DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 11

TOP: A Simchat Torah celebration. BOTTOM LEFT: Children work at Eden Gardens. 
BOTTOM RIGHT: Members meet in fellowship and prayer.

continued on page 12

People 
Of IADS

Staff

RABBI ARIANA 
SILVERMAN
Spiritual Leader
“When IADS launched a 
national search for a full-
time rabbi in 2016, they 
ultimately chose the one who lives 2 
miles away. I am so glad they did. I am 
committed to Detroit, committed to the 
values that IADS espouses, and com-
mitted to serving a congregation that 
reflects the diversity of Jews and their 
families.”

ARLENE FRANK
Executive Director
“The synagogue’s commit-
ment to the city itself, to 
those who find a place in 
our community, along with 
its commitment to creating a welcom-
ing, engaged experience of Jewish life 
for everyone, with no financial barrier to 
belong, and with a respect for the diver-
sity of Jewish expression, are deeply 
held values that resonate with me.”

ELIZABETH KANNON
Administrative Assistant
Joined 2011
“Les [Kannon] and I met at 
IADS in July 1977, when we 
stood up in a wedding for 
friends. Unfortunately, their union did 
not last long, but we have been mar-
ried for 42 years. We remember doing 
shots with Rabbi [Noah] Gamze in the 
social hall before the intended couple 
and their families arrived.”

NICOLE FEINBERG
Development & Program 
Manager
“With our upcoming 
building renovation, we 
will have the opportunity 
to serve the unique and growing 
needs of our valued community in 
new and innovative ways.”

by starting the charitable Isaac Agree 
Memorial Society with other family 
members on Dec. 28, 1921. Isaac, a 
pioneer in Jewish education, was born 
in 1863 in the Ukraine. He came to 
the U.S. in 1904 with his wife Rachel 
(Kaplan) Agree and their eight children.
In 1922, a house on Rosedale Court, 
east of Woodward, was remodeled 
to serve as a Talmud Torah (Hebrew 
school) and makeshift synagogue. By 
1927, a second enhanced location was 
chosen on the same street. Under the 
spiritual leadership of Rabbi Elmer 
Kline, the Agree Society members 
moved in 1937 to their first location 
on Griswold Street near Capitol Park 

Historic District. The congregation 
was named the Downtown Synagogue 
in 1940. It became a Conservative 
house of worship in 1961-62, and 
“Isaac Agree” was added to the syna-
gogue’s name in 1963. Rabbi Herman 
Rosenwasser served IADS from 1938-
1955.
After losing their building to fire, the 
congregation worshipped in locations 
that included upstairs in Kosins Clothes 
store. During the uncertain 1950s, 
Rabbi Leo Steinhauser provided spiritu-
al leadership.
Rabbi Noah M. Gamze served from 
1963-2001. In 1964, IADS found its 
permanent home inside the former 

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