Shalom Detroit
Shalom Detroit, the "Jewish
welcome wagon," sponsored by
the Jewish Federation of
Metropolitan Detroit, gets
names of newcomers from syna-
gogues, the Jewish Community
Center and through word-of-
mouth. Then, someone from
the greeting committee contacts
the people and gives them a
Shalom Detroit welcome pack-
et. That includes a copy of the IN
Sourcebook, a four-week free sub-
scription to The Jewish News, a JCC
membership and information about
the community.
There is also a social component
to Shalom Detroit. Three events a
year give newcomers an opportuni-
ty to meet and mingle with others
in the same boat. Every year before
the High Holidays, Shalom
Detroit offers newcomers a chance
to obtain free tickets to any syna-
gogue they want to attend, and
almost all synagogues participate.
About 50 people received tickets
this year.
For more information, contact Lisa
Gilan at (248) 642-4260, ext. 183.
Pro Detroit
"In our priority-setting process at
Federation, somebody identified that
there are a number of young people
who move to town and don't find a
connection with the
community,"said Jordana Weiss, a
Federation employee who works
with the newly-formed Pro Detroit
program. The intent is to.keep peo-
ple here, and keep them happy.
In partnership with Jewish
H
At a Young Friends of Woodward
fundraiser at the Fox Theater were,
top to bottom, I. J. Modell of
Detroit, Ian Burnstein of
Bloomfield Hills and Jason Brooks
of West Bloomfield.
mittee hosts social events, fund-rais-
ers and community service activities
at JARC homes. For information,
call Rena Friedberg or Lisa Brown,
(248) 352-5272.
559-5000, ext. 265, or Margo
L az ar, (248) 642-4260, ext. 298.
The Young Adult Division of the
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan
Detroit
Bar nights, fund-raising, Shabbat,
singles, Israel — you name it, YAD
provides an opportunity to get
involved. Its Kesher Committee is
expressly for new people who want
to get involved. For information, call
Marc Berke, (248) 203-1458.
JARC's Young Adult
Committee
The Jewish Association for
Residential Care ()ARC) raises
money to provide resources and care
for individuals with developmental
disabilities. The young adult com-
Vocational Service, Pro Detroit
offers internship opportunities for
college students and direct others in
the career market. Pro Detroit is a
two-year pilot program open only to
Jews and funded by
an annual grant.
Debi Banooni,
business and profes-
sional internships
Birmingham Temple (Humanistic)
coordinator for
Assistant Rabbi Tamara Kolton says to call
Jewish Vocational
her if yon want to get involved. There's a
Service, hosts semi-
monthly young adult lunch and discussion
nars to help people
group that focuses on Jewish identity and
find jobs they want
Jewish history. Plus, people in their 20s and
in the Detroit metro
30s get together for Shabbat dinners or
area. Pro Detroit
social action events. (248) 477-1410.
eventually may start
a roommate listing
Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan (Orthodox)
service for young
This is a very small community with a colle-
Jews. "This is mod-
giate dimension. Services and meetings are
eled after programs
held within the B'nai B'rith Hillel
that have been very
Foundation at 1429 Hill Street. Good
successful in
Orthodox network, traditionally modern,
Cleveland and
very warm and friendly community. (734)
Montreal," says
994-5822.
Banooni. "I hope
that this becomes the
Bais Chabad of West Bloomfield
premier place where
(Orthodox)
people come to get
Home to the twice-yearly (Labor Day week-
connected."
end and Presidents' Day weekend) over-30
For Pro Detroit,
singles Shabbatonim. Anyone is welcome to
call Banooni at (248)
daven here, or get involved at monthly
Judy Katz, 37
Having a child helped Katz meld into the communi-
ty. Moving here from Chicago for her husband's job
five years ago, the West Bloomfield young mother
says having "a baby is a great way to meet people,"
through mother-toddler classes.
"I found that Shaarey Zedek has a lot to offer new
people. I also had some Chicago connections with
others that'd moved here. Some people are friendlier
than others, but many introduce you to their friends.
A lot of its who are here without family formed sort
of a network of people — it's great on the holidays.
Try to find a synagogue to your liking because you're
more likely to do things and meet people. Volunteer
a lot — you meet people in a smaller setting and get
to know them better."
Synagogues
melava malkas with entertainment or restau-
rant nights on Wednesdays, says Rabbi
Elimelech Silberberg. An array of classes is
offered. (248) 855-6170.
The Huntington Woods Community
Synagogue (Orthodox)
This start-up community synagogue is based
in Huntington Woods but attracts people
from all over, including Royal Oak, Berkley
and Ferndale. Organizer Mark Phillips calls
it "an untraditional, traditional synagogue
comprised of individuals from all levels of
observance."(248) 543-3540.
Temple Kol Ami (Reform)
A smaller, campy congregation with younger
couples and a few singles, Rabbi Norman
Roman is prone to bringing out his guitar.
Young adults are welcome to participate in
any of the functions of the congregation. If
somebody calls to say, "'Hey, I'm new to
town, can I come to services, come to din-
ner, etc.?'"Roman says the answer will be,
"Absolutely!"(248) 661-0040.
Temple Shir Shalom (Reform)
The temple's NET stands for Not Enough
Time and pulls in young adults, singles
and/or families for social action and socializ-
ing. Events are held about once a month.
(248) 737 - 8700.
Hillel of Metro Detroit
People between ages 18 - 30 are targeted with
all sorts of involvement opportunities.
Events range from social to social action to
sports. Coffee House nights, held once a
month, are casual and laid-back. (313) 577-
3459 or e-mail: hillel@wayne.edu. Web site:
wwwhillel-detroit.org .
Young Adult Shabbat Service
The YAAS program started three years ago
at Adat Shalom Synagogue (Conservative)
by Ethan Gilan and Rabbi Danny Nevins.
The intent, said current coordinator Joe
Feldman, was to create a casual, creative and
interactive service designed to enhance the
Shabbat experience, while building a com-
munity of young Jewish adults, singles and
couples who seek opportunities for spiritual
expression. Monthly services attract between
30 to 110 participants. "Anybody who
wants a part, Hebrew or English, can partic-
ipate," said Feldman. Participants include
people who never went to a Hebrew service
growing up, to others capable of leading ser-
vices on their own. It's a Conservative ser-
vice, but people come from all religious
backgrounds, including Orthodox and
Reform. (248) 353-0307.
B'nai B'rith Leadership Network
The sports-oriented young adult group
offers bowling, football, basketball and pool.
There are also euchre parties and shmoozing
events just to munch and dance. (248) 788-
NEWS.
11/27
1998