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Monday, May 12
 

1:00pm EDT

Arrival and Registration
Monday May 12, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Monday May 12, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Hotel Lobby Embassy Suites/Detroit-Troy/Auburn Hills

4:00pm EDT

Welcome & Opening Program
Monday May 12, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
PURE WRN: A Vision for the Future
  • Welcome & Remarks
  • Cantor Becky Mann Introduction
  • Drum Circle
Speakers
avatar for Lori Fithian

Lori Fithian

Percussionist, Drummunity
Lori Fithian has been facilitating drum circles and leading workshops for the last five years. She has played hand drums and studied many different drumming traditions since 1990. However, playing on tupperware bowls as a child seems to be the real beginning of her rhythmical career... Read More →
avatar for Cantor Becky Mann

Cantor Becky Mann

Cantor-in-Residence
A composer, guitarist, and cantor, Becky Mann has been called “one of the brightest voices of a new generation of Jewish songwriters carrying our tradition forward in new and exciting ways.” She is passionate about creating community through music and meaningful worship, and inspiring... Read More →
Monday May 12, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Royal Oak Room Embassy Suites/Detroit-Troy/Auburn Hills

5:15pm EDT

Kesher Groups #1
Monday May 12, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
Conversastions with Colleagues
Monday May 12, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
Various Locations

6:15pm EDT

Monday Night Dinner
Monday May 12, 2025 6:15pm - 8:00pm EDT
Cash Bar
Special Guests Welcome

Monday May 12, 2025 6:15pm - 8:00pm EDT
2nd Floor Terrace

8:00pm EDT

What's Jewish about Cheese?
Monday May 12, 2025 8:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
Tasting and Program with Mongers Provisions with introduction by Megan Brudney.

Cash Bar
Speakers
avatar for Zach Berg

Zach Berg

Co-Owner, Mongers' Provisions/the RIND
Zach began his food career at 13 working in kosher catering. He is a product of the Detroit Jewish Community. Zach is day school educated; his mother Elissa Berg was a prominent Jewish educator in the area. He and his business partner met at Tamarack Camps as little kids and now he... Read More →
Monday May 12, 2025 8:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
Royal Oak Room Embassy Suites/Detroit-Troy/Auburn Hills

9:45pm EDT

Minyan with Bedtime Blessings
Monday May 12, 2025 9:45pm - 10:00pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Cantor Becky Mann

Cantor Becky Mann

Cantor-in-Residence
A composer, guitarist, and cantor, Becky Mann has been called “one of the brightest voices of a new generation of Jewish songwriters carrying our tradition forward in new and exciting ways.” She is passionate about creating community through music and meaningful worship, and inspiring... Read More →
Monday May 12, 2025 9:45pm - 10:00pm EDT
Royal Oak Room Embassy Suites/Detroit-Troy/Auburn Hills

10:00pm EDT

Friends of Bill W.
Monday May 12, 2025 10:00pm - 10:30pm EDT
Group location and time will remain the same throughout the convention.
Monday May 12, 2025 10:00pm - 10:30pm EDT
Location TBA Embassy Suites/Detroit-Troy/Auburn Hills
 
Tuesday, May 13
 

7:00am EDT

Breakfast
Tuesday May 13, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am EDT
Tuesday May 13, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am EDT

8:30am EDT

Board Buses to Congregation Shir Tikvah
Tuesday May 13, 2025 8:30am - 8:45am EDT
Tuesday May 13, 2025 8:30am - 8:45am EDT
Hotel Lobby Embassy Suites/Detroit-Troy/Auburn Hills

9:00am EDT

Congregation Shir Tikvah Programs
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 1:30pm EDT
Tuesday Morning Program Schedule
  •  9:00 AM - 10:45 AM: T'filah with Azkarah
9:50 AM: Rabbi Judith Abrams z'l Memorial Lecture: Rabbi Dalia Marx, PhD

Rabbi Judith Abrams, PhD, Memorial Lecture Scholar is generously funded by the Abrams Family to celebrate women rabbis and scholars in the spirit of our beloved colleague Judith (Judy) Abrams z’l. This lecture series is inspired by the Talmud lecture Rabbi Abrams z'l delivered to the WRN community in 2013 in Memphis, the year before she died. We live her legacy by learning Jewish text from inspiring teachers in her memory.

Past Scholars:
Rabbi Dr. Kari Tuling, 2015, Denver, Co
Rabbi Amy Scheinerman, 2017, Baltimore, MD
Rabbi Dr. Dvora Weisberg, 2019, Scripps College, Claremont, CA
Rabbi Dr. Mira Wasserman, 2021, Virtual
Rabbi Dr. Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi, 2023, Wylie Center, Beverly, MA
 
  • 10:45 AM - Break
  • 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM: Kesher Groups II
  • 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM: WRN Working Lunch
Hamotzi
WRN Updates
Conversation with MARAM Colleagues moderated by Rabbi Mary Zamore.
 
  • 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Board buses for the Detroit Institue of Arts
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 1:30pm EDT
Various Locations

2:00pm EDT

Detroit Institute of Arts Tour
Tuesday May 13, 2025 2:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Detroit Institute of Arts Tour

  • 4:00 PM - 4:15 PM: Board buses to Downtown Synagogue.
Tuesday May 13, 2025 2:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Detroit Institut of Arts

4:30pm EDT

Interfaith Clergy Panel, Downtown Synagogue Tour
Tuesday May 13, 2025 4:30pm - 6:45pm EDT
Downtown Synagogue Program

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Tour & Interfaith Clergy Panel


Panel guests: Rabbi Ariana Silverman, The Reverend Emily Guffey and Bishop Dr. Corletta J. Vaughn.

6:00 PM - 6:45 PM: Board buses back to the Hotel
Speakers
avatar for The Reverend Emily W. Guffey

The Reverend Emily W. Guffey

Rector, Christ Church Detroit
The Rev. Emily Williams Guffey (she/her) joined Christ Church Detroit as its nineteenth rector in October 2018, the first woman to hold the position. She grew up in the area and is honored to serve in the city where her family has lived and worked for generations.  At one of the... Read More →
avatar for Bishop Dr. Corletta J. Vaughn

Bishop Dr. Corletta J. Vaughn

Senior Pastor, Holy Ghost Cathedral Church of Detriot
Bishop Dr. Corletta J. Vaughn is the Senior Pastor of the Holy Ghost Cathedral Church of Detroit, Michigan and Presiding Bishop of Go Tell It Evangelistic Ministry, Worldwide Network of Churches. She is a graduate of Detroit Public Schools, Wayne County Community College, William... Read More →
avatar for Rabbi Ariana Silverman

Rabbi Ariana Silverman

Rabbi, Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue
Ariana Silverman became the rabbi of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in 2016. A native of Chicago, she graduated from Harvard University, was ordained by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, is an alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship Program and is a Rabbinic... Read More →
Tuesday May 13, 2025 4:30pm - 6:45pm EDT

7:00pm EDT

Dinner
Tuesday May 13, 2025 7:00pm - 8:15pm EDT
Tuesday May 13, 2025 7:00pm - 8:15pm EDT
2nd Floor Terrace

8:30pm EDT

What's Jewish about Chocolate?
Tuesday May 13, 2025 8:30pm - 9:15pm EDT
Chocolate nurtured Sephardim and Ashkenazim through upheaval and catastrophe. Since the days of European contact with chocolate, Jews found opportunity, sustenance, and resilience in the New World product. Join us for stories and chocolate treats.

Dessert & Coffee

Cash Bar
Speakers
avatar for Rabbi Deborah Prinz

Rabbi Deborah Prinz

Author, On The Chocolate Trail
Rabbi Deborah Prinz authored the trail blazing book On the Chocolate Trail: A  Delicious Adventure Connecting Jews, Religions, History, Travel, Rituals and Recipes to the Magic of Cacao, now in its 2nd Edition. She was awarded a Starkoff Fellowship and a Director’s Fellowship from the American Jewish Archives as well as a Gilder Lehrman Fellowship from the Rockefeller Library to pursue the research for the chocolate book. It stirs age-old passions for chocolate... Read More →
Tuesday May 13, 2025 8:30pm - 9:15pm EDT
Royal Oak Room Embassy Suites/Detroit-Troy/Auburn Hills

9:15pm EDT

Fun and Games
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:15pm - 9:45pm EDT
Fun and Games
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:15pm - 9:45pm EDT
Royal Oak Room Embassy Suites/Detroit-Troy/Auburn Hills
 
Wednesday, May 14
 

7:00am EDT

Breakfast
Wednesday May 14, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am EDT
Wednesday May 14, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am EDT

8:30am EDT

Board Buses for "Day In the D" Electives Tracks
Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 8:45am EDT
9:00 AM - 1:45 PM: "Day in the D" Elective Tracks

Partipants were asked to register for a specific learning track prior to the start of the convention. Check your email for a confirmation message if you are unsure of which track you selected. The learning day includes lunch with your group.

Feet on the Street: A Guided Tour of Detroit
An unforgettable adventure through the heart of Detroit where we will explore the city by bus and on foot, diving into its powerful story of renewal and resilience. From the scenic Detroit Riverfront—once a stop on the Underground Railroad—to vibrant downtown streets and historic neighborhoods, every stop brings the city’s spirit to life. The highlight is an immersive tour of Eastern Market, featuring stunning murals, local art, and a delicious food tour doubling as lunch. Dress for the weather-and lots of walking!

Black-Jewish Relations
Detroit is a Black cultural gem in the U.S. with experience of both urban decay and revitalization. Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and meet with Black and Jewish religious leaders along with business leaders who have partnered to rebuild the city with racial equity as a guiding vision. Plan for lots of walking.

Immigration, Border and Refugee Issues
The impact of changing immigration and border policies, migration patterns, and shifting international relations impact the northern border as much as the southern one. This program includes a site visit and service project with Alternative for Girls, a shelter helping survivors of human trafficking. Participants will also receive a briefing to contextualize current events from Rabbi Sarah Bassin of HIAS and meet with local social service providers and refugees. Minimal walking.

1:45 PM - Buses return to the Hotel OR stay in Detroit*/additonal options downtown 
*(must make own plans to return to the hotel)
Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 8:45am EDT
Hotel Lobby Embassy Suites/Detroit-Troy/Auburn Hills

2:15pm EDT

Free Time
Wednesday May 14, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm EDT
Participants can choose between:
(A) Joining our MARAM colleagues to continue the conversation about Israel today, or 
(B) Enjoying free time in Detroit
Wednesday May 14, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Kesher Groups III
Wednesday May 14, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Conversastions with Colleagues
Wednesday May 14, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Various Locations

5:00pm EDT

Board Buses to Temple Israel
Wednesday May 14, 2025 5:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Wednesday May 14, 2025 5:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Hotel Lobby Embassy Suites/Detroit-Troy/Auburn Hills

6:00pm EDT

Temple Israel Program, Dinner, T'filah and Song
Wednesday May 14, 2025 6:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
Temple Israel Program

6:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Dinner & Program
Blessing After the Meal
7:45 PM: Break
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Minyan and Concert with Cantor Becky Mann

9:15 PM - 9:30 PM: Board buses back to the Hotel
Speakers
avatar for Cantor Becky Mann

Cantor Becky Mann

Cantor-in-Residence
A composer, guitarist, and cantor, Becky Mann has been called “one of the brightest voices of a new generation of Jewish songwriters carrying our tradition forward in new and exciting ways.” She is passionate about creating community through music and meaningful worship, and inspiring... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 6:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
Various Locations
 
Thursday, May 15
 

7:00am EDT

Breakfast
Thursday May 15, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am EDT
REMINDER: Room check out must be done by 11:00am. Volunteers are available to help. 
Thursday May 15, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am EDT

8:30am EDT

T'filah & WRN Board Blessing
Thursday May 15, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Torah Service
Board Blessing



REMINDER: Room check out must be done by 11:00am. Volunteers are available to help.
Thursday May 15, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Royal Oak Room Embassy Suites/Detroit-Troy/Auburn Hills

10:00am EDT

Kesher Groups IV
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Conversastions with Colleagues


REMINDER: Room check-out must be done by 11:00am. Volulnteers are available to help. 
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Various Locations

10:45am EDT

Closing Program
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
WRN: The Future is Now


REMINDER: Room check out must be done by 11:00am. Volunteers ar available to help.
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Royal Oak Room Embassy Suites/Detroit-Troy/Auburn Hills
 
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