Synagogues

From

Software

/-'

GM computer chief serves
as rabbi for Grosse Pointe
Jewish Council.

sion, conducting informa-
tion system seminars, even
after the family moved to
Palm Springs, Calif, where
Janet Braunstein, Grosse Pifinte Jewish Council board secretary; Bryant Frank, cantorial soloist;
Joan served as executive editor
and Rabbi Nicolas L. Behrmann review the High Holiday liturgy.
of the Desert Sun, a Gannett
newspaper just like the Detroit
News
and USA Today. With a
Conservative
Philadelphia
synagogue,
he
JILL DAVIDSON SKLAR
dearth of computer work in the Palm
was
enthralled
with
the
role
the
rabbi
Special to the Jewish News
Springs area and an editing opportunity
played in the weekly Shabbat service, in
at a larger Gannett paper, the couple
special occasions and in everyday educa-
icolas Behrmann has a lot
decided to move to Detroit where he
tion. "I liked the whole feeling of con-
of titles.
went to work for GM and she took an
gregational activity," he recalled.
He is a husband of 27
editing post at the Detroit News.
Behrmann
pursued
his
dream,
So -
years to Joan Behrmann, the
After moving to Grosse Pointe Farms
attending
Hebrew
Union
College
in
arts and entertainment editor of the
three
years ago, Behrmann read an article
Cincinnati
and
becoming
ordained
in
Detroit News. He is a father to two
in
a
local
newspaper about the Grosse
1971.
His
first
job
was
assistant
rabbi
grown children. He is the computer
Pointe
Jewish
Council. He called to join
for
a
large
congregation
in
Miami.
guru to staff at General Motors, where
and obliquely asked whether they had a
There, he was drawn to the education
he is global messaging and collaboration
rabbi. "We were flabbergasted to actually
component of synagogue life. He con-
manager at the Brewery Park location in
have
not only access to a rabbi but to
tinued that passion at another syna-
Detroit.
have
one
be a member," said Michael
gogue in Framingham, Mass.
But for the moment, one title he par-
Kasky,
chair
of the council's religion
While
in
Massachusetts,
his
wife,
ticularly enjoys bearing is rabbi. For
committee.
"I
think he is wonderful."
Joan,
was
offered
the
chance
of
going on three years, Behrmann has
Behrmann's
initial part-time com-
becoming
part
of
the
startup
team
savored officiating at weddings, funerals,
mitment included High Holiday ser-
that created USA Today. The couple
b'nai mitzvot ceremonies and other life-
vices as well as four services through-
relocated to be closer to the paper's
cycle events for members of the Grosse
out the year. He also began showing
office in Washington, D.C. The move
Pointe Jewish Council.
up at the group's social functions,
caused Behrmann to re-evaluate his
"I love it," said Nicolas Behrmann,
which
include an annual picnic, a
life
as
there
were
no
openings
for
a
56. "Being the rabbi allows me to keep
Chanuka
party and a large community
Reform
rabbi
in
that
area.
my fingers in what I was trained to do
second-night
seder. At the same time,
"Her
career
move
made
me
recreate
while allowing me to continue with my
he
grew
closer
to the families, many of
myself,"
he
said.
"I
had
an
interest
in
other career.
whom simply refer to him as "Nick."
computers and what they were all about,
Behrmann first entertained the idea
Karen Feldman, one of the found-
so I decided to get into that field."
of becoming a rabbi at the age of 10.
ing
members of the group and a past
Behrmann continued in that profes-
Then, approaching bar mitzvah age in a

co-president, was very pleased to
have Behrmann perform her wed-
ding last year.
"It was wonderful," she said. "How
many people can say a close friend offi-
ciated at their wedding?"
"Plus," she added, "when we have
computer questions, we can call him."
Behrmann is equally fond of serving
the group. The council formed 10 years
ago, mostly for social reasons. Not affili-
ated with a formal movement, the group
continues to offer social activities for the
175 member families but also provides
Sunday school and religious services.
Because of the loose affiliation, there
aren't the formalities found in larger,
affiliated Jewish groups like synagogues.
"When I look back on my seminary
days, I remember that this is what I
wanted to be doing," Behrmann said. "I
am doing it because I enjoy it and not
because it is a full-time job. It makes the
politics much easier to deal with."
Members recently surveyed said they
would like more educational opportuni-
ties for adults. To respond to this
request, Behrmann is expanding his
duties this year to include a monthly
Shabbat and learning event to be held
on the second Friday of the month.
He also is looking forward to leading
High Holiday services for the third year
in a row.
"I love it," he said. "I have the best of
all worlds." Li

9/3
1999

Detroit Jewish News

67

