February 4 - February 10, 2022 | Adar 3 - 9, 5782
A Message from IADS Executive Director,
Rachel Rudman

Dear friends, 

My first week as Executive Director has been exciting and informative – and the appropriate amount of overwhelming! – as I learn all about this wonderful organization and community. A huge thank you to Arlene Frank, the Board, and staff for their help bringing me up to speed. 

I’m committed to knowing the members of Downtown Synagogue on a personal level and I encourage you to reach out so we can grab a coffee and get to know one another. I’d love to hear about your interests and passions as well as learn about IADS through your eyes. You can reach me at execdirector@downtownsynagogue.org.

The Hebrew month of Adar has just begun, and the Talmud teaches, "When Adar enters, joy increases." I'm feeling joyful about our upcoming opportunities to be together in-person. I hope to see you at Torah Study, Tot Shabbat, and/or Shabbat services on February 12, and please mark your calendar for our Purim celebration on March 16 (details below). 

What an exciting time to be joining the team at Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue. Between celebrating 100 years of history and planning for our next 100 years with our ongoing fundraising and upcoming building renovation, I feel energized by the passion and optimism I hear from everyone I meet. Thank you for the warm welcome, and I look forward to being in community with you.

-Rachel Rudman, Executive Director
Winter 2022 Shabbat Schedule

We are pleased to share with you our Winter 2022 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).

As the COVID pandemic is ever-changing, we thank you for your patience as we may have to make short-term changes for Shabbat services. We continue to ask you to remain masked and socially distanced for all in-person events, and encourage you to be fully vaccinated and boosted.

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, February 4th (Virtual)
6:00 p.m. - Shabbat Schmooze & Kabbalat Shabbat
 
Saturday, February 5th (Virtual)
9:30 a.m. - Torah Study
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- February 4th & February 5th: Exodus 25:1−27:19

White Supremacy Culture, Racial Justice Education Series, Workshop #4
Thursday, February 24th, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue and Detroit Jews for Justice have partnered for a Racial Justice Education series! In this workshop, we'll ask ourselves, how does white supremacy manifest in our day-to-day actions and approaches to our work and community? After studying the landmark tenets of White Supremacy Culture together, each synagogue will break-off to think about applying this learning to their own communities.

Purim: The Whole Megillah!
Wednesday, March 16th, 7:00 p.m.
Christ Church, 960 E. Jefferson, Detroit MI
Join the Downtown Synagogue as we return to our annual community reading of the Megillah for the holiday of Purim to commemorate the defeat of Haman's (BOOOOO!) plot to get rid of the Jews, foiled by the heroic and dazzling Esther (YAAAAAY!).

We require all participants to remain properly masked at all times and to practice social distancing as best as possible. Come in costume and bring a box of kosher pasta to use as a grogger - all to be donated to Yad Ezra after Purim. Hamantashen and beverages will be provided.

Information for all Downtown Synagogue services and events can be found on our Facebook!
Tributes

In honor of Alan Havis by Florence Havis

In honor of the birth of our son, Gil Moshe Clein, and Rabbi Silverman's beautiful naming ceremony by Yifat Clein and Ruby Robinson

In honor of “Bagel’s" arrival, a welcome addition to the loving family of Yifat, Ruby and Yishai Robinson, by Dr. Martin Herman

In honor of Arlene Frank's leadership as Executive Director by Yifat Clein and Ruby Robinson

In honor and recognition of Arlene Frank’s outstanding contribution to IADS at the conclusion of her service as the Synagogue’s Executive Director by Dr. Martin Herman

In honor and recognition of Vadim Avshalumov’s outstanding contribution to IADS at the conclusion of his service as the Synagogue’s President by Dr. Martin Herman

In honor of Rachel Rudman, so proud of your accomplishments. Love and Mazel Tov by Kenneth Rudman

In memory of Nat Fishman by Barbara and Mitch Blum-Alexander

Marking the Yahrzeit of Sandy Sulkes by Gail Sulkes

Marking the Yahrzeit of Bertha M. Herman by Dr. Martin Herman

Marking the Yahrzeit of Victor Gertelman by Elliot Gertel
Mazel Tov to Ruby Robinson and Yifat Clein on the birth of their child Gil Moshe Clein!
100 Years at the Downtown Synagogue!

IADS is celebrating our first 100 Years! The Isaac Agree Memorial Society, which eventually became the synagogue, was founded during Chanukah in 1921. A socially conscious, inclusive, place-focused group from the beginning, we have been entwined with the life of the city of Detroit from our founding. Join us for 100 Years events across 2022 and look out for archival material peppering the newsletter and our social media.

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 $5.2 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.
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.