Simcha in Selma! | Elijah Schulman's Bar Mitzvah

Elijah Schulman was called to the Torah on August 3, 2013 at Temple Mishkan Israel in Selma, Alabama.

Elijah with the Torah at Temple Mishkan Israel
Photo by Ashley Johnson, Selma Times-Journal

Comments

Mazel Tov!

Elijah, when I was a young high school student at a Catholic girls' academy in Boston, the Sisters took a group of us to join the second March in Selma. I got a chance to talk briefly with Rabbi Abraham Heschel! I have donated tripple chai ($54.00) to your bar mitzvah project fund. To the members of the Congregation in Selma, you are remembered, even here in Boston. What a wonderful, wonderful bar mitzvah project! Elijah, may you go from strength to strength. Mazel Tov, and lots of love from Boston. Jane

wonderful project!

You are a delightful young man! Mishkan Israel is important to even the non-Jews here in Selma...High Holy Days services often find more Episcopalians, Roman Catholics and other Christieans attending than Jews!!!! St Paul's. my parish, has a long-standing relationship with the congregation there, having shared our facilities for services before the Synagogue was built. I will be on-hand for your Bar Mitzvah if I can make it and I am very pleased that you have decided to share that important time of your life with us in Selma. Mazel Tov!!!

Great Project

I was so excited and inspired to here about your Bar Mitzvah Project. My husband and I with our 2 sons lived in Selma for 20 years. We moved to Georgia in 1997. My sons had their Bar Mitzvah's at Temple Mishkan Israel in 1989 and 1992. Growing up they were the only Jewish children in Selma but were fully accepted by the other children and were frequently asked to go around to the classrooms and teach the students about Judaism and the holidays. If possible I would love to attend your Bar Mitzvah. Mazel Tov

What a wonderful way to connect to your roots....

I am now a grandmother of nine, but when was in 5th grade a school assignment introduced me to genealogy and for the past 57 years I have researched my ancestry and helped others to do so. You are an inspiration and I hope that someday I will get to meet you. I am also President of the Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Washington and I have posted the link to your website on our FB page. Stand tall on your special day - you are truly a mensch!

Good luck

I hope you have a good time, best wishes from London, England.

Mazel Tov!

Your story brings back memories of my linguistics professor at Cornell, John Marchand, who wrote his dissertation on Yiddish in New Orleans. Jews were a vital part of the South. PS I'm a Shabbas goy :)

Your project.

Hi Elijah, I am so impressed with what you are doing. My Mother was the only one of her family to survive the Holocaust because she was hidden by a Polish family. You are very special to try and save this landmark building with the help of both Jews and non Jews. Maybe you can contact the Jewish Museum in Pilly and let them know of your project. They are all about the history of Jews in America. It would be great if they could help you raise money to protect this Historic American Synagogue. I wish you all the best. I also wish you a very happy birthday for tomorrow! Regards, Sheri

Yasher Koach on a Great Effort

Elijah, I read your story on Tablet Magazine and am so impressed with you. I have made a contribution to the efforts to save this historic synagogue. Best of luck with your bar mitzvah next month!

Great Job

I grew up in Selma and had my Bar Mitzvah there in 1989. While I am one of the Children that moved away, Selma and the Temple will always have a very special place in my life. The building contains many, many memories of Friday Night Services, Saturdays during the Holidays, late nights at Passover and of course my Bar Mitzvah and my Brothers Bar Mitzvah. Your project is a great one and it is my pleasure to donate to such a great cause.