Dear Friends:
Shabbat Shalom!
|
|
I hope you all are warming up after the winter blast we had this week. I had to laugh, as I called and told my parents that the region shut down for what was “just a dusting”, my mom informed me that she was looking out her window at eight inches of fresh snow and that no matter how high she set the thermostat the house just wouldn’t go above 60 degrees due to the negative 20 below temperatures outside. It was then, that I again thanked Hashem for bringing us to Birmingham!
Although it is cold outside, things here at the Federation are heating up. Our campaign is in full swing. Your pledge card should be arriving in the mail any day now. Our solicitors are trained and ready to have some wonderful conversations with you about the 2021 campaign and the remarkable work the Federation and its beneficiary agencies do to enrich our community. As a reminder, we aim to raise $2 million this year, and every gift no matter how large or small helps us reach our goal. My sincere thanks in advance for your participation in this year’s annual campaign. For those of you who didn’t catch our new campaign video last week, you can view it this week, right below this message.
Last, but certainly not least, is a joint program with The Jewish Federation of New Orleans and our sister city, Rosh Ha’Ayin on February 28th at 11:00 a.m. The program features Mitchell Barak and Robert Mann and will center around the differences in civics in Israel and in the United States. Mitchell Barak is a pollster, strategic communicator, and messaging expert. Called an “Israeli-American public opinion expert” by the Wall Street Journal, his opinions and surveys have been quoted hundreds of times by a variety of leading publications. He also appears regularly on the BBC and Al Jazeera as a guest analyst. Robert Mann holds the Manship Chair in Journalism at the Manship School of Mass Communication. Prior to joining the Manship School in 2006, he served as communications director to Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco. He joined the governor’s staff in 2004 after serving 17 years as state director and press secretary to U.S. Senator John Breaux of Louisiana. Before his service on Breaux’s staff, he was press secretary to U.S. Senator Russell Long of Louisiana. In 2015, he was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame. You can join the program by registering here.
In closing, I want to welcome Aimee Johnson, the new Interim Executive Director of the LJCC to our community. Aimee and I have become fast friends and I know all of you who meet her will be just as fond of her as I am. I hope you will join me in wishing her much success in her new role.
Wishing you all a peaceful Shabbat and a restful week.
B’Shalom,
Danny
|
|
See your Federation dollars at work!
|
|
Stay tuned for more exciting details
Please click the registration button below to register
|
|
Jews in Gulf Countries Announce First Communal Organizations
|
|
Members of the Jewish community of Dubai holding a Torah scroll that they brought to Abu Dhabi to mark the importance of the arrival of Israeli and American delegations to finalize a normalization deal with Israel, at a hotel in Abu Dhabi on August 31, 2020. (NIR ELIAS / AFP)
|
|
The Jewish communities in six Persian Gulf countries announced on Monday the establishment of the region’s first communal organization, complete with a rabbi and Jewish court, the Beth Din of Arabia.
The Association of Gulf Jewish Communities (AGJC), which brings together Jews in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, will be headed by Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie and president Ebrahim Dawood Nonoo.
The AGJC is creating a Jewish court, called the Beth Din of Arabia, to preside over issues of civil disputes, personal status, inheritance, and Jewish ritual. It will also run the Arabian Kosher Certification Agency throughout the six Gulf countries.
Click here to read the full article and to learn more about the incredible progress that is being made for Jews in the Gulf Countries.
|
|
The Latest CDC Face-Covering Recommendations
|
|
The CDC just released results of a new study that found that double masking offers more protection for the wearer against COVID-19. But that’s not all: The CDC’s experiments also found that there are other ways to make your mask more efficient, and it largely revolves around fit.
|
|
The CDC released new guidance Wednesday on how to make masks more effective, offering some very specific tips. The CDC now recommends the following:
- Make sure your mask fits snugly against your face, noting that gaps can let air that can contain infectious particles seep in and out.
- Choose a mask with multiple layers.
- Pick a mask with a nose wire.
- Use a mask fitter or brace.
- Check for gaps.
- Opt for layers, either by double masking with a disposable mask under a cloth mask, noting that the second mask should push the edges of the interior mask against your face, or choosing a multilayer mask.
|
|
Partnership Program!
When Democracy Gets Stuck
February 28 at 11 AM
Join Mitchell Barak and Robert Mann for an informative and engaging discussion on how civics and governance structures work in Israel and in the United States - and what we can do when those mechanisms become stuck.
Mitchell Barak is a pollster, strategic communicator, and messaging expert. Called an “Israeli-American public opinion expert” by the Wall Street Journal, his opinions and surveys have been quoted hundreds of times by leading publications like the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Bloomberg, Foreign Policy, Politico, The Globe and Mail, Haaretz, Jerusalem Post, and many others. He also appears regularly on the BBC and Al Jazeera as a guest analyst. A New York native, Mitchell holds a BA degree in Political Science and Psychology from George Washington University in Washington, DC. He lives with his wife and their eight children in Jerusalem.
Robert Mann holds the Manship Chair in Journalism at the Manship School of Mass Communication. Prior to joining the Manship School in 2006, he served as communications director to Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco. He joined the governor’s staff in 2004 after serving 17 years as state director and press secretary to U.S. Senator John Breaux of Louisiana. Before his service on Breaux’s staff, he was press secretary to U.S. Senator Russell Long of Louisiana. He was also press secretary for the 1990 re-election campaign of U.S. Senator J. Bennett Johnston of Louisiana, and communications director for the 2003 Blanco campaign. In 2015, he was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame.
|
|
This event is jointly hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans and the Birmingham Jewish Federation, in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel's Partnership2Gether program.
|
|
Jewish Summer Camp
Scholarships Available
|
|
There is great hope that the Summer of 2021 will see Jewish summer camps once again be filled with fellowship, fun and great learning experiences. Most Jewish camps cancelled their 2020 sessions due to COVID-19 but are gearing up to welcome campers back in 2021. Collat Jewish Family Services, with support from the Birmingham Jewish Foundation, is ready to help families apply for both local and regional scholarships.
Although many Jewish camp scholarships are awarded based on financial need, campers currently in grades 1 through 9 who will be experiencing their FIRST Jewish sleepaway camp experience are also eligible for a one-time $1,500 grant with no financial need requirement. This special funding is offered through the Goldring Jewish Summer Camp Experience Incentive Grant Program.
In addition, need-based scholarships are available for campers of all ages, regardless of camp experience, through the Birmingham Jewish Foundation, Jewish Children’s Regional Services, many synagogues and many of the camps themselves. Application deadlines are SOON so begin your application process today.
In past years, scholarship funds have been used to help Birmingham families send their children to an array of Jewish camps, including:
To learn more about Jewish camp scholarships and how to apply, contact Lynn Rathmell,
|
|
Join Beth El for a festive Purim celebration, featuring a glow-in-the-dark costume parade, locally-popped kettle corn, megillah reading and a spectacular fire show! All are welcome to attend this community event, which will take place on the field at the LJCC. Reach out to [email protected] with questions — and don’t forget your costume!
|
|
JCRC Lunch and Learn Program
|
|
On Wednesday, March 24th, join us for a frank look at the challenges and issues facing our prison system and what our state government is doing to address over incarceration
in our state.
The JCRC Lunch & Learn series are an effort to raise awareness in our Jewish community about area organizations and people who are working to repair our world. This program is being offered in conjunction with Temple Beth El’s Tirdof series. Tirdof programs provide opportunity for reflection, conversation and action.
|
|
Come Together- B'Yachad
February 23 @ 12 PM - 1 PM. EST
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
The JDC is the leading Jewish humanitarian organization, working in 70 countries to lift lives and strengthen communities.
Come together with JDC for a three-part virtual journey to Israel featuring stunning nature views, from the North to the Negev. Discover how JDC is helping Israel chart a new course for the most vulnerable — breaking down boundaries and increasing opportunities for all. Join us on this powerful journey. All are welcome! Register here!
Mensch Adventures
February 21 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Temple Beth-El
Sunday afternoon, in-person, socially-distant, outdoor adventures for the sake of building empathy, integrity, kindness, and civic-mindedness. During our monthly adventures, we will focus on building our awareness of contemporary social challenges and Torah’s power to help us be better thinkers, feelers, and doers. Students will need to wear masks at all times and we ask that you bring your own kosher-style snacks and water bottles. This is a program organized out of Beth El for 4th-8th graders. It is open to all children in the community. Contact Margaret if you are interested in participating or would like more information ([email protected]).
PURIM PALOOZA!!
February 21 @4:00 PM
Online
This interactive Purim musical is for kids age 3-5 online. All are invited! Bring your gragger/noisemaker and best Purim costume to join this interactive Purim musical for our youngest future campers! it’s going to be so much fun –Hope you can join us! You can register at https://jacobscamp.org/purim
"The New Jewish Canon”:
A Conversation about Contemporary Judaism
February 23 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Temple Emanu-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.
Introduction to Judaism with
Rabbi Adam Wright
February 23 @ 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.
JewCurious?
February 24 @ 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!
Purim Parade at the LJCC
February 25 @ 5-7 PM
LJCC and Temple Beth-El
Join Beth El for a festive Purim celebration, featuring a glow-in-the-dark costume parade, locally-popped kettle corn and small bites, megillah reading and a spectacular fire show! All are welcome to attend this community event, which will take place on the field at the LJCC. Reach out to [email protected] with questions -- and don't forget your costume! Picnic blankets or camping chairs recommended.
A Virtual Evening with Dr. Michael Saag
February 27 @ 7 – 9 PM
The N. E. Miles Jewish Day School
Join us via zoom for an evening with nationally renowned Dr. Michael Saag. Dr. Saag will be answering your questions and addressing concerns about living within the current COVID era and beyond. Admission prices are as follows: $90 includes online access to the event.
To register and for more information, go to:
Against Analogy: Talking About Racism and Anti-Semitism Together and Apart
February 28 @ 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Temple Beth-El
When is it illuminating to see our story in others? When does analogy obscure? Join us for this discussion on the intersections and divergences of racism and anti-Semitism and the pros and cons of comparative conversations. Dr. Daniel Levine, Professor of Political Science and Chair of Judaic Studies at University of Alabama, will lead us in discussion and participants will be asked to do a short reading ahead of time. See the Temple Beth El calendar for Zoom registration.
YBIB Purim Party and Hamantashen Bake
February 28 @ 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
You Belong in Birmingham
On February 28th, at 3:00 pm, YBIB as well as Temple Beth-el, Temple Emanu-el, and Knesseth Israel will be hosting hamantaschen bake and costume party! Dress up in your favorite costume and meet us at Knesseth Israel. Everyone will social distance outside to bake and celebrate Purim. You will receive your own dough ball and fillings to make hamantaschen you can take home!
N. E. Miles Jewish Day School Virtual Open House For Prospective Families
February 28 @ 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The N. E. Miles Jewish Day School
Please join us for a presentation by the N. E. Miles Jewish Day School. This will be an opportunity for prospective families to learn more about our programs, hear from faculty, students and current family members, and go on a virtual tour of our facility.
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, [email protected] or call 205.879.3438.
|
|
|
The Birmingham Jewish Federation
@jewishbirmingham
|
|
|
|
|
|
|