BJF at 90
2026 Marks the Birmingham Jewish Federation’s 90th Year!
Founded in 1936 as the United Jewish Fund, the BJF has a long history of working for the Birmingham Jewish community as well as Jews overseas and in Israel.
To commemorate this occasion, we are taking a look back at our history and the moment’s that define the BJF as an institution dedicated to enriching Jewish life, supporting Israel, helping all people in need, and building a better Birmingham.
We have compiled a selection of photos and documents from our archives and included descriptions when possible. See anyone you recognize below? Remember what event it was from? Contact Riva at rivac@bjf.org to let her know!
Scroll Through our Archival Photos- Recognize Anyone?
Phyllis Weinstein (left) in Israel on a UJA mission, 1960
Mrs. Alexander Brailove, Leon Weinstein, and Sol Rittenbaum at Big Gifts Dinner, 1967
JDC Meeting in Birmingham, 1940s
Jack Held, Jack Levin, Michael Pizitz, & Sidney Ziff, 1965
Jane Weinstein, Joan Aarons, Adrian Grant, Dale Marcus, Mrs. Harry Asman, Mrs. Sylvan Ives, Mrs. Wallace Cohen, 1965
William P. Engel at UJA Conference,1955
Mrs. Emil Hess, Mrs. Leory Monsky, Mrs. Max Hurvich 1954
B’nai Brith Women 1950s Elaine Royal, Louise Rubin, Anne Greenberg
Soviet Families in Birmingham, 1991
Richard Friedman, Wendy Siegal, Edward Goldberg, Susan Greene, Bari Sokol, and David Morrison in Israel on Zahav Mission, 1993
First YBIB Program in 2006
Teen Tzedakah participants, 2006
Dan Weinrib, Sheryl Kimerling, Jon Kimerling, Lauren Klinner, Richard Friedman, Sally Friedman, Amy Saag, Melba Epsman, and Joyce Shevin with Rosh Ha’ayin locals, 2008
Jimmy Filler, Jerry Held, Susan Goldberg, Donald Hess, Martin Damsky during the Century to Century to Century campaign
Brian Held, Julie Gilbert, Jerry Held, Jill Oster, and Karen Allen at Freedom Sunday, 1987
Chazak mission to Israel, 1992
BJF Publications- Keeping You Informed Over the Years
BJF Campaigner, Jan1964
BJF Campaigner, Jan1964
BJF Campaigner, Jan1964
This Week and Next, June 1986
This Week and Next, June 1986
BJF Informer, Dec 1975
BJF Informer, March 1976
BJF reporter, Oct 1978
BJF Reporter, Nov 1980
BJF Reporter, Nov 1978
BJF Reporter, Jan 1980
Do you have memories or archives from BJF's history?
Share them with us!
Contact Riva Cullinan at rivac@bjf.org to share your own pictures, documents, and memories for us to display through our 90th year!