Many Update readers know Birmingham Jewish community member Dr. Robert Levin professionally; he is that nice man with the quiet, soothing voice who has provided medical care for so many children and teens in the Birmingham area.

Yes, Dr. Levin has been a well-known practicing pediatrician in Birmingham for 35 years but many know his voice even better for another reason. On Crimson Tide football weekends he is the announcer for the University of Alabama's "Million Dollar Band."

This is Robert's 21st season as the voice of Alabama's marching band and tonight -- as Alabama and LSU square off in the New Orleans Superdome for the BCS National Championship -- he will again be in the press box narrating the band's performance and motivating Alabama fans.

Like Alabama coach Nick Saban, Robert is going for his third national championship. He was the band announcer in 1993 when Alabama defeated Miami in New Orleans for the national title. In 2010, Robert was in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA for the match up against the Texas Longhorns. Alabama captured its 13th title winning the game 37-21.

The Birmingham Jewish Federation's Director of Community Relations Joyce Spielberger (whose sons have been on the receiving end of Dr. Levin's stethoscope for many years and who now attend Alabama), spoke with Robert just as he was getting ready to leave for "The Big Game in the Big Easy."

Joyce asked him how he felt about this being his third national championship game. Robert was excited, of course, and said he is "enjoying it while I can." Like any avid Crimson Tide fan, he worries about when Alabama's winning "tide" could turn. Alabama football is now a natural part of his and wife Faye's life and he is just thrilled to be a "part of history." Robert sent us the above picture on Sunday from New Orleans.

Update did a feature on Robert in January of 2010, as the Levins headed to California for the BCS National Championship Game. We are proud to do so once again as Robert and Faye, longstanding generous BJF donors, head to New Orleans. We can't help but hope that in doing so we may see a similar outcome for the Crimson Tide as Robert's previous two national championship games. Roll Robert Roll!

By Richard Friedman, Executive Director

Update Friday featured a story on a wonderful Operation Grassroots donation that came in from a high school friend who I haven't seen in 45 years. We have reconnected through Facebook and she made the donation online.

This friend, who is Catholic, has written to me about the deep connection she feels to the Jewish people. The story sparked some wonderful feedback.

One of those who responded was Joel Rotenstriech, a past Birmingham Jewish Federation President and Campaign Chair. "Your classmate's story is very inspiring and so familiar," wrote Joel. "Yes, we are all in this world together, and our lives are intertwined. When a butterfly in California flaps its wings it has an effect on our weather here in Birmingham. This interconnecting is one of the many things I love about The BJF. When a tragedy occurs in Pleasant Grove, Pratt City, Tuscaloosa or the Middle East, we are there to help, no matter what or who the victims are."

Amy Saag, another past BJF President and Campaign Chair, who currently is President of The Birmingham Jewish Foundation, responded as well. "I loved reading about the Operation Grassroots gift from your high school buddy. Who could've imagined a world that allows us to not only connect with former friends but also to tell them our story and then give them a chance to support the work we do?" wrote Amy. "Here's to her nice donation and the power of social networking -- both amazing and appreciated!"

My friend wrote me as well in response to my email thanking her in which I included the Update story. "Words fail me," she wrote. "I am touched beyond belief. Thank you for your thank you!"

Operation Grassroots is an unprecedented Birmingham Jewish Federation effort now underway to raise ONE THOUSAND new gifts or increases of at least $100 to receive a $100,000 challenge gift. Thanks to this high school friend's donation, we now have 76 Operation Grassroots gifts -- only 924 more to go! This friend's generous gift illustrates something important about Operation Grassroots -- it is open to all. No matter where you live or who you are, you are welcome to participate in this historic effort.

If you'd like to contribute, you can do so by replying to this email right now. Just write "yes," give us your name and we will followup with you. Or you can go to one of the links below, contact Tiffany Hyche at The BJF at 205-803-1513 or tiffanyh@bjf.org or call our 24-Hour Operation Grassroots Hotline at 205-803-1514. You can also send a check made out to "BJF Operation Grassroots" to The Birmingham Jewish Federation, PO 130219, Birmingham, AL, 35213.

Click to make an Operation Grassroots payment.

Click to make an Operation Grassroots pledge and be billed.