Atlanta Jewish Times, No. 9, March 14, 2014

Seth Rogen Goes to the Senate

Reflection on 18 Years

PAGE 28

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March 14, 2014 – March 20, 2014

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40 JEWISH LEADERS UNDER 40

Nominate Jewish leaders making an impact in our community to be featured in the AJT’s Summer 40 Under 40 issue.

Email nominations to submissions@atljewishtimes.com

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Israeli Pride

GOOD NEWS MADE IN THE JEWISH STATE THIS PAST WEEK U.S. APPROVAL FOR LEUKEMIA TREATMENT. The U.S. FDA has approved SYNRIBO from Israel’s Teva for the treatment of patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia who failed therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

TWICE AS MANY LOW-COST FLIGHTS. This summer, Israel will operate 89 low-cost flights per week from Ben Gurion airport’s Terminal 1. This is double the number for summer 2013 and 33 more than the current figure.

HoverMast from Israel’s Sky Sapience.

THINNER, STRONGER, GREENER PACKAGING. Israeli start-up Valentis is developing a packaging material that has a strength-to-weight ratio eight times greater than stainless steel. The material is based on nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), a biodegradable, transparent material made from plant pulp waste.

ISRAEL’S MOON SHOOT TOP CONTENDER. Israel’s SpaceIL says its 140kg LunarX satellite is one of the top contenders for Google’s $30 million prize for landing on the moon. It is the smallest, smartest spacecraft, plus the first to rely on optic navigation. And the project has already won the hearts of a whole generation of Israelis.

MULTINATIONALS TOGETHER IN ISRAEL. Only in Israel can Citi, Ebay, General Electric, General Motors, Microsoft, Red Hat, and 3M develop new ideas together. The seven companies will send three to five software engineers to a “Weekathon” in Ra’anana where they will work in groups to develop futuristic products.

ACADEMIC CENTER FOR ARAB GIRLS. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat has inaugurated the “Center for Excellence You-niversity” in Beit Hanina, an Arab neighborhood in the eastern part of the city. The Center was established in cooperation with the Jerusalem Municipality and the World ORT Kadima Mada.

UKRANIANS TREATED IN ISRAEL. Seven Ukrainians wounded in the Ukrainian unrest are being flown to Israel for treatment. One, Alexander, aged 20, landed at Ben-Gurion airport last week and was rushed to Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot for wrist surgery.

YOUTH ORCHESTRA SHINES AT CARNEGIE HALL. The Jerusalem Conservatory Hassadna youth wind orchestra won the New York wind festival competition at Carnegie Hall. New York State communities hosted the 45 musicians who then gave a free concert to 200 at Westchester Jewish Center.

FORTY THOUSAND HIT THE PAVEMENT. The streets of Tel Aviv overflowed as 40,000 runners took part in the 2014 Samsung Tel Aviv Marathon. It was Israel’s largest professional running event. Ezekiel Koech of Kenya won the men’s event in a new course record of 2 hours, 14 minute and 40 seconds.

LAPD GET TOUR OF ISRAELI HI-TECH. Eight top brass of the Los Angeles Police Department spent nine days in Israel seeing Israeli crime-fighting technology. Of most interest was the

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

PRINCETON PARTNERS WITH IDC HERZLIYA. Juniors from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs will enroll in the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy at Israel’s IDC Herzliya. The IDC is Wilson School’s only partner in the Middle East.

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Atlanta Graduate Earns Place with Israel Government WEBER SCHOOL ALUM, JARED KING ACCEPTED TO IGF SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

J

ared King, 23, from Atlanta is one of 25 Jewish graduates worldwide accepted to the elite Israel Government Fellows Program (IGF) which screens suitable candidates aged 22-30 for professional work experience in key ministries and government authorities.

King, who grew up in Roswell and attended the Weber School in Sandy Springs, has been placed at the Minis-

try of Foreign Affairs, Middle Eastern Peace Process Division in Jerusalem which is responsible for rolling out grass roots peace initiatives between Israel and her neighbours.

The IGF program, established in 2007, is run by Jerusalem’s Menachem Begin Heritage Centre and brings to life the vision of former Prime Minister Menachem Begin to connect Diaspora communities with Israel at every level of society.

Fellows join the program after graduating college or following a few

years gaining experience in their field.

King became a part of the program after majoring in International Affairs at George Washington DC. In addition, he spent four months studying Arabic while living in Oman.

At the Ministry for Foreign Affairs – among other responsibilities – King has been tasked with monitoring American opinion on the Peace Process and devising social media initiatives to foster connections between Israelis and residents in Jordan and the Palestinian Authority.

Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy of Atlanta

Sidney Feldman Legacy Golf Tournament honoring

AJ Robinson

Monday, March 31, 2014 10:30 a.m.

Druid Hills Golf Club Register online at cart.ghacademy.org GHA APPRECIATES OUR SPONSORS Diamond Sponsors: Vicky and Jeff Sloan Platinum Sponsors: Auto Town Insurance, F & B Group, The Fialkow Family, Eugene Gabianelli - Georgia Eyepartners, Georgia Commerce Bank, GlassRatner Advisory & Capital Group, Optique Gold Sponsors: Jody & David Frankel, Siegel and Central Insurance Companies, Woolfson Eye Institute Silver Sponsors: The Berlin Family, College Football Hall of Fame, Cousins Properties, Facility Control Group, Thomas Eye Group, Wells Fargo Advisors-Nan & Tommy Williams

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Bronze Sponsors: 770 Group - UBS, Robert Kaufmann, Manning & Nozick Insurance, The Robinson Family

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JARED KING Together with other fellows from Europe, the U.S., Latin America and Australia, he also takes part in an intensive educational program that engages fellows with the myriad social and political challenges the country faces.

King said, “I am really enjoying the double challenge of living abroad and adjusting to working full-time.

It’s been great gaining work experience abroad for a foreign government and working on such relevant issues.

It’s important work and I’m given the freedom to express ideas and make a contribution.”

“Every day I learn something more about Israeli society, and my connection to it and where I connect on certain issues and how it all coexists.”

After graduating the program in the summer, King is hoping to move to New York and find a job in Mid-East Security.

He added, “I’ve seen a lot of personal growth in my role at the Foreign Ministry and throughout the program, and have a feeling the experiences I’m gaining now will be relevant for many years to come.”

Paul Gross, Israel Government Fellows Director said of King, “Jared is proving himself to be a great asset in his role at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and he is highly valued by the team he works with. We are always on the lookout for bright, talented graduates looking to gain professional experience and to give their time and enthusiasm in Israel.”

Many IGF fellows return to the U.S. to study for advanced degrees in top universities with others finding work for prestigious firms. Many also choose to pursue their careers and studies in Israel.

For more information please visit www. igf.org.il or contact igf@begin.org.il

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I

found the article last week on the accomplishments of Stu Eizenstat to he highly informative. However, I was disappointed to learn that Tom Friedman is the choice of the 2014 Eizenstat lecture.

There are two reasons why Tom Friedman should not be honored by our community. First, his track record on predicting events is poor.

Second, he doesn’t like us.

Tom Friedman has written several books. I am hard pressed to remember a single prediction that he has made that has materialized. Perhaps other readers of the AJT can fill me in on this with future letters. However, the second reason is far more important.

we would convey our dismay to Tom Friedman is to have him mount the podium, look around a cavernous but empty auditorium, and let him give his address to an audience of zero.

Sincerely yours, Herbert Kaine Dear Editor,

A

s a long time fan of the annual AJFF, I felt this year was the best ever! There was a great selection of films and the added venues allowed

40 UNDER 40

40 Under 40 is a new feature where members of the public nominate who they believe are the Atlanta Jewish Community’s rising leaders in business, philanthropy, education, religion, community action, and are under the age of 40.

many more people to view the films.

Though the closing film was outstanding and explored the topic of engaging senior citizens in the world at large, the dessert reception left many disappointed fans.

Since the event was not under kosher supervision, the AJFF missed an opportunity to educate people in the importance of kosher food, advocate for those who are kosher observant, and engage the whole Atlanta community in the closing event. Let’s hope we can see a change in next year.

Marsha Spector

Last Week’s Facebook Winner

In a notorious New York Times column of December 13, 2011, Friedman stated “I sure hope that Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, understands that the standing ovation he got in Congress this year was not for his politics. That ovation was bought and paid for by the Israel lobby.”

Submissions for 40 UNDER 40 end at 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2014. A nominee must be Jewish and under the age of 40 and must not have turned 40 before June 1, 2014.

This is classic rhetoric of right wing anti-Semitic groups such as Stormfront and the KKK, whom like Friedman, assert that Washington DC is ruled by ZOG (Zionist Occupation Government).

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Tom Friedman followed this up with another zinger in the November 19, 2013 issue of the New York Times “never have I seen more lawmakers—Democrats and Republicans—more willing to take Israel’s side against their own president’s.

I’m certain this comes less from any careful consideration of the facts and more from a growing tendency by many American lawmakers to do whatever the Israel lobby asks them to do in order to garner Jewish votes and campaign donations.”

Because of these articles and many others, pundit David Hornik has ranked Tom Friedman #3 in his ranking of purveyors of American anti-Semitism., an honor that he shares with #2- Students for Justice In Palestine, #1- Louis Farrakhan, and #6 Patrick Buchanan.

The AA Synagogue has the right to host anyone it wants. I would recommend we handle Tom Friedman as he would deal with us – a boycott.

Lets stay at home. The best way

Email nominations to submissions@ atljewishtimes.com

James Anderson won 4 tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters just by liking the Atlanta Jewish Times on Facebook. “Like” Us on Facebook to be eligible to win prizes each week!

Visit the website for more details and rules.

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Responding to the Ukrainian Crisis

UNITED HATZALAH & ZAKA WORK TOGETHER TO TRAIN VOLUNTEERS SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

team in only a matter of days.

R

The participants have been trained to provide first aid in mass casualty emergency situations, and include protocols for CPR, treating suffocation, injuries and diseases. In addition , the participants have studied the Chesed Shel Emet protocol issued by ZAKA to be used in the event of fatal casualties.

esponding to a request from the Jewish community in the Ukraine, United Hatzalah and ZAKA, in cooperation with the Isralife Foundation, have worked together to train Jewish volunteers of the local Kiev Hatzalah in the latest emergency, rescue and search techniques so they respond and provide aid to mass casualty emergencies should the crisis in the country escalate.

Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman, the Ukrainian Chief Rabbi, and Rabbi Hillel Cohen of the Ukrainian Hatzalah, made the request jointly to ZAKA Chairman Yehuda Meshi Zahav and United Hatzalah President Eli Beer, as the crisis in the country rose.

The men mobilized their organizations to work together to train the local

said Beer. “Both ZAKA and United Hatzalah each offered unique services and perspectives on emergency response and we were happy we could work together to help our fellow Jews.”

“We are grateful to both organizations for responding so quickly and

generously to help our community in this time of need. The events surrounding us require our community to be prepared with the latest training and techniques so we can respond to emergencies and help our people quickly in these dangerous times,” said Rabbis Azman and Cohen in a joint

Finally, they participated in a massive drill simulating their operational capabilities to treat a large number of victims and report to the community and emergency services in a professional manner. The training was administered by Dov Maisel, head of international operations at the Isralife Foundation, and Mati Goldstein, head of ZAKA’s Magen division.

“We were pleased to come to the assistance of the Ukrainian community during their time of need and provide the emergency training their volunteers need to handle local emergencies in an efficient and timely manner,” statement.

ATLANTA BALLET presents

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Secus

by Ohad Naharin Seven Sonatas

by Alexei Ratmansky

the authors

by Tara Lee

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marchj 14 ▪ 2014

atlantaballet.com Groups of 10+ call 404.873.5811 x207 John Welker. Photo by Charlie McCullers.

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United Hatzalah is a fully nonprofit organization that relies solely on the generous gifts of supporters worldwide; all emergency medical treatment is administered by fully trained volunteers that do not charge for their life saving service. For more information watch United Hatzalah Founder and President Eli Beer’s TED talk or visit www.IsraelRescue.org.

Founded in 1989 in Israel, ZAKA was originally formed to respond to terror attacks and deal with the retrieval, identification and burial of the deceased. Since then ZAKA has grown to a world renowned humanitarian organization, providing search & rescue, autopsy prevention, medical response and mortuary services.

March 21 - 23, 2014

| 1.800.982.2787

United Hatzalah is Israel’s first and largest fully-volunteer emergency rapid response service. With a fleet of over 250 ambucycles, United Hatzalah’s 2300 volunteers respond to nearby emergencies from mobile-alerts and are able to arrive first on site to administer urgent care within minutes from the initial call of distress – bridging the gap between emergency and ambulance arrival.

Supported by Adele Davis Fund for New Works

With over 2,800 volunteers based in over 15 countries, ZAKA can provide rapid response and deployment in short notice providing their expertise and equipment where needed.

Broadway Comes to AA!

“Stu…Long Overdue” A Salute to Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat

Featuring A Special Performance by Award-winning Broadway Diva

Tovah Feldshuh (Golda’s Balcony/Pippin)

Feldshuh will reprise her popular one-woman Cabaret show

Tovah: Out of Her Mind!

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Doors open at 1:15 PM • Program begins promptly at 2:00 PM

Ahavath Achim Synagogue

600 Peachtree Battle Ave • Atlanta 30327 or contact Gail Solomon at gsolomon@AASynagogue.org or 404-603-5742

“Her one-woman show displays Feldshuh’s gifts as a stand-up comic, writer, dancer and singer in several languages and styles. And, she’s wonderful at all of them.” The Boston Globe

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Tickets: AASynagogue.org/tickets

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AJT

Acupuncture Demystified

GATHERING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE NEW, ANCIENT PHENOMENON SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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he precise start date of acupuncture’s invention is uncertain. Despite improvements in medicine over the centuries, it was not until the 2nd century BCE during the Han Dynasty that stone and bone needles were replaced with metal.

The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that bodily functions are regulated by an energy called qi (氣), which flows through the body. Qi has to steadily flow from the inside of the body to the “superficial” body tissues of the skin, muscles, tendons, bones, and joints.

It is assisted in its flow by “channels” referred to as meridians.

Acupuncture describes a family of procedures aiming to correct imbalances in the flow of energy in one’s body by stimulation of anatomical locations on or under the skin by a variety of new and old techniques.

In clinical practice, acupuncture numbness, distension, or electrical is highly individualized and based on tingling at the needling site, which might radiate along the corphilosophy and intuition, responding meridian. and not on controlled scientific research. Each and ev Both of these methods have ery person requires unique proven very helpful in cascare during acupuncture es of depression, arthritis, sessions, as no two peolower back and neck probple share identical pain. lems and even the curing of Whether you have trouble diseases and cancers. Acusleeping, chronic pain, or puncture has proven to be a headaches/migraines that successful method in relievdon’t seem to go away, acuing back pain, tennis elbow, puncture can help.

JOHN KUNIHIRO nausea, and carpal tunnel

When it comes to the needling techniques in acupuncture, insertion and De-Qi sensation are the two most popular. Insertion is the process in which the skin is sterilized with alcohol and the needles are inserted, frequently with a plastic guide tube.

Needles may be manipulated in various ways such as spun, flicked, or moved up and down relative to the skin. De-Qi refers to a sensation of

syndrome.

Acupuncture has the capability to accomplish these wonderful things due to the release of opioids and other peptides in the central nervous system and the periphery and changes in neuroendocrine function that aid pain relief and muscle tension.

John Kunihiro is an acupuncturist at Art of Healing, (678) 478-6154.

PEDIATRIC DENTAL SPECIALISTS OF ATLANTA

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marchj 14 ▪ 2014

We proudly serve the Jewish Community and Metro Atlanta area, offering Pediatric Dental Care and Orthodontic Services.

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Free Health Screenings MJCCA AND NORTHSIDE PARTNER FOR HEALTHY HAPPY YOU SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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n Thurs., March 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the MJCCA will partner with Northside Hospital in presenting Healthy Happy You: Free Community Health Screenings. The program will take place at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

Program Highlights

Share your Celebrations with Your Atlanta Jewish Community for Free • • • • •

Birth Announcements Weddings Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Celebrations of all types Anniversaries

Send your story, announcements and celebrations with pictures today to Kaylene Rudy, krudy@atljewishtimes.com or call 404-883-2130 x100.

•

Non-Fasting Cholesterol & Glucose (Finger stick)

•

Blood Pressure/Medical Weight (Digital average)

•

Body Composition Analysis (Infrared technology/bicep)

•

Osteoporosis Screening (X-ray of non-dominant hand)

•

Cancer Risk (Info on multiple types of cancer)

•

Urodiagnostics (Info regarding bladder health)

•

Pulmonary Function (Lung capacity measurement)

•

Sleep Quality (Questions to determine advisability of a full sleep study)

•

Coronary Risk Profile (Assess cardiac risk; discuss cholesterol results)

For more information, call Rachael Rinehart at (678) 812-4022 or visit www.atlantajcc.org.

AJT

Adapting to the New World of Food LIVING THE iNATURAL LIFESTYLE

W

hen I was a girl growing up in the south in the ‘60s I dreaded the long hot summers of planting and harvesting. However, I never thought about the hard work put into growing a home garden when we all enjoyed the meals prepared from the harvest.

As an adult, it’s interesting how that flood of memories come back when I am shopping for fruits and vegetables or eating at my favorite restaurant. I still hear my grandmother’s voice saying, “Don’t ever buy those hybrid seeds. They don’t taste like real food.”

We now understand she was really talking about GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Who knew the prevalence with which those foods (GMOs) would be produced today?

After WWII, locally owned family farms began dwindling and mass crop production farms increased.

These crops were fertilized with insecticides and herbicides to aid in assuring abundant harvests.

In 1958, the U.S. passed the Food Additives Amendment. This allowed colorants, pesticides, drugs in animal food & food additives (just to name a few) into the food supply, all for the purpose of extending shelf life in grocery stores. That law and philosophy gave birth to the chemically saturated food dynamic we live with today.

Chemicals are on just about everything! Not to mention GMO crops have become a major source of this nation’s food supply. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM), an international association of physicians and professionals interested in the clinical aspects of humans and their environment, has reported about multiple methods of DNA modifications between plants and animals, as well as plants and pesticides.

This means pesticides are not only sprayed on foods, but have inherently become a part of the food’s chemical makeup.

The AAEM further states, when animals are used to test the safety of these “frankenfoods,” the studies indicate serious health risks associated with GMO food consumption. Some of them include infertility, immune destabilization, accelerated aging, destabilization of genes associated with cholesterol synthesis, problems with insulin regulation, cell signaling, and protein formation, as well as changes in the liver, kidney, spleen and gastrointestinal system.* It’s safe to take the AAEM at its scientific word. However, it is also good to use common sense. Be honest with yourself – chemicals in the food supply, water supply, & skin and beauty products are never the wise choice if you seek optimal health and wellness.

Don’t Forget to Tell Our Advertisers You’ve Seen Them in the Atlanta Jewish Times!

So, what can be done? Take personal responsibility and read the ingredient labels on everything purchased. Find chemical-free products and purchase those repeatedly. Leave the chemical filled products sitting on the shelf. When no chemical-free option is available, choose the product with the fewest chemicals. One rule of thumb I use is, if it grows naturally then it’s a good food choice.

TIP OF THE WEEK: Wash All Fruits/ Veggies in 1/8 Cup White Vinegar to 1 Gallon of Water to Remove Chemicals. *American Academy of Environmental Medicine Editor’s Notes: Article by husband & wife team, Forriss Elliott and Shirley Moon. Forriss is a J.D. and a foodie with a passion for his role as Executive Chef at iNatural. Shirley has a background in small business consulting & has practiced the holistic lifestyle from childhood. iNatural Catering / No Chemicals or Preservatives Added. www.inaturalcatering. com or (770) 875-8059.

Any questions or concerns, please contact the authors of this article.

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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AJT Grants Awarded to Georgia Breast Cancer Programs

IT’S THE JOURNEY inc. AND ATLANTA 2-DAY WALK MARK SUCCESS

THINK 20/20 IS PERFECT VISION? THINK AGAIN. See why 20/15 is the new perfect vision.

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770.676.7848 We are located at the corner of Dunwoody Club Drive and Mt. Vernon Road in the Kroger Shopping Center.

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

O

n Monday, March 3, It’s The Journey, Inc. awarded grants totaling $600,000 to 22 breast cancer programs across Georgia.

It’s The Journey, producer of the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, provides grants annually for Georgia programs that focus on breast cancer awareness, education, early detection, treatment and support services.

The funds for these grants were raised during the 2013 Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, which boasts 800 yearly walkers and hundreds of volunteers.

“We are thrilled to continue our 11-year history of granting critical funds to breast health organizations in Georgia, and especially our ability to expand our area of support to more than 60 counties in Georgia,” says Kimberly Goff, Executive Director of It’s The Journey.

“We wanted to ensure that these organizations can continue to provide services from basic clinical exams to hereditary screening and wellness programs,” Goff continues. “We are proud that our funds remain focused on local needs that make a difference in Georgia.”

The 2014 It’s The Journey grant recipients are Athens Nurses Clinic, Athens Regional Foundation, The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia, Cancer Support Community Atlanta, Center for Black Women’s Wellness, Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Emory University - Department of Human Genetics, Georgia CORE, The Good Samaritan Health Center, Inc., Grant Park Clinic, Gwinnett Hospital System Foundation, The Health Initiative, The Lighthouse Lymphedema Network, Northside Hospital, Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition, Piedmont Fayette Hospital, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital - Genetics Program, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital – PINK, Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services, St. Joseph’s/Candler, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, and WellStar Foundation.

The 2014 Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, which will take place the weekend of October 11 – 12, coupled with other fundraising efforts by the organization, enables It’s The Journey to support worthy programs across Georgia.

Since 2003, It’s The Journey has raised $10 million in support of Georgia breast health. To register for the 2-Day Walk, visit www.2daywalk.org.

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BELOW: The Passoff family presents Cassie Brown with the first annual Randi Passoff Spirit Award, honoring the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer’s founder.

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AJT

Interfaith Children’s Movement Unites to Save Young Lives AN EXPLORATION OF THE ICM’S WORK IN OUR STATE SPECIAL FOR THE AJT n the fateful morning of September 11, 2001, overshadowed by the tragedy that struck our nation, a small but bright light of hope was lit in our city.

Earlier that summer, a group of child advocates in Atlanta had met with the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) about sponsoring an interfaith Children’s Sabbath Celebration.

The planners held the deep conviction that the religious communities of metropolitan Atlanta, working in concert, could bring the compassion and commitment of faith to the arena of the services, laws, and public policies that shape our children’s futures.

At the first of what was to become an annual event, the Call to Action Prayer Breakfast, 400 child advocates and religious leaders heard CDF founder Marian Wright Edelman raise the call to action. Together, those present reflected on the devastation that many children in Georgia face daily and pledged to take action to end their plight. The Interfaith Children’s Movement (ICM) was born.

Today, ICM is making an impact, through the energetic efforts of a small staff and dedicated volunteers throughout metro Atlanta’s faith community, and it now extends its focus to faith communities all over Georgia.

Why is it called a movement?

There are many excellent organizations addressing specific issues, and the ICM greatly values these groups and enthusiastically collaborates with them. Being a movement highlights some unique aspects of ICM’s work, and allows a broad field of action so it can address interrelated issues of the whole child.

It is a practical approach to problems that are spiritual at their core— our society’s neglect, abuse, and exploitation of its children is a spiritual malaise that calls for a spirit of tikkun olam and a unified yet multifaceted approach.

ICM seeks to educate, advocate, mobilize, network, and provide information in key areas that affect the well-being of all children, such as poverty, education, health care, juvenile justice, child protection, parental nurture, and immigration.

Just a few of ICM’s recent accomplishments, working in partnership with a wide range of agencies, organizations, and legislators, are as follows: • Juvenile justice: ICM served as the faith arm of a sweeping statewide juvenile justice reform initiative, HB 242, which substantially revised and modernized provisions relating to juvenile proceedings and enacted

O

comprehensive juvenile justice reforms.

• Child protection: ICM successfully supported legislation to post the national human trafficking hotline in establishments across the state, training almost 700 mental-health professionals and social workers in treating child survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. ICM launched the “Ask Before You Book” campaign to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and trafficking within the hospitality industry.

• Foster care: ICM has served for the past five years as the Volunteers Chair and Gift Card Campaign Sponsor for the Celebration of Excellence program, which promotes academic achievement and celebrates children in foster care who are graduating from high school and college.

Historically, the Georgia Jewish community has been in the forefront of many important interfaith initiatives, including the epic civil rights movement, and this kind of fortitude would be invaluable to ICM’s efforts on several fronts.

Although three different rabbis have served on the ICM board over the years, currently there is no Jewish clergy representation. As the second largest religious group in the state, and one known for its effectiveness in efforts for justice and social action, the potential contributions of the Jewish community cannot be overestimated.

This is a community that knows first-hand the nature of unified commitment and action, and how, when society values certain populations over others—ethnic, national, religious, or any other rationale used to consider someone “less than”—injustice is allowed to take root.

There are several ways the Jewish community can support ICM’s work: • Pray. One of the most important things all faith communities can do for children is to pray for them. Hold a worship service in your synagogue and invite others to join in praying for the wellbeing of all children.

• Spread the word. Invite ICM to speak to your congregation about the state of children in Georgia and how the interfaith community has a key role in improving their well-being.

• Advocate. ICM needs an educated and committed multitude of advocates ready to service the needs of Georgia’s children on many levels.

• Contribute, individually or as a congregation. For example, The Temple on Peachtree has served as the venue for the annual Call to Action Prayer Breakfast, ICM’s primary annual fundrais-

ing event for several years and will be the site for ICM’s second interfaith anti-human trafficking seder.

Support the establishment of ICM’s Child Advocacy Training and Resource Center, through which we will house and execute ICM’s important work. Fundraising ideas and opportunities to donate electronically can be found on ICM’s website, or simply mail your donation to P. O. Box 54149, Atlanta, GA 30308.

• Show up. Attend ICM sponsored events and programs, such as the ICM Day at the Capitol, the Faith in Action program, the annual “Call to Action” Prayer Breakfast, and ICM’s Hour of Unity, as well as a variety of informative talks and presentations

to help us all understand the issues confronting Georgia’s children and how we can all serve. See the ICM website for a calendar of events.

ICM is a membership-based movement and needs members that will include ICM in their budgets as well as their prayers—the organization needs to be able to rely on ongoing, sustainable support. By joining ICM, you can help protect, nurture, educate, and inspire Georgia’s children.

Editor’s note: For more information, please go to ICM’s website at www. interfaithchildrensmovement.org, or contact ICM at info@interfaithchildrensmovement.org or (770) 498-2141.

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

BY LINDA LEEB DUPER

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AJT

Reduce Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

PREVENT HEALTH RISKS WITH THESE EASY TIPS

BY LIZ SOBCZYK

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

Y

ou always hear about how healthy habits can help stave off your risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, but a recent research study from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention backs up that claim.

Heart disease accounts for roughly 800,000 deaths annually. However, the study estimates that as many as 200,000 of these deaths are preventable.

In other words, roughly one in four deaths from heart disease could be avoided through regular screenings, early treatment and the adoption of healthy behaviors.

A range of factors can raise your risk of developing heart disease and having a heart attack or stroke. While you can’t do anything about your age, gender, heredity or race, there are many factors you can control:

A colonoscopy is just the close-up you need to stay healthy. The truth is, when detected in its early stages, colon cancer is one of the most highly treatable and preventable cancers.

Colon cancer screenings are recommended beginning at age 50, unless you have a family history. And the risk of getting the disease increases with age.

Remember – anyone can be diagnosed with colon cancer – men or women, any ethnicity. Even you.

Let our physicians take a closer look.

It could save your life.

AGA is the only practice in Georgia with Fuse – Full Spectrum EndoscopyTM. The latest technology in colon cancer screening and detection.

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March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

For information about our locations, visit www.atlantagastro.com or call 1.866.GO.TO.AGA.

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Specialists in the Detection and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Hepatitis and Colon Cancer

AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.

Quit smoking. A smoker’s risk of developing heart disease is 2-4 times that of nonsmokers. Exposure to secondhand smoke also increases risk, even for nonsmokers. It’s never too late to quit. Your risk of a heart attack starts to decrease within weeks of quitting.

Follow a heart healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits and veggies and low in salt can help keep your blood pressure within a normal range. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, talk to your doctor about medicines that might work. Also, reduce your consumption of saturated and trans fats. This will help improve your LDL (bad) cholesterol level. Use more olive oil and other unsaturated oils, and check food labels for the term “partially hydrogenated” to steer clear of trans fats. Some people may also need medicine to lower LDL. Get active. Regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease; and the more vigorous the activity, the greater your benefits. Plus, daily exercise can help keep you at a healthy weight.

People with excess body fat, especially around the waist, are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even

if they have no other factors. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.

Manage your diabetes. Diabetes seriously increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, even when glucose (blood sugar) levels are under control. A woman with diabetes is 2-4 times more likely to die from heart disease than a woman without diabetes.

Reduce stress. Too much stress over time, and unhealthy responses to it, may create health problems in some people. Find healthy ways to manage stress – join a yoga class, start meditating or make time for yourself each week to do something you love.

Limit alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol raises blood pressure, can cause heart failure and lead to stroke. It also adds calories, contributing to obesity and makes it harder to lose weight. If you don’t drink, don’t start. If you do, limit yourself to one drink a day.

Delivering the Latest in Cardiac Care Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute is home to many of Atlanta’s “Top Docs” as named by U.S. News & World Report and Atlanta Magazine. The Institute offers a full-spectrum of diagnostic, treatment and support services, with locations in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Forsyth and Cherokee.

In addition, all three of Northside Hospital’s campuses have received Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC), recognizing their high level of expertise in treating patients who arrive with heart attack symptoms.

Our cardiologists also perform minimally invasive surgical procedures to correct heart abnormalities including pacemaker implantation, cardiac catherization and stent placement.

For more information about cardiology services available at Northside, please visit www.northside.com/nhvi.

Liz Sobczyk is Director of Cardiovascular Services at Northside Hospital

AJT

A New Kind of Workout

Life

ULTRA-SUCESSFUL ORANGETHEORY OFFERS NEW HEART FOCUS

J

ust when you thought there was nothing new on the exercise scene, fresh from our neighbors in Florida comes the workout everyone in Atlanta has been raving about.

Orangetheory Fitness is a unique, plateau-busting workout that is designed to give members maximum benefit in minimal time. Judging by its popularity, it is delivering on its

The information shown on the screens is important for the coach, as well as for the participant, because it gives immediate feedback regarding what’s happening in the body. As a bonus, participants can also see how many calories they are burning during their hour of exercise.

Atlanta residents Kim Fishman and Julie Stewart, who also happen to be sisters, are the owners of the Sandy Springs location of Orangetheory Fitness.

Kim was a member at an Orangetheory Fitness studio in South Florida before relocating to Georgia and states that, “Within weeks of moving to Atlanta, I missed my workout so much I decided to look into opening a studio of my own.”

promises.

The combination of strength training plus high intensity interval training creates a program that for many people gives results unlike any other regimen they have tried before.

The workout includes treadmills for cardio and endurance, rowing machines for power, and resistance exercises such as SBT suspension training, medicine balls, dumbbell weights and more for increased strength. Each session incorporates body-weight exercises to provide a balanced and fun workout that is challenging but doable for people of all fitness levels.

A unique feature of the program is that exercisers are provided with a heart-rate monitor to wear during the hour-long workout and are guided by a certified fitness professional to train in five heart-rate zones.

Of the five zones, the orange zone represents an increase to over 84 percent of each person’s max heart-rate.

Based on previous research by fitness experts, it has been proven that if a person spends about 12 to 20 minutes in that zone, they will achieve what’s known as the afterburn or EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption).

EPOC creates an increased calorie burn for 24 to 36 hours after exercise completion, which leads to fat loss, increased energy, and improved sleep.

A person’s heart-rate can be a good indication of cardiovascular fitness and many fitness experts regard it as a must-have piece of training equipment during every workout session.

During the OTF workout, coaches can track how each participant is doing via large screens inside the studio.

Her sister Julie, who was looking for a change in career, decided to join her in the venture. The two of them have watched as many people in the Sandy Springs community have embraced this fitness concept with open arms.

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The first Orangetheory Fitness Studio opened in South Florida in 2010 and the company has been growing rapidly ever since. They currently have over 70 locations nationwide as well as studios in Canada and the UK. Within the next two to three years, there are plans for more than 25 metro Atlanta locations to open.

Members rave about the efficiency of the workout and the friendly feel of the boutique style studio.

The front desk team and the trainers know them by name. There is no anonymity in the workout area.

Coaches are there to support and motivate participants. These personal touches give members the benefits of having a workout that is tailored for their specific needs while at the same time enjoying the energy of training with a group.

The high-energy music and orange lights almost make you feel like you’re in a night club instead of a fitness facility. That heart-rate tracking screen and your display of calories burned let you know what kind of work you really put in.

Orangetheory Fitness is in the business of changing lives for the better. They’re changing the Atlanta fitness landscape, and ultimately, intend to paint the town orange.

For more information visit orangetheoryfitness.org or call (770) 905-2600

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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AJT

Local Rabbi, Fred Greene to Shave Head for Cancer Research RABBIS RAISE AWARENESS AT WORLD’S LARGEST CLERGY EVENT SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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uring the 125th Annual Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) Convention, Rabbi Fred Greene of Temple Beth Tikvah will join over 60 male and female Reform Rabbis when they shave their heads to raise awareness of and funding for pediatric cancer research.

In addition, some participants are shaving in their home communities, including several Reconstructionist and Conservative colleagues who were moved to join their Reform peers in this important endeavor.

The “Shave for the Brave” event will take place on April 1 at the CCAR Convention, which will be held at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park.

The CCAR is the representative organization of nearly 2,000 Reform Rabbis, the world’s largest group of Jewish clergy.

The rabbis’ “Shave for the Brave” fundraiser benefits St. Bal-

drick’s, a charity committed to funding childhood cancer research. So far, the CCAR Rabbis have raised over $330,000 for St. Baldrick’s, and hope to reach their goal of $360,000.

“I am honored to participate in the ‘Shave for the Brave’ fundraiser, and to support St. Baldrick’s in their efforts to research pediatric cancer, and find a cure,” said Rabbi Greene of Temple Beth Tikvah. “By playing my part and shaving what little hair I have left, I am able to bring a little more healing and hope to these sick children who need our help.”

“The role of a rabbi is to right wrongs identified in the world, and the ‘Shave for the Brave’ event allows rabbis to do that, by raising awareness of pediatric cancer and helping to work towards a cure,” said Rabbi Steven A. Fox, CCAR Chief Executive. “We are proud and honored that the CCAR Convention could host this inspiring event.”

The connection between the Re-

form Jewish community and pediatric cancer advocacy began with the story of Samuel Sommer, the son of Rabbis Phyllis and Michael Sommer.

Phyllis Sommer serves Am Shalom in Glencoe, Ill., and her husband has served Congregation B’nai Torah in Highland Park, Ill. and North Shore Congregation Israel.

The Sommers had documented Sam’s battle with cancer on their blog, “Superman Sam.” From the blog, there came an outpouring of support from people all over the country who sympathized with Sam and his family.

Rabbis across denominations prayed Mi Shebeirach for Sam’s recovery.

In October 2013, Rabbi Phyllis Sommer and Rabbi Rebecca Schorr had the idea to organize a massive fundraiser, “Shave for the Brave,” in which 36 rabbis would shave their heads, raising awareness of the reality that only 4 percent of United

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marchj 14 ▪ 2014

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The initial fundraising goal for “Shave for the Brave” was $180,000, to fund pediatric cancer research.

“We have surpassed our initial goal, but will not stop. Not now; not ever,” says Rabbi Rebecca Schorr.

Sam succumbed to leukemia in December 2013. Rabbis of “Shave for the Brave” are banning together to help save other families from having to go through what the Sommers went through.

“[We are] slightly-meshugene, but very devoted rabbis who are yearning to do something,” explains Schorr. “We couldn’t save Sammy; perhaps, though, we can save others like him.”

The “Shave for the Brave” event will take place at the CCAR Convention after a Loss and Mourning Service, led by Rabbi Rex Perlmeter.

St. Baldrick’s is a volunteerdriven, non-profit charity that is committed to funding pediatric cancer research to find cures for childhood cancers and to give survivors long and healthy lives. The group has helped organize thousands of headshaving events since 2000 and has raised millions of dollars for pediatric cancer research.

About the CCAR

unparalleled expertise, timely communication, and personalized care. Our board certified cardiologists and highly experienced medical staff work together to put the patient first. In addition to General Consultative Cardiology, we provide: • Diagnostic Imaging, Including Echocardiography and Nuclear Cardiology • Cardiac CTA • Cardiac Catheterization, Leaders in Radial Access • Transradial Intervention • Pacemaker Implantation • Cardiac Electrophysiology

Dr. Marcus Brown

States federal funding for cancer research is earmarked for all childhood cancers.

Dr. Nabeel Hafeez Dr. Michael Balk

Dr. Barry Silverman

nscatl.com Atlanta:

5670 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Suite 880, Atlanta, GA 30342 Alpharetta: 3400-C Old Milton Parkway Suite 360, Alpharetta, GA 30005 Forsyth: (electrophysiology clinic only) 1400 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 340 Cumming, GA 30041 Canton: (electrophysiology clinic only) 15 Reinhardt College Parkway Suite 105, Canton, GA 30114

The Central Conference of American Rabbis, founded in 1889, is the oldest and largest rabbinic organization in North America. As the professional organization for Reform Rabbis of North America, the CCAR projects a powerful voice in the religious life of the American and international Jewish communities.

Since its establishment, the CCAR has a rich history of giving professional and personal support to Reform Rabbis, providing them with opportunities for study, professional development and spiritual growth beginning while they are still in seminary, through mid-careers, and into retirement.

The CCAR is uniquely positioned to meet the ongoing needs of its nearly 2,000 member rabbis (virtually the entire Reform rabbinate) and the entire Reform Jewish community. For more information please see the CCAR’s website.

Visit www.stbaldricks.org/events/ mypage/10921/2014 to make a donation to St. Baldrick’s in memory of Samuel Sommers.

AJT

Emory Investigating Genetics of Parkinson’s

WITH THE MICHAEL J. FOX FOUNDATION giving COMMUNITY AN OPPORUNITY TO HELP

T

he Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) is launching a new arm of their ongoing biomarker trial called Parkin-

fective treatments and eventually cure these diseases, researchers are searching for substances, processes or characteristics of the body that signal disease risk, onset and/or progression, also known as “biomarkers” (like cholesterol level for heart disease).

Biomarkers aid in diagnosis and disease management, and help researchers to test new drugs quicker by measuring biological changes rather than waiting for clinical improvement in their patients.

There are no validated biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease, a reality PD researchers are hoping to change.

son’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) to study individuals with genetic mutations associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine will study individuals with genetic mutations associated with PD sponsored by the MJFF.

One such mutation, on the LRRK2 gene, is much more common among Jewish people of Ashkenazi descent than the rest of the population, and has been identified as one of the greatest targets of interest in PD drug development.

Researchers hope that a greater understanding of the biology of people with Parkinson’s or at risk to develop the disease will lead to new therapeutics and strategies to prevent disease onset.

Certain genetic mutations that are more common among Jewish people of Ashkenazi descent can increase risk of diseases like Tay Sachs, breast cancer and Parkinson’s disease. In order to develop more ef-

for greater understanding of disease risk, onset and progression.

•

The Fox Foundation has secured 15 industry partners and cofunding sponsors for PPMI which include Abbott Labratories, Biogen, BMS, Covance, Eli Lilly, GE Healthcare, Genentech, GSK, Merck, Pfizer and Roche.

•

There is no precedent for a precompetitive study of this size and scale, and all data is shared in real-time with the research community.

•

Now taking place at 32 clinical sites around the world, PPMI completed initial enrollment of 423 recently diagnosed Parkinson’s patients and 196 controls in April 2013. That month PPMI also began recruiting individuals with the known Parkinson’s risk factors of smell loss and REM sleep behavior disorder.

Principal investigator Stewart Factor, DO, Professor of Neurology at Emory University School of Medicine and his team are enrolling participants for the genetic arm of the PPMI study in the Atlanta area.

Dr. Factor is director of the Emory Comprehensive Parkinson’s Disease Center, and the movement disorders program in the Department of Neurology at Emory. Interested individuals can visit www.michaeljfox. org/ppmi/genetics.

About the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI): •

•

Launched in 2010, PPMI is a longitudinal clinical study that collects standardized clinical, imaging and biologic data in hopes of identifying a biomarker of Parkinson’s disease progression.

There are currently no validated biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease. A biomarker would be a game-changer and could lead to a disease modifying therapy, which does not currently exist for Parkinson’s, and could allow

Jonathan D. Winner, MD Wm. Robert Smith, MD Sally J. Marcus, MD Allison B. Hill, MD Amy J. Hardin, MD Lindsay B. Green, MD Richard F. Salmon, DO Sara D. Dorsey, CPNP Amanda M. Brantley, CPNP

Sandy Springs 1140 Hammond Drive Suite E-5250 Atlanta, GA 30328 Tel: 404-256-2688

Woodstock 250 Parkbrooke Place Suite 200 Woodstock, GA 30189 Tel: 770-928-0016

www.northsidepediatrics.com

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

15

AJT

in the moment

Make Purim Your Kick Off to the Festival Season THERE’S A MOMENT TO BE HAD EVERY WEEKEND THIS SPRING

BY BRAM BESSOFF

er boring and “safe” awards show.

P

The edgiest thing to happen all night was Ellen hitting up multi-millionaires for pizza money – as far as I’m concerned she owes us our time back. Read my Twitter and Facebook feeds for the real-time commentaries if anyone still cares. In Atlanta our minds are on spring, the outdoors and fun.

AJT contributor urim is one of my favorite holidays of the year, not only because temple becomes loose for a moment, but it marks the beginning of the festival season for us music lovers.

I was originally supposed to write about the Oscars last week, but I got bumped – which in the end was a good thing, since I wound up in the hospital with kidney stones. When the AJT editor asked me to write about the commonalities of my experience and the Oscars, I said “painful.” Not much else to write about.

The musical performances from U2, Karen O and Ezra Koenig, Pink and Adele Dazeem (John Travolta’s mispronunciation of Idina Menzel, the very Jewish voice behind Disney’s smash hit Frozen) saved a rath-

The change in season, for me, always starts with Purim, and this year I got an advance dose while attending a rather special event this past weekend, “The Most Legendary Purim Party You Will Ever Attend” hosted by The Sixth Point, a burgeoning group here in Atlanta that throws events for those averted or traumatized from their childhood Jewish upbringing.

You know we all have one, forced to go to Hebrew school, eating mat-

zah in the high school lunch room, nightmares of flubbing our Haftorah, rabbi’s sermons, endless days fasting – it’s enough to push anyone into taking a decade or so off after college and before you have kids when the process starts all over again. Only difference is, it’s you doing the tormenting this time.

The Sixth Point’s mission is simple: engage those in Atlanta that are not affiliated to a temple and want to hang with other like-minded Jews outside of prayer and worship. This is exactly why you should have been at The Red Light Café on Amsterdamn Ave in midtown this past Saturday.

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marchj 14 ▪ 2014

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Founder Michelle Krebs Levy hired improv group “Laughing Matters” – a bunch of non-Jews with little to no knowledge of Purim, to improv their way through a loose adaptation of the Purim story in a succession of shorts performed as Univision soap opera episodes.

The result? A room full of ROFL Jews in costume, complete with songs made up on the fly and piano accompaniment. Check The Sixth Point’s Facebook page for pics and video clips from the event.

Started in March of 2013, The Sixth Point won a contest through The Jewish Federation called “My Jewish Life” that awarded the group $10,000 in prize money to throw events like this. In the past, they’ve

made possible Challah Baking Lessons, Make Your Own Chanukah Candles and Find Your Valentine Shabbat Dinner.

They throw an event about once a month with the next being a fully catered Second Night Seder which promises to be a family friendly, nonboring, reasonably short seder open to the first 100 people that care to join. If interested, “like” their page at facebook.com/TheSixthPoint and be the first to RSVP, as they run everything through Facebook events.

Plan on seeing me and my family there, or sooner if you plan on attending any more Purim events this week such as my top picks: Purim Spiels Sat., March 15 • Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell will be doing a ‘70s theme Purim Spiel Saturday, a free event and all are invited.

• The Temple in Midtown hosts an adult-only reception and Megillah reading, babysitting available for $5/kid • Ahavath Achim Synagogue features a Klezmer Megillah reading featuring AJMF’s own past board member Steve Grossman Purim Carnivals Sun., March 16 • MJCCA-Zaban Park hosts Megillah Madness, a free event open to the community featuring

AJT

Top 10 Talking Points for Children of Divorce

• Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell hosts an afternoon Purim Carnival open to all Sunday noon – 3 p.m. including live music from the teen rockers Endless Energy, $10 wrist bands for unlimited games and prizes, with food and refreshments available for purchase.

• The Temple in Midtown is throwing a Luau styled Purim party at 11 a.m. for tots and 11:30 a.m. open to all, which will include dunk-the-Rabbi, a bounce house, food, games and prizes. For more info and ticket prices, contact the Temple directly • Ahavath Achim Synagogue’s Purim Party is 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. with family admission rates including a “Grease” Purim Spiel featuring AJMF past performing artist Nick Edelstein • Iamgine It! The Children’s museum of Atlanta is holding a “Meet the Holidays: Purim” featuring a reading of “It’s Purim Time!” at 3 p.m.

And keep your calendars out, because I’m about to fill up your weekends from end of March through May, starting off with the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival, March 20 - 29.

The fifth annual AJMF spring festival is extended over two weekends, including five events with full details, in-depth interviews and complete event line up to be featured in next week’s AJT. To get a head start, visit www.atlantajmf.org for more details and to purchase tickets.

Other spring festivals to add to your calendar: • Atlanta Film Festival April 1-6 • 5th Annual Beer Carnival, formerly known as the Winter Beer

Carnival is now a spring event at Atlantic Station Sat., April 5, from 1 -5 p.m.

• Atlanta Dogwood Festival occurs at Piedmont Park Fri. – Sun., April 11-13 • Sweetwater 420 Fest is moved to Centennial Olympic Park April 18-20 • Inman Park Spring Festival is Saturday and Sunday, April 2627 • Fiesta Atlanta rocks Cinco De Mayo at Centennial Park, but those looking for something more intimate may want to catch the Hot Buttered Rum show at Smith’s Olde Bar • Shaky Knees Music Festival is freshly relocated to Atlantic Station May 9-11 • Atlanta Jazz Festival ends the spring run on Memorial Day Weekend May 23-25 at Piedmont Park

HOW TO SOOTHE FEARS AND PROMOTE COMMUNICATION

SPECiaL FOR THE AJT

G

oing through a divorce is a very difficult change for everyone involved.

Children of two parents who are going their separate ways are often left with many questions and concerns. Parents must remember to communicate with their children throughout the divorce process to best eliminate as much stress and fear as possible.

Elisheva Funk, an LCSW in JF&CS’ Child & Adolecent – Tools for Families division, specializes in counseling children of divorce. She lists several priority points that need to be discussed with kids and their parents at the beginning of the process:

1. The divorce is not your fault.

There is literally something awesome to do every weekend in Atlanta for the next few months, so get out and experience a moment worthy of remembering when you’re 80 and share them with me on Facebook and twitter. See you around town.

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.

2. Some things are going to change; be honest about those changes.

3. Some things will stay the same; list those out (school, afterschool activities, friends, having two parents who love you, etc.).

4. Transitions take a while to get used to. Explain how it might seem unsettling at first, but it will get better.

5. Parents might put you in the middle of their arguments by accident. Please let someone know if that is happening.

6. Holidays and family events might be different. Tell your children where they will be for special times in advance.

7. Both parents will still be involved in your lives. No one is divorcing you.

8. Your

opinions

and

feelings

Elisheva Funk, LCSW

about the details of the divorce are important, but you do not have to choose one parent over the other.

9. Support systems are important.

Remind the children of whom they can go to for comfort, aside from parents.

10. Their lives are important. Even through the divorce, you still have time to hear what is going on with them.

While every family and every divorce is different, an open line of communication will make the process easier for everyone. For more information about Divorce Support Services,call (770) 677-9300, or email divorcesupport@jfcs-atlanta.org. marchj 14 ▪ 2014

Purim songs, a Megillah reading and special performance in the Morris & Rae Frank Theatre.

Following the performance, children will participate in a Purim Parade which will take place on Main Street, the main corridor at the MJCCA.

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AJT

Beyond the H-word LEAVING YOUR PURIM FOOD COMFORT ZONE

BY MARK MIETKIEWICZ SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

N

ame a traditional food associated with Purim.

Good. Now name another.

If you have trouble getting beyond the H-word, then you’re in for a treat. There’s nothing wrong with that prune, poppy or chocolatefilled delight. But isn’t it time to give Aranygaluska, Fazuelos and Ojos de Haman a chance?

Okay, let’s start with something a bit more familiar: kreplach.

What’s the connection between Purim and a Jewish dumpling? According to Chabad, “Hamantashen and kreplach, both with their fillings hidden inside, allude to the hidden nature of the Purim miracle.”

MyJewishLearning.com continues, “Kreplach are customarily eaten whenever a ‘beating’ takes place: be-

fore Yom Kippur when men have flogged themselves (rarely done in modern times), on Hoshanah Rabbah when willow branches are beaten, and on Purim when Haman is beaten.”

What is it with Jews’ preoccupation with Haman’s anatomy? We eat hamantashen better known in Israel as Oznei Haman – or Haman’s Ears. Sephardic Fazuelos share the same meaning as their Ashkenazi counterpart but the similarity ends there.

These are light strips of dough fried and sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar. Done with his ears? Then dig into his eyes. Ojos de Haman (Haman’s Eyes) has pastry dough wrapped around hardboiled eggs to create grotesque facsimiles of Purim’s villain. The eyes/ eggs are then gouged out at the fes-

Aranygalvska

tive meal.

Purim is unique among all the holidays in the Jewish calendar in that we enjoy that festive meal as the holiday is winding down.

Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov explains that, “the Purim Feast is especially significant in that it elevates the soul as it provides pleasure to the body.

It is thus stated in the Zohar that on Purim one may accomplish through bodily pleasure, what he can accomplish on Yom Kippur through bodily affliction.”

You may have your own traditional menu, but if you want to try something a bit different this Purim, go back to the source: The Jewishfood Purim Archives has recipes for Persian Lamb and Apricot Pilaf, Persian Meat Patties (Shami), Persian Poached Pears and Persian Poppy Seed Puffs.

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

The large Iranian/Persian Recipes page looks appealing but you will have to make appropriate substitutions since this isn’t a kosher site.

18

No worries about that at Chabad. org with this gourmet menu: Pesce al Cartoccio with Spinach, Egg and Onion Salad, Cream of Chicken Soup, Pickled Tongue in Apricot Sauce, and Two-Tone Potato Roll. If that feels too onerous, there’s a helpful link to “The Easy Menu.”

How to top off the meal? Aranygaluska is a traditional Hungarian Dumpling Coffee Cake for Purim with “balls of a rich yeast dough dipped in

oil and rolled in ground walnuts. It is then layered and baked in a tube pan.”

Or you could go with Linda Haim Meadows’ Ba’ba Beh Tamur (Iraqi pastries with almond or date filling) or and some homemade Persian halvah.

After all that you may need a drink. There is the well-known, and somewhat curious custom of getting so drunk that you don’t know the difference between Mordechai and Haman.

Before you reach for one too many drinks, take a look at the Neveh Zion Purim Page which advises how much to drink: not so much that would cause you to err while performing a single mitzvah.

And why we drink: “Many of the miracles in the Megillah occurred during a party where wine was drunk, therefore we are obligated to drink wine to commemorate these miracles.”

On Purim, Eli Birnbaum likes to enjoy his homemade Israeli Orange Brandy whose recipe he is good enough to share with us.

Birnbaum offers a rationale for imbibing on Purim, in moderation of course. “There are no absolutes in this world other than G-d. Everything can be used for good and evil.

So too we celebrate our salvation from Haman by showing that even intoxication can be used to elevate one’s soul.”

AJT

EDEN’s GARDEN

Hiding Behind Our Masks

TWO DIFFering MESSAGES ABOUT IDENTITY IN THE PURIM STORY

A

nyone who has ever seen a Jewish holiday in action knows that each day is celebrated very differently.

Even though some may have similar stories or messages, we give each day a special game, story or treat to make its celebration unique and memorable. On Purim, we have the custom of wearing costumes and masks, throwing big parties – of giving gifts of food to our friends and the poor.

At first glance, these customs appear athematic or irrelevant. Purim is a holiday in which we celebrate the miraculous saving of Persian Jewry.

Through triumphs and trickery, the Megillah tells us the story of a Jewish savior who infiltrated the Persian palace and saved her people. The parties and food gifts make sense, but why the costumes and masks?

We won, what are we hiding from?

Looking more carefully at the holiday and its story though, there is an underlying theme of hiddenness

throughout the Purim story. First and foremost, with the name of G-d appearing in the Megillah a grand total of zero times, we know that anonymity is a virtue in the story. G-d’s presence in the story is in our belief and not our text.

Next, many people point out that Esther hid her true identity throughout the entire story. She changed her name and hid her religion, up until the very last minute where that secret saved the people.

So while it makes sense that we celebrate Purim the way we do—hiding ourselves through costumes, masks and (usually excessive) drinking—it’s not really about hiding, and nor is this masquerade.

We can hide, mimicking Esther, only because we know that we don’t need to. Hiding is a game, where at the end of the day we are not afraid of who we are.

That message came to mind as I logged into Facebook this morning. A new and exciting addition to the discussion of body image was launched.

Average Barbie, with a less-thanglamorous name, is a new doll created

by Pittsburgh’s Nickolay Lamm that is completely proportionate to an average 19-year-old woman.

She has a normal, healthy body, feet that can lay flat on the ground (as opposed to Barbie’s feet that naturally fill out a pair of six inch heels), and most excitingly of all—she can bend her arms and legs, allowing her to do more with her body than wave; as Elizabeth Plank of PolyMic stated: “[She is no longer] forever stuck with her arms folded like she’s about to serve a cheese plate.”

So, instead of the media’s usual way of hiding behind dangerously unrealistic body images, they came out with something that celebrates our beautifully average bodies.

This is precisely what Esther teaches us in the Megillah. While she hides her identity, her faith and her peoplehood, the one thing she refuses to hide throughout all her life’s twists and turns is her body.

ments at the beginning of the story, along with the other hundreds of other women “auditioning” to become the next Queen, the narrative carefully tells us that Esther put on as little makeup and jewelry as possible.

Rather than adorning and re-shaping the body she lived in for the sake of one man’s opinions of her, she stayed simple and elegant—perhaps because she didn’t want to win, or perhaps to make a statement. She kept herself natural, and in the end, that is why the King found her beautiful.

So, while hiding is a key part of the Purim story, we must not forget that not hiding—that being real to ourselves—is also a prominent message.

Wishing you all a wonderful Chag.

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

When offered perfume and adorn-

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

By Eden Farber AJT contributor

19

AJT

Why Purim Programs Fall Short HOW ONE PERSON’S FUN CAN BE ANOTHER person’s DRAG

BY DAVID A.M. WILENSKY SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

S

o your synagogue or JCC or other local Jewish organization wants to engage more families with young kids. Purim looks like an easy opportunity, right?

It is easy to assume that Purim is a low-barrier holiday: It’s a fun holiday.

There’s the silly spiel, a Purim carnival, kids get to dress up—and perhaps adults too. Yes, for these reasons and others, it is low-barrier, but only for those who already walk through our doors on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, if we fail to recognize the basic barriers inherent in all Jewish holidays and other Jewish communal events, Purim will remain just as inaccessible as any other Jewish holiday to the unaffiliated—and the holiday’s great potential to reach newcomers will remain untapped.

If we don’t take steps to make Purim more accessible to more people, we will be left scratching our heads for yet another year, wondering why our Purim programming didn’t attract more newcomers.

Consider one of the most common

Purim events: the Purim carnival. Surely, a carnival is kid-friendly bait for families with young children, right? If marketed, framed, and staged appropriately, it can be.

However, in many cases, community Purim carnivals are advertised the same way many Jewish organizations advertise all of their programs: exclusively to those already on the inside of the Jewish community.

Of course, it makes sense to advertise a Purim carnival to the families and kids who are already involved in a community’s religious schools and other programs. But how will potential newcomers – the people who don’t receive the local Jewish newspaper or federation newsletter and never mill around in synagogue lobbies near tables full of flyers – know about the event?

To get the invitation out to newcomers, every Jewish community needs to answer these questions: How will we let them know about it? What kind of advertising will reach them?

We must think about local parenting websites and mainstream news outlets.

Even local radio or television would not be such a stretch.

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There’s also the matter of location. If unaffiliated families are already reticent to come to events held at synagogues, JCCs, and other Jewish institutional environments, why should Purim be any different? We can’t assume that they will suddenly be willing to do something they’re ordinarily unwilling to do just because Purim is fun.

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Will a neutral location, perhaps in a commercial setting or secular venue, be a better location for our Purim event?

What kinds of places are available in our area for this? A centrally located public park that many people pass through could be a great option.

But those are relatively small matters. If we shift focus from the Purim carnival to the Purim service (complete with spiel and megillah reading), a much bigger issue comes into focus. We still haven’t articulated any kind of answer to the deeper questions on the minds of potential newcomers: How is this holiday relevant today?

What is it about? How is it of benefit to me or my children?

First of all, let’s dispense with the notion that the Purim service is “fun.” If you go to services regularly, a synagogue on Purim is fun by comparison; it’s funny because it is so surprisingly, jarringly different in tone and style from what we

normally experience in services.

But, if you never go to services in the first place, Purim services will be just as opaque as any other services – and because services are such a zoo on Purim, they’ll be entirely baffling as well!

So we cannot rely on notions of “fun” and “silly” to sell newcomers on Purim.

We must answer some admittedly difficult questions about relevance and content. Different communities can come up with the different answers, depending on the approach that is most comfortable and natural for them.

For instance, one community might emphasize the dimension of Purim that deals with disguises, masks, and revealing our true identities.

Another might recall one of the more unexpected results of the recent Pew survey of American Jewry that reported 42 percent of Jews believe sense of humor is a key part of being Jewish.

Purim could be an opportunity to reach people from that angle – but keep in mind why Purim is traditionally funny. It’s all about contrast. If you know what services are usually like, then Purim is funny.

But to make Purim excitingly – relevantly – funny to those not attending synagogue regularly enough to get the contrast, we’ll need to think long and hard about how and whether the satirical angle, absurd look, or goofy song selection will make newcomers really sit up and take notice. (And don’t forget that we’ll also need to think about how best to get the word out to them in the first place!)

So, yes, Purim is a fun holiday. And, yes, there is the potential to convert that fun into an accessible, low-barrier event that is enticing to newcomers. But if we assume that just because those of us already on the inside think of Purim as a fun and lighthearted holiday, everyone will recognize Purim as such.

We must think deeply this year about the meaning of the holiday, the barriers inherent in any Jewish holiday – everything from Yom Kippur to Purim – and the events we use celebrate it. If we fail to do that, Purim will fail us an outreach tool.

David A.M. Wilensky is a program associate at Big Tent Judaism/Jewish Outreach Institute.

AJT

Hamentashen Recipes THREE DIFFERENT TAKES ON A CLASSIC SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

I

t’s Adar! You know what that means: time to make hamentashen.

Making hamentashen should be a fun experience. It sure was a lot of fun for me developing new recipes for hamentashen this year. Although it was a lot of work spending all day making them, it was well worth it.

Lovingly formulated by the Kosherology team are three (that’s right, three!) awesome hamentashen recipes for Purim: Chocolate-Orange, Cranberry-Sage, and Candy Lover’s, all giving a twist to the traditional hamentash.

Move over poppy seed and apricot fillings.

Candy Lover’s Hamentashen

I’m not really sure where you can go wrong with this one.

Sweet cookie dough bedazzled by mini M&M’s and stuffed with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups; a chocolate-candy lover’s hamentashen. Of course you can play around with this recipe, adding your favorite candies, as seen fit.

Ingredients: (Makes 3 1/2 dozen, 3” cookies): 3/4 cup oil 1 cup white granulated sugar 3 eggs 1/4 cup orange juice 4 & 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon orange extract or liqour Mini M&M chocolates Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. Combine sifted flour and baking powder and set aside.

3. In a mixer, blend oil, sugar, and salt on starting on low speed, gradually increasing speed to high, until creamed.

4. Add eggs one at a time and continue beating until well blended. Add a little bit of the flour to thicken the mixture.

5. Add orange juice slowly, alternating with the rest of the flour.

6. Add vanilla and orange extract and beat until well combined.

7. R oll out the dough (let it sit in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up if not firm enough to work with).

8. Press the M&M’s into the dough (by hand) until well-distributed. Place dough in refrigerator for one hour, or until firm enough to work with.

9. When dough is firm enough to work with, remove from refrigerator roll out until dough is about 1/8” thick.

10. Cut out the dough with a 3 “ round cookie cutter.

11. Slightly trim the bottom of the peanut butter cup, so it will not sit too high over the cookie dough.

12. Place the cut cookie dough rounds on a baking tray lined with baking paper and place a trimmed peanut butter cup in the center.

13. Fold the dough around the cup to make a triangular shape (if you know how to make hamentashen you should already know how to do this). You can paint the inside edge of the dough with light eggwash if you need to keep the folds sticking.

14. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning half way through baking.

Cranberry-Sage Hamentashen

For those who like to mix savory with sweet, who like to be adventurous and daring with their desserts and cookies, then this is the hamentash for you.

Fresh sage incorporated into sweet cookie dough and filled with spiced cranberry conserve: a real culinary delight!

Ingredients (cranberry filling): 1 12-ounce package fresh cranberries 1 ¾ cup white granulated sugar 1 ¼ water Rind of one naval orange ½ teaspoon ground cloves 1/3 cup currants (raisins) 1 cup canned pineapple tidbits ½ cup chopped pecans Directions (cranberry filling): 1. Bring water, sugar, and orange rind to a boil and continue to boil for about 10 minutes, until mixture is syrup-like.

2. Add cranberries and currants and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until berries pop.

3. Remove from heat and add pineapple and pecans.

4. Pour into bowl and refrigerate overnight or until chilled.

Ingredients (dough): (Makes 3 1/2 dozen 3” cookies): 3/4 cup oil 1 cup white granulated sugar 3 eggs 1/4 cup orange juice 4 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour 2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon orange extract or liquor 1 bunch fresh sage, about 1/3 cup, finely chopped Directions (dough): 1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. Combine sifted flour and baking powder and set aside.

3. In a mixer, blend oil, sugar, and salt on starting on low speed, gradually increasing speed to high, until creamed.

4. Add eggs one at a time and continue beating until well blended. Add a little bit of the flour to thicken the mixture.

5. Add orange juice slowly, alternating with the rest of the flour.

6. Add vanilla and orange extract and beat until well combined.

7. Finally, add the chopped sage and beat until well incorporated into the dough.

8. Place dough in refrigerator for one hour, or until firm enough to work with.

9. When dough is firm enough to work with, remove from refrigerator roll out until dough is about 1/8” thick.

10. Cut out the dough with a 3” round cookie cutter. Place the cut cookie dough rounds on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

11. Fill with a tablespoon of cranberry conserve in the center (you can add a little more if you like).

12. Fold the dough around the filling to make a triangular You can paint the inside edge of the dough with light eggwash if you need to keep the folds sticking.

13. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning half way through baking.

Chocolate-Orange Hamentashe

Love Sabra? Then this is the hamentash for you. It’s also the hamentash for you if you are a real chocolate lover – you know, the kind that loves real rich chocolate. Rich chocolaty dough filled with orange marmalade, these hamentashen are little chocolate-

citrus pleasures.

Ingredients: (makes 3 1/2 dozen 3” cookies): 3/4 cup oil 1 cup white granulated sugar 3 eggs 1/4 cup orange juice 3 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cup cocoa power 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon orange extract or liqour Orange marmalade for filling Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. Combine sifted flour and baking powder and set aside.

3. In a mixer, blend oil, sugar, and salt on starting on low speed, gradually increasing speed to high, until creamed.

4. Add eggs one at a time and continue beating until well blended. Add a little bit of the flour to thicken the mixture.

5. Add orange juice slowly, alternating with the rest of the flour and the cocoa powder. Add vanilla and orange extract and beat until well combined.

6. Place dough in refrigerator for 1 hour, or until firm enough to work with.

7. When dough is firm enough to work with, remove from refrigerator roll out until dough is about 1/8” thick.

8. Cut out the dough with a 3” round cookie cutter.

9. Place the cut cookie dough rounds on a baking tray lined with baking paper and fill with 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade in the center (you can add a little more if you like).

10. Fold the dough around the filling to make a triangular shape. You can paint the inside edge of the dough with light eggwash if you need to keep the folds sticking.

11. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning half way through baking.

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

BY ALEX IDOV

Alex Idov is a kosher food blogger who runs the award-winning site ‘Kosherology’ and a regular contributing food columnist to The Five Towns Jewish Home magazine. He is currently studying for his bachelor’s degree in Culinary Sustainability & Hospitality. Visit ‘Kosherology’ at www.exploretheworldofkosher.com and 21 like ‘Kosherology’ on facebook.

AJT

Esther: A Threat to the Empire A STRONG WOMAN’S LARGER SIGNIFICANCE AND THE OMISSION OF G-D

BY TED ROBERTS SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

I

t is not true that Purim was initiated by our sages for Jewish husbands to get slobbering drunk in the presence of the congregation, though drunkenness is recommended.

I once attended a Purim festival in New Orleans, in which a jazz band constantly cycled the synagogue.

Anything goes on Purim except a poem of praise to Haman. I won’t bother to repeat the narrative – we all know it.

Esther is one of the most exotic books of our bible. Why was it accepted into the Canon? Your impulsive answer – that it is a great Jewish victory – would be a reasonable one.

But it does contain the accusation of Jewish blood thirst – not a great reflection on our reputation. The endangered Jews killed 75,000 of their enemies. They also hanged Haman and his 10 sons.

Well, maybe excusable considering the times (which loved to boast of slaughter) and the malevolence of their enemies. And after all, the book boasts “they did not lay a hand on the plunder.” Strange, we should be so generous. This statement is repeated several times.

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

The most striking feature of the Book of Esther is that nowhere, not once, is there a mention of the G-d who saved us from the many tyrannical kidnappers that clutched at our soul as it passed in the dim halls of history.

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The Jews save themselves by the manipulation of Mordecai and his beautiful niece. That G-d who split oceans, drowned Egyptian charioteers, and delivered quail in Marengo sauce to his starving petitioners is nowhere to be found. So why – of all the Septuagint – the Hebrew to Greek translation of our Tanakh – roughly 300 BCE – why was this book selected for our holy collection?

Ask your Rabbi. Scribblers are not capable of answering such weighty questions. It is interesting,

though, that the Book of Esther in its original Septuagint form does mention our rescuer with several prayers pleading for His help. Someone removed them.

Maybe to show our self-reliance?

Who knows?

Another strange element in the Book of Esther – rarely commented on – is the feminist theme throughout (which also may explain its inclusion in the Tanakh).

First and foremost Esther, at great danger to herself, saves her people. But let’s be ecumenically fair and note the behavior of Vashti, the Queen. When the King throws his party, he summons Vasahti to “show her beauty” to the people and officials. Here your imagination can run wild. This is at best the King displaying his conquest or at worst a burlesque show. Maybe even more!

She, completely at odds with the times, refuses. And the book dwells on the social implications, the universal impact, all over Persia that women may turn down, disobey, reject their husbands.

This is a greater threat to the empire than armies of Babylon. It goes beyond showing their beauty (whatever that means). A revolution?

No more hot suppers, no more sweeping the drive. If a wife rebels at her husband’s command, Persian society may rebel at the King’s command. This evil thing must be nipped in the bud lest the King find himself unemployed.

One might guess that the PFS (Persian Feminist Society) is advising Vashti, who’s as bold as her Jewish counterpart, Esther. Both, strong women.

And as we all know, the story has a happy ending.

AJT

oNe maN’s opiNioN

Old And New Jewish Heroes

REMEMBERING BOTH MORDECAI AND JOSEPH TRUMPELDOR

A

dar, in my youth, was a special month in the Jewish annual holiday cycle – it was the month in which we celebrate Purim.

As we entered that month, most Jews – as did we – retrieved a special Hebrew placard that we called “mee shenechnaz” and hung it above the main door. The placard served to remind us that, as we enter this month, we increase our joy, our “simchah.”

One of the most joyous holidays, Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of this month. And Mordecai, the hero in the Purim tale, declared that we should celebrate this Jewish victory over Haman – an early Hitler, who attempted to annihilate the Jews of Persia and Media.

This victory over the enemy was so important to Jews in Diaspora that it was declared that this month is considered a lucky month for Jews.

We believed that if one has to go to court in a tort case against a nonJew, the Jew is well-advised that it should be done in Adar.

To us in pre-Holocaust Europe, Purim was the most joyous of all holidays. For weeks before the holiday, mother would constantly bake and on Purim it was my task to deliver the cakes to our friends. After all, Mordecai decreed that on this we shall give gifts or matanoth.

So significant was the idea of being happy that we dispensed with some of issurim or generally forbidden activities. Not only were we allowed, but we were encouraged to drink alcohol to the extent that one’s senses were obliterated, namely until one could not differentiate between “blessed is Mordecai” and “cursed is Haman.”

While Jews are forbidden to cross dress (that is, for a male to wear women’s garments) on Purim people are dispensed from this prohibition.

On Purim teenagers would go to homes and provide a forshteln a brief

play a Purim spiel depicting a scene described in the Scroll of Esther, in which young men would dress like Queen Esther or as Hagar Haman’s wife.

The holiday ended with the S’udoh or the banquet at which time we served a turkey with various sweets and quite an array of cakes t hat we received as gifts. Oh the joy of that day when we had Gypsy music being played during our Purim banquet.

But Adar also reminded some of us of the tragedies that Jews have endured in Palestine during the 1920s through the ‘40s, the early days before the establishment of Israel when the early Zionist sought to build a homeland in Palestine.

To most of young Zionist, regardless of whether they were on the left of the political spectrum like the members of the Shomer Hatzair or to the right of the spectrum like the Betar – the Hebrew abbreviation of the Covenant of Joseph Trumpeldor, to which I belonged – Adar also reminded us of the self-sacrifice of the early Zionist in their quest for a Jewish ideal of the building of a homeland.

Since early in my youth, all the students in the Hebrew Gymnasium (the Hebrew High School) we commemorated the tragedy that occurred on the 11th day of Adar. Each year we commemorated yud aleph Adar, the day when Shiite Arabs attacked the Kibbutz Tel-Hai and killed 10 Halutzim including Joseph Trumpeldor.

Joseph Trumpeldor or “gibbor Josepth” the mighty Joseph as he was called in the songs that praised his deeds was a former Russian soldier who fought in the Russo-Japan war (1904-5) and who during a battle lost his left arm. He was the first Jew who received the highest Russian medal for valor, the Cross of St. George, and the first Jew to be commissioned as an officer in the Russian Army.

Trumpeldor was enamored by Tolstoy’s ideal of communal life and was also conscious of his Jewish heritage.

Thus, it is understandable that a few years after retiring from the army in 1912, this one-armed, former-Russian officer migrated to Israel and joined a kibbutz.

During World War I, he and Z’eyv Jabotinski organized the Jewish Legion to help the British in their battle with the Ottoman Empire. This was the beginning of the IDF, the present Israeli Defense Forces.

After the war, he settled in Tel Hai, a small kibbutz that was constantly harassed by the neighboring Arabs. On March 1 1920 – that is the 11th day of Adar, he was killed during an Arab attack on the kibbutz.

His last words were: “Never mind: It is good to die for one’s homeland.”

resoluteness to defend his country and his kibbutz.

The essence of his view is summarized in a song that we sang on his memorial day: “All day long I ploughed the fields and in the evening I stood guard with the weapon in my hand till the last moment; for I have fought and I have died for my homeland.”

Indeed let us rejoice and make merry on Purim and honor our hero Mordecai. But it is equally important to remember our heroes who – even before the establishment of Israel – fought and died to establish a Jewish homeland.

Trumpeldor is buried in the cemetery named after him in Tel-Aviv.

He rests there together with many of the early Zionist cultural heroes like Achad ham, Shaul Tsernichovski and our national poet Chaim Nachman Bialik.

Eugen Schoenfeld, a professor and chair emeritus at Georgia State University and a survivor of the Holocaust..

In the past we, the students of the Hebrew Gymnasium in Munkacs, always honored his memory and his

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I once asked an assembly of over 50 Jews whether anyone knew about Trumpeldor and, to my dismay, no one ever heard his name, let alone his status in modern Jewish history.

It is time that we become acquainted with our modern heroes – the heroes who fought and suffered in building a modern Jewish state long before it became a reality. So, let me introduce you to one of them -- to the hero of Tel-Hai to Yosef Trumpeldor.

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marchj 14 ▪ 2014

BY EUGEN SCHOENFELD AJT Contributor

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marchj 14 â&#x2013;Ş 2014

The Marcus Foundation

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LIKE THE ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/atlantajewishtimes Winners will be chosen from our fans for a $100 Dinner Gift Certificate and VIP passes to the MAIN EVENT!

AJT

COMMUNITY

Older Adults Given Chance to Shine in Theater Debut FIFTY PLUS PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS “GLORY DAYS” AT MJCCA SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

Harris, Bob Schultz

lory Days: the Music You Grew Up With,” a new review of music from the ‘50s forward comes to the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), March 26 to 31, 2014.

Choreographers: Adrienne Bishko, Eileen Koteles, Barry Levin

It is the first production from a new theater group, FIFTY PLUS PRODUCTIONS, and everyone on stage is 50 or older. The show is directed by George Fox and produced by Sandy Ferko, the team that brought “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Annie Get Your Gun” – all family-friendly shows – to the MJCCA. About FIFTY PLUS PRODUCTIONS Since 2005, George and Sandy have directed and produced three other productions at the MJCCA. Whereas casts in the first three shows ran in age from the early 30s to the 70s, the 39 members of this cast, the nine crew members, as well as the musicians, are all over the age of 50.

Many of the cast members worked with Director George Fox more than 30 years ago in productions for Temple Emanu-El, Ahavath Achim Synagogue, and JCC Galas.

George created Emory’s Ad Hoc Productions, now the longest continuous musical theater group at Emory.

Years later, the cast is enjoying coming back together and meeting new friends as well.

George Fox, Creator and Director, FIFTY PLUS PRODUCTIONS said, “For ‘Glory Days’ auditions, we hoped to get at least 20 participants; but more than 50 came to audition. The cast now numbers 35. We have nine wonderful crew members plus an orchestra of aged 50+ musicians....plus the help of the MJCCA staff. The cast and crew come from all over the city as close as Dunwoody and as far away as Snellville and Lilburn.”

FIFTY PLUS PRODUCTIONS: Cast and Crew Creator and Director: George Fox Producer and Stage Manager: Sandy Ferko Music Directors: Matt Bernstein, Ed

Costumes: Anne Koenig Assistant Director: Judy Paul Musicians: conductor - Matt Bernstein; keyboard - Ed Harris, Bob Schultz; drums - Stan Fineman; guitars – Dave Katz, Robert Modugno, Bob Sustak, Glenn Zimmerman Also joining them again are Matt Bernstein and Robert Schultz as Musical Directors (along with newcomer Ed Harris), Anne Koenig doing costumes, and a triumvirate of choreographers: Eileen Koteles, Barry Levin, and Adrienne Bishko.

Cast (in alphabetical order): Roz Abrams, Shelley Antin, , Jay Bernath, Adrienne Bishko, Susan Boaz, Nikki Canter, Michele Fox, , Nancy Gaddy, Evie Garnet, Ed Harris, Beverly Harvey, Anna Hirsch, Art Katz, Dave Katz, Roz Katz, Eileen Koteles, Arlene LaVine, Steve Leff, Bob Lehman, Barry Levin, , Sandra Mislow, Robert Modugno, Carla Morrow, , Jeff Priluck, Maxine Rosen, Barbara Rosenberg, Carol Schemo, Bob Schultz, Dan Shapiro, Jerry Silver, Shari Silvers, Bob Sustak, Eddie Ullman, Barry Zipperman, Steve Zisser.

Crew (in alphabetical order): Sunni Abelman, Jackie Benveniste, Barbara Cooper, Frances Ellison, Joan King, Karen Schultz, Peggy Slotin, Lois Sokol, Lynn Sustak.

“Glory Days” Showtimes: Wed. 3/26, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs. 3/27, 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 3/29, 9:00 p.m.; Sun. 3/30, 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; and Mon. 3/31, 7:30 p.m.

Community Adult: $25 / MJCCA Member Adult: $17 / Child/Student: $12. Purchase Tickets (678) 812-4002, or visit online at www.atlantajcc.org/ boxoffice. All performances will be held at the MJCCA’s Morris & Rae Frank Theatre (5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody).

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

“G

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AJT

Gracious living,

INSPIRED

BY YOU

COMMUNITY

Beth Schafer Comes to Beth Tikvah NATIONALLY-ACCALIMED ARTIST BENEFITS CAMP COLEMAN SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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B

eth Schafer’s infectious energy, well-crafted songs and intelligent lyrics have made her a leading presence in the Jewish music world. However, her audiences span many faiths who have found her messages reach everyone.

Temple Beth Tikvah is proud to welcome musician Schafer to perform in their social hall on Sat., March 29.

Her popularity has provided her the opportunity to perform at center-court for the half-time show at an Orlando Magic game, for President Barak Obama during his campaign and headlined at Shabbat services for the last seven biennial Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) conventions.

Her seven CDs of original music have become favorites in synagogues, churches and spiritual radio stations of many denominations.

“We welcome the entire community to join us in the evening of unity and song,” said Rabbi Fred Greene. “Proceeds from this concert will benefit TBT EveryONE Matters Campaign and to assist in building one cabin from the Atlanta’s Jewish community for the URJ Camp Coleman Capital Campaign.”

Tickets can be purchased are available in multiple options: Sponsored Table ($250) – Includes 10 tickets, 2 bottles of wine and family friendly refreshments and desserts. Family ($54) – Includes up to five family members, desserts and refreshments. Individual ($18) – Includes deserts and refreshments Seating is limited and the deadline for reservations is March 24. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m.

EveryONE Matters Campaign is part of TBT’s annual fundraiser and the the Camp Coleman Capital Campaign is raising money to update and renovate all the cabins.

For more information about Temple Beth Tikvah or to purchase tickets, please call (770) 642-0434 or visit www.BethTikvah.com.

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

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AJT

COMMUNITY

Reflection on 18 Years THE ONGOING GIFT OF EVERYDAY OCCURANCES

T

he comedian and entertainer, Bob Hope, once said, “When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things - not the great occasions - that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness.”

As I reflect back upon 18 years as a rabbi at Temple Sinai, these words certainly ring true for me.

While there have surely been remarkable, peak experiences - the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, memorable congregational programs and events, phenomenal learning opportunities with visiting scholars, fabulous travel opportunities and more – I truly believe that it is the joy and meaning which have come from the everyday experiences of my rabbinate that have sustained me to this day.

It is has been the greatest privilege to develop and nurture 18 years of sacred relationships, sharing profound life cycle moments with countless members across the generations, teaching and learning and worshiping together, and working side by side with amazing colleagues and staff.

To reflect upon these “simplest” of blessings is most assuredly a source of great happiness.

When we came to Atlanta in 1996, the Jewish community was active with a burgeoning young adult population, stable congregations and a healthy optimism for the community’s future.

Federation statistics estimated the Jewish community’s size at about 77,000 people. Temple Sinai at that time had reached a membership of approximately 625 families, prompting the congregation to engage me as their first Assistant Rabbi. Consider where we all are today!

The innovative spirit and enthusiasm of the Atlanta Jewish community over the years have surely borne rich fruit and it remains astounding to me that there are now an estimated 125,000 Jews in greater Atlanta and that Temple Sinai is blessed with a congregational membership of 1,400 families!

Over the past 18 years, new synagogues have been founded, some have merged. The cadre of inspiring rabbis present in Atlanta when I arrived has grown dramatically as countless, gifted colleagues across the denominations have also made Atlanta their home.

As the community and number of congregations have grown, so, too, has our level of collaboration, with synagogues and colleagues regularly programming together and combining efforts on major community initiatives. This spirit of cooperation should certainly be a source of pride for Atlanta’s Jewish community.

Other organizations have also evolved over the past 18 years, including the Atlanta Jewish Times, which itself has gone through a few transitions.

Many of our communal institutions, such as the MJCCA, have expanded both their programs and remarkable facilities, and some of our agencies have begun new initiatives which had an amazing impact on the Jewish community.

One need only consider the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, first introduced four years after I arrived and now attracting over 31,000 people to venues across the city, to appreciate one example of success.

The true strength of Atlanta’s Jewish community, though, remains the same today as it was 1996: the individuals and families who make up our community. While some of our pillars have sadly passed away over the years, it is inspiring to witness their “seats at the table” filled with a new generation of passionate, driven, engaged, visionary and dedicated individuals, both professional and volunteers.

I have every confidence that their leadership will ensure our Jewish community’s continued energy and strength in the years to come.

Eighteen years ago, as I was finishing Rabbinical School and exploring a congregation to serve, my wife Jill and I considered the qualities that we were looking for in a community and congregation.

To this day, we consider ourselves truly fortunate and blessed that Temple Sinai was looking for a rabbi to serve as an assistant to Rabbi Phil Kranz. While Atlanta surely had a great deal to offer, it was unquestionably the character, reputation, kindness and intellect of Rabbi Kranz that most drew me to Atlanta and to Temple Sinai.

Eighteen years later, I consider myself equally blessed to have Rabbi Kranz as an active Emeritus in the congregation along with two amazingly gifted and incredible colleagues in Rabbis Brad Levenberg and Elana Perry!

If I could offer any reflections and advice to the young and eager 32-year-

old Ron Segal who first walked into a community and found a home, I would say, “Be aware of where the Atlanta Jewish community has been, for there is a great history of important milestones and valuable institutions. And know that the greatest gifts you will encounter in your rabbinate will be the people in your life – those whom you are privileged to serve, those with whom you serve, and the members of the community who will become your cherished friends and family-members of choice. Remember, it is the everyday work of the rabbinate that is the greatest source of happiness.”

May we all continue to go from strength to strength.

Temple Sinai celebrates 18 Years with Rabbi Ron Segal!

The weekend begins with a community-wide Chai Shabbat on Fri., March 28 at Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive NW Sandy Springs, GA 30327 (Kabbalat Panim) Welcome Reception: 6 - 6:45 p.m. Shabbat Service: 7 p.m.

A festive Dessert Oneg will follow the service.

This event is free and open to all. Please RSVP online at www.templesinaiatlanta. org to help us plan for catering and logistics. If possible, please carpool to Temple Sinai on Fri., March 28, as parking is limited.

Thank you to Bold American Catering, Classic Tents & Events, The Flower Buds and POP’S! Wine & Spirits for contributing to Temple Sinai’s Chai Shabbat!

Our celebration continues at our sold out Chai Gala Fundraiser on Saturday evening, March 29, 2014 at The Loews Hotel.

If you’d like to share a message of congratulations with Rabbi Segal, send him a Chai Note by visiting www.templesinaiatlanta.org.

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

BY RABBI RON SEGAL SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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AJT

tell & K’vell

JEWS MAKING NEWS Compiled by elizabeth friedly

Seth Rogen Goes to the U.S. Senate

A

ctor Seth Rogen recently drew the attention of media and fans alike to an important cause when he testified at a U.S. Senate Committee hearing on Alzheimer’s disease research.

Rogen spoke candidly about his mother-inlaw, who was diagnosed in her early 50s and whose health has rapidly declined.

He and his wife, Lauren Miller, founded Hilarity for Charity in 2012 to raise awareness with young people and inspire them to help fundraising efforts for Alzheimer’s.

Only two of the 18 members of the subcommittee were present at the aforementioned hearing. Nevertheless, a video of the “KnockedUp” actor’s plea has received over 5 million views on Youtube.

Despite his easy-going persona, Rogen’s trip to the Senate was part of an already jam packed creative schedule. His latest announced projects include a TV adaption of the comic series “Preacher” and plans to direct/write the feature film, “Console Wars.” Rogen will team up with writing partner Evan Goldberg for both endeavors.

Jay Baruchel for King Adaptation

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

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ay Baruchel, of “Tropic Thunder” and “How to Train Your Dragon” fame, will star and serve as an executive producer for the film adaptation of Stephen King’s short story, “The Ten O’Clock People.”

This will mark the fourth time Baruchel has co-produced a film, including last year’s blockbuster comedy, “This is The End.” He has also signed on as the lead in FX’s upcoming comedy pilot, “Man Seeking Woman” based on another book entitled, “The Last Girlfriend on Earth, Man Seeking Woman.”

Audiences can look out for his other new projects, “Robocop” and this summer’s “How to Train Your Dragon 2.”

Born to Serge Baruchel and Robyne Ropell, Baruchel is originally from Ottawa, Ontario. He is one of two children with a younger sister, and still calls his childhood neighbourhood, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce of Montreal, Quebec home.

His paternal grandfather was a Sephardic Jew. Baruchel got his start in movies after his small role in 2000’s “Almost Famous.”

Birthday

Dorian Rose

D

orian Rose of Dunwoody, Ga. celebrated his 90th birthday on March 8. His family was pleased to join with him to help him blow out all the candles on the cake. He has been married to his wife, Carolyn, for 67 years and has two children, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Dorian is a former executive with Oxford Services where he worked for over 32 years, before retiring. His accomplishments include proudly serving in the armed forces during World War II, becoming a Mason with the Yaarab Temple – which he has been for more than 50 years – and serving as president of the Building Services Contractors Assoc. International. Dorian has continued working in the consulting field with Score, as well as his own company after retiring.

Wedding

Katz & Rodriguez

A

ndrew Sloan Katz and Ana Lucia Rodriguez are happy to announce that they are now Mr. and Mrs. Katz! The bride and groom exchanged marriage vows surrounded by family and friends in a beautiful ceremony officiated

by Rabbi Philip Kranz on Dec. 21, 2013 in Antigua, Guatemala.

Andrew is son of Rick and Suellen Katz of Atlanta, and Ana is daughter of Rosario Luna and Enrique Rodriguez of Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Andrew operates Anything Automotive, an automotive concierge company, and Ana operates Yoga For Families, private and group yoga therapy for kids and families, both in Atlanta.

Bar Mitzvah

Harrison Jacob Gerber

I

t is with great love, pride, and joy that we announce that Harrison Jacob Gerber was called to the Torah on his bar mitzvah celebration on Nov. 23, 2013 at Temple Sinai in Atlanta.

In preparation for his mitzvah, Harrison has volunteered with Amy’s Holiday Party and Creating Connected Communities for the last four years.

He is the son of Lisa and Sandy Gerber, grandson to Marion Goren and the late David Goren of Atlanta, and the late Toby and Bernard Gerber of Atlanta

AJT

COMMUNITY

Engagement Broadway at the Fox

M

r. and Mrs. Joel Denbo of Decatur, Ala. are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Hali Denbo, to Eric Freidin Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Smith of Atlanta.

The brideelect is the granddaughter of Buddy and Dolores Miller of Huntsville, Ala., Morley and Ann Denbo of Decatur, Ala., and the late Barbara Denbo, also of Decatur.

BY DEBBIE DIAMOND SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

M

any of Broadway’s most popular and engaging musicals are scheduled to tour Atlanta as Fifth Third Bank Broadway presents its 2014-2015 series at the Fox Theatre. Season favorites include: Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” July 8 – 13, 2014 In a magical kingdom fathoms below, we meet Ariel, the little mermaid who is tired of flipping her fins and longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical, “The Little Mermaid” is making its Atlanta debut at The Fox Theatre. So dive on in! Life is the bubbles, under the sea!

Ms. Denbo is a 2004 graduate of Decatur High School in Decatur, Ala., and a 2008 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising.

She earned a Master of Science degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University in 2010.

40 years ago. The 2013 Tony-award winner of “Best Musical Revival,” The New York Times declared the production“astonishing . . . a Pippin for the 21st century.” Pippin tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence.

“Motown” August 18 – 23, 2015 “Motown” tells the American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more.

The 2014-2015 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta full lineup includes: Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID July 8 - 13, 2014 THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA October 22 – November 2, 2014 DIRTY DANCING November 25 - 30, 2014 Disney’s NEWSIES January 20 - 25, 2015

Ms. Denbo is currently employed

by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as a Web Content Editor.

Mr. Smith is a 2004 graduate of Riverwood High School in Atlanta. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the Terry College of Business at The University of Georgia in 2009.

Mr. Smith is currently employed

by Peak Campus Management as a Senior Property Accountant, and is working to complete a Master of Business Administration degree from Emory University.

The couple will wed at the Von Braun Center in Hunstville, Alabama in September 2014.

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29

AJT

tell & K’vell

Hillel Answers What It Means to Be Jewish FEATURING THE AWARD-WINNING ESSAY BY STUDENT SAGE SEGAL SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

S

age Segal, a freshman at Indiana University, won First Place (and $500) in a Hillel sponsored essay contest titled: “What it Means to Me to Be Jewish.” The Atlanta Jewish Times has been given permission to feature her piece here: What it Means to Me to Be Jewish

By Sage Segal

I am Jewish.

I am my mother’s and father’s hands on my head as they bless me with peace, happiness, love, joy, safety, prosperity, good health, and harmony.

I am the sweet wine sipped slowly among loved ones on Friday nights.

I am my mother’s chicken and matzo ball soup, perfuming the air on the Sabbath eve.

I am squishy challah dough, my tensions of the week kneaded away in my very own recipe.

I am the meditative OM in chanting Shalom and the soft hum of Shhhhhmahhh (Sh’ma) as I close my eyes each night.

I am the subtle strokes of my bow across the strings, summoning the angels in B’shem Hashem with the call of my violin.

I am the enchanted sound of children’s laughter and singing at Shabbat Services.

I am the heartbeat of the drum that swells, as I pray for the healing and safety of those I love.

I am a bin filled with kippot, each one a head covering with its own unique design.

I am the Eternal flame, glowing persistently throughout the generations.

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I am the hushed whisper of the melodious Hashkiveinu, sung to G-d’s children as the sun sets.

I am the shiny Yad, a tour guide, like the tiny hand that points the way and keeps us from losing our place as we tread on this earth.

I am the knotted fringes, hanging from my father’s tallit, crafting intricate weaves as I ponder the rabbi’s sermon.

I am the warmth of the braided Havdallah candles, reflecting the unity that Shabbat brings forth.

I am the spices on Havdallah, making sweet the tasks of the week ahead.

I am the changing seasons, observed throughout the Hebrew calendar.

I am the Shofar blasting loudly, calling myself awake to each new blessed year.

I am a crisp apple, twirled in golden honey, as I dance in circles exalting G-d’s name.

I am the swaying of a people united in song.

I am the tangy citrus of the etrog, a heart filled with the perfect blend of sweet and sour supported by the spine of the lulav.

I am the mixed array of colors and textures depicted in the art of our history.

I am the mezuzah on our doorposts, representing G-d’s presence and Divinity.

I am the oil frying the latkes on Chanukah, bringing life to the Jewish kitchen, fueling energy and fire.

I am the platter of dried fruits on Tu B’Shvat, a compilation of colorful attributes.

I am the bitter herbs on Passover, remembering the struggle of our ancestors.

I am homemade Mandel bread, a multitude of flavors, creating a balance that is pure bliss.

I am an every seed bagel and schmear from Bloomington Bagel Company, an iJew for life and not afraid to show it.

I am Falafel and Israeli Salad, flavors erupting and bursting with intensity.

I am a tiny grain of sand in my homeland and the cool rush of salty water from the Dead Sea that brushes against my toes as the sun hits my face.

I am the freshly layered soil of Israel, creating new life on earth and calling on the souls of loved ones who have passed.

I am Marva Chana.

30 I am honored, blessed, and proud to be Jewish.

AJT

education

New Club Helps Journey Toward Equality WOODWARD’s GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

A

n official club as of January 2014, the Woodward Equality Alliance (WEA) is Woodward’s brand-new Gay Straight Alliance.

Founded by Jacob Reich (son of Sharon and Jacob Reich and Rabbi Josh Lesser Mark Reich and member of Congregation Or Hadash), the WEA serves to support Woodward’s LGBT students and straight allies and to educate the Woodward population about LGBT issues.

Thus far the club has discussed the “coming out” process, and recently brought in Rabbi Josh Lesser from Congregation Bet Haverim to speak. Rabbi Josh began his speech by discussing what the Hebrew Bible, or the Torah, says about homosexuality.

He explained what the Torah meant by “a man shall not lie with another man” and offered a modern, gay-friendly explanation.

Rabbi Josh then shared his personal story about how he became Atlanta’s first and only gay rabbi, and elaborated on how the different branches of Judaism view homosexuality today.

EDUCATION

Fun, Friends, Activities, Adventures

GHA Goes Hogwarts ISRAELI B’NOT SHERUT GIVES SCHOOL A PURIM SURPRISE SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

S

tudents at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy arrived at school as usual on Monday, the first day of the Hebrew month of Adar Sheni.

And that’s when they discovered that the school they thought they knew had been magically transformed into the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

GHA’s B’not Sherut, young women doing their national service for Israel in schools overseas, do a tremendous amount to bring the spirit of Israel to the school.

Linoy David, Maayan Dror, Sarah Tannenbaum, and Sara Yisrael show students the fun side of Jewish holidays, and wanted to share the tradition of Mishenichnas Adar, marbim b’simcha—“Whoever enters the month of Adar is full of joy”—Israeli-style.

The four B’not Sherut spent all day Sunday hanging up decorations and staging scenes. The students reacted with wild enthusiasm.

“It’s really cool!” was the overall consensus. In the cafeteria, the tables were rearranged into the four long “house” tables of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin, and students chose their own “houses.”

“I’ve always felt like I would have been in Hufflepuff if I were at Hogwarts,” explained Sophie Harris, an eighth grader.

TOP: from left to right, Sarah Tannenbaum, Sara Yisrael, Linoy David, and Maayan Dror.

Jonah Gordon said that he was in Slytherin because, “I just sat down where my friends were!”

The B’not Sherut also made sure to make Hogwarts educational by assigning Hogwarts characters roles in BOTTOM: the Purim story. They cast Sophie Harris in her Harry Potter as Mordechai, Hogwarts uniform.

Hermione as Queen Esther, Ron as Charbonah, Professor Dumbledore as King Ahasu “When Adar begins, with Purim com- erus, the Weasley twins as Bigtan and ing, we have a tradition of V’nahafach Teresh, and of course, Voldemort as Hahu, turning everything topsy-turvy,” man. explains Sara. “In Israel, students from The decorations will stay up through the oldest grade in the school create ac- Purim. GHA is holding Spirit Week for tivities and decorations for the other stu- the last week before Purim, when students that make things fun. dents will wear themed costumes, and “Ordinarily, we would have done the eighth grade will run their annual games and activities to bring Purim spir- Purim Carnival on the Friday before the it to GHA, but because of all the snow holiday. days, the teachers needed to make up Meanwhile, the B’not Sherut are the lost learning time—so we were lim- moving over to the Early Childhood Deited to just decorations,” said Linoy, “and partment to spread Purim happiness we know that so many kids love Harry there with a climbing castle transformed Potter!” into Shushan HaBirah, plays, and ac The B’not Sherut really did make tivities. the transformation seem like magic to “What an amazing job the B’not the students. Unfortunately, as real Sherut did with this project!” said Inmagic was in short supply, it took long terim Head of School Leah Summers. “I hours of hard work to transform the love the way they dressed up our whole school overnight. school in this incredible Purim costume!

Maayan described the process: “We These girls do such an amazing job sharspent about a week preparing every- ing the beauty and fun of Purim with our thing—the artwork, the flying car, the students, and when you see it all…wow.” brooms, the murals. We wanted it to be a “Classroom study is always an imsurprise, so we kept our workroom door portant part of learning about Judaism,” closed. The kids were bummed out, be- said Maayan. “But sometimes you need cause we always keep our door open and to do something cool, without all the they come to spend time with us and see speeches. Purim is something special, what we’re doing, but this time it was a and they feel it. They’ll wait all year for secret.” this.”

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AJT

MJCCA SUMMER DAY CAMPS

31

AJT

EDUCATION

GHA to Host Golf Tournament SIDNEY FELDMAN LEGACY TOURNAMENT HONORS A.J. ROBINSON

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PAGE AND CARL HENRY

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

T

he Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy will host the Sidney Feldman Legacy Golf Tournament on Mon., March 31 at the Druid Hills Country Club. This year’s tournament honoree is local businessman A.J. Robinson.

Proceeds from the event benefit Greenfield Hebrew Academy’s Scholarship Fund.

A.J. Robinson is the President of Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID).

CAP is a private business association that is one of the most effective advocacy organizations in the city of Atlanta. In this role, he manages the overall strategic functions of the organizations that are designed to make the Downtown Atlanta community more livable, vital and diverse.

Key initiatives focus on economic development, planning, public safety, sidewalk environment, transportation, events and overall marketing of Downtown Atlanta. Before he held his current position, Mr. Robinson was President of Portman Holdings, where he worked for 22 years.

Mr. Robinson’s many business and civic interests have included positions on the Board of Directors for American Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Regional Business Coalition, and The Breman Heritage Museum, among others.

He is an involved and active member of the board at Greenfield Hebrew Academy, and all three of his children graduated from or attend the school.

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“We’ve always felt that GHA represents the best community Jewish education model in Atlanta,” Mr. Robinson explains. “It’s diverse in its student body; it draws students from all geographical areas and all income levels, and that’s what provides GHA

students with such a great foundation, both when they’re operating in the Jewish community and in the larger world.”

A.J. Robinson has been recognized for his achievements by many different organizations and publications. Chosen as one of 10 “Outstanding Young Atlantans” in 1986, he was a member of the 1991-92 Leadership Atlanta Class and has published articles in The Wall Street Journal, Asian Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Atlanta Business Chronicle and National Real Estate Investor.

Mr. Robinson was chosen as one of the “100 Most Influential Georgians”

by Georgia Trend Magazine six times, and was named one of “Atlanta’s Top 40 Power Players” by Atlanta Magazine.

He was identified as one of the Most Influential Atlantans by the Atlanta Business Chronicle five years in a row.

“I am humbled to be honored by anyone,” Mr. Robinson says, “but I am particularly humbled to be honored at a golf tournament. I like to play, but I’m not very good! Still, I know that it’s really all about supporting the school— and that’s so important to me.”

A.J. Robinson is married to Dr. Nicole Ellerine. They are the proud parents of Micaela (GHA Class of 2010), Ethan (GHA Class of 2012), and Nathaniel (GHA Class of 2015).

“GHA’s education model reveals leadership qualities in kids,” Mr. Robinson says. “It teaches them socialization. It’s a great training ground for future leaders inside and outside the Jewish world. If you look at GHA graduates, as adults they are more than just participants in life. They are leaders in the Jewish world and in overall society.”

For more information on the Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy and the 2014 Sidney Feldman Legacy Golf Tournament, to register, or for media requests, visit www.ghacademy. org/index.php/golf-tournament or contact Jill Rosner at (404) 843-9900.

AJT

Jaffe’s Jewish Jive

The New North Atlanta “Country Club” High School Private vs Public with a Jewish twist

BY MARCIA JAFFE AJT Contributor The Facility

H

oused in the old IBM Headquarters on Northside Parkway just north of Mt Paran Rd., the newly relocated North Atlanta High School was touted in the New York Times (Aug 8, 2013) as the most expensive high school in the South: “Powerful enough to restore Atlanta’s public school reputation after the damaging cheating scandal…helping the district to dig out of a historic crises…. it may well be the Taj Mahal.”

The article was entitled, “A $147 Million Signal of Faith in Atlanta Public Schools.”

The 60 acres of rugged and pristine woods were purchased for $56 million; then another $71 million went into construction totaling the $147 million ($50 million over budget). CooperCarey, the architect said, “It’s safe to say there is no other school like it in the nation.”

the AJC many days in a row.

Technology at NAHS

Taylor, who had accepted a job back in the Gwinnett County System from which he came, rescinded his resignation and returned to NAHS. His goal is to raise the graduation rate from 61 percent to 90 percent.

Dr. Taylor has Navi-like locator system keyed into the students’ cell phones. If they are not in class when they are supposed to be, he sends a Resource Officer, to get them “re-positioned.”

In my private tour of the new school, Dr.Taylor lived up to his reputation. Soft spoken and respectful of the students, he runs a tight ship. A member of his staff describes him as, “no nonsense, strict but fair, good listener, never angry but enforces real consequences when deserved.”

He credits the neighborhood parents for pressuring each other to regain their Buckhead school.

I add here that one needs 90 minutes to tour the state of the art facility and a tour guide to not get lost within.

It is nothing like my conception of what a high school was: the smoothie bar, the performing arts wing, the shooting range, and the ball fields.

He has programmed elevators (seniors only go to their floor, etc).

They know who is on what elevator.

There are two to three Resource Officers on duty “sometimes more.”

When I entered the school, a passerby student opened the door for me; and Dr. Gene Taylor , Principal NAHS

The entrance boasts a stunning spiral staircase (à la cruise ship), 900 parking spaces, a food court-like cafeteria, a rifle range, university-class ball fields, and a complicated elevator system found in high rise hotels.

The gym seats 1800. There are security fences, a video production center, 17 entrances, 423 security cameras, and safety proof glass.

Note that RFK High School in L.A. built in 2010, cost $578 million. The average high school in the South costs $38.5 million. Critics moaned that a high school should not cost more than an Olympics ceremony.

The Benevolent Dictator Headlines were made in 2013 when the beloved new principal Dr. Howard “Gene” Taylor resigned from NAHS because he felt that the APS administration would not give him enough autonomy to properly run the school.

Parents went wild and raised the “ruckus of the century” to get him back, which they did! It was headlined in the Atlanta Business Chronicle and

Taylor said it is not yet formally approved, but there may be a $25 million dollar swim complex built on the property for multiple school use. Taylor said the ethnic mix is now about equal parts Hispanic, African American, and Caucasian.

NAHS has students from the mega wealthy to the homeless. Taylor said, “If there was ever a model for an urban high school, this is it.”

Brian McGuire, President of the Buckhead Business Association said, “After touring NAHS, I was extremely impressed. Principal Taylor is an asset to the Buckhead community and has a great vision for the future of the school. What was even more encouraging is the amount of participation among parents…. A winning combination: a state of the art facility, strong leadership, and engaged parents. “

I walked around the metal detector, but it was “after hours,” if that’s any consolation.

Taylor remarked, “We want no loiterers in the halls. If a 15-yearold girl gets ‘entangled’ with a 17-year-old boy, that’s a felony. We don’t want them practicing their ‘nuptials’ around here.”

He calmly clears the halls of “hanging outers” as he walks through.

The lockers are pre-programmed (no clumsy dangling hook -ons). The halls are spotless. Good behavior is rewarded as some are allowed to eat lunch outdoors on the veranda overlooking the acres of lush trees.

The Past “Jump Ship”

By Some Families Since this was the designated public high school for my children back in 2000 (in the old location on Northside Dr. (just North of Ahavath Achim Synagogue), many of us chose to not attend.

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

On my recent tour, I was awed by the floor to ceiling glass vista views from Buckhead to Vinings. You think we were distracted gazing out the window during class decades ago; this is like being in the Berkshires. Some of the halls are built over the Chattahoochee River – and the views are breathtaking.

That means we paid, moved or 33

AJT

Jaffe’s Jewish Jive

“borrowed” friends’ addresses to have our students cross over to Riverwood High School in Sandy Springs which was part of the North Fulton System.

I have a friend who even bought a house (which remains empty to this day), to have a Sandy Spring address – which may yet turn out to be a good investment.

As kids applied to colleges, we had to run over to the friend’s mailbox to get the acceptances. What a mess!

Other times we would get calls saying, “You got something from Boston

University, I’ll leave it under a plant by the front door, or do you want me to open it?”

and AP scores, go to great colleges, and have nice involved parents.

Our kids knew that they better not cause any trouble or call negative attention to themselves for fear of being tossed out.

Not boasting about this tactic; but we felt the ends justified the means. We paid enough taxes (and heard scary stories/myths?) about the crime and quality of staff at the old NAHS.

At first they were fearful of having other kids over to our real address; but then realized that so many folks were out of district, and that the administration “turned their heads”most probably because they knew the Jewish kids would raise their SAT

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Photo by Teresa Wood.

Note that the Atlanta news media and USA TODAY just last week addressed a brand new scandal uncovered at Grady High School in Midtown (APS): 14 out of 58 football players are illegally out of district (allegedly in order to play on the winning Grady team).

Civil and criminal charges are being considered.

I went to public high school in Knoxville, Tenn., as one of the six token Jews. So I had a different set of fears. Being blue-eyed and blond with the maiden name Caller, we clung to our identity but learned how to fit in.

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We were told that “one Jew at a time” could be inducted into the National Honor Society. My mother thought it was a compliment when the principal said to her privately at PTA, “For Jews, you have nice enough kids.”

My hands trembled when I had to present to each teacher the hand written “from mama” note that said to, “Please excuse us for the religious Holidays and allow us to make up the work.”

Mrs. Henson, the Algebra teacher, looked me in the eye and said, “Christmas ain’t till December.”

She meant it. She had never heard of the High Holidays.

The Ones Who Stayed Dr. Joe and Charlotte Marcus lived on Peachtree Battle, stayed within their district and sent three bright, well-mannered Epstein graduates to the old NAHS.

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They stood out as IB students, took great courses like Chinese and Arabic, graduated as either Valedictorian, or Salutatorians, and went to good colleges (with various scholarships).

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34

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

Charlotte said, “We were really happy with North Atlanta and the IB program. I worked in the office the whole time they attended school there. I was always in touch with their teachers.

“Our older son (because he observed Shabbat) was less active as far as school activities. Our middle son played tennis and was on the Academic Team which competed on Saturday.

They seemed very prepared for college and received IB credit along with AP

Shane Tepper, Riverwood’s Tevye credit for some subjects.

“Other than that, our youngest’s [daughter] car was broken into during school.”

Marci Draluck, herself a NAHS graduate some decades ago, sent two students from the Greenfield Hebrew Academy to the old NAHS around 2000.

Draluck exclaimed, “NAHS is the best kept secret around. It never crossed my mind to send them out of district. When I went there, there were tons of Jewish kids. In my sons’ cases, there were only a handful; but the Jewish kids found each other and expanded their base to all diversities.

“Gentile students even dug into their family history to brag of having a Jewish relative to connect to the Jewish group. It was all a melting pot with very open minds. On Friday nights I would prepare traditional Shabbat meals that the friends adored. We lingered around the table afterwards; I enjoyed having them here instead of at football games. One of those students even contacted me from Julliard to get my vegetarian chopped liver recipe to prepare at a dorm party.

“In addition to having friends of many nationalities, they thrived academically. My oldest son, Dov Pine, who was in the IB program and took years of Arabic, joined the Israeli Army and then attended Tel Aviv University. He is currently a chiropractor in Australia.”

Middle son, Noah Pine, was in the NAHS Performing Arts division which he used as a spring board for his current career as jazz pianist and performer.

school; but has not found much of a Jewish presence.

Her only complaint? “Figuring out the elevator system in time to get to class.”

The school website boasts some interesting clubs that are new wave-ish: Chinese Club, Earth Club, Model Arab League, Model UN, Arabic Club, to name a few.

The Rebels Who Left Bob and Jeannie Tepper paid approx $5,000 a year per child to attend Riverwood out of district. Note that the Atlanta Public School System eventually felt the “brain drain” pinch and put a halt to the paid “legal” crossover.

Son Shane said, “I don’t remember there being any drama surrounding the decision. It was a natural evolution coming out of Epstein in Sandy Springs to join my friends at Riverwood rather than starting over at NAHS. Riverwood itself was very culturally diverse and I enjoyed that. It’s not that we were running away from that aspect.”

Meanwhile at Riverwood, Shane was Valedictorian, starred as Tevye in the school production of “Fiddler on the Roof “(actually I remember him as being stellar in that role) and went on to an Ivy League university.

My daughter Avery (also coming from Epstein) graduated in the top 10 percent at Riverwood and received the award for the Best All Around Varsity/ Academic Cheerleader .

She recalls that Riverwood made it very comfortable for the Jewish students by hiring Mr. Zivony, a retired Israeli corporate executive, to teach Hebrew and Jewish studies. They gave him a “souped up” classroom with couches and a homey environment, where Hebrew fulfilled the language requirement. He was also adept at writing glowing college entrance recommendation forms.

A Current Look Maybe there are no signs of Jewish life at NAHS now; but there is life.

I talked to one anonymous current junior (also a graduate of Jewish Day School) who said she was happy in the

Some feel that a southern Jewish student from public school might be more favorably considered by university Admissions Offices.

And remember, there are always Pace, Lovett, Galloway, Woodward, Westminster etc to consider. I have a Jewish friend who went to Westminster and wrote his college entrance essay on “Having to Take New Testament Bible in Contrast to his Jewish Upbringing.”

“A private school environment provides more individualized attention and more opportunities for the student to form relationships with teachers, counselors and administrators.

A private school often has smaller classes, as well as more frequent communication with parents.

“A public school typically offers more and varied course selection.

Many public schools and some private schools have music, drama and art programs where a student could integrate these interests into his or her school day thereby freeing up after school hours for other pursuits. In a dual curriculum school, like a Jewish high school, there is not enough time in the day to take a variety of elective classes. However, what a young mind gleans from exposure and study of religion and other tangential subjects cannot be ignored.

what drives admissions. Colleges like diversity so that means admitting students from varied backgrounds.

Colleges offer opportunity and – more than in years past – seek ways to engage more marginalized yet ‘college ready’ applicants in the process. They are drawn to unique circumstances.

“I recall working with a Korean student who wrote a book, published in two languages, about her experiences moving to the U.S. She became famous among high school girls in her native country and was invited back to Korea for several speaking engagements. She was able to articulate this experience beautifully in her college essay and got into every school she applied to. She ended up at MIT. “Not so important is ‘private vs. public school.’ More relevant are the quality of the high school and the caliber of work from the individual student. The work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and challenge of a rigorous curriculum are what counts!” concludes Karpel.

And remember, Al McGuire said, “The world is run by C students.”

“I know many college representatives and have become familiar with

The Right Place. The Right Time.

Welcome Home!

He got into an Ivy League University.

Advice From a Pro Sharon Karpel, educational consultant and co-founder of Your College Direction, confirms that well-meaning parents ponder this equation (public vs. private). Read on for her full account: “After 30 years as Department Chair of Guidance and Counseling in a public high school and as Director of College Counseling in a private Jewish high school, I now work as an independent consultant.

Respite caRe ● peRsonal caRe ● memoRY caRe

“After years in one environment or the other, or perhaps a combination of both, - the ring to grasp is the coveted college admission. Competitive private schools, whether religious based or secular, declare the education they offer will lead to more admissions, perhaps even boldly claiming more selective college admissions. That becomes a significant selling point for the cost of private school. However, further exploration is warranted to substantiate that assertion.

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Sharon Karpel

Certainly many factors go into choosing a high school. If the student is so inclined, continuing with Weber or Yeshiva is fine choice.

If they want a larger more diverse pool of courses and students, then decisions have to be made.

more subtle ones. College admissions officers understand this. Do private schools offer superior everything, as may be the perception? Do public schools offer a more ‘real life’ experience and ‘look’ more like the society the student will enter?

35

AJT

what’s happening

Fri., March 14

Shabbat, Me & Rabbi G on the Road, at Temple Sinai. MJCCA Day Camps will have crafts and activities, followed by Shabbat songs and blessings with Rabbi Glusman. Includes a visit from the famous Shabbat Dinosaur!

Fri., March 14, 6 p.m. Free. Temple Sinai. Info, (678) 812-4161 or rabbi. glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Sat., March 15

COH Purim Gala, an adult only event following a full Megillah reading for the entire family. Dress up in your carnival/circus attire. DJ and dancing from Atlanta Fever Entertainment, decor by track Seven Events, On the Spot Memories photos, scotch and cigar bar, silent auction, and midway-inspired snacks. Sat., March 15, 8:30 p.m. $36/person, $72/couple.

Congregation Or Hadash. Tickets, cohatlanta.wufoo.com/forms/2014-orhadash-purim-gala

Sun., March 16

COH Purim Carnival, following an abbreviated family Megillah reading.

Featuring games and prizes, photobooth, DJ and dancing by Michael Wells Entertainment, and snacks.

Food available for purchase. Sun., March 16, 9:30 a.m. $10/advance, $15/door, cake walk $1 for two tickets. For tickets, call (404) 250-3338 or www.or-hadash.org.

MJCCA Megillah Madness: Family Purim, a program with Purim songs, a Megillah reading and special magic performance featuring “Howie, the Great.” Following the performance, children will participate in a Purim Costume Parade. Sun., March 16, 10 a.m. Free. MJCCA Zaban Park. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org, or (678) 812-4161.

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

Etz Chaim Purim Carnival, inviting the community to its annual Purim Carnival. Sun., March 16, 12:15 p.m.

Etz Chaim. For more information contact, perry@etzchaim.net.

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Bearing Witness Series, Manuela Mendels Bornstein and her family survived the Holocaust hiding in Vichy, France. Her story honors the “conspiracy of goodness” that saved them. Manuela will be sharing her story as well as a film. A guided tour of the Holocaust Gallery will follow each talk. Sun., March 16, 2 p.m. Free with admission. Breman Museum.

Purim Under the Sea, a purim celebration featuring a “seafood” buffet, submarine sandwich bar, megillah reading, a ship moon bounce and special crafts. Sun., March 16, 5 p.m.

Chabad of Cobb. Register at, www. chabadofcobb.com.

“Treasures of Sephardic Song” with Gerard Edery, Widely recognized as a master singer, guitarist and a leading folklorist, Edery’s “Treasures of Sephardic Song” traces the musical synergies between Christians, Arabs and Jews from Medieval Spain to the present. Sun., March 16, 7 p.m. $15/ in advance, $20/at door. Congregation Or VeShalom. Tickets, (404) 633-1737 or www.orveshalom.org.

CDT Purim Carnival, come dressed in costume for an afternoon of games and crafts, face painting, and yummy Hamantaschen to eat. Meet the Firefighters of Johns Creek and climb on their trucks. Sun., March 16, 1 p.m. $5/child, 2 and under free. Megillah reading at 6:15 p.m. Congregation Dor Tamid.

Thurs., March 20

AJMF Opening Night, The Afro-Semitic Experience with two performances.

Thurs., March 20, 7:30 p.m. $12/one performance, $18/all night. Steve’s Live Music.

Fri., March 21

AJMF Shabbat Service, Congregation Bet Haverim partnering with Ahavat Achim, will bring some of Atlanta’s best Hebrew chant leaders: Gayanne,Will, and Sunmoon Pie (Bonnie Pucket and Michael Levine).

Fri., March 21, 7:30 p.m. Free. Congregation Bet Haverim.

Sat., March 22

Purim on Piedmont: Young Adults Party, a Purim celebration for young adults, ages 21 to 35. Participants will enjoy Hamantaschen, dancing, door prizes, and more.Sat., March 22, 7:30 p.m. $10/JCC members, $15/nonmembers. Havana Club. Info, roey. shoshan@atlantajcc.org, or (678) 8124055.

Sun., March 23

AJMF Family Day, a collaborative Family Day as part of The Atlanta Jewish Music Festival’s 5th Annual Spring Festival with live Jewish Music performances from the pros, local teens, and many more. Sun., March 23, 11 a.m. $5/person, $18/family. Rabbi Glusman, (678) 812-4161 or rabbi. glusman@atlantajcc.org.

AJT

may their memories be a blessing

Mildred Cohen 90, Atlanta

Mildred S. “Millie” Cohen, 90, died on her owns terms, peacefully in her sleep on March 4, 2014 surrounded by her four children. She was born on the lower east side of New York City and attended Hunter College. Millie married Martin Cohen at the age of 18 and then moved to Atlanta in 1946. She worked as a high fashion consultant for JP Allens and Saks. Millie was preceded in death by her husband, Martin P. Cohen of 65 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who was adored by all. She is survived by her four children: Lois Franze, Sheila Taffel (Bruce), Howard Cohen (Caryl), and Barry Cohen (Anita Rainwater); 12 grandchildren: Emily Miller, David Franze, Rachel Headley, Sarah Jabbour, Alison and Jared Taffel, and Benjamin, Adam, Daniel, Matthew, Joshua, and Rachel Cohen; and 9 great-grandchildren. Her kind smile, loving and generous heart, along with her vivacious spirit will continue to live on. She leaves behind a lifetime of lasting and meaningful memories for all who knew her. An online guestbook is available at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org; or to the Jewish National Fund, who plant trees in Israel, 6065 Roswell Rd. #214, Atlanta, GA 30328, www.jnf.org. Graveside service was held 3 p.m., Wed., March 5, at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, with Rabbi Joshua Heller and Rabbi Philip Kranz officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, (770) 451-4999.

Zoe Gelder 95, Atlanta

Zoe Gelder, age 95, of Atlanta passed away peacefully on Feb. 19, 2014. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on June 18, 1918, the daughter of Henrietta and Irving Rosen. Zoe grew up in Brooklyn. She later met and married her beloved husband Gene Gelder and raised her family in Merrick, Long Island.

She was a devoted wife and mother and a true friend to all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband Gene Gelder and her brother Leonard Rosen. Zoe is survived by her son Roger Gelder and his wife Corky of Atlanta, sister-in-law Frieda Rosen of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Granddaughter Jennifer Gelder of Atlanta; Grandson Josh Gelder and his wife Karen of New York; Great Grandchildren Jake and Alex Newberg and Jack and Mia Gelder. Other survivors include niece Ilene Rosen. The family wishes to thank caregivers Tammare James, Sharon Rowe and LaShunda Anderson for their care and compassion. Sign the online guest book at www.jewishfuneralcare.com. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The William Breman Jewish Home, Temple Sinai or Weinstein Hospice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta (770) 451-4999.

Roberts-Shields Memorial Company has provided high-quality affordable memorials of distinction since 1898.

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Raymond Smith Raymond L. Smith, 92, of Atlanta, passed away peacefully on Thurs., March 6, 2014. A 12-year survivor of lung cancer, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Esther; and his younger siblings, Vern Smith and Mildred Smith Byrne. Born in Dayton, Ohio to Frieda and Ben Smith, of blessed memory, Raymond attended Ohio St. University before serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during WWII. Long time members of Beth Abraham Synagogue in Dayton, Ohio, he and Esther moved to Atlanta in 2002 to be closer to their family, and joined Congregation Or VeShalom. Raymond enjoyed playing bridge and golf, and will be remembered as the pillar of his family. He is survived by his daughters, Deborah Smith Nelson (Bruce) and Barbara Wendy Ziff (Tom); grandchildren: Zachary Nelson, David Ziff, and Erin Slosburg (Jake); great-grandson, Philip Slosburg; and many nieces and nephews. An online guestbook is available at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Congregation Or VeShalom, 1681 N. Druid Hills Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30319, www.orveshalom.org; to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org; or to Beth Abraham Synagogue, 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Dayton, OH 45409, www.bethabrahamdayton.org.

Graveside service was held at 3 p.m. Sun., March 9 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, with Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, (770) 451-4999.

marchj 14 ▪ 2014

92, Atlanta

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JEWISH PUZZLER

by David Benkof

Across 1. Some ways to get from Akko to Tel Aviv 6. Winnipeg mayor Katz and St. Louis philanthropist Fox 10. Yiddish writer Ida (“Lider far kinder”) 14. “Jew ___ Jew” (iPhone app removed

by Apple) 15. Left-leaning modern Orthodox organization through 2006 16. Country toward which the Jewish community’s attitude on sanctions is split 17. “Judaism ___ Gender” (1997 book) 18. “___ Jello is goyish” (Lenny Bruce line) 19. Gilda Radner piece on “Saturday Night Live” 20. NYU historian and author, “In the Almost Promised Land: American Jews and Blacks, 1915-1935” 22. Island where Jews first arrived in 1079 23. Start of the name of the holiday on the 18th of Iyar 24. ___ Brothers (studio that once considered a Mel Gibson “Maccabees” film) 26. Seder water for karpas 29. Now, as far as Turkish Jews are concerned 31. IDF co-founder Yitzhak 32. First Jewish NYC mayor after Koch 36. ___-Jewish community (The Bene Israel of Mumbai, e.g.)

37. “___ Your Tongue: a Pactical Guide to the Laws of Loshon Hora” 38. Year during the Second Temple Period (twice) 39. Home of the Israel Institute for Biological Research 41. ___ Life (popular Israeli cosmetics

line) 42. Curtis and Randall 43. “who ___ made me a slave” (siddur line, casually) 44. Dips featured in Super Bowl ads 47. Baseball player Kinsler 48. Bay ___ (home of the newspaper “J. Weekly”) 49. Place to find yeshiva students 56. Early chalutzim (pioneers) 57. He wrote Oprah’s only book club choice in 2006 58. Adjective that’s been used for the Prague Jewish cemetary 59. “Oyfen himmel a yarid!” (Yiddish version of “Much ___ about nothing”) 60. Adin Steinsaltz’s “The Thirteen Petalled ___” 61. Treats his clothing as a Jew in mourning would 62. Forward-looking people see it?

63. The Talmud says it’s small, but causes humility, since it was created first 64. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum permanently displays 4,000 of them

5. The “Heron” is this kind of Israeli drone 6. Baseball Commissioner Bud 7. Israeli sports pioneer Talbar 8. Jerry Herman musical with the number “My Best Girl” 9. “Gilligan’s Island” creator Schwartz 10. Title word in a Boublil-Schoenberg musical 11. Actor Adam (“Chicago Hope”) 12. African nation where Leon Kengo Wa Dondo (born Leon Lubicz) was the top leader 13. Only the High Priest could do this at

Last week’s answers

Down 1. ___ Chodesh Av (July 28, 2014) 2. Verdi’s “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves,” e.g.

3. Establishments like Rahab’s in the Book of Joshua 4. Geneticists can use them to trace the Cohen syndrome

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32. Haifa sight 33. Israeli Lacrosse player Goldstein 34. Crown Heights event of 1991 35. It might show a waving Israeli flag 37. Kagan colleague 40. Morton A. Klein’s group 41. Vermont’s socialist Senator 43. Battle of Tel ___ 44. Philanthropist Haim who said, “I’m a one-issue guy, and my issue is Israel” 45. Tremp (Hitch ___, Israel-style) 46. Location of men’s sections in Orthodox synagogues compared to “women’s galleries,” often 47. “How can ___ a nice Jewish boy?”

50. Judges judge 51. Ki ___ (second tablets Torah portion) 52. Longest Torah portion in the book of Deuteronomy 53. Postwar Nuremberg leader Hamburger 54. Kugel kind of dish 55. Dame Myra ___

the Holy of Holies 21. Kind of school with both Jewish and general subjects 25. One tefillin location 26. Not meshuggah 27. Performs a function that was child’s play for Georg Cantor 28. Philosopher who taught Allan Bloom and Susan Sontag at the University of Chicago 29. King and Dershowitz 30. Waltz alternative 31. Shin with a different dot

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