OUR VIBE
Who Is NEXTGen Detroit?
As the young adult division of the Jewish Federation, NEXTGen Detroit is on a mission to engage young Jewish adults (21 to 39) through diverse experiences, bold leadership and inspired giving.Whether you’re a recent grad, a parent, a CEO, single, married, here for good or just passing through, we have something for you in Jewish Detroit.
We’re all about making connections, building community, inspiring Jewish identity and being a part of a bright Jewish future here in Detroit.
So, let’s get to it, shall we?
Diverse Experiences
Around here it’s not just leadership, it’s bold leadership – the standout, spicy kind that makes a major difference. We believe that the future success of our community relies on the next generation stepping up to the plate and making their mark on Jewish Detroit.
Happy Hours &
Social Outings
Our social events are perfect for getting out and expanding your circle or trying something new with your crew. From our monthly happy hour series, L’Chaim Detroit, and dog park meet ups to cocktails and crafting workshops and trying out the latest recreational craze like axe throwing or knockerball — these events are just about having a good time. Come as you are — no agenda, no commitment, “super chill” as they say.
Young Family
Programs
We love putting on fun programs for the next NEXT generation of proud Jewish Detroiters (and their parents, of course)! Our family events are a great way to meet other young families in the community and have a great time with your little humans.
Israel Culture
& Education
We’re connecting with our brothers and sisters in Israel through partnerships, travel, learning opportunities and a variety of events and programs throughout the year.
Events Targeted for
Ages & Stages
NEXTGen Detroit’s definition of a young adult is someone between the ages of 21 and 39. That’s a huge span of time, and that those 18 years look different for everyone. So, while we love getting everyone together, sometimes it’s nice to focus on connecting with other Jewish Detroiters who are in our age and/or stage of life.
Volunteer & Social
Action Opportunities
Meet like-minded people who also love lending a hand at a variety of volunteer opportunities we organize throughout the year.
LGBTQIA +
Events
NEXTGen Detroit PRIDE is a welcoming gateway into the Jewish community for LGBTQIA+ young adults who are looking for connection and a supportive atmosphere to explore everything that Jewish Detroit has to offer.
Health &
Wellness Experiences
NEXTGen Detroit Balance is a series of programs and events focused on providing young Jewish Detroiters with access to conversations and experiences that promote mental, emotional and physical health and wellness.
New-to-Town
Experiences
Welcome to Detroit! Whether you're just passing through or looking to make the Motor City home, you picked a great place to hang your hat. Our new-to-town events are here to welcome you and connect you with other newish and Jewish young adults while we show off everything that the NEXTGen Detroit community has to offer.
Interfaith Couples
Events
NEXTGen Detroit’s Interfaith Couples group connects interfaith couples to one another and the greater Jewish community with a variety of events throughout the year. Some of these events get us talking about the challenges of navigating an interfaith relationship, and some are just an opportunity to have a good time. We’re not in the business of teaching how to “be Jewish” — but rather supporting and encouraging couples and families as they explore how to “do Jewish” together.
let’s go
NEXTGen Detroit
Events
Bold Leadership
Around here it’s not just leadership, it’s bold leadership – the standout, spicy kind that makes a major difference. We believe that the future success of our community relies on the next generation stepping up to the plate and making their mark on Jewish Detroit.
Hosting and
Chairing
Volunteer hosts and chairs work side-by-side with our staff to create meaningful and memorable events and experiences.
Professional
Development
Seasoned pro or just starting out? We’ve got career-building ops for everyone. Through our partnership with Gesher Human Services, we offer NEXTWork, a top-tier networking series, and we have an on-staff employment specialist ready to help you make your next big move.
Liaison
The Liaison program provides a structured pathway for aspiring leaders to engage in board service. Over the course of two years, participants not only serve on a Federation partner agency board, they also partake in leadership training sessions and various Federation activities. This comprehensive involvement is intended to lay a strong foundation for future board service and amplify a participant’s impact within the community.
Federation
Insider
Federation Insider is a three-part leadership development series that is offered once a year. The program serves as an introduction to NEXTGen Detroit, Federation, our network of partner agencies and the many flavors and facets of Jewish Detroit for those looking to learn more and get involved.
dream team
NEXTGen Detroit
Leadership
Andrew Luckoff
Andrew is born and raised in Detroit, and has been part of NEXTGen Detroit since 2014. He went to Michigan State, never left the region, and now is a Retail Real Estate Broker with Landmark. Andrew lives in Bloomfield Hills with his wife, Maddi, their new baby, Ross, and goldendoodle, Griffin.
Abigail Epstein
Abby is a lifelong Metro Detroit resident, now living in Bloomfield with her husband, Jonathan, their two kids, Penelope and Arthur, and dog, Kobe. Abby recently decided to pause her career to focus on being a full-time mom. Abby loves spending time with her family, reading with her book club, enjoying the outdoors, and getting creative with knitting, needlepoint, and her Cricut.
Spencer Lucker
Spencer grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and attended the University of Arkansas (Woo Pig Sooie!) for undergrad and the Clinton School of Public Service for his masters. He is passionate about his work in economic and community development and a proud Michigan transplant. Spencer loved swimming, biking around the city, and traveling across Michigan and the world exploring new places. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in Huntington Woods with their 4-year-old twins, Avi and Mila, and their neurotic but very handsome dog, Cosmo.
Inspired Giving
There’s no better way to give back than by sharing your time, talents and tzedakah with the Jewish Federation and NEXTGen Detroit. NEXTGen Detroiters raise about $1 million each year for Federation’s Annual Campaign, which supports 16 local and three international partner agencies.
Herzl
Society
The Herzl Society recognizes young philanthropists who generously support the community with a gift of $2,500 or more to the Jewish Federation of Detroit’s Annual Campaign.
EPIC
StepUp
The EPIC StepUp program is a pathway for welcoming and cultivating the next generation of Ben-Gurion Society (BGS) donors, designed for young adults who have a strong interest in becoming BGS-level donors but may not be ready to commit to the full BGS gift. EPIC StepUp invites participants to “step up” their giving over three years, with a clear and achievable plan: year one: a $500 gift, year two: a $750 gift and year three: a $1,000 BGS-level gift. From the moment they join, StepUp participants are recognized and celebrated as BGS donors, with access to all BGS benefits and community experiences.
Ben-Gurion
Society
The Ben-Gurion Society (BGS) locally and nationally recognizes young adults ages 21 to 39 who demonstrate community leadership and give a gift of $1,000 or more to their local Federation’s Annual Campaign. BGS was founded on the principles of David Ben-Gurion, the first prime minister of Israel, who urged young adults to channel their power, passion and resources to build a strong and responsible Jewish community.
Community
Fundraisers
Throughout the year, NEXTGen Detroit puts on several seasonal fundraisers that aren’t only amazing nights out, but they also make a huge impact on our community. We throw our young adult fundraisers at some of the coolest spots in Metro Detroit and pack them with entertainment, food, drinks and the opportunity to do good and party hard. We also make sure that the minimum donations to attend these fundraisers are set at a variety of price points so that all members of our young adult community can make a meaningful contribution to Federation’s Annual Campaign and give back while having a great time.
NEXTGen Detroit
Staff
Tomer Moked
Director
NEXTGen Detroit
Lindsey Schwartz
Associate Director
NEXTGen Detroit
Cameron Billes
Associate Director
NEXTGen Detroit
Ryan Otis
Associate
NEXTGen Detroit
Ben Cohon
NEXTGen Detroit Employment Specialist
Sierra Brocklehurst
NEXTGen Detroit Administrative Assistant
CONNECT
WITH US
248.234.1829 (and yes, we text!)
Stay in the loop with the latest NEXTGen Detroit events sent right to your inbox—and while you’re at it, schedule a call or coffee with us today!

