06/02/2007

Synagogue gets ready for milestone

By Gretchen Murray
Local columnist
gmurray@
record-eagle.com

Read Gretchen's past columns here

Members of Congregation Beth El in Traverse City have a lot to celebrate as they observe their 120th anniversary with a weekend of activities June 22 to June 24.

The weekend promises a showcase of original music and art dedicated to the congregation recognized as the oldest synagogue in continuous use in Michigan.

Titled "May Ohr L'Ohr: From Light to Light,” the events begin with a jazz Shabbat at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Hagerty Center featuring pianist Jeff Haas and his trio along with the cantoral voices of the congregation's current rabbi Albert Lewis of Grand Rapids, and guest rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg of Royal Oak. The service will feature original compositions by Haas stemming from his Jewish heritage.

The festivities continue on Saturday with a special dinner at the Hagerty Center featuring music by the Neptune Quartet and a video history of the congregation. The evening will conclude with a Havdalah blessing. Reservations are $40 for adults.

Established by Polish and Russian immigrants in the mid-1800s, Beth El served as the primary Jewish presence between Grand Rapids and Petoskey for over a century.

The congregation began as an orthodox synagogue, but currently is a part of United Reformed Congregations.

"We call ourselves 'Reform-a-dox,” said former board member Carole Simon. "We've tried to be sensitive to the varying needs and practices of our broad-based membership.”

Today Beth El is a close-knit community of about 50 families who have worked hard to preserve the little building that houses so much heritage.

The white frame building, just 22 by 30 feet and built for $1,000, sits tucked behind the new Robert P. Griffin Hall of Justice on Washington Street. It came through the recent courthouse construction that closed its entrance on Park Street for a length of time and dramatically changed the approach to the synagogue.

Since completion of the construction, the access street that intersects Washington has been renamed Beth El Way. Simon said the congregation is excited with the new configuration and pleased that the construction created a little courtyard in front of the synagogue.

From 1 to 3 p.m. on June 24, Rabbis Lewis and Sleutelberg and Rabbi Emeritus Dr. Jonathan Plaut will lead a rededication ceremony of the synagogue honoring the congregation's service and growth in the Grand Traverse area. A specially commissioned Judaica work by artist Glenn Wolff will be unveiled during the dedication.

"We though it was an opportune time to rededicate the synagogue building and reaffirm Congregation Beth El's presence in the community,” Simon said. "It's a wonderful thing — this little synagogue. As the city evolved and transformed around us we remained steadfast, and now here is this little hidden treasure that is a lovely part of Traverse City's religious community.”

The synagogue is at 311 Beth El Way. Events are open to the public by reservation. For details, call Nancy Hirsch, 929-3335.