June 18, 2021

8 Tamuz 5781

A Message from our CEO

Dear Friends–

Shabbat Shalom! This past Wednesday, the Birmingham Jewish Federation hosted its first hybrid event, Stand Up to Antisemitism Town Hall. The event drew 100 people in-person as well as more than 140 people watching online. The event featured Dov Wilker, Regional Director of the American Jewish Committee along with our community Rabbis and messages of support from various civic and local faith leaders. While I wish our first hybrid event was under better circumstances, it was wonderful to see so many of you for the first time. It’s so special for me to get all these long-awaited hugs and handshakes from people I have only met through Zoom over the last 15 months. For those of you who are interested in viewing last night’s program, it can be accessed here. A few weeks back I wrote to you all about finding the 21st Century Righteous Gentiles in your life that would stand up and stand beside you to fight against Antisemitism. Last night we were joined by Ed Fields, Senior Advisor & Chief Strategist, City of Birmingham, Isabel Rubio, Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, Scott Douglas, Greater Birmingham Ministries and Reverend Dr. Edwin Hurley, South Highland Presbyterian Church all who shared their support for our community. But perhaps the most impactful part of the evening for me was a conversation that I had with an attendee after the event was over. I was introduced to a Christian woman who receives my weekly emails. She had read about my plea for you to find the modern-day Righteous Gentiles in your life. She told me after reading that column she immediately called her Jewish friend and asked what she could do, and when she read about our event last evening, she knew she and her husband had to attend. During our conversation, her comments were heartfelt and sincere and as we said our goodbyes I was left with the feeling of hope… a feeling I haven’t experienced in a long time. You may be asking yourself why I am telling you this story, this week? It is to remind you that if you don’t ask for help and support or simply educate your friends and neighbors nothing will change, but if you do, you can change the world, one relationship at a time. Last evening’s program opened and closed with a quote and song by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. I want to share it again as I close this week’s column and I urge you to watch Cantor Wittner’s powerful rendition at the end of last night’s program. Kol ha'olam kulo Gesher tzar me'od Veha'ikar lo lifached k'lal. The whole world Is a very narrow bridge and the main thing is to have no fear at all Wishing you a restful Shabbat and a week of no fear. 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 17 - Super Heros 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

Legends, Lessons and Legacies: The Jewish Community’s Impact on Birmingham’s Civil Rights Movement  Presented by Southern Jewish Life and Israeli InSight magazines June 21 at 7 PM CT

In her new book, “Behind the Magic Curtain: Secrets, Spies, and Unsung White Allies of Birmingham’s Civil Rights Days” (New South Books, June 29), author T.K. Thorne  discusses the little-known behind-the-scenes roles played by many white allies in Birmingham during the struggle for civil rights in the early 1960s, including numerous leaders in the Jewish community.  Thorne will discuss her book, joined by the children of three figures she highlights for their bold and brave actions: Richard Berkowitz, son of Abe Berkowitz; Stephen Grafman, son of Rabbi Milton Grafman; and Tracy Friedman Stein, daughter of Karl Friedman. They will offer perspectives on the leadership their fathers provided during these turbulent times.  The Zoom event, moderated by Southern Jewish Life and Israel InSight Editor Larry Brook, will be on June 21 at 7 p.m. Central Time, and is also co-sponsored by the Atlanta Israel Coalition.

Register Here!

NextGen and YBIB Campaign Event Saturday, July 10th at 8PM CT

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.”

Register Here!

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!

Community Programs

House of Learning: Southern Jewish Foodways with Dr. Marcie Cohen Ferris Saturday, June 17 @ 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Temple Beth-El Spoonbread, shnecken and sweet and sour Passover meatballs—these are just a few of the recipes you can find in Marcie Cohen Ferris’ seminal work on Southern Jewish foodways, Matzoh Ball Gumbo: Culinary Tales of the Jewish South. Join Engagement and Collaboration Coordinator Margaret Norman and Dr. Cohen Ferris for a delicious conversation on Southern Jewish food and the stories and histories that food reveals. In addition to Matzah Ball Gumbo, Dr. Cohen Ferris is author of The Edible South: The Power of Food and the Making of an American Region and co-editor of Jewish Roots in Southern Soil: A New History, as well as Professor Emeritus of American Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill. Participants who register by 6/10 will receive a complimentary snack drop off! If you live more than five miles from Temple Beth El, we invite you to pick up your snacks. Visit the Temple Beth El calendar for registration information. Register here! Summer Beit Midrash: This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared Monday, June 21 @ 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 “Legends, Lessons, Legacies: The Impact of Jews on the Civil Rights Movement”  Monday, June 21 @ 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM  Southern Jewish Life/Israel InSight Magazines “Legends, Lessons, Legacies: The Impact of Jews on the Civil Rights Movement.” This program will feature author TK Thorne talking about her new book “Behind the Magic Curtain” and the children of key Birmingham figures Abe Berkowitz, Karl Friedman and Rabbi Milton Grafman. Register here! Lunchtime Torah Study Wednesday, June 23 @ 12:00 - 1:00 PM Temple Emanu-El This Torah study meets via Zoom and will cover that week’s Torah portion. All levels welcome. Learn more here! Summer Beit Midrash: This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared Thursday, June 24 @ 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 BJF’s Women’s Philanthropy – Mix It Up/ Not Your Mothers Manischewitz Thursday, June 24 @ 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM The Birmingham Jewish Federation Women's Philanthropy Join Birmingham Jewish women as we learn about BJF’s Women’s Philanthropy and how to make cocktails with a Jewish twist. Featuring: Dammara Kovnats Hall Founder & CEO of Jewish Cocktails Join us here! 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 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. Register here: https://forms.gle/RjFpqsWEooXRvfZY6. Zoom information will be sent out a week in advance! 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.

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

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