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lights, the bus system, EMS and
police response times — those
basic needs,” Mondry says, making
it clear this is her own assessment
and she is not speaking on behalf of
the mayor. “Now, we can take it to
the next level and make sure all of
Detroit is really engaged and served
by this renaissance the city is seeing.
That means creating more jobs and
more opportunities.”

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TAKING ACTION
Mondry is also carving out a role
for herself as a political and social
activist. Following the election of
President Donald Trump, she and a
group of young Jewish Metro Detroit
women got together and formed an
organization called the Joint Action
Committee for Political Affairs. The
new group held its first official event
Jan. 20, on inauguration day. They
created a Facebook page under the
name JACPAC II (Detroit Chapter),
and there is a website, www.jacpac.
org, where people can learn more or
get involved.
“It’s a political action committee
that bundles money for politicians

who support a progressive platform
— things like reproductive rights
for women, a progressive agenda for
Israel, and separation of church and
state,” Mondry explains. “We formed
the group to encourage young
women to get involved and support
politicians who will champion these
platforms in Congress and at the
state and local levels.”
The local level is where Mondry
feels people can have the greatest
impact. This brings us back to Mayor
Duggan’s re-election campaign.
Duggan is running for a second term
in office amid an ongoing federal
investigation into the city’s blight
demolition program. He has pledged
to cooperate with authorities. A pri-
mary will take place Aug. 8 with the
election Nov. 7. Currently, the mayor
faces no major challengers.
“The city is so different now than it
was when I was growing up,” Mondry
says. “I think that’s a testament to the
mayor. Detroit is really becoming a
hub for world-renowned chefs, retail,
new construction and new busi-
nesses. There is so much hope and
optimism — it’s inspiring.” •

JAMIE FELDMAN

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32

April 20 • 2017

jn

Meditative service at the former Temple Beth El in Detroit

2155010

What Does It Mean To Return?

On March 24, more than 100 com-
munity members gathered for medi-
tative Shabbat services and dinner,
“returning” to the historic Temple
Beth El facility in Detroit.
The gathering, titled “Re//
Turning,” was convened by The Well,
in partnership with Hazon Detroit,
Moishe House Royal Oak and
Detroit City Moishe House.
The evening drew a crowd
diverse in both age and affiliation.
Participants included those who
grew up attending services at the
structure, to those just learning that
the majestic building once housed a
synagogue, to those who have been
involved in efforts to transform the
once synagogue, now church, into a

community center and performance
arts venue for all faiths.
A talented group of young adult
musicians helped fill the breathtak-
ing Albert Kahn-designed sanctuary
with music as Rabbi Ben Shalva of
Tamarack Camps led meditative
moments interspersed in the prayer
service led by Rabbi Dan Horwitz of
The Well.
The communal Shabbat meal
provided an opportunity for con-
versation and connection between
community members who might not
have otherwise crossed paths.
The evening clearly demonstrated
that returning isn’t only a physical
act, but a spiritual one as well. •

