hope to launch a Web site with
money from the Walter and Elise
Haas Fund, "so if you're planning
a Jewish wedding, you can go to
one site to find liturgy, ritual
ideas, a rabbi and a Jewish cater-
er," Batz says.
The Web site also will help
clergy and lay facilitators share
ideas and rituals, creating a vir-
tual professional network.
Not everyone is pleased with
the phenomenon. Rabbi Danny
Freelander, vice president of the
Union for Reform Judaism, is
concerned that in meeting the
personal needs of individuals,
groups like The Ritualist are
ignoring the needs of the larger
Jewish community, which needs
Jews to affiliate with it.
"I see it very much as an
extension of the 'rent-a-rabbi'
phenomenon, dressed in differ-
ent clothing:' he says. "It's won-
derful people doing this work,
creating exciting new rituals, but
I don't think it helps us build
community, which is the second
half of the equation."
Brodie understands the
ambivalence many rabbis and
Jewish leaders feel about inde-
pendent rituals and the people
who lead them. There are charla-
tans out there, she admits. But
this is different.
"We are most definitely not
rent-a-rabbi: she insists. "These
facilitators have enormous •
integrity; they don't just come for
the ceremony. They take the time
to mentor, often much more time
than a congregational rabbi.
"These are people who strong-
ly believe people should have
meaningful rituals regardless of
their synagogue affiliation."
One of the facilitators Brodie
refers people to is Reform Rabbi
Bridget Wynne. A congregational
rabbi for the past 11 years, Rabbi
Wynne tries to steer callers
toward a suitable congregation,
but usually they call because
they've already decided not to be
a member, she says. Some belong
to a congregation but their rabbi
can't meet a particular need,
such as an interfaith wedding or
a funeral where there has been a
cremation.
"The message is, 'Even if you
don't belong to a synagogue, we
want to make sure you get what
you need:" she says. 0

October 20 • 2005

Fun for all preschool and
grade school families!

For the 2nd year,
our congregation
comes together
with Reform
Congregation
Shir Shalom and
Sephardic
Synagogue
Keter Torah
for dancing
and singing
in the streets!

Puppets
Stories
Songs
Dancing with the Torahs
Activities
Games
Pizza
Ice Cream

LWOW'S DRIIV/I'ila a, 4

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2005
?goo Lia Simchat Torah
Great American goo, K3.1g
Block Party
Scroll Roll
Join us for these very special Hakafot!
Family Program

WES T BLOOMFIELD

SOUTHFIELD

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Tobye Bello at 248/357-5544.

CELEBRATES SIMCHAT TORAH

1-1V110J—LVIDIAIIS1 CANILLTEKLTED 4.

CONGREGATION SHAAREY ZEDEK

"I got my
life back!"

"I was lonely at home; there would be
days I wouldn't get dressed until late in
the afternoon. Then one day I realized
that I needed a change. That's why I
moved to The Park at Trowbridge...
and I got my life back! Many of my
friends lived here and I didn't even
know it, plus I've made so many
new friendships too. You'll never be
lonely because there are so many
• things to do-musical entertainment,
art classes, trips-there's something for
everyone. I've never had it so good."

Act Now...
Significant Sayings!

Letter written by Marian B. - resident

CALL TODAY.

Call or visit today! (248) 352-0208

24111 Civic Center Dr. • Southfield, MI 48034 • www.horizonbay.com

at Trowbridge

The Brightest Tomorrows Begin Here.®

A HORIZON BAY SENIOR COMMUNITY

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