Our synagogue is a building, but it is more than a building. Everyday one can enter B’nai Moshe to find activity taking place. There are: religious services, children and adults engaged in Jewish study, Elite Catering and our Sisterhood cooking in their respective kitchens, office staff busily serving the members, maintenance staff keeping the building in repair and looking its best, volunteers “chipping in” and attending committee meetings.

But B’nai Moshe exists beyond the walls of 6800 Drake Road. On one level, this refers to the way our members lead their lives when they are not in the synagogue. Do their homes and morality reflect the values which are preached inside the building?

On a different level, I refer to ways in which the spirit (and body) of Congregation B’nai Moshe is impacting the larger community around us.

One such example occurs every Sunday afternoon, 4:45 - 5:30 p.m., when we make a loud and important statement to the Jews of Metropolitan Detroit. For these forty five minutes, our congregation has a partner in the Fleischman Residence. We have joined forces to create one unified Mincha-Maariv minyan at Fleischman. This is truly an experience which enriches all who attend.

I can’t stress enough how important it is for everyone of you to attend a minyan on a weekly basis. You should each select at least one morning or evening service. Your reward will be great. Davening with a minyan is fulfilling to both the individual and the community as a whole. You will be pleasantly surprised at how good you feel to be in shul, and to be with the “regulars” and guests on your chosen day and time.

All that pleasure is increased when you join us at the Sunday afternoon Fleischman minyan. In addition to all its other benefits, davening at Fleischman brings you the joy of spending some time with our friendly neighbors at this senior residence, and also gives you the unique opportunity to meet and converse with Rabbi Avie Shapiro, a gem of a human being.

At the other end of the age spectrum, B’nai Moshe has a partner in the Pitt Child Development Center (daycare and pre-school) at the JCC. I visit the Center on a regular basis to meet with children and teachers, and to participate in Shabbat and holiday programs. As a result of this connection, many new faces have entered our synagogue building, and our members have found a Jewish preschool which we can call “our own.”

One final example is our ongoing partnership with Barnes and Noble on Orchard Lake Road. Almost every Thursday morning, 10-11 a.m., Barnes and Noble becomes “home” to Congregation B’nai Moshe as we hold our weekly Mocha Moment. This is a delightful way for all of you to meet your Rabbi (that’s me) and fellow congregants in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Please join us!

Additionally, we were delighted recently to hold our 2nd annual book fair at Barnes and Noble. Not only did we raise a few dollars for the synagogue, but we had another opportunity to take our congregation “on the road.”