September 3 - September 9, 2021 | Elul 26, 5781 - Tishrei 3, 5782
We wish you, our dear Downtown Synagogue community, a safe, healthy, and happy 5782. To join us for our High Holidays services, whether in person or through live stream, click here for more information.
Summer/Fall 2021 Shabbat Schedule

We are pleased to share with you our Summer/Fall 2021 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).

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, September 3rd (Virtual)
6:00 p.m. - Schmooze & Kabbalat Shabbat
 
Saturday, September 4th (No Services)
No Shabbat services will be held Saturday, 9/4.

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

Torah Portion- September 3rd & September 4th: Deuteronomy 29:9–30:20

JFamily In The Sukkah
Thursday, September 23rd, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location to be sent out upon registering
Join us for a family-friendly event with JFamily, Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, and Dor Hadash filled with story time, snacks, and a Sukkot craft activity.

To mitigate risk of COVID-19 transmission, this program will be offered at two times (4:00 - 4:45 p.m., and 5:00 - 5:45 p.m.), and will be held outside. Each session will have a limit of 8 families - All attendees over the age of 2 years old are required to wear a mask at all times.

To register your family for one of the time slots, please complete this form.

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.
2021/5782 Days of Awe

We are grateful for the opportunity to be together for the Yamim Noraim, whether you come in person to the Bethel Community Transformation Center (8801 Woodward, Detroit MI) or join through our livestream. This has been a very challenging year for many of us. As we gather for these Days of Awe, we will mourn together, we will honor those who have worked to care for others, and we will celebrate the moments of joy in the past year. 

As the recommendations about COVID safety evolve, we will adjust our plans to ensure that we are keeping you safe. We will update this page with all up-to-date information about our schedule and COVID protocols.

We recognize that many of our members who are at greater risk for one reason or another will choose to worship at home via our online platform. We hope that seeing people gather will help give you the sense of community while you stay safe at home.

To view the High Holiday's schedule, click here. We ask that you please RSVP to let us know you will be joining us at tinyurl.com/5782HHD. We look forward to entering the New Year with you. May it be one of increased joy and sweetness.
Tributes

In honor of Martin Herman’s birthday by Carrie and Brad Reinis

In honor of Vadim Avshalumov, thanks so very much for your help by Beverly and Michael Goldenberg

In honor of Sarah and George Roberts by Abigail and Daniel Reingold

In honor of Rabbi Silverman by Carol Forsythe

In memory of Morris and Ruth Kimmel by Robert Kimmel
Welcome new IADS members!

Joely Drew Reznik. Jodi and Keith Tobin, Zoe Pinter, Joanne Danto and Arnold Weingarden, and Rachel Bendit and Mark Bernstein. We look forward to having you be part of our Downtown Synagogue community!
We welcome the newest babies joining our community!

Mazel tov to Rafe Neis and Daphna Stroumsa on the birth of their baby Elul Alex Pele Stroumsa! Click here to sign up for their meal train.

Mazel tov to Amit Weitzer, Evan Major and big sibling Raviv on the arrival of their new baby Lior Raphael Weitzer-Major! Click here to sign up for their meal train.
Exciting Leadership Opportunity

We are nearing the completion of a $4.5 million campaign to renovate our synagogue and to create a modern, uplifting, and more collaborative space in the heart of Downtown Detroit. With this major evolution, our leadership needs will be evolving, too. We have re-imagined the role of Executive Director as someone who will oversee strategic, financial, developmental, and operational initiatives (see Job Description). The Executive Director will leverage the many opportunities afforded by the renovated facility and the shared workspace concept to help IADS grow and thrive. Partnering with our Rabbi and lay leaders, the Executive Director position presents a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced leader in our community. 
 
If you are interested in applying for the position, or you know someone who would be an excellent candidate, please submit a cover letter and resume to DowntownSynagogueJobs@gmail.com. We are accepting applications through September 19, 2021. We will conduct interviews thereafter.
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 $4.2 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.
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.