Coffee House at Congregation Shaarey Zedek is a monthly community engagement series for experienced adults who enjoy learning, conversation, and connection. Sponsored with gratitude by Joy and Allan Nachman, Coffee House brings curated speakers and presenters to the synagogue on Monday mornings for expert-led discussions that inspire curiosity and spark dialogue on a wide range of fascinating topics—from culture and current events to Jewish thought and beyond. Each gathering concludes with a delicious catered lunch and plenty of time to socialize over coffee, creating a warm and welcoming space for lifelong learners to engage, connect, and grow together.
See our upcoming Coffee House events below:
Doron Levin, Journalist, Author, North American Car and Truck of the Year Juror, SeekingAlpha equity analyst will discuss “Israel’s Problem With Gaza Isn’t PR, It’s Something Much Worse.”
Doron Levin was born in Israel and grew up mostly in the U.S. After finishing Cornell he served in the IDF for three years and married a woman he met during their military service. Their family was transferred to Detroit when he was working with the Wall Street Journal and subsequently had written for the New York Times, Bloomberg, Detroit Free Press and other publications.
His wife, Adina, has been teaching Hebrew at Hillel Day School since 1984, just having begun her 41st year.
Since October 7 he has been spending time and journalistic expertise to drive out bad information, propaganda and disinformation about Israel and the war in Gaza with good information. Accordingly he has been to Israel twice to report and write and intend to visit again in mid-December.
Will My Grandchildren Be Jewish?
Jewish practice, identity, and belonging are constantly evolving in response to modern life. As we look to the future, important questions emerge: What will Judaism look like for the next generation? How might our grandchildren engage with Jewish life? Should we be worried—or hopeful?
Join Rebecca Starr for a thought-provoking conversation about the current landscape of Jewish identity and the future of meaningful community building. Together, we’ll explore how shifting perspectives can help us reimagine what it means to live a vibrant Jewish life in the generations to come.
Rebecca Starr is the Vice President of Educational Operations and Regional Strategy for the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. A respected Jewish educator and community organizer, Rebecca has served in a wide range of Jewish communal roles throughout her career.
Originally from an 80-acre sheep farm in Pickford, Michigan, in the state’s Upper Peninsula, Rebecca is a proud alumna of the University of Michigan. She holds undergraduate degrees in Education and Judaic Studies, a Master’s in Social Work, and a Certificate in Jewish Communal Service. She is currently pursuing a doctorate at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. Rebecca met her husband, Rabbi Aaron Starr, while both were teaching Hebrew school in Ann Arbor. What began as conversations about Jewish ideas and curriculum turned into a lifelong partnership—now nearly 25 years strong. They are still discussing curriculum. Together, they are the proud parents of two sons, Caleb and Ayal.
“Synagogue Stories: A History of Jewish Detroit’s Sacred Spaces.”
Synagogues have been a part of the Detroit landscape for 175 years. Through historical photographs and documents, this presentation will journey into the past and examine the origin story of Detroit’s synagogues, the rise and fall of the mushroom shuls, and the ways the buildings themselves represent both the congregants and changing times.
Robbie Terman was born in Detroit, Michigan. Her childhood was filled with tales about the glory days of Detroit and its active Jewish community. Now she gets to live that history as the director of the Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. She has a master’s degree in Library and Information Science with a certification in Archival Administration from Wayne State University. As an archivist, she strives to bring recognition to stories forgotten by time.
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.