Weekly Round Up

September 03, 2021

26 Elul 5781

Dear Friends–

Shabbat Shalom:

I want to begin this week’s message by wishing you a very happy and healthy 5782. It’s hard to believe that this is only our second Rosh Hashanah together. Sometimes I feel like I’ve been here forever and at other times it seems like I just arrived! Regardless of how long it’s been, Birmingham is now my home and I’m very grateful to be here.

Last Rosh Hashanah, a lot of us made New Year’s resolutions. For some of us was to lose that extra five pounds, or to exercise more. For others, it was to spend quality time with family, or try a new hobby, refrain from gossip, or to judge others favorably. And as we all know, many of those resolutions were broken before Thanksgiving.

I often wonder if resolutions fail because we are trying to do them on our own. What would happen if communal resolutions were set? Something that you, your family, friends and neighbors could all reach towards? This year I am going to try it. I am setting resolutions and with your help, I believe they can be accomplished.

In 5782, I resolve to be more vigilant in fighting antisemitism. I resolve to have a deeper understanding of my neighbors’ opinions on world matters and keep an open mind and heart when engaging in these discussions. I resolve to be more generous with my time and dollars for our Jewish Community. And I resolve to be more present in life – showing my face more on Zoom, less multitasking, and spending more dedicated time with those sitting right in front of me.

Those are my resolutions – I’ve written them on my whiteboard at the office so that I can see them every day. I’ve told them to each of you, and I will share them with G-d so that I will be accountable for my actions. As we head into our new year, I encourage you to take a few moments and think about what you resolve to do in 5782. Share them with your friends and family so that we can all be accountable together.

As I close, I leave with you the words said after finishing a book of the Torah; words that encourage us and take us into the New Year.

Hazzak, Hazzak V’Nit Hazak - Be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen one another.

Chag samaech,

Danny

Agency Spotlight

We are accepting nominations for the Susan J. Goldberg Distinguished Volunteer Award!

Does someone you know embody significant leadership ability and a high level of volunteer involvement? Do they strive to make a broad and lasting impact on the Jewish community?

If yes, nominate them for this incredible honor!

Nominations must be made by October 1st and can be sent to Sarah Weinberger at sarahw@bjf.org!

Nominate Someone!

Upcoming Programming

The Shofar is Calling

As we approach the new year, antisemitic activity is at an all-time high and the anti-Jewish slurs, hate speech, aggressive threats, and even out-and-out violence continue to increase. This Rosh Hashanah, the shofar is calling on us to not only awaken and reflect but also to stand together, take action, and employ every available resource to stop the flood of hatred and bigotry.

The call is urgent. And, how we answer is critical. Help us to safeguard our community members, synagogues, JCCs, and other communal institutions that are at the heart of Jewish life, here in Birmingham, as well as throughout the country and the world. Help us, so that we may greet the new year firm in the belief that together we can work to end antisemitism.

At the same time, your help today will also support those in our extended Jewish family who are still struggling during this latest wave of the pandemic – those in need of food, shelter, comfort, or connection to Jewish community. If each of us does our part, we’ll be on our way to creating a better year and a better world for us all.

Shofar in the Backyard

September 7, 2021 at 4:30 PM

Join friends from the community for a family friendly

Shofar blowing in the backyard at Chabad!

RSVP here!

Art in the Sukkah:

A Family Sukkot Event

September 19, 2021 at 9 AM - 12 PM

RSVP here!

Sukkot Bar Crawl

September 25 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 PM

The General Assembly

October 3, 2021 at 1 PM CT

The last year has seen dramatic events with far-reaching consequences for the Jewish community, from the pandemic to thousands of rockets falling across Israel. And we have shown, once again, that when we work together we can tackle anything. Assembling together, even virtually, is a powerful way to inspire, recognize, and support one another as we prepare for the year ahead.

On October 3rd at 1 PM (CT), we will gather for our 2021 General Assembly to reflect, learn, and explore several important areas of Jewish life that are on our communal agenda at this critical time.

We hope you will join us.

Registration is free and open to all Federation stakeholders, partners and the broader Jewish community.

Kesher: A Jewish Teen Experience!

Thursdays from October - April

from 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Community Programs

Shofar in the Backyard

Tuesday, September 7 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 PM

Chabad of Alabama

Family friendly Shofar blowing in the backyard at Chabad!

Prayer Walk + Tashlich at the

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Tuesday, September 7 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Temple Beth-El

On the evening of September 7th, join us for a return to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for a special prayer walk and Tashlich service! The prayer walk will be self-guided and we’ll have printed materials for use in reflection and exploration. Mincha and tashlich will follow the prayer walk experience. This will be a great opportunity for the whole family! This event will take place at the Japanese Gardens.

Lunchtime Torah Study

Wednesday, September 8 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Temple Emanu-El

This Torah study meets via Zoom and will cover that week’s Torah portion. All levels welcome.

CJFS Senior Grocery Delivery

Sunday, September 12 @ 12:30 pm - 1:30 PM

Collat Jewish Family Services

Senior grocery delivery 12:45-1:30

Lunchtime Torah Study

Wednesday, September 15 @ 12:00 PM-1:00 PM

Temple Emanu-El

This Torah study meets via Zoom and will cover that week’s Torah portion. All levels welcome.

Family Sukkot Program and Pancake Breakfast, featuring World Wide Wrap with Men’s Club

Sunday, September 19 @ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Get ready for Sukkot with a fun and educational program for the whole family! We’ll have arts and crafts activities so that we can all decorate the Temple Beth El Sukkah together, and will enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast hosted by Men’s Club. In addition, Men’s Club will be hosting World Wide Wrap for those students that missed it this last year.

RSVP to mnorman@templebeth-el.net.

Birmingham Hadassah Book Club: The Third Daughter by Talia Carner, facilitator

– Suzanne Bearman

Sunday, September 19 @ 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

New participants welcome! Contact Tammy Caldwell-Horn (tamarmichal67@gmail.com) for Zoom Link.

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.