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

