20 | JULY 7 • 2022 

T

roy’s Congregation 
Shir Tikvah (Song of 
Hope) was formed 
in 1982 as the Troy Jewish 
Congregation by two mothers 
desiring conveniently located 
Jewish education for their 
children. 
After developing and 
understanding its identity as 
a congregation, Shir Tikvah 
joined the Reform movement. 
It began attracting new mem-
bers looking for a smaller, 
inclusive, come-as-you-are 
congregation. Today, Shir 
Tikvah serves members from 
throughout Metropolitan 
Detroit and is a convenient 
congregation for families 
living along the I-75 and 

Woodward corridors.
In keeping with the Reform 
movement, Shir Tikvah makes 
no distinction between those 
who are born Jewish, who 
are Jews by Choice or who 
are non-Jewish partners. It 
is also equally welcoming to 
individuals and families of all 
backgrounds, races, ethnici-
ties, disabilities, sexual orien-
tations and gender identities.
“We strive to be 
a spiritual home 
for everybody,” 
said Shir Tikvah’s 
Rabbi Alicia 
Harris. “We’re a 
singing communi-
ty. Our services are 
super-dynamic, they’re inter-

active, and it’s a place we hope 
anybody can walk into and 
feel welcome and spiritually 
engaged.” 
In 1988, Shir Tikvah wel-
comed Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg 
and flourished with him as its 
spiritual leader. With his inspi-
ration, Shir Tikvah joined the 
Renewal movement, being one 
of the few congregations with 
joint Reform and Renewal 
affiliation in North America. 
In 2015, Rabbi Arnie 
announced his plan to retire 
and now serves as Rabbi 
Emeritus. Rabbi Aura Ahuvia 
became head rabbi in July 
2016 but left the congregation 
in the summer of 2020. In July 
2020, Shir Tikvah welcomed 

Harris as the head rabbi.
Besides Harris, Shir Tikvah 
has two full-time staff members, 
Director of Lifelong Learning 
Sarah Chisholm and Executive 
Director Lorelei Berg.
Tikkun olam is at the fore-
front of Shir Tikvah in many 
ways, with an army of volun-
teers providing shelter and food 
to those who need it, and social 
activities for all. 
Shir Tikvah’s Sisterhood 

Rabbi Alicia 
Harris

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

OUR COMMUNITY

SYNAGOGUE SPOTLIGHT

Troy’s Congregation Shir Tikvah celebrates its diversity. 

A Spiritual Home 
for Everybody

Watch “Ask 
the Rabbi” 
with Rabbi 
Alicia Harris.

The exterior of Shir Tikvah

The sanctuary at Shir Tikvah.

PHOTOS COURTESY PAUL STOLOFF PHOTOGRAPHY

