248-357-5544 | csz.info@shaareyzedek.org
248-357-5544 | csz.info@shaareyzedek.org
The Usher, on Shabbat and Yom Tov mornings, enhances the spirit of welcome for those entering the Sanctuary, especially those visiting our Congregation. Ushers also have a simple but vital role in our security plan. If you would be willing to serve as an usher for one or more services, whether you have done it before or not, please contact Jaclyn Snider at jsnider@shaareyzedek.org. Instructions and training are available.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek has long been at the forefront of the caring conversation in our community. We take pride in supporting the lives of our neighbors and our neighborhoods, giving and volunteering wherever we can make a difference.
Members of this committee look for connection with each other as a team, with the causes we support, and with the lessons in the Torah that inform our actions. We choose project involvement that is supportive of our Detroit-area home, striving to become those people who act when needed, and are a model for others, rather than those who sit on the sidelines.
For years, CSZ has assisted efforts at Yad Ezra, Heart 2 Hart Detroit, We Support the Girls, Knitted Knockers, JFS Adopt a Family, JFS Fall Fix-up, South Oakland Shelter and many others. Our newest initiative is our adoption of Vernor Elementary School in Detroit, where we will support the students through clothing drives, mentoring and more!
We invite you to learn and volunteer alongside us! Contact us here socialaction@shaareyzedek.org.
We strive to make ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ a priority — to live the Jewish value of ba-al tashchit: caring for our environment. We’ve been designated a Seal of Sustainability site by Hazon, the Jewish Lab for Sustainability. We are proud of our pollinator garden. And Shabbat lunch at Shaarey Zedek is green, through our weekly use of compostables.
At CSZ, we understand that Torah is not just something we read, it’s something we live. To live Torah means to recognize and welcome the divine spark in each and every individual and to make all of us feel seen, understood, and respected. Our inclusion committee is dedicated to that beautiful promise, working tirelessly to identify and address the stumbling blocks that lie before individuals and communities who far too often have been marginalized or forgotten in our world. In partnership with amazing organizations around the city and around the country, our inclusion committee continues to learn and grow so that we might face the challenges of discrimination and neglect wherever they may be. Each year we focus on a new intiative, and we welcome you to join us!
This dynamic group is engaged in activities to create excitement around CSZ membership and on enhancing our communal experience. To learn more about the membership committee, please contact Jay Inwald at membershipcommittee@shaareyzedek.org.
The PTO at Congregation Shaarey Zedek is looking for parents to help. It is our mission to help the youth dept to promote and assist CSZ with the social and educational programming for all of the children of the congregation. For more information, contact cszpto@shaareyzedek.org.
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.