A small group of Detroiters formed committee to not only save the
city's last synagogue but to transform it into a symbol of energy and
renewed interest in Detroit.
Excerpt:
"We don't want to just save the building. We want it to be a hub for
the people returning to the city and the energy that represents," Smith
said.
That energy was on vivid display on a Saturday night last
month when the committee hosted a party called "no sex in the
synagogue." (The title was later toned down to "no sin in the
synagogue.) Filmmaker and action member Oren Goldenberg led a
traditional service called the Havdalah. Then several bands and
a deejay played until the wee hours. One of the bands was comprised of
young Jews from Philadelphia in town for another gig who eagerly
volunteered their services after hearing about the event at D'Mongo's.
Hundreds
filled the threadbare first floor of the synagogue. Patrons ranged from
the suburban parents of some of the action committee members to plenty
of twentysomethings and older bohemian types. The crowd flowed freely
from D'Mongo's on Griswold next door to the synagogue. For years, that
block of Griswold has been one of those downtown Detroit streets that's
looked empty and mean. But that night, the street pulsed with music and
people.
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