January 1 - January 7, 2021 | Tevet 17 - 23, 5781
Rabbi Silverman's Message
Happy Gregorian New Year Downtown Synagogue family! I’m very excited for all that 2021 may bring. I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe so we can enjoy this new year together.

The exciting changes in 2021 include new opportunities for virtual learning, worship, and coming together as a community. I recognize that our needs during this time of physical separation keep evolving. So will our offerings to make sure we can stay connected. 

Please see our learning and worship schedule for January and February here!

Please note that the current start times for Shabbat gatherings remain unchanged. Friday evenings in January and February will always begin with candle lighting at 5pm. Shabbat mornings (for grownups) will continue to begin at 9am for the first two Saturdays of the month and at 10:30 for the 3rd and 4th Saturdays. Tot Shabbat will continue to be at 10am on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays. We’re just enriching and adding to our offerings!
Downtown Synagogue Zoom policy for services/programs
For increased security, we will no longer be sharing Zoom links for services and programs in our newsletter. We will be using a different Zoom link each week, and that link will be used for all services/events happening that weekend (Friday night Shabbat, Saturday morning Shabbat, Tot Shabbat, Havdallah, etc.). The new Zoom link will be posted weekly on our website at 4:30 p.m. on Friday afternoons.

Additionally, if you are joining from a cell phone, please update your name so that we know to let you in.

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding. We look forward to maintaining our community connection in these challenging times.

Virtual Shabbat Services Schedule
 
Friday, January 1st
5:00 p.m. - Schmooze
5:30 p.m. - Kabbalat Shabbat
 
Saturday, January 2nd
9:00 a.m. - Torah Study
10:00 a.m. - Services
 
Please find the link to this week's services on our website.

Torah Portion- January 1st & January 2nd: Genesis 47:28–50:26

Community Check-ins with Rabbi Silverman
By Appointment Via Email
Moving forward, we ask that those interested in having a personal check-in with Rabbi Silverman email her directly to schedule one.
If you need help setting up Zoom technology, please email us and we will walk you through it.
Jewish Family Service is pleased to present psychiatrist Dr. Jeffrey London as he provides an introduction to anxiety disorders and how to cope during this difficult time.
 
You’ll learn:
  • How to prepare emotionally for the winter months
  • What anxiety looks like in children and adults
  • Different types of anxiety disorders
  • Tips for getting through a crisis
 
When: Wednesday, January 6, 2021 from 3:30-4:30pm
Where: Via Zoom
The staff and board of the Downtown Synagogue is thinking of ways to support our community's needs right now. If you or a loved one needs help, please let us know- we will endeavor to connect you to services or help you directly. Please reach out to Rabbi Silverman with resource inquiries.
In addition, we are aware of the following community resources:
 
  • Jewish Federation: Please visit the Jewish Federation Coronavirus community resource page which includes support for meal delivery, emergency loans for small businesses, and mental health support. 

  • City of Detroit: Please visit the City of Detroit's website to learn more about the free meal program/food resources, unemployment benefits, water restart plan, and what actions and precautions are currently being taken to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

Call for Mi Shebeirach
During our Shabbat morning worship, we read the names of people in our community who are in need of healing. As we invoke God's blessing, we also become more aware of the people who could use a little extra care. Please let us know if you would like us to read the name of a loved one.