With a Jewish community of approximately 8,000 year-round residents (and several thousand more students on campus) Ann Arbor boasts a vibrant and diverse Jewish community. Ann Arbor’s seven congregations cover the spectrum of Jewish observance and fit every taste from Chabad to secular Judaism and everything in between. An active Federation, Jewish Community Center and several membership organizations mean there is always something to do and new friends to make in this welcoming community.

Families enjoy fun and games at the JCC's Apples and Honey event.

Jewish educational opportunities in this city are exactly what you would expect in such a prominent university environment. From the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited Early Childhood Center at the JCC to Hebrew Day School for children in K-5 and the religious schools at each congregation, the Jewish youth movements and summer camp programs, Keshet Hebrew language program for high school students, Jewish education is a priority. The B’nai Tzedek program, run by the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, teaches children from age 13 about the value of philanthropy and enables children to start their own personal philanthropic funds.

In addition to congregational learning opportunities for adults, Chabad’s Jewish Learning Institute and the JCC’s Florence Melton Adult Mini-School offer excellent programs for anyone who is interested in learning about Judaism. Hillel programs at both U-M and EMU offer vibrant programs for college students while the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies and the new Jewish Communal Leadership Program in the school of Social Work help make the University of Michigan a world-class center for Jewish studies.

Federation’s participation in the twinning relationship between Michigan’s Jewish communities and the Central Galilee region of Israel, and Ann Arbor’s special ties with the Israeli community of Nahalal, enable Federation to offer a menu of unique opportunities to meet and build new friendships in Israel.

Jewish Family Services helps to provide a social safety net, offering a broad menu of direct support and referral services to individuals in need of a helping hand.

To learn more about all the Jewish organizations and congregations, come to Apples and Honey, the JCC’s annual fall family event, on Aug. 29 between noon and 3 p.m. Call the JCC at 734-971-0990 or visit their website for more information.

David Shtulman is the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. He can be reached by e-mail at david@jewishannarbor.org and by going to the website www.jewishannarbor.org