December 3 - 9, 2021 | Kislev 29 - Tevet 5, 5782
Rabbi Silverman's Message

Each year, Hanukkah brings light into our homes and light and leadership into our synagogue. At our annual meeting we have the opportunity to express our gratitude to our outgoing board members and elect new ones. 

This year, Jodee Fishman Raines and Chava Knox completed their time on the board. They both have devoted tremendous time, energy, and creativity to our community. One of the many highlights of Jodee’s time as President of IADS was our Sukkah x Detroit design competition. As part of Detroit Month of Design, during Sukkot 5779, five sukkahs, selected through Detroit’s largest international design competition in recent history (78 applications from 14 countries), were displayed in Detroit's historic Capitol Park, accompanied by complementary programs and events. 

Among Chava’s many contributions to the board was her starting and cultivating the partnership between IADS and the Eden Gardens Block Club, including the community garden that has grown thousands of pounds of fresh produce. Many people have, and will continue to, work side by side in the garden, and Chava has grown the Eden Gardens Community Association programs to include a playground and literacy program. Chava’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren continue to be a part of our synagogue and we look forward to many simchas to come.

One of the people who cooked delicious Shabbat meals at IADS using Eden Garden’s produce was Jacinta Chevon, and Jacinta was just elected as a new board member. Jacinta nourished our community in many ways for several years, and then spent time teaching in South Korea and working with the Jewish community there. We are thrilled to have her back in Detroit and helping to build the future of the synagogue. 

Sarah Allyn was our partner when she served as the Executive Director of Repair the World and we are delighted that as she transitions to her new role at the JCC, she is also helping to lead the synagogue as a new board member. She and Jacinta are raising their children in Detroit and will help us to ensure the synagogue meets the needs of our next generation.

And, of course, this year Vadim Avshalumov finishes his three years as President of IADS and becomes our Immediate Past President. Vadim’s contributions as President were incredible, including his stewardship of our capital campaign, upcoming renovation, and reimagining a vision for years to come. We are blessed to have Sam Woll as our incoming President and know that she will take us to new heights.

This Hanukkah, as we light our flame-throwing IADS hanukkiah, we honor miracles and leaders of the past, and celebrate that the future of our synagogue is bright.
Fall 2021 Shabbat Schedule

We are pleased to share with you our Fall 2021 Shabbat Schedule. Please keep in mind that masks are required during indoor services held at Christ Church (960 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48207 - Park in the lot on the south side of Woodbridge, the street behind the church. For Tot Shabbat and indoor services, enter through the glass doors across from the parking lot).

We look forward to sharing in community and worship with you. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.
Shabbat Services & Event Schedule
 
Friday, December 3rd (Virtual)
6:00 p.m. - Shabbat Schmooze & Kabbalat Shabbat
 
Saturday, December 4th Centennial Shabbat (In-Person)
Join us as we celebrate our Centennial year with a special Shabbat!
9:30 a.m. - Torah Study
10:00 a.m. - Tot Shabbat
10:30 a.m. - Shacharit

All in-person services will be live-streamed for convenience. Please find the link to join or live-stream this weekend's services at 4:30 p.m. on Fridays on our website.

Torah Portion- December 3rd & December 4th: Genesis 41:1−44:17

#EngageForEight: Downtown Synagogue's Hanukkah Celebrations
Sunday, November 28th - Sunday, December 5th (Evenings)
Join us in celebrating our centennial year and with an 8-night long Hanukkah party! We invite you to join us on Zoom or at one of our roving locations around Detroit every night of Hanukkah as we share the fire of our future. We’ll light our flame thrower menorah, sing songs, and engage in general merriment. Locations will include the original site of the Downtown Synagogue, Bethel Community Transformation Center, Eden Gardens, The Schvitz and more!


8th Crazy Night - Community Chanukah Celebration
Sunday, December 5th, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Adat Shalom Synagogue, 29901 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills, MI
On the last night of Chanukah, join the conservative congregations for the celebration of the year! In Adat Shalom's parking lot you will find a performance by Detroit Circus, entertainment by DJ Phreddy, fire pits, hot chocolate, photo booth, fantastic activity stations brought to us by our community co-sponsors, and SO much more. If inclement weather, this event will be indoors.

Make sure to have your cameras ready as you'll want to capture every moment of this festive holiday event. Fun begins at 4:30 p.m., menorah lighting at 5:30 p.m., and at 6 p.m. join B'nai Moshe for a drive to Jewish Senior Life where we will light the menorah.

Registration is required - click here to register today!

Bystander Intervention Training for Public Spaces
Sunday, December 12th, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join us for this virtual, community-based training led by Hollaback!, a global, people-powered movement to end harassment in all its forms by transforming the culture that perpetuates hate and harassment This training will equip you with the right information on how to be an effective bystander in the midst of public space harassment using their five strategies and methodologies for intervention. Through the learning and practice during this training, you will leave feeling more prepared to successfully and safely intervene.


Pies With Purpose with Laura Gottlieb
Wednesday, December 15th, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join Repair the World Detroit in partnership with Yad Ezra, Dor Hadash, and Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue for this virtual fun filled family program to bake a Pie for a Purpose and to support Yad Ezra! We will be joined by Metro-Detroit's very own Vegan Jewish Baker, Laura Gottlieb! She will lead us through the steps of making a delicious filling for apple hand pies during this holiday season. We are also asking participants to make a sliding scale donation to Yad Ezra if they are able (we recommend chai, $18). This way, you can make a pie while also helping to support food donations to families in need. This program is perfect for families with children of all ages. Because this activity involves cooking, adult supervision is required.


Information for all Downtown Synagogue services and events can be found on our Facebook!
8 Nights of Hanukkah with the
Downtown Synagogue

The Centennial Committee invites you to #EngageforEight and be the miracle this Hanukkah.

On the third night of Hanukkah,1921, IADS was born. So, we’re beginning a year of celebrations of our first 100 years with an 8-night Hanukkah party. Join us on Zoom or at one of our roving locations around Detroit every night of Hanukkah as we share the fire of our future. We’ll light our flame thrower menorah, sing songs, and engage in general merriment. To learn more about each event, activities and locations, and to save the date, click here. Details for each night of the celebration can also be found on our Events Page.

Want to help make the event happen? We’ll need two volunteers each night to help film. Do us a mitzvah and email 100years@downtownsynagogue.org to volunteer.
Reimagining IADS

This upcoming December, the Downtown Synagogue will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Since the beginning, we have been rooted in the City of Detroit and focused on nurturing a welcoming and inclusive community. As we celebrate our 100th Anniversary, let us make sure that we meet the needs of Detroit’s Jewish community for the next 100 years.

The Downtown Synagogue board, staff, and lay leaders have spearheaded a $4.5 million capital campaign to make this vision a reality. Every dollar matters toward this effort. Join us and be a part of our exciting future with your financial commitment.
We invite you to share your excitement about this news with your family and friends. We also invite you to reach out about naming opportunities or any other questions by contacting Nicole Feinberg, Development & Program Manager.
Tributes

In Honor of the naming of Milo Kaplan-Vogt from Janice Gratch and Steven Wilensky

In memory of Pinhas Barak by Dr. Martin Herman, Barbara and Gerald Cook

In memory of Lisa Kokin by the Reznik Family

In memory of Jeanne Sopko by Arlene Frank, IADS Staff and Board
Welcome new members
to the Downtown Synagogue community!

Zara Teicher and Thomas Fogarty, Julie and Mark Teicher, and Sarah Allyn Mendenhall and Conor Mendenhall.
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.

  • City of Detroit COVID-19 Vaccine Information: Check your eligibility and schedule your covid-19 vaccine through this resource. Eligible groups will be added to this page as additional vaccine becomes available.

  • JHelp Detroit: Visit JHelp, Jewish Detroit’s resource for connecting you to the help you need. JHelp provides resources including Planning & Finances, Career Services, In-Home Support, Mental Health support, and more.
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.