No. 28 July 12 Atlanta Jewish Times

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Tzedakah in Action

Etz Chaim Helps Jews in Uganda | Page 14

Alicia Keys in Israel More Than A Concert | PAGE 12

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israel

Israeli Pride

GOOD NEWS MADE IN THE JEWISH STATE THIS PAST WEEK

FEEDING THE WORLD. Ertharin Cousin, executive director of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), visited Israel for the first time. MASHAV (Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation) is working with the WFP in South Sudan and alleviating the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

WIDE-RANGING WHITE NIGHT. Tel Aviv’s 10th-annual White Night featured theater, dance, public sing-alongs, operatic arias, classical music, jazz, rock, alternative music, video displays, artists, art sales, storytellers, literature, philosophy, beach volleyball, yoga, folk dancing, ballroom dancing, fashion events, an accessories fair, shopping, street parades, club parties and tours.

What, you wanted more?

EURO LIFE SCIENCE COMPANIES RUSH TO WORK WITH ISRAEL. Over a dozen international delegations attended the 2013 BioMed show in Tel Aviv. The German group was also visiting Israeli universities to seek cooperation in research projects, and the Italian delegation was looking to buy or invest in Israeli life science companies.

MUSLIMS WHO WANT TO DEFEND ISRAEL. Brothers Milad and Muhammad Atrash, Arab Muslims from the Galilee, volunteered to defend their country by enlisting in the IDF. Muhammad has just sworn allegiance to the State of Israel, and in two weeks his brother Milad will start his officers’ training course.

IT’S GOT THE MAGIC TOUCH! Israel’s N-trig has announced that its pen and touch controller – which provides a single sensor for both pen and touch input – powers Sony’s VAIO Duo 13 Ultrabook.

GAZA FARMERS TRANSPORTED TO TEL AVIV CONFERENCE. The Israeli army invited and facilitated the transport of 50 Palestinian Arab farmers from Gaza to an agricultural conference in Tel Aviv. The goal was to help boost agricultural output in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

HE’S A HIGH-FLYER. The IDF’s newest class of pilots includes 21-yearold Lt. B. (full name withheld while in active service), who made aliyah from New Jersey in 2009. “I knew from a young age that Israel was an amazing country, and that I was destined to fall in love with it,� he said.

ADVANCED FACIAL SURGERY HELPS TWINS. Surgeons at Haifa’s Ramban hospital treated 14-year-old twins for similar defects: cleft palate and nose and fused fingers. During the two three-hour operations, the doctors reconstructed both brothers’ upper palate.

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

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AJT

NEWS

GHA, YA Announce New K-12 School AN ATLANTA FIRST IS IN THE WORKS special for the AJT

G

reenfield Hebrew Academy (GHA) and Yeshiva Atlanta (YA) recently announced plans to pursue the creation of a K-12 college preparatory day school, the first of its kind in Atlanta.

“The timing for this partnership is now,” reads a press release disseminated by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (JFGA). “Both schools are in a strong position financially and educationally and have never had such strong capacity. This new vision, a co-educational orthodox model, embraces the entire 120,000-person Atlanta Jewish community.

“Similar K-12 Jewish day school models have been implemented successfully across the country; and we will engage with these institutions to learn best practices as plans move forward.”

GHA, which currently serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade, is the longest-running Jewish day school in the metro area. Apparently, growth has been on the minds of those behind the institution.

“We have greater ambitions than just K-8. That’s what has helped us become a better school,” said Judy Stolovitz, President of GHA’s Board. “Imagine what an extraordinary community school we will create when we combine our dreams and resources.”

From a Jewish educational perspective, children start asking the tough questions right around eighth grade. At the same time, as teens they have gained the skills for deeper analysis.

questions and put those good skills to work,” continues the press release. “It is also our community’s best chance to keep close to 100 percent of our students in the day school system through 12th grade.”

The initiative has been many months in the making, led by informed community leaders including members of a steering committee and sub-committees in the areas of mission, educational vision and curriculum, Judaic practices, operations, development, facilities, governance, finance, communications and Head of School search.

“Our goal is to align the common values of the two schools into a new level of educational excellence in a positive Jewish environment that is consistent with our unique identity,” said Nancy Weissmann, Board President of YA.

A final vote, following due diligence, will be held in approximately 10 weeks.

“The warmth, caring, joy and excitement that are ever-present in the halls of both GHA and YA will grow even stronger as our community works together to ensure a strong future for our children and these beloved institutions,” said Michael Horowitz, JFGA CEO/President.

Editor’s note: Visit anotherbrick.com for more information on this emerging community project.

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AJT

according to arlene

Ambivalence and Ambiguity COINCIDENCE AND CONTRADICTION

And to further contrast the situation from that in New York: As Rosh Hashanah approached, my teachers would ask for Jewish students to raise their hands, to inform them that we would be missing school.

of my wearing half a heart around my neck.

It’s an area of my life riddled with contradictory messages and feelings. I spend a lot of emotional energy thinking about what it means to be a Jew, and I’m often envious of those Jews who don’t appear to struggle with this as an identity issue.

Personally, I would have preferred to attend school, but my mother insisted I stay home.

“You should know better,” my grandmother insisted.

“Mom,” I remember saying. “I don’t want to stay home. I like school.”

“Babba, what’s the big deal?” I asked. “Terry and I are just friends.”

My mother said I didn’t have a choice.

All four of my grandparents left Europe as young adults to escape being persecuted because they were Jews. Whatever their religious practices had been in what they referred to as “the Old Country,” once in North America, none of them belonged to synagogues or maintained Jewish rituals.

“But Mom,” I replied, “we don’t go to synagogue, and we don’t do anything to celebrate the holiday. Why do I have to stay home?”

By Arlene Appelrouth AJT COLUMNIST

A

mbiguity and ambivalence frame my Jewish identity.

What they did bring with them, though, was a fear of non-Jews. And what was passed on to their children was the value of socializing specifically with other Jews.

In New York, where I spent the formative years of my life, being Jewish meant the schools were closed for the High Holy Days. But I was never taught the meaning of any of the holidays.

It wasn’t until my family moved to South Florida, that I realized what a minority I was in as a Jew. In our new home, I was usually one of two or three Jewish students in my public school class.

“You’re Jewish,” she would say, exasperated. “Going to school would be a shanda for the goyim.”

I did not understand why she cared, or expected me to care, what non-Jews thought about what I did on Jewish holidays.

Learning Why We Are the Way We Are Back in the ’50s, it was common for pre-teens to go steady. When Terry gave me half a heart to wear on a chain around my neck, I was thrilled.

He wore the other half, and this was evidence we were a couple.

My parents and grandparents were horrified when they found this out. It was shocking and confusing to me when my father told me that neither he nor my mother could approve

After all, Terry was Catholic.

My grandmother, whom I called “the Babba,” put her two cents in.

I didn’t get it.

My grandmother set me straight.

“Arlene, love is just a step away from friendship.”

I had to return my half of the heart.

But that was only the beginning – from then on, whenever I befriended non-Jewish men, I was received with irrational reactions.

For example, when my college friend Charlie gave me a ride home, my mother wouldn’t let him enter our house. And whenever I spoke about anyone, the question I was always asked was this:

“Is he Jewish?”

As for me, a person’s religious orientation was not on my radar screen.

Still, when I entered college I began experiencing the divide between Jews and non-Jews.

“Can I see your horns?” I was asked by a fellow student.

That kind of farcical misconception, in particular, piqued my curiosity. Thus, I enrolled in a comparative religions class and also began reading about Jewish history.

JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

And just as important to my learning, one of my college roommates came from a religious family. When her rabbi, Max Lipschitz, came to visit, it was the first time I met or talked to a rabbi.

He was kind, expressed sincere interest in me and had a background I respected. He was ordained as an Orthodox rabbi and also had a master’s and a doctorate degree. I enjoyed my conversations with Rabbi Lipschitz; perhaps, I thought, there really is something to all this.

The Many Faces of Judaism

6

A few years later, my younger

brother Barry was involved in a car accident. His condition critical, he was hospitalized in an ICU at the Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach.

My parents and I were devastated to see Barry comatose and hear the doctors talk about the brain damage he sustained when thrown from the car. I was frightened and needed support, so I called a local rabbi whose number I got from the phone book.

I asked him to pray for my brother’s survival – but he refused.

“Whatever happens will be Gd’s will,” he said. “We don’t believe prayers make a difference.”

That wasn’t what I wanted to hear.

So I called Rabbi Lipschitz in North Miami Beach, hoping he’d have something more comforting to say.

He added the name “Chaim” to my brother’s name and gave me a prayer to say in his behalf. And when Barry, just 17, died, Rabbi Lipschitz was willing to conduct my brother’s funeral service and give a meaningful eulogy.

This was the first time I learned a relationship with a rabbi was important. Specifically, Rabbi Lipschitz taught me about the Jewish way of mourning and later provided guidance as I grew into adulthood.

Since, I have learned that praying for someone’s complete recovery is indeed a Jewish practice. Why exactly that one rabbi would not do so when Rabbi Lipschitz was so supportive, I’m not sure; the differences amongst Jews is confusing.

I suppose that, until I’m able to determine exactly what I believe and which Jewish philosophy to live by, I’m doomed to more of this ambivalence and ambiguity.

Arlene Appelrouth earned a degree in news-editorial journalism from the University of Florida and her career as a writer and journalist spans a 50-year period; she currently studies memoir writing while working on her first book.

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TO ILLUMINATE...

Remembering My Friends TEARS UPON TEARS

By Eugen Schoenfeld AJT Contributor

I

was standing in the hanging room in the former British prison in Akko, gazing at a picture of my friend and classmate Yaakov Weiss (whom we called Imre, his Hungarian first name). He was one of the seven people who were captured as they attacked and fought to free the imprisoned Jews in the fortress.

As I gazed at his picture, tears came to my eyes – in fact, I was crying. Who was I crying for? Was it for Imre, for my personal losses in the Holocaust?

Or was it for the two millenia of Jewish experience?

Considering I am now in the twilight of my life (I am almost 88 years old), I in retrospect believe that this was my Tikkun Chatzot – my midnight ritual. As I stood there in my Jewish homeland, a free nation, I was crying for the suffering that has been wrought upon us for the last two millennia as well as for the fact that we are still facing a constant struggle for survival.

Ivri anochi – I am a Hebrew – and I carry in me my people’s weltschmertzen.

My soul still cries out: Ad matai, Hashem? “For how long, oh Lord, must we suffer?”

“rock the boat” (or, as we referred to it in Hebrew, “give Satan an opportunity to open his mouth”).

“Behold! Here is a people living alone and not reckoning itself among the nations!”

But at that time, old attitudes were slowly changing, and many of us subscribed to the notion that it is time to fight back. In addition to Hatikvah, we also sang a song that tells us that far too much Jewish blood has already been wantonly shed.

From Dan to Beersheba, from Havat Gilad to the sea, the land had already been saturated with our blood.

For 2,000 years, we existed in solitude, and no nation stood up for our rights. We were – and unfortunately still are – alone and not reckoned and accepted by other nations. We have

Joseph Trumpeldorf, a former lieutenant in the Russian Army who lost an arm in the Russo-Japanese war and afterwards settled in Israel, became our hero. He died defending his kibbutz, Tel Hai, and he left us the motto, “one hand for the plow, and the other for the weapon.”

And there were others who followed Jabotinsky’s view of militancy, most noted among them Menachem Begin, the sixth prime minister of Israel. He – and we who followed in his footsteps – dreamed of Eretz Yisrael, a country where we could stand proudly erect and unbowed to other nations.

Hollow Words

Righteous Indignation

JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

Imre was born in Bratislava – the present-day capital of Slovakia – but in late 1938, as a 14-year-old boy, came to Munkacs so that he could enroll in the Hebrew gymnasium.

At this parochial school, most of the subjects were taught in Hebrew and most students and teachers were Zionists.

8

After Kristallnacht in 1939, most of us joined the Betar Movement – an organization started by Ze’ev Jabotinsky, whom I had the privilege of meeting in 1934 when he visited my hometown – and became more militant-minded. You couldn’t have blamed us; for two millennia, we had believed that both our individual and collective survival was best protected if we stayed invisible and did not

In our youth, we still believed in promises – not necessarily in those that G-d gave to Abraham, but certainly in one given by Lord Balfour, the British foreign secretary to Lord Rothschild. On Nov. 2, 1917, Balfour – speaking for the British government – had stated that they looked with favor on the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

From that point, each year on Nov. 2 we celebrated the declaration.

Unfortunately, that promise – like the promise of the coming of the Messiah – has never materialized.

A few weeks ago, we read in the Torah the portion that describes Balaam’s compulsory blessing of the Jews. One of Balaam’s prophetical statements that struck me intently is his description of the Jews:

dent and committed only to our existence. We didn’t wish to be feared by anyone, and we didn’t wish to become a nation of threat to anyone.

We are the people of the Book, the creators of morals, whose ancient and present motto is: “Love and justice.”

“There I stood…and I knew that for the same abominable reasons that gave rise to thousands of years of anti-Semitism, the world would not grant us peace.” been forced to live by Hillel’s adage: “If I am not for myself, who is for me?”

We no longer need to recount the Dreyfus affair to justify the need for a Jewish homeland. That was a topic for my grandfather’s and father’s generations. Today, we have a much stronger and profound evidence for the need of a Jewish home of refuge: The history of the Holocaust attests most profoundly the need for a home of safety – a home of refuge for a battered and enslaved Jewish people.

I know all too well that Imre and many others gave their lives that other Jews should be able to live in their own land, which we – like all people – deserve.

When Will It End? And so there I stood in Akko – in the land of my ancestors – where twice we lost our national freedom.

I have always hoped that the new tiny country Israel would be treated like another Switzerland, indepen-

But there I stood, and I looked at the seven pictures hung on the prison wall, and I knew that for the same abominable reasons that gave rise to thousands of years of anti-Semitism, the world would not grant us peace.

I looked at the pictures of those who the British hung only for trying to make them fulfill their own promise to us – to create a Jewish national home – and all the pictures spoke to me.

When it comes to Jews, the world justifies injustice. There in Akko, I cried for the injustice, for the wanton hatred, for the loss of our historic independence, for the loss of my family and for the six million sacrifices.

And I still cry.

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

AJT

IF YOU ASK ME

Loving America, Despite Some Warts CONSTANT QUEST FOR FREEDOM AJT Contributor

L

ife remains wonderful in the U.S. Even now, during tough economic times, we share in an abundance that most other nations can’t come close to matching.

Freedom rings most everywhere, and opportunity still exists. Just as importantly, we live our lives free of fear and threats – domestic and foreign.

But what’s the cost?

America has a long and colorful history filled with sorrow and tears.

Many have suffered at the hands of bigots and institutionalized evil. The problems began in the country’s infancy, when Native Americans were slaughtered for their land and Africans stolen from theirs to be brought to this country as slaves.

And even well into the 20th century, women’s rights were considered an oxymoron and children were badly abused. This, at least in part, is the truth of America.

But all these problems would eventually fall away. Such change can be traced to a group of men – mostly wealthy and mostly religious – who stood up against the tyranny of the time and said “enough.” A declaration was pulled together, announcing that America would become a land of freedom, that persecution would be shunned and that “we the people” would pull together for the good of all citizens.

What these patriots hoped for wasn’t easy to create, nor were their efforts supported by everyone. A great war ensued, and there were many casualties and deaths. Families were broken and children were lost.

And while that war was eventually won, some battles still rage on today. I can readily admit that the history of America isn’t perfect, but the journey to this point is one that no other nation has been willing to take. We have battled and bled;

sometimes, we have stood as brothers on the battlefield, and at least once we faced one another as foes.

But we’ve always remained a family and a nation in search of freedom.

Few saw that as clearly as did one Revolutionary War veteran, a slave owner who would go on to become the nation’s president. In his memoirs, he questioned how he could go about the business of owning other men while leading this great nation. He would eventually free all his slaves.

He, like all our founding fathers, knew what had to be done for freedom to take hold in America. It would take generations for liberty to wrap its cloak around all who lived here, but eventually that day came.

The patriots that fill our history laid the groundwork for future generations to also question their leaders. This way of thinking eventually put an end to slavery, gave women a voice and the right to vote and established child labor laws.

All of these things happened because “we the people” understand that if any of us lack freedom, all of us suffer.

It’s been 237 years since the first Fourth of July, and I thought it fitting this year to visit Arlington National Cemetery outside of Washington, D.C. It was a moving experience to see the rows of tombstones spread out to the horizon, many of the graves filled with men and women who offered up their lives that our nation might remain great.

Later that evening, I visited the Catskill Mountains and watched fireworks explode overhead. This, too, was a dramatic moment. We all stood about, quietly enjoying the show, thinking about how much has been sacrificed over the years but also how much we Americans have gained.

All I can think to add at this moment is to thank everyone who has served in some way to give us all the priceless gift of freedom.

Rabbi Shlomo Pinkus is a rabbinic field representative for the Atlanta Kashruth Commission.

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9

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eden’s garden

Waitin’ On the World to Change A TALE OF IMPATIENCE

By Eden Farber

AJT Columnist Twenty-two more days!

One more week!

Just five days!

P

eople count down to all sorts of things at this time of year – birthdays, camps, holidays, vacations. Some are very subjective or personal count downs, while others are more universal. And right now, we Jews are at the tail-end of a unique countdown on the Hebrew calendar: the “Three Weeks” leading up to Tisha B’Av (the Ninth of the month of Av), when we commemorate the destruction of both the First and Second temples.

The feeling of the day is always that of overwhelming loss and intense contemplation. We wonder:

What would life be like if we hadn’t lost the temple?

That’s the primary question, certainly. However, the follow-up question – one that is asked often, answered sometimes, though never satisfactorily – is the one I’d like to deal with here.

How do we get back?

The Messianic era is not one we Jews are hesitant to discuss. Everyone has his or her own interpretation of what this time will be like, how we will get there, etc. We sing of the coming of the Messiah, maybe mock it or even deeply philosophize about it; but never do we come to the same conclusion, and never do we solve it.

Still, it seems to me that there is one pattern that emerges from all forms of the Messiah-talk, and it’s one that I deem problematic:

“We are waiting for mashiach.”

What does it mean to wait for this era (or this vision) of a person coming to bring us back to a time of unity among Jews and a Temple lifestyle?

This rhetoric of “waiting” brings up an important issue, and one that we need to deeply consider this Tisha B’Av. After all, when we sit around and wait for something to happen, we’re being passive participants in our lives – not making decisions or changes, but waiting for decisions and changes to make us. “Fatigued,”

my friend called it; we were discussing activism, and she just looked at me and said: “I’m fatigued; I don’t want to try to fix things anymore.”

We’ve become fatigued, or we’ve stopped caring…meaning, inherently, that we’ve stopped thinking.

That’s what we’re missing: The yearning for more, the drive to make an idea a reality. We wait for some higher power to sort out our troubles.

But it won’t. They’re called our troubles for a reason.

I say it’s time to stop waiting for “someone else” to sort us out and instead start working together to sort ourselves out. Let’s work to make them make our world a better place.

We’re at the tail end of the “Three Weeks” right now; the midst of the “Nine Days.” We’ve been counting down to the evening of July 15 for quite a while now – some of us limiting our consumption of fancy foods or not listening to live music, and some of us merely noting the calendar. All has been in preparation for this day of solemn contemplation.

I say, this year, let’s give it something more. This Tisha B’Av, I’m not going to ask myself the passive questions of “What are we waiting for?”

No waiting for a savoir to solve all my problems for me; it’s time to take them into my own hands.

I’ll end with a fantastic quote from Chaim Potok’s “The Chosen”: “[He] sits and waits for Messiah.

I’m tired of waiting. Now is the time to bring the Messiah, not wait for him.”

JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

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A meaningful, inspiring day to all.

Atlanta’s Eden Farber, 16, was recognized in the Jewish Heritage National Poetry Contest of 2010 and has published op-eds and poetry in Modern Hippie Magazine and the NY Jewish Week’s Fresh Ink for Teens section.

AJT

FROM THE EDITOR

Tisha B’Av

OY, IS THIS GOING TO BE A REALLY BAD DAY

Web Editor

J

udaism is a religion of holidays, observances and rituals. A few of the holidays – Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Chanukah and Passover, for instance – are observed by many (and ignored by many more).

Nonetheless, they remain part of the fabric of the community, special days that continue to bring joy, comfort and meaning to the faithful, and a sense of identity to others.

Meanwhile, lesser-known holidays – Lag B’Omer, Tu B’shevat, Shemini Atzeret – don’t even register on the spiritual radar of most Jews, even those who will fast on Yom Kippur, attend a seder on Passover and exchange gifts on Chanukah.

I mention all this to explain why the vast majority of Jews won’t be fasting on July 15 and 16 and instead ignoring the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’Av, arguably the saddest day in Jewish history.

Despite its historical significance, the day – which begins at sunset of the former date – has become just another tongue-twisting trivia question that offers little meaning in a modern world moving at the speed of light.

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At least, that’s the view of many.

The faithful, meanwhile, continue paying attention to the lessons offered by this memorable day, the name of which literally means “the ninth day (of the Hebrew month) of Av.” Now, why is this occasion so bleak? It was on this very date in 586 BCE when the First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians and the Jews were sent into Babylonian exile.

Then, centuries later, on the ninth of Av in 70 CE, the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans.

on Russia; and finally (at least, hopefully), 27 years later on the eve of Tisha B’Av, the Nazis began deporting Jews to Treblinka from the Warsaw Ghetto.

Interestingly, the actual biblical link to the day can be found in the Book of Numbers. Turns out the 12 spies sent by Moses to check out the land of Canaan returned on – yep – Tisha B’Av, and 10 of them delivered really bad news about the “Promised Land,” which was supposed to be dripping with milk and honey.

This time, the remnants of the Jewish people were scattered in many directions – Europe and Asia, others spilling around the southern fringes of the Mediterranean and deep into Africa.

The Children of Israel panicked, and G-d, we’re told, wasn’t amused by their lack of faith. He (forgive my falling into anthropomorphism) decreed that forever more this date would become one of crying and misfortune for their descendants.

What’s more, there are other bits of disturbing darkness associated with Tisha B’Av: Simon bar Kokhba, thought by some to be the messiah and the commander of Jewish troops in revolt against Imperial Rome, was killed on this day in 135 CE; Jews were expelled from England on Tisha B’Av in 1290 and from Spain in 1492.

For all these reasons (and many of a less cosmic and more subtle nature), today’s observant Jews fast on Tisha B’Av – a span of 25 consecutive hours. The really observant also don’t bathe, wear any sort of leather (such products are associated with living the good life) and abstain from sexual relations.

And bringing matters into the modern era, on Aug. 1, 1914 (that’s right, Tisha B’Av on the Hebrew calendar again), Germany declared war

And the really, really observant practice a few rituals – sitting on low stools, refraining from work – linked to sitting shivah, the traditional pe-

riod of mourning for Jews following the death of a close relative.

Services are held in synagogues, and they’re somber affairs that feature the reading of the Book of Lamentations, followed by the kinnot, a series of liturgical lamentations. And in Sephardic communities, it is also customary to read the book of Job. Now, as to the reason for all this, rabbis and others can offer up appropriate texts from the Torah and Talmud to explain the ongoing importance of recalling all this bleakness.

I myself can offer only one small thought, an artistic angle on this day of wailing: To appreciate light, it’s often necessary to focus on darkness.

It’s an aesthetic device that artists have understood and used for centuries to highlight their works of art, but it’s an idea that also has merit, I think, when considering the nature of life.

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JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

By RON FEINBERG

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AJT

NOGA REPORTS

“V” for Victory

KEYS PERFORMANCE WAS MORE THAN A CONCERT

BY Noga Gur-Arieh AJT Contributor

I

f you’ve been reading my recent posts, you’ve probably noticed a hint of disappointment between the lines. I know that as the internet’s role in our lives grows, winning the media war becomes more critical, and the more lies about Israel that I encountered, the more I felt like the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement had won.

In our battle against the mischaracterization of Israel, I am a small fish in a large pond – a pond filled with killer sharks, always on the search for fresh blood. For a time, I felt as though whatever I had to say was quickly countered by brutal lies disguised as calls for justice.

Whether it was during an exchange of words on a social network or when reading what Roger Waters or Chris Martin have to say, I felt like an outcast because I am an Israeli. But in recent weeks, something changed.

From rock bottom, I came to be sitting on a cloud. Barbra Streisand praised Israel, Sharon Stone took pictures with fans in Tel Aviv, Waze was purchased by Google, Alicia Keys performed at Tel Aviv’s Nokia Arena as part of her a second Israeli made “Set the World on Fire” tour. it to the NBA, and the Jewish State was preventions such as ReWalk called “life- These words were the cherry on sented as a technology giant with in- changing.” top of my great feeling.

And then, the best news of all: On July 4, Alicia Keys arrived in Israel.

We did it. We fought back and we are finally winning.

Before I continue, you should understand that before every international artist’s arrival to Israel, a flood of anti-Israeli propaganda is aimed at him or her in an attempt to threaten the artist into canceling. Some fall for the lies, some ignore them and do the right thing.

And yes, I use the word “we,” even though I am not an Israeli start-up developer or a die-hard Keys fan who worked day and night to push the negativity away. I know I am merely a small part of all of this, but I am an Israeli, and Israelis are always “we,” and never “I.”

Alicia Keys, however, was a completely different case.

We are all individuals, each with our own life and dreams, but when it comes to facing the outside world, we are one big family of brothers and sisters. When facing the outside, we are a collective: united in our goal, putting our personal problems aside and sticking our chins up with pride.

The moment it was announced that she was scheduled to perform here, the anti-Israeli zombies sharpened their teeth and started to bite, hoping to turn her into one of them.

They put a lot of effort into persuading her to cancel her concert.

JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

In fact, I’ve never seen such a massive campaign. Maybe such an effort was put forth because – unlike the most recent artists who performed here – she is a co ntemporary superstar at the prime of her career.

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For weeks, things were uncertain and unclear. But then, Keys released the following statement: “I look forward to my first visit to Israel. Music is a universal language that is meant to unify audiences in peace and love, and that is the spirit of our show.”

Thus, from rock-bottom, now I’m on a cloud. I sit back, browse the web, and smile as I read about the Israel I know and love – the real Israel of achievements, culture, love and life.

I can finally smile and say, with full confidence, that I have never been more proud to be an Israeli.

Noga Gur-Arieh visited the U.S. to work at Camp Coleman after finishing her military service in the IDF. She is now back in Israel, working as a journalist.

AJT

IN THE MOMENT

A Fourth of July Weekend that Rocked – Literally EYES ON ISRAEL AS WELL AS LOCAL ARTISTS

AJT Columnist

I

’m standing on the helipad atop the W Hotel by Centennial Park, looking down at a fireworks display. My 5-year-old is on my shoulders, screaming her head off (“This is awesome!”), and my 9-year-old is doing the sniper crawl, clinging on for dear life.

I’d be lying if I said that in that moment I was thinking of anything deeper than a good time and the safety of my children (who by no means were at risk). But later that night, tucked in my comfy W plush bed, I did start to think a little deeper.

How would a Jew celebrate their independence? What do Israelis do on this day?

I’m sad to say, I knew very little about it. So I did some Googling, and…

Did you know that July 4, 2013 marked the 37th anniversary of Operation Entebbe?

The movie based on those events – “Raid on Entebbe” – had a huge impact on me back in the day of the dreaded “after-regular-school” Hebrew school. Not only was it my first movie with blood and violence, but the strength and loyalty the Israelis showed for each other and all mankind left an indelible mark that has blossomed into love, honor and total support for this country.

Of course, that doesn’t mean I agree with everything politically speaking, but I definitely dig how Israel stands for freedom and Judaism on the world’s stage. But I digress.

Back to my online research – I started stumbling onto tons of stuff. I didn’t know that every three years or so the Fourth falls during the threeweek morning period that ends with Tisha B’Av, meaning most Orthodox Jews celebrate without music or TV. And as for how Israelis celebrate their own country’s independence day, Yom Ha’atzmaut – I found out it’s celebrated both as a national and religious holiday. While the president gives a speech followed by artistic performances and a torch lighting

ceremony for the 12 tribes of Israel, each movement has its own way of recognizing the occasion through prayer and/or the reading of Torah.

And of course, they also do a little barbecuing…and fly F-16s up and down the shoreline. Tel Aviv gets even more radical by mixing fireworks with speed klezmer; it’s pretty rocking. Check it out on YouTube (link in editor’s note).

Talking Tunes Speaking of klezmer, I’ll use that as a nice segue back to music. I know I said we’d talk about this music week, but unfortunately most of it got rained out.

On the Fourth, we went to Centennial Park early to catch von Grey, a new artist working with my company, Indiehitmaker. We got totally washed out standing on line to get in; we’re talking umbrella-inverting sheets of rain soaking us four adults and the seven kids to the bone.

And just as good, opening for her was another Atlanta legacy: Jen Lowe, by far one of the most talented percussionists and drummers I have ever met. She’s also a multiinstrumentalist and songwriter and fronted a whole set with yet more local greats, Vanessa Oliveraz (early American Idol finalist) and John Stringer (of State of Man and JAD, and also my business partner).

In short, let me highly recommend Unplugged in the Park for your Sunday evenings through midSeptember. There are great acts, an awesome atmosphere and killer food and drinks, so you can sit and dine while you watch premium talent from around the country. The show is free, too!

will provide me with plenty to share in my next column.

In the meantime, share your Fourth of July moments by tweeting to #InItForTheMoment (mention @ bram_rocks) or Facebook me.

Editor’s note: Sources for this week’s column included religionnews.com and wikipedia.org. See Tel Aviv’s Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration at youtube.com/ouNscCuQtcI. Finally, follow Bram’s experiences on, off and backstage – including shots from Michelle Malone’s July 7 performance – @bram_rocks, and interact with him at #InItForTheMoment and share thoughts, comments and ideas about this column.

Now, I’m off to Rochester, N.Y. for a week; I’m sure this crazy road trip

Regardless, I love this act – the von Grey sisters, ages 13 to 18, are ridiculously talented musicians and songwriters. In fact, if I had to peg one Atlanta act for national attention, it would be them. Their timing is perfect, and they are primed to rise out of the sound Mumford & Sons and the Lumineers have brought to pop music.

And besides, the music industry loves sibling bands; look at the Followil brothers (Kings of Leon), local greats Evan and Jaron (Lowenstein, of Dunwoody). I think we’ll see von Grey ride the crest of this Americana rock wave before it dies out – check them out at vongreymusic.com.

Anyway, returning to the tale of the weekend. To make up for moments lost due to weather, I took the family to Unplugged in the Park on July 7 to see some other Atlanta greats grace the stage together.

Among them was Michelle Malone, who was at the forefront of Atlanta’s listening ear when my band Soup first emerged on the scene back in 1995. She hasn’t aged a bit and rocks harder than ever before with her fullon Southern rock and catchy hooks.

JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

BY Bram Bessoff

13

AJT

COMMUNITY

Helping from Half a World Away

CHANCE ENCOUNTER LEADS TO TREMENDOUS TZEDAKAH

BY RON FEINBERG WEB EDITOR

L

ife for members of the small Jewish community in Uganda has gotten dramatically better in recent months.

Their good fortune is the product of a chance encounter late last year in Jerusalem that eventually led to community efforts in metro Atlanta and the tiny village of Mbale in eastern Uganda.

The story begins with Shalom Lewis, the well-known and respected rabbi of Congregation Etz Chaim in East Cobb, taking a sabbatical in Israel. Along with his wife Cindy, Rabbi Lewis spent several months last winter traveling and visiting with family and friends, eventually settling in Jerusalem to do some serious study at the Conservative yeshiva in the center of the city.

Meanwhile, a young lawyer from Uganda, Moses Sebagabo, was also in Jerusalem. His remarkable tale is filled with a series of twists and turns that place him at the heart of Uganda’s small but spiritually rich Jewish community – the Abayudaya, a sect that didn’t even exist a century ago.

The original Abayudaya (the word is Luganda for “People of Judah”), among them Sebagabo’s great-grandfather, split off from Christianity in the early 20th century for an assortment of reasons and began identifying as Jews and observing Jewish laws and customs.

JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

Today, it is a community of seven synagogues – one Orthodox and six Conservative – as well as a mikveh, a Jewish school, a handful of Jewish youth groups, one ordained Conservative rabbi and even two shochetim (ritual slaughterers) trained in Israel to provide kosher meat.

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For the last several years, Sebagabo had served as a chazzan, gabbai and lay leader for six or so of the synagogues in the country. Recently, in an effort to gain a deeper understanding of Judaism and its rituals and to better serve the Jews of Uganda, he decided to go back to school – and so it was that last winter he, too, was studying at the Conservative yeshiva in Jerusalem.

Thus, it was only a matter of time

before the rabbi from Atlanta and the lawyer from Uganda met.

A Friendship Formed Rabbi Lewis and Sebagabo couldn’t have been more different; the lifestyle and cultural gap between the two men was vast.

The former lives in one of the wealthiest nations in the world; a land of abundance filled with massive cities and sprawling suburbs; vast shopping malls surrounded by restaurants, specialty shops, discount stores and markets. If you want or need something, you buy it.

TOP: Moses Sebagabo in front of his home in Mbale, Uganda with his wife, Esther Kasuubo; daughter, Ora Naula; and son, Yonatan Chani.

On the other hand, the tiny BOTTOM: Workmen place a solar panel atop the Sebagabo’s home earlier this summer. The projMbale is a jarring mix of mud huts ect was paid for with donations from members of Congregation Etz Chaim in East Cobb. and small brick buildings linked mostly by twisting and rutted dirt roads. There are few shops, no power Admittedly, the maand little fresh water. Despair hangs chine would be a huge heavily on the horizon. If you want or financial investment; the $1,800 price tag would need something, you pray for it. be a fortune in Uganda, “He, his family and his communi- where the median income ties live in the third – some might for families is only a few even say in the fourth – world,” Rabbi hundred dollars per year.

Lewis said. “Amenities we routinely enjoy and take for granted are only The impact, however, distant dreams for these impover- would be priceless. A ished souls, and yet they celebrate generator would mean Sebagabo could talk with life and their faith.” other Jews in the area, for your generous support.”

Even with their contrasting back- have constant access to the web and Going forward, Sebagabo plans grounds, the two men spent time to- stay in touch with the world. to continue his studies. He’s just regether in Jerusalem, discussed their lives and beliefs and came to realize It would also mean when the sun cently applied for acceptance into the they share much in common. After settled below the horizon each night, Jewish studies program at Hebrew at least one house would have lights. College in Boston. And after that, it’s all, they were both Jews. his hope – if he’s accepted and can Eventually, each returned to their “I realized that there is a huge diffind the necessary funds to travel ference in the way Moshe lives and homes and daily lives; Rabbi Lewis to and from the U.S. – to return to what we take for granted,” Rabbi to the plenty of America, Sebagabo to Uganda and work as a teacher. the grinding poverty of Uganda. Each Lewis said. “It’s astonishing that people live like this in the 21st century.” “The Abayudaya community is was in the other’s thoughts, though. growing,” he said, “and a ‘Jewish “Before Moshe [the given name From there, it only took a couple family educator’ will be responsible Sebagabo prefers and goes by] left Is- of phone calls, a note to Etz Chaim to travel from synagogue to synarael, I asked that he stay in touch and congregants and a few weeks to raise gogue in order to extend Jewish edulet me know if there was anything we the necessary money. A month or so cation to the communities, schools later, the funds were wired to Secould do to help him with his Jewish and families.” bagabo, and early this summer the outreach,” Rabbi Lewis said. generator was installed.

For his part, Rabbi Lewis has “I don’t know which words I can found the entire experience thrilling.

Let There Be Light use to show how much I appreciate “The fact that we in Marietta can It turns out there was something the funds you contributed towards help a Conservative congregation on Sebagabo and his community badly helping me have light in my house,” the other side of the planet in Africa needed: a solar-powered generator. Sebagabo wrote recently to Rabbi is incredible,” he said, “and offers us To that point, he and the others in Lewis. “I will now be able to explore a real sense of tzedakah. It was a rare Mbale regularly walked hours to the the great Jewish texts and Jewish opportunity.” nearest city to charge their few cell laws on the internet. I pray that the Almighty Hashem rewards you all phones and computers.

AJT

COMMUNITY

Two Local Jewish Youth Leaders Honored in D.C. RESNICK, HIRSCH RECEIVE PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

A

t the 18th annual presentation of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards held earlier this summer in Washington, D.C., Georgia’s top two youth volunteers of 2013 – David Resnick, 18, of Roswell, and Kelsey Hirsch, 13, of Cumming – were honored for their outstanding efforts in service.

Along with 100 other top youth volunteers from across the country, Resnick and Hirsch each received $1,000 awards and personal congratulations from Academy Awardwinning actor Kevin Spacey and Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix at an award ceremony and gala dinner reception, held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

Resnick, a senior at Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey congratulates Centennial High School, David Resnick (center) and Kelsey Hirsch. has played a leadership role for the past six years in Creating Connected Communities (CCC), the organization behind the annual Amy’s Party, a holiday celebration for more than 750 children from homeless shelters throughout Atlanta. He was inspired to get involved by a childhood memory: At age 10, his sister asked the guests at her bat mitzvah celebration to bring books for homeless kids, and the young man helped deliver them to a local shelter.

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“I loved seeing how happy those kids were to receive the gifts,” he said.

Resnick made a similar effort with his own bar mitzvah, asking guests to donate toys that he later donated to CCC. Today, as one of the organization’s teen leaders, he does more than just plan the annual party – he also visits shelters, interacts with local philanthropists and learns all about nonprofit organizations.

Hirsch, an eighth-grader at Piney Grove Middle School, sold more than $15,000 worth of silicone wristbands to help the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) respond to a recent surge in call volume from victims of sexual violence. After hearing about the allegations of sexual abuse at Penn State University, this daughter of two Penn State alumni felt she needed to do something to help survivors of sexual assaults.

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“I want to make sure this never happens again,” she explained.

To that end, Hirsch designed a blue silicone wristband and proposed selling “Bands4RAINN” for $3 each to support the organization’s mission. The Network agreed to publicize her effort, and Hirsch began selling the bands through friends and relatives, social media and events sponsored by other advocacy groups, both inside and outside the Penn State community.

The money she raised so far has helped RAINN increase its capacity to handle a 47-percent increase in volume on its telephone and Internet hotlines that occurred since the Sandusky scandal broke.

“We commend these honorees not only for the impact of their service and their spirit of giving but also for inspiring others to consider that they can make a difference, too,” said John Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, Inc. “We congratulate this extraordinary group of youth volunteers.”

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 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.

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, July 12, 2013 Light Candles at: 8:32 p.m.

Shabbat, July 13, 2013 Shabbat Ends: 9:33 p.m.

Friday, July 19, 2013 Light Candles at: 8:29 p.m.

Shabbat, July 20, 2013 Shabbat Ends: 9:29 p.m.

Friday, July 26, 2013 Light Candles at: 8:25 p.m.

Shabbat, July 27, 2013 Shabbat Ends: 9:24 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2, 2013 Light Candles at: 8:20 p.m.

Shabbat, Aug. 3, 2013 Shabbat Ends: 9:18 p.m.

JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

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More information about The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and this year’s honorees can be found at spirit.prudential.com or nassp.org/spirit.

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AJT

arts & life

Menopause The Musical Returns to Atlanta

JEWS MAKING NEWS

ONLY 7 SHOWS!

Ram, Levine Represent at Wimbledon

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

Compiled by Elizabeth Friedly

W

imbledon 2013 marked a historic victory for Britain – Andy Murray’s win was the first for the country in 77 years. The tournament was also a victory of sorts for Members of the Tribe, as Jewish competitors Andy Ram and Jesse Levine made impressive showings of their own.

Israel’s Ram qualified for his 11th Wimbledon, this time in Mixed Doubles with partner Abigail Spears. He was the last Israeli player standing in the tournament before losing in a close match against the 11thseeded mixed pair.

T

he international hit show “Menopause The Musical” will return to Atlanta for seven performances from July 30 through Aug. 4. The hilarious production will play the Alliance Theatre at the Woodruff Arts Center; tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at woodruffcentertickets.org or by calling (404) 733-5000.

It is estimated that nearly 11 million women have attended a performance of “Menopause” since the original 2001 opening in Orlando, Fla. In-

Meanwhile, Levine represented Canada in two categories. In what was the 25-yearold’s fourth Wimbledon, he and partner Vasek Pospipil made it into the third round of the Gentlemen’s Doubles before losing to Mahesh Bhupathi and Julian Knowle; he also made it to the second round in Singles before bowing out to Juan Martin del Potro.

Ram, born in Uruguay, was Top: Andy Ram Above: Jesse Levine the first Israeli tennis player to win a seniors Grand Slam event (Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon in 2006). He began playing tennis at the age of 5, shortly after his family moved to Jerusalem, and he and his Men’s Doubles partner Jonathan Erlich represented Israel in both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.

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Levine’s strong performance comes not long after the announcement that he would be joining Canada’s Davis Cup team to participate in the international men’s tournament, making him the first Jewish player to represent Canada in the Cup since 1988. An Ontario native, he’s the son of Nathan G ATLA IN Levine, a former tennis player for Pennsylvania State University; attended OVER the Ottawa Jewish Community School, where he learned to read and write YEARS Hebrew; keeps kosher; and wears a Star of David when competing.

N I TA L I A N

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spired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, writer and producer Jeanie Linders created the show as a celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “the change.”

JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

The plot centers around four women at a lingerie sale – they’ve got nothing in common but a black lace bra and memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! A hilarious parody, the work is set to classic tunes from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s and frequently inspires cheering and dancing in the aisles.

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The all-female cast of the coming Atlanta run will include Becca McCoy (Iowa Housewife), Rebecca Fisher (Soap Star), Valerie Mackey (Earth Mother) and Atlanta-native Sandra Benton (Professional Woman). GFour Productions – founded by husband-and-wife duos Kenneth and Sandra Greenblatt and Alan and Kathi Glist and now the winner of more than 30 Tony Awards – is producing.

Editor’s note: For more information, visit menopausethemusical.com.

alfre d o s a t l a n t a . c o m

AJT

arts & life

Kosher Movies: Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005) ALWAYS SIDE-BY-SIDE AJT Contributor

I

n my work as a volunteer online matchmaker, I often see selfdescriptions of people that are totally plain and uninteresting.

Once, a young lady wrote: “I love to read, listen to music, and I enjoy following sports and spending time with friends.”

In this particular instance, I wrote a note to her advising that she share something about her goals in life, what moves her spiritually or what makes her different from someone else. I did so because I’ve found that men do not want a shallow mate; they want to marry a person who thinks deeply and who will have something to say to them about important life issues.

I was reminded of this as I watched “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” an action-saturated comedy about two assassins who marry without revealing their professions to each other.

Over time, they have little to say beyond bland platitudes, and the film opens as they are participating in a marriage counseling session to rejuvenate their union.

We learn that John and Jane Smith first met in Bogota, Columbia, where they both were being pursued by the authorities. It was love at first sight, and they were wed soon after.

Working for different firms, they conceal their true vocations and lead a life in which duplicity is the norm, each lying to the other whenever they leave the house on a mission.

Things come to a head when they both are assigned to eliminate the same target. When they subsequently cross paths and almost kill one another, each finally discovers the other’s true profession.

At first, their professional goals come first, but love asserts itself and, in an epiphany of honest affection, they reunite as a couple and rediscover their original passion for each other.

The bliss is short-lived, though; John and Jane soon find out that their employers want them dead, as assassins who marry one another are a liability. Thus the Smiths become a target for a veritable army of other assassins, and how they cleverly evade their pursuers and untangle the web of lies that they have woven over the five or six years of their marriage provides a humorous and fascinating narrative of marital therapy taken to extremes.

On the subject of preserving marriage and insuring good relations between husband and wife, Judaism prescribes that it should be a high priority. In fact, so important is this that even the name of G-d can be erased from scripture in order to sustain the marriage bond and to create a peaceful household.

find something to complain about. But that is not what marriage is all about.

On the contrary, marriage is about finding the good in another person, not finding fault and constantly criticizing the other.

In truth, it is much easier to love someone from afar because that love is not tested daily, as it is in marriage.

“Mr. and Mrs. Smith” reminds us that the bedrock of a successful marriage is a combination of unconditional love, honest communication and a focus on the future instead of the past. For a simple way of expressing these values, take what Jane says to John in a moment of crisis, when both are facing possible annihilation: “There’s nowhere I’d rather be than here with you.”

For example, when a woman is suspected of adultery, she is required to participate in a ritual that demands the erasure of holy text to restore her good name. The sages all agree that for such a lofty purpose, even His name can be blotted out – the sanctity of the home is paramount.

That’s a message that resonates with John, who knows that whatever the outcome, he and his wife possess a shared destiny.

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

Tensions inevitably arise in a marriage, as two people are sharing every day together. One can always

JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

BY Rabbi Herbert Cohen

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AJT

what’s happening

Fri., July 12

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.

Sun., July 14

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.

Thurs., July 18 Friday Night Fever: Mediterranean Madness with falafel and Israeli cocktails following services. Fri., July 12, 7 p.m. Congregation Beth Tefillah. (404) 843-2464.

Avenue Jew, A Puppet Shabbat, family-friendly services created by Kehillah members. Fri., July 12, 7:30 p.m. Temple Kehillat Chaim. michaelsobel@yahoo.com.

Sat., July 13

From Noah to Tnuvah, discussion with guest speaker Yossi Wolfson on Jewish teachings, sustainable food and plant-based diets. Sat., July 13, 12:30 p.m. Congregation Or Hadash.

(404) 250-3338.

Edgewise Speaker Series: Chana Shapiro, AJT columnist presents on a variety of humorous subjects. Thurs., July 18, 10:30 a.m. Free for members, $5 non-members. MJCCA’s Zaban Park. lilly.mahana@atlantajcc.org.

Fri., July 19

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; successive mock tests each Friday.

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

Teen Community Service at Books for Africa, join TCS for sorting and boxing donations; teens will earn two community service hours. Fri., July 19, 10 a.m. Pre-registration required. Books for Africa on Olympic

Industrial Dr. amy.helman-darley@ atlantajcc.org.

Sat., July 20

Fifth-Annual Pirates of Lanier Poker Run, fun for the whole family benefiting various children’s organizations in Georgia. Sat., July 20, 9 a.m. Lake Lanier. (770) 594-9969 or lanierpartners.org.

Sun., July 21

Ketura Hadassah Summer Splash, pool party and kosher hamburgers and hot dogs. Sun., July 21, 12 p.m. $10 couvert, bring a pareve side dish or dessert to share. Private residence. ebfrank619@gmail.com.

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.

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.

Rick Jacobs, URJ President. Fri., July 26, 8 p.m. Temple Kol Emeth.

(770) 973-3533.

Sun., July 28

White Water Paddling Trip with trained river guide Yaacov Gothard, Class I and II on the Hiawassee River. Sun., July 28, 8:30 a.m. RSVP requested by Thurs., July 25. Meet at Chabad of Cobb. (678) 773-4173.

Tefillah Class, start the year with a new understanding of the Shema and its blessings. Begins Sun., July 28, 9:30 a.m. Congregation Ariel (Social Hall). (423) 400-7353.

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.

Sun., Aug. 4

Tues., July 23

Doubles Pickleball Tournament, for players of all ages and skill levels; register as single or pair; prizes awarded. Sun., Aug. 4, 10 a.m. $15/ member, $25/non-member. MJCCA’s Zaban Park. lilly.mahana@atlantajcc.org.

Thurs., July 25

Celebrate the New Year with OVS and the PJ Library, event featuring storytime, art projects, kosher snacks, shofar blowing and more. Sun., Aug. 4, 10:30 a.m. Congregation Or VeShalom. (404) 633-1737.

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.

Edgewise Speaker Series: Dr. Milton Tabor, former assistant educational director of American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees of Michigan presents on “Union: Necessity or Obsolete in Today’s Economy?”. Thurs., July 25, 10:30 a.m. Free for members, $5 non-members. MJCCA’s Zaban Park. lilly.mahana@atlantajcc.org.

Teen Community Service at MedShare International, sorting and packaging supplies; teens will earn three community service hours. Sun., Aug. 4, 1 p.m. Pre-registration required. MedShare on Clifton Springs Rd. amy.helman-darley@atlantajcc. org.

JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

Fri., July 26

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Dive into Shabbat, celebrate Shabbat at the MJCCA’s outdoor pool; special farewell blessing for MJCCA athletes participating in the JCC Maccabi Games. 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.

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 All Atlanta URJ Shabbat - Rock and Roll Style with guest speaker Rabbi

Have a BLAST at the MJCCA, listen to Rabbi Brian Glusman sound the shofar each morning leading up to Rosh

AJT

what’s happening

Hashanah (Sept. 4). First day Wed., Aug. 7, 11 a.m. Zaban Park. rabbi. glusman@atlantajcc.org.

and fellowship. Wed., Aug. 21, 7 p.m.

MJCCA’s Zaban Park. fredglus@ comcast.net.

Fri., Aug. 9

Thurs., Aug. 22

Dive into Shabbat, celebrate Shabbat at the MJCCA’s outdoor pool; special welcome for families of the Davis Academy. 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.

Teen Community Service at Hammond Glen Senior Community, join TCS for an afternoon of fun and bingo with assisted living home residents; teens will earn one-and-a-half community service hours. Pre-registration required. Thurs., Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m. Hammond Glen on Hammond Glen Dr. amy.helman-darley@ atlantajcc.org.

Sun., Aug. 11

Volunteers for Israel (VFI) South Region Picnic; for past and future volunteers as well as friends and family. Sun., Aug. 11, 2 p.m. RSVP requested before Aug. 1; bring a dairy or pareve side dish to share.

Private residence. (404) 825-4730.

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.

Sun., Aug. 18

45th Annual High Holyday Mitzvot Auction & Brunch. Sun., Aug. 18, 10:30 a.m. Congregation Or VeShalom. (404) 633-1737.

BBYO Connect Kickoff Pool Party, for 6th- through 8th-graders. Sun., Aug. 18, 4 p.m. $10 by Aug. 12, $15 after. MJCCA’s Zaban Park. stacie. graff@atlantajcc.org.

Tues., Aug. 20

17th-Annual AICCSE Professional Seminar, “Accelerating SoutheastIsrael Growth” with keynote speaker Shai Robkin. Tues., Aug. 20, 7:30 a.m. $90/Chamber member, $100/ non-member; price includes luncheon. Selig Center. aiccse.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.

now open in atlanta!! come on in to see why “it’s all about the water!”

6 FREE BAGELS with purchase of a dozen bagels expires 7/30/13

Wed., Aug. 21

Reunion of Atlanta Jewish community members from Nashville; meet with old friends for evening of food

2955 cobb parkway s.e., suite 240, atlanta, ga 30339 | 770.988.9991 open 365 days a year from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm in akers mill square

JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

BBYO Kickoff at the Braves Game, for 9th- through 12th-graders. Sun., Aug. 11, 12 p.m. $30 includes ticket, lunch and transportation to and from the game; pre-register at atlantajcc.org/bbyo by Aug. 6. Meet at MJCCA’s Zaban Park. laura.ross@ atlantajcc.org.

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AJT

MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL

Learning that Life is Bittersweet IN MEMORY OF GRANDMA EILEEN

BY RACHEL LAVICTOIRE AJT Columnist

W

hen I was little – around the age of five or six – I used to love visiting my grandma. Back then, she lived in New York.

kitchen. She’d give me a kiss when I woke up, and then I’d lay on the cool tiled floor in my “Tarzan” (and Jane) silk PJs to piece together a Flounder puzzle for the 100th time.

I wouldn’t be able to describe the house today: what it was made of, how the front yard looked, or even where it was. But I do remember the inside.

Grandma would watch me from the kitchen while she made challah French toast. Sometimes, I would finish before the food was ready, and I’d go sit at the breakfast bar to be with her while I waited. I remember she always sat really close to me at the table, and even with a plate of warm, syrup-covered goodness in front of me, I always took note of my grandma’s comforting scent.

I recall how the three-bedroom home seemed to stretch as guests arrived, making room for my grandma’s two daughters and sons-in-law and four grandchildren. I remember how the other kids and I liked to sleep together on the floor in one room.

And I remember my grandma’s bathroom was lined with yellow wallpaper, and the bath with a big green foam footprint.

JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

Also, I remember getting up in the morning and hearing her voice from the

20

I’m sharing all this with you now because this wonderful woman passed away in January at the age of 79 from a form of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma.

Now, I’m inclined to say that cancer stole my Grandma Eileen from me, because

I picture the disease as a deviant creature that sneaked inside my grandma and refused to leave. It knew she wasn’t ready to go, and that I wasn’t ready, and that the hundreds of other people who loved her weren’t ready. It had to know.

But on the days when such feelings fade away, I sometimes see the cancer as a blessing. Too often, people die suddenly and unpredictably, leaving behind untold stories and broken hearts. My grandma’s cancer was a signal, an alarm of sorts, complete with a snooze button giving us all an additional “10 minutes” with one another.

We knew our time was short, but at least we got to say goodbye.

Coming into Focus This Shabbat – the sixth of Av on the Hebrew calendar – we’ll celebrate Shabbat Chazon (“Shabbat of the Vision”) and read of Isaiah’s prophecy of the destruction of Holy Temple. Then, three days later, we observe Tisha B’Av (the ninth of Av), a day of remarkable significance.

the Torah and other Jewish texts.

You see it also in the book of Isaiah, when we read: “Rejoice with Jerusalem and exult in all those who love her: rejoice with her a rejoicing, all who mourn over her (Isaiah 66:10).”

The Talmud, too, says that “everyone who mourns for Jerusalem merits to share in her joy, and any one who does not mourn for her will not share in her joy (Talmud, Ta’anit 30b)” and that “not to mourn at all is impossible, because the blow has fallen.

To mourn overmuch is also impossible because we do not impose on the community a hardship which the majority cannot endure (Talmud, Baba Bathra 60b).”

Clearly, therefore, there’s a tie between mourning and celebration; seemingly, we cannot enjoy that which we did not grieve for. It makes sense, as in order to fully appreciate anything, we first have to pay tribute to the misfortunes that led us there.

Full Circle

It’s a day that’s come to be known as a period of mourning, and as such, is a time for both fasting and humility. Our laws prohibit eating and drinking, wearing leather footwear, being intimate and sending gifts – and what’s more, on this specific day, we are commanded to spend the day commemorating the many tragic events that occurred on this date in history.

Now, I’ll admit that before even reading this week’s Torah portion, I knew I would be writing about my grandma. This weekend, my family and I will be gathering in Florida for the unveiling of her tombstone – a moment sure to cause an emotional whirlwind – so I felt that this week I needed to write both about her and for her.

For instance, it was on the ninth of Av in 1313 BCE that the Israelite spies reported the Holy Land as unconquerable; the First and Second temples were destroyed on this date in 423 BCE and 69 CE, respectively; and it was also on the ninth that the Jews were expelled from England in 1290 CE.

And in making that decision to share even a bit of her story, I too made a connection between mourning and celebrating, realizing that you can’t do one without the other.

Still, even with all these somber notions, it would be a mistake to think that the true focus and meaning of the day is just on grieving and sadness. There is also, interestingly, a bit of joy: In the parsha portion we are about to read, Devarim, Moses retells the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan.

Thus, in the final days before entering the Promised Land, he reminds them of wars with other nations and conflicts with G-d. It’s one example of a relationship between grief and joy shows up throughout

I can neither miss my grandma without recalling wonderful memories; nor can I speak of our time together without missing her.

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 in 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.

Mary Pollard Abrams

97, OF ATLANTA

Mary Pollard Abrams of Atlanta died peacefully at home on June 30, 2013. She was carried aloft on the wave of history from a tiny Polish village to a long and wonderful life in America. Born Meri Gilule in Indura, Poland on Aug. 10, 1915, she was the sixth of seven children of Mascha Eta (Bebke) and Zachariah Gilule. Mary was one of only two children in her family to complete high school. Driven by her adventurous spirit, 19-yearold Mary left her homeland for America in the spring of 1935. She joined her older brother and other extended family members in Chattanooga, Tenn. She attended the University of Chattanooga and worked while she attended college, saving enough money to pay for her sweetheart’s passage from Poland to America. That sweetheart, Sidney Pollard, married Mary in 1937. The romantic love story of the attractive young Polish immigrants was reported with great fanfare in both the local paper and The New York Times. Mary and Sidney raised their three children to value education, to work with diligence and integrity and to embrace Jewish traditions. Mary was widowed in 1960 and eventually married two more times. She lived for several years with her third husband, Carroll P. Abrams, in Georgetown, S.C. After his death, she moved to Atlanta where she lived for the rest of her life. Mary Pollard Abrams was a remarkable woman of courage, intelligence and commitment.

With her zest for life, her love of learning, and her endlessly positive attitude, she was a source of strength and a great inspiration to her family. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. She is survived by her three children, Judy Pollard Dubrof (Jerry) of Canton, Ga., Dr. Zane F. Pollard (Nancy) of Sandy Springs and Babette Pollard Jackson (Ambassador Robert P. Jackson) of Yaounde, Cameroon.

Her grandchildren are Cydnee Dubrof (Robert McDonough), David Dubrof, Joe Dubrof (Julie), Dylan Pollard (Mali) and Derek Pollard (Jill). Her 12 great-grandchildren are Jordan, Morgan and Stephanie Dubrof; Zachary, Jeffrey and Katie Dubrof; Ava, Beatrice and Levi Pollard; and Forest, Lexi and Hayes Pollard. Her dear and faithful friend, Maritza Soca, brought comfort and joy to her life. The family is grateful for the caregivers at Lenbrook, who provided tender care during Mary’s years as a resident and during her final illness. An online guestbook is available at edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. The funeral was held at 1 p.m. on Sun., July 7, 2013 at B’nai Zion Cemetery in Chattanooga. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

Jerome Shapiro 85, OF ATLANTA

Jerome Shapiro, age 85, of Atlanta, died July 7, 2013. He was born in Augusta, Ga. to Mary and Ike Shapiro on Oct. 21, 1927. He attended The Richmond Academy, The Citadel and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He was a Marine and a veteran of the Korean War. Mr. Shapiro was a Mason, as well as a member of the Jewish War Veterans. He loved his wife of 65 years, Rona, and placed her on a pedestal. He adored his daughters: Shááron (Franklin) Trell of Atlanta

Burton Michael Solomon 69, OF MARIETTA

Burton Michael Solomon, 69, of Marietta, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 1, 2013. Michael was born in Chicago on Dec. 30, 1943. He graduated from Senn High School and continued on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and a master’s degree from Ball State University. Michael was married to Ida Rose “Rollie” Solomon (Levy) on Apr. 4, 1971; they were married 42 years. Michael was a master of many crafts, including sales, teaching, jewelry and printing. He enjoyed cooking and reading. He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, growing up in the shadow of Wrigley Field. He enjoyed going to minyan. Michael also loved spending time with his granddaughters every chance he had. Michael is survived by his three children, Aaron Solomon and his wife Sara, Kerry Rubin and her husband Evan and Stephanie Solomon and her boyfriend Jordan Seymour; his four granddaughters, Zoe, Penina, Chana and Rochael; his brother, Jack Solomon; his nephews, Ronald and his wife Melissa and Scott Solomon and his wife Ruth; and many cousins and friends.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Sam Solomon and Perle Solomon Varelas, of blessed memory. Please sign online guestbook at edressler.com. A graveside service was held at Crestlawn Cemetery in Atlanta at 11a.m. on Wed., July 3, 2013. Shiva was held on July 3, 4 and 7 at 7 p.m. at the home of Mrs. Ida Solomon. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

Jason Vic Topper 26, OF ATLANTA

Jason Vic Topper, 26, of Atlanta, passed away on Sat., June 29, 2013. He is survived by his father and mother, Ron Topper and Eileen Topper Levitt; his beloved sister, Morgan Topper; and his half-brother, Preston Topper. He is also survived by his grandmothers, Celia “Jojo” Topper and Miriam Perry, and grandfather, David Levitt.

Jason was preceded in death by his grandfather, Norbert “Vic” Topper, and great-grandparents Harry and Annie Mislow. Jason is also survived by his uncles, Marty and Gary Topper; aunt, Jill Levitt Clow; and many cousins, although he had a special love for his cousin Beth Topper. Jason was kind and loving with a heart of gold. He had a quirky sense of humor and could make anyone laugh. He had a passion for music, especially the guitar, and was planning a trip to Israel with Birthright. Donations can be made by planting a tree for Jason in Israel. Graveside services were held on Wed., July 3, 2013 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, officiated by Rabbi Isser New. An online guest book is available at edressler.com. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

JUNE 28 ▪ 2013

AJT

may their memories be a blessing

and Rissa Shapiro, also of Atlanta. He was so proud of his grandchildren: Heather (Todd) Schlesinger and Darryl (Laurie) Trell. His most prized possessions were his great-grandchildren: Emerson and Addison Schlesinger and the brand-new Mason Caleb Trell. Sign online guestbook at edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. A graveside service was held Mon., July 8, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Joseph Prass and Rabbi Scott Colbert officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

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JEWISH PUZZLER

by David Benkof

Across 1. Mai ___ (bar drinks) 5. Speak “lashon hara” about 8. It’s sometimes kissed at Ben Gurion 14. Lickety-split 16. Triangular lodge 17. Like the Jews in Egypt 18. Uzi alternative 19. Leviticus Torah portion; literally “say” 20. Police-alert abbr.

21. Bag checker’s org.

22. Lew works for him 25. Cyprus, e.g.

27. Celestial item around which the Jewish calendar is based 28. Early German-Jewish historian 31. “M*A*S*H” roles 32. J.F.K. overseer 33. Actor Arnold 34. Herman Wouk novel made into a popular TV mini-series 40. Kibbutz implement 41. Middle act of “The Jew of Malta” 42. “And God ___ every thing that he had made” (Gen. 1:31) 44. He released the Pentagon Papers 49. Brooklyn ball club 50. Beginning of culture?

51. Spielberg’s E.T., e.g.

52. “Ti ___” (“I love you,” in Italian) 53. Guns grp.

54. A type of package

56. Flip a switch up 58. Wooed 62. Get ___ (be rewarded at work) 63. Jews, to anti-Semitic non-Jews 64. Singer-songwriter Tom 65. Final ___ 66. JNF medium

26. More unsavory 27. Certain Persian’s sound 29. First two words of Tevye’s famous song 30. Fed. law enforcement branch 35. Long periods of time 36. Third-century Chinese dynasty 37. Controversial implant 38. “The Prize: The Epic Quest for

___, Money and Power” (Pulitzerwinning book) 39. Dead Sea Scrolls quality 43. Chicago-based Superstation 44. Shy and modest 45. Salary recipient 46. Airport near Forest Hills, N.Y. 47. Woman in parshat Lech L’cha

Down 1. 1969 Streisand Oscar result 2. Advice columnist Landers 3. Connections that help you get ahead 4. Like Kol Nidre services 5. DVR brand 6. National Council of Jewish Women co-founder Sadie 7. “The ___ Tent” 8. American journalist Jake 9. Tell ___ (prevaricate) 10. Monopoly buys: abbr.

11. Double parsha 12. “A Tale of Love and Darkness” author, 2003 13. Holocaust poet Paul 15. Daughter of David 20. It’s useful in calc.

22. ___ Somayach (Jerusalem yeshiva founded in 1970) 23. 1979 Martin Sherman Holocaust play 24. Jerusalem yeshiva overlooking the Western Wall

48. Uses a kitchen appliance 49. Brazilian city north of Recife 53. Barbra Streisand prominent feature 55. Old-style radio 57. Jerusalem Mayor Barkat 58. Edge 59. Steve Ballmer, to Microsoft (abbr.)

60. Actor Roth (“Inglourious Basterds”) 61. Alternative to dial-up Internet: Abbr.

Last week’s answers

Chess Puzzle of the Week

by Jon Hochberg

Challenge: Black to move, checkmate in 1 move

Solution: 1) Nc6+, b7 x N 2) Qb3, Bb4 3) Q x Bb4#

JUNE 28 ▪ 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.

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JUNE 28 ▪ 2013