New Jewish Synagogue To Begin Sabbath Service July 7

Mackinac Island, known for its peaceful and serene atmosphere and its unbelievable views, is also a place of spirituality and retreat for many people. Now, joining four churches on the Island will be a synagogue for Jewish worship. It will be called Kehilat Hatzav Hagadol, which in English means the Congregation of the Great Turtle, which pays homage to the Island's mythical beginnings.

The synagogue's founding members are Jack Landres, who is from Virginia and has operated

a shop on the Island for nine seasons, and Dr. Robert Spitzer and his wife, Dr. Ann Silverman, from West Bloomfield, who have visited the Island for 20 years and have owned property here for 10.

The first services will be Friday, July 7, at 8:30 p.m. at Trinity Parish Hall on Fort Street and will be held weekly through the high holiday's in October. Saturday morning services may be held by request.

The Jewish Sabbath begins Friday night at sundown and continues through dusk on Saturday evening, and those observing it refrain from writing, driving, turning lights on and off, and carrying money, among other restrictions.

"We've been wanting to do this for a long time," Dr. Spitzer said. He hopes that having a place to pray on the Island will enable Orthodox Jews to come to the Island. Separate seating for men and women can be arranged, if it is needed.

Dr. Spitzer hopes that synagogues and temples from downstate have retreats on the Island and that on occasion, Rabbi's will lead services. He hopes that having a synagogue on the Island will make it a more attractive destination for Jews.

"We want the services to be open to everyone," said Mr. Landres. He added that a traditional service will be followed until he and others involved figure out what will work best for the Island's Jewish community.

Mr. Landres hopes that Jewish residents on the Island will join, although he hopes to attract Jewish visitors as well.

"It's really nice for me to be able to attend services in my own community," he said. "It's nice to be able to pray where you are." He has been traveling either to Petoskey or Traverse City to attend Shabbat services.

To start a synagogue requires at least 10 people, a place to hold services, a Torah, prayer books, and someone to lead the service.

The hope to have at least 10 people attend services is one based in Jewish law. A minyan, or quorum for Jewish services, is based on the tradition of group prayer, where Jews pray not as single entities, but as the entire Jewish people. This is most necessary when performing the Mourners Kaddish, a prayer recited by someone mourning the death of a family member. Having 10 people ensures that the person in mourning has a support system in their time of need.

In the orthodox tradition and most conservative circles, only men can comprise a minyan. That regulation, however, is not followed by everyone and, in this case, women will be included.

Hebrew school classes will also be held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in a conference room at Mission Point Resort. All ages are welcome to attend.

One hundred Siddurim and Chumashim (prayer books) have been donated from Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, where Drs. Spitzer and Silverman and their four children are members.

ATorah for the synagogue is still needed, but Dr. Spitzer is working on getting one.

Donations will be accepted and Mr. Landres hopes that, eventually, enough people will attend on a weekly basis to be able to collect membership dues.

"The people from the church have been very helpful," Dr. Spitzer said of Trinity Episcopal Church's willingness to donate a space for the services.

"I think it is a matter of community outreach and providing a place for people to worship," said Dan Seeley, who is a member of the board at Trinity Episcopal Church. He said he and other board members feel it is a great opportunity to benefit many people.

Information on the Congregation of the Great Turtle is available by writing P.O. Box 1541, Mackinac Island, MI 49757.