The former Temple Beth El on Woodward Avenue will welcome Jewish worshippers again when IADS brings several High Holiday services to the Bonstelle Playhouse.
One hundred and twenty-three years ago, Temple Beth El first opened the doors to 3424 Woodward Ave. in Brush Park, Detroit. During the upcoming High Holidays, the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue will, for the first time in more than a century, bring Jewish worship back to this sacred space.
The building, now known as the Bonstelle Playhouse, was designed by Albert Khan and served the Temple Beth El congregation from 1903 until 1922. Kahn, a Jewish-German immigrant, was born in 1869 near Frankfurt in Rhaunen, Germany, and settled in Detroit with his parents and siblings in 1881. Kahn was a member of Temple Beth El. In 1924, the building was purchased by Jessie Bonstelle, and the interior was remodeled to a theater space, hence the name of the Bonstelle Playhouse.
For many decades following the departure of the congregation, the building served as a performing arts center and was part of the Wayne State University theater program. The Bonstelle Playhouse closed in 2018. In the spring of 2025, following a $50 million renovation by the Roxbury Group, the building reopened. Its exterior is restored to the original 1903 Kahn exterior, and its interior is restored to the 1922 theater design.
“The opportunity to gather in one of Detroit’s most historic Jewish spaces, newly restored to its former grandeur, is incredibly special. We see this as a chance to honor Detroit’s Jewish past while building an even stronger Jewish future — creating an inspiring High Holiday experience, reaching new people, and growing our community while staying true to our values and our commitment to the city,” said IADS Board President Andy Doctoroff.
“The Bonstelle offers a rare opportunity to pray in a beautifully restored former synagogue close to Downtown. The space feels majestic with its classical columns, decorative plasterwork and arches, and richly textured historic finishes. We believe this move will help elevate our High Holiday experience and generate new excitement for our community,” said IADS Executive Director Rachel Rudman.
True to IADS founding principles, High Holiday services are free and open to all. Reservations are encouraged and requested. Also, as part of a continuing tradition started by Dr. Martin Herman, people can commemorate their loved ones in a Memorial Book, which will be available both in print and digitally.
“I am looking forward to our community coming together in this magnificent sacred space. I hope it will inspire introspection and dedication to being our best selves in the new year,” Rabbi Ariana Silverman said.
The services that will take place at the Bonstelle Playhouse are Rosh Hashanah Day 1, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur morning. This year the services will be led by Rabbi Ariana Silverman, Mara Abramson, Vera Wexler and Joe Lewis. (Rosh Hashanah Day 2 services will take place at IADS at 1457 Griswold.)
To register for High Holiday services and learn more, go to:Â downtownsynagogue.org/hhd5787.