During Sunday’s annual meeting the Levite JCC recognized members Rabbi Yossi Friedman and Karen Weinrib and longtime employee James Carroll with three special awards.
While James was given time to make remarks during the ceremony, Karen and Rabbi Friedman’s remarks appear below.
Sam Tenenbaum Jr. Great Kaiser Award: James Carroll
Inspired by the late Sam Tenenbaum Jr., a legacy Levite JCC member better known in the wrestling ring as the Great Kaiser, the Sam Tenenbaum Jr. Great Kaiser Award recognizes one of our community members who embodies community through commitment to The J and helping create a warm and welcoming environment for our members.
Marilynn Leeds Legacy of Strength Award: Karen Weinrib
Inspired by the late Marilynn Leeds’ enduring strength and dedication as a longtime personal trainer at the Levite JCC, the Marilynn Leeds Legacy of Strength Award recognizes one of our members who has demonstrated resilience in the face of personal or professional challenges.
Karen’s remarks
“When I found out that I had received this award, I got a little teary because I was close with Marilynn. She loaned me pearls for my wedding, and we often texted during our 2024 medical struggles. I am humbled that so many people on the board and staff thought well enough of me to nominate me.
“My family moved here in 1977, and I have been a member of the Levite JCC almost the entire time since. I’m at the gym six days/week and like to joke that I have a sleeping bag around the corner.
“A transplant ‘dinosaur,’ I had a heart transplant in 1991. Since then, I have received seven other replacement parts, including another tricuspid valve in October. After every hospitalization my goal is to get back to the gym as soon as possible — not just to regain my strength but to get back to my community. Like Marilynn, they are my friends and supporters. They are what make The J feel like my second home. I am honored to receive this award.”
The L’dor V’dor Award: Rabbi Friedman
This award honors an individual who exemplifies the tradition of passing Jewish knowledge from generation to generation at The J by sustaining the customs, heritage, and/or collective memory of the Jewish people. This individual embodies The J’s core value of empowering others to learn and understand Jewish values, thereby ensuring a vibrant and meaningful Jewish future.
Rabbi Friedman’s remarks
“I was honored to be chosen to receive this award from the Levite JCC. Although there are other worthy candidates — and I don’t need any encouragement to continue teaching about Jewish tradition and values — it is very meaningful to me to know that The J values my contributions.
“The J is the perfect partner for a Chabad rabbi because it embodies the values of community and Jewish engagement that we share. As a hub for diverse individuals and families, The J offers a welcoming space to connect, learn, and grow. By partnering together, we can leverage its broad reach to create meaningful programs and educational experiences.
“I am proud of The J’s commitment to making Jewish traditions and Jewish education accessible to all. Its commitment to community and Jewish values aligns perfectly with our vision, making it an ideal place to enrich Jewish life.”
Photos courtesy of the Birmingham Jewish Federation.