30 | AUGUST 18 • 2022 

O

n Saturday, July 9, The Well and Temple Israel teamed up 
to host Shabbat at the Zoo for families with young chil-
dren. At the Pierson Lake Picnic Site near the polar bear 
exhibit at the Detroit Zoo, more than 40 families came together to 
enjoy a special Shabbat morning. 
A variety of craft projects and 
activities were available, and 
Rabbi Jeff Stombaugh of The 
Well and Rabbi Arianna Gordon 
of Temple Israel led a fami-
ly-friendly Shabbat service with 
a bonus story time. 
The program wrapped up with 
Hamotzi before the challah and 
snacks were distributed, and 
then families went on to enjoy 
the rest of the afternoon at the 
zoo. Shabbat at the Zoo is an 
annual partnership event for The 
Well and Temple Israel and is 
looked forward to by staff and 
participants alike. 

Shabbat for Tots 
at the Detroit Zoo

faces&places

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WELL AND TEMPLE ISRAEL

Families worked together to create zoo-themed craft projects.

Three 
generations: 
Eric Berlin, 
Marci Berlin 
and Talia Berlin 
enjoyed their 
day at the zoo. 

Samantha Sulzer 
and daughter 
Rayna had a 
blast.

You don’t have to know Yiddish to 

know Jewish Family Service.

We’re here to serve the whole community by 

connecting people to our wide range of services 

including counseling, transportation, financial assistance 

and services that meet the needs of older adults. 

See all the ways we can help at JFSdetroit.org.

When life has you 

stressed, don’t shvitz.