Spirituality 're Called The 11. I-10 da,6 For A Reason Ro th Hashistah Yorn lerpur Serves Friday, September 26: 7:00 pm Saturday, September 27:10 am/8:00 pm Sunday, September 28:10:00 am For information and registration contact Rabbi Safer (248) 593-5138 osofeaaish.00m BEACON A User-Friendly Service In Huntington Woods Everything explained Interactive classes and discussions running simultaneously Meals available Informal, young aimosp-ere —High Times. aish MIETRO DETR, (0 T ) "Michigan's Hottest Group" Voted #1, Best Band by Crain's Detroit Business and Colours from page 49 out of his home, where he has an office, runs classes and maintains his library. "We will have our own offices for mailing and a newsletter, just like a regular synagogue," Rabbi Amzalak said. And there will be synagogue offi- cers, overseen by President Rabbi Pinny. Schiener. The hope is for the building to be renovated for use by the 200 or so Shabbat congregants by the High Holidays at the end of next month. Some space already is usable for the three daily services that each draws 30- 40 participants and for Rabbi Werner's afternoon community classes. Shabbat services still are held in the rented room at the JCC in Oak Park. Renovation plans, overseen, by member Akiva Whitt, also include a sanctuary, a social hall to fit 250 peo- ple, classrooms, a chapel, a library and a kitchen for party preparation, com- munal events and challah-baking class- es. "Every part of the building will be used," Rabbi Werner said. Rooms not used by the synagogue will be rented out. Right now, a group of 15-20 Sephardic Jews hold Shabbat services in a rented space in the build- ing. Community Congregation Congregants are welcomed even as non-members, and classes are free. People can join for $360 annually. The Orthodox synagogue welcomes those of all affiliations, providing out- reach to Jews in surrounding areas including Oak Park, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Huntington Woods and DESIGN • INSTALLATION • SERVICE Pleasant Ridge. Russian-speakers who once attended F.R.E.E. services are not left out. "While most of our members are English-speaking, there are still Russians who come and daven (pray) together with the rest of the congrega- tion," Rabbi Werner said of the 10-20 participants who use Russian-translated prayer books during the Hebrew serv- ice. "During Rabbi Werner's English ser- mon, a Russian speaker talks in anoth- er room to those who prefer to hear Russian," Rabbi Amzalak said. "We still definitely cater to Russian-speak- ers." For worshippers who prefer the Oak Park JCC location, Shaarey Shomayim synagogue, unaffiliated with F.R.E.E., will continue to host weekday and Shabbat services there, led by Rabbi Leo Goldman. Bais Chabad of North Oak Park will be an outreach center, a Torah institute, with community program- ming and classes, Rabbi Werner said. Rabbi Amzalak is organizing teen- based programs and activities. "We are looking to attract young people to learning classes, activities, social events, Torah get-togethers, sleepovers and summer retreats," he said. And there are realistic dreams for the future. Rabbi Amzalak's hope is some day for the synagogue to also establish a Hebrew school and summer day camp and a hall for weddings and communal gatherings. "We want to be a shul for the com- munity, the whole community," Rabbi Werner said. ❑ CLOSET DESIGNS Call (248) 851.2804 for a personal appointment * * ** *STAIRWAY LIFTS* * * * * THE CAREFREE WAY TO CLIMB STAIRS When you're disabled, or just not able to move around as freely as you once could, stairs can be a real problem. But there is a simple answer. The powered stairway lift. Easily installed to fit curved or straight stairs. They give you back the ability to move around your own home. Folds back-gets in nobody's way. CALL OR STOP BY FOR A FREE DEMONSTRATION 8/29 2003 50 ACTON RENTAL & SALES LARRY ARONOFF I love my Stairway Lift! It takes me up and down the stairs with the push of a but- ton. Call for details! (313) 891-6500 (248) 540-5550 625740 Rabbi Shea Werner makes his way through the rubble of renova- tion at Bais Chabad of North Oak Park.