May 6 - May 12 | 4 Iyar - 11 Iyar, 5782 |
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A Message from Rabbi Ariana Silverman
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. And of course, just like every day should be Earth Day, every month should be one in which we are mindful of the importance of mental health. But tragically mental illness is not only frequently ignored, it is often stigmatized. And so I am grateful for the opportunity to be reminded that our mental health matters.
Especially in a world which feels increasingly broken. We are bombarded with bad news and we may feel anxious, sad, scared, and angry. Those are understandable and natural responses. But when they become persistent and paralyzing–when they interfere with our ability to do our work in the world, or be present for friends and family, or sometimes even get out of bed, it is time to get help. If this sounds like you, please reach out to a trusted friend or family member, to a mental health professional, check out jhelp.org, or please let me know that you’re struggling and I’ll make sure you get help.
At least 20% of adults will experience mental illness, which translates to well over 100 people in our congregation, and far more in our extended synagogue family. We have now all lived through two years of a global pandemic and it has unfairly caused tremendous suffering for some of us, and shaken all of us. Please take time to check on one another and encourage those who are struggling to get the help they need.
May is also Jewish Heritage Month. And while that is generally a cause for celebration, the confluence of these two themes for May is particularly poignant in a week that has centered the conversation about reproductive rights. We will all speak about this passionately and I hope civilly in the days and weeks ahead. I want to make sure that Jewish law and practice are included in the discussion. While rabbis may disagree (we often do) about some elements of this debate, it is clear that in Jewish law full personhood begins at birth when the head (or perhaps shoulders) have emerged, not at conception. And if the health of the mother is threatened, an abortion is not only permitted, it is sometimes required. Restricting reproductive rights can also restrict the religious rights of Jews, as put so beautifully by the Orthodox Union (OU):
“Jewish law prioritizes the life of the pregnant mother over the life of the fetus such that where the pregnancy critically endangers the physical health or mental health of the mother, an abortion may be authorized, if not mandated, by halacha and should be available to all women irrespective of their economic status,” the OU said in statement, and added, “Legislation and court rulings — federally or in any state — that absolutely ban abortion without regard for the health of the mother would literally limit our ability to live our lives in accordance with our responsibility to preserve life.”
This is a challenging time in many ways. So I want to conclude with the reminder that mental health is more than just the absence of a clinical mental illness. There is no question that we need to work passionately to ensure a better future. But even in the midst of grief, and political turmoil, and a pervasive lack of empathy, even when we feel like our bodies, our planet, our religious rights and our future are being threatened, we need to cultivate moments of gratitude and joy and peacefulness. That is also deeply embedded in our tradition. I hope that this month serves as a reminder of its importance.
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Lag B'Omer Bonfire
Thursday, May 19th, 7:30 p.m.
Eden Gardens, 12273 Glenfield Ave, Detroit, MI 48213
Join us for a special Lag B'Omer celebration featuring holiday learning with Rabbi Silverman, a bonfire, snacks, and schmoozing as we come together with our dear Eden Gardens Block Club community!
X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X
Sunday, May 22nd, 2:30 p.m.
Detroit Opera Theater, 1526 Broadway Street, Detroit, MI 48226
We invite you to join the Downtown Synagogue and Bethel Community Transformation Center communities for a special viewing on Sunday, May 22nd. All IADS members can receive a discount code for discounted $40 tickets - Sale ends TONIGHT at midnight. Click here to purchase your discounted tickets! (Enter code: downtown).
The astonishing life of one of the most misunderstood men in history unfolds in X: The Life and Times of Malcom X. This distinctly American opera by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Anthony Davis (Central Park Five) and directed by Tony-nominee Robert O’Hara (Slave Play) features a jazz ensemble incorporated into the orchestra and Detroit Opera 21-22 Artist-in-Residence Davóne Tines embodying the role of Malcolm X.
Family Farm Day at Oakland Avenue Urban Farm
Sunday, May 22nd, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Oakland Avenue Urban Farm, 9227 Goodwin St. Detroit
Calling all Detroit families - Join us for Family Farm Day at the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm! In collaboration with Downtown Synagogue, Dor Hadash, and Repair the World, we'll have a fun morning of farm work and Jewish learning. Come dressed for the weather. In case of rain, we will be in an indoor greenhouse.
NEW: Diaspora Dinner Series
Friday, May 20th and Friday, May 27th
Dinners will be held at the homes of IADS Members, locations TBA!
As we will be out of our historic building for the remainder of the year due to our comprehensive renovation, we are in a time of our own diaspora! To bring our community together and build relationships, we present to you the Diaspora Dinner series - a rotation of Downtown Synagogue members will welcome new and familiar faces to their home (or backyard) for a Shabbat meal each month.
This dinner series is launching this month - if you are interested in hosting a dinner at your home and/or are interested in attending a meal, we invite you to fill out this form.
Save The Date: Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Saturday, June 4th, 7:00 p.m.
Locations TBA closer to event date
We are so excited to announce the return of our annual Tikkun Leil Shavuot! As we look forward to celebrating our treasured communal night of learning, we are seeking members of the Downtown Synagogue and Congregation T'chiyah that are interested in leading a learning session on the topic of their choice - if you would like to lead a session this year, please complete this form.
Stay tuned for more details!
Save The Date: Eden Gardens Community Association Fundraiser
Saturday, July 9th, 8:30 p.m.
Detroit Repertory Theater, 13103 Woodrow Wilson St, Detroit, MI 48238
We invite you to come out to support our friends at the Eden Gardens Community Association for their next fundraiser at the Detroit Repertory Theater for a play viewing! To learn more about the fundraisers and play, please contact former IADS Board Member Chava Knox directly at 313-587-4949.
Thursday Torah Study with Rabbi Silverman
Weekly on Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Can't get enough Torah? Neither can we! Join Rabbi Silverman weekly on Thursday afternoons for virtual Torah Study to study the weekly parashah. We welcome those of you who cannot make it to Torah Study on Saturdays, those who are searching for an alternate virtual option, or those who just want to connect with your fellow partners in Torah.
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Tributes from our Community
In honor of Vadim Avshalumov being chosen the Alumni Honoree of the year at the Annual Gala of Frankel Jewish Academy, as well as your past and continuing commitment to Downtown Synagogue by Dr. Martin Herman
In memory of Darren Hessenthaler by Jodee and Roy Raines
In memory of Burton Leland by Gabe Leland, Rosanne Leland
In memory of family members and friends on the occasion of Peasch Yizkor by Dr. Martin Herman
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Simchah Shabbat
IADS wants to share in all your simchas! Each month we'll be including birthdays and anniversaries in our newsletter, and we invite you to join us on the last Shabbat of each month to celebrate in-person with an aliyah and special treat. This month’s Simcha Shabbat will be Saturday, May 28th. Please join us!
May Anniversaries
Audrey and Leon Schurgin, Emily Levine and Brett Willner, and Rachel Rudman and Justin Wedes.
May Birthdays
A. J. Falik, AJ Aaron, Amit Weitzer, Arlene J. Frank, Audrey Seifman, Ben Jacob Levin, Benjamin Stein, Daniel Gold, Debbie Sherman, Emily Slabotsky, Fred Cislo, Fred Rubinstein, Grace van't Hoff, Hilda Neuman, Howard Rosenberg, Irwin Kamm, Jacob Plante, Jeffrey Warren, Jerome Greenbaum, Jim Gannes, Joe Lewis, Jonah Raduns-Silverstein, Laura Jackson, Linda Friedman, Marilyn Levine, Marjorie Levine, Matthew Doctoroff, Maura Keane Rosner, Michael Maddin, Michael Simmons, Philip Reich, Rachel Rudman, Rabbi Blair Nosanwisch, Rachel Schreiber, Rena Friedberg, Samantha Greenspan, Sarah Rose, Shalonda Shamily, Sharon Luckerman, Sonia Avshalumov, Stuart Sinai, Susannah Goodman, Vadim Avshalumov, and Margo Woll.
If you would like to submit your birthday, anniversary, or special life event information to be included in our newsletters, please contact Liz.
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Get Involved! Join a Commitee at IADS
Are you looking to make a difference in the Downtown Synagogue community? Do you have creative ideas for programming and engagement opportunities? Look no further than the NEW Membership & Engagement Committee! The committee will be meeting on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
If you are interested in joining this committee, or want to learn more about ways to get involved with the Downtown Synagogue, reach out to Carrie (Committee Co-Chair).
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Be a part of Reimagining IADS |
The Downtown Synagogue is celebrating 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 centennial, 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. We are thrilled to share that, to date, we have raised $4.9 million. We invite you to join us in reaching our goal of $5.2 million. Every dollar matters toward this effort. Join us and be a part of our exciting future with your financial commitment.
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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.
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Address: 1457 Griswold
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313.962.4047
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