February 18 - February 24, 2022 | Adar 17 - 23, 5782
A Message From Arlene Frank

A building is brick and mortar, glass and steel, wood and plaster, and, as it turns out, lots of mechanical equipment prone to failure. While a significant portion of my six-year tenure as Executive Director of the Downtown Synagogue was defined by the necessity of tending to our building, the building is not the synagogue. In the end, 1457 Griswold is just the skeletal structure, the bones, if you will, of the Downtown Synagogue. The true synagogue, and more important and meaningful to me, are the people. Tending to the heart and soul of the synagogue, establishing meaningful connections with the members, supporters, lay leaders, and staff of our distinctive community was what defined my impetus and informed my motivation and energy.
 
It has been my honor, privilege, and pleasure to serve the synagogue and the people who define the synagogue – shepherding enlightening programming, professionalizing administrative processes, bringing High Holidays worship services back into the city, engaging and supporting members, leading change, navigating the multitude of challenges through two years of COVID, and, yes, of necessity, tending to the bones of the physical facility of the building.
 
As I leave the Executive Director position of the Downtown Synagogue, I am heartened and excited that the passionate and engaged lay leaders, in concert with the talented and dedicated staff, are sustaining and reimagining the shul that was founded in Detroit and has intentionally remained here for its 100-year existence. They are carrying on the legacy and promise of the Downtown Synagogue, embarking on a journey that will revitalize and energize the Detroit Jewish community, through heart and soul, and, yes, through some long-needed work on our bones that will bring forth a beautifully renovated building and expand our Jewish hub of Detroit.
 
The journey I have taken with the Downtown Synagogue has been remarkable for me and I invite you to strengthen your connection and find your remarkable journey with the Downtown Synagogue into the next 100 years.
 
It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t say blaybt gezunt un shtark – stay healthy and strong.
Arlene
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 18th (In-Person)
6:00 p.m. - Shabbat Schmooze & Kabbalat Shabbat
 
Saturday, February 19th (Virtual)
9:30 a.m. - Torah Study
10:30 a.m. - Shacharit

To join this weekend's services virtually, click here.

For all service and program details, check out our new Calendar page!

Torah Portion- February 18th & February 19th: Exodus 30:11−34:35

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.

Comedy For Peace
Wednesday, March 2nd, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m
Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, 310 S. Troy Street, Royal Oak MI
Comedy for Peace is a traveling comedy show that combines Muslim and Jewish stand-up comedians for a fun and inspiring night of humor. It's funny, meaningful and brings our two diverse communities together with the belief that we can make a difference through the art of comedy. Comedy for Peace is a relief from the concerns of the day, with an important message that we, the people, just want to live together peacefully. Comedy for Peace is the first of a series of three ‘Shared Society’ events, each with the goal of bringing people together and ultimately creating a stronger shared community.


We invite you to additionally join us on Saturday, March 5th at 9:30 a.m. for a continued conversation about Comedy For Peace as part of our Downtown Synagogue Torah Study!

Ta’anit Esther with Hadar, Fasting: Who? What? Why?
Wednesday March 16, 2022 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST
On the day before Purim, the Fast of Esther offers an opportunity to reflect, pray, and mark moments of need, both historical and contemporary. For some, fasting feels self-evident; for others, it raises more questions than answers. This Ta’anit Esther, the Downtown Synagogue is partnering with Hadar and we invite you to take time to reflect on the nature of fasting from historical, personal, and emotional perspectives. We’ll explore the particular history behind the Fast of Esther, the unintended consequences of fasting, and the ways in which fasting, prayer, and justice all wind together. Learn with us all day or hop on for a single session. Click here to learn more & register!

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!). Make sure to dress up in your creative costumes - this year, we encourage you to dress to fit the theme of the 1920's, as we honor our centennial year! To get some costume inspiration, click here!

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.
Mazel tov to Sigal Hemy and Michael Spiegel on the birth of their son Avi Kenneth Spiegel!
An Exclusive Conversation with JTS’s Chancellor, Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz

Tuesday, March 1; 7:00pm-8:30pm ET via Zoom 

Join Chancellor Schwartz in dialogue with JTS alum, Greater Detroit resident, and IADS Board Member, Vadim Avshalumov, in an interactive conversation exclusively for Jewish communities across Michigan. Chancellor Schwartz will answer your questions during the second half of the program.

This event is free, but registration is required. To register and obtain the Zoom link: https://inspired.jtsa.edu/CSSZ_Detroit

Questions? Please contact Dana Hartman at dahartman@jtsa.edu 
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.