Downtown synagogue hires rabbi, plans major renovations

For the first time in 16 years, Detroit’s only synagogue will have a new rabbi.

Arianna Silverman was named the rabbi of Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue last year, according to an article in the Detroit News. Previously, the synagogue was lay-led, meaning members of the congregation would lead services.

Silverman, a “a 39-year-old Manhattan transplant,” said a major reason she took the post was because of the youth-led Jewish revival in the city. “They are a big reason I’m here,” Silverman said in the article. “We have plenty of people who attend our services who are in their 20s and 30s. Many are involved in nonprofit work, community gardens, social justice, cultural issues.”

In related news, “The synagogue is preparing to launch a multimillion-dollar campaign to restore the building,” writes Louis Aguilar. “They want to convert the top two floors into more office space, add an alternative chapel, as well as community meeting and rental facilities.”