paul simon Live at emory
PROFESSOR GALIL BRINGS THE FUTURE TO ISRAEL
PAGE 56
atlanta
PAGES 6-7
AUGUST 30, 2013 – SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
www.atlantajewishtimes.com
BROOKE ROSENTHAL’S INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
Double ISSUE rosh hashanah AUG 30-sept 12
VISIT OUR NEW
WEBSITE & like US ON
24 elul 5773 – 8 TISHREI 5774 vOL. LXXXVIII NO. 35
THE Weekly Newspaper Uniting the Jewish Community for Over 85 Years
L’Shana Tovah!
PAGES 24-25
uga in israel PAGES 32-33
L O W E S T P R I C E S • I N C R E D I B L E S E L E C T I O N • G R E AT S E R V I C E
Celebrate the
High Holidays We Have the Area’s Largest Selection of Kosher Wines!
Benn Ami Chaardonnaa y, Cabbernet, Merrlot 750m ml
KOSHER ISRAEL 750ml Yarden-Cabernet ...........................32.99 Yarden-Chardonnay.......................22.99 Yarden-Merlot ...............................28.99
$144.99
KOSHER AMERICAN 750ml
Yogev Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay 750ml
Baron Herzog Jeunesse Cabernet 750ml
$17.99
Golan Cabernet 750ml
$15.99
$15.99
Cabernet & Merlot $16.99 Cabernet & Shiraz $16.99
WINE FAVORITES Menage a Trois Rouge
8
Douglass Hill Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot
$ 77
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
30-12oz cans 24-12oz loose btls $16.49 1/2 Keg $99.99
J Lohr Cabernet Seven Oaks
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sonoma
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
10 97
$
750ml
750ml
12 47
$
750ml
2
$
Heineken, Heineken Light, Amstel Light
19 99
30-12oz cans
$
20 99
24-12oz loose btls 24-12oz loose btls $16.49 1/2 Keg $99.99 12-12oz btls or cans $10.99
24 -TAP GROWLER STATION*
1.75L
$
29
99 $ 1.75L
33
Bacardi Superior
99
$
1.75L
Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum
17 99
$
1.75L
19 99
1.75L
750ml
17 97
750ml
OVER 2,500
Corona Extra, Corona Light
$
Sweet Water 420 Pale Ale
10 99
12-12oz btls or cans
$
13 99
12-12oz btls 6-12oz btls $7.99
Jim Beam
• Locaal and specia cia iall-r l-re reelea lease leas eas asse be beer er • 64ozz. and 1L Gro roowler wlers av wle availa aila ilable lablee • Plus, bring yourr own ow ow wn clean cle leean boott tt t ess ttl and we’ll fill them em em
$ KENNESAW
Prices good thru 9/7/2013. Not responsible for typographical errors, human error or supplier price increases. Products while supplies last. We reserve the right to limit quantities. It is illegal to sell alcohol below cost in the State of Georgia. In the event of a price error or price match, customer satisfactions cannot go below our purchase cost. Some items in limited quantities at the listed prices. Total Wine & More is a registered trademark of Retail Services & Systems, Inc. © 2013 Retail Services & Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. *Spirits available in our Kennesaw and Alpharetta locations only. Please drink responsibly. Use a designated driver.
TotalWineAndMore
16
99
SELECTIONS
SELECTIONS
*Perimeter location only
www.totalwine.com
$
OVER 3,000
10 97
$
The Brewery District NEW!
Alfasi-Merlot ...................................9.99
Ketel One
Absolut
Smirnoff
7
750ml
Bud Light, Budweiser
19 99
Manischewitz--Blackberry ...............8.99 Manischewitz--Concord Grape .........7.99 Manischewitz--Crm Red Concord .....8.99 Manischewitz--Crm White Concord ..8.99
Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay
Clos du Bois Chardonnay
Domestic, Import & Microbrew
$
KOSHER 1.5L
Kedem-Cream Malaga ....................6.99 Manischewitz-Blackberry .................4.29 Manischewitz-Concord Grape ..........3.49 Manischewitz-Cream Peach ............4.29
$ 97
BEER Superstore Miller Lite, Coors Light
KOSHER SWEET 750ml
$ 47
$
750ml
KOSHER ALTERNATIVES 750ml
TotalWine
20
NOW
OPEN ON Wine, Spirits & Beer SUNDAY! Barrett Pavilion I 740 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy., Ste. 500 Kennesaw, GA 30144 (678) 354-0168 HOURS: Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm, Fri & Sat 8am-11pm Sun 12:30pm-10pm VISIT US ONLINE FOR OUR HOLIDAY HOURS.
99
1.75L
Crown Royal
$
40
99
1.75L
ALPHARETTA
Dewar’s
$
30
NOW
OPEN ON Wine, Spirits & Beer SUNDAY! Adjacent to North Point Mall 380 North Point Circle, Alpharetta, GA 30022 (770) 772-0694 HOURS: Mon-Thurs 9am-10pm, Fri & Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 12:30pm-10pm
Patron Silver
99 $ 1.75L
36
99
750ml
PERIMETER
Tanqueray
$
32 99
1.75L
NOW
OPEN ON No Spirits Perimeter Square SUNDAY! Shopping Center 124 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, GA 30346 (770) 395-1678 HOURS: Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm, Fri & Sat 8am-11pm, Sun 12:30pm-10pm
ATL-13-0826Kosher-TAB
GREAT VALUE WINE
Baron Herzog-Cabernet .................14.99 Baron Herzog-Chardonnay .............14.99 Baron Herzog-Chenin Blanc .............7.99
OVER 8,000 SPIRITS* Superstore SELECTIONS
America’s WINE Superstore®
2
Manischewitz-Crm White Concord....4.29 Manischewitz-Elderberry .................4.29 Mogen David-Blackberry .................4.49 Mogen David-Concord.....................4.49 Rashi-Moscato D’Asti ....................17.99
AJT
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
5773 – A Year of More Changes SPECIAL ROSH HASHANAH DOUBLE ISSUE MESSAGE BY CLIFF WEISS publisher
Trying to live up to the slogan “The weekly paper uniting the Jewish community for over 85 years,” is a difficult endeavor. I realize that Abraham (Lincoln, the President, not Avram the Patriarch) was correct, “You can please some of the people some of the time all of the people some of the time some of the people all of the time but you can never please all of the people all of the time.” We have added some new writers and columnists, with different perspectives. I do not want the AJT to be considered either a liberal paper, or a conservative paper. My vision is to provide a forum for all sides of the debate. This is the Community’s newspaper. Recently, we have increased our efforts to report on local stories, with exclusive content and interviews, such as the Andrea Sneiderman case, and we continue to identify the Jewish successes and positive role models in our community. Charitable work remains a priority. We have sponsored: GHA’s Sidney Feldman Legacy Golf Tournament, Walk for the ML-4 Gene, Atlanta 2 Day for Breast Cancer, Noshfest, Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival, Atlanta Jewish Music Festival, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, Camp Twin Lakes, Jerusalem Festival, Friends of IDF, Pinch Hitter Program, Jewish Educational Loan Fund, and many others. We will continue to support the Atlanta Jewish community, and we hope that the community will sup-
As you can see, this issue is a special double edition for Rosh Hashanah. There will be no new paper on September 6. Since Labor Day is on September 2, and Erev Rosh Ha-
shanah begins on September 4, there is no time to produce another paper. The next edition will be the September 13 Yom Kippur issue. Look for it in two weeks; it will also be packed with interesting articles and features!
Loretta, Gabriel, and I, as well as the entire staff of the AJT, wish you a sweet and healthy new year, and hope that we are all inscribed for blessing in the Book of Life! L’ Shana Tovah!
Wishing Your Family a Sweet & Peaceful New Year
L’Shana Tova!
The Epstein Difference Academics | Character | Community |
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
A
s we know, Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection. Since the Atlanta Jewish Times is our weekly Jewish community newspaper, I think that it is important for me to share with the community a brief glimpse of what has transpired at the paper throughout 5773. We had some good times, and some bad times; we tried some initiatives and features that worked, and some that failed; and we have always tried to learn from our mistakes.
port us. Read, write, advertise, and frequent the advertisers who support our Jewish community newspaper!
3
AJT
israel
Israeli Pride
GOOD NEWS MADE IN THE JEWISH STATE THIS PAST WEEK PATIENTS CAN BREATHE EASIER. Students in the bio-design program of the Hebrew University Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem have designed a robotic intubation device that guides itself to patients’ lungs. The “Guide IN Tube” prevents accidental misplacement of the air tube into the food pipe, which can be fatal. AND IN THE SAME VEIN…The Sagiv, also designed by Hadassah students, helps medical staff insert an IV tube (catheter) into the vein, making it quicker and virtually painless to the patient. It resolves one of the biggest issues of “missing the mark” for nurses and paramedics—especially in young children, whose veins are typically thinner. HAPPY PALESTINIAN WORKERS. The number of Palestinian Arabs working for Israelis in Judea and Samaria increased by 4,000 in the second quarter of 2013. These 20,000
Arabs actually receive double the average PA government wage by working for the Israelis. EDIBLE CROPS FROM POISONOUS PLANTS. Scientists at the Weizmann Institute have discovered the biochemical process for producing the poisonous chemicals found in many wild plants (known as glycoalkaloid). The discovery will help make new food crops and provide edible crops with protection from disease and pests. TAKING WORLD PARALYMPIC GOLD. Israel’s Itzhak Mamistvalov won the 100-meter freestyle S1 race at the 2013 IPC World Paralympic Swimming Championships in Montreal, Canada. Itzhak has cerebral palsy and swims using only his right hand. Israel’s Inbal Pezaro won a silver medal in the women’s 200-metre freestyle.
PUTTING OUT THE FIRES. In reaction to the devastating Carmel forest fires last year, Israel’s Ministry of Public Security developed the Matash Fire Forecasting System – the first operational system of its kind in the world. It has already helped to control and extinguish forest fires all around Israel. NATURAL GAS POWERS ECONOMIC GROWTH. Israel’s Composite State of the Economy Index for July 2013 increased by 0.2 percent, and was significantly impacted by the start of natural gas production. Previously published figures increased following the recent release of Q2 data. Q2 GDP rose 5.1 percent, far above expectations. THOUSAND YEAR-OLD INSCRIPTION FOUND. Another biblical link to Israel’s capital city has been discovered in the City of David excavations. This pottery fragment from the first Temple period has an ancient He-
INVEST IN ISRAEL
brew inscription, possibly containing the name of the Biblical figure Zechariah son of Benaiah. ANCIENT WALL DISCOVERY. At the same time, an 8th Century wall has been unearthed by the harbor of Ashdod. In that time, the Assyrian king Sargon II was destroying the Philistine army in the Ashdod area, while the prophet Isaiah (ch.20) warned Judah’s king Hezekiah to stay out of the fight. SEVENTY THOUSAND PASSENGERS IN ONE DAY. Ben Gurion airport saw its busiest day ever last Friday, with a record 70,000 passengers. The figure is expected to be exceeded this week, making this August a record for the highest monthly passenger traffic numbers in the airport’s history. THE 50TH NEFESH B’NEFESH FLIGHT. A total of 331 new immigrants (Olim) from North America landed at Ben Gurion Airport on Aug. 13, 2013. This event marked the 50th Nefesh B’Nefesh charter flight since the group began mass Aliyah flights to Israel in August 2002.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
A GLUE TO STOP BLEEDING. Surgeons are very excited at the prospect of sealing up vascular operations using Seal-V from Israel’s Sealantis. Seal-V is actually safer than protein or synthetic based alternatives. It is highly effective, fast bonding, easy to use and has just received European medical approval.
4
2013 · 5774 HIGH HOLIDAYS INVEST IN ISRAEL BONDS · ISRAELBONDS.COM
Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds 1100 Spring Street, Suite 720 · Atlanta, GA 30309 atlanta@israelbonds.com · 800.752.5649
This is not an offering, which can be made only by prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before investing to fully evaluate the risks associated with investing in Israel bonds. Issues subject to availability. Member FINRA Photo Credits: pokku/Shutterstock.com; jvinasd/Shutterstock.com; Nir Darom/Shutterstock.com; Noam Armonn/Shutterstock.com; Jim Galfund
WORLD COMPUTER CHESS CHAMPIONS. Deep Junior, a program written by Israelis Amir Ban and Shay Bushinsky, and running on a Dual 12 core Intel Xenon I5 2.7 GHz computer, won the World Computer Chess Championship in Yokohama, Japan. Junior has now won six of the last 11 tournaments. SURGE IN FRENCH ALIYA. French Jews are immigrating to Israel in record numbers. A 10 percent increase in Aliya since the beginning of 2013 is expected to swell to 2,500 new immigrants by the end of the year – almost double the rate for previous years.
Atlanta Cardiology and Primary Care P.C. is pleased to welcome and announce our newest associate in our practice,
Dr. Jason S. Reingold M.D., F.A.C.C. The physicains and staff at Atlanta Cardiology and Primary Care P.C. would like to wish you a Happy and Heart Heathy New Year 5774
20% OFF
One Regular Priced Item Not valid with any other offer. Valid for September only. Bring in ad for 20% off 1 regular priced item.
Atlanta Cardiology & Primary Care, P.C. 5673 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road, Suite 440 Atlanta, GA 30342 Phone: (404) 296-1130 fax: (404) 296-1132
Brahms: Violin Concerto
Joshua Bell
RobeRt Spano
season
PhiliP lasser: The Circle and the Child
Bartók: Violin Concerto No. 2
Simone DinnerStein
Gil Shaham
on sale now! aso.org
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
2013 14
Music Director
| 404.733.5000
Make it a group! 404.733.4848 | Presented by:
5
AJT
israel
A Future in the Sea
Israel, Water and the World with Professor Noah Galil BY ELIZABETH FRIEDLY Assistant editor
F
rom the years 1998 to roughly 2012, Isrealis found themselves in a severe draught with no immediate solution on the horizon. Lawmakers and citizens alike were in a tailspin to combat the steadily disappearing winter rainfalls, all as the Sea of Galilee continued to shrink. The country was coping with three desalination plants and more farmers were making the switch to treated sewage water in place of fresh. Fast-forward and those three plants (responsible for turning vast supplies of ocean water into clean drinking water) have ballooned to a whopping 39, as of 2012. Israel is leading the world in wastewater recycling. The country’s 230 kilometers of coastline (143 miles) are being put to good use as desalination continues to gain momentum. One of the researchers at the forefront of these water conservation efforts is Pro-
natural resources demanded answers and Israel rose to the occasion. Galil characterizes the relatively small country of Israel as a kind of laboratory for water conservation methods.
fessor Noah Galil, Dean of Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. Galil recently took the time to visit the University of Georgia, where he held meetings as well as gave a seminar with graduate students and faculty members. He began his career in water resources engineering and wastewater, and is currently on the planning committee for WATEC – International Water & Environmental Technology Week. Yet Galil still describes himself in modest terms, “a person who happens to know a little bit about water technology and water technology in Israel.”
Professor Noah Galil When asked why Israel finds itself at the forefront of water technology, Galil cites the biting motivator of pure necessity. Israel’s quality and quantity of drinkable water are both low, it’s a fact of life. The reality of few limited
“Israel works together with many scientists and professionals from places like Germany and Italy and France and Denmark – all over Europe,” says Galil. “Now a lot of countries are expressing interest and sending students to Israel in order to be more familiar in ways to deal with water problems.” In May of this year, Israel-based company Netafim was awarded the annual Stockholm Industry Water
ATLANTA’S TOP KOSHER CATERER For All Occasions and More, Certified by the AKC
Happy Holidays from For All Occasions and More. We wish you all an easy fast.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Yom Kippur MENu
6
Here’s a sample of our Yom Kippur menu. Beautiful fish trays of Nova, Sable, Baked Salmon, or Stuffed Whitefish. Bagels, Cream cheese, challahs, Homemade Blintz’s, Kugels, desserts and much much more.
Sukkot Menu
A Sample of our menu is stuffed cabbage, sweet and sour meatballs, potato latkes, soups, casserole dishes, kugels, Chicken Options and of course dessert.
Contact Jodie Sturgeon 404-953-8157 office@faocatering.com www.foralloccasionsandmore.com for menus and call us today.
FREE DELIVERY FOR YOM KIPPUR OR SUKKOT valid on order of $275.00 or more, cannot be combined with any other offer
“We start with kids in kindergarten,” says Galil. “If you would speak with my grandkids, from the age of 3 they will tell you about how important water is and that water should be saved.” Israeli TV is littered with colorful ad spots and short films reminding citizens of the importance of conservation. According to Galil, the public has not responded to the increase in water prices with any sort of outrage, but instead a levelheaded understanding. The public’s water consumption took
a nosedive, decreasing by a record 12 percent. With these developments taking shape before him, along with organizations such as Engineers Without Borders, Galil is optimistic about the future. “I am sure about the potential of water technology to bring us closer to our neighbors,” says Galil. “No matter what political climate or what the political situation is, in my institute we always have one or two, or three or more research and development projects carried out in collaboration with people from Palestine and from Europe. It seems that thanks to G-d and the new natural reserves lately we’ve found in the Mediterranean Sea, energy will be lower. So everything will be prepared to get more water from the sea and to help our neighbors. This is the reason that I am very optimistic about the future.”
Chiropractic and more... Dr.Board Dmitry Sereda Certified Chiropractor
SUCCESSFULLY HELPING PEOPLE SINCE 2001
THE ONLY CHIROPRACTOR IN GEORGIA WITH THE LATEST NON INVASIVE TECHNOLOGY Art of thoegy e t a t S chnol Te
MLS LASER THERAPY = QUICKER RECOVERY ■ Tendon and ligament injuries ■ Soft tissue injuries ■ Muscle strains and tears ■ Sore muscles and joints ■ Degenerative joint conditions
Disc Bulges and Herniations Headaches Neck Pain Back Pain Sciatica
■ Neurological pain ■ General pain ■ Musculoskelital disorders ■ Pre and Post surgical treatment ■ Anti-inflammatory applications CE
ERVI NEW S
Personal Injury Specialists ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Family Chiropractic Workers Comp Auto Injury Rehabilitation Pain Management Physical Therapy Massage Therapy Sports Injuries Nutritional Counseling Laser Therapy Spinal Decompression Medically Supervised Weight Loss
REHABILITATION FOR AUTO ACCIDENTS AND OTHER INjURIES 855 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30328 Medically (770) 394-1336 Supervised www.AtlantaTotalWellness.com Weightloss Call Today for Ultrasound Cavitation See Results in FREE CONSULTATION Major Insurance Just 30 Minutes! and Medicare
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Award in recognition of their irrigation solutions. Additionally, Israel Desalination Enterprises Technologies recently opened the world’s largest desalination plant. These achievements have worked in tandem with the country’s drought tax and educational campaign to allow Israel to thrive despite the lack of rainfall. Galil asserts that the sooner individuals are informed, the better.
7
PUBLISHER CLIFF WEISS
cmweiss@atljewishtimes.com
BUSINESS OFFICE Business Manager
Kaylene rudy
krudy@atljewishtimes.com Customer Service
elizabeth friedly efriedly@atljewishtimes.com
ADVERTISING SALES Senior Account Manager
MICHAL BONELL
mbonell@atljewishtimes.com Senior Account Manager
STACY LAVICTOIRE stacy@atljewishtimes.com Senior Account Manager
STACY G. FIALKOW sfialkow@atljewishtimes.com
EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief
CLIFF WEISS
cmweiss@atljewishtimes.com Web Editor
RON FEINBERG
rfeinberg@atljewishtimes.com Associate Editor
elizabeth friedly efriedly@atljewishtimes.com Contributing Writers
PATRICK ALEPH ARLENE APPELROUTH BRAM BESSOFF Eden Farber Rachel LaVictoire RABBI CHAIM NEIDITCH Al Shams CHANA SHAPIRO JEFF ZELL CREATIVE SERVICES Creative Design
Rico Figliolini ez2BSocial Photographer
Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy
ש גרינפילד,,בית הספר היהודי ע www.ghacademy.org
Our GHA family wishes your family a sweet and happy new year! Leah Summers, Interim Head of School
GABRIEL WEISS CONTACT INFORMATION general office 404.883.2130 KRUDY@atljewishtimes.com
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
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.
8
THE ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES (ISSN# 0892-3345) is published weekly by Zadok Publishing LLC 270 Carpenter Drive, Suite 320, Atlanta Ga 30328. Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta, Ga. POSTMASTER send address changes to The Atlanta Jewish Times 270 Carpenter Drive Suite 320 Atlanta Ga 30328. 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.
שנה טובה
AJT
COmmunity
21st Century Bigots
LEO FRANK ANNIVERSARY STIRS UP ANTI-SEMITES ACROSS THE WEB
O
ne hundred years after the maliciously prejudiced murder conviction of Jewish businessman Leo Frank, anti-Semites are using misleading websites about the Frank case to promote anti-Jewish views, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). August 25 this year marked the anniversary of Frank’s death sentence after he was falsely convicted of murdering Mary Phagan, a young girl, who worked at his family’s pencil factory. The ugly anti-Semitism surrounding the Frank case served as a catalyst for the Jewish community in America to organize and fight back against bigotry and discrimination. In 1915, less than one month after Frank survived an assassination attempt, he was abducted from prison by a lynch mob and hanged from an
oak tree. He remains the only Jewish person ever to be lynched in the United States. “The trial and lynching of Leo Frank was one of the most virulent anti-Semitic episodes in American history,” said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL’s National Director. “Today’s anti-Semites are still attacking Leo Frank by using the Internet as a platform to demonize him and exploit this anniversary by creating distorted websites that ostensibly provide information but actually use deceptive means to relay their own version of events.”
mitic works cited as resources on the case. “This is a blatant attempt to turn back the clock and discredit the Jewish community’s historical efforts to fight anti-Semitism,” Foxman said. “We see this as another example of how the bigots seamlessly use the web to spread their vicious lies.”
Additional information The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. For additional information, go to www.adl.org.
One of the disingenuous websites, “The 1913 Leo Frank Case and Trial Research Library,” accuses Jews of using the Frank case to create a race war against European-Americans. It also claims that Jews control the U.S. government. Another site, which is registered to a known neo-Nazi, has anti-Se-
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
9
AJT
CHANA’s CORNER
Reflections on Leaving the Nest
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN AND TEENS ARE HEADING OFF TO COLLEGE By Chana Shapiro AJT COLUMNIST
A
lot of teenagers are preparing to go away to college, often the first long-term separation between them and their parents. My parents never had that experience because my siblings and I all lived at home while we were students at our excellent local university. I am told that there are countless others like me, who did not leave their nuclear family while college undergrads. Somehow – and this would make a great research topic – we made it through, but at what cost? We’re the ones who suffered by seeing the dentist and doctor regularly, attending cousins’ birthday parties, wearing laundered clothing and eating balanced meals. Mom was to blame for all these indignities. I, in the bloom of my youth, was forced to work through a lot of child-
parent pathology by sharing living quarters with the very people I found most disagreeable and intrusive. As a result I had to develop extensive duplicitous skills, weaving countless convincing stories about the necessity to remain on campus until 2 a.m.
My parents made sacrifices, too.
They never had the pleasure of spending money on trendy, color-coordinated, university-appropriate bedding, because in the home linen closet there were plenty of serviceable sheets and pillowcases which fit the bed in the room I grudgingly shared with my sister.
5. Everybody except me had a car, an unlimited credit card, a boyfriend and a part in the University Follies, so all there was for me to do was eat and sleep.
I missed the opportunity of dwelling in a sub-heated room in a non-elevated dorm in Michigan or Boston. I was deprived of sharing a suite with four intermittently-depressed women in a sub-air conditioned flat in Arizona or South Carolina. I also missed the opportunity to share the cost of a textile remnant, euphemistically called a “carpet,” and a tiny, mercurial cooling receptacle, optimistically termed a “refrigerator.” It will be different for families who expect their children to go away to school.
Rosh Hashanah begins the evening of Wed., Sept. 4 Yom Kippur begins the evening of Fri., Sept. 13
What fun for the whole family to get into that out-of-town college spirit, dazzled by glossy, sophisticated university brochures and appealing invitations to join one of our country’s military forces. How thrilling to consider mastering the maritime, grooming or mining fields.
SAVE 5 $
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
4. The college food was so repulsive, the beds so lumpy and the walls so thin that I couldn’t eat or sleep.
My parents never developed the strength to deal with the following from afar:
®
10
3. I’d lost my cellphone and iPod so that I couldn’t unwind enough to eat or sleep.
My siblings were denied the entertainment of receiving messages from me, many states away, describing the communal bathrooms, communal laundry rooms and communal use of my clothing by other co-eds whom I hardly knew.
Our Star of David Festival is a beautiful addition for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
code: rosh0307 expires: 10/31/13
DunwooDy MAriettA rosweLL
2. I hated my roommate so deeply that I couldn’t eat or sleep.
My parents never enjoyed the bliss of accompanying me on a stressful college tour, during which they would worry and drink caffeinated beverages while I tried to charm 12 different admissions officers at 12 colleges in the scope of one week.
A FESTIVE ADDITION TO YOUR HOLIDAY gATHERINg
valid on any arrangement or dipped fruit box
1. I was so homesick that I couldn’t eat or sleep.
star of david festival
®
with star-shaped pineapple, strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, and grapes
4780 AshforD DunwooDy rD. 770-698-8500 4880 Lower rosweLL rD. 770-579-7081 1125 wooDstock rD. 770-650-7900 EdibleArrangements.com
Offer valid at participating locations shown. Containers may vary. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Visit EdibleArrangements. com/coupons for details & restrictions. EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS® & Design and all other marks noted are trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2013 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.
Most exciting of all, after filling out applications and sending in fees, is travelling to institutions of higher learning located in remote towns where your children can wait for the UPS truck the way many Jews wait for the Messiah. Don’t dismiss those characterbuilding phone calls among high school seniors, revealing who got accepted or rejected, who got financial aid and whose parents were taking a third mortgage on the family home. Most exhilarating is the day you and your children wedge yourselves,
along with a freight-train’s worth of possessions, into the car and head to freshman destinations. What a relief for families not to worry about how to use expendable incomes or be forced to know whom your children are dating. You can be sure that your children, with the advantage of separation, will grow independent from their brothers and sisters, making them more like amiable strangers and less like the excessively intimate siblings before they left. Your freshly-liberated children will come home for winter break to talk about Paolo and Berush and Shprintze and Tica who are now their real, true friends, in a deep and meaningful way that their old friends from high school never could be. They’ll come home for spring break to explain how close – really close – they are to their Eastern Religions professor, who lived in Pakistan for many years. This incredible woman makes all the philosophical and religious beliefs and practices of their ill-spent youth seem trivial and superficial. They’ll glow as they reveal that they feel as close to their philosophy instructor, a first-year grad student, as to you, their incidental birth parents. Maybe these new freshmen will become so wise about their privileged lives that they’ll return at summer vacation to declare their decision to drop out of college altogether. They will endeavor to help you understand the errors of your way of life, determined to cast their lot with folks unencumbered by middle-class family possessions and values. They will no longer pose for family pictures because it’s narcissistic, nor waste water by daily bathing. My siblings and I didn’t sever the restrictive cords until grad school. I’m equally sorry that my benighted parents, with all three of us at home as undergrads, alas, missed out on so much happiness! About the writer Chana Shapiro notes that university classes start just as we enter the High Holy Days. As 5774 begins, she begs your indulgence and forgiveness, acknowledging that she often makes fun of human trials and tribulations (see above.) That’s not to say that she won’t continue to do it in the future, but in the light of these “days of awe”, one can’t be too careful. She and her family wish all of you a fulfilling, meaningful and joyful year, wherever you may be.
AJT
community
Off to a Fast Start
HADASSAH BUSY WITH PROGRAMS FOR MEMBERS, YOUNGSTERS
H
swell Road in Marietta. For additional information, contact Ellen Frank, ebfrank619@gmail.com.
Holiday Treat
The group then enjoyed lunch and an afternoon of playing the game, coordinated by Edie Barr, the organization’s Daytime Programming chair.
AJT Columnist adassah has been staying busy in recent weeks and managing to start the year off right with a series of programs aimed at its members and their youngsters. Here are some highlights: A special program to teach kids about the High Holidays was held in early August. Youngsters stayed busy painting and decorating “honey bee” honey jars to take home and fill with the sweet stuff. They enjoyed a blast from the past – that would be Rabbi Brian Glusman blowing the shofar – and then made their own horns out of paper. They tossed their “sorries” away to observe Tashlich and together told the story of “Jonah and the Whale”.
L’Shana Tova Wishing you a Happy, Healthy, and “DUCKY” New Year!
Anyone up for Mah Jongg? Members and friends of the Greater Atlanta Hadassah met at the Breman Museum earlier this month to explore the history of Mah Jongg.
Want to know more about daytime program or Hadassah? Then visit the group’s website at www.hadassah. org/atlant
Mindy Ellin
770-885-5632 mindy_ellin@us.aflac.com
Providing a financial safety net and peace of mind for individuals and businesses. Specializing in Accident · Cancer Short Term Disablilty Insurance
The fun and learning begin again Sept. 15 when the kids continue their celebration of the Jewish New Year in the Sukkah.
For additional information about the program, visit www.hadassah. org/atlanta or contact Judy Serkin at the GAH office, (678) 443-2961. Let’s Participate! The Ketura Group of Greater Atlanta Hadassah begins the programming year with a special event, “Jewish Mothers in the American Theater”. The participatory presentation, set for Mon., Sept. 23, will be led by Mira Hirsch, the founder and artistic director of Genesis Stage. The event begins at 7:15 p.m. and will be held at the East Cobb Government Service Center, 4400 Lower Ro-
TOP: Alice has her shofar at the ready and is prepared to bring in the New Year with a mighty blast. PHOTO / Hadassah BELOW: Mira Hirsch, the founder and artistic director of Genesis Stage.
100% GRASSFED LOCAL
SOURCED FROM OUR FARMS
NOW CATERING TO YOUR
HOME, OFFICE OR PRIVATE FUNCTION dunwoody • buckhead • decatur www.farmburger.net
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
All this activity is part of an innovative program, “Training Wheels / Al Galgalim,” a Jewish family education program created by Hadassah for children between the ages of 3 and 5.
11
MONTH SPECIAL FINANCING ON PURCHASES OF $999 OR MORE WITH YOUR FLOOR & DECOR CARD.
WAVOAIOLAD SOL0ID BLE!!! STYLES
OVER
1
PORCELAIN
$ 88 SOLID WOOD
10
OVER
80
79
PORCELAIN
¢
STYLES AVAILABL E!!!
sq.ft.
NATURAL OAK 3/8” X 2 1/4”
sq.ft.
BRASEHAM BEIGE 12” X 12”
15 Year Warranty
DARK BORDEAUX MOCHA OAK TOFFEE OAK OAK
3
$ sq.ft. 19
Solid Wood 3/4” x 3”
25 Year Warranty
RECTIFIED
RECTIFIED
WOOD PLANK LOOK
12” X 12”
13” X 13”
6” X 24”
MEDIUM GLOSS
MEDIUM GLOSS
GUN STOCK OAK
RUSTIC OAK
FALL MEADOW
2
$ 94 sq.ft.
Solid Wood 3/4” x 2 1/4”
15 Year Warranty
GUN STOCK OAK
RUSTIC OAK
3
$ sq.ft. 24
Solid Wood 3/4” x 3 1/4”
15 Year Warranty
20” X 20”
COASTAL MAPLE
FALL MEADOW
Porcelain Rustic
3
Solid Wood
$ 69 sq.ft.
3/4” x 3 1/4” 50 Year Warranty
99¢
sq.ft.
1
$ 09
Porcelain Liberty Beige
sq.ft.
1
$ 49
Porcelain Fantasia Pecan
sq.ft.
PRODUCT OF SPAIN
3
Solid Wood
$ 69 sq.ft.
3/4” x 4 3/4” 25 Year Warranty
MALACCAN CHERRY
3
Solid Wood
$ 79 sq.ft.
3/4” x 3 1/2” 25 Year Warranty
Exotic Solid Wood
5/8” x 4 3/4” 25 Year Warranty
17” X 17”
GUNSTOCK OAK
TAUN LAVELLA
3
$ 89 sq.ft.
Porcelain Mix Aran Stone
3
Solid Wood
$ 99 sq.ft.
3/4” x 5” 15 Year Warranty
23” X 23”
1
$ 99
sq.ft.
Porcelain Manhattan Stone
CERAMIC
sq.ft.
each
ULTRA BRITE WHITE 4” X 4”
LAMINATE
ALBERO VERDE 12” X 12”
sq.ft.
MAPLE 3 STRIP 6MM
each each
INDIAN CREEK 8” X 12”
10 Year Warranty
40
STYLES OVER AVAILABLE!!!
70
STYLES OVER AVALABLE!!!
120
STYLES OVER AVALABLE!!!
sq.ft.
15 Year Warranty
20
STYLES OVER AVAILABLE!!!
40
100
STYLES OVER AVAILABLE!!!
STYLES OVER AVAILABLE!!!
1
27
STYLES OVER AVAILABLE!!!
sq.ft.
LUXURY VINYL PLANK
LOCKING NATURAL VERTICAL ENGINEERED 5/16”X 4 3/4”
ASSORTED STYLES & SIZES
MIX MOSAIC 4MM
6” 6”XX24” 24”
219
$
Porcelain Antique White
$ 19
sq.ft.
sq.ft.
sq.ft.
BAMBOO
ENGINEERED HARDWOOD
GLASS
SLATE
219
1
12¢ 49¢ 49¢ 66¢ 99¢ 99¢ CERAMIC WALL TILE
13” X 13”
$
sq.ft.
WOOD LOOK
HANDSCRAPED
AFRICAN MAHOGANY
1
$ 79
Porcelain Oslo Walnut
Porcelain Exotica Espresso
3
$ 29
1
sq.ft.
GRANITE
$ 59
$ 88
HICKORY 6” X 36” 4MM
LUNA PEARL 12” X 12”
sq.ft.
50 Year Warranty
16
STYLES OVER AVAILABLE!!!
sq.ft.
20
STYLES OVER AVAILABLE!!!
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
*SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL. MINIMUM MONTHLY PAYMENTS REQUIRED. SEE ASSOCIATE FOR DETAILS.
12
OVER
1,000,000 SQ.FT.
OF LOW-PRICED FLOORING
IN-STOCK TODAY! I-85 / Clairmont
Designer Gallery
7AM-9PM M-F 8AM-9PM SAT 9AM-6PM SUN
10AM-7PM M-F 9AM-7PM SAT 9AM-6PM SUN
404-315-6287 1690 NE Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329
404-633-4888 1706 NE Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329
Roswell
404-942-4599 610 Holcomb Bridge Rd Roswell, GA 30076 7AM-9PM M-F 8AM-9PM SAT 9AM-6PM SUN
Southlake
Kennesaw
678-422-7272 1056 Personal Place Morrow, GA 30260
678-626-1167 1200 Barrett Pkwy., Suite 260 Kennesaw, GA 30114
7AM-9PM M-F 8AM-9PM SAT 9AM-6PM SUN
7AM-9PM M-F 8AM-9PM SAT 9AM-6PM SUN
flooranddecoroutlets.com
Like Us On
FIND THESE STYLES AND MORE IN OUR STORES. PRICES, COLORS AND INVENTORY AVAILABILTY MAY VARY BY LOCATION. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES ON ADVERTISED ITEMS. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. COPYRIGHT © 2013 FLOOR AND DECOR OUTLETS OF AMERICA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
AJT
tell and kvell
JACKSON RECEIVES ‘PRESIDENT’S AWARD’ FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
Franklin in 2005.
he Council of Municipal Court Judges of Georgia recently awarded Judge Gary Jackson, a native of Atlanta and member of Congregation Ahavath Achim, the President’s Award for outstanding service to the council and “Going beyond the call of duty.”
Jackson graduated from Northside High School (now North Atlanta) in 1968, received a BS from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1972, and graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1979, where he was a senior editor on the Georgia Law Review.
T
Jackson, a 5th District Representative to the Council of Municipal Court Judges, co-chairs its legislative committee.
Jackson was an Assistant Legislative Counsel to the General Assembly of Georgia in 1975-76 and opened He was recognized for his private law practice his work in helping to Judge Gary Jackson honin 1977. He returned to pass several bills through ored for “Going beyond the the General Assembly the General Assembly call of duty.” to serve as legal aid to and his participation as Lt. Governor Zell Milla seminar speaker for the Institute er in 1978-79, and continued practicof Judicial Education (ICJE) at this ing law (concentrating in commercial years’ annual training session at Jecollection matters) for over 25 years. kyll Island. In 1984, Jackson was appointed His lecture on “Sovereign Citiby Mayor Andrew Young as a hearzens” will be presented again this Ocing officer for the Atlanta Bureau of tober for other municipal court judgTaxi Cabs and Vehicles for hire and es and also to members of the Council later by Fulton State Court Chief of State Court Judges in Athens, Ga. Judge Charles Carnes as a pro hac Jackson is an Associate Judge Magistrate in Fulton County. of the Atlanta Municipal Court. He In 1988, Jackson was appointed was first appointed to the City Court as a pro hac judge to the City Court of Atlanta in 2000, and later to the of Atlanta and in 1995 as a pro hac Municipal Court by Mayor Shirley
share your Celebrations with Your Atlanta Jewish Community for Free • • •
Birth Announcements Weddings Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
• •
judge in the Municipal Court of Atlanta. Jackson became a full-time judge in the City Court of Atlanta in 2000 and on June 30, 2005, was appointed by Franklin as a judge in the Municipal Court of Atlanta. Jackson has been a featured lecturer for the Atlanta Bar Association,
Institute of Continued Legal Education, Institute of Judicial Education, and National Business Institute. He hosted the “Legal Action with Gary Jackson” program on WSB radio for eight years and was the founder of the Gate City B’nai B’rith “Pinch Hitter Project”, the recipient of President George H. Bush’s 335th Point of Light Award.
Premium Business Money Market
0.75%
APY
Open a new Business Money Market account with a minimum $50,000 opening deposit, and receive a 0.75% APY. • We’ll Bring the Bank to you – Give us a Call to set up an appointment • We understand the power and importance of relationship building • Ameris Bank is a strong, stable financial institution • Over a 40 year history with over 20 years of consecutive average asset growth • Over $3 billion in publically traded assets
Celebrations of all types Anniversaries
send your story, announcements and celebrations with pictures today to Kaylene rudy, krudy@atljewishtimes. com or call 404-883-2130 x100.
Michael Tesler Market President 1180 Peachtree Street, NE 404.522.2265
amerisbank.com
All loans subject to approval. If fees are applied, they may reduce earnings.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
It’s an Honor, Your Honor
13
AJT
Tell & Kvell
Bat Mitzvah
Jillian Rachel Gerson
J
illian Rachel Gerson will be holding her upcoming Bat Mitzvah celebration on Oct.12 at Congregation Beth Shalom.
Jillian is the daughter of Shelley Gerson and Scott Kenith; granddaughter of Evelyn Gerson and Joe Gerson, of blessed memory; and Joe and Daryla Kenith of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Louise Kenith, of blessed memory. Jillian has two sisters, Alexandra and Shelley. She is in the eighth grade at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy. Her Bar Mitzvah is dedicated in honor of her aunt, Arleen Taffel, of blessed memory; and she will be donating pet food to Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen to help keep pets and families together.
ATL A
IO
I TA L I A N
Dinner Reservations Suggested
1989 Cheshire Bridge Rd. Altanta GA 30324
404-876-1380
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
E S TA B L I S H E D 1 9 7 4
alfredosatlanta.com
The ultimate destination for the discriminating Needlepointer, we are a full service Needlepoint emporium.
Wide Variety of the Finest canvases • Perfect threads • Classes for all levels Custom stitch guides • Personalized painting services • Superb finishing services All of this in a warm, friendly, and creative light-filled environment full of great samples and oodles of inspiration.
We know Needlepoint...Come Stitch with Us!
atlantanimbleneedle@gmail.com a t l a n t a n i m b l e n e e d l e. c o m 14
290 Hilderbrand Dr NE, 30328 • 404-843-8687 • Tues.-Sat. 9:30-3:30
IN E
YEARS AL
IS
OVER
U
REG N
G IN
A NT
SE R V
Jillian enjoys anything associated with the arts, including acting and singing in her free time.
C
Saturday, 9/21 7PM – Midnight
You don’t have to pay full price for your prescription drugs. Fill your prescriptions with a licensed Canadian pharmacy... IT’S EASY GET A FREE PRICE QUOTE TODAY.
ANNUAL BENEFIT CONCERT
for the Atlanta Community Food bank
SAMPLE SAVINGS
Strength 20 320mg 150 mg 75mg 0.4 mg 20mg
Aclphex Diovan Effexor XR Plavix Flomax Crestor
Size 100 tabs 30 tabs 100 caps 28 tabs 30 caps 30 tabs
US $585 $145 $411 $142 $109 $156
Canada $152 $ 42 $ 216 $ 85.93 $ 26.94 $ 62
Generic $ 27 $ 18 $ 39 $ 25 $8 $ 12
All door donations go directly to the Food Bank, plus a percentage of the food sales.
Save 84% 87% 74% 83% 85% 92%
Featuring Atlanta native:
Michael Levine and Friends of Michael and Steve’s “Intelligent lyrics, a unique acoustic guitar stye, live percussion loops and a passion for inspiring people”
Suggested Donation $10
Academic Tutoring private instruction is the answer to motivation and achievement
k-12 Academics All areas of Studies AcT/SAT Prep certified/Experienced m.ED/PHD Educators
Radio songs include: “Gravity,” “Over My Head,” “Breakdown”
L’shana Tova from Darryl Lewis and Tin Drum
te and ResponsiVe Compassionate and ResponsiVe RepResentation Family law RepResentation nCe 1991. sinCe 1991. Serving Alpharetta, Buckhead, Duluth, Dunwoody, Marietta, Sandy Springs and The Greater Atlanta Area
COMPASSIONATE AND RESPONSIVE Compassionate and ResponsiVe FAMILY LAW REPRESENTATION Family law RepResentation SINCE 1991. sinCe 1991.
www.tindrumcafe.com Chastain Park: 4367 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 | (404) 303-0910 Dunwoody: 4530 Olde Perimeter Way, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30346 | (770) 393-3006 Lindbergh: 2561 Piedmont RD NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 | (404) 846-8689
HAPPY ROSH HASHANAH! Happy RosH HasHanaH!
S
The
o right: Rachel Shockley, Louis Tesser, Sara McCormack,
h L’Shana Tova
Attorneys pictured left to right: Rachel Shockley, Louis Tesser, Sara McCormack, , Thad Woody, David Sarif, Sean Ditzel, Rob Miller, Lindsey DodsonDennis Collard, Marvin Solomiany, Randall Kessler, Thad Woody, David Sarif, Sean Ditzel, Rob Miller, Lindsey Dodson Centennial toweR 101 maRietta st., suite 3500 atlanta, GeoRGia 30303 404.688.8810 www.ksFamilylaw.Com
ttorneysPPictured ictured AAttorneys Centennial toweR eft torr ight AcheL hockLey ouist tesser esser,, LLeft to ight : :rrAcheL sshockLey , ,LLouis 101sM maRietta 3500 ArA MccorMAck ,suite dennis coLLArd , sArA ccorMAck , st., dennis coLLArd , MArvin atlanta, GeoRGia 30303 M Arvin s oLoMiAny , r AndALL k essLer , t hAd soLoMiAny, rAndALL kessLer, thAd Woody , 404.688.8810 Woody , ds Avid shArif , sdeAn d,itzeL rob MiLLer , d Avid hArif , seAn itzeL rob, M iLLer , www.ksFamilylaw.Com Lindsey dodson kArinedb urney (not Pictured) L,indsey odson
Attorneys pictured left to right: Rachel Shockley, Louis Tesser, Sara McCormack,
Dennis Collard, Marvin Solomiany, Randall Kessler, Thad Woody, David Sarif, Sean Ditzel, Rob Miller, Lindsey Dodson Centennial toweR 101 maRietta st., suite 3500 atlanta, GeoRGia 30303 404.688.8810 www.ksFamilylaw.Com
JON HAPIRO G
R
O
U
Your G o LLC
P
Every Home. Every Time.
Direct: 404-845-3050
Office: 404-252-7500 Website: www.jonshapiro.com
jonshapiro@mindspring.com
to Sp ecia list
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
404-788-4471 | Tobi Cohen | tobilove@comcast.net www.tutorexcelus.com
15
AJT
high holidays
A Time for Change
NEW YEAR GIVES US EACH AN OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME BETTER No matter how you refer to it – New Years, Rosh Hashanah or, as some of my nieces and nephews fondly call it, the “dip-the-apple-in-thehoney� holiday is here again.
BY FAYE GROSSBLATT
SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
T
hat special period in the Jewish calendar is peeking just around the corner.
It’s time to make plans for which
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU. YOUR BAR OR BAT MITZVAH. YOUR PERFECT EXPERIENCE. r 0VS DPPM th GMPPS gQFOUIPVTFu CBMMSPPN DBO CF UVSOFE JOUP ZPVS FYDMVTJWF DMVC TR GU PG GMFYJCMF NFFUJOH BOE FWFOU TQBDF JODMVEJOH B TR GU (SFBU 3PPN r ,PTIFS TUZMF DBUFSJOH r $VTUPNJ[BCMF PQUJPOT JODMVEJOH TUFQ BOE SFQFBU gSFE DBSQFUu TUZMF QIPUPHSBQIZ MJHIUFE EBODF GMPPS BOE BO JMMVNJOBUFE CBS r %JTDPVOUFE SPPN SBUFT GPS PWFSOJHIU HVFTUT r &OKPZ CPOVT 4UBSXPPE 1SFGFSSFE 1MBOOFS QPJOUT ‡ BU DPOUSBDU TJHOJOH BOE BU DPODMVTJPO PG FWFOU
MENTION ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES FOR COMPLIMENTARY UPLIGHTING IN YOUR EVENT SPACE
synagogue you’ll attend, who you’ll share your holiday meals with, and figure out what the New Year means to you.
This past week I’ve been thinking a lot about the words, “But repentance, prayer, and Charity, remove the evil of the decree.�
If you are hosting a dinner, you’re probably deciding whether to make pot roast, sweet chicken, both, or neither. Do you want round raisin, cinnamon swirl, or maybe just plain challah?
I think, perhaps, this is on my mind as I write this because it’s my Dad’s sixth yahrzeit; it’s been six since his departure from this world. My father was a man who deeply believed in the idea of giving to others in need.
Should you use the good china or really nice paper goods? Who do you want to invite and where should you sit them so everyone gets along? If you’re not hosting, you’re probably weighing whether or not to take off work so you can fly home to be with family. If deciding to stick around the city, which friend should you call to graciously invite yourself? Whatever your plans, the details can feel somewhat overwhelming. All these issues and preparing for the holiday is important. But you probably won’t remember how the carrot salad was spiced or whether there was a white or colored tablecloth at your host’s house. What you will remember, however, is what you took away from this Rosh Hashanah that makes you feel like you’re starting anew. New Year resolutions seem like great ideas when starting out. But let’s face it, we’re all creatures of habit and change is hard.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 â–Ş 2013
Usually people have a million things they want to “fix� about themselves. So, they take on too much which, of course, then results in reverting back to the old ways. I’m sure we’ve all had thoughts of, “Well, that was good while it lasted . . . I’ll try again next year.� But aren’t you sick and tired of that attitude? Aren’t we worth enough to ourselves to grow and actually make a difference somehow, even if it’s just a “tall� instead of a “venti�? W ATLANTA – MIDTOWN th 4USFFU /& "UMBOUB (" $0/5"$5 (BZMFOF .PMEU HBZMFOF NPMEU!XIPUFMT DPN WATLANTAMIDTOWN.COM
16
I can’t speak for everyone, of course. But for me, I think I’d like to focus on one aspect this year on how I can change. Whether from the prayer’s text or a thought I heard from a keynote speaker, I want to find one idea and implement it into my everyday living.
He was a tremendous supporter of Jewish schools in the area and outside charities as well. He always felt we only get as far in life as what we give back to others. I think he was on to something. Charity can be about donating money to various organizations or funding research for cures. And while this is necessary, it’s especially difficult for many of us to make financial contributions in these economic times. However, there is an equally important way to apply charity and that is in how we treat one another. So here is what I propose. Try to smile at your neighbor in the morning as you head off for work and ask how she is doing. Text a friend who’s sick in bed before going to the store and see if you can pick up some meds or chicken noodle soup for them. I know it’s a clichÊ, but will you be that late to your next appointment if you stop and help an elderly lady load groceries in her car? Let’s try to find the time and energy to make others’ lives just a tad bit easier. After the holiday ends this year, maybe you’ll have eaten too much, been spaced out during services, or even forgot to ask a specific friend for forgiveness. But one thing is for certain, you read this article. So, did you change? I know I did. About the Writer Faye Grossblatt, a native of Atlanta and resident of Toco Hills, is currently in school working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.
AJT
high holidays
Ahavath Achim Synagogue wishes you
L’Shana Tova Tikatevu
Planning Makes a Difference
HINTS ON MAKING THE SEASON SPECIAL FOR ‘OLDER’ ADULTS SPECIAL TO THE AJT
T
he holiday season is the happiest time of year for many people.
But it’s important to remember that for many older adults, the holidays may not bring the same pleasant feelings as they did in the past. This time of year can be quite challenging for older adults and, for some, can even be painful.
can be a very tender subject. Be sure to share happy memories and stories with your loved ones during the holiday celebration. If possible, encourage older relatives to share some childhood stories with children who are present at gatherings. It also is very important to be respectful of the older adults’ needs throughout the holidays. Ask them if they would like to attend services or if they would simply prefer a traditional meal with family. Check to see if they would like to come to your home for family meals or if they would prefer to have everyone come to their home.
That said, there are a few things you can do to help make sure the holidays are enjoyable for everyone in your life. Be sure to plan events in advance and be as inclusive as possible with older adults in your family or circle of friends before the holidays begin. For example, ask them how they want to be involved with the meals. They may not be able to cook as they did in the past, but perhaps they can help with planning the menu. This can be a meaningful activity for them, and it makes most people feel more included while honoring the gifts they have to offer. The holidays also can be a reminder for some people that many years have passed. This can bring up memories of loved ones who no longer are living, which
(l-r, 1st row) Rabbi Neil Sandler, Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal, Philip Siegel, Douglas Ander (l-r, 2nd row) Irene Aronin Nancy Canter Weiner, Heleen Grossman, Rob Wildstein
On behalf of our Officers, Clergy, Board of Directors, Synagogue Staff and Congregation, we wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and joyous New Year 5774.
Philip Siegel President
Barry Herman Executive Director
Neil Sandler Rabbi
Laurence Rosenthal Rabbi
AhAvAth Achim SynAgogue
600 PeAchtree BAttle Avenue, nW • AtlAntA 30327
404-355-5222 • WWW.AASynAgogue.org
Many older adults feel much more comfortable in their own homes, as they are more confident in their surroundings. Also, remember not to make the day too long, or the evening too late, as older adults can tire very easily. About the writer Mandy Kaufman is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She has worked with Aviv Older Adult Services, a division of Jewish Family & Career Services, since 2004. For more information about JF&CS’ Tools for Aging programs, call (770) 677-9411 or email aviv@jfcs-atlanta.org.
Weinstein Hospice
Growing older doesn’t mean the options for enjoying life have to shrink.
Yad v’Lev
...compassionate care in the Jewish tradition
The Board, Staff and Volunteers of Weinstein Hospice Wish the Community a Healthy & Happy New Year. 3150 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 For more information call (404) 352-4308 www.WeinsteinHospice.org
DON’T STRUGGLE WITH AGING. FIND A SOLUTION. When it comes to finding a senior living solution, decisions are often made with a sense of urgency that doesn’t fully consider one’s financial situation. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Call 1-855-850-2649 and let us listen, understand and partner with you or your loved one. The Hallmark® Buckhead
Independent Living | Assisted Living
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
BY MANDY KAUFMAN
650 Phipps Boulevard NE | Atlanta, Georgia 30326 brookdale.com ALL THE PLACES LIFE CAN GO is a Trademark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. ®Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office 20526-ROP01-0813 MRM
17
AJT By Eden Farber
AJT Columnist
I
EDUCATION
your chores will disappear.
have a new best friend named TED – that would be TED as in “Technology, Enn.
More fun will appear. Dance the day away or scrub the day away? Hmmmm. When you live at the Renaissance on Peachtree Retirement Community you can spend your time however you wish. Call now to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour. And get ready to look at your day in a whole new way.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
3755 Peachtree Road NE | Atlanta 404.237.2323 | renaissanceonpeachtree.com REtiRE iN st ylE. youR st ylE.
Special Campus Organization
‘TAMID’ OFFERS STUDENTS UNIQUE CONNECTION WITH ISRAEL BY CALEB KOFFLER
ket research to sales and marketing strategy.
A
The TAMID summer fellowship offers students a fully funded internship and immersive Tel Aviv living experience.
SPECIAL FOR THE AJT s I began my studies at The University of Maryland in the spring of 2012, following my first semester of college at Bar Ilan University outside of Tel Aviv, I was committed to staying connected to Israel. I reached out to many of the student leaders of the groups that exist on my campus, ranging from social justice and political advocacy groups to “kiruv” and religious organizations. One group caught my attention because it did not fall into any of the existing categories that have long dominated the “Israel Groups” landscape. The TAMID Israel Investment Group is an organization on college campuses connecting students with the Israeli economic landscape. Founded at the University of Michigan in 2008 by students who sought a more relevant avenue to connect to Israel, TAMID has pioneered a new model of tangible, mutually beneficial interactions for students to engage with Israel.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
TAMID’s three-phase program consists of an education semester, business application, and fully funded summer internship in Tel Aviv.
18
The education semester offers an introduction to basic business concepts and particularly how they are relevant to Israel’s growing high-tech based economy. At Maryland, weekly high-profile lecturers cover topics such as patent law, venture capital and technology entrepreneurship. We approach the business application aspect of our program from two directions. Our fund-management track learns principles of investing by trading Israeli-linked securities listed on major US stock exchanges while our consulting track teams work with early stage Israeli startups on projects ranging from mar-
Thanks to generous funding by The Singer Foundation, TAMID was able to send 39 fellows to Israel this summer with plans to grow to 80 participants in the summer of 2014. Students spend eight weeks living innovation and entrepreneurship in a start-up environment second only to Silicon Valley. Six years after its inception, TAMID has spread to 15 campuses nationwide, including Emory University in Atlanta. Student leaders, in cooperation with the Israel on Campus Coalition and The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Foundation, hired Philadelphia native Brett Goldman to lead the organization. It’s evident that “The Start-up Nation” has become a catalyst for connecting young people to Israel. Personally, TAMID has helped bridge my life-long connection with Israel to my academic and professional goals in business. TAMID has helped to enhance my identity as someone who is deeply invested in the State of Israel by giving me an outlet to express my relationship and by offering me cutting-edge work experience and exposure to the international business scene. About the writer Caleb Koffler is a member of and a rising junior at The University of Maryland and is the Director of Business Development for the TAMID chapter at UMD. For additional information about TAMID or to contact Koffler, email caleb@tamidgroup.org
AJT
new moon meditations
Mindfulness in Prayer
CALL YOUR SPIRIT BACK TO THE PRESENT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
R
osh Hashanah, the first day of Tishrei, begins this year on Thurs., Sept. 5.
Like the game, In My Grandmother’s Trunk we have stress awareness, the Dragons, who distract us and push us off our course into the Pit of Negativity and now we add the gateways that hold Ten Enchanted Keys. The first one is granted for Mindfulness. Mindfulness is most commonly associated with Buddhist meditation practices because that is where it has its roots. However, it is not a religious practice. The premise of mindfulness is being aware, in the present moment, of what is occurring, how you feel about it, what your thoughts are, and responding to what you’ve observed with chosen behaviors. The research of Jon Kabat-Zinn, one of our Journey Guides, focuses on the mind/body interactions for healing. Patients challenged by chronic pain or stress-related disorders, practiced “non-doing” and “being.” In the end, there was a marked decrease in anxiety and depression and freedom from panic attacks. There is no stress in the present moment. Much of our stress comes from ruminating about the past and/ or worrying about the future. Because bad things have happened to us as a people, we tend to generate a great deal of psychological and physiological stress through fear of imagined catastrophes. Begin to practice mindfulness by corralling your Dragons and calling your spirit back to the present from all the places it has wandered. Take in a deep and cleansing breath and release, as you let go of tension in your muscles and nerves. Bring your attention to the present moment. Observe your thoughts, as if on a screen before you, and notice whether they relate to the past, present or future. Gently align yourself with the present experience. You can still review the past, but do so intentionally, with a purpose. Make plans and set goals for the future but allow yourself to detach from them so current events aren’t missed because part of you is absent.
Practicing mindfulness heightens
the quality of your life as you become open to the layers of sensory input, including sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures. The Holy Days offer the perfect opportunity to begin this practice. Mindfulness in our prayer practice is kavanah, or praying with intention. Consider ways that those tricky Dragons have knocked you off balance in the past. Hint: the Viddui lists them in alphabetical order. Here are a few more: Have you ever recited the words of the prayers in a droning monotone without running it through the circuitry of your heart? Ever jumped out of services early because the tenderness of the brisket or the white fish and bagel presentation took precedence over the cleansing of your soul? Has it been more important to be first in line leaving the parking lot than to be present for the concluding thoughts?
Are you willing to add mindfulness
Teshuvah becomes less about repentance for our “evil” ways, and guiltprompted decisions to be different, and more about acknowledgement of our pure souls and returning to our true essence or nature, which is good and aligned with G-d. Tefillah isn’t just prayer, especially not the kind that asks G-d for things. It is attaching oneself to G-d. The physical bodies that house our souls can get sidetracked by desire for possessions. So if your need for creature comforts is fulfilled, does that mean that you don’t need to practice tefillah? No. We all need to anchor ourselves through mindful prayer, ground our energy to the earth, move it upward through our souls and connect it to G-d. It is a constant process of grounding and reconnecting. Tzedakah is not simply charity. Charity, or chesed, suggests that there is no obligation of either the giver or receiver and that it’s nice when those two things occur. Tzedakah, instead, is more mindful and deliberate. It acknowledges that nothing really belongs
to us. Everything we have been granted belongs to G-d so it is our duty to share our blessings with others. As G-d shares with us, we do the same. Take a few moments to quiet yourself. Consider the meditation focus, below. Settle on to the cushion and become aware of the breath that flows in and out of your body. Close your eyes and allow exploration of this topic. Meditation Focus How have your Dragons distracted you during past Holy Days? In what ways can you apply the Enchanted Key No. 1 for Mindfulness this year to deepen your experience? How can you include it in your everyday life? Return to the essence of your soul, realign yourself with G-d and share what you have with others. May it be a sweet year, a year of good health and of peace. About the writer Dr. Terry Segal is a licensed marriage & family therapist, Ph.D. in energy medicine, hypnotherapist and author of “The Enchanted Journey: Finding the Key that Unlocks You.”
THE PERFECT PLACE FOR
ALL YOUR HOLIDAY NEEDS! STARTERS • ENTRÉES DESSERTS • CHOCOLATES CHALLAH • PASTRIES KOSHER WINES • GIFTS
CHEESE PLATTERS • SIDES PREPARED FOODS • SALADS
DUNWOODY 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE | 678.397.1781 VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS 1394 N. Highland Avenue | 404.872.6000
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
BY TERRY SEGAL
to the practice of teshuvah, tefillah and tzedakah?
For full menus & to place an order, visit www.alons.com
19
AJT
sports
Going for the Gold
MARIETTA’S HALLE FRIEDMAN BIG WINNER AT RECENT MACCABIAH GAMES SPECIAL FOR THE AJT Halle Friedman, a swimmer for the Marietta Marlins and Walton High School, returned earlier this month from Israel where she competed for the U.S. Team in the 19th World Maccabiah Games. This special sports competition is held every four years; a record 9,000 athletes from 78 countries took part in the games.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 â–Ş 2013
Halle was one of 12 females selected to represent the U.S. One of her teammates, Garrett Weber-Gale, an Olympic gold medalist, was a member of the U.S. relay team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
20
At the Maccabiah Games, Halle received a silver medal for the 400-medley relay where she swam the butterfly portion of the race. She also was a finalist in the 200 free, 800 free and 400 IM. Being able to spend nearly a month with outstanding swimmers from around the country and representing the United States on this international stage will be an unforgettable experience for Halle.
Halle Friedman and Garrett Weber-Gale share a special moment during the 19th World Maccabiah Games in Israel.
sports
MLB Hall of Fame Inductions NICE GUYS DON’T ALWAYS FINISH LAST By JEFF ZELL
AJT Contributor
R
osh Hashanah is a time to reflect on our past, present and future. It is also the time when our fates for the next year are determined. We are judged on our actions and motives, our successes and our failures. In some ways it brings to mind how professional baseball players are judged. (OK, not exactly, but it is not easy to tie baseball to Rosh Hashanah, so practice some “forgiveness” and follow along.) During the upcoming year, the Atlanta Braves organization will probably accomplish a feat never before done in the history of Major League Baseball. With Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine both eligible for the Hall of Fame for the first time, Atlanta could become the first team to have two players who were teammates voted into the Hall of Fame in their first year on the ballot. That’s right, two first ballot Hall of Famers from one team, elected in one voting class! It has never been done before.
Evers to Chance” double play combination all made the Hall as Cubs, but none were voted into the shrine; they were all selected for induction by the Veterans’ Committee. In 1974, both Mickey Mantle and White Ford made it into the Hall as Yankees. Although Mantle was a first ballot Hall of Famer, Ford had failed to make it in on his first attempt in 1973. Likewise, Dodgers Don Drysdale and Pee Wee Reese were inducted in to the Hall in 1984, but Drysdale got in on his 10th vote
while Reese was selected by the Veterans’ Committee. Although the city of Atlanta has had major league sports for 48 years, only “Knucksie” and Dominique Wilkins of the Atlanta Hawks have made it into one of the three Major Sports’ Hall of Fames. Yet, neither Niekro nor Wilkins were chosen for their respective halls on the first ballot. In my opinion John Smoltz and Chipper Jones will also be first ballot
Has Everything You Want Learn how to Prepare Delicious, Nutritious Recipes with Chef Laura in our Hands-on Organic Raw and Living Foods Kitchen.
Detox and Heal in our Therapy Spa with a Colonic, Reflexology, Q-2 Footbath, Infrared Sauna, Body Massage, Indian Head Massage, Energy Treatment, or Chi Machine Treatment.
The selection of Maddux and Glavine, together, into the Hall of fame on the first ballot is a very important lasting legacy for the Atlanta Braves from the unprecedented 14 straight first place finishes from 19912005. It is even further noteworthy, because there is only one man, Phil Niekro, with an Atlanta Braves cap in the Hall of Fame, so to get two in one year, and both on the first ballot, would certainly be a proud and historical moment for Atlanta sports.
In 1946, the famed “Tinkers to
I wish all of you a “Hall of Fame” year in 5774.
Living Foods Institute
Both pitchers are members of the exclusive 300-win club, and both have absolutely clean and admirable reputations. They were both at the top of their game, while still maintaining their integrity, something that cannot be said for several other major league players. Maddux and Glavine were great with their teammates and coaches, but also with the media and the fans.
I know what you are thinking now. I forgot that Hank Aaron wore the Braves’ uniform for 21 years and is in the Hall of Fame. You are right in your assertion that “The Hammer” is in the Hall, but Aaron correctly chose to wear a Milwaukee Braves cap on his Hall of Fame plaque, due to his 12 years as a Milwaukee Brave, versus his nine as an Atlanta Brave.
Hall of Famers in the next few years, giving the Atlanta Braves four teammates to have that honor out of less than 50 players in the history of baseball. I expect Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz to make the Hall the first time they are voted on as well. As sport legacies go, this will be one of the greatest, but as far as Atlanta sports legacies go, it is one that is unparalleled and one that we should not overlook.
Attend one of our Hands-on Raw and Living Foods Recipe and Health Programs which last from 1 to 15 Days. Call for schedule, tuition, and times.
Banquet Feasts and Graduation Parties
Delicious Buffet and Inspiring Testimonies! Sundays at 3:30pm Sept. 15 • Oct. 13 • Nov. 10
Educational Seminars Recipe Demo and How to Get Started Now! Mondays at 7:00pm Sept. 16 • Oct. 14 • Nov. 11
To reserve your seat for these events call and leave your name, phone, and the number of people in your party. We do not charge for these events and we appreciate a donation of $5-$10 per person which goes to our scholarship fund.
1700 Commerce Dr, NW Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30318 404.524.4488
WWW.LIVINGFOODSINSTITUTE.COM • 800.844.9876
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
AJT
21
AJT
high holidays
Live Long and Prosper
LEONARD NIMOY, MR. SPOCK AND THE PRIESTLY BLESSING BY RON FEINBERG WEB EDITOR
T
here is much high ritual associated with Rosh Hashanah, but certainly one of the most mesmerizing moments is the Priestly Blessing. It’s a bit of spiritual theater handled by the Kohanim, the class of Jews believed to be direct descendants of Aaron, the Kohen Gadol and the brother of Moses. At our synagogue, members of the congregation turn their backs on the Kohanim, mysteriously shrouded in their prayer shawls, as they gather together on the bimah in front of the Ark. The prayer leader slowly chants the ancient words of the iconic blessing: May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; May the Lord lift up His face onto you and give you, shalom, peace.
The choir of Kohanim responds
to each phrase, chanting the words as they wave their arms about, their hands held high and their fingers splayed out in a very, ahhh, Vulcan-like fashion. Actually, truth to tell, it’s the Vulcans – specifically Mr. Spock – who came up with the idea of using the look and style of the Kohanim.
Several years ago, when I was working at the Atlanta JournalConstitution, I wrote a news brief about a little controversy brewing in the Jewish community. Apparently some local rabbis were upset with a new art exhibit at the Jewish community center, featuring nude photos of women draped in religious garb – tallis, tefillin – and not much else.
Most everyone knows the story of Spock, aka LeonStar Trek creator Gene Roddenard Nimoy, coming The exhibit was berry asked Leonard Nimoy to up with the Vulcan come up with a Vulcan greeting for drawn from a book of greeting based on the sci-fi series when it first aired in photography, Shekthe late 1960s. Mr. Spock’s iconic what he recalled see- gesture is now a bit of pop culture, hina, created by, you ing as a youngster guessed it, Leonard as familiar to Trekkies as warp attending High Holidrive and photon torpedoes. Nimoy. Some critday services with his ics found the photos grandfather. About revolutionary, others all I have to add is a bit of shameless salacious. Most in the Orthodox comname dropping. Consider this, then, munity across metro Atlanta were a New Year’s gift. outraged and demanding that the
center shut down the exhibit and, if possible, beam Mr. Spock far, far away. The following morning, when I checked my e-mails, I had a note from an LNimoy asking if I was interested in hearing the real story of the Shekhina. In utter amazement I realized that, well, Mr. Spock was trying to reach me. After jumping over a few minor logistical hurdles, I eventually hooked up with the Vulcan on the Left Coast and had a delightful conversation that became the focus of an expansive feature story. I do recall Mr. Nimoy telling me in detail how he sat next to his grandfather as a child, enthralled by the pageantry of the High Holiday services, especially the moment when the Kohanim blessed the congregation. Years later, it was that memory, he said, that led to his developing the Vulcan greeting – hand held out in front of his face, the middle and ring fingers spread apart in what is now a very familiar pose.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
The four-word greeting, almost always uttered by Mr. Spock in his oh-so emotionless manner, also nicely echoes the Priestly Blessing – “Live long and prosper.” I could wish nothing better for all of us as we begin the Jewish New Year.
22
A footnote. After much give and take, the executive director of the MJCCA announced at the time that he had spoken with all interested members of the Jewish community and would be taking their views into account as he decided the future of the Shekhina exhibit. Apparently he was still trying to figure out how best to handle the issue when the show finished its scheduled run six weeks later.
Make a wish.
ROsh hashaNah is The wORLD’s BiRThDaY What do you wish for? Less poverty and hunger? More jobs? A greater sense of community between people? Whatever your wish, the Jewish Federation is working to make it real. We care for people in need here at home, in Israel and around the world, and we nurture and sustain the Jewish community. That’s something to celebrate. AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Help us make this the best year ever.
DonATe. VoLunTeer. MAke A DIFFerence.
Jewish Federation OF GREATER ATLANTA
The Strength of a PeoPle. The Power of CommuniTy.
www.JewishAtlanta.org JewishAtlantaFederation
@Jewish_Atlanta
23
AJT
TRAVEL
Trip Becomes a Journey
EUROPEAN HOLIDAY FILLED WITH FRIENDS, FUN AND MEANING BY BROOKE ROSENTHAL SPecial for the AJT
I
returned last month from a European holiday, one that my husband strongly encouraged me to take without him and our four young children.
It was a terrific opportunity to reconnect with myself – relax, rejuvenate and enjoy. My husband pointed out that this would be a true sabbatical: I have either been taking non-stop care of our kids or carrying one in my belly for the past seven years!
He insisted I have a significant break.
band would juggle the children and his job; I felt we could not afford it.
My reluctance was huge and I made many excuses as to why I could not leave: I was still nursing our 15-month old; I was concerned about how my hus-
With his persistence, I worked out the details and was on my way to Amsterdam, Netherlands to visit my very dear college roommates, Jorma and Titika.
It’s not just our paramedics that are saving lives in Israel.
I felt a return to a different part of myself, a return to the Brooke of years ago, when I first spent three weeks in beautiful Amsterdam as a college girl of 19. I was now once again free to be an adult, to intellectualize and experience. I loved being in this antique city, with its picturesque canals, narrow streets, and old architecture mingling with the newer, sleeker designs of European taste. I loved going to cafes on the public squares, watching summer vacationers from all over the globe, while debating religion, politics, current events and life experiences with my friends. I left behind the round-the-clock “restaurant” I call my kitchen, as well as the screaming and whining that accompanies the trials and tribulations of my children: one, three, five and sevenyears-old. No diaper changes, no dishes, no laundry and no cleaning. It was a return to simply taking care of me. While I was scared about how much I would yearn for my children, I really felt good being separated from them. I had the complete security of knowing they were well cared for by their father, and that he had the support of our wonderful community and neighbors. I learned to let go of the mother/wife control.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Four days after my arrival, my host Jorma and I took a jaunt to Berlin. I was told that Berlin is the most economically depressed city in Germany and that, I have concluded, is what is responsible for its charm.
24
When you think of Magen David Adom, you may picture speeding ambulances. But one of MDA’s most important functions is to supply the people of Israel with blood — for everything from routine surgeries to emergency procedures. As we wish for loved ones to be inscribed in the book of life on Rosh HaShanah, let’s remember our family in Israel. Support MDA’s lifesaving blood services. Make a gift today. Shanah tovah.
Young people from all over the world are moving there as an affordable, European home. We saw many young parents with their children in strollers and streets lined with children’s shops. It felt like a young, punk, progressive city pulsating with crowded cafes and clubs that never seemed to close.
AFMDA Southeast Region 1900 NW Corporate Blvd., Suite W-310 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Toll-Free: 800.626.0046 • southeast@afmda.org www.afmda.org
I had huge reservations about visiting Berlin. I have a self-imposed soft “boycott” of German products, and harbor a vague antipathy for that country. Despite my efforts at being a tolerant world citizen, I cannot bring myself
to the home of his colleague Melanie, a woman with a very successful male modeling agency.
to forgive the heinous crimes of World War II. I had never spoken to a nonJewish German about any Jewish issues and was afraid that anti-Semitism would still be rampant.
Her English was impressive, and her hosting graceful. As we enjoyed the twilight dinner in her garden, I tossed out the questions that I felt compelled to ask: what do modern Germans think and feel about the Shoah and what do Germans now think about the Jews? Her grandparents, she said, will not admit to history; this, Melanie felt, was a product of their shame.
Nevertheless, instead of choosing to visit London or Paris, when the opportunity to travel to Berlin was presented, I decided to challenge my suspicions and prejudices and see what I would find there first hand.
Melanie herself has been to visit Auschwitz. Quite frankly, I was relieved to receive this piece of news; relieved that she has made an effort not only to acknowledge, but also to understand the atrocities that her country stood for six short decades ago.
One of the privileges of travelling with my friend Jorma is that I was travelling with a fluent tour guide and a man of many friends. We were invited
I respect and appreciate Melanie’s journey and understanding, having not experienced her grandparents or Auschwitz for myself.
I left Melanie’s home feeling connected for the first time in my life to a German individual who was caring, acknowledging, and very human. I left Germany with the sense that the government and younger generation show many signs of recognition that what happened 60 years ago should never happen again. Before leaving Berlin, we visited the Jewish museum and a separately located Holocaust Memorial site that encompasses four square city blocks. We also passed another city block filled with an exhibition titled “Diversity Destroyed,” consisting of columns with pictures and descriptions of German actors, scientists, writers, artists, and people of all kinds, who fled, were expelled, or murdered by Nazis during the Shoah. I am not naive to think that antiSemitism does not exist in Germany (indeed, it sadly exists all over the world), and that other visitors may have less positive encounters than I had. However, this trip was very important for me as a Jew and a world citizen and I am grateful for this affirmative, personal experience. My trip showed
me that it is my personal duty to confront and eradicate the prejudices and ignorance that I harbor in my mind and heart. It is imperative for me to be able to teach my children to not hate or fear any peoples. To that end I intend to open a new chapter in my life and embrace the citizens of Germany in a way I never felt I could have before. Let’s all look to Melanie’s generation and the future generations of German citizens to be our partners in ensuring that the legacy of the Shoah is not only never forgotten, but that it never again threatens to annihilate our civilization. About the Author Brooke Rosenthal is the wife of Laurence Rosenthal, a rabbi at Congregation Ahavath Achim. They love to share Shabbat and holidays with members from all over the community and invite you to join them at AA and in their home. Feel free to email Brooke at cambrya@hotmail.com for an invitation. She also welcomes your comments on this article.
Giovanni Hair Care Systems Custom Design High Quality Hair Systems Starting at $495
All the latest technology in non-surgical hair addition 30 years experience Free consultation by appointment Call Deborah Hill, owner/operator
Tuesday 12 am - 4 pm Wed. - Sat. 10 am - 6pm By Appointment
www.GioHairSystems.com | (770) 992-8009 1180 Grimes Bridge Road, Suite 100 | Roswell, GA 30075
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Excellent Service | Best Prices in Town
25
AJT
travel
In the Heart of Budapest
SYNAGOGUE FILLED WITH BEAUTY, HEARTACHE AND HISTORY BY RON FEINBERG AJT WEB EDITOR
T
he Dohany Street Synagogue, one of the top tourist attractions in Budapest, is minutes away from the heart of the city, a comfortable walk from the Danube, Chain Bridge and other popular landmarks across the inner city of Pesh.
tastic Rosh Hashanah
Warm greetings from Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta— the perfect getaway for a luxury celebration. Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta 3376 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 For reservations, visit mandarinoriental.com/atlanta or call +1 (404) 995 7500.
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year Joyce, Brady & Sarah
Remarkably, the shul isn’t showing her age, even as the Jewish community makes ready yet again to celebrate the High Holidays in this exquisite facility. It’s been over a decade since the building received a multi-million dollar face lift and was restored to its original glory after near destruction during World War II and years of neglect by the communists. Hidden from view by shops and apartments, the synagogue is slowly revealed, bits of its exotic features and intricate masonry coming into view once you make your way into the Jewish quarter. At first glance the building is a euphonic blend of towers and stained glass, arches and onion-shaped domes, all wrapped together neatly in a Byzantine-Moorish style. Design details – an eclectic blend of whirls and swirls and painted brick – add richness and depth to the structure. The other-worldly, decidedly MiddleEastern feel of the place is balanced and enhanced with religious iconography, including Jewish stars and a large mosaic of a menorah spilling across a gathering spot in front of the synagogue.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
For those still uncertain what they have stumbled upon, the entrance is topped with a phrase in Hebrew taken from the book of Exodus: “And let them make Me a sanctuary so I may dwell among them.”
26
Specializing in hair cutting, hair coloring and hair smoothing treatments Hammond Springs Shopping Center 5975 Roswell Road, Suite A-129 Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328 404.256.1192
The richly-ornamented interior borders on the surreal, an over-the-top blend of colors, shapes and architectural styles. The expansive space – it’s one of the largest synagogues in the world and can hold nearly 3,000 people – has a warm, golden glow about it, filled with light that’s filtered through yellow-tinted, stained-glass windows. Rows of wooden pews, well-worn with age and use, rest heavily on a simple floor. An aisle of mosaic tiles in an intricate star-like pattern runs the length of the shul, about half the size of a football field, from a set of stained-glass
doors at the entrance to the impressive, ornately-decorated bimah. A pair of massive chandeliers comprised of a series of glass globes dangle high overhead while dozens of other fixtures, all mimicking the same look, hang from the ceiling, the upper railing of a second-floor balcony and atop the thirdfloor balcony’s balustrade. While the entire space is magnificent, the bimah – the artistic and spiritual focus of the synagogue – demands attention. It’s set off by an ornate, intricately-designed gate, two towering menorahs and an arch, soaring three stories high. A dome of heroic proportion, covered in abstract frescoes, hovers above the ark, mirroring the shape of the golden crown that tops the Aron Kodesh. The ark is immense, the size of a small house with its own arches and columns, adorned with architectural detail in gold relief. It holds sefer torahs, many taken from synagogues across Eastern Europe destroyed during the Holocaust. A Frightening History The Dohany Street Synagogue almost suffered the same fate as those other houses of prayer. What exists here today is all the more remarkable given the shul’s history, especially over the last seven decades. Signs of a Jewish presence in the region first appeared nearly 1,000 years ago when Roman emperors still ruled the area. For the next eight centuries, Jews here, as across the rest of Europe, lived through periods of persecution, benign neglect and, occasionally, enlightened acceptance. In the middle of the 19th Century, during the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph, Jews were not allowed to live in the city of Pest – it, and the neighboring communities of Buda and Obuda, would consolidate in 1873 as one city, Budapest. Despite the housing ban, antiSemitic outbreaks quieted and, interestingly, talk of full emancipation was in the air. It was during this period, when all seemed possible, that the Jewish community of Pest decided to build a new synagogue in the heart of their community on Dohany Street. They hired a Viennese architect, Ludwig Foerster, and made it clear they wanted something grand – beautiful, large, exotic and, perhaps, a bit like their neighbor’s churches.
He created a Jewish basilica – a longaisled hall ending in a dome-covered aspe, featuring ornamental frescoes, arched windows and stained-glass doors and windows. He even managed to include a 5,000-tubed organ. Foerster then filled the cavernous space with ritualistic bits of judaica – the ark, menorahs, eternal light and stars. The Jewish community flourished and the Dohany Street Synagogue became an integral and impressive part of the city for decades. Anti-Semitism, unfortunately, also remained part of Budapest and the region. But it wasn’t until the rise of National Socialism in Germany in the 1930s, that Jews were openly persecuted once again and the Dohany Street shul entered its darkest hours. As the world moved toward war, Hungary aligned itself with Germany and Italy. In the late ’30s and early ’40s, the country enacted a series of anti-Jewish laws that set limits on the jobs Jews could hold, schools they could attend, where they could live and who they could marry. Despite such draconian measures, Jews in Hungary remained relatively free. All that would soon change.
ease, starvation and abuse. By the war’s end less than a third of the Jews of Hungary, about 255,000 people, remained alive. The Jewish community briefly rallied following the war, but once the communists took hold of the country in 1949 the number of Jews decreased sharply. The area around Dohany Street remained a center of Jewish life in the country, but the synagogue was, quite literally, only a shell of its former self. Its roof was open in spots, windows shattered and bordered up, grounds filled with debris. Decades of neglect followed. In the late 1960s there were about 85,000 Jews in Hungary, a decade later only about 60,000, most living in Budapest. And then the world changed. In 1989, across Central and Eastern Europe, communist states began to topple. It all began in Poland, followed quickly by Hungary, the first Warsaw Pact country to break free of Soviet domination. Only a year later, much of the region was toying with democracy and capitalism, opening its borders to investors and tourists.
Money poured in and among the first projects to be planned and funded by sources outside the Over a period of eight country was the restoraweeks in the spring of tion of the Dohany Street 1944, Jews across the reSynagogue. A number of gion were rounded up and philanthropic organizaforced into ghettos – one A massive ark fills the bimah, tions, mostly Jewish and of the largest centered set off by an ornate, intricate- mostly American, providaround Dohany Street ly-designed gate, two towering ed cash to repair and rein Budapest. Only weeks menorahs and an arch that store the shul. The threesoars three stories high. later the first transports year project was finished PHOTO / Herb Wollner to Nazi death camps in in 1996. Poland began. The Jewish commu Even as Soviet troops neared the nity also made a comeback. There are Hungarian border and freedom loomed now over 100,000 Jews in the region, precariously on the horizon, the trains enough to support a day school, univercontinued to roll. By mid-summer, over sity, community center and 20 synahalf the Jews in Hungary — about gogues. 500,000 men, women and children — had been deported. Most were murdered The Dohany Street shul attracts thousands of tourists each year and once in the gas chambers of Auschwitz. again finds itself at the spiritual heart of the Jewish quarter. And why not? Its founders planned a shul for the ages and Clinging to Life today it remains as beautiful and mag It was during this period that the Donificent as ever. hany shul became part of a Nazi military district, then an internment camp, then a deportation center. For a time, Adolph Eichman planned the “Final Solution” from an office in the synagogue. Nearby, nearly 100,000 Jews in the city continued to cling to life. It was a daily struggle and thousands died of dis-
S OUTHERN C HARM M EETING S AVVY Make the perfect first impression with our exquisite top floor meeting space overlooking downtown Atlanta. • Conveniently located in Midtown Atlanta • Can accommodate groups from 10 to 150 people • Professional catering staff and superior audio/visual services • Hilton Honors meeting planner points proudly accepted Book now by calling (912) 721-5173 or emailing Melaina.Jaudon@Hilton.com. www.StayInAtlanta.com
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Foerster got the message.
L’SHANAH TOVAH
27
AJT
guest column
‘The Gods Are Broken’
SALKIN ARGUES IT’S TIME FOR RECLAIMING THE GIFT OF ‘REBELLION’ BY BOB BAHR
SPecial for the AJT
A
braham’s presence hangs heavily over our High Holidays experience. Not only is he dramatically present in the sacred Torah readings of the holidays as an example of the eternally faithful Jew; he is prepared to sacrifice all, including his son, for his God. It is this eternal influence of Abraham that Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin tackles in his recently published book, “The God’s Are Broken – The Hidden Legacy of Abraham.” In it, Rabbi Salkin urges us, as he urged me, in a recent interview, to reclaim what he considers to be Abraham’s most important gift to us, the gift of rebellion. Not just to consider rebellion as a measured philosophical issue, but as a living, active presence in our lives. He urges us to take action, as Abraham does one day in his father’s workshop, when he destroys all of the idols created by his father, one of the city’s most prominent idol makers. As Jews, that is also our destiny.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
“God put us on earth,” he maintains, “not to be a witness for Him but in large measure to continue to fight against the idolatry of this world. That is our spiritual DNA. It
28
goes back to Abraham and every generation must renew that piece of the covenant.” It is a responsibility that Rabbi Salkin has eagerly taken on in his own life. As a leader and activist in congregations he has led in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and just a few years ago here in Atlanta, where he also developed a trans-denominational learning center, Kol Echad, that often inspired me. He has written many books examining what his restless intelligence considers to be among the most pressing issues of our time: how to bring God into the workplace is one, how to make the Torah meaningful for teens is another, honoring the gentile heroes of our own religious tradition for a third. Recently, as a critic of what he considers one of the most troubling aspects of contemporary Jewish life, Rabbi Salkin has been most influential. In his comments on the growth of idolatry in the modern world, he reserved his deepest scorn for the idolatry that we have infused into what he describes as “the billion-dollar Bar and Bat Mitzvah industry.”
He makes his case most forcefully
In the spirit of the season, your friends at Georgia Commerce Bank wish you a very Happy New Year!
Acworth 770-975-4400
Buckhead 404-240-5000
Cumberland 678-631-1240
Johns Creek 770-887-9220
Marietta Peachtree Corners Woodstock 678-631-3600 678-589-4200 678-388-5400
gacommercebank.com
in his award-winning, “Putting God on the Guest List – How To Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child Bar and Bat Mitzvah” and “The Bar/ Bat Mitzvah Memory Book – An Album for Treasuring The Spiritual Celebration.”
munal life is seriously challenged. In many places American synagogues are folding or merging out of existence, sometimes because of demography but sometimes because of a lack of commitment on the part of members.”
He cites what he considers the distorted view of the traditionally Jewish rite of passage as an example of a creeping sense of the un-Godly that has invaded Judaism today. “We have created ‘Bar Mitzvaholatry’. We believe that is the sum total of Jewish expression in American Jewish life today. By elevating this ceremony beyond anything that was ever imagined by our ancestors, by making it a period in Jewish life rather than a semi-colon as it tended to be, I think we have created another Golden Calf. We have allowed it to colonize our religious culture. We really need a broader conversation about what Jewish kids should know and experience.”
The solution he sees is not just to work harder at fitting in to American life, but to work harder at standing out in American society. “What I call people to do,” he says in describing his latest book, “is to realize that Judaism call us to adherence to a particular lifestyle, a particular mental style and a particular emotional style.”
It is not just our worship of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony that troubles Rabbi Salkin. As he bluntly put it, “We’re losing our edge.” What he seems to mean is that in a society that is among the most accepting culture we have ever experienced, that accepts and nearly elects without question a Jewish candidate for Vice President of the United States, that thinks nothing of seeing a bridegroom in tallit and skullcap marry the daughter of another President, we are in danger of losing our spiritual relevance. He notes sadly that “Jewish education and the notion of Jewish com-
In short, as he puts it, “God did not make a covenant with us in order to create smart people, God made a covenant with us to be a wise people.” His message in his latest book and on this Rosh Hashanah is that idolatry is as strong a challenge in 5774, as it was several millennia ago for a young critic of his father’s idolatrous ways. Abraham calls to us over the centuries to remind us not just of his courage and his iconoclasm but of what it takes to follow his example in our own age. About the Writer Bob Bahr leads High Holiday services at two locations this year; for the Atlanta community at Shema Yisrael The Open Synagogue in Norcross and for the residents of Huntcliff Summit in Sandy Springs. More information at www.shemaweb.org
AJT
eden’s garden
Making Sense of Time
NEW YEAR BEGINS A JOURNEY MEASURED OUT IN TICKS OF THE CLOCK
SPecial for the AJT “Try to imagine a life without timekeeping. You probably can’t. You know the month, the year, the day of the week. There is a clock on your wall or the dashboard of your car. You have a schedule, a calendar, a time for dinner or a movie. Yet all around you, timekeeping is ignored. Birds are not late. A dog does not check its watch. Deer do not fret over passing birthdays. Man alone measures time. Man alone chimes the hour. And, because of this, man alone suffers a paralyzing fear that no other creature endures; a fear of time running out.” -- Mitch Albom, “The Time Keeper”
O
ur lives revolve around a sense of schedule. Where we go, how we dress, who we communicate with – they’re all time-bound. I wear sweatpants when it’s night, because that’s the time to be casual. I make phone calls in the day, lest I bother someone at an inappropriate hour. This keen awareness of what time it is maximizes our efficiency and creates the social norms and boundaries that we live by. The question “What time is it?” isn’t just about the hands on a watch, it also asks “What should I be doing right now?” and “What’s my next responsibility?” We count time on an even broader scale, as well. The “sixties” is not just a decade, but it has strong social implications. When I write, “This is the 21st century!” I don’t just mean to tell you how long we humans have been counting our days on the Earth; my query also has a grander purpose.
This is modern life; this is a time where we’ve accepted that “x” is moral, and “y” is not. So when someone says, “Shana Tova, have a sweet new year,” it’s not just a casual greeting. It’s a landmark. We have successfully completed 5773, and it’s time to think about next year. It’s time to count what we’ve done and make goals for what we will do in this next allotted block of time. In the spirit of thie being a new-year season, I was looking back on things I’d
done around last Rosh Hashanah. It just so happens that it was last New Year that I wrote my first column for the Atlanta Jewish Times.
About the writer Atlanta’s Eden Farber, 16, was recognized in the Jewish Heritage National Poetry Contest of 2010 and has pub-
lished op-eds and poetry in Modern Hippie Magazine and the NY Jewish Week’s Fresh Ink for Teens section.
Fifteen years old, in school, and wildly excited about a new journalism opportunity! I wrote about not getting caught up in the labels and check-points of the new year or the day of atonement, Yom Kippur, and making every moment special.
Art by Caitlyn Margol Davis Academy 8th Grade, Class of 2013
When we get wrapped up in ticks of the clock, flips of the calendar pages, and blasts of the Shofar, time can turn back on us as Mitch Albom points out in the quote above. We have to breathe with every tick of the clock, not for it. That was my point last year. And while I believe it is very important not to let dates and times control us, I was also thinking how much a sense of time influences my identity. I’m a watchwearer. It’s a marker of who I am and how I think. I have a color-coded monthly schedule that hangs in my room above my dresser. So a holiday that marks time on that calendar is a very comfortable concept. It’s very difficult to balance the two feelings around this time of year. On the one hand, we understand that a year passes whether we blow the Shofar or not, and it’s not about the calendar so much as being self-reflective. On the other hand, it’s very special that we as humans count our time, and a crucial part of the month of Elul is the idea of starting over, opening a fresh page, having a blank slate. I believe there’s no easy way to reconcile the idea brought up in Albom’s quote. But we can turn to each other and ourselves, take a deep breath, and hope for a sweet new year – no matter what came before or comes after.
5774 The Davis Academy wishes our community a joyous Rosh Hashanah and a year filled with health, happiness and opportunity.
Just because 5773 is coming to an end doesn’t mean we’re running out of time; and just because we are starting 5774 doesn’t mean we can forget all that we did and learned last year. What it does mean is that we as Jews are ready and excited for another year of communal and personal growth. Shana Tova, a meaningful holiday to all.
Proud Affiliate of:
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
BY EDEN FARBER
www.davisacademy.org 29
Senator Hunter Hill wishes you and your family a healthy and prosperous New Year.
AJT
education
Educations Made Possible
The Southeast’s Secret to Keeping Jewish Students Afloat BY ELIZABETH FRIEDLY Assistant Editor
O
lga Sudvarg left home at the age of 16. Her family immigrated to the United States from the former Soviet Union with very little money or resources to speak of. Unable to ask for help, she was forced to support herself from that point forward. She has since either held down part-time or full time positions whilst earning an education – even attending night school in order to finish high school. Wanting to pursue college but lacking in funds, Sudvarg happened upon the Jewish Education Loan Fund, simply referred to as JELF.
votehunterhill.com
“I think like most people who decide to use JELF, it’s because it’s your last resort,” says Sudvarg, who is the current Senior Vice President of strategic program management at SunTrust Bank. “That’s the beauty of it or the purpose JELF serves.” What began in 1889 as an orphanage for immigrant Jewish children in the Southeast has grown into its current incarnation – JELF, a service offering interest-free loans to individuals like Sudvarg for higher education since 1960. JELF still calls Atlanta home but now serves 15 separate cities or regions around the Southeast.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Randy Gorod, associate V.P. of Israel and Global Philanthropy at Jewish Agency for Israel, also found aid through JELF while considering graduate school. With JELF’s help, Gorod studied higher education at Teacher’s College, Columbia University.
30
“People really like what JELF does, they just don’t necessarily know about JELF,” says Gorod. “Obviously I care a lot about education. The fact that I went to get a degree in higher education administration – I think it’s a really important thing. JELF is one of those vastly unknown organizations that does really great work in a low key kind of way.” In the 2013-2014 academic year, JELF awarded a record amount of funds coming in at roughly $795,000. They have been steadily increasing their reach, upping dollars awarded by 10 percent and expanding the number of individuals served by over 15 percent. The organization also expanded with the addition of a men-
toring program that matches a JELF borrower with another, more senior Jewish community member. Marcey Alter, the Deputy Director of the Medicaid Division of the Georgia Department of Community Health, chose JELF as a means to attend the out-of-state school of her dreams at Tulane University in Louisiana. There, Alter studied business and marketing before earning Masters Degrees in both business administration and health administration. Alter describes JELF as, “everything that we understand Jewish values to be, in that it takes the Jewish value of education and the Jewish value of giving back to community.” She describes the importance of treating other as you would like to be treated, “All those important and inherent values ensure that Jewish students have access to improved education and future careers that enable them to continue to recycle those [good fortunes].” All three individuals – Alter, Gorod and Sudvarg – have gone on to serve as part of the JELF Board of Directors. Their help, as well as the donations of time and money from others, keep JELF operating and serving the Jewish community. Since 1961, JELF has loaned over $7.6 million with a nearly perfect repayment rate. “For better or for worse, education is a great measure of potential success,” says Sudvarg, “So the most impactful way that I can think of do make that difference is to help with organizations like JELF, that allow people to become better educated, and consequently more successful.” Alter adds, “It’s about ensuring that students have the best opportunities to become independent and contributing members of the community. I’ve found it to be very thoughtful, as well as thought provoking, and meaningful opportunity to give back.” Editor’s note: More information about JELF at http://www.jelf.org
AJT
COMMUNITY
JNF Out and About
MEMBERS VISIT NEW BOUTIQUE IN BUCKHEAD SPecial for the AJT Supporters of the Jewish National Fund had a fun and special outing earlier this month, visiting the Beauty Bar of Buckhead. More than 50 guests joined Heather Levine, the boutique’s owner, and her husband, JNF board member Abe Levine, for a tour of the new beauty-services business. Tour highlights included complimentary blow-drys and a showing of a collection of pop art by artist Burton Morris.
Carol Skolnik Chan-Heather Levine- Lana Imerman
Valerie Miller - Jill Lerner - Bundi Lefkoff
The event, titled “A Work in Progress,” also highlighted JNF’s mission of developing the land of Israel.
Luci Sunshine - Lindy Shallcross
HAPPY ROSH HASHANA
Beth Arogeti - Beth Gluck
Judith Perl - Mechal Perl
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30328 ACCOUNTING
AUDITING
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
TAX SERVICES FORENSIC & LITIGATION
RETIREMENT PLAN ADMINISTRATION
Abe Levine - Barbara Babbit Kaufman - Beth Gluck
© 2012 Habif, Arogeti & Wynne, LLP
404-892-9651
www.hawcpa.com
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
From
RISK MANAGEMENT
31
L’Shana Tova from our Home to Yours
AJT
israel
Learning and Playing in Israel UGA GRAD STUDENTS THRILLED WITH STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IN HAIFA BY CAROLYN CRIST
SSPECIAL FOR THE AJT
Join us for a Nosh & Celebration!
The William Breman Jewish Home Aviv Rehabilitation Center The Zaban Tower The Cohen Home Weinstein Hospice The One Group Meyer Balser NORC Berman Commons
Berman Commons Information Center
Ribbon Cutting and Open House Sunday, September 15th 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm MJCCA | 5342 Tilly Mill Road | Dunwoody www.wbjh.org/bermancommons
N
icole Nation was in Israel recently, studying health care in Haifa, all part of a special program that’s been years in the making. Nation and nine other public health graduate students from the University of Georgia lived in Haifa for eight weeks this summer, taking part in classes, participating in a special “hands-on” internship and experiencing the city’s multicultural charm.
from,” said Richard Schuster, director of UGA’s Center for Global Health, who created the study abroad program. “With universal health care at a reasonable cost and with fewer health disparities, Israel has better health delivery outcomes than the U.S.” As part of their internships, the public health students recorded and analyzed outcomes in different settings – hospitals, clinics, and homes. After the class visited as a group, two students
It’s taken four years to get off the ground, but the program is now UGA’s first official study abroad program in Israel.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
“When we were shadowing during home visits, I was amazed how many patients welcomed us and allowed us to watch them be treated,” Nation said. “Everyone I met was friendly, and I was surprised by the wide range of cultures, backgrounds, and opinions.”
32
“A Name Friends Recommend ” EYDIE KOONIN 404-697-8215 Cell 770-394-2131 Office
eydie.koonin@harrynorman.com
WWW. HARRYNORMAN.COM 4848 Ashford Dunwoody Road • Atlanta, GA 30338
The program, “Developing Leaders in Global Health Systems,” grew out of a partnership between UGA and the University of Haifa. Professors from both universities taught classes about globalized health, leadership, and health care systems to the UGA students and seven public health students from Haifa. “Israel has a successful health care system that could be viewed as a model system that we in the U.S. could learn
studied Western Galilee Hospital and its use of social workers who help children;
Sign of Quality Since 1953
Wishing Our Friends a Happy, Healthy & SECURE New Year many were injured in Syria and dropped at the border.
struck by the multiculturalism – and the safety in Haifa.
“The security issues are so unique that the hospital has incorporated safety into its design and development, such as ambulances with armor plates,” said Don Rubin, director of UGA’s Center for Health & Risk Communication. “Part of the hospital’s mission is to be a safe haven in an environment where conflict is never quite out of one’s awareness, and it was iconic for this trip.”
“Before we went, we thought we would be intimidated by soldiers walking around and security,” she said. “But it wasn’t anything like that. I felt safer there than I do in some places in Athens.”
At an Ethiopian absorption center, the students noted how Israeli workers help immigrants with language and literacy barriers, health and gender inequalities, and the culture shock of moving into a developed nation. “It has taken a generation for many Ethiopians to feel they can participate in all levels of Israeli society, and it’s still an issue for the older immigrants who struggle with the language,” Rubin said. “There are many barriers to health care for them, and this gave another global perspective to the students.” In addition, the group traveled to Israel’s largest Muslim city, Umm el Fahm, to experience iftar, the meal and celebration that comes at the end of each day of Ramadan. Organized by Sikkuy, an Israeli organization that promotes equality among Arab and Jewish citizens, the event encouraged the group to visit residents’ homes for a meal and then walk through the city as fireworks burst overhead. “The students came away with the idea that people are proud of their traditions and happy to share them,” Rubin said. “Sometimes people see Israel as a mono-cultural or bi-cultural environment, but we were able to see the many ways people live and enjoy their families.”
Jackie Murtha was particularly
Thanks to donations from Atlanta and Athens-area businesses and members of the Jewish community, such as Given Imaging and Merck Pharmaceuticals, the students’ costs were lower than other study-abroad opportunities. The eight-week program fee was about $3,000, which falls below many of UGA’s three-week study abroad sessions.
Jay, Samantha, Will, Jake, Alli & Carly
Residential ■ Commercial ■ Automated Gates ■ Custom Iron Aluminum ■ Wood ■ PVC ■ Chain Link
COBB/FULTON
DEKALB/GWINNETT
770-944-1501
770-995-0987
www.AlliedFence.com | Todd@Alliedfence.com A FENCE FOR EVERY NEED
This was especially rewarding for Parveen Dhillon, who decided to travel to Haifa for her first study abroad experience. Other than trips to India with her parents, Dhillon hadn’t traveled out of the country much. “I hoped it would be a growing-up experience, and it turned out to be just that,” she said. “Touring the Dead Sea and going to a waterfall – those moments were once in a lifetime. Who knows when I’ll be able to do that again?” As the students left class each day, they were struck by the view below. Seated at the top of a hill, the University of Haifa overlooks white and creamcolored buildings, the Mediterranean Sea, and an expansive port. For Nation, it was these moments, as well as those in the historic towns Masada and Jaffa, that inspired her the most. “These are places where people have lived for thousands of years,” she said. “They woke up, lived their daily lives, worked, and went to sleep again. The beginning of civilization developed and existed where we were standing.”
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Several group trips emphasized the multicultural aspect of Haifa and its surrounding neighborhoods, where a mixture of Muslim and Christian Arabs, Russians, and Orthodox and secular Jewish residents live.
As Schuster continues the partnership each summer, he and University of Haifa colleagues are developing a three-semester master’s in public health in Haifa that will be featured in English.
Lori & Todd and the Movsovitz Edlin Family
33
AJT
arts & entertainment
Author Lecture Series
‘OLLI AT EMORY’ OFFERING ALL-STAR LINEUP FOR 2013
duced internationally. He is the author of the novels “Nor(ish)” and “Animation”, and two short story collections “American Blues” and “Love & Loss & Love”.
SSPECIAL FOR THE AJT
and last for an hour.
October 8
Interested in books, authors and the creative process?
September 17 Cameron McWhirter discusses his books, “Red Summer: The Summer of 1919” and the “Awakening of Black America”. He’s a staff Reporter with The Wall Street Journal and was awarded a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University, and Thomas J. Watson Fellowship for research in Eritria and the Sudan.
Dr. Martin Moran, author of “Atlanta’s Living Legacy, A History of Grady Memorial Hospital and Its People”, will discuss the early days of healthcare in Atlanta, the founding of Grady Hospital and the people that made it all happen. Dr. Moran also authored “Tincture of Time, the Story of 150 Years of Medicine in Atlanta”. Dr. Moran practiced pediatrics in Atlanta for over 30 years.
September 24
October 15
Doctors Debra and David Levinson, the authors of “Italy Luxury Family Hotels & Resorts” and “Italy’s Best With Kids” are leading travel experts on some of Italy’s choicest properties located in or around the country’s destination cities.
Scott Zucker discusses “Chain of Custody”, a legal thriller based on his personal experiences including time in Washington, D.C. Zucker is a founding partner at the law firm of Weissmann Zucker Euster Morochnik P.C. Zucker has donated his personal proceeds from the sale of this book to the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, where he sits on the community Advisory Board.
Then you might want to attend this year’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s Author Lecture Series at Emory. The program is an educational adventure and known for its quality of instruction and group participation. OLLI at Emory is an engaging intellectual and social experience. And here’s the good news. A $125 quarterly membership fee entitles you to enroll in up to four OLLI classes of your choice (some courses have additional registration fees). Or you may select any single non-computer class of your choice for a “sampler’s fee” of $69.
October 1
Classes are held at Emory Continuing Education, 1256 Briarcliff Road, Building B and several satellite locations.
Evan Guilford-Blake, Distinguished Resident Playwright Emeritus at Chicago Dramatists, member of the Dramatists Guild and the Atlanta Writers Club, and winner of 38 playwriting competitions, some of which have been pro-
Here are the highlights of this year’s lecture series which begin at 11:20 a.m.
MEANINGFUL MEANINGFUL
October 22
ate Professor of History at Emory, is an accomplished acoustic guitarist, pianist, saxaphonist, singer, and songwriter who is adept at playing different styles of music, including rock, blues, folk and gospel. He is the recipient of the Sammy Clark Service Award and the Mitzell Award at Oxord. October 29 Cynthia Graubart (co-author with Natalie Dupree) of “Mastering the Art of Southern Cooking”. Graubart is also a teacher, freelance writer, and former television producer of shows including the PBS Series: New Southern Cooking with Natalie Dupree. Her other books include “The One-Armed Cook”, and “Southern Biscuits”. November 5 Milam McGraw Propst, author of “Writer, Writer”, a look at the creative process through the eyes of the author. Propst is also the creator of eight other books including “A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street”, upon which the motion picture “The Adventures of Ociee Nash” was based.
David Leinweber, Oxford College Associ-
Find FindititAll All at atthe theMJCCA MJCCA FUN FUN
SWIM SWIM TEAM TEAM SPINNING SPINNING CLASSES CLASSES BOOK BOOK FESTIVAL FESTIVAL BASKETBALL BASKETBALL TENNIS TENNIS DANCE DANCE
HAPPY HAPPY
JOYFUL JOYFUL
SWEET SWEET INSPIRING INSPIRING
HEALTHY HEALTHY
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
NEW NEW YEAR YEAR
34
Wishing Wishing you you aa happy happy and and healthy healthy New New Year. Year.
PILATES PILATESBOOTCAMP BOOTCAMPFITNESS FITNESS CENTER CENTERCOMPANY COMPANY JJ THEATRE THEATRERUNNING RUNNING TRAIL TRAILZUMBA ZUMBA
AFTER-SCHOOL AFTER-SCHOOLPROGRAMS PROGRAMS GYMNASTICS GYMNASTICS FUNCTIONAL FUNCTIONALFITNESS FITNESSCOACHING COACHING YOGA YOGA
The TheMJCCA MJCCAisisa afamily-friendly, family-friendly, all-inclusive all-inclusiverecreational recreationalfacility facility where whereyou youand andyour yourfamily familywill willfind: find: • 4,000 • 4,000 square square foot foot fitness fitness center center • 85+ • 85+ group group exercise exercise classes classes including including TM TM ® ® Les Les Mills Mills and and Zumba Zumba • NEW! • NEW! FitLine FitLine Functional Functional Fitness Fitness Programming Programming and and Studio** Studio** • Sauna, • Sauna, whirlpool whirlpool and and steam steam room room • Drop-off • Drop-off childcare childcare • Professional • Professional and and community community theater theater and and cultural cultural events events
11
Become Become aaa Member Member Today! Today! Become Become a Member Member Today! Today! **
PERDAY DAY $$ PER For For33Months Months
Contact ContactMJCCA MJCCAMembership Membership atat678.812.4060 678.812.4060oror membership@atlantajcc.org membership@atlantajcc.org Reference Referencecode: code:MJCCA$1/DAY MJCCA$1/DAY * For * For thethe first first three three months. months. Open Open to to anyone anyone that that hashas notnot
been been a member a member of of thethe MJCCA MJCCA within within thethe past past 2424 months. months. Restrictions apply. Valid Sept. 1 – 1Dec. 31,31, 2013. Visit Restrictions apply. Valid Sept. – Dec. 2013. Visit atlantajcc.org/specials forfor complete details. atlantajcc.org/specials complete details.
Includes Includes full full access access toto Emory Emory Student Student Activities Activities and and ** ** Opening October 2013. Registration and classes Opening October 2013. Registration and classes Academic Academic Center Center (SAAC) (SAAC) 1946 1946 Starvine Starvine Way, Way, Decatur Decatur feefee required. required.
The The Center Center ofof the the Community Community
MJCCA MJCCA | 5342 | 5342 Tilly Tilly Mill Mill Road, Road, Dunwoody, Dunwoody, GAGA 30338 30338 | 678.812.4060 | 678.812.4060 | |
/MJCCA /MJCCA | atlantajcc.org | atlantajcc.org
The The Center Center ofof the the Community Community
MJCCA MJCCA | 5342 | 5342 Tilly Tilly Mill Mill Road, Road, Dunwoody, Dunwoody, GAGA 30338 30338 | 678.812.4060 | 678.812.4060 | |
/MJCCA /MJCCA | atlantajcc.org | atlantajcc.org
M AY Y O U R N E W Y E A R B E G O O D A N D
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
SWEE
35
AJT
education
Special Gift from Israel
YOUNG VOLUNTEERS PART OF INNOVATIVE PROGRAM AT GHA BY LEAH LEVY
SPecial for the AJT
G
reenfield Hebrew Academy (GHA) recently welcomed this year’s participants in the school’s B’not Sherut program, now in its third year. Eighth graders, as well as staff members and GHA’s B’not Sherut – Sarah Tannenbaum, Sara Yisrael, Maayan Dror, and Linoy David – enjoyed a bagel breakfast as they got to know one another. B’not Sherut are young Israeli women who have chosen to perform one or two years of national service in lieu of service in the IDF. The young women serve as volunteers in many different capacities in Israel; they work in education (including special education and
helping at-risk teens), administration and law, medical assistance (including hospitals, geriatrics, nursing homes, and health clinics), internal security, disadvantaged communities, immigrant assistance, environmental issues, and other related nonprofit organizations. After a year of service within Israel, the best of the B’not Sherut can volunteer for an additional year of service in the Diaspora countries. These volunteers extend their time of service and travel far from home for a year, and are a precious gift to the communities they serve.
5774
Please join us for High Holiday services at the MJCCA and second day of Rosh Hashana in our beautiful new home.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
We are pleased to provide a wide variety of programming to foster spiritual and social connection for people of all ages. In addition to traditional High Holiday Services, we offer...
36
Yom Kippur Speakers Tashlich Service Family Services
Fun, meaningful and engaging programming for children ages 3+ years Babysitting for children under 3 years
Please call (404) 250-3338 for ticket and programming information. Our doors are always open to those seeking spiritual connections through prayer, learning and music. 7460 Trowbridge Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 404-250-3338 www.or-hadash.org
This year, GHA will be doubling the number of B’not Sherut from two to four, which will allow them to spend more time in the Early Childhood Department of the school, as well as freeing them to do more community outreach. In addition to their work at GHA, the women will be involved with youth programming at area synagogues. Maayan and Sarah will be helping to run the B’nei Akiva youth program at Young Israel of Toco Hills, while Linoy and Sara will be assisting at Congregation Beth Tefillah in Sandy Springs. “Our B’not Sherut are an invaluable resource,” says Interim Head of School Leah Summers. “It goes without saying that they do a tremendous amount to help our students and our school – they arrange special programs and activities, they tutor in Ivrit, they help out students, teachers, and staff. But more importantly, they bring energy and spirit, ruach, to our school; they bring our love for Israel to life.”
All four young women are fluent
in English. Maayan explained that her mother is Canadian; Sara “just has a lot of American friends.” Linoy said that she learned to speak English in school. Sarah cheerfully admitted that she was born in California; her parents made aliyah when she was 12. The women are delighted to be here in Atlanta. “I heard what a warm and friendly place it is, so welcoming,” Sara said, “and they were right!” The women are from all over Israel – Jerusalem, Haifa, Bet Shemesh, and Efrat – but they have come together in Atlanta because, as Linoy explained, “it’s so important to get to know other Jewish communities, and to build a bridge connecting us all together, all over the world.” The program that brings the Israeli volunteers ut to Atlanta is made possible through the generosity and efforts of community donors, including Congregation Beth Tefillah, the Young Israel of Toco Hills, and the Greenfield Hebrew Academy.
AJT
community
Creating a Special Bond
ISRAELI COUNSELORS MEET IN ATLANTA TO UNPACK THEIR EXPERIENCES
“I’m not religious but it was beautiful,” Zoashnin recalled. “The mother of my host family was a cantor and I went to her synagogue. It was musical, not just reciting prayers.” Zoashnin was so inspired by her JCC experience that she decided to return for a longer stay in America once she finished her military service. This past year, when her duty as a basic training commander ended, Zoashnin, from Kiryat Bialik, jumped at the opportunity to become a Jewish Agency summer Shlicha (emissary) at Camp Judea in Hendersonville, N.C. “In Israel, it’s so easy to keep the Jewish culture,” she said. “In the U.S., people have to try so hard, and I think that’s beautiful.” Each year, hundreds of young Israelis – many, like Zoashnin, fresh from military service – arrive in North America to staff Jewish camps. At the camps, the emissaries work as counselors, teachers, nature/wilderness guides, theater directors, dance instructors, cooking experts, arts and crafts specialists, song leaders and athletic coaches. But their mission is to represent the Israeli people and modern Israeli culture to young American Jews through direct, personal interaction at camp. The interaction goes both ways: summer Shlichim frequently share that they get just as much from their experiences as they give in terms of a deepened understanding and appreciation of Jewish life in North America. To help summer Shlichim process their experiences in North America and to provide them a framework to “pay it forward” when they return to Israel, The Jewish Agency recently sponsored a pilot program at Atlanta’s Marcus JCC and Ramah Darom (funded with grants from the Marcus and Avi Chai Foundations). The two-day, conference, called “Bringing it Home,” drew close to 65 summer Shlichim. The goal was trifold: to help young Shlichim integrate their summer camp experiences into
Tamar Freud, who spent her summer as a lifeguard at URJ Camp Coleman in Cleveland, Ga., attended the Atlanta conference, as well. “I knew nothing about Diaspora Judaism,” said Freud. “But at camp I felt very connected to it. It was a Judaism that made sense to me.” At the conference, Shlichim participated in workshops that focused on such topics as, “What Am I Bringing Home?”, “My Vision”, “Designing a Social Start-Up”, and “What is the Story: Presenting the Shaliach Experience to Israeli Peers.”
Shlichim Inbal Zoashnin and Tamar Freud
“Whether they were in North America for two months or two years, the relationships that Shlichim form with Diaspora Jews and the mutual respect they and their Diaspora counterparts develop for one another lead to lifelong bonds that are critical to a secure Jewish future,” said Ariella Feldman, The Jewish Agency’s director of North American Shlichut (Emissary) Initiatives.
Happy New Year
During the workshop, Zoashnin pointed to a specific experience she had with a camper that touched her deeply. She was in charge of an Israel Day activity that replicated an obstacle course used during IDF basic training. At the end of the day, she gave her own military dog tags to a shy 14-year-old camper who had impressed her with his effort. She knew he would appreciate her gesture, but she wasn’t certain about the extent to which young American Jews understand the dog tag’s symbolic significance to Israelis. “At the end of camp, he wrote me a letter,” Zoashnin said. “He wrote that he would never forget me. It was one of those things I’ll never forget either. The kids were amazing in terms of what they understand and want to learn, and I told the American counselors that I wish I could see them every day. [These relationships] are all rewards that I want to bring back to Israel.”
Sandy Springs Sandy Springs/ ITP $1,250,000 $1,199,000
$675,000 $650,000
JUST REDUCED- Fantastic Location PRICE REDUCED- Your Own Private ResortNear Pill Hill! 5 Minutes to Pill Hill!
• This One of a Kind Estate Will Take Your Breath Away! • Custom Built Craftmaster Home with Silent Floor • 5 Bedrooms/ 5 Full Baths / 1 Half Bath & I-Beam Construction • Open Floor Plan with Flexibility for Large or Small Scale Entertaining • 5 Bedroom/ 4 Full Bath/ 1 Half Bath • Totally Renovated Custom Designed Kitchen Has All the Bells and • Large Kitchen with New Stainless Steel Appliances Whistles and Overlooks Vaulted Great Room & Island, Open to Spacious Keeping Room and • Owner’s Retreat on Main with Sitting room and Peaceful Screen Porch Great Room • Upstairs Office Plus 3 Bedrooms, Each with a Private Bath • Master on Main with Fireplace, Double Head Steam Shower w/ • Terrace Level Has a Bedroom, Full Bath & Artist Studio That Would Be Frameless Glass Door, Whirlpool Tub and Custom Walk-in Closets a Perfect Playroom/Game Room, Media Room, Gym and More! • Three King Size Guest Bedrooms Upstairs • Main Level Walkout to the Pool, Waterfall, Outdoor Kitchen, Tranquility • Finished Terrace Level with Rec Room, Wet Bar, Bedroom, Garden and Play Area Full Bath, Media Room & More! • You Will Be Amazed at How Much Love and Care the Owner’s Have Put into this Home • Stunning Free Form Gunite Self-Cleaning Pool with Waterfall- Your Entertaining Oasis! • Fantastic Private Location, Yet Close to Hospitals, Shops, Schools and Restaurants • Riverwood High School
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
W
hen she visited the U.S. several years ago for the JCC Maccabi ArtsFest, Inbal Zoashnin, now 22, saw something special in American Jewish life.
their daily lives in Israel, to set the stage for more social activism on their part to create a more pluralistic global Jewish family, and to continually improve the interaction between young North American Jews and their Israeli counterparts.
Re Ju du s ce t d!
SPecial for the AJT
©2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned And Operated By NRT LLC.
37
YOUR DREAM DAY Say “I do” amidst soft sea breezes, white sand beaches and a warm sunset.
The Westin’s three outdoor ceremony and reception venues and beautifully renovated ballroom help you customize the beachfront wedding of your dreams, for up to 550 guests. On- site catering, award-winning Heavenly Spa and dedicated coordinators ensure your dream becomes a reality. Tell us what your dream looks like 843.681.4000 | westinhiltonheadisland.com 2013 © Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. August Wedding.indd 1
8/28/2013 1:34:56 PM
Persian menu with a Middle Eastern flair ~ Celebrate your Simchas at Sufi’s! Call us today to reserve your table or Place your catering order!
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Shabbat Dinners ● Private Banquets ● Catering
38
Happy & Healthy Rosh Hashanah 1814 Peachtree Street Atlanta, Georgia 30309 | 404. 888. 9699 | www.sufisatlanta.com Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm, Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Expert Advisors in Senior Housing and Care Options Our goal is to get you the BEST CARE for the BEST VALUE, while helping you understand the options that suit YOUR needs. Contact us for additional information with no obligation:
Shelley Reig 404-881-9974
www.AssistedTransition.com
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 â–Ş 2013
FREE Assistance from Start to Finish
39
AJT 690 Mt. Vernon Highway NE In the heart of Sandy Springs 404-843-8857 www.thecarltonalf.com
guest column
‘If Not Now, When?”
CONSERVATIVES LEADING US DOWN A DARK AND DANGEROUS ROAD BY RABBI RON HERSTIK SPecial for the AJT
A
s I prepare for the Yamim Nora-yim, the Days of Awe, I engage in “Hesbon Nefesh” (soul searching) even more intensely than usual.
From Our Home to Yours, The Blessings of a Safe & Joyful 5774!
I am overwhelmed by events, too numerous to list, that are consequential to our nation, to the Jewish community, and to Israel. And as I survey the landscape, it’s impossible for me to look on this past year without crying out, “Car fifty-Four where are you?” In the time that I have been a voting adult – I am speeding toward my 64th birthday – never, to my recollection, have I seen the kind of political and cultural divide that permeates the fabric of our society. Indeed, class warfare is taking place! You can see it the incessant attack on Social Security and Medicare and other so-called entitlements. These battles threaten the programs themselves and with time they are eroding our collective will to help and care for each other.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
It’s obscene to hear the misinformation and to witness the fierce opposition by the Republican Party to the health care legislation, popularly called “Obamacare” or properly, The Affordable Health Care Act.
40
It’s indisputable that Americans desperately need a means to survive astronomical, ever escalating, healthcare costs. But with all the baloney that is served up about the catastrophe that will befall us when the legislation takes effect, there’s no hint of anything beyond privatization as the remedy to all our problems. For all the posturing by the Right about the wonderful health care system we have in this country and the fear mongering about “death panels” should Obamacare be fully implemented, our medical care is in reality controlled by private for-profit insur-
ance companies whose fundamental reason for existence is to make money – and lots of it. By now you’ve probably surmised not only that I speak bluntly, but in the course of doing so I reveal myself to be liberal socially and progressive politically. I add quickly, my Jewish tradition, particularly the prophetic demand to support and not abandon the “widow, the orphan and the stranger,” is the core of my expression as a human being. Judaism teaches, “Justice, justice shall you pursue . . .” For some of our kids it’s hard to find justice. A black youngster walks through a neighborhood and a would-be policeman follows him, packing a gun, and shoots the kid dead. Thank you Florida legislature for your “Stand Your Ground” law: if you feel that you might suffer serious bodily injury or that your life is threatened, shoot! Yes, I have listened to both sides of the argument aplenty and my conclusion is that George Zimmerman created circumstances that cascaded out of control and led him to kill Treyvon Martin. He is a guy who should not have owned a gun in the first place. And we should rightly regard him as a murderer. The obsession with guns of all types and the money behind their sales is a story in itself. The NRA makes money off gun sales – what do you know! They get a kickback from domestic gun manufacturing companies for every gun that’s sold. The Second Amendment is distorted by megabucks and special interests, and when the word goes out that the government, meaning Barak Obama, is going to take your guns away, people pile into gun stores and purchase guns, large capacity clips, and plenty of ammo.
It was recognized as an obligation to “behave respectfully or kindly towards others.” But no longer is even the pretense made of such an ideal among those who have come to populate the most reactionary, extreme wing of Conservatism and the Republican Party. There is no compromise and an absolute proclivity for brinkmanship. Need a few examples; well, how about refusing to raise the Debt Ceiling or negotiating the Sequester to a conclusion that will prevent people from losing their jobs.
Many Conservatives say, “We get our way or else!” Like Samson, they’ll tear the palace down and let it fall on everybody’s head. Whether it’s the Debt Ceiling or how to reduce the deficit--which is falling every day--or how to increase the number of much needed jobs for Americans, and how to deal both pragmatically and compassionately with “illegal” immigrants, there is no compromise, only fierce obstructionism pouring out from House Republicans. What happened to us? What has permeated our collective mentality? As I see it, we as a society have increasingly developed a kind of punitive state of mind and just plain meanness towards the less fortunate and the poor. It’s a complex energized by anger and frustration that what
we have, what we are entitled to will be taken away from us by those who don’t even deserve it. So here we are; the Days of Awe draw near. Let us open our eyes and honestly assess our own place on the ladder and determine if we are standing on the hand of another human being who is hanging on for dear life. And then make it our sacred obligation to keep that someone from falling into the abyss by extending our hand and lifting him and her up. This is hardly a novel proposal that I proffer, for this is what Hillel had in mind some two thousand years ago when he taught: “If I am not for myself who will be for me; and if I am only for myself what am I; and if not now, when?”
May you and yours celebrate the High Holidays with introspection, honesty and the courage to act. Shanah Tovah and may you be inscribed for a life of worthwhileness and wholeness for the coming year.
Look for the conservative response to this column in our Yom Kippur issue September 13.
Better said and even better practiced.
L ’Shana Tova
Wishing You a Sweet New Year
1589 Peachtree Street, Ne, atlaNta, Ga 30309 | 404-873-1731 | the-temPle.orG
Tree Removal Tree Trimming Certified Arborists Emergency Services finestmulch.com
Call us now at 404-288-8733!
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Guns are not our only obsession. There was a time when noblesse oblige was considered to be one of the core values of those who were blessed with wealth; to what extent it was practiced is irrelevant, for at least it existed as part of people’s vocabulary.
41
42
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
re JEWvenate! Inspiring, Friendly, Accessible High Holiday
LEARNER SERVICES ROSH HASHANAH: SEPT. 5 & 6 FROM 11:00AM - 1:30PM YOM KIPPUR: SEPT. 14 FROM 11:00AM - 1:30PM
Enlightening perspectives, inspiring stories, interactive Q&A and more! $18 per individual ticket or $36 per family, free for students and Beth Jacob Members (Ticket price covers Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) Beth Jacob Atlanta - Heritage Hall 1855 LaVista Road Atlanta, GA 30329 Register online at www.bethjacobatlanta.org/highholidays or by calling 404-633-0551
L’Shana Tovah, from ORT America!
DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR “EARLY BIRD” DISCOUNTS THROUGH OCTOBER 1! CHOOSE AN ISRAEL EXPERIENCE BASED ON YOUR INTERESTS: • FIRST TIME PEEK AT ISRAEL
• START-UP INNOVATION
• MODERN ISRAELI SOCIETY: A WEEK IN THE LIFE
• ARTISTIC, CULINARY & CULTURAL DELIGHTS
WE HOPE YOU’LL JOIN US.
From $3,000* per person *Land only
ORT educates over 300,000 students around the world every day.
For more information or to register, visit
To learn more about ORT’s mission to educate and elevate at home and around the globe, please visit us at www.ORTamerica.org. Connect with ORT in the Atlanta region! Contact Jenna Shulman at 404-327-5266 or jshulman@ORTamerica.org
JewishAtlanta.org/Mission2014
13-06-031 Mission Ad 4.9x12.5 V2.indd 1
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Some history is worth repeating. Come join our family tree.
7/17/13 9:17 AM
43
AJT
business
Values-Based Financial Planning GOOD FOR THE FAMILY, SOCIETY – AND THE SOUL
BY CHARLES GOLDBERG
not because I chose the best-performing mutual funds or stock of the day.
For many of us, Rosh Hashanah is a time of spiritual reawakening.
There are some distinct Jewish values that influence the way I relate to clients in my practice. They include:
SPecial for the AJT
It’s a time for reflecting on our Jewish values and remembering actions we have taken this past year to live by those values. Have we, in fact, been true to ourselves and lived by the values that we teach others? When I began my financial and tax planning career 23 years ago, my Jewish faith was obvious to most people because I didn’t eat pork at business meals and kept Shabbos even during tax season. Most of my fellow CPAs and clients I worked with in public accounting were not Jewish and were unaware of our traditions and rules. While I explained specific Jewish practices when people asked me about them, most of the time I kept my conversation to values that are universally shared. Today, the majority of my clients are neither Jewish nor strongly religious, but I believe many have been drawn to me because they feel I stand for something which is lacking on Wall Street and in Washington today.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
The recession has awakened many people to value saving and to stop spending on things that they can’t afford. As a financial advisor, my job is to have real conversations about why responsible financial behavior is good for the family, society in general – and for the soul.
44
Having been raised in a traditional Jewish family in New York, I have learned not to worry that opening a conversation about values means asking questions that will be intrusive or uncomfortable. Whether I meet with Jews or nonJews, we can still focus on common values, not the small differences between religious practices. By focusing on common values, I believe many of my clients stayed with me because of the way we talked about their lives,
Tikun olam The English translation is “healing the world.” Every person has innate talents that can make the world a better place. Each one of us is needed to uplift and transform our world into a better version of itself. I encourage clients to find their unique contribution to this process. Being a mensch A “mensch” is the Yiddish word for a human being who contributes something by his presence to the world he lives in. As an advisor, I try to be upright and ensure that I do what I say. Tzelem elokim This Hebrew phrase contains the thought that we are all created in the image of G-d. Remembering tzelem elokim helps me to be compassionate and empathize when clients fail or struggle with changes. My respect for their efforts helps to keep me on track, remembering the importance of their task. For example, I have a few clients who, some might say, were not really tackling the changes they needed to make. In fact, one Dunwoody couple recently expressed to me that they were incredulous that I continued to work with them in spite of their slow progress. Yet the couple told me about small changes they were taking on: bringing lunch every day instead of eating out, taking MARTA to work to make use of an employer subsidy rather than paying high daily fees to park, and limiting their meals out by paying in cash instead of putting it on a credit card.
Slowly but surely, they were building cash reserves where there had been none. I told them that I saw them as working hard to change their financial behavior and that I had deep respect for their efforts. The important thing was they were becoming conscious of how they spend their money and were trying bit-by-bit to contain overspending. Many of my clients reacted to the recent recession with relative calm. As many expressed to me, they felt comforted by their cash reserves, control over monthly expenses and that they had a comprehensive financial plan to get them through good times or bad. Teshuvah We achieve teshuvah, repentance, only when we change our behavior. Wanting a change is simply not enough. We must act and live it and be committed. My job is to be encouraging and supportive, to help clients keep their eye on their goals, not to berate them about failures. Tzedakah This word actually translates to “justice,” not charity. It is right and just that we share some of what we have with others – money, time or even kindness. Even the poorest person has this obligation. Tzedakah does not divide the world into givers and takers because we all are takers sometimes and givers other times. However, tzedakah also includes the idea that those who need help will not take more than they need. As a financial advisor, I try to inspire and guide clients to be responsible, live within their means, and save for retirement so none of us will be a drain on our families or future generations. Several years ago near Rosh Hashanah, I began a new tzedakah tradition. Like many parents having
young children, I found myself with limited time and not able to volunteer for all the charities I had once been involved with. I needed another way to strive for teshuvah, repentance, and to improve my self-purpose. So I decided to set up a “tzedakah” budget. Many of my clients have charitable organizations in Atlanta and nationally that are important to them. During each Jewish New Year, I prepare a list of those organizations and allocate my budget towards those groups. My budget is usually about $2,000 and is allocated equally. My goal is to turn this into an annual client appreciation event. By doing this, my clients and I have created a special bond in serving our community that expresses the higher purpose of money. I hope that this client appreciation event will inspire my clients. It reflects my own sense of purpose in a professional and meaningful way. Don’t be afraid to discuss your beliefs with your financial advisor. Having conversations about finances as a tool to be an upright person and to do good in our world are sorely needed. Your financial plan should include strategies to not only enable you to retire and live with dignity, but to also achieve teshuvah and to live righteously. About the writer Charles Goldberg is an independent fee-based financial advisor with Financial Innovations, LLC. He can be reached at (404) 459-2711 and by email at Charles@financialinnovations.biz.
45
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
AJT
One Man’s Opinion
A Little Fatherly Advice
IF YOU FEEL LOST, LONELY, GO TO A SHUL AND YOU’LL BE HOME BY EUGEN SCHOENFELD AJT COLUMNIST
E
ach year as the High Holidays approach, I recall one of the last chats I had with my father.
The fatherly talk occurred during the dark days of our existence in the Munkacser Ghetto, a place surrounded by barbed wire. No one was allowed to enter or leave.
Life in the Ghetto was governed by uncertainty. There seemed to be no future.
earlier.
1944 and the news was good.
“Money lost nothing lost; hope lost all is lost.”
We were in limbo; it was a time without any expectations and, hence, depressing. What could my father tell me? What advice could he offer when our future was totally unpredictable?
I was still the master of a hidden radio, a little device I didn’t turn in to the authorities. I kept it hidden in a nearby woodshed and every evening, exactly at six, I brought the radio into the house and turned to the BBC’s daily news in Hungarian.
The combined British and American armies were winning significant victories in Italy. I wondered if it might be possible for me and my family to hold on until the end of the war. We had hoped for rescue and yet, deep in our hearts, we were afraid, anticipating the worst.
No one knew what was going to happen to us. Still, I remembered an adage from my paternal grandmother who had passed away a few years
It was the beginning of April of
I was 18, the oldest son and a graduate of the Hebrew Gymnasium. So my father took me aside to give me some advice. Anticipating that we would be taken away, all of us in the family – and that included my 13-year-old brother Benjamin and 10-year-old sister Esther – memorized our uncle’s address in St. Louis. This was to be as a contact point if we became separated. What else could my father tell me? Having been a successful merchant, would he give me advice on how to rebuild my life after the war? No, instead of practical advice, he chose to give me a little spiritual wisdom.
We Help Build Tomorrow, Today
“Tuli,” he said to me “I do not know what the future holds for us. I do not know whether we will survive nor where we will end up. But this I know for sure. If you survive and no matter where you will end up, no matter in what country you will finally settle, this will always hold true: If you feel lost and lonely go to a shul and there you always will be at home.”
Matthew Lieberman, JNF Board Co-President, Georgia
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
I did survive the Holocaust and I settled in St. Louis, Mo. with the remnant of my family. I attended Washington University. In those early years in the U.S., I never thought of my father’s advice, but tried to continue my life as a Jew – albeit a more modern one. Without thinking of my father’s words, I simply gravitated to the Jewish community.
Donate Now to Help Build Israel’s Future
JNF helps build tomorrow today, together with the people of Israel. With your support, children now have a safe refuge from harm, deserts bloom and water renewal solutions build continued promise for future generations. Mail Donations: 42 East 69th Street | New York, NY 10021
46
In the fall of 1976, now living in Atlanta, my wife and I traveled to Paris where I was to deliver a lecture at the Sorbonne on the Jewish foundations of Durkheim’s sociological theories.
DONATE NOW JEWISH NATIONAL FUND jnf.org 888.JNF.0099
Rosh Hashanah began two days later and I chose to remain in Paris. However, I could not be alone, separated from my fellow Jews on the New Year. My inner self compelled me to go to services.
“What a wonderful experience this will be,” I thought to myself. “After all, this is the synagogue where my hero, the great sociologist Emile Durkheim, attended services almost a century earlier.” Still, I was in a strange city with a str ange language. But it was Rosh Hashanah and it was imperative for me to be with my people. My wife and I arrived at the synagogue and, alas, instead of finding peace on the holiday, I was filled with melancholy when I saw that the place was filled with the symbols of the tragedies of Jewish existence. Even after the Holocaust, the signs were all about, surrounding the synagogue. Not long before our arrival in this City of Light it had turned dark – especially for Jews. Muslim youths had attacked the synagogue and a famous Jewish restaurant, putting a deep shadow on Jewish life. The synagogue was I was attending that holiday was surrounded by police, the gendarmerie, all carrying automatic weapons. At the synagogue entrance, two young men were in charge of security. All Talit bags and women’s purses were opened and searched. Finally it was our turn – no tickets in my hand, no talit batel, and of course no linguistic fluency. I stood before the two young men and I spoke to them in halting French. “We are American Jews. May we join you for Rosh Hashanah services? His answer was an unquestioned, “oui”. We climbed the stairs into the shul and I told my wife to go upstairs to the women’s section as it was done in my hometown beth hamidrash (house of study). The synagogue inside was beautiful. The ark where the Torah scrolls were kept was surrounded by marble pillars and wrought iron decorations. The chazzan, with the choir, was standing before the ark. It was clear, however, that this was a French synagogue because the “gabbaim” wore special hats. Reflecting their French heritage, they all sported Napoleon style hats, embossed with tricolor
buntings. Meanwhile, the sound inside was distinctly sweet. The chazan remained in front of the art and, just like it had been in my childhood shul in Munkacs, he and the choir were chanting the High Holiday prayers using the same melodies I knew so well. I sat down in a pew, closed my eyes, and felt the spirit of the day enveloping me. Behind me sat an elderly person. “Ihr ret Yissdish?”I asked, “Do you speak Yiddish?”
“Avadeh.” for sure, he replied.
I found out that he came to France from Poland before World War I. He and his family survived the Holocaust. Soon, someone else sat down next me. “Again I asked, “Do you speak Yiddish?”
“Jah” he answered.
His Yiddish was more German than the Galician Yiddish that I was accustomed to speaking and hearing. But it was Yiddish, my language, my “mame looshen.” Soon we were immersed in conversation. Shortly, I ceased to talk. I was just sitting and listening to the melodies that had been part of my childhood, reciting the familiar prayers and once in a while speaking the language of my youth.
Atlanta Fitness Diva
A boutique style fitness and weight loss facility that specializes in stubborn fat loss & body shaping for women over 35 Challenging workouts tailored for your fitness level Expert Female Trainers
I could not help but lift up my eyes heavenward, looking up at the beautiful ceiling that was richly decorated in gold. In my mind’s eye I remembered my father and his advice to me and now I was seeking his presence. Soon I felt him; in fact, he was right next to me. I felt as though I was back at home like it was during my childhood. “Tate (father),” I said to him, “you were right, I am at home.” About the writer Eugen Schoenfeld, a professor and chair emeritus at Georgia State University and a survivor of the Holocaust, will be speaking at Shema Yisrael during the High Holidays.
Mention this ad for 20% off your first month! www.AtlantaFitnessDiva.com | 404-531-5000 855 Mt. Vernon Hwy, Suite 200, Sandy Springs GA 30328
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
I chose to attend a traditional synagogue on Rue Victoire.
47
THE ULTIMATE VIDEO GAME PARTY
With our MOBILE VIDEO GAME THEATER, we bring the fun to YOU!
16 Players at one time! Nintendo Wii ▪ XBox360 ▪ PlayStation3
Perfect for ANY occasion! Birthday Parties, School Events, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Fundraisers, etc.
$20 OFF YOUR VIDEO PARTY! Coupon Code AJT
Ask about our “AJT Sunday” and “AJT Weekday” Special Deals!
Ask about our new Laser Tag event and special rates for Video Game/Laser Tag Combo Parties.
Book your party today!
770.755.5100 WWW.GAMETRUCKPARTY.COM
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
wishing you a Happy and Healthy New year! Don’t forget to Place your order ahead of time for the High Holidays.
48
Now open in Atlanta!! come on in to see why “It’s All About The water!”
SIX FREE
BAGELS with purchase of a dozen bagels Expires 9/15/13
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
JELF ’s Annual Casino Night Please don’t come! JELF’s No-Go Casino Night is a Fundraising Trifecta:
1. No babysitter needed 2. No new outfit required 3. Just write a check
We simply ask that you make a donation to our Non-Event.
For more information or to make a donation, please call 770-396-3080 or visit www.jelf.org/nogocasinonight Heidi Geller and Judy Wolman *Host Committee Shelley and Jeffrey Alperin Tina and Jake Arbes Cheryl and Myron Bloom Jennifer and Robert Britanisky Kathe and Morris Brown Linda and David Cohen Bea and Bud Feiman Donna and Joel Freedman
Kimberly and Kenneth Hockstein Stacy and Edward Hyken Fredricka and Philip Kahn Hope and Craig Kaufman Lanie and Gregory Kirsch Eydie and Steve Koonin Amy and Lewis Lettes Shari and Gary Marx Andrea and Ned Montag
Tracy and Glen Nadel Ellen and Robert Rickles Susan Kraham and Gerald Riemer Lisa Salzman Melissa and Don Sklar Lynne Borsuk and Robert Smulian Sandi and Marc Solow
JELF thanks its sponsors: Attention to Detail Home Remodeling Brooks, McGinnis & Company, LLC Robin and David Perlis Judy and Kevin Wolman The Wachter Law Firm
Olga Sudvarg and Alex Yurchenko Helaine and Richard Sugarman Pam Sugarman and Tom Rosenberg Dede and Robert Thompson Sharon and Howard Wexler Judy and Kevin Wolman *as of July 22, 2013
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Event Co-Chairs
Stephanie and Barry Gang Marianne and Stephen Garber Heidi and David Geller Robyn and Jeff Goldstein Karen and Steven Goldstein Katie and Jon Gordon Nancy Seifert Gorod and Randy Gorod Jennifer and Scott Greenfield
49
AJT
HADASSAH THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC.
holiday recipes
ISRAELI EGGPLANT PEPPER SALAD
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, from about 1/2 lemon • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced • 1/8 tsp. ground cumin • Canola oil for deep frying • 2 red bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice
Southeastern Region of Hadassah and Greater Atlanta Hadassah For more information, call 678.443.2961. ©2013 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah is a registered trademark of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.
RH 2013 AD_SE Grtr Atl.indd 1
BY JODIE STURGEON
• 1 large onion, peeled, very thinly sliced
Ingredients:
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• 3 medium Italian dark purple eggplants, unpeeled with ends trimmed, cut into 3/4-inch dice • Fine sea salt • 1/2 cup ketchup • 2 tablespoon white vinegar
8/19/13 11:51 AM
Directions: 1. Put cut eggplant pieces in single layers on two cookie sheets. Sprinkle with salt and sit for 30 minutes. 2. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Line a large colander with more paper towels. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, mix the ketchup, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin. 4. In a deep pot, heat enough oil to come a little less than halfway up the side of the pot. Allow the oil to get very hot, 350 F. 5. Carefully add the eggplant and fry until golden. You will need to do this in 2-3 batches, depending on the size of your pot. Remove with the slotted spoon or a spider. 6. Cool the eggplant in the paper towel-lined colander to remove excess oil.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
7. Transfer to the bowl of sauce. Replace the paper towels in the colander for subsequent batches.
50
8. Add the red pepper and onion to the hot oil in the pot and until limp and shiny, about 3-4 minutes. Add to the colander if it is big enough; if not, drain on paper towels. 9. Transfer peppers and onion to the large bowl. Gently stir the ketchup mixture into the vegetables. 10. Cover and refrigerate the salad. (this salad is best when it sits for a few hours or overnight.) Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Sweet Potato and Carrot Tzimmes
“Baker keeps a ‘proper’ kitchen”: My father was featured in the local Atlanta Newspaper making this recipe for Pesach in 1993. A writer from The Atlanta Journal Constitution approached my father in his bakery asking for a recipe to feature for Pesach. My father informed her that while Bakery recipes are not a good fit for the season, she was welcome to come to our home to watch him make this tzimmes and get the recipe. This tzimmes can be made up to 2 days in advance and reheated in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes. This method is actually preferable for this recipe, as the tzimmes tastes better when made ahead. Ingredients:
Directions: 1. Season meat well with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. 2. Place into a 6 quart pot and let sit in the refrigerator for several hours. 3. Remove meat from refrigerator, cover meat with water and bring to a boil. 4. Simmer for about 2 ½ hours, or until meat is tender. 5. Add carrots and sweet potatoes and cook another ½ hour. 6. Melt margarine in a small pan. 7. Add flour to margarine and stir until smooth.
• 2 ½ - 3 lb. flanken
8. Add brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Onion powder
9. Preheat oven to 350°F
• Garlic powder
10. Lay tzimmes in the bottom of a 10x15x3 inch oven proof dish.
• 2 lb. carrots, sliced • 3 large sweet potatoes, cubed • 1 small onion • 2 tablespoons margarine • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour(substitute potato starch for Pesach) • ½ -3/4 cup brown sugar • Salt and pepper to taste
Tax Audit Advisory Wishing you Happy and Prosperous New Year 404.253.7500
Taxwww.frazierdeeter.com Audit Advisory
11. Pour sauce over tzimmes and bake for 1 hour, or until all vegetables are glazed and lightly browned.
404.253.7500 www.frazierdeeter.com
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
BY ALEXANDER AVRAHAM IDOV
51
Specialists in the Detection and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Hepatitis and Colon Cancer
Almost every adult will suffer from digestive issues during their lifetime. Whether it's a touch of indigestion or abdominal pain that won't subside, you deserve the best possible care. The Board Certified specialists at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates are experts in evaluating and treating every type of digestive disorder, including: • Colon Cancer • Hepatitis • Constipation
• Barrett’s Esophagus • Liver Disease • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Diarrhea • Acid Reflux • Ulcers
• Hemorrhoids • Intestinal Polyps • Hiatal Hernias
With convenient locations throughout metro Atlanta and North Georgia, including nine state-of-the-art endoscopy centers, taking charge of your health has never been easier.
The physicians and staff of Atlanta Gastroenterology wish you a Happy Rosh Hashanah! For the location nearest you, visit www.atlantagastro.com or call 1.866.GO.TO.AGA [468.6242]. AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.
4218 Wieuca Overlook ONE OF A KIND, CHARMING 4 BEDROOM & 4 BATH HOME
AJT
community
My ‘How-To-Be’ List
HOPING TO BE MORE GENEROUS, MORE FOCUSED, MORE BALANCED BY ANA FUCHS
SPECIAL FOR THE AJT I’m sure I’m not the only American Jew who relishes the opportunity to have two chances to wipe the slate clean each year. On January 1st, like most everyone else, I make resolutions and “to-do” lists: This year, I’ll get my oil changed every three months; go to the gym; eat more kale. Nine months later, on Rosh Hashanah, I make more meaningful commitments, a “how-to-be” list. This year, I’ll be more generous; more focused; more balanced. At least, that’s how my life used to be. Now I am Executive Director of Jewish Kids Groups, a break-the-mold, six-days-a-week Hebrew school in Intown Atlanta, and my Rosh Hashanah introspection often gets buried by the nuts and bolts of running a school and serving the Jewish community. It’s like a wrestling match , my work as JKG’s director versus my personal work as a Jew.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
The truth is that they are one and the same.
52
Features a large living room with custom mantle fireplace, built-in bookcase, skylights and large light-filled dining room. Eat-in kitchen with custom cabinets, top-of-the-line appliances and granite countertops. Fantastic oversized master suite on lower level with built-in bookcase, walk-out access to private deck, huge walk-in closets, and luxurious marble master bathroom. Offered for $699,999 exclusively marketed by
SANDY ABRAMS
When only the best will do! Cell: 404-281-0097 Direct: 404-364-8919 Office: 404-233-4142
Wishing you and yours a wonderful new year! 532 East Paces Ferry Road, Suite 200. The above information is believed to be accurate but not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice. Betsy Franks, Managing Broker | www.HarryNorman.com
Making very practical (albeit secular-feeling) resolutions for JKG (like, This year, we’ll increase enrollment) is perfectly aligned with my personal efforts to be a better person. Because I believe, with every fiber in my body, that the future of the Jewish people really will be determined by whether my generation can create more and more genuine, meaningful and lasting opportunities for Jewish engagement. So number one on my “how-to-be” list for Rosh Hashanah is, “How to be more impactful.” Here’s my list: Developing Team
JKG
and connected team of teachers in their 20s and 30s, who dazzle their students each day. These guys can turn anything, even group lessonplanning on a Tuesday night, into a party. Thankfully, my team are amazing “wing people,” so I’m no longer the only one jotting all the to-do lists. This year JKG Sunday program and Afterschool Community each have their own Directors! We also have an amazing administrator who keeps the whole shebang humming along. This year, I am going to continue to mentor and develop this team. Growing Organizational Capacity Our expanded space (we’ve repurposed the top floor of Atlanta’s oldest Orthodox synagogue) has just the right combination of airy, open rooms, perfect for learning, with lots of private nooks designed for doing homework or reading. It feels like home, complete with a garden and kitchen. We’ve renovated three new classrooms and painted them happy shades of lavender, spring green, and turquoise. Everything is labeled in Hebrew, even the toilet paper! Our space comfortably houses our 30 JKG Afterschool Community children, but we’re bursting at the seams on Sundays, when we serve 88 children. Fifteen more kids are on the waiting list. We need to continue to increase capacity so that we can serve more children. I will keep building JKG’s intellectual capacity with Hebrew Wizards, our dynamic curriculum and by adding new learning opportunities for students and their families.
Professional
At Jewish Kids Groups, we have a rock-solid, creative, hip, thoughtful
Building the Board of Directors We’ve built a board of 12 seriously powerful parents and professionals. The moment they joined JKG, they
began forming committees, recruiting parent volunteers, and fundraising. Board President Susan Levitas and I feel privileged to work with seasoned community members like Robert Franco and Lisa Galanti. This year, we will strengthen our Board and committees. Cultivating New Resoures Part of launching any new venture is building fiscal capacity. This year JKG will call on philanthropists, parents, businesses, and community members to make a permanent home for Intown Jewish children a reality. This year, I will inspire the community to invest in JKG.
And then something great happened; the parents stuck around! They kibitzed over coffee, compared Rosh Hashanah plans, and exchanged cell phone numbers. When I introduced our Sunday school director, Emmy Cohn, they cheered and clapped. Before my eyes, I am watched a community being built, a community of largely unaffiliated Jews who’d found each other through their kids instead of the other way around. That first day of JKG felt exactly like a fresh start, and exactly what Rosh Hashanah is all about. About the writer Ana Fuchs, a native of Atlanta, is a pioneer in the field of alternative Jewish supplemental experiences and has been instrumental in building Jewish Kids Groups, a brand new Hebrew school model.
BEST
SHA-WAR-MA in-ToWn Free FalaFel
WiTH EvERy SHWARMA coupon expires 9/13/13
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy new year! We are available for your yom Tov catering needs. Buckhead’s new Mediterranean Restaurant. Serving Glatt kosher Meat and vegitarian fare. open for lunch and dinner. Office and event catering.
4630 WiEucA RoAd ATlAnTA, GA 30342 BuckHEAd | 404 500-4339
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
As Rosh Hashana nears, I am thinking about the sounds of our first two Sundays at JKG. It felt a lot like a pep rally. Parents ushered in their children, who were bouncing with nervous energy and chattering with old friends.
53
AJT
arts & entertainment
Reaching Out to Teens
MUSIC ONE WAY TO STRENGTHEN ATLANTA’S JEWISH COMMUNITY BY ED
and musical talents.
T
My favorite bands on the rise are “No Komment” and “The Spoken Word”. Both groups have graced our stage on multiple occasions and both are fronted by a charismatic lead singer/guitarist (Jessica Thompson and Miles Cohen, respectively).
AJT COLUMNIST he New Year is a period of reflection and renewal. Like any event that marks the passage of time, it’s a moment to think about the adventures of the past and potential future journeys. As a young man and a dreamer, I’ve traditionally used this opportunity to gaze ahead. Yet this year, my thoughts are directed backwards. We have recently concluded an incredible fourth season at the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival (AJMF), an organization I have directed since our inaugural year in 2010. What began as a one-day festival has become a multi-day, must-attend celebration of Jewish music with complementary year-round programming. Our 4th Annual Spring Festival featured a Jazz Night, a Shabbat Service, a Family Program and a Main Event with International openers and a Grammy-nominated headliner. Last season was our biggest and broadest Spring Festival and we discovered several things that we’ll continue to implement in the future. But this isn’t what I want to focus on. Rather, I’d like to reflect on our expanding teen programming. Truth to tell, it wasn’t so long ago that I was a teenage Jewish musician myself.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
It’s no secret that our youth are the future and Jewish teens in Atlanta have traditionally been underserved.
Additionally, both bands have served as the house band, providing solo singers and/or other musician’s accompaniment when needed. This collaborative spirit is one of the coolest aspects of our developing program as it not only gives young musicians an opportunity to gain confidence on stage, but also connects them to other teens like themselves. There are also incredibly talented teen soloists at our events. People like Jake Steel and JR Stein (AKA Vernon Oak) come to mind quickly. In fact, JR has recently signed up to be an AJMF intern, allowing him the opportunity to get school credit while he makes a lasting impact on his young Jewish and music communities. We’re thankful for JR’s participation and look forward to having him host our next Teen Open Mic on October 20th at FuegoMundo. I do not believe in FODS (Field of Dreams Syndrome) or “if you build it, they will come”, but I do trust in the power of consistency. For Ray, the reliable truth was baseball. For me, it is music.
When AJMF launched our Teen Open Mic series during our third season, we had major challenges identifying and connecting with young musical talent. Middle and high school students are hyper-programmed, yet the myriad of options are disconnected and spread throughout the city.
I believe music can and will continue to strengthen Atlanta’s Jewish connections. I also believe that music (and culture in general) is one of the lowest barriers to entry for Jewish identity and expression. The combined draw of social and cultural engagement has propelled our Teen Open Mics forward. And these young talents have taken the ball and hit it out of the park.
I spent months advocating for programs and building relationships with key community professionals. However, our biggest successes have come when our young leaders themselves have become the influencers and decision makers in the Teen Open Mic series.
I want to conclude by inviting each of you to experience our expanding Teen Open Mic series. If you or your child (or grandchild) has musical talent and interested in participating in a future event, please drop me a note with details (my contact info is below).
I’d love to connect him/her/them to our teen leaders for future events.
I want to draw your attention to a
54 few of these incredible young leaders
Furthermore, if you have an idea for our next signature event in March, 2014, reach out to the email address below. Collaboration isn’t only for the youth. I know from my time working in this community that we can learn from any generation when given the right opportunity. This time of year is sweet and we at AJMF have a lot to be thankful for. I’m personally grateful for the support from the community, especially those who want to celebrate Jewish musical expression and those
who embody Jewish creativity. I hope you continue to discover your nurturing network in this New Year. Shana Tova! About the writer An Emory alum and Atlanta native, Russell Gottschalk is the director and founder of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival (AJMF). He’s also a member of ProteJ and sits on the executive board of ACCESS. You can reach him at russell@atlantajmf.org or on Twitter @AtlantaJMF or @ATLRusky.
Atlanta Jewish Music Festival’s Teen Open Mic Night Rocks Steve’s FOOD, FUN AND “NO KOMMENT” DELIGHT THE CROWD By Cliff and Gabriel Weiss The Atlanta Jewish Musical Festival’s 4th annual season has been a booming success. With many concerts and performing opportunities for Jewish musical talents all around Atlanta, they consider themselves the “pre-eminent producer and promoter of fresh Jewish music experiences”. Ranging from open mic nights to more collaborative experiences, AJMF covers all ground for opportu-
nities for Jewish musicians to shine. Concerts for young and old to thoroughly appreciate, AJMF provides great music—whether new and original or classic and timeless—for the whole family to enjoy. This past Sunday, Steve’s Live Music hosted a Teen Open Mic night with AJMF. This was a really great experience. An intimate setting, but suit-
No Komment, the band.
chestra, band, or choir, music has been a very influential part of their lives. They say that their primary reason for playing in the band is the enjoyment—it’s a lot of fun! Madison, however, mentioned that she really wants to pursue performing arts in college. The rest of the group is undecided as to whether or not they want music to be a part of their careers.
J. R. Stein
Luckily for them, they’ve had many opportunities to share their music with the Atlanta community. Chicago Joe Jones’ group, they say, has given them many opportunities, as well as fundraisers in the area. They’ve also performed at events such as Atlanta Blues Society, WRFG Labor Day Blues, and Tucker Day. Other than Steve’s Live Music, the band has performed at Smith’s Olde Bar, Blind Willies, The Earl, The Loft at Center Stage, Northside Tavern, Tin Roof
Catina, Anthony’s Pizza, Famous Bar, Old Tucker Fountain, Maddie’s BBQ, The Old Crow Tavern, DBA Barbecue, The Greater Good BBQ, and Bid Daddy’s in Helen, GA. They’ve even been on the Blues Team morning show with Bill and Pat Hudson, something they considered particularly thrilling. Lori Wilson, mother of two of the performers, said that the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival has always been an amazing opportunity for them to play and meet other Jewish middle and high school students with passions for music. The next Teen Open Mic Night with AJMF is October 22nd at Fuego Mundo—another great night of fun and Jewish spirit for all.
Steve and Rami Grossman
This band consisted of five participants. On the drums, we had Justin Thompson age 12, student at Davis Academy. His sister, Jessica Thompson, age 14, Davis graduate, student at Lakeside High School, served as the lead guitarist and singer. Max Bogle, age 13, at Henderson Middle School, played the saxophone. On the bass was Miles Wakeman, also 13, Henderson Middle School attendee. Finally, singer and rhythm guitarist was Madison Kesel, age 14, Lakeside
High School student. The band collaborated impressively, be it through their diversity of age, school, or skill set, and played a fantastic show. The band has been together for the past three years, but has changed images a couple times. Members have come in and out, although Madison, Jessica, and Justin have all been involved the whole way through. The members began their music career at the young ages of 8-11, respectively. Their name has also been changed as time went on; starting with the band name “Sugar Rush,” they later called themselves “Freckle,” until settling on the current name “No Komment”. Mostly, the band plays covers of modern songs, but they have two originals they composed together: “No Regrets” and “Memory”. All participants have had musical involvement in their schools, as well. Whether it was participating in or-
lunch: Sun 12-3 Mon-Sat 11:30-2:30 Dinner: Sun-Thu 5:30-10 Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30 8725 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30350 770-998-7880
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
able for families with kids of any age, with fantastic food and beverages. Of course the personal hospitality provided by “Steve” Grossman, himself, and his son Rami make the night special. While there were several performances Sunday, from many gifted teens, soloists and groups alike, we got the opportunity to interview the evening’s designated house band “No Komment.”
55
AJT
arts & entertainment
JEWS MAKING NEWS SACHA BARON COHEN DROPS ROLE
S
acha Baron Cohen surprised moviegoers and music fans alike when he unexpectedly pulled out of his upcoming, high-profile role as Freddie Mercury in a biopic about the late singer. Baron Cohen had been tapped to play the Queen front man for three years now, but according to Deadline.com, creative differences between he and the remaining members of the band were too great to reconcile. The 41-year-old actor was reportedly headstrong about portraying the darker parts of Mercury’s life, while the band wanted something a little tamer. Even without this particular flick, it seems as if Baron Cohen bank account will be just fine. Earlier this year he made it onto the Britain’s “Rich List” for the first time, counting him among the country’s highest rolling entertainers. He is reportedly worth $109 million (68 million pounds), coming in at 31 of the TV and film category with wife Isla Fisher. The spot is currently shared with fellow actor Liam Neeson. Born to Gerald Baron Cohen and Daniella Naomi, Baron Cohen was raised Jewish in Hammersmith, West London. His mother was born in Israel, where his maternal grandmother currently resides. Baron Cohen’s early resume includes stints in “Fiddler on the Roof” and his work in the Habonim Dror Jewish theatre.
PAUL SIMON MAKES IT UP TO EMORY
O
n September 22, singer-songwriter Paul Simon is headed for Emory University in Atlanta, after canceling previous appearances at the university due to illness. Simon, 71, will be participating in the 2013 Richard Ellmann Lectures in Modern Literature with his series, “The Insomniac’s Lullaby: Awake and Aware of Time.” His appearances will be spread out over three days, treating audiences to two public lectures and a talk with U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins. The visit will conclude with a performance with guitarist Mark Stewart. If you’re looking for more Simon (and don’t mind spending some extra cash), the veteran musician is releasing “The Complete Albums Collection” Oct. 15. The massive box set is comprised of 15 discs spanning over 45 years. Fans will get two concert recordings and a photo book in addition to 12 albums chocked full of rare bonus recordings. Simon will also be contributing his talents to the upcoming “And I’ll Scratch Yours,” a tribute album to Peter Gabriel’s own 2010 collection of covers, “Scratch My Back.” Simon was born to Louis and Belle Simon in Newark, New Jersey. Simon met Art Garfunkel at the age of 11 and the two began performing together soon after. The duo’s first song was created roughly a year later, entitled, “The Girl for Me.” Simon has since earned 12 Grammys, a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was even named one of the “100 People Who Shaped the World” by Time Magazine.
BEGIN ANEW Begin your journey at The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North where new experiences are always celebrated. • Our Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 600 guests. • The Bernstein Ballroom accommodates up to 150 guests. • Professional events staff to make your vision a reality.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
For more inFormation or to check availability, please visit Westinatlantanorth.com or call 770.395.3900
©2013 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Westin and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.
56 WIAtlantaPerimeter_Weddings_9-0625x5-806_Opt2.indd 1
8/28/2013 12:36:01 PM
AJT
MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL
Striving to Become the ‘Best’
IT’S TIME TO CHOOSE ‘LIFE’AND WAIT FOR MY BLESSINGS
AJT Columnist
T
he time for Rosh Hashanah has come and we find ourselves once again welcoming in a new year.
It’s during such moments, when we embark on something new, that many of us start on a journey of reflection. We look back at past events and set new goals for the future. We may ask ourselves, “How did I treat my family this year? Did I work hard enough in school? Was I always sure to be there for my friends?” While those are all good questions to be asking at this time of year, I think there may be a better way to explore the idea of “choices”. For example, rather than asking yourself how you treated your family, it might be worthwhile to ask yourself how you “chose to show your family you loved them?” Rather than asking if you worked hard in school, ask yourself about the times you chose between “working and not working.” Going in this direction helps me, especially during periods like Rosh Hashanah, assess where I am and how I’ve lived in the past.
It’s easy to think, “Sure, I treated my family pretty well,” but really when was the last time you chose to go out of your way to show them your love? And it’s easy to look at your grades and tell yourself you didn’t work hard enough, but thinking about each and every choice you
made to sacrifice something in order to study, then you can feel much better about yourself. Of course, after asking such detail-oriented questions, we tend to start looking at the big picture: How do I feel about my life currently, and what could I have done differently to change it? And here’s where this week’s Torah portion offers us an interesting perspective. So, generally, when we ask question reflecting on our life, we think about our professional, social, and religious lives and wonder how “successful” we’ve been in each of these areas. In Nitzavim-Vayelech, Moses shares his final words with the Israelites. “Behold, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, inasmuch as I command you this day to love the Lord, your G-d, to walk in His ways, and to observe His commandments, His statutes, and His ordinances, so that you will live and increase, and the Lord, your G-d will bless you in the land to which you are coming to take possession of it. But if your heart deviates and you do not listen . . . I declare to you on this day that you will surely perish . . . I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. You shall choose life, so that you and your offspring shall live.”
Happy New Year from ORT Atlanta
ORT: Educate & Elevate invest in the future of education.
Deuteronomy 30: 15-19 So maybe what we need to be asking ourselves, really, is whether or not we consistently chose “life,” and what exactly that means to us. I have always been one to measure successes on Rosh Hashanah. I look at my grades and think about how many friends I have and how many fights I’ve gotten in with my parents. I judge myself for things I’m fairly certain G-d cares very little about, like a C+ in Psychology. I struggle with the difference between failure and sin, and often find myself repenting for things that require no apology. So, this year, with Rosh Hashanah around the corner, I’m trying to keep in mind the covenant our ancestors made with G-d during this week’s parshah: to choose life so that I may receive the blessings from G-d. And as strange as it is to say, I’ve made the decision for myself that this year that choosing life actually means slacking off a little bit.
It means taking a lighter class
load if I can spend more time with my friends. It means occasionally being sassy to my parents (sorry mom and dad) because that’s what normal teenagers do. It means being spontaneous and living life to the fullest – trying new things even if they’re scary, taking the chance to meet new people, spending less time assessing my life and more time simply living it. Because the truth is that if I’m constantly reflecting on being the best student, best daughter, best friend, I miss out on being the best me and living life how I truly want to live it. About the writer 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.
Create a family heirloom! Custom Siddurs, Tallis Bags, Yarmulkes, Attarahs Private lessons Group Classes Stitching Service
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
BY RACHEL LAVICTOIRE
3137 E. Shadowlawn Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30305
404-816-4612
57
AJT
eden’s garden
Shabbat Candle Lighting Times shabbat blessings
Featuring local authors for book signing opportunities: Saturday at 9:30AM Award-winning
CYNTHIA GRAUBART
author of “Slow Cooking for Two” Saturday at 3:00PM
KAY HALL
author of “Here Comes Dot Com”
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 August 30 Light Candles at: 7:48 pm Shabbat, August 31, 2013 Shabbat Ends: 8:43pm Rosh Hashanah Wednesday, September 4, 2013 Thursday, September 5, 2013 Eve of Second day Rosh Hashanah Light Holiday Cnadles after 8:36pm Shabbat, Torah Reading: Ha’Azinu Friday, September 6, 2013 Light Shabbat Candles at: 7:30pm Shabbat, September 7, 2013 Shabbat Ends 8:33pm
Sunday at 12-2:00PM
DR. TERRY SEGAL
author of “The Enchanted Journey” Sunday at 2:00PM
LEAH LEVY
author of “The Waiting Wall” a Sydney Taylor finalist!
L’ Shana Tovah Andy N. Siegel CPCU, CIC, AAI Adele Siegel Glasser, AAI Sheldon Berch
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Other local authors will also be featured at our booth, including Ben Halpert, Laurel Snyder, and Rabbi Pamela Gottfried.
58
Congratulations to Cliff Graubart for being named, Georgia Author of the Year! His book “The Curious Vision of Sammy Levitt and Other Stories” will also be signed and available. Cliff is the husband of Cynthia Graubart and the owner of Old New York Book Shop
www.siegelinsurance.com
2987 Clairmont Road, Suite 425 • Atlanta, GA 30329 Phone: (404) 633-6332 • Toll Free: (888) 275-0553
AJT
may their memories be a blessing
Michael Smith 69, OF ATLANTA
Michael “Mike” Smith, devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather and silent champion of so many charitable causes, passed away of complications from pneumonia on Aug. 24. Throughout his life, Mike’s innate energy and love for nature’s beauty, endurance sports and travel propelled him through adventures that spanned the globe. From hiking the Great Wall of China or pedaling his bicycle through the heat of the Tucson desert, to multiple stints as a civilian volunteer for the Israeli Defense Forces, Michael did it all with grace and style. He was equally willing to regale others with his adventurous tales or to take deep interest in whatever else was the conversation of the moment. He was and always will be an inspiration to all who knew him, a true renaissance man. Mike’s devotion to charitable causes was simultaneously outsized in scale and nearly invisible, except to all whom were his closest confidants. His support of families of U.S. servicemen/veterans and an expansive range of Jewish causes, and his anonymous acts of kindness paid towards anyone whose story touched him are the marks of a deep humanity – the presence of which is rare, treasured, and will be broadly missed. Michael’s 40-plus year career in Institutional Fixed Income Sales at Robinson-Humphrey and its predecessor and successor companies concluded with fanfare in 2009. He looked back on a lifetime of practicing business with integrity and serving his long-term customers across the country. His lasting legacy is one of honesty, forthrightness and dedication to his craft. Michael takes his leave of a loving and thriving family: wife of nearly 43 years, Phyllis Smith; son, Adam Smith; daughter, Jenna Scheinfeld; and grandchildren: Emma, Brady, Jillian, and Neve. To know Michael was to love him. His family takes heart in knowing that, although his time in this world was cut short, the intensity with which he loved all of us and his passionate support for those less fortunate is everlasting. An online guestbook is available at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trees for Israel, www.jnf. org/support/tree-planting-center/, American Friends of Magen David Adom, www.afmda.org, or to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org. Graveside services were held Tues., August 27 at 10:30 a.m. at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs with Rabbi Shalom Lewis officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, (770) 451-4999.
SHARING STORIES
INSPIRING CHANGE
Wendy Suzman Wendy Miller Suzman, age 72, passed away after a long illness with frontotemporal dementia. She is mourned by her husband Cedric of 48 years, her three children, Andrew, Michael and Katherine, their spouses Ruthie, Leesa and Jon, and eight grandchildren Even, Chloe, Abigail, Maisie, Emma, Jeremy, Phoebe and Brooke, and her sisters Louise and Susan. Wendy was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the daughter of Sylvia and Maurice Miller. She went to Hope High School in Providence, earned a B.S. and M.Ed. from Boston University, and taught for five years at the Hartwell Elementary School in Lincoln Mass. After her marriage to Cedric in 1965, she spent six years in South Africa before returning to live with her family in Atlanta. She then earned an Ed.S. in counseling from Georgia State University. Wendy worked for two years at the GSU Counseling Center, became a Licensed Practicing Counselor, and then went into private practice as a psychotherapist. Wendy was an avid exercise and yoga enthusiast and a long time participant in classes at Jeanne’s Body Tech, as well as personal training at Forever Fit. She also took great pleasure in entertaining in her home and in art collecting. Above all, she was a wonderful wife, mother to her children and grandmother to her eight grandchildren. Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. Graveside services were held Aug. 26 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, with Rabbi Analia Bortz officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Congregation Or Hadash, 7460 Trowbridge Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 or Weinstein Hospice, 3150 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30327. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, (770) 451-4999
The Jewish Women’s Archive is delighted to announce the winner of the
2nd Annual Natalia Twersky Educator Award Honoring an outstanding Jewish educator who brings Jewish women’s stories to life in the classroom.
Winner Judith Sandman Temple Emanu-El, Westfield, NJ and Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, Springfield, NJ
Finalists Ariel Horn Levenson Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, Livingston, NJ
Rabbi Reuven Travis Yeshiva Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
Discover a world of educational resources at jwa.org
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
72, OF ATLANTA
59
AJT
what’s happening
Thurs., Aug. 29 Johns Creek’s Fine Dining Authentic Persian Cuisine from intimate Shabbat gatherings to banquet style Celebrations Our banquet room seats up to 350 people! Call us today to discuss your special event and desired menu! Lunch/Dinner ~ Catering private Banquet Rooms
Edgewise Speaker: Andrew McBurney, a part of the speaker series. Andy McBurney of MARTA Mobility talks transportation options and the new Travel Training Initiative, which includes solutions for individuals with disabilities. Thurs., Aug. 29, 10:30 a.m. $0/members, $5/nonmembers. MJCCA Zaban Park. Info, (678) 812-4064. Lunch ‘N Learn: Rabbi Friedman, part of the Lunch series. Join Rabbi Binyomin Friedman from Congregation Ariel for a lively class discussion. Bring a dairy lunch or purchase a kosher meal. Thurs., Aug. 29, 12 p.m. Free. MJCCA Zaban Park. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4161.
Sat., Aug. 31
www.1001nightspersiancuisine.com 10305 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, georgia 30097 678.353.6329
Annual Selichot Program & Service, “Sources and the Writing of History: You Tell the Story,” presented by Dr. Ken Stein, Emory University. Exploring new sources and what they reveal about Egyptian President Sadat’s ‘77 trip to Jerusalem. Sat., Aug. 31, 9:15 p.m. Congregation Or Hadash. Info, (404) 250-3338.
Sun., Sept. 1
Nibble and Noshfest, two-day festival providing visitors with tastes of Jewish and other ethnic foods in sample-size portions; includes community vendors, entertainment and children’s activities. Begins Sun., Sept. 1, 11 a.m. and continues on Mon., Sept. 2 until 4 p.m. Admission is donation of two canned goods for Must Ministries. Temple Kol Emeth. noshfest.com.
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Improv on the Rocks with Just a Twist of Jewish, improv night at Noshfest featuring Red Door Playhouse Adult Improv Group. Sun., Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m. $15. Temple Kol Emeth. noshfest.com.
60
Jews & Brews, a casual evening of socialization with Rabbi Karmi Ingber and other young Jewish adults. All are welcome. Tues., Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. Free. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4161.
Wed., Sept. 4
TBT Erev Rosh Hashanah, all unaffiliated members of the Jewish community are welcome to attend this Erev Rosh Hashanah service. Wed., Sept. 4, 8 p.m. $136/person. Temple Beth Tikvah. Tickets, (770) 6420434.
Thurs., Sept. 5
TBT Rosh Hashanah, all unaffiliated members of the Jewish community are welcome to attend this Rosh Hashanah service.Wed., Sept. 4, 8 a.m. $136/person. Temple Beth Tikvah. Tickets, (770) 642-0434.
Sun., Sept. 8
Fall SAT Prep, start of an 11 session program to help prepare for SATs with Applerouth Tutoring Services. Includes 24 hours of small group instruction and three mock tests. Sun., Sept. 8. $499/members, $515/community. MJCCA Zaban Park. Info, stacie.graff@atlantajcc.org
Tues., Sept. 10
Jews & Brews, a casual evening of socialization with Rabbi Karmi Ingber and other young Jewish adults. All are welcome. Tues., Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. Free. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4161.
Sat., Sept. 14
TBT Yom Kippur, all unaffiliated members of the Jewish community are welcome to attend this Yom Kippur service. Wed., Sept. 4, 8 a.m. $136/person. Temple Beth Tikvah. Tickets, (770) 6420434. Gardening for Beginners, gardening experts will walk guests through the process of selecting, adding, and caring for the best plants in autumn gardens. Sat., Sept. 14, 10 a.m. Free. All Pike Nurseries. Study Session, join Rabbi Kerbel for“The Three Things We Should Get Out of Our Yom Kippur Experience.” Followed by Minha, Neilah and the Sounding of the Shofar. Sat., Sept. 14, 4:45 p.m. Etz Chaim.
Sun., Sept. 15
Tashlich with a Twist! Picnic and Bubbles in the Park, the High Holy tradition of casting off bread crumbs. Rabbi Karmi Ingber will perform songs, tell stories and lead kids in activities in addition to entertainment from the Georgia Bubbleman. Sun., Sept. 15, 12:30 p.m. Piedmont Park, Gazebo. Info, rabbi.glusman@ atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4161.
L'shana tova!
For 4 generations we have been your neighbors in Sandy Springs
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” Sun., Sept. 22
Community Mission to Israel Info Meeting, learn about the upcoming Community Mission trip to Israel We have everything taking placeyou Juneneed 15 - 23, for2014. Travel subsidies available. Sun., Sept. 22, personalized 7 p.m. MJCCA Zaban Park. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org gift giving or (678) 812-4161.
& we do hebrew!
tivities for children. Rain or shine. Mon., Sept. 24, 5 p.m. Zaban Park. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4161.
From our House to yours
L’shana Tova
(may you be inscribed in the book of life with happiness and peace in the coming year.)
Ongoing
Volunteer tutoring opportunity with the Atlanta Jewish Coalition for Literacy. Min. 30 minutes one-on-one per week, beginning this fall. Nine metro area elementary schools. (404) 843-9600.
Mon., Sept. 23
Monogramming and personalized gifts! BBQ in the Hut : Intown, enjoy pitMonday thru Saturday smoked BBQ and live bluegrass music in the courtyard or the Anshe 326 Sandy Springs Circle S’fard Sukkah, including crafts and activities for children. Rain404-257-8887 or shine. Mon., Sept. 23, 5 p.m. Congregation Anshe S’fard. Info, rabbi.glusman@ www.TheStitchChick.com
Anna Hirsch, Patty Hirsch Berkovitz and Kayla Freedman Eliesen
atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4161.
Friends and Neighbors of Patty Berkovitz
Tues., Sept. 24
BBQ in the Hut: Dunwoody, enjoy pit-smoked BBQ and live bluegrass music in the courtyard or the MJCCA Sukkah, including crafts and ac-
DOES YOUR GARAGE FLOOR NEED A MAKEOVER?
L’Shana Tova ATLANTA’S BEST EMCESS, DJ’S, LIVE BANDS, DANCERS & MORE! ● Bar & Bat Mitzvahs ● Weddings ● Corporate & Social Events ● Live Simulcast ● Great Pricing & Personalized Packages BOOK NOW TO HOLD TODAY’S PRICES!
678-500-9537 GraniteGarageFloors.com EPOXY
COATING
SYSTEMS
Mention This Ad for our NEW GALAXIAN LIGHTS! ATLANT’S HOTTEST BAR/BAT MITZVAH
Find More Stories Online at www.atlantajewishtimes.com
ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY!
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Choose from hundreds of designer color finishes to look like granite, quartz or terrazzo. Our professionally installed, industrial quality system is extremely durable, resists staining, won’t peel from hot-tires, is easy to clean and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Call for a free estimate.
61
JEWISH PUZZLER by David Benkof
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
Across 1. Just ___ on the map 5. Zionist writer Ahad ___ 9. Slim but powerful volume by Elie Wiesel 14. ___ Yerushalayim Jewish Women’s Learning Program 15. American soccer player in Holland Hamel 16. Trial associate? 17. Airline whose meals are all kosher 18. Animal den 19. Stick out like ___ thumb 20. German anti-Semite who coined the term “anti-Semitism” 23. Handheld gadget 24. Hosea alternative 25. Emulated Billy Crystal, perhaps 27. Is ready for 30. British dashboard 32. Richard Blumenthal (DConn.), e.g. 33. Joey Kramer’s band 37. Rescue mission of 10,000 Jewish children from Nazi Germany to Great Britain 41. Drooping 42. “___ neutrality” (Sen. Al Franken cause) 43. Dirt clumps 44. “Toy Story” shepherdess 47. Yehuda Halevi biographer Hillel 50. German historian Lustiger 51. “Maharat” innovator Weiss
62
52. He sang with Paul and Mary 58. Arab ___ 60. Torah ___ (Jewish texbook publishers) 61. Rend, as a garment 62. “___ Hall” (Woody’s Oscar-winning movie) 63. “___ Man 3” (Robert Downey, Jr., film) 64. Kind of Zionism? 65. Dreams 66. Highs’ opposites 67. “Don’t be sweet, ___ you be eaten up”: start of a Jewish proverb Down 1. All over again 2. Where to find a good kosher pastrami 3. The U.S. President’s office 4. Site of an early ArabIsraeli battle 5. Shaloms of a sort 6. Sandler and Arkin 7. Take ___ view of (be a pessimist about) 8. Dame Hess at the piano 9. Close call 10. U.S. Treasury dept. agency 11. Feel for 12. Raging group 13. Bald tire’s lack
21. Magen David Adom employee 22. Scouting job 26. ___ Ramah 27. Says, “Mah Nishtana” 28. Social activist Gertrude 29. A year to Josephus 30. Forest growth 31. “He’s ___ Picker” (Irving Berlin tune) 33. Yesh ___ (political party)
34. “Say Anything...” actress Skye 35. JNF unit 36. Letters before “://” 38. “___ Soup” 39. They leave you in the dark 40. European river 44. Singer and Greenberg 45. “___ wagon, bound for market....”
46. Doorway 47. ___-esh-Sharif (Temple Mount) 48. Avraham ___ (Our father Abraham) 49. Symbols of Judah 50. Economist Kenneth 53. An American ___ (animated film) 54. Prefix with vision or pop 55. “___ and I” (2005 Holocaust film) 56. Possible source of flour for matzah 57. Court command 59. 1969 Streisand Oscar result
Last week’s answers
THE MARKETPLACE REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE
404-883-2130
COMPUTER
ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS
PERSONAL SHOPPER
Styling for any occasion Personal or corporate gift-gifting Closet purging and learning how to style with what you have! Call Nicole Borsuk, Personal Shopper
HOME IMPROVEMENT
www.nicoleborsuk.com | 404-964-1648 | nicole@nicoleborsuk.com
Seasoned ROOFING professional in your area since 1983.
Burial sites for sale--Arlington Cemetary--Garden of David, section 3B, plots 3 and 4--$4,000 for both. Please contact R. Glass at 843-686-2169 or E-mail at dandmhhi@aol.com
Have a problem with a leak or need a complete roof/flat roof? No job too big or small. 30 years experience, fully insured and references in your area provided upon request.
FOR SALE BURIAL PLOT ARLINGTON MEMORIAL PARK JEWISH SECTION COMPLETELY PAID OVER $4,000 SAVINGS ADJACENT SPACE AVAILABLE ALLEN BUCHALTER 770-627-2711
caregiver Private Duty LPN available anytime. 13 years experience, with lots of great local references. 404-488-0295 or 386-846-1793 Care giver/Nurse - In home care, dependable, honest with excellent references. Available all hours: 404-397-8818.
A ROO FIN
Em
jOH
R OE NB
GP
RO
caregiver CNA caregiver. In home care. Honest, Dependable and Excellent references. Available daytime or evenings. Please call Gloria @ 678-427-4135
Please call for a free quote!
John Boerema 404-863-3252
Reading this? Your ad can be seen too!
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 12 ▪ 2013
BURIAL PLOTS WANTED
63
WellStar Medical Group Proudly serving East Cobb
ALLERGY & ASTHMA Grace Chiang, M.D. 3939 Roswell Road | Suite 200 Marietta, GA 30062 770-973-2272
CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE Mindy Gentry, M.D. Michael Hardee, M.D. Harvey Sacks, M.D. 1010 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta, GA 30068 770-321-3490
ENDOCRINOLOGY Sona Patel, M.D. Reshma Shah, M.D. 3939 Roswell Road Suite 110 Marietta, GA 30062 678-403-4300
FAMILY MEDICINE & GERIATRIC MEDICINE Whitney Denton, M.D. Shravantika Reddy, M.D. 3939 Roswell Road | Suite 240 Marietta, GA 30062 678-403-4660
FAMILY MEDICINE AND INTERNAL MEDICINE — PEDIATRICS Waldon Garriss, M.D., MS, FAAP, FACP Mitzi Rubin, M.D., FAAFP Megan Bowles, M.D Travis Bowles, M.D. 3939 Roswell Road | Suite 200 Marietta, GA 30062 770-973-2272
PEDIATRICS
Amy Cooper, M.D., MPH, MS Eva Montgomery-McGuire, M.D., FAAP 3939 Roswell Road Marietta GA 30062 770-578-2868
PEDIATRICS
Susan Staviss, M.D., FAAP 1523 Johnson Ferry Road | Suite 150 Marietta GA 30062 770-509-1234
PULMONARY MEDICINE Morohunfolu Akinnusi, M.D. Mark Schlosberg, M.D. 3939 Roswell Road | Suite 110 Marietta, GA 30062 770-422-1372
All practices accepting new patients and most insurance plans. 770-956-STAR wellstar.org