Our Mission
WHY: We exist to strengthen Jewish community.
HOW: By stewarding a platform of Jewish education and engagement programming.
WHAT: That provides and facilitates compelling and well-executed programs.
WHERE: In the Northwest, the Southeast, and wherever the Detroit Jewish community needs us.
From the Desk of the CEO
Dear Friends and Supporters,
This past year has been one of growth, connection, and momentum for The J. We continue to strengthen our role as a central hub for Jewish life in Detroit, bringing people together in meaningful ways and expanding opportunities for engagement across generations.
At our Kahn building, the energy is regular and growing. From the Sarah and Irving Pitt Early Childhood Center to the many family programs that fill our spaces each month, The J remains a place where community comes to life. JCC Day Camps continue to be a highlight of the summer, while the Berman Center for Performing Arts and the Janice Charach Gallery deliver inspiring cultural experiences year-round. Whether through JRec, the Meyers Library, or our programs for seniors, The J offers something for everyone.
At the same time, our reach extends far beyond our walls. A growing number of our programs take place throughout the community and online, ensuring that people can connect with The J wherever they are. JLearn continues to engage adult learners in Detroit and across North America, while PJ Library shares the joy of Jewish stories with thousands of children and families. Through JTraveler, older adults explore, learn, and build lasting connections. Much of this work happens in partnership with synagogues and other Jewish organizations across the region.
We are proud of the many ways our community shows up for one another, whether through participation, volunteerism, or support. The collective energy and commitment of our community is what makes The J such a special place.
Looking ahead, we are excited about what’s to come. As we continue to listen, adapt, and grow, we invite you to be part of all that The J has to offer. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or have been with us for years, there is a place for you here.
After all, there’s no need to join, because you already belong.
Donors
HUMANITARIAN
Marshall Tobin
FOUNDER
Jewish Federation of Detroit
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
Michigan State Police, Emergency Management & Homeland Secur
Elizabeth Rose
The Samuel and Jean Frankel Jewish Heritage Foundation
United Jewish Foundation
PHILANTHROPIST
Estate of John H Rosen
Nancy Grosfeld
Jenny & Mark Roby Memorial Centennial Fund
Jewish Community Center (OH)
Joseph & Rose Staub Fund
Narens Fund for Children With Special Needs
Scott Kaufman Philanthropic Fund
PARTNER
Martin Feldman
Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Earl Ishbia
Manat Foundation
The Ravitz Foundation
Susan Sovel Philanthropic Fund
BENEFACTOR
Agree Realty Corportation
Alan Jay & Sue E Kaufman Family Support Foundation
Jim Bellinson
Meryl Bleznak
Burton A. Zipser And Sandra D. Zipser Foundation
Chandler Family Foundation
Ethan Davidson
Dennis Deutsch
Philip Elkus
Emanuel & Geneva Maisel Philanthropic Fund
Nathan Forbes
Jennifer Gilbert
Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC
Sarah Gottlieb
David Haron
Arthur Indianer
David Jaffa
Kaufman Charitable Trust
Gail Kash Mayer
Jerold Minkin
Phillip and Elizabeth Filmer Memorial Charitable Trust
JoElyn And George Nyman
Raymond & Atara Zimmerman Philanthropic Fund
Shirley Harris Fund
Sills Foundation, Inc.
Nancy and Arn Tellem
WDF Director Discretionary Philanthropic Fund
William Davidson Foundation
Andrea Wolfe
The Zekelman Holocaust Center
BUILDER
Lisa Applebaum
Re-Bath
Michael Berger
Heidi and Jeff Budaj
Judith Levin Cantor
Peter Cummings
Detroit Institute of Arts
Douglas & Barbara Bloom Millennium Endowment Fund
David Farbman
Susie Feldman
Fifth Third Bank
First Holding Management
Foundation for Jewish Camp, Inc.
Ralph Gerson
Louis Glazier
Bonnie Hamblin
Healthrise
Faith Jacobson
JCC Association of North America
JCC Detroit Maccabi Experience Scholarship
Endowment Fund
The Jewish Fund
Jones Day
Sue Kahn
Donors
Barbara Kappy
Karp Family Foundation
Alan Kaufman
Kercheval Financial Group
Frank Migliazzo
Richard Minkin
Neal F & Esther Zalenko Philanthropic Fund
George Nyman
Applebaum Family Philanthropy
Evelyn Rosen
Sachse Construction
Schostak Family Support Foundation
Michael Serling
Jane Sherman
Libby Sklar
Sosin Family Children’s Special Needs Fund
Stephen H Schulman Millennium Fund for Jewish Youth
Temple Israel
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
SUPPORTER
A. Alfred Taubman Foundation
Adat Shalom Synagogue Sisterhood
Admiral Metals LLC
Schechter Benefits Advisors
Alan Stuart & Sandra Schwartz Philanthropic Fund
American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science
Neumann/Smith Architecture
Audrey & Bill Farber Senior Art Class Fund
Carol Bass
Eric Bean
Miriam Bergman
Mark Berke
Doris And Frederick Blechman
Blechman Family Philanthropic Fund
BLG CFO Services LLC.
Donald Blitz
Boji Group
Bookstock Fund - Used Book & Media Sale
Stuart Borman
John Breza
Richard Broder
Joel Brown
Mark Burnstein
Frank, Hirsch, Subelsky & Freedman, P.C.
Fresh Air Society, Tamarack Camps
Cynthia Canty
David Carroll
Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic Studies
Congregation Shaarey Zedek - Gen Xers
Brad Cooper
DC Dental
Hadassah Greater Detroit
Detroit Industrial School
James Deutchman
Dennis Deutsch
Heather Dickson
Douglas C. Lane & Associates, Inc.
Laurie Dubin
Margie Dunn
Edw. C. Levy Co.
Wendy and Jeff Eisenshtadt
John Elliot
Joan Chernoff Epstein
Eunice & Milton Ring Foundation
Goldstein Family
Fannie Kraft Foundation
Fire Rover, LLC
First Holding Management Company LLC
Flint Jewish Community Center & Federation
Samantha and Michael Foon
Bruce Frankel
Dale And Bruce Frankel
Friedman Family Foundation
Friedman Real Estate
Fred Goldberg
Amye Goldhaber
Aaron Goldstein
Mindy Greenberg
Fran Grossman
Amy Haimann
Esther Hankin
Fred Hankin
Herbert D. Aronow & Stefanie P. Aronow
Charitable Fund
Terry Hollander
Lisa Holscher
Hunter Pasteur Homes
Donors
Barbara Horowitz
HS Foundation
Lee Hurwitz
Steven Ingber
Alvin Iwrey
Howard Iwrey
David Jacob
John Jacobson
Jerold & Ellen Minkin Family Foundation
Simmons & Clark Jewelers
Jewish Federation Of Grand Rapids
JP Morgan Chase Bank
Mel Kaftan
Ruth Kahn
Charles Kalt
Helayne Kaplan
Jeffrey Katkowsky
Joel Kaufman
Bernard Kent
Ron Klein
Barbara Kratchman
Morganroth Law
Lawrence Lax
Barry Leshman
Nicole Lester
Anna Levin
Lydia Levinson
Shimon G. Levy
Levy Family Foundation at JCC Milwaukee
Hannan Lis
Jennifer LoPatin
Howard Luckoff
Shlomo Mandel
Sandra Matz
Brian Meer
Milford Singer & Company
David Moore
Harriet Morse
Mara Moss
National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan
Joshua Opperer
Gregg Orley
Marcie Orley
Outstanding Orthodontics
Paula & Louis Glazier Philanthropic Fund
Bloom Pediatrics
Emily Pitt
Murray Pitt
Aidenbaum Schloff and Bloom, PLLC
Princeton Management
Mercury Promotions
Adam Pullman
PVS Chemicals, Inc.
Michael Pytlik
B’Nai B’Rith Great Lakes Region
B’nai B’rith International - Great Lakes Region
REI Group
Geta M Richman
Wendy Rocher
Evelyn Rosen
Sophia Roslin
Shelly and Mark Rubenfire
David Rubin
Marvin Rubin
Heather Salesin
Bluma Schechter
Donald Schenk
Schostak Brothers & Company, Inc.
Lynn Schrayer
The Schwaibold Family Giving Fund
Alan Schwartz
Sam Shamie
David Sherman
Susan Sillman
Craig Singer
Robert Sklar
Jerome Soble
Wendy Solomon
Law Offices of Serling & Abramson PC
Asbestos Specialists
Mel Sternfeld
Schechter Wealth Strategies
Mark Tapper
Ellen Tenner
UHY
Wade Family Trust
Claire Walsh
Donors
Nancy Wanchik
Steven Weisberg
Caryn Weitzman
Randy Wertheimer
Gardner White
Women of Temple Israel
Jamie Wraight
Julie Yaker
Ron Yolles
FRIEND
Adat Shalom Synagogue
The Voice/Vision Holocaust Survivor Oral History Archive
Joanne Aronovitz
Susan Belen
Allison Berlin
Suzanne Berman
Roz Blanck
Adam Bleznak
Barbara Bloom
Carey Bloom
Kenneth Bloom
Eleanor Bluestone
James Boschan
Kenneth Brandt
Edith Broida
Rhonda Brown
Gabriella Burman
Camp Tamakwa, Inc.
Joshua Cascade
The Bookies Book Club
Gloria Cohen
Marc Cohen
Jason Coleman
Woodborn Communities
Congregation Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood
Edith Covensky
Suzanne H Curtis
Lauren Daitch
Cathy Deutchman
Stacy Doctoroff
Opening The Doors
The Dorothy and Peter Brown Adult Day Program
Eastern Michigan University Center for Jewish Studies
Steven Eisenshtadt
Elizabeth And David Elkus
Julie Emmer
Sandra Endelman
Steven Epstein
Linda Feinfeld
Gail Fisher
Paul Forman
Peggy and Dennis Frank
Irving Friedman
Lawrence Friedman
Ralph J. Gerson
Paul Gold
Eric Gould
Samuel Gun
Wendy Handler
Susan Henkin
Doreen Hermelin
Gail Hines
Henry Hirsch
Barbara Horowitz
IFLC
Miriam And Larry Imerman
Eileen Isenberg
Robert Iwrey
Justin Jacobs
Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit
Jeff Johnson
Johnathan Jones
Mari Kaftan
Helayne Kaplan
Sharon Kaplan
David Klein
Lauren Koenigsberg
Paulette Koffron
Wendy Kohlenberg
Marc and Judi Komins
Kenneth Korotkin
Robert Krasnick
Steven Krasnick
Lesley Kutinsky
Donors
Lois Langberg
Liz Leshman
Anna M. Levin
West Bloomfield Township Public Library
Rochelle Lieberman
The Lowe Family Foundation
Susan Lutz
Paddy Lynch
Steven Malach
Sandi Marshall
John Marx
Rob Mason
Jody Mendelson
ADL Michigan
CHAIM Children of Holocaust Survivors Assoc in Michigan
Nicole Miller
Marla Moiseev
Alexandra Mollen
Allan Morton
Ken Nathan
National Council Of Jewish Women | Michigan
Richard Nucian
Sharon Oppenheim
Roberta Patt
Philip M. & Jeannie Bakst Elkus Philanthropic Fund
Nancy Polen
Michael Ran
Alan Reinstein
Alvyn Riemer
Andrea Ritter
Sharon Roeseler
Marcie Rosen
Darren Rosenberg
Leslie Rosenberg
Richard Roth
Melvyn Rubenfire
Meredith Kay Rubenfire and Brett Rubenfire
Arlene Rubinstein
Danielle Ruskin
Jack Schultz
Miriam Seagle
Michael Serling
Fanny Sherman
David Shevrin
Marc Siegel
Steven Silverman
James L. Simon
Suzanne Simon
Sisterhood Of Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Ellen Slovis
Lauren Soifer
Carol Sole
Spencer Solomon
The Sonnenschein Family Philanthropic Fund
Paragon Sight and Sound
Lisa Weinberg Spector
Tekiah Kosher Spirits
Steven & Beth Margolin Philanthropic Fund
Marci and Boris Taran
Temple Emanu-El
Temple Israel Brotherhood
Susan Thomas
Bruce Tobin
Grant Trigger University of Michigan
Nathan Upfal
David Victor
Lori D Weisberg
John Wernis
Orin Wilf
Michael Wolf
The Women Of Temple Israel
Women’s Philanthropy, Jewish Federation of Detroit
Linda Zlotoff
Craig Zucker
Richard Zussman
the
Endowment Funds
The J is grateful to donors who established endowment funds, ensuring a legacy of support into the future.
Agency For Jewish Education Endowment (AJE)
Norman and Esther Allan Foundation Detroit PJ Library Fund
Susan Alterman Leadership Award Fund
Walter J. Ambiner & Sandra Lyness Restricted Endowment Programming Fund
Oscar & Adele Band Camp Fund
Oscar & Adele Band Senior Adult Patron Fund
Oscar & Adele Band Theatre Fund
Renah & Maxwell Bardenstein Endowment for Special Needs Programming
Madeline & Mandel Berman Theatre Endowment
Berry Family Senior Adult Patron Fund
Fred & Doris Blechman Library Endowment
Douglas & Barbara Bloom Senior Activity Fund
Joan & Bernie Brawer Day Camp Fund
Harry & Pearl Brodsky Fund
CAD - Agency for Jewish Education
Janice Charach Gallery Endowment Fund
Cohn Haddow Children’s Performance Fund
Irwin & Sadie Cohn Fund
Shirley Davis Child Development Scholarship Fund
Norman Drachler Children Book Fair Fund
Dresner Foundation JCC Maccabi Fund
Dresner Foundation Opening the Doors Program Centennial Fund
Harry & Marsha Eisenberg Family Endowment Fund
Bill Elson Memorial Day Camp Fund
Charles & Fannie Elson Fund
David Gornbein Fund
Judith & Irwin Elson Endowment Fund
Audrey & William Farber Senior Adult Art Class Fund
Delores Farber JCC Agency Endowment
Ford Shalom Street Endowment Fund
Sidney & Phyllis Freedland Endowment Fund
Moishe & Sarah Friedman Center for Yiddish Studies
Goldfinger Endowment
Kenny Goldman Athletic Fund
Carol Goldrath Small Memorial Day Camp
David Gornbein Fund
Hugh & Carolyn Greenberg JCC Day Camp Scholarship Fund
Michael Greene Memorial Fund
Lou Handler-Esta Kraft Fund
Harry & Kitty Hoffert Day Camp Fund
Joel E. Jacobs Youth Swim Team
Jampel Fund for the JCC Henry and
Delia Meyers Library
Jewish War Memorial Fund
JPM Building Endowment Fund
D. Dan & Betty Kahn Family Fund
Boris & Beatrice Katz Endowment Fund for Janice Charach Gallery
Boris & Beatrice Katz Endowment Fund for JCC
Annual Jewish Book Fair
Kids All Together
Klein Excellence In Education
Judith Kolender Memorial Fund
Ester Lamed Scholarship Fund
Harold & Myrtle Lenhoff Endowment Fund
JCC Library Computerization Fund
Harry & Reva Lindenbaum Fund
Louis Lipsitz & Rebecca Barkman Lipsitz Scholarship Fund
JCC Detroit Maccabi Experience Scholarship Endowment Fund
the
Endowment Funds
Anita Naftaly Family Circle Cenference Fund
Maisel SAJE Fund
Anson Mall Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund
Lenore Marwil Jewish Film Festival Fund
Robert & Rachel Marwil Memorial Fund
Masco Corporation Sharing Portal
Gail Kash Mayer Jewish Preschool Scholarship Fund
Henry & Delia Meyers Memorial Library Fund
Charles & Florence Milan Day Camp Endowment Fund
Edna & Philip Minkin Camp Fund
Mary Must Opening the Doors Special Education Fund
Narens Fund for Children with Special Needs
Jackie Newman Memorial Endowment Fund
Northwest Child Rescue Women Fund
Nosan/Nosanchuk Families Book Fair Fund
Julius & Ruth Novick Endowment Fund
Sophie Pearlstein Centennial Fund
Lorraine & Ben Pivnick Senior Adult Patron Fund
Linda & Donald Polk Health Club
Susan Robin Memorial Scholarship Fund
Jay Robinson Fund
Robert & Reva Rosen Book Fair Fund
Samantha E. Rosen Memorial Fund
Stanley & Madelyn Rosen Camp Fund
Stanley & Madelyn Rosen Pool Fund
William R. Ross Art & Education Fund
Harold & Charlotte Rubinstein Send a Kid to
Camp Endowment Fund
Stuart J. Sachse Fund
SAJE in the Sun
Lester & Margarette Satovsky Athletic Fund
Sophia Blanche Schwartz Library Fund
Shalom Street Exhibit Naming Endowment
Shalom Street Founders
Norman & Rose Shulevitz Foundation
Boaz Siegel Culture Fund
Dr. Marvin D. & Gloria z”l Siegel Centennial Fund
Dr. Larry D. Sills Memorial Golf Classic Fund
Nathan & Seymour Simons Fund
H. Soble Museum/Gallery Fund
Paul Warren Sonkin Memorial Fund
Sosin Family Scholarship Fund
Joseph & Rose Staub Fund
Joe & Dorothy Stewart Day Camp Scholarship Fund
Dr. Richard K. Stoler Centennial Fund
Weinberg Operating Endowment
Lee Weisenthal Family Changing Room
Larry & Andrea Wolfe Cultural Arts Endowment Fund
Ray & Atara Zimmerman Fund
Benard L. Maas Foundation
PJ Library Endowment Fund
Ages & Stages
Ages & Stages
JBaby
PJ Library/PJ Our Way
JGrand
JScreen
Detroit Jewish Film Festival
Detroit Jewish Book Fair
SAJE
Janice Charach Gallery
JLearn
The Berman
Henry & Delia Meyers Library
JTraveler
Early Childhood Center
JCC Day Camps
JCC Maccabi Games®
JRec/Outdoor Pool
Special Needs School Services
Special Needs Enrichement
Board & Executive Staff
SLATE OF OFFICERS
President
Aaron Goldstein
Vice Presidents
Adam Bleznak
Carol Weintraub Fogel
Samantha Foon
Justin Jacobs
Mark Rubenfire
Marci Taran
Nathan Upfal
Treasurer
Ryan Hirsch
Secretary
Josh Yaker
Honorary Chair of the Executive Committee
Dennis Frank
Terry Hollander
Chair of the Executive Committee
Adam Kessler
Executive Committee Members at Large
Steve Eisenshtadt
Howard Iwrey
Jerold Minkin
Matt Ran
Sophia Roslin
Brett Rubenfire
Chair of Advancement Committee
Heidi Budaj
Next Gen Liaison
Julia Cohen
BOARD MEMBERS
Jay Bassin
Amy Ben-Ezra
Debbie Berger
Mark Berke
Hannah Biran
Carey Bloom
Richard Brodsky
Rabbi Chaim Fink
Lacey Foon
Catherine Forbes
Samantha Friedman
Dani Levin Gabbard
Dana Jacob
Faith Tobin Jacobson
Jeff Johnson
Hannah Kessler
Maddi Ishbia Luckoff
Andrew Luckoff
Aaron Rosenhaus
Benji Rosenzewig
Meredith Rubenfire
Carolyn Weitzman
THE J EXECUTIVE STAFF
Brian D. Siegel, Chief Executive Officer
Larry Poupard, Chief Financial Officer
Mikki Frank, Chief Program Officer
Vinny Jalaba, Chief Building Operations Officer
Mort Plotnick, Executive Director Emeritus
2025-2026 Audited Financials
Sources of Funding
Total Revenue: $14,940,254
Fund Uses Total Expenses: $13,510,317
Year in Review
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
52 dedicated Maccabi athletes proudly represented our community at the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games in both Pittsburgh and Tucson
67 students were nurtured, supported, and inspired throughout the school year at the Pitt Early Childhood Center
90 students continued their growth and joyful learning at the Pitt ECC summer program
59 meaningful JFamily programs brought connection, celebration, and Jewish experiences to families across our community
135 individuals found support, friendship, and early connections through the JBaby program
354 campers experienced an unforgettable summer filled with friendship, discovery, and fun at JCC Day Camps
76 individuals were welcomed into an inclusive and supportive environment through our special needs camp
The Pitt Early Childhood Center proudly celebrated its 50th school year, marking five decades of impact and care
Year in Review
ARTS AND CULTURE
150 lifelong learners engaged in thought-provoking and enriching SAJE lectures and programs
1,373 film enthusiasts were moved and inspired at the 28th Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival
2,432 art lovers explored dynamic and meaningful exhibitions at the Janice Charach Gallery
The Berman Center for the Performing Arts presented 121 mission-aligned programs, welcoming 22,000 attendees through its doors
The Meyers Library served as a welcoming hub of knowledge and connection for 432 visitors
The Detroit Jewish Book Fair were moved and inspired at the 28th Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival
SPORTS AND RECREATION
548 young athletes built skills, confidence, and teamwork through the Kenny Goldman Basketball League
703 community members gathered, relaxed, and connected at our outdoor pool
150 individuals stayed active and engaged through a variety of indoor JRec programs
The Inline Hockey Center brought together 2,160 athletes for volleyball and inline hockey, fostering both competition and community
the Year in Review
EDUCATION
JLearn offered 92 enriching learning opportunities, sparking curiosity and deepening Jewish knowledge
1,660 registrations reflected a strong and growing commitment to lifelong learning through JLearn programs
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
Ageless & Active created 260 meaningful touchpoints, engaging older adults through art, fitness, learning, and social connection
147 older adults explored new places and experiences through JTraveler’s thoughtfully curated day trips and overnight adventures
Testimonials
“Keep the wonderful films coming to the Detroit Jewish Film Festival. They are entertaining, enjoyable, and educational. We try to see as many as we can!”
“The Berman always provides top quality performers, movies, and an overall wonderful atmosphere that we enjoy so much.”
“The Berman is an absolutely wonderful theatre. A fantastic atmosphere to see performances of all kinds. The sound quality and acoustics are phenomenal.”
“Every single teacher and staff member at The Pitt ECC has been overwhelmingly supportive, caring, and attentive to both of our girls and to us. We always feel safe, informed, and most importantly - our girls are beyond happy and thriving in their classrooms. We would recommend The J over and over for both the academic year and through the summer as well.”
“JFamily, and especially JBaby, has had a meaningful impact on our family. Through the program, we’ve built some of our closest friendships, and many of my daughters’ closest friends are connections that began there. It created such a warm, welcoming space for us during those early years, and the relationships we formed have truly stayed with us.”
“I truly believe my son’s smooth transition into kindergarten was strengthened by his time at JCC Day Camps. He was in an environment where he could build independence while still being surrounded by supportive staff who helped him practice his skills and celebrated his wins.”
“I have been attending the Detroit Jewish Book Fair for 48 years. Always excellent quality!”
“This year’s Detroit Jewish Film Festival was fantastic! I am already looking forward to next year.”
“There are so many things my family and I have loved about JCC Day Camps over the years. The friendly, attentive staff are the best. We always look forward to drop off. The J does an amazing job at providing summer camp opportunities for every kind of camper, which makes planning our summer even easier. There have been amazing programs for both of my girls over the years, no matter their age and interest. We are already counting down to next summer!”