CSZ Village is for anyone seeking warmth, meaning, and connection—without the barriers of traditional synagogue membership. If you’re a young family, a young professional, or simply looking for a fresh way to plug into Jewish life, you’ve found your Village.
CSZ Village is a warm, welcoming Jewish community for individuals, couples, and families under 50, built around connection, flexible participation, and meaningful Jewish life—without traditional membership barriers.
CSZ Village is for anyone interested in being part of a community where everyone can participate equally in traditional Jewish practice under the age of 50. Our Village is made up of singles, couples, and families.
Of course! We are proud to partner with dozens of synagogues and organizations throughout Metro Detroit. We just want to be part of your Jewish journey, regardless of if we’re your congregational home or the community you swing by to visit on occasion.
That is up to you! Rather than having traditional membership dues, CSZ Village asks new Villagers to make an initial pledge or donation that fits within your current financial situation. Additionally, we ask for gifts from the heart throughout the year to help us put on religious services, programs, events, and to keep the bagels on the table (Jewish programming has to have food, right?!)
Nope! We don’t do bills. You might get a phone call or a text occasionally to see if you can chip in, but you will never receive a bill.
Nah, that’s not our style. But if you ever want to create auto-pay as part of your pledge, we can certainly accommodate
So glad you asked! In addition to being part of something new and exciting in Jewish Detroit, belonging to CSZ Village comes with some wonderful benefits, including:
We put on a wide variety of programs from consistent staples like family holiday programs and our Village Shabbat series to pop-ups like singles mixers, outings to sporting or cultural events, teen programs, learning opportunities, and special concerts, speakers, and more.
We pray, we eat, we sing, we play, we learn, we mark holy time, and we make lots of memories!
Most programs and services take place at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, with events happening throughout the month—including regular Shabbat gatherings and special programs.
Yes! CSZ Villagers receive membership pricing for Religious School tuition.
We remove barriers to belonging. No fixed dues. No assumptions about your level of observance. No pressure to choose just one community. Just a welcoming space to connect, grow, and be part of something meaningful.
Getting started is easy! Just go to CSZ.app/JoinVillage and sign up or call the office at 248.357.5544. We’ll help you find your place and get connected right away.
You have my word, that when you are here, you will feel the difference. We are proud of what we are building, because it is focused on community, on heart, on love and respect, and on a judgement-free Judaism where we all are just walking each other home.
– Rabbi Yoni Dahlen
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The Village Voice is our weekly E-newsletter that keeps you updated on upcoming events, programs, holidays, etc.
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Our curriculum is written for our school by our Rabbis and Director of Youth and Family Learning. Each grade level has specific goals and learning targets that encompass the following areas:
Learning and practicing Jewish rituals, holidays, and ethical actions, emphasizing how these observances connect individuals to Jewish tradition and community.
Fostering a connection to Israel by exploring its geography, history, and significance as the Jewish homeland.
Centering on learning and understanding Torah stories, characters, and teachings, and applying their lessons to daily life.
Emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim), and fulfilling obligations like Tzedakah (charity).
Exploring the meaning and practice of prayer, teaching students how to communicate with God and understand the significance of different prayers.
Focusing on learning the Hebrew alphabet, vocabulary, and basic reading skills to engage with Jewish texts and prayers.
Each grade level explores these themes through engaging and age-appropriate lessons. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including the Chai Curriculum.
We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professional Jewish educators. Our teachers receive weekly planning time, during which they use our curriculum and learning goals to craft engaging lesson plans. They benefit from regular coaching and feedback from our Director of Youth and Family Learning and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Our educators are passionate about their students and committed to their growth and success.