By Becky Maister
Federation Associate Director of Community Development Marketing
When asked to write a list of “8 Things That Bring Me Joy in Jewish Detroit” I had two thoughts 1) Only eight? But I get it, Chanukah-themed… And 2) I’m going to name names. So, while this may not be the all-inclusive list one might expect from a Federation publication, it’s my list, and I have specific tastes.
1. Hometown Pride
I am a born and bred Detroiter. My first home was in North Rosedale Park, and when I was five we moved to Farmington Hills. I’ve have spent my entire life in the area, cheering for the Tigers and drinking Vernors. But I’ve also traveled and spent time in other communities, and I can say that there’s just something about our brand of hometown pride that no one can touch. Not New Yorkers, not Chicagoans. We love being from Detroit, especially Jewish Detroit, and we’ve got the sweatshirts and hats to prove it. Whether you’ve been here your whole life like me, or we were lucky enough to import you from another city, the pride of being from Jewish Detroit is palpable, and it brings me joy.
2. Our Jewish Federation
I have been employed at the Federation for almost 12 years now, and I will honestly say that when I started, I was borderline clueless about what our Federation does. Now, over a decade in, I am a walking encyclopedia of our mission, agencies, events and initiatives. It’s not like, “what do we do?” But more like “what don’t we do?” I mean, what other organization throws the best parties for 20-somethings in town for Thanksgiving and gets over a thousand people to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day, and at the same time responds to local and global crises, from floods and earthquakes to wars and mass evacuations. If supporting 16 incredible local agencies wasn’t enough, Federation also supports three agencies that help Jews overseas. What makes me joyful in Jewish Detroit? My job. This Federation.
2. Think Sweet
See, I told you I was going to name names. When the Dubai chocolate craze began, I was very pregnant, and this particular confection sounded like heaven on earth. Yes, there was Dubai chocolate in Metro Detroit, but my husband grew up keeping a very stringent form of kosher (cholov Yisroel for those keeping score at home), and when we got married I inherited these stringencies. I scoured stores and websites; my options were slim. I eventually ordered a $40 bar from New York. Yes, $40. It was parve. It tasted like wax. And I immediately had buyer’s remorse. Fast forward a few months and Think Sweet opens. With not only multiple options of dairy (kosher for me) Dubai chocolate bars, and everything else Dubai chocolate, but a whole candy shop and hang out area. My kids love it. I love it. As a kosher-keeping family, I have to say “no” a lot when their little hands reach for something in a store. But at Think Sweet I can almost always say yes. Which now that I write that out, may not be a good thing, but nevertheless, we love going there and enjoying a kosher treat in a colorful oasis.
3. Farber Hebrew Day School
Again with the name drops! But seriously, I love our school. We’re still new to the Farber family. I have two in the ECC. But so far, we are delighted with the education and love our children are receiving. They’re proud to be Jewish. They have a love of the Hebrew language. They have gym and music. They do science and art projects. They adore their teachers and their buddies. And one of the best parts about going to this Jewish day school is that we got to choose it. We had options, good options. There are many a community in the United States where you’re lucky if there is one Jewish day school. We have multiple Jewish day schools in Metro Detroit offering excellent religious and secular educations to Jewish children of all backgrounds. Talk about joy!
5. Soul Cafe
Where else can you order breakfast burrito and feel good about your life choices? I love Soul Cafe. I love the food. I love the ambiance. I love the mission. I love the art. I love taking my family out to brunch and strolling through the gallery. If I ever need a hostess gift or a present for someone visiting from out-of-town, this is my go-to place to shop. I think we are so blessed to have this extension of Friendship Circle in our community. It’s delicious, it’s inspiring, and it’s obviously on my top 8 joyful things in Jewish Detroit.
6. My Neighborhood
We moved to North Oak Park a little over two years ago, and it is awesome. This neighborhood is where it’s at. There are a lot of Jews around here, but it’s not all Jews. We live in a beautifully diverse area, so we can enjoy other people’s Christmas lights and Halloween decorations while also watching everyone walk to shul on Shabbos morning. There are cool bars and restaurants popping up all over. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. Our pharmacy (shout out to Lincoln Drugs) is on the corner, and they got a soft serve ice cream machine this past summer, which is a game changer. We’re close to friends all along the Woodward Corridor. Joyful North Oak Park.
7. Menorah in the D
Fifteen years and going strong, Menorah in the D is one of those holiday traditions that really makes it feel like Chanukah time. I’ve been to other public menorah lightings, and let me tell you, none are as lit (pun intended) as this one. It brings me so much joy to live in a place where a 26-foot menorah stands in the center of downtown and everyone, including the Mayor of Detroit and countless dignitaries, show up year after year to celebrate lighting it. Especially this year, just hours after the horrific tragedy at Bondi Beach, Chabad-Lubavitch of Michigan ensured the show went on and we publicized the miracle of Chanukah as proud, brave, united Jews.
8. Something for Everyone
If there’s one universal truth I have learned on my personal Jewish journey, it’s that there is no one-size-fits-all way to be Jewish. Being Jewish is beautiful. It’s also complicated and challenging, oftentimes evolving and morphing into something new and different depending on where you are in life. Living in a place that can accommodate and embrace these twists and turns is a gift. Jewish Detroit has something for every Jew. Whether it’s a traditional temple or synagogue setting, volunteering in a garden or at a warehouse, learning with a chavrusa or in a class, or simply just eating your favorite Jewish foods — you can explore, express and expand your Judaism here. You belong here. You can find your people here. You can find your Jewish joy here. I know I have.