BJF Past Presidents
Since our founding in 1936, sixty six individuals have served as President of the Birmingham Jewish Federation, leading our community with generosity and wisdom.
In 2026, we will mark the milestone of 90 years of Federation leadership by honoring those who have built our Federation community and paved the way for a vibrant future.
Below is a list of all of the Birmingham Jewish Federation’s past presidents.
You can click on their names to be taken to tribute messages written in their honor by friends, family members, and community members who’s lives they have impacted.
You can write your own tribute message by contributing to our Honor Their Legacy campaign here.
Thank you for joining us in honoring these community leaders and their vision for a thriving Jewish community in Birmingham, Israel, and around the world.
Past Presidents
1936 – Leo Oberdorfer*
E.M. Zeidman*
Leo Steiner*
Mervyn Sterne*
William P. Engel*
Rabbi Morris Newfield*
1937 – Jack H. Weinberg*
1938 – William P. Engel*
1939 – Leo Kayser*
1940 – Joseph P. Loveman*
1941 – Isadore Pizitz*
1943 – Lee B. Weil*
Wm. Holiner*- Honorary
1944 – Lee B. Weil*
1945 – Leonard Wertheimer Sr.*
1946 – J.S. Smolian*
1951 – Leon Aland*
1952 – Hyman S. Miller*
1953 – Max Hurvich*
1957 – I.Z. Harris*
1958 – E.M. Friend Jr.*
1963 – Richard Pizitz
1964 – Ralph Aland*
1966 – Jerome Cooper*
1968 – Abe Kaplan*
1969 – Fred Berman*
1977 – Jack Held
1981 – Fred Berman*
1983 – Jim Sokol
1985 – Micky Rubenstein*
2006 – Susan Goldberg* & Melba Epsman*
2007 – Melba Epsman*
2010 – Jimmy Filler
2015 – Jerry Held
*of blessed memory
To All the Living Past Presidents
Thank you for your tireless dedication, your unwavering commitment, and for making our community stronger for the next generation.
-Harris, Ansley, and Schuyler Gewant
Frank A. Abelson
We honor our great grandfather
– Fran & Neal Marlow
We honor my great grandfather
–Wendy & Frank Siegal
We are so honored to be descendants of such amazing leaders who came before us and paved the way for Jewish B’ham!
-Marjie & Myron Butler, Amy & Scott Koplon, Jan & Kenny Jaffe& families
Harold Abroms
Passionate Community Leader Hal, You are our mentor, our friend, and a constant source of inspiration.
-Nancy Cook & Debra Abolafia
Dad always set a beautiful example of commitment and leadership in both our family life and the community. At 98, he has the same devotion and passion for his community. Congratulations to the Birmingham Jewish Federation!
-Gina Genz
Your leadership has left a lasting impact, and we are thankful for the example you set for all of us.
-Louise Abroms
“You’re only as good as the community you are in.” So you have to give back to your community to make it great.
-Sarah Kunin, granddaughter
My parents, Judy and Hal Abroms, modeled philanthropy and leadership for their children and grandchildren. We are so grateful to them for showing us how to exhibit this same ethical and moral responsibility to repair the world.
-Candy Berman
You have left a legacy that will continue L’dor v’dor – from generation to generation.
-Jim Abroms
Judy Abroms
Through your leadership and fundraising, you have left an indelible mark on this community. Your light still shines on us all.
-Nancy Cook & Debra Abolafia
You have left a legacy that will continue L’dor v’dor – from generation to generation.
-Jim Abroms
Jack Aland
So proud of Jack, the BJF’s immediate past president, for his commitment and dedication to the Birmingham Jewish Community and the BJF.
-Barbara Aland
Julian Aland
With love, we remember our grandfather, Julian. A wonderful man, community leader, and pillar of our family. Julian loved Birmingham, dedicated himself to the Jewish community as president to BJF and Temple Emanu-El, and loved golf.
-Jon Abroms & Amy Nathan
Harry Bayer
We think of our dad when we think of living with integrity and leading by example – caring for our neighbors and giving of time and energy to Temple Emanu-El, the Birmingham Jewish and broader community. Our dad is the true meaning of Tikkun Olam and l’dor v’dor. We are proud and love you.
-Molly & Gregory
Suzanne Bearman
Honoring our mom and her selflessness and years of service to the Birmingham Jewish Federation and greater community. She is an amazing role model for us all!
-Seth & Michelle
Mom- you have been a role model in leadership for our family. We hope our children carry on this important task in the communities they settle in. You always show what is important to you by your active participation and philanthropy.
-Sheri & Jimmy Krell
In honor of our Savta who always emphasized the importance of community, doing mitzvot, and honoring our Jewish traditions. We love you!
-Ethan, Amelia, and Peyton
Mom, your continued passion and leadership in your community is an inspiration to us. Keep up the amazing work.
-Love, Nathan and Rachel
So proud of my mom and her legacy as a leader in the Birmingham Jewish community. Keep up the incredible work, always putting your values first and inspiring others to do the same!
-XOXO the Rapps
Steve Brickman
Mazel tov to our beloved brother, Steven Brickman, in recognition of his inspiring leadership and steadfast dedication to the Jewish community in Birmingham. We are so proud of him!
-With love, The Brickman, Seidman, and Stein Families
Wallace Cohen
Our family honors Wally Cohen…aka Dad…aka Granddaddy for his leadership, commitment and love for the Jewish people and Tikkun Olam…near and far…through the Birmingham Jewish Federation…and beyond.
-Donna Schiff
We honor the memory and stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.
-Joyce & Maury Shevin
Lisa Engel
For my mom, Lisa Engel, who has poured into our Birmingham Jewish community since the day she arrived and continues to model for her children and grandchildren community service.
-Andrea Haines
In honor of my mom, Lisa Engel.
-Ilana Engel
It is a privilege to honor my wife, Lisa, for her service as a President of the BJF. Under her leadership, the BJF moved forward, made a generational transition and has become the home address of the Birmingham Jewish Community.
-Alan Engel
Karl Friedman
In loving memory of our father, Karl Friedman.
-Mark Friedman, Tracy Friedman & Gary Stein and Lolly Friedman Miller.
We honor the memory and stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.
– Joyce & Maury Shevin
Hilary Gewant
You’re the best of the best!!
-Love Harris, Ansley and Schuyler
Susan & Edward Goldberg
In memory of Susan Goldberg and in honor of Edward Goldberg.
-Love, Marc and Hilary Goldberg
Julius Goldstein
He always demonstrated excellent leadership ,and had an ability to maximize involvement of members He and our mother were always involved in projects and organizations close to their heart.
-Julius Goldstein Family
Susan Greene
Susan Greene is my mother and she has been a great supporter for the Birmingham Jewish Community. She is a role model for our family and we try to instill and pass on her values to our children.
-Scott Greene
Congrats Mom!
-Daniel Greene
Our mom’s dedication to the Birmingham Jewish community goes beyond leadership roles – she has instilled in her children a deep love for Judaism, a passion for lifelong learning, and a commitment to Jewish values. We are so proud of you!
-Robin Wall
So proud of you for all you do !
-Love Ellen and Jerry
Susan, you have been such an inspiration to me, our family, and our entire Jewish Community. I love you.
-Steve Greene
Susan is a longtime leader in our community; passionate about Israel, Jewish life and Tikkun Olam. She served as President in 2001, the year I started my career at the BJF, and I am so proud to once again work alongside her.
-Joyce Shevin
Our sister Susan Greene is passionate about her Judaism. She has served in many roles in our community and is a supporter of Israel. Our parents Charlotte and Max Corenblum would be so proud of her and so are we.
-Sherri & David Romanoff
I am so lucky my first trip to Israel was with you! You helped ignite a connection to my community at just the right time in my life. It was truly transformational.
-Erin Arnold
Susan is small but mighty. Her commitment to Israel, the Jewish People and the Birmingham Jewish community is heartfelt and powerful. She is an inspiration to all of us in the Corenblum Family.
-Caryn & Steven Corenblum
Ginger & Jerry Held
To our parents and grandparents.
-Love, Katie, Brian, Jace and Isabella Held– Frank & Neal Marlow
Thanks for all you have done to put our Birmingham Jewish Federation in the position it is today!
-Amanda & Layne Held
Carl Hess
I am so proud to be honoring my multiple family members who have showed up and stepped up to make such an impact on the Jewish community of Birmingham.
-Lisa Lowrie
Ronne & Donald Hess
Thank you for living the example of giving back and Tikkun Olam. We are so lucky to have the privilege of learning from you around the dinner table. We love you.
-HCDLSE+
I am so proud to be honoring my multiple family members who have showed up and stepped up to make such an impact on the Jewish community of Birmingham.
-Lisa Lowrie
Rita & Sol Kimerling
Rita Capouya Kimerling and Solomon P Kimerling shared a deep love of community and Birmingham Jewish life in particular. The BJF was an important aspect of their joint commitment over decades of service. While both served as past Presidents of the BJF, Rita was the first woman to be General Chair and then President of the Birmingham Jewish Federation. This service gave them great pride.
-Leslie & Michael Kimerling
Sheryl Kimerling
We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see all of the great things you do in your time as President! We love you!
-Love, Isabella, Matt, Sadie, & Meira
Your leadership and passion for the Jewish community have always been a guiding light in our family. It’s inspiring to watch you bring that light to the broader Birmingham community & beyond! We can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish as BJF president. We love you!
-Victoria & Phil Oliphant
Seymour Marcus
Daddy was President of what was then the UJF. Later, he was selected as the first Executive Director of the Federation. His legacy lives on and his impact is seen and felt every day. Remembering him with pride and love.
-The Marcus Family
David Morrison
David’s Federation leadership was one of many examples of his passion for and staunch support of the Birmingham Jewish community and for Israel. He is deeply missed.
–Valerie Thompson
Fred W. Nichols
We honor the memory and stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.
– Joyce & Maury Shevin
James Permutt
Growing up in Birmingham, my brother Alan and I always called our father “Papa Jimmy.” Our dad was an attorney by day and a pillar of the community at night and on weekends Our dad was devoted to any person or cause in the community to which he readily gave his support. A leader who gave his heart and soul to those in Birmingham, throughout the country and to those in the state of Israel, he was “Papa Jimmy” to all whose lives he touched. We cherish his memory and are inspired by his outstanding legacy.
-Patti Permutt Wainger
We honor the memory and stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.
-Joyce & Maury Shevin
Michael Pizitz
You have always been our leader and BJF was lucky to have you as their leader too. Congratulations on the wonderful recognition!
-Love, Nancy, Jeff, Deanna, Cathy, Nick, Julie and George
Alex Rittenbaum
We honor my maternal grandfather
–Wendy & Frank Siegal
We are so honored to be descendants of such amazing leaders who came before us and paved the way for Jewish B’ham!
-Marjie & Myron Butler, Amy & Scott Koplon, Jan & Kenny Jaffe & families
Sol Rittenbaum
We honor our grandfather
– Fran & Neal Marlow
We honor my great uncle
–Wendy & Frank Siegal
We are so honored to be descendants of such amazing leaders who came before us and paved the way for Jewish B’ham!
-Marjie & Myron Butler, Amy & Scott Koplon, Jan & Kenny Jaffe& families
I.L. Rosen
We are so honored to be descendants of such amazing leaders who came before us and paved the way for Jewish B’ham!
-Marjie & Myron Butler, Amy & Scott Koplon, Jan & Kenny Jaffe& families
Joel Rotenstreich
In honor of an exceptional Husband, Father, and Papa. Memories of you bring us comfort, make us smile, and remind us of how fortunate we were to have you in our lives.
-Bunny, Beth, Mark, Jeff, Asher & Noah Rotenstreich
Honoring the man who lived the purpose and mission of our JCRC every day. My mentor, role model and a friend to so many in our Jewish and broader community.
-Joyce Shevin
Arnold Royal
On behalf of the Serwitz!Seinberg families we are supporting the memories of of our father and grandfather, Arnold Royal. He was a giant among men and set a great example for all of us. We miss you Poppa Arnold!
-Stuart & Barbara Royal and our children Rachael and Jeremy
We honor the memory and stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.
– Joyce & Maury Shevin
Amy Saag
We are so proud of Mamie Saag, known to some as Amy, for her tireless work to support the the Federation. We salute her and all of the other wonderful mensches who have served as President over the years.
-Andy Saag
I am proud that my sister, Amy Saag, has volunteered her tenacious spirit time and time again and her treasure to many worthy non-profits in Birmingham. Chief among them is our Birmingham Jewish Federation/Foundation.
-Lynn Rathmell
Amy has contributed over 25 years of service to the Birmingham Jewish Community. We are proud of her contributions, especially her role as President of the BJF.
-Michael, Andy, Harry and Julie (Pizitz) Saag
Phyllis Weinstein & Leon Weinstein
In honor of the life and legacy of our Mother and Grandmother, Phyllis G. Weinstein.
-Lynn and Arie Raviv, Sammy and Nadav Raviv and Shira Schwartz