May 2020 TEE Bulletin

May 2020 Iyar/Sivan 5780 The monthly bulletin for Temple Emanu-El www.ourtemple.org (205) 933-8037 Birmingham, Alabama We Are Very Excited to Announce the Engagement of Our Next Cantor at Temple Emanu-El, Robert Wittner Our Cantorial Search process began in November when we formed a 17 member Temple Emanu-El Cantorial committee. We included members ranging in age from their twenties through their Search Committee nineties with equal numbers of men and women who represented every demographic and stakeholder in our congregation. We began by working diligently to create an outstanding Amy Kessler, Co-Chair application that the Cantorial Search Committee submitted to the American Conference Robert Levin, MD, Co-Chair of Cantors (ACC) — a division of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). We received numerous applications and conducted video interviews. We invited two of these Hal Abroms applicants to visit us in Birmingham, and the decision was clear to the entire committee, Amy Allon to the Temple staff, and to the Board of Directors that Robert Wittner was an outstanding David Askenazi, MD choice for our congregation to hold the Engel Cantorial Chair. Robin Berger Robert Wittner is a native New Yorker. He comes to us with an impressive Alyssa Blair educational background including a Master in Sacred Music from Hebrew Union College – Glen Fleisig Debbie Friedman School of Music. This May, Robert will receive his Cantorial Ordination Eli Foree from HUC. He has also received numerous academic awards and accolades including a Sherron Goldstein special award that is deeply connected to Temple Emanu-El — The Cantor Brian Miller Andrea Haines Memorial Prize, which HUC gives to students who demonstrate academic excellence. Joan Jacobson During his student career, he has served as a four-year cantorial intern at the historic Barry Labovitz Hebrew Tabernacle Congregation of Washington Heights in New York where he was Billie Marsala responsible for all sacred Jewish music. Paul Mosteller We are very much looking forward to July 1 when Robert and his wife, Alex, become Aaron Nelson part of our Temple family. Robert and Alex are both equally excited and eager to visit us as Brittany Saag soon as it is safe to travel. We will certainly let you know when they will be in Birmingham and give you the opportunity to welcome them to our wonderful community. We invite you to welcome Cantor Wittner and Alex; his email address is [email protected]. We thank our dedicated search committee for their generous time, effort, and vision. Also, we want to recognize that this has been a year of transition, reflection, and process. We are grateful that this congregation supported our efforts to find our next clergy member. Our congregation acknowledges the outstanding work and commitment that our Interim Cantor, Bernie Gutcheon, has done for us —- especially his work with our B’nai Mitzvah families and providing an incredible spiritual presence for us on the bimah. With Gratitude and Joy, Amy Kessler Robert Levin, MD Al Cohn, MD Adam M. Wright Search Committee Search Committee President Senior Rabbi Co-Chair Co-Chair Our Mission: Temple Emanu-El nurtures our relationship with God by making Judaism come alive, welcoming all people to help them grow on their spiritual journeys, and bringing more love and kindness into the world.

2 Our Services All Friday evening Erev Shabbat services and Saturday morning Torah study sessions are currently only available live via our webcast at www.ourtemple.org & live on Facebook, (see back cover for details). Friday, May 1 Friday, May 8 Friday, May 15 Friday, May 22 Friday, May 29 5:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m. Erev Shabbat Pesach Sheni Erev Shabbat Yom Yerushalayim Shavuot Erev Shabbat Erev Shabbat Service Service Erev Shabbat Service Service Service Saturday, May 2 Saturday, May 9 Saturday, May 16 Saturday, May 23 Saturday, May 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 Torah Portion Torah Portion Torah Portion Torah Portion Torah Portion Parashat Achrei Parashat Emor Parashat Parashat Bamidbar Shavuot Mot-Kedoshim Leviticus Behar-Bechukotai Numbers Deuteronomy Leviticus 21:1 - 24:23 Leviticus 1:1 - 4:20 15:19 - 16:17 & 16:1 - 20:27 Haftarah Portion 25:1 - 27:34 Haftarah Portion Numbers Haftarah Portion Ezekiel Hosea 28:26 - 28:31 Amos Haftarah Portion 44:15 - 44:31 Jeremiah 2:1 - 2:22 Haftarah Portion 9:7 - 9:15 Habakkuk 3:1-19 16:19 - 17:14 Free prayer books are available for pickup from front desk 9:00-4:00 Monday-Friday. Torah in the Mazel Tov & Shout Outs Time of Corona Mazel Tov to all our 2020 graduates! Protecting ourselves from Covid-19 has changed so Shout out to all our healthcare much in our lives, and this workers on the front lines of Covid-19. simcha will be no exception. We have long looked Mazel Tov to Rebecca & Joel Rinkoff of forward to celebrating Max’s Colorado Springs, CO on the birth of their son Bar Mitzvah with our friends and family around us, but Merrick Jacob Rinkoff born on April 1st. we are asking you to celebrate virtually instead. You can Congratulations to big brother Robert Mark and join us via Livestream on May 23rd. You can connect at proud grandparents Bobbie & Warren Goldstein. ourtemple.org/webcast. And we invite you to be with us in spirit by sending a photo to [email protected] Do you have a personal shout out or mazel tov that and we will fill the pews with your presence. you would like to share with the community? Email to [email protected]. — Michele Forman and Erik Lizee USPS Identification Publication Title: Our Temple Statement of Frequency: Address: Organization: Issue Date: May 2020 Published monthly 2100 Highland Avenue South Temple Emanu-El Issue Number: 130 Birmingham,AL 35205-4002 except for June/July issue

Message from the President 3 Temple Family, Happy Anniversary I hope this message finds you well. It has been a month since the COVID pandemic May has impacted our lives, and I continue to find myself both thoughtful and longing for the Anniversaries ease-of-gathering that all of us took for granted just weeks ago. As this pandemic has affected both our personal and professional lives, Temple life and personnel have also Lee & Levine Ascherman sadly not been immune to the impact of this unprecedented event. While our building Jeff & Rebecca Cohn remains closed for routine gatherings, our clergy and professional staff continue to put considerable effort and energy into virtual gatherings and on-line resources that create Jeff & Tamara Cusmariu novel opportunities for engagement and connection amongst our Temple family. Jason & Lacey Epstein Whether streaming Shabbat services, attending online Torah study, or accessing Keith & Tammy Fleisher web-based Passover resources, Temple leadership remains committed to creative Glenn & Clara Fleisig approaches that keep us both connected and protected. Raymond & Rosalie Gotlieb Your temple leadership remains uniquely committed to enhanced communication Charles & Lisa Graham during this period of uncertainty. Over the past weeks, both the Temple’s board of Barry & Nancy Hamric directors and Grafman Endowment board are in the act of placing phone calls to every single Temple family to ensure that they are safe and that they have the Brian & Katie Held resources necessary to keep them healthy during this lengthy quarantine. To that end, Jerry & Ginger Held I wanted to take a moment to bring our congregation up-to-date with several additional Donald & Ronne Hess points of communication that feel overdue and important to know: Terry & Patti Hirsberg Bart & Robin Kolber Cantor Robby Wittner: As previously communicated, Temple Emanu-El is thrilled to Barton & Priscilla Leaf announce the addition of Cantor Robby Wittner to our Temple clergy. Cantor Wittner, Bob & Letty Marcus and his wife, Alex, will join our Temple family in July, and we look forward to facilitating Billie Marsala & Anisa Dawn opportunities to introduce them both to our congregation in advance of their physical Brian & Michelle Mastin arrival this summer. Stay tuned for virtual opportunities to connect with this amazing Jake & Madeline Reiss IV vocal talent and wonderful, young couple. Heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the work of our Cantorial search committee for all of their efforts in finding such a wonderful Rick & Kit Roth complement to our professional team. Justin & Jamie Routman Marc & Tianne Routman Annual Meeting: While our annual meeting was previously slated to occur on May 15th, Kenneth & Leah Saag in light of the likely current need for social distancing to extend into the early summer, Natalie & Gavin Shores the annual meeting has tentatively been rescheduled for Friday, June 12th. Whether this meeting will occur in-person or by-proxy is yet to be determined, and rescheduling/ Ellen & Kerry Stein pushing-back the date of annual meeting will allow for a more well thought-out Steve & Jocelyn Tandet contingency plan if we are unable to meet in-person. We will certainly keep you Joel & Rebecca Wisotsky updated about our plans related to this meeting and appreciate your understanding and flexibility with the decision-making process. Please note that this list is gathered from information in the Temple’s database. We Temple Gala: It remains our heartfelt intention to reschedule our annual Gala at some apologize for any errors or exclusions. Please point in the fall and specific reschedule dates and details will be forthcoming. We remain contact us at [email protected] anxious and excited for the appropriate moment for our Temple family to celebrate our ability to reunite in our beautiful building once again. regarding any corrections. Thank you. Discovery School: At the March Temple Board Meeting, our Discovery School taskforce presented a motion to the Board with the difficult recommendation to close the Temple’s Discovery School permanently as of June 30, 2020. In short, the Discovery School has been facing significant financial challenges during this academic year. Our existing program had long prided itself on its ability to provide both full-time care as well as partial-week care that was customized to meet the needs of the individual families. The open-ended and fluctuating enrollment model that had previously worked, in combination with the need to strictly adhere to recommended student:teacher ratios, ultimately created a model where unless enrollment was over 65 students consistently, tuition from enrollment was not able to cover the necessary teacher salaries. This financial disparity was only made recently apparent as the Discovery School budget was more appropriately analyzed and dissected as a separate entity, apart from the general Temple budget, over the last two fiscal years. This decision has been an extremely difficult decision with every effort made to critically analyze opportunities to keep the school viable and operational. Temple leadership is all-too-aware that closure of our Discovery School will inevitably produce hardships on families and teachers who have been long-standing advocates and supporters, and we do not make this decision without earnest belief that this decision is in the best interest of the Temple’s long-term viability, mission, and purpose. (continued on page 4)

4 Message from the President Special (continued from page 3) May Birthdays The parents and staff were notified, by letter, of this decision on Tuesday, Following are members of our March 17, 2020. By the end of that week, the decision to temporarily close Discovery family celebrating birthdays in School because of the virus had been decided, as well. The school has been closed since March 16th. The Discovery School families paid tuition in March and partial years divisible by 5. tuition for the month of April, and as a result, we have been able to pay our teachers’ salaries during the last two months. The likelihood that pre-schools will be permitted/ Joe Bluestein encouraged to re-open prior to June is looking less likely as we approach those Matt Casey summer months. Andrea Engel-Haines We have tried to serve both our congregational families and our larger community Haley Friedman families with the highest standards of preschool education. Providing a high-quality, Allie Garber Jewish preschool experience to families with young children continues to fit with the Lee Godchaux mission and purpose of our Temple. It is our plan to reflect on lessons learned from Adam Gordon the Discovery School, and re-evaluate how we can best provide this service in an Sara Gould intentional, thoughtful manner that is both designed for the needs of our families and Barry Hamric sustainable for the Temple’s long-term support. Cissy Held Rhoda Kaplan Federal Stimulus Package/PPP loan: When the stimulus package was announced, Lauren Kernan both the Temple and Grafman Endowment Fund promptly moved forward to apply for Anna Levy the stimulus-related funding to assist with staff salaries and overhead expenses. To Philip Abraham Mandell date, despite getting all of our financial paperwork submitted within the appropriate Kerry McInerney timeline, neither the Temple nor GEF has received any guaranteed confirmation of William Quinn funds related to the submission of our PPP loan/grant application. Julie Saag Judi Schulman-Miller Executive Director: Our executive director, Robin Gotlieb, remains out on excused Ferne Seigel leave through the next several weeks. Please direct any relevant questions or Amanda Sokol concerns to Kathryn Pautler at [email protected] so that we can ensure Amelia Lee Speigner that the needs of our congregants are being addressed as accustomed. Lindsey Weiner Juliet Wiatrak We are here for you: Despite the unique set of circumstances, the Temple is Katherine Wiatrak doing everything we can to make ourselves accessible and available to our families. Rebecca Wisotsky B’nai mitzvah lessons continue to occur online with our clergy using teleconferencing technology. Lifecycle events are being dealt with in an appropriate manner and Please note that this list is gathered from pastoral services continue to be provided. We continue to broaden the array of information in the Temple’s database. We online educational opportunities provided, and we are working to ensure that your apologize for any errors or exclusions. Please Shabbat experience can be as meaningful in your home as it is when you are in contact us at [email protected] Temple. Our administrative team is working in close collaboration with select Board members to help with budget forecasting under multiple scenarios, and regarding any corrections. Thank you. we have implemented cost-cuttings measures to control expenses while our facilities are closed. Your ongoing financial commitment to the Temple during these periods of uncertainty are critical now, as they have always been. In the days to come, the Temple leadership, clergy, and staff will certainly be tasked with making additional decisions that attempt to address an uncertain future. Rest assured that every decision will continue to be made with the health and sustainability of our Temple and our congregation’s well-being as the foremost priorities. The board joins me in gratitude to all of the individuals who are involved in the front-line fight against this pandemic, and we hope that you are able to find some hidden blessings amongst your increased family time and mandated slow-down. I apologize for the length of this message; it cannot be helped that there is much to discuss. Your temple leaders remain committed to their promise of transparency, dialogue, and communication despite the challenges of the day. I am available, as always, to discuss any concerns or issues that may need further clarification. I wish each of you health and happiness wherever this message finds you. Respectfully, Al Cohn, MD President, Temple Emanu-el

Around our Temple 5 2020 PASSOVER

6 Around our Temple SAVE THE DATE CONDOLENCES TO Annual Meeting …the family of Preston E. Edwards of Birmingham, Alabama on April 13, 2020. June 12 at 5 p.m. Preston is survived by his wife Lindy Schulhafer Edwards, his daughter; Maggie Little, grandchildren; Lucy and Caroline Little and \"Here we are\" his sister Sheila Davenport …the family of Lawrence Warner of Birmingham, Alabama on April 14. Our new caring committee Lawrence is survived by his wife Beth Donaldson Warner, his nieces is called\"Hineynu,\" Helene Elkus, Carol Mittel (Michael), and Jan Kiersky (John), and his nephews meaning \"Here we are,\" David Silverstein (Susan), Barry Silverstein (Louise), Greg Warner (Louise) after the classical response of and Ralph Buchalter (Kent). Abraham, Jacob, and Carol Louise Harris Solomon of Atlanta, Georgia on April 2. Survivors include Moses to God's call — son Zachary Harris Solomon (Laurie), daughter Lynne Solomon Birnbaum \"Hineyni,\" \"Here I am!\" (Larry), and two grandchildren Stephanie and Matthew Birnbaum, all of Atlanta. The Hineynu Committee responds to the needs of the Temple's members both in good times and bad — organizing food, transportation, calls, and visits to the those who are ill or in need of comfort; sending cards of well wishes, condoalence, and Mazel Tov. Each month, our Hineynu Committee has a designated “care coordinator” who communicates with those who have experienced a need during that month. Additionally, the Committee is working with Temple Emanu-El staff and board members, as well as those board members of the Grafman Endowment Fund, to make sure that all needs during the current COVID-19 crisis are met. If you have a need, or would like join our Hineynu Committee, please contact Monika Singletary at [email protected] or 205.933.8037, ext. 213.

Our Youth and Education 7 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NEWS We are grateful to the following funds Lynda Gutcheon Interim Director of Education of our Grafman Endowment Fund: This year was a mixture of emotions. With the onset of COVID-19 we missed many great planned moments, Gail & Jeffrey Bayer activities and events. However, we also introduced the Time Machine, Religious School Fund created a school quilt, made great strides in our Hebrew program and Ruth & Marvin Engel each grade, in addition to their curriculum, participated or at least planned a special mitzvah project to help make a difference in our community. Music Fund None of this happens in a vacuum.  Our devoted faculty and incredible Mary K. Brodnax support staff offer week after week commitment and devotion.  They all represent the first line in creating and developing the next generation of Music Fund Jews and we are grateful. They are an incredible group of people. Thank Betty & Robert Loeb you all for all you do, and I know will continue to do. And thanks, also, to all the parents who share your children with us. Education Fund Just in case you don’t know the names and positions of our amazing Lee & Stanley Elsas faculty and staff, they are: Teens Fund Administrative Assistant Fifth Grade for all the enhancements Judy Edwards Billie Marsala, Stacey Mazin, they provided this year Sherron Goldstein, Eli Pinhas, to the Religious School. Kindergarten Georgia-Anne Oleinick and Vicki Lugar, Mason Berger, Sareena Askenazi The Religious School is Sareena Askenazi and grateful to the Temple Jesse Weisberg Sixth Grade Sisterhood and Brotherhood Deanna Griffith, Monika Singletary, for their commitment and First Grade Debbie Wiatrak, Rayna Mastin, support throughout the year. Amy Kessler, Max Sager and Quinn Bennett, Jesse Weisberg Leah Gordon and Ben Gordon We could never thank you enough! Second Grade Seventh Grade Jody Robinson, Mark Robinson Rabbi Adam Wright, A special thanks to the and Abby Cohn L ynda Gutcheon and Amy Saab Education Committee for Eighth & Ninth Grade Third Grade Teen Foundation all their hard work Abby Litovsky, Yossi Brock and Lynda Gutcheon throughout the year. Morgan Cohn Specialists We are grateful to: Fourth Grade Art: Amy Saab Sherron Goldstein, Chair Cantor Gutcheon, Shaina Wolinsky Music: Eli Foree and Clay Wheeler Administration: Adam Gordon, Michelle Forman Virginia Oleinick and Ella Duvdevani Adam Gordon Be on the look-out for I hope you all have a great summer Matt Harris registration information which and keep in mind that Ronne Hess we will offer online again this year. “Life is short. David Nelson You will be receiving an email with Time is fast. Virginia Oleinick No replay, No rewind. Eli Pinhas a link to registration forms. Brittany Saag I hope you’ll respond quickly. So enjoy every moment as it comes…” Shana Watson Debbie Wiatrak Alyssa Williams Julie Wolfson

8 Our Yahrzeits Yahrzeits May the beauty of their lives shine forever, and may we always bring honor to their memory. April 26- May 2 Ethel Aland Fleisher Irvin Lewis Gotlieb Felix Mendel Irving V. Trost Robert S. Freedman Harry Held Mildred Overbach Fannie Weinstein Annie Bertha Abelson Dave Hess Abraham I. Papier Sylvia Lewis Weinstein Rebecca O. Aland Sally Friedman Rafe Hirsch Meyer Randman Richard Wertheimer Rabbi Joseph Lillie Zukerman Rebalsky Norvall O. Winnik Helen Allenberg Applebaum Stephen Gallinger Raye Slaughter Jaffe Irene Leyens Rich Vivian Zuraff-Mazur Ernest Champion Miriam Gandler Samuel H. Jospin Julius Rittenbaum Esther Cohen Chester Goldberg Harry R. Kaplan Max Harry Roobin May 31 - June 6 Abraham Cohen Rose Goldstein Maria Katz Sarah Rosenthal Linda May Horwitz Sam Leaf Milton Abroms Ruth Oppenheim Dorman Stanley Kahn, M.D. Shirley Leventhal Pete Roth Ike Adler Winfield Scott Downs II Clara E. Kaplan Julian Lichter Sandra Russell Rose B. Epstein Moses I. Krawcheck Herman B. Litten Minnie W. Salomon S. Joseph Alper Sydney J. Friedman Joseph Kushner Dr. Martin S. Litwin Linda Schwartz Mary W Bernstein Harry Gilbert Phillip C. C. Levitch Malvin Mayer Martha L. Shapiro Eli Goldberg Richard Steven Light William Michalove George Shapiro Ann Boman Bernard Goldstein, Sr. Bobbie Solomon Maron Stanley Solomon Sophie Bookspan Eleanor Goodman Fannie May Rose Schwartz Mitnick Ronny Taylor Loyce Coughlin David Dixon McPhillips Lawrence Mollengarden Conrad Cypress Miriam “Mimi” Green Goodman Robert J. Meshad Kay Usdan Dora M. Euchvitz Gwendolyn Hartman Samuel Meyerson Dorothy P. Perlman Caroline Wiren Max Kaplan Max Michael, Jr. Lena Pinkerson David Feldman Robert Barry Kartus Dorothy Woolf Miller Louis Rogoff May 24 - May 30 Miriam Goldstein Fleisher Rose Kushner Jacob Minisman Larry A. Levine Linda Batie Montgomery Lucille Woolf Rosenfeld Harry Baskin Edward M. Friend, Jr. Milton K. Lewis Rabbi Morris Newfield Abraham Shugerman Harris Touro Bellows Elise S. Goldman Nathan Marx, U.S.N. David Osband Ralph Carl Blach, Jr. Rose Green Max Lorch Mayer Eugene Ovson Ben Lowell Siegal Bernard Greenspon Karen Z. Mitnick Jacques Posner Bambi Silver Louis Burger Emanuel Mogilner Lt. Col. (USAF Ret.) Glenn Harvey Harvey Cooper Dorothy Hirschowitz Gertrude Muss Norman Rebalsky Gertrude Simon Israel Jaffe Audrey Friedman Rich Fanny Slaughter Varner Edward Dudley, Jr. Marvin Raymond Nelson Barbara Leah Schimmel Alta Epsman Bessie Jaffe Kaplan Martha Neuman Merle Cotton Schultz Michael Slive Lillie Sarah Klotzman Johnny Odess Sylvia Seidenman John W. Snow Mildred D. Frankel Morris Pinhas Bessie Berman Siegal Katherine Steiner Donald Goetz Nellie G. Koplon Allen Solomon Robert Steinhauer Sara Krentzman Hortense “Mickey” Pizitz Alex H. Sterman Goldey Garty Goldberg Jacob N. Leibovici Hymon Ripps Joel Spigel Sissy Toranto Isadore Goldfarb Sam Sundock Wolfe Weinberg Dorothy Goldstein Sol Leland Mary Sachs Roobin Allen Vincent Abraham W. Woolf Jacob M. Levine, Jr. M.H. Roseman Rosa Phillips Wald Sidney Milton Goldstein Gustava Estroff Zivitz May 17 - May 23 Andrea Gould Carolyn Levy Annie Rappaport Rosner Henrietta Cotton Lewis Harvey N. Rothstein May 10- May 16 Lawrence Ascherman Rabbi Milton L. Grafman Grace Olim Macknin Naomi Russin Royal Bernard Axel Roy D. Gresham Dena Sachs Jack Morris Adler Abe Kessler Myldred A. Mann Roslyn Blitz Schulwolf Robert Z. Aland Elinor Bozeman Bennett George Kirschberg Selma B. Maring Evelyn Cooper Simon Frederick K. Bergman Louis Leaf Arthur S. Steiner Rosa Avidan Elsie Cohen Bernheim Rosalyn Mason Sol Miller Frances Axel Martin May Ann Morris Herley Curry Thompson Louis A. Beck Harold B. Blach Fanny Meisler Carole Ethel Muss Gene Thompson Lillie Engel Buchstane Helen Bruck Sylvia “Babe” Miller Leah Newfield Ruth G. Weiner Morris Henry Cooper James O. Patrick Raymond Oppenheim Dr. Calvin Davenport Denney Edith K. Buxbaum Rubin Piha Sandra Weinstein Pintzow Joanne Reed Wright Bettie Rubel Ehlbert Florence Touro Eisner Donald Raymond Dave Rosenfeld Alfred Yeargin Harry Erdberg Raymond Reisman Jonas Rosenfield Aletta Filer Alvin V. Filer, Sr. Lena Salloway Robert Routman Rose Stern Zalmon Jerrell Wayne Goldforb Irving Gandler Louella Shapiro Betty DeLapp Sachs Gloria Zimmerman Rose Katz Gotlieb Steve Slate Nellie Shapiro Anne Mitnick Greenspon Sol Slive Wilbur Silberman May 3- May 9 Barbaree Heaster D.D. Sokol Samuel L. Singer Fedora Krentzman Rita Russ Speer Marion Solomon Jack Bass Annie Kronenberg Sigfried Steiner Mark David Solomon Lewis Bernheim Kay Goldstein Lewis Hilda Taylor Gary Marshall Cohen Elliot Loveman Valerie Faye Tyler Samuel Erlick Bertram Moses Marx Robert M. Unger

Our Tributes 9 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 April 8, 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: Nancy Slate, sister of Rebecca Cohn Special Birthday of Loretta Newfield Edith Besser by Avie & Ron Cohen by Marilyn Haver by Ginger & Jerry Held Alvin Slaughter Special Birthday of Jerry Siegel Ida Cotton by Stephanie & Stephen Steinmetz by Candy & Ed Meyerson by Rhonda & Harry Weinberg Carol Solomon Special Birthday of Marcia Unger Robert Degen by Chu-Chi & Bobby Fierman by Joan & Don Weisberg by Ellen Bruck by Barbara & Henry Helzberg Howard Koch by Gail & Charles Herman EndoOwumr ent by Ginger & Jerry Held by Ashley & Jon Lewis Funds at Work by Judy & Jimmy Rotenstreich by June Matsos Henrietta Kraselsky by Sandra & Larry Shulman We greatly appreciate the by Toby & Bert Siegel by Joyce & Gaston Stein enhancements provided by the Lillian Kurtz by Stephanie & Stephen Steinmetz the Grafman Endowment Fund by Larry Kurtz Gene Thompson Anna Levine by Leigh & Jack Schniper in recent months: by Ellen Bruck Sharon Lewis, sister of Jon Lewis Wishing Good Health To: “Our Temple” Worship Anywhere Fund by Judy & Jimmy Rotenstreich Fred Friedman for underwriting the annual webcast fees Caroline Marx by Judy & Jimmy Rotenstreich for live-streaming our Friday evening by Toby & Bert Siegel Morton Goldfarb Shabbat Services – what a blessing this V. Hugo Marx by Carol & Jimmy Filler has been for us all to be able access the by Lisa T. Marx by Judy & Jimmy Rotenstreich comfort and spirituality of our worship Nathan Marx Cissy Held services particularly during this time of by Lisa T. Marx by Judy & Jimmy Rotenstreich social-distancing. To access our weekly Lynette Mazer Joel Isenberg webcasts, or to view our archived broadcast by Judy & Jimmy Rotenstreich by Ashley & Jon Lewis files, go to: /www.ourtemple.org.webcast/ Irene Raymond Shirley Leader by Carol & Jimmy Filler by Judy & Jimmy Rotenstreich Ronald Rich Harry, Amy & Michael Saag by Ashley & Jon Lewis by Chu-Chi & Bobby Fierman Rachel Rosenthal by Judy & Jimmy Rotenstreich In Honor Of: Chana Schniper Special Anniversary of Cathy & by Leigh & Jack Schniper Paul Friedman Gertrude Schulhafer by Julie Koch by Lucy & Buddy Schulhafer by Rhonda & Harry Weinberg Louis Schulhafer Special Anniversary of Jessie & by Lucy & Buddy Schulhafer Abe Schniper Howard L. Schultz by Leigh & Jack Schniper by Rhonda & Harry Weinberg Special Birthday of Betty Goldstein Meyer Shiland by Judy & Jimmy Rotenstreich by Judy & Gerson May Special Birthday of Jerry Lapidus Don Siegal by Carol & Jimmy Filler by Judy & Jimmy Rotenstreich 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.

10 Our Tributes Designated Endowment Funds Love for your Temple makes so much possible – Contributions to these “perpetual” funds help provide permanent sources of income for special programming and enhancements PLEASE REMEMBER for our temple today, as well as for future generations. YOUR JEWISH LEGACY! JANIS & PAUL FRIEDMAN FUND LANA & STEVE ROYAL FUND FOR DUES ENDOWMENT FOR DUES ENDOWMENT Thanks to the generosity and foresight In Honor Of: In Memory Of: of so many who cared deeply for our Special Anniversary of Henrietta Kraselsky and Morris Kriger Temple, today we continue to have a Cathy & Paul Friedman by Lana & Steve Royal vibrant Reform congregation with an by Sara Ann & Bill Polhemus In Honor Of: extremely bright future. We simply can’t by Sherri & David Romanoff Birth of Graham Chambers Cohen, wait until a time when this pandemic is grandson of Donna & David Kraselsky behind us and we can all safely gather again. HANNAH & HYMAN GOLDSTEIN by Lana & Steve Royal In the meantime, please know that VOLUNTEER FUND there are a variety of ways for you to In Memory Of: JANET & LEONARD WERTHEIMER join those who have already arranged for Carol Solomon FUND FOR DUES ENDOWMENT a legacy gift to benefit our congregation by Marilyn & Murray Tanner In Honor Of: and the other charities that you care Special Anniversary of passionately about, while ensuring the HONAN FAMILY TORAH Cathy & Paul Friedman; interest of your family and other primary STUDY FUND Birth of Coco Bayer Shipp, granddaughter beneficiaries. In addition to simply In Memory Of: of Gail & Jeffrey Bayer selecting a dollar amount, there a several Tommy Gillespie by Janet & Leonard Wertheimer alternative planned gift approaches available: by Donna Gillespie Bequest Only If Estate MARGOT & EDGAR MARX FUND is a Certain Size: FOR DUES ENDOWMENT In Honor Of: “In the event the value of my estate Special Birthdays of Jerry Lapidus, exceeds $000,000, I give and devise the sum of $00,000 to the Rabbi Dick Pizitz and Jerry Seigel Grafman Endowment Fund for Temple Emanu-El.” by Margot & Edgar Marx Bequest of Specific Percentage: REESE FAMILY FUND In Honor Of: “I give and devise X % of my estate Special Anniversary of to Grafman Endowment Fund for Temple Emanu-El.” Cathy & Paul Friedman Bequest of Real Estate: by David Reese “I give and devise the assets Designated Temple Funds received from the sale of my primary residence to Rabbi Gifts to these “immediate use” funds fulfill special needs beyond Grafman Endowment Fund for the scope of what dues and tuition fees are able to provide. Temple Emanu-El.” RABBI WRIGHT DISCRETIONARY FUND Gifts which are part of your In Memory Of: IRA or retirement plan benefits Howard Koch by Julie Koch may be the best source of funds for In Honor Of: a legacy gift to the Temple, since these Baby naming of our daughter, Avery Labovitz funds are subject to both estate and by Lindsey & Barry Labovitz income taxation.  The Temple will receive 100 percent of your gift from these funds, while your beneficiaries may receive only 25-30 percent.  Legacy gifts are essential to our Temple’s bright future. Please contact Jann Blitz in our Endowment Fund office at (205) 397-0814 for more information.

Our Sponsors 11 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 GianMarco’s GET A HANDYMAN WHO CAN DO IT ALL! & CREMATION SERVICES Giani, Marco & Giovanni, Owners • HOME INSPECTION PUNCH LISTS 2116 University Boulevard 721 Broadway St. Homewood, • LIGHT PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL Birmingham, Alabama 35233 35209 • CABINET REPAIR 205.871.9622 • DOOR & WINDOW INSTALLATION (205) 251-5254 • GUTTER CLEANING & REPAIR Temple Emanu-El Gift Shop Call or text Gary Gouse, lifelong active member of B’Ham’s Jewish Community @ 205 915 4873 In addition to our shop at the Temple....we are now ONLINE!! www.templetraditions.com Looking for a gift, special item, or simply Shabbat candles? Checkout our selection from home, place your order and pick it up at the Temple whenever you are in the area (please give us 48 hours). Register for a life cycle event (Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, Baby Naming, etc.) It’s a great way to let everyone know how to honor your special event! May 2020 Hours Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon Wednesday & Friday: 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. or by appointment contact Kim Roth at 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. Please deliver immediately. PAID Address Service Requested Birmingham, AL 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. As we move through these uncertain times of social The monthly bulletin for Temple Emanu-El isolation, we are focused now more than ever on how our congregational family can connect with one another. 2100 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 Our Temple staff has made significant strides in a short (205) 933-8037 | FAX (205) 933-8099 period of time to take many of our programs to a virtual www.ourtemple.org space, allowing for connection to continue from the safety of our homes. We will offer the following experiences online: Founded in 1882 and affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. Torah Study: Clergy Rabbi Adam Wright, Senior Rabbi Every Wednesday afternoon, 12 p.m. Rabbi Jonathan Miller, Rabbi Emeritus https://zoom.us/j/661751570 Cantor Bernard Gutcheon, Interim Cantor Senior Team or dial-in at +1 312 626 6799, Meeting ID: 661 751 570 Robin G. Gotlieb, Executive Director Every Saturday morning, 9 a.m. Jann Blitz, Endowment Fund Executive Director https://zoom.us/j/731472885 Lynda Gutcheon, Interim Director of Education Monika Singletary, Director of Congregational Engagement or dial-in at +1 312 626 6799, Meeting ID: 731 472 885 Board of Directors EXECUTIVES Coffee with the Rabbi: Dr. Al Cohn, President Robert Berman, President Elect Every Tuesday morning, 10 a.m. Charles Collat, Jr., Vice President https://zoom.us/j/155292800 Barbara Aland, Vice President Lisa Bebenek, Secretary or dial-in at +1 312 626 6799, Meeting ID: 155 292 800 Eli Pinhas, Treasurer Ben Weil, Immediate Past President Pirkei Avot with the Rabbi: Sherron Goldstein, Presidential Appointment Ronne Hess, Presidential Appointment Every Thursday evening, 6 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/657223275 GENERAL BOARD or dial-in at +312 626 6799, Meeting ID: 657 223 275 Dr. David Askenazi ​ Ashley Lewis Erev Shabbat Services: Dr. Brian Kulbersh Kit Roth Every Friday 5:45 p.m. via our website: Brittany Saag http://ourtemple.org/webcast/ Amanda Sokol OR via our Facebook page: Drew Weil https://www.facebook.com/templeemanuelbhm/ ​ Ginger Held, Endowment Fund Board President Auxiliary Leadership For the latest in our online programs, visit Steven Leaf, Brotherhood President ourtemple.org/onlinecommunity/ Sylvia Wright, Sisterhood President In the event of a family emergency after hours, please contact us: Rabbi Adam Wright: (760) 470-2424 Remember Temple’s Endowment Fund in your estate plans, and please let us know when you do.

Thank you to our 2020 Torah Circle donors! A special thank you to those in our 2020 Torah Circle whom we’ve heard from thus far – all of whom offer voluntary Annual Financial Commitments beyond a sustaining level. We are deeply grateful for their heartfelt generosity upon which we rely and of which our congregation greatly benefits. ~ through April 15, 2020 ~ Tzedakah Shalom Simcha Hal Abroms Harry Bayer Lois Appelbaum Joanna & Charles Collat, Sr. Gail & Jeffrey Bayer Joan & Allan Morris Brenda & Fred Friedman Ruth Solomon Engel Roxanne Travelute & Michael Honan David Reese Ronne & Donald Hess Faye & Robert Levin Pat & Michael Levine Rochelle & Michael Koslin Jerry Lapidus Karen & Joel Piassick Candy & Ed Meyerson Margot & Edgar Marx, Sr. Judy & Gary Monheit Alan Seigel Merritt Pizitz Harold Ripps Elizabeth Slive Carole Simpson Arnold Steiner Charlotte & Robert Russell Nancy & Harold Blach, Jr. kavod Leah & Kenneth Saag Jane & Joe Bluestein Wendy & Frank Siegal Tracy & Al Cohn Mark Friedman Kenny Siegal Linda Cohn Nancy & Glenn Goedecke Elinor & Michael Staff Helene Elkus Susan Styers Ellen & Fred Elsas Morton Goldfarb Sherron & Allan Goldstein Marilyn & Murray Tanner Shelly & Bruce Tucker Ginger & Jerry Held James Ward Shirley Salloway Kahn Janet & Leonard Wertheimer Barbara & Jack Aland, Jr. beracha Nancy & Allen Meisler Joan Becker Rita & Jack Mendel Joan Jacobson Anne & David Ovson Alison & Robert Berman Leah B. Leaf Paul Reis Morissa & Mitch Cohen Judy & Gerson May Cheryl & Charlie Collat, Jr. Christy & David Nelson Susan & Andy Rotenstreich Sharon & Gary Cutter Chris Odom Kim & Neil Roth Jennifer & Conrad De Los Santos Joan & Dick Pizitz Cathy & Paul Friedman, Jr. Carole & Michael Pizitz Nancy & Danny Rousso Carrie & Richard Pizitz Amy & Michael Saag Bill Goldman Judy & Jimmy Rotenstreich Ken Seton Betty Allenberg Goldstein Bunny & Joel Rotenstreich Ricky Koslin and Lyons Heyman Lana & Stephen L. Royal Stephanie & Brad Sklar Stephanie & Steve Steinmetz Judy Aland chai Romy Albin Amy & Ronnie Strickland Lisa & Paul Bebenek Debra & Joel Goldstein Lynn & Gary Weinberger Sandra & Alan Berman Ann & Richard Goldstein Debbie & Brian Wiatrak Karen & Kenneth Bluestein Bobbie & Warren Goldstein Michele & Michael Wilensky Elise & Jeff Brobst Rebecca & Adam Gordon Amy Goldstein Chauvin Anonymous (1) Lynne & Mark Cohen Marilyn Haver Wanda & Ross Cohen Jessica Freehling-Kazzie & Kaz Kazzie Jane & Melvin Davis Nancy & David Denney Sheryl & Jon Kimerling Lacey & Jason Epstein Donna & David Kraselsky Alise & Joe Erdberg Emily & Joel Feinstein Sandra Landau Chu-Chi & Bobby Fierman Shirley & Jerry Leader Hilary & Scott Gewant Linda & William Lehman III Donna & Howard Goldberg Gayle Leitman Ashley & Jon Lewis Joyce & Joe Lichtenstein Mary Virginia & Josh Mandell Judy Ladden McDonald Marion & Edgar Marx, Jr. Our Annual Financial Commitment/Dues cycle follows the calendar year – January through December. If you have not already advised us of your 2020 commitment or pledge, please contact our Temple bookkeeping office at (205)933-8037, ext 244, or you may reply on-line at http://ourtemple.org/annual-commitment/.