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12 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021
Fintex Men’s Clothing store.
Board member Rick Agree said
his parents, George and Shirley
Agree, led the group that pur-
chased the four-story building.
Located at 1457 Griswold
Street, between Clifford Street
and Grand River, IADS is mem-
orable for its brightly colored
window squares.
Walking distance from
numerous Jewish-owned
clothing shops and profes-
sional offices, the Downtown
Synagogue served residents
and transients alike until the
1967 civil disturbance hastened
the flight of the city’s Jewish
population to the suburbs. The
synagogue began to falter. IADS
then became an egalitarian
congregation and gained addi-
tional new members for weekly
services.
Dr. Martin Herman, retired
from Wayne State University,
served as the Downtown
Synagogue’s de facto ritual
director after Rabbi Gamze
retired. Still a member in his
90s, Herman has provided
steady leadership. But, by 2000,
Members
RICK AGREE
Board; Isaac Agree descendant
Joined 1951
“Isaac Agree was my great-grandfather.
I never met him but heard wonderful
things about him from my grandfather,
Nathan Agree.”
VADIM AVSHALUMOV
Board President
Joined 2012
“The Centennial will be a celebration of
the individuals who built our community
over the last 100 years.”
LEOR BARAK
Former President (two terms),
2010-2015
Joined 2008
“With a renovated building, the Jewish
community will have a long-term place
in Downtown Detroit to be a beacon for Judaism
throughout the region. While we can conduct activ-
ities anywhere, having a polished, renovated space
goes a long way to welcoming a diverse group of
people and holding a wide variety of programming.”
OREN GOLDENBERG
Board VP; 100 Years Committee
Joined 2008
“100 incredible years, getting ready for 100
more! Because of its vision being accessi-
ble and inclusive, I felt IADS was a Jewish
space worth committing my time to — a place where
I felt comfortable and at home in the city, and a place
where I felt I could think about what it means to be
Jewish in Detroit.”
JAY HACK
Board; Capital Campaign; great-great-
grandson of Isaac Agree
Joined 2013
“The vision for the remodeled synagogue,
that includes collaborative space for
Jewish organizations, better facilities for children and
families, a proper environment for the rabbi and staff,
and, of course, space for Jewish life cycle events, is
inspiring.”
DR. MARTIN HERMAN
Former president and board member;
former Ritual Director
Joined 1989
“I am gratified to have been one of a small
100 Years of IADS
Longtime leader Martin Herman, circa 2015
OUR COMMUNITY
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Rabbi Silverman talks with young people.