O

ne can read a lot of 
Detroit Jewish histo-
ry today. There are 
online newsletters and journals, 
a wide range of books to read 
on your Kindle, 
and many other 
digital sources 
of informa-
tion. There are 
also tried and 
true historical 
sources such 
as the journal, 
Michigan Jewish 
History, or the online Archive 
of the Detroit Jewish News and 
Detroit Jewish Chronicle.
All these resources have one 
thing in common: They are 
written by a third-party. Often, 
their research is from published 
books and articles. The best 
evidence is, however, contained 

in original or primary resourc-
es — documents, photographs 
or data — whether in paper or 
digital form. And, an archive is 
where one finds these authentic 
sources. In this regard, there is 
exciting news: the creation of 
the Center for Michigan Jewish 
Heritage. 
The Center for Michigan 
Jewish Heritage (CMJH) is 
a collaboration between two 
of the best archives of Jewish 
History in Metro Detroit: 
the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin 
Archive at Temple Beth El 
and the Leonard N. Simons 
Jewish Community Archives 
at the Jewish Federation of 
Metro Detroit. Each archive 
retains ownership of its 
records; but for the first time, 
they are collaborating on 
preservation, collection man-

agement, reference services 
and the creation of digital 
resources. 
The CMJH’s mission is to 
preserve and provide access 
to the primary sources of 
local Detroit and Michigan 
Jewish history. 
“To understand our commu-
nity today, you need to look in 
the past,” says Federation CEO 
Steven Ingber. “By protecting 
our archival records, we are 
ensuring a lasting legacy for 
the people and institutions that 
have shaped us.” 
To which Rabbi Mark Miller, 
senior rabbi of Temple Beth El 
in Bloomfield Township, adds: 
“Our Metro Detroit Jewish 
community has a storied past 
and engaging with that past 
is one of the keys to future 
success. Weaving together the 

fascinating chronicles and 
the professional expertise of 
both the Franklin and Simons 
Archives will allow the Center 
for Michigan Jewish Heritage 
to not only to preserve our 
shared legacy, but also ensure 
that more and more people 
benefit from the vibrant stories 
that brought us here.” 

DEDICATED ARCHIVISTS
The CMJH is also a partner-
ship between two dedicated 
and creative archivists: Laura 
Gottlieb, director of cultural 
resources at Temple Beth El, 
and Robbie Terman, director 
of the Simons Archive. They 
are the idea-people behind the 
CMJH. 
 “It was incredible to have an 
idea and then find a precedent 
for it in our own collections,” 
Terman says. “In 1899, Rabbi 
Franklin developed an idea of 
a consolidated United Jewish 
Charities for the community. 

Hub for 
Hub for 
Jewish Heritage
Jewish Heritage

32 | FEBRUARY 10 • 2022 

OUR COMMUNITY

Two of Detroit’s best archives combine to create the 
new Center for Michigan Jewish Heritage. 

Mike Smith
Alene and 
Graham Landau 
Archivist Chair

Robbie Terman 
and Laura Gottlieb

