Virtual Bereavement Support Group Begins Oct. 8
Begins October 8 at 1 PM
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
Understanding American Jewish-Israel Relations
Sunday, October 18 at 11 AM
Virtual Presentation by; Renowned author and scholar, Rabbi Daniel Gordis (Israel). Rabbi Daniel Gordis (Israel) will be doing a virtual presentation solely for our community on the current status of Israel politics and the state of relations between the American Jewish community and Israel on the eve of the upcoming election.
"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.
To register for the program, please click here!
October 22 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
“The Matzo Ball Diaries,” reveals the delicious secret stories of food and home. Laugh and cry and discover the power of food to nourish, heal or move us to action. You will laugh at a reminiscence of childhood obesity caused by Jewish food; hear the fascinating story of how the International House of Pancakes was started; feel the pain of a woman struggling with anorexia; and learn the secret to making the best brisket ever! These, and other funny and powerful stories will make you laugh and cry, and remember meals you ever loved. A must see for anyone who loves to eat! The play runs 65 minutes and will be followed by a Q & A with the director and cast.
How to be comfortable having uncomfortable conversations: Turn Down The Heat
America is so split that trying to speak across the divide feels impossible. Whether it is one on one, with friends, family or your community, discussions about race, politics or Israel seem to be too heated and contentious to have. How can we have these important and necessary conversations without “all the heat”? How can you practice self-care as you enter into uncomfortable conversations? How to rethink what success looks like during a difficult conversation.
Join us for this timely virtual conversation with Billy Planer of Etgar 36, an “independent, pluralistic, nonpartisan and nonprofit Jewish educational venture.” Etgar 36leads Civil Rights journeys in the Southeast, drawing on history to empower groups to take action. This is a pay-what-you can event and we will be asking participants to register ahead of time.
The Secrets of the Great Synagogue of Vilna
November 1, 2020 at 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Great Synagogue of Vilna, the spiritual and physical home of the Lithuanian Jews, was one of the oldest and most significant religious and cultural sites of Eastern European Jewry. It was ransacked during WWII and then destroyed by the Soviets in 1956. An elementary school was built on top of the remains.
Be among the first to see a sneak peek of “The Secrets of the Synagogue,” a film that chronicles the process to uncover, document, and preserve this grand religious institution in Vilna. Then on November 1, you are invited to a riveting discussion with part of the team that made this amazing discovery possible:
- Dr. Richard Freund, US Archaeologist
- Loic Salfati, Lithuanian Film Project Director
- Dr. Harry Jol, Geoscientist and GPR (ground penetrating radar) Expert
- Dr. Phil Reeder, Lead Cartographer
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.