Downtown Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First Jewish Religious Services

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 3, 2021

1. First Jewish Religious Services Marker

Inscription. Near this site, in 1850, a small group of German-Jewish immigrants gathered at the home of Isaac and Sarah Cozens and formed the Bet El Society. Here Marcus Cohen, a layman, conducted the first Jewish religious service in Detroit. The following year, at the urging of Sarah Cozens, the Society was incorporated under the name of "Beth El," meaning "House of God," and thus became the first Jewish congregation in Michigan, which is still in existence.

Erected 1977 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L516.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 42° 19.987′ N, 83° 2.36′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Downtown Detroit. Marker is at the intersection of East Congress Street and St. Antoine, on the right when traveling west on East Congress Street. Located side by side with Frederick Douglass-John Brown Meeting marker. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 633 E Congress St, Detroit MI 48226, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Frederick Douglass - John Brown Meeting (here, next to this marker); SS. Peter and Paul Church

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(about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Detroit Cornice and Slate Building (about 600 feet away); Chapoton House (about 600 feet away); Holy Family Church (about 700 feet away); George DeBaptiste Homesite (about 700 feet away); Church of Annunciation (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Mary's Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 3, 2021

2. First Jewish Religious Services Marker

Side by side with Frederick Douglass-John Brown Meeting marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.