No. 25 June 21 Atlanta Jewish Times

VISIT OUR NEW

FIDF WELCOMES SETH BARON PAGE 5

atlanta

walking on the wild side PAGE 6

JUNE 21, 2013 – june 27, 2013

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

Radically New Radcliffe PAGE 15

WEBSITE & like US ON

13 TAMMUZ – 19 TAMMUZ 5773 vOL. LXXXVIII NO. 25

THE Weekly Newspaper Uniting the Jewish Community for Over 85 Years

CAMP LIVING WONDERS Pawliger’s Pipedream Comes True, pg. 12

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AJT

israel

Israeli Pride

GOOD NEWS MADE IN THE JEWISH STATE THIS PAST WEEK TWO DECADES OF REPAIRING HOMES. Over the last 20 years, 24,000 volunteers have helped Israeli charity Livnot U’Lehabanot repair more than 2,700 houses for the less fortunate of Israeli society. It is just one of Livnot’s many projects contributing to a mission of bringing both immigrants and native Israelis closer to the Land of Israel.

ISRAELI AWARDED FOR SAVING THE BEES. Professor Ilan Sela of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been awarded first prize in this year’s Kaye Awards for Innovation.

Sela researched the devastating Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) that has affected the insects and the industry surrounding them, discovered the IAPV virus responsible for the syndrome and then founded Beeologics, the developers of CCD treatment “remebee.”

GAZA HELPED WITH WEEKLY DELIVERIES. In the week ending June 8, a total of 1,239 trucks carried 35,177 tons of goods into Gaza from Israel through the Kerem Shalom crossing. They included 302 trucks of food and 433 trucks of construction materials.

GOOGLE BUYS WAZE FOR MORE THAN $1 BILLION. Traffic crowd-sourcer Waze became one of the largest purchases in Israel’s history. Waze, founded in 2008, now has nearly 50 million users and will be owned and operated by the California-based internet giant.

WELCOME TO THE STARS OF LATIN AMERICA! America’s Voices in Israel, a division of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, brought five major names in Latin media to Israel. Among them was Don Francisco – born Mario Kreutzberger – the Jewish Chilean host of Univision’s “Sábado Gigante,” the longestrunning entertainment program in history.

SCARLESS SURGERY TECHNIQUE DEVELOPED. Israel’s Eon Surgical has developed technology to perform microlaparoscopy – a single minimally

invasive surgical procedure through a tiny incision in the abdomen.

Even before selling its first product, Eon has been bought by U.S. giant Teleflex.

PEACEFUL ROAR OF FORMULA 1.

On the streets of Jerusalem, 100,000 spectators – among them Muslims, Christians and Orthodox Jews – cheered as roaring state-of the art Formula 1 racecars sped by as part of a special roadshow event.

Just as exciting, there was not one incident of violence. East Jerusalem resident Elizabeth Awwad said of her experience at the sporting event, “I am Muslim and they are Jewish, and we are together.”

ISRAELI ACTIVIST PROMOTES WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN SOUTH SUDAN. Ophelie Namiech, an olah born in France, serves as Israeli humanitarian aid organization IsraAID’s country director for South Sudan.

In this role, she trains social workers, community leaders and teachers to be able to address genderbased violence.

NEW PROTEIN CAN SAVE WOMEN’S LIVES. Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a protein, code-named PEDF, that treats pain and fertility problems in women suffering from angiogenesis of the uterus. It can also cure potentially life-threatening side effects caused

by IVF treatments.

MEMPHIS ISRAEL FESTIVAL SPREADS LOVE. Two of Memphis, Tenn.’s most famous personalities – Elvis Presley and Martin Luther King, Jr. – were pro-Israeli. But it is still amazing that a U.S. state with only 9,000 Jews just held its sixth-annual Israel Festival, attracting 13,000 visitors.

This list courtesy Michael Ordman and verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot. com.

New Writers, Greater Distribution, Better Website…

WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT THE IMPROVED AJT?

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

A

It is satisfying to know that the community is supporting us with stories, pictures, ideas, subscriptions and advertising. So far, we have focused on community events and Israel news, based in large part on the activities of the people who are involved with one of the synagogues or Jewish organizations. We have not had as much success in reaching the Jewish people in Atlanta who are unaffiliated, but that is changing.

Since estimates are that 60 to 75 percent of the Jews in the metro area not associated with any Jewish organization, it is our responsibility to bring them in to our community. Our slogan is “Uniting the Jewish Community for Over 85 Years,” and in my second year of the AJT, I want that to be a reality, not just a slogan.

To this end, we have some new columnists who work with many unaffiliated Jews and the younger community. You will soon see regular columns from Rabbi Patrick Aleph of Punk Torah, Chaim Neiditch of Jewish Student Union and musician/ teacher/entrepreneur Bram Bessoff.

This is a very exciting development that will add diversity to the AJT. Of course, we will keep all of our current columnists as well, but it is important to hear other views in our community.

Also, we have hired a professional distribution company that will deliver free copies of the AJT to 370 locations. We will have our paper

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By Cliff Weiss

little more than one year has passed since I acquired the Atlanta Jewish Times.

Clearly, there have been a few minor setbacks, but overall, the AJT is much better than when I started. Now, I am pleased to announce some additional changes which will broaden the appeal and distribution of the paper and also help us cut expenses.

Have a Sizzlin Summer of Fun!

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We have increased our circulation to 12,500 papers per week, and plan to add new locations and distribute more papers in the months ahead, Likewise, our website, atlantajewishtimes.com, is much improved.

There you can find breaking news and updates as well as numerous photos, stories and articles that were not included in the printed pages of the AJT. What’s more, we have a digital version of our printed paper, and our weekly e-blasts to the community keep everyone informed of the top stories. Keep an eye out, as in the near future, our website will be even better and our use of social media will increase.

If there are particular topics that you believe would interest our readers, please contact me with those suggestions (cmweiss@atljewishtimes. com). As always, we want to have a little something for everyone – for 87 years this has been our community newspaper, and we intend to keep it that way!

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AJT

from the publisher

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AJT

NEWS

JNF Says Goodbye to Porat ISRAELI EMISSARY RETURNING HOME AFTER YEARS OF SERVICE

Congregation Ner Tamid Celebrates First Confirmation INAUAGURAL CLASS COMPLETES PROGRAM

special for the AJT

L

t. Col. (Res.) Ronnie Porat, who has served the Jewish National Fund’s Southeastern region as an Israeli Emissary since 2007, will be moving back to Israel at the end of September. Porat contributed significantly to forging meaningful and significant relationships with the community and expanding the message of JNF’s voice in Israel throughout the Southeast.

Ronnie Porat

In his honor, friends are invited to contribute to JNF’s investment in the Negev town of Yerucham; a part of JNF’s vision for the area that is close to Porat’s heart.

“After six years devoted to JNF, it will be sad to say goodbye to Ronnie,” said Beth Gluck, JNF SE Region Director. “Our region is honoring Ronnie with a plaque on the Wall of Honor at Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem as a tribute to his service to Israel and to JNF. The Wall of Honor at Ammunition Hill recognizes the heroism and courage of Jewish soldiers who, throughout history, have fought to defend their countries. Ronnie served in the Israel Defense Forces and as an Israeli diplomat overseas, and a plaque on Ammunition Hill is a very fitting tribute.”

Porat’s past military and diplomatic experience served JNF well. Between 1976 and 1987, Porat served in the Israel Defense Forces’ Armored Troops and Military Intelligence divisions. In 1988, he joined the Israeli Foreign Service and served in the Israeli Embassies in Oslo, Norway and Helsinki, Finland, and as Israeli Consul in Cairo, Egypt.

Porat was also a member of the advanced team that opened the first Israeli embassy in Jordan and served as the first Israeli Consul in Amman.

“I cannot imagine JNF without Ronnie,” said Lauren Mescon, a former JNF president currently serving as Vice Chair of the Central Arava Committee and JNF Makor Member. “He is so committed and so passionate and so down-to-earth, it is easy to forget all the great things he has done for the State of Israel, not to mention JNF. “I had the good fortune to travel with Ronnie on a mission from the Southeast. It was a phenomenal trip and one highlight was when he brought his father to share his experiences from surviving the Holocaust with us. Ronnie comes from amazing stock and his perseverance and advocacy for Israel certainly shows everyone that we, the Jewish people, will prevail in the future.”

Following his military and diplomatic career, Porat generated and ran business initiatives between Israel and Arab entities in Egypt, Jordan and the newly established Palestinian Authority. Prior to being JNF’s Israeli Emissary, he was recruited back into the military service and, as a civilian, served in the Southern Command Military Headquarters in Be’er Sheva.

“I have had the honor of working with Ronnie on a daily basis since he arrived in Atlanta,” said Todd Starr, former JNF Atlanta President and current board member. “We have traveled the Southeast region of the United States together meeting new donors and spreading the word about JNF’s mission. In addition, we have traveled to Israel to see multiple JNF projects as a team.

Ronnie has become a close friend of mine and part of my family.

JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

“I will miss his passionate JNF voice in support of Israel, the stellar way he educates others about JNF work, and as my dear friend.”

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Editor’s note: To contribute to JNF’s efforts in Yerucham, contact Beth Gluck, SE Director at (404) 236-8990 or BGluck@JNF.org.

Rabbi Thomas Liebshutz with confirmands (left to right) Randi Epstein, Kendra Lerman, Megan McMillan, Josh Ehrlich, Jessica Ungar and Alyssa McMillan. Not pictured is Alex Goldstein. special for the AJT

C

ongregation Ner Tamid of West Cobb recently held its first confirmation service. Of the class of seven taught by Reuven Milikovsky, the four second-year students – Josh Ehrlich, Alex Goldstein, Megan McMillan and Jessica Ungar – were confirmed, and they with their three first-year classmates participated in the service by reading and chanting the Torah and haftarah.

But this is only the beginning of the good news for the growing teen education programming at the Marietta-area Reform synagogue – next year, CNT is planning to offer two post b’nai mitzvah offerings: one for the combined 8th and 9th grades and one for the combined 10th through 12th grades. A student in either age group can be confirmed when they finish their second year beyond bar or bat mitzvah.

“Confirmation reminds us of our loyalty to and being part of the Jewish people,” Rabbi Thomas Liebschutz said at the service. “Confirmation, a group ceremony, unites us with our people, G-d and culture in ways that enhance and extend b’nai mitzvah. Confirmation is a vital part of who we are and why Congregation Ner Tamid offers it to our Religious School students.”

Confirmation was originally initiated about 200 years ago for men and shortly after for women. A service typically observed around the time of the festival of Shavuot – which celebrates the “Giving of the Torah” at Mt. Sinai – celebrates the completion of a process that keeps Jewish students involved in formal Jewish education beyond bar mitzvah.

Congregation Ner Tamid, established in 2006 and a member of the Union for Reform Judaism, holds twice-monthly Shabbat services as well as High Holy Day services and weekly Religious School classes for ages five and up.

Those interested in confirmation classes or other education opportunities can attend the upcoming Religious School Open House on Aug. 4.

Editor’s note: For more information, visit mynertamid.org, email education@ mynertamid.org or call Principal Heidi Meyer at (678) 264-8575 to schedule an individual appointment.

AJT

NEWS

Baron Appointed Executive Director of FIDF Georgia Region PROFESSIONAL LEADER JOINS SOBEL AT HELM

special for the AJT

S

eth Baron of Kennesaw, Ga., has been appointed the new executive director of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Georgia Region.

Before his tenure at FIDF, Baron served as the Atlanta Area Director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). He began his career in Washington, D.C., where he worked in public relations for The Kamber Group, the largest privately-held public relations firm in the United States.

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For the past 20 years, Baron has volunteered with Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel and currently serves as a vice president, and on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

“My life, both personSeth Baron ally and professionally, has been dedicated to the Land of Israel and its people,” said Baron. “I look forward to assisting with the well-being, education and spiritual needs of the men and women who serve in the IDF, who protect Israel, the homeland of the Jewish people.”

Garry Sobel, Chairman of the FIDF Georgia Region, is thrilled by Baron’s appointment.

“The addition of such an experienced professional as Seth Baron to be our new Executive Director is just what we need to elevate our profile in the community and the surrounding region,” Sobel said. “Seth’s experience and tremendous success at AIPAC will translate very well into helping us achieve our goals of increasing awareness, creating programs that directly connect our community to the IDF’s combat soldiers and their families that we support, and most importantly to raise money to support this cause. Needless to say, I am thrilled to have Seth Baron lead our efforts.”

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Members of these communities have demonstrated steadfast support to the State of Israel and its soldiers. The FIDF Georgia Region hopes to create wonderful and long-lasting relationships with these communities and reinforce the connection between them and the brave IDF soldiers.

For more on the FIDF Georgia Region, visit fidf.org/atlanta.

JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

The FIDF Georgia Region has traditionally focused on metro Atlanta; under the leadership of Baron, the chapter will be expanding its activities throughout the southern communities in Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Kentucky.

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AJT

CHANA’S CORNER

A Walk on the Wild Side

UNANTICIPATED DISCOVERIES ON ONE’S OWN STREET

BY CHANA SHAPIRO AJT COLUMNIST

W

hen I retired, I promised myself that I’d continue to wake up with the sun – but you know how that sort of vow usually goes.

And thus it did…until this morning.

A violent electrical storm blew its way through our area last night, and I decided to get up early to survey the damage.

Ever since reading “Growing Up in Samoa” by Margaret Mead, I’ve been a pushover for exploration of unknown cultures, and I now had a mini-empirical study right outside my door. In addition to damage-assessment, I could discover what really goes on in my very own neighborhood when I’m usually sleeping.

I checked the outdoor thermometer: 67 degrees, perfect al fresco investigative weather. I decided to postpone my shower and daily hair struggle for later because, at that early hour, I’d be the only person walking up and down the street.

I donned my ugly walking clothes, secure in my disheveled state. Adding to my confidence was the fact that we live on a long cul-de-sac that, I thought, would lead me away from the main street in my neighborhood where people could see or smell my pre-cleansed, uncombed self.

JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

Of course, I was wrong. What I learned on my trek is that early morning is the favorite time in our neighborhood for dog-walking, weed-

6

ing, leaving for work, picking up carpools, taking out the garbage and speed walking. There were loads of people out and about, and I ended up meeting most of them. Here’s a sample: There’s a couple living on our block, who I’d never met, dragging out gigantic, overflowing, leaking metal cans. Their garbage receptacles suggested that replacements were called for, but I wisely refrained from offering such useful advice; you never know what has sentimental value to others, and it was entirely possible that the containers had been hand-me downs from beloved ancestors.

It turns out that this duo had been living in their house for over a decade. Although I’d often wondered about the provenance of the garbage cans, the couple and I’d never spoken before. They were clearly as surprised to meet me as I was them; I managed to admire the wife’s shocking pink bathrobe and her husband’s camouflage pajama bottoms, then off I fled.

I also spotted the mysterious Mrs. Yuan, who’d previously existed only in my imagination. She was sitting on a low bench as she pruned bushes. I called out a greeting, but there seemed to be a confusion of languages – she responded by nodding vigorously and pointing to her bare feet.

I’m not sure, but I might have inadvertently discovered the Chinese phrase for “shoeless.” I wanted to know about her fruit-bearing trees,

but who knows what my words would mean in Mandarin?

Then, I bumped into Jacob Montblanc, the father of a family that my husband and I had assumed were into natural healing or organic weed experimentation. I hadn’t seen Jacob for many months, and I was fascinated that his facial hair now closely resembled his lawn.

“

the unshorn Jacob Montblanc; apparently, Big Boy has a preference for the more au natural among us.

Soon after that encounter, runners and cars started to become more numerous. This turned out to be the worst part, because everyone who passed me made a special effort to slow down and greet me face-to-face.

The majority of them, while with-

I was a hair’s breath (pun intended) away from offering the use of our lawn mower and electric shaver, but I considered that Jacob might have launched an agrarian hobby or vocation while at the same time becoming an Orthodox Jew. Thus, we simply exchanged pleasantries, but as I started to move on, Mrs. Montblanc edged her car down her steep driveway. I’d only met her once in 13 years, so this was quite a treat.

holding comments about my appearance, had a slightly amused look on their faces.

At least, it was for me. Apparently Mrs. Montblanc wasn’t in the mood for socializing because she drove right past me with nary a word nor wave. I know when I’m being shunned, and I didn’t blame her.

I knew what they were thinking, especially those who attend the same synagogue as we do. They’d previously seen me wearing real clothes, under which proper undergarments did their job.

Up next was a stranger, pulled along by a large, shaggy dog. The dog looked scary, but it turned out that it was one of those ultra-friendly canines that love to lick.

Some thought it would be polite to try to engage me in conversation. I decided to come clean, a phrase whose figurative and literal meanings were not lost on me; I explained that I was just out on a stroll to evaluate the aftermath of last night’s storm.

“We live on a long cul-de-sac that I thought would lead me away from the main street in my neighborhood where people could see or smell my pre-cleansed, uncombed self… of course, I was wrong.”

The dog’s owner made no attempt to keep her pet from drooling all over me, but I understood – my clothing and hairdo were proof that I was a homeless person who could use some lovin’. To prove that I was sociable and one of life’s winners, I introduced myself.

For whatever reason, the stranger decided not to tell me her own name, but she did tell me her dog was named “Big Boy” – an appellation which I found to be embarrassingly redundant and self-evident.

I wanted to explain that, in spite of appearances, I was not a dangerous vagrant and one should never judge a book by its cover, but Big Boy was already rushing to lubricate someone else. His target was none other than

“Only one little pine tree down, and litter blown all over, but nothing very interesting. Not much happening on our block,” someone said.

Based on my morning expedition, I beg to differ.

Chana Shapiro, who clearly needs all the exercise she can get, is pleased to announce that she’s returning to her treadmill in the basement. Walking outside, while widely recommended by experts and much lauded by socalled friends, is just too much for her to handle. She happily leaves all future sociological and meteorological investigations to others.

PUBLISHER CLIFF WEISS

cmweiss@atljewishtimes.com

BUSINESS OFFICE Business Manager

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ADVERTISING SALES Senior Account Manager

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mbonell@atljewishtimes.com Senior Account Manager

STACY LAVICTOIRE stacy@atljewishtimes.com

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief

CLIFF WEISS

cmweiss@atljewishtimes.com Managing Editor

JOHN MCCURDY

jmccurdy@atljewishtimes.com Web Editor

RON FEINBERG

rfeinberg@atljewishtimes.com Editorial Intern

sara kaplan

intern@atljewishtimes.com Contributing Writers

ARLENE APPELROUTH SUZI BROZMAN Eden Farber Rachel LaVictoire Al Shams CHANA SHAPIRO CREATIVE SERVICES Creative Design

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CONTACT INFORMATION general office 404.883.2130 KRUDY@atljewishtimes.com

The Atlanta Jewish Times is printed in Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. The opinions expressed in the Atlanta Jewish Times do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.

The Atlanta Jewish Times Established 1925 as The Southern Israelite 270 Carpenter Drive, Suite 320, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Phone: (404) 883-2130 www.atlantajewishtimes.com THE ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES (ISSN# 0892-33451) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY ZADOK PUBLISHING, LLC 270 Carpenter Drive, Suite 320, ATLANTA, GA 30328 ©COPYRIGHT 2012 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MEMBER AMERICAN-ISRAELI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please send all photos, stories and editorial content to: submissions@atljewishtimes.com.

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AJT

TO ILLUMINATE...

My Mother’s Tales HAVE HOPE

By Eugen Schoenfeld AJT Contributor

I

must admit: I am a sucker for a sob story. Quite often while watching a drama film, I find myself surreptitiously reaching for my handkerchief to wipe my tears.

This propensity is something I must have inherited from my mother – a true Yiddishe mama, a caring and tender mother to her three children; and a good wife, fitting the description of the eshet chayil (“woman of valor”) depicted in the book of Proverbs.

To give you an idea: Every Rosh Hashanah, when we read the haftarah about Rachel crying for her children, it is my mother’s image that appears before me. Indeed, one of the last memories I have of my mother is that of her sitting on the floor of the freight car on our way to Auschwitz and crying for us – her children – who, in her words, didn’t have “a chance to have a life.”

She was not a worldly or sophisticated woman. She was born and raised in a small village (a dorf in Yiddish) that included six other Jewish families in the midst of the Carpathian Mountains. The only nearby reminders that the world had entered the 20th century were train tracks upon which a locomotive passed at most once per day and a bus that might chug through every other week.

JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

Even without electricity, running water or more than four rooms, the house that she grew up in was considered “nicer” than those of the neighbors. She was educated only to the limit of the local school system: reading and speaking Hungarian, speaking Russian and reading Hebrew.

And when she married my father – it was, of course, a shidduch (arranged marriage) – it was thought of as quite the “step up” to live with my father, the owner of a fairly successful and stationary bookstore in the 22,000-person city of Munkacs.

An Early Appreciation

8

But although she was reared in a

tiny village without a library or cinema, she was still a woman with a very sensitive and romantic soul. She would not only tell me stories about Solomon and his loves or other biblical ma’aseh (“stories”) but also romantic tragedies like the tale of the sinking of the Titanic.

With these stories, she made such a tremendous impact upon me. If you can believe it, I’ve still not seen any of the Titanic movies – I feel I have already suffered, as my mother did, when she painted with words the scene of men saying their goodbyes to wives and children as they entered the life boats and the great ship slipped into the cold, deep waters of the Atlantic.

Of course, for all this sadness, she was always equally joyful when she told me about life after the coming of the Messiah. In her view, life in the post-messianic world will be an existence of leisure without hard work or hunger, where anyone could pluck the free-growing fruits like the ancient manna in the desert.

Meanwhile, the books of my father’s establishment only encouraged her imagination, as she became a voracious reader. In my teens, she would recommend to me novels that she liked, such those written by Cronin, Bromfield and Pearl S. Buck – and, last but not least, “Gone with the Wind.”

And finally, as you might expect, she later also fell in love with American romantic movies. Her favorite film was the “The Sheik,” and her favorite star was Rudolph Valentino.

I can remember with a smile, when she and father returned from an early movie and I would ask her ,“Mama, how was the movie?”

She often responded:

“It was wonderful. I cried all through it.”

From Unlikely Origins Of course, my mother’s love of the romantic begs the question: How did a woman from a Chasidic back-

ground, living in this tiny village, develop such a soul?

It was most likely because a love of tales and romance has its roots in Chasidic life itself.

See, unlike the non-Chasidic Jews at the time – who might best be characterized by a love of learning and knowledge from Talmud and Torah above all other religious requirements – the average Chasid loved the aggadot and midrashim – that is, the legends and the interpretative tales of the Torah above dry textual learning.

In sociological terms, the “opponents” of Chasidism stressed the learning dimension, while the Chasidim placed great emphasis on the experiential religious dimension.

Whatever the Baal Shem Tov (a.k.a. Besht) sought to accomplish with the founding of Chasidism is a matter of dispute, but it is indisputable that the movement took root among the common, unlearned Jews of humble origins in Eastern Europe.

These were Jews who hardly had enough time for prayers, let alone for learning, but their hearts certainly yearned to feel the love of G-d, and they believed in miracles and various forms of magic.

dish writers drew their imaginative tales. Consider their value: How many of us would be acquainted with the shtetl world if it were not for the stories of Shalom Aleichem, whose stories gave life to the magnificent “Fiddler on the Roof”?

There were others like him, like Mendeleh Mocheir Sfarim, Yaakov Fichman and Yehudah Leib Peretz to name a few. And there was one who is attributed with having brought this literary genre to the United States –the Nobel Laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer – whom I had the privilege to know.

All their works reflect the spirit of the Chasidic tales. Yes, this culture is beginning to die out as Yiddish romance novels, the Yiddish Daily Forward and Yiddish theater die out – but it does still stick with some.

That is something to celebrate, as the common theme of Yiddish literature is the same romance that my mother so loved. I know at the very least that my life was enriched by the Jewish sentimentality and spirituality that were transmitted to me through my mother’s tales: Indeed, I was introduced to a world of magic in which Judaism was more than ritual laws, prayers and study.

For instance, at Shalosh Seudos on Shabbat afternoons, instead of learning, the Chasidim loved to listen to magidim, the storytellers who amazed them with tales of the righteous miracle worker Rabbi Meir baal Haness or the coming of the Messiah and what life is in heaven (olam ha-ba).

I was told of a magical world that will exist when the Messiah comes; a world where everyone will have a parnossah (“sufficiency” or “well-being”); a world without anti-Semitism.

These stories were the lifeblood of hope and spirituality in a difficult world that otherwise perhaps would be too difficult to bear.

And the women in most Chasidic homes read the Tzena Urena and other such tomes of ma’aseh that reinforced moral values. Their favorites were stories of marriages between bashert (which, interestingly, on at least some level eschew the traditional convention of shidduchim).

All of her stories instilled in me a sense of hope – a hope that G-d will help you – and that was my mother’s main motto.

Legacy Worth Living It was such stories of love and miracles, coupled with humor, that became the well from which the Yid-

Eugen Schoenfeld is a professor and chair emeritus at Georgia State University and a Holocaust survivor.

There’s a New Rabbi in Town

AND HE’S GOT A BUNCH OF CRAZY IDEAS!

By Rabbi Patrick Aleph AJT Contributor

S

ince I’m the new kid on the block, it’s only polite that I take a moment to introduce myself. Thing is, we’ve actually met before: You saw me on the cover of the Atlanta Jewish Times several months ago. It’s a pleasure to see you again!

In case you missed the last article, here’s a brief rundown: I’m a former touring rock musician and serial entrepreneur who left the for-profit world to help make Judaism more accessible to people who need it. My organization, PunkTorah.org, is an online community for people who have fallen through the cracks of Jewish life – think synagogue merged with Facebook.

Also, I’m a recently ordained postdenominational rabbi, and, more importantly, I am engaged to my loving partner Stefanie. Play your cards right, and you can come to the wedding.

All writers are biased, and since we’re about to engage in the sacred author-reader relationship, I think it’s best you know where I am coming from and what you can expect of me.

I’m Unaffiliated I know that it’s hard to imagine a rabbi without a shul, but you might be surprised to learn that there are many of us in Atlanta. This doesn’t mean I am anti-synagogue or that I don’t appreciate a good prayer service.

I have taught at several synagogues here in Atlanta, and have a pretty high regard for the rabbis in this town. Alas, like many of my generation, synagogue just didn’t click for me.

And, like many of you, I find my Judaism in other places. I look forward to sharing those moments with you in this column.

Holy, Holy, Holy

I’m fascinated by the holiness of

everyday things, including Starbucks and my cat. Judaism teaches that kadosh (holiness) can be found in some strange places. That’s certainly true for me; every day, I’m filled with a sense of awe about the oddest things.

For example, I think that Starbucks has a lot in common with the mishkan (tabernacle) our ancestors built during the Exodus from Egypt.

And just the other day, my cat’s posttraumatic stress disorder helped me to understand the problem people have with prayer.

Me and G-d Most of my friends are atheists.

And while it frustrates me to hear them talk about those “crazy religious people” – seeing as how I’m one of them – I do agree with their thinking: religion is often insane, and the notion of a god who is our parent in the sky, shooting down lightning bolts like Zeus is over the top.

But, unlike my friends, I refuse to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I believe in G-d so deeply that I am not afraid of challenging that belief and to feel illuminated in that challenge. I believe that G-d is the creator, the creation and the process of creating.

I believe in a G-d of the heart, who brings us into a fuller sense of our humanity.

Shalom and Howdy There are 120,000 Jews in Atlanta, and I hope to meet every one of them. I love making new friends.

So please send in letters to the editor and post your comments below my articles online.

In Rabbi Aleph’s next column, learn why 75 percent of Jewish Atlanta could care less about the Jewish community, and what you can do to solve that problem.

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AJT

community

Networking and Noshing with ECJN

EAST COBB @ THE ETZ BRINGS TOGETHER COMMUNITY BUSINESSPEOPLE STAFF REPORT PHOTOS/Jeff Frankel (kissedwithlight.com) and Gabriel Weiss

O

n the evening of June 11, Congregation Etz Chaim played host to East Cobb Jewish Network’s East Cobb @ the Etz. Approximately 120 people attended the event, which provided a great forum for Jewish business people to network and help each other’s business ventures.

For the most part, participants included sole practitioners, small business owners and entrepreneurs.

It was wonderful to see people in our community helping each other – this sense of community is important in all aspects of life, but especially in trying to grow a small business.

JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

The evening began with some opening remarks from Master of Ceremonies, David Lombrozo. He kept the crowd laughing and interacting with each other and also handed out the wonderful door prizes.

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Tom Glaser, Business Pioneer

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om Glaser, president of the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce Southeast Region, was recently honored with the organization’s Founder’s Award during the group’s 12th-annual Eagle Star Awards program.

The prestigious recognition was made even more memorable by the presence of Glaser’s wife and two grown sons.

successful and productive chamber in the country. Here are a few of the Chamber’s major accomplishments: • The Bell South-Israeli cell phone transaction • Givens Imaging locating its U.S. operations in Duluth, Ga. • G u l f stream’s partnership with Israel Aircraft Industries

During his • The formaacceptance retion of the South marks, Glaser Carolina Collabtalked about the oration Tom Glaser early days of the • The generchamber and why ous contributions of the Zucker he became involved with the organifamily zation. He said that when he turned 40, he wanted to do “something spe- At the Gala, Glaser took a few cial,” and he decided it was the right moments during his remarks to talk time to take his community develop- about all the wonderful people he ment skills and use them to promote has met and worked with during his economic development between the tenure and the contributions of the two countries he loved the most: the AICC staff.

United States and Israel.

Having recently announced his It’s worth noting that, in the early retirement, he also thanked the 1990s, Israel was undergoing major chamber’s board and membership for economic problems, including high the privilege of having served the orinflation, a socialist government, un- ganization for the past 21 years. productive state industries and very little foreign investment.

Al Shams is a Sandy Springs resi It was during those troubling dent, a former CPA and an investtimes that Glaser and the Chamber ment professional with more than began the hard work of helping fix all 35 years industry experience. For that was broken. The AICCSE evenmore on the 12th-annual Eagle Star tually prospered – and so, too, Israel.

Awards Gala, see the feature in the Over the years, the organization has June 7 edition of the AJT. been instrumental in creating many jobs while serving both the American and Israeli business communities.

In fact, as a result of Glaser’s vision and hard work, the AICCSE is widely regarded today as the most

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AJT

camp

Camp is for Everybody!

“WONDER”-FUL NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR DIFFERENT LEARNERS

By John McCurdy

Managing Editor

W

hen he was growing up in Atlanta, Noah Pawliger had his own challenges. There was a hearing impairment to overcome as well as some learning differences that meant he was never “academically stellar.”

cial needs, but those were the times when I saw that there needs to be a different approach,” Pawliger said.

“A lot of the time, these kids were just thrown into an inclusion-type setting, and sometimes that was counterproductive.

“The question came back to who was really benefitting from it, and that was a hard thing to swallow.”

Fast-forward to Pawliger’s adult years: There was one place, After majoring in recthough, that Noah was reation management always a rock (and tree, and partnering up with and hill, and lake) star. (not to mention falling Noah Pawliger “Camp was where I for and marrying) spewas good at something,” cial educator Chanie, he Pawliger, born in Miami but a resi- felt prepared to do what he’d always dent of the metro area for the ma- intended by combining his love for jority of his life, said with a smile. camp and passion for different learn“I could ‘do’ camp, and I could come ers. home and teach anyone what I Then, just a few years ago, his learned at camp.” young niece was diagnosed on the au Still, Noah knew there were oth- tism spectrum. It was the last little ers who couldn’t find a place to suc- push that Noah needed. ceed. Take, for example, one of his “I thought, ‘Alright – this camp best childhood friends. Though Pawlthing, this pipedream – we need to do iger never realized it until an outside this. [My niece] needs a camp to go observer informed him, his buddy to,’” he said. “But it’s not just about was autistic. her – when I look at her, I see all the That didn’t change their friend- kids who are slipping through the ship, but it did change his friend’s op- cracks in the Jewish camping world, portunities. and I think there’s a great opportu “It wasn’t really clear to me until I nity here for them.” later started volunteering and working in day camps for kids with spe-

Starting last summer, the “here” referred to is Camp Living Wonders,

a full-fledged Jewish overnight camp for those who learn differently. With a fantastic response from families, campers and the Foundation for Jewish Camp, they enjoyed a fabulous first season.

Now, though, it’s time to grow.

On the strength of the beautiful Athens YWCO grounds in Clarkesville, Ga.; the enthusiastic professionals and staff; and a board that Pawliger calls “unbelievable” and “incredibly dedicated,” even more kids will get to benefit from the special formula that Noah and Chanie have put together.

Some might hesitate for a moment when they read that formula does not prescribe the common “inclusion” model, but hear it from a man who’s lived it.

JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

“In the Jewish community right now, the word ‘inclusion’ is the ultimate ‘PC’ term, and yes, ideally, we all want to feel like we’re included in everything we do and that we’re including others, because that’s what community is all about,” Pawliger said.

12

“But I’ve always been a firm believer that inclusion is only fantastic when it’s effective…one of the main goals of our camp is to give kids the tools to be more included when they come home to their respective environments, and that’s all about taking the individual and giving them the tools to fit into the group better and to cope better – and then working

with the group.”

As such, Living Wonders focuses on creating a small, intimate setting in which every camper has the support to truly achieve. Counselors are trained specially for working with different learners, and patience, pacing and uniquely-tailored programming are key.

In other words: It’s a place where everyone can find their strengths, and those strengths can be celebrated. It might be the first positive Jewish experience for a camper and their family, and that experience could lead to quite a few more.

“What we’re doing by teaching these kids those skills – to be able to cope in a group better, to be able to resolve hose behavioral issues to a degree – ultimately we’re not just bringing the kid back to the synagogue or community center, but their family’s coming back,” Pawliger said.

“And I think that’s a pretty big deal, if we’re talking about inclusion.”

Indeed, it is the biggest deal: In the face of an increasingly fast-paced and multi-faceted world, Camp Living Wonders is creating community – for everybody.

Editor’s note: For more information on Camp Living Wonders, visit camplivingwonders.org.

AJT

camp

Judaea, Barney and Coleman Receive Grants UP TO $54,000 FOR LOCA CAMPS

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Take the time to explore our website.

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Contact Steven W. Cook, PhD swc@collegebridge.net or 404.983.4573

L

ocal Jewish overnight camps Camp Judaea, Camp Barney Medintz and Camp Coleman have been named recipients of a Chai Match 2 challenge grant from JCamp180, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Each of the camps is now eligible to receive up to $54,000 in matching funds to renew camp facilities and provide operating and scholarship support.

In addition to the Chai Match 2 opportunity, JCamp180 provides training and support to the boards of directors of non-profit Jewish overnight camps and selected educational institutions in the areas of board development, strategic planning and development as well as assistance ranging from Web-related services to donor databases and social media.

Details of the Chai Match 2 program are on JCamp180’s website at gijp.org/ current-participants/matching-grants/chai-match-2.aspx. For further information about JCamp180, visit JCamp180.org or call Diana Brown McCloy at (617) 269-7171.

JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

In the past eight years, JCamp180 has contributed more than $11.7 million in matching grant funds to non-profit Jewish overnight summer camps throughout North America. This year’s 25 participating camps have until March 2014 to raise matching funds in a two-phase matching campaign; the camps must use at least 50 percent of the overall funds raised for capital improvements.

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AJT

arts & life

Kosher Movies: The Man Who Would Be King (1975) CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

BY Rabbi Herbert Cohen AJT Contributor

I

n college, I had a brilliant teacher, a man whom I admired greatly for his intellect and charismatic personality. I marveled at his encyclopedic knowledge of text and human nature, but one incident changed my perception of him.

He verbally assaulted a student who disagreed with him. The professor, full of himself, assumed that his way of perceiving things was the only way, and the student implicitly was “stupid.” In truth, the student was devastated by the teacher’s remarks and afterwards confided in me that he, too, looked up to the teacher but was totally unnerved by his comments.

To ease his emotional pain, I told my friend that the teacher may have been under unusual stress and that is why he responded so harshly to him, but I was still inwardly troubled by the entire interchange. Subsequently, I discovered that the teacher, brilliant as he was, actually believed all the praise; he lacked humility, thinking that he deserved all the accolades that were heaped upon him.

JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

This human trait of believing you are more than what you are is at the core of “The Man Who Would be King,” the story of British sergeants Peachy Carnehan and Danny Dravot, who travel to a remote mountain village in Afghanistan to seek their fortunes. Arriving in Kafiristan, a land plagued by marauding bands, they offer their services to the local

14

population whose homes are continually attacked.

stability. But it is that desire to maintain his position as king that proves to be his undoing.

Serving as military advisors and soldiers, they lead the locals to victory over the enemy. In one of the battles, an arrow strikes Danny in the chest, but he does not die. The natives, not realizing that he was actually saved by an ammunition belt that prevented the arrow from piercing his body, simply see Danny as a divinity and impervious to death.

When it comes to such hubris, Jewish tradition instead praises the humble person. Moses, the humblest of all men according to the Bible, wants neither recognition nor power.

Moreover, the Talmud tells us to be wary of overreaching. If you grab too much, say our sages, you will acquire nothing. Unfortunately, it seems Danny does not learn this lesson until it is too late.

Soon after, the pair are invited to the holy city of Sikandergul, where the chief high priest sets up a test to determine whether Danny is a man or a god by seeing whether or not he bleeds. An archer shoots an arrow at Danny, who flinches. When the people seize him, thinking he is a fraud, they discover that Danny is wearing a Masonic jewel – the symbol of which was also used

by Alexander the Great, who passed through the country many years before.

That linkage convinces the holy men that Danny is a direct descendant of Alexander, and they lead Peachy and Danny to the storeroom where Alexander’s riches – a formidable treasure – are stored. These are now Danny’s, as he has become a de facto king due to the misunderstanding.

“The Man Who Would Be King” is a rousing adventure story, but it is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance and not being content with what one already possesses. By that token, it echoes a key value in Judaism: recognizing and appreciating that which one has been given and rejecting materialism.

With tremendous profit at their fingertips, Peachy wants to take as much as he can and leave as soon as possible. Danny, however, does not want to go; he enjoys being king and even wants to take a wife to insure that his descendants will rule after him and foster Kafiristan’s continued

Rabbi Cohen, former principal of Yeshiva Atlanta, now resides in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Visit koshermovies.com for more of his Torahthemed film reviews.

AJT

arts & life

JEWS MAKING NEWS RECOGNIZING HIGH ACHIEVERS Compiled by Sara Kaplan INTERN

Radcliffe in a Radical New Way

D

aniel Radcliffe, best known for his role as Harry Potter in the recent film series, is set to portray a ’60s gay beat poet in “Kill Your Darlings,” which recently wrapped filming. The movie throws the former child star into the role of a college contemporary of fellow literary figures William Burroughs and Jack Kerouac.

Based on a true story, the plot entangles the three writers in a murder.

Still, the most suspense viewers might experience is when the young man once known for roaming Hogwarts takes part in a gay love scene.

Radcliffe revealed on “The Graham Norton Show” how director John Krokidas gave him instructions on how he should kiss co-star Dane DeHaan, who plays Radcliffe’s love interest, Lucien Carr.

Radcliffe later commented on the kissing scene.

“Dane and I are banging the drum already because we want the MTV Best Kiss award. We want that golden popcorn!” he laughed. “To my knowledge, a sincere, passionate, romantic gay kiss has never won, so I think that would be a very cool thing for this movie to receive.”

The movie is set to premiere later this year, and Radcliffe has two more movies premiering in 2013: “The F Word” and “Horns” are both in post-production. He will also perform at the Noel Coward Theatre in the stage play revival of Martin McDonagh’s bleak comedy “The Cripple of Inishmaan” as the lead, Billy Claven.

Radcliffe’s father is from “a very working-class” Protestant background, in Banbridge, County Down, Northern Ireland. Radcliffe’s mother is Jewish; she was born in South Africa and raised in Westcliff-on-sea, Essex, though her family originally came from Poland and Russia. Both parents also acted as children.

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“I was doing a gay sex scene, and the director was giving step-by-step instructions,” Radcliffe said, then smiled.

“The favorite note I have ever had was when we were kissing and the director shouted, ‘Not like that. Crazy-sex kissing!’”

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AJT

education

GHA Graduates Shine at 2013 Commencement Exercises FUTURE IN GOOD HANDS

By Leah Levy

AJT CONTRIBUTOR

T

he Greenfield Hebrew Academy celebrated commencement exercises for the Class of 2013 on June 5. Thirty-one graduates received diplomas this year from Head of School Rabbi Lee Buckman.

CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, explained the benefits of a GHA education and wished that all of his own children had enjoyed such an opportunity.

“The way to assure a strong and

“Your experiences here will be a gift to you forever,” she told the students. “GHA is your light, just like the pillar of light in the desert. Turn it on and remember us.”

JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

16

Michael Horowitz, President and

world; I hope that I have taught you to scream,” he said.

He cited the example of the release of Soviet Jewry and reminded the students of the rally they attended to demand the release of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, then being held prisoner by kidnappers.

“Raise your voices,” Rabbi Buckman continued.

“As we have recently seen – in your own lifetime – prayers are answered.”

The new rising ninthgraders took the stage for a Graduation Presentation that incorporated student poetry, music and spoken word. In their presentation, they addressed GHA’s past, present and future and shared memories of their senior trip to Israel, where “we saw Israel alive and breathing.”

GHA President of the Board Judy Stolovitz cited this year’s graduates as an exceptional group, calling them “kind, good, and giving; smart and successful.”

She also pointed out that the recipients of the Hadassah Chesed Award at both Yeshiva Atlanta and Weber Academy are GHA graduates.

Holli Levinson then took the stage.

They congratulated GHA as the first Jewish school in Georgia to officially become “No Place for Hate” – this program was introduced to the school

by GHA counselor Sylvia Miller and

students Maya Allen and Ari Stark, and encourages students to support one another with kindness and acceptance.

Nigut remarked that one of the most important ways to fight hatred is by educating children in the lessons of acceptance.

“Be kind, be strong, and insist that those around you are also kind,” he charged the graduates. vibrant Jewish future is by ensuring that as many children and young adults as possible get a wonderful Jewish education,” he said. “The dual curriculum is hard, but it makes your Jewish journey easier.”

ADL Southeast Regional Director Bill Nigut and Education Director

Rabbi Buckman, himself moving on from GHA this year, related a midrash that stresses the importance of speaking up in defense of the vulnerable.

“If I have taught you anything, I hope that I have taught you how to fight to correct what is wrong with the

Leah Levy is a paraprofessional at GHA and the author of “The Waiting Wall,” a Sydney Taylor Notable Book for 2010.

LEFT TOP: The GHA graduates of 2013 put on a wonderful performance, including readings of their own poetry.

LEFT BOTTOM: Board president Judy Stolovitz and Head of School Rabbi Lee Buckman shake hands with new graduate Joshua Bland.

RIGHT: Isabella Cantor (left) and Gabrielle Bloomberg wait for Rabbi Buckman’s declaration that they are now graduated to toss their graduation caps.

AJT

education

Yeshiva Atlanta Named a Blue Star School

STUDENTS ARE “CERTIFIED FINANCIALLY LITERATE�

special for the AJT

Y

eshiva Atlanta has earned the prestigious designation of Blue Star School for its students’ performance on Working In Support of Education (W!SE) Financial Literacy Certification Test. YA students achieved a 100-percent pass rate and an average score over 80 per-

cent.

Students passing this test become “Certified Financially Literate.� The test and certification are recognized by the Departments of Education in several states. To earn the Blue Star – given to a select number of institutions nationally – a school must achieve a 75-percent passing rate on the Certification Test and have either a majority of students on a given grade level take the test or have the students who took it achieve an average score of 80 percent or higher.

According to YA Math Department Head Al Wolmer, there is an immediate

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Because of YA’s participation in the program, Wolmer had access to training, educational resources, pre-tests and online practice tests. However, according to Dr. Paul Oberman, YA’s Head of School, there was more involved than training and resources.

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“Al did a fabulous job of preparing our students for this test, but give credit to our students [too],� he said. “They did the work, mastered the material and did superbly well on the test.�

Give me a call today if you are ready to get started.

As a Blue Star School, Yeshiva Atlanta will receive a banner in recognition of its students’ achievement and will be honored at W!SE’s Annual Money POWER Conference for Financial Literacy, which will take place in November.

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“Most students drop out of college not because of academic failure but because of personal debt, and the fastest growing group filing personal bankruptcy is young people ages 18 to 25,� Wolmer, who taught students taking the W!SE test, said. “The W!SE program provides our students with access to financial education and the opportunity to become certified financially literate.�

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AJT

MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL

I’ll Take My Chances G-D AND HAPPENSTANCE

BY RACHEL LAVICTOIRE AJT Columnist

B

efore he was “Dad,” he was Timothy Gerard LaVictoire, a baby boy born June 24, 1952. During his first 10 years of life, Tim welcomed one sister and four little brothers into his humble home in Mt. Morris, Mich.

He learned how to shoot a gun from his dad and how to play cards from his mom. He played football and basketball at St. Mary’s High School and took Joyce Csiki to his senior prom.

Before she was “Mom,” she was Stacy Ellen Futterman. Her parents welcomed her into the world on May 31, 1959 and brought her to their home in Norfolk, Va. She remained an only child for four years, until her little sister Susan was born in 1963.

As the daughter of a Navy manturned-businessman, Stacy lived in eight homes before settling into a house on Executive Drive in Long Island. She broke her wrists playing tag with Jamie Gropper and went to Camp Burchmont with Laura Briamonti.

Tim met Stacy in Nashville, Tenn. in 1989; he was 37 and she was 29.

The two of them had both been traveling for business when they happened

to run into each other, but a year later Tim and Stacy gathered their families and said their vows on a boat in New York City.

Still, it wasn’t until Nov. 30, 1991, in Ann Arbor, Mich., that Tim and Stacy became “Dad” and “Mom” as they welcomed their first son into the world, and it was still three more years before they became my “Dad” and “Mom.” Of course, in the 18 years since the day I was born, my parents have moved and made new friends. They’ve celebrated their children’s preschool graduations, high school graduations, birthdays and bar mitzvahs. Dad dressed up like a butler to serve me and my friends Domino’s pizza; and mom never missed a school performance or function.

Now, before I go any further – and in honor of the recent holidays – I want to say thank you to my parents for all that you have done. I love you both. But I also want to talk about chance – that is, my personal view of it, as it’s something that everyone sees differently.

There are some people who believe that G-d has everything laid out for us, that we are simply walking G-d’s

Shabbat Candle Lighting Times shabbat blessings Blessing for the Candles Baruch Arah A-do-nai,El-o-hei-nu Melech Haolam Asher Kid-shanu b’mitzvotav V’zivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat

JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of time and space.

You hallow us with Your mitzvot and command us to kindle the lights of Shabbat.

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Blessing for the Wine Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu Meelech Haolam, Borei p’ri hagafen Praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.

Blessing for the Bread (Challah) Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu Melech haolam, Hamotzi Lechem min haaretz.

Our Praise to You Eternal our God, Sovereign of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.

Friday, June 21, 2013 Light Candles at: 8:33 p.m.

Shabbat, June 22, 2013 Shabbat Ends: 10:04 p.m.

Friday, June 28, 2013 Light Candles at: 8:34 p.m.

Shabbat. June 29, 2013 Shabbat Ends: 10:04 p.m.

Friday, July 5, 2013 Light Candles at: 8:34 p.m.

Shabbat, July 6, 2013 Shabbat Ends: 10:04 p.m.

path. Others believe that “what goes around comes around” and that if you do good things, good things will happen to you. And some people believe in praying for good fortune; and others see good fortune as something that can only be obtained independently.

who had instructed Balaam to curse the Israelites.

This week’s parsha, Balak, isn’t particularly helpful in determining which of these interpretations is correct, but it certainly raises some fascinating questions. As we read, the king of Moab, Balak, grows fearful that his nation will be next to be destroyed, as the Israelites have just done as much to the Amorites. He sends messengers to Balaam in Pethor, asking him to come and curse the Israelites.

Though I don’t necessarily have an answer, I would like to note two things. First, the title of the parsha, Balak. The reading this week is named not after Balaam, who blessed the Israelites, but after Balak, the Moab king who had intended to curse them.

Balaam, however, receives direct instructions from G-d and so refuses to go with the messengers back to Moab. When Balak sends messengers of a higher rank, Balaam insists: “Even if Balak gives me a house full of silver and gold, I cannot do anything small or great that would transgress the word of the Lord, my G-d (Numbers 22:18).”

G-d eventually allows Balaam to go with the messengers, so long as Balaam agrees to do what G-d instructs and say the words that G-d puts in his mouth. Thus, Balaam finally joins with Balak, and the two of them build altars in order to offer their sacrifices. Then, the next passage reads: “Balaam said to Balak, ‘Stand beside your burnt offering, and I will go. Perhaps the Lord will happen to appear to me, and He will show me something that I can tell you,’ and we went alone.

G-d chanced upon Balaam, and he said to Him, ‘I have set up the seven altars, and I have offered up a bull and a ram on each altar.’ The Lord placed something into Balaam’s mouth, and He said, ‘Return to Balak and say as follows’ (Numbers 23: 3-5).”

Thus, Balaam recites a parable to the Moabites, and this is a sequence that repeats three times throughout the parsha. The parable is always a blessing to the Israelite people and always angers Balak, king of Moab,

But therein rests the question: G-d only chances upon Balaam, and He chooses to give him a parable to tell to the Moabites. How is it that G-d’s actions can be a coincidence?

Second is the translation; as the Hebrew language is often written without vowels, a key phrase here can be interpreted two different ways. The Torah reads va-ya-kar elohim, meaning either “G-d chanced,” signified by the Hebrew verb leekrote, meaning “to chance” or “to happen” – or, with a different pronunciation, “and valuable.”

Now, maybe you think it’s a stretch (or maybe you just don’t agree at all), but I’d like to think there’s a connection between the two: that there is value in chance.

Of course, I can’t even begin to tackle the various views on chance, and I don’t know what events are laid out for us and what events we create for ourselves. I do, however, know I’m very happy that va-ya-kar elohim – G-d chanced upon Balaam to bless the Israelites and their future generations – and also that Tim LaVictoire and Stacy Futterman happened to run into each other in Nashville, Tenn.

There was certainly value in those chances.

Rachel LaVictoire (rlavictoire@wustl. edu) is a graduate of the Davis Academy and Westminster High School, recipient of the prestigious Nemerov Writing and Thomas H. Elliott Merit scholarships at Washington University of St. Louis and an active member of Temple Emanu-El and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

She was recently named to the board of St. Louis Hillel.

AJT

d’var torah

Parashat Balak THREE LESSONS FOR TODAY

For the Atlanta Jewish Times

T

he fascinating story of Balak’s and Balaam’s relationship to the Jewish people, found in this week’s Torah portion, has interested us as Jews for thousands of years. Its many themes help us explore the subjects of prophecy, the non-Jewish world’s relationship with Israel and how the Jewish people perceive themselves.

Prophecy The Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24, tells of Balak, the Moabite king who doesn’t want the children of Israel crossing his territory in their travels from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Seeking to increase the possibilities of his military success against them, he hires the heathen prophet Balaam for the specific purpose of cursing the Jewish people.

But this happens only after a lengthy series of negotiations with Balak’s representatives as well as warnings and restrictions placed on Balaam by the G-d of Israel. Then, on his journey to Moab, Balaam’s faithful donkey speaks to his master saving him from certain death.

The animal’s loyalty is rewarded by his being beaten by his master. It’s an embarrassingly comical injustice, as the animal sees better than Balaam, and the entertaining story in many ways is a delightful distraction from the real purpose of the Torah portion.

It nevertheless informs us that the authors of the Hebrew bible acknowledge that prophecy is not the exclusive possession of the Jewish people.

Israel and the World Balak – like so many rulers since – wants to destroy the Jewish people.

He is willing to do anything to achieve his goal, even hire a prophet from another land.

But in the parsha, G-d does not permit His covenanted people to perish.

Balaam’s prophecies underscore this

theme.

In one place he says, “How shall I curse whom G-d has not cursed? And how shall I execrate whom the Lord has not execrated?”

And in another: “None has beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither has one seen perverseness in Israel; the Lord His G-d is with him.”

If only in this current day, a time of rising anti-Semitism in Europe and elsewhere in the world, people would realize the truth of Balaam’s prophesies. The hands of the Jewish people then, as now, are clean, and even Balaam realizes our hearts are pure.

Despite coming to curse he can only speak G-d’s truth.

Unfortunately, the Balak’s of today’s world have yet to learn this lesson. We pray they soon will.

How We See Ourselves

into the heart and soul of the Jewish people, and he captured our character.

With G-d’s help may Balaam’s vision always inspire us.

Editor’s note: Rabbi Tom Liebschutz is the spiritual leader of Congregation Ner Tamid and a member of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association.

“

“How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!”

Here, too, Balaam helps us. Among his most remembered prophetic words are: “How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!”

This is how we begin our morning worship services in our prayer books. As we set forth in prayer, the words inspire and uplift, reminding us of how we see and understand ourselves.

Without boasting, I think it safe to say we know our values are good ones and aspire to live up to them. We promote social justice and the world’s improvement (tikkun olam) by assisting the poor, the homeless, the needy, the victims of persecution and neglect, the widow and the orphan.

And our goodly tents and dwelling places urge us to “love our neighbors as ourselves,” to “beat our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks.”

They also remind us of the commandment repeated more than any other in the first five books of the Hebrew bible: “Know you the heart of the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”

Balaam was right. He clearly saw

JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

By Rabbi Tom Liebschutz

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AJT

what’s happening

Sun., June 23

Understand Why We Mourn, two-part class with Rabbi Naftali Hoff. Sun., June 23, 7 p.m.; second session to follow on June 30. Congregation Ariel.

(770) 390-9071.

Mon., June 24

Internet Safety for Seniors, a program of the East Point NORC, Amaorio’s Art Academy and Teens at Work, Inc. Mon., June 24, 1:30 p.m. Free, RSVP requested. Transportation provided from HJC Bowden Facility (2885 Church St., East Point). (404) 762-2094.

Thurs., June 27

Israeli Scouts Friendship Caravan in Atlanta, evening of song, dance and entertainment. Thurs., June 27, 7 p.m. $5/person, $10/family of four.

Temple Emanu-El. patpugrant@aol. com.

Edgewise Speaker Series: Dr. Robert Friedman, professor Emeritus of Criminal Justice and Director of GILEE at Georgia State University will focus on community policing, terrorism and crime analysis. Thurs., June 27, 10:30 a.m. Free for MJCCA members, $5/non-members. Zaban Park. (678) 812-4064.

MJCCA member, $30/non-member.

Zaban Park. lilly.mahana@atlantajcc.org.

Fri., June 28

Dive into Shabbat, celebrate Shabbat at the MJCCA’s outdoor pool.

Fri., June 28, 5 p.m. Free, open to the community; bring your own picnic or purchase from Goodfriend’s Grill. brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Dive into Shabbat, celebrate Shabbat at the MJCCA’s outdoor pool. Fri., July 12, 5 p.m. Free, open to the community; bring your own picnic or purchase from Goodfriend’s Grill. brian. glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Secrets of the Lost Temple, lecture with Rabbi Sender Lustig. Sun., July 14, 9:40 a.m. Chabad of Ga. (404) 843-2464 ext. 102.

Kosher Poker Tour, the premier Jewish poker tournament circuit makes a stop in Atlanta. Sun., July 14, 1 p.m. Congregation Dor Tamid. (770) 378-2037.

Summer SAT Boot Camp at the MJCCA. First mock test Fri., July 19, 10 a.m.; group classes, Monday through Thursday until Aug. 1, begin after;

“Masterpiece”

JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

Mon., July 22

Summer Driver’s Ed at the MJCCA; includes class time and driving time.

Week-long session begins Mon., July 22, 9 a.m. See atlantajcc.org for pricing and specifics. stacie.graff@atlantajcc.org.

Tues., July 23

Mah Jongg Bootcamp with Mah Jongg Central coach Michelle Frizzell. Tues., July 23, 1 p.m. $36/Museum member, $50/non-member. The Breman Museum. thebreman.org.

Fri., July 26

Dive into Shabbat, celebrate Shabbat at the MJCCA’s outdoor pool. Fri., July 26, 5 p.m. Free, open to the community; bring your own picnic or purchase from Goodfriend’s Grill. brian. glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Sun., July 28

--Guitar Player Magazine and Vintage Guitar Magazine

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Game On @ the Breman with the PJ Library, experience the Museum and the new Project Mah Jongg exhibit as a family. Sun., July 21, 2 p.m. Kids 6 & up/$6, ages 3 to 6/$2, under age 3, parents and grandparents/free. The Breman Museum. llebovitz@jfga.org.

Sun., July 14

Join us Wednesday June 26, 2013 7:30 pm

Tickets Online: $10 At Door Price: $15

Sun., July 21

Fri., July 12

Fri., July 19 Art Appreciation Class, focus on the High’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”

Thurs., June 27, 11 a.m.; visit to the exhibit to follow on Tues., July 9. $20/

successive mock tests each Friday.

See atlantajcc.org for pricing and more specifics. Zaban Park. stacie. graff@atlantajcc.org.

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How to Lead a Shabbos Table, lecture with Rabbi Isser New. Sun., July 28, 9:40 a.m. Chabad of Ga. (404) 8432464 ext. 102.

Mon., July 29

Summer Driver’s Ed at the MJCCA; includes class time and driving time.

Week-long session begins Mon., July 22, 9 a.m. See atlantajcc.org for pricing and specifics. stacie.graff@atlantajcc.org.

Tues., Aug. 6

National Jewish Retreat, five days of learning and discovery with master Torah teachers. Tues., Aug. 6 through Sun., Aug. 11. Hilton of Alexandria, Va. jretreat.com.

Wed. Aug. 7

Have a BLAST at the MJCCA, listen to Rabbi Brian Glusman sound the shofar each morning leading up to Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 4). First day Wed., Aug. 7, 11 a.m. Zaban Park. rabbi. glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Fri., Aug. 9

Dive into Shabbat, celebrate Shabbat at the MJCCA’s outdoor pool. Fri., Aug. 9, 5 p.m. Free, open to the community; bring your own picnic or purchase from Goodfriend’s Grill. brian. glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Wed., Aug. 14

Eat, Play, Mahj, mah jongg open game day and special tour of the Breman Museum’s new exhibit, Project Mah Jongg. Wed., Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m. $36/Museum member, $50/nonmember; reservations required. The Breman Museum. gsanders@thebreman.org.

Fri., Aug. 23

Dive Into Shabbat - Intown, the MJCCA’s poolside Shabbat celebration at a new location, featuring the Congregation Bet Haverim Chorus. Fri., Aug. 23, 5 p.m. Free, open to the community. Emory Student Activity and Academic Center. rabbi.glusman@ atlantajcc.org.

Camp Barney Medintz 50th Anniversary Celebration, weekend festivities begin with a traditional camp-style Shabbat dinner in the dining hall followed by Shabbat services in the Zaban Chapel. Fri., Aug. 23 to 25. $150/ weekend, $80/Saturday only, $50/ child Saturday. Camp Barney. (678) 812-4000.

Mon., Aug. 26

Sweeten the New Year - Dunwoody, MJCCA family program featuring froyo, songs, activities, crafts and prizes for kids. Mon., Aug. 26, 6 p.m.

Attendance free and open to all; 20 percent discount on purchases. Yogli Mogli at 2090 Dunwoody Club Drive. rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Wed., Aug. 28

Soul Trip to New York, Chabad of Georgia rabbis lead the way on visits to important Jewish sites. Wed., Aug. 28. New York City. More information and RSVP at chabadga/soultrip2013.

Sweeten the New Year - East Cobb, MJCCA family program featuring froyo, songs, activities, crafts and prizes for kids. Mon., Aug. 26, 6 p.m.

Attendance free and open to all; 20 percent discount on purchases. Yogli Mogli at 1255 Johnson Ferry Road. rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org.

AJT

may their memories be a blessing

Pola Rusinek (Frejlich) Fraley 91, OF ATLANTA Pola Rusinek (Frejlich) Fraley passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 91 on Tues., June 4, 2013 taking her place among the last living Holocaust survivors to bear witness to the Nazi persecution of World War II. Born in Sosnowic, Poland, her life was a testament to the enduring spirit and determination of a remarkably resilient generation, reminding her family through the years that “G-d has been good to me.”

She was predeceased by her beloved Simon, also a Holocaust survivor, who she met in the Zeilsheim (Germany) Displaced Persons Camp after liberation from a concentration camp in Parschnitz, Czechoslovakia. She and Simon came to America with their first child in 1949, raising their family in Atlanta and living the American entrepreneurial dream. They were founding members of Hemshech, organization of Holocaust survivors and descendants. Above all else, she devoted her life to her family feeling blessed to see her children living in freedom in America. She was a beautiful, creative and resourceful woman, deeply respected, loved and cherished by her children and adoring husband. All that her delicate, talented hands touched was with meticulous perfection from her wonderful cooking to her way with plants and her hobby of sewing. She was also predeceased by her parents Abraham and Ester Feigle Rusinek and seven siblings whose lives were taken during the Holocaust. She is survived by her son, Steven, and daughter-in-law Marian and granddaughter Shayna; and her daughter, Phyllis. She was also predeceased by her sister Jean Greenbaum, also a Holocaust survivor who – with her husband Isaac and their children Felice Greenbaum Friedman and Judy Greenbaum Croy and their families – joined Pola in Atlanta. The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude for the loving care extended to Pola by the staff of Huntcliff Summit, especially Jaunta Hunte-Stinnett, Gracy, Alena, Monique and Vanity. Sign online guestbook at edressler.com. Graveside services were held June 5 at 11 a.m. at Arlington Cemetery with Rabbi Mark Kunis officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United States Holocaust Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, Washington, DC 20024-2126; The William Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum, 1440 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309; or Eternal Life Hemshech, 205 Northland Ridge Trail, Atlanta, GA 30342. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

Arthur Merlin 82, OF ATLANTA

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JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

Arthur, “Archie” Merlin, 82, passed away Thurs., June 13, 2013 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, and daughter, Dara Merlin, and her partner, Meredith Ragains. He is also survived by sisters Reba Merlin Freedman (Theodore, of blessed memory), Fay Merlin Silverman (Harry, of blessed memory) and Dottie Merlin (Leon, of blessed memory). He was preceded in death by his brother Jerome and his wife Sylvia Zaban Merlin, as well as his “BFF” of eight years, Mr. Puppy Merlin. Survivors also include nephews and nieces Steve and JoLynn Merlin, Ronnie and Marguerite Merlin, Brenda Merlin and Janice White, Max and Terri Katz, Sandra and Pat Hanson, Melinda McKelvey, Renee and Larry Stern, Tom Glass and Phyllis Freedman, Elise Freedman and Ted Freedman (of blessed memory), Alan and Davida Kashdan, Josef and Carol Silverman, and Mathew Silverman, as well as many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. He was the son of Morris and Gertie Merlin of Atlanta and formerly of Dubrovna, Belarus, Russia. He was the founder of The American Water Broom Company and held numerous U.S. and Canadian patents. He was a longtime member of Congregation Or VeShalom and its Board of Directors. He was active in his SOZ group from his childhood and a proud Marine and dog lover. He never met anyone who did not like him. Sign online guest book at edressler.com. Contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, ASPCA, Congregation Or VeShalom, Hospice Atlanta or the charity of your choice. A graveside service was held Fri., June 14, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

21

JEWISH PUZZLER

by David Benkof

Across 1. Taj Mahal’s town 5. Commandments number 8. Begin and Bibi’s party 13. Considers (to be) 15. Tel ___ (site of a 1920 battle) 16. Kind of Arab 17. Be of help 18. Facilities at Hadassah and Shaare Zedek hospitals 19. Negev feature 20. Prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson trial 23. Ad ___ Committee 24. “___ New World” (Arlen/Gershwin song) 25. Cookbook author Joan and others 27. Debbie Wasserman Schultz chairs it (abbr.)

30. “Rome and Jerusalem” author Moses 32. Professional name for singer Ahinoam Nini 33. Build ___ against (prosecute) 35. Biblical “you” 37. Allocate (with “out”) 41. He made a golem 44. Negev feature 45. Green ___ Party 46. Congressman Eliot (D-N.Y.) 47. “How to Succeed in Business...” playwright Burrows 49. Canadian-Jewish political pioneer Gray 51. Cobra’s “Watch it!”

52. “There goes the neighborhood,” for Rodney Dangerfield 56. Ingenue 58. Hebr. “second day” 59. Houston Stewart ___ (famous English-German antiSemite) 64. He appointed Lew and Kagan 66. “...and have dominion over the fish of the ___” (Gen 1:28) 67. Mishnaic commentator 68. “Fiddler on the Roof” Oscar nominee 69. Magazine whose Entrepreneur of the Year for 1989 was Michael Dell 70. Kind of shoe 71. Eulogize 72. Kind of Jew from E. Europe 73. “___ and I” (2005 Holocaust film)

10. ___ varnishkes (deli dish) 11. Hebrew ___ College 12. Frisbees, say 14. Slide, like a snake 21. Enzyme 22. Accumulated, as a bill 26. Plotter exposed by Esther 27. Beavers’ creations 28. “March Madness” hoops org.

29. “Call Me Irresponsible” songwriter Sammy 31. Claude Lanzmann’s nine-hour Holocaust film 34. His visit to Israel in 1977 was dramatic 36. “Tales of Hoffmann” composer 38. Matzah brei ingredients

39. Third day, in Hebr.

40. Flotsam and Jetsam, in “The Little Mermaid” 42. The beginning of Adar?

43. Renaissance 48. “Key Largo” star Lauren 50. “The Facts of Life Goes to Paris” actress 52. Get carried away in Hollywood 53. Mail destination, maybe 54. Not appropriate 55. Diner who wrote “Hungering for America” 57. Panache 60. Part of YMHA 61. A couple of chips, maybe 62. Close ___ (near) 63. Place to pick up a kitten 65. Manifest a Jersey accent?

Last week’s answers

Down 1. Warsaw ghetto leader Czerniakow 2. Kibbutz in the Jezreel Valley 3. Tuchis 4. Friends in Firenze 5. Franz Kafka novel 6. Jewish Defense League activist Krugel 7. Pesach month 8. Rely upon 9. “Hallelujah, ___ Bum” (Al Jolson film)

Chess Puzzle of the Week

by Jon Hochberg

Challenge: White to move: Checkmate in 3 moves

Last puzzle’s solution.

1) Q x a7, K x Q 2) a5 x Nb6+, Kb7 3) Ra7#

JUNE 21 ▪ 2013

Jon Hochberg is a chess instructor who has been teaching in the Atlanta area for the last 6 years. Currently, Jon runs after school chess programs at several Atlanta schools. He always welcomes new students, and enjoys working with children who have no prior chess knowledge.

Jon can be reached at Jonhochberg@gmail.com to schedule private lessons.

22

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