unit,
Spirituality
HOUSE KEEPS
GROWING
STORY BY: DEBRA ISAACS
PHOTOS BY BILL HANSEN
T
FESTIVE
CEREMONY
MARKS
DEDICATION
OF YOUNG
ISRAEL
OF OAK PARK
12/14
2001
64
he expansive new sanctuary at Young Israel of Oak Park served
as the center of festivities Saturday night as members celebrated
their history with solemnity and joy and looked ahead to a long
future as a cornerstone of Michigan's Orthodox community.
After three years of planning, tireless fund-raising, razing and finally
construction, Young Israel completed a 15,000-square-foot addition in
June. The new building is named the Peter Weiss Center for the late Peter
Weiss, a former member and benefactor. It features a huge social hall with
a roomy kitchen, and the sanctuary. Slate floors and warm oak paneling
complete a simple, but grand structure for its 221 member families.
Donor Freida Fejer of Toronto named the building in memory of her
brother, Peter Weiss, the father and uncle of Young Israel members Sandra
and Sylvan Stern and Glenda and Joseph Weiss. Mrs Fejer was unable to
attend the ceremony, but Young Israel presented a silver mezuzah to her
grandchildern, Dov Weiss and Robbie Stern, both of whom are congr-
gants.
b
Saturday's event was billed as a chanukat habayit, a traditional ceremony
that marks the dedication of a house of worship. Some 250 people
munched on miniature latkes before taking their seats in the sanctuary for
a program that began with a performance of an original song by musician
and Young Israel of Oak Park board member Avy Schreiber.
Rabbi Reuven Spolter, who became the synagogue's spiritual leader in
February, spoke of the miracle the Hasmoneans witnessed as they illumi-
nated a ruined building for days with a tiny amount of oil. Members Jerry
Eizen and Steve Katz presented a video montage of old clips, photographs
and bulletins that have marked Young Israel's 80-year history in Detroit.
Lifetime achievement awards were presented to Morris Flatt and Alex
Saltsman.
During dinner, Fayga Dombey, president of the Young Israel Council
of Metropolitan Detroit, was honored with the task of opening a time
capsule created in 1960 by the new members of Young Israel of Oak-
Woods. Member Eugene Sherizen, often credited with ensuring the
expansion would happen, was called upon to begin creation of a new
one.
In the early 1990s, Young Israel of Oak-Woods on Coolidge — the
first Young Israel in suburban Detroit — merged with Young Israel of
Greenfield, creating Young Israel of Oak Park, now Michigan's largest
Orthodox congregation.
❑
Clockwise from top right:
Alex Saltsman and Morris Flatt, both of Oak Park, received lifetime
achievement awards.
Avy Schreiber of Southfield sings `YI Place To Call Home," an original
song he wrote for the occasion.
SYNAGOGUE
Rabbi Reuven Spolter speaks about the miracle behind the Chanukah.
story
EXPANSION.
Standing in front of the Peter Weiss Center are son Dr. Jose h Weiss of
•
Huntington Woods, daughters Susan Hollenberg of South eld and Sandra
Stern of Oak Park, and Erna Weiss of Oak Park, widow of Peter Weiss.