February 19 - February 25, 2021 | Adar 7 - Adar 13, 5781
Downtown Synagogue Zoom policy 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 Schedule
 
Friday, February 19th
5:00 p.m. - Candle Lighting, Schmooze, Kabbalat Shabbat.
 
Saturday, February 20th
10:30 a.m. - Schmooze
11:00 a.m. - Torah Study
12:00 p.m. - Mincha

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

Torah Portion- February 19th & 20th: Exodus 25:1−27:19

Havdalah with the Downtown Synagogue
Saturday, February 20th, 8:00 p.m.
Join us as we close out Shabbat with community and song.

Family Mini Purim Party
Sunday, February 21st, 10:00 a.m.
Dor Hadash invites families and children under 7 years old to join the Family Mini Purim Party this Sunday morning. Cozy up for a virtual megillah reading, costume parade, and dance party.

This program is held in partnership with Dor Hadash, Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, Congregation T'chiyah, and Reconstructionist Congregation of Detroit.

RSVP here to receive your registration link.

Mishloach Manot Drive-Thru
Sunday, February 21, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Address provided in registration form
The Downtown Synagogue wants to wish you a Chag Purim Sameach by providing you with sweet treats and warm wishes. Pick up your free Purim Goodie Bag through a contactless drive-thru at Rabbi Silverman's home.

We have a limited number of goodie bags, so make sure to register today to secure yours!


Purim Costume Contest & Schmooze
Thursday, February 25th, 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Before you join the Detroit Conservative Shuls' Purim Celebration (see below for details), showcase your best Purim costume! Keep the sweatpants on, put the costume on top, and schmooze with us as we bring in Purim.

Detroit Conservative Shuls' Purim Celebration
Thursday, February 25th, 6:30 p.m.
All events will be held virtually
Celebrate Purim with us! Adat Shalom Synagogue, Congregation B'nai Israel, Congregation B'nai Moshe, Congregation Beth Ahm, Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, and Congregation Shaarey Zedek, are coming together to celebrate Purim this year. On Erev Purim, join us for the Family Musical Megillah Party, and a traditional Megillah reading followed by a hilarious standup comedy show with Joel Chasnoff, “Jokes On Us: The Joys and Oys of Being Jewish”. On the morning of Purim, Friday, February 26, we will read the Megillah Esther during the morning service. Free of charge and open to the community.


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.
If you need help setting up Zoom technology, please email us and we will walk you through it.
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:
 
  • 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. 

  • 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. 

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.