To preserve your cherished memories contact:
Jan Durecki, Archivist
Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives
Temple Beth El, 248-851-1100, ext. 3137

Temple Beth El is home to one of the most comprehensive congregational archives in the nation and the largest such collection in Michigan. The archives is named in memory of Dr. Leo M. Franklin, Temple Beth El's beloved rabbi from 1899-1941 and one of the leading voices of the Reform Movement nationwide. The Archives was founded in 1981 using materials collected by Leo M. Franklin and Irving Katz, noted Jewish Historian and Temple Executive Secretary from 1939 until his death in 1979. It was maintained by congregants Miriam and Aid Kushner until 1997 when the first full-time professional Archivist was hired. The Archives continues to be strengthened by donations of materials and monetary contributions from individuals and foundations.

Please click here to search the Archives Collection

To Commemorate the

25th Anniversary

of its Dedication,

The Rabbi

Leo M. Franklin Archives

Proudly Presents the

Jewish History

Detective Lecture

Series for 2007

All Events will take place at Temple Beth El - Refreshments will be served.
Open to the Public. No Charge. For reservations, call 248-865-0628

Coming this summer! The Junior History Detectives
A summer camp designed to introduce youngsters to archival research, and dispel the notion that all information is “on the internet.” Using the Archives’ collections, 7th and 8th grade students will re-trace the history of the Temple’s early families.

Jan Durecki, Archivist
franklinarchives@tbeonline.org
Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 - 5:00 pm, by appointment
Contact Information: 248-851-1100, ext. 3137 franklinarchives@tbeonline.org

The Friends of the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives is a group of committed contributors and supporters dedicated to maintaining and preserving the rich, historic collections of manuscripts, photographs, audiovisual materials, architectural drawings and rare books found within the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives.

As a Friend of the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives, your contribution will help promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the Archives, support its operation and growth and increase access to the Archives through unique and interesting programming.

Membership Levels:
  $36    Friend
  $72    Family
  $150  Corporation/Foundation
  $250  Future Generation
  $___  Other

Please make checks payable to and mail to: 
The Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives
7400 Telegraph Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
 

Archives frequently grow from the records that are generated during the creating institution’s routine course of doing business. When Congregation Beth El began saving its organizational records during the mid-19th century, they undoubtedly never foresaw that those same documents would still be available to researchers and scholars in the 21st century. While the Temple’s early archives functioned informally, by the last quarter of the 20th century, it was clear that a structured format was needed to preserve the records of the synagogue and its families and the history of the Detroit Jewish community.

In the early 1980s, Aid and Miriam Kushner began formally organizing, categorizing and indexing the Temple’s collection of records. In May, 1981, Temple President Walter Shapero announced the establishment of the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives Fund. On March 26, 1982, the Archives was dedicated as Rabbi Leo M. Franklin’s namesake. On that occasion, Rabbi Richard C. Hertz noted that the history of Temple Beth El was, in large part, the history of Michigan and that the Archives would perpetuate Rabbi Franklin’s legacy and that of his life and times. Aid and Miriam presented programs, designed exhibits and worked tirelessly to raise awareness of Temple Beth El both nationally and internationally. Within five years, the Kushners’ work was lauded by Rabbi Jacob R. Marcus, the Director of the American Jewish Archives. After a visit, he stated that Temple Beth El was home to the “finest congregational Archives in the country” – a designation that we still hold. Those thoughts were echoed by Miriam in 1987 when she commented that the Archives included not only materials pertinent to the Temple’s history, but also records pertaining to Jewish life in Detroit. Their broad-based collections approach has been maintained by each archivist who has succeeded them.

The Kushner Family Collection (XXXX.945) has preserved the story of Aid and Miriam’s devotion to each other and to the Temple. Miriam Edwards (1911 – 2004) met her friend’s brother, Aid (1911-1987), and accepted a ride home from him one stormy night. In 1935, he presented her with an engagement ring, and Rabbis Franklin and Glazer officiated at their wedding in 1942. Sons Lawrence and Steven (now ordained rabbis) were eventually born to the couple. From 1934-1940, Aid began as an equipment manager and assistant trainer and quickly became head trainer for the Detroit Lions. During the off-season, he also organized a basketball team for the Lions’ players called “Abie’s Babies.” After his wartime service as a pharmacist’s mate with the Navy, he worked as an appliance salesman for Sears, Roebuck and Company. During his retirement, Aid began to craft miniature synagogues and, by 1987, he had made 80 of those replicas. Aid’s miniatures became so popular that they were displayed in 43 cities.

Miriam was a woman of similar personal and professional accomplishments. In her late teens, she was an athlete who played All City hockey, basketball and tennis. Miriam was the pianist on WXYZ radio from 1928 until 1930 when she began her studies at Wayne where she majored in piano. Miriam was a devoted mother to her sons, but she found time to serve Beth El’s Sisterhood as a vice president, assisted in the Temple’s gift shop and worked with Irving Katz. Her ancestors (the Morris Family) were the original owners of the land on which Cranbrook School is now situated, and she donated many of their artifacts to the Southfield Historical Society.
In their personal lives, the Kushners shared many common interests, not the least of which was their devotion to Temple Beth El. They were perfectly suited to begin the process of shaping the Archives into the repository that is now beginning its 25th year as Rabbi Leo M. Franklin’s namesake.

To understand the past, scholars must have access to the “raw material of history.” Archives make that possible by preserving records that might otherwise disappear and making them available for study. In their totality, individual synagogue archives tell the story of America’s Jewish community. The Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives preserves not only Beth El’s story, but that of its clergy and congregation, and the greater Detroit Jewish community. During 2007, the Archives will acknowledge its many important supporters such as Mary Einstein Shapero and Irving Katz. However, it seemed appropriate to begin the celebration of our 25th year by honoring Aid and Miriam Kushner who were the first archivists to ensure the safekeeping and accessibility of that history.