Media

Contacts

Anna Kohn, Director
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue
313-962-4047
anna@downtownsynagogue.org

Eli Natinsky
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue
248-703-1634
pr@downtownsynagogue.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Join IADS for three great events for Sukkot and Simchat Torah!

DETROIT, October 8, 2014 Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue (IADS) kicks off the
Jewish New Year of 5775 with its initial SukkaPALLOOZA, October 11-12. This will entail
an entire weekend devoted to the holiday of Sukkot. Continuing the synagogues busy
fall schedule, Simchat Torah, one of its signature events, will be held just days later on
October 16.

SukkaPALLOOZA:

- Havdallah and Songs in the Sukkah will take place on Saturday, October 11 at 8 p.m.
at IADS, 1457 Griswold in Detroit. The evening will begin with a traditional Havdallah
ceremony followed by songs and spirit. Light appetizers and desserts will be served.

Sukkot commemorates the 40 years when the Children of Israel wandered in the desert.
They lived in temporary shelters during this period, and a sukkah represents these
dwellings. Sukkahs are used during the weeklong Jewish holiday for meals and
socializing.

- Sukkot in the Garden will be Sunday, October 12 at 1-3 p.m. The Eden Gardens Block
Club, in partnership with IADS, will dedicate a rain catchment system. Garlic and cover
crop planting will follow, and food and beverages will be provided. Eden Gardens, 12267
Glenfield in Detroit, is a community-run urban farming project on Detroits east side.

Were thrilled to hold our very first SukkaPALLOOZA, and we expect it will become a
yearly tradition, said Leor Barak, IADS president. Sukkot and Simchat Torah are such
joyous holidays, and we want to share them with the entire community!

-MORE-

IADS SUKKOT AND SIMCHAT TORAH PAGE 2

Simchat Torah:

IADS will celebrate Simchat Torah on Thursday, October 16 at 7 p.m. at IADS,
1457 Griswold in Detroit. The synagogues torah scrolls will be paraded through the
streets of Downtown Detroit following services, and there will be dancing, singing, and
the playing of instruments. Light food and drink will be offered.

Simchat Torah acknowledges the annual end of the reading of the torah, the first five
books of the Hebrew Scriptures and the central concept of religious Judaic tradition.

Theres nothing else quite like our Simchat Torah in the City of Detroit! said Anna
Kohn, IADS director. Its wonderful to see such pride in our torahs, pride in our
synagogue, and pride in our hometown.


IADS MISSION

The principal mission of the Downtown Synagogue is to serve as a beacon for the Jewish
community of Metropolitan Detroit by maintaining a traditional, egalitarian synagogue
in Detroit; by acting as a conduit for Jewish activity in the city; by offering a wide range
of programming that will support the revitalization of the city; and by ensuring
accessibility to all.

For more information, go to: downtownsynagogue.org


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