Everyday in so many ways, The Birmingham Jewish Federation connects with young people. The stories below offer two more illustrations.

The first is on a wonderful program we have initiated linking youngsters in Birmingham with their counterparts in Rosh Ha'ayin, Israel. The second focuses on great comments from a young adult who's involved in The BJF.

Our outreach to young people reflects the goals of Our Next 100 Years, a major BJF-led initiative that will strengthen our community for generations to come. (See below link.)

To know that The BJF is connecting with young people everyday is so gratifying and, as always, we thank those who contribute to The BJF Annual Campaign. Your dollars provide the staffing, organizational structure and funding for these activities and so much more.

By Richard Friedman, Executive Director

I had a piece in Update last Saturday night headlined, "Music in the Air." It was a personal reflection about playing the piano prior to Sabbath services on a recent Friday night at Temple Emanu-El. (See below link.)

I want to thank all who wrote me in response to this Update. There were many warm and flattering comments and I am grateful. However, one email in particular made an impression on me. It was from one of our young adults who has become involved in The BJF.

"Like you communicate in this reflection, it's those moments that seem to come together in a divine way that remind me of why I am Jewish and how much I appreciate the lessons and spirituality of our religion," this person wrote.

"I really felt this for the first time on my Birthright trip to Israel. It was like being blindsided in a good way! It was totally unexpected, but G-d was talking to me. I felt G-d's presence and it was something that I wasn't even sure I believed in before that very moment. It was loud and clear."

I thank this individual for writing. Everyday in so many ways, Update provides people with the opportunity to share interesting thoughts and emotional insights and we are grateful to those who do. Such feedback helps us appreciate one another even more and binds us more deeply as a community.