38 | MAY 26 • 2022 

faces&places

Hosted by Motown Museum 
and the Jewish Community 
Relations Council/AJC, the 
May 15 Motown Seder brought 
together Detroit’s Jewish and 
Black leaders using the model 
of a traditional seder dinner.
After a warm welcome 
from Motown Museum 
Chairwoman and CEO Robin 
Terry and JCRC/AJC Executive 
Director Rabbi Asher Lopatin, 
guests enjoyed and sang along 
during performances from the 
museum’s 2022 Amplify Artist 
of the Year, Travis James, and 
Motown Museum board mem-
ber, musician and philanthro-
pist Ethan Davidson.
They also heard from Wayne 

State History Professor Saeed 
Khan and Detroit Pastor 
Kenneth Flowers, followed by 
table discussions surrounding 
topics of slavery and freedom 
as they relate to Jewish and/or 
Black history and present-day 
life.
“The Motown Seder demon-
strates that the Black and 
Jewish communities can come 
together for serious discus-
sions and joyous celebration to 
enhance each other and make 
us both stronger and more 
vibrant,” said Rabbi Asher 
Lopatin. “Our unity and sup-
port for one another will make 
Detroit and our world a better 
place for everyone.” 

JCRC/AJC Executive Director Rabbi Asher 
Lopatin welcomes guests to the Motown 
Seder.

Wayne State Professor Dr. Saeed Khan, center, reads over a 
topic of discussion as singer Travis James, left, and philanthro-
pist Ethan Davidson, right, look on. 

The Motown Seder: 
Building Community 
and Sharing Cultures

ABOVE LEFT: Guests and organizers of the 
Motown Seder pose for a photo before the 
event.

ABOVE RIGHT: More guests get their photo 
taken.

LEFT: Rabbi Asher Lopatin checks in on the 
Motown Seder guests during dinner.

