I
n a congregation that’s
tagline is “Big enough to
enrich you, small enough
to know you,” what makes
Beth Ahm of West Bloomfield
so special?
Well, many things, accord-
ing to their spiritual leader
Rabbi Steven Rubenstein,
who has been its rabbi since
arriving from Queens in 2005.
Congregation Beth Ahm,
which in Hebrew means
“house of the people,” is
a friendly, comfortable
congregation filled with
approximately 320 down-to-
earth members. The bimah is
the focal point in the room,
with seats arranged around
it. This creates a warmth and
closeness where you never
feel too far away and gives
its members a welcoming
atmosphere.
According to Zeev Maine,
15, of West Bloomfield, “The
small congregation allows for
constant bonding to occur. I’ve
built so many relationships at
Beth Ahm.”
His sister Lihi, 12, agrees.
“The congregation plays an
important role in my life since
it is like a second family for
me. Whenever I go, I feel at
home and content. I feel that
when I enter Beth Ahm, I
don’t think about anything
that has to be done, only the
current moment.”
Little sister Hilla, 7, adds,
“I love Beth Ahm because I
learn great lessons there and
Beth Ahm members help
lead Shabbat services.
A ‘House of
the People’
STACI WITTENBERG SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
OUR COMMUNITY
24 | FEBRUARY 29 • 2024
J
N
Rabbi Steven
Rubenstein
Beth Ahm’s sanctuary