ISAAC AGREE DOWNTOWN SYNAGOGUE

September 2017 / Elul 5777-Tishrei 5778

September Events at the Downtown Synagogue
   
   
 
   
Motown Lip Sync
Saturday, September 9 8:30 to 10:00 pm
Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson... Do you think you have what it takes? See below for full details. 
High Holidays
Beginning Sept. 20  
See below for a range of programs, including High Holiday services, with our community partners at the Bethel Community Transformation Center.
Om Kippur
Wednesday, September 27, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Join instructor Emilie Kahn for a High Holiday-themed yoga class for all levels at the synagogue after work.
The Days of Awe are a time to reflect and return to the values that define us. To affirm our commitment to Detroit, to partnering with our neighbors, and to significant spaces in the life of our Jewish community, we are proud and excited that our services for the Days of Awe will be returning to the City of Detroit. They will be held at the former home of Temple Beth El (8801 Woodward), deepening our partnership with the community of the Bethel Community Transformation Center (BCTC). Click here for our schedule of services and FAQ.

 
  
Rabbi's Message        

Many of you have shared your enthusiasm and excitement about the Synagogue's plans for the Days of Awe and I want to echo that excitement. Our services and programs throughout the High Holidays will be inspiring and meaningful as we examine who we wish to be, both individually and collectively, in the new year. I hope you will be an active part of our worship and our conversations. Our community is  strengthened by the presence and the voice of each and every one of us.
 
The new year is a time to reflect on the past year and commit to an even better future. For some, 5777 has included heartbreaking loss, disappointment, and pain. May 5778 be a year of increased strength, health, and hope, personally and communally. For some, 5777 included wonderful simchas, accomplishments, and joys. May 5778 be a year of continued wholeness, and be filled with opportunities to share that wholeness with those who feel broken. And may we all recognize our interconnectedness, and be there for one another in times of joy, in times of sadness, and when faced with injustice. 

I look forward to seeing you, and to having the opportunity to personally wish you and your loved ones a very happy, healthy, and sweet new year.

Rabbi Ariana Silverman
A Note From the President of the Board  

We enter this New Year a new synagogue, though deeply rooted in tradition. What's new? We now have an exceptional full-time Rabbi, an ever growing calendar of activities, and a freshly cleaned and painted building façade­ (with a new roof and fire escape coming this fall and a colorful mural in spring). But as we all know, a truly strong future requires that we honor the past. We are recommitting to our nearly 100 year tradition of free services, programs and events by making dues voluntary, and are returning our High Holiday services to the city. Finally, blending the old and new, the services will again feature Robert Orenstein and strong lay participation, while portions will also include Congregation T'chiyah and the Reconstructionist Congregation of Detroit and a 30 minute family service. We also have a series of fun and meaningful programs surrounding the holidays to strengthen relationships with the Bethel Community Transformation Center (BCTC) that now owns the old Temple Beth El building: a lip sync competition, a Torah procession, and a Detroit 2067 discussion for starters, with more to come. I hope that you will join us for these Days of Awe and continue with us throughout the year. Come share in the excitement and richness of Jewish life in Detroit. Wishing you a sweet and healthy New Year. Shana Tova.

Jodee Fishman Raines  
New Year Wishes from the Executive Director  

Chaverim,
The Jewish New Year offers us the opportunity to reflect upon our lives and our values, assess our actions and relationships, and strive to do better in the coming year. There is much work to do to create that more equitable, kind, and just world that we know is possible and must come to fruition. I wish you strength, courage, and wisdom to create for yourself a year of honest assessment, deep reflection, and the conviction to work toward positive change.
 
Thank you to all our members, supporters, volunteers, and participants for your donations, your gifts of time and talent, and your ongoing commitment to our synagogue - the hub of Jewish life in the heart of Detroit. We appreciate and value your connection and engagement with us and, as always, invite you to become an integral part of our resurgence and revitalization as we enhance and improve our programming, services, and our physical building.
 
Along with the staff of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, I wish you a sweet new year. May 5778 be a year of peace and justice for Detroit, for our nation, and for the world.

Arlene Frank 
Upcoming Events
All events are at IADS unless otherwise noted. For more information on some of the events below, click here

JTot Detroit Pool Party, Potluck, and Havdallah     
Saturday, September 9, 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Join your fellow Detroiters and their families for an end of the summer pool party, potluck, and Havdallah at a private residence. We will provide kosher meat and veggies for the BBQ, but please bring a dairy-free side to share. We're looking forward to seeing you! We kindly request an RSVP. 

Motown Lip Sync Battle 
Saturday, September 9, 8:30 to 10:00 pm
Breakers Covenant Church International, 8801 Woodward Ave, Detroit 
Get Ready 'cause here we come! The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue and Breakers Covenant Church International are entering into a partnership to learn from each other as we bring our two communities closer together. In addition to our deep-dive conversations, studying, and joint service project, we wanted to do something fun! The brainchild of Rabbi Ariana Silverman and Pastor Aramis Hinds was born: the Motown Lip Sync Battle. We are going to celebrate our shared love of Motown music in the city that started it all! Our communities will form collaborative teams and we expect the competition to be fierce in our quest to honor diversity and the beauty of the city of Detroit and its music. We hope that you'll join us in this innovative endeavor and heartfelt journey. We will perform 4-5 songs/team. Guest judge and prizes generously provided by the Motown Museum. All are welcome. If you're interested in participating on stage, please contact Rabbi Silverman
 
Detroit 67: Perspectives Curated Tour - SOLD OUT!      
Sunday, September 10, 1:00 to 2:30 pm
Detroit Historical Museum

Detroit 67: Perspectives begins by looking at the complex, compounding factors that took place across metropolitan Detroit during the 50 years prior to 1967, followed by a review of the unrest that occurred between July 23 and August 1, 1967. Next, the exhibition explores the past 50 years up to the present day, detailing the progress we have made as well the setbacks we have encountered. The exhibition narrative concludes by offering a perspective on what lies ahead and will challenge the community to use what we have learned in the past 100+ years to help create a future for Detroit filled with unparalleled promise and opportunity.
Detroit 67: Perspectives has been developed in close collaboration with numerous scholars and subject matter experts. In addition to core cultural and non-profit partners like the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, New Detroit, and the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, we have enlisted noted academicians, authors, and community leaders to help guide our effort.
We had a limited amount of tickets available and are currently sold out. To join the wait list, please email Vicki
 

What a Long, Sacred Trip It Will Be: Torah Procession from IADS to BCTC 
Tuesday, September 19, 6:00 to 7:30 pm 
Beginning at the Downtown Synagogue, proceeding up Woodward, concluding at BCTC (8801 Woodward). Join us as we joyfully move the IADS Torah scrolls up Woodward Avenue to their home for the Days of Awe in the former home of Temple Beth El. Celebrate with us as a Torah scroll enters the building for the first time in over 40 years. After the BCTC community welcomes us to their building with song, Pastor Aramis Hinds and Rabbi Ariana Silverman will lead a brief study session based on our joint textual tradition.   
 
High Holiday Services  
Wednesday, September 20 to Saturday, September 30
Breakers Covenant Church International, 8801 Woodward Ave, Detroit  
The Days of Awe are a time to reflect and return to the values that define us. To affirm our commitment to Detroit, to partnering with our neighbors, and to significant spaces in the life of our Jewish community, we are proud and excited that our services for the Days of Awe will be returning to the City of Detroit. They will be held at the former home of Temple Beth El (8801 Woodward), deepening our partnership with the community of the Bethel Community Transformation Center (BCTC). RSVP is requested. Download the schedule of services.

Detroit 2067: Advancing Our Future Together
Sunday, September 24, 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Breakers Covenant Church International, 8801 Woodward Ave, Detroit   
Beginning with an facilitated conversation between Rabbi Silverman and Pastor Aramis Hinds, this is an opportunity to have 
intimate and large conversations with one another. Rabbi Silverman and Pastor Hinds will speak with complete honesty and openness, exploring how race, class, and faith play out in their relationship with one another and with Detroit. These clergy speak to one another with frankness and transparency, and are open to any question that may arise. As they consider our present in Metro Detroit, they will also explore where we want to go, and how to get there.
 
Om Kippur Yoga 
Wednesday, September 27, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Reclaiming Your Mind - Yoga Restoration for the High Holidays. During the High Holidays, we are called to our community, to reflection, and to immerse ourselves in renewal and forgiveness. How can our breath cut through the noise and enable us to really listen to our aspirations? How do the ways we move our body allow us to access the yearning in our hearts? As we immerse ourselves in our tikkun atzmi (self repair) of the holiday, this class will offer an opportunity to stretch and breathe - finding resources within our bodies for our return and recommitment to our spirit.. This class is suitable for all levels and is taught by yoga teacher Em ilie Kahn. Beginners and advanced practitioners are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring any accessories (pillows, blankets, etc.) that enable you to feel relaxed and content. At IADS.
New Ways to Get to the Downtown Synagogue! 

Now that the QLine is up and running (all rides are free until Labor Day), park along the route, hop on the train, and join us for Shabbat services and programs. We are only two blocks from the Grand Circus station! For more information about pricing, routes, and stations, visit their website. We are also located one block from the nearest MoGo station!  


Eden Gardens is Back in FULL SWING! 

Eden Gardens work days are Thursday and Sunday 6:00 - 8:00 pm during the summer and they would like for you to help volunteer!  

IADS Volunteer Shout Out 
In recognition of all of our August volunteers:

Ruby Robinson, Eric Hansen, and Marty Herman for helping to lead services this month; Susan Dines, PeerCorps Detroit, Emily Levine, and Yifat Clein for cooking for Shabbat; and Rena Friedberg for volunteering with the staff at the Michigan Jewish Food Festival; Thank you to everyone else who volunteers their time and energy to IADS. A lay led congregation is is only as strong its volunteers.

If you're interested in volunteering, please contact Vicki Sitron at 313-962-4047 or vsitron@downtownsynagogue.org.

We apologize for any names left off the list. Please let us know and we will recognize you next month. 
Mazel Tov! 

Mazel tov to Board Member Amit Weitzer and Evan Major on their August wedding. We wish you much love and happiness! 
Hazon Seal of Sustainability  

We are excited to be participating in Hazon's Seal of Sustainability program here with a commitment to greening the Downtown Synagogue and lessening our impact on our environment. Our three focus areas are:

1) Start a recycling program
2) Transition to more sustainable plates/cups/utensils for our meals
3) Plan a launch/kick-off/educational event or publicity event surrounding our deepened commitment to sustainability

For more information on how to participate, please contact the Rabbi
Get Involved!
 
Green the Synagogue!
If you are interested in being part of an effort to make our synagogue more environmentally sustainable, please contact Rabbi Silverman.

Help Us Cook!
We're always seeking volunteers to help us in the kitchen! We pride ourselves on our delicious home cooked Shabbat and Lunch and Learn meals. If you want to contribute to the synagogue by cooking, please contact our Kitchen Coodinator to get on the schedule.

Clean House!
As we work to clean up and clear out in our Synagogue, we ask your cooperation. If you notice a spill, please wipe it up. If you drop crumbs, please clean them up. If you use the kitchen, please clean up. If you have extra papers or handouts, please take them home to recycle them, or, if needed, leave them in the designated box in the library for ritual burial. Just a reminder: please no food or drinks (other than water) are allowed on the 2nd floor. As we continue to create our welcoming communal home, please help us to keep it inviting. As the saying goes, "it takes a village." 
 
Gemilut Chasadim - Our Caring Community 
As life presents challenges, surprises, and celebrations, please let the Downtown Synagogue community know, so we can acknowledge your experiences. Please share your information with us here.

Amazon Smile
The Downtown Synagogue is now on Amazon Smile! If you use Amazon.com to buy useful and useless things, a percentage of eligible purchases gets donated back to us. Please bookmark this link and don't forget to use Amazon Smile when you shop Amazon. Thanks for your support!

Shop at Kroger
Make sure to register your Plus Card and designate IADS as your Kroger Community Rewards Program, if you haven't already done so. When you shop at Kroger, swipe your Plus Card each time you shop and the synagogue benefits. It's that easy! From November to January, you earned $51.31 for IADS. For more information, or to sign up, click here.
Don't Forget!
  
We hold regular Shabbat services! 

Shabbat services every Friday night at 7:00 pm
Rabbi Silverman leads services the first and second Fridays of every month
Liven up your weekly routine by joining us to welcome Shabbat. In the midst of busy schedules and tantalizing local events, Friday nights at IADS remain a signature weekly rhythm. Whether you have joy you wish to share in song or you are feeling in the mood to just be quietly present, we have a place reserved just for you. Services at 7:00 pm followed by a deliciously prepared Kosher vegetarian dinner. End your hectic work week with ruach and community.

Torah study (before Saturday services) at 9:00 am
torah-reading.jpg
Shabbat services every Saturday morning at 10:00 am
Rabbi Silverman leads services the first and second Saturdays of every month
Where would Jews be without the Torah? Torah is the center of our Saturday Shabbat service. It is a mitzvah to make a minyan so we can read the Torah and people can say kaddish. Please come to the Saturday morning Shabbat service at 10:00. We want to pass the Torah l'dor vador.

Contact us if you have questions or requests pertaining to our service schedule.
  
Purchase Your IADS T-Shirts Today!
Our incredibly soft tees have been seen all over the city. Grab yours today before they run out! T-shirts are $18. See more photos and get purchasing inf here.
CHECK OUT MORE IADS NEWS AND EVENTS HERE!

 

 

Stay Connected
The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue
1457 Griswold - Detroit, MI - 48226 - (313) 962-4047