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Participants in The Birmingham Jewish Federation's new Leadership Writing Project gathered at The BJF Tuesday night for a brainstorming session. Members of the group shared writing ideas with one another and benefited from the group's collective input.

The project is designed to provide younger members of our Jewish community with the opportunity to affirm their leadership voices through writing for Update and other media. Already, articles by members of the group have appeared in the commentary sections of the Birmingham News, Tuscaloosa News, Montgomery Advertiser and Alexander City Outlook.

Pictured here, from left, are participants Amanda Weil, Daniel Odrezin, Hilary Gewant and Miriam Bleich, listening to Samantha Dubrinsky (at far right) talking about an article she's working on. The project is part of a new Federation movement called LIFT -- Leadership Initiatives For Tomorrow.

Feedback after the workshop was very positive. "Great meeting tonight! It was really inspiring and helpful," wrote Miriam in an email. Miriam, 28, is from Houston originally. She moved to Birmingham six months ago and is a psychiatric social worker at UAB Community Psychiatry.

"There are very, very exciting times ahead," she added. "I'm thrilled to be involved and a part of The BJF. It's a powerful feeling to be connected to peers who share the same passion and commitment to our Jewish community. I am excited for the LIFT off!"