Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCIX NO. 15, August 15, 2023

Bloom.

At Canterbury Court Senior Living Community, life can be as full and colorful as you’d like it to be. With our expanded 14-acre campus, embrace the start of each day from your elegantly finished apartment home. Enjoy enhanced amenities and services. Explore surrounding lush green spaces. And cherish great conversations with neighbors. All with the peace of mind of a continuum of care, if ever needed. With all this awaiting you, what are you waiting for?

To learn more and to schedule a personal tour, contact us today at 404-201-6988, visit canterburycourt.org/bloom, or scan the QR code.

PUBLISHER

MICHAEL A. MORRIS michael@atljewishtimes.com

MANAGING PUBLISHER & EDITOR

KAYLENE LADINSKY

kaylene@atljewishtimes.com

EDITORIAL

Associate Editor & Website Editor

SASHA HELLER sasha@atljewishtimes.com

Staff Writer & Proofreader

FRAN PUTNEY fran@atljewishtimes.com

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE

BOB BAHR

DAVE SCHECHTER

DAVID OSTROWSKY

DEBBIE DIAMOND

JAN JABEN-EILON

MARCIA CALLER JAFFE

RABBI RICHARD BAROFF DD

RACHEL STEIN

ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON

ADVERTISING

Senior Account Manager & Team Supervisor

MICHAL BONELL michal@atljewishtimes.com

Account Manager

ILYSSA KLEIN ilyssa@atljewishtimes.com

Account Manager

ELIZABETH LANGFELDER elizabeth@atljewishtimes.com

CREATIVE & DESIGN

Creative Director

LILLI JENNISON lilli@atljewishtimes.com

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Events and Public Relations Coordinator

KATIE GAFFIN katie@atljewishtimes.com

Atlanta Jewish Connector Coordinator DIANA COLE

Diana@atljewishtimes.com

GENERAL OFFICE

Administrative Assistant

REBECCA LABANCA info@atljewishtimes.com 404-883-2130

Correction and Clarification: The July 31 article, “Westminster Alumni Sponsor Life-Changing Trip to Poland,” inadvertently omitted the names of Lila and Doug Hertz as co-sponsors of the educational trip. Doug Hertz is a Westminster School alumnus and should be acknowledged for his generous contribution to the trip.

Journal about Jews Spotlights Antisemitism

Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, U.S.

Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism and long-time Emory University professor -- although herself from an Ashkenazi background – has introduced the inaugural issue of “Distinctions: A Sephardi and Mizrahi Journal,” published by JIMENA, which stands for Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa.

“When many people think of antisemitism, they tend to think of the six million Jews murdered across Europe by the Nazis and their collaborators, a genocide that took the lives of one third of the Jewish people,” wrote Lipstadt. “Sadly, many people don’t think of the struggles that Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews have faced in their homelands throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Iran. Though they often lived in harmony with their non-Jewish neighbors, there were far too many moments of discrimination and persecution. Far too many people fail to recall that one million Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews were displaced from their ancestral lands in the past century.”

She noted that “thanks to groups like JIMENA, this strategy acknowledges the stories of exclusion, expulsion and persecution experienced by Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews, and helps us learn from them so that we can more effectively call out and combat antisemitism in the present day.”

Ty Alhadeff, JIMENA director of education as well as director of JIMENA’s Sephardic Leadership Institute, who lives in Seattle, said that Lipstadt’s first teaching position was at the University of Washington. But it is her position with the U.S. government to combat antisemitism that prompted his organization to enlist her for its inaugural issue.

“I hope that this first issue, focusing on the experiences of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews with the various faces of antisemitism, will resonate particularly with the Sephardic community in Atlanta, whose families, like my family and that of our editor-inchief, Stuart Eskenazi, came to the U.S. from the Island of Rhodes, then part of the Ottoman Empire, in the first decade of the 20th century, and established synagogues such as my own Congregation Ezra Bessaroth in Seattle and that of our sister kehila, Or VeShalom, in Atlanta,”

said Alhadeff.

He pointed out that “at the same time our communities were growing, those of our families who stayed on the Island of Rhodes experienced the rise of Italian fascism and eventually deportation on July 24, 1944, of 1,767 Rhodesli Jews at the hands of the Germans and their accomplices, leading to the annihilation of all but 151 Jews from Rhodes who managed to survive Auschwitz.”

“I hope that this first issue, focusing on the experiences of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews with the various faces of antisemitism, will resonate particularly with the Sephardic community in Atlanta,” said Ty Alhadeff, JIMENA director of education.

According to Alhadeff, JIMENA recently created a collection of Sephardic and Mizrahi lesson plans and educational units on antisemitism to help advance the White House’s recently released U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.

JIMENA is also conducting a demographic study of Mizrahi and Sephardi Jews in America; however, it is currently limited to the cities of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Seattle.

The first issue of “Distinctions” features stories of women and their families from Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and Morocco, who have had experiences of suffering and overcoming antisemitism, both today and in the past. “The writers are all leaders in their fields,” said Alhadeff.

One story is by Sharon Nazarian

who has worked on international affairs as a senior vice president for the AntiDefamation League. Other authors include Rena Nasar First from Stand With Us, Regina Sassoon Friedland from the American Jewish Committee, and jour-

nalists Tabby Rafael and Rachel BenaimAbudarham.

Alhadeff said that the hope of those behind the online quarterly journal is to “elevate the voices and talents of Sephardi and Mizrahi scholars, researchers,

artists and activists. Our content will challenge conventional narratives about Jewish people and communities, while addressing contemporary Jewish concerns through a classical Sephardi and Mizrahi lens. The journal will celebrate

the forces and factors that unite Sephardic and Mizrahi people while recognizing their diverse identities and backgrounds.”

The second issue will focus on Israel, he added. ì

Thank You for Voting Us Top 10 Law Firm in 2022

Shuman & Shuman, P.C. is a family law practice committed exclusively to guiding clients through matters of divorce and family law, custody, child support, alimony, division of property, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, post-divorce issues and a variety of other family related situations.

Attorney Eileen J. Shuman provides dedicated legal support for clients both in the courtroom and through alternative dispute resolution including mediation and collaborative divorce.

Eileen represents clients who have cases in Metro Atlanta and the surrounding counties.

Zachor Shoah Teaches Local Educators about Holocaust

Zachor Shoah launched its first Holocaust Education Symposium in Georgia, held at the new Boxwood Social Hall in Marietta on June 24-27, before the start of the new school year.

Attended by teachers and administrators throughout the metro Atlanta area, speakers included a notable group of Holocaust scholars and historians drawn from cities around the United States. The symposium lasted three days and was jampacked with seminars, documentaries, and discussions about topics ranging from the historical events leading up to the Holocaust to corporate America’s complicity in supporting the German economy during World War II.

Sami Steigmann, a sought-after motivational speaker, Holocaust survivor and IDF veteran, was the keynote speaker on opening night. He was joined onstage by Alex Gandler, deputy consul general of the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern United States and Rev. Kristin Lee, the minister at East Cobb United Methodist

Church, whose church hosted the “Time of Prayer and Action” that helped galvanize Cobb County community support in response to the Goyim Defense League’s appearance in front of Chabad of Cobb.

Deputy Consul General Gandler introduced Steigmann and offered thanks to Zachor Shoah’s founder and executive director, Carolina Simon, for making it her

mission to improve and expand Holocaust education in Georgia. “The recent Neo-Nazi provocations which occurred in front of synagogues in this state clearly show the need to widely disseminate and apply the lessons of the Holocaust,” said Gandler.

Taking the stage that evening, Steigmann spoke about the importance of words and symbolism. “Jews were compared to rats by the Nazis. Why? Because they wanted to create a picture of Jews as small, all over the world and creatures who spread disease,” he said. Another word Steigmann pointed out and does not use is “antisemitic.” He emphasized, “Since Arabs are also Semites, there are many who deny they are antisemitic because they are Semites themselves. So, let’s just call it what it is – Jew hatred.”

Simon created Zachor Shoah to share knowledge about the Holocaust and the 2,000 years of antisemitism leading up to it with teachers, students, and education administrators. The roles of imperialism, colonialism, nationalism, and economics are discussed at length in each of the grade-appropriate materials her organization supplies to private and public schools, designed for grades 6-12.

“Our goal is to create a community of teachers well versed in the complex history of the Holocaust and human rights, and provide the training, resources, and professional development needed to support their efforts,” said Simon. “We believe in the importance of actively and intentionally remembering the Holocaust, the statesponsored, industrialized and systematic murder of six million Jews, as well as the other ugly parts of human history,” she added.

Pamela McCabe, a recently appointed K-12 social studies supervisor for Cobb County, hoped to make connections at the symposium in order to access resources she can share with U.S. and world history

teachers in her district. While there is not a specific Holocaust studies class in the Cobb County high school curriculum, she mentioned that the subject is taught as part of a fast-paced, 18-week course. For Cobb middle schoolers, Holocaust education is integrated into sixth grade U.S. and world history curriculums.

Fulton County was also represented at the symposium. According to Crystal Flowers, Fulton County school system humanities director, ‘We want to ensure that our teachers have age-appropriate resources that they need to dispel myths about countries, groups of people and what happened during the Holocaust.” John Crumb, a Fulton County teacher from Northwestern Middle School in Milton, who was also at the symposium, added that he wanted to straighten out any misconceptions about the Holocaust among his students.

Prior to founding Zachor Shoah, Simon was a teacher, Holocaust educator, curriculum writer and administrator for schools in Florida. She decided to start the organization soon after moving to Georgia during the pandemic.

“My goal is for people to learn about the Holocaust – all the complex and nuanced decisions that were made, opportunities that were missed to do the right thing, and how easy it is to become someone who is harmful to the world,” said Simon. She does not believe most ordinary citizens set out to do evil. “Yet, these citizens destroyed an entire civilization and wiped out future generations that could have followed as a result of their actions,” she said.

“My great-grandmother was a Catalonian Jewish gun runner during the Spanish Civil War, so I suppose it’s in my DNA to fight fascism,” said Simon. At 17, she took part in a Holocaust education program in south Florida that set her on a path of learning and teaching that continues until this day.

“After college graduation, I taught at Title I schools with large immigrant populations. Frankly, I was as surprised then as I am today when I learn that many students know nothing about the Holocaust.” Her determination compelled her to teach them what they did not know, and in the process, develop lesson plans, curricula, and other materials. Ultimately, Simon obtained a master’s degree in humanities, with a concentration in ethnic and Holocaust literature at the University of

Texas-Dallas. She has been recognized by a number of organizations for her work in Holocaust education, including the Gutterman Family Excellence in Holocaust Education Award, an Alfred Lerner Fellowship from the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, and the Human Spirit Award from the University of Miami and the Florida Center for the Survivors of Torture.

As the symposium wrapped up, Simon shared a story of an encounter she had with a child here in Georgia. Like many of his

classmates and their parents, this teen had not met a Jewish person until Simon. He told her the Holocaust had been taught to his eighth-grade class during the mandated Georgia history course. As the conversation continued, he mentioned that he felt so badly about what had happened to the Jews in Helen, Ga., pointing out that the Holocaust was probably why Jewish people were no longer living there. First taken aback, Simon realized that with its German architecture and themed restaurants, this young man

mistook Helen as the site of the Holocaust –likely because it was taught during his Georgia history course.

Simon knows that her work is neverending. Through the continuing efforts of Zachor Shoah and individuals like Steigmann, Deputy Consul General Gandler, Rev. Lee and others, information about the tragedy of the Holocaust will continue to be shared as a way to educate young people, prevent future genocide, and inspire goodness. ì

Steigmann Shares on Life, Hope and Being Jewish

Holocaust survivor, IDF veteran, and motivational speaker Sami Steigmann was selected as the keynote speaker for the Holocaust Education Symposium, held June 24-27 in Marietta. While in Atlanta, he also spoke to a full crowd in the sanctuary of Chabad of North Fulton under the auspices of the Atlanta Israel Coalition.

Born in Czernovitz, Bukovina, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Steigmann was interred in 1944 with his parents at Mogilev-Podolsky labor camp in an area called Transnistria. Cold and hungry most of the time, Steigmann was subjected to Nazi medical experimentation at the camp but has no recollection of the specifics since he was so young at the time. He has continued to feel the side effects of these experiments and continues to suffer from back, neck and head pain as a result.

Liberated by the Red Army in 1944, he and his family were relocated by the Romanians. He grew up in Transylvania, in a small town called Reghin, where

he did not know the language. In 1961, he and his family immigrated to Israel, where he served in the Israeli Air Force. In 1968, without knowing the language and with no money, Sami came to the United States and became an accountant. He lived in Milwaukee for many years before moving back to Israel in 1983. He currently resides in New York City and travels throughout the country as a motivational speaker.

During his presentation to the group of educators, Steigmann shared many of his thoughts and opinions, as well as the wisdom he has gained during his 84 years of life:

• All tragedies in the world started with words and bullying. Be extra careful with the words you choose. They can elevate or incite others.

• Never be a bystander. The greatest tragedy in human history, the Holocaust, and all the genocides, happened because the world stood by and did nothing.

• Be an upstander, a person who speaks or acts in support of an individual or cause. Be willing to intervene on behalf of a person being attacked or bullied.

• According to a recent study among Gen Z and millennials, almost two-thirds of young American adults, aged 18-39, do not know that six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust. In addition,

almost half (48 percent) could not name a single concentration camp or ghetto established during World War II.

• Today, there are 22 states that mandate Holocaust/genocide classes, but the number is meaningless because most of these classes are electives. Holocaust and genocide classes should have standardized information and be mandatory for all students.

• “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it” has been attributed to Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s chief propagandist. We must be vigilant to correct any lies we hear today before a tragedy happens anywhere.

• Be yourself and be proud of your heritage. Copies are never as good as the original!

• In light of recent events, we, as Jews, should organize “No Fear” rallies in cities throughout the country. Encourage groups we support to participate and be sure the media is there to cover. Other groups have had these rallies and receive excellent coverage. We, as Jews, need to be bolder.

• Be a strong person in character. Elevate people instead of putting them down.

• Positive thinking = positive words = positive attitude = positive actions = positive experiences. ì

GILEE Brings Georgia Police, Safety Chiefs to Israel

A 20-member delegation has returned to Georgia from Israel after an intensive two weeks of public safety leadership training with the country’s top police executives.

The delegates partnered with the Israel Police for the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange’s (GILEE) 30th annual peer-to-peer executive training program. While in Israel, they were shown best practices and the latest technologies in policing and public safety. They learned more about strategies to successfully lead law enforcement programs and use community policing to build safer neighborhoods for minority communities in partnership with all community stakeholders.

The delegation included 12 Georgia police chiefs and command staff — including the Atlanta and Gwinnett public school system chiefs — three Georgia sheriffs, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, director of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, a deputy commissioner from the Georgia Department of Public Safety and a senior law

enforcement official from Tennessee.

During their orientation, the delegates heard from several former GILEE delegates including Chattanooga police chief Celeste Murphy and John King, Georgia’s insurance and safety fire com-

missioner, whose interest focused on the use of volunteers in support of law enforcement operations during his time in Israel. He gave the keynote address prior to their departure.

“This will be the most impactful pro-

fessional experience in your law enforcement career,” King said. “This experience has forged relationships that will last a lifetime. You’re going to be exposed to something truly extraordinary. It’s important that you think now about what

you’re going to bring back, how you’re going to share your knowledge. You have a responsibility to give back.”

“GILEE gives U.S. law enforcement leaders an opportunity to expand their professional perspective by visiting their peers,” GILEE Associate Director Col. (Ret.) Brent Cummings said. “They are able to witness firsthand how their peers perform differently but also share many similarities. This broadening experience through peer-to-peer exchange makes these executives better leaders, which helps our communities receive better services.”

Director Michael Register of the GBI served as head of delegation. GILEE founding director Robbie Friedmann and associate director Col. (Ret.) Brent Cummings led the delegation while assistant director Nadia Borissova managed its operations.

Nearly 1,250 law enforcement executives from the U.S. and countries around the world have graduated from GILEE peer-to-peer exchange programs during its 32 years. Additionally, almost 43,000 public safety, homeland security and police executives have attended GILEE-led special briefings, seminars, workshops, training sessions and conferences featuring experts on issues related to homeland security, public safety, community polic-

ing and law enforcement.

GILEE is a research center within Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. It enhances public safety by nurturing partnerships within and across public law enforcement agencies and the private sector. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, GILEE’s focus on the protection of civil and human rights and its development of executive leadership exemplifies the core mission of the school.

“’The role of policing’ — to quote John Alderson, who many consider the father of community policing in Britain in the 1970s and '80s — ‘is to guarantee the freedom of movement of people and merchandise. Current policing policies and practices are challenged by many communities and by decision makers’,” Friedmann said. “Bringing police closer to the community and the community closer to the police is the essence of community policing. We aim at sharing best practices to achieve closer proximity with the community to provide better police service.”

For more information on GILEE, go to gilee.gsu.edu. ì

HOD Completes Successful Birthright Fundraiser

A fundraising campaign led by two leaders of the Hebrew Order of David in Atlanta has netted Birthright Israel enough money to add an extra 80 participants to this year’s program. The campaign, which was led by David Joss and Jeff Kaiwerisky in Atlanta and Paul Wain-

stein of the Order’s chapter in Houston, allowed the program to add the equivalent of two full busloads of young Jewish adults to Israel for the 10-day, expense paid trip.

And it was all created and carried out, according to Joss, at almost no expense to the Order’s organization. National Birthright helps build an online

A Star-Studded Simcha Starts Here

fundraising page and created a payment system, and Joss said his team did the leg work.

“We have a huge network of about 600 brothers in the United States and in North America, and with 10 lodges. Our plan was simply to motivate each of them to reach out to their friends and their family. Birthright made it possible to eas-

ily click on a link and donate by credit card or from their charitable foundation so that this thing [could] really get up some steam and grew.”

To motivate the Order’s members, they persuaded Atlanta philanthropist Mike Leven to donate $100,000, and then received another $60,000 through a matching grant. Almost half of the mem-

Book the “Celebrate Like a Star” package and elevate your event with a Red Carpet arrival experience, 360 Degree Photo Booth, Exclusive VIP Area, Signature Mocktail and Sparkling Cider Toast.

Make your graduation party, bar or bat mitzvah memorable with:

• Chic Indoor Event Venues for Up to 300

• Open Air Terraces & Soaring Rooftop Patios

• Crave-worthy Kosher Style Menus

• Festive Atmosphere & Attentive Staff

• Ideal Location in the Heart of Buckhead

Keep the party going and make it a sleep over! Guest room blocks are available for events held here or nearby in Buckhead.

Start planning your event today. Email sales@hotelcolee.com to inquire about availability, package and room block rates.

bership donated a total of $130,000.

The vice-chair of the national Birthright Foundation’s Board of Directors, Doug Ross, who lives in Atlanta, helped the Order of David to benefit from a Birthright program that offered to match any donation three to one. In a two-month online drive, including the matching funds, the Order raised a total of $390,000.

A traditional fundraising campaign, with event planning and speakers in various cities, might have spent just two months planning the campaign; but for Joss and his committee, the lesson is that times are changing.

“It taught us that social media is incredibly powerful. I mean, people put this on their Facebook pages, their Instagrams, and every person has a network. Everybody has a network of fans and players, and each one of them you can reach out and get your message through. And if it’s something that is near and dear to Jewish people, like Birthright, they respond.”

This summer the Birthright program in Israel has had to cut back. Each young person who makes the trip gets, in effect, a gift of $4,500, and for the first time the organization has had to say “no” to a large number of them. One of the organization’s founders and its most generous supporter was Sheldon Adelson. His casinos in Las Vegas and Macau in Asia generated billions of dollars in profits prior to the pandemic. But after his death in January 2021, and with the pandemic taking its toll on his gambling empire, his widow made a deep cut in the family’s contribution to the Birthright program.

It was time, she pointed out, for others to take up the challenge. The funding shortfall resulted in 20,000 young people being bumped from the program this

summer and placed on waiting lists.

Over the years, Birthright has brought more than 800,000 young people from 68 countries for educational experience. Another 10,000 have received internships, and support for academic study programs in Israel. About 1,000 have been a part of the Birthright Excel fellowship that is aimed at training a new generation of international supporters of the organization.

But as successful as the social media campaign has been, the Hebrew Order of David also has many programs where there has been no substitute for individual participation.

As part of their community-based programs, they have placed headstones on all the unmarked Jewish graves at Greenwood Cemetery in Southwest Atlanta. On July 31, the final eight grave markers were set in place on graves that date back as much as 85 years.

For the past 10 years, The Hebrew Order of David, along with the Atlanta Jewish Times, has raised thousands of dollars with the popular Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival. This year’s annual edition will take place at Brook Run Park on Oct. 23.

Joss, who helped start the organization in Atlanta in 1999, is currently serving as Deputy Grand President of the organization. In 2025, in Atlanta when the International Order holds its next annual convention, he is expected to become the Grand President of the Order. It is likely to continue its financial support of Birthright.

“Now, more than ever,” Joss commented, “young Jewish adults need to see Israel for themselves and find their own personal connections to the country and take pride in their Judaism. There is no better way to do that than Birthright Israel.”ì

AJC Interns Host Panel on Antisemitism and Racism

When Raina Grosswald and Amit Rau were tasked with creating and producing a project during their summer internships at the Atlanta office of the American Jewish Committee, they mostly envisioned a networking opportunity for summer interns at various other organizations in the community.

However, it turned out, they said, that the luncheon event on July 18 had less to do with networking than the thought-provoking issues presented by panelists and AJC board members Victoria Raggs and Sherry Frank.

“Both talked about their respective childhoods growing up in Atlanta and how that led them into their careers,”

said Grosswald, a junior at the University of Alabama who is studying forensic science and dance and hopes to work in a crime lab someday.

Frank and Raggs “touched on different aspects of advocacy work in their respective fields,” added Rau, a freshman planning to study international relations and Spanish at the University of Texas in Austin. Both Rau and Grosswald participated in AJC’s Leaders for Tomorrow program when they were in high school.

Frank grew up in a racially and culturally segregated Atlanta. Raggs is a Jewish woman who comes from an Afro-Caribbean background. Frank’s career included being executive director of Atlanta’s AJC office, co-president of the National Council of Jewish Women, and

A Place to Call Home

Congregation Ariel, located in beautiful Dunwoody welcomes Jews of all ages, stages and backgrounds. Join us for daily minyanim, classes with Rabbis and one-on-one learning. Ariel is also partnered with the Atlanta Scholars Kollel, hosting classes, workshops, and study groups. Ariel’s youth groups are full of energy and learning for all ages. The Dunwoody Branch of B’nai Akiva calls Ariel home and brings with them meaningful and exciting programming. Our growing campus includes a modern sanctuary, social hall, an elegant women’s mikvah, Keilim mikvah, and the brand-new Chai Academy Preschool, serving Hebrew and English-speaking children 2-5 years old.

helped create the Atlanta Black/Jewish Coalition and the Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta. Raggs is the Atlanta Jews of Color Council executive director and co-founder, as well as an intercultural strategist, consultant on diversity and equity issues and disability rights advocate.

Although the program initially targeted antisemitism, it was always intended to focus on Atlanta’s racial history as well – and where the two ideologies of bigotry intersect.

The 15 interns who attended the program came from various organizations in Atlanta, including city council offices, the Belgian consulate, corporate partners, and Jewish organizations. Rau and Grosswald were surprised that the “entire office” of the AJC also attended the program. “It wasn’t just the interns who were interested,” said Rau.

The program opened with an “icebreaker event,” said Grosswald, with the participants in breakout groups sharing the stories behind their names. “The woman from the Belgian consul explained the meaning of her name in both French and Flemish,” noted Rau. They also talked about Christianity, Judaism,

and Islam.

The program “was a pleasant surprise for us,” said Rau. “Everyone was so interesting and asked questions of Sherry and Victoria.”

The points that stood out to Rau by each of the panelists was Raggs stating that “Each one of us has an obligation, no matter how small it might be, we all have an obligation to speak up and say what is right.” And Frank explained that “community advocacy is about building relationships.”

That became clearer to Grosswald when she attended an event held by the Atlanta City Council on the anniversary of the death of Congressman John Lewis where the stamp with his portrait was displayed. “I saw one of the interns who had attended our event,” she said.

Grosswald said she and Rau received the project assignment so that they could coordinate it over their summer internships. “What stood out to us was learning how to plan something.” But she added that they both felt they had succeeded in their goals which included networking. They followed the program with emails to the participants to stay connected.ì

EXPERIENCE SIMCHAS IN ALPHARETTA!

AWESOME

FREE EVENT PLANNING RESOURCES!

Think Alpharetta first for your next SIMCHA!

Take advantage of the FREE event planning resources of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau including FREE CONSULTATION on event venues, professional service providers, Alpharetta hotels and more

SCAN HERE to learn more about planning your next event at awesomealpharetta.com!

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Reserve rooms for your guests with one call to the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau. Room rates are collected from Alpharetta’s 30 upscale and modern hotels and provided to you as a comprehensive list of options. Many offer free parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast and local shuttle service.

VISITOR INFORMATION

We offer complimentary welcome bags containing information about shopping and dining, attractions, events, maps and local coupons for your Alpharetta hotel guests. Visit our Alpharetta Welcome Center located at 178 South Main Street for more details!

Want to be IN THE KNOW?

Follow us on social media and sign up for our e-newsletter at awesomealpharetta.com to get the latest information about what is happening in Alpharetta!

Jewish Atlanta Reacts to the Conflict in Israel

The physical distance between Atlanta and Israel may be 6,500 miles, but the emotional distance has narrowed in the past weeks and months. Members of the Atlanta Jewish community, including many Israelis, have not only watched what is happening in Israel, they have acted, and are reacting to what many observers say is perhaps the severest domestic crisis in its 75-year history.

It has been less than a month since the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, voted 64-0 to pass the controversial first piece of legislation in a package of laws proposed to alter the country’s judicial system; all 56 members of the opposition parties boycotted the vote. The set of laws proposed in January, just days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government was sworn in, has sparked more than 30 weeks of protests across Israel. And, at the request of many of those protesters, the demonstrations have spread like wildfire around the world, including in Atlanta.

Less than one week after the Knesset vote on July 24, and after repeated protests at different locations around Atlanta in the last few months, approximately 70 mostly Israeli protesters, including a couple of local rabbis, walked from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta to the Consulate General of Israel Atlanta – like Israeli protesters, waving Israeli flags.

For decades, Atlanta Jews, like other Diaspora Jews, have been contributing millions of dollars to Israel, both to rightwing organizations and left-wing groups. [Notably, it has been widely reported that the Kohelet Policy Forum, a conservative thinktank funded by two Jewish American billionaires, helped draw the judicial overhaul legislation. At press time, it was reported that one of the two billionaires has pulled his funding from Kohelet due to the divisions the overhaul has caused in the country.]

tive Mitchell Kaye believes, “The U.S. and Diaspora Jews should stay out of the internal affairs and politics of a democratically elected ally. Elections have consequences. We all need to tone down the political temperature and rhetoric as no one benefits. Both sides can be right and still disagree, but there is no need to be disagreeable.”

Cheri Scheff Levitan, CEO of Israeli-based Kenes Tours, said, “This certainly could change, but as of today, no one has canceled trips saying, ‘I’m not comfortable visiting the country right now’ due to politics.”

Dov Wilker, regional director of the American Jewish Committee Atlanta, disagrees. “I believe it’s absolutely within the rights of American Jewry to advocate [for Israel] whichever way you believe. What happens in Israel could have a direct impact on Diaspora Jewry. When there are issues that directly impact us, voices should be heard on both sides” of the controversy.

“It is important for American Jews. Our Zionism and our love of Israel impels us to be involved, to be knowledgeable and learn about current events in Israel. We should protest out of our love for Israel,” said Kaiman. “Worldwide Jewry has a role to play in what may be the most important part of Jewish history. How can I not be involved and use my voice? There’s been so much apathy for years. I don’t have an expectation that we all agree, but I do expect us not to have contempt for one another.”

particularly in the U.S., are changing the discourse in Israel and how it is impacting the government.”

Harpak, one of the Israeli organizers of the Atlanta protests, added that it was good, “knowing what we’re doing is not in vain. It matters, both to people over there, and to the politics of this thing on both sides of the ocean.”

Now, many American Jews are beginning to speak up with their voices, not just their checkbooks. Not everyone agrees that they should.

Former Georgia State representa-

Rabbi Ari Kaiman of Congregation Shearith Israel points out that the Israeli protesters are “calling to worldwide Jewry and specifically to U.S. Jewry” to join the “biggest protest in Israeli history.”

During a recent 10day visit to his homeland, Atlantan Dotan Harpak observed that at every protest or social event he attended, he “talked about what we’re doing here in Atlanta. People were moved and thanked us for protesting. No one saw this as a negative; no one thought we were ‘airing dirty laundry outside’. Quite the opposite. Folks in Israel are increasingly seeing how the protests abroad,

“We should protest out of our love for Israel,” said Shearith Israel Rabbi Ari Kaiman. “Worldwide Jewry has a role to play in what may be the most important part of Jewish history. How can I not be involved and use my voice?”

And it’s not only Israeli-born U.S. citizens who are traveling to Israel. Although Wilker acknowledged that this could change long term, he said “people are still going to Israel,” particularly pointing to Birthright and synagogue trips.

Indeed, Cheri Scheff Levitan, CEO of Israelibased Kenes Tours, emphasizes that her company’s business has not at all been impacted by the current political situation. “This certainly could change, but as of today, no one has canceled trips saying, ‘I’m not comfortable visiting the

country right now’ due to politics. When it comes to tourism, the pent-up demand that was generated by the pandemic continues. People are traveling more often, for longer periods, and are willing to pay more.”

Similarly, Wendy Yaniv, founder of 5 Senses Tour Israel, reported that tourism remains strong, “but there are changes made to the itineraries, when needed, to avoid traffic situations and areas with tension. Since the vote, people are indeed watching, and I am getting some calls. I have groups making final payments for fall trips and they are voicing concerns about not being able to travel freely due to the protests as well as concerns about security. The protests are very peaceful, so it’s just a matter of avoidance. We’re dealing with some very big events simultaneously: an extreme government, demonstrations, tensions on the northern border, and the top echelons of reservists in the IDF refusing to serve.”

democracy, but all we can do is advocate and educate and continue to elevate” the community’s engagement with Israel.

Admitting that “it’s scary” and “hard to watch personally” the events in Israel, Robbins’ biggest concern is for the next generation of Jews and how they might be distanced from Israel due to what is happening there.

“I want the students to know what Israel was, is and where it’s going. I find that when they understand better, they are more connected,” said Eli Sperling, Israel Institute Teaching Fellow in the University of Georgia’s Department of International Affairs.

As someone who teaches young people, Eli Sperling, Israel Institute Teaching Fellow in the University of Georgia’s Department of International Affairs, doesn’t feel the same concern. He suggests that may be a reflection of his approach to teaching Israel. “It doesn’t focus on connection or affinity. My focus is more on understanding. I want the students to know what Israel was, is and where it’s going. I find that when they understand better, they are more connected.”

Yaniv added, “My groups know that these tours are my passion, not my paycheck so if I feel (for any reason) that I cannot deliver the experience that they deserve, I will suggest we move to a different date. As of now, I have not had to do that, but we are definitely in an interesting time.”

That has not gone unnoticed by the Jewish establishment in Atlanta. At the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, CEO and president Eric Robbins said some donors have wondered why the organization is not taking a position vis a vis the Israeli protests, but he notes that the Federation is not a political group. “We remain committed to peoplehood, but we stay out of politics,” he told the AJT, adding, however, that the Federation gave permission for the Atlanta protesters who marched from its location to the Israeli consulate in late July, to park at the Federation.

Sperling acknowledges that he doesn’t know how many of his students are Jewish. Last fall, when he first taught the class on Israel politics at UGA, there were only 28 in the class. This fall there will be 42 in the class which starts Aug. 16.

“When students really understand what’s happening, they find the different groups in Israel to align with, rather than” outright support for the government, he added.

“The Federation can weigh in about democracy, but all we can do is advocate and educate and continue to elevate” the community’s engagement with Israel, said Eric Robbins, CEO and president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

“The Federation can weigh in about

Emphasizing that he doesn’t know how the situation will play out, Kaiman expressed concern that the U.S. government, at some point, might reconsider its long-time supportive relationship with Israel. “There are so many reasons for the U.S. to have a close relationship with Israel. I never want to have that conversation.”

At least one Georgia senator seems to both mirror and allay Kaiman’s fear. “I’m monitoring events in Israel carefully and with serious concern,” Sen. Jon Ossoff said.

“America needs in Israel a strong, stable ally committed to our shared values.”ì

Chabad of Poland and Mosaic United have partnered to provide summer programming for more than 200 Jewish Ukrainian refugees // Photo Courtesy of MG Film Maciej Gąsiorowski

Summer Programming Provided for 200 Jewish Ukrainian Refugees

Chabad of Poland has entered into a joint venture with Mosaic United to host summer programming for more than 200 Jewish Ukrainians.

Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, MK Amichai Chikli, launched the program at a special appearance in Warsaw on July 18.

“Growing up, we’d always look to the

Today in Israeli History

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME ISRAEL PRIDE

summer for an opportunity to leave the monotony of the rest of the year behind for an opportunity to play sports, have fun, and build everlasting friendships,” said Chabad of Poland Director Rabbi Sholom Ber Stambler. “For our children, the summer is a unique time where we are able to provide informal education focused on Jewish identity, heritage, values, and customs in a more holistic and dynamic way.”

As part of the partnership, each organization has committed to either directly funding or fundraising for a portion of the programming costs, estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. To contribute toward the Chabad of Poland’s campaign, please visit: www.saveajew.org.

“We’re extremely thankful to our partners – Mosaic United as well as Minister Amichai Chikli and his team – for supporting our summer program for Ukrainian Jewish refugees,” said Chabad of Poland CoDirector Rabbi Mayer Stambler. “Our hope is that our program will provide these children with some semblance of normalcy and emotional solace this summer, in a fun and inspiring setting.”

by detonating an explosive packed with ball bearings on a bus in the central Jerusalem neighborhood of Shmuel Hanavi.

Aug. 20, 1967: Etgar Keret, one of Israel’s most popular writers, is born in Ramat Gan. Keret’s quirky work, mainly short stories and graphic novels, wins critical acclaim and sales. He also writes screenplays.

The aerophones and one of the archaeologists trying to play one // Photo Credit: SWNS

Researchers Find 12,000-YearOld Tiny Flutes in Israel

Researchers have discovered 12,000-year-old miniature flutes that may have been used for mimicking raptor calls. The precise motive of the mimicry is unknown. It could have had religious connotations or been part of some form of hunting strategy.

Although the prehistoric site of

Aug. 24, 1954: The Knesset passes the Bank of Israel Law on a 55-0 vote. The law, which goes into effect Dec. 1, sets up the Bank of Israel as the state’s central financial authority with 10 million pounds in initial capital.

Eynan-Mallaha in northern Israel has been thoroughly examined since 1955, it still holds some surprises, say scientists who found the collection of seven instruments there.

The Natufians, the Near Eastern civilization that occupied a village on the site between 13,000 and 9,700 B.C.E., are thought to have used them for hunting, music or to communicate with the birds themselves.

“The village, located on the shores of Lake Hula, was home to this civilization throughout its 3,000 years of existence,” the study read.

The study published on the finding of these aerophones details they’re the first ever to be discovered in the Near East. Aerophones are a class of musical instruments in which a vibrating mass of air produces the initial sound.

They are made from the bones of a small waterfowl, with the smallest one being just 5 millimeters, and produce a sound similar to certain birds of prey, such as the Eurasian sparrowhawk and common kestrel, when air is blown into them.

Compiled by AJT Staff

Aug. 28, 1965: Physicist Giulio Racah dies at age 56 during a visit to his birth city, Florence, Italy. His work on atomic spectroscopy earned himself and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem international recognition.

A medieval manuscript depicts the crusader siege of Jerusalem in 1099.

Aug. 15, 1096: The armies of the First Crusade officially embark from Western Europe to capture the Holy Land. The religious fervor sparks pogroms against Europe’s Jews. The crusaders capture Jerusalem in 1099.

Aug. 16, 1966: Operation Diamond, Israel’s plan to obtain a Russian-made MiG-21 fighter jet, succeeds when Iraqi pilot Munir Redfa lands at Hatzor Air Force Base for a $1 million bounty and other benefits.

Aug. 17, 1898: A few weeks before the Second Zionist Congress, 160 Russian Zionists meet secretly in Warsaw, where Ahad Ha’am calls for a Jewish cultural renaissance before the political Zionism promoted by Theodor Herzl.

Aug. 18, 2000: Archaeologist Claire Epstein, a London native who discovered the culture of the Chalcolithic Period (4500 to 3300 B.C.E.) in the Golan, dies at 88 at Kibbutz Ginossar.

Aug. 19, 2003: A suicide bomber kills 23 people and injures more than 130 others

Aug. 21, 1969: An Australian immigrant, Denis Michael Rohan, sets fire to Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem by pouring kerosene through a keyhole and throwing in a match. He enters an insanity plea and is deported.

Aug. 25, 1918: Jewish composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein is born in Massachusetts. He makes his first trip to Israel to conduct the future Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in 1947 and leads an acclaimed Jerusalem unity concert after the 1967 war.

Aug. 26, 1955: Secretary of State John Foster Dulles reveals a U.S. plan to launch covert peace talks, guarantee the borders of Israel and Arab states, and provide a loan to Israel to pay reparations to Arab refugees.

Jacques Lipchitz’s “Tree of Life” stands at Hadassah Hospital on Mount Scopus. // By zeevveez, CC BY 2.0

Aug. 22, 1891: Sculptor Jacques Lipchitz, whose “The Tree of Life” stands outside Hadassah Hospital on Mount Scopus, is born in Lithuania. In his later years he draws inspiration from Judaism for his work.

Aug. 23, 1903: The Sixth Zionist Congress, the last presided over by Theodor Herzl, convenes in Basel, Switzerland, with approximately 600 delegates. It debates a proposal for an interim Jewish homeland in East Africa.

The first train from Jaffa arrives in Jerusalem on Aug. 27, 1892.

Aug. 27, 1892: The first passenger train arrives in Jerusalem from Jaffa. The 53-mile Ottoman railroad line reduces the travel time from the Mediterranean port to the holy city from two days to four hours.

Aug. 29, 1897: Led by Theodor Herzl, the First Zionist Congress opens in Basel, Switzerland. It declares that “Zionism aims at establishing for the Jewish people a publicly and legally assured home in the Land of Israel.”

Aug. 30, 1987: The Israeli Cabinet decides to end production of the Lavi fighter jet. The Lavi (“Young Lion”) was doomed by cost overruns and by an agreement not to sell the aircraft to other countries.

Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.

Judicial Overhaul Legislation is Dividing Israelis

Week after week since January, Israelis – in the hundreds of thousands -have been marching, protesting both for and against their government’s moves to eliminate some of the judiciary’s authority and transfer those powers to the executive and legislative branches of government, essentially tilting the balance of power in the country.

Now many are marching out of the country. In the thousands, they are seeking refuge for themselves, their families and their financial wherewithal to Portugal, Spain, Greece, Germany, and Poland in the European Union, as well as the U.K., the U.S. and Canada.

One poll conducted by an Israeli TV channel found that 28 percent of respondents were considering moving abroad. While certainly it is not expected that two million Israelis would leave their homeland, the numbers do reflect a disillusionment with or fear for the future of Israel.

Of course, even among those who seek new homes abroad, it’s unknown how many will succeed in finding them. And many Israelis who support the rightwing government’s moves to overhaul the judiciary – and show that support in their own protests – are not fleeing the country.

But those who work in the relocation business are definitely seeing an increase in requests for information and help. Maya Chen, who is a relocation consultant, has been fielding “a lot” of requests for information from Israelis considering moving abroad. Chen, who moved to Alpharetta from Israel with her husband and three children in July, noted that she is not an immigration attorney and does not help people get visas. She provides emotional and logistical support to those who generally already have the legal ability to emigrate. Her Hebrewlanguage Facebook group is called “Together in Relocation.”

“There’s a big difference between asking questions and actually doing something” like moving abroad, she told the AJT. “It’s hard and it’s expensive but more people are expressing their concerns and looking for another option. Most people don’t move in a month; it takes at least six months,” said Chen, who had lived in Seattle for 10 years before moving back to Israel, and now just moving to Atlanta. “My goal is for people to not feel alone” as they are making the adventurous move.

While thousands of Israelis are applying for residency abroad – including doctors who have their own WhatsApp groups seeking information about relocation – a growing number of Israelis already living abroad are deciding not to return to Israel for now. And immigration numbers so far this year have also declined, except those from Russia.

Moving or staying abroad has become attractive as the outlook for Israel’s economy has declined. The Israel Innovation Authority released a survey showing that 80 percent of start-ups so far this year were opened outside Israel, and that companies intend to register their intellectual property abroad, resulting in a blow to Israel’s tax funds. Private funding of start-ups is also at a five-year low.

In addition, several credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, S&P and Morgan Stanley, have expressed concerns about Israel’s economic future. Morgan Stanley actually cut Israel’s credit rating. And more recently, the Bank of Israel raised its assessment of the level of risk to the stability of Israel’s financial system, citing the government’s judicial overhaul as the main source of danger to the economy.

Instead of considering emigration, many Israelis – both supporters and opponents of the judicial overhaul – are continuing to voice their opinions in protests in the streets. The separate groups

are not split between left-wingers and right-wingers, although the latter does include a much higher number of residents on the West Bank.

A recent survey by the Israel Democracy Institute noted that a whopping 23 percent of a national sample had participated in the anti-overhaul protests, including 10 percent of self-identified right-wingers.

Among the protesters in July were at least two Atlantans who were in Israel for visits. Eti Lazarian, originally from Israel, said she participated in protests on both sides of the divide. At both, she was handed an Israeli flag to wave. “Both groups have opinions; both groups are passionate about what they do. The Israeli people have a way of making everything fun. These demonstrations are nothing but a big party.”

But in the streets, in the stores, in the mall, on the beach, that passion and stress can be overwhelming and exhausting, said Lazarian, who has lived in Atlanta for 20 years. “On both sides, people feel like it’s the end of the world. I love this country but to live here is a different thing.”

Another Israeli-born Atlantan, Dotan Harpak, said after his visit to Israel that “the place feels different; it’s not the Israel I grew up in, nor the Israel I have been visiting in the years since I moved to Atlanta. The anti-democratic judicial

overhaul and other actions of the government, and of course, the massive protest movement, is omnipresent. It’s always in the air that surrounds you when you’re there. You can’t not see it and feel it.”

Harpak talked about the mix of protesters, “from the many Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War veterans, through the women’s fight, LGBTQ rights, religious pluralism, to a clear voice against the occupation and for Palestinian rights. All groups who are under attack by this government were welcome there, joining hands in the fight for democracy.”

Although he attended protests in various cities in the country, he said the main Saturday night protest in Tel Aviv “was an overwhelming shock to all my senses, both physically and mentally. I cannot describe what it feels like to stand in the middle of a 250,000 [person] crowd, all chanting ‘Democratia! Democratia!’ [Hebrew for “democracy.”] These are my people, and they are hurting and fighting like no other nation has fought against similar anti-democratic takeovers. Not in Hungary, not Turkey, not Poland. I was both inspired by their beautiful, creative, committed fight, and pained by it.”

The protests, on both sides, are expected to continue. Meanwhile, Israel’s High Court has called for all 15 members to hear several petitions against the first law passed in the judicial overhaul. That hearing is scheduled for Sept. 12.ì

Women’s Soccer Symposium Hosted in Israel

Soccer may be known worldwide as “the beautiful game,” but for its female participants who play the sport professionally, the pursuit of equality hasn’t been such a delightful experience.

The gaping disparity in pay afforded to men’s and women’s professional teams has been a point of contention for decades. And it wasn’t until last year, with the U.S. Women’s National Soccer team scoring a massive legal victory by reaching a settlement with U.S. Soccer (which is not only their employer but also the sport’s national governing body), which included a $24 million payout to current and former players and a pledge to ensure financial parity between the men’s and women’s teams, that the fourtime World Cup winning program made significant headway. With the U.S. at the vanguard of this revolution, one that represents arguably the greatest plight for gender equality since Title IX, other soccer-crazed nations, including Israel, are starting to follow suit.

Last month, as a prelude to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation in Tel Aviv-Yafo hosted an event championing women’s soccer in Israel by highlighting the tremendous strides made by female players in the country. Held in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Israel, the Israel Football Association, the Olympic Committee of Israel, the Athena Center for Promoting Women’s Sports in Israel, and the Israeli Ministry of Sport and Culture, the event featured a screening of the awardwinning documentary, “LFG,” which chronicles the U.S. Women’s National Soccer team’s crusade for obtaining equal compensation within the United States Soccer Federation.

Narrated by Megan Rapinoe, Jessica McDonald, Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelley O’Hara, and Sam Mewis and directed by Academy Award-winners Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine, “LFG” interweaves the squad’s World Cup triumph in 2019 with the players’ relentless pursuit for equal compensation, and in doing so, illuminated the dual challenge of being a world-class athlete staying in tip-top condition while maintaining unflinching determination to drive forward long-lasting

societal change.

While such painstaking efforts in the U.S. have yielded significant progress, in Israel, women’s soccer is vastly underfunded compared to its men’s soccer program, a striking imbalance that has hindered the development of the sport played by legions of young Israeli women.

“We firmly believe that empowering women in sports is not only about scoring goals on the field but also about breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms,” remarked Tami Hay Sagiv, deputy director general for education, Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, who served as one of the event’s keynote speakers. “Through this event and our regular activities, The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation is committed to fostering an environment where women’s soccer in Israel and across the Middle East can flourish, inspiring future generations of female athletes to dream big and achieve greatness.”

Since the early 2000s, The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation has been running women’s soccer programs, providing thousands of amateur players with opportunities for participation, training, and development. While the sport remains wildly popular in Israel due in part

to such support, Israeli women trying to establish themselves in the professional ranks continue to face insurmountable odds in carving out a living.

“We don’t get paid enough, so we have to work on the side — we can’t be 100 percent focused on just being soccer players,” said Rachel Steinschneider, who plays for the Hapoel Jerusalem women’s team and moonlights as a data engineer for General Motors to pay the bills. “I feel like there’s a change taking place. Every time I talk to a young female player, I say: ‘Things might seem bleak now, but there are good things coming up.’”

In addition to the panel of speakers, which also included Stephanie Hallett, U.S. Embassy Jerusalem, deputy chief of mission, there was a virtual address delivered by Moroccan social entrepreneur Fatima Zahra Benfares, who serves as the director of the government-sponsored program, “She Plays Football,” which strives to broaden opportunities for girls in the North African country to play soccer.

Speaking over Zoom from her home in Rabat, Benfares declared, “We still have a long way to go, we still have some major barriers facing women’s sport in the region, but we are making incred-

ible progress in shifting the culture and bringing more and more women into sports.

“Girls now, they don’t want to imitate a male player when they want to be taken seriously. If you ask her who her favorite player is, she won’t say Christiano Ronaldo anymore, she might say Alex Morgan. They have role models, representation matters.”

While the evening’s underlying theme was that Israeli women soccer players would no longer tolerate being second-class citizens compared to their male counterparts, a broader message -- that soccer can serve as a means for transformative social change in Israel, the Middle East, and across the planet –was also articulated.

“Today’s event represents the U.S. Embassy’s effort to promote American values such as equal opportunity and is part of our continuing effort to promote sports as a means for advancing equality, opportunity, and leadership, especially among women and girls,” noted Hallett. “We will continue to support and promote equal opportunities, not only for women but for other disadvantaged communities, to help build a stronger and more resilient Israeli society.” ì

Former Brave Fred McGriff Inducted in Hall

It was 30 years ago this summer –July 20, 1993 – when a fire blazed through the club level of the long-defunct Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. In one of the strangest days in the history of Atlanta sports, less than two hours before the Braves game against the St. Louis Cardinals was slated to begin, a can of Sterno being used to heat catered food in an unattended suite near the press box sparked a four-alarm blaze that rapidly engulfed the Braves’ radio booth and five other booths along the club level, resulting in more than $1.5 million in damages.

Miraculously, the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was considered suitable for a game, the 9:40 p.m. postponement of which allowed the club’s newly acquired slugger, Fred McGriff, time to settle in (he had just driven up that morning from his home in Tampa), get treatment for his bruised ribs, and start that evening.

The multipurpose stadium wasn’t the only thing catching fire on that sultry late July day. Sparked by McGriff’s arrival from the San Diego Padres, the Braves -- who at the time were nine games behind the San Francisco Giants in the NL West standings – immediately caught fire themselves … and eventually caught the Giants to capture the division in the last great postseason race before the Wild Card Era. By clubbing 19 homers and driving in 55 runs over the balance of the regular season, McGriff (aka “The Crime Dog”) ignited a Braves lineup that helped the club reel off a 51-17 record down the stretch before falling to the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLCS. Two years later, with McGriff penciled in as the team’s everyday cleanup hitter, Atlanta won its firstever World Series.

Last month, on Sunday, July 23, the low-key, sweet swinging, always in shape first baseman became the fifth player from that 1995 Braves team to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., joining Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz in receiving baseball’s highest honor.

“It was just a great time being there in Atlanta with the guys and, of course, winning,” McGriff said during his pre-induction media availability. “We had a really good ballclub for a number of years. It was awesome because I got the chance to play [close to home in Tampa]. At the time, you didn’t have the Tampa Bay Rays. We didn’t have the Miami Marlins or Florida Marlins. So, Atlanta was the

closest thing to my home. So being able for my parents to have a better opportunity to see me play a lot more, it was great for me at the time.”

For 19 major league seasons following multiple summers of minor league bus rides through the Carolinas and the Great Smoky Mountains, McGriff paid homage to his hardworking parents – his mother, Eliza, was a schoolteacher, his father, Earl, an electronics repairman –by going about his business quietly, never craving the spotlight. Quite the contrast from many a modern-day star ballplayer.

“I laugh watching games now on TV, because now with social media you got guys, they’re doing stuff just to get on social media. Let me see. Let me see if I can do this and that,” McGriff added. “It’s a whole different game now. But when I was coming up, it’s like, treat people like you want to be treated. Go out there and play the game and play it hard. Play it the right way. And so you try to teach that to the younger guys.”

The Braves’ mid-season acquisition of McGriff, engineered by mastermind executive John Schuerholz, himself a HOF inductee, goes down as one of the best deadline trades in baseball history. In return for the future Hall of Famer, who slammed 30 homers in 10 different seasons and finished with a lifetime .303 postseason average, the Braves’ front office only had to part with Vince Moore, Donnie Elliott, and Melvin Nieves, all of whom were out of professional baseball by 1998. It is quite possible that without McGriff anchoring the Braves’ lineup in 1995, the franchise’s first World Series title would have had to wait until the next century.

Yet despite having an impressive resume (493 home runs -- he surely would have eclipsed 500 had it not been for the players’ strike in 1994 -- five All-Star Games, 1,550 RBI) while never being suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs, McGriff never got much love from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA), which elects players into the Hall. Once a player has been retired for five years, he needs to receive 75 percent of votes in a given Hall of Fame election. McGriff spent the maximum 10 years on the writers’ ballot, peaking at 39.8 percent in his final go-round in 2019. But this past December, in his first time eligible for election from baseball’s 16-person Contemporary Eras Committee, McGriff was unanimously selected to become one of the 270 former major leaguers included in the Hall of Fame.

Certainly not an obvious Hall of Famer like Chipper Jones who waltzed into Cooperstown back in 2018, McGriff delivered an induction speech with considerable humility and gratitude.

“My goal was simply to make it to the big leagues, and I exceeded every expectation I could ever imagine and then some,” McGriff remarked during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which included a video montage of his career highlights narrated by former teammate Marquis Grissom. “I am humbled to be standing on this stage with some of the greatest players to ever play this game. Honestly, I would have been happy just playing one day in the big leagues.”

The only player to ever hit 30 homers for five different teams, McGriff also spent chunks of his career in Toronto, San Diego, and his hometown of Tampa. But it was in Atlanta where his prime years, during which he was one of

the most feared hitters in the National League, coincided with the dynastic run of the “Team of the 90s.” So naturally, his induction speech had an acute focus on those sweet mid-90s years.

“I was very excited to be joining a team that had been a couple plays away from winning back-to-back championships in 1991 and 1992,” McGriff reflected. “The ’93 team was the best team I believe I ever played on.”

Due in no small part to McGriff, himself, who ended his nearly 20-minute induction speech with a crafty allusion to the bizarre and nearly tragic course of events that preceded his Atlanta Braves debut, in which he socked a game-tying two-run homer that propelled Atlanta to a comeback win and ultimately a division title.

“There be fires along the way, but those fires can ignite the spark to the next season of your life.”ì

U.S. Travelers Flock to Israel in Record Droves

same month in 2019, signaling that the country once again is seeing significant growth.

“These statistics are extremely encouraging” said Eyal Carlin, commissioner of tourism to North America. “Between March of 2020 and May of 2022, our country was closed to incoming tourism. Since we reopened and people are traveling in droves, we expect 2023 to be a banner year for Israel, especially from North America; even better than what we saw in 2019, which was our best year to date.”

June 2023, which had a 27 percent increase over the previous year, saw the most tourists arrive from the United States followed by France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. These numbers don’t include day visitors or passengers arriving on cruise ships.

and the bustle of Tel Aviv, but places many aren’t all that familiar with such as the Negev Desert wine route or scuba diving  at an underwater archaeological excavation site, as well as one-of-a-kind experiences, such as a sleepover at a Bedouin camp or attending the International Jerusalem Jazz Festival at the Israel Museum.

As Israel celebrates its Diamond Jubilee this year, visitation from the United States surpasses its pre-pandemic numbers. During the first half of this year,

travelers from the U.S. swelled 12 percent over the same period in 2019. Additionally, in June alone, visitors from the U.S. increased by 13 percent compared to the

According to Christopher Elliott, travel expert and senior editor at Forbes, tourists to Israel in 2023 want to experience not only the well-known destinations, such as the holy sites of Jerusalem

“As a country, we are heavily investing in tourism,” added Carlin. “New hotels and resorts are helping to increase our room inventory while new food, wine, and spirits destinations add to the overall excitement along with our many outdoor adventure opportunities as well as arts and culture experiences. Travelers are still arriving in Israel to experience what we’re known for—our holy and ancient sites—but they return home with their expectations exceeded as they discover some of the lesser-known destinations.”  ì

Compiled by AJT Staff

When Both Sides are ‘Pro-Israel’

Israel’s political crisis has muddled further the meaning of the already ambiguous phrase “pro-Israel.”

Are you “pro-Israel” if you back the judicial “reform” laws making their way through the Knesset, engineered by Israel’s longest-serving prime minister and the most right-wing government in its 75-year history?

Or are you “pro-Israel” if you back the Israelis who — by the hundreds of thousands — have protested against those laws every weekend since mid-January, fearing a loss of democratic values in a nation that likes to remind the world that it is the only democracy in its neighborhood?

In simplified terms, the Knesset majority led by Benjamin Netanyahu is flexing its muscles to increase the authority of the parliament and prime minister, while diminishing that of the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court. Israel, it should be noted, operates without a constitution, relying instead on a set of “basic laws.”

The controversial bills are being advanced by the duly elected government of Israel. Two have cleared the Knesset and become law. Five others are at various stages of the legislative process. Two more remain proposals, for now.

Jewish Americans who reflexively identify as “pro-Israel” may find all of this baffling.

Netanyahu has been prime minister for 16 years — in three stints, beginning in 1996 — long enough that a cult of familiarity may cause some to confuse “Bibi” with

the nation itself.

In a sub-text, Netanyahu remains on trial in three corruption cases. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, and called the matter a politically motivated “witch hunt.” The opposition worries that he will use the new laws to shield himself from prosecution.

This storm was foreseen well before it arrived.

When Israelis went to the polls last November, for the fifth time in less than four years, approximately 70 percent of registered voters turned out. Under Israel’s convoluted election system, 10 parties met the threshold for seats in the 120-member Knesset, led by Netanyahu’s Likud with 32, barely half the number needed to form a governing majority.

Netanyahu found 32 more by inviting into a coalition parties representing rigorously observant religious Jews and ardent supporters of Israeli settlement in the territories commonly referred to as the West Bank, also known by the biblical names Judea and Samaria.

These folks did not enter the coalition out of good will but because their demands were met, whether for funding and independence in their communities or control of government ministries, notably those overseeing the police and the West Bank. Now wielding power, they are exercising long-standing grudges against the judiciary, some dating to Israel’s founding in 1948.

The opposition contends that the laws are being shoved down the nation’s throat, without due consideration.

Military and intelligence officials have warned about potential security consequences. Already, thousands of reservists have pledged not to report for duty. One-day strikes have forced hospitals to provide only emergency services and the health ministry

worries about doctors emigrating. Economists warn that the repercussions “could cripple the country’s economy,” as entrepreneurs move money out of the “start-up nation.”

Though the largest anti-”reform” rallies, estimated at upwards of 200,000 people, have been in Tel Aviv — a weekly sea of blue-and-white flags — protests have extended from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat, from the Kineret region to Ashdod, from Haifa to Jerusalem, and elsewhere on the map.

Organizers claimed that on one weekend, 450,000 Israelis — roughly five percent of Israel’s 9.34 million population — the equivalent of nearly 17 million Americans — took part in nationwide protests.

While the anti-protests are framed around democratic values — and antipathy for Netanyahu — within those ranks is opposition to Israel’s control and settlement in territories captured in the 1967 war, as well as government subsidies and exemptions for ultra-religious communities.

Though less frequent, large rallies in support of the laws have drawn 150,000-

plus outside the Knesset in Jerusalem and tens of thousands in Tel Aviv.

Both sides are fervently “pro-Israel” and consider themselves patriotic. They just have different priorities and visions for their nation’s future.

Given the public intensity of the argument, the scene at Jerusalem’s train station in July was remarkable — a descending escalator filled with flag-waving Israelis headed to Tel Aviv after an opposition rally in the capitol and an ascending escalator filled with flag-waving Israelis returning from a Tel Aviv rally in support of the laws.

“Suddenly, as the two sides headed in different directions, something beautiful happened: People began reaching out across the divider and shaking the hands of those passing on the opposite escalator. It was recognition that no matter what political path they follow, there is still a need for respect and recognition of what we all share,” the Jerusalem Post reported.

Americans unwilling — literally and figuratively — to reach across their own nation’s schism, might want to take note.ì

That’s the Power of WE.

Imagine your life having a complete support system. It's like an extended family working together, supporting you, and making life easier. Every day. Smiles at every turn, a joke with a neighbor, a chef who knows just how you like your favorite meal. A life thriving through connection. That’s senior living at The Piedmont at Buckhead.

CULINARY

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17 TH • 11:30AM

Join us and explore Japanese cuisine with our talented Executive Chef. Sample delicious dumplings and more. To RSVP, please call 404.496.5492. Can’t make this event? Come to our next one:

OPINION

Letters to the Editor

The AJT welcomes your letters. If you would like your letter to be published, please write 200 words or less, include your name, phone number and email, and send it to kaylene@atljewishtimes.com.

Letter to the editor, Jewish Atlanta Pets of 2023

I always enjoy looking through the photos and bios in the Jewish Atlanta Pets issue, as well as that of the AJT’s staff pets. I LOVED seeing that this year so many of the featured pets are rescues. It was good to see that the names of the rescue organizations were given a ‘shoutout” by several of the adoptive families. As the mother, and grandmother, of rescue dogs and cats, it’s such an important message to put out that rescues make wonderful, loving family members. And, by adopting a rescue, or stray, you are doing a mitzvah!

Audrey Helfman,

Letter to the editor, Women are doing a better job wielding positive political power today than any other group.

Black, Hispanic, and Asian men lag well behind women. However, women still lag far behind rich white men in being good at what they do. Rich white men are epic wizards at business greed and political propaganda. They win converts to their interests with very little effort at all.

Consider Trump politics, which is rich white guy grievance whining. The bad guys in Trump world are those people who don’t go to mainstream church, can’t play golf, don’t believe in the infallibility of business and finance, must resort to payday and title loans, wish the rich would pay more taxes, would like a place to live, and don’t have to worry about sunscreen as much as white folks.

So, yeah, plenty of folks to blame for Republican discomfort.

Letter to editor,

I agree with Shai Robkin. As Israel is the nation-state of the Jews, American Jews should feel free to express their opinions, sharing concerns when they disagree with Israeli policies and offering support when they agree with them. Unfortunately, Robkin’s essay is couched largely in terms of “right” and “left” (with the strong implication that “left” is good and “right” is bad). Our criticisms and praise will be more meaningful if we know more about the issues we’re addressing.

Israel’s Supreme Court is not the bastion of democracy that the opponents of judicial reform claim it to be. Sitting judges have a veto over the appointment of new judges and have been known to reject qualified candidates for appointments to the bench because of differences in ideology. The Court has ordered Jewish communities dismantled based on unproven claims that the communities were built on privately owned Palestinian land, with the Court essentially acting as an advocacy group for people who don’t necessarily have Israel’s best interests at heart. In the absence of a written constitution (or its equivalent, a complete set of Basic Laws), the Court has struck down laws the judges consider “unreasonable.” Thus, rather than being a “Check and Balance” on the Knesset, the Court has taken control of the Knesset. Balance will be restored only when the Knesset can override the Court’s ruling.

That said, I must agree that allowing the Knesset to override a Court ruling via a simple majority vote (61 Members of Knesset in agreement) would not restore balance; it would give the Knesset control of the Court. However, requiring a supermajority vote (75 to 80 MK’s approving) would require support from some Opposition MK’s in addition to the votes of Coalition MK’s, making the override a better reflection of the opinions expressed by the electorate at the ballot box.

Disclamer to our readers:

This section of the newspaper is a forum for our community to share thoughts, concerns and opinions as open letters to the community or directly to the newspaper.

As a letter to the editor, we proof for spelling and grammatical errors only. We do not edit nor vet the information the letter contains. The individual signing the letter is accountable for what they share.

Having a best friend in the kitchen.

Fairy Tale Wedding for ‘Princess Jacqueline’

Jacqueline Morris is a young woman with many romantic and classic interests. When she married Aaron Graubert on May 28 at The Temple, followed by a reception at the Intercontinental Hotel, the most intricate and specific details heralded the couple’s love for music, books, and all the pomp of the Renaissance Festival.

Event planner Helene Popowski

summed it up, “I was happy to do this wedding as I had also done her bat mitzvah. It was an opportunity to be creative with the bride’s love of myths and fairy tales. Songs for the ceremony reflected the bride and groom’s love of movies like ‘Lord of the Rings,’ ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and ‘Anastasia. The gorgeous evening was inspired by the bride’s love of old English folklore and romantic fairy tales. Alchemy Events used abundant natural greenery, wildflowers, and a soft palette of periwinkle with candlelight. The wedding cake was baked by chef Dallas Kee…a spectacular tower of their 12 favorite books - a true showstopper!”

The festivities were well spaced and thematic. The welcome party was at the Painted Pin for “fun and games.” The week prior, friends and family were escorted to The Renaissance Festival. Jacqueline loves hats and English ties, which guests sported to the farewell garden brunch and tea.

For the wedding, sentimental gestures abounded: Jacqueline’s engagement

ring was her great-grandmother’s. Other grandmother Barbara’s wedding ring was used for the ceremony. The Kiddish cup was from Jacqueline’s bat mitzvah. The couple’s first dance was “At the Beginning,” from the film, “Anastasia.” The daughter-dad dance was “Stealing Cinderella”; son-mother dance was “My Wish,” by Rascal Flats.

The bride’s dress and veil were from Eve of Milady with sweetheart neckline and balloon sleeves, and cathedral veil. Attendants’ dresses were royal blue, off the shoulder. Jacqueline had four brides men, and her three sisters were bridesmaids, a cousin was flower girl. Graubert had five groomsmen, including his brother.

For the service, Rabbi Peter Berg invited Rabbi Alvin Sugarman to join him on the Temple bimah, which was very special as the latter officiated at Jacqueline’s baby naming. Berg said, “It is in many ways, and I’m sure of it -- using the Yiddish word beshert, ‘meant to be,’ that G-d has ordained from the beginning of

time which souls would be joined together. Whether it began meeting at a party in college, to seven years of laughter and love, from a proposal at mini golf, to sharing work, school, and family occasions. Sometimes, some things are beshert, and sometimes…everything is beshert.”

Later, Graubert told the AJT, “I love that Jacqueline drags me out of the house to socialize and experience new things. We’ve had a lot of fun discovering Denver together.”

Jacqueline added, “I love that Aaron is always willing to join me on adventures, and our lives have been just that. From moving to dancing the nights away, from trying new foods to new activities, or adding a new animal to our family. Now that we are married and settled down, I think I’m quite ready for another adventure!”

Jacqueline is an elementary school teacher and Aaron is an IT cybersecurity specialist. The couple, who live in Denver, had a mini-moon at Lake Toxaway and plan to go on a European “foodie” tour

next summer. Parents are Belinda Morris and Michael Morris, Becky Parks and Timothy Graubert.

Father of the bride and Atlanta Jewish Times publisher, Michael Morris, stated, “Their wedding was everything they wanted it to be, a fairytale wedding. An entire three-day weekend of activities for family and friends culminating in a breathtaking ceremony. Watching their faces as he stepped on a glass under a

chupah of densely packed flowers, and her wearing a glittering tiara and 10-foot train, was an absolutely beautiful moment etched in my memory. I am so excited for Jacqueline and Aaron to begin their lives together.”

Morris continued, “It was also very heartwarming to watch the rabbi, who married Belinda and I, bestow blessing upon my oldest daughter and newest sonin-law.”ì

Top Left: The table setting reflected Jacqueline’s detailed taste “to a tea.”

Top Right: The outrageous wedding cake was a phenomenal stack of the couple’s favorite books.

Creative Couple Plans Life of Beautiful Music

The restaurant and special events facility, which backs up to an expansive view of the Chattahoochee River, is just across from their home. It’s also just a few hundred yards from where they had their first date, at the National Park Service trail off I-285 and very near the exact spot where Joe proposed last August.

added so much to the ceremony.

It was easy. It was an easy day.”

For their Sunday evening wedding on the broad lawn at Ray’s on The River, Joe Alterman and Stephanie Friedman didn’t stray far from some of the most important places that have been a part of their relationship.

The chuppah for the ceremony was draped with two tallit that belonged to their grandfathers, and the floral structure was created by Stephanie’s sister-inlaw, Yona Benstock Friedman, who is an event designer.

Performing the wedding ceremony was another family member, Marc Gary, who is a former vice chancellor and chief executive officer of the Jewish Theological Seminary. The bride remembers his role in the wedding as something that

“We lucked into Marc when we chose him to perform the ceremony. He really understood how to make the ceremony so special and how to make us feel really present in that moment. It made such a difference to be able look out and to be able see all of our family and friends there, watching us do this important thing.”

Having such a meaningful ceremony in such a natural setting was exactly how both said they had envisioned their wedding. It all unfolded easily according to Friedman without any of the stress that sometimes accompanies preparations for the big day.

“It was just perfect. Like, everything really came together. We had both of our families present and I was really relaxed.

Alterman is both a nationally known professional jazz pianist and the executive director of Neranenah, the Atlanta Jewish music festival. Friedman is an actress who performs as part of Humorology Atlanta, which entertains in area hospitals. She is also director of theater education and the summer drama camp of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

Their marriage cemented a creative partnership that first began in August 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. Their individual careers had been interrupted by the cancellation of most public performances.

Because it was difficult to meet in person they spent hours on their cell phones, getting to know one another during lengthy conversations. It would

be nearly a year before their relationship became really serious, but all that talking created a bond that Alterman feels brought them closer together.

“We just have a similar sense of humor, and we love a soft shoe kind of music. But none of that common stuff would mean anything if we hadn’t created that sense of caring that we developed each day. We’re just lucky that we have so much in common to go along with that.”

Although Alterman has spent so much of his life devoted to music, Friedman also grew up in a family where music was an important part of everyday life. In addition to her skills on stage, she plays the banjo and ukelele. Her parents, Ross and Teresa Friedman, have performed together since they first met in the mid-1970s. Their Bitsyland Band is a familiar sight at community events in Sandy Springs and around the metropolitan Atlanta area. Teresa Friedman was Joe’s fourth grade teacher at The Epstein School, which Stephanie Friedman also attended.

Last year, Joe and Stephanie traveled together to several cities in Poland and to Auschwitz. The trip was part of a documentary about education and the Holocaust that was created by the well known pianist and stage performer, Hershey Felder, who appeared at the Sandy Springs Performing

Arts Center earlier this year.

Afterward, they spent a week with Felder at his home in Italy and participated in a concert at the Zeffirelli Foundation Museum in Florence.

With all that experience, both as individual performers and together, it was only natural that music was an important part of the wedding celebration. Not only did they have the traditional first dance together, but they performed the first song as well.

It was a lighthearted carefree tune they composed, called “The Slipper Song,” that likens their cozy relationship to the bedroom slippers that they both have happily made a part of their life together. The melody is subtitled, “My Slippers Are Always On When I’m With You.” They recorded it for Spotify and it’s also available on YouTube along with a picture of them in their pajamas.

It’s a song that Friedman feels says so much about her hopes for their future life.

“It’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to making a creative home together, not just a physical home, but one where we can be a creative couple, with our slippers, together.”

Joe Alterman and Stephanie Friedman’s “The Slipper Song” is on YouTube, www.youtu.be/jH9aAf_N79k.ì

Pristine White-on-White Wedding Wonderland

On April 29, The Historic Peabody Hotel in Memphis was the venue for 285 guests witnessing the marriage of Rachel Woodman to Alpharettan Brent Turry.

Woodman grew up in Memphis, went to the University of Alabama, and moved to Dallas to pursue a retail commercial real estate career for The Retail Connection. Turry went to the University of Alabama and moved to Dallas to work in tech and cyber security sales.

The wedding décor was a white-up-

on-white wonderland. According to the bride, “I knew right off the bat I wanted everything to be white with touches of gold due to the Peabody’s historic build out of timeless gold detailing.”

Naturally, the flowers and bouquet were white roses and hydrangeas. Woodman chose Nardos Design, out of Dallas, to create her dress. Woodman recalled, “I wanted something fun for the reception, so [the designer] created an overskirt to put over my wedding dress filled with feathers to the very bottom.” The bridesmaids’ dresses (also white) were from

Bella Bridesmaids.

As the couple became friends in 2016, they quickly realized that their personalities and interests aligned, bringing out the best of each other. After a first date, there was -- according to Woodman - “Nonstop talking…the second we woke up until the second we went to sleep every day…6 years later…still talking ever second of the day. I knew very early on that he was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”

Turry’s engagement plan started early on. He said, “With Rachel and I living in

Dallas while our friends and family lived across the country, I invited some of our closest people in for the first weekend to surprise Rachel. She thought May 6, 2022, was going to be a nice date for just us two, but little did she know, our parents, brothers, and friends all flew in and were waiting around the corner.”

He continued, “At 7 p.m., I told her an Uber was here to take us to dinner. When we walked outside, I said, ‘I was thinking, instead of getting dinner, why don’t we get married?’ And got down on a knee with the ring. From there, both

our dads jumped out from behind a tree to start the surprises. After a moment of hugs, we went to a surprise engagement party to celebrate with family and friends and had the absolute best weekend we will cherish forever.”

Prior to the April ceremony, the couple had an intimate Ketubah signing with close family and the wedding party as witnesses. “It was really special having all of the most important people in our lives in a small room together right before the ceremony began,” stated Woodman. Her childhood rabbi, Micah Greenstein (Temple Israel of Memphis) presided over the chuppah.

She said, “Rabbi Greenstein means a lot to my entire Woodman/Bronstein family. During our pre-marital counseling, he got to know Brent and me as ‘one’ and brought that into our ceremony. It was very personalized.” The couple used the Kiddush cup of Woodman’s parents, Susan and George, during the ceremony.

The couple’s first dance was to “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges. The ceremo-

ny music was by Memphis String Quartet and the reception band, ATL Groove Factory, kept the floor lively.

The honeymoon was described as “the trip of a lifetime” to the French Riviera for two weeks in St. Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, and Nice.

The couple summed it up as Woodman said, “Brent truly makes me the absolute best version of myself, I am so lucky to have him to spend the rest of my life with.”

And Turry added, “I feel incredibly fortunate to be married to Rachel. She is one of the happiest people I know, and her contagious happiness positively impacts me every day.”

Paternal grandmother and “celeb” Atlantan, Martha Jo Katz, said, “Rachel and Brent’s wedding was perfection. Rachel did an outstanding job with all the details. Our families made many memories that remain in our hearts. We’re so very proud to welcome Rachel and her family into ours. Seeing a grandchild marry is one of life’s ultimate pleasures.” ì

Top Left: The ATL Groove Factory kept the couple grooving all night.

Top Right: Under the chuppah with Rabbi Micah Greenstein- using the bride’s parents’ kiddish cup.

Right: The Flour Garden delivered this modern, white-on-white buttercream cake.

Bottom: The couple’s first dance was to “Coming Home.”

Left: Rachel Woodman prepares for the ceremony with mom, Susan Woodman // Photos by: Ann-Marie Wyatt with Taylor Square Weddings

Cohen Family Reunion Honors Sephardic Pride

On the July 4th holiday weekend, the descendants of two brothers, Morris and Eliezer Cohen, who grew up 180 years ago in Manisa, Turkey, came together to celebrate their family’s long history. The brothers never moved far from their home on the Aegean Sea near the port city of Izmir with its sizable Jewish population.

But one of their sons, Abraham, named after the patriarch whose journeys are chronicled in Genesis, travelled to Cuba in the early years of the 20th century. His knowledge of Ladino, the Jewish dialect of Spanish helped him to establish himself and his family on the Caribbean island.

In 1920, he moved again, to Atlanta,

with what eventually became a family of 12 children. They settled in the growing Sephardic community south of what is now the Georgia state capitol. Since then, seven generations of Abraham Cohen have traced their ancestry to this latterday patriarch and on the first weekend in July, they celebrated him.

About 130 attended the family reunion, coming from various communities in California, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Florida and along the Atlantic coast to New Jersey. One even made it all the way from Australia. Many of them noted their location on the elaborate family tree that has been updated over the decades. There are now 14 branches to the tree, indicative of the growth of the family and its dedication to recording the births

and deaths and the passages that have marked the family’s rich history.

Atlanta’s Sephardic community was fortunate to have developed early in the century when immigration was relatively easy for Jews. Those who were lucky enough to have immigrated at that time, escaped the full brunt of the Holocaust during World War II, which decimated the Jews of the Mediterranean, particularly the large Jewish community of Salonica on Rhodes.

The many Cohen family members who attended were hosted by a 17-member committee chaired by Sandra Roberts and her daughter, Erin. A pool party at the home of Stephanie and Brad Ludden’s home in Buckhead was a highlight of the weekend.

One of the committee members, Luna Cygielman, said the committee worked quickly because a number of important family members are in their 80s and older.

“It normally would take a year to plan something like this. But it was important that we do it now, as soon as possible, because some people might not be here. And it was very, very important to have this as soon as possible.”

Luna Cygielman’s father, Albert Barrocas, 82, has been the driving force behind the family’s three large reunions. The first, in 1980, while he was still a surgeon and hospital administrator in New Orleans. The second, 30 years ago, was on the 500th anniversary of the expulsion of Jews from the Spanish peninsula. His devotion

to the history of the family, he says, goes beyond merely bringing people together for a pleasant weekend.

“I want my children and other family members [to know] where they’ve come from and be proud of all that we have accomplished as a family and as individuals. And have that recorded [so] they can pass that on to their children and their family members.”

The weekend was launched with a Saturday morning service and a luncheon at the family’s ancestral synagogue, Congregation OrVe Shalom. The Sephardic congregation was first organized in 1914, six years before Abraham Cohen arrived with his family, but it quickly became the center of life in the closely-knit Sephardic community, most of whom lived within walking distance.

Many of the early congregants were from the Greek island of Rhodes, but some had married Jews from Turkey. What bound them together was their deep

Jewish faith and their language, Ladino. The Spanish dialect had been the way many of the Jews in the Mediterranean communicated with each other. It was also a reminder that all of them shared a common heritage, until they were suddenly expelled during the Spanish Inquisition in 1492.

Through the centuries, they kept their faith and their language alive, and the synagogue enduring history is a testament to both. For Luna Cygielman, who spoke in the final hours of the reunion at a Sunday brunch, the weekend of rich family memories and the brush with history was an experience almost beyond words.

“Our family has put together something this weekend that will be in our memory forever. I have no words for how I’m feeling as it’s coming to an end. It’s a really great feeling to feel so connected to so many people. We have a responsibility to hang on to our history and pass it on to future generations.”ì

Gift giving can be stressful and time consuming. I am a personal and corporate gift coordinator who’s here to take this off your hands. I will curate amazing gifts and all you have to do is accept the “Thank You”.

All Occasions: holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, baby, wedding, friends getaways, college acceptance, corporate

Balloons Over Atlanta Celebrates 30 Years

Balloons Over Atlanta, well known for its creative work in event decorating and planning, celebrates 30 years of successful operations next month.

Brian and Gayle Rubenstein acquired the company in September 1993 and transformed Balloons Over Atlanta into a premier full-service decorating and event planning business, operating under the Balloons Over Atlanta & Event Visions banner. Over the last three decades, Balloons Over Atlanta has established itself

as a prominent player in the industry, specializing in corporate event decorating, bar and bat mitzvah design, and planning for a wide range of occasions, including baby showers, proms, grand openings and weddings.

Operating with a spirit of innovation and adaptability, Balloons Over Atlanta has expanded its roster of services to meet the evolving needs of its clients. Additional capabilities include graphic design, large scale printing, event design, and display building. Under the guidance of Sarah and Levon Parrish, who play integral

roles in day-to-day operations, Balloons

Over Atlanta has embraced new technologies and modern techniques to cater to a new generation of clients while upholding the tradition of exceptional service.

“Reaching this milestone of 30 years is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team,” said Brian Rubenstein, co-owner of Balloons Over Atlanta. “We are immensely proud of how Balloons

Over Atlanta has grown and evolved over the years, and we owe our success to the unwavering support of our clients, as well as the talent and creativity of our team

members.”

Community involvement has been at the heart of Balloons Over Atlanta’s mission from the beginning, and the company takes immense pride in contributing to various community festivals and supporting local charities, especially those focused on providing services to children. Balloons Over Atlanta has served on planning teams and logistics for many popular events, such as the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival, the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival, CompassionCon, and Israel at 75.

To mark this significant milestone,

Balloons Over Atlanta is gearing up for an exciting year-long celebration from September 2023 to September 2024. The festivities will kick off with the launch of a brand-new website, featuring user-friendly tools to facilitate decor ordering and event service booking. In addition, the company will engage its clients and the community through various social media contests, client appreciation gifts, and customer giveaways.

“Throughout this anniversary year,

we want to express our gratitude to our loyal customers, partners, and the entire community that has supported us throughout the years,” said Gayle Rubenstein, co-owner of Balloons Over Atlanta. “We are eager to celebrate with everyone and look forward to continuing our journey of creating memorable events for years to come.”

To stay updated on the anniversary celebrations, visit www.balloonsover.com or follow them on social media. ì

Top Left: Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival at City Springs

Top Right: Cascading organic garland for a motion picture at Dantana’s Downtown

Right: Custom Atlanta United-themed bar mitzvah at Top Golf Alpharetta

Bottom: Event held at College Football Hall of Fame

Tower Beer & Wine Rings In 75 Years

Owner Michael Greenbaum shared some of the company history and how he grew up in the family business.

“My dad, Irwin Greenbaum, and two of my uncles, were in the grocery business,” he said. “They had small stores, which was the typical Jewish way in the 1950s in downtown Atlanta. When prohibition was repealed, my father and brother, Leonard, applied to (the City of) Atlanta for a license,” adding that the original store is now called Green’s and that Tower was the second store.

and then you could sell alcohol at different prices,” Greenbaum said. “My dad just loved making big deals and becoming a discount operation.”

In 1969, Michael Greenbaum joined his father, and they expanded the operation.

“We started to advertise for the first time in 1973,” he said, adding that they opened the Buford Highway location that same year.

that made these stores appear unsafe and not very clean,” Michael Greenbaum said. “We built well-lighted, larger, and more up-to-date stores to appeal to women or men. That was our style…of being a clean and modern discount store, now with a new wine focus.”

Tower Beer & Wine is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, marking a milestone achievement for the local purveyor.

“I grew up in that store and loved hanging around with my dad. In the 50s, there was no competition by law so there was no reason to expand. That changed in the '60s, when the state law changed

Irwin Greenbaum later added two more stores, located on Moreland Avenue and Bankhead Highway. At that point, the Greenbaums set out to change the image of the typical neighborhood liquor store.

“Most liquor stores were small, with bars on the windows with a red neon sign

Sadly, Irwin Greenbaum passed away in 2001. It was then that Michael Greenbaum, along with his leadership team, remodeled their locations and “stores really picked up sales.”

To keep up with the changing times, the Greenbaums have been sure to incorporate social media into their operation with the goal of reaching an even larger market.

“Currently, with my son [David] in

the business, we are involved in the latest technology, shipping spirits,” through social media, “and whatever is next.”

When asked what the secret to Tower’s lasting success is, Michael Greenbaum said, “A bulldog insistence in making the customer feel at home with us.”

Tower is also more than just about selling fine wine, spirits, and beer. The operation is also heavily involved in charitable programs, and hosts a fundraiser, Tower Lights, to benefit Children’s Healthcare. Tower also organized Tower of Talent, a children’s show produced by Lynn Stalling and Robyn Spizman.

“Tower Lights is a 501c3 charity,” Michael Greenbaum said. “We raise funds, mostly through our yearly auction of hard-to-find spirits and wine.” All told, Tower has raised more than $2 million for children’s healthcare programs.ì

Simcha Announcements

Have something to celebrate?

Births, B’nai Mitzvah, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries, Special Birthdays and more ... Share it with your community with free AJT simcha announcements. Send info to submissions@atljewishtimes.com.

Carol Lewis Celebrates Her Bat Mitzvah at 87

Carol Lewis, an 87-year-old resident of Sunrise at Huntcliff Summit, became a bat mitzvah on July 28. Her d’var Torah was a part of the weekly Friday night service at the independent senior living community in Sandy Springs.

Lewis grew up in New York City, where her father owned a garment factory. In her professional life, she was a pioneer in special education. She was the first teacher on Long Island to receive certification in the education specialty.

In her speech, before a congregation that filled the facility’s large, multi-purpose community room, she traced her decision to her lifelong devotion to honoring her parents.

She said that the commitment to her parents and their memory had always been a part of her life and she always worked to instill in her children, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild the same reverence for family life. The fifth commandment, to honor your parents, she said, had been a foundation principle of her life.

“My parents first introduced me to the warmth and wisdom of our Jewish faith. The reason I am sitting here before you today, is to honor them by affirming my commitment to Judaism.”

In keeping with that commitment, Lewis made her own family members an important part of the ritual. Her granddaughter Annalise Hardy, who is a second-year student at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., baked miniature braid loaves of challah that were used during the service and the kiddish afterwards. Another granddaughter, Samantha Hardy, lit the candles. Her daughter, Susan Hardy, organized the oneg afterwards, and recited the blessing over the wine during the service.

The tallit and kipah that Carol wore for the ceremony she gave to her daughter when she married and were used during her granddaughters’ bat mitzvahs.

Lewis regularly delivers a Friday night interpretation of the weekly Torah portion as part of the weekly rotation at the service by residents of Huntcliff

In her speech, she also paid tribute to all those at the retirement community who attended her special evening at the facility.

“I found, here, more than just a place to live. I discovered a welcoming and caring community,” Lewis said. “Our Friday night services reignited my passion for Jewish life and gave just me the opportunity to do something I had never had a chance to do as a young girl, but always wanted to do. I wanted to become a bat mitzvah.”

Ladinsky Named Top in Her Field and President of AJT

Kaylene Ladinsky is the Editor and Managing Publisher for the Atlanta Jewish Times and a founder and director of operations of the Atlanta Jewish Life Foundation. She was recently selected as the Top Editor and Managing Publisher of the Year 2023 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and excellence in the publishing industry.

With almost thirteen years of experience in the journalism industry, Ms. Ladinsky has certainly proven herself as an expert in her field. Ladinsky serves as the Editor and Managing Publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times. The Atlanta Jewish Times aims to foster a sense of community across the wider Atlanta region. The AJT fulfills its mission by promptly sharing local news and significant national Jewish and Israeli matters. It also provides assistance to local synagogues, non-profit organizations, and cultural events. Additionally, it announces family simchas and lifecycle events and encourages thought-provoking discussions and debates on current issues and Jewish concepts.

Before embarking on her current career path, Kaylene earned an Associate of Science degree in criminal justice from Iowa Community College and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University.

Ladinsky’s impressive repertoire of roles includes the Chief Operating Officer of the Atlanta Jewish Life Foundation, a non-profit organization that encourages the expression of support, inspiration, and education of democracy and peace in the Middle East. Before her current role, Kaylene was the President & Owner of Atlanta’s Impress Express for almost 12 years.

Throughout her illustrious career, Ms. Ladin sky has earned many prestigious titles, awards, and accolades and has been recognized as an active member of her community for her outstanding leadership and commitment to her industry. This year she will be consid ered for a feature article in TIP (Top Industry Professionals) Magazine and the Empowered Woman award from the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP). Kaylene will receive her Top Editor and Managing Publisher of the Year 2023 award at the iconic Plaza Hotel in NYC this December. In previous years Kay lene has been bestowed with the coveted Simon Rockower Jewish Journalism Awards, which include the Best Jewish Newspaper in America, the Best Jewish Website in America, and the Best Jewish Essay in America. She has also been honored with the Unwavering and Faithful Friendship to Israel Award by the Consulate General of Israel.

In addition to her successful ca reer, Kaylene remains active in her community. She is the Secretary of the American Jewish Press Asso ciation and the National Newspaper Association, COO of the Atlanta Jewish Life Foundation, and the founder of Americans United with Israel.

Looking back, Kaylene attributes her success to her perseverance, work ethic, and firm conviction to advocate for the Jewish community. Kaylene enjoys travel ing, fine arts, and spending time with her husband, Lou, when she is not working.

Michael Morris, owner, and publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times shared his admiration for Ladinsky’s work and contribution, noting that she is, “certainly the heart that drives the bloodline of our newspaper, as well as the business savvy that keeps us always striving to be better.”

Morris stated that he decided that one of the best ways for him to dem onstrate his appreciation and trust in Ladinsky’s ability to run his company, was by naming her President of the Southern Israelite, LLC., the publishing company that produces the Atlanta Jewish Times. Ladinsky remains editor and managing publisher, while recently adding “president” to her list of many other titles and contributions she provides to our community.

Anniversary Announcements

Patty and Donnie Stein 50th Anniversary

Donnie and Patty Stein wish to announce the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 8.

And to thank all their family and friends throughout these years for their kindness, friendship, and support that has made this possible. We look forward to sharing many more years together.

B'nai Mitzvot Announcements

Elisa Lopez (June 3)

Parents: Zulma & Dax Lopez

Nadav Segal (May 6)

Parent: Gilly Segal

Sabine Schwartz (May 6)

Parents: Jennifer & Michael Schwartz

Teddy Huddleston (May 6, Mincha)

Parents: Kimberly & Daniel Huddleston

Jack Mischner (May 6, Micha)

Parents: Meredith & Russ Mischner

Ellyson Murphy (May 27)

Parents: Sylvia & Matthew Murphy

Zimra Medwin (Aug. 19)

Parents: Lydia & Dan Medwin

Mollie Bloomfield (Aug. 26)

Parents: Melissa & Jason Bloomfield

Max Tavani (Aug. 26)

Parents: Shawn & Andrew Tavani

Evan Kessler (Aug. 26, Mincha)

Parents: Julie & Cory Kessler

Oriyah Rozier (June 12)

Parents: Anna (Hazanov) Ali & Bernorris Rozier

Amir Rozier (June 12)

Parents: Ana (Hazanov) Ali & Bernorris Rozier

Birth Announcements

Eva & Rob Shell welcomed baby boy, Aiden Britt Shell, on March 13, 2023

Zoe Taylor & Bryan Sutton had a baby boy, Jack Taylor, on March 31.

Domenic & Catherin Kelly had a baby girl, Mahalia Eve Kelly

Dr. Jacob & Catherine Perlow had a baby girl, Noah Perlow

Brigette and Jason Sosnovosky had a baby boy, Roger Abel Sosnovsky

Abraham & Jennifer Levy had a baby boy, Harrison James Levy

Patty & Drew Shenkman had a baby girl, Emma London Shenkman.

Born and raised in Savannah, Gloria B. Smiley’s culinary adventure began with aromas of her Romanian grandmother’s cooking. Her mother and her sisters were all exceptional home cooks.

She recalled, “Aunt Ethel made a chocolate marble cake that everyone loved; Aunt Clara made okra gumbo; and my mom, Ida, made mouthwatering baked chicken and turkey.”

During her decades-long culinary career, she recalled, “I have had the privilege of doing food styling for renowned chefs who appear on television shows, including Julia Child, Marcella Hazan, Lidia Bastianich, Anthony Bourdain, Ted Allen, Bobby Flay, Suzanne Somers, Anne Byrn, Nigella Lawson, Patti LaBelle, and Richard Simmons - yes, he wrote a cookbook! Just to name a few.”

Backing up to 1970, she began taking cooking classes and forged a close friendship with an instructor and became her sous chef. That led to gastronomic adventures in France and classes at Le Cordon Bleu and La Varenne, and trips to Provence affording her the opportunity

to study with various French chefs. Over time, she began teaching culinary classes at Cook’s Warehouse focusing on handmade pasta and seafood.

Then, a culinary student asked her if she could do food styling for a potato chip commercial. Smiley stated, “It was a profound task, but I found my niche! Concur-

rently, cookbooks became more than just a collection of recipes - with culture, lifestyle and ethnicity being the focus. Cookbook authors realized that photographs sold books; that TV cooking segments in various cities required a food stylist to create a “beauty plate,” plus provide the ingredients for the author to put a recipe

together on air, and voila, Smiley’s talent soared.

Over the years, she amassed a plethora of cooking equipment, dishes, and tools for use in food styling that are akin to camping out. She exclaimed, “Being prepared to go the extra mile is built into this job!”

One might wonder if the glistening pasta we see on Al Pacino’s scene table is real; the answer is “Yes!”

Per Smiley, “Tricks of the trade are employed sometimes because, after a while, food starts to need a touch up to remain looking fresh, so a spray of water or a brush with some oil is needed to keep it camera ready. Everything I make is edible, so the crew usually devours everything after the segment is over. I never come home with a crumb!”

In Smiley’s luscious looking cookbook, “A Matter of Taste,” she shares culinary wisdom, emphasizing the importance of a good instant-read thermometer, and keeping fresh lemons in the fridge.

She encouraged, “A few drops of lemon juice in a sauce, sweet or savory, can make a big difference enhancing the flavor

of a dish, not to mention the zest.”

Smiley’s grandchildren encouraged her to write the book and relatives helped its launch. Her grandchildren went to her computer and copied her recipes to a Google drive and disseminated it to the others, who then selected recipes they wanted to include.

She laughed, “Before the cookbook, I would get the usual calls urged by their parents to see how I am doing, now the cookbook gives me another link to them - our conversations extend to life, travel, food, what they are doing and now sometimes they ask me, ‘How are you doing, gMa?’”

Smiley volunteers at fortunate OrVe Shalom Synagogue making bourekas and bizcocho for their annual bazaar in December. ì

Avocado and Smoked Trout

Try this with good canned tuna or canned salmon. Makes a great cocktail nibble. If stuffing endive leaves, buy a couple more endives.

1 large shallot, diced

1 lemon, finely zested and juiced

1/3 cup E.V. olive oil

2 Belgian endives

2 to 3 scallions, finely sliced

½ lb. Smoked Trout

1 firm avocado

1/4 cup parsley, minced

For Serving:

Sourdough or good bread, sliced 1” thick

Or separate the leaves of another endive or two and fill each leaf with the mixture.

1. Preheat broiler to high.

2. Finely mince shallot and place in a small bowl. Cover with zest and lemon juice and let macerate for 15 to 20 minutes. Use a fork to whisk in E.V. olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding sea salt, if needed. Set aside.

3. Quarter lengthwise through the core the Belgian endives, then finely dice them crosswise. Finely slice scallions and scatter over diced endives. Break trout into large pieces over top and pour reserved dressing over top. Use hands to toss all together. Correct seasoning at this point.

4. Dice avocado and add to bowl. Add parsley and set aside.

5. Drizzle bread with olive oil and toast for 2 minutes in preheated broiler. Flip toasts and do the same on the other side. Pile Avocado and Smoked Trout on toasts and serve.

Persian Cuisine as Art

The flavors of turmeric, saffron, and cumin waft though caterer Gilda Shemtoob’s kitchen. Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Shemtoob grew up surrounded in hospitality and food preparation as “how people showed their love and care for each other.”

Now, Shemtoob manifests her cooking into precise displays of art and taste -- some by necessity, some after marriage. Shemtoob said, “By virtue of our culture, I was in charge of the cooking.”

Arriving at this point took a circuitous route. After living in Italy for almost a year, while waiting for visas from HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society), she moved to the U.S. in 1989. She recalled, “Honestly, my first destination was a culture shock in all aspects, including the culinary consciousness. A new life and a new beginning were exciting and terrifying at the same time.”

To be an independent woman, she began working at a pizza shop at Lenox Mall. She then started as a cashier at Bob Ellis Shoes, where she was promoted and remained for 32 years. After owner Jeffrey Kalinsky closed shop in 2020, Shemtoob seized the opportunity to follow her dreams to cater.

Cooking all along the way, she stated, “My inspiration comes from the rich culture and heritage of home cooking in Iran with tons of earthy spices, fresh herbs, and vegetables. Persian cuisine offers the most aromatic and mouthwatering dishes. The

variety is endless, and each region has its own specialties.”

Posting her dishes on Instagram and Facebook gave her the attention to cater

Shabbat dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, High Holidays, and Passover meals. She has also catered events at local synagogues, fund raisers, and in cooking dem-

Recipe for Adas Polo (Lentil rice)

Ingredients:

Basmati Rice, 2 Cups

Green Lentils, 1 1/2 Cup

Large onion, 2 thinly sliced

Carrots, 2-3 large (cut to small cubes)

Cumin, 1 tbs

Olive oil, ½ cup

Salt, 3-4 tbs

Saffron, ¼ tsp

Turmeric, ½ tbs

Potatoes, 3 medium (cut to ½ inch slices)

Rinse the rice thoroughly a few times until the water is clear. Soak the rice for 4-5 hours.

Cook the lentils on medium heat with 1 cup of water and two tablespoons of olive oil and some salt until the water is absorbed. They should retain shape and have a nice bite.

Sauté’ the carrots with olive oil and saffron and cumin.

onstrations.

Shemtoob said, “I’m a big believer in using top-quality ingredients…[it’s] imperative in making delicious dishes. From

In a frying pan, heat 3 tbs of olive oil, ½ tsp turmeric and the onions, sauté’ until lightly golden brown. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to the boil. Add the salt (3- 4 tbs) and drain the water from the soaked rice then add the rice. Boil for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the brand of rice.

The rice should be cooked al dente. Drain the rice in a colander with small holes, not to lose the rice.

In a nonstick pot large enough for all the ingredients, add the rest of the olive oil and a pinch of saffron and the potato slices. (You can substitute turmeric) Layer ¼ of the rice, ¼ of lentils, carrots, and sprinkle some of the onions. Continue the layering. Make a mountain, avoid touching the rice with the walls of the pot. Sprinkle the rest of the saffron on the top. Pour ½ cup of water around the rice to create a steam to achieve fluffiness. Cook on medium heat for 45 min to an hour.

Serve rice on a platter.

The potatoes on the bottom will be golden and crispy.

Kookoo sabizi -- Persian frittata rolled in labneh and barberries and walnuts is a Shemtoob specialty.

appetizers served with Mediterranean-style breads, Persian dips, soups and salads to kababs and famous Persian rice dishes and traditional dessert like Persian baklava and ice-cream.”

Shemtoob is not AKC certified, but she will prepare kosher and/or vegetarian options in a client’s home as a personal chef.

As a comprehensive dental office that goes above and beyond our specialty in Cosmetic Dentistry, our patients believe Dr. David Mastro is the right choice for all your family dentistry needs!

Thank

FOR VOTING US BEST DENTIST! Implants and same-day, multiple unit crowns, veneers and bridges are available! All are personally fabricated by Dr. Mastro SEE MORE OF DR. MASTRO’S MAKEOVERS AT www.AlluringCosmeticDentistry.com Single appointment porcelain crowns and veneers available! 770-642-9900 | 800 Mansell Road | Roswell, GA Call today to schedule an appointment! Dr. David Mastro Beyond Your Expectations... combining technology and artistry to create exceptional dentistry.

Plant-Based Holiday Dishes Can be a Life Saver

Eleven years ago, Dr. Neil Cooper, chief radiologist for Kaiser Permanente of Georgia, suffered a serious heart attack. He thought he was going to die.

“I fell to the ground with severe chest pain. I was rushed immediately to the catheter lab in the hospital where I was working. I’ve attended many, many emergencies like this in my career, and I knew my life could have ended, then. But fortunately, it did not happen to me.”

For Cooper, who was 56 at the time, the close brush with death was a wake-up call. Like many doctors, the pressures of taking care of others often left him with little time to think of himself, particularly when it came to what he was eating. Prior to his heart attack, he says, he ate everything, with little understanding of the role our diet plays in our health.

Within five months, with the help of his wife, a certified health and wellness coach, he adopted a plant-based diet and was astonished by the results.

“Within those few months, all of my body chemistry numbers normalized. I needed to lose weight and I did, without even trying. My cholesterol went down to normal; I got off all of my medications and today I feel better today than I did 15 years ago.”

Cooper and his wife are just two of the many people in America who, over the last 20 years, have become vegetarians, swearing off all animal-based products, including dairy and living what they describe as a life that is healthier and more enjoyable.

According to recent statistics, in the last 10 years, those who have adopted vegetarian diets have increased 500 percent.

According to Bloomberg Intelligence Report, by 2030, plant-based food sales are expected to increase another 500 percent. The jump over the next seven years is expected to make the vegetarian market worth $162 billion.

This week, Tyson Foods, the world’s second largest meat processor, announced it was closing four of its chicken plants. It closed two other poultry plants in May.

Earlier this year, for the first time, Tyson debuted a new line of plant-based meat substitutes under its own brand. The new products, initially, will be sold in Target stores, in addition to a new plantbased chicken by the company’s Raised and Rooted label.

As the Jewish High Holidays approach, more and more consumers are

looking for plant-based products and dishes to add to their festive table.

Prior to the great Jewish migration from Eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Jewish diet was heavily plant based. Meat was an expensive luxury in many Jewish communities and rooted vegetables, beans, and lentils were the foundations of many diets. It was only after many came to America, where beef and chicken were cheap, that eating habits changed.

Today, as animal products rise in price, Jewish vegetarianism, which includes substantial amounts of plant-based proteins, is gaining in popularity. Dr. Cooper recommends www.jewishveg.com as a source for recipes and advice.

A groundbreaking Jewish vegetarian cookbook, “The Vilna Vegetarian,” first published in Yiddish in Lithuania in 1938, was translated in 2015. It came with a new introduction by food historian Joan Nathan and has become a collector’s item, with used copies selling for well over $100.

Jewish vegetarian delis like Ben and Esther’s in Portland, Ore., Sam and Gertie’s in Chicago, and Mort and Bettie’s in Los Angeles are part of an expanding restaurant scene in plant-based dishes. Almost half the restaurants in America have added vegetarian entrees.

It’s all music to the ears of Dr. Cooper, who has become a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician spreading the word about how veggies can save your life.

“I’ve seen tremendous changes in 21 days,” Cooper says. “People, for example, often come off their diabetic medications in three weeks. It’s a very powerful, new way of living.”ì

Dairy-free Spinach Noodle Kugel

One pound package of egg-less noodles

One pound package of frozen spinach, thawed and drained

2-3 tablespoons breadcrumbs combined with plant-based butter or margarine for the topping

Sauce

Two 16-ounce boxes of firm tofu, drained

1 cup unsweetened almond or soy milk

½ cup nutritional yeast

Juice of a large lemon

1 tablespoon granulated garlic

1 tablespoon granulated onion

salt and pepper (to taste)

Cook pasta until just chewy.

Combine the sauce ingredients in a blender until smooth. Thaw and squeeze liquid from the frozen spinach.

Combine just enough sauce with the pasta to give it a smooth consistency. Gently stir in the spinach.

Bake in a rectangular pan, that’s small enough to give the kugel some depth at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes topped by the buttered breadcrumbs. Brown under the broiler.

Farmers & Fishermen Presents Flavorful Recipes for The Holidays

With the Jewish holidays around the corner, Kirk Halpern, CEO and founder of Farmers & Fishermen, along with son, Ben Halpern, and their outstanding team, have been very busy fulfilling the endless orders for the holidays including fish, lamb, and an array of delicious traditional items.

Kirk, who is a veteran and passionate food industry expert shared, “As the Jewish holidays approach, all of us at Farmers & Fishermen, deeply value the opportunity to serve our community. Rosh Hashanah allows our company, my son, Ben, my wife, Lori, and me the meaningful opportunity to help other Jewish families enjoy home-cooked meals that are wholesome and delicious with an emphasis on having a very sweet new year!”

“At Farmers & Fishermen, we are dedicated to sourcing and providing nutritious protein from small farmers and fishermen to make your holidays memorable. We offer the freshest and highest quality meat and seafood to both our restaurant partners and valued home delivery customers throughout our community. From our fresh Indian River, Florida pompano to our Plume de Veau veal breast with pocket (Glatt-Kosher available with advance notice) and so much more, we are devoted to exceeding our customers' satisfaction.”

“The following recipes are shared by our talented corporate chef Mike Baker and will help you add a special flair to the holidays and celebrate in the most unforgettable way imaginable. We look forward to hearing and seeing how your family made your holiday meal extra special by tagging us @farmers.and.fishermen.

Happy Rosh Hashanah and “wishing you a sweet new year” from our entire family to yours.” ì

Plume De Veau Traditional Stuffed Veal Breast with Pocket

Serves 2-4

• 1 Plume De Veau Veal Breast with Pocket from Farmers & Fishermen

• 3 cups diced French bread, or your choice bread fresh or day old

• 1 medium onion, diced

• ½ cup each celery and carrot

• 2 eggs raw

• Salt

Seared Fresh Indian River, Florida Pompano with Lemon Agrumato Drizzle and Roasted Pistachios

Serves 4-6

• 4 each Farmers & Fishermen Butterfly Tail-On Indian River, Florida Pompano

• Olive oil ¼ cup

• Finely minced garlic and onion

• 2 fresh lemons

• ½ cup Lemon Agrumato or good olive oil

• 1/3 cup shelled roasted pistachios coarsely chopped

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

• 3 tablespoons fresh butter (Kosher optional)

• Salt and ground pepper

Directions:

• Preheat oven to broil.

• Pat fish dry with paper towels, and season lightly with salt and pepper.

• In large saute pan heat olive oil and minced onion and garlic until soft and place fish skin side down and shake pan untill fish sizzles but does not stick…squeeze lemon over the fish.

• Place pan under broiler untill flesh side of the fish turns golden brown, do not walk away as this will happen quickly.

• When browned, replace the saute pan back on stove…. drop in olive oil or butter or both, and jiggle pan till sauce forms, drizzle, Lemon Agrumato over the top and add pistachios and parsley.

• Plate and serve with sauce from pan drizzled all over the fish, serve HOT, and enjoy!

• Pepper

• Paprika

• Minced garlic fresh best

• Fresh herbs of your choice including: Thyme/parsley/rosemary/ dill (Fresh is best ground or dry is fine, too)

• 2 cups beef or chicken stock

• ½ cup white wine

• Olive oil or schmaltz!

• Butcher twine if you have it

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

• Heat the stock in saucepan but not to boil.

• Saute the onion and celery and carrot in olive oil or schmaltz till soft and lightly browned not caramelized, add a little wine to deglaze and turn off heat after wine steams up and dissolves a bit.

• In large bowl, (the one your mother likely used for potato salad), mix the cubed French bread sautéed vegetables, add 2 eggs, and a little stock, seasoning to taste and stir until mixed and mushy but not runny, and set aside. Think “Thanksgiving stuffing.”

• Generously rub the Plume De Veau Veal Breast (inside the pocket, and outside) with a mixture of salt, garlic, and paprika and herbs.

• Stuff the pocket with the stuffing mixture and bind with butcher twine or use toothpicks to seal the pocket, extra stuffing can be placed under and around the veal in the roasting pan.

• Place the veal in a baking dish, surrounded by seasoned potatoes if you choose to serve as a side dish. Bake at 350°F for approximately 2 hours, until golden on the outside and cooked throughout.

• When golden brown and internal temp of over 145 degrees minimum, take-out and let it rest for 15 minutes.

• Slice cross width in one-inch slices, serve HOT, and enjoy.

Marinated Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Servings: 8

1/3 cup cider vinegar

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

4 medium tomatoes, cored and cut into 8 wedges each (4 cups)

2 medium cucumbers, sliced (4 cups)

1 cup thinly sliced red onion rings

Whisk vinegar, oil, vinaigrette, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add tomatoes, cucumbers, and gently stir to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator, stirring once or twice, for at least 2 hours before serving. Add onions 30 minutes before serving. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Toss to refresh before serving.

Ancient Jewish Sausage

Yield about 5 servings (4-5 thin pieces per serving)

3/4 cup walnut pieces

1 pound ground beef

2 large eggs, divided

1 cup plain dry bread crumbs

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

1 medium or large bag for oven

Heat a medium frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the walnuts in a single layer to the hot, dry pan. Cook, watch and stir frequently until the walnuts start to brown and they smell toasted about 5 minutes. Transfer the walnuts to a plate and cool evenly until room temperature.

Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Prepare a medium baking sheet. Spray with non-stick baking spray.

Add walnuts, bread crumbs, and spices into a bowl of a food processor. Process until everything is being mixed. Add ground beef and 1 egg. Process until a smooth paste. Remove from the food processor to a large bowl and add one more egg. Mix everything together. Check for spice. Add if needed.

Grease an oven bag with vegetable oil. Arrange opened bag on baking pan. Place the meat mixture in bag and shape into medium size sausage. Close bag loosely with nylon tie. Cut 4 small holes in top of bag to allow steam to escape.

Bake in lower half of oven 1 hour. Remove from oven. Let stand 5 minutes and open bag. Serve warm or cold. Keep refrigerated for a couple days.

Sweet and Sour Tilapia with Tomato-Almond Sauce (Grandma Style)

Yields 4 servings

About 2 pounds tilapia fillets, cut into medium-large pieces

2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 large fresh lemon, skin removed, cut into medium chunks

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons raisins

4-5 leaves bay leaves

2 large tomatoes, skin removed, cut into medium chunks

Water

1 teaspoon ground ginger

4 tablespoons fresh crushed almonds

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with salt and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion are lightly browned.

Add pieces of lemon, brown sugar, raisins, pieces of fish, tomatoes, and bay leaves. Cover with water at room temperature. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to low-medium, and sauté for 40 minutes covered with a lid.

Remove pieces of fish on a plate. Remove bay leaves. Add ground ginger, almonds, and apple cider vinegar to a sauce in a skillet and continue to sauté for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat. Check for salt and pepper. Add if needed.

Remove from the heat and puree with a stand-up (immersion) mixer. Pour over the fish. Serve warm or cold. Keep leftovers refrigerated and covered for about 2 days.

Soft Honey Cream Slice

Yield about 10 medium slices

Dough:

1/2 cup honey

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 cup butter

couple dashes of salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup sour cream

1 large egg

1 & 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Filling:

1/2 cup crème fraiche, room temperature

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon rose water (optional)

Place parchment on a 15 x 10 1-inch jelly-roll pan. Grease with vegetable oil and nonstick baking spray.

Heat oven to 350 F.

Place a medium non-stick saucepan on medium heat. Add honey, salt, brown sugar, and butter and heat in an uncovered pan. As it heats, monitor the liquid closely until it dissolves completely. Don’t boil. Remove from the heat to cool slightly.

In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, baking soda, and egg. Add mixture to cooled honey and whisk thoroughly.

In a large plastic bowl, add flour and wet ingredients. Mix batter and pour onto a prepared jelly-roll pan. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

While the cake is baking, prepare the filling. With an electric mixer, beat crème fraiche, heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and rose water until stiff peaks. It is about 5 minutes. Set aside.

Remove the cake sheet from the oven. Give about 5 minutes to cool in a pan, and remove the cake with parchment paper to a large cooking board. Trim off the ends of the sheet cake and cut into three equal parts from a long side, each of them 5 x 10 inches. Place one piece on a large rectangle platter and frost with 1/3 of the filling. Cover with a second piece and spread the filling again. Finish with a third piece and spread the remaining filling all over the top and sides of the cake. Cover loosely with plastic and refrigerate for about 3-4 hours. Serve with fruits, wine, or hot drinks.

Italian Apple Crumble Cake (SBRICIOLATA alle Mele)

Yields 8 servings (1 medium piece per serving)

Filling:

5 apples, peeled and medium chopped

2 teaspoons lemon juice

3/4 cup sugar

Dry dough

2 & 3/4 cups all-purpose-flour

1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

12 tablespoons butter (cold), shredded a pinch of salt

1 egg

In a large bowl, mix apples with lemon juice. Place medium non-stick pan to start to heat over medium-high heat. Add sugar and melt until lightly browned caramel. Stir frequently. Add apples and mix well. Lower heat and sauté apples for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat to cool a bit.

Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line an 8-inch spring form pan with parchment paper, and spray all around with non-stick baking spray.

Place the flour, salt and baking powder in the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times to combine. Add butter and egg. Pulse until you get a sandy texture (about 6-8 pulses). Transfer the flour mixture to a large plastic bowl.

Place 2/3 of your crumbly dough on the bottom of the pan and press it with a spoon.

Place the apples on top of the crust.

Sprinkle on the rest of the crumbly dough on top of the apples making sure to get the corners and covering the apples. Press gently making sure the crumbs stick together, taking care that they are still crumbly.

Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until light golden brown. Let cool completely in the pan. Remove when ready to serve and dust lightly with confectioner’s sugar.

Soft Honey Bars with Homemade Plum Filling (old Soviet recipe)

Yields about 16-18 medium size pieces

Filling: (about 1 cup)

5 large overripe plums, peeled, stone removed, cut into small pieces

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons water, room temperature

Dough:

2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup white whole wheat flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs, separated

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled

1/2 cup warm milk

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon baking soda

Wash and dry plums. Remove stones and peel. Place plums and brown sugar into a medium saucepan, mix, and bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Lower the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes stirring every 2 minutes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until well combined. Pour into the plum mixture and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat, and cool completely. The filling could be done in advance and stored in a covered plastic container on a kitchen counter for 1-2 days.

For dough, in a large bowl, mix all-purpose and whole wheat flour. Add spices and set aside. In another large plastic bowl, beat egg whites with electric mixer until stiff peaks. Slowly add sugar. Add melted butter and milk. Mix well.

In a small bowl, mix baking soda and honey. Add to liquid mixture. Part by part, add the flour mixture to the liquid ingredients and make a soft dough. Divide into 2 equal balls. Spray baking sheet 9 x 15 inches with non-stick baking spray. Preheat the oven to 350F.

Cut 2 sheets of parchment paper size by 10 x 16 inches each. Place the sheet of parchment paper on a kitchen counter, spray lightly with non-stick baking spray, and place half of the dough. Roll out into 9 x 15 rectangle. Place on a prepared baking sheet. Add 1 teaspoon of dry breadcrumbs into the plum filling and mix well. Spread with a spatula plum filling on top of the dough, leaving a little space around borders. Take another sheet of parchment paper and place the second half of the dough. Roll out into a 9 x 15 inches rectangle and invert over the filling. Pinch the end of the dough with floured fingers.

Lightly beat egg yolks with a fork and brush the top of the dough. Make any decorations with a fork. Bake for about 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven and cut into squares or rombes.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for about 2-3 days.

From Chef Judi Leib

Hoppin’ John

Makes 6 servings as a side dish

Served with a side of collard greens and cornbread, Hoppin’ John is made by slowly simmering black-eyed peas with pork and vegetables. Traditionally served over a bed of freshly cooked rice, this simple yet incredibly flavorful dish is believed to bring luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. The signature black-eyed peas used in the recipe are meant to symbolize coins, served along with greens that represent money, which is why you’ll find many Southerners eating black-eyed peas as a way of ringing in the New Year.

I loved creating a version, without pork, for Rosh Hashanah. The reference to gold coins feels a little like gelt at Hanukkah. I make this for Rosh Hashanah to celebrate the Jewish New year and substitute brisket for pork. You can serve this along side a chicken dish for the High Holidays.

1 cup dried black-eyed peas

4 cups chicken broth

1-1/2 cups smoked brisket, cut into medium chunks

1/2 large onion, diced

1/2 lg. green pepper or red, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning or cajun blend

2 tbs. neutral oil, like canola

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper

2 cups long grain rice, cooked

soak black eyed peas in 2 cups chicken broth overnight in refrigerator. Bring to room temperature when ready to cook.

While bringing peas back to room temperature; heat one tablespoon oil in a skillet and cook the onion, bell pepper and garlic until just soft.

Add this to the pot with peas, stir in Old Bay seasoning. Add brisket pieces and remaining liquid and bring to a boil.

Cook for 30-45 minutes, making sure the peas don’t get mushy, they should be al dente. Wash rice thoroughly. You want to release all the starches. Then cook rice until just tender.

Stir rice into peas and taste. Add salt and pepper, if needed.

Cover pot with a piece of aluminum foil and then lid. Cook an additional 15 minutes. Test rice for doneness and remove from heat.

Allow to rest, covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve alongside challah and greens.

Submitted by Meta Miller

Sweet Potato Pie (Pareve)

2 frozen pie crusts

2 lbs. sweet potatoes peeled and mashed OR 2 lb. canned sweet potatoes

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

3 eggs

1/4 lb. margarine melted

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 cup pareve ‘milk’

Mix all ingredients together and pour into the two pie crusts. Bake 350 degrees for about 1 hour until set.

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Chabad of Smyrna-Vinings Reaches Out

As the Jewish community in Smyrna and Vinings continues to grow, Chabad is expanding along with them, committed to creating a warm, inclusive environment where people can connect, celebrate, and learn.

Rabbi Avremel and Mushky Zaltzman of Chabad of Smyrna-Vinings wanted to bring a sense of community to the Jewish residents of Smyrna and Vinings when they hosted the first public Chanukah menorah lighting for the area in December 2019 at Taylor-Brawner Park. Though their efforts were delayed by the pandemic shortly thereafter, the couple has since made up for lost time. Today, Chabad of Smyrna-Vinings has become a welcoming presence for the area’s Jewish community and a place to gather, participate and meet other people.

“Our records indicate there are about 2,000 or more Jewish households in Smyrna and Vinings. There is excitement about being part of an expanding Jewish community here. We are thrilled that our programs have been very well received, and people are happy to discover there are many other Jewish people in their neighborhoods,” said Rabbi Zaltzman

This fall, Chabad will sponsor a Rosh Hashanah experience in the SmyrnaVinings area, with a shofar blowing, inspirational readings and lunch. For Sukkot, a mobile sukkah for home visits is planned, as well as a variety of gatherings in the sukkah at the Zaltzman home. There will be a “Steak and Scotch” dinner for the men and a “Sushi in the Sukkah” for the women. A hands-on craft session, music and circle time will also be held as part of the ongoing “Mommy and Me” programming.

“Mommy and Me events during the year have been especially popular among the young families in Smyrna and Vinings, as well as an excellent way for the mothers to connect with each other on a regular basis,” said Mushky, who also has two young children of her own. The program is open for mothers and their children, up to four years of age.

The women’s programming, which also coincides with a number of Jewish holidays, is also a favorite among residents of the area. At the challah bake a few months ago, each participant received a specially designed apron, laminated challah mat with the recipe on the front, and set of pink and wooden utensils to take home. As the women mixed, rolled, and

shaped their two loaves, Mushky shared details about the mitzvah of making challah and engaged with participants at each of four large tables. Other women’s events this year have included a “Champagne and Charcuterie” party for Shavuot, where attendees sipped champagne and ate gourmet cheeses while making charcuterie boards and “Menorahs and Martinis,” where martinis were served with dinner, followed by attendees making their own festive menorahs.

“I have met a number of really nice women at these events. The atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for getting to know other people. I always walk away having learned something, and Mushky and Rabbi Zaltzman are knowledgeable and inclusive,” said Karen Welsh, a Vinings resident and frequent participant.

Other happenings for the community have included “Cheesecake and Commandments,” a Shavuot dairy buffet dinner where participants learned lesser known, interesting facts about the Ten Commandments and a festive Purim party with a petting farm, face painting, a buffet dinner, and cocktails. And

for residents interested in Torah study, Rabbi Zaltzman leads a weekly group focused on the Parsha of the week. He even teaches one-on-one if residents express an interest.

One of the most special parts of their outreach efforts, according to the Zaltzmans, are the connections and friendships they have made with many community members. “We love having people at our Shabbat dinners, getting to know each person a little better. Spending time with the families and individuals in our community has been priceless, and we hope to meet many more this coming year,” said Mushky.

Jodi and Ken Danis have lived in the Heritage at Vinings subdivision in Smyrna for more than 20 years and are members of Etz Chaim synagogue. “We have enjoyed getting to know the Zaltzmans, and it is great to have local events, classes, and activities that we can get to easily.

I did not have a strong religious upbringing, so I have personally enjoyed learning more by attending classes and events. My husband also enjoys the programs, and has been learning one-on-one with Rabbi

Zaltzman,” said Jodi Danis.

The communities of Smyrna and Vinings have been a perfect setting for the Chabad programs. Rabbi Zaltzman said that Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton has been extremely supportive of their work with the community.

“Mayor Norton is forward-thinking and has a growth mindset. We are thrilled to have met and work with him. He has been part of our menorah lightings, in fact, and plans to join us again this year.” Menorah lightings are scheduled this year at Taylor-Brawner Park and at The Battery at Truist Park.

“I sometimes compare what we at Chabad are doing to a buffet table. We have lots of offerings, and people can partake of as much or as little as they like,” said Rabbi Zaltzman. “When we first came to Smyrna, many people told us that Smyrna is the best kept secret in Atlanta. I agree – but I hope the word is out now and our Jewish community here continues to grow,” he added.

For information about Chabad of Smyrna-Vinings and its activities, visit www.chabadsmyrnavinings.com.

Chief Rabbi Visits Chabad Israeli Center of Atlanta

Israel’s chief rabbi, Rabbi David Lau, graced the city of Atlanta with a short visit while in Georgia for a layover on his way to Buenos Aires. On July 30, Rabbi Lau arrived at the local Chabad Israeli Center of Atlanta, led by Rabbi Menachem Gurary.

The visit was graced by the presence of the chief emissary to the state of Georgia and rabbi of Congregation Beth Tefillah, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak New, who delivered words of Torah and blessing, as well as the Rabbinical emissaries Alexander Pikarski, emissary of the Chabad Israeli Center of Atlanta, Rabbi Mendy Weinberg, emissary to Dunwoody, and Rabbi Israel New, emissary to Buckhead.

Commenting on the recent visit, Rabbi Gurary expressed, “We are deeply honored to welcome Israel’s chief rabbi, Rabbi David Lau, to Atlanta. His visit exemplifies the enduring bond between the Jewish communities of Israel and the United States. We were honored to have hosted him.”

The rabbi was very impressed by the bustling center that serves more than 20,000 Israelis living around Atlanta and blessed Rabbi Gurary and Rabbi Pikarski to

continue to increase the Torah and glorify it.

Rabbi Lau also toured the new Hebrew Library located at the Chabad Israeli Center of Atlanta. The newly renovated library contains more than 3,000 Hebrew books generously donated by the Israeli community for children and adults to enjoy. The goal of opening the

library is to continue being the home for Israeli community of Atlanta -- a home where they can speak their language, enjoy programming in their language and learn in their language.

The visit of Rabbi David Lau to Atlanta holds great significance, enhancing the strong bond between Israel and the

United States and reaffirming shared values and traditions that unite these two communities. Through this special occasion, attendees had the chance to gain valuable insights and inspiration from a distinguished religious leader.ì

Compiled by AJT Staff

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE ASSOCIATION

Atlanta Rabbinical Association

1589 Peachtree Street

Atlanta 30309

404-873-1731

www.atlrabbis.org

Atlanta Rabbinical Association is a professional organization for local rabbis. ARA is led by Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner and Rabbi Joshua Lesser.

COMMUNITY MIKVAH

Metro Atlanta Community

Mikvah (MACoM)

700-A Mount Vernon Highway

Atlanta 30328

404-549-9679

www.atlantamikvah.org

MACoM is a community mikvah that provides a safe, sensitive, welcoming, halachic and beautiful environment for Jewish ritual immersion and conversion, Torah awareness, healing and wellness.

CHABAD

Chabad of Athens-UGA

1491 S. Lumpkin Street

Athens 30605

706-369-1289

www.jewishdawgs.com

Serving students at the University of Georgia and surrounding colleges, Chabad of AthensUGA is a Jewish student center providing social, educational, recreational, and spiritual programming for students.

Chabad of Cobb

4450 Lower Roswell Road

Marietta 30068

770-565-4412

www.chabadofcobb.com

Chabad of Cobb is more than just a synagogue. It is a home for any Jew looking for a warm and spiritual place to grow. At Chabad, everybody is welcome.

Chabad Decatur

Decatur, GA 30030

www.JewishDecatur.com

678-665-6400

Providing opportunities in Decatur for Jewish education and enrichment, assisting with people's personal, emotional, or spiritual needs, and developing a vibrant Jewish community in Decatur and beyond.

Chabad of Downtown Roswell

Roswell, GA

www.Chabaddtr.org

770-852-0755

Bringing vibrant Jewish living to the local community near Downtown Roswell.

Chabad of Downtown Universities

471 10th Street NW

Atlanta 30318

678-304-8672

www.chabaddtu.com

Chabad prides itself on creating a home away from home for Jewish students at Georgia Tech and Georgia State. Through diverse and dynamic programming, Chabad offers weekly Shabbat services and dinners, trips, social events, and engaging Jewish educational opportunities.

Chabad of Dunwoody

4534 Village Springs Run Dunwoody 30338

347-770-2414

www.chabaddunwoody.com

Chabad of Dunwoody is a center for all things Jewish in Dunwoody. From Holiday events to teen programs, Chabad of Dunwoody ensures that everyone has an opportunity to connect to their heritage in a warm, dynamic and uplifting way.

Chabad of Emory

1526 N. Decatur Road

Atlanta 30307

404-441-3199

www.chabademory.org

Chabad Emory is a space where students socialize in a comfortable home-like setting with great friends, superb food, and stimulating discussion.

Chabad of Forsyth

795 Brannon Road

Cumming 30041

470-253-7111

www.jewishforsyth.org

Chabad of Forsyth is the outreach branch for North Georgia. A warm and inviting community, experience Chabad Forsyth’s events, programs, and services.

Chabad Global NetworkGeorgia

5180 Roswell Road Atlanta GA 30342

470-433-0770

www.chabadga.com

Chabad of Georgia regional headquarters serves as the comprehensive umbrella organization encompassing the robust network of Chabad operations throughout the state. It supports the growth of new centers, develops resources for centralized programs, and provides the foundation for the entire region’s Chabad activities.

Chabad of Gwinnett

Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett

2651 Smithpoint Drive, Suite B

Peachtree Corners 30092

678-595-0196

www.chabadofgwinnett.org

Serving the Jewish communities of Gwinnett and Hall counties, Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett is committed to providing every Jew of the area the opportunity to celebrate Jewish programs that nurture connection, belonging, cultural fulfillment, and spiritual growth.

Chabad of Hall County

Gainesville 30504

770-906-4970

www.JewishHall.com

Nestled in the mountains of Northeast Georgia, Chabad of Hall opened in 2022 to create a home for local Jewish life. Its mission is to create a warm and welcoming environment for every Jew, regardless of affiliation or background. With Holiday Programs, Adult Education, and Youth events, Chabad of Hall has something for everyone in the community.

Chabad Intown

730 Ponce de Leon Place NE

Atlanta 30306

404-898-0434

www.chabadintown.org

Chabad Intown provides opportunities to learn about and experience Jewish tradition and heritage through Intown Jewish Preschool, Mommy and Me, Intown Hebrew School, Intown Jewish Academy and Young Jewish Professionals.

Chabad Israeli Center Atlanta

4276 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Atlanta 30341

404-252-9508

www.cicatlanta.com

Chabad Israeli Center offers summer camp, winter break camp, adult education, ulpan, Judaica and more.

Chabad Lubavitch of Georgia

5065 High Point Road

Atlanta 30342

404-843-2464

www.chabadatlanta.com

Chabad of Georgia offers youth services and programming, adult education, Chaya Mushka Children’s Preschool, special needs activities for children and adults and summer and winter camps.

Chabad of Kennesaw

1480 Shiloh Road NW, Suite 500

Kennesaw 30144

770-400-9255

www.chabadkennesaw.org

Chabad of Kennesaw’s presence spans from Kennesaw State University to local education, services and more.

Chabad of North Fulton

10180 Jones Bridge Road

Alpharetta 30022

770-410-9000

www.chabadnf.org

Chabad of North Fulton serves the growing Jewish communities in North Fulton, including Alpharetta, Crabapple, Duluth, Johns Creek, Milton, and Roswell. Satellite offices are in Roswell and Alpharetta.

Chabad of Peachtree City

632 Dogwood Trail

Tyrone 30290

678-595-0199

www.chabadsouthside.com

Serving Jewish Atlanta’s south side, Chabad of Peachtree City offers Shabbat services, holiday programs, classes for adults and children, hospital visits, lifecycle events, and one-on-one guidance.

Chabad of Rural Georgia

5180 Roswell Road NE

Atlanta GA 30342

www.ChabadRuralGeorgia.com

404-596-8145

Chabad of Rural Georgia has been founded, answering the call of the thousands of Jews who live throughout the state. With the singular goal of providing all things Jewish for our brothers and sisters who live away from established Jewish communities, Chabad searches for Jews like a long lost sibling. Every Jew is invaluable and irreplaceable.

Chabad of Smyrna-Vinings

4450 Lower Roswell Road

Marietta, GA 30068

www.ChabadSmyrnaVinings.com

770-568-8534

Chabad of Smyrna Vinings is a vibrant Jewish community in Georgia. With engaging programs for all ages, we foster a warm, inclusive environment where people can connect, celebrate, and grow in their Jewish heritage. Join us in spreading the light of Torah and Judaism in Smyrna Vinings!

Chabad of Toco Hills

1985 Lavista Road

Atlanta 30329

404-337-6116

www.chabadtoco.com

Chabad of Toco Hills is a young and vibrant shul that opened in 2016. CTH is open to people of all backgrounds, with a special focus on young families. Join CTH for services, family holiday celebrations, youth classes and men’s and women’s events.

Your go to place for anything Jewish in North Fulton

Rabbi Hirshy & Devora Leah Minkowicz

Rabbi Gedalya & Ruthy Hertz

10180 Jones Bridge Road

Johns Creek, GA 30022

770-410-9000

www.chabadnf.org

Temple Kehillat Chaim

Inclusive - Intimate – Innovative Located in Downtown Roswell for 40 years www.kehillatchaim.org | 770.641.8630

Join us for Religious School starting August 20!

• Engaging ISJL Curriculum

• 1-on-1 Hebrew Tutoring

• Sunday-only

• Special Needs

• Innovative Teaching

• Family Programming

• Youth Groups

“My kids love Religious School and learning about Judaism. TKC makes it fun, engaging, and meaningful.”

– TKC Parent

Join us for our Annual Picnic and 1st Day of Religious School

Sunday, August 20 | 10:45 am – 1:30 pm

Bounce house, lunch, balloon artist, and more!

RSVP with the QR code, go to bit.ly/TKC23Picnic, or email our Religious School Director at religiousschool@kehillatchaim.org

Temple Kehillat Chaim | 1145 Green St, Roswell, GA 30075

WELCOME TO THE HIGH HOLIDAYS 5784

This year, as we gather to observe the High Holidays, we invite you to find your rightful place, because at Chabad Intown, you truly belong. Let's come together and create a sacred space where we can delve deeper into our personal and internal world, while nurturing the collective spirit we build as a community.

JOIN US FOR OUR THOUGHTFUL SERVICES:

TRADITIONAL SERVICES :

Embrace the familiar traditions that bind us together as we unite in prayer and reflection during this sacred time.

LEARNER’S SERVICE : Discover the beauty and meaning behind the prayers and rituals, fostering a deeper understanding of the High Holidays.

LEARN, GROW, AND BELONG

FAMILY SERVICE : Foster a sense of togetherness as we welcome families of all backgrounds to celebrate the High Holidays in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SERVICE : Connect with like-minded individuals, young professionals, and forge new friendships as we observe the High Holidays together.

Together, let's celebrate the beauty of our heritage and embrace the joyous journey of Jewish belonging. May the High Holidays be a source of inspiration and renewal for us all. You BELONG Here. Visit chabadintown.org/youbelonghere or call 404.898.0434 to learn more and register for your services and programs.

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Congregation Beth Israel

795 Branning Road

Cumming 30041

470-253-7111

www.jewishforsyth.org

Preschool, Hebrew school, Shabbat dinners, and adult education are available at Congregation Beth Israel, located together with Chabad Forsyth.

Congregation Beth Tefillah

5065 High Point Road

Atlanta 30342

404-843-2464

www.bethtefillah.org

Congregation Beth Tefillah is a synagogue and center of learning for Jews of all backgrounds. Affiliated with Chabad of Georgia, CBT’s mission is to engender a feeling of comfort and belonging in all Jews.

The Shule Buckhead and Brookhaven

400 Pharr Road

Atlanta, GA 30305

www.TheShule.org

770-954-4312

The Shule of Buckhead & Brookhaven was established as a welcoming community for Jews of every background and affiliation. Our goal is to inspire and support one another in our journeys of Jewish faith and observance. The Shule provides a blend of traditional synagogue services, spiritual guidance, and education, crafted towards the unique needs of our community.

CONSERVATIVE

Ahavath Achim Synagogue

600 Peachtree Battle Avenue

Atlanta 30327

404-355-5222

www.aasynagogue.org

Celebrating 130 years, Ahavath Achim Synagogue is a historical, egalitarian congregation driven by social action, Jewish continuity, culturel, arts and education.

Congregation Beth Shalom

5303 Winters Chapel Road

Dunwoody 30360

770-399-5300

www.bethshalom.net

Congregation Beth Shalom is an egalitarian inclusive, spiritual Jewish community, providing a warm, nurturing environment where we pray, learn, educate and perpetuate Torah and Jewish values, while serving the greater community.

Congregation B’nai Torah

700 Mt. Vernon Highway NE

Sandy Springs 30328

404-257-0537

www.bnaitorah.org

Congregation B’nai Torah’s authentic and welcoming community helps you deepen your relationships with others who share your values and with God. We are committed to creating modern and meaningful experiences that are based in our rich traditions. Our accredited preschool grows Jewish minds and hearts for the youngest in our community and is open to non-members. Join us for services any time. Our Purim, Hanukkah and Simchat Torah celebrations, as well as our High Holiday Essentials services are open to all and free to attend.

Congregation Etz Chaim

1190 Indian Hills Parkway

Marietta 30068

770-973-0137

www.etzchaim.net

For over 40 years, Etz Chaim has been creating meaningful Jewish experiences in the northern suburbs of Atlanta in East Cobb, Marietta. Our congregation is an inclusive and engaging egalitarian Conservative shul creating multigenerational connections. See why Rabbi Dorsch calls Etz Chaim “The Shul with the Neshama (soul) of the South.”

Congregation Gesher L’Torah

4320 Kimball Bridge Road

Alpharetta 30022

770-777-4009

www.wearegesher.org

Gesher L’Torah prides itself on catering to members, no matter their personal experience or background: Traditional or not traditional, interfaith families, Jewish by choice, or exploring Jewish life.

Congregation Or Hadash

7460 Trowbridge Road

Sandy Springs 30328

404-250-3338

www.or-hadash.org

Or Hadash is an egalitarian Conservative congregation dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming Jewish environment in which to build spiritual and social connections through prayer, learning, music and tikkun olam. We believe that a caring community is a holy community.

Congregation Shearith Israel

1180 University Drive

Atlanta 30306

404-873-1743

www.shearithisrael.com

With more than 110 years of history, Congregation Shearith Israel has entered its next chapter. Shearith Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue devoted to spiritual and religious enrichment, Jewish education and community. Shearith Israel closely follows Jewish tradition while having the insights of modern thought.

NONDENOMINATIONAL

Congregation Shema Yisrael -

The Open Synagogue

7100 Stanton Drive Atlanta 30328

404-255-7955

www.shemaweb.org

The Shema Yisrael mission is to be a synagogue embracing all that is Jewish by seeking to nurture an inclusive and caring spiritual community reflecting Klal Yisrael (The Peoplehood of Israel). Shema Yisrael is dedicated to the premise that “we can worship G-d in holiness only as we serve one another in love.”

Guardians of the Torah

P.O. Box 767981

Roswell 30076

770-286-3477

www.guardiansofthetorah.org

Guardians of the Torah is a congregation without walls that is open to all. Guardians of the Torah is also an organization that supports police and other public safety officers and first responders in need of spiritual support. We profess our devotion to G-d, our commitment to studying Torah.

ORTHODOX

Congregation Anshi S’Fard

1324 North Highland Avenue NE

Atlanta 30306

404-969-6763

www.anshisfard.org

Anshi includes a wide array of professionals, artisans, and academics, singles, families, Holocaust survivors, grandparents and retirees.

Congregation Ariel

5237 Tilly Mill Road

Dunwoody 30338

770-390-9071

www.congariel.org

An Orthodox community in beautiful Dunwoody, the Ariel family welcomes Jews of all ages, stages and backgrounds. Join us for daily minyanim, classes with rabbis, one-on-one learning, youth groups for tots to teens, as well as study groups and workshops co-hosted with the Atlanta Scholars Kollel. Our growing campus includes a modern sanctuary, social hall, tevilas keilim mikvah, and elegant women’s mikvah.

Congregation Beth Itzhak

6030 Goodwood Boulevard

Norcross 30093

678-200-8897

www.facebook.com/BeitItzkhak

Congregation Beth Itzhak offers catering for all your needs under AKC supervision.

Congregation Beth Jacob

1855 Lavista Road

Atlanta 30329

404-633-0551

www.bethjacobatlanta.org

Beth Jacob Atlanta is truly the Orthodox synagogue for all Jews. Beth Jacob aims to inspire and motivate individuals and families at all levels of observance to strengthen their Jewish connection. The Atlanta Scholars Kollel and Beth Jacob co-host study groups and workshops, presenting timely topics with a Jewish perspective.

Congregation Ner Hamizrach

1858 Lavista Road

Atlanta 30329

404-315-9020

www.nerhamizrach.org

Congregation Ner Hamizrach was founded in 1991 to serve the spiritual needs of the growing Sephardic Jewish population in Atlanta. The synagogue is home to a warm and welcoming kehilla, steeped in the Sephardic tradition of nusach Edot Hamizrach. Ner Hamizrach is a strong leader in the Atlanta Orthodox Jewish Community.

Congregation Netzach Israel

1985 Lavista Road NE

Atlanta 30329

www.netzachisrael.org

Email us for more information:

office@netzachisrael.org

Congregation Shaarei Shamayim

1600 Mount Mariah Road NE

Atlanta 30329

404-417-0472

www.shaareishamayim.com

Atlanta’s Modern Orthodox Shul. They are a vibrant, welcoming congregation devoted to increasing observance, knowledge, and spirituality under the guidance of Rabbi Mark Hillel Kunis. We are dedicated to acts of Chesed while finding an ever increasing closeness to each other and Hashem.

Kesher Torah Atlanta

5075 Roswell Road NE

Atlanta 30342

470-746-6627

www.keshertorahatlanta.org

Kesher Torah means “connection,” and that is exactly what we are: a warm and diverse community, A Place for ALL Jews. Our mission is to inspire people to make themselves and their lives better through the wisdom of the Torah. Our diverse congregation follows Orthodox traditions.

New Toco Shul

2003 Lavista Road

Atlanta 30329

770-765-7485

www.newtocoshul.com

New Toco Shul was founded on the ideas that every individual has unique abilities and perspectives, that we are obligated to share our talents with others, and that our community is strongest when our members contribute to its success and well-being. Rabbinic and lay partners work together to provide a platform for sophisticated and nuanced Torah, reflective and meaningful Tefillah, and supportive and enriching Gemilut Chassadim.

Ohr Hatorah of Toco Hills

2056 Lavista Road

Atlanta 30329

404-315-1417

www.ohrhatorahatl.org

Our mission is to inspire people to make themselves and their lives better through the wisdom of the Torah. Our diverse congregation follows Orthodox traditions.

RECONSTRUCTIONIST

Congregation Bet Haverim

2074 Lavista Road

Atlanta 30329

404-315-6446

www.congregationbethaverim.org

Congregation Bet Haverim is a Reconstructionist synagogue founded by lesbians and gay men and embracing all Jews and their loved ones. Shabbat services include Erev Shabbat with music from our chorus, tot Shabbat for little ones, a chant service, and a monthly Shabbat dinner. We also offer Parent ’n’ Me and Sing ’n’ Play programs for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

REFORM

Congregation B’nai Israel

1633 Highway 54E

Jonesboro 30238

678-817-7162

www.bnai-israel.net

The mission of Congregation B’nai Israel is to welcome and to engage Jews with open minds and open hearts. We are a warm and caring multi-generational Jewish community for Jews and interfaith families on the south side of Atlanta. If you’re seeking a joyful connection to the southside Atlanta Jewish community, we welcome you.

• Matzoh Ball Soup (regular and Gluten Free)

• Noodle Kugel

• Knishes

• Potato Latkes

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Congregation Dor Tamid

11165 Parsons Road

Johns Creek 30097

770-623-8860

www.dortamid.org

A Reform synagogue serving the Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Greater North Fulton, South Forsyth and Gwinnett area founded to create meaningful and enduring religious experiences for our members and their families. We actively welcome all families and individuals interested in participating in Jewish life and in the community of the congregation.

Congregation Ner Tamid

1349 Old Highway 41, Suite 220

Marietta 30060

678-264-8575

www.mynertamid.info

Congregation Ner Tamid is a growing Reform synagogue serving West Cobb, South Cobb, Paulding, Kennesaw, Acworth and surrounding areas. We offer a warm, welcoming environment where we are dedicated to honoring the traditions of our heritage, while creating a Jewish experience that is relevant to today’s society.

Rodeph Sholom Congregation

406 East 1st Street Rome 30161

706-291-6315

www.rodephsholomrome.org

We strive to help you feel immediately at home and welcomed at Rodeph Sholom in Rome, GA. We have rabbi-led services and Torah study throughout the year for High Holidays and Shabbat. See and feel the warmth of a small congregation where you will never feel lost in a crowd, and your participation can truly make a difference. Rodeph Sholom, NW Georgia’s only synagogue, is located midway between Atlanta and Chattanooga.

Temple Beth David

1885 McGee Road SW

Snellville 30078

770-978-3916

www.tbdga.org

Temple Beth David began in 1981 as the first formal Jewish presence in Gwinnett County. TBD provides a continuing spirit of worship and service that does not sacrifice the family closeness. TBD offers weekly services, holiday celebrations, life cycle events and educational programs.

Temple Beth Tikvah

9955 Coleman Road

Roswell 30075

770-642-0434

www.bethtikvah.com

Temple Beth Tikvah’s proud history of inclusion, ritual, and support is paving the way to an exciting future. Get to know Temple Beth Tikvah and become a part of the rich experiences available.

Temple Emanu-El

1580 Spalding Drive

Atlanta 30350

770-395-1340

www.templeemanuelatlanta.org

Everyone knows that Temple Emanu-El is more than just a Reform congregation. It is a warm, caring neighborhood synagogue focused on transforming the local community. We embody the Jewish values of audacious hospitality and authentic companionship. Together we are building a congregation of thought-leaders, spiritual seekers, and engaged Jewish change-makers.

Temple Kehillat Chaim

1145 Green Street

Roswell 30075

770-641-8630

www.kehillatchaim.org

Temple Kehillat Chaim, which means Community of Life, is a Jewish Reform congregation located in Historic Roswell. We seek to meet the spiritual, educational, cultural and social needs of our members.

Temple Kol Emeth

1415 Old Canton Road

Marietta 30062

770-973-3533

www.kolemeth.net

Temple Kol Emeth is home to an inclusive and diverse Jewish congregation that respects individuality while lifting the voices of its members to strengthen the greater community. Nurture your Jewish identity with energizing and inspiring leadership, spiritual music, and engaging programming that adds meaning in your life.

Temple Sinai

5645 Dupree Drive

Sandy Springs 30327

404-252-3073

www.templesinaiatlanta.org

Temple Sinai is a vibrant Reform congregation in Sandy Springs that values lifelong Jewish learning, a warm spirit of community, a sense of inclusivity, and active participation in Jewish life. Our community serves as a center of Jewish life and as an extended, caring family for which we provide a Jewish context for life experiences.

The Temple

1589 Peachtree Street

Atlanta 30309

404-873-1731

www.the-temple.org

The Temple, founded in 1867, blends tradition with innovation to create a vibrant and warm atmosphere that is inviting to all who walk through its famous red doors on Peachtree Street. In addition to upholding The Temple’s deep-seated roots within the greater Atlanta community, The Temple’s clergy and staff have dedicated themselves to engaging with each congregant.

SEPHARDIC Congregation Ner Hamizrach

1858 Lavista Road NE

Atlanta 30329

404-315-9020

www.nerhamizrach.com

Congregation Ner Hamizrach was founded in 1991 to serve the spiritual needs of the growing Sephardic Jewish population in Atlanta. The synagogue is home to a warm and welcoming kehilla, steeped in the Sephardic tradition of nusach Edot Hamizrach. Ner Hamizrach is a strong leader in the Atlanta Orthodox Jewish community.

Congregation Or VeShalom

1681 N. Druid Hills Road NE

Atlanta 30319

404-633-1737

www.orveshalom.org

Congregation Or VeShalom is a Sephardic synagogue in Brookhaven. At 400 families strong, we are dedicated to the spiritual and intellectual growth of our members. Building on over 100 years of tradition, we embrace our history and envision a strong future with innovative programming. Come and experience the Sephardic warmth, culture and welcoming community.

MOHELS

Atlanta Circumcision

516-510-2436

www.atlantacircumcision.com

Atlanta Mohel

404-606-0468

www.atlantamohel.com

Mohel Atlanta - Rabbi Ariel

Asa

404-271-8672

www.mohelatlanta.com

Mohel Georgia

404-931-6449

www.mohelga.com

Simple Circumcision

412-508-0914

www.simplecircumcision.com

The Georgia Mohel

770-765-2747

www.georgiamohel.com

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Atlanta Kosher Commission

1855 Lavista Road

Atlanta 30329

404-634-4063

www.kosheratlanta.org

AKC is an Orthodox community-based nonprofit kosher supervising agency founded in the 1970s by Rabbi Emanuel Feldman. The Atlanta Kashruth Commission currently certifies over 150 companies in the Southeast and beyond, including manufacturing facilities, bakeries, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, and caterers throughout the country.

Atlanta Scholars Kollel

1959 Lavista Road

Atlanta 30329

404-321-4085

www.atlantakollel.org

The Atlanta Scholars Kollel invites you to meet, learn with and get to know them. The Kollel is a group of rabbis and families in Georgia who have dedicated themselves to promoting Jewish identity through Jewish knowledge. We are both students and teachers. Every morning we study Talmud together as a group and then head out to the community at large to teach about Judaism. We teach high school and college students, professionals and retirees. We are nonjudgmental, knowledgeable, funny, inspiring and relevant.

Rabbi Barry Altmark

Birmingham, Alabama

205-870-1883

www.deepsouthrabbi.com

Rabbi Altmark performs interfaith and Jewish weddings as well as bar and bat mitzvahs in Atlanta, Nashville, Alabama, and Mississippi. He is a Rabbi for interfaith and Jewish weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs.

Rabbis Barry and Michele Selvin Coffsky

Marietta

770-314-0232

www.atlantarabbis.com

Rabbi Coffsky and Rabbi Selvin Coffsky officiate weddings, baby namings, private bar and bat mitzvahs, memorial services, and special needs bar and bat mitzvahs, as well as make hospital visits. They provide independent Jewish services and perform interfaith and retirement community outreach.

Helen Lets the Clay do the Talking

Helen Oxman Kraus has attracted a fan base of those who appreciate creativity, whimsy, and often useful pottery in various shapes and hues.

Trained as a therapist, Kraus shared, “My work with clay is ‘hand building,’ which means taking a 20-pound brick of clay, cutting off slabs and creating something from it. This is a very different method than wheel work, which is what most people think of as pottery. It’s a childlike feeling when I’m playing with clay. The ability to add, take away, manipulate, texturize, alter the clay, and get an immediate outcome is magical. It really engages my inner child - both the process of using my imagination while working the clay plus the whimsical finishing of many of my pieces.”

Kraus grew up in Atlanta, graduated from University of Georgia with a degree in advertising/public relations and a graphic design minor. She earned her master’s at the University of Maryland. Over the years, she has enjoyed various artsy ventures…photography, stained glass, multimedia collage, and computermade short movies. Twenty years ago, she decided to work with clay at Abernathy Arts Center, then moved to Spruill Arts Center.

Kraus celebrates her color choices to arrive at “HELEN’S WHIMSICAL WORKS,” many of which are hand painted, while using traditional glazing methods for others. She approaches her work in two different ways.

“Sometimes, I start with an idea of an object, usually a functional or utilitarian piece, beginning with a rough pattern for size. I have made functional

pieces like pitchers, bowls, vases, platters, plates, mugs, tea pots, wall signs, children’s items, and house gifts. Unlike most ‘wheel’ pieces, they usually incorporate asymmetry, embellishment, or texture as the essential design. At other times, I let the clay do the talking and take its own form.”

Kraus enjoys the process of letting go of structured expectations for pieces which she labels “organic” or “freeform,” not necessarily functional. She observed, “There’s a lot of self-growth and discovery that comes from working with clay. I have learned that there are real limits to our control. The stages of creating include building, drying, and firing. Each stage has its risk of failing. The outcome of a piece may not be what I visualized, planned, or wanted, and yet, it can be better…or it can be disappointing. Some of my biggest disappointments have been pieces that have cracked or not fired cor-

rectly.”

She works with the “mishap” and often ends with pieces that are among her favorites. This is in line with the Japanese philosophy, “Wabi Sabi,” or seeing the beauty in the imperfection of “what is” as a piece may not be what was planned, but it can acquire a different beauty of its own.

The completion of a piece can take anywhere from two weeks to four months, depending on the complexity, including its size, number of layers of embellishment, texturizing, and colors applied for the glaze. As she works with a piece, Kraus can get further inspired to add more details, “which is joyful but time consuming.” There is also a slow mandatory drying time where pieces must dry evenly to keep from cracking.

Kraus draws inspiration from other artists, textures and shapes that often go unnoticed. Building with clay has helped

her appreciate texture, color, and form in the natural and material world. Objects she has used for texturing can be offbeat: a rubber floor mat, window screening, surface of a metal shelf, forks, screws, washers, herbs, flowers, leaves, tree bark, kitchen tools and fabrics. Her favorite texturing objects are her grandmother’s crochet doilies, connecting her art with her family’s past.

She said, “Often viewers don’t recognize what or where the textures are from in my pieces. I use a lot of color, with my favorite palette being saturated brights. I find it energizing to use colors that bring out a whimsical, playful side of me. Glazing is the last thing to do to finish a piece, and when the glaze is satisfactory, then I feel happy.”

Kraus sells pieces by commission, through Facebook and her favorite: word of mouth. For more information, contact therapywithhelen@gmail.com.

For Schusterman, it’s Time for Sustainability and Style

Co-founder of Chabad Intown Dena Schusterman urges women to experience a journey of sustainability and style, where fashion becomes an art of self-expression along with environmental consciousness.

On Sept. 6, at Chabad Intown, Brooklynite and fashion expert Lea Minkowitz will soon share her thoughts at Chabad Intown on wearing things that “are right” and make one happy- having had enough of “fast fashion.”

Schusterman, who has six daughters, has fun with the topic by stating, “Someone is always wearing someone else’s something. It’s hand-me-downs and hand-me-ups. Everyone shares in all directions.”

Minkowitz said, “It’s trendy now not to be on trend…people especially in the top echelons of fashion have had enough of fast fashion. We are seeing more and more stylists turning to the archives, celebrities…re-wearing important pieces and getting photographed in those pieces. Meaning, the idea of sustainability and wearing things that are right and make you happy is gaining a lot more currency. Sure, the fast fashion companies are still churning it out and want us to believe that we need a new wardrobe every season, but more are turning away from this.”

Her workshop will start with a color analysis explanation and how it aligns with the individual for the long term. Minkowitz is an advocate of sustainable fashion as an expert in seasonal color which she studied at the Kamova Institute of Color Analysis in California, concentrating on prints, styles, color, and cuts that are most flattering in clothing as well as home and furnishing aesthetics.

Minkowitz had her personal colors done by Suzanne Caygill at age four, where her lifelong passion for seasonal color analysis was born. Caygill, back in 1942, was a milliner and fashion designer, who had an epiphany about colors relating to the four seasons. This writer is a “summer,” favoring certain shades of pink and aqua and not much lemon yellow or tomato red.

Schusterman eschews traditional black for her “go-to” navy. Despite what is dominant at most parties, not everyone looks good in basic black. Some tout that turquoise is the universal color and looks pleasing on most everyone.

In thinking about today’s younger generation, Minkowitz refers to a Wall Street Journal article about TikTok mania

around which color analysis is seeing a revival among young people where what they wear connects to the authentic self. Amy Klein in the Jewish Journal (“Color Me Spiritual”) wrote that color itself can be therapy. “Chromotherapy uses color to balance a person’s physical, emotional spiritual or mental energies.”

Also serving as the executive director of Intown Jewish Preschool, Schusterman swirls with meaningful contemporary ideas like frock swapping with friends, the road to sustainability, and how we can build timeless wardrobes that reflect both style and decluttering the chaos in closets.

She mused about the query, “Why is my closet feeling like it’s bursting with

clothing, yet I often have ‘nothing to wear’? What if instead of closets cluttered with impulse buys, we could create a cohesive collection that suits our individual tastes? Lately, I find myself pondering the consequences of this approach on our environment and the fashion industry’s workforce. I’m on a quest for alternatives, exploring consignment shopping and the intriguing concept of frock swapping with friends – an opportunity to refresh our wardrobes responsibly while fostering connections. Maybe what I no longer wear will be what someone else is looking for, and vice versa.”

Pre-Rosh Hashana is prime time for self reflection and taking action. Schusterman refers to the High Holidays as a

time of introspection and renewal when approach to fashion can intertwine with spiritual journeys.

“The September workshop will share Lea’s knowledge and insights, guiding attendees in creating looks that resonate with their unique personalities; our discussion will delve beyond fashion, exploring inspiration for the soul,” she said.

Private color consultations with Minkowitz need to be booked with Shusterman. Minkowitz lives in New York with her husband, Avi, and three young children.

Tickets to the event are $36 and include wine, colorful salads, and dessert. For more information, contact Chabad Intown at 404-898-0434. ì

Interest-Free Loans for Higher Education until Sept. 30 JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund) helps Jewish students by providing interestfree loans for higher education. To qualify, applicants must be a resident of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Virginia (excluding metro D.C.), be enrolled full-time in a degree or certificate seeking program, have U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, and be able to demonstrate financial need (2022 FAFSA application required). Apply at https:// bit.ly/3O50qV7.

Caregiver Support Group - Dunwoody Sandy Springs - 6 to 7 p.m. Watching those we love lose their memory or ability to live independently is difficult on all levels. Taking some time to focus on your own mental and emotional well-being will help you be a better caregiver for someone else. RSVP at Berman Commons Assisted Living & Memory Care and Jewish HomeLife, at http://bit.ly/3XuB84q.

NCJW: Opening General Meeting –Banned Aid: Book Bans & Where Do We Go from Here? - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join NCJW Atlanta as we dig into the recent surge in book bans. Light refreshments will be offered at 6:30 p.m. The program will begin at 7 p.m. RSVP at https://bit. ly/3pT8cbw.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

CircleMoms x Temple Sinai x JBaby/PJ Library - 10 to 11 a.m. Circle Moms provides support and connection for moms in the first 3 months after birth. Through location-specific support groups in cities across the country, CircleMoms is the essential, built-in village every mom needs in the fourth trimester. RSVP at https://bit. ly/3PrGmNE.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

Kid Fun Yoga - 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Each Kid Fun Yoga class with Jennifer Gruher at MJCCA will focus on proper breathing practices and guided meditations through affirmations and mantras. Little yogis will learn sequences and poses that focus on building strength, flexibility, and balance, all while having a ton of FUN! Classes will include yoga games, music, and mindfulness activities that build confidence. Kid Fun Yoga will leave the kids feeling a renewed sense of well-being, balance, peace, and calm. Register at https://bit. ly/3KkqxoR.

Read it in Hebrew – 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join Intown Jewish Academy for a crash course on Hebrew Literacy just in time for the High Holidays! Unlock the beauty and depth of Hebrew in just five weeks with our cutting-edge reading crash course. Discover the secrets of this ancient language and embark on a transformative journey that will open doors to a world of rich culture and profound wisdom. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3YiXIyZ.

Jewish Women’s Torah and Tea – 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. Join the Jewish Women’s Circle of Decatur for a weekly discussion on the Parsha and contemporary Jewish issues. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3T8oR4B.

THURSDAY,

AUGUST 17

Knit and Crochet Group - 1 to 3 p.m. Join Dor Tamid and crochet and knit beanies for premature babies from home. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3VY3R1j.

Jewish Spirituality and Mysticism

– 8 p.m. Chabad North Fulton’s weekly class on Jewish Spirituality, mysticism and how to apply it to your personal growth in a meaningful way. Taught by Rabbi Hirshy. Register at https://bit.ly/3HDusfN.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

Sanctuary Dedication Weekend – (All day) Ahavath Achim’s magnificent re-imagined sanctuary is finally complete! You are invited to participate in our Sanctuary Dedication Weekend, a joyful, eventfilled celebration of AA’s entire community as we usher in an exciting new year and bright future. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3Ya0C8Z.

Daily Shofar Blasts on Main Street11 to 11:15 a.m. The blowing of the shofar, or rams’ horn, is an important part of the Jewish High Holiday season. There is a special tradition of blowing the shofar in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah to remind us to “wake up,” reflect on the past year, and begin the spiritual preparation for the High Holiday season. All are invited to listen to the shofar in the main lobby and Brill Family Fitness Center. Learn more at https://bit.ly/44kEDOz.

SOJOURN’s Drawing from the Well -12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to experience the magic of inclusive community during Drawing from the Well. Drawing from the Well is SOJOURN’s inclusive weekly meetup for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3ZrKEXi.

Shabbat in the Park - 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Enjoy an early Shabbat at East Cobb Park with Congregation Etz Chaim. Our kickoff event features singing, games, dinner, and a Shabbat Service. This is a great way to get to know our community. Families interested in finding a new spiritual home are welcome. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3rEAs1U.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

Sanctuary Dedication Weekend

– (All day) Ahavath Achim’s magnificent re-imagined sanctuary is finally complete! You are invited to participate in our Sanctuary Dedication Weekend, a joyful, eventfilled celebration of AA’s entire community as we usher in an exciting new year and bright future. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3Ya0C8Z.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

Sanctuary Dedication Weekend

– (All day) Ahavath Achim’s magnificent re-imagined sanctuary is finally complete! You are invited to participate in our Sanctuary Dedication Weekend, a joyful, eventfilled celebration of AA’s entire community as we usher in an exciting new year and bright future. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3Ya0C8Z.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Torah Reading: Shoftim

Friday, August 18, Elul 1, 5783 Light Candles at 8:02 PM

Saturday, August 19, Elul 2, 5783 Shabbat Ends 8:58 PM

Torah Reading: Ki Teitzei

Friday, August 25, Elul 8, 5783 Light Candles at 7:54 PM

Saturday, August 26, Elul 9, 5783 Shabbat Ends 8:49 PM

esoteric through a unique program of English text-based study. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. Learn more at https://bit. ly/3V3sfiE.

Kabbalah Café – 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Fuel up your week with the transformative teachings of Kabbalah as you enjoy a gourmet hot breakfast and coffee bar. You’ll study textbased spiritual wisdom that gives you practical guidance to living a healthy and empowered life. Join Beth Tefillah by visiting https://bit. ly/3Ak2BfX.

Atlanta Jewish Bowling League Meet & Greet Coming! - 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come bowl for Free and try out our fun co-ed league. Adults are welcome! Learn more at https://bit. ly/43MWZqw.

MONDAY, AUGUST 21

Jeff’s Place Café – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Need a place to host your Mondaymorning business meeting? Looking to meet a friend for breakfast and coffee? Craving some bagels and lox before heading into the office? Come to Chabad Intown and find out more at https://bit. ly/3IRgve6.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22

Nurture at Little Acorns – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join Nurture for a Tropical Tuesday at The Avalon for their monthly Little Acorns celebrations. Families of preschool-age children are invited to enjoy music, crafts and meeting new friends! Stop by the Nurture table for a fun activity and craft! Register at https://bit. ly/3Q398Vj.

Back to School Rehoming - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come find your Jewish Joy with L’dor V’dor Judaica in a new piece of Judaica for the high holidays, Shabbat, Passover, every day, art, and more. This is not a donation drive. This event is open to the public! Find out more at https://bit. ly/3Orgd0s.

Kabbalah and Coffee - 10 to 11 a.m. Discuss, explore, and journey with Intown Jewish Academy through the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. This ongoing class probes the

Prospective Member Family Event11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Join us at Beth Shalom for a Back to Shul - Back to School family-friendly event! We will have a pancake breakfast, Dad’s Garage entertainment, Dunk Tank, Ice Cream Truck, and Bubble Machine. We’d love you to join us and see what Beth Shalom can offer your family! Learn more at https://bit.ly/3Y5Jotx.

The Bonaventure Quartet – 3 to 5 p.m. Join Ahavath Achim Synagogue for a memorable afternoon of amazing music by the Bonaventure Quartet, presented by the Marilyn Ginsberg Eckstein Cultural Arts Program Fund. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3DAQFb4.

Daily Shofar Blasts on Main Street11 to 11:15 a.m. The blowing of the shofar, or rams’ horn, is an important part of the Jewish High Holiday season. There is a special tradition of blowing the shofar in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah to remind us to “wake up,” reflect on the past year, and begin the spiritual preparation for the High Holiday season. All are invited to listen to the shofar in the main lobby and Brill Family Fitness Center. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3NUetgh.

Daily Shofar Blasts on Main Street11 to 11:15 a.m. The blowing of the shofar, or rams’ horn, is an important part of the Jewish High Holiday season. There is a special tradition of blowing the shofar in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah to remind us to “wake up,” reflect on the past year, and begin the spiritual preparation for the High Holiday season. All are invited to listen to the shofar in the main lobby and Brill Family Fitness Center. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3NUetgh.

Kid Fun Yoga - 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Each Kid Fun Yoga class with Jennifer Gruher at MJCCA will focus on proper breathing practices and guided meditations through affirmations and mantras. Little yogis will learn sequences and poses that focus on building strength, flexibility, and balance, all while having a ton of FUN! Classes will include yoga games, music, and mindfulness activities that build confidence. Kid Fun Yoga will leave the kids feeling a renewed sense of well-being, balance, peace, and calm. Register at https://bit. ly/3KkqxoR.

Read it in Hebrew – 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join Intown Jewish Academy for a crash course on Hebrew Literacy just in time for the High Holidays! Unlock the beauty and depth of Hebrew in just five weeks with our cutting-edge reading crash course. Discover the secrets of this ancient language and embark on a transformative journey that will open doors to a world of rich culture and profound wisdom. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3YiXIyZ.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23

CircleMoms x Temple Sinai x JBaby/PJ Library - 10 to 11 a.m. Circle Moms provides support and connection for moms in the first 3 months after birth. Through location-specific support groups in cities across the country, CircleMoms is the essential, built-in village every mom needs in the fourth trimester. RSVP at https:// bit.ly/3PrGmNE.

MJCCA Book Fest: Alice Hoffman, The Invisible Hour - 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Invisible Hour features some of bestselling author Alice Hoffman’s signature themes— magic, star-crossed romance, a foundational love of books and libraries, and a fierce heroine who survives and thrives against the odds. Come purchase tickets from the MJCCA at https://bit. ly/44QC7jc.

Jewish Women’s Torah and Tea – 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. Join the Jewish Women’s Circle of Decatur for a weekly discussion on the Parsha and contemporary Jewish issues. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3T8oR4B.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24

Daily Shofar Blasts on Main Street11 to 11:15 a.m. The blowing of the shofar, or rams’ horn, is an important part of the Jewish High Holiday season. There is a special tradition of blowing the shofar in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah to remind us to “wake up,” reflect on the past year, and begin the spiritual preparation for the High Holiday season. All are invited to listen to the shofar in the main lobby and Brill Family Fitness Center. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3NUetgh.

Jewish Spirituality and Mysticism – 8 p.m. Chabad North Fulton’s weekly class on Jewish Spirituality, mysticism and how to apply it to your personal growth in a meaningful way. Taught by Rabbi Hirshy. Register at https://bit.ly/3HDusfN.

day season. There is a special tradition of blowing the shofar in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah to remind us to “wake up,” reflect on the past year, and begin the spiritual preparation for the High Holiday season. All are invited to listen to the shofar in the main lobby and Brill Family Fitness Center. Learn more at https://bit.ly/44kEDOz.

SOJOURN’s Drawing from the Well -12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to experience the magic of inclusive community during Drawing from the Well. Drawing from the Well is SOJOURN’s inclusive weekly meetup for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3ZrKEXi.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

Music & Sensory Play - 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Nurture wonder through music and play! Here We Grow will start the morning off with an engaging music and movement class then Nurture will lead themed sensory play and art activities. Friday classes are designed for babies 6 -18 months old. Register at https://bit. ly/44mpAnp.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

CircleMoms x Temple Sinai x JBaby/PJ Library - 10 to 11 a.m. Circle Moms provides support and connection for moms in the first 3 months after birth. Through location-specific support groups in cities across the country, CircleMoms is the essential, built-in village every mom needs in the fourth trimester. RSVP at https:// bit.ly/3NgDiRK.

Daily Shofar Blasts on Main Street11 to 11:15 a.m. The blowing of the shofar, or rams’ horn, is an important part of the Jewish High Holiday season. There is a special tradition of blowing the shofar in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah to remind us to “wake up,” reflect on the past year, and begin the spiritual preparation for the High Holiday season. All are invited to listen to the shofar in the main lobby and Brill Family Fitness Center. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3NUetgh.

Knit and Crochet Group - 1 to 3 p.m.

Join Dor Tamid and crochet and knit beanies for premature babies from home. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3VY3R1j.

UGA Hillel Center Grand Opening11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us for the grand opening of the new Hillel Center at the University of Georgia! UGA Hillel has served generations of Jewish students attending the University of Georgia from our current Hillel House on Milledge Avenue. The growth of Jewish student enrollment and the exciting expansion of our Hillel program demands a new Hillel Center to serve the more than 1,500 Jewish students at the University of Georgia. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3K9lMOE.

Daily Shofar Blasts on Main Street11 to 11:15 a.m. The blowing of the shofar, or rams’ horn, is an important part of the Jewish High Holi-

SUNDAY,

AUGUST 27

25th Annual TKE Golf Tournament8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please join Temple Kol Emeth’s Mens Club to celebrate the 25th Anniversary TKE Golf Tournament at the beautiful Fairways of Canton Golf Club. We’re planning to make this year’s event better than ever - more contests, more winnings, more great prizes and gifts, more food, and more fun! Register at https://bit.ly/44wuNJQ.

Kabbalah and Coffee - 10 to 11 a.m. Discuss, explore, and journey with Intown Jewish Academy through the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. This ongoing class probes the esoteric through a unique program of English text-based study. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. Learn more at https://bit. ly/3V3sfiE.

Kabbalah Café – 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Fuel up your week with the transformative teachings of Kabbalah as you enjoy a gourmet hot breakfast and coffee bar. You’ll study textbased spiritual wisdom that gives you practical guidance to living a healthy and empowered life. Join Beth Tefillah by visiting https://bit. ly/3Ak2BfX.

MONDAY, AUGUST 28

Jeff’s Place Café – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Need a place to host your Mondaymorning business meeting? Looking to meet a friend for breakfast and coffee? Craving some bagels and lox before heading into the office? Come to Chabad Intown and find out more at https://bit. ly/3IRgve6.

Kid Fun Yoga - 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Each

Daily Shofar Blasts on Main Street11 to 11:15 a.m. The blowing of the shofar, or rams’ horn, is an important part of the Jewish High Holiday season. There is a special tradition of blowing the shofar in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah to remind us to “wake up,” reflect on the past year, and begin the spiritual preparation for the High Holiday season. All are invited to listen to the shofar in the main lobby and Brill Family Fitness Center. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3NUetgh.

Lilmode: Adult Education - “A Doorway to Heroism” - 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Author Rabbi Jack Romberg will be discussing his book at Congregation Etz Chaim, “A Doorway to Heroism: A Decorated GermanJewish Soldier Who Became an American Hero,” which details his great-uncle Richard Stern’s unique story. Brunch will be served. Register at https://bit.ly/450eSn3.

Daily Shofar Blasts on Main Street11 to 11:15 a.m. The blowing of the shofar, or rams’ horn, is an important part of the Jewish High Holiday season. There is a special tradition of blowing the shofar in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah to remind us to “wake up,” reflect on the past year, and begin the spiritual preparation for the High Holiday season. All are invited to listen to the shofar in the main lobby and Brill Family Fitness Center. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3NUetgh.

Kid Fun Yoga class with Jennifer Gruher at MJCCA will focus on proper breathing practices and guided meditations through affirmations and mantras. Little yogis will learn sequences and poses that focus on building strength, flexibility, and balance, all while having a ton of FUN! Classes will include yoga games, music, and mindfulness activities that build confidence. Kid Fun Yoga will leave the kids feeling a renewed sense of well-being, balance, peace, and calm. Register at https://bit. ly/3KkqxoR.

Read it in Hebrew – 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join Intown Jewish Academy for a crash course on Hebrew Literacy just in time for the High Holidays! Unlock the beauty and depth of Hebrew in just five weeks with our cutting-edge reading crash course. Discover the secrets of this ancient language and embark on a transformative journey that will open doors to a world of rich culture and profound wisdom. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3YiXIyZ.

Cooking with Deborah - 7 to 9 p.m. Hadassah Ketura gets ready for Rosh Hashana! Chef Deborah Lewis will demonstrate 3 fresh, seasonal & delicious recipes from Adina Sussman’s cookbook, SABABA. Register at https://bit.ly/3K7h18c.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31

Bat Mitzvah Club @ Chabad Intown - 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Your daughter's approaching Bat Mitzvah marks a significant milestone for her as a Jewish woman. While the celebration is essential, its true importance lies in shaping her identity as a Jew for the long term. We emphasize that it’s not a graduation from Judaism, but rather the beginning of a vibrant Jewish life. To ensure this, we’ve established the successful Bat Mitzvah Club. We provide a space for girls aged 11-13 to learn, enjoy, and connect with other Bat Mitzvah girls. The club meetings are open to all, regardless of where they plan to celebrate their Bat Mitzvah. Register at https://bit. ly/3OkN0Er.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29

Daily Shofar Blasts on Main Street11 to 11:15 a.m. The blowing of the shofar, or rams’ horn, is an important part of the Jewish High Holiday season. There is a special tradition of blowing the shofar in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah to remind us to “wake up,” reflect on the past year, and begin the spiritual preparation for the High Holiday season. All are invited to listen to the shofar in the main lobby and Brill Family Fitness Center. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3NUetgh.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30

CircleMoms x Temple Sinai x JBaby/PJ Library - 10 to 11 a.m. Circle Moms provides support and connection for moms in the first 3 months after birth. Through location-specific support groups in cities across the country, CircleMoms is the essential, built-in village every mom needs in the fourth trimester. RSVP at https://bit. ly/3PrGmNE.

Daily Shofar Blasts on Main Street11 to 11:15 a.m. The blowing of the shofar, or rams’ horn, is an important part of the Jewish High Holiday season. There is a special tradition of blowing the shofar in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah to remind us to “wake up,” reflect on the past year, and begin the spiritual preparation for the High Holiday season. All are invited to listen to the shofar in the main lobby and Brill Family Fitness Center. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3NUetgh.

Jewish Women’s Torah and Tea – 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. Join the Jewish Women’s Circle of Decatur for a weekly discussion on the Parsha and contemporary Jewish issues. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3T8oR4B.

OY VEY! HAVE I GOT A PROBLEM���

Dear Rachel,

My issue is anxiety, specifically related to medical issues. In the past, anytime I had an ache or even a minor injury, it sent me running to the doctor to get checked out. As time passed, I realized that this was a part of my life I wanted to get under control. Therapy helped, and I learned to curtail the need for constant medical vigilance and go for regular check-ups. Headaches became normal rather than potential brain tumors, and sniffles were allergies or colds rather than a prelude to flu or Covid. Learning to relax and take life’s physical ups and downs in stride was a relief- until recently. Unfortunately, I was just diagnosed with a serious medical condition. And now, I am wondering if it would have become this serious if I had run to the doctor earlier rather than shrugging off the initial symptoms. What are your thoughts?

Sincerely,

Dear F.D.A.,

Kudos to you for taking your anxiety in hand and working to correct it! It takes strength and courage to battle our weaknesses; it is so much easier to simply say “This is how I am” and stay in the same rut.

Since your question deals with a mental health issue, I consulted with a therapist before offering a response and will share her take regarding your dilemma. Anxiety can be crippling, making a person second-guess their reactions to every situation and robbing them of their peace of mind. And who wants to live like that? As with every circumstance in life, it is optimal to aim for a middle road. So, let’s apply that to your medical anxiety. If a person is vigilant about regular health check appointments and does her best to be proactive in the areas recommended to maintain good health, getting regular exercise, and eating healthfully, then why can’t she relax and say that she has made the requisite efforts and leave the rest in G-d’s hands? However, your situation has changed. Now that you have a new diagnosis, it would certainly be prudent to follow your doctor’s recommendations. Are you on a new medication?

Do you need more frequent medical appointments? Once you are pursuing the necessary avenues that are medically advised, why second guess and go overboard? It is your doctor’s job to provide the regimen, and it is your job to follow that path. The end. And by the way, a medical condition can become serious even if a person hangs out in a doctor’s office- how often are symptoms overlooked or misdiagnosed, even by the best practitioners?

Since your anxiety runs high regarding your health, can you look at other situations in your life when you allow your composed mind to govern decisions? Can you take that “voice” and apply it here so that the calm and composed voice can direct you?

Often, overly anxious people can react irresponsibly. During Covid, I remember numerous times when I would be outside walking. In their haste to get far away from me and my potential Covid-carrying germs, fellow walkers and joggers would sidestep their way into busy streets, disregarding oncoming traffic! It never failed to amaze me. I am not saying that Covid was not a serious concern, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. However, walking into oncoming traffic is not the way to handle it!

To sum up, give yourself the gift of freedom and peace of mind so you can enjoy life. If you are following protocol, then you are doing your best- and no one can do more than her best! Certainly, if you have a question or concern, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. I am simply advocating a middle-of-the-road approach so that you can live with your condition- and not allow your condition to call the shots (pun intended).

Wishing you good health and the peace of mind to enjoy it, Rachel

Atlanta Jewish Times Advice Column

Got a problem? Email Rachel at oyvey@atljewishtimes.com 250 words or less describing your problem. We want to hear from you and get helpful suggestions for your situation at the same time! Identifying details will be changed upon request.

Gray Hair

“Moshe, will you still love me when my hair is gray?” asks Yente. “Of course,” replies Moshe. “I’ve loved you through blonde, brunette, red and every other color. Why not gray?”

YIDDISH WORD

Meshuga-nug

n. Someone who is enamored with smoking pot and pot culture in general.

“Call me a meshuga-nug, if you will, but I think I have it all figured out. Like, all of it…man.”

Meshuga-nugs often consider their preoccupation with pot as providing a rarified form of enlightenment. Meshuga-nug drives from the Yiddish meshuga, meaning “crazy,” and from “nug,” a choice marijuana bud containing the highest concentrations of mind-altering cannabinoids.

Joint Statements

ACROSS

1. Huge hit

6. Help in a heist

10. Test on the way to becoming an esq.

14. Kind of chip

15. Fury

16. Crossword’s favorite volcano

17. Pure path from Moab to Portland?

19. Wedding wear

20. Norm Peterson and Barney

Gumble are often found in one

21. Apt rhyme for “casino”

22. Automaker founded in Turin

23. A page on Reno and Boca Raton?

27. Letter named cereal

28. Foe

29. One way to get to Israel

32. Hastily

34. Prankster on “The Office”

37. Mayim going through St. Louis and Burlington?

41. Prepare, like a Shabbat table

42. Prime cut, perhaps 43. Reading fundamentals 44. Sela of “Beauty and the Baker” 46. Make a mistake 48. Bubbi gushing over her grand-

in Aspen and Austin?

53. Alsos

54. Famous convert to Judaism

55. Some colas

57. ___ Asar

58. Witness in Bangor and Boise?

61. Zionism color

62. Crude org.

63. Mars vehicle

64. Tests taken before 10-across

65. One that inspires

66. Avoid

DOWN

1. Leave off the guest list

2. “Torah” preceder

3. “Not ___ in the world”

4. “Sheket!”

5. Kind of 20-Across for some smokers

6. Madison Square Garden, for one

7. All that and a ___ chips

8. “I” problem?

9. Total sons of Jacob minus Joseph and Benjamin

10. Descendants of Jacob that sang in the Beit Hamikdash

11. A good provider holds one down

12. “America” singer in “West Side Story”

13. Dew bracha

18. They’re considered baseball’s oldest team

22. Having more leeway

24. Encyclopedia units: Abbr.

25. Exit

26. Oscar-winner for the song “Falling Slowly”

29. “Mamma Mia!” trio?

30. One might be told to spare feelings

31. Judith Resnik or Jessica Meir, e.g.

32. Smell

33. Lapel attachment

35. End of many co. names

36. Catskills, e.g.: Abbr.

38. Conductor Klemperer and director Preminger

39. Lyft alternative

40. Surname of funny Jewish brothers

45. What the films (or tunes) by 40-Down are considered

46. Kitchen extension?

47. Bring back to the company

48. She often served Norm Peterson

49. Puts out in the sun, perhaps 50. Small measurement

51. Sukkot branch

52. Timetable: Abbr.

56. Unlike a gracious loser

57. Cable TV station

58. Bathsheba to Solomon

59. One-time singing mate of Barney (Gumble) and Homer (Simpson)

60. ___ Ber of Mezeritch

FOLLOW :

OBITUARIES

Nanci Jo Berger 62, Atlanta

Nanci Jo Berger, age 62, of Atlanta, Ga., born in Mobile, Ala., on Sept. 20, 1960, to Hugh Malcolm (z’l) and Rachiel Alhadeff Berger, passed away on July 30, 2023. Throughout her life, Nanci was faced with unrelenting physical and mental challenges but her indomitable spirit and soul, nourished by her loving and devoted family and friends, enabled her to live her best life in spite of the adversities that confronted her.

In the spring of 1984, a lifelong dream (and at the time, with nervous uncertainty for the future outcome looming) became reality, when Nanci moved into the newly opened Atlanta Group Home, beginning her life’s journey in an independent living setting that would serve her well for almost four decades. Shortly after moving into the AGH, Nanci returned for a weekend visit at her parents’ house. Up bright and early, with her bags packed and her bed made, which was unusual for her, Nanci’s mom asked her: “What’s going on? Why are you up so early and packed?” Her response was, she was ready to go “home.”

For several years, working at the pre-school for the MJCCA at their old midtown location, it would not be uncommon to find Nanci enroute to her job, patiently waiting for her transfer bus at the stop in front of the Trust Company bank on Pharr Road and Peachtree. In recent years, she had volunteered at the Bremen Jewish Home, spending countless hours assisting with the residents and staff. Whether she knew it or not, Nanci’s quiet determination provided inspiration to all of those around her. She loved word search puzzles, Bingo and was a passionate fan of the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldog football. Her recall and summary of the previous night’s Braves game was far more accurate and reliable than any beat writer employed by the AJC.

Nanci will be sorely missed and long remembered by all those who knew and loved her. She is survived by her mother, Rachiel Alhadeff Berger, her “big” brother, Harold, and his wife, Sally, her “little” brother, Mark and his wife, Lori, her niece, Terry, nephews, Julius and Nathan, several aunts, uncles, and countless cousins. She was also blessed to have a second family, her Atlanta Group Home family, and her passing will leave an immeasurable void in the lives of her housemates, Steve Schlact, Kenny Gardner, Suzie Zegers, and Vincent Thompkins and her house parents, Debra Abrahams, Wanda Ervin, Coclin Girma and Sarah Butler. She was predeceased by her father, Hugh, her grandparents, Hyman and Sally Berger, Joseph and Rebecca Alhadeff, her uncles, Dr. Gerald Berger and James Arogeti, and her aunt, Jeanette Arogeti.

Rabbi Josh Hearshen officiated the service at Greenwood Cemetery for those who were able to attend and a link for Zoom is provided for those unable to do so. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to honor Nanci’s life may be made to the Atlanta Group Home Contribution Foundation, Inc., 3095 Margaret Mitchell Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30327.

Claire Allen D’Agostino

77, Atlanta

She was a fighter. Claire Allen D’Agostino was born Aug. 15, 1945, in Moultrie, Ga., and passed away after a battle with Alzheimer’s on July 28, 2023, just shy of her 78th birthday.

Claire was an incredibly accomplished woman. After finishing her undergraduate degree from Agnes Scott College, she married in November of 1970 to Robert Joseph D’Agostino. She then earned her PhD in psychology from Georgia State University in 1972.

Claire was a pioneer in police and corrections work as a licensed clinical psychologist for the State of New Jersey, the City of Wilmington, Del., and the City of Atlanta. She also spent critical time caring for troubled youth at the Governor Bacon Juvenile Center in Delaware. Upon retirement, she worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs counseling military personnel upon return from active duty.

She served as a consultant to the Department of Justice under the Reagan Administration, founded the Georgia chapter of the Republican Jewish Coalition, served as president of Temple Sinai, was appointed by Gov. Sonny Purdue to the Georgia Holocaust Commission and was subsequently made chair by Gov. Nathan Deal, all while raising three children. In addition, she drank untold gallons of unsweet tea. It was an exceptional life.

Claire is survived by her husband, Robert, of nearly 53 years, her children, Joseph, Joshua, and his wife, Annie, Gaby, and her husband, Michael, and her six grandchildren, Elena, Sari, Mira, Sophia, Jack, and Ana. A graveside funeral was held on Sunday, July 30 at 3:30 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Ava Feldman 70, Tampa, Fla.

Ava Feldman passed away peacefully in Tampa, Fla. on July 30, 2023, at the age of 70 surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Pensacola, Fla., in a family with parents who played a big role in shaping her compassionate and caring nature.

Always creative and enterprising, after graduating from the University of Florida she founded a fully licensed day care center in Gainesville while her husband, Barry Silber, attended law school. She went on to pursue a successful career in property management in Pensacola and, later, in Atlanta.

In 1987, Ava married Bill Feldman, a recent dental school graduate, and used her organizational and administrative skills to greatly contribute to the success of his dental practice. She and Bill opened their hearts, their homes, and their wallets to others in need.

Inspired by both her children attending law school, at age 49, Ava graduated law school as valedictorian. She founded a real estate law practice which is still in business today.

They say if you want something done, give it to a busy person. Even with all her professional pursuits, Ava made time to be involved in the Jewish life in Atlanta serving as president of her synagogue Sisterhood, regional officer of women’s league, and an active member of ORT, Hadassah, and other Jewish philanthropic organizations. Ava had endless energy and was passionate about so many things.

Ava was a loving mother to David and Carlyn. Ava had a strong sense of family, as evident in how she made her home the center of activity for her children’s friends and was always there for them.

Later in life, Ava battled with both mental and physical illnesses which eventually led to her passing. It’s evident that despite the challenges she faced, Ava remained a bright and giving person who touched the lives of many.

Predeceased by her parents, Sam and Joyce Goldenberg, and her son-in-law, Brian Neuman, she is survived by her children, David Silber (Niki) and Carlyn Neuman, both of Tampa, Fla.; siblings Debbie Sonenshine (Stanley) of Atlanta, Pam Kalkstein (Harold) of New York and Philip Goldenberg (Claritza) of Tampa; her beloved grandchildren, Harper and Caleb Neuman and Petra Silber, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other loving family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta backpackbuddiesatl.org or the Tampa Jewish Federation. Funeral services were held on Aug. 1, 2023, at Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa, Fla.

Edward Gilbert Francell

89, Dunwoody

Edward Gilbert Francell, Sr., 89, died peacefully in his sleep on July 23, 2023, at Berman Commons in Dunwoody. Ed was born on May 8, 1934, in Paris, France, to Mariette and Herbert Frankel. He and his parents fled the Nazis in 1939 and settled in California. Because his grandfather, Alfred Rothschild, was born in Columbus, Ga., Ed’s mother’s American citizenship enabled the family to leave Europe during the war. Edward’s uncle, Werner Frankel, was killed in the Holocaust. His aunt, Yvonne, was taken to Auschwitz, but survived and later joined the family in California.

As a child, Ed loved sports and was involved in the Boy Scouts, where he achieved the rank of Star Scout. He graduated from Columbia University with both bachelor’s and a master’s degrees in business. He was in the U.S. Navy for two years as a chief petty officer, where he served on the USS Saratoga and the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carriers. Ed and his wife, Claire Griffin Francell, raised four children together during their 64-year marriage. During his career, he worked in marketing and market research for several companies, including Diamond Crystal Salt, Miles Laboratories and Kimberly-Clark Corporation. After retirement, Ed started a new career as a real estate agent and worked with Prudential and Berkshire-Hathaway in Dunwoody for over a decade.

In the 1960s, Ed helped desegregate the Elkhart, Ind. school district and was active in civil rights organizations such as the Urban League and the NAACP. Later, he and his wife, Claire, help found the Northside chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness in Georgia. He enjoyed singing and performing in several musical comedies when the family lived in Indiana. Ed was a dedicated tennis player and captained several ALTA and USTA teams during the 1990s-2000s. In later years, he was a featured speaker at the Kennesaw State Museum of History and Holocaust Education.

Ed is survived by his wife Claire, his sons Ed, Jr. and Tom, his daughters and sonsin-law, Noelle and Bryan Robinson and Mary and Howard Sharfstein, and four grandchildren. A shiva minyan was held at the home of Mary and Howard Sharfstein, 1515 Larrabee Ave., Bellingham, WA on July 31 at 6 p.m. PST. A graveside service will be held at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia at 11 a.m. on August 28, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kennesaw State University Museum of History and Holocaust Education in Ed’s memory at: www.giving. kennesaw.edu/online-giving/special-initiatives.php

Steven Jay Goldstein

72, Atlanta, Ga

Steven Jay Goldstein, 72, of Atlanta, Ga., died on Sunday, Aug. 6, after a long battle with FXTAS.

Steven was born on April 28, 1951. He was the son of Betty and Leon Goldstein. A native of Atlanta, Steven graduated from Northside High School and attended University of Georgia. At UGA, he earned his Ph.D. in Finance.  In 1973, Steven married Karen Weinman and they had two wonderful daughters, Mindy and Blair.

Steven poured his time into his family.  He loved being around Karen, his “girls,” and the Goldstein Gang, which was good, because they were together a lot. He lived near his parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He spent summers at the Goldstein Lake house at Lake Lanier and Thanksgivings with the ever-growing Goldstein family in Hilton Head. Friday nights were spent at his parents for their weekly Shabbat dinner, and Sunday night dinners were with the Weinmans.

He was witty, with a dry sense of humor that kept those around him laughing. He loved reading popular fiction, watching the History Channel, sailing, and UGA football. And, he loved finance.

Steven was passionate about his work. He started his career as a professor at the University of South Carolina before taking a job as a deputy director at the Federal Home Loan Bank Board in Washington, D.C. He moved back to Atlanta in 1985, to begin a career as a financial services consultant. He later moved to North Carolina to take a role as CFO of Centura Bank, then Toronto, Canada, as CFO for the U.S. and international divisions of the Royal Bank of Canada, and finally back to Atlanta as the CFO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen Weinman Goldstein, who cared for him lovingly during his long illness. He is also survived by his daughter Mindy Goldstein (Louis Metcalf), daughter Blair Beasley (Zack), brother Bobby Goldstein (Liz), sisters Gail Heyman (Lyons) and Janet Schatten (Richard Friedman), sisters-in-law Laura Lee Dwoskin (Myron) and Jo Ann Benard (Francois), grandchildren Ethan and Layla Beasley, step-grandchildren Auden and Lundy Metcalf, and a large extended family with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service was held on Aug. 7 at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Goldstein/Heyman Family Innovative Research Fund at UC Davis MIND Institute at give.ucdavis.edu/ MIND/324538 or Weinstein Hospice at www.jewishhomelife.org/weinstein-hospice.  Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999

Daniel Jules Jacobs 78, Atlanta

Daniel Jules Jacobs was born Aug. 14, 1944, to Morris Jacobs and Julia Boaz Jacobs, of blessed memory. He attended Georgia Tech, receiving a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, and Georgia State University, receiving an MBA. Over the years, he worked for several different firms in sales and marketing. After working for major companies, he started his own home remodeling business, which he operated for 25-plus years. Dan spent most of his life in Atlanta and retired to the mountains of North Carolina. Prior to retirement & physical disability, he spent his time remodeling people’s homes, building furniture, tinkering with farm machinery, and traveling with Jody to countries near and far. There was not a thing he couldn’t fix!

He is survived by his wife, Jody Sloan, who he loved with all his heart, his four beloved cats (especially Squeaky), brother Gary Jacobs, children Lisa Connolly (John); Michelle Shepherd (Richard); Joshua Jacobs (Tesi) and Rabbi Jessica Jacobs. He is further survived by 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Hospital or Laps & Naps Home for Senior Cats, lapsandnaps.org.

The funeral was held at Crestlawn in Atlanta on Friday, Aug. 4 at 10 a.m. with Rabbi Shuval Weiner officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999

OBITUARIES Hazel Berman Karp 94,

Atlanta

Hazel Berman Karp, 94, died peacefully on Aug. 1, 2023, after suffering from Alzheimer’s for many years. Hazel was a devoted mother, aunt, and grandmother, children’s librarian, and leader within Atlanta’s Jewish community. An Atlanta native, she grew up in the Virginia-Highland/Ormewood Park neighborhood. She was the daughter of Samuel and Zelda Berman, immigrants who greatly valued education. After graduating from Girls’ High in 1946, Hazel was accepted to Cornell University. She was not able to attend, however, due to the influx of returning GIs, who occupied all of the dormitory spaces. Instead, she matriculated at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, where she majored in English and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1950. During her freshman year, she met the love of her life, Herbert Rubin Karp, at a family friend’s engagement party. As the story goes, the two of them locked eyes above the crowd (both were quite tall!) and were married a year later.

In 1950, she began coursework for a Master of Arts in philosophy at Emory University, leaving after one year to begin her family. While she raised her three children, she volunteered extensively in the Atlanta Jewish community—active in both the Ahavath Achim (AA) synagogue’s Sisterhood and in the local Hadassah chapter, of which she became president in 1968. Additionally, she taught at the AA’s Sunday school and in Atlanta’s Hebrew High School for many years. She then returned to Emory to earn her Master of Library Science, graduating in 1973.

Meanwhile, she had begun working as the head librarian at the Hebrew Academy (which later became the Greenfield Hebrew Academy and is now the Atlanta Jewish Academy). During her more than 30-year tenure, she inspired a love of reading in generations of children. She augmented her dedication to Jewish children’s literature through her work in the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL), becoming president and receiving the 1992 Fanny Goldstein Merit Award, which recognized her outstanding contributions to the AJL.

Later in her life, she treasured her summers spent in Jerusalem with her husband and close friends. Throughout her life, she was the glue that held her family and friends together, hosting every Jewish holiday celebration at her home with her legendary cooking. She loved traveling, classical music, chocolate chip cookies, and her many dogs.

Hazel is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Dr. Herbert Karp, and brother, Dr. Jerome Berman of Atlanta. She is survived by her three children, Beth Karp (Richard Fischer) of Boston, Miriam Karp of Atlanta, and Benjamin Karp (Margie) of Lexington, Kent. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Simon and Marlee Fischer, Jonathan and Aaron Karp, and Isabella Cantor, plus nieces, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to her devoted caregivers, Gwen Brown and Lurline Hypolite.

Contributions in Hazel’s memory may be made to PJ Library or Hadassah. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999

Henry G. Nagel 90, Atlanta

Henry Nagel, age 90, passed away on July 22, 2023, with his family by his side. Henry was born in Berlin, Germany on Feb. 1, 1933, the same weekend that Berlin (and all of Germany) was celebrating the election of Adolph Hitler as Chancellor of Germany. His family owned a chain of 180 grocery stores in greater Berlin which were subsequently picketed by SS troops. The family was thereafter given two weeks to sell the stores and leave Germany. The stores were sold at a “fire sale” price. The family dispersed to England, Brazil, South Africa, and Holland. His immediate family moved to Amsterdam, Holland. His family finally obtained visas to immigrate to the United States and arrived in the U.S. on April 10, 1939, leaving a substantial portion of his mother’s family in Amsterdam, as they were unable to received U.S. visas (and who all perished when the Germans invaded Holland).

He grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, graduated from the University of Connecticut, served two years as an Army officer stationed in France, and graduated from Boston University Law School, where he met and later married Carol Joyce Gesmonde, also from New Haven. Upon graduation from law school, he was employed as a trial attorney with the New York City IRS Regional Counsel’s Office. During his four years with the IRS, he obtained his LLM in Taxation from NYU Graduate Law School. During that time, Henry also became the biggest contestant winner to that date on the TV quiz show “Concentration,” hosted by Hugh Downs.

Henry became Director of Taxes at the Hartford Insurance Group in Hartford, CT, and then obtained his CPA certificate and became a Partner and Tax Director in the Akron, Ohio office of Touche Ross & Co., CPAs. During his 18 years in Akron, he was VP, Finance, Akron Regional Children’s Hospital; VP, Temple Israel; Member, City of Akron Board of Tax Appeals; President, Akron Estate Planning Council; Chairman, Taxation and Legislation Committee of the Akron Regional Development Board; Adjunct Professor, Akron University Law School; and Board Member, Akron Rotary Club.

He, his wife Carol, and their two children Liz and Tom, moved to Atlanta in 1984 where he was a Partner and Head of the Taxation Department of Laventhol & Horwath, a national accounting and consulting firm. He left the firm in 1990 to join several financial planning firms in Atlanta after obtaining his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. In 1999, he was one of the co-founders of MyBenefitSource, Inc., which was sold to H&R Block in 2001. He was VP Finance for the Atlanta Business Council for the Arts; Chairman of the 1995 and 1998 Economic Impact of the Arts on Greater Atlanta studies; VP Finance, Diabetes Association of Atlanta; Member, Finance Committee, Georgia Council on Economic Education; Adjunct Professor, Georgia State University Graduate Business School; and Member, Buckhead Rotary Club.

During his tax and financial planning career, he lectured throughout the U.S., published over 20 articles in various national tax and business journals (one of which was cited in a case decided by the U. S. Supreme Court), and conducted numerous seminars and continuing education programs. He was an avid reader, a sometime sculptor, and a lover of classical music.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Carol, his son, Thomas Charles Nagel, Esq., his daughter, Liz Hayes (Brent Berkman), and his grandchildren, Alex Nagel (Nia), Max Hayes, Kelsie Nagel, and Griffin Hayes. Donations may be made in his memory to Atlanta’s Center for the Visually Impaired, the William Breman Jewish Home, or the Atlanta Humane Society.

Betty Barocas Roistacher

89, Atlanta

Betty Barocas Roistacher (Hebrew name: Rivkah Bat Schmuel Yitzhak), of Atlanta, Ga., passed away peacefully on July 28, 2023, just shy of her 90th birthday. Betty was surrounded by a loving family in her final months.

A New York native, Betty came to Atlanta in 1953 from Washington, D.C., with her husband, Bernie, who predeceased her in 1988.

Betty was a loving daughter to her parents, Sam and Louise Barocas, a wonderful sister to her siblings, Renee Stein (deceased), Ervin Barocas (deceased), and Victor Barocas, who resides in Johns Creek, Ga.

Betty is survived by her three children: Samuel (Gayle) Roistacher of Chattanooga, Lisa R. Fishman (Mark) of Alpharetta, and Louis (Ellen) Roistacher of Atlanta. She is also survived by five beautiful grandchildren: Angie, Rachael, Amanda, Rebecca, and Shana, as well as four great-grandchildren: McKenzie, Andrew, Easton, and Blakely.

Betty was a lifelong member of Congregation OrVeshalom and was extremely proud of her Jewish and Sephardic heritage. An avid reader on spirituality, Betty enjoyed uplifting others with her positive energy and marvelous sense of humor. Betty had a very strong work ethic, not only as an incredible homemaker but as an interior decorator, and office manager working and driving into her early eighties.

Betty was the true center and “glue” of her family, often the one who entertained and gathered everyone together for so many celebrations. Her giving spirit, warm sense of humor, and unbridled love for family will surely be missed by all who knew her.

Graveside services were held at Greenwood Cemetery on July 30, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. by Rabbi Mark H. Kunis officiating. To honor Betty’s memory, donations can be made to Congregation Shaarei Shamayim or Weinstein Hospice. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999.

Beatrice Cecile Pollock Golden Atlanta

Beatrice Cecile Pollock Golden - Betty to her friends, and GOAB to most of her family - passed away on Monday, July 24. Born in Asheville, NC to Lou and Ada Pollock, she was the youngest of 4 sisters and attended St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines where she formed longlasting relationships with her fellow students and faculty. Shortly after marrying Stan Golden, her devoted husband of over 60 years, the couple moved to Lansing, Michigan to raise their two children, Martin and Sandra. Their children’s clothing store Beaux ‘n Belles became a local favorite for generations of customers. When it came time to retire, Betty and Stan settled happily in Atlanta, where they connected with friends, family, and the thriving Jewish community. After Stan’s unexpected passing in 2008, Betty dedicated her life to helping others in as many ways as she could find, first and foremost of which was her Project of Love - an ever-evolving group of volunteers who knitted over 10,000 caps for children receiving cancer treatment in Georgia and all over the country.

She is preceded in death by her three sisters Mildred Harris, Florence Rothstein, Alberta Server, her sister-in-law Ann Berkowitz, her husband Stan Golden, and her son Martin Golden. She is survived by her daughter Sandra Golden; her grandson Barry Westfall and his wife Franny; her daughter-in-law Gayle Golden and her children Jason Hoover and Erica Haines, grandchildren Joseph Martin Hoover, Jaxon Charlie Hoover, and Easton Lucas Haines; Sheena Rohrbach and her son Jadon Rohrbach; and countless nieces and nephews - all of whom loved their Great Old Aunt Betty. Services were held at Temple Sinai in Atlanta at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, and at Lou Pollock Memorial Park in Asheville at noon on Monday, July 31. In lieu of flowers, Betty and her family wish that donations be made to Temple Sinai, World Central Kitchen, or the Jewish Family and Career Services of Louisville Food Pantry. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

A Little Perspective as Israel is Torn

yond. This was the rise of Karaism, founded by David ben Anon in the 760s in Babylon. The root of the word Karaism lies in the Hebrew root “k-r-a,” for reading, meaning the Scriptures. Anon rejected the validity of the Talmud and other rabbinical works, believing that pious Jews should rely on Scripture/ TaNakh alone.

Watching the turmoil in Israel right now, history often gives us much needed perspective. Throughout the very long history of the Jewish people, the Children of Israel often have been torn apart by differing ideas, beliefs, and cultures. Most of us know about the ongoing competition between the Pharisees and the Sadducees in Greco-Roman times, which, by the Great Revolt of 66-73 C.E., turned into a four-way contest between those two religious and political parties then joined by the Essenes and the Zealots.

A much lesser-known rift occurred during medieval times beginning in Mesopotamia and spreading quickly throughout the Middle East and be-

The rabbis taught, following the Pharisees, the doctrine of the two-fold Torah: Moses received at Sinai the Written Torah and the Oral Torah; the Written Law and the Oral Law. Anon and his followers, called Karaim-the Karaites, rejected this teaching. The Karaites held, as the Sadducees had in ancient times, that the only revelation at Sinai was the Written Torah. The Oral Torah/Law was not revealed by G-d but rather manufactured by the rabbis over the centuries. Both Karaites and the Rabbis maintained that the Written Torah became the basis of the TaNakh-the larger Hebrew Bible.

By the 800s, Judaism was effectively riven into two camps: the Rabbin-

ites, who followed traditional Talmudic teachings, and the Karaites, who followed David ben Anon’s theology. The Karaites would not marry Rabbinites; they would not celebrate Shabbat with them either, as they would often not allow light on Shabbat, even if lit on Friday before sundown. This was because Karaism rejected the Oral Law with respect to how the Sabbath should be celebrated.

By the 900s, a champion arose in the rabbinic world who sapped Karaism of much of its power. Saadia Gaon was that era’s greatest scholar. He was a lexicographer, philosopher, legal in-

terpreter, and polemicist. He turned his prodigious energies against the Karaites through many of his writings. As a result of his efforts the crisis abated, and rabbinical Judaism survived.

Karaism persisted as well through the ages but was never again a threat to Jewish unity. The Karaites spread beyond the Middle East into Eastern Europe, and eventually, to Israel.

Whenever the Jews separate dramatically from each other, as we are seeing today, we find a way out of our self-imposed difficulties-at least up to now. May Saadia-like wisdom prevail in our own day. ì

August is Make-a-Will Month: Let Us Help You Plan Your Legacy

August is Make-A-Will Month, and the philanthropic advisors at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation are here to help. By creating a personalized legacy plan for you and your family, you can ensure that the causes you care about are secure now and for years to come.

Philanthropy is all we do: we know the ins and outs of tax and estate planning, as well as charitable tax planning. We can help facilitate family discussions and provide intergenerational family education.