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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Ala. Group Offers Jews $50K Move-In Bonus

Small-town synagogue group aims to sell Jews on the charms of the South

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(Newser) – A dwindling Alabama Jewish community is spending $1 million to stop itself from disappearing, as have many others in the South, CNN reports. A local group in the town of Dothan is offering a $50,000 shalom to Jewish families who choose to relocate to the community and hopes to attract at least 20. Ads in Jewish newspapers have met a huge response from all over the world.  

"If you need a robust Orthodox community, we don't have it," said the town's rabbi. "But if you want a community where your neighbors are friendly—where people smile at you in the grocery store even if they don't know you—then Dothan's for you." The group has already whittled the hopefuls down to 25 likely families, and plan to have the first two settled by Hanukkah.

Thelma Nomberg, longtime member of Temple Emanu-El, is pictured at her Dothan home.
Thelma Nomberg, longtime member of Temple Emanu-El, is pictured at her Dothan home.   (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
The American flag flies behind a statue of the Biblical figure Joseph in downtown Dothan, Ala. The Jewish community is trying to lure Jewish families to the town.
The American flag flies behind a statue of the Biblical figure Joseph in downtown Dothan, Ala. The Jewish community is trying to lure Jewish families to the town.   (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
The Temple Emanu-El in Dothan.
The Temple Emanu-El in Dothan.   (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Rabbi Lynne Goldsmith sits in Temple Emanu-El in Dothan, Ala.
Rabbi Lynne Goldsmith sits in Temple Emanu-El in Dothan, Ala.   (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
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We need to, like so many small towns, reinvigorate and not close and lock the doors like so many Jewish communities in the South. It's not gonna happen here. - Rob Goldsmith, husband of Dothan's rabbi

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