A pair of grants from JCC Association of North America in partnership with Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism has made possible a two-part Shabbat series hosted by the Levite Jewish Community Center and Collat Jewish Family Services. The grants, totaling $3,750, aim to deepen connections between American and Israeli Jews during the Hanukkah and upcoming Tu B’Shvat holidays. The grants are part of a JCCA project called “Together We Shine Bright Shabbat.”
“In light of the current war in Israel, it is vital to foster awareness and strengthen ties between our LJCC community and Israel,” says Tzlil McDonald, director of Jewish Life at the LJCC. “As an expression of our Jewish peoplehood, bringing people together to celebrate Shabbat and our rich Jewish tradition has taken on a profound significance this year.”
The first of the two services was held with students at the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School on December 15 during Hanukkah. Led by Rabbi Henkin from Birmingham’s Temple Beth-El, the service included the singing of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikva, and a talk about the war in Israel by a displaced Israeli living in Birmingham. The event concluded with lunch provided by Knesseth Israel’s new food truck.
The second shabbat of the program, on January 26, will coincide with Tu B’Shvat — the Jewish holiday that celebrates the “New Year of the Trees.” It is also part of the ongoing “Honor Our Parents” Shabbat series co-hosted by the LJCC and CJFS. Rabbi Yossi Friedman from Chabad of Alabama will lead the service and the accompanying Tu B’Shvat seder.
Celebrating L’dor V’dor
“‘Honor Our Parents’ brings Jewish flavors and traditions to those who may no longer be able to participate in Jewish life the way they once did,” says Caleigh Alevy, volunteer and outreach social worker at CJFS. “Attending these services is a highlight of my job.” While the services observe and include Jewish practices, anyone is welcome to participate.
Caleigh adds that the Jewish tradition of L’dor V’dor (from generation to generation) inspires her to connect multiple generations that can share stories and worship together.
“Honor Our Parents” has been received well, with the series tripling in attendance over the course of 2023. “When we all come together for the monthly Shabbat services, I am overjoyed to witness the connection and conversation that humans naturally desire,” Caleigh says.
