What happens when you combine Shabbat, swimming, and a pasta bar? A pretty magical evening.
On July 31 and August 1, the Birmingham Jewish community gathered at the Levite JCC for Shul by the Pool, with a Shabbat service held in the courtyard plus dinner on Friday and a Tot morning service for children by the outdoor pool on Saturday.
The back-to-back events were co-hosted by Temple Beth-El, and Temple Emanu-El, and the Levite JCC.
“From the moment guests arrived and throughout Shabbat dinner, the energy was palpable,” says Alison Berman, executive director of the Grafman Endowment Fund at Temple Emanu-El. “Our Birmingham Jewish Community is such a blessing!”
Led by Rabbi Steven Henkin from Temple Beth-El and Rabbi David Young from Temple Emanu-El, and with music provided by Temple Emanu-El’s Cantor Robby Wittner and Robin Berger from the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School, the celebration brought together guests of all ages from across the city’s Jewish community for joyful services, delicious food, and plenty of community spirit.
“Over the past seven months, we’ve been intentional about being a place where our members can comfortably express their Jewish identity,” says Brooke Bowles, CEO of The J. “With this effort, we’ve welcomed back 108 Jewish members to The J, and it was wonderful to see us come together in this meaningful way.”
Check out these photos
