The Birmingham Jewish Federation, through our You Belong in Birmingham (YBIB) project, continues to bring young adults together to connect with one another and immerse themselves more deeply in our Jewish community. The following is from YBIB participant Alex Grodner, a recent University of Alabama graduate:

Having grown up away from Alabama it was hard to not only come to school in Alabama, where I did not know anyone, but also to have my family move to Alabama, where my father grew up. I was not sure what avenues would be open for me to meet people my age, especially Jewish people.

Getting involved in Jewish organizations at the University of Alabama helped, but it did not help very much for when I was in Birmingham. I heard about You Belong In Birmingham and went to some events and quickly met Jewish people my age from Birmingham that I continued to stay in touch with while in school.

YBIB helped me move to a city where I knew no one and really make some great connections. Meeting other Jewish people is important to me and I am glad that there was an organization that helped me do just that.

I recently attended the sixth annual YBIB "Oy to the World" Christmas Eve potluck event. It started out with a modest 20 or so people, but as the night continued it seemed like Isa Dorsky's house, where the event was held, was packed. There must have been close to 40 people who came and went throughout the night; new faces and old. It was a nice event where people mingled, caught up and made new friends.

The night was complete with two Chanukah menorahs being lit and the entire group singing the prayers. Caren Seligman (BJF Outreach Director) brought the group together to thank everyone for coming out and wished everyone a Happy Chanukah. It was a great night that I'm glad that I was a part of.

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To learn more about You Belong in Birmingham, contact Caren at 205-803-1521 or carens@bjf.org. YBIB is funded by The BJF Annual Campaign and additional gifts from donors. YBIB was started through "Our Next 100 Years," a Federation/Foundation-led initiative that will enrich our Birmingham Jewish community well into the future.

Photo is of Alex Grodner lighting a menorah at the You Belong in Birmingham gathering.