ISAAC AGREE DOWNTOWN SYNAGOGUE

May 1-7, 2020 / Iyar 7-13, 5780  
Visit our website
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue
A Message from Rabbi Silverman

Rabbi Elka Abrahamson, who is President of the Wexner Foundation and one of my beloved teachers, recently concluded a group email with the words "Be healthy. Be safe. Be kind." I pray that each of you is remaining healthy and safe. I also appreciate Rabbi Abrahamson's reminder that during these challenging times, kindness is just as important, and perhaps requires just as much energy, as health and safety.

It is also a central message of the parshiot this Shabbat. In Acharei Mot and K'doshim we find much of the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26), with its repeated theme, "You shall be holy, for I, your Eternal God, am holy." These chapters contain some well known commands, such as to leave the corners of your field for the poor and the stranger, to not insult the deaf, or place a stumbling block before the blind, to respect those who are aged, and to love the stranger. We are frequently reminded to be holy, and that part of holiness is to be kind to one another, even when, or especially when, it is difficult. 

The Torah teaches that kindness can take many forms. And that we should also be kind to ourselves. As we conclude another week, and begin another month, I pray that we have the strength to be kind.  

Be healthy. Be safe. Be kind.
Update on Downtown Synagogue Zoom usage 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 - *Updated Schedules* 
Friday nights
On Friday nights, we will begin at 5:30 p.m. with some check-in time, and then around 6:00 p.m., we will begin Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv. 
Rabbi Nate DeGroot, Associate Director of Hazon, will be giving the d'var Torah tonight, May 1st.
 
Tonight, and all first Friday nights of each month, we will hold a Tot Shabbat service led by Rabbi Silverman and Gavri Yares from 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. We invite you and your young children to join us in song!  
 
Saturday mornings
Tomorrow, and all  first and second Saturday mornings of the month, we will have Torah Study at 9:00 a.m., followed by a worship service at 10:00 a.m.

On the  third and fourth Saturday mornings of the month, we will have our Sleep-In Shabbats starting at 10:30 a.m. with Schmooze time, 11:00 a.m. Torah Study, and 12:00 p.m. Mincha service.

On the third Saturday morning of the month, we will hold a Tot Shabbat service  led by Rabbi Silverman and Gavri Yares from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. We invite you and your young children to join us in song!

Please find the link to this weekend's Shabbat services on our website.

Torah Reading for May 1st- May 2nd: Leviticus 19:15-20:27 

Tot Shabbat - Evening Service 
Friday, May 1st, 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 
Zoom (see below for details)
Join us for our monthly Friday evening Tot Shabbat service! Friday night Tot Shabbats will be held on the first Friday of each month. Families and children are welcome to join in for community, prayer, and song led by Gavri Yares.
 
Please find the link to this weekend's Tot Shabbat service on our website. 
 
Community Coffee & Check-in with Rabbi Silverman
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Zoom (see below for details)
Rabbi Silverman will be holding open hours to connect, catch-up, and drink some  homemade coffee on  Tuesdays & Thursdays from 11:00 a.m-12:00 p.m.

Link for all Coffee & Chat hours:
Or call 646.876.9923, Meeting ID 594 469 508

Eating During A Pandemic: An Interactive Discussion
Thursday, May 7th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Zoom (see below for details)
According to Feeding America, 1 in 7 Michiganders are struggling with hunger. This number has exponentially increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. Join Repair The World Detroit Fellows Shira and Margaret, in partnership with Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, to learn about the intersection of food justice and Judaism as well as how you can support local organizations right now!

__________________________________________________________
 
If you need help setting up Zoom technology, please email us and we will walk you through it. 
 
Tikkun Leil Shavuot 2020- Virtual Edition
 
We invite you to join us for our 7th Annual Tikkun Leil Shavuot on Thursday, May 28th! You and yours are welcome to take part in a night of study, developing new skills, and being together in community- virtually! We will be holding our Tikkun Leil on Zoom this year.

Classes in past years have included Latin Dancing, Yiddish Poetry, White Supremacy in America, Knitting & Crafting, Judaism & Anarchism, Israeli Immigration Law, and so much more!  If you are interested in leading a session on a skill or topic that you're particularly passionate about, reach out to Nicole

What: 7th Annual Tikkun Leil Shavuot- Virtual Edition
When: Thursday, May 28th, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
What to expect: A night full of learning and community- feel free to make your own snacks and drinks, all in the comfort of your home!

If you or someone you know wants to sign up to lead a session, or needs more information, please email Nicole.
 
Tributes
 
In memory of Dr. Jeffrey Forman by Arlene Frank and the IADS Board and Staff
In memory of Chickie Dwoskin by Beth and Steven Margolin, Arlen Frank and the IADS Board and Staff
In memory of Jackie Unatin by Arlene and Richard Agree
In memory of Shelli Robiner-Ardizzone by Joan Smith
 
Technology Buddy 101 
 
In this age of social distancing, isolation is a critical concern for folks living alone, especially seniors in the community without a working knowledge of the technology we use to stay connected. The Detroit Jewish Coalition, a coalition of Jewish organizations within Detroit City Limits, is looking to offer Technology Buddy 101 support for seniors. We are in need of tech buddies to help coach, mentor, and support.  
 
Interested in coaching and mentoring? Sign up here.
 
Lastly, if you or someone you know is technologically-challenged, be on the lookout for a separate sign-up.

Questions? Email Becca Steinman-Degroot.
Community Resources for COVID-19  
 
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:
 
Unemployment Insurance Agency: Please visit the UIA website to learn about how to file for unemployment.   
 
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. 
 
Jewish Family Service: Please view this PDF to learn about all local resources, compiled by JFS. Resources include financial assistance, employment services, housing, food assistance, transportation, and much more.  
 
Yad Ezra: Please visit Yad Ezra's website to learn more about their current food distribution services.  
 
Pantry Net: Please visit Pantry Net's website to view a local listing of pantries throughout Michigan.   
 
JHelp: Please visit JHelp's website 
to view resources that may support the local Jewish community.
 
JHelp Food Delivery Program: JHELP/Kosher Meals on Wheels program is for people over 60 years of age and those with disabilities in the tri-county area who need Kosher food and do not have other options for receiving support with their food needs. The food delivery service is free.

For those who do not qualify for government funding and may be unable to pay the full cost of the meal, costs will be subsidized by the Jewish Federation and our generous donors. Please call 1-833-445-4357 to register for this program. 
 
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. 
 
CDC: Please visit the Center for Disease Control & Prevention's website to stay up to date on the COVID-19 pandemic.  
 
2-1-1 United Way: Please visit United Way's website to learn about local support resources being provided to community members.   

Umbrella: Umbrella is coordinating free grocery delivery and medication pick up for Detroit seniors. People 60 and over can either fill out the form here or call them at 844-402-2480 (M-F 9am-6pm) to place an order.

As demand for deliveries increases, they are also seeking volunteers to do the shopping. Volunteers can sign up here. There is no minimum commitment to volunteer - even doing one grocery shop makes a big difference. All deliveries are contactless and hyperlocal.
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.
CHECK OUT MORE IADS NEWS AND EVENTS HERE!

 

 

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