THE DORFMAN CHAPEL
FAMILY HELPING FAMILIES
The Dorfman family has been helping local
Jewish families deal with loss for over 30 years.
n Tuesday, February 6, 2001, Alan and Jonathan Dorfman,
with the help of more than 250 family and friends, dedicated
the new Dorfman Chapel in Farmington Hills.
It took a team to make this project happen: developers,
attorneys, architect, designer, accountants, an art gallery, builders and the
bank. Everyone working on the project maintained the highest level of
professionalism and workmanship,
which helped enhance the entire facili-
tY.
Alan and Jonathan expressed thanks
to all, not just for allowing them to
serve the community, but also for
allowing Alan to realize his dream after
35 years of commitment to the com-
munity. "Although we are in a new,
large facility," emphasized Alan, "we
will continue to provide the same
warm, personal service."
The design of the building is intend-
ed to create a comforting environment.
The arches and stone simulate the
architecture of the Jewish Quarter of
Old Jerusalem. The joints in the stones
are scored to echo the Herodian stones
of the old city. The large arched ceiling
symbolizes heaven and floats suspended
between the side walls of the chapel.
The twelve skylights represent the 12
tribes of Israel.
The stained glass window represents
the passage of time, the four seasons
and life. It is an artistic portrayal of the
relationship between man and God, a
soaring visual interpretation of the
Mourner's Kaddish. The center tree
symbolizes the Tree of Life and the
Torah. Spring is represented in the
lower left with colors of the fields,
moving toward summer's greens and
0
bright lights, then to autumn's swirling winds and deep tones, finishing
with the cool tones of winter. The completion of the year; life's eternal
cycle.
The Mouner's Kaddish, an affirmation of faith, is depicted in the passage
at the bottom of the window, as is The Dorfman Chapel motto: "The soul
of man is the lamp of the Lord." Rays of light radiate from the top, illumi-
nating the entire scene.
The traditional, comfortable furnishings which include greenery, Judaica,
books and fine art, give the feeling of an elegant home rather than an insti-
tution. An enclosed garden allows families to meditate or seek the solace of
nature. The Frances X. Golden office and waiting room honor the memory
of the Dorfmans' former secretary and
friend, instrumental in the success of
this dream. The central location and
the covered entry all contribute to the
convenience offered to families.
This new facility is the culmination
of a decade of hard work. Jonathan,
also a clinical psychologist specializing
in grief therapy, began working with
his father in 1991 in an 850-square-
foot building in Berkley, where the
Dorfmans offered only graveside serv-
ices. The new chapel has exceeded
their dream in beauty and comfort.
"The reality is a bittersweet one,
though," says Jonathan. "I know the
pain that will touch the lives of the
many people who enter these walls. We
dedicated our new chapel, blessing it
to give dignity and comfort to those
experiencing the pain of bereavement.
Families think of this building as an
`architectural hug,' its serenity and ele-
gance providing condolence. We can
only hope that the enormous effort
placed into every detail will benefit the
entire community as we continue to
serve families with dignity and com-
passion."
The Dorfman Chapel is located at
30440 12 Mile Road in Farmington
Hills. For more information, call 248-
406-6000. 0
Clockwise
from top:
Jonathan and
Alan Dorfman.
The comfort-
able and com-
forting family
100177.
The large
stained glass
window in the
chapel.