Metro
AROUND TOWN
Shabbat in the D
Young adults visit last remaining synagogue in Detroit.
A
aron Schwartz, 33, of Oak Park remembers the first time he encountered
the Issac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit. It was like discovering a
hidden gem. Now, he's an active member.
"I work downtown at an architecture firm, Hamilton
Anderson," Schwartz explained. "Four years ago, there was one
evening someone needed a minyan to say Kaddish. I got a call
and went over there. I had no idea the place was still active!"
Schwartz, now a Downtown Synagogue board member, is
hoping to spread the word. He helped organize "Shabbat in the
IV a Jan. 23 event sponsored by the Young Adult Division of
the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.
The event brought about 60 young adults to the synagogue
on Griswold. They attended services led by Oren Goldenberg
of Detroit, learned about the synagogue's history from shul
president Marty Herman, also of Detroit, and enjoyed a buf-
fet-style Shabbat dinner.
"Every time someone comes here for the first time, they say
they had no idea this place existed," said Schwartz. "A lot of people enjoyed coming
downtown and doing something Jewish downtown."
•
The Downtown Synagogue, the only traditional Conservative synagogue within the
Detroit city limits, has been in its current location since 1939. Weekly Saturday morn-
ing services are led by members and cantorial soloist Neil Berris. The late Rabbi
Noah Gamze passed away in 2003. The synagogue also holds annual High Holiday
services free of charge.
"We make a minyan every week with a handful or regulars and other folks who
come occasionally," said Schwartz. "Three days a year, we're packed. Hundreds and
hundreds of people attend High Holiday services. We'd love to grow the number of
people who attend during the year. It's a casual environment and we're open to any-
one."
Spotted in the "Shabbat in the D" crowd were: Co-chair Leor Barak, Mitchel
Alexander and Kate Bush, all of Detroit; Mandy Friedenberg of Huntington
Woods; Josh Goldberg and Rachel and Ron Radner, all of West Bloomfield;
Abby Lieberman of Sterling Heights; Joey Abrin of Oak Park; Alex Cintron of
Farmington Hills; and Jill and Craig Menuck of Birmingham. _
The Issac Agree Downtown Synagogue holds services Saturdays
at 9 a.m. followed by Kiddush; 1457 Griswold Avenue, Detroit.
E-mail isaacagreesynagogue@yahoo.com for more information.
Celebrating "Shabbat in the D" at the Downtown Synagogue
Kate Bush and her husband, Dan Montigelli,
Gary Urbiel Goldner, his wife, Andrea, and Paul Urbiel, all of
Leor Barak of Detroit, Mandy Friedenberg of Huntington
of Detroit
Ann Arbor
Woods and Neil Barris of Walled Lake
A22
January 29 • 2009