July 16 - July 22, 2021 | Av 7 - 13, 5781
Rabbi Silverman's Message

I am tremendously excited about our upcoming renovation. It will allow our historic building to meet our current needs and align more closely with our values. 

As we affirm that every person is created in the divine image, our sacred space will be accessible to our diverse and growing community regardless of age, physical ability, race, or gender identity. As we build for generations to come, we are making environmentally sustainable choices in our systems and building materials. And as we envision a brighter future for Detroit, our ability to share space with partner organizations will make each of us more effective as we work closely together. 

A synagogue that has served as a beacon for Jewish life in Detroit for generations will now be able to meet the needs and dreams of the 21st century. I look forward to building it with you.

Shabbat Services Schedule
 
Friday, July 16th (Virtual)
5:00 p.m. - Schmooze & Kabbalat Shabbat
 
Saturday, July 17th (Virtual)
11:00 a.m. - Torah Study
12:00 p.m. - Mincha

Please find the link to this week's services at 4:30 p.m. on Fridays on our website.

Torah Portion- July 16th & July 17th: Deuteronomy 1:1−3:22

CANCELLED - Shabbat Together: Song, Spirit, Sustenance
Friday, July 16th, 6:15 p.m.
Belle Isle Park
This event has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

Shabbat Torah Study with Yiftah Leket
Saturday, July 24th, 11:00 a.m.
Christ Church, 960 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
We invite you to join us Saturday, July 24th for a Torah Study discussion led by Yiftah Leket. Yiftah is the Senior Community Shaliach (Israel emissary) for the Metropolitan Detroit area, and has extensive experience as a long time educator in both Israel and the United States. We look forward to having him share his knowledge, experience, and perspectives with our Downtown Synagogue community in our Shabbat Torah Study.

Reimagining IADS Community Town Hall
Tuesday, July 27th, 8:00 p.m.
Zoom link will be provided closer to event date
As we envision the next chapter of the Downtown Synagogue and Jewish Detroit, we invite you to learn more about our upcoming building renovation. Hear about our vision and inspiration, construction timeline, and alternative prayer and programming locations.

Community Wide Green Shabbat
Friday, August 13th, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Christ Church, 960 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
Join together as we celebrate Green Shabbat with Hazon and over a dozen community partners! On Friday, August 13th, partnering synagogues and Jewish organizations from across Metro Detroit will spend Shabbat, each from their own location and with their own members, engaged in environmentally-friendly practices, learning about Jewish connections to the earth, advocating on behalf of the climate, and committing to help ensure a healthier and more sustainable planet for all.

We will be holding our regular Kabbalat Shabbat services, and then we will transition to the Community Green Shabbat starting at 7:00 p.m.

Check-ins with Rabbi Silverman
Many of us need a little extra support and care these days. Please reach out to Rabbi Silverman to schedule a personal check-in.
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. We are thrilled to share that, to date, we have raised $4 million. We invite you to join us in reaching our goal of $4.5 million. 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.
A Day of Prayer, Learning, Mourning, and Hope

Tisha B’Av, the saddest day of the Jewish year, is a day of disruption from our routines, as we mourn communally for the loss of the Temple and other tragedies of Jewish history and our world. Throughout the day on Sunday, July 18, we invite you to join online and observe Tisha B’Av with the Hadar community.

We encourage you to drop in to different sessions throughout the day. Register here in advance to receive the Zoom link.
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.
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.