About Us
Our Mission
To create and foster an accessible, inclusive, relationship-driven community for young adults and families with young children that uses Jewish wisdom and ritual to help community members flourish as human beings.
Our Vision
That people who encounter The Well will so love being part of Jewish community that they actively and wholeheartedly help cultivate community for and with others.
Core Principles
Relational: We cultivate supportive friendships that serve as the glue for community to form and evolve.
Opt-In: We meet our community where they are. They choose to engage when and how they desire.
Welcoming: We design entry points for those who have never connected Jewishly, re-entry points for those who have previously disengaged, and continued growth opportunities for those who have always connected.
Personalized Jewish Practice: We partner with our community members to co-create meaningful Jewish ritual, educational, and spiritual experiences.
Continuity and Evolution: We believe the continuation of the Jewish people is mission critical but we believe that Jewish practice and experience will and should change over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Well trying to accomplish?
We're here to introduce you to the five best friends you didn't know you didn't have but always wanted. We're here to help you find an awesome group to do Jewish things with. We're here to empower you to create meaningful Jewish experiences that speak to you and your peers. We’re here to be a bridge between unaffiliated and/or underserved young adults and the Jewish institutions in our communities, building relationships that allow young adults to discover the institutions and organizations they identify with for their next life stages. Mostly, we're here to be your partners in building a Jewish community that is inclusive, inspiring, and relevant.
Why Call it The Well?
Our ancestors were a desert people and as such, their communal life centered around the community well. For them, the well was a meeting place, a business center, a singles’ bar, a lifeline, a coffee house, the office water cooler and a place to just plain hang out and schmooze. Sounds like a place worth visiting!
Is The Well a Synagogue?
Nope! There are lots of great synagogues in Metro Detroit and we partner with them regularly! We have a special relationship with Temple Israel, which provides us with in-kind support and fiscal agency, intentionally investing in "disruptive innovation" to the benefit of all in Metro Detroit's Jewish community!
What if I don't believe in God?
You're not alone (be sure to ask Rabbi Jeff about his thoughts on this!). Let's start with: "Do I want to do Jewish stuff with others?" If the answer is yes, you'll fit right in!
Are you LGBTQ friendly?
Without a doubt. Working towards a more inclusive community for LGBTQ+ Jews and their families is important to us. We’ve been grateful to participate in Keshet's Leadership Project for two years, working with their professional team to advance our LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts in the realms of organizational culture, policy, and programming.
The work of inclusion is always ongoing. If you have specific questions or want to discuss these efforts more in depth, reach out!
Are Jews of Color included at The Well?
Yes! Working towards an anti-racist Jewish community that is embracing of Jews of all backgrounds is essential. In 2021, The Well participated in Start Here, a Jewish anti-racism learning cohort facilitated by Dr. Andrea Jacobs of Rally Point for Collaborative Change. This program set an incredible foundation for our learning in this area.
This work of inclusion is also always ongoing and this is just the beginning of our efforts in this realm. If you have specific questions or want to discuss these efforts more in depth, reach out!
What if I / my significant other / my parent(s) am/is/are not Jewish?
We're not big on labels. All that matters to us is that you want to do Jewish! If you want to hang, study, connect spiritually and find meaningful ways to give back with us, we want to do the same with you!
Is The Well Located at a Particular Physical Address?
Nope! We pride ourselves on utilizing diverse third spaces. Know of an awesome location to host an event? Please share!
How Do I Get Involved?
Reach out to Rabbi Jeff for a coffee! Come to one of our events! Pitch a Jewish community-building, education and/or spirituality idea and let's make it happen together! Also, follow The Well on Facebook to see what we're up to!
