Reconstructionist Congregation of Detroit - Latest Blog Entries

RCD Torah Dedication

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:37:00 -0500

September 11, 2011

RCD's new Torah was officially dedicated in a ceremony held September 11, 2011. We gathered to see the Torah presented in honor of Matthew Schenk, RCD's first president, for all the work he has done on behalf of RCD. We expressed our gratitude to Judge Avern Cohn for his support of this project, as well as all the donors who made the purhase of the Torah possible. The Sofer, Rabbi Levi Kagan, blessed the Torah and provided a brief history of its origins. As a group we re-dedicated ourselves to basic Torah values: love God and love your neighbor as yourself. We then carried the Torah to our synagogue and installed in the Ark. Members of Christ Church (where our synagogue has space) were on hand to observe this portion of our ceremony. We then gathered with members of Christ Church for a dicussion of religious tolerance and acceptance, particularly in the context of the tragic events of 9/11. It was a milestone day for our small group, and we are looking forward to using our new Torah for our Rosh Hashanah services on Sept. 29th and 30th. We also look forward to our continued fellowship with members of Christ Church, where we have been made to feel most welcome.

J-Cycle is a Success!

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:29:00 -0500

Well over one hundred cyclists turned out for this first time event! The 15 mile bike tour of Jewish Detroit was great success. The weather started out a little wet, but participants reported that things cleared up and everyone dried out as the tour progressed! We hope to have some photos posted soon.

RCD to get a new Torah

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 15:19:00 -0600

Last week, RCD members had the chance to visit their 'new' torah, which is currently being repaired by Rabbi and Sofer Levi Kagan. The Torah is currently being re-koshered in advance of this year's high holidays. Jared S. looked on with particular interest as this Torah will be an important part of his upcoming Bar Mitzvah.

Rabbi Kagan talked to a group of about ten RCD members about the process that is required to repair the Torah, letter by letter. Then, he showed us his progress, having completed the first two books already. The kids in the group took their own turn, writing their hebrew names on parchment with "kosher forever" ink and a turkey quill.

It was a great opportunity to see how much of a difference our new Torah will make in RCD services. Next step, picking out a Torah cover...and finishing the fundraising.

RCD has a new location!

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:14:00 -0600

The new year brought yet another new sanctuary space for RCD members. We are now located at 960 E. Jefferson, inside of Christ Church. Our space can be accessed via the entrance on Woodbridge. This is not our first partnership with Christ Church--we formerly inhabited space within their historic Sibley House (before our move to 1300 E. Lafayette). Though our locations may change, our lively and participatory services remain the same! Many of our members turned out last Saturday for our first service in our new home.

RCD Members help the homeless in Detroit

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 03:42:00 -0600

On a cold December night, a small group of RCD members gathered at Cass Community Social Services to serve dinner to the homeless men, women, and children currently being housed there. Synagogue members who could not be there that night helped by donating money to purchase the food, and then cooked and delivered everything to the shelter! No small task since we served dinner to 125 people. It was great to see that even our small group can make an impact in our community.