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Growing Its Future

Southeast Oakland's only Reform congregation has
launched an ambitious fund-raising campaign.
Much is at stake.

JULIE EDGAR STAFF WRITER

"I think there is a clear un-
spirit of egalitarianism
has always underpinned derstanding now that we have to
the religious, educational be involved in a very broad-based
and social activities at membership recruitment drive.
Temple Emanu-El in Oak Park, If (the building) becomes a nicer
place, we become more attractive
its members say.
No one, male or female, is de- to new congregants," Mr. Judel-
nied the opportunity to lead a ser- man says.
The significance of Temple
vice. And no one has ever been
Emanu-El goes far beyond its
turned away for lack of funds.
Of course, the risk of an open- role as the only Reform congre-
gation in southeast Oakland
arms policy is financial suicide.
Although its building
PHOTOS BY DANIEL LIPPITT
fund is all but depleted —
a leaky roof, rutted parking
lot and broken air condi-
tioning system soaked up
a lot of dollars — Temple
Emanu-El's condition is
nowhere near critical. But
for the first time in its 44-
year history, it has hired
a professional fund-raiser
to raise $2 million by the
High Holidays.
The money will go to-
ward renovation of the 40-
year-old facility, specifically
an expansion of its kitchen
so the temple has the ca-
pability of catering outside
activities, enlargement of
the administrative area,
and renovation of the edu-
cation center.
The "Fund for Life," as it
has been dubbed, has
raised $700,000 in just over
a month, says Barry Judel- Joan Rosen: Co-chairperson of "Fund for Life."
man, whose New York City
company, Innovative Develop- County.
It educates more children in
ment Services, specializes in
fund-raising for Jewish commu- proportion to its membership
nal organizations. One of his numbers than other synagogues
stints was serving as director of in the area and is situated in a
fund-raising training for United neighborhood which has main-
tained, with the help of the Jew-
Jewish Appeal.
His strategy is three-pronged: ish Federation of Metropolitan
Members in leadership positions Detroit's Neighborhood Project,
host "parlor meetings" for about a relatively strong Jewish pres-
10 to 15 families at which the vi- ence.
The Jimmy Prentis Morris
sion for the temple's future is laid
out. Next are direct meetings Jewish Community Center sits
with the same members, who are adjacent to the temple on 10 Mile
asked to consider a "meaningful" Road, as do Federation Apart-
gift to the temple. Thirdly, re- ments for senior citizens, many
maining congregants are con- of them new Americans who
tacted by telephone and direct have no transportation and lim-
mail with requests for donations. ited financial resources.
The ambiance of Temple
With the help of Mr. Judelman
and a "Campaign Cabinet" of 40 Emanu-El also sets it apart from
volunteers, Temple Emanu-El other congregations, members
will contact 100 percent of its say.
Judy Orr of Huntington
membership by the end of the
summer.
GROWING page 9

A

Packing Frenzy

On Sunday, 238 Michigan teenswill board an El Al jet bound for Israel.

JENNIFER FINER STAFF WRITER AND MARA REINSTEIN JEWISH NEWS INTERN

F

or some, the countdown be-
gan long ago.
Others didn't give trip
preparations much thought
until after celebrating the end of
another school year.
By Sunday morning, it won't
matter.
By then, the 238 teens head-
ing from Detroit to Israel will

have completed their shop- Deborah Bass: on the plane," said Jordan
ping and packing for the Deciding what Nodel, a 16-year-old An-
dover High School junior.
Miracle Mission for Teens to take to
"It's hard to imagine that
that leaves on June 23. Israel.
next week ni be in Israel."
Each participant will arrive
Jordan isn't too focused on
at Metro Airport with 41/2 weeks
worth of clothing and other ne- what he is going to bring, al-
cessities stuffed into a duffle bag. though he did get a new back-
"It (the trip) doesn't seem real, pack and a travel book on Israel.
and it probably won't until I get PACKING page 10

