JUNE 8 • 2023 | 27

T

he Joan Meyers Jampel Center for 
Michigan Jewish Heritage was formally 
launched on May 8, with a Kick-Off 
Gala attended by over 200 patrons and friends. 
Along with a fine nosh and tours of the cen-
ter’s new facilities, the evening also included 
several presentations regarding archival work 
and the center.
The center is a collaborative effort to 
promote Michigan’s Jewish heritage by the 
preservation of archival collections, and joint 
outreach for and research access to the collec-
tions. The project was developed by Robbie 
Terman, director of the Leonard N. Simons 
Jewish Community Archives of the Jewish 
Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, and Laura 
Gottlieb, director of Cultural Resources at 
Temple Beth El, which includes the Rabbi Leo 
M. Franklin Archives and Prentis Memorial 
Library. 
Temple Beth El Rabbi Mark Miller and 
directors Gottlieb and Terman made remarks. 
Joan Jampel and several family members 
attended the opening.

 “This project started with big ‘what ifs?’ 
What if we were able to work together in a 
shared location to provide easier access for the 
community?” Gottlieb said. “What if we part-
nered for greater outreach to tell more people 
about the incredible gems in our archives and 
connect them to their own history?” 
Terman added, “Since our first program 
together, we have continued to see the benefits 
of a shared mission. It is so fortunate that both 
the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit 
and Temple Beth El have supported their 
archives for decades and, now, working togeth-
er. We are thrilled that the center has been 
named in honor of Joan Meyers Jampel, who 
has been an avid supporter of both archives 
for many years.
” 

Center for Michigan 
Jewish Heritage 
Has Gala Kick-Off

MIKE SMITH DJN ARCHIVIST

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN HARDWICK

faces&places

TOP TO BOTTOM: Rabbi Mark Miller gives 
remarks. Judy Goldwasser, Marcy Fisher 
and Gabe Neistein study materials on the 
display table. ABOVE: The Center’s three 
archivists: Laura Gottlieb, Robbie Terman 
and Brian Schamber. RIGHT: Joan Jampel 
(seated), Delia Jampel, Ruth Broder, David 
Bloom, Emily Jampel Sherman and Richard 
Broder.

