NOVEMBER 10 • 2022 | 21

The temple has a religious school con-
sisting of about 10 kids at various ages. 
Edut and Witkin run several classes, 
including Introduction to Judaism, 
Women in the Bible and an adult 
b’nai mitzvah class. The temple holds 
community seders, and Chanukah, 
Purim and Sukkot programs. In the 
past, a yearly community-organized 
Holocaust Memorial Day has been 
held. 
TBI not only has members from 
the tri-city area, but also from out-
lying areas, too — over to Mount 
Pleasant, up north almost up to 
Traverse City and small towns in 
between. “They come from all over 
the place,” Edut said.
Witkin believes the dedication 
of long-standing lay leaders across 
generations are crucial to TBI’s exis-
tence.
“It’s a small circle of people who 
have put a lot of time and energy into 
keeping the congregation alive,” he 

said. “Those intergen-
erational relationships, 
particularly in a small 
community, are both 
unique and extremely 
powerful. Jewish life is 
happening all over the 
state of Michigan and 
Temple Beth Israel is a great reminder 
of that.” 
TBI president Laetitia Abramson 
believes the congregation’s sense of 
community, openness and warmth is 
what makes it special.
“That’s especially crucial here, where 
there aren’t many Jewish people,” she 
said. “It gives them a sense of bonding, 
safety, and that we’re all together and 
can share our rituals and traditions.”
Edut encourages people to come 
and visit, especially in the spring and 
summer months. 
“It’s beautiful up here, we’re a little 
hidden gem,” she said. “Come and join 
us for nice Jewish events.” 

Rabbi Ari 
Witkin

TOP: The exerior of Temple Beth Israel. MIDDLE: 
Congregants dance during a holiday celebration. 
BOTTOM: The Chanukah menorah.

