Courtesy Photo Temple Beth-El President Ken Diamond took this photo of their newly restored stained-glass windows.

ALPENA — Nearly 100 years ago, a very generous member of Temple Beth-El bequeathed $1,000 for memorial windows. Thanks to a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Nonprofit Security Grant, a serendipitous encounter, and a GoFundMe campaign, those priceless stained-glass windows have been restored and protected.

Temple Beth-El cordially invites the community to join them to celebrate the window restoration and honor generous donors on Saturday, June 17 at the 11 a.m. Shabbat service and reception at 125 White St., Alpena.

Temple Beth-El looks forward to sharing the remarkable story of how the plan to replace the 40-year-old discolored, brittle Plexiglas coverings began in 2017 and was completed nearly five years later after America’s Premier Stained-Glass Studio of Minnesota miraculously contacted Temple Beth-El and the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan initiated the fundraising.

Shabbat service will once again be led by the exuberant, guitar-playing Guest Rabbi Reuven Silverman of Temple Israel, DeLand, Florida. Rabbi Reuven will honor those who made this project a reality and rededicate the three beautiful stained-glass windows that were funded by Mrs. Ray Joachimsthal in November 1924.

Seating is limited, so please call 989-595-3544 by June 12 for reservations and more information.

Temple Beth-El is grateful to the Ravitz Foundation Initiative for Michigan Small Jewish Congregations which generously sponsors its Guest Rabbi programs.