October 1, 2021

25 Tishrei, 5782

A Message from our CEO

Dear Friends–

Shabbat Shalom: I hope everyone had a great week. This past Shabbat was very special for me. It was the first Shabbat since the pandemic that I attended Shabbat morning services. I had been asked to speak about the Federation at the Kiddush luncheon to the members of Knesseth Israel and they honored me with an Aliyah. I want to extend my thanks to Rabbi Rube and KI’s president Jack Hasson for the invitation. One forgets what one misses when time passes without doing the things one enjoys. Being back in a synagogue on a Saturday morning was indeed very special. One of the best parts of my job is having meaningful conversations with so many of you. Last week, a community member and I visited and talked about what it means to be Jewish. We discussed that some people think their way of being Jewish is the only way to be; others think their way of practicing Judaism is the only way to do it; and then there are those who say being Jewish is being Jewish regardless of the way you observe. As I sat in the sanctuary of KI last week, that conversation kept playing over and over in my head. It wasn’t that long ago that German Jews had their synagogues and clubs and Eastern European Jews had theirs. Here in Birmingham, we are quite lucky to have so many choices of how to be Jewish -- there is a little something for everyone. From Chabad to Temple Emanu-El and everything in between, there is a place for everyone to express their beliefs. As we were chanting Etz Chaim He (The Tree of Life), I kept thinking of the autumn season that is upon us and how all the leaves are changing. Each leaf slightly different, but yet from the same tree – just like us, the Jews of Birmingham with our own beliefs and practices. It was a comforting thought that no matter the difference in appearance, texture, color or shape, or levels of observance, we are all Jews. This Shabbat promises to be equally as special. Nora is being consecrated at Temple Emanu-El. We will be celebrating our first life cycle Simcha here in Birmingham. She will join with the other “leaves” in her class to continue making up our Etz Chaim. And it gives me much pleasure! A few housekeeping notes before I close. Nominations for the Federations Young Jewish Leadership Program are open through October 8th. More information can be found here. Kesher, the new Hebrew High School Experience starts next month. If you haven’t registered yet, please contact Temple Beth-El or Temple Emanu-el. Financial assistance is available. Last, but certainly not least, the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly starts Sunday. Please visit here to register. Wishing you all a restful Shabbat and a week of peace. Danny

Agency Spotlight

Last chance to nominate someone!

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 Today, October 1st and can be sent to Sarah Weinberger at sarahw@bjf.org!

Nominate Someone!

The Birmingham Jewish Federation's Young Leadership Program February 2022-March 2023

Accepting nominations through October 8th!

Click here for more information!

Upcoming Programming

Please join us for 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.

Register Here!

Kesher: A Jewish Teen Experience! Thursdays from October - April from 5:30 - 7:30 PM Sign up today! The first meeting is October 7th!

Register Here!

Jewish Journeys: A JDC Ambassadors Event Series October 7th, 14th, and 21st

We are pleased to invite you to a very special JDC Ambassadors event series:  “Jewish Journeys: An Inside Look at Several Unique Global Jewish Communities” Travel with us to India, China, and other exciting places where vibrant Jewish communities have thrived for generations. Meet JDC professionals and clients, and hear firsthand from Jewish leaders, historians, and disaster relief experts devoted to lifting Jewish lives and strengthening global Jewish communities. You will also learn about JDC’s life-saving humanitarian work and explore our emergency response during India’s COVID-19 surge. As the Talmud states, “Whoever saves one life is considered to have saved the world.” JDC is committed to saving as many lives as possible.

Questions? Please contact Tarang Jagota at tarangja@JDC.org.

PJ Library- It's in the bag! Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 11:15 AM

RSVP Here!

Community Programs

Lunchtime Torah Study Wednesday, October 6 @ 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. Beit Midrash with Rabbi Norry: Five Remarkable Objects in the Bible Thursday, October 7 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Temple Beth-El This Fall, Rabbi Norry will lead the Beit Midrash through a class on “Five Remarkable Objects in the Bible.” Discover a new way to read Torah by looking at remarkable objects that appear in the story line. While most people focus on the characters in the stories, we often overlook an object – a thing – that plays an important role and drives the story forward. We will adopt an artistic, or curatorial approach, and ask “what is it,” “what is it made of,” “where is it,” and “when does it appear in the story?” “Is it a singular object or are there a lot of them?” “What became of it?” “Where is it now?” The Beit Midrash meets every week from 12-1PM via Zoom. Join here!  Kesher: A Community Teen Program Thursday, October 7 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 PM N.E Miles Jewish Day School , The Birmingham Jewish Federation, Temple Beth-El, Temple Emanu-El The first session of Kesher: A Jewish Teen Experience! Students will choose from exciting elective classes, socialize, and nosh with their peers and engage in a whole-group learning over 12 sessions. Program open for 8th-12th graders! See graphic above for more information. Financial aid is available. Register here! From Sephard to Savannah and Beyond: Southern Jewish Cooking and Culture Sunday, October 10 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 PM Temple Beth-El, Temple Emanu-El Join us for a virtual educational cooking series with University of Minnesota PhD student Sara Gardner! This three week series covers the following topics: October 10th – Sephardic Savannah October 17th – Ashkenazi Delta October 24th – Jewish Soul Food Recipes will be provided upon registration. Don’t miss this chance to cook, learn, and meet participants from congregations across the country. This program is hosted by the Southern Alliance for Jewish Education (SAJE).  *We ask that you consider making a donation of $18 to your host institution for participation in this program!  Register Here! Lunchtime Torah Study Wednesday, October 13 @ 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. Beit Midrash with Rabbi Norry: Five Remarkable Objects in the Bible Thursday, October 14 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Temple Beth-El This Fall, Rabbi Norry will lead the Beit Midrash through a class on “Five Remarkable Objects in the Bible.” Discover a new way to read Torah by looking at remarkable objects that appear in the story line. While most people focus on the characters in the stories, we often overlook an object – a thing – that plays an important role and drives the story forward. We will adopt an artistic, or curatorial approach, and ask “what is it,” “what is it made of,” “where is it,” and “when does it appear in the story?” “Is it a singular object or are there a lot of them?” “What became of it?” “Where is it now?” The Beit Midrash meets every week from 12-1PM via Zoom. Join here!  CJFS Senior Grocery Delivery Sunday,October 17 @ 12:30 pm - 1:30 PM Collat Jewish Family Services Senior Grocery Delivery If you have any questions, please email Amy Peetluk at amyp@cjfsbham.org. TravelStorys Launch Event: Jewish Birmingham and Civil Rights with TBE and TEE Sunday, October 17 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 PM Temple Beth-El and Temple Emanu-El Save the date – more information coming soon! BJF’s Women’s Philanthropy Program Sunday, October 17 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 PM The Birmingham Jewish Federation BJF’s Women’s Philanthropy Program

Visit the community calendar for more details!

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The Federation and Foundation have been having issues with our post office box. Please send all correspondence to our physical address at  3966 Montclair Road, Birmingham, AL 35213

The Birmingham Jewish Federation federation@bjf.org  (205)879-0416 bjf.org

The Birmingham Jewish Federation @jewishbirmingham ‌ ‌

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