Rabbi Ariana
Silverman

The Downtown Synagogue

Connor and Beth Davidson

Simchat Torah celebration, 2016

IADS Aims to
‘Keep It Free’

Downtown Synagogue launches
inaugural fundraising drive.

T

he Isaac Agree Downtown
Synagogue’s (also called
the Downtown Synagogue)
inaugural annual fundraising drive,
“Keep it Free!” is in full swing, as its
members work to raise $100,000
in its first dedicated online annual
fundraising effort.
The synagogue’s rabbi, Ariana
Silverman, said, “‘Keep it Free!’
is a reflection of the Downtown
Synagogue’s commitment to
remaining a primary resource for
the Metropolitan Detroit Jewish
community and the community
at-large. Our plan to keep access
to our programs free of cost under-
scores our belief that we have an
obligation to make a difference for
all Detroiters.”
The campaign’s immediate
objectives are to ensure that the
Downtown Synagogue can offer
free membership to its congregants
and continue its policy of granting
unfettered access by members of
the community to its many reli-
gious, educational, social and social
justice programs.
Oren Goldenberg, chair of the
synagogue’s fundraising committee
and member of the board of direc-
tors, said the synagogue is invested
in constructing a funding model
that encourages growth.
“We are really excited to be alter-
ing our funding model to match
how we exist in the community.
We have always been a place that
is open to the larger community,
beyond those who worship with
us. This movement toward an
annual campaign allows everyone
who touches the synagogue to be

a supporter in its sustainability,”
Goldenberg said.
The “Keep it Free!” endeavor is
a departure from prior funding
efforts in which the Downtown
Synagogue, like most American
synagogues, included dues in its
membership structure. The annual
campaign is the initial stage of an
effort, through an online platform,
to gain financial support from the
diverse populations that utilize the
Downtown Synagogue and enjoy
its many community outreach pro-
grams.
“As we continue to grow in mem-
bership and staff, we are excited
to have an opportunity to expand
our community of financial con-
tributors,” Goldenberg said. “That
we receive contributions from all
over America is a truly remark-
able example of our extensive
network and the impact our small
synagogue located in the heart of
Downtown Detroit has on its mem-
bers and other constituents.”
In the past, the Downtown
Synagogue has relied on funding
through grants from organizations
that share its dedication to Detroit
and mission of inclusion and inter-
generational engagement.
Friends of the Downtown
Synagogue include the William
Davidson Foundation, the
Mandell and Madeleine Berman
Foundation, the Jewish Fund,
the Jewish Women’s Foundation
and the Jewish Federation of
Metropolitan Detroit.
To donate or learn more about
“Keep it Free!” visit patronicity.
com/downtownsynagogue. •

where there’s a will,

There’s a way forward.

“One of my goals after retirement was to give back, so
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dog. I thought he had the personality to bring support
to others. So, I took classes for him to be licensed and
he passed the test!

When I began seeking opportunities to work with
him, JVS was listed on the Therapy Dogs International
website. When I called JVS, it just so happened they
had an opening at the Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish
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Both programs focus on people with memory concerns.

The programs are very rich and the attention the staff
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reach people in a very different way. We’ve had a
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the change immediately…the smiles and the difference
it made in their day. Connor and I also really enjoy it!
If we can make someone’s day a little nicer or happier,
then we’ve accomplished our goal.”

HELP JVS BRING MORE MEANING TO
OTHERS AT WWW.JVSDET.ORG/DONATE

2163490

jn

October 19 • 2017

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