32 | SEPTEMBER 9 • 2021
faces&places
Congregation Shaarey
Zedek has introduced new
programs to bring together
congregation members and
the community with updated
family-friendly and inclusive
events for all ages, including
Shabbat Shalom Tots, a fami-
ly-friendly and musical Friday
service.
Shabbat Shalom Tots, began
in early summer for children
ages 0-6 and their favorite
adults — parents, grandpar-
ents and friends. More than
40 of them attended the Aug.
13 Friday afternoon outdoor
service with Rabbis Aaron
Starr and Yoni Dahlen, and
Lindsay Mall, for singing,
dancing and ice cream treats.
Congregation members
were also on hand for Hazon
Detroit’s Michigan Jewish
Food Festival on Aug. 16. The
CSZ family staffed a booth at
the festival, offering compli-
mentary healthy eating cook-
books and other information.
Other new programs
include TGIS (Thank
God it’s Shabbat), a Friday
night “Green” Shabbat
and Barbecue, which was
vibrant musical service that
asked attendees to focus on
environmental best prac-
tices and ways to improve
everyday sustainability;
and the Twilight Stroll and
Havdalah with Empty Nesters
at Maybury State Park. The
Empty Nesters is a group to
foster camaraderie among
those members with fewer
family obligations.
“Our synagogue family
works to meet members and
the community where they
are,” said Rabbi Aaron Starr.
“We’ve adapted our pro-
grams to the schedules and
variety of interests of a diverse
group of members, including
keeping pandemic safety in
mind. Our ability to pivot has
worked to enrich the Jewish
journeys of existing members
and to attract new members
as well. Our new programs fit
their lives, and are meaningful
and fun.”
Na’amah Segal Karas and Rhonda Rich
Sue Smith and Na’amah Segal Karas.
Rabbi Yoni Dahlen hands a popsicle
to his son, Elior.
Dierdre Holt and Barbara Levitt
Rabbis Aaron Starr and Yoni Dahlen, and Lindsay Mall made music.
Shabbat Shalom Tots Ice Cream Party with ice cream by Hello Marla.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF
CONGREGATION SHAAREY ZEDEK
Shaarey Zedek
Hosts Fun
Family Events