The Motown Seder: Building Community

faces&places

The Motown Seder: Building Community and Sharing Cultures

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 member, musician and philanthropist 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 demonstrates that the Black and Jewish communities can come together for serious discussions and joyous celebration to enhance each other and make us both stronger and more vibrant,” said Rabbi Asher Lopatin. “Our unity and support 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 philanthropist Ethan Davidson, right, look on.

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.