PAST MEETINGS:

The Jewish Folklife in Alabama working group meets to connect communities, researchers, and ideas to strengthen the documentation of Jewish life in Alabama. All are welcome! We meet quarterly via zoom. Contact alabamafolklife@gmail.com to be added to our email list.

8.29.24. Presentation by Dr. Amy Milligan of Old Dominion University on Jewish cadets at Craig Air Force Base and the ways in which they influenced the Jewish community of Selma, Alabama.

3.21.24. Presentation by Dr. Dan Puckett of Troy University on his research on the fire-bombing of Temple Beth Israel in Gadsden, Alabama in 1960.

11.16.23. Presentation by Ann Mollengarden of the Alabama Holocaust Education Center.

7.25.23. Alabama Jewish Culture and History Symposium at Temple Beth Or in Montgomery. 70 people attended this statewide Symposium, which provided a rare opportunity for community members, scholars, archivists, and religious and nonprofit leaders from across Alabama to exchange ideas, collaborate, and celebrate Jewish life. It included archives training, artifact documentation, community and research sharing, art and oral history exhibits, live music, Jewish book tables, a kosher lunch, and open time for conversation.

3.2.23. Presentation by Margaret Norman, Director of Programming and Engagement at Temple Beth El, on the Beth El Civil Rights Experience in Birmingham; Alabama Jewish Culture and History Symposium update and agenda review; member updates.

12.5.22. Presentation by Deborah Gurt, Interim Director of the McCall Library, University of South Alabama, on her oral history project and exhibit that document Jewish life in Mobile. Discussion of: symposium planning, meetings with likeminded initatives in other Southern states, group name.

9.8.22. Presentation by Dr. Daniel Levine of the University of Alabama on his research, Jewish Communal Memory Practices in Rural Alabama; discussion of survey results and next steps.

6.16.22. Inaugural meeting to convene all interested in documenting and sharing Jewish life in Alabama. Introduction of partners and upcoming survey.