The Birmingham Temple was founded in 1963 by Rabbi
Sherwin T. Wine (1928-2007) and eight families looking for a new way to express their Judaism. The Temple has grown since then to become a 400-member
congregation serving as the hub for the worldwide movement of Humanistic Judaism. Our temple building is located on Twelve Mile Road between Middlebelt and
Inkster Roads in Farmington Hills Michigan. It is the center of a rich cultural and spiritual life for members representing many different backgrounds, interests and ages.
Throughout history, we Jews have adapted to changing times. We have refined our philosophy, provided new ways to identify ourselves as Jews, and retained throughout these
changes the essentials of Jewish culture, tradition and ethics. Humanistic Judaism is a result of this dynamic history.
We Humanist Jews believe that the ultimate power for our fate is in ourselves, in our family, in our friends and in our society. We practice Humanistic Judaism
in our congregation through Shabbat services, holiday services,
Jewish education of our children, bar and bat mitzvah
celebrations and educational programs for adults. We offer membership in a warm and welcoming
community of people who, by birth or by conviction, identify with Judaism. Intermarried couples and others who wish to be members of the Jewish
community participate fully in all Birmingham Temple activities.
The Birmingham Temple was founded by Rabbi Sherwin Wine (1928-2007) more than 40 years ago and
has grown to include 400 family units. Our congregation is affiliated with the national and international movement of Secular and Humanistic Judaism. In the
Detroit area, our congregation plays an active role in various Jewish organizations,
including the Michigan Board of Rabbis, Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and Jewish Community Council.
Sherwin T. Wine
Founding Rabbi:
1928-2007
Sherwin Wine was born in Detroit , Michigan on January 25, 1928. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan (A.B., A.M.) and the Hebrew Union College. In 1963
he founded The Birmingham Temple in suburban Detroit , the first congregation of Humanistic Judaism.
In 1969 he helped establish the Society for Humanistic Judaism to serve as the national outreach vehicle for the humanistic movement. In 1986 he helped to create
the International Federation of Secular Humanistic Jews, a worldwide association of national organizations in North America, Israel, Belgium, England, France,
Italy, Australia, Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina, and the countries of the former Soviet Union. Wine is the Dean of the International Institute for Secular Humanistic
Judaism in North America.
Wine has been instrumental in organizing the Leadership Conference of Secular and Humanistic Jews, the Center for New Thinking, the North American Committee for
Humanism, the Humanist Institute, and the Conference of Liberal Religion.
He is also the author of "Humanistic Judaism", "Judaism Beyond God", "Celebration", and "Staying Sane In A Crazy World". In addition, he is a principal contributor
to Judaism in a Secular Age: An Anthology of Secular Humanistic Jewish Thought.
The Birmingham Temple was founded in 1963 by 
1928-2007