PJ Library - “Do You Wanna Build A Sukkah?"
October 4, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Zoom in as we make our own delicious Sukkah, gingerbread house style!
You Belong In Birmingham:
Sukkot Sunday Brunch and Tuesday Dinner
October 4, 2020 at 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
October 6, 6:30 PM
Join You Belong in Birmingham for a special meal under the sukkah! Make sure to reserve your spot soon, limited seats available.
Zoom Virtual Service and Modern Kohelet Meditation
with R. Stephen
October 4th 9:00 - 11:30AM:
As part of virtual services this Sunday 10/4, Rabbi Stephen will be leading us in a special kohelet meditation. Kohelet, Eccesliastes, is traditionally known as the final book of the Tanakh written by King Solomon. It contains the wisdom of his later years, reflections on what makes life meaningful, and all the ways in which we get distracted from what really matters. It is our custom to read this book during Sukkot. Join Rabbi Stephen on zoom for both the service and to experience a modern Kohelet meditation. Register here!
Lunch and Learn: The Letter “Bet”
as a Symbol of Hospitality
October 6th 12:00 - 1:00PM:
Have you had the chance to check out our new logo? Bethany Slater and Julian Brook will lead us in a discussion about the history and significance behind the new logo; including the letter Bet’s symbolisms relationship to hospitality. Bring your lunch and be prepared to learn. Register here to receive the zoom link.
CJFS Co-Hosts Oct 7
Book Event for Former CARES Caregiver Dr. Renee Harmon
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020 at 1 PM
Birmingham-area physicians Renee and Harvey Harmon were partners in everything -- until his shattering dementia diagnosis at age 50. Harvey, a beloved participant in our CJFS CARES program, passed away in 2018.
CJFS and Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama will host a virtual book launch for Renee’s new memoir and guidebook, “Surfing the Waves of Alzhheimer’s: Principles of Caregiving that Kept Me Upright.” At this free event, Renee will read from her book and answer questions moderated by CARES Program Director Pam Leonard. To learn more and register for this event, visit www.alzca.org/harmon.
BBQ In Israel and the American South
October 7th 6:00 - 7:30PM
Join our new Engagement and Collaboration Coordinator, Margaret Norman, for a workshop on kashrut, BBQ and what food reveals about life both in Israel and the American South. This is a chance not only to learn about Margaret’s work, but to get to know her! Margaret is eager to meet congregants, and this workshop will feature a short talk, a cooking demo and ample time to chat and ask questions; about cooking, BBQ, or her new role at Temple Beth-El.
In 2017, Margaret travelled to Tel Aviv for the Southern Foodways Alliance, to report on Truck de Luxe, a restaurant serving “American-style” barbecue, and was surprised to learn that much of it was pork! Margaret spent two weeks talking to Israelis about their relationships with kashrut before returning home to learn about the history, and increasing prevalence, of kashrut in the American South. Participants are invited to cook along.
Register here to receive the recipe and zoom information.
Virtual Bereavement Support Group
Begins October 8, 2020
A free virtual support group for those suffering the loss of a loved one is being offered this fall by CJFS. The first meeting is at 1 pm on Thursday, Oct. 8. CJFS Social Worker Gail Schuster, LICSW, who will lead the group, will work with participants to determine the most mutually convenient schedule for subsequent meetings. Thanks to a generous grant from the Birmingham Jewish Foundation, there is no charge for this program, but registration is required. For more information, please contact Gail Schuster, gail@cjfsbham.org
Total Hospitality: An Interfaith Panel For Sukkot
October 8th 5:00 - 6:00PM
On Sukkot we receive guests in our Sukkah and share hospitality. The Jewish tradition frames this hospitality as having a profoundly redemptive effect on all nations. Join us for a zoom panel discussion, exploring the role of total hospitality across traditions. Read about our panelists here and don’t forget to register in advance to receive the Zoom information. Register here!
Virtual Hoshana Rabba Morning Service
October 9th 8:00AM - 9:00AM
Join us on the seventh day of Sukkot, Hoshanah Rabba, for a special morning service. You can learn more about this day here.
Hadassah virtual Culinary Experience with
Israeli Chef Alon Shaya
October 15, 2020 at 7 PM
Join us on Zoom with Israeli Chef Alon Shaya from his restaurant Saba in New Orleans to learn and cook together!
"Amplifying Voices"
October 18, 2020 at 6 pm
The Levite Jewish Community Center has partnered with the Tucson JCC in Tucson, AZ to host a series, entitled "Amplifying Voices," on the intersection of Black and Jewish identities.
The first event is on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 6 pm with author Marc Dollinger. He will discuss his book "Black Power, Jewish Politics: Reinventing the Alliance of the 1960s." In January, the LJCC, along with Birmingham activist T. Marie King, will be hosting a virtual Civil Rights Tour of important sites in Alabama.
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.
