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For generations, Beth Ahm has been a center of Jewish life.
Just a little more than 125 years ago, on May 10, 1892, Articles of
Association were filed and a small group of devoted Galitzianers (from
western Ukraine and southeastern Poland) began holding services in
a private home on Hastings Street. From this humble beginning and
through relocations, mergers, rebuilding and reinventing, Beth Ahm is a
vibrant synagogue making a positive impact in the lives of its members
and the Detroit Jewish community.
Clearly, a lot has changed over the years, but Beth Ahm’s core pur-
pose remains the same: to provide opportunities to explore and practice
Judaism in a warm, approachable community. Many have come through
its doors to pray, learn, celebrate, mourn and strengthen their Jewish
identities. Many more will be enriched by Beth Ahm during the congre-
gation’s next 125 years.
The congregation celebrated this special anniversary with food, friend-
ship, stories from the past and anticipation for the future. Beth Ahm’s
recent advancements, fully renovated facility and growing membership
will ensure that its meaningful religious experiences, visionary programs
and support for families and community will continue into the future. •

places

Hundreds of JARC guests eagerly waited for the doors to open at
Emagine Royal Oak on May 16 to explore and discover all of the unique
experiences inside the multi-screen theater — the new location of
JARC’s SpringElation fundraiser, JARCapalooza.
Festivities included a private evening complete with dinner catered by
Quality Kosher Catering, movies, bowling for all abilities, a rockin’ dance
party by StarTrax, photo booth, face painting, balloon sculptures and
Arts & Scraps. Special appearances were also made by Spiderman and
Disney’s Belle and Elsa. The theaters were near capacity — with a vari-
ety of movie and entertainment options. The movies Guardians of the
Galaxy Vol. 2 and Smurfs: The Lost Village were shown in the largest
theaters while further down the halls you could find magic shows, musi-
cal performers and various short cartoons.
By the end of the evening more than 1,200 guests had joined in the
fun. Proceeds from SpringElation support JARC’s range of services for
men, women and children with disabilities, including autism and develop-
mental delays. •

Event volunteers Brooke Dunn, Stacey Duczowski,
Abbey Katchke and Laura Friedman

Guest Gerry T. of
Farmington Hills

Manny and Nancy Kalef, Rick and Marilynn Emmer, and Risha Ring share stories about the
congregation throughout the years.

Event volunteers Stacey Weisenthal and
Melanie Wright

Amy Brode and Jennie Gnesin

Ilene Rubin and Marsha Lynn

SpringElation Event Chair Joshua Jacobs and
his wife, Jodie Jacobs

Noah and Illana Stern, Jennie Gnesin, Amy Brode, Adam Gnesin, and Sheri and Evan Shapiro

22

June 15 • 2017

Event volunteers Lindsey Feldman, Melissa Garrett
and Ian Lennox

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JARC employee Shirlyn Davis with Spiderman

