Spirituality

Stony

Encounter

Clockwise
from far left:
Richard Spitzer of
Troy and Rabbi
Sleutelberg prepare
to place stones on
the pillar.

Sonia Millimet of
Troy at the pillar
of stones.

Joan Slyker and
Rohn Goldman,
speakers at the
consecration.

Rabbi Sleutelberg:
"Our soul is
Gods."

Opposite page:
Top: Shir Tikvah
congregants walk
the periphery of the
burial ground and
spread Jerusalem
soil to consecrate
the land.

Bottom:
The peace pole at
the pillar of stones.

LISA FEIN

Special to the Jewish News

A "pillar" of stones marks
Shir Tikvah new burial
ground at Oakview Cemetery.

58

I

n biblical times, Jews typically built ceme-
teries before synagogues. Today, we typical-
ly do the opposite.
Troy's Congregation Shir Tikvah conse-
crated the first burial ground in its 18-year histo-
ry Dec. 3 at Oakview Cemetery, on Rochester
Road north of 12 Mile, in Royal Oak. A biblical-
ly inspired "pillar" of stones marks the syna-
gogue's 360-plot site.
"The ceremony is a rare event and a unique
opportunity for people to see the land where
their body will return to earth," said Rabbi

Arnie Sleutelberg.
The idea had been brewing for about two
years. The search committee chose Oakview
because of its serene appearance and proximity to
Shir Tikvah, which is at 3900 Northfield
Parkway, south of Wattles, between Coolidge and
Crooks.
The cemetery also allows intermarried couples
to be buried together under Jewish auspices —
another key factor in Shir Tikvah choosing it.
Oakview, Livonia's Beth El Memorial Park and
Workmen's Circle Cemetery in Clinton
Township may be the only cemeteries in metro
Detroit that allow such burials.
"I believe we are now a frill-service synagogue

