We all can imagine the Joy the pioneers in those communities felt when they dedicated their first synagogue. their first church. their first school or town hall or firehouse. And we can all share today the pride and satisfaction that the descendants of those pioneers feel as they observe the landmark anniversaries that represent the fruit of their ancestors commitment and hard work. In Traverse City. on the upcoming centennial weekend. the entire community will be joining the members of Congregation Beth El to celebrate a dream come truethe dream of a handful of immigrants 100 years ago to establish. in the words of the congregations president. Judith Carnick. "a Jewish community in the lifeblood of a small midwestern town." Today. that Jewish community remains smallonly 25 member families. Yet the congregation maintains a religious school for children 5 to 18 years old. provides bar and bat mitzvah instruction. offers adult education courses. conducts a range of holy day services. maintains facilities for Jewish lifecycle rituals. offers counseling and guidance according to Jewish tenets. and participates in community interfaith programs.
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immigrants