Exclusive
4.,irnectre
Celebration Amidst
Sense Of Uncertainty
OF MONTREAL
RUTH UTTMANN STAFF WRITER
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S
S
ometimes history repeats
itself. Twenty-five years
ago two northwest De-
troit synagogues, Ahavas
Achim and Beth Aaron merged
and became Beth Achim. Short-
ly after the merger, the Jewish
population in the city had
changed enough to warrant a
move, so Beth Achim relocated
in Southfield.
Now, as the Southfield syn-
agogue celebrates its 25th
anniversary, a shadow of un-
certainty has been cast over its
future because the synagogue's
destiny could once again be
affected by population shifts.
Beth Achim is facing some
difficult decisions regarding its
future.
Over the past 25 years, mem-
bership has fallen from 700 to
450 membership units, a num-
ber that makes it difficult to ef-
fectively run the synagogue.
President Gary Leeman be-
lieves Beth Achim should be
run like a business to guaran-
tee its survival, which is why
he's exploring several alterna-
tives to keep the congregation
functioning.
"It's a serious challenge to
Beth Achim," said Rabbi Mar-
tin J. Berman. "We've lost al-
most 300 families over the
course of 25 years."
Talks of merging with an-
other synagogue have recently
surfaced again, and a merger
committee will soon be estab-
lished to examine the issue.
Another option being looked
at is relocating. Mr. Leeman
said he has appointed someone
to look for "a demographically
appropriate site" and examine
the feasibility of the location
while considering the make-up
of the congregation.
If Beth Achim were to move
it would probably be somewhere
past West Bloomfield, Mr. Lee-
man said.
"We will stay as long as it is
feasible to remain here and be
a viable part of Southfield, but
with populations shifts you
have to consider what's going to
be best for our future."
Mr. Leeman also spoke of the
possibilities of remaining on 12
Mile Road and either consoli-
dating activities or working
with various agencies to main-
tain the area of Southfield and
strengthen Beth Achim's mem-
bership base.
A planning committee has
been given the task of develop-
ing new and creative ideas to
insure stability and growth for
the congregation.
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Rabbi Martin Berman
In spite of the uncertainty,
Rabbi Berman said getting a
daily morning minyan is not dif-
ficult, Shabbat attendance is
steady and congregants are ac-
tive in maintaining synagogue
life.
Mr. Leeman believes the rea-
son behind the uncertainty of
Beth Achim's future stems from
a variety of factors, from the na-
ture of the community to a
trend toward Reform Judaism.
"Our lifestyle today is not
what it used to be. We're pro-
viding a slow-paced activity in
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"In effect, it's a
kick-off for the
next 25 years."
— Gary Leeman
a fast-paced world," he said.
As the synagogue continues
to examine alternatives, it is in
the midst of an anniversary cel-
ebration.
"Not only are we celebrating
our 25th anniversary, but this
is also a time to reflect on our
past, present and what we'd like
to see in the future. In effect, it's
a kick-off for the next 25 years,"
Mr. Leeman said.
Last month marked the start
of the year-long celebration
which ends in May with a din-
ner-dance. Other events include
a brunch at the end of the
month to honor the Men's Club,
Sisterhood and Young at Heart
seniors group and a "music fest"
in March.
"Through the celebration, we
are trying to reemphasize the
fact that we are a warm and vi-
brant synagogue with a lot to
offer," said Rabbi Berman. 0
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