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Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: Many Firsts On Way To Temple B'nai Israel's 150th Anniversary In Kalamazoo

Henry Winter
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Temple B'nai Israel

A desire to preserve Reform Judaism in Kalamazoo has kept Temple B’nai Israel going even during times when fewer people attended, and when money was tight. 

Temple B’nai Israel is celebrating its 150th anniversary with several events in June. Two congregants, Raye Ziring and Jacob Weintraub joined WMUK’s Gordon Evans to discuss the temple’s history.

Ziring says the Jewish community in Kalamazoo started in the 1840’s. They acquired land on West Main in Kalamazoo to have “consecrated grounds” for a proper burial place. The headstones of many prominent Jewish leaders of that time can still be found there. Weintraub says the Cemetery was founded before temple was organized.

Temple B’nai Israel’s first synagogue was built on South Street in Kalamazoo, and dedicated in 1875. Research in recent years has confirmed that it was the first synagogue constructed in Michigan. 

bnaiisrael060116-web.mp3
Interview with Raye Ziring and Jacob Weintraub - web version

That synagogue is no longer standing, and the congregation held their services at various places over several decades.That included the People’s Church both in downtown Kalamazoo, and at its current location on 10th Street.

But a bequest left to Temple B’nai Israel in the 1990’s would prove to be a great help. It allowed for the purchase of a former Baptist Church on Grand Prairie that remains Temple B’nai Israel’s home to this day. Ziring says the People’s Church was very helpful. But she says it’s important to have a place to call home. Weintraub says the lack of a permanent place of worship and no full time rabbi made it hard for people to invest in the Temple.

A full-time religious leader was brought on board in 2014. But Ziring says challenges remain, and Temple B’nai Israel is looking to grow its congregation.

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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