“Rather than become desensitized to the terror of a never-ending cycle of senseless deaths, we must focus on doing what we do best: building and sustaining community that brings people together.” -Mark Wilf, JFNA Board of Trustees Chair
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Pause with Pittsburgh and Jewish Federations
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The Jewish Federations of North America is calling on all Jews and allies to take a moment to pause on October 27 as we commemorate one year since the Tree of Life Congregations shooting in Pittsburgh, PA. Eleven people lost their lives in this shooting in 2018, and those lives and their families will be remembered as we come together, virtually, around the world to pray.
To get involved with this worldwide pause, simply sign up to receive a text. At 4pm CST on Sunday, October 27, you will receive a text that will contain a video reading of a prayer for mourning and the names of the eleven lives that were lost. Following the prayer, you can tune into a livestream of Pittsburgh’s public memorial service and submit a message of support by text.
Learn more
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"By coordinating with and learning from law enforcement agencies, we hope that our local institutions will be in a position to develop plans that will help make our institutions as safe as possible." - Ronald Levitt, Security Committee Chair
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BJF Security Committee Has Initial Meeting & Develops Plans
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A permanent Security Committee of the BJF Board has been formed and had its organizational meeting in mid-September. The Security Committee will seek advice on adopting best security practices community wide. It will also help our institutions develop deeper relationships with Homeland Security and law enforcement agencies.
As one of our first steps, the committee has invited the Secure Community Network (SCN) to bring its Critical Infrastructure Team to Birmingham for a round of meetings with leadership of, and to perform physical assessments for, our local agencies and institutions. This visit is being scheduled for November or December.
Our goal is to create a culture where all our institutions will have access to best practices in the security area, thereby making our entire community safer and more secure. Thankfully, all our local institutions have joined the effort and are part of the process.
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The door, security system, and other precautionary measures that saved the lives of 51 Jews who were praying at the Halle Synagogue, were donated by the Jewish Agency Security Assistance Fund.
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BJF Funds Helped Thwart German Attack
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The only thing that stopped the gunman from massacring those attending Yom Kippur prayers in Halle, Germany, was the synagogue's heavy door and security system, which had been recently upgraded with the assistance of the Jewish Agency Security Assistance Fund.
For the last few years the Jewish Agency has been providing funds to communities across Europe to safeguard Jewish institutions from terror attacks. Dollars raised by the Birmingham Jewish Federation support the work of the Jewish Agency.
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This umbrella effort to encourage everyone to make a permanent gift to the Jewish organizations they value can be a game changer. Each participating organization is a wonderful cause; won’t you join our most cherished tradition?
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Live Your Jewish Legacy - A Game Changer
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“Live Your Jewish Legacy” is a new initiative representing a broad cross-section of our local Jewish community. The Foundations of Temple Emanu-El and Temple Beth-El, along with the Birmingham Jewish Foundation, are joining together to encourage everyone to plan this year for Jewish life for both today and tomorrow by making an endowment gift. Gifts of any size are appreciated -- one-time gifts, ongoing contributions, bequests in wills, insurance, retirement plans or trusts. You can make a difference for generations to come.
Also included in this effort are the Birmingham Jewish Foundation’s partner organizations: Collat Jewish Family Services, Levite Jewish Community Center, N.E. Miles Jewish Day School, Jewish summer camps, Temple B’nai Sholom Huntsville, Israel programs, Alabama and Auburn Hillels, Birmingham Jewish Federation, Knesseth Israel Congregation, Chabad of Alabama.
For more information, contact:
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Event attendee Sam Halle shaking the Lulav and Etrog
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On Sunday, October 13, a group of 26 young Jewish adults got together at a local community member's home to enjoy snacks and drinks in the Sukkah. All snacks and drinks were fall themed. While most of the event took place inside due to rain, all were still able to learn about Sukkot and shake the Lulav and Etrog.
Many of the attendees are new to Birmingham and are so excited to join our community. This event was supported by the Birmingham Jewish Federation's "You Belong in Birmingham" program.
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Upcoming Community Events
Little Scientist STEAM Preschool Program
Sunday, October 27, 10-11 am at the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School. The theme is “Make Some Noise”: We’ll focus on the science of sound, instrument-making, exploring pitch, and visualizing sounds.
Learn more
Spend Parashat Noach at the Zoo!
Saturday, November 2, 2:00 pm at the Birmingham Zoo. Enjoy the story of Noah's Ark with Rabbi Wright and friends. You will be able to meet some animal friends up-close, do a scavenger hunt, and some Noah and animal-friendly crafts.
Learn more
Lindsay Raymond Mah Jongg Tournament
Wednesday, November 6 from 10am - 3pm at the LJCC. Doors Open + Registration at 9:30am. Proceeds benefit the Roz Feigelson Circle of Life Knitters. $36 includes play, lunch, snacks, donation, and prizes.
Register here
Register here
An Evening with Alexandra Zupruder
Thursday, November 7, 6:00pm at the UAB Hill Student Center (Ballrooms B, C, & D). The Birmingham Holocaust Education Center Presents the author of
Salvaged Pages: Young Writers' Diaries of the Holocaust
. In partnership with UAB Department of History, UAB Institute for Human Rights,UAB Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the Birmingham Jewish Foundation.
Learn more
Pink Challah Bake
Sunday, November 10, 3pm Doors Open + BRCA Testing, 4pm Program Begins, at the LJCC. Experience the power in numbers as we mix, knead, and braid challah together. BRCA screening and testing by a local physician will be available before the event. Please bring your insurance cards. $18 per person. Contact
Priscilla Denard
with questions.
Register here
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