A Treasured Gift

This exquisite silver candelabra was a gift from Temple Emanu-el when Independent Presbyterian Church moved into the present Sanctuary in 1922, after spending 7 years holding services at the Temple. Every year at the annual Holiday House Tour, the candelabra holds a very special place in the Parlor. This year marks the 67th year for the tour. All proceeds go directly to benefit of IPC missions such as the STAIR, Open Door and Children's Fresh Air Farm. Be sure to stop by the church to see the decorations in the Sanctuary, Parlor and Chapel and enjoy refreshments in the Great Hall.

IPC Holiday House Tour

December 10-11

Tickets available online and at the church

Church Series - Prayer Shawls

A few months ago I had the good fortune to attend a Friday Shabbat Worship Service at Temple Emanu-El. These prayer shawls, tallits, have always drawn my eye outside of the synagogue. 

Meet the Artist - Amy Saab

Last Friday night, my church Independent Presbyterian Church attended the Shabbat service at Temple Emanu-El, and afterwards, hosted a reception for their congregation. Twice in our 100 years they opened their church to us, at our beginning and again in the 90's when we had a devastating fire. This centennial celebration for IPC would not have been complete without our sharing our gratitude with our Jewish friends. In honor of our 100 years, Amy Saab was commissioned by her church to paint this lovely view of our sanctuary. Amy also contributed her extraordinary artwork for their Book of Prayer. Our congregation will treasure this painting and the spirit in which it was given. Please visit  her website. She shares her visit to our church in such a beautiful way. Two religions, one wonderful friendship over so many years. 

Sunday Church Series - Temple Emanu-El

Temple Emanu-El, built in 1889 is a reform Jewish temple located on Highland Avenue.

Temple Emanu-El

This afternoon I will have the pleasure of attending the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center's annual L'Chaim Event at Temple Emanu-El.  This year's honoree is Jeffrey Bayer who has been a faithful supporter of the BHEC.  I hope you will join me!  Tickets may be purchased at the door and all proceeds will benefit the wonderful work of the BHEC. 

Temple Emanu-el Celebrates!

They celebrate 100 years in our city and even more for opening their synagogue for four Christian churches who have worshipped there since 1915.  A true friendship of Christians and Jews in our community.

Prayer Shawl

Today at sundown marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of  Passover.  This beautiful tallit, or prayer shawl was photographed at Temple Emanu-El.

Sunday Church Series - Looking Up

 Temple Emanu-el.'s beautiful ceiling.

Passover

For all of my Jewish friends and readers that are celebrating Passover, a photograph of the Eternal Light in the Hess Chapel at Temple Emanu-el.

Hanukkah

For my Jewish friends here in Birmingham and around the world who are celebrating Hanukkah.  This photograph was taken at Temple Emanu-El.  

The Tallis

The Jewish festival of Passover begins tonight at sundown and will last eight days. I thought this would be a nice time to share this photo of the Jewish prayer shawls (tallis) that I photographed on my visit to Temple Emanu-El recently. My friend Lynne explained that the knotted fringe has special meaning. Click here to read more about the tallis.

The Columns - Temple Emanu-el

If you are a follower of this blog you know how much I love the most ornate columns Birmingham has to offer. Today we return to Temple Emanu-el for a look at details of some of the most beautiful columns in this city.

I liked the top photograph because it captured the Star of David as well. The bottom photo speaks for itself. Sorry, I couldn't choose.

Eternal Light

The Ner Tamid, eternal light

I've said it more than once, but I"ll say it again. I have met the most wonderful and interesting people and visited so many very special places since I started this blog. Yesterday was certainly no exception. My high school friend Lynne Cohen invited me to take a tour of Temple Emanu-el. Not only was Lynne a grand tour guide, but Rabbi Jonathan Miller also took the time to share the history of this synagogue which as been woven into the history of Birmingham. The first Jewish congregation in Birmingham, it was founded in 1882. Since 1914, it has been located on the corner of Highland Avenue and 21st Street South.

I would like to thank Rabbi Miller and Lynne for sharing this special place of worship with me and to the friendly staff and volunteers that made me feel so at home. I have many photographs to share with you all.