Interfaith Celebration

faces&places

State Reps. Padma Kuppa and Samantha Steckloff in discussion with WJBK’s Roop Raj

Interfaith Celebration

In December, the Jewish Community Relations Council/American Jewish Committee joined with the Hindu Community Relations Council to host a celebration and discussion exploring the similarities and differences between Chanukah and Diwali.

Moderated by WJBK-TV’s Roop Raj, “An Interfaith Festival of Lights: Coming Together for Chanukah and Diwali” featured a conversation between State Reps. Padma Kuppa (D-41) and Samantha Steckloff (D-37) as they also addressed their experiences and identity as Hindu and Jewish legislators, respectively. Guests at the program, which took place at Sri Sri Radha Gopijana Vallabha Temple in Farmington Hills, enjoyed traditional holiday fare and lit the menorah and diyas, small clay oil lamps lit at festivals, including Diwali.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JCRC/AJC

JCRC/AJC’s Advocacy Associate Michael Kuper with JCRC/AJC Executive Board Member Carol Ogusky and WJBK-TV’s Roop Raj

JCRC/AJC Board Director Teri Weingarden and Executive Board Member Carol Ogusky JCRC/AJC Executive Director Rabbi Asher Lopatin, State Rep. Padma Kuppa, JCRC/AJC Advocacy Associate Michael Kuper, WJBK-TV’s Roop Raj, State Rep. Samantha Steckloff and Hindu Community Relations Council’s Nasy Sankagiri

SOME WAYNE STATE STUDENTS HAVE A HARD TIME GOING TO SLEEP AT NIGHT.

Not because they’re not tired. It’s because they don’t have a place to sleep. When President M. Roy Wilson and his wife, Jacqueline, arrived at Wayne State University, the first lady had a chance encounter with a medical student who was living out of her car. It was then that she decided something had to be done. Mrs. Wilson founded the Helping Individuals Go Higher (HIGH) Program to combat homelessness among Wayne State University students. “Students shouldn’t feel trapped into making a choice of survival or success,” she said. “The HIGH Program was established to provide resources that assist students facing challenges as they pursue their education.” Today, the HIGH Program provides resources like housing support, transportation, child care assistance, textbooks and school supplies, which help students stay on track to graduate. The HIGH Program’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed. It was just recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for its efforts. Thanks to this program, earning a degree is within any student’s grasp. Sometimes, all we need is a little help. To learn more about the HIGH Program and to make a contribution — of any size — visit highprogram.wayne.edu.