Detroit Jewry’s dream for a community center has finally been realized, and the new Jewish Community Center at Holbrook and Woodward Avenues will be formally dedicated with festivities which will commence this Sunday evening.
With formal dedication exercises taking place this Sunday evening, Dec. 3, the new Center’s opening will also be featured by a series of events which will take in every branch of activity of the recreational, cultural and social agency of the Jewish Welfare Federation of Detroit.
Resulting from the merger of the Jewish Centers Association and the Young Women’s Hebrew Association, with a total membership approximating 4,000, the new building stands as a monument to communal efforts of Detroit Jews.
THE SPEAKERS
At the formal dedication, the principal address will be delivered by Fred M. Butzel, who will speak on "The Place of the Center in the Community Program." Mayor John W. Smith will extend the city’s greetings. Clarence H. Enggass, president of the Jewish Welfare Federation, will be another speaker. The invocation and benediction will be given by Rabbis Leon Fram and A. M. Hershman. Percival Dodge will extend the greetings of the Detroit Community Fund. The key to the building will be formally accepted by Meyer L. Prentis, chairman of the Center control committee, and Miss Ella Vera Feldman, executive director of the new center, from Jesse F. Hirschman, chairman of the building committee, and Albert Kahn, architect.
Monday has been set aside as education night. Fred M. Butzel will preside and addresses will be delivered by Frank Cody, superintendent of Detroit’s schools; Aaron Pre-gerson, president of the United Hebrew Schools of Detroit, and W. D. Henderson, head of the extension division of the University of Michigan.
WOMEN’S DAY
Women’s organization day will be observed Wednesday under the sponsorship of the League of Jewish Women’s Organizations. A young people’s dance will be given Wednesday evening.
Dr. Solomon B. Freehof of Chicago will be the guest speaker at the dedication dinner on Thursday evening. Kurt Peiser, executive director of the Federation, will speak on "Center Membershp." Meyer L. Prentis will be chairman of the dinner and William Friedman, toastmaster.
Athletic night, Saturday, Dec. 9, will have Benny Friedman, all-American football player, as guest speaker.
A junior program for and by youngsters will be given on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 10.
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