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summer. The similarity? The complaining. Just interchange “hot” or “cold” after “too.” So, five days to prepare for Passover rather than for Sukkot. No festival of gift giving two months after the main holidays. One far less observed — despite being more important — celebration of the Torah. Perhaps the rabbis knew something after all, keeping the High Holy Days separate from Passover. Next time the High Holy Days or Passover seem burdensome, consider how much more arduous this alternate schedule would be. This lesson is summed up in one of the most famous tenets from the long lost, recently discovered Mishnah tractate Bava Gump: Be careful what you wish for, even if you might not get it.
Makarios Kabob & Grill 940 20th St South Birmingham
Doug Brook is not high, not holy, and while once he could run like Mays that was a few potato kugels ago. That is, years. To read past columns, visit http://brookwrite.com/. For exclusive online content, like facebook.com/ rearpewmirror.
Tel: (205) 731-7414 Fax: (205) 731-7416
Camp Barney Medintz sets Open Houses
Makarios Kabob & Grill at The Ranch House 2931 Columbiana Rd Vestavia Hills
Summer registration starts on Oct. 15 for Camp Barney Medintz, and there will be presentations about the camp at Birmingham’s Levite Jewish Community Center on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m., and the Goldring/Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus in Metairie on Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. The summer overnight camp of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Camp Barney is celebrating its 56th summer season, serving more than 1,200 campers. “Camp Barney has created an amazing Jewish community that is all about adventure, self-discovery, exhilarating activities, exciting events, an outstanding staff, and a setting that facilitates every imaginable activity for campers who come from all over the South,” said Director Jim Mittenthal. Camp Barney is situated on 540 wooded acres surrounding two lakes in North Georgia, and offers two-week and four-week camping options for rising 3rd to 11th graders.
Tel: (205) 979-6495 Fax: (205) 979-6425
Touro receiving national URJ award The Union for Reform Judaism will present Touro Synagogue of New Orleans with a Belin Award at the upcoming URJ biennial in December. The awards were funded by the late David Belin, the first chairman of the URJ-CCAR Joint Commission on Outreach, and recognize congregations that have “developed uniquely innovative and effective audacious hospitality programs.” Up to eight congregations are recognized and each receive a $1,000 award. Touro Synagogue is being honored for Shabbat Dinner. Touro President Teri Hunter said the congregation wasn’t looking at winning an award, they “just set out to celebrate the fullness of Shabbat in community.” The congregation would have regular Shabbat onegs after Friday evening services, and they “almost by accident” evolved into a dinner experience “from which there is no turning back.” On a typical Shabbat evening, there all are over 100 congregants enjoying a communal Shabbat dinner, even without a special program or event. On Oct. 27 during the 6 p.m. service, the congregation will honor Executive Director Kerry Tapia and Director of Congregational Life Annahi Tapia, who have made the program happen. Now that the program is established, Hunter said the congregation is working on budgeting and staffing needs, and welcomes sponsors for the meals. Volunteers are also welcome to help prepare. At the convention in Boston, there will be a session on “Audacious Hospitality in Action” for congregations to learn from the recognized programs and see how they can be replicated.
October 2017 • Southern Jewish Life 53