Religious School
Religious School
Gail & Jeffrey Bayer Religious School K-7th Grade Register at: https://ourtemple.shulcloud.com/form/rs-registration-23-24.html
Gail & Jeffrey Bayer Religious School K-7th Grade Register at: https://ourtemple.shulcloud.com/form/rs-registration-23-24.html
Led by Rabbi Adam Wright, this class introduces learners to the major events, personalities, and trends in Jewish history, from the ancient Near East to the present. Spanning three millennia and five continents, the class explores and investigates the origins of the Jewish people, its experience as an autonomous community and as a displaced minority in the Diaspora religious system and its foundational texts, as well as its encounters with different cultures and ideas.
Join other families with kids 4 and under in our new Shalom Baby Playroom on the second floor for informal schmoozing and playing! Questions? Contact Monika Singletary at monika@ourtemple.org.
About Run for Their Lives: Run for Their Lives is aiming to be a global movement of local communities, building a wide awareness of the hostages that are currently held by Hamas. We do it by meeting weekly in each neighborhood, and going for a short run or a walk, wearing a branded outfit so that we stand out. We are doing it quietly, not disturbing the peace of our communities, but making sure to stand out and to address questions. We welcome everyone who supports this goal to join us. Why are we doing this? There are over 200 people captured by Hamas, most of them civilians, including children, women, and elderly. Keeping them captive is inhumane, and they must be released NOW. We believe that the world leaders can help by putting pressure on Hamas, by showing Hamas that the world condemns this captivity of civilians. Making this a global movement can help draw the attention of people of impact. Who leads this? Local communities are working independently, and can decide on their own processes and principles to follow. It started with a group of Israelis in the Bay Area, CA, and we’re supporting local communities by guiding […]
Global Connections with Robert Siegel: Is the Golden Age of American Jews Ending? Robert Siegel (Former Senior Host of NPR’s All Things Considered for 31 years) interviews: Franklin Foer (American Journalist) Dr. Leonard Saxe (Director, Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, and Steinhardt Social Research Institute) Pamela Nadell (Professor and Patrick Clendenen Chair in Women's & Gender History, Director, Jewish Studies Program) Tuesday, April 30 @ 4pm ET FREE REGISTRATION: https://globalconnections.splashthat.com
S'mores, pizza and Lag B'Omer fun with Temple Beth El. All are welcome.
Today’s media environments are awash in conspiracy theories, half-truths, and outright lies. Determining what is truth and what is deliberate deception is more difficult than ever. To gain some clarity on the media landscape and current challenges posed by misinformation and inciting speech, our speakers will discuss two historical examples of propaganda and hate speech in the twentieth century. Jonathan Wiesen will explore how propaganda worked in Nazi-controlled Europe and offer visual and linguistic examples of xenophobia and anti-Jewish stereotyping. Jordan Kiper will discuss hate propaganda in the Balkans in the 1990s and explore hate speech – and dangerous speech –associated with ongoing debates regarding the ideology of collective violence and mass atrocity crimes. We hope that participants in this panel might learn to recognize common tropes and methods of hate mongering and propaganda in past and learn to recognize similar phenomena today.
Mahjong brings fun and fellowship and is open to members and non-members. Lunch can be ordered and delivered by Tara at Bo's Kosher Cafe.
Join our new season of the Beit Midrash! We’ll be meeting on Zoom every Thursday at 12 noon to discuss Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ commentary in his book, Judaism’s Life-Changing Ideas on the weekly Torah portion. No experience necessary, just a desire to learn!
Join the Alabama Holocaust Education Center, in partnership with the LJCC, for an evening of inspiration as we prepare for Yom HaShoah, the worldwide day of Holocaust remembrance. On May 2nd at 6:30pm, we’ll gather to hear from Mark Schonwetter, a Polish Holocaust Survivor and Co-Founder of the Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education Foundation. Born and raised in Brzostek, Poland, Mark, his mother, and his sister spent six years hiding from the Gestapo. Walking miles by foot, the Schonwetters ran from ghettos to forests to righteous families’ attics, dodging the Nazis. Mark Schonwetter’s journey is a harrowing story of resilience, rescue, and survival. His memories are a testament to the strength of humanity in the darkest of times. Join us for this intimate evening of storytelling and remembrance. Honor the legacy of the past by witnessing the Holocaust through the eyes of a man that survived it. The AHEC Yom HaShoah event series is sponsored by the Birmingham Jewish Foundation. We thank them for their generous support.
Students and teachers are invited to hear directly from Polish Holocaust Survivor Mark Schonwetter, Co-Founder of the Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education Foundation. Listen to Mark’s story of survival, as he recounts evading Nazi agents and their accomplices, hiding in forests, and blending in with righteous Polish families that chose to protect him. Specially tailored for educators and students, this event is NOT open to the public. The event is split into two sessions. The first session will run from 9:00am-10:30am, and the second will run from 12:00pm-1:30pm. Need-based assistance is available for transportation costs and substitute teacher reimbursement. Please contact us at info@ahecinfo.org with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there! The AHEC Yom HaShoah event series is sponsored by the Birmingham Jewish Foundation. We thank them for their generous support. This event is also provided in partnership with the JCRC.
Join Cantor Wittner and Elizabeth Bloch for a fun and musical Tot Shabbat! Dinner will follow the service. RSVP to Kathryn Pautler at kathryn@ourtemple.org or 205-933-8037. August 2023 - Weekend of Welcome September 2023 - Tot Shabbat in the Sukkah December 2023 - Chanukah Tot Shabbat March 2024 - Purim Tot Shabbat April 2024 - Passover Tot Shabbat
It is a custom in Judaism to pray for the release of captives. On Friday evenings, we will gather in the Hess Chapel to read the over 200 names we have of those being held since October 7, and offer a prayer for their release. All are welcome.
Join TBE's Intentional Walking Village on the first Saturday of every month. Participants are invited to meet in the upper parking lot, and can join for all or part of the walk. 8:45- 9:30 - We will begin with a brief discussion of the week's Parsha, followed by intentional walking. 9:30-10:30 - More exercise Questions? Reach out to sheribkrell@gmail.com or eitaliaander@gmail.com
Gail & Jeffrey Bayer Religious School K-7th Grade Register at: https://ourtemple.shulcloud.com/form/rs-registration-23-24.html
Join us for this wonderful brunch at the home of Jan and Ron Hirsch. Details coming soon via invitation to our newest members!
Join other families with kids 4 and under in our new Shalom Baby Playroom on the second floor for informal schmoozing and playing! Questions? Contact Monika Singletary at monika@ourtemple.org.
Join us on Sunday, May 5th, as we conclude our Yom HaShoah series with this community-wide, capstone event. On May 5, the worldwide day of Holocaust remembrance, the AHEC will gather to honor the over six million lives taken by the Holocaust. Featuring our local community of Survivors, family members will gather to pay tribute and tell stories, honoring victims, Survivors, and liberators. We will conclude with a special tribute to the late Amnon Weinstein, the founder of Violins of Hope. Join us for this intimate evening of storytelling and remembrance. The AHEC Yom HaShoah event series is sponsored by the Birmingham Jewish Foundation. We thank them for their generous support. This event is graciously supported by the Samford University Department of Christian Ministry and the Department of Biblical Studies. Doors open at 2:30pm at the Harrison Theatre at Samford University.
Do you have questions about Jewish law, tradition, or history? Join Rabbi Yossi Friedman for an open and honest conversation about all things Jewish. Complimentary tickets include lunch. Send questions in advance to tmcdonald@bhamjcc.org. RSVP
Take a tour with the Beth El Civil Rights Experience! This tour is open to the whole community.
Interested in conversion to Judaism? Went to Hebrew School but don't remember a lot? Taught through a collaborative educational partnership with the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program of American Jewish University, this class is designed or all who are seeking to learn or connect with Judaism, whether you born Jewish, want to become Jewish, or just want to understand Judaism better. Please contact Rabbi Steven Henkin at rabbihenkin@templebeth-el.net for more information.
Mahjong brings fun and fellowship and is open to members and non-members. Lunch can be ordered and delivered by Tara at Bo's Kosher Cafe.
Join our new season of the Beit Midrash! We’ll be meeting on Zoom every Thursday at 12 noon to discuss Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ commentary in his book, Judaism’s Life-Changing Ideas on the weekly Torah portion. No experience necessary, just a desire to learn!
Planning for an upcoming trip can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. The current global climate has highlighted the importance of traveler safety. We are here to help! Join Jeff Brown, SCN Regional Security Advisor, at Temple Emanu-El for an evening of informative tips & practical measures you can take for staying safe while traveling abroad.
It is a custom in Judaism to pray for the release of captives. On Friday evenings, we will gather in the Hess Chapel to read the over 200 names we have of those being held since October 7, and offer a prayer for their release. All are welcome.
Join us for this intergenerational service with Rabbi Matt Dreffin.
Families with children aged 5 and younger are invited to join us at 10:30 am on the 2nd Saturday of every month in the Halpern-Levitt KidZone for a fun and interactive musical Shabbat service, followed by a kid friendly kiddush lunch. November 18 - Jewish Pride Shabbat December 9 - Chanukah Tot Shabbat January 13 - "Princess/Superhero" Tot Shabbat February 10 - Dino Tot Shabbat March 9 - Pre-Purim Pizzaz April 13 - Pre-Passover Tot Shabbat May 11 - Blue and White Shabbat
Join Alon Koren from kibbutz Kfar Aza in Israel as he shares his personal story from October 7th and explains the significance of this year’s Yom HaZikaron. RSVP Required. Register Below:
In this program, two bereaved fathers—one Israeli, one Palestinian—recount parallel stories of grief and the unique choice towards reconciliation. Join peace activists Bassam Aramin and Rami Elhanan as they describe their journeys from loss to an outspoken advocacy of a shared human spirit. Held in partnership with the American Friends of the Parents Circle-Families Forum (AFPC-FF), this panel will explore the ways that violence changes us, and what we can do with the space grief has left. As the cycle of violence in Israel-Palestine continues, join us as we strive to transcend the narrative of the “other,” celebrating the shared humanity that exists in both struggle and solidarity. Don’t miss this exclusive, transformative event.
Join us for a new round of Torah on Tap! Each month, we'll meet at a different local brewery for socializing and learning with Rabbi Steven Henkin of Temple Beth-El. First round is on us! Please contact Rabbi Henkin at rabbihenkin@templebeth-el.net for specifics about each month's topic.
Mahjong brings fun and fellowship and is open to members and non-members. Lunch can be ordered and delivered by Tara at Bo's Kosher Cafe.
Join our new season of the Beit Midrash! We’ll be meeting on Zoom every Thursday at 12 noon to discuss Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ commentary in his book, Judaism’s Life-Changing Ideas on the weekly Torah portion. No experience necessary, just a desire to learn!
CJFS needs YOU to ensure that we can continue to provide home-delivery groceries every month to our low-income SGI clients. SGI client Peggy sends her gratitude, "May Gd bless you for volunteering your time to deliver our food boxes. This is a big help to those of us on fixed incomes. Thank you and may Gd bless you!" Please help unload more than 70 30-lb boxes of groceries and pack them for the Sunday delivery teams. The project typically takes 60-90 minutes, depending on how many volunteers show up! Spread the word--the more the merrier. To join our volunteer team, please contact caleigh@cjfsbham.org Please save the following packing dates: Friday, June 21, 2024 Friday, July 19, 2024 Friday, August 16, 2024 Friday, September 13, 2024 Wednesday, October 16,2024 Friday, November 15, 2024 Friday, December 13, 2024
It is a custom in Judaism to pray for the release of captives. On Friday evenings, we will gather in the Hess Chapel to read the over 200 names we have of those being held since October 7, and offer a prayer for their release. All are welcome.
How do we manage times of hardship and fully embrace moments of joy—not alone, but in community? What does Jewish wisdom offer in terms of how we can truly show up for each other? Rabbi Sharon Brous grapples with these questions and more in her book The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World. This monthly alternative service is called Kehillah, or community, and will include stories and practices based on this book, along with songs and silent reflections. Reading the book is not required, and you're welcome to come to one or all nine sessions throughout the course of the year. Of course, reading the book will add richness to your experience, if you feel so moved. A copy of the book is available for browsing in the Reading Room at Beth-El. Sharron Mendel Swain was raised in an interfaith family long before that was the norm, and has been a mindfulness practitioner her entire adult life. A few FAQs: Q: What is the relationship of The Amen Effect, by Rabbi Sharon Brous, to these sessions? A: It is the inspiration for this 10-session series of alternative services focused on cultivating a deeper sense of […]
This year, our volunteer team has already successfully delivered over 8,400 pounds of food! THANK YOU TEAM!! We need your help now more than ever as we've been given the opportunity to increase our caseload. We can do this with your commitment to deliver groceries every month to our clients in need. With your help, we are prepared to deliver 2,130 lbs of groceries, from Community Foodbank of Central Alabama, to 71 low-income seniors in March. Your involvement allows for CJFS to be the only CFBCA partner that DELIVERS 100% of the groceries to SGI clients. As many of you know, it is not easy for this population to arrange for the 30 lb groceries to be picked up. THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF OUR MONTHLY DELIVERY TEAM! To join CJFS's volunteer team, please contact caleigh@cjfsbham.org
Movie about Jewish soldiers in World War II Drive to add Hadassah Associates to our Chapter
Interested in conversion to Judaism? Went to Hebrew School but don't remember a lot? Taught through a collaborative educational partnership with the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program of American Jewish University, this class is designed or all who are seeking to learn or connect with Judaism, whether you born Jewish, want to become Jewish, or just want to understand Judaism better. Please contact Rabbi Steven Henkin at rabbihenkin@templebeth-el.net for more information.
Mahjong brings fun and fellowship and is open to members and non-members. Lunch can be ordered and delivered by Tara at Bo's Kosher Cafe.
Join our new season of the Beit Midrash! We’ll be meeting on Zoom every Thursday at 12 noon to discuss Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ commentary in his book, Judaism’s Life-Changing Ideas on the weekly Torah portion. No experience necessary, just a desire to learn!
N. E. Miles Jewish Day School annual board meeting and installation
Join Collat Jewish Family Services, LJCC, and Cantor Robby Wittner for a multigenerational daytime Shabbat service and lunch. RSVP to caleigh@cjfsbham.org by May 22 to reserve your lunch!
It is a custom in Judaism to pray for the release of captives. On Friday evenings, we will gather in the Hess Chapel to read the over 200 names we have of those being held since October 7, and offer a prayer for their release. All are welcome.
Meet us in the sanctuary for Toy Torah procession, followed by storytime and snacks, and playtime in the KidZone. Stay for lunch!
The Birmingham Jewish Federation & Foundation will be Closed in Observance of Memorial Day.
Bring a bag lunch* & join CJFS for a our first Friendly Visitor training on May 28 . If you are unable to attend, contact Caleigh to schedule a training. Friendly visitors are trained volunteers who provide social, uplifting visits to local senior living facilities, homebound or hospitalized community members. Who can volunteer? Adults, teens, and/or children, accompanied by parent or adult Friendly visitor opportunities: Visit 1x a month or more, very flexible. Join other volunteers to play games, create art, storytelling and more. If you or someone you know of would like to receive a friendly visitor, please contact Caleigh at caleigh@cjfsbham.org. RSVP for Friendly Visitor training session or for more information. *snacks and drinks provided
Mahjong brings fun and fellowship and is open to members and non-members. Lunch can be ordered and delivered by Tara at Bo's Kosher Cafe.
It is a custom in Judaism to pray for the release of captives. On Friday evenings, we will gather in the Hess Chapel to read the over 200 names we have of those being held since October 7, and offer a prayer for their release. All are welcome.
Join us to honor the 2024 high school seniors in our congregation.