Sparking a Better Day for Detroit

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Will it be possible to create a life-affirming community out of the ruins of one ripped apart by hatred and bigotry over decades of economic decline?

Pastor Aramis Hinds and a cadre of interfaith supporters believe they can do exactly that, commencing with building a “House of Healing” in a restored and repurposed Temple Beth El, and then melding it into the home of the Bethel Community Transformation Center.

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Detroit's historic Temple Beth El, the former home of Michigan’s first Jewish congregation, is a stunning Albert Kahn-designed, 55,000 sq. ft. building, located at Woodward Ave. and Gladstone.

Pastor Hinds explains, We intend to, “…create jobs, unite our fractured faith and racial communities, and inspire hope in a better day for Detroit.” *

“We want to bring the space back to life, and have it as a worship space and performing arts center,” says Pastor Aramis Hinds, whose church is one of the several organizations currently using the space. “Most importantly, this is going to be a place for reconciliation. The goal is to use this place as a catalyst for greater conversation across different religions and races alike, so that our community can heal and come together in a greater way. We want to use this building to tell the story of Detroit and the impact it’s had on (the city’s) history.” **

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For as little as $5, you, too, can help. Please visit the Kickstarter website.

* Bethel: Transforming a Detroit Gem, Pastor Aramis Hinds, www.kickstarter.com 

** Interfaith Community Rallies to Restore Temple Beth El Building, Stephanie Shenouda, www.dbusiness.com, 30 Mar 2017.