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.