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

