Our Inclusive Community

Our Inclusive Community

Congregation Shaarey Zedek pursues the value: “And my house shall be a house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:7).  To this end, we invite people of all faiths and backgrounds to attend and participate in our prayer services and play active roles in family and Jewish communal life.

Shaarey Zedek means “Gates of Righteousness”.  We open our doors to people of all races, genders, physical or mental abilities, sexual orientations, prayer and observance levels to experience the warmth of our kehillah kedoshah (sacred community).  Our Clergy perform same sex Jewish weddings and bless interfaith couples (Auf-ruf) from our bimah.

Our Clergy, Rabbi Aaron Starr, Rabbi Yonaton Dahlen, Hazzan David Propis, and Ritual Director Saul Rube, are world-class, relatable and accessible to all, while playing prominent roles in the local, national and international Jewish world. They stay in sync with today’s changing world, yet link us to our traditions and cherished values of the past.

If you are new to Detroit or a current resident in our community looking for a haimish (warm, inviting) place for weekly Shabbat services with lunch following or daily minyan, Congregation Shaarey Zedek is a place for you.  With us, you will find a congregational home where your kids can participate in our joyful and innovative religious school and all can celebrate our holidays as a family.

Our Synagogue is located in the center of the Detroit Jewish community and has been a leading voice in the Movement for Conservative Judaism for more than 160 years. Come see what we are all about – Join us for Shabbat!  Our services begin at 9:30 a.m.

We want you to love it here as much as we do!

Guidelines for Ritual and Lifecycle Event Inclusion

Curriculum

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. 

Staff

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.

Family Programs

Throughout the year, we invite families to celebrate with us! Parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome to join us for special Religious School mornings filled with music, food, and community celebration as we observe holidays such as Sukkot, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover as a school community. Families and students are also encouraged to attend our weekly Shabbat services, where we offer youth activities for children of all ages. Participating in Shabbat helps our students connect their learning and apply it in a congregational setting, fostering a deeper connection to our synagogue community.