Oct 2021 TEE bulletin

October 2021 Tishri-Cheshvan 5782 The monthly bulletin . for Temple Emanu-El ourtemple.org @emanuel.temple (205) 933-8037 Birmingham, Alabama Join Us Friday, October 29 at 5:45 in the evening LOOK FOR DETAILS COMING SOON! THE INSTALLATION OF Cantor Wittner ENGEL CANTORIAL CHAIR Special thanks to the Ruth & Marvin Engel Cantorial Chair Fund of the Grafman Endowment Fund for helping to underwrite this very special evening. 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, October 1 Friday, October 8 Friday, October 15 Friday, October 22 Friday, October 29 5:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m. Erev Shabbat Erev Shabbat Erev Shabbat Erev Shabbat Erev Shabbat Service Service Service Service Service Keshishian Cantor Wittner baby naming Installation Pink Shabbat Saturday, October 2 Saturday, October 9 Saturday, October 16 Saturday, October 23 Saturday, October 30 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Torah Study Torah Study Torah Study Torah Study Torah Study 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Shabbat Morning Shabbat Morning Shabbat Morning Shabbat Hilicha Shabbat Hiking Service Service Service Service Red Mountain Park Bat Mitzvah Bat Mitzvah Bat Mitzvah Bat Mitzvah Torah Portion Helena Staggs Lexi Cohn Maxine Stockman Serena Blutter Parashat Torah Portion Torah Portion Torah Portion Torah Portion Chayei Sara Parshat Bereshit Parashat Noach Parashat Lech-Lecha Parashat Vayera Genesis 23:1-25:18 Genesis 1:1-6:8 Genesis 6:9-11:32 Genesis 12:1-17:27 Genesis 18:1 – 22:24 Haftarah Portion Haftarah Portion Haftarah Portion Haftarah Portion Haftarah Portion I Kings 1:1 - 1:31 Isaiah 42:5 - 43:10 Isaiah 54:1 - 55:5 Isaiah 40:27 - 41:16 II Kings 4:1 - 4:37 Tot Shabbat Torah Study Shabbat Hilicha RETURNS! Shabbat Hiking Every Wednesday via our website, 12 p.m. Oct 30 & Nov 13 Facebook & YouTube https://zoom.us/j/661751570 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 5 at 5:00 p.m. or dial-in at Hike begins at 10:45 a.m. with Rabbi Wright, Cantor Wittner +1 312 626 6799 One Saturday per month, & Robin Berger Meeting ID: 661 751 570 in lieu of an online service, we will meet at Red Mountain Park to It is time for Tot Shabbat again! AND spend Shabbat morning together. Join us for a family-friendly Shabbat Led by Rabbi Wright and Cantor celebration designed for children Every Saturday Wittner, we spend one to two hours 9 a.m. enjoying Shabbat and nature. ages 1 through 6 years-old and their grown-ups. We will sing https://zoom.us/j/731472885 We will meet at Red Mountain Park our way into Shabbat before or dial-in at at the Frankfurt Drive entrance: we begin our Family Shabbat 2011 Frankfurt Dr, service for all ages at 5:45 p.m. +1 312 626 6799 Birmingham, AL 35211 Meeting ID: 731 472 885 password: torah USPS Publication Title: Our Temple Statement of Frequency: Address: Organization: IDENTIFICATION Issue Date: October 2021 Published monthly 2100 Highland Avenue South Temple Emanu-El Issue Number: 145 except for June/July issue Birmingham, AL 35205-4002

Around Our Temple 3 Erev Rosh Hashanah remarks from Robert Berman, President of Temple Emanu-El Good evening. For those I have not met, I am Robert Berman and I serve as Our Temple’s President. I hope that everyone has enjoyed a safe Labor Day weekend, extended this year by our welcoming and observing the Jewish New Year. Whether you are worshipping in the Sanctuary, Hess Chapel, Abrams Hall, from your home in Birmingham or elsewhere, you are a part of an incredible community, and I welcome each and every one of you. As we begin the High Holy Days, engage in personal reflection, and wait for the joyful sounding of the Shofar, I am proud to share what your Temple has undertaken and accomplished this past year. All efforts have focused on new beginnings! First, we launched our Temple Outreach and Dues Commitment endeavor. The goal is to connect with every congregant over a three-year period. In 2020, 40 incredible volunteers reached out to one-third of our Temple family. Even during these unsettling COVID times we were very successful. It is important to note that we were successful financially but that’s only part of the story. I participated as a volunteer and most rewarding and important to me was learning about our congregants’ relationships with Temple. I heard about current relationships with Temple and how congregants would like to see their relationship grow. Our 2021 planning is complete, and another one-third of our congregation will hear from Temple in the coming weeks. Your honest feedback is welcomed and helps shape Temple’s future. Second, we entered into an agreement with the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center to share space in our building. This repurposed, state-of-art space will bring visitors from all backgrounds and walks of life. Our Temple will be a destination for both learning and worship. BHEC will have its new permanent Highland Avenue home to “create a more just and compassionate world that recognizes the dignity, potential, and humanity of every individual.” Third, we formed our Covid Task Force to lead us through this pandemic. This dedicated team has safely guided us through the re-opening of Temple. This group of doctors of different disciplines developed our tiered systematic plan. They were thorough and thoughtful in their approach. My sincere gratitude to them for the countless hours spent to guide us to a safe return to worship in our holy spaces. Fourth, we conducted a capital improvements study, which had not been done in some time. As suspected, we found that we face significant repairs, including repairs to the air conditioning system and repairs to the roof over the education and administration building. Many years ago, in anticipation of such issues, Temple leadership established a Capital Improvements Fund. On a monthly basis Temple directs funds to this account. Also, we experienced a ransomware attack at Temple. This potentially debilitating event was overcome by the efforts of our staff, our technology committee, our IT partner, and our insurer. All this mishagah led us to be able to control our information systems more securely. Now there is a repurposed Grafmann Endowment fund that will assist in keeping Temple technology systems state of the art. Throughout 5781 I was approached by community leaders and the recurring topic was collaboration. Education was a big part of the recurring conversation, not specific to one congregation but a community initiative. My perspective was broadened further in conversations with Rabbi Wright and Ronald Levitt, President at Temple Beth-El. The question became, “How can we work together?” I am proud to share that, in this New Year of 5782, we are taking steps to accomplish things together for our Jewish community. In fact, we’ve already started. Tomorrow, Rosh Hashanah — the first day of 5782 — we will be sharing worship space with Temple Beth El. There will be tent at the soccer fields at the Levite Jewish Community Center. We will we hold our contemporary service there in the morning and Temple Beth-El will hold their family service there in the afternoon. This will repeat for Yom Kippur. This was made possible by a collaborative effort between Temple Emanu-El, Temple Beth-El, the JCC and the Birmingham Jewish Foundation. The JCC is a gracious host, and the Foundation’s funding is vital. Thank you to all. Also, there will be a community program for our post B’nai Mitzvah students. The program is call Kesher, which means connection. Kesher is for the entire Birmingham Jewish community. Our teens will meet, socialize, learn and share a meal together, creating bonds and relationships that last for a lifetime. Kesher is made possible by the NE Miles Jewish Day School who will serve as our host and the Birmingham Jewish Federation who will provide funding. Again, my sincere thanks to all involved. I am beyond proud to say that we are working together, and our community will be the stronger for it. At the conclusion of reading a book of the Torah, we say, Chazek Chazak, V’nitchazek ….. From Strength to Strength may we be Strengthened. We celebrate the past at the same moment we look to the future. As we welcome this New Year, know that I remain accessible to every congregant, and I wish each of you and your families a year of good health, peace, and prosperity. Shana Tova

4 Around Our Temple Kol Nidre remarks from Andy Rotenstreich, President of the Grafman Endowment Fund This has been a year to remember. How many times have you heard that mantra over the last few months? But I am not speaking of COVID. I am speaking of the year of generosity of our congregation. I am Andy Rotenstreich, President of Your Temple Emanu-El Grafman Endowment Fund. Our Annual Report is due out to you next month, in which it highlights our theme: A Year To Remember. We are most grateful to all those who have participated last year — with gifts to the Endowment totaling nearly $2 million. Combined with an unprecedented 29% return in the stock market – and the many congregants who have included us in their estate plans, our Endowment Fund continues to grow — and is poised to help our congregation continue to shine. I’ll say it again – What A Year to Remember! We are extremely pleased that this past year our Endowment Fund was able to continue to provide grants to the Temple in such a big way. These allocations of over $475,000 – make so many Temple enhancements possible. This includes funding matched for operational costs accounting for over 25% of our Temple’s budget. This funding from the Endowment helps support a wide variety of enrichments that our congregation has come to enjoy. For instance: • Whether you are viewing tonight’s service from the comfort of your home or here with us in this sanctuary – you can’t help but marvel at the greatness of the choir or the beautiful flowers which adorn the bima. • Also, the Endowment Fund provides $60,000/year towards the Temple’s Capital Improvement Fund which helps to provide for expected upkeep necessary to maintain this beautiful facility. Whether it be repairing the domed roof or replacing the air conditioner – this allocation is to make sure that the funds are available when needed. • And, our young people greatly benefit too. Nearly $40,000 was provided last year by the Endowment to underwrite a portion of the administration and programming of our top-notch youth & education program. As Rabbi Wright so eloquently shared with us in his Rosh Hashana remarks, we get comfort in knowing that change can lead us to a better future. I wish to assure you that the Endowment Board is committed to continuing our mission of supporting and sustaining this congregation throughout these changes – our commitment is to a strong Temple Emanu-El in perpetuity. I would like to share with you just a couple of examples of that commitment: 1. For years, our Endowment has provided ways for our congregants to connect to our worship services from home. Most recently, in response to the pandemic, we helped fund upgrades to our cameras, hire technicians, and offer some of the most outstanding video coverage available to the hundreds of congregants and family members to be able to participate remotely. 2. Another example of how our Endowment has helped support the changes of our visionary leadership dates back to 1996 when Rabbi Miller envisioned the benefits of adding a full-time cantor to help lead this congregation. For generations before, we had only been served by one senior clergy member. Through the support of the Endowment fund, today we are able to help support this vision by providing over $100,000 per year specifically for the rabbinical and cantorial positions. In his Rosh Hashana remarks last week, President Robert Berman mentioned the Temple’s efforts in collaborating with other Jewish community organizations. I also want to take a moment to share with you the Endowment’s role in collaborating with our Jewish neighbors. I’m pleased to report that we are partnering with the Birmingham Jewish Foundation and Temple Beth-El Foundation on a new endeavor called — “Jewish Future Pledge” to promote a shared vision for our community to pledge that at least half of their charitable estate gifts be designated to support the Jewish people and/or State of Israel. This worldwide movement mirrors our mission to ensure that that vibrant Jewish life continue for future generations. In closing, I want to share a passage of Jewish text that spoke to me about the Jewish people, family, and generosity: “To be a Jew is to be a member of the people of the covenant, an heir to one of the world’s most ancient, enduring and awe- inspiring faiths. It is to inherit a way of life which has earned the admiration of the world for its love of family, its devotion to education, its philanthropy, its social justice and its infinitely loyal dedication to a unique destiny. It is to know that this way of life, passed on from parents to children since the days of Abraham and Sarah, can only be sustained through the Jewish family.” On behalf of the Endowment leadership, I encourage you to continue the generosity you have shown in the past to help pave the way for future generations to have a viable Temple Emanu-El for decades to come. L’Shana Tovah.

Around Our Temple 5 UPDATE ON OUR OUTREACH INITIATIVE Friday, 8 October 2021 Sisterhood is hosting Maintaining Momentum our Annual Sharsheret Pink Shabbat As you may know, our Outreach Initiative is designed to ensure that our Temple We will honor our is both providing the connection you seek and the financial well-being our congregation deserves. Now in its second year, our 30 member Temple breast cancer survivors Outreach Team, under the leadership of Joe Bluestein, Harry Bayer, Al Cohn, We will honor all of our and Frank Siegal, is continuing to meet individually with Temple members. These discussions are providing an effective way to learn about your priorities cancer survivors for our congregation and determining the most feasible way for you to We will remember our continue your financial support of our Temple. Over the next few months our Outreach team will meet with 160 Temple loved ones who members. These discussions will occur in whatever environment feels most have passed away comfortable — over the phone, by FaceTime or Zoom, or in person. When contacted please be assured that your input will be extremely valuable to us from cancer. as we continue to move forward into the new year. Please accept in advance our gratitude for your time and unwavering support of our cherished congregation. “Sharsheret is a national not-for-profit organization supporting young Jewish women and their families facing breast cancer. Our mission is to offer a community of support to women, of all Jewish backgrounds, diagnosed with breast cancer or at increased genetic risk, by fostering culturally- relevant individualized connections with networks of peers, health professionals, and related resources.” Register at bit.ly/travel5782

6 Youth & Education WE’RE BACK! Religious School starts in person with great joy and excitement! A special thanks to the Gail & Jeffrey Bayer Fund for Religious Education of the Grafman Endowment Fund for underwriting the First Day of Religious School .

Youth & Education 7 Our teens and Special October Tashlich with Birthdays their families. Shana Tova Following are members to all! of our family celebrating 2nd Graders meet birthdays in years with Rabbi Wright to see divisible by 5. the Torah “up close” as they begin their study of Emily Bebenek Torah using the Torahs Alex Bebenek they received last year at Donna Berman Harold Blach their Consecration. Sophie Bluestein Robin Bromberg Thanks to Judge Debra Jacob Cordover Goldstein, prosecution Nathan Engel attorney, Ed Meyerson, Susan Fetter defense attorney Andy Saag Keith Fleisher and fabulous faculty Sally Friedman participants, Deanna Edward Friend Danalevich, Billie Marsala, Rona Harper Rayna Mastin, Mark Robinson, Susan Harwood Joe Russell, Shaina Wolinsky, Joyce Helzberg and Rabbi Wright Stefan Kertesz Randi Landy Religious School Nancy Leibovitz opens by putting the Denise Lewis world on trial and the Virgil Lugar verdict was guilty. Billie Marsala Cindy Pinhas We’re spending the year Carole Pizitz helping to put our world back Nathan Ruha together with some amazing mitzvah projects! Stefanie Saag Rosalyn Siegal Grant Siegel Scott Simon Cole Inman Smith Pat Weil

8 Youth & Education SAVE THE DATE BAT MITZVAHS Friday, November 5 Helena Staggs at 5:45 p.m. Saturday October 2, 2021 Shabbat Service with Special Guest Helena will be called to the Torah on Saturday, October 2nd. She is the the Mike Slive Foundation daughter of Michael Staggs of Bessemer, Alabama and Allison Corbett of Kansas Friday, November 12 City, Missouri. She is the older sister to Shabbat Service Geneva Corbett, also of Kansas City. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana Honoring our Veterans and moved to Birmingham to grow up Sunday, November 14 around her father’s family. She is an 8th Chanukah Glassmaking grader at McAdory Middle School. As the child of two geeks, she has Workshop with artist wide and varied interests. She was the Rhandie Weaver youngest person in Alabama (at the time) to pass the tests and become licensed by the FCC as an Amateur Radio Operator – General class. She enjoys the creative arts and has studied art for about two years. She also enjoys reading web comics/manga, music, friends, and spending time with her fish, the cat Ariel, and the dog, Rick Grimes. Helena loves animals, so for her mitzvah project she has decided to donate money to the Alabama Wildlife Center for all the wonderful work they do for animals in need. Lexi Cohn Saturday October 9, 2021 Lexi Anne Cohn will be called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah on October 9, 2021. Lexi is an eighth grader at Mountain Brook Junior High School and is the daughter of Al and Tracy Cohn and younger sister to Morgan and Abby. Lexi was born and raised right here in Birmingham and has grown up at Temple Emanu-el. She loves being with family and friends, traveling, and spending her days at the lake or beach. We are so proud of Lexi and excited for her big day!

Youth & Education 9 BAT MITZVAHS Happy Anniversary Maxine Stockman October Anniversaries Saturday October 16, 2021 Jeffrey & Gail Bayer Kevin & Meredith Cash Ava Maxine Stockman, “Max” Mitch & Morissa Cohen to her friends, embarks on Bruce & Sallie Downs her journey to Bat Mitzvah on October 16th. Born in Alan & Lisa Engel Los Angeles, she has thrived Hank & Elise Frohsin in many environments and Preston & Marie Goldfarb consistently demonstrated her Bruce & Beverlee Gordon resiliency of spirit. Her mother, Jake & Brenda Guercio Dr. Julie Wolfson, and her father, Bernie & Lynda Gutcheon Mr. Eric Stockman, join her in Kent & Andrea Haines celebration along with her sister, Gordon & Laura Kirschberg Willa Stockman, and her Wayne & Alisa Krouse spirit animal, the family pet, Jon & Ashley Lewis Sally “Booshee” Stockman Edgar & Marion Marx (and the lesser known, one Steven & Alysia Reisman remaining fish in the fish tank). An avid fan of all things Steve Reynolds & in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Maxine loves spending time with friends, Emily Lawrence rollerskating, dogs, volleyball, reading, singing, and listening to music; Evan & Jessica Rhodes and she is eager to continue to drink from the cup of life and explore new Neil & Kim Roth opportunities, hobbies, and pastimes. Still nothing beats her annual trip Stephen Sharp & Sarah Kirshtein to Maine to see family and friends. Max & Margaret Stern Ben & Allison Weil Serena Blutter Adam & Rachel Wright Bob & Joyce Vance Saturday October 23, 2021 Sandy & Janice Weinstein Serena Blutter is the eldest daughter of Please note that Anniversary and Birthday Paul and Sarah Blutter and sister to Eliza list is gathered from information in the Blutter. Her grandparents are Arthur and Joanne Blutter of Plainview, New York, Temple’s database. We apologize for any and Daniel (of blessed memory) and errors or exclusions. Please contact us at Kathy Canzoniero of Vero Beach, Florida. Serena likes spending time with [email protected] her family and going to summer camp. regarding any corrections. Thank you. She is in 7th grade at The Altamont School, where she studies hard and runs cross country. She plans to help at The Community Food Bank as her bat mitzvah project this year.

10 Around Our Community

Our Yahrzeits 11 May the beauty of their lives shine forever, and may we always bring honor to their memory. Sept 26 - Oct 2 Ronald Irwin Goldberg Annie Felson Galkin Naomi Carroll Haimsohn Carl M. Feldman Jeanette Gotlieb Faye Goren Janice Friedman Halpern Helen B. Fierman Herman Adler Sidney Held Lynne C. Alexander Charles Herring Barbara Gotlieb Anita Harwood Fanny Fies Sadie C. Barstein Tavel Grabove Elizabeth Johnson Alvin Victor Filer, Jr. Rose Abraham Bayer Gloria Weisberg Jacobs Elizabeth R. Held Lena Lewis Kanter Sidney Bernstein Dorothy Jacobson Tommy Gillespie Ralph Carl Blach, Sr. Bessie Krentzman Bill Howton Sam Kartus Harry Goldner Herman Blumberg Henry Lazarus David B. Jacobs Sarah Kaufman Nancy S. Goldstein Jenny Levy Duane Johnson Margaret Kelley Eugene Goldstein Dudley Burwell Max H. Mayer Patricia Korman Sarah Halpern Milton Cohen Samuel Michael Minnie Kushner Joan Langer Adolph I. Hamburg Justin Cohen Fannie Minisman Rae G. Levine Eddie Leitman Rubin Hanan Robert (Greg) Coons Dora Clein Moore Elizabeth M. Mahaffey Ida E. Levenson Florette Hirsch Barney Copeland Szymon Nagrodzki Morton Jerry Marks Jenny Lober Bernice G. Hirsch Dorothy Epstein Dora Mitnick Nahum JoAnn Marsala Donald R Kahn Alfred Freeman Philip H. Ripko Greta A. Melamed Mae Loewe Josephine Kaplan Selma Friedman Samuel Julius Ripps Bess Kapp Miller Louis J. Malkove Pearl Handler Kessler Harold Goldstein Charles D. Klotzman Rachel Grabove Amelia A. Rittenbaum Dell Oliver Bruno Mazur Edith Koretzky Brian Grodner Arthur H. Rosenfeld Louis Overbach Maurine H. Monsky Todd Korman Carrie L. Hagedorn Beatrice Silverman Mildred Lefcort Posner Josephine G. Morris Israel Kronenberg Geraldine Weiser Heymann Irwin Ira Leslie Joseph E. Hirsh Shirley R. Snow Dora Ravitz Alvin Philipson Nathan Meyer Levy Hannah Kaufman Jeanne F. Sterman Sol A. Reese Simon Phillips Mitzi Kronenberg Max Risman Rose Menchel Rapoport Annie Luria Gertrude Mazer Dorothy Tepper Frances Rittenbaum John Rathmell Harold Marlowe Rose Krentzman Odess Lee B. Weil Albert L. Roseman John Rathmell Mildred S. Marlowe Annie B. Prochep Ida Berman Rosen Carol Reese Bernice Marx Sherman C. Raffel Virginia Loeb Weil Regina Rosenfeld Gregory Meikson Frances Roseman Morris Weisberg Rubye Rosenfeld Lela Saag Terry Morgenbesser Jo Anne Rosenfeld Sallie Mae Wiener Isadore Rotenstreich Elaine Silver Vernon R. Rosenthal Bettie S. Wolfsohn Edward Saag Leo K. Steiner, Sr. (Duchmann) Joyce Routman Belle K. Spiegelman Edith G. Tenenbaum Lewis J. Odess Aaron Sachs Ethel Wynne Dorothy Shugerman Unger Helen Vance Fay Oppenheim Odess Morris Solomon Myer D. Weinstein Anna Franklin Weil Bernice Perlman Sam Spiegelman October 10 – 16 Henry Norman Wise Robert Weinstein Claudette Petrofsky Benjamin B. Wolf Marjorie Ellman Weinstein Sam Picard, Jr. Martin S. Bergman Barrye Ziff Gene Wolf October 3 – 9 Herbert Meyer Besser Eleanor Zelin Jason Real Bertha Phillips Blank October 17 – 23 Sadie Rice Rich Bruce Riggan Andrews October 24 – 30 Ira D. Bayer Seth Bombet Judith Abroms Alvin Rich Herbert Blatt Barbara Buchalter Alvin Bearman Louis Bayer Rose Newman Risman Lynn Brandler Marie Geismar Blach Max Beck, Sr. Ruth D. Rosenberger Mildred Cohn Hirsch Cherner Rose Belitsky Mikhail Chernitsky Stan Bloom Julian L. Bernheim Hyman Rosner Miriam Goldstein Cohn Max Cohen Max Binder Rosa Israel Sachs Joseph David Cooper Beatrice Cohen Brown Dotson Melvin Bluestein M. Edna Schoen Irby Cohen Estelle Eubanks Adolf Bluttman Stanley Elsas Rebecca Feinman Charles D. Bry David Schultz Abe Feinman Jerome \"Buddy\" Cooper Alice Lurie Friedman Hans Curjel Morton Simpson Samuel Paul Fink Eunice Wetherhorn Jenny Witt Goldstein Mildred Cutter Ben Goldben Copeland Sarah Engel Green Rosalee G. Dannis Allan I. Sirkin Muriel Degen Arthur Hagedorn Maurice Teddlie Davis Milton \"Buddy\" Sterman Harry B. Elmets Joseph Engel Linda Aland Sussberg Sandra Sims Evers Jennie Esther Wiatrak Irvin Floam Louis Lazarus Friedman Ralph Frohsin, Sr.

12 The following is reprinted from the insert distributed at our Yom Kippur worship services: 2021 HIGH HOLY DAY REPORT TO THE CONGREGATION Thanks to the vision of those who came before us who established a permanent endowment to enrich our Temple and to a tradition of donors who understand its importance — our Grafman Endowment Fund has grown considerably over the past 40+ years and become an important source of financial stability and annual support for our congregation. Since its inception in 1979, our endowment has provided allocations of over $5.7 million to benefit our Temple family —   and we pledge to continue to manage our assets so that funds are available to enrich our congregation for years to come. TEMPLE GRANTS — During the past year, our congregation has benefitted from endowment grants of over $475,000. This includes funding matched with operational costs now accounting to over 25% of the Temple’s budget, plus numerous youth scholarships and other enhancements. Following are some of the ways these grants have enriched congregational life, even as the pandemic continued to force us to social distance during much of the year and cancel many of our programs: ·  $128,040 for general operations and unrestricted support ·  $109,950 towards clergy salaries ·  $38,345 towards youth & education administration and enrichment programs ·  $10,550 in scholarships and awards to our Temple youth to travel to Israel and attend Jewish summer camps. ·  $60,000 contribution to our Temple’s Capital Improvement Fund ·  $42,675 for upkeep of our cemeteries ·  Plus, the invaluable tech support and updates to provide the important live webcasts of our worship services and Religious School classes. ·  Many of the Temple’s communications such as the monthly bulletins, Shabbat programs / pulpit folders, and new design platform for our website. ·  High Holy Day enhancements including the magnificent choir, the beautiful flowers which adorn our sanctuary, and the music by Robin Berger at our contemporary and family services. ·  And more…additional details will be available of our “Funds At Work” in our Endowment’s upcoming Annual Report to be distributed this fall.   GIFTS & MARKET VALUE — Assets of nearly $22 million After the volatility of last year, the market continued to rally throughout the 12 months of our fiscal year ending June 30 — with unprecedented investment returns of 29.8%. Yielding over $4.7 million, it was indeed a very good year and it will likely be a long time before we see one-year returns like this again. Additionally, the increase in our assets (from nearly $16 million at this time last year) is also the result of many generous contributions and bequests — totaling close to $1.9 million. We are most grateful for the following: ·  Participation by 288 congregants (nearly half of our congregation) in our Annual Endowment Gift Program for 2020-21 with gifts of over $101,300. Though we strive for participation, we are most pleased the amount gifted has reached an all-time-high. ·  Contributions of over $67,300 to honor Rabbi Miller which continue to build the Rabbi Jonathan Miller Enduring Legacy Fund. Based on the multi-year pledge commitments, this fund is anticipated to reach over $800,000 by next year and will provide over $32,000 in funding for our senior rabbinic position in perpetuity. ·  Receipt of several bequests from dedicated long-time members totaling over $520,000, including: Marie Goodman, Julius Goldstein, Ruth & Marvin Engel, Eddie Leitman, Sandra & Eddie Russell, and Natalie & David Sperling — all of blessed memory. ·  And over $1.7 million to create or build our named funds, including: ·  The establishment of the Piassick Foyer Fund with a gift to remodel our entry foyer and provide unrestricted funding in perpetuity; ·  The creation of three new Dues Endowment Funds: the Barbara & Larry Fine Fund, Ginger & Jerry Held Fund and Odess Family Fund; ·  Plus another six new Unrestricted Funds were formed: Alison & Robert Berman Family Fund, Blitz Family Fund, Cutter Family Fund, Kaden-Bean Family Fund, Sandra & Eddie Russell Family Fund and the Steinmetz Family Fund; ·  Substantial gifts also increased the assets of the Blach Family Fund, Brodnax Music Fund, Nina & Norman Cohen Next Generation Fund, Stanley Dean Friedman Fund, Erin Rosemore Fund and the Patterson Scholarship Fund.   Live Your Jewish Legacy through the JEWISH FUTURE PLEDGE In recent months, the Birmingham Jewish community announced its partnership with “Jewish Future Pledge” — a worldwide movement working to ensure that vibrant Jewish life continues for future generations. This effort calls on all Jews to pledge that at least half of the charitable giving in their wills/estate plans will support the Jewish people and/or the State of Israel. Your Grafman Endowment Fund is pleased to be working together with The Birmingham Jewish Foundation and Temple Beth-El Foundation to advance this shared vision within our community. We, of course, hope that your Temple is one of those organizations which you care deeply about and choose to support with a legacy designation.    Our mission: To support, enrich and perpetuate Jewish life for all congregants of Temple Emanu-El through a strong and vibrant endowment.

Our Tributes 13 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 September 9, 2021. 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: Ronnie Leaf Birth of Louis Leonard Pizitz, Bradley Block, by Marian & Ronny Epstein grandson of Amy & Michal Saag cousin of Sandra & Alan Berman Geraldine Parson, sister of Carole Epstein and Carrie & Richard Pizitz, and by Pat Weil by Herbie Miller great-grandson of Joan & Dick Pizitz, Milton Cohen Becky Seitel Marcia Unger and Pat Weil by Morissa & Mitch Cohen by Joan & Don Weisberg by Linda Verin & Rick Clay Alan Eisenberg Peggy Sisson, mother of Jane Seigel by Barbara & Larry Fine by Martha Ann Eisenberg by Judy & Jimmy Rotenstreich by Ginger & Jerry Held Max Eisenberg by Ferne Seigel by Judy & Randy McDonald by Martha Ann Eisenberg by Sam Tenenbaum, Jr. by Karen & Joel Piassick Lucien Hagedorn Gertrude Solomon by Jackie & Jay Waites by Emily Bingham & Stephen Riley by Jane & Melvin Davis Birth of Jesse Dorer Wittner, by Letty & Bob Marcus Joseph Solomon son of Alex & Cantor Robby Wittner Julius Goldstein by Jane & Melvin Davis by Fran & Lee Godchaux by Shirley Goldstein & family Pauline Witt by Nancy Goedecke by Bari & Jose Katz by Cheryl & Charlie Collat by Marilyn Haver Muriel Goldstein by Ashley & Jon Lewis by Karen & Joel Piassick by Bari & Jose Katz by Judy & Robert Rutstein Suzy Ovson Wishing Good Health To: by Ferne Seigel by Harry Bayer and Gayle Leitman Lanny Kline by Betty Steinmetz by Sandra & Alan Berman by Carrie & Richard Pizitz by Stephanie & Stephen Steinmetz by Eddie & D.O. Bloomston Karen Piassick by Pat Weil by Merry & Richard Bodziner by Harry Bayer and Gayle Leitman Birth of Maisie & Teddy Wright, by Linda Verin & Rick Clay David Sabaag children of Rachel & Rabbi Adam Wright by Jane & Melvin Davis by the Miller and Franco families by Jack Schniper by Alise & Joe Erdberg by Ferne Seigel by Beverly & Stanley Erdreich In Honor Of: Retirement of Barry Koretzky by Brenda Friedman Bar Mitzvah of Benji Sokol, by Jody Kassel & Stephen by the Gerald and Bellow families son of Miriam Sokol Special Anniversary of by Fran & Lee Godchaux by Barbara & Larry Fine Marilyn & Murray Tanner by Nancy Goedecke Birth of Theodore “Theo” Cassidy Elmets, by Joyce & Joe Lichtenstein by Corinne Goldstein grandson of Laurie & Craig Elmets Special Birthday of Larry Fine by Mitzi Goldstein by Diane & David Clark by Amy & Michael Saag by Gail & Charles Herman Birth of Amelia Gray Morris, Special Birthday of Charles Herman by Susan & Barry Koretzky granddaughter of Brenda & Adam Cohen by Marian & Ronny Epstein by Ashley & Jon Lewis by Nancy Goedecke Special Birthday of Donald Herman by Denise & Wayne Lewis by Ashley & Jon Lewis by Marian & Ronny Epstein by Joyce & Joe Lichtenstein Birth of Charlie Byron Todd II, Special Birthday of Jack Held by Letty & Bob Marcus son of Ann & Sam Todd by Mitzi Goldstein by Fran Marlow by Barbara & Larry Fine Special Birthday of Susan Koretzky by Amy & Michael Saag by Amy & Michael Saag by Jody Kassel & Stephen by Jack Schniper Special Birthday of Jim Schneider by Ferne Seigel by Joan & Don Weisberg by Sue & Allan Solomon Special Birthday of Murray Tanner by Betty Steinmetz by Joan & Don Weisberg by Sam Tenenbaum, Jr. 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 our website at www.ourtemple.org.

14 Our Tributes DESIGNATED DESIGNATED ENDOWMENT FUNDS TEMPLE FUNDS Contributions to these “perpetual” funds help provide permanent sources Gifts to these “immediate use” funds fulfill special of income for special programming and enhancements for our needs beyond the scope of what dues and temple today, as well as for future generations. tuition fees are able to provide. BLACH FAMILY FUND FOR SHERRON & ALLAN GOLDSTEIN RABBI WRIGHT DUES ENDOWMENT BREAK-THE-FAST FUND DISCRETIONARY FUND In Memory Of: In Honor Of: In Honor Of: Pauline Witt Elul Women’s Reading Group Birth of Maisie & Teddy Wright by Kit & Rick Roth by Stefanie Goldstein by Jessica & Jason Ruha In Honor Of: LANA & STEPHEN ROYAL FUND CANTOR WITTNER Special Birthday of Jack Held FOR DUES ENDOWMENT DISCRETIONARY FUND by Kit & Rick Roth In Memory Of: In Honor Of: CEMETERY CARE FUND Lenora Pate Birth of Jesse Dorer Wittner In Memory Of: by Lana & Steve Royal by Judy & Randy McDonald Suzy Ovson MARGOT & EDGAR MARX FUND by Jessica & Jason Ruha by Maureen & Mark Petrofsky In Memory Of: by Jack Schniper Wishing Good Health To: Maurice Caheen, Maxine Caheen, MS LOIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND David Sabaag Terry Fierman and Margot Marx In Memory Of: by Maureen & Mark Petrofsky by Roberta & Ned Caheen Chaim Bronshteyn, Mark Bronshteyn, NINA & NORMAN COHEN Wishing Good Health To: Zisel Bronshteyn and Elina Kishinvesky Stern NEXT GENERATION FUND Harold Blach, Evelyn Held, by Mila & Igor Kishinvesky In Memory Of: Jack Held and Jerry Lapidus In Honor Of: Priscilla Leaf and Suzy Ovson by Roberta & Ned Caheen Birth of Louis Leonard Pizitz by Lois & David Cohen RABBI MORRIS NEWFIELD FUND by Marilyn Pipkin In Honor Of: In Memory Of: TIKKUN OLAM Birth of Charlie Todd Suzy Ovson In Memory Of: by Lois & David Cohen by Carol & B.G. Minisman Lucien Hagedorn EDWARD & HERMIONE FRIEND BUNNY & JOEL ROTENSTREICH by Carolyn & Col Zach Hagedorn COMMUNITY FUND FUND FOR DUES ENDOWMENT In Memory Of: In Memory Of: Suzy Ovson Suzy Ovson by Linda & Richard Cohn by Bunny & Joel Rotenstreich In Honor Of: Birth of Charlie Todd and Jesse Wittner When doing your Estate Planning – by Linda & Richard Cohn HANNAH & HYMAN GOLDSTEIN PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR TEMPLE! VOLUNTEER FUND In Memory Of: Please consider joining the many members of our congregation who have made provisions in Suzy Ovson and Pauline Witt their wills or arranged for other types of planned gifts to benefit Temple Emanu-El. Within the past by Debra & Joel Goldstein by Marilyn & Murray Tanner year, we are most appreciative of the following who have notified us of their intentions to do so: In Honor Of: Special Anniversary of Robert Appelbaum Lacey & Jason Epstein Stephanie & Brad Sklar Nancy & Harold Blach, Chu-Chi & Bobby Fierman, Alison & Robert Berman Chu-Chi & Bobby Fierman Susan & Allan Solomon Debra & Joel Goldstein, Cissy & Leonard Held, Sharon & Gary Cutter Rebecca & Adam Gordon Lori & Jimmy Weil Gail & Charles Herman, Henry Dube Richard Harrison Pat Weil Robin & Steve Lazarus, and Judy & Jimmy Rotenstreich; Marilyn Haver Special Birthday of Jack Held by Marilyn & Murray Tanner Please know that in addition to simply selecting a dollar amount with which you are comfortable, Birth of Jesse Wittner you may specify a percentage or name the Temple beneficiary of your IRA or by Debra & Joel Goldstein retirement benefits, as well as make a gift of real estate. For more information, please contact Jann Blitz in the Endowment Office at (205)397-0814.

Our Sponsors 15 Do You Have COPD? if yes, are you: 40-90 years of age Former smoker Interested in being in a research study? Compensation for your time Contact Jessica McCreight 205-996-3007 We'd love to FOR SALE have your ad One Elmwood HERE Cemetery Lot at a Great Price For information on advertising in the bulletin please contact: Call David Betten at 205-967-5454 Temple Emanu-El at (205) 933-8037, ext. 239 or [email protected] Temple Traditions Gift Shop Gift Ideas for all Jewish Holidays! 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, candlesticks and more... 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. October 2021 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.

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. Natoathhe’sZAorok . Saturday, October 9 at 2:30 p.m. The monthly bulletin for Temple Emanu-El Birmingham Zoo – Altec/Styslinger Learning Center 2100 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 Enjoy the story of Noah's Ark with (205) 933-8037 | FAX (205) 933-8099 Rabbi Wright and Cantor Wittner. ourtemple.org You will be able to meet some Founded in 1882 and affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. animal friends up-close, sing and dance, learn all about Noah, and have some Clergy fun with crafts and a scavenger hunt. Rabbi Adam Wright Cantor Robert Wittner, Engel Cantorial Chair Social distancing & masks are required. Rabbi Jonathan Miller, Rabbi Emeritus RSVP to [email protected] Senior Team Special thanks to the Danielle Barnett, Director of Accounting and Finance Ellen & Jack Aland Membership Engagement Fund Jann Blitz, Endowment Fund Executive Director for making this family-friendly program possible. Lynda Gutcheon, Interim Director of Education Monika Singletary, Director of Engagement and Membership Board of Directors EXECUTIVES Robert Berman, President Charles Collat, Jr., President Elect Barbara Aland, Vice President Dr. Adam Gordon, Vice President Lisa Bebenek, Secretary Joel Piassick, Treasurer Dr. Al Cohn, Immediate Past President Sherron Goldstein, Presidential Appointment Jeffrey Bayer, Presidential Appointment GENERAL BOARD Dr. David Askenazi Fran Godchaux Dr. Brian Kulbersh Ashley Lewis Josh Mandell Ben Smith Amanda Sokol Andy Rotenstreich, 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.