Dear Friends:
Shabbat Shalom!
The term gemilut hasasdim is translated as acts of loving-kindness. The notion of kindness is so old that you will find the sentiment 248 times in the Torah. It’s literally an act as old as time.
As I have said, I am no scholar – I really didn’t embark on any sort of Torah study until my recent trip to Israel last November, but I did pay attention in Hebrew school and as a result of a good Jewish education starting in preschool, we have a rule in our house – “be kind to others.”
I think it’s a good rule, especially when you are teaching a 5-year-old about sharing and co-existing with others as she heads off to kindergarten. It’s a simple rule and Nora is grasping it - for the most part. There is the occasional not wanting to share or being a tattle tale about something not even worth repeating. As her Abba I want her to feel empathy towards those who may be requesting her toy or have her really understand why a friend did something she thought she should tattle about. I know you all are thinking “good luck with that” - getting a 5-year-old to equate kindness within those contexts is a bit heady. And I agree, it is. But the sooner we start, I believe the more success we will have.
This week I have been unkind 9 times. I’ve started counting. I started counting because I have seen so much unkindness, I wanted to see how much I was contributing to the problem. We are entering a season where unkindness will be the norm. We will see politicians and others slander each other in the name of democracy. We can’t stop that unkindness, but we can counter act by being more kind to each other.
The Birmingham Jewish Community is one of the kindest communities I have ever lived in, so I know this request won’t be hard for many of you to honor. This Shabbat I am asking us all over the next few months to go “above and beyond” not only for the sake of our Jewish community, but the broader community as well. Together all of our small acts of kindness will make a world of difference to those in our lives and those who we tangentially touch.
I’ll close with a quote from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks- “Acts of kindness never die. They linger in the memory, giving life to other acts in return.”
Wishing you all a peaceful Shabbat and a week of kindness.
B’Shalom,
Danny
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The Sidewalk Jewish Film Festival |
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The Sidewalk Jewish Film Festival will be November 16-22, 2020.
They are still in the planning stages and currently do not know exactly what the festival will look like this year, but safety, responsibility, and great films are the top priorities.
See you soon!
If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Pinhas, Sidewalk Cinema Director
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Israel Offers Aid to Lebanon after Beirut Explosions |
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After a massive explosion rocked Beirut last Tuesday, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said, "Israel has approached Lebanon through international security and diplomatic channels and has offered the Lebanese government medical and humanitarian assistance"
Dr. Masad Barhoum, director-general of the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, took to social networks and the radio to appeal in Arabic to Lebanese leaders to allow him to help in the aftermath of the Beirut explosion.
"We have no agenda, there are no enemies in this situation," said Barhoum.
Dr. Salman Zarka, head of Ziv Medical Center in Safed, also reached out to Lebanon. He noted that until 2000, his hospital treated Lebanese citizens on a regular basis.
"Israel is ready to help. It's a shame that people will die for no reason."
The Tel Aviv municipality building was lit up with the Lebanese flag on Wednesday in a show of support after the Beirut explosion.
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"Humanity comes before any conflict, and our hearts are with the Lebanese people following this terrible disaster," said Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Hulda. |
Use these links to read the full articles:
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Food For Thought– A Lunch and Learn
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Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, food insecurity has grown tremendously in the U.S. and all around the world. Please join us for a lunch and learn as we hear from representatives from Israel’s national food bank, our community food bank , and a gleaning organization in our community to hear about the steps they take to battle food insecurity and how you can help. |
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JCRC– A Conversation with Rabbi Jonathan Miller |
As we witness the transformational movement to break down systemic racism in our nation, many Jews are struggling with questions about their place in the movement.
Rabbi Jonathan Miller will talk about our history and his past involvement building bridges with the Black community; and, how we can move forward to affect change together today.
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Federations from across North America will be coming together for a program filled with inspiration, storytelling and entertainment. This event will serve as an inspiring Kick Off for the Campaign Year and it will get people geared up to join us for JFNA’s first virtual GA!
Be inspired by how our Jewish community stepped up during the current crisis, at home and around the world. You and countless others have made this day possible. So what are you waiting for? Register for the event here!
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CARES Virtual Support Group
Mondays at 1:30 pm and Thursdays at 7:30 pm via Zoom.
To help dementia caregivers cope with stress, Collat Jewish Family Services’ CARES respite program is now offering its free Virtual Support Group twice weekly. The group is led by CJFS professional staff. Register now
Mishkan HaNefesh - Temple Emanu-El’s New High Holy Day Prayer Book
August 19 at 6:00 pm via Zoom.
Come and learn about Temple Emanu-El’s new High Holy Day prayer book, Mishkan HaNefesh, in this three-class series. This prayer book gives us a wealth of resources for finding new meaning in these High Holy Days. Through updated translations, readings, and poetry, as well as easily accessible transliteration and new liturgical innovations, Mishkan HaNefesh breathes new life into High Holy Day services. RSVP here
Tuesday, August 18th at 7:00pm CST
Israel Bonds is holding the first of a very special series of unique virtual national events featuring Prime Minister Netanyahu, Ambassador Ron Dermer, and renowned Israeli performers. Register here!
You Belong in Birmingham: To-Go Tuesdays!
Tuesday, August 18th at 7:00 PM via Zoom
Join Birmingham's young, Jewish, and professional adults for a collaborative Zoom social hour! This month, we will be making s'mores bars for "To-Go Tuesday"! Follow our Facebook page, You Belong In Birmingham, for more detailed information on when and where you can pick up your To-Go Tuesday jar!
BBG Virtual Bake Sale!
Magic City BBG will be having their first annual Virtual Bake Sale! To get in on these delicious treats, please fill out this document! Order Here!
*Virtual* L’Chaim 2020
Sunday, August 23 from 2:00-3:00 pm live online.
L’Chaim will be inspiring as ever, and for everyone’s safety and enjoyment will be a live virtual event this year. Join the BHEC as they recognize our honorees Susan and David Silverstein. Learn more
The Rabbi Goes West
Sunday, August 30 at 7:00 pm via Zoom.
Join Chabad of Alabama as they host Rabbi Chaim Bruk. A Chassidic family moves to Montana, adopts five children, and is determined to change the landscape of Judaism in the state. Join Rabbi Bruk as he shares some heartwarming, stereotype-shattering, timely, hilarious stories, perspectives and thoughts. Rabbi Bruk is the subject of the documentary, The Rabbi Goes West and is a frequent contributor in the Huffington Post. Registration is free, but required. Register here
The Communal Kvell
Wednesday, September 16th from 12:30-1:15PM CST.
Federations from across North America will be coming together for a program filled with inspiration, storytelling and entertainment.
This event will serve as an inspiring Kick Off for the Campaign Year and it will get people geared up to join us for JFNA’s first virtual GA! Be inspired by how our Jewish community stepped up during the current crisis, at home and around the world. You and countless others have made this day possible. So what are you waiting for? Register for the event 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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Visit the community calendar for more details!
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The Birmingham Jewish Federation
@jewishbirmingham
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