SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 11

T

he sun shone brightly when 
more than 425 people turned 
out for the Isaac Agree 
Downtown Synagogue’s Third 
Annual Block Party. There was much 
to celebrate! 
 The massive $7.5 million, two-
phase renovation of the entire 
building had been completed, 
including the much-anticipated 
rooftop deck and elevator that 
reaches every level. Entertainment 
and delicious food and drinks were 
in abundance. Joy filled the air. 

While the block party was indeed 
a celebration, it was also a time to 
honor and remember the legacy of 
Samantha Woll, past president of 
IADS who was tragically killed in 
October 2023. On that Sunday, even 
those who knew too well that Sam is 
no longer with us in this world still 
unshakably felt her energy and spirit 
powering the day.

Sam played a major role in 
leading the synagogue’s fundraising 
campaign, grand reopening 
and overall revitalization of the 
congregation in the heart of Detroit.

Rabbi Ariana Silverman spoke the 
undeniable truth: “She was here. On 
this podium in a bright blue dress … 
Her memory brings me such joy, and 
her absence is surreal and so wrong.
” 
Rabbi Silverman unflinchingly tied 
the present moment to the greater 
mission. “Today we come together to 
celebrate the fruition of a vision. But 
we do so not just as a rededication of 
a building but as a dedication to our 
own resolve.
” 
Mayor Mike Duggan spoke at 
length about Sam’s tremendous 
impact and legacy. He shared his 
memory of Sam taking him on a tour 
of the Downtown Synagogue during 
the renovation. He said people were 
trying to get Sam’s attention, and she 
would not be distracted from sharing 
with him her vision for each nook 
and cranny on every floor and even 
the rooftop of the building.

continued on page 12

YEVGENIYA GAZMAN 
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY 
YEVGENIYA GAZMAN

The plaque that greets 
people entering the Isaac 
Agree Downtown Synagogue

Rabbi Ariana 
Silverman 
speaks at the 
ceremony.

The 
Isaac Agree 
Downtown 
Synagogue

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan 
spoke at the dedication of 
the building and greeted 
attendees.

