The Jewish holiday Tu B’Shvat, also known as the Jewish New Year for the Trees, is February 2. In celebration of this year’s holiday, we will host a genealogy class, two film screenings, and a display/sale of flora in the lobby. All events are free and open to the public.
In keeping with the holiday’s theme, starting January 30 the lobby will once again be full of fancy flora courtesy of Collier’s Nursery. “We just love how for the past few years their displays have filled the lobby with lush, decorative greenery,” says Shannon Brasovan, chief experience officer here at The J.
“Tu B’Shvat is my favorite Jewish holiday and it’s always such a bonus to see how the display visibly cheers members when they come through the door. And everything will be for sale for folks to take home.”
Jewish genealogy
February 4, 4 p.m. RSVP at no charge
If the holiday is all about trees, what better way to celebrate than by exploring your own family tree in this introductory Jewish genealogy class. Led by Noah Lapidus, research manager at Ancestry, this session will introduce the unique joys and challenges of researching Jewish family histories — from name changes to migration patterns and lost records.
Participants will learn how to navigate common obstacles, use key genealogical tools, and ask the right questions when beginning their research. You’ll leave with practical next steps and trusted resources to start uncovering and preserving your family’s story.
The Lorax
Thursday, February 5, 5 p.m.
With its themes of caring for the earth and taking responsibility for our environment, The Lorax is a perfect way to mark Tu B’Shvat together as a community.
This Thursday Family Fun-style event (basically an indoor version of our summertime pool parties) will feature pizza, drinks, and snacks for sale. The main event will be a 5:30 p.m. screening of the 2012 movie The Lorax, starring the voices of Zac Efron, Jennifer Lawrence, and Danny DeVito. In this retelling of the Dr. Seuss classic, a young boy searches for the one thing that will help him win the affection of the girl of his dreams. But to find it he must first discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpily charming creature who fights to protect his world.
Southern Exposure films
Friday, February 6, 2-3:30 p.m. RSVP
Southern Exposure is an Alabama Rivers Alliance film fellowship program that raises awareness about our state’s natural resources and important environmental issues. The program features emerging filmmakers from across the country telling engaging stories through short documentary films.
We will show three timely films from Southern Exposure’s extensive archives, followed by a Q&A session:
- Hyperscaled goes to nearby Bessemer to expose the hidden environmental and community costs of rapidly expanding data centers and AI infrastructure, focusing on the strain on water and energy resources in the Southeast.
- The River’s Gift offers a quietly healing story of veterans finding connection and restoration through the Tallapoosa River and the natural community it sustains.
- Salabama shows the fascinating world of Alabama’s salamanders, revealing the beauty and fragility of often-overlooked ecosystems — like the one in our own backyard at Shades Creek.