Update had a story Sunday on a poll by the Gallup organization that shows that President Obama's Jewish support has dropped no more than his support in general, and that, according to Gallup, "Obama continues to do better among Jews than among all Americans." This article, not surprisingly, drew comments from readers.

The first comment came from one long-time Jewish community member, who has close ties to Israel. "We continue to be our own worst enemies," this person wrote in an email. "Obama rubs our noses in mud and we tell him we love him. Pitiful. The man has been a disaster not just for Jews but for the country."

However, Rabbi Lynne Downey Goldsmith, of Dothan, offered a different point of view. "Obama is and continues to be a friend and supporter of Israel," she wrote. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly thanked him for his support in the recent incident in Egypt. Yes, the President spoke out against the expansion of the settlements. He supports a two state solution like former Presidents, based on the 1967 borders with negotiated changes to reflect population realities. No different than Presidents Clinton and Bush."

"I blame the media for a lot of this 'Jews dislike Obama' talk. Many Jews don't like Obama, but it is not for his stand on Israel," added Rabbi Goldsmith.

Articles about Obama in Update typically draw strong reactions. Oftentimes, we are are criticized by some for being too soft and criticized by others for being too hard. What is clear is that the President engenders deep emotions within our Jewish community which, no doubt, will intensify as the 2012 election nears.

-- Richard Friedman, Executive Director

Photo is of President Obama meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House in May, 2011. (White House photo)

As the anniversary of 9/11 approached, many faith leaders prepared to give messages regarding the spiritual struggles Americans experienced as well as the lessons learned from 9/11.

In an article in USA Today, Temple Emanu-El's Rabbi Jonathan Miller (pictured here) was recognized for his sermon connecting the loss of life on 9/11 to Jewish traditions of mourning. Rabbi Miller emphasized in his sermon that while acts of evil may be forgiven, they must never be forgotten.

The paper quoted Rabbi Miller as saying, "If we want to destroy the evil, we have to live into our better selves and make sure these terrorists, like the terrorists before them, have no place in the things that are holy to us."

-- Samantha Dubrinsky, BJF Projects Assistant

The following came from Robin Smith, Marketing Director for the Levite Jewish Community Center, one of the 32 agencies funded by The Birmingham Jewish Federation Campaign.

The LJCC was recently honored by winning or being a finalist in three categories in Birmingham magazine's "Best of Birmingham" contest. Thanks to votes from the people in Birmingham, the Levite Jewish Community Center won Best Swimming Pool and was a finalist for Best Gym and Best Bike Trail.

This confirms that the LJCC is meeting its goal of being the best family-friendly recreational and educational community center in Birmingham.

As witnessed this summer, given the large crowds at the pool and the superb attendance at Thursday Night Family Fun Events, the LJCC's outdoor pool continues to be the best place in Birmingham to spend the hot summer days. With a large, safe baby pool for preschoolers to complement the 8000 square foot "big" pool, it is THE place in Birmingham to gather with friends and family and enjoy the day.

The LJCC's fitness center is also top-notch with state of the art equipment, personal trainers and over 60 group fitness classes weekly. Not only do members get the service they are looking for when they join, but the ultimate value is "creating community" by connecting one member to another. And that is what the LJCC does well everyday.

The five mile Linda & Jack McDuffee Mountain Biking and Fitness Trail behind the LJCC is a hidden gem on our campus. The trail was designed by Linda & Jack McDuffee, who are avid bikers, and built by them and a group of passionate volunteers. The five mile trail traverses the mountain in a beautiful natural setting.