ABOUT US

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THE IRA KAUFMAN CHAPEL'S foundation of responsive, sensitive service to neighbors was established in 1941 at the original chapel on Dexter and Edison in Detroit. The founder's commitment to serving Jewish neighbors is upheld by descendants and their family members.

They Follow Moses' Declaration That "Death Should Not Be Less Than Life."

Meet The Professionals...

Ira Kaufman
(1896-1986)

Herb Kaufman
(1924-2018)

David Techner

Josh Tobias

Chad Techner

Community Commitment Expands Impact on Lives

THE IRA KAUFMAN CHAPEL participates actively in Metro Detroit's Jewish life through sponsorships, volunteer service and public speaking. These are among the contributions and recognition:

Kever Avot (Graves of our Ancestors):
Sponsor of annual escorted bus trips since 1997 to let nursing home residents visit loved ones' graves on the Sunday between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The project, in partnership with Temple Israel in West Bloomfield earned the national Irving J. Fain Social Action Award in 1999 for noteworthy community service.

Alicia Joy Techner Parenting Conference:
David and Ilene Techner sponsor the free Alicia Joy Techner Parenting Conference, held at Temple Israel each year since 1982, named for their daughter who died at 8 months old. Past speakers include prominent author SuEllen Fried, a national specialist on bullying and Microsoft's Steve Ballmer, who spoke about technology's impact on parents.

Activist of Year Award:
Presented to David Techner in 2003 by the Jewish Community Relations Council. The honor recognizes
"a volunteer who is passionate about the Detroit Jewish community and works to secure the Jewish future by championing Israel's cause, reaching out to our diverse neighbors or advocating Jewish interests."

Board Positions:
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit Board of Governors (David Techner, past member); Partnership 2000 (David Techner, past chairman of Jewish Agency for Israel trips program); JARC Board of Directors (Josh Tobias, member); Kadima Board of Directors (Chad Techner, member).

Listen-In Funds:
Herb and Babs Kaufman started Listen-In Funds allowing thousands each week to call in and listen to services at their places of worship from anywhere in the world if they are not able to attend in person.