248-357-5544 | csz.info@shaareyzedek.org
248-357-5544 | csz.info@shaareyzedek.org
Our clergy, Rabbi Aaron Starr, Rabbi Yonatan Dahlen, Hazzan David Propis and Ritual Director Saul A. Rube are world-class, relatable and accessible to all.
Rabbi Aaron Starr is a rabbinic fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Rabbinic Leadership Initiative, and serves as our spiritual leader. He is a gifted orator who savors the rich opportunities to inspire and teach at the bimah. He has been a part of the Shaarey Zedek family since 2008, and is a past president of the Rabbinical Assembly-Michigan Region and of the Metropolitan Detroit Board of Jewish Educators. He has played prominent roles in Jewish governance worldwide, and is a celebrated author who frequently writes for the Times of Israel and Detroit Jewish News.
Rabbi Yonatan Dahlen has imprinted his passionate and energized stamp on our community. He sees his spiritual leadership as a sacred responsibility to bring holiness into everyday life. He has reimagined ways of connecting with our membership, and created new pathways to spirituality, for our members young and old. Rabbi Dahlen is firmly committed to bringing the beauty of Jewish life and learning to anyone, no matter where they are on their Jewish journey.
Hazzan David Propis is a gifted cantorial artist, who has created musical prayer experiences at Congregation Shaarey Zedek that never fail to elevate our sense of spirituality. He has an international reputation and is a prolific recording artist. As a past president of the Cantors Assembly, the largest body of cantors in the world, he was named to the task force to restructure the cantorial school at JTS, amongst his many honors. He creates moving melodies and participatory services on Shabbat and our music on the High Holidays is second to none.
Ritual Director Saul A. Rube focuses on building a strong, warm, and inclusive minyan community. As our Ritual Director, he interacts with congregants, and offers tutoring and encouragement for everyone, including those new to synagogue rituals. He leads our morning and evening services and reads Torah at minyan as well as on Shabbat and on holidays. He also guides our B’nai Mitzvah program and leads shiva minyanim.
Our staff is professional, skilled and energized to support our members and clergy to realize their goals and aspirations. Click HERE to connect with our Professional Staff.
Our Board of Trustees is hands-on, and reflects our congregation, from all socio-economic backgrounds, ages and sexes.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek is hiring! Do you want to be a part of making community happen? Check out openings here.
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.
