Information about this center is no longer updated. This data was last updated on 9 October 2015.
Phone: 248-547-7970Email: rgamer@congbethshalom.org
Website: congbethshalom.org
[flickr_set id="72157621818462087"] The Research was conducted by The University of Michigan-Dearborn Pluralism Project. History In the 1950s, the Jewish community in Detroit began to move into suburbs north of the city. Some of those who made the move during this time and had affiliated with an orthodox congregation, Young Israel, decided to separate from it and establish a different center. The small congregation, calling itself Beth Shalom, met in various rented spaces for approximately ten years. In 1964, they built their present center in Oak Park, a working-and middle-class community in Oakland County. The social hall was built first and services were held there. Shortly thereafter the present sanctuary was built. The congregation has grown to approximately 600 families. There is a religious school for children in grades k-8 housed in a wing attached to the main building. About 200 students are enrolled. There is also a Sunday school. Custom Label: The congregation is most proud of its work with Russian Jewish immigrants into the metropolitan Detroit area. The Circle of Friends, which was created for the immigrants, attracts between 50-80 people to its meetings. Most of those involved in the program live in apartments that are in close proximity to the synagogue. "The New Americans," as they like to be called meet every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. The group's purpose is to practice English, learn about Jewish traditions, and become part of a social network. The program grew out of an earlier one started at the Jewish Community Center in Detroit. Congregation Beth Shalom encourages the Russian immigrants to take part in the Sabbath services and has accommodated them by having payer books in Russian, English, and Hebrew. In addition, since many of the Russians are unfamiliar with Jewish traditions and were not given an opportunity to have a Jewish education, members of the center invite the Russians to their homes for Passover Seders and Sabbath dinners. Finally, as children move away from the parents, there is a program that focuses on grandparents or seniors who are starting to feel isolated. Activities and Schedule Services at Congregation Beth Shalom are weekdays at 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m; and there are services on Saturday and Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. Under the sponsorship of Yachad (third and fourth graders), Kadima (sixth, seventh, and eighth graders), and United Synagogue Youth (ninth to twelfth graders), the congregation provides social, cultural, religious, athletic, and social action activities for young people. The center also sponsors a Cub Scout troop for boys and Camp Fire for girls. The center has actively supported interfaith efforts, serving as host to the 2000 metropolitan Detroit Muslim, Christian, and Jewish Leadership symposium sponsored by the National Conference for Community and Justice.