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ISRAEL

Brain Gain: Bringing Young Talent to Israel ENGINEERING ENGINEERS IN THE JEWISH STATE

BY DARRYL EGNAL SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

I

srael has long been a country that shares its brainpower.

While many of its sharp minds end up living and working on foreign soil, there are as many who move to Israel, bringing their own intellect and education into the country. Some feel there is a brain drain from here to the “other side,” but the brain gain balances the story.

Israel is legendary for its achievements in science, applied sciences and technology. Over the past decade, Israelis have won seven Nobel prizes (six for chemistry) and been nominated numerous times.

Israel is also known as the country with the highest number of start-up companies – just behind the United States – and innovative start-ups are being bought for millions of dollars by major global organizations that are looking to Israel to expand their options.

A new partnership between three educational organizations is adding to the Israeli “brain gain” through a program that is effectively “engineering engineers” in Israel – both native Israelis and Jewish youth from the Diaspora.

Naale Elite Academy, World ORT’s Anières Elite Academy and the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa have joined forces to launch a science and technology scholarship program for international and Israeli students.

February 21 ▪ 2014

The program for Israeli students will be seven years (starting in 10th grade) while the foreign students

2

will complete a preprogram year (ninth grade) to acclimatize and learn Hebrew.

The program continues until their university level engineering studies have been completed.

including academic ability, maturity and independence levels and psychological aptitude, among others,” says Ofer Dahan, director of Naale Elite-Academy, Western World Region.

“Students who plan to attend the Anières program go through even more rigorous testing once they’ve been approved by Naale. This testing is conducted by the Technion and ensures that these students will be the best of the best.

Known as the Anières Elite Academy program, it addresses the need for a longterm approach to help teenagers achieve an advanced academic degree in engineering. During the first “ This year, we identified stage of the program, 21 students. Next year, we (L-R): David Horesh, director of WIZO Nahalal Youth Village; Ofer students will live and hope to have 60 – 30 Israestudy at the WIZO Dahan, director of Naale Elite-Academy, Western World Region and Ira lis and 30 foreign students Lotman, the Anières Elite Academy project manager Nahalal Youth Vil– and each year, we aim to lage in northern IsElite Academy, a well-established develop and grow this program unrael, the foreign students through program that enables young Jews til we have more than 600 Anières Naale. from the Diaspora to complete high students from all over the world by Once they’ve completed high school in Israel, for assistance in plan- 2020.” school, they will study at the Tech- ning and preparing the program, renion, Israel Institute of Technology in cruiting students and managing their education for the first four years. We Pioneering Students Haifa. then went to the Technion to provide enrichment programs in science and Alexander Cherkov is one of the technology to assist the students in first students on the pilot program.

Origins of the Program preparing for their future studies at The 15-year-old from Moscow doesn’t “The idea for the program came the Technion,” she says. know what course he wants to follow about over a year ago when a Moat the moment, but his love of physics roccan-born American donor reached The Naale scholarship will cover ensures it will be part of the plan. out to World ORT,” says Ira Lotman, all costs relating to the regular school Cherkov was 14 when he found the Anières Elite Academy project program while the World ORT scholout about the traditional Naale promanager. “He was a graduate of the arship will cover any Technion coursgram. He took the entrance exams ORT Central Training Institute in es the students have to complete durand was accepted, but his parents felt Anières, Switzerland, and he wanted ing high school (for university credit) he was too young to leave home. He and thereafter, as well as living exto give back to the organization that took them again a year later. gave him an ‘education for life’ by cre- penses once they’ve graduated from school.

“When I passed all the Naale exating a similar program in Israel. ams again, Naale suggested I do the “World ORT approached Naale “The program was launched in September 2013 when the first group Technion exams as well,” he says. “I of 21 students from the FSU began passed them all too. I love technical their journey to becoming engineers,” subjects and since I heard about this program, I knew I wanted to study at says Lotman. the Technion. I know it is a good place for me. There is nothing like this in Russia.”

Selecting the Top Students The selection process for the Anières program is extremely stringent and the academic and intellectual level of the students is very high.

Naale Elite Academy handled the first stage of recruiting the students, interviewing and screening them.

“Naale Elite Academy has a very comprehensive testing process to ensure that only students who will be able to cope with all aspects of being away from their parents are accepted,

Bulgarian student, Eliezer Gershonov, has dreamt of studying in Israel since the third grade. Now that he’s here, he can’t really believe it.

“I found out about the Anières program from the Naale representative,” he says. “She told me I was an excellent student and asked if I wanted to study in Israel and get a higher education there. There was no question.

When I heard I had passed all the tests and was going to Israel, I was so

Gershonov’s favorite subjects are math, physics and chemistry, but unlike Alexander, he knows what he wants to study.

“We had a tiyul, an excursion, to the Technion when we first arrived. They explained all the courses like mechanical engineering, robotics, aeronautics…

I thought, ‘I like math and physics so why shouldn’t I be an aeronautical engineer? And so I just decided then that I would do it.”

nership will play its part in strengthening a nation that is well-known for its foresight and success in science and technology.

school students from the United States, Europe, the FSU, South America, Germany, Poland and South Africa, among others, have graduated through the program, a successful scholarship program co-funded by the State of Israel (the Israeli Ministry of Education) and the Jewish Agency for Israel.

• The WIZO Nahalal Youth Village was established in 1923 with a vision to provide a home and an education for its students. The school is co-educational with a student body of approximately 1,400 students in grades 7-12.

The school serves teenagers from the well-established neighboring Boys aren’t the towns and moshavim only ones on the (agricultural collecAnières program. tives) as well as providDasha Levitan, (L-R): Students Eliezer Gershonov, Dasha Levitan and Alexander Cherkov ing a home for over 230 who also comes youth, including Naale from Russia, destudents from the FSU, South About the Partners cided she too wanted to get a good education in an Israeli school. Her fa- • Anières Elite Academy is a new and exciting science and technolvorite subject is math and she wants ogy scholarship program, for into use her love of math to compete. ternational and Israeli students, “I want to get a good education created by World ORT. The in math,” she says. “This is the most students will study science and important part for me. And I want to technology in high school and participate in Math Olympiads all continue to the Technion, Israel over the world.”

Institute of Technology for a uni Asked how he thinks the Anières versity degree in engineering. program will benefit him in the fu• World ORT, established in 1880, ture, Cherkov remembered an imporis the world’s largest Jewish edutant message his father imparted. cation and vocational training “My father says that math and non-governmental organization technical subjects improve your brain with activities in more than 60 and if you have a good math educacountries. One of World ORT’s tion, you can do whatever you want. key goals is to advance science So I think this program offers me and technology education to fosknowledge and intelligence. I don’t ter economic self-sufficiency in know now what I am going to do with today’s fast-paced and technologit the future; I think I will understand ically-dynamic world. that later, but here, I have a great op• Naale Elite Academy was estabportunity. And I have a choice. lished in 1992 as a joint initiative “In Russia, you don’t have a choice. of the Prime Minister’s Office You do what your parents want you and the Ministry of Education. to do because they think you’re too Its mission is to enable Jewish young and you can’t decide for yourhigh school students worldwide self. Here, I have a choice and I can be to study and to finish high-school responsible for my choice. That’s why in Israel. The first 10 years foI came here.” cused on bringing youth from the FSU to Israel, but 12 years Developing highly skilled indiago, the program was opened up viduals will have a significant impact to the West, including English-, on the Israeli economy, higher educaFrench-, German- and Spanishtion, research and the society in genspeaking countries step-by-step. eral.

Since the program launched, By engineering engineers in Ismore than 12,000 select high rael, the Anières Elite Academy part-

American immigrants, and native Israeli children from all over Israel. The Youth Village focuses on the development and growth of each child while providing a high level, innovative education with a focus on building good citizens who can give back to their society.

•

The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology Haifa is a leading institute of science and technology in Israel. Among the 18 faculties of the university, nine are related to engineering in a variety of fields including electrical, mechanical and civil engineering.

The university has nearly 10,000 undergraduates, many of whom are international students. Two of Israel’s Nobel Prize Awards were received by three professors from the Technion, and its graduates account for the majority of Israeli-educated scientists and engineers as well as a large percentage of the country’s founders and managers of high-tech industries.

February 21 ▪ 2014

excited. My dream has come true.”

3

AJT

israel

Israeli Pride

GOOD NEWS MADE IN THE JEWISH STATE THIS PAST WEEK PRIZES FOR TWO BIOTECH BREAKTHROUGHS. Professor Yair Reisner of the Weizmann Institute won a Rappaport prize for his leukemia treatment using stem cells from incompatible donors. Dr. Yaakov Nahmias of Jerusalem’s Hebrew University won his award for the grapefruit molecule naringenin that can block viruses.

ISRAEL JOINS UN HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP. Israel took up its new position in the Western States UN human rights sub-group that includes the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Its first role is to help the world to address social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues that affect people all over the world.

DEVICE CURES ACID REFLUX. Israel’s Medigus is launching its flexible endoscope for the treatment of acid reflux.

The simple outpatient procedure can benefit over 16 million people with acid reflux who do not respond to medication.

SOREK DESALINATION GOES LIVE. As Israel prays for the end of its current drought, the new Sorek large-scale desalination plant has completed testing and is now fully operational.

Its reverse osmosis membranes can produce 624,000 cubic meters of water a day – two-thirds of the combined output of the existing Ashkelon and Hadera facilities.

AN END TO ALL COMPUTER VIRUSES? Israeli startup Cyactive says it not only stops computer viruses already “in the wild” from causing damage, but also can beat most of them even before they are invented. Cyactive detects the core of any virus, because 98 percent of the code inside a new virus is copied from existing viruses.

LINKS TO UN PACIFIC ALLIANCE. Israel was awarded observer status to the United Nation’s Pacific Alliance group. As an observer state, Israel will be invited to take part in the staff

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FIND YOUR RING SIZE WITH AN APP. How do you order a ring for someone when you don’t know his or her ring size? The handy Israeli app Findmyringsize will tell you. Take an existing ring and hold it over the images on your smartphone or re-sized computer screen. Simple to use and you could make someone very happy.

ISRAELI WINS GLOBAL SCIENTIST GOLD MEDAL. Hebrew University of Jerusalem doctoral student Yossi Kabessa won the Singapore Challenge gold medallion and $100,000 at the Global Young Scientists Summit in Singapore. He designed a system to detect dangerous materials in large water supply systems.

SEE THE DESERT BLOOM. At the Vidor Family Visitors’ Center in Israel’s Arava, visitors receive an interactive learning experience about desertification, flora and fauna, and the development of communities and agriculture in the region. The Arava was originally a desert but is now the jewel in the crown of Israeli agriculture.

ISRAELI START-UP REINVENTS THE WHEEL. A comfortable ride is guaranteed, now that Tel Aviv’s SoftWheel has put “selective suspension” inside the wheel. When a wheelchair, bicycle or aircraft encounters an obstacle, he wheel’s hub extends or shrinks symmetrically as needed, dramatically reducing the shock transmitted.

FIRST FOREIGN COMPANY TO LIST IN CHINA. Wafer Level Chip Scale Package (WLCSP), a portfolio company of Israel’s Infinity group, became the first foreign co-founded company to go public in China when it debuted on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

TWO WORLD’S BEST HOTELS. Two Israeli hotels have made it into Travel + Leisure magazine’s “2014 It List,” which introduces the 70 most promising new hotels in the world: The RitzCarlton in Herzliya and Alma Hotel & Lounge in Tel Aviv.

FRANCE CELEBRATES THE JEWISH STATE. Around 15,000 people attended “Israel Today and Tomorrow” at the Brongniart Palace in Paris. The event featured exhibitions on Zionism, agriculture, high tech, culture, art, medicine, natural resources, tourism, history and a concert by Israeli singer David Broza.

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AJT

letter to the editor

Dear Editor,

I

just read a back issue of the AJT in my car and still have my raincoat on as I’m writing this letter . That’s because even though a storm is brewing outside in Atlanta, and I need to gather candles and flashlights, it’s more important for me to respond to a January 31st

article “Is It Time for a New G-d Image?”

Since the column is titled “One Man’s Opinion,” the author may have the right to express his personal views. And because he’s a Holocaust survivor, I can not tell him what he should or should not believe, but he doesn’t have the right to assume

EYDIE KOONIN

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KERI GREENWALD

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that “most people” believe as he does.

He states that “To most people” his grandfather’s image of G-d ,that he grew up believing in his childhood, is perceived as primitive today. How does he know that “most people” believe that?

What’s more, the writer is misinformed about the practices he saw in Talamas as being Jewish. I’ve never heard of Jews, in the month of Adar, attaching a dead bat to their doorpost as a “magic object of luck.” In fact, the Torah explicitly states that we shouldn’t be superstitious nor connect with soothsayers (fortune tellers) and others dealing in magic.

I could see attaching a gragger on the door for fun or maybe a mask to suggest that G-d is hidden in the Purim story, which occurs in the joyous month of Adar, but a dead bat?

When the columnist states, “We do not need a renewal of the Old Chassidism even with a kabalistic bent...,” he’s misinforming others. Readers who are unfamiliar with Chassidic thought might not know that Chassidic writing, based on two thousand year old kabbalistic teachings, have been found by contemporary thinkers to be way ahead of their time in understanding and mastering the human psych – and no wonder, since these teachings are Divinely inspired. Courses in Chassidic thought

are popular today because kabbalah is increasingly seen to be relevant to modern man as he struggles to retain his connection to his soul in the face of assaults on his spirituality.

But the writer is correct when he asks, “Who can accept a view of G-d as an old stern bearded and angry king sitting on his throne ruling the world...” because that’s inaccurate.

Yes G-d, as the Creator of the Universe, rules the world but with love, more love than a parent has for his or her child. Even when we don’t understand things, G-d loves us unconditionally, and He has a plan for each one of us, the Jewish people and the world.

After 40 years of becoming an observant Jew, I’m still groping for answers, but I know that the G-d of our forefathers exists. And that He is the One and Only G-d. I also know that the only way I can continue to grow spiritually is through Jewish education whether it’s kabbalah with Rabbi Karmi Ingber at the Kehillah, classes at the Atlanta Scholars Kollel (ASK), lectures at Intown Chabad or articles on Aish.com. I recommend these and other Jewish sources to the columnist of this article and anyone else seeking the light of truth.

Sincerely, Ruby Grossblatt

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ACCORDING TO ARLENE

How Lunch‘n Learn Changed Lives Atlanta Scholars Kollel Honors Alan and Lisa Smirin AJT CONTRIBUTOR

J

ewish learning can be life changing. Just ask Alan and Lisa Smirin.

The couple, who will be honored March 9 by the Atlanta Scholars Kollel at the 2014 Tribute to Jewish learning, recently shared how their involvement with the Orthodox outreach group has inspired them.

It all started in 2002 when Alan went to his first Lunch ‘n Learn on a Wednesday afternoon in Buckhead.

“I fell in love with Rabbi Binyomin Freedman’s Lunch ‘n Learns and made it my business to arrange my schedule so I could participate regularly,” said Alan whose retail store is located in southeast Atlanta.

His enthusiasm was so great he wanted his wife to share the experience with him.

Lisa joined him and soon after that the couple was also attending a monthly class for couples, taught by Rabbi David Silverman.

Lisa began learning on her own with a women’s group. There were trips to Israel and invitations to spend Shabbos with the rabbis.

As Alan and Lisa continued to learn, they brought more Jewish observance into their lives. They had their first sukka. Alan led his first seder. They have participated in shabbatons. It’s clear how much their lives have been enriched by their participation with the kollel.

“I try to go to synagogue each Shabbos,” says Alan who admits how difficult that is when you’re in the retail business. Observing the Sabbath as a family is something the Smirins do routinely.

“Even if were having pizza for dinner, we still do the prayers and make sure we talk about the Torah,” says Alan who didn’t have this experience growing up.

Praying and learning every day, plus learning one-on-one with a kollel rabbi is another one of the routine parts of Alan’s life.

For Lisa, baking her own challah each week is something that “puts me in the mood” for Shabbos.

But what has made a huge impact on her is learning about the laws of lashon hara. Jewish law forbids gossiping, and Lisa is quick to admit that she does not like to gossip because she realizes that “it doesn’t do anyone any good.”

When Lisa went on an all women’s trip to Israel, she was so overwhelmed that she now says she would love to live in Jerusalem one day.

“Our involvement with the kollel has changed our thinking and also made us better people,” she commented.

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Both have learned to judge people favorably and to always be mindful that, as Jews, their behavior will reflect on other Jews.

“People look at us differently, “Alan explains. “I tell people it doesn’t matter how much you have assimilated into society. Jews are held to a higher standard.”

The Smirins have learned to use Torah values in their every day decisions and to see the Torah as their blue print for life.

Just as they have been inspired by their association with the Atlanta Scholars Kollel, they have become an inspiration to others.

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

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Shaindle’s Shpeil

My Very Own Olympian: Lila’s Road to Gold TWO VERY DIFFERENT INVITATIONS

BY SHAINDLE SCHMUCKLER

AJT CONTRIBUTOR

R

ecently I experienced my first real gymnastics meet.

My little granddaughter Lila – whom I more often than not prefer to call by one of the many nick names I’ve bestowed upon her: Lila-bean, or Lila Nay, or even better, my buzshmeister – is on a gymnastics team who compete in gymnastics meets.

You say you have never been exposed to such an event? You are missing something special, and hysterical.

Remember when the Olympics were in Atlanta? I did not have the opportunity of attending any of the events. I was, however, glued to the TV during certain competitions.

Don’t we all have our favorite events and favorite competitors? One of mine is gymnastics; yes I know, most people love this sport as much as I do.

Did you have the unique experience of seeing the “Fab Five” gymnastics team during the last Olympics?

My nuclear family, my extended family, and everyone else in the universe were mesmerized by the five young women gymnasts who represented the U.S.A and proved themselves to be true Olympians.

As their back stories soon revealed, these young women are very different than most of their peers.

They had something different, something special. They knew from an early age that they not only loved

February 21 ▪ 2014

The

8

the sport, but needed it to feed their souls.

These young athletes are driven to reach a goal; they spend their short lifetimes determined to be different, and to do something special.

It takes years, months, hours, and 5 a.m. carpools (and let’s not forget the expenses we mere mortals cannot imagine) to produce an Olympian.

My little Lila is the kindest, most beautiful, and of course the smartest little 7-year-old in the entire immediate world. She is one of the budding stars on her Perimeter Gymnastics team.

By the way, Lila is one of my extraordinarily fantabulous 10 grandchildren. “Ten!” you are all shouting?

Yes 10! I am happily aware that you can’t believe it, because you think I am not old enough to have grandchildren. That is what you are thinking isn’t it? Please! But back to Lila.

Her team wears the obligatory cool costumes; their outfits are all beautiful colors – in this case my favorite color eggplant – with lots of bling. They all also have very attractive jackets and backpacks, and the girls wear these clothes with great pride.

It would appear to be part of the overall aura for all gymnasts to sling their backpacks over one shoulder, walk along in a very single line, with their backs ram rod straight when moving from one event to the other.

And the parents! Oh my gosh! (I would have used another word, but was not sure it is a printable expression of shock) They all lose their ever-

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lovin’ minds.

I thought sports team parents were a bit over the top. Nay, nay I say. The elegant sport of gymnastics can also proudly boast a few over-thetop parents. For example, parents are asked not to snap photos because the flash is distracting and can cause the children to slip and fall. One would think parents would want safety to be a number one concern. One would be wrong!

Parents will call out their child’s name so the photo or video can include their terrified child’s face. If the child does not turn around fast enough, like in a nano-second, they are once again embarrassed to hear their name called, with a great deal more enthusiasm.

The thing is, the parents will stand up directly in front of audience members (me!) and block us from witnessing these possible future Olympians at work.

Lila was invited to her friend’s birthday party. The little girl is one of her very favorite friends. Unfortunately, the party was the very same day and time as the gymnastics invitational meet.

Yes, all you novices out there, you must be invited. It’s an invitation you just don’t refuse – as all godfather’s and future Olympians can tell you.

If Lila was to make it to the birthday party in time, she had to make a very difficult choice. Stay for the gymnastic invitational meet’s awards ceremony, or cut out a little early in order to get to the party before the opening of gifts and the eating of birthday cake.

After a bit of a struggle between crocodile tears and some serious foot stomping, I suggested a compromise: stay for her medal, then immediately rush clear across town to the party, in the hopes the party would still be in full swing.

Here I would like to add that the fact that I kept urging my own daughter to get video and photos for my granddaughters’ bat mitzvah montage is completely irrelevant, and should not be included in the same breath or thought with those parents who were driving me up a wall.

The party angels were with us; we did not get any speeding tickets and we arrived in time to sing the preverbal birthday song, the gift opening ceremony and most important of all, the eating of the cake.

So far, my grandchild has collected quite a few medals. I must let you know what is so wonderful about her.

Medals and trophies aside, she loves the gestalt of the sport; the action, the clothes, the audience, the team friendships.

I think you would support my belief, in that I won’t have to save up money for a front row seat at any gymnastic Olympic event in the near or far future.

There have been times when she comes in third out of three; but if you put yourself in her place, you will discover that a medal around your neck is a medal to be proud of. This past meet, her entire team won first place in the bronze division. They took home a trophy for goodness sakes.

Each of the girls was jumping (literally) for joy. So cute, and so hysterically funny; their screeches of happiness could be heard all the way in Russia. Did I mention there was only one bronze team competing? Never you mind, the girls deserved the trophy. They worked hard and made an honorable showing.

There is a huge difference between the Fab Five and my own little gymnast. Let me explain.

This begs the question; would the Fab Five have even considered this as a choice? See what I mean?

We all hope our children reach for, and indeed, actually reach the gold of the journey they’ve chosen. I am looking for Lila to “getting the gold” in the life she will lead.

Shaindle wants to be clear about the following: Her seven male and three female grandchildren are the smiles in her heart, the happiness always shinning on her face. She also wants to thank her four girls and four sons in law for these extraordinary gifts.

Shaindle welcomes your suggestions, just remember, no rights of privacy will be observed.

Where Great Music Thrives

Forget the Mango

CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY MORROW, GEORGIA

– Atlanta Journal-Constitution

THE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENCE

BY GINNY ADAMS

AJT CONTRIBUTOR

T

he other night, I reached into our fruit and veggie basket to explore.

My hands found a very soft, slightly speckled mango. It was late; I was hungry. Worried that it was going to beyond its ripeness, I cut into it with limited hope.

It was the most beautiful mango I have ever eaten.

My roommate (who has Colombian roots) told me how as a child, they would spend time rolling overripe mangos in their hands, cut a hole, and suck out the sweet, mushed fruit. But the mango had to be perfect; you had to catch the mango at that perfect moment when it was just a little too ripe, but still good.

This is such a succulent metaphor for patience, and illuminates the interesting ways that Hashem helps us to develop middot, or good character.

Patience is just one of those things I have needed to work on for a while.

And it is beyond difficult to cultivate this trait. At the heart of cultivating patience is to actually be patient with yourself. You must be patient to develop patience. It is ironic. And it is possible.

I am too impatient and forgetful to buy mangos and wait for them to ripen. I have to hide away the mango, forget about the mango, and hope that I remember the mango.

But that is where the opportunity lies. Forgetting the mango is something I need to learn how to do in all aspects of my life.

Let me be more clear. I don’t need to just forget about things in my life; I need to be patient with how they are cultivated. This is the hand of Hashem in my life.

That mango that I forgot about

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was just a little holy lesson. I was rewarded with the amazingly sweet mango for an exercise in patience I wasn’t even aware of.

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So, I’m taking on patience. I am going to get better at this patience. I am gonna learn the benefits of forgetting the mango on my own.

In her amazing book, “More Precious than Pearls,” Rebbetzin Tzipporah Heller takes on Eshes Chayil, the moving, deep, beautiful poem King Solomon wrote about the perfection of women: “She is like merchant ships; she brings her bread from afar.”

Rebbetzin Heller makes a link between this line and Ruth, the convert and the bloodline that ran to King David, thus the future Messiah.

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Her character was such that she had mastered the balance of chesed (loving kindness) and gevurah (strength). In the Jewish perspective, these are opposites that work together to create a balance. In order to do this, you must be patient.

And because I want to be the ultimate woman, I want to be more patient. Especially with the people around me. Especially with myself.

Forgetting the mango taught me the benefits of patience.

May I be blessed to never forget the mango again, but next time be cognizant of its transformation. I will be patient with the mango.

Thank you, Hashem, for helping me to forget the mango and rediscover it at a perfect moment. And thank you for helping me to see the lesson.

May we all be blessed to patiently wait for our mangos, and then savor their sweet flavor.

Ginny Adams is the blogger at MangoKitchen.net, a new kosher blog that has been gaining attention around the world.

February 21 ▪ 2014

AJT

d’var food

9

AJT

in the moment

Good Is No Longer Enough

GREATNESS ONSTAGE, FROM THE PULPIT OR SOCHI, ALL COMES FROM SAME PLACE

BY BRAM BESSOFF

AJT contributor

O

ver the past two weeks I have been around a lot of greatness.

I love the Olympics – summer, winter it doesn’t matter, I have always been amazed at the sheer greatness I witness as the best in the world push themselves to the limit.

My stint started last Saturday night when some of the finest of New Orlean’s talent came to play Smith’s Olde Bar. I was called-in last minute by their management to help spread the word.

For New Orleans music lovers, a band consisting of The Neville Brother’s drummer “Mean” Willie Green, The Radiator’s bassist Reggie Scanlan, Lead guitarist of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band Jake Eckert, touring keyboardist of The Funky Meters CR Gruver, and Jeff Watkins who led James Brown’s band for 12 years would be considered by any live music lover’s account a super group. And when they took the stage everyone knew it.

Additionally, all week I’ve been watching the winter games, which started with the new slope style events,

Plushenkos return and career end, Jamaican Bob Sledders finishing dead last and the all too exciting board & ski crosses with another week to go.

Finally, we completed the second half of the exchange between The Temple and Ebenezer Baptist Church by attending church services last Sunday down at the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site where both Rabbi Berg and Cantor Hartman achieved greatness.

So where does greatness come from?

If you ask a live music producer they will tell you it comes from within and that everyone has what it takes to be great, no matter if its performing onstage, competing for a medal or helping someone connect to their faith.

But to truly understand how to manifest greatness, you have to pull back the layers. And when you do, you’ll discover it is a formula anyone can use to achieve their goals.

My live music mentor, Tom Jackson taught me how to extract greatness from any artist. It begins of course, with confidence, and to become confident you must practice and train.

For a musician, it is countless hours in the bedroom, practicing scales and performing your moves in front of a mirror. For Olympians, it is non-stop training and execution. For clergy it is deep, intense study of text and public speaking.

In the search of mastery, each of these disciplines require you to master the tools of your trade, whether it is an instrument, a snowboard or your voice. This is

For the artwhere the “10,000 ist to truly connect Rabbi Berg at pulpit of Hour Rule” from with an audience Ebenezer Baptist Church Malcolm Gladwell’s and give them what book, “Outliers: they paid for in a The Story of Success” comes into play. concert ticket, merchandise, beer and Put this much time into anything other extracurricular activities, you as and you will not only master the skill, the band must know that you were paid but you will have the confidence to show to be on that stage to lead them into a your goods to others and illicit a positive musical experience and if they for any minute fall out of engagement, you if not energetic response. have not done your job well enough.

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The same holds true for the pastor, rabbi and cantor who should have their audience so wrapped up in the moment that no one looks to their watch, eyelids never get heavy or minds are not taken off prayer until the service is over and everyone asks what happened to the time.

It is about capturing, engaging and changing the lives of your audience.

Dr. Barry Silverman

nscatl.com Atlanta:

A not-so-evident layer to achieving greatness though is humility. True humility is something every great person needs. Before you can become great, you must accept the fact that you are put on this earth to achieve that one thing you so desire - whether it is to lead an audience in a musical or religious journey, to flawlessly execute a physically demanding feat or just be a great parent.

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Then there are the hidden layers.

Greatness comes from attention to the details, the nuances, the willingness to take risks and total control of inner emotions.

Plushenko knew this best. Yes he is arrogant, but he is truly great. Feared and respected by his colleagues, Plushenko skates at an entirely different level. He fits all the characteristics of greatness. He was born to do it, he has trained his 10,000 plus hours, he knows he must give the audience perfection and then he executes with a style and swagger that separates him from the rest – his nuances are what take him over the top.

We all witnessed him take a risk when he performed a double quad, even in fear of his back surgery giving out in midair. Willie Green does this on the skins. Jeff Watkins knows every time he takes a sax solo it must be different from the last, but still he takes it to the front of the stage and plays his heart out for a section of the audience, giving the other section a different taste the next time.

CR Gruver knows he can’t play keys all night, so has developed a unique way to play tambourine, cowbell and other ways to get out from behind his

On the other hand, Olympic skier Body Miller did not. An incredible talent who could not push out the emotional wear from the recent loss of his brother, stopped him from performing at this level and was the ultimate reason why he lost the gold.

His mind was elsewhere – with good reason – like many other Olympians who met similar fates, their heads were not in the game and the disappointment is almost sometimes too hard to watch.

Just take a look at U.S. women’s skeleton slider Katie Uhlaender’s exit interview about not taking the podium.

Not all will achieve greatness, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying.

Rabbi Berg took a big risk when he spoke to a mixed congregation of hundreds on a topic not easily led into conversation about Isaac and our collective experiences of going “under the knife.”

He talked about those who have ever had surgery, must have felt like Isaac did while his father stood above him with knife in hand – it changes your life perspective. For all the hospital visits Rabbi Berg has made, no one has ever spoken of wishing they had spent more time in the office or made more money.

of Rabbis, Cantors and preachers, and we all know how many Olympians there are as we watch the slow drudge of the opening ceremonies parade.

So the last and final ingredient to greatness is what makes you unique.

This is charisma; I have spoken of it before in past columns and it does not necessarily need to be a born trait. Charisma comes out of the tools, preparation and mindset mentioned above.

When you have all of this and you immerse yourself into your craft, and the moment, what comes out when you speak and engage with others is seen as pure charisma. Austria’s Super-G gold medalist Anna Fenninger has charisma and she chose to use it to bring awareness to Cheetahs. When she hit the SuperG she was just as beautiful and

dangerous as a safari cat.

You could see all the elements of greatness at work as she tore down the slope, the same way you can see it when these aerialist skiers and snowboarders hit the slope style courses, aerial ramps and race to what looks like certain death down the mountain at excess speeds of 60 – 80 mph.

Dr. Warnock delivers it every time he says a word. The New Orleans Suspects achieve it with a single note – and when they play that note together, it is more awesome than any one musician can achieve on their own.

When you mix that with the energy in the room, no matter the venue, magic happens and moments become legends.

That’s why I love the Olympics, that’s

Rabbi Berg had black audience members, white audience members, Jews and Catholics rearing after each revelation. He had the whole congregation standing on their feet at the end.

If you ask him, he would say EBC is so gracious he could have read the phone book and received such a response.

But I was in the audience, and I felt the energy. He connected with everyone in the room, he had us captured and he changed the way we were all thinking – he achieved greatness. And taking it to the next level, Cantor Hartman led fantastic voices such as Eartha Sims and Clark King, both EBC choir members, into moving renditions of song and prayer.

If you want to hear a voice that captures the soul, check out Clark King at facebook.com/clarkkingmusic. If you want to catch the service, you can purchase it from the Horizons Gift Shop inside EBC at the MLK historic preservation.

Bram Bessoff is a drummer and musician. When not onstage, Bram is a performance coach and music industry entrepreneur helping artists get the most out of their live shows and chart on Billboard. He sits on the board of directors as VP for The Atlanta Jewish Music Festival. Follow Bram’s experiences on, off and backstage @bram_rocks. Interact with him at #InItForTheMoment to share thoughts, comments and ideas about this column.

Step up the pace.

Most regret not enjoying life enough or spending more time with family. The simple pleasures of living, loving and peace are what come to mind – which in turn explains why Isaac made the choices later in life that stemmed from this most tragic moment.

Unfortunately most of us do not experience it young enough to make a difference in the rest of our lives.

why I love going to concerts and that’s why I don’t fall asleep at a great religious service. We all have the means to be great. Go and become.

Online student Lindsay Little enrolled in an accounting class while studying abroad.

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The final layer to greatness is the least obvious, but most crucial. It is you.

There are tons of lead guitarists, plenty

February 21 ▪ 2014

keyboard. Dr. Warnock knows if he preaches all day long then people will stop listening, so he uses moments to talk as a person to his congregation and utilizes other parts of his clergy and choir like an artisan uses tools to create a piece of art.

11 AtlantaJewishTimes 2ndHalf Ad.indd 1

2/3/14 3:45 PM

REACH FOR NEW HEIGHTS Memories That Last a Lifetime

ADVENTURES AT CAMP DEVELOP LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS TH U N D ER

Y MC A

MP A

EST

RD BI

C

BY DANA SPECTOR web editor

93 . 1

6

Register Now for Camp Thunderbird!

Learn more at our Open House on April 13.

Located just four hours from Atlanta, Camp Thunderbird’s 1.7-mile shoreline provides the ideal backdrop for life-changing experiences. For more than seventy five years, Thunderbird’s pristine 100-acre campus on the shores of Lake Wylie has welcomed campers wanting to escape the buzz of city life.

Coed, Ages 7 to 16 | one and two week sessions

www.campthunderbird.org

B

ack in my bat mitzvah year, my mom bought me a brown dress. This is the story of that dresses journey.

You might recall “The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants” series, wherein a group of friends, incredibly enough, fit into the same pair of pants and then follows the ways in which their lives change while they share possession of the pants.

When I arrived at URJ Kutz Camp, I barely knew a soul, but a friend of a friend’s group adopted me instantly and we became a family.

That first Shabbat, the girls in my group decided to swap dresses, and out popped the brown dress. The dress fit everyone who wore it! I’ve heard it said, that we can pick our friends but we are born into our families. The brown dress helped me chose my Kutz Camp family.

The Kutz Camp experience continues for me today, even though I left the camp in 2008.

These men and women have traveled across the country to celebrate birthdays, to show support after a family loss, and even just to say hello. We’ve grown up apart, occasionally loose contact, but can reconnect instantaneously right where we left off.

URJ Kutz Camp will celebrate its 50th anniversary next summer. Fifty years of empowering, inspiring, and molding an international community – proving that American Judaism will last.

Here’s to another 50!

YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Come experience the summer in dramatic fashion!

Musical Theatre & Performing Arts

Grades

February 21 ▪ 2014

K–12

Summer 2014

Drama Day Camps

Enroll now at

alliancetheatre.org/dramacamp 404.733.4700

fulton county arts & culture

12

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

AJT

Summer Day Camp Registration Continues EXCITING CAMP OPTIONS FOR CHILDREN 5 TO 14 AT THE MJCCA

T

he Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) continues its Online Day Camp Registration, with more than 100 different summer day camp options for children ages 5 – 14, including: Traditional Camps, Specialty Camps, Teen Camps, Performing Arts Camps, and Sports Camps.

Camps start the week of May 26, 2014 and the fun continues through Aug. 8, 2014. ► Popular New Camps for 2014 Include: Color War Camp (For rising 1st-6th graders)

Let the games begin! In our offthe-wall Color War Camp, every day is a new, crazy competition. There will be something for everyone this week, as campers participate in tons of creative activities including art, swimming, sports, cooking, and more. Get ready to cheer on your team!

The Camp Barney Medintz Experience (For rising 3rd-4th graders)

Campers are invited to sample the best of both day and overnight camps.

Campers will spend three nights at Camp Barney Medintz, the summer overnight camp of the MJCCA, located in the North Georgia Mountains, and

will participate in an exciting mix of specialized programming.

Lynne & Howard Halpern Drama Camp Jr. (A two-week camp for rising 1st2nd graders)

Rindsberg continued, “MJCCA Day Camps is where the magic of summer begins! Our campers get to pursue and enjoy their every interest and passion. And, along the way, they laugh,

swim, and explore, while establishing lifelong friendships and memories.”

For information about the various day camp offerings, call (678) 812-4004, or visit www.atlantajcc.org/camps.

This is an exciting Drama Camp with emphasis on skills, theater games, and more. This summer’s theatrical performances are “Shrek” and “The Little Mermaid.”

(Due to popular demand, another two-week “The Little Mermaid” session has been added for Camp Weeks 9 & 10). ► Popular Returning Camps Include:

Aerial & Acrobatics ∙ Archeology Rocks ∙ Atlanta Hawks Basketball ∙ Chess Camp ∙ CIA Fusion ∙ Fencing ∙ Hollywood Bound ∙ Intro to Graffiti Art ∙ Junk Art ∙ Lego Robotics ∙ Meteorology Camp ∙ Need for Speed Travel Painting Frenzy ∙ Sports Broadcasting ∙ Spy Camp ∙ Video Game Builders ∙ Water Wipeout

Meryl Rindsberg, MJCCA Day Camps Operations Director said, “I am thrilled about the new camp options that we are offering this year. From campers competing in zany and outrageous activities in Color War Camp, to building push-powered go-karts, to Atlanta Hawks Dance Camp, there is truly an exceptional new camp available for each and every interest.” Rindsberg continued, “In addition to these new offerings, campers will continue to enjoy the high quality camp options and activities that they have grown to love over the years, including: swimming, tennis, horseback, travel camp, and numerous sports camps, just to name a few.”

Over 90 Camp Locations Across the US 1-800-NIKE CAMP

USSPORTSCAMPS.COM

All rights reserved. NIKE GOLF, the Swoosh Design and the Nike Golf Logo are trademarks of NIKE, Inc. and its affiliates, and are used under license.

NIKE is the title sponsor of the camps and has no control over the operation of the camps or the acts or omissions of US Sports Camps.

follow @NikeJrGolfCamps

February 21 ▪ 2014

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

13

AJT

Put Down That Gaming Device, It’s Camp Time!

NEW SEASON AT CAMP THUNDERBIRD, RETHINKING LIFESTYLES

By Molly Thompson Special to the ajt

D

ecades ago, when the last school bell rang, kids would take to the outdoors during the summer months to explore creeks, hike woods and survey neighborhoods on bikes.

Today, kids are more disconnected from nature and less engaged in outside fun. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American children ages 8 to 18 spend 7.5 hours a day on electronic media during the summer months.

But getting outdoors is essential to developing the spirit, mind, and body of school age children and teens, say YMCA experts; and camping is an ideal setting for doing just that.

Located on a beautiful 100-acre campus with 1.7 miles of shoreline along South Carolina’s pristine Lake Wylie, Camp Thunderbird offers coed water and land adventures for children ages 7 to 16.

sures of life.”

Just four hours from Atlanta, Camp Thunderbird has welcomed campers wanting to escape the buzz of city life for more than 75 years.

As part of an expanded land offering, Backyard Games will engage campers in pickle ball, badminton, shuffleboard, spike ball, can jam, horseshoes, bocce ball, and other lawn based games.

“Camping is synonymous with personal development. It provides kids with the opportunity to practice social and decision-making skills through new experiences,” says YMCA Camp Thunderbird Director Kaye Carraway. “Kids come to camp to develop life-long friendships and memories, learn new skills and a take a week off from the normal pres-

MJCCA SUMMER DAY CAMPS Fun, Friends, Activities, Adventures

Free Bus Transportation throughout Metro Atlanta including new Emory/Decatur Bus Stop!

More than 100 cam p options for rising PreK-10th Grade

February 21 ▪ 2014

• Indoor & Outdoor Camps • Open to Members & Community • New 6 Month Payment Plan • New Camps - Color War Camp - Creative Chefs Camp - EA Sports Camp - and more!

REGISTER ONLINE NOW! *See atlantajcc.org/specials for details.

Download the 2014 Summer Day Camps Catalog at

14

atlantajcc.org/camps

YMCA Camp Thunderbird continues its legacy of innovation with the addition of several new or expanded activities and adventures in 2014.

Campers will enjoy actionpacked enhancements to the Roller Sports offering along with a Sports Sampler featuring disc golf, gaga ball, rugby, cricket, and other sports games. Finally campers will learn about Geocaching and Orienteering, using GPS and other navigational techniques to hide and seek items all over the camp property.

Former Harvard University President Charles Elliot said, “I have a conviction that a few weeks spent in a well-organized summer camp may be of more value educationally than a whole year of formal school work.”

Carraway agrees. “Campers have new experiences in nature,” She explains. “Away from their regular routine and family, campers feel new independence that helps them believe in themselves. This gives kids the confidence to try new things and learn new skills. Most importantly, camp builds relationships and relationship skills like cooperation and sportsmanship. Our counselors are carefully selected and trained. They provide care and support and serve as incredible role models for our campers.”

eat meals family style, participate in cabin devotions, participate in team building and encourage each other in activities. Many parents tell us that their campers come home with manners and healthy habits that they practiced at camp. Some even make their beds.”

Carraway also says that counselors truly make the camp experience come alive. She encourages parents to choose a camp with a low counselor to camper ratio that ensures a high level of engagement with cabin counselors, activity leaders, and other capable and trained staff.

For more information about YMCA Camp Thunderbird, visit www.campthunderbird.org. Would you like to provide a camp experience for a child in need? Give online at www.ymcacharlotte.org/donate and select Camp Thunderbird as your branch.

“Our cabin communities are like families,” says Carraway. “Campers

AJT

Camp Gan Israel – Intown Gears Up For 11th Year NOW OFFERING POPULAR CAMPING EXPERIENCE FOR AGES 2 TO 10

R

andy Faigin David knows there are many summer camps in and around Atlanta, but for over a decade she and her husband, Ken, have sent their children to Camp Gan Israel – Intown.

Fondly dubbed Camp Gan Izzy, this is the camp’s 11th year in Atlanta.

Once families start there, it seems, they keep coming back.

“My favorite part,” explained David, “is that the children feel loved and I know they are being well taken care of. Sometimes with camps, you worry about whether your child will get lost in the crowd of different kids that appear each week. I know the kids will be appreciated as individuals whenever they are at Camp Gan Israel.”

Jewish children. The counselors in the preschool-age camp are the yearround teachers of the Intown Jewish Preschool. All counselors are specially trained in safety and communicating with children, and are CPR certified.

“Our counselors are filled with a certain joy of life,” he said. “They are excited to be there at camp and to be there with the kids. They show the campers a really good time, and inspire them Jewish-ly.”

In fact, the spirit of Judaism permeates all aspects of camp life, including fun bus rides with Jewish songs, and Jewish-themed camp days and activities.

“The counselors are great role models. They show the children that you can be Jewish and excited about Judaism and still be cool.”

The camp’s convenient intown location is central to nearby communities such as Virginia Highlands, Morningside, Grant Park, Toco Hills, Decatur, Midtown and Buckhead, and offers easy access to local sites like Piedmont Park.

Camp takes place at Chabad Intown’s youth campus, located across the street from Piedmont Park. During the school year, the campus houses the Intown Jewish Preschool; but over the summer months, children through age 10 enjoy the beautiful grounds.

For the older children, camp trips are frequent and very popular. Campers venture to places like Six Flags, Legoland, Malibu Grand Prix, bowling, and swimming at Piedmont Park’s state-of-the-art swimming pool.

During its largest summer, the intown Atlanta-based Camp Gan Israel boasted more than 100 children.

Lila David, 11, speaks fondly of her Camp Gan Israel experience. “The field trips are always really fun and I always love going to the pool,” said Lila. “Shabbos parties are also really fun.”

The purpose of the camp is to “create bonds and relationships that the children can remember fondly as their Jewish connection,” said Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman, director of Chabad Intown, “Positive Jewish experiences are crucial for future Jewish involvement of our youth.”

In addition to field trips, the camp boasts various sports with professional coaches, as well as organized electives like woodworking, art, chess and drama.

“There’s a certain basic structure to the camp, and then campers can choose specialized activities that appeal to them,” he added.

Counselors are fun, enthusiastic and passionate about Jewish life and

There are more than 150 other Camp Gan Israel’s around the country and the world – the first Camp Gan Israel began in upstate New York in 1956.

“Part of a vast network of camps, we can pool our expertise, collaborate with other camps, and stay up-to-date on the latest games, activities and trips that make the kids happy,” Rabbi Schusterman said. “We tap into those resources.”

“My favorite part is the enthusiasm and loving nature of the counselors,” said Erin Chernow, whose two boys have attended the camp. “The activities are fantastic – sports, outings, art, cooking, swimming. My kids loved playing with their friends and going on the field trips. They loved to cheer for their bunks and to make challah.

I could not ask for a better experience for my kids.”

Chabad Intown is involved in pro-

grams for kids all year round, reaching out to Jewish families of all backgrounds and nurturing children in a loving environment. From Mommy and Me to Hebrew School to youth events, the camp is an extension of the year-round programming.

“We have a lot of experience and know how to influence children in a positive way,” Rabbi Schusterman said. “During the summer we keep on doing what we do best.”

Camp Information The camp runs for six weeks starting June 23. The hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with early drop-off beginning at 8:30 a.m. and late pick-up until 6:30 p.m.. Families who have never sent their children to camp receive one free week of camp with a paid week. For more information, visit www.cgiintown. com.

Camp Grasshopper

The preschool and camp facility were built from the ground up with children in mind – fun, safety, security and creativity were all part of the design and planning, said Dena Schusterman, the preschool’s director.The custom-built playground, she added, has various sections that are suitable for children of all ages.

“Big kids come to camp and love all the activities that are geared just for them,” she said.

For parents, the camp has the added benefit of flexible ages and hours.

Children ages 2 to 10 are able to attend camp.

The camp is divided by age, with the Kiddie Camp serving children under 5 and the regular camp geared for children 6 to 10. Optional expanded hours offer child care from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., which can be a huge help for working parents.

The camp also offers parents another element of convenience – younger and older groups can all come to the same facility, saving parents from having to stop at different places.

Camp Grasshopper summer day camp engages preschoolers in an adventure of discovery. With a different theme each weekly session, camp staff lead indoor and outdoor activities that are that are fun, creative and targeted specifically to the interests and abilities of boys and girls ages 3 to 6. Throughout the week, campers enjoy arts and crafts, music, story time, creative play, drama, sports and nature study, with lunch and playground time each day.

For more information, visit atlantaspeechschool.org/grasshopper or call 404-233-5332.

3160 Northside Pkwy., NW | Atlanta, GA 30327 404-233-5332 | atlantaspeechschool.org

February 21 ▪ 2014

BY MINDY RUBENSTEIN SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

15

AJT

PLAY on

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THE SECRETS TO WARMING COLD FEET

BY SHARON DUKE ESTROFF Special FOR the ajt

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fun and excitement waiting for her at camp.

•

Let’s not make a deal. Most camp directors shudder at the thought of guilt-ridden parents promising to pick up their children mid-session if they want to come home. Such bargaining impedes the normal adjustment process and undermines the camp’s protocol for dealing with homesickness. Instead, investigate the resources available at camp for homesick kids, and make your child aware that a tangible support system is intact should she need it.

•

Catch the gist of her jitters.

Children become apprehensive about leaving home for all kinds of reasons. They may worry, for example, about not being able to kiss parents goodnight or what will happen should they get sick.

By zeroing in (as much as possible) on the root of your child’s trepidation, you can better address her concerns.

•

Engage in some multigenerational commiseration. In sharing your own tales of overcoming homesickness as a kid – even if it takes a wee bit of embellishment – you’ll help your child understand the universality of this experience while providing her hope toward overcoming it.

•

Communicate confidence. By pointing out the strengths in your child’s character that have helped her overcome adversity and challenge in the past (i.e. sense of humor, compassion or leadership qualities) you’ll build her confidence in her ability to successfully hop the homesickness hurdle as well.

•

Illuminate the silver lining. Put a positive spin on homesickness by explaining that it’s actually

t’s a situation as sticky as a freshly-roasted marshmallow: Your child – who’s been looking forward to attending overnight camp since you signed her up in the fall – suddenly develops a case of cold feet.

She’s no longer buzzing with excitement over her upcoming month of summer fun. She’s teary-eyed and anxious over spending 30 days (720 hours!) away from mom and dad.

Truth be told, you’re a tad teary-eyed and anxious about those 720 hours, yourself.

So what’s a parent to do with a bout of pre-camp jitters and a rapidly-approaching departure date?

Take solace in the fact that you’re in good company. Studies show 95 percent of campers – even seasoned ones – suffer some degree of anxiety over leaving home.

Remind yourself that overnight camp offers your child a trunkful of benefits, from round-the-clock entertainment to critical independence and social skills to - in cases of Jewish overnight camps - a proven insurance policy toward future Jewish commitment.

February 21 ▪ 2014

And take measures to ensure your child is geared for sleep-away camp on the inside, as well as the outside. Here are some tips toward warming even the coldest of little feet and keeping homesickness at bay all summer long:

16

What to Say •

Play down your own separation anxiety. Rather than rambling on about how much you’re going to miss your little bubbeleh, you serve your child (and yourself) much better to focus on all the

•

Pile on the postage. When it comes to mail call, quantity generally weighs heavier than quality with campers. A steady flow of short notes on cheerful stationery will ensure the postman consistently delivers to your child a happy heap. (Hint: Further maximize mail-flow by giving stamped envelopes, preaddressed to your child, to friends and relatives.)

•

Get her journaling. Writing down feelings can be cathartic to adults and kids alike. By providing your child a journal for recording camp experiences, you’ll help ensure both positive and lasting memories.

•

Frame yourself. A few family photos in heavy-duty frames will keep your camper feeling close to home even when she’s far away.

•

Keep an eye on the big picture.

Although it can be heart-wrenching to watch your child suffer through homesickness, rest assured that in resisting the urge to rescue her and affording her the opportunity to overcome this challenge, you’ll ultimately raise a stronger, more resilient and all-around happier camper.

What to Do •

•

Bag the brand-new linens. By skipping the Bed, Bath and Beyond shopping spree and sending your child to camp with the sheets, blankets and pillowcases she uses in her own room, you’ll ensure she’s wrapped in the comforts of home throughout her stay away.

Make sure she has a familiar face at camp. Having at least one friend in the cabin on opening day can make all the difference to a jittery camper; so call the camp, ask for the names and numbers of a few of your child’s future bunkmates, and arrange a pre-camp playdate or two. And if that is a logistical impossibility, a friendly phone call makes a great “Plan B.”

•

Send a security object. A favorite stuffed animal promises to be worth its weight in canteen money late at night when the “lonelies” hit. (Hint: In cases of “ultracoolism,” disguise the stuffed toy in a linen-matching pillow case.)

•

Give her an earful. Prevent homesickness from setting in by equipping your child with an iPod (if allowed) uploaded with the familiar sounds of home (i.e. parents sharing encouraging words or reading a favorite bedtime story, silly messages from siblings, even barks from a much-loved pup).

•

Soothe her with surprises. Keep your child’s spirits up during the first days of camp by secretly slipping reassuring notes into toothbrush holders, soap dishes and pants pockets.

Editor’s note: Sharon Duke Estroff is an award-winning educator and author of the popular parenting book, “Can I Have a Cell Phone for Hanukkah?” (Random House). Her parenting articles appear in over 100 publications including Parents, Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and the Jerusalem Post.

Reprinted from our January 2013 Camp Issue.

February 21 ▪ 2014

a good sign – it means you love your family and that they love you.

17

AJT

Basketball Camp with Atlanta Hawks Learning from the Pros SPECiaL FOR THE AJT

T academics

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February 21 ▪ 2014

In their continued partnership, the Atlanta Hawks are actively in-

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hanks to an ongoing, annual series of clinics hosted at the JCC, boys and girls ages 6 to 15, are offered

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volved with sponsoring and providing support to the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s Youth Basketball Leagues and Adult Leagues.

Autographed Hawks memorabilia and promotional items are awarded daily to top performers at camp.

All participants in the leagues wear Hawks branded uniforms and receive a ticket to attend a Hawks basketball game. As part of the partnership, JCC youth basketball coaches are invited to attend the Hawks Coaches Clinic held at Philips Arena each fall.

•

June 2-6 Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (Dunwoody, GA)* 9 a.m.-4 p.m. TBA Boys and Girls (ages 6-14)

•

June 9-12 Davis Academy (Dunwoody, GA) 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $250 Boys and Girls (ages 7-14)

Coach Budenholzer and the Hawks Coaching Staff share coaching insights with youth coaches in the Atlanta basketball community.

•

June 16-19 Suwanee Sports Academy (Cobb, GA) 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. $250 Boys and Girls (ages 7-14)

This summer, the Atlanta Hawks will provide the ultimate summer camp experience for the youth of Georgia in a number of locations, including Marcus JCC and Davis Academy.

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June 23-26 Suwanee Sports Academy (Suwanee, GA) 9 a.m.4 p.m. $250 Boys and Girls (ages 7-14)

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July 14-18 Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (Dunwoody, GA)* 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. TBA Boys and Girls (ages 6-14)

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July 21-24 JP Mosely Recreation Center (Stockbridge, GA) 9 a.m.

– 4 p.m. $250 Boys Only (ages 7-14)

All participants receive professional instruction from qualified coaches in a fun environment. Atlanta Hawks Basketball Camps offer players of all skill levels the opportunity of a lifetime to learn from the pros.

Campers participate in basketball drills, skills contests and competitive games daily. Camp highlights include: Camper Draft Day Photos, NBA Skills Competition, Hawks Camp Jersey for all participants, and a free ticket to a 14-15 Hawks game is included with tuition.

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AJT

Scholarships and One Happy Camper FEDERATION LAUNCHES CAMP INITIATIVE

T

he Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta wants to help your child attend Jewish Overnight Summer

Camp.

Federation believes that Jewish overnight summer camp and other immersive summer experiences are especially effective in helping children form their Jewish identity and develop a lifetime of Jewish engagement and leadership.

“I didn’t want to come home after camp. It was great to make lots of new friends and it was cool that they were all Jewish like me,” said Simon G., a first-time camper during summer 2013.

Federation offers two opportunities to help get your child to Jewish overnight camp, including a NeedsBased Scholarship fund. Applications for the Needs-Based Scholarship are due Feb. 28.

The scholarship is an amazing opportunity for Atlanta families to send their children to Jewish overnight camp. To view the online application and eligibility criteria, please visit jewishatlanta.org/summercamp.

There are incentive grants up to $1,000 for eligible first-time campers through the One Happy Camper Program (OHC). OHC provides grants to encourage children and teens to at-

tend overnight Jewish camp for the first time.

rent day school students are not eligible for the program.

Jewish overnight camp creates and enhances Jewish education in a fun and informal setting, making Judaism a cornerstone in the development of lifelong friendships and selfesteem.

Parents with questions about OHC, scholarships opportunities,

and Jewish overnight summer camp, in general, should contact Lauri Cohen, Community Camp Ambassador, at (678) 222-3730 or lcohen@jfga.org.

Camp is important to Federation, as it supports our mission of ensuring a Jewish future. Attending Jewish overnight camp is identified as one of the top three experiences that fosters a lasting Jewish connection that, in turn, creates Jewish adults with a knowledge and passion for our heritage. Federation can also help you learn more about the different Jewish overnight camps located in Georgia and nationally.

About OHC in Atlanta Grants up to $1,000 are awarded to first-time campers who attend a nonprofit Jewish overnight summer camp for at least 19 consecutive days (exceptions apply for URJ 6 Points Sports Academy and Adamah Adventures).

Eligible campers must be entering grades 1-12 (after camp) and be attending one of the 150+ non-profit, Jewish, overnight summer camps listed on the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s website (www.jewishcamp. org).

Children must be enrolled in a camp to receive the grant, and cur-

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AJT

community

Red State, Blue State, One State, Two State A SACRED CONVERSATION ABOUT ISRAEL

BY KATHY POWELL

SPECiaL FOR THE AJT

O

n Feb. 26, Temple Sinai and The Temple are proud to offer “Red State, Blue State, One State, Two State” a program featuring Jeremy Ben Ami and Daniel Gordis.

Each a respected thinker and commentator about Israel, Ben Ami is the President of J-Street, offering a more leftist point of view; and Gordis, an author and columnist for the Jerusalem Post, among other respected positions, will offer a view that is more right of center.

Both individuals will model what it means to have a sacred dialogue

about Israel, recognizing that although we often disagree on particular issues, it is very Jewish to dialogue, converse, even argue and debate, but to also to find a place for another’s opinion.

By combining efforts, the leadership of Temple Sinai and The Temple affirm the communal nature of this event. Our tradition affirms the validity and importance of a plurality of opinions, and both Rabbi Ron Segal (Temple Sinai) and Rabbi Peter Berg (The Temple) believe that our community is strongest when sincere and honest dialogue occurs.

tant conversations impacting the Jewish community.

While affirming the unique nature of the event, the organizers have fielded criticism from some in the community for even holding the debate. Rabbi Brad Levenberg (Temple Sinai) likens the event to a continuation of a conversation that was most recently held in conjunction with the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival.

Rabbi Levenberg states, “For three years, I have co-chaired the At-

Jeremy Ben Ami

This event, then, becomes the focal point for one of the most impor-

GB Debate

February 21 ▪ 2014

lanta Jewish Film Festival Selection Committee and have participated in countless conversations concerning whether a film is ‘too controversial’ to be shown in the festival. I have held, as have my predecessors, that film can be a wonderful vehicle to contribute new ideas and new perspectives to a receptive audience. Thus, the conversation that occurred over the AJFF, with films such as “Bethlehem” and “Omar,” continues on Feb 26.”

20

When asked about those who may attend but disagree with either of the presenters, Rabbi Levenberg responded, “If you disagree with Jeremy or Danny, your attendance at the program will demonstrate that you are fully capable of listening to a presentation to which you are in opposition. We don’t win the argument refusing to participate in the conver-

Daniel Gordis sation. That’s not what Jews do.”

The event will take place at Temple Sinai at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 26. Doors open at 7 p.m. for open seating. There is no cost for this event. Please RSVP to www.templesinaiatlanta.org.

AJT

Review of Artscape 2014 A FUN DAY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY SPECiaL FOR THE AJT

A

s families walked into Sensations Therafun on the afternoon of Sun., Feb. 9, the sounds and sights of excitement grabbed them.

Children were cheering and parents were smiling from ear-to-ear as they watched their kids have a fantastic time. JF&CS’ Artscape was in full swing.

Artscape, which benefits the Counseling Services – Tools for Life division, is an annual family-friend-

climbing wall to allow them to let out their inner daredevils.

Kids couldn’t contain their excitement as they zipped down that line and climbed as high as they could.

Local high school volunteers, other young adults and JF&CS staff members took time out of their days to assist with the activities.

Being that this was a day for families, a cadre of children played the role of “minivolunteers,” greeting guests as they entered the building and assisting adult volunteers with their tasks.

With its unique concept of “host families,” Artscape stands out from other philanthropic events. Much like host committees for other events, host family members’ individual names were listed on different materials promoting the event.

Committee: The 2014 Artscape Committee

Having their names on the materials let the children know they were part of making something special happen. As the families ended their afternoon of fun, the children received goodie bags with flyers giving them ideas for their own ways to volunteer.

This year’s event found itself in good hands as it was chaired by its founder Lauren Harris, and cochaired by Joel Libowsky. Harris came up with the idea for Artscape and charied it last year; Liboswky will take over next year. Both have been active volunteers at JF&CS for many years.

Various activity stations, including visual art rooms, a musical petting zoo, yoga, indoor soccer and dance, provided children with experiences in different forms of art. In addition to the art stations, Sensations’ opened its ever-popular zip line and

“I am blown away by the community’s support of Artscape,” said Libowsky. “My hopes are that this continues to be a big draw for young families and exposes the mission and values of JF&CS to a larger base and in particular the Tools for Life division.”

For more information about Tools for Life, visit ww.YTFL.org/counseling.

February 21 ▪ 2014

ly, fun-filled event that also serves to educate children about volunteering.

By the end of the day, 485 people had come and just under $20,000 was raised.

JF&CS would like to thank everyone who helped make the day a huge success.

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The Right Place. The Right Time.

Welcome Home!

AJT

community

Or Ve Shalom 100th Birthday Event OVS KICKs OFF with RABBI ANGEL

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ors and achievements are too numerous to list.

ne hundred years ago two local small synagogues combined to form Or Ve Shalom – translating to Light and Peace in Hebrew.

Rabbi Angel’s address to Or Ve Shalom was entitled “Applauding the Past, Appreciating the Present, and Planning the Future”.

O

Congregation Ahavath Shalom was founded in 1910 and Or Hachiam in 1912. Or Ve Shalom took its name form these two. The congregation has decided to celebrate this significant anniversary with a year-long series of spiritual, educational, fund raising and entertainment events.

Membership is primarily from Rhodes and Turkey, but Jews, who can trace their roots to North Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, are also members.

The synagogue and its members have a rich history and tradition of serving the Jewish community and the city of Atlanta. Many of us are familiar with the family names Arogetti, Alhadeff, Benator, Capeluto, Franco, Habiff, Maslia, Shemaria and Tourial among many others.

Those families are as committed to Jewish values today as in the past.

February 21 ▪ 2014

The “kickoff” event for this year of celebration was an address by Rabbi Marc Angel. He is Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Shearith Israel, a well-known historic Spanish/ Portuguese synagogue in New York City whose origins date back to 1654.

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Born in Seattle’s Sephardic community, his family’s roots are in Turkey and Rhodes and he grew up in a ladino speaking home. He received a B.S., M.S., PhD, Th.D honoris causa and a Rabbinal semicha from Yeshevia University. As if those degrees were not impressive enough, he also earned an M.A. in English Literature.

The rabbi was the congregation’s spiritual leader for many years, up until 2007. He then established the “Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals,” an organization focused on fostering an intellectually vibrant, compassionate and inclusive Orthodox view of Judaism.

He has written more than 30 books and scores of enlightening and stimulating articles; his awards, hon-

Some of the major points in the Rabbi’s address were as follows: •

We have a unique, rich history and culture; our lives resound with the voices and teachings of our ancestors

•

Prior generations – while often not highly educated – were wise, brave, bold people who loved life, lived with risk and were optimistic for their future.

•

Our current generation, while highly educated, can learn much from reflecting on the lives of our ancestors.

•

Our roots have an impact on our lives today, far more than we realize.

•

Judaism is flexible enough to withstand honest and sincere differing points of view. Judaism welcomes a variety of viewpoints and encourages discussion.

•

We should not be judgmental toward other Jews and their religious practices, but seek to be understanding and inclusive; less dogmatic views and more humanism.

Each Jew, with a sincere point of view, can make a contribution

•

He described Margaret Mead’s analysis of how immigrant families change as they adapt to a new culture: The challenge is to maintain a balance, adhering to old values while assimilating into the new culture. Over time, some old world practices and values are lost, but there is value in maintaining our links with the past.

•

•

•

Judaism is not meant to be a burden but a blessing. Its teachings and values are meant to enrich, guide and empower our lives.

Rules are offered to provide society with order and reduce chaos.

Our lives are empowered and enhanced, as we are more productive and we benefit society. We are taught how to appreciate the seemingly mundane parts of life and to recognize the miracle of our lives all around us.

While a devout and committed Orthodox Jew, Rabbi Angel sees our Creator, not as a stern, dogmatic exacting Father, but a loving, kind, compassionate Father who, on occasion, needs to redirect our path.

Each Jew should strive to find a place in the Jewish Community that is right for him. And from that point, you can begin to grow your Jewish values, education, and understanding. People should not feel intimidated by the synagogue process or its practices.

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If one does not initially find a comfortable place for his views, continue your search, there are many viable alternatives.

•

Judaism was not meant to constrict sincere thinking.

Two life lessons that Rabbi Kassorla of Or Ve Shalom learned while a student of Rabbi Angel were that, each time you teach, teach something new so that your efforts will impart enthusiasm and to recognize and acknowledge the efforts of those who work on behalf of the community.

My own Jewish roots are similar to Rabbi Angel, in that my father was born in Beirut and my mother was born in Damascus. I was raised in a Syrian/ Lebanese culture but attended an Ashkenazi synagogue in Pensacola. I did not have lox until I was 19.

Those wishing to learn more about the above topics are encouraged to visit www.jewishideas.org, or search for Or Veshalom Synagogue: Congregation Shearit Israel New York.

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AJT

community

‘Key to Dunwoody’

MJCCA HOSTS NEW ART EXHIBIT ON COMMUNITY history SPECiaL FOR THE AJT

T

he Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta is pleased to host the 2013 Dunwoody Fine Art Association Member Show. This year’s show, entitled “Key to Dunwoody,” features the historic Spruill Farmhouse.

Twenty-seven artists were given the same subject: the Spruill Farmhouse in Dunwoody, to create their own interpretation of the farmhouse and Dunwoody itself. In addition to having the same subject to work on, artists were also asked to include a key in their work – “Key to Dunwoody.”

The exhibition will be on display in the MJCCA’s Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery through March 31.

Architect and member artist Barbara Flexner notes, “The Key to Dunwoody is the people who live and work here, making this a vibrant community. To represent the farm house as historic was the most difficult part of the assignment.” Ms. Flexner continues, “The farm house is a representation of what happens as buildings change to continue being useful to their oc-

cupants as lifestyles evolve. However, in studying the building, I was struck by the fact that the window and door configurations are still true to conventions used in buildings of that genre 100 years ago.”

The MJCCA’s Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery: Location and Hours The Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery is located at the MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.

Gallery hours: Mondays – Thursdays, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fridays 6 a.m.

– 6 p.m.; Saturdays 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Admission is Free.

About the Dunwoody Fine Art Association In 1971, 12 artists formed the Dunwoody Fine Art Association, (DFAA).

It was their hope to encourage and promote fine art in Dunwoody, Ga. and other North Atlanta areas.

The club grew steadily, incorporated in 1983, and since then the DFAA has continued to grow and thrive and has become an important part of the

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Atlanta art community.

More Information about the “Key to Dunwoody” Exhibition Contact Kim Goodfriend, Gallery Manager at (678) 812-4071, kim.good-

friend@atlantajcc.org. Media inquiries: call Lora Sommer, MJCCA Public Relations Manager at 678.812.4078, lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org or visit www.atlantajcc.org.

AJT

community

JIFLA Celebrates Fourth Anniversary THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHARITY AND TZEDAKAH

There are eight levels of tzedakah defined by Maimonides, each one higher than the next. The greatest form, unsurpassed by any other, is to give a helping hand to one who is on the verge of financial ruin by giving him a loan, by entering into a partnership with him, by providing employ-

Congregation Ahavas Achim established their Free Loan Association in 1930, incorporating it as the Chevra Tehilim and Free Loan Association. Atlanta families such as the Eplans and Dorfans played a major role in this regard.

The application will be open to Jewish students in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia (excluding metro D.C.), located on JELF’s website at www.jelf.org from March 1 until April 30.

JELF loans are need-based and offer “last-dollar” financing, meaning that JELF provides the final dollars that bridge the gap between a student’s total financial resources and the cost of attending school.

Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a program leading to a degree or certificate at an accredited institution located in the United States, be a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status in the U.S., and be able to demonstrate financial need (FAFSA application required).

JELF awarded more than $852,000 in interest-free loans for the 20132014 school year, including $269,814 to metro Atlanta students.

A record number of applicants came to JELF seeking to fill the gap between the resources they assembled through grants, loans and scholarships and the real cost of their education. While JELF currently administers over $4 million in outstanding loans, it has maintained its impressive 99 percent repayment rate.

As students repay their loans, JELF uses those payments to make new loans, creating a circle of tzedakah.

A loan recipient recently expressed to JELF, “Thank you so much for G ATLA IN your kindness in helping make it possible for me to work towards achieving OVER the career goals to which I’ve long aspired.”

A NT

As G-d is described as compassionate, you too shall be compassionate; as G-d is described as merciful, you too shall be merciful.

The Morris Lichtenstein Free Loan Fund, founded in the 1890s, was an important source of capital for Jewish merchants. It became a functional department of the Federation of Jewish Charities in 1912, the forerunner of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and helped Jewish Atlantans well into the depression years when it disappeared.

A

s of this March, applications for interest-free loans for post-secondary education (college, graduate school and vocational programs) will be available for the 2014-2015 school year from the Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF).

YEARS N For additional information, contact JELF at application@jelf.org, (770) C A L 396I TA L I A N 3080 or visit www.jelf.org.

IO

Indeed, we are representatives of a caring G-d. There is a biblical obligation to imitate the conduct of the Almighty, as it is written (Deuteronomy 28:9) “…and you shall follow in G-d’s ways.”

Although Jewish Interest Free Loan of Atlanta opened its loan office four years ago, Jewish interest-free loan funds have an Atlanta history essentially as long as Jews have been in Atlanta. We, at JIFLA, are in reality, standing on the shoulders of giants who came before us - we follow a rich heritage:

SPECiaL FOR THE AJT

REG

The word “charity” suggests benevolence, a magnanimous act by the wealthy for the benefit of the poor. It is not that at all. The word “tzedakah” is derived from the Hebrew word for righteousness, justice or fairness.

Helping others is not viewed as a generous act, but as a moral and religious imperative.

Note that this is not an “if” but a “when.” We are obligated to help others, it is not an option.

JELF ANNOUNCES OPENING OF APPLICATIONOS NEXT MONTH

AA’s free loan fund existed until the early 1960s when it ceased operating and transferred its remaining assets to the Jewish Home for the Aged.

The Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF) provides interest-free loans to Jewish students throughout the Southeast for post-secondary education and has been helping the Jewish community since 1889, when the doors of the Hebrew Orphans’ Asylum opened in Atlanta.

The Hebrew Orphans’ Home closed its doors in 1930, but the organization

February 21 ▪ 2014

“Tzedakah” is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call “charity” in English: giving assistance to those with fewer resources than we have.

However, the nature of tzedakah is very different from the typical idea of charity.

Leviticus 15:7,8 states “When there shall be a destitute person among you, any of your brethren in any of your cities...you shall not harden your heart or close your hand against your destitute brother. Rather, you shall open your hand to him; you shall lend him his requirement, whatever is lacking to him.”

New Jewish Loans to Be Made Available

IN E

It is a remarkable concept and it works. We provide loans to help with short term financial stress, such as paying mortgage arrears, dental or medical costs, support during temporary unemployment, funeral cost, debt reduction and other needs. We help people become self-sufficient, with dignity, with a hand up, not a hand out, through interest free loans.

The Torah, however, warns against the all too human fear that one cannot afford to give tzedakah.

We must never ask whether to offer help, only to whom and how much, because the ultimate helper of the poor and the rich is G-d Himself.

JIFLA is professionally managed and is a member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans, and is supported in part by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. JIFLA can be reached at (404) 410-6886 and at www.jifla.org.

IS

other people in need.

The primary biblical source for loans is Exodus 22:24- “When you lend money to My people, to the poor person who is with you, do not act toward him as a creditor; do not lay interest on him.”

Today’s Atlanta based Jewish interest-free loan organizations provide continuity with our heritage and historical legacy, carrying the banner of our predecessors such as Joe Dorfan, Leon Eplan, Morris Lichtenstein He-

schel Mendel and others.

U

S

ince the Jewish Interest Free Loan (JIFLA) started four years ago, the non-profit has used $88,000 in loan capital to provide over $141,000 in loans, 99.7 percent of which are being paid back, money available to recycle and help

behind it never stopped providing services to Jewish youth.

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ment, or by providing an education; to strengthen a person before he would have to ask for charity.

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AJT

arts & entertainment

JEWS MAKING NEWS Compiled by elizabeth friedly

Josh Gad Wins, Announces Baby

Israel’s Odeya Rush Lands ‘Goosebumps’

ctor Josh Gad, of Disney’s “Frozen” fame, was recently honored at the 2014 Annie Awards, which highlights accomplishments in animation. Gad received the award for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production for his role as Olaf the Snowman.

“Frozen” has proved to be quite the success for Gad and co., grossing over $900 million worldwide. Cast mate Idina is even set to perform her track from the film, “Let It Go” at this year’s Academy Awards.

Besides his professional victories, Gad also had the good fortune of announcing the arrival of a new baby girl. This is his second child with wife Ida Darvish.

Gad was born in Hollywood, Florida and raised in a Jewish household. He went on to win the National Forensics League National Tournament Championship for Original Oratory and Humorous Interpretation. Gad graduated from Carnegie Mellon College of Fine Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama.

sraeli actress, 16-year-old Odeya Rush has been cast alongside Jack Black as the young female lead in Sony’s adaptation of the “Goosebumps” series. Rush will play Black’s yet-to-be-named niece, based off R.L. Stine’s phenomenally popular works.

The young actress is best known for her role in Disney’s “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” and just finished filming “The Giver,” with Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep.

In addition, the news recently surfaced that Rush had signed on to star as none other than Mary in “Mary, Mother of Christ.” The biblical film is set for release in late 2014.

Born in Haifa, Israel, Rush moved to the U.S. at the age of 9. She attended N.E. Miles Jewish Day School in Birmingham, Ala., before the family made another move to New Jersey. Rush is one of seven siblings, with six brothers.

A

I

Bar Mitzvah

Max Benjamin Szczupak

I

t is with great love, pride and joy that we announce that Max Benjamin (Mordechai,Benyomin) Szczupak was called to the Torah on his bar mitzvah celebration on Feb. 15 at Congregation Etz Chaim.

He is the son of Susan and Steve Szczupak, grandson to Lucy and Jacob Szczupak of Atlanta and Nancy and Tony Greenfield of Lake Mary, Fla.; greatgrandson to Pola Spigelman of Atlanta and to the deceased Maria and Shlomo Szczupak, Rachmil Strazynski, Harriet and Joseph Greenfield, Geraldine and Bernard Benowitz.

February 21 ▪ 2014

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Kaylie Brooke Reingold

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he Atlanta Jewish community is pleased to welcome Kaylie Brooke Reingold, born on Feb. 5 to parents Dr. Jason and Jennifer Reingold of Atlanta. Kaylie is the granddaughter of Dr. David and Susan Reingold of Atlanta, and Lynne Alper of Coral Springs, Fla. She is the great-granddaughter of Rita Nussbaum.

AJT

MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL

Saying ‘I Was Wrong’

REAL LIFE AND BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF ATONEMENT AJT CONTRIBUTOR

“I

was wrong.” I would assume that next to “I love you,” these are probably the hardest three words for anyone to say.

Why? Because, for whatever reason, regardless of how untrue it is, we all like to think that we’re flawless.

Admitting a wrongdoing often makes us feel weak, inferior, and sometimes just flat out stupid. But as we see this week, and throughout our reading of the Torah, being forthcoming with your mistakes and apologizing for them, is a value that’s deeply embedded in the heart of Jewish teachings.

This week, we read Vayakhel, the finale of an extremely important succession of readings that began in the last week of January (coincidentally, also the last week of Shevat).

Throughout these readings, which included Terumah, Tetzaveh, Ki Tisa, and Vyakhel, we’ve read the following: G-d instructed Moses to build the Sanctuary (Exodus 25-31), the Israelites committed the Sin of the Golden Calf but then earned G-d’s forgiveness (Exodus 32-34), the people gathered and donated the materials necessary to build the Sanctuary (Exodus 35), and finally construction of the Sanctuary began (36-38:20).

Jewish practice, however, does not assume that the Torah is relayed to its readers in chronological order. In fact, this particular series of events has been the focus of many ancient scholars. From much discussion and interpretation came three proposed ideas:

I made this little chart as an attempt to organize the differences in the three most popular theories.

The first two come from the ancient scholars Nachmanides (11941270) and Rashi (1040-1105), and the

third comes from the Zohar, the primary text for the study of Kabbalah.

These three dissimilar chronologies provide three different interpretations on what exactly the Sanctuary symbolized and how Judaism views forgiveness: In the case of the Zohar, everything is simple. G-d commanded tzaddikim, perfectly righteous people to build Him a home. The materials, too, were pure and untainted because they were collected at a time when the Israelites had not yet worshiped a false god.

In addition, the Talmud claims that following the sin of the Golden Calf, the Israelites were born anew and therefore returned to their state of purity, so the building of the Mishkan (Sanctuary) was quite simply a mitzvah commanded by G-d and carried out by righteous Israelites.

Rashi’s explanation exploits the significance of repentance in Judaism. His proposed chronology says that the instructions to build the Sanctuary were given on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

In this scenario, G-d was not commanding tzaddikim, but rather baalei teshuvah (“returnees”)—those who had done wrong, but had repented and proven a true return to their G-d Almighty. Here, the Sanctuary serves only as a symbol of the Israelites’ reestablished devotion to G-d— there would not have been a need to build it had the sin of the Golden Calf not occurred.

Finally, Nachmanides’ timeline of events elicits and entirely different message. While the other two explanations suggest that the instruction to build and the donation of materials happened together, either before or after the sin of the Golden Calf, Nachmanides explores the possibility that the sin in fact interrupted the instructions and donations.

For the sake of this interpretation, it’s important to note that the command to build the Sanctuary never changed—it wasn’t edited or given with stipulations, even after the sin of the Golden Calf. Therefore, Nachmanides is proposing that the Sanctuary can in fact be built by a nation of resha’im, sinners.

The task of building the Sanctuary is one, we might assume, that should be left to a certain group of “worthy” individuals.

After all, building a physical house on earth for the one and only G-d seems like a righteous task.

While in fact, it’s true that the task itself is highly regarded and vitally important, this series of timelines and interpretations is claiming that everyone is worthy—the righteous, the returnees, and even the sinners.

Now, I won’t go on to equate my mistake with the sin of the Golden Calf, but those of you who read my articles consistently are well-aware that I committed a writing “sin” a couple weeks ago.

I, as hard as it was to say, was wrong. I hope that you all do continue to read and enjoy these pieces; and that this week, maybe, you learned a little about some Jewish scholars, and a little about forgiveness.

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.

I acted naively. In a rush to finish my writing for the day, I skimped out on credible research and ended up making claims about real-world issues that were entirely untrue. I upset some, and angered even more.

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February 21 ▪ 2014

BY RACHEL LAVICTOIRE

27

AJT

what’s happening

Fri., Feb. 21 Scholar-In-Residence Weekend, “Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Jews and Muslims… But Were Afraid To (Or Did Not) Ask!” with Dr. Rabbi Reuven Firestone, Professor of Medieval Judaism and Islam at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion/New York. Fri., Feb. 21 Feb. 23. Temple Sinai. RSVP, www. templesinaiatlanta.org

Sat., Feb. 22 Sisterhood Shabbat, Congregation Shearith Israel. Contact Betsy Stein if you are interested in participating. Sat., Feb. 22. Info, Betsy Stein at brsiegel@msn.com or (404) 315-0984.

Yiddish Club Meeting, enjoy Yiddish culture and good company. Sat., Feb. 22, 11 a.m. Congregation Beth Jacob.

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Hoosiers meets A League of Their Own in this gritty Depression-era sports drama.

By Meg Miroshnik, 2012 Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition Winner for The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls

February 21 ▪ 2014

Directed by Susan V. Booth

28

March 7–30 Tickets @ 404.733.5000

alliancetheatre.org/tallgirls | Groups 404.733.4690

Series on the Hertz Stage

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

Sun., Feb. 23 “Sallah Shabati” Screening, part of the Israeli Film Fest series, starring Topol and nominated for Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Followed by refreshments and discussion. Proceeds will help Hadassah support hospital research in Jerusalem. Sun., Feb. 23, 1:15 p.m. $10/contribution. Toco Hills. RSVP, embarr1@bellsouth.net or (404) 325-0340 by Feb. 19.

Tues., Feb. 25 “Great Expectations” Opening, by Simpich Marionettes of Colorado Springs. A one-week-only chance to see David Simpich single handedly bring Dickens’ literary masterpiece to life. Tues., Feb. 25, 10:30 a.m. $15/ members, $25/non-members. Center for Puppetry Arts. Tickets, www.puppet.org or (404)-873-3391.

“The IDF: Challenges, Strategic Mission & Vision,” Please join us for a dessert reception & briefing with Lt. Col. Yuval Rosenberg, Israel’s Defense Intelligence Attache’ to the United States and Canada. Tues., Feb. 25, 7 p.m. Free. Congregation Etz Chaim.

RSVP, www.fidf.org/atlanta/etzchaim “Filming the Camps: from Hollywood to Nuremberg,” Hollywood directors of the American classics such as “The Grapes of Wrath” and “The Big Red One” filmed the realities of war and the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. Now, for the first time in the U.S., this material is being made available to a general audience in this new exhibit. Tues., Feb. 25, 7 p.m. $5/non-members, free for members of Alliance Française and GoetheZentrum. Registration required at www.afatl.com.

“Still We Sing: The Black and Jewish Connection,” this exciting concert will include music of both the African American and Jewish communities: the Black National Anthem, the National Anthem of Israel, Broadway hits and other thought-provoking contemporary compositions. Tues., Feb. 25, 7:06. Free. First Congregational Church Atlanta.

Wed., Feb. 26 “Red State, Blue State, One State, Two State,” A Sacred Conversation About Israel, with author and reporter Dr. Danny Gordis and President of J Street, Jeremy Ben-Ami. Brought to you by a partnership between The Temple and Temple Sinai. Wed., Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. Free. Temple Sinai.

RSVP, www.templesinaiatlanta.org Thurs., Feb. 27 Young Adults on Tap, Jews on Tap is an opportunity to socialize, network, and just relax with other young adults. All

are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation or background. Drinks and food available for purchase. Thurs., Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub. Info, roey.shoshan@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4055.

Fri., Feb. 28 Vino Shabbat for Jewish Singles, age groups 40s and 50s. Celebrate Shabbat, talk with friends and meet other Jewish singles. Enjoy gourmet challah, and vegetarian hors d’oeuvres.

Discounted ENO cards, which provide access to more than 50 wines available by the glass, will be available for purchase. Shabbat prayers and blessings with Rabbi Glusman. Fri., Feb. 28, 6 p.m. $10/person. Vino Venue Wine Bar. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org, or (678) 812-4161.

“Accessibility Shabbat: Tefillah in the Dark,” Temple Sinai will host an Accessibility Shabbat, where we will welcome Shabbat in a special dark service in honor of Jewish Disability Awareness Month. All are welcome.

Fri., Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m. Temple Sinai.

“Great Expectations” Talkback, by Simpich Marionettes of Colorado Springs. See David Simpich single handedly bring Dickens’ masterpiece to life, followed by a post-show talkback with the artists Beer/wine bar during evening performances. Fri., Feb. 28, 8 p.m. $15/members, $25/ non-members. Center for Puppetry Arts. Tickets, www.puppet.org or (404)-873-3391.

Sat., March 1 Boys Dodgeball Tournament, hosted

by BBYO. A Havdalah service followed by a kickin’ dodge ball tournament. Listen to popular hits and a special guest speaker from the Atlanta professional sports community.

Delicious tailgating spread provided.

Open to all eighth to 12th grade boys, members and non-members. Sat., March 1, 7:30 p.m. $5/person. Zaban Park. Info, stacie.graff@atlantajcc. org, (678) 812-3972.

Sun., March 2 Visit to Booth Museum, the Ketura Group of Greater Atlanta Hadassah plans a trip to the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville on for a docent-led tour of the Windows of the Soul: A Portrait of America exhibit by Susan K. Friedland. Sun., March 2, at 1:15 p.m. $10/couvert. Info, Maxine Schein, (770) 565-9446, jmschein@ bellsouth.net, or Esther Low, (770) 977-8259, mitzva@bellsouth.net.

RSVP by Feb. 26.

AJT

may their memories be a blessing

Hilda Goodelman Hilda Goodelman, age 82, a native Atlantan, passed away Feb. 14, 2014. She was born July 11, 1931 to Ida and David Haver. Hilda was a graduate of Girls’ High and Oglethorpe University. She was energetic and fun loving and enjoyed baking, exercising, and playing Mah-jongg and Bridge. She taught school for many years and later became a well-known real estate agent for Harry Norman and ReMax of Greater Atlanta. Ms. Goodelman was always active in the family business, Alan’s Photography. Survivors include her sons: Arthur (Ilene) Goodelman, Mark (Michele) Goodelman and Leonard (Deborah) Goodelman, all of Atlanta; brother, Bernard Haver, Atlanta; sister, Faye and Irwin Seigel, Atlanta; sister, Drs. Paula and Raymond Chambers, Bainbridge, Ga.; grandchildren: Josh, Lauren and Brendan Malloney, Zachary, Sara and Jake; significant other, Victor Levy; many nieces and nephews.

Sign the online guest book at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Temple Emanu-El, Susan G Koman or a Charity of your Choice in memory of Hilda Goodelman. A graveside service was held Mon., Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbis Joseph Prass and Scott Colbert officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta (770) 451-4999

Lillian Cohen 97, Atlanta

Lillian A. Cohen “Lil”, 97, of Atlanta, passed away Fri., Feb. 14, 2014, one month short of her 98th birthday.

Born March 11, 1916 in Chelsea, MA, the daughter of Lena Krentzman Sandler and Sarah and Samuel Sandler, Lil was preceded in death by her beloved 19-year-old daughter, Cynthia E. Cohen; her husband of 62 years, Myer (Mike) Cohen; her sonin-law, William A. (Bill) Schwartz; her brother, Albert J. Sandler; and two sisters, Beatrice Kagan and Lana Freeman. She is survived by her daughter, Marlene J. Schwartz; her grandchildren: Jonathan Schwartz (Merav), Cynthia Hopkins (Jeff), and Michael Schwartz (Paige); her great-grandchildren: Zoe and Anna Schwartz; Jared, Will and Scott Hopkins, and Logan Schwartz, all of Atlanta; her sister, Roz Goldberg of Newton, Mass.; and numerous nieces and nephews. A child of the Depression, Lil worked in various secretarial positions and ultimately came into her own as the assistant to the Administrator of Chelsea Memorial Hospital. She was voracious reader and knitter, as well as a dedicated Bridge and Mah-jongg player. Lil was a true “lady” with a loving and winning way.

She was loved by everyone because she was so unbelievable sweet, positive, and exceptionally caring. Lil was truly beautiful, both inside and out, and always fun to be with. She will be dearly missed. The family appreciates the loving care that Lil received from her caregivers, Hattie Marcel and Martina Glover, as well as from the staff of the William Breman Jewish Home. An online guestbook is available at www.edressler.com. Contributions in memory of Lil can be made to Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30327, www.templesinaiatlanta.org; The William Breman Jewish Home, 3150 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30327, www.wbjh.org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Sun., Feb. 16 at Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30327, with Rabbi Ron Segal officiating. Burial took place in Boston, Mass. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, (770) 451-4999.

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February 21 ▪ 2014

82, Atlanta

29

JEWISH PUZZLER

by David Benkof

Across 1. Georgia city where Dannenberg’s Department Store was one of the first to desegregate 6. Jewish ones may sell hamentashen to raise money 10. Belonging to a controversial Kotel group (abbr.)

14. ___ Beach (location of the Jewish Museum of Florida) 15. Act like Anne Frank from 1942 to 1944 16. First name in Israeli astronauts 17. Reacts to a Holocaust memorial, perhaps 18. “And let us say, ___” 19. Girl’s name that’s Hebrew for “spirit renewed” 20. Tony-winning “Ragtime” lyricist 22. “Let the blood ___ down into the depths of darkness...” (verse of Bialik’s “On the Slaughter”) 23. \Harvard president Rudenstine (1991-2001) 24. Changes Rashi’s text 26. Jacobs of women’s fashion 30. King Jehoshaphat’s father 31. Something to atone for on Yom Kippur 32. Israel’s Eldan Rent-___ 33. Kosher laws, essentially (abbr.)

35. “Suddenly, a Knock on the Door” author Keret 39. Rabbanite opponent 41. Something anti-Semites and philoSemites have in common 43. Vowels in a song 44. Baron who wrote an 18-volume history of the Jews

46. Ramat ___ (prestigious neighborhood) 47. Bearded one 49. Levi’s part 50. Ner Tamid (Eternal ___) 51. Servings of a deli smoked whitefish 54. US women’s organization founded by Bessie Goldstein 56. “___ Shalt Not Commit Adultery” 57. Michael Oren is Israel’s to the United States 63. U.S. fairness grp.

64. Israeli 2008 Eurovision contestant Ma’uda 65. Express Numbers of Lamentations 66. ___ World (Israeli tour company) 67. “The Blind and the ___” (Talmudic parable) 68. The First Baron Rothschild’s nickname 69. “Why ___ a Jew pick his nose?

It’s cheaper than using a tissue.”

(Anti-Semitic joke) 70. “And so on” for Josephus (abbr.)

71. Martina Urban’s “Theodicy of Culture and the Jewish ___”

5. In 2014, it starts on April 1 6. Saducees alternative 7. Length of the wait between eating meat and milk 8. The Cairo Genizah contains letters from the Jews of this Red Sea port 9. Saadia Gaon said all five are mentioned in the Bible 10. Nazi-hunter Simon 11. Kind of days with a Jewish monarchy 12. Acted like the moon right after Purim 13. What Annie Leibovitz does with her

camera 21. “Israel at ___” (Program for Ethiopian Jews) 25. Amsterdam Hero Gies 26. ___ Aliyah (move to Israel) 27. Juice berry 28. Like Bob Dylan interviews 29. “Prelude to a Kiss” playwright 34. Yiddish for an extremely unlucky person 36. Kibbutz where Shimon Peres lived as a youth 37. “Song of Glory” ___ Z’mirot

38. Indicate you’re coming to the Bat Mitzvah (abbr.)

40. Adam Horovitz ex Skye 42. Followers of the “Kosher Sutra” 45. State where the “Deep South Jewish Voice” is published 48. Quality of things donated to a gemach 51. Haman was hanged in Mordechai’s 52. “Self-Portrait of ___” (collection of Yoni Netanyahu’s letters) 53. “Jews and ___: Becoming American in the Age of Prohibition” 55. ___-Rene (16th century Jewish women’s book) 58. The Tower of David had one 59. Na’___ USA (women’s org.)

60. Biblical verb 61. Operation ___ (Nazi plan to annex Austria) 62. German Jewish refugees who created Curious George

Last week’s answers

Down 1. Year far in the future for Herod the Great 2. Maryland’s Jewish Camps ___ and Louise 3. Marked Genesis character 4. The Talmud considers an eclipse to be a bad one

Shabbat Candle Lighting Times February 21 ▪ 2014

shabbat blessings

30

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.

Fri., February 21 6:08 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 22 7:04 p.m.

Fri., February 28 6:15 p.m.

Sat., Mar 1 7:11 p.m.

Fri., March 7 6:20p.m.

Sat., Mar 8 7:16 p.m.

Fri., March 14 7:26p.m.

Sat., Mar 15 8:22 p.m.

Fri., March 21 7:31p.m.

Sat., Mar 22 8:27 p.m.

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The Carolina Café

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