Shabbat Shalom. It’s hard to believe that Saturday night is the first Seder, and for many who are vaccinated the first holiday that families will be celebrating together in over a year. How joyous the hugging will be as we sit down to our collective tables and tell the story of our Exodus; the story of how the Jews were liberated from oppression and bondage only to spend 40 years wandering in the desert until they reached the promised land.
It is so befitting to me that the mass vaccinations are rolling out across the country in parallel with Passover. Last year the world, not only the Jews, faced a tyrant- COVID-19 and now here we are entering our promised land; a land that is rich with opportunities for reconnecting and making memories with friends and family. The last year, although only 12 months, has felt like 40 to me. I can only imagine the skepticism and fear the Israelites must have felt during their long trek. I know I have felt complete unrest during our collective journey to this point. At the Seder, we praise Moses for bringing us to the land of Canaan, and at my Seder, we will praise the medical professionals and science that have brought us one step closer to life as we knew it.
There is one more thing weighing on me as the Passover holiday approaches. As I said above, this holiday celebrates our freedom from bondage and persecution. Yet many of us are far from being truly emancipated and continue to witness injustice and oppression on a daily basis here in the U.S. From the civil unrest surrounding racial tensions this past summer to the recent assault on the Asian American community, people, although “free”, do not always enjoy the same liberties that we have fought for over five millennia. Please know as I write this message there is not an ounce of political agenda behind my words, just a plea for our community and those communities we touch through geographies, families, and friends to say something when they see something. Stand up to the persecution that others face, even though it may be uncomfortable, we all know that saying nothing is tantamount to doing nothing.
Yes, we too as Jews have faced an undeniable rise in antisemitism. And yes, there is still propaganda, the BDS movement and there are even clubs that we cannot join in 2021 because we are Jewish. And while we are far from true justice and equal opportunity for all, we still have our freedom to celebrate this holiday of resilience without fear. As a people, Egypt wasn’t our first persecution and unfortunately, it won’t be out last. Through each instance, no matter how horrifying, we have ended up stronger. Please consider sharing that strength with our neighbors still going through similar horrors, so that together we continue to right the wrongs that are placed in front of us, because that’s what Jews do – Tikkun Olam, we repair the world.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy Passover – next year in Jerusalem. Please note the Federation offices will be closed Monday, March 29th in observance of the holiday.
B’Shalom,
Danny
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See your Federation dollars at work! |
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The Morgan Project - Dismantling Systemic Racism through Education and Reconciliation |
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Featuring Lisa McNair and Charles Morgan III
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Noon
Lisa McNair and Charles Morgan III are board members of The Morgan Project, a grassroots organization, envisioned and created by members of Birmingham’s YMBC Civic Club, in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd in May, 2020. The Morgan Project seeks to provide meaningful actions and programs to help eradicate systemic racism through education. In addition to a speakers’ series, the Morgan Project is designing a state wide social justice and inclusion curriculum for students K-12. Included will be the reprinting and distribution of A Time To Speak, the seminal book written in 1964, by Charles (Chuck) Morgan, Jr. The Morgan Project is named for Chuck Morgan who spoke truth to power at great personal sacrifice. His willingness to stand up and speak up have inspired subsequent generations.
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On April 7 from 1-2 PM CT, we will be bringing together over 100 survivors for an hour-long ceremony, we invite you and your top leaders to join this intimate and meaningful program. In partnership with the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies and JFNA, the program will be powered by UNIPER, the Israeli innovation keeping Holocaust survivors connected during this difficult time. Registration information can be found here.
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The Masa Yom HaZikaron
Virtual Memorial Ceremony
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Join us for the annual Masa Yom HaZikaron Memorial Ceremony.
On April 13, at 8:00 pm Israel time (12:00 PM CST), the eve of Yom HaZikaron, we will commemorate IDF soldiers and victims of terror at the largest virtual ceremony for the Jewish world. For Israelis, this day is one of the most important of the year as we recognize those who sacrificed their lives for our great country. At Masa, we see it as our opportunity and responsibility to share the centrality of this day.
Our English-speaking ceremony is a chance for Jews from around the world to participate in a meaningful ceremony from a personal, communal and national perspective.
Over the past 12 years, Masa has held its annual Yom HaZikaron ceremony in Latrun, The Armored Corps Memorial Site. Despite the pandemic, we will continue our tradition of coming together to commemorate this important day by broadcasting the ceremony from Latrun on Facebook Live.
Wherever you are in the world, join us and the Masa Community for this meaningful event, which will be live-streamed on Masa's Facebook page. Our ceremony will commence together at the time of the siren of Yom HaZikaron in Israel, at 8:00 PM Israeli time.
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Rosenwald Documentary
Panel Discussion
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"The New Jewish Canon”:
A Conversation about Contemporary Judaism
March 30 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Temple Beth-El
The late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries have been a period of mass production and proliferation of Jewish ideas, and have witnessed major changes in Jewish life and stimulated major debates. Join this class to talk about the book, “The New Jewish Canon,” which came out this year in July. This book offers a conceptual roadmap to make sense of some of this rapid change. The New Jewish Canon is an entry point for the Jewish intellectual and communal zeitgeist of the contemporary period and the recent past, canonizing our most important ideas and debates of the past two generations; and just as importantly, stimulating debate and scholarship about what is yet to come. Join Rebbetzin Bethany with your lunch on zoom to talk about some of these debates. Register here for the zoom link.
JewCurious?
March 31 @ 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Temple Beth-El
Are you JewCurious? Have you heard that Judaism is about asking questions? Questions are the start of a great conversation. I would say, Judaism is about a great conversation. Come learn more about what that conversation sounds like by joining this JewCurious Class. This class is for everyone looking to get a broad overview of Judaism. This 101 class lasts for 20 weeks and is open to anyone who is curious. We’ll explore the major narratives, history, practices, theology and values of Judaism. You can expect that the learning will happen with curiosity and open-mindedness and respect for one another’s boundaries and beliefs. Taught by Bethany Slater from Temple Beth El. To register: Click here to register!
Jewish Resilience
with the Institute of Southern Jewish Life
April 1 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Temple Beth-El
A Jewish proverb implores us: “Ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders. Come together for “Jewish Resilience,” a 60 minute virtual program to learn how communities can build resilience with Jewish ritual, psychological understanding, and connection through helping others. We will explore our people’s resilience through our Exodus from Egypt with a tactile mediation, draw wisdom from Jewish practices that encourage social support to keep us going, and identify resilience-building strategies that reach across generations. Register here!
Introduction to Judaism with
Rabbi Adam Wright
March 30 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Temple Emanu-El
Join us for an engaging 12-session course for anyone interested in exploring Jewish life. Open to all, this course is perfect for interfaith couples, those rearing Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals considering a “return” – (conversion), and Jews who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience. Our programs welcome people from all backgrounds. Topics include holidays, life cycle celebrations, theology and core beliefs, prayer, Torah, history, antisemitism, and the Holocaust, Zionism, and Israel, the North American Jewish experience, and the tapestry of the Jewish people today. Register here.
Inter-everything Virtual Meet Up
April 8 @ 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Temple Beth-El
In February we met as an “inter-everything” group to share recipes, swap stories and “cook-a-long.” In April, on the heels of the Passover/Easter week, we’ll have a chance to gather around cutting-edge interfaith content for stimulating discussion and meaningful socializing. This workshop is planned with busy parents and individuals in mind; no pre-work required, just come ready to watch a short, interesting video, and to listen and share. Those who register by April 1st will receive a free drink kit drop-off/pick-up!
This group is open to those who identify as inter-anything. Individuals of inter-anything heritage/background, as well as those in multi-faith, multi-cultural and beyond relationships are welcome to join. Questions? Not sure if this group is for you? Reach out to mnorman@templebeth-el.net to learn more. Register here!
Yom HaAtzmaut: Virtual Tour of Israel
April 11 @ 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
LJCC
The LJCC invites the community to travel with us to Eretz Yisrael (The Land of Israel). Julian Resnick will be our guide as we virtually tour a few of Israel’s most popular sites and secret gems. After the virtual tour, Julian will host a live question and answer session from his home in Israel. This special program is part of our week-long Israel To-GO Yom HaAtzmaut celebration.
Julian is a highly respected Israeli tour guide who has guided many trips for Birmingham groups in the past. Don’t miss your chance to learn about Israel from one of the best tour guides in the business. Register here!
Financial Assistance Available
for Jewish Community Members
Thanks to a grant from the Greatest Needs Fund of the Birmingham Jewish Federation’s COVID Relief Campaign, Collat Jewish Family Services is offering financial assistance to Jewish community members who are facing financial insecurity because of job loss, caring for family or other issues. Confidential assistance is available to members of the Birmingham Jewish community who need help with rent or mortgage payments, utilities, prescription costs or other needs. To learn more, please email CJFS Clinical Director Marcy Morgenbesser LICSW, marcy@cjfsbham.org or call 205.879.3438.
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The Birmingham Jewish Federation
@jewishbirmingham
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