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At The Core from page 6
Community Schovi
Since the school opened in fall 2000,
local Reform rabbis have been support-
ive of Frankel Jewish Academy, often
providing information for interested
parents and explaining that FJA is a
community school where their children
will feel comfortable.
"We have supported the school,"
Moskowitz said. "It is a good education-
al environment for our children. We'd
like to continue to do that. We don't
want to hurt the school, but asking who
and what they are is a legitimate ques-
tion of the board and administration:'
Although founders of the school
chose not to use the term "commu-
nity school;' the perception seems to
be that it is one, mainly because it
receives Jewish community dollars. All
of Detroit's day schools receive annual
allocations from the Jewish Federation
of Metropolitan Detroit's Annual
Campaign.
"The Academy receives the least
amount of any school;' Goss said.
FJA did get a $750,000 challenge
grant from Federation when it was get-
ting off the ground. The school's annual
Federation allocation in recent years
has hovered between $142,000 and
$154,000. The allocation for 2011-2012
is $133,815.
"We don't use 'community' because it
means so many things to so many peo-
ple,' Goss said. "Community schools can
run from those with strict philosophies
to non-denominational and inclusive.
FJA fits within the parameters.
"We are a school for the community
— all movements, all denominations,
all synagogues and temples, even unaf-
filiated. Our religious philosophy and
mission are based on our four pillars."
Student Concern
Though the school is welcoming to all,
Reform rabbis say they have been field-
ing complaints from some FJA students
in their congregations.
One Reform student felt "an uncom-
fortable and disturbing tone" had crept
into the school. The student talked of
being subjected to offensive comments
about being a Reform Jew. Other stu-
dents asked for a Reform minyan to
serve the needs of liberal Jews at FJA,
so the "Happy Minyan" was formed,
with an Orthodox rabbi as liaison.
"No one should feel less than, and
there's a tone, a sense that we are
less authentic as liberal Jews',' Rabbi
Moskowitz said. "How can they make it
happen for Reform students to feel hon-
ored in their traditions? Is laying tefillin
the only option? Why can't we Reform
rabbis come and lead minyan? I want
the school to teach students to be stron-
ger Jews, whatever denomination."
Goss said FJA has worked very hard
not to do anything based on denomina-
tions.
"We don't want to separate or stig-
matize, even in our activities:' he said.
"If this turns out to be a problem, like
all problems, we will address it and
make students feel as comfortable as
possible."
The Reform rabbis also are con-
cerned that FJA's board has few Reform
representatives and does not adequate-
ly represent the Reform student body.
They submitted names for consid-
eration, but none were elected. Goss
responded that each year one or two
members are from the Reform move-
ment. He listed several by name who
have been active, supportive members.
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Moving Forward
Rabbi Bennett said the formal letter
was sent to Goss and Grossman to
prompt change and discussion. In that
sense, it has been effective.
A face-to-face meeting was to hap-
pen Wednesday, Aug. 24, with principal
leaders from both sides.
"One of the great historical strengths
of this community is that we're unified
and act as a community,' said Scott
Kaufman, Federation CEO. "I'm confi-
dent the local rabbinate and FJA will
work together to resolve any issues they
have. These are good people who care
about the community deeply and our
Jewish future — that will drive them
forward."
Goss agrees. He belongs to five
local synagogues (Conservative and
Orthodox) and is involved on local
Jewish boards, including at Federation.
"I grew up in Los Angeles, and I
think Detroit is very unique because of
our strengths, cohesiveness and work-
ing together so our next generation
comes back:' Goss said. "It makes us a
special place. We're too small a commu-
nity to have divisions."
Rabbi Moskowitz looks forward to
the face-to-face discussions.
"We are bringing attention to these
concerns, not going with demands to
be met',' he said. "These are genuine
concerns that can be addressed or
rectified. Knowing we are being heard
is positive ... For us, it's a community
issue, and we're all on board. We want
to make it work best for all our kids.
"The rabbis in our community have
open and honest relationships. We don't
take it for granted; we work on it. We
can sit and work it out."
Goss said the goal is to have an open
conversation.
"I hope we can come to common
ground and move forward in the best
interest of the students:' he said. "As
we're going into the High Holidays, it
a good time to clear the air and move
forward." EJ
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