Coffee House Featuring Andrew Lapin

  • 📅Monday, October 12, 2026
  • 🕐10:45 am – 1:00 pm
  • 📍Orley Hall

Andrew Lapin, a Metro Detroit native and senior reporter at the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, has researched and reported on antisemitism for years, including in his 2021 podcast "Radioactive: The Father Coughlin Story." In this talk, Lapin will discuss Coughlin's life as a leading national promoter of fascist and antisemitic propaganda in Detroit in the 1930s. Lapin will also draw on his JTA reporting to discuss discuss the long tail of Coughlin's influence within the spike in modern-day antisemitism.

Featuring:

Andrew Lapin

Andrew Lapin
Speaker
Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Andrew Lapin is a Metro Detroit native and a senior reporter for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, where he covers antisemitism, campus issues and other Jewish topics. He is the creator and host of the 2021 podcast "Radioactive: The Father Coughlin Story," exploring the life and influence of Royal Oak's fascist and antisemitic "radio priest," produced with Tablet Studios and The WNET Group's Exploring Hate initiative. He also produced the episode "Ambassador Bridge" for the popular podcast "99% Invisible." Andrew is the recipient of multiple Rockower Awards from the American Jewish Press Association, the RIAS/Berlin Journalism Fellowship, and other honors. Formerly Andrew was the editor of the Detroit Jewish News.

Registration & Pricing:

$10.00

Link in Bio

Curriculum

Our curriculum is written for our school by our Rabbis and Director of Youth and Family Learning. Each grade level has specific goals and learning targets that encompass the following areas:  

Learning and practicing Jewish rituals, holidays, and ethical actions, emphasizing how these observances connect individuals to Jewish tradition and community. 

Fostering a connection to Israel by exploring its geography, history, and significance as the Jewish homeland. 

Centering on learning and understanding Torah stories, characters, and teachings, and applying their lessons to daily life. 

Emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim), and fulfilling obligations like Tzedakah (charity). 

Exploring the meaning and practice of prayer, teaching students how to communicate with God and understand the significance of different prayers. 

Focusing on learning the Hebrew alphabet, vocabulary, and basic reading skills to engage with Jewish texts and prayers. 

Each grade level explores these themes through engaging and age-appropriate lessons. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including the Chai Curriculum. 

Staff

We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professional Jewish educators. Our teachers receive weekly planning time, during which they use our curriculum and learning goals to craft engaging lesson plans. They benefit from regular coaching and feedback from our Director of Youth and Family Learning and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Our educators are passionate about their students and committed to their growth and success.

Family Programs

Throughout the year, we invite families to celebrate with us! Parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome to join us for special Religious School mornings filled with music, food, and community celebration as we observe holidays such as Sukkot, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover as a school community. Families and students are also encouraged to attend our weekly Shabbat services, where we offer youth activities for children of all ages. Participating in Shabbat helps our students connect their learning and apply it in a congregational setting, fostering a deeper connection to our synagogue community.