Birmingham Temple History

The Birmingham Temple was founded in 1963 by Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine 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.

Temple Board 1963

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 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.