hillel building in conjunction with the Hillel student Orthodox minyan. Weekly services are held; check the website for service times. A variety of formal and informal learning opportunities are available during the school year. The Minyan sponsors other activities throughout the year, including the annual Shavuot picnic and other holiday celebrations, such as Shabbatonim featuring special guests.

Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Havurah
P.O. Box 7451, 48107
tel: 913-9705
email: info@aarecon.org

The Reconstructionist Havurah is a welcoming group that emphasizes creativity, innovation and openness. It seeks to connect tradition with people's own needs and desires as Jews. Over the past 13 years, the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Havurah has grown to over 50 families. Two Kabbalat Shabbat services take place monthly: a musical Kabbalat Shabbat service takes place the last Friday of every month, followed by an informal potluck dinner, and a member-led discussion-oriented Shabbat service is held hte second Friday of each month. All Shabbat services take place at the JCC.

Beth Israel Congregation (Conservative)
2000 Washtenaw Avenue, 48104
tel: 665-9897
Rabbi Robert Dobrusin
Elliott Sorkin, Executive Director

Beth Israel strives to be a vital presence in the spiritual, social and educational lives of its members. Established in 1916, the congregation is a warm, welcoming community which fosters a connectedness to others and an important support system in time of need. Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary, has served the congregation with distinction for over 19 years. Beth Israel offers religious services that are egalitarian in nature, and participatory in practice. Adult education classes are offered throughout the year and adult bar mitzvah classes are sponsored by the Women's League of Conservative Judaism. Social and recreational activities are an important part of congregational life. Beth Israel is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. 

Chabad of Ann Arbor
715 Hill Street, 48104
tel: 995-3276
Rabbi Aharon and Esther Goldstein

Chabad-Lubavitch is a Chassidic movement within Judaism that focuses on the individual's relationship to God and fosters a deep sense of devotion and responsibility toward one's fellow men and women. It is characterized by its emphasis on education and its commitment to lend help wherever it is needed. Chabad House and its Congregation Beth Chabad serve as a "home away from home" for Jewish students, as well as a synagogue and gathering place for families in the Washtenaw County area. Chabad reaches out to all Jews regardless of religious observance. Located on the University of Michigan campus, Chabad is dedicated to increasing the understanding and knowledge of Judaism and to actively serving and improving the community. Prayer services are offered year-round in conformance with traditional Jewish law and practice. Please see the website for service times.

Jewish Cultural Society
2935 Birch Hollow Drive, 48108
tel: 975-9872
email: jcs@jccfed.org
Julie Gales, Madrikha (ordained leader)
Ramona Brand, School Principal
Erika Hauff, Administrator

The Jewish Cultural Society is a secular humanistic organization, promoting Jewish ethics, values, history and culture from a human-focused perspective. It provides a community for those whose Jewish identification is primarily with culture, history and family. Founded in 1965, JCS stresses the cultural aspects of Jewish traditions. The community offers adult educational and social programs, holiday celebrations, life cycle events, social action opportunities, a Sunday school program and more. JCS is based at the Jewish Community Center of Washtenaw County.

Pardes Hannah
tel: 644-7305
email: ekass18@aol.com

Pardes Hannah, Ann Arbor's Jewish Renewal Community, focuses on prayer through chanting, kabbalistic meditation, movement, traditional davening, and engagement with Torah. Pardes Hannah offers Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning services, as well as a variety of spiritual and educational study sessions and celebrations throughout the cycle of the Jewish year. Shabbat morning services are held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 10am in the Beth Israel Congregation Activity Center, 2010 Washtenaw Avenue. Kabbalat Shabbat services and dessert onegs are held monthly in members' homes. Services are led by Rabbi Elliott Ginsburg, founder and spiritual leader of Pardes Hannah, and other skilled leaders in the group.

Temple Beth Emeth
2309 Packard Street, 48104
tel: 665-4744
email: TBE@templebethemeth.org
Robert D. Levy, Rabbi
Ann Z. Rose, Cantor
Ronnie Simon, Executive Director
Terri Ginsburg, Director of Education
Devon Fitzig, Director of Congregational Services

Temple Beth Emeth is a Reform congregation committed to enhancing religious life in Ann Arbor through religous, spiritual, cultural, educational, social action and social programming. The congregation strives to create a sense of family for all its members. Each Shabbat, TBE offers three services, including a 5:30pm tot Shabbat service, a 6:30pm lively singing service, and a 7:30pm traditional service using the Reform prayer book. Dinner is served every Friday night from 6-7:15pm, allowing congregants to share a meal and attend their choice of services. TBE is home to Kol Halev, an adult choir and offers an exciting adult education program as well as many social action opportunities.

Activities for Adults

JCC Older Adult Programs
2935 Birch Hollow Drive, 48108
tel: 971-0990
Laurie Wechter and Abbie Lawrence-Jacobson, Directors  

The JCC's Older Adult Program, known as SPICE (Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural and Educational programming) offers activities for senior citizens. Programming is held Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with some special events on Wednesdays. Homemade dairy lunches are served Mondays and Thursdays.

The SPICE program is a unique resource for the Jewish community, providing information, involvement and opportunities for developing new friendships and for welcoming newcomers moving into the Ann Arbor area. It validates the talent and expertise of seniors and welcomes all who want to add some SPICE to their lives.

Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
tel: 975-9045
email: annarbor@btvshalom.org
Contact: Aaron Ahuvia

Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace, is a national organization of American Jews deeply committed to Israel's well-being through the achievement of a negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The group is guided by the mitzvah, or obligation, to pursue peace and justice that is rooted in both secular and religious Jewish traditions. Participation is welcome at all levels, from simply joining as a member to working as an activist.

Chaverim b'Shirim
tel: 663-1978
email: mkrimm@umich.edu
Marilyn Krimm, Director

Chaverim b'Shirim is an all-volunteer choir, performing music by Jewish composers whose music spans from the 1600s to the music of today. Singers of all ages and vocal levels are welcome. A brief audition is required. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings, 7:30-9 pm at the JCC.

Interfaith Hospitality Network
4290 Jackson Rd., 48103
tel: 822-0220
email: hbeck@alphahouse-ihn.org
Julie Steiner, Executive Director
Heidi Beck, Volunteer Coordinator

The Interfaith Hospitality Network provides shelter, meals and assistance to homeless families in Washtenaw County. The program utilizes existing community resources. Each host congregation provides volunteers and meals for 3-6 families for one week, every two to three months, on a rotating schedule. Social service agencies provide screening and referrals.

Jewish Ann Arbor Singles
tel: 483-8352
email: j_aa_s@yahoo.com
Roann Altman, Coordinator

Jewish Ann Arbor Singles, or JAAS, sponsors quarterly social events for Jewish singles age 35 and over in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas. The goal of the group is to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere where Jewish singles can meet, network and have a good time. 

JCC Yiddish Group
tel: 761-2765

Each Friday at 1:30pm, Think Yiddish! meets weekly to enjoy Yiddish conversation, literature and culture. On the second Friday of the month, the group meets at the JCC for special programs. Other weeks, the group meets for informal conversation and readings in Yiddish at the home of Rachel Juni.

Michigan Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life 
c/o Jewish Community Council
6735 Telegraph Rd., Suite 205
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
tel: 248-642-5393
email: mi-coejl@jfmd.org
Betsy Winkelman, Chair

MI-COEJL provides environmental information, education and inspiration rooted in Jewish text. We teach application of these principles to everyday life resulting in sustainable practices for energy savings and other positive results in our tradition of caring for the earth. Contact MI-COEJL for presentations on global warming and other resources.

Mosaic Outdoor Club
PO Box 250691
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
email: michigan@mosaicoutdoor.org

Mosaic is a unique, non-profit organization dedicated to bringing Jewish people together to enjoy the outdoors. The club welcomes singles, couples, and families. Membership offers a unique opportunity to foster a greater appreciation of the outdoors, develop environmental awareness, gain valuable leadership skills, and become an active part of the Michigan community of Jewish outdoor enthusiasts. Visit the website for event information.

Men's Organizations

Men's Club, Beth Israel Congregation
tel: 665-9897
email: office@bethisrael-aa.org

Members of the Beth Israel Congregation Men's Club implement several important projects over the course of the year, including maintenance of the Congregation's web site, organizing the High Holiday ushers, constructing the synagogue sukkah, and hosting the World Wide Wrap, which encourages the laying of tefillin by both men and women. To learn more about these and other Men's Club projects, please contact the Beth Israel office.

Women's Organizations

Campus Organizations

Education

Hebrew Day School
2937 Birch Hollow Drive, 48108
tel: 971-4633
Dina Shtull, Head of School

The Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor is a private elementary school, with an academic curriculum that follows the state and national standards. It serves children from the entire spectrum of Jewish expressions. The school scores in the 97th percentile and above on standardized tests in language and math. HDS also offers a state-of-the-art computer lab, instruction in visual arts, physical education that stresses team work, a music program that includes instrumental training in the upper grades, a public speaking and performance curriculum, and an immersion second language program beginning in the first grade for both modern and Biblical Hebrew. A rich Jewish and American heritage is experienced through plays, musical productions and joyous holiday celebrations. Monthly themes relate to ethical behavior, civic responsibility, and tolerance, and are supported by community service projects. The teaching staff members differentiate to meet the needs of each and every student. The staff is enhanced with learning and behavioral specialists. The school atmosphere is warm, caring and family oriented.

Youth Activities

JCC Early Childhood Center
2935 Birch Hollow Drive, 48108
tel: 971-0990
Noreen DeYoung, Director

The JCC Early Childhood Center (ECC) celebrates Judaism in a loving, supportive environment that encourages children's creativity and spontaneity. The ECC strives to create a growing experience in which children will thrive. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Programs are provided for children ages two months to five years.

Camp Raanana
tel: 971-0990

Raanana Day Camp is for children entering kindergarten through 13 years of age. The camp provides a full recreational program and a strong Judaic cultural experience. The camp is located on its own private beachfront site at Independence Lake County Park and at the JCC. Camp Raanana offers nine one-week sessions.

Camp Keshet

Camp Keshet is a program of the JCC Early Childhood Center and is open to children ages 3-5 years old. All children attend each session for 5 mornings (9am-1pm) per two-week session. Each session features a different theme utilizing our beautiful outdoor facility. Children participate in activities with our Art, Nature, Sports and Music specialists that highlight the theme of the session.

Camp Gan Israel
Camp Site Address: 1289 Jewett, 48104
Mailing address: Chabad of Ann Arbor, 715 Hill St., 48104
Shternie Zwiebel, Director
tel: 995-3276 ex.15

Camp Gan Israel is part of the largest and fastest growing network of Jewish day camps in the world. Our camp enjoys a well-earned reputation as a trendsetter with innovative ideas, creative programs, and new activities
being introduced continuously. Many a child has been known to wait all year to come back to Gan Israel! From pre-schoolers to our senior division, campers will enjoy a wide range of exciting activities and field trips
in a warm and vivacious atmosphere. The real secret to our success lies in our outstanding staff. Our counselors are known for their personal warmth and their ability to care for each child as an individual. Many staff members
return year after year, lending experience and continuity to all programs. Each counselor is a role model for our children, promising them friendships which will last forever. Their love for the children is perhaps surpassed
only by the children's love for them.

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