Weekly Round Up

June 25, 2021

15 Tamuz 5781

Dear Friends–

Shabbat Shalom!

Here we are – the first official week of summer and from what I have been told it only gets hotter from here! I love summer. I am a summer birthday which always led to great outdoor gatherings and of course each year, like many Jewish children I looked forward to summer camp. I am so thankful that this summer our children are able to experience it once again. My own child is loving camp at the LJCC and I as her parent can’t wait until she can go away for four weeks and build bonds that will last a lifetime. In truth, I long for those summer days, filled with naivety and without a care in the world. It seems as I age, the days get shorter and the world around changes at a pace faster than with which I am comfortable. But I am trying to enjoy this summer, our first in Birmingham not affected by COVID and I hope you all are doing the same.

If by chance you are interested in sitting in front of your computer for another program, the Jewish Federations of North America hosted one last week on Israel’s new government with journalist David Horovitz. It can be viewed here. I hope you find it informative. Additionally, we have ramped up our partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). I look forward to bringing you more robust programs on Israel like this as well as cultural events in the coming weeks and months.

Locally, we are hard at work on the strategic planning process. A community survey will be issued after the July 4th holiday to solicit opinions from everyone in our Jewish community. We encourage every member of your household over the age of 18 to participate. The data will be key in drafting final recommendations for the future of the Federation. Additionally, the data will be shared with our agency and synagogue partners to help aid in their long-term planning as well. More to come in July.

As I close this week, I want to acknowledge those of you who have reached out to me regarding the recent breakdown in partnership with Mountain Brook Schools and the ADL. Please know that the Federation continues to push for additional dialogue and communication surrounding diversity in our area schools and will continue to do so until an adequate resolution concerning this has been provided. ADL’s statement can be found here.

Wishing you a joyous Summer Shabbat and a week of peace.

B’Shalom,

Danny

Stand Up Against Antisemitism

Did you miss this incredible program?Don'y worry, you can watch it here!

Agency Spotlight

Thursday Family Fun Night

5:00 - 7:00 PM at The LJCC

Please plan to join us at the J every Thursday night in June and July for an evening of family fun! We will gather from 5:00 - 7:00 PM by the Outdoor Pool for games and activities. Kid-friendly food will be available for purchase (pizza, hot dogs, etc...)

TFFN Weekly Themes

June 24 - Beach Luau Party

July 1 - LJCC 115th Birthday Party

July 8 - Wild West

July 15 - Camp Night

July 22 - Drive-in Movie

July 29 - Olympics

Family Fun Nights are free and open to the public so bring your family and friends!

Upcoming Programming

NextGen and YBIB Campaign Event

Saturday, July 10th at 8 CST

We only have a few spots left!

Get your tickets today!

Get Tickets Here!

Jews in America

July 1st at 8 PM

Ever since the first Jewish immigrants arrived in America in the 16th and 17th centuries, Jewish Americans have made significant contributions to our country. Their impact is immeasurable and many of them are household names. Yet countless other Jews, unknown to the history books, are unsung heroes. The stories of their courage, sacrifice and devotion to our country are not often told. Join The Braid (formerly JWT) in a storytelling experience and new show titled “Jews in American -- a celebration of being Jewish and being American.”

Bearing Witness

July 6th at 7-8:30 PM

Minna Goldberg, BHEC Intern, has spent the last year editing Holocaust survivor stories for the BHEC archives and website. Join us as she shares some of these amazing stories and the impact this experience has had on her.

This event will be held over zoom.

Honey From The Heart

Place your order by July 7th

Would you believe that Rosh Hashonah begins Monday, September 6 (the night of Labor Day!), and what better way to wish your family and friends a L’Shanah Tovah than by sending them a jar of DELICIOUS honey! Sisterhood of TBE received rave reviews on this fundraising project and is once again offering you the opportunity to participate.

Each beautifully-packaged gift box (containing an 8 oz. jar of Kosher, gluten-free honey along with a lovely personalized gift card) will be mailed to your recipient for FREE but you have to order by Wednesday, July 7.

After that date, you will still be able to order, but in addition to the $13 per jar price, a shipping fee of $5.50 per jar will be added. No worrying about going to the post office to mail each package! Once you place your order on the Honey from the Heart website and remit your credit card payment, you have completed the process. Each recipient will receive your gift prior to Rosh Hashonah.

Easy, peasy - but don’t delay! You have one month to place your order(s), so do it NOW while it’s fresh on your mind. CLICK HERE TO START YOUR ORDER. Please share this flyer with those who you think might also want to place an order. QUESTIONS? Contact Arlene Fisher, 205-249-1620.

~Sisterhood thanks you for supporting this project~

Order Now!

Knowing Your Genetic Risk Can Be

Life-Saving

A Virtual Information Program

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM CST

Learn how JScreen’s genetic tests can help ensure healthy babies and prevent cancer
Inspire others to know about their genetic health risks
Engage your community in saving lives!

For more information: Contact Robyn Teplitzky,

info@jscreen.org

FACEBOOK: myjscreen

Twitter: @myjscreen

YouTube: myjscreen Channel

Instagram: getjscreened

Join Here!

Community Programs

Birmingham Hadassah Book Club:

The Vanishing Half written by Brit Bren, facilitator, Marlene Waller

Sunday, June 27 @ 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Birmingham Chapter of Hadassah

The Vanishing Half, by Brit Bren

Please contact Tami Caldwell -Horn , tamarmichal67@gmail.com, for Zoom link.

Summer Beit Midrash: This is Real and

You Are Completely Unprepared

Monday, June 28 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Temple Beth-El

Our Thursday Beit Midrash is planning to continue meeting through the summer, on Mondays and Thursdays from 12-1PM. In preparation for the High Holidays they will be reading This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared by Alan Lew.

Join using the link below and the password “Learning”

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89875890682

Lunchtime Torah Study

Wednesday, June 30 @ 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.

Summer Beit Midrash: This is Real and

You Are Completely Unprepared

Thursday, July 1 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Temple Beth-El

Our Thursday Beit Midrash is planning to continue meeting through the summer, on Thursdays from 12-1PM. In preparation for the High Holidays they will be reading This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared by Alan Lew.

Join using the link below and the password “Learning”

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89875890682

“Jews in America:” Virtual Theatrical Experience with The Braid

Thursday, July 1 @ 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Temple Beth-El

Temple Emanu-El

Ever since the first Jewish immigrants arrived in America in the 16th and 17th centuries, Jewish Americans have made significant contributions to our country. Their impact is immeasurable and many of them are household names. Yet countless other Jews, unknown to the history books, are unsung heroes. The stories of their courage, sacrifice and devotion to our country are not often told. Join The Braid (formerly JWT) in a storytelling experience and new show titled “Jews in American — a celebration of being Jewish and being American.” This program is held in partnership with the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, Temple Beth El and Temple Emanu-El.

Bearing Witness:

Why Document Survivor Stories?

Tuesday, July 6 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Birmingham Holocaust Education Center

Registration Required: https://bhecinfo.org/event/why-document-survivor-stories/

Lunchtime Torah Study

Wednesday, July 7 @ 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.

NextGen/YBIB Campaign Event

Saturday, July 10 @ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

The Birmingham Jewish Federation

Join us on Saturday, July 10th, at Back Forty Beer Company Birmingham for an evening of friends, fun, and more! This event features a live music performance by The Peytones. Join us for live music, drinks, desserts, and a great time with our community.

Purchase tickets here:

https://bjf.org/event/nextgen-ybib-campaign-event/

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.