We welcome and invite you to share your memories of Detroit's former synagogues and Jewish sites.
Email your memories to us » and we will add them to the site. *PLEASE* be sure to cite the name of the synagogue or site.
Shared Memories of B'nai Zion
Went to Humphrey /Holmur shule every Shabbos with my parents, Philip & Leah Zaks. I remember as a 5 yr old or so going back & forth between the balcony where and the main floor, remember seeing a sea of swaying talleses where my father sat. I remember spitoons too (near doorways?) I go back to the area often.
Elaine Zaks
In the 50's - there was a Young Couples Minyan in the basement of the
Shul. They had their own services and provided Kiddish every Shabbos.
This is where we "davened" when we were married in the 51.
- Ruth & Paul
Humphrey Shul I remember attending shul every Shabbos
. I sat upstairs in the balcony with my mother and my two Bubbes. The
Rabbi was Rabbi Grushkin and my Zayde Harry Katz was the vice president
of the shul. I remember how I loved attending services and following along
with my fingers in the Chumash when the Torah was read. Two memories stick
out in my mind-one was when Soapy Williams made an appearance at the shul-everyone
was so excited and welcomed him warmly...the other was a personal memory
of me and my cousins accidentally discovering a pool (must have been the
Mikvah) !! The love of Judaism and being a part of the Jewish community
all began in this wonderful shul!!
Anita
Many of the houses of worship were known
by the street they were on rather than their name, i.e., the Humphrey
Shul (synagogue) where my cousin was bar mitzvahed.
Peter
I attended the Humphrey shul as a little boy. My grandfather
was a President there. About two years ago, I went back to look at the
shul with my father and a friend. We chose a Sunday morning. A man was
standing on the sidewalk with a big stick. He explained that his job was
to ward off any wild dogs so the parishioners would be safe in their coming
and going. We were invited in and sat with the worshippers during the
Sunday services. The people were very warm and made us feel at home (even
offering us sacraments, which we politely declined.) We were taken on
a tour, including the balcony (where, about 50 years ago, I spent most
of the time hanging out with the women). It brought back touching memories.
The church accepted our modest donations as we left. I recommend this
experience to everyone who remembers this shul.
Larry
|