Dec 2020 TEE bulletin final

December 2020 Kislev-Tevet 5781 The monthly bulletin . for Temple Emanu-El ourtemple.org @emanuel.temple (205) 933-8037 Birmingham, Alabama Join us this month for these two special, in-person worship opportunities: ..H.aHnadaHvendavuaenkllyakDohanu,hts Homewood Patriot Park 710 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL 35209 Saturday Special thanks to the Ellen & Jack Aland evening service Membership Engagement Fund of the December 12 Grafman Endowment Fund for underwriting 5:00 p.m. the sweet treats following the service. Shabbat Hilicha — Shabbat Hiking & Service Saturday Meet at Red Mountain Park December 5 & January 16 at the Frankfurt Drive entrance: 10:30 a.m. 2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211 (see Cantor Wittner's article on page 3) Our Mission: Temple Emanu-El is a welcoming Reform Jewish congregation, engaging members in prayer, study, fellowship, and acts of loving kindness for our congregational family and the community at-large.

2 Our Services Friday, December 4 Friday, December 11 Friday, December 18 Friday, December 25 5:00 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m. Tot Shabbat Service Erev Shabbat Service Erev Shabbat Service Erev Shabbat Service 5:45 p.m. Hanukkah — Second Candle Asara B’Tevet Family Shabbat Service Saturday, December 5 Saturday, December 12 Saturday, December 19 Saturday, December 26 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Torah Study Torah Study Torah Study Torah Study 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Hilicha — Shabbat Morning Shabbat Morning Shabbat Morning Shabbat Hiking & Service at Red Mountain Park Service Service Service Torah Portion Torah Portion Torah Portion Torah Portion Parashat Vayishlach Parashat Vayeshev Parashat Miketz Parashat Vayigash Genesis 32:4-36:43 Genesis 37:1-40:23 Genesis 41:1-44:17 Genesis 44:18-47:27 Haftarah Portion Haftarah Portion Haftarah Portion Haftarah Portion Obadiah 1:1 - 1:21 Zechariah 2:14-4:7 I Kings 3:15 - 4:1 Ezekiel 37:15 - 37:28 5:00 p.m. Havdalah & Hanukkah at Homewood Patriot Park Temple’s Do you have a talent to share? Got Talent We invite you to participate in this fun virtual event, Hanukkah Spectacular Temple’s Got Talent Sponsored by Entries will be accepted through December 8. Temple Emanu-El • Create a family-appropriate video, under three minutes • Up to 3 entries per person/team may be submitted, Brotherhood but only one prize may be awarded per person or team. • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be named based upon dollars raised through voting website (see below) • Winner's names will have a permanent plaque at Temple and will select the local charity to donate the raised dollars. • Submit your videos at https://wetransfer.com/ where you will choose to add your file(s) and then add [email protected] in the “Email to” box. Voting opens Thursday, December 10 and goes through Wednesday, December 16. Vote online at https://ourtemple.shulcloud.com/form/tgt2020 Individuals may vote once per day, minimum of $10 per vote up to $100 per vote We will celebrate our winners on Thursday, December 17 at 6:00 p.m. via our live webcast, Facebook & YouTube. USPS Publication Title: Our Temple Statement of Frequency: Address: Organization: IDENTIFICATION Issue Date: December 2020 Published monthly 2100 Highland Avenue South Temple Emanu-El Issue Number: 136 except for June/July issue Birmingham, AL 35205-4002

Around the Temple 3 Connecting to the Earth, engaging with God Torah Study: This past Saturday, November 14th, Temple Emanu-El piloted a Every Wednesday afternoon new Shabbat program. Once a month, in lieu of Saturday morning 12 p.m. services, we will now engage in a hiking prayer experience. The goals are to engage a new contingent of congregants in prayer https://zoom.us/j/661751570 and to alter the perception of what prayer is. While there was a or dial-in at +1 312 626 6799 traditional prayer component to our journey, we also sought to have a spiritual experience just by way of being in nature. Meeting ID: 661 751 570 Congregant Leonard Wertheimer, who photographed the day’s AND events beautifully, told Rabbi Wright after the hike that this “was the most spiritual experience he’d ever had at Temple Emanu-El.” I’m confident his positivity was Every Saturday morning shared by others who attended, as I certainly had a wonderful time. 9 a.m. I’d like to think that this prayer practice would be successful in any circumstance, as I truly believe that connecting to the Earth is an effective https://zoom.us/j/731472885 method of engaging with God, through God’s creation. The addition of Covid-19 or dial-in at +1 312 626 6799 to this equation though, made the hike all the more meaningful. This is an opportunity not too often available right now: to interact with the larger Temple Meeting ID: 731 472 885 community. Our outdoor setting allows us to maintain reasonable safety protocols password: torah and still receive the social nourishment that many of us have needed. Personally, the hike allowed me to meet a few congregants for the first time, so hopefully Happy Hour & more of you will join us next time. I can’t wait for December 5th to see you there! Shabbat Watch Party Cantor Robert Wittner Come together for Shabbat! Join us every Friday for our virtual happy hour at 5 p.m. followed by our Shabbat Watch Party at 5:45 p.m. We hope you will join us: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/88176032961 OR Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 881 7603 2961 Tot Shabbat & Family Shabbat via our website, Facebook, YouTube, & Zoom Friday, December 4 at 5:00 p.m. It is time for Tot Shabbat! Join us for a family-friendly Shabbat celebration designed for children ages 1 through 6 years-old and their grown-ups. We will sing our way into Shabbat before we begin our Family Shabbat service for all ages at 5:45 p.m.

4 Around Our Temple Happy Anniversary AnDneicveemrsbaerries Year-End Gift Reminders Jennifer & Brian Batchelor • In making your year-end gifts remember in order to obtain a 2020 Jane & Joe Bluestein charitable deduction, the IRS requires letters containing checks to be Ilyse & Jeff Brobst postmarked on or before Dec 31, 2020. Tracy & Al Cohn Richard & Linda Cohn • If you are making your gift with stock, we request that all stock transfers Nancy & David Denney be completed by Friday, December 18 to ensure that they are handled Jennifer & Stuart Frank properly. We also ask that you contact your brokerage company AND call the Temple so that we can be looking for the stock transfer. Brenda & Fred Friedman Carolyn & Hank Frohsin Temple Dues: Heather & Jeffrey Lebensburger Danielle Barnett at 205.933.8037, ext. 244 or [email protected] Denise & Wayne Lewis Endowment Gifts: Amanda & Kevin Sokol Jann Blitz at 205.397.0814 or [email protected] Think about the possibilities—you could pay your Temple Dues/Annual Membership Commitments, make an Annual Endowment Gift or other charitable gifts to obtain year-end deductions. • Cares Act approved by Congress provides special tax benefits for charitable giving in 2020. > This year there are no restrictions on charitable deductions for gifts to public charities, such as Temple Emanu-El. > Individuals over 59 1/2 years can make unlimited gifts from their IRAs to public charities and take full, offsetting deductions. Additionally, Congress now requires that IRA benefits payable to children must be distributed to the children within 10 years, eliminating the former, attractive deferral of income recognition over a period of many years. Therefore, IRAs may not be as attractive as they were previously to your descendants – thus, may be even more beneficial to utilize in making a charitable gift to an organization that you care about. BOTTOM LINE: 2020 is an excellent year to make charitable gifts that you might have been contemplating over the years! As always, contact your financial advisor to learn more about charitable gift opportunities. Jann Blitz and some of the members of the Endowment Fund Board may also be able to provide information to you.

Around Our Temple 5 We are seeking leaders for the Special December Spring 2021 Session of Temple Circles! Birthdays Small groups are a great way to meet other congregants and enjoy Following are members of our activities together as a group. Circles may be held online or in-person. family celebrating birthdays You can start a group based upon something you want to try or learn, in years divisible by 5. or something you already love to do! Bradley Blair Goldie Blair Monika Singletary, Director of Congregational Engagement, will guide you Jonathan Cohen through the process of designing your new group. All new group leaders Jeffrey Cusmariu will be offered training and one-on-one support. To get started, contact Scott Goldberg Monika via email at [email protected] or call 205-933-8037, ext. 213. Richard Goldstein Emily Helzberg Lawrence Kurtz Julie Levinson-Gabis Roberta May Richard Meyer Joseph Moore Sarah Reisman Bess Rosenthal Wendy Siegal Kay Simon Michael Staggs Maddie Usdan Alec Weil Please note that Anniversary and Birthday list is gathered from information in the Temple’s database. We apologize for any errors or exclusions. Please contact us at [email protected] regarding any corrections. Thank you.

6 Around Our Temple Mazel Tov & Sisterhood Happenings Shout Outs Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood started selling Holland Jack and Julie Anderson flower bulbs in 1950. Seventy years later, we continue to are proud to announce sell these beautiful flowers. Sisterhood’s only fundraiser is our Bulb Sale. the engagement of their The money raised is donated to Religious School for special events and festivals, scholarships for Camp Jacobs, gifts for Bar/Bat Mitzvah children, daughter Robin Anderson Confirmation gifts and mailed packages to our college students through our to Quinton Kimbrough. Precious Legacy Program. Sisterhood also provides Sisterhood programs The wedding is planned and funds for various Temple needs. for September 2021. I would like to thank Kim Roth and Marilyn Haver for their selfless volunteer work. Their devotion, energy and hard work make our Bulb Sale Mazel tov to a successful event. I also thank those of you in the congregation and Joel Rotenstreich for non-members in our community who purchased the flower bulbs this year. being honored by the Sylvia Wright, Sisterhood President Birmingham Holocaust Education Center at the Firehouse Dinner 2020 National Philanthropy On Thursday night, October 29th, Temple Emanu El provided a spaghetti Day Celebration. dinner to the 60 men at Firehouse Ministries Homeless Shelter. An opportunity was provided to our members to give back to our community Representing Alabama, and the response from our members was so overwhelming, that there Natalie Ruha, daughter of will be more signups with Firehouse in 2021. Jessica and Jason Ruha, Thank you to our volunteers who provided food: Alice Walther, competed in the 2020 Scott Simon, Amy Allon, Leigh Ann Nomberg,Tamara Cusmariu, Youth Palomino World Allison Weil, Sarah Kate Roberts, Robert Russell, Amy Kessler, Championship horse show Sylvia Wright, Candy Meyerson, Jessica Schniper and Donna Askenazi. held in Springfield, IL this Thank you to our volunteers who served the men that night as well: past September. Despite Brett Bloomston, Al Cohn, David Askenazi and Roxanne Travelute. all the challenges 2020 has dished out, Natalie had an outstanding show. She won two grand champions, four reserve grand champions, several other top ten placings & the big prize: Youth Novice Golden Horse with her gelding Sunny Investment (aka Sailor). Do you have a personal shout out or mazel tov that you would like to share with the community? Email to [email protected].

Around Our Temple 7 Appreciation to the Hermione & Edward Friend Community Fund of the Grafman Endowment Fund for providing funding to support our Tikkun Olam Committee with supplies to support this wonderful community project. SHINE YOUR CHANUKAH LIGHT “Tzedakah BRIGHTLY OVER THE WEST END and acts of kindness COMMUNITY THIS SEASON BY HELPING THOSE IN NEED are the equivalent of This year, Feeling Gelty needs your help more than ever to help the families the mitzvot on the West End of town have a joyous Christmas. We are working with of the torah” Urban Ministry and partnering with Temple Beth-El and Trinity United Methodist to provide gifts for children at Hemphill Elementary School. Jerusalem Talmud, Pe'ah 1:1 Here is how you can help: • Sign up to sponsor one child, or more, Pre-K through 2nd grade, on our Sign Up Genius page: https://bit.ly/32hzDwG. You will find a number for each child and a teacher's name, child's gender, sizes and gift wishes • Once you receive the gifts place them in a trash bag and label with the child's number and teacher's name. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT (note that the gift amount per child should not exceed $100) • Deliver the gifts to Temple Emanu-El Monday through Friday during office hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) until December 4th and on Sunday, December 6th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We encourage you to use this opportunity to discuss the meaning of the miracle of Chanukah and the impact of sharing with those who are the greatest in need with your family and friends. We are also accepting monetary contributions online at https://ourtemple.shulcloud.com/form/fg5781. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL OR TEXT ANNE OVSON AT 205-616-8551

8 Around Our Temple Invite your Hanukkah Home Celebration friends and neighbors to The festival of Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. share the The first candle is lit the evening before, and the holiday lasts a full eight days. occasion with you. The celebration of Hanukkah enables us to come to­gether and to joyfully recount Retell the story! the triumph of good over evil, the victory of our people over those who would destroy Say the prayers! us, and the rededication of our faith. Hanukkah is largely a home-centered holiday. Sing the songs! Light your Chanukiyah (Hanukkah menorah) in an open place, for all to see. Play the games! Invite your friends and neighbors to share the occasion with you. Retell the story! Say the prayers! Sing the songs! Play the games! Enjoy! Enjoy! The Candle Lighting Ceremony The candles are placed in the Chanukiyah (Hanukkah menorah) from right to left, and they are kindled from left to right. On each night, the newest candle is lit first. The Chanukiyah has places for nine candles. Eight are of equal height. The ninth, called the \"shamash\" (worker candle) is placed higher, and is used to kindle the other lights. Baruch atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Haolam asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzeevanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, by whose mitzvot we are hallowed, and who has commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights. Amen The Religious School Baruch atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Haolam sh'asah nisim la'avotenu bayamim remains grateful to the hahem bazman hazeh. Gail and Jeffrey Bayer Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in days of old at this season. Amen Religious School Endowment Fund of the {First Night Only:} Grafman Endowment Fund Baruch atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Haolam shehechiyanu v'keeamanu v'higeeyanu lazman hazeh. for everything we are Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has kept us alive, able to do online for our sustained us and permitted us to celebrate this joyous festival together. Amen religious school this year.

Around Our Temple 9 A Home Hanukkah Reading Hanukkah Glossary Reader: Hanukkah is here. This is the Festival of Rededi­cation. Just like the Hanukkah: The Hebrew word Maccabees of old, who dedicated them­selves and the Temple in Jerusalem to means \"dedication\". After the the service of good­ness and truth, we dedicate ourselves to overcoming the Jews defeated the Syrians, their evil in the world. first act was to cleanse the Temple Reader: On Hanukkah we light these candles, because just as light overcomes in Jerusalem and remove the darkness, and heat overcomes cold, so does goodness overcome evil. pagan symbols and idols. They Reader: This is the Shamash. We light it first. It is the symbol of our dedication, held a ceremony dedicating the for only through the Shamash can we light the other candles. As one candle Temple again to God. may kindle many others and yet lose none of its own light, so Judaism has kindled the light of truth for many religions in many lands, and still shines Maccabees: The Hebrew soldiers even more brightly through the ages. who fought in the GrecoS­ yrian First Candle: The first light tells of God, who first comm­ anded, \"Let there be battles were named after their light.\" The darkness of idolatry was scattered when Israel brought forth the leader, Judah Maccabee. radiant knowledge of One God. Second Candle: The second light is the light of Torah. Israel's Book of Law Menorah: The special Hanukkah has brought learning and truth to the entire world, as it is written, \"The menorah, or candle holder, is Commandment is a lamp and the Law is a light.\" also called a \"Chanukiyah\". Third Candle: The light of justice reveals that no nation can endure which is unjust to the weak. The Torah states, \"Just­ice, justice you shall pursue.\" Dreydel/Sevivon: Fourth Candle: The quality of mercy softens our hearts toward our fellow A four-sided top used on human beings. The prophet Micah said, \"It has been told to you what is good, Hanukkah, each side has a and what the Lord re­quires of you: to do justly, and to love mercy, and to different Hebrew letter imprinted walk humbly with your God.\" on it. They stand for \"Nes Gadol Fifth Candle: Purity of thought and nobility of action make life holy. The Lord Hayah Sham\" — \"A great miracle said to Moses, \"Speak to the children of Israel and say to them:You shall be hap­pened there.\" This refers to holy, for I, the Lord Your God, am holy.\" the legend of the cruse of oil Sixth Candle: As the light of love of those near to us shines in our lives, lasting eight days rather than God's love shines on the world. We read in Deuteronomy: \"You shall love the its expected one day. (In Is­rael, Lord, your God, with all your mind, with all your strength, with all your being.\" the shin has been replaced by Seventh Candle: The light of patience shines in the souls of men and women a pei and the word sham by the who grow slowly toward perfection. Little worthwhile can be achieved in haste. word po so that the phrase is Eighth Candle: The light of courage removes fear from the soul which clothes \"A great miracle happened here.\") itself in truth and justice. Judah Maccabee, the hero of Hanukkah, lived by these words from Joshua: \"Be strong and of good courage.\" Shamash: The \"helper\" candle used to light the eight Hanukkah candles. Dreydel/SevivonGames Endurance All the players spin their tops at a given signal. The player whose dreydel Put and Take This game can be played for nuts, candles, cookies, endures the longest is declared the winner. toothpicks, etc. Any number of children or adults can participate. Spin for a Letter Players decide upon a letter The rules of the game are: to spin for, and those who get 1. Everyone must start with the same number of nuts, cook­ies, etc. this letter win. 2. To start the game, each player puts one nut, etc., into the \"kitty\". 3. Everyone takes a turn at spinning the dreydel. Add Up Score Gimel ( g ) has 4. The player has to do what the dreydel tells him: 3 points, Hay ( h ) has 5 points, Nun ( n ) has 8 points and either take, put in, or do nothing. Shin ( c ) has 12 points. n Nun: Nothing.You do nothing. Players take turns spinning g Gimel: All. Take what is in the \"kitty\". dreydels and player who h Hay: Half. Take half of the \"kitty\". gets 100 points first wins. c Shin: Add. Add a nut, etc., into the \"kitty\", Play until one person has all the nuts, cookies, etc.

10 Around Our Temple . Porch Side Sunday School at the home of Annie & Scott Goldberg! WELCOME NEW MEMBERS JCRC Announces Community Impact Microgrant Initiative Grants to Promote 2020 Transformative and Collaborative Work in Greater Birmingham  Molly Cohn Cryss Collins The Birmingham Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Danny Cohn & Andrew Miller The Birmingham Jewish Federation just announced the Community Pamela Franco & Tim Stephens Impact Microgrant Initative. The initiative seeks to cultivate relationships Jonah Geer and build bridges of understanding between the Jewish community and Jay Humphries minority communities in the greater Birmingham area. Neal & Amy Labovitz The microgrants are available to any individual, community agency, Debra & Jeff Lindy or organization for programming, projects, or initiatives that work to create powerful experiences and spark long-term systemic change Will Loeb and social good for our communities. Grants will be awarded up to $1,000. Joey Milstein “The JCRC is looking to invest and collaborate in new ideas that Sarah Mintz will engage other faiths, cultures, races, nationalities and neighborhoods,” Hillary & Stuart Mitchell said David Romanoff, chair, JCRC. “It is our hope that this effort will lend Marcy Morgenbesser itself to creating a more unified Birmingham.” Elizabeth Covington & Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. To access the microgrant Rob Nidetz overview and online application and for or more information contact Joyce Chris Odom Shevin at [email protected] or 205.915.0486.  Joseph & Molly Osborn Lynn Raviv David & Sherrie Romanoff Evan & Cate Rosemore Emily Rousso & Seth Capper Susan Shuman Lisa Singer Leigh & Cliff Spencer Joe Strauss Landon & Thomas Stubblefield Ash Uhlar Chelsee Uhlar Bert & Leigh Ann Young

Our Yahrzeits 11 May the beauty of their lives shine forever, and may we always bring honor to their memory. November 29 - Sara Rogoff Sokol Bertha Siegal Mayer Sol Green Jeannette K. Cohn December 5 Samuel Solomon Henrietta Michalove Arthur Hagedorn Alan J. Cohn Votosov Solomon Annie Moskowitz Miller Ferd Cahn Harwood Etta T. Cooper Julian H. Allenberg David Solomon Bertha Hatman Marvin Elkin Arlene Sachs Berger Flo Ruth Morris Arnold C. Hirsch Ike Z. Engel Sarah Staff Etta R. Myerson Lenore Jacobs Maurice Kohn Ivan K. Blach Mena H. Stern Miriam Goodman Helaine Levin Jacobs Erdreich, Sr. Jan Solomon Bozeman Ruth Swedlaw Rosalie Kaltman Phillips Abraham Kanter Tillie T. Feinefeld Brian Cohen Al Toranto Morris Randman Linda Karpman Lillian Ginsberg Bert Damsky Seymour S. Warren Anne Raymond Harold Joseph Abe \"Lige\" Epsman Paula Karson Seymour \"Speedy\" Ellis Weinstein Phillip Rogers Fima Katz Goldstein Sadie Yanuck Abraham Isaac Roobin Jean Held Feinstein Ethel P. Kaufman Phyllis Herman Anne Sadove Frederick December 6-12 Edna Minisman Malcolm \"Mickey\" Kohn Emery Kane Levenson Rosen Theresa E. Karpeles Carol Glandon Rose Aarons Christopher David Stella Hirsch Loeb Isadore Lassen Joan Goldman Daniel Alloun Rosenbaum-Callahan Sophie Malcove Hannah Lazarus Jeanette Goldstein Herbert Applebaum William Rosenberg Nathan Marcus Sonia Rosen Lazarus Donald B. Goldstein, Sr. Joanie Plous Bayer Joe Leitman Belle P Gotlieb Jeanette Berman Leonard Salit William Marx Louise Aland Levin Esther Grafman Henry Robert Biedinger Ilse Schoenberger Bertha Mendel Lois Levkoff Henry Morton Helzberg Davida Sanborn Black Sidney Seidenman Tillie Lischkoff David Blumenthal Goldie Spiegelman Kurt Mendel Mose Lischkoff Sigel Hertz Rosalie Cannova Minnie May Wald Hyman Miller Alice Munn Meisner Jimmy Hewell Samelia K Davis Jean Morgenbesser Paul Miller Russell Hudson Hyman Dorsky Adolph Weil, Jr. Abraham Isaac Odrezin Sol Morris Benjamin Kahn Irene Eagle Morris Wertheimer Henry Ovson Leah D. Newfield Dorothy L. Kaplan Louis Piassick Remi Opsomer Leo Kayser, Sr. Leo Eagle December 13-19 Harry J. Plous Katie Pariser Marion Grabove Leaf Frankie Engel Morris Q. Rogoff Sarah Harris Phillips Beverly Lynn Sylvia Epsman Edward Allenberg Erin Rosemore Justin \"Chuck\" Ravitz Kate E. Malkove Rhea C. Flurer Amy Allenberg Elaine Rosen Minna Roobin Nathan Goldstein Theo Alper Stanley Routman Jenifer Rotenstreich Carl Maron Joe Goldstein Flossie Baum Alan H. Saks Louis Saks David \"Bud\" Meadows Lawrence Harold Betty Bernow Sarah Schneiderman Chaim Schniper Rebecca Shulman Myron D. Schreibman Leonard Melnikoff Goldstein Sara A. Bernstein Adolf Spielberger Bettye Silberman Julius Mitnick Richard Irving Gotlieb William Breman Carolyn Turner Bettye Silberman Eva Rowe Cain Birdie M. Unger Margie Sokol Joseph J. Morris Harry Hanover Bernard M. Capper Kate Zaleschutz Sandra Gael Sokol Daniel Noble Carl Hess Nathan Y. Cohen Mina Zaychik Ethel Wohl Solomon Marilyn Noble Beth Hodes Dian Holzer Steiner Ida Cohen December 20-26 Edith Tanner Molly Rabinowitz Charlie Horn Herman Jerome Cohn Minnie Lazarus Weil Rita Robison Joyce Levine Noman Anon Barbara Goldstein Cohen Jacobson Bert Cotton Diana Brenner Berk Weisberg Lillie Wohl Rosenbaum Ann Goldblatt Kahn Peggy Cowen Marilyn Nedoss Weller Margaret Goldberg Mitchell Kravetz Fannie Dessler Sterling Berman Manuel Wildstein Salloway Harry Krentzman Richard Alan Elkus Sidney Binder Avery Sanger Edward M. Lazarus Harriett Weil Broda Davin Schoenberger Claudia Levinson Ferne Feld Roberta Campbell Marvin Schwartz Leah Ellen Marks Julius Fies Margaret Castell Jack Segal Martha Martin Jerome A. Fox Dave Cohen Ruby Seitel George J. Mayer Janet Elizabeth Franco Celia L. Sherry Sylvia Gabis Henry Siegel Simon Goldstein Anya Golger Sally Tamson Hill Slate

12 Our Tributes We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support our congregation by remembering and honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions. Thank you for the following gifts received through November 6, 2020. GENERAL & UNRESTRICTED FUNDS Donations to our General Temple and Endowment Funds, and the Unrestricted Named Endowment Funds provide the greatest flexibility to respond to our congregation’s changing needs. In Memory Of: Ida W. Grafman Eddie Russell Edward Berman by Ruth Fromstein by Mary Lynne & Eli Capilouto by Sandra & Alan Berman by Stephen Grafman by Joyce Helzberg Lawrence Cohn Howard Helzberg Morris Weisberg by Charlotte Cohn by Barbara & Henry Helzberg by Joan & Don Weisberg Muriel Degen Jo Marks Heyman Steven Weisberg by Ellen Bruck by Lyons Heyman by Ashley & Jon Lewis Harry Elmets Joan Langer Lynne Odess Wilmoth by Laurie & Craig Elmets by Susan & Barry Koretzky by Carole Simpson Anna Franklin by Ashley & Jon Lewis by Trey, Andrew, Cheryl & Greta Melamed Wishing Good Health To: by Laurie & Craig Elmets Ronnie Epstein Charlie Collat Henri Rabinowicz by Carole Simpson Cathy H. Friedman by Eva Rabinowicz Raymond Gotlieb by Mark Friedman John Rathmell by Dixie Hagedorn Julius Goldstein by Trey, Andrew, Cheryl & Vicki Lugar by Eve & Rick Hirsch Charlie Collat by Susan & Barry Koretzky by Susan & Barry Koretzky Lena Roobin Jimmy Rotenstreich by Bobbi & Jim May by Sandra & Alan Berman by Sandra & Alan Berman by Carole Simpson Frances Roseman by Susan & Barry Koretzky Harvey Gotlieb by Lisa Marx by Letty & Bob Marcus by Eve & Rick Hirsch Rebecca Staff Nancy Rousso Emily Helzberg by Elinor Sue & Michael Staff by Susan & Barry Koretzky by Barbara & Henry Helzberg Benefiting Our Temple Now and Forever REMINDER: Annual Endowment Gift Pledges are due by Dec 31st We hope you will join this year's effort, which provides congregants of all ages and financial capabilities the opportunity to help build the Grafman Endowment Fund to enrich our congregation. It is with your gifts that our Endowment continues to grow and to benefit all of us, our children and grandchildren, who call Temple Emanu-El our spiritual home. We hope you will participate this year… for details, contact the Endowment Fund Office: (205) 933-8397 or [email protected] Your contributions through our “Temple Tributes” help to support Temple Emanu-El’s annual operations and activities, and further build our Grafman Endowment Fund to enrich our congregation…now and forever. To make a Tribute Gift to either a temple or an endowment fund, please contact the Endowment Office at (205) 933-8397 or [email protected]. A list of all our funds is available on the our website at www.ourtemple.org.

Our Tributes 13 In Honor Of: As our Endowment Fund President, Ginger Held mentioned this fall in her High Holy Gary Monheit for being awarded Day remarks, we are continuing to encourage everyone to plan today for Jewish life an endowed professorship at tomorrow. We, of course, hope that your house of worship is one of those institutions UAB Department of Dermatology that you care about. Our goal is to solidify 40 new legacy gifts in conjunction our by Eve & Rick Hirsch Endowment Fund’s 40th Anniversary – with a generous donor who is providing an Marilyn Pipkin for the beautiful incentive gift of $1,000 for every new legacy gift commitment we receive this year. violin accompaniment during the High Holy Day services There are a variety of ways for you to join those who have already arranged by Carole Simpson for a legacy gift while ensuring the interests of your family and other Birth of Jack Cohen Levin, primary beneficiaries: grandson of Faye & Robert Levin by Eve & Rick Hirsch BEQUESTS: In addition to simply selecting a dollar amount with which you Birth of Piper Layne Morrison, are comfortable, a number of alternatives are available, such as: daughter of Amy & Eric Morrison, • Bequest, Only If Estate is a Certain Size granddaughter of Nancy Goldberg • Bequest of Specific Percentage and Glenda & Paul Nagrodzki • Bequest of Real Estate and great-granddaughter of Carole & Michael Pizitz IRA / RETIREMENT PLANS: It is also important to realize that your IRA by Eve & Rick Hirsch or retirement plan benefits may be the best source of funds for a legacy gift to Birth of Jacob Odrezin, son of the Temple or other charities that you care about, since these funds are subject Meredith & Daniel Odrezin and to both estate and income taxation. grandson of Jamie & Greg Odrezin by Eve & Rick Hirsch Including the Temple in your estate plan can make a meaningful difference for Special Anniversary of our Temple and for Reform Judaism in Birmingham for future generations. Sandra & Alan Berman L’dor V’dor! And, if you have already arranged for a legacy gift to benefit by Carole Simpson our Temple, please let us know! Special Birthday of Joe Bluestein by Carole Simpson For more information, consult your estate-planning advisor or call Jann Blitz, Special Birthday of Stephen Grafman our Executive Director with the Rabbi Grafman Endowment Fund by Ruth & Jim Fromstein at (205) 397-0814. Special Birthday of Pat Weil by Fran & Lee Godchaux A Lasting Legacy The Temple and Grafman Endowment Fund leadership gratefully acknowledges the foresight and generosity of: Sharon & Gary Cutter for establishing the Cutter Family Fund Marilyn Haver for creating the Kaden-Bean Family Fund both for unrestricted purposes, Pat Weil Henry A. Dube Alison & Robert Berman for recently including a provision in their estate plans to benefit and enrich our congregation. What a blessing for our congregation! We hope that you, too, will consider to include the Temple when you do your estate planning.

14 Our Tributes DESIGNATED DESIGNATED ENDOWMENT FUNDS TEMPLE FUNDS Contributions to these “perpetual” funds help provide permanent sources Gifts to these “immediate use” funds of income for special programming and enhancements for our fulfill special needs beyond the scope of what temple today, as well as for future generations. dues and tuition fees are able to provide. BLACH FAMILY FUND MOLLIE & HERMAN GOTLIEB RABBI WRIGHT DISCRETIONARY FUND FOR DUES ENDOWMENT SANCTUARY PRESERVATION FUND In Memory Of: In Memory Of: In Memory Of: Hazel Randman Harold Apolinsky, Joe Hagedorn Richard Gotlieb by Judith Roy In Honor Of: and Carol Tuck by Sherry Gotlieb by Nancy & Harold Blach Rabbi Adam Wright Wishing Good Health To: HONAN FAMILY TORAH STUDY FUND by Jim Sokol In Memory Of: Jane Bluestein, Carole Pizitz Beautiful virtual High Holy Day services and Jimmy Rotenstreich Tommy Gillespie by Jeffrey Eliasoph by Nancy & Harold Blach by Donna Gillespie In Honor Of: MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT/ BUNNY & JOEL ROTENSTREICH FUND TEMPLE CIRCLES FUND Special Anniversary of In Honor Of: Letty & Bob Marcus; FOR DUES ENDOWMENT In Memory Of: Special Birthday of Fred Kanter Temple Circles by Nancy & Harold Blach Judy Abroms by Nathan Goldstein III by Bunny & Joel Rotenstreich MARY K. BRODNAX LANA & STEVE ROYAL FUND Begin to Plan Now for MUSIC FUND FOR DUES ENDOWMENT Jewish Summer Experiences In Memory Of: In Memory Of: Eddie Russell Louis Royal and Helen Silverman Temple Emanu-El and the Rabbi Grafman Endowment by Alabama Podiatric Fund offers financial need-based scholarships for Medical Association by Lana & Steve Royal by Rhoda Link many Jewish summer experiences, such as Jewish by Sandi & Allen Stern RACHEL & RABBI ADAM WRIGHT summer camp, and attendance at special youth FAMILY FUND group conventions. Applications are now available CEMETERY CARE FUND In Memory Of: online at ourtemple.org/youth-scholarships. In Memory Of: Margot Marx Anna Petrofsky and Please submit your Scholarship Application to Claudette Petrofsky by Dixie Hagedorn [email protected] by February 1, 2020. Wishing Good Health To: by Maureen & Mark Petrofsky Raymond Gotlieb For additional scholarship opportunities, Lillian Schultz by Dixie Hagedorn you may also contact: by Rhonda & Harry Weinberg • The Birmingham Jewish Foundation PO Box 130219, Birmingham, AL 35213 (205) 803-1519 [email protected] HANNAH & HYMAN GOLDSTEIN VOLUNTEER FUND In Memory Of: • For first year campers: Norris Friedman Visit the Goldring Foundation https://jefno.org/youth-camping/ by Marilyn & Murray Tanner goldring-summer-camp/ Erica Green by Debra & Joel Goldstein Scholarships for study/travel to Israel In Honor Of: are also available for all those who have Special Anniversary of completed Confirmation. For more Cissy & Leonard Held; information, please contact the Gary Monheit for being Endowment Fund Office at (205)933-8397 awarded an endowed professorship at UAB Department of Dermatology or [email protected] and by Marilyn & Murray Tanner utilize the online Israel Scholarship Form, also at ourtemple.org/youth-scholarships.

Our Sponsors 15 Jose Katz 3900 Montclair Rd, Suite 320 Crestline Post Office Bldg (205) 871-1008 [email protected] Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm JOHNS RIDOUT,S FUNERAL PARLORS & CREMATION SERVICES 2116 University Boulevard Birmingham, Alabama 35233 (205) 251-5254 FOR SALE GianMarco’s GET A HANDYMAN WHO CAN DO IT ALL! 2 Elmwood Cemetery Lots at a Great Price Giani, Marco & Giovanni, Owners • HOME INSPECTION PUNCH LISTS Call David Betten at 205-967-5454 721 Broadway St. • LIGHT PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL Homewood, 35209 • CABINET REPAIR WE ARE OPEN 24/7/365...ONLINE!!! 205.871.9622 • DOOR & WINDOW INSTALLATION www.templetraditions.com • GUTTER CLEANING & REPAIR Temple Traditions Gift Shop Call or text Gary Gouse, lifelong active member of B’Ham’s Jewish Community @ 205 915 4873 Chanukah is Coming! Check out or selection... we have gelt, dreidels, menorahs, candles, & other decorative Chanukah items... We have jewelry from casual to diamonds... Great gifts for the Mah Jongg lover... Fun Puzzles & Games, Holiday Books, Tallits, Tzedukah boxes... Baby Gifts, Wedding Gifts, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Gifts... Beautiful new Sterling Silver Kiddush cups, can dlesticks and more... Gift Ideas for all Jewish Holidays! Don’t see exactly what you’d like? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you with ideas. Come in the shop, visit us online, email or call Gift Certificates are available in the shop or online. December 2020 Hours open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. whenever the Temple is open For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact Kim Roth at [email protected] or (205) 914-3545. For information on advertising in the bulletin please contact:Temple Emanu-El at (205) 933-8037, ext. 239 or [email protected]

Temple Emanu-El NONPROFIT ORG. 2100 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 U.S POSTAGE Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. PAID Please deliver immediately. Birmingham, AL Address Service Requested Permit No. 1137 Are you moving? Do we have your correct address? Please let us know by e-mail: [email protected] This issue of OurTemple bulletin is made possible through the support of the Rabbi Grafman Endowment Fund. . The monthly bulletin for Temple Emanu-El 2100 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 ( 205) 933-8037 | FAX (205) 933-8099 ourtemple.org Founded in 1882 and affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. Clergy Rabbi Adam Wright Cantor Robert Wittner, Engel Cantorial Chair Rabbi Jonathan Miller, Rabbi Emeritus Senior Team Danielle Barnett, Director of Accounting and Finance Jann Blitz, Endowment Fund Executive Director Lynda Gutcheon, Interim Director of Education Monika Singletary, Director of Congregational Engagement Boa rd of Directors and Membership EXECUTIVES Robert Berman, President Charles Collat, Jr., President Elect Barbara Aland, Vice President Dr. Adam Gordon, Vice President Lisa Bebenek, Secretary MEET OUR SISTER SYNAGOGUE, Joel Piassick, Treasurer KEHILAT BAVAT AYIN, FROM ROSH HA’AYIN! Dr. Al Cohn, Immediate Past President Sunday, December 13, at 12:00 p.m. Sherron Goldstein, Presidential Appointment via Zoom Jeffrey Bayer, Presidential Appointment Join us for this exciting introduction to our sister synagogue in Rosh Ha’Ayin, Israel. GENERAL BOARD We will light Hanukkah candles together, share our different Hanukkah traditions, and tell Hanukkah stories. Dr. David Askenazi RSVP to Monika for the Zoom link: [email protected] Fran Godchaux Dr. Brian Kulbersh Ashley Lewis Kit Roth Brittany Saag Amanda Sokol Ginger Held, Endowment Fund Board President Steven Leaf, Brotherhood President Sylvia Wright, Sisterhood President Remember Temple’s Endowment Fund in your estate plans, and please let us know when you do.