Veteran Jewish community volunteer leader Karl Friedman had a letter in today's Birmingham News on the swastika and other anti-Jewish graffiti painted recently outside the home of a Jewish family in Vestavia Hills. Karl (pictured here) is a founding partner of the law firm of Sirote & Permutt.

"For some reason, Birmingham finds that it never escapes from the misery and anger that come from hating each other. It seems that no matter how hard we try, there is always someone willing to put a mean mark on our reputation," wrote Karl.

"The swastika and the curses are not only inappropriate, they are frightening....Let's not let the issue go away. Let's learn from it."

Update had a story recently on University of Alabama President Robert Witt making a $100 donation to the 2012 Birmingham Jewish Federation Campaign. Dr. Witt wanted to be part of Operation Grassroots, an unprecedented effort by The BJF to raise 1000 new gifts or increases of at least $100 to access a $100,000 challenge grant.

This week, we received a wonderful email from Dr. Andrew Westmoreland, President of Samford University, an outstanding Baptist-affiliated school located in Birmingham.

"My wife, Jeanna, and I are pleased to stand in friendship with you and the members of The Birmingham Jewish Federation during these days," wrote Dr. Westmoreland.

"From those of us affiliated with Samford University, please know of our gratitude for the spirit of cooperation that we enjoy. Today I'm putting into the mail a year-end gift to support your work, and I wish the best for you in 2012 and beyond. I read Update every morning."

We thank Dr. Westmoreland for his friendship and support and wish all of our friends at Samford University a wonderful Christmas and great New Year!

By Joyce Spielberger, BJF

Do you recognize this baby?

No it is not the prototype for the original Gerber baby, but rather the winner of The Birmingham Jewish Federation's Beautiful Baby Contest -- Executive Director Richard Friedman!

The contest was held recently in conjunction with a "name that baby" identification game at our Federation/Foundation staff holiday party. As the one who tallied the votes, which were cast by secret ballot, I can attest to the fact that the contest was not "rigged." Plus, the babies pictured were not identified by name.

BJF Executive Coordinator/Special Projects Director Lauren Klinner -- a beautiful baby in her own right -- came in second.

Every year our Federation and Foundation staff, comprised of people of both the Jewish and Christian faiths, celebrate the December holidays with a pot luck lunch together in the office. When I came aboard 10 years ago, I started the tradition of adding a different game each year to the festivities. We have tons of fun, but most of all, find that our annual staff party strengthens the already deep bonds of friendship among our employees.

We have played holiday movie trivia, sung songs and even played "what's my line?" where everyone submitted an "odd job" they held in the past. It may surprise our readers to know that the beautiful baby pictured here also once worked as a handyman in New York's Catskill Mountains! The games are just a fun way that we get to know one another even better.

Yes, the work we do here at The BJF is serious work -- everyday in so many ways. The funds we raise support our community agencies and vital national and international programs, and also help insure Israel's well-being.

Our entire staff works hard throughout the year toward fulfilling our mission, but we do have a lighter side as well -- and I am happy to share it with our readers, especially at this joyous time of year. Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas and to all, a Happy New Year from the staff of The Birmingham Jewish Federation.

Any suggestions for next year's game?