Our Inclusive Community

Congregation Shaarey Zedek is the center of the Detroit Jewish community and  a leading voice in Conservative Judaism for more than 150 years. We offer a blend of traditional Judaism with an evolving and contemporary approach to Jewish life.

Our Clergy, Rabbi Aaron Starr, Rabbi Yonatan Dahlen, Hazzan David Propis, and Ritual Director Saul Rube, are world-class, relatable and accessible to all. They are in sync with today’s changing world, yet serve as a link to the cherished values and traditions of our past.

Our Clergy play prominent roles in both the local Jewish community as well as leadership roles in the national and international Jewish world.

They are warm, friendly and passionate teachers. They care deeply about our congregants and develop personal relationships through one-on-one contact, social engagement, participation in community activities and life cycle events. They are committed to making Judaism relevant, meaningful and bringing our tradition to life in words and actions.

We are, and always will be, a family.

Our membership is multi-generational, ranging from those with years of wisdom to young professionals, to the tiniest tots in our growing group of young families. Nothing makes us smile more than watching our little ones run onto the bimah every Shabbat for HaMotzi, candy and hugs.

 Shaarey Zedek means “Gates of Righteousness”

Which are open and inclusive to all. To you. People of all races, genders, physical or mental abilities, sexual orientations, religions, and prayer and observance levels, are warmly embraced into our kehillah kedosha (sacred community).

We’ve earned our reputation as a safe place of Jewish worship for the LGBTQ community. That’s why we’ve aligned ourselves with organizations such as Stand with Trans and Keshet. Our clergy perform same sex Jewish weddings on our bimah and throughout our community, as well as conversions from all faiths to Judaism.

We welcome the opportunity to work with families and individuals to create synagogue experiences that rise above any perceived limitations – to create a relevant, spiritual and accessible Jewish life for you.

Whether you know Hebrew or not, keep kosher or not, are new to Detroit or are looking for a haimish (warm, inviting) place for daily minyan, Congregation Shaarey Zedek has a place just for you.

Come and see what we are about – join us for Shabbat!

Our services begin at 10:00 a.m., in person in the CSZ Sanctuary.

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