Weekly Round Up

May 28, 2021

17 Sivan 5781

Dear Friends:

Shabbat Shalom!

I always have my cell phone in my hand, for better or for worse. It is my life line not only to you all but also to the news, pictures of my daughter throughout the day, and social media. These days everything coming through my news feed fills me with anguish both as an American and as a Jew. It is a rarity that anything makes me scratch my head. However, one meme on Instagram this week from JewBelong, made me stop and think not only about the rise in Antisemitism, but also the company that I keep and the “friends” I am connected to on social media. The meme read “I never truly understood all the fuss over the Righteous Gentiles during the Holocaust. Now I do.”

Now let me be clear I DO understand the fuss; the Righteous Gentiles were responsible for saving countless numbers of Jews during the darkest time in our history. Today as we witness horrifying events and darkness unfolds again, I am asking, where are the Righteous Gentiles in my life? Why aren’t they crying out “ENOUGH!” or “Stop the hatred of my Jewish friends?” I can’t speak for you, but amongst my peers both in person and online, the silence outside of my Jewish connections is deafening.

This week the Jewish Federations of North America joined with numerous other Jewish organizations for an online rally called #ActAgainstAntisemitism to bring together both Jewish and non-Jewish voices to demand a stop to the Jew hatred and acts of violence plaguing our people. It can be viewed here. I encourage you to watch as people came together with a national voice to proclaim – “ANTISEMTISM MUST STOP.” After watching, ask yourself who in your life can you count on to make similar statements of support. Who will stand beside you in a crowded room and tell those around you “Enough!”

The world is changing faster than one can imagine but one thing remains true – Antisemitism is alive and well and it is up to us to eradicate it. But we cannot do it alone. While The Birmingham Jewish Federation is working diligently on expanding our offerings on Antisemitic awareness, there is a need for all of us to do something immediately.

Once again, I am going to ask you to do something for me during the next week – commit to having a few conversations, even if they may be uncomfortable, and find the Righteous Gentiles of the 21^st century in your life. Speak to them about your fears and ask them to stand proudly beside you in support. I am also asking those of you who are not Jewish to stand with the Jewish Community of Birmingham, and Jews around the world. Please talk to your friends and family about the Jew hatred that is growing on a daily basis. Please show us, your Chaverim (friends), that we are not alone. Here is a link to 90 ways YOU can respond to Antisemitism. I think this is a great resource to help get these tough conversations started.

I close this week my friends by assuring you, the same way I assure myself, that this darkness will dissipate and goodness will prevail. The Federation is working with local Jewish leaders and our national partners to bring additional resources to the community to address this devastating problem as well as provide resources and education on Israel, which is also a critical piece of this puzzle.

If you would like to be involved in our Israel or Antisemitism initiatives, please reach out to me. We have lots of work to do not only now but to secure our future as well.

Wishing you a restful Shabbat, a week of peace, and the hope that we all are surrounded by Righteous Gentiles.

B’Shalom,

Danny

BJF Launches New Website!

You can find it by visiting www.bjf.org or by clicking here.

As you can see there are many new enhancements including being able to make your campaign pledge online. Many thanks to the marketing committee, Randi Landy (chair), Alyssa Blair, Lisa Engel, Cathy Fingerman, Savannah Koplon, Elisa Nelson, Steve Royal and Linda Verin for their hard work on bringing this to life. We hope you find the site to be vibrant and engaging, just like our community.

Agency Spotlight

Rescuing Jews is What We Do!

Thirty years ago, Operation Solomon was launched.

In just 36 hours, JDC and our partners pulled off a modern miracle — a daring and dramatic mission to evacuate more than 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to safety in Israel.

Operation Solomon speaks to who we are. Creative. Resourceful. Dedicated to saving Jewish lives even when the odds are stacked against us.

Discover how, together, we moved mountains for Jews in need.

Since our founding in 1914, JDC and our partners have rescued more than 1 million Jews in danger from places like Sarajevo, Yemen, and Georgia.

But for us, rescue does not stop with the airlift, convoy, or clandestine evacuation. JDC is committed to helping the most vulnerable Jews the day after and the day after that, too — people like Becky Sereche.

Rescued as a young girl, today she works for JDC coordinating our national program giving Ethiopian-Israeli children the tools they need to thrive.

"My community arrived in Israel after many, many years dreaming of 'Yerusalim,'" says Becky, referencing the Amharic word for Jerusalem. "We want to integrate into Israeli society in the best possible way, and JDC plays a huge part in that. I couldn’t be prouder to work here."

We're the Global Jewish 9-1-1. And together with you, no matter what the future holds, we promise to continue answering the call for Jews all over the world.

Gratefully,

The JDC Team

Upcoming Programming

Current Events in Israel:

Briefing with Deputy Consul

General Alex Gandler

Thursday, June 3rd at 12 PM

Tirdof: Braving Discomfort to Move Towards Action with T Marie King

Thursday, June 3rd at 7 PM

In our Tirdof series on Civil Rights Past and Present we’ve taken the time to learn about the history of civil rights in our community, as well as issues of contemporary racial justice. Now, it’s time ask, “what’s next?” Join us for this special workshop with local organizer T. Marie King, where participants will be empowered to reflect on their blindspots, acknowledge harms experienced by neighbors and identify pathways of action!

King is a trained Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation facilitator and experienced presenter and facilitator. This will be an interactive workshop, with space for sharing and learning together.

This series is part of the development of the Beth El Civil Rights Experience; a multimedia project exploring the intersections of Birmingham’s Jewish and Civil Rights histories, with an eye towards exploring the past and “building bridges” in the present and future. Learn more here.

Ethiopian Culture in Conversation

Sunday, June 13th at 11:00 AM

Community Care Day

Sunday, June 13th from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

JCRC Lunch and Learn:

Demonstrating Support for our

LGBTQ Community

YBIB Presents an

Executive Chef Experience

Date Change**

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021 at 6:30 PM CT

You do not want to miss this exclusive event! Secure your spot today!

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.

NextGen and YBIB Campaign Event

Saturday, July 10th at 8PM CT

Get Tickets Here!

Community Programs

Shabbat Hilicha/Shabbat Hiking at Red Mountain Park

Saturday, May 29 @ 10:30 - 12:00 PM

Temple Emanu-El

One Saturday per month, in lieu on an online Shabbat service, we will meet at a local hiking trail to spend Shabbat morning together. Led by Rabbi Wright and Cantor Wittner, we will spend one to two hours enjoying Shabbat in nature.

To learn more, click here!

Lunchtime Torah Study

Wednesday, June 2 @ 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!

Orientation & Training for Volunteers for Alabama Interfaith Refugee Partnership (ALIRP)

Wednesday, June 2 @ 5:30PM - 8:00 PM

JCRC

The JCRC is spearheading a community wide initiative to support the work of ALIRP. Community members will be oriented and trained to qualify to volunteer as CARE Team and Committee members with the ALIRP. Dinner will be provided staring at 5:30 and training will begin promptly at 6:00 pm. The Alabama Interfaith Refugee Partnership, is a 501C-3 charitable organization based in Birmingham, Alabama, dedicated to supporting refugees and asylum-seekers locally and globally through direct assistance, education, and advocacy.

Contact Joyce with any questions you have!

Tirdof: Braving Discomfort to Move Towards Action with T Marie King (ALIRP)

Thursday, June 3 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Temple Emanu-El

King is a trained Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation facilitator and experienced presenter and facilitator. This will be an interactive workshop, with space for sharing and learning together.

Community Briefing with Israeli Deputy

Consul General to the Southeast Alex Gandler

Thursday, June 3 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

JCRC

Join us to hear from Israeli Deputy Consul General to the Southeast Alex Gardner. The discussion will include updates on current events in Israel.

Inter-Everything Hike +

Picnic at Red Mountain Park

Sunday, June 6 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Temple Beth-El

Join us for our third inter-everything group event; a family-friendly hike at Red Mountain Park! This is a chance to gather in community with other families and individuals who identify as interfaith/intercultural/interdenominational—inter-anything—while enjoying an outdoor activity at one of our city’s best greenspaces. We’ll meet at the entrance to the park at 10AM and end with a chance to picnic together. Along the way, we’ll even learn a little bit about the Park’s history as a former site of iron and ore mining! Bring a bagged lunch, if you’d like, and we’ll provide some additional snacks and goodies.

RSVP to Margaret at mnorman@templebeth-el.net

This program is part of Beth El’s new programming series especially for our inter-everything families. Why inter-everything? Because in conversations with our community it’s become clear that interfaith doesn’t cover it. Our community is interfaith, intercultural, inter-denominational and everything beyond and in between. Rather than get caught up on labels we’re looking for chances to connect, and if you and/or your family identify as inter-anything we want to connect with you! Get in touch with Margaret at mnorman@templebeth-el.net with questions or to share your programming ideas.

The Tikkun Middot Project

Tuesday, June 8 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Temple Beth-El

The Tikkun Middot Project is an innovative, national program to promote character development through mindful engagement with the Jewish Mussar tradition. Beth El is participating by building a small group that will meet to study, discuss, and practice character-forming techniques. Created by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, the purpose of the program is to bring positive communal change by helping individuals acknowledge and reduce negative behavioural patterns. The course will help you be more skillful at navigating challenging situations by building up your wisdom and compassion. Beginning November 17th, Rebbitzen Bethany will be leading a group through this program using a curriculum created by Rabbi David Jaffe. What Kind of Commitment Is This? Participants will meet once a month for two hours over the course of nine months. In between sessions, participants will check in with a chavruta (study partner) at least once, to study relevant material and check-in for approximately 30-45 minutes. During each unit participants will learn about an action and a focus phrase they can use to help them work on the character trait for that month. Registration is required and the group will close after the first session so that we can build intimacy as a group.

Zoom registration can be found here.

If you have questions about this program,

reach out to Bethany at bslater@templebeth-el.net.

Ethiopian Culture in Conversation

Sunday, June 13 at 11:00 AM CT

Join our partnership cities, for a fun and interactive celebration of Ethiopian culture – on Sunday, June 13th 2021 at 11:00 AM CDT/7:00 PM Israeli time. This event will be held in English.

This event is jointly hosted by the Rosh Ha'ayin Partnership2Gether Steering Committee, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, and the Birmingham Jewish Federation, in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel's Partnership2Gether program.

Join us here!

JCRC Lunch and Learn:

Demonstrating Support for Our LGBTQ Community- A Conversation with the Magic City Acceptance Center (MCAC)

Tuesday, June 15 at noon

JCRC

The Magic City Acceptance Center (MCAC) provides safe, supportive and affirming space for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ) individuals in Birmingham and surrounding areas. As a project of Birmingham AIDS Outreach, MCAC is part of their mission to provide broader, more inclusive services to the LGBTQ community.

Virtual Flower Arranging with

Gen XYZ and Beth El Sisterhood

Tuesday, June 15 @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Temple Beth-El

Join Temple Beth El Sisterhood and Gen XYZ for a virtual flower arranging workshop with Wild Things Flowers and Curiosities; a woman-owned and operated floral shop in Homewood. Participants can register by calling Wild Things at 205 703 8821 and letting them know you would like to join. The morning of June 15th participants will be able to pick up their flowers at Temple Beth El, or Wild Things (located at 2815B 18th St S, Homewood, AL). We will then gather virtually and practice the art of flower arranging together, with the leadership of a skilled professional!

The cost is $40 to participate in the flower arranging and you can register anytime before noon on June 14th.

Zoom links will be sent out the morning of the program.

If you would like to participate without purchasing flowers, or have questions about this workshop, email Margaret Norman at mnorman@templebeth-el.net

YBIB Executive Chef Experience

Friday, June 16 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

YBIB

Join us for an evening of delicious food and drinks prepared by an executive chef at Back Forty Beer Company Birmingham. You don't want to miss this incredible experience. This is a YBIB event and is open to ages 21-35.

Back 40, 3201 1st Ave N,

Birmingham, AL 35222 United States

Get your tickets here!

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.

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.