First stop:
Creating a Jewish hub in the city.
ining what it means to live in a major
American city."
Bush is also on the board of directors
of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue,
the only traditional Conservative syna-
gogue remaining within Detroit's city
limits. A few years ago, the historic four-
story building on Griswold was nearly
forced to close because of financial
problems. Now, it's a growing a center of
Jewish life in the city
"Wonderful things are happening at
the Downtown Synagogue,' Bush said.
"In addition to our traditional Saturday
morning service with lunch, we've
increased our social and ritual program-
ming over the last few years.
There's a great group of involved
board members and volunteers,
all interested in the future of the
city and our Jewish community."
The group recently raised
$20,000 to weatherize the syna-
gogue's windows and secured
a matching grant from DTE
Ada m
Energy and WARM training
center to make other energy-
saving improvements. The Downtown
Synagogue marks its 90th anniversary
this year with a celebration planned for
late March.
Other efforts also are taking root. Like
Moishe House, an inter-
national organization that
houses small groups of
Jewish young adults who
pay subsidized rent and
get a monthly budget to
create educational and
social programming. The
house becomes a hub for
Finkel
young Jews to attend pro-
grams, Shabbat dinners
and community events. Adam Finkel, 24,
of Bloomfield Hills, who works in the
"Internet industry:' has voluntarily led
the fundraising effort to bring Moishe
House to Detroit. He was recognized at
"I cannot tell you the opportunity that exists
in Detroit. If you're into buying low and
selling high, which is a fundamental
economic rule, invest in Detroit.
There are assets all over the place."
- Dan Gilbert, entrepreneur
the meeting and received applause for
single-handedly raising $70,000.
"I'd like Moishe House Motor City to
catalyze change,' Finkel said. "We have
more interest, resources and support
from the community than I would have
thought. This is one idea to make our city
a better place."
Once the house location is finalized
and details worked out, Moishe House
Motor City will begin taking applications
through the national organization. Finkel
is still raising funds; he expects the pro-
gram to launch within 90 days.
Generating Buzz
Thanks to smartphones, laptops, iPads
and social media outlets, the conversa-
tion that took place inside Quicken Loans
was immediately shared with a broader
audience via the Internet. Before, during
and after the town hall meeting, messag-
es were being posted on Facebook and
Twitter generating buzz and encouraging
others to keep the conversation going.
Federation CEO Scott Kaufman of
Huntington Woods posted "Super energy
and passion at Quicken Loans tonight
Destination Detroit on page 14
=Z4~
*44q0. 4oWit.
.
.111111114S SI*
a a a SIIMILataa
11110•Sa.
cif/Mans
a
a
• OM It irs
ort., ■ •&b*,
aim amk..
========= IS assn
S S SS S SSA =====
AB —
4 4 4 -,4;4.414.444.,14
4 .1111111110 ,111147 ■ 113
Ali
MOM a a* s z
...11100.4 ma.
..1011111 a VILA
-
110.111.•
•• •
•
' MN 4/16
imp
• -
ore...
—
February 3 2011
13