Sunday, September 15
Welcome to our publication from the Birmingham Jewish Federation! BJFive will come to you every other week -- featuring five highlight stories, and announcements of major community events. We hope you like it.
“Jewish and Israel-related groups reacted to  the recent ouster of John Bolton as national security advisor amid disagreements between Bolton and President Trump on a number of matters regarding Iran, North Korea and other foreign-policy issues.”
Jewish Groups Split on Bolton’s Ouster
American Jewish groups were split in reacting to President Trump’s ouster of John Bolton as his National Security Advisor.

American Jewish Committee CEO David Harris told Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), “Bolton’s always been a stalwart defender of America’s global interests; steadfast ally of Israel and the Jewish people; and fierce adversary of anti-democratic, weapons-proliferating and terrorist-sponsoring regimes, mostly notably in Tehran.” On the other side of the spectrum, J Street spokesperson Logan Bayroff told JNS, “He will not be missed.”

"For 90 years, we've worked to overcome the biggest challenges facing the Jewish people. We founded and built the State of Israel, and we continue creating links globally—bringing Jews to Israel and Israel to Jews.”
BJF-funded Agency Enriches Jews Worldwide
From bringing new Jewish immigrants to Israel to sending Israeli camp counselors throughout America, more than 1,850,000 Jews around the world were impacted positively last year by the Jewish Agency for Israel, thanks in part to funding from the Birmingham Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign. 

“IsraAID, a humanitarian aid agency that responds to emergency crises and engages in international development around the world, said it would send emergency support to the Bahamas.”
Jewish groups helping Bahamas in wake of Hurricane Dorian

The Israel-based humanitarian group IsraAID is among those pitching in to help the Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Dorian’s devastation, which has killed at least 50 people. IsraAID receives funding through the Birmingham Jewish Federation’s Israel-World Jewry Bureau. (From Jewish Telegraphic Agency.)

“Every summer, even as an adult, I get nostalgic for my Jewish summer camp experience. It was there I developed my leadership skills, my confidence and my Jewish identity.” — Henry S. Jacobs camp alum
B'ham Jewish Foundation Helping Kids go to Jewish Camp
Having attended a Jewish summer camp is one of the strongest indicators of adult Jewish involvement. Each year, the Birmingham Jewish Foundation works with Collat Jewish Family Services to provide need-based scholarships for Birmingham kids to attend our area’s Jewish camps. 

CJFS and the Foundation provided scholarships for 11 Birmingham children this summer. This is done in conjunction with our local synagogues. In addition, Jewish Children’s Regional Services provides need-based scholarship money and the Goldring Foundation in New Orleans provides $1500 incentive grants for first timers at Jewish camps.
“The Food Festival was AMAZING. I think it was the best food festival we’ve ever had. Thank you to all for coming out and helping on this sweltering hot day. And special thanks to staffers Priscilla Denard and Dan Tourtellotte who made everything happen smoothly!”
— Samantha Dubrinsky,
LJCC Interim Executive Director
Food Festival - a huge success
The Levite Jewish Community Center, along with other Jewish organizations, hosted this year’s Friedman Family Jewish Food & Culture Fest on Sunday, September 8. The event took place under the blazing sun on the LJCC’s Levite Field and the heat did not prevent the Birmingham community from showing up to enjoy brisket, pastrami, burekas and — unbelievably — matzah ball soup. 

Volunteers from our Jewish and broader Birmingham communities teamed together to coordinate this tremendous event, which was chaired by Isa Dorsky. Over 1,000 people came out to enjoy delicious food, music, Jewish culture and community. This signature event of the Jewish community remains a success year after year thanks to the hard work and dedication of so many volunteers and sponsors.
Upcoming Community Events

Women's High Tea: Connect, Inspire, Empower
Wednesday, September 18, 7:00-9:00pm, at Knesseth Israel. Featuring Terri Nova, co-owner & COO of Alabama Rental Managers, Annie Damsky, owner Villager Yoga and co-creator of the Fearless Om, and Krispin Watson, Host of So Lux Life Podcast. Enjoy live music by local talent and the new group, Lahavot Aish, along with delicious food prepared by Chef David Aaron. For more information call, 205-495-7247 or email srezonzew@gmail.com. Register here

Bearing Witness: Stories of the Holocaust
Thursday, September 19, 5:30-7:30 pm, at BHEC - 2222 Arlington Avenue S. Featuring Denise Lewis telling the story of her father, Roger Blum. Hosted by the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center. Learn more

Prostate Cancer Awareness Shabbat
Friday, September 20, 5:45 pm, at Temple Emanu-El. In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, please join the Mike Slive Foundation for Prostate Cancer Research in honoring those whose lives have been impacted by prostate cancer. Learn more

Mexican Shabbat & A Pastor's Journey to Judaism
Friday, September 20, 6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:00 pm Mexican Shabbat, 7:30 pm A Pastor's Journey to Judaism, at Chabad of Alabama. Join Chabad for delicious Mexican cuisine made by Chef Josh Haynes and hear the intriguing and inspiring story of Yaakov Parisi, an Evangelical pastor, who who arrived at the doorsteps of Judaism while searching for the roots of his faith. His journey was fraught with hurdles and challenges, inspiring moments, and humorous twist and turns. Register here

Pooch Plunge
Sunday, September 22, 1:00-4:00 pm, at the LJCC Outdoor Pool. The dog days of summer may be in the past, but your dog's favorite day of summer is still to come! The LJCC's Pooch Plunge will be the highlight of your dog's year as he or she gets to jump, swim, dive, fetch, and of course, doggie paddle their way through the pool. $15/dog. Part of the proceeds go to the Animal League of Birmingham. Learn more