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Constructing An Honor

Addition to ffnai Moshe will be named in memory of synagogue's beloved Cantor Louis Klein.

SHELLI LIEBMAN DORFMAN
StaffWriter

C

ongregation B'nai Moshe is
about to pay tribute to the mem-
ory of the man Rabbi Elliot
Pachter calls "the spirit behind
Congregation B'nai Moshe for 40 years."
The West Bloomfield synagogue is
ready to begin construction on the
Cantor Klein Chapel, named for the late
Cantor Louis Klein, who served the con-
gregation with his musical, pastoral and
teaching abilities.
The date of the groundbreaking cere-
mony for the chapel was significant,
according to Rabbi Pachter, because it was
held on March 7, Purim day.
"Cantor Klein died five years ago, two
days before Purim, and his funeral was
held at the synagogue on Purim," Rabbi
Pachter said.
"Construction will
begin in the late spring
and we hope to com-
plete construction in
time for Shemini
The late Cantor Louis Klein
Atzeret, which is Cantor
and weddings, meetings, adult study classes and
Klein's birthday."
as an area where members can sit and relax.
The chapel will function as
"A flexible seating arrangement will better
a multi-purpose room, serving
allow
us to create an appropriate atmosphere for
as a space for the daily min-
the
particular
service or event," Rabbi Pachter
yan, junior congregation serv-
said.
"The
multi-purpose
use addresses the multi-
Rabbi Pachter
ices, small dinners, luncheons

Fete Independence Day

Adat Shalom Synagogue will mark
the 56th birthday of Israel at 4:30
p.m. Sunday, April 25.
The celebration will begin with a
brief Yom HaZikaron (Israel
Memorial Day) ceremony, followed
by an Israel Learning Fair with
interactive mini-sessions to talk
with an IDF soldier, learn about
Israel in the Midrash and hear
about Israel's challenges. There will
be sessions for adults and children,
including a teen focus group. Israeli
refreshments will be served.

A casual family dinner — hot
dogs, hamburgers and Israeli foods
— will be served at 5:30 p.m., fol-
lowed by a celebration of Israeli art,
music and dance.
There is a $10 dinner charge for
adults; $8 for children younger
than13. Send checks to Adat
Shalom Synagogue, 29901
Middlebelt Rd., Farmington Hills,
MI 48334. For information, call
the synagogue, (248) 851-5100.

faceted activity within our synagogue walls as
well as the practical need to.use the new sacred
space for more than one purpose."
Cantor Klein came to B'nai Moshe in 1958,
after spending time in London, England, and
Brussels, Belgium. During his years at B'nai
Moshe, he established a men's choir, a children's
choir and a women's choral group. His original
compositions introduced during his tenure con-
tinued to be used at the synagogue.
"His extraordinary musical talent and desire to
lead the congregation in song is evident five years
after his passing," Rabbi Pachter said. "I had the
joy and privilege of serving with Cantor Klein
for my first seven years at B'nai Moshe. He truly
welcomed me — I spent my first three Shabbatot
in his home. He taught me a great deal and, at
the same time, respected my leadership. I miss
his love for me and my family, his humor and
friendship.
"Cantor Klein's perfect balance of professional-
ism and warmth touched and inspired thousands
in our congregation and throughout the
community." ❑

For information on contributing toward the
cost of the Cantor Klein Chapel, contact
Michael Grand, chapel chairman, or Alisa
Peskin-Shepherd, chapel fundraising chair,
at (248) 788-0600 or send an e-mail to:
KleinChapel@aol.com

Welcome Gays, Lesbians

•

Psychiatrist Dr. Don Spivak will be
the guest speaker 7:30 p.m. Friday,
April 23, at Temple
Beth El. He will
discuss,
"Opening the
Circle:
Understanding,
Welcoming &
Including Jewish
Gays and Lesbians
in the Temple."
Dr. Spivak
Dr. Spivak serves
on the faculty of

the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute
and is a member of the Michigan
Psychoanalytic Foundation's Liaison
Committee to the Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender Community. He
was a member of the Board of the
Michigan Jewish AIDS Coalition
(MJAC) and served on the advisory
committee of its ECHO program,
Educating Our Community about
Homosexuality through Outreach.
He is a consultant for the Detroit-
Wayne County Community Mental
Health Agency, and has a private prac-
tice in Birmingham.

4/16
2004'

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