NJP (Nice Jewish Person) Jordan Weiss
Each month, The Well highlights an amazing (and eligible!) individual.
This month, we have a conversation with NJP Jordan Weiss!
TW: How did you decide to make your adult life in Metro Detroit?
JW: Honestly, it was a decision I more or less fell into. I took the bar in Michigan (I'm indeed guilty - of being a lawyer!) and started to build my own practice here. My immediate family is still here too and this is home -- nowhere else really feels right!
TW: You spend your days lawyering -- can you handle the truth? What's your favorite lawyer book/movie?
JW: I have a bit of a tendency to avoid the legal movies, otherwise I just start screaming at the screen that things don’t really work like that. But I don’t think anyone from my generation can pass on My Cousin Vinny!
TW: Rumor has it you are an avid cycler -- how'd you get in to the sport? What's the best cycling event/race you've taken part in and why?
JW: In this case, the rumors are true! When I was little my dad would ride into Birmingham with me on the child’s seat on the bike. I’ve always had a bike, but decided it was time to get serious about it again a few years ago so I could join my uncle on his weekend rides in the summer. I’ve joined Team Alex to raise funds for Make A Wish, and this summer I will be completing my first WAM 300, a 3 day 300 mile ride starting up north, and ending at the Michigan International Speedway. This is definitely my greatest undertaking yet on my bike.
TW: Bowling? Tell us more! Do you roll on Shabbos?
JW: Never, Donny! I bowl in a B’nai Brith Men's League (which is a thing that still exists!). I have a great team, and it is a nice break from everything else to get out there for a few games every Tuesday night. There are some great people in the league, and it is a lot more diverse in age than you might expect.
TW: How do you like to give back to the community / others?
JW: Being part of the Jewish community is really important to me. I’m active with a number of other organizations, and my synagogue, and I try and use my free time to work with others, to grow the community, and to grow interfaith relations within Detroit. I’m always really interested in hearing what other people are looking for, so if someone feels they can’t find a place, they should tell me about it, I’d like to help!
TW: You've been a leader with NEXTGen for a number of years - how did you get involved there and what has been the most rewarding part of your efforts?
JW: I was told by a friend that he had a program for me to do. I had been home for a year or so, and hadn’t really found a place after being in East Lansing for seven years. Needless to say, that was the push I needed, and it’s really helped me find ways to be part of a community, and give back to the community. The most rewarding part of leading is showing people the parts of the community that are out there, and being able to show people from around the country, and world, that yes, Detroit still has this young, vibrant Jewish community, and it is a place worth being.
TW: Where would you most like to travel that you haven't visited?
JW: I’d really like to explore Europe. I was on a really amazing program in Berlin last year, but didn’t have the opportunity to spend time in any other cities. I’d like to get back, maybe take an opportunity cycle through some of the amazing areas in the Netherlands or France.
TW: What's your favorite Jewish holiday and why?
JW: I find a lot of opportunity in Yom Kippur. While most people don’t like it because of the fast, I really appreciate the opportunity to focus on nothing but truly forgiving others, repairing your mental state, and preparing for the year to come with a fresh slate.
TW: If you could add an 11th commandment what would it be?
JW: Think before you speak.
TW: Who is the coolest Jew?
JW: Mel Brooks - obviously.
TW: How about a fun fact?
JW: I love to read, almost exclusively fiction.
TW: Finish the sentence: When I go to The Well…
JW: I get to learn new things and meet new people!
