A recent Update story on religion in the public schools drew much feedback. The story was headlined "Religion in the Schools: On the Front Lines."

The article focused an effort by The Birmingham Jewish Federation's Director of Community Relations, Joyce Spielberger, to counsel a local Jewish parent on her son being approached in the school lunchroom by a Christian minister who asked him what church he attended. (See below link.)

The story focused on recurring issues in our heavily-Christian region, the importance of protecting separation of church and state, and striking the right balance when it comes to the rights and sensitivities of religious minorities. It also showcased The BJF's role in working with local school systems to help them remain sensitized to these issues.

One of those who responded to the Update story was a clergyman from one of Birmingham's Episcopal churches. "Thanks for your helpful remarks about proselytizing in schools. You are absolutely right. Please know that you have my full support," he wrote.

One of our long-time Jewish community volunteer leaders also responded. "We fought this good fight for years. Our children are long gone from their school system but we applaud your efforts," he wrote. "Sadly, this will probably never cease but we are winning. The issues may not be as critical AND now there is official support. Back then there was a teacher who taught Bible lessons."

"We included our children in the discussion of these issues, instilling in them the need to stand strong for Judaism," this person added. "My wife and I are proud of their devotion to our religion."

"ACTION-ORIENTED DEDICATION"

"Thanks for sharing the story of your follow-up on this mother's complaint," wrote one of our Catholic readers. "Your action-oriented dedication to your faith and beliefs, in a spirit of goodwill, is inspiring."

Another Christian reader, however, seemed discomforted by the story, which also included a reference to the University of Alabama inadvertently scheduling homecoming this year on Yom Kippur. "I'm a little confused....a youth minister asked an innocent question as to what faith the school children were (probably for the purpose of getting an idea of what he should or should not say as regarding religion), but you had no problem forgiving the University of Alabama for scheduling its homecoming on Yom Kippur?" he wrote.

Other readers continued to be positive about the story. "This is a wonderful piece about our public schools," wrote a Christian professor from Samford University. "Would you mind if I post it on my Facebook page? I'd really like for more Christians to read it! I am glad that I read your Updates."

"The article on religion in public schools was terrific. Thank you for all you do for us," wrote a long-time member of our Jewish community.

And this came from one of our current BJF volunteer leaders: "Thank you for doing this!"

Everyday in so many ways, The Birmingham Jewish Federation strives to create better understanding and sensitivity among different faith groups in our area. We do this through Update, programs and projects, and one on one conversations.

As always, we thank those who contribute to our BJF Annual Campaign. Your dollars provide the organizational structure, staffing and funding that allow us to do this important work.

Update had an uplifting story recently about a Birmingham Jewish Federation-funded Joint Distribution Committee program in Argentina, through which a young volunteer, identified as "Kevin," helped the elderly.

Lauren Perlman, Executive Director of Birmingham's Collat Jewish Family Services, sent the following in response. CJFS is one of the 32 agencies funded by The BJF Annual Campaign. Here is what Lauren wrote:

Your article in Update was very moving. As Executive Director of CJFS, I am blessed to see this very menschlekeit (admirable) behavior in our very own community regularly. Right now, I can think of CJFS board members, donors AND volunteers who are former clients of CJFS that have chosen to pay it forward.

Whether a client or not, CJFS has wonderful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our clients. Like Kevin's experience, our Friendly Visitor Program matches volunteers with Senior Adults.

Often the matches are for a necessity; for example, Charlotte Goldberg was matched years ago with Asya and Shunya Tsinis to assist them with their weekly grocery shopping. But the necessity blossomed into so much more, a friendship that provides reward to all involved. (The three are pictured here; Charlotte is in the middle.)

The Jewish New Year began recently, and we often think of ways we can do better or make an impact. If you are interested in "choosing the path of friendship," as Kevin and Charlotte have, to brighten someone's life and provide a community connection, please contact Hillary Weiss at CJFS at hillary@cjfsbham.org and get matched.