Waterford, Michigan Welcomes its First Synagogue

Waterford, Michigan, is a 25-minute commute from the nearest synagogue. Too far for local Jews–many who grew up in urban Detroit with Jewish traditions. 

Enter Rabbi Berel and Chana Grossbaum, who moved to the Detroit suburb in November, 2024 with their two young sons Mendel and Levi. Waterford, located around 30 miles north of Detroit, has an estimated Jewish population of 800 families, many who moved from the city for Waterford’s quieter suburban lifestyle. The city boasts lakes, hiking paths, parks, and skiing in the winter.

“Almost every Jewish person we’ve met here remembers growing up with Jewish traditions,” says Rabbi Grossbaum. But without even one local synagogue, he adds. “many people who used to attend services don’t go anymore — even on Yom Kippur.”

Rochelle Morais, who lives near Waterford, said that Chabad’s Chanukah event this past year, a first for Waterford, “helped us connect with people we didn’t even know lived nearby, including some old students of mine.”

Chana Grossbaum recently hosted a women’s event celebrating the 15th of Shevat, with a nice turnout despite the typically snowy February weather. Rabbi Grossbaum studies Torah one-on-one with several people in the community and hosts study breakfasts and Sunday morning prayer services. “My boyfriend Brian Masserman went to the minyan — something he hasn’t done often,” says Rochelle. “He was surprised to see that there were other Jews in the area. It’s really about those small connections and bringing a little more Judaism into our lives.”

The Grossbaums have big plans for the community. “We envision a full-fledged Chabad center that will host Shabbat services, social events, bar and bat mitzvahs, children’s programs, and more,” says Rabbi Grossbaum.

Lisa Berkowitz says that Chabad came to Waterford at a critical time. “Meeting other Jews in our community has made me feel prouder of my Judaism,” she says. “Lately, I’ve found myself holding back, not being as loud and proud, but I’m working to change that. I’ve encouraged my cousin to start lighting Shabbat candles, and my friend and her daughter have started as well. Chabad is bringing people together and strengthening our Jewish identity. We need that now more than ever.”