The LJCC is collaborating with a number of partner agencies and other local nonprofits to create an art exhibit that will collectively celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. “Gemilut Hasadim at The J: A Collaborative Exhibit” will feature paintings created independently by groups and individuals from our partner agencies that explore the Jewish theme of gemilut hasadim, or the giving of loving-kindness.
The exhibit’s opening reception at the Levite Jewish Community Center on October 24 at 6 p.m. will include wine and appetizers. The event is free and open to the public (ID required for people who are not LJCC members).
The idea for the exhibit stems from a visit that staffers from The J made to the Gordon JCC in Nashville earlier this year, which hosts a similar annual show that coincides with the Jewish Sukkot holiday called “Under One Roof.” A number of other JCCs around the country host similar events.
Getting personal
Program Director Elizabeth Patton, who is not Jewish, learns something about Judaism just about every day at The J, including how personal involvement — personal attitude and effort — is the key ingredient for gemilut hasadim. “Offering loving-kindness without anticipation of receiving something in return only strengthens a relationship, which in turn makes for a strong community,” she says. “That really resonates with me.”
And what’s most personal for her are the daily expressions of loving-kindness from colleagues and members at The J. “People here feel genuine concern for one another. There’s a palpable effort to embrace and support everyone.
“Loving-kindness permeates this place and the work of so many of our partners, and that’s why we chose the theme.”
Organizations participating in “Gemilut Hasadim” include:
- Birmingham AIDS Outreach
- Chabad of Alabama
- Cohn Early Childhood Learning Center
- Collat Jewish Family Services/Caring for Adults through Respite, Enrichment & Socialization
- Hadassah
- I3 Academy
- Levite Jewish Community Center
- Temple Beth-El
- Temple Emanu-El
This exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Leonard Lewis LJCC Fund of the Birmingham Jewish Foundation.