Observing Passover in Birmingham: What You Need to Know

Here, a list of resources, events and services in honor of Passover.

It’s almost time to break out the matzo. Passover arrives on Monday, March 25 this year, when Jews across the world will come together to retell the Exodus story over four cups of wine (or grape juice for those who can't indulge), and of course, a large, festive feast. Passover Traditions As the story goes, during their flight from slavery, the Jews did not have enough time for their dough to rise, resulting in a flaky cracker that is eaten instead of bread for a full week during Passover. The diet changes go beyond bread, however, and depend on family tradition. As a general rule, just look for the “Kosher for Passover” label, which thankfully spreads to more products year after year. Prior to the holiday, Jews clean their homes and get …

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Birmingham Bloomfield Chai Center Celebrates Hanukkah WIth Games, Music

Birmingham's Jewish community celebrated the holiday season on Dec. 12 with the official menorah lighting in Shain Park followed by games and a performance by Shlomo and the Chuptzanyaks.

5 Things To Know This Week: Bistro Applicants Come to Planning Board, Junior League Coat Drive

From the annual menorah lighting to the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber's holiday mixer, here's what you need to know about Birmingham this week.

Planning Board to meet Wednesday: The Birmingham Planning Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall. On the agenda are several bistro license requests, including two for established restaurants and one for the Crush Wine Bar & Bistro, which looks to move into 555. S. Old Woodward.  Menorah lighting Wednesday: The Birmingham-Bloomfield Chai Center will host its annual menorah lighting in Shain Park Wednesday, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and the following After Glow party at The Community House will feature the band, Shlomo and the Chutzpanyaks. Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber annual holiday mixer Wednesday: The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber will hold it's annual holiday mixer at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Oakland Hills …

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Residents Say Proposed Synagogue Doesn't Fit Neighborhood

Neighbors of the proposed synagogue at Lakeside and Quarton spoke against plans at a Planning Board meeting Wednesday.

Wednesday night’s Birmingham Planning Board meeting was packed with residents concerned about plans to turn a residential home into a synagogue. The advisory board unanimously voted down the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chai Center’s preliminary plans for a synagogue at the corner of Lakeside and Quarton, as well as the group’s request for a special land use permit. Planning Board members Scott Clein and Carroll DeWeese were absent Wednesday night. “I don’t think this fits the fabric of the neighborhood,” Planning Board member Bert Koseck said. “As I look at this proposal, it’s not working from a design aspect to conform to the ordinances.” Rabbi Boruch Cohen, head of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chai Center, and his family currently reside in the …

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In Brief: Planning Board Votes Down Plans for Synagogue

A roomful of residents packed City Hall Wednesday night to oppose the Birmingham Bloomfield Chai Center's plans to turn a residential home into a synagogue.

The Birmingham Planning Board voted down a request for a special land use permit Wednesday night from a group looking to renovate a home at the corner of Quarton Road and Lakeside Drive and turn it into a synagogue. Rabbi Boruch Cohen, head of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chai Center, and his family currently reside in the home, which is located in an R1, or residential, neighborhood. However Cohen said after six years of searching for an appropriate place to build a synagogue, they thought offering up their property might be their best option. The Birmingham-Bloomfield Chai Center’s plan calls for a renovation that would transform the home and create a large dining area and a sanctuary able to fit 126 people. Plans also call for a parking …

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