Atlanta Jewish TImes No 10, March 21, 2014

GHA-YA MERGER

Exclusive insight from New board president ian ratner

atlanta mourns loss of a great woman PAGE 28

Israel’s labor dispute hits home PAGE 2

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March 21, 2014 – March 27, 2014

19 ADAR II – 25 ADAR II, 5774 vOL. LXXXIX NO. 10

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Artist Rendering of new cabins at Camp Barney Medintz details PAGE 16 PAGES 8-12

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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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israel

Israel’s Labor Dispute Hits Home

ISRAELI CONSULATES ON STRIKE AROUND THE WORLD SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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s of Monday, March 3, 2014, Israel’s diplomats suspended all consular services and involvement with official visits both in Israel and overseas. After a year of negotiations and a seven-month mediation process with Israel’s Finance Ministry fell through, the diplomats and employees of the Foreign Ministry were left with no choice but to halt their work.

As the fierce labor dispute in Israel’s Foreign Ministry rages on for a third week, concerned citizens across the globe and here in the Southeast have one question: why?

More than 12 years have passed since the salaries of Israeli diplomats were last adjusted, even as inflation and costs of living continually rise.

Regardless of final salary and expenses, they are taxed at a painful 48 percent. These conditions make it nearly impossible for diplomats,

Israel’s Memorial Day, Yom Hazikaron, have approached the Israeli Scouts and asked them to lead the ceremony this year.”

even those in more affordable regions, to make ends meet.

The impact on families, specifically “trailing” spouses and children, is especially difficult. Forced to give up their work—and therefore, pensions—to follow their partners to postings around the world, many spouses struggle to find employment in their new communities. Diplomats are forced to pull from their already inadequate salaries to cover the costs of childcare and early childhood education for their children until the age of 3, at which point the Israeli government covers those expenses until age 18.

Additionally, these families face the incalculable emotional toll of being constantly uprooted, beginning and ending relationships every few years.

Tasked with representing the State of Israel around the world,

The Right Place. The Right Time.

Welcome Home!

Consul General Opher Aviran and Deputy Consul General Ron Brummer

srael’s diplomats and Foreign Service employees often face hostility and resentment as they earnestly work to promote the interests of the people of Israel at home and abroad.

Recently, Israeli diplomats in New Delhi, India, Bangkok, Thailand, and Tbilisi, Georgia have been the targets of terrorists, and just last week, large protests in front of the Embassy of Israel in Amman, Jordan, threatened the safety of those inside. Exactly 22 years ago, on March 17, 1992, a suicide bomber attacked the Embassy of Israel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, killing 29 and wounding 242 civilians.

There is no other country where, per capita, diplomats pay such a high price to represent their nation. Yet in the face of this danger, Israel’s diplomats remain deeply dedicated and resolute.

Kaylene Rudy with the Atlanta Jewish Times sat down with Israel’s highest ranking diplomats in the Southeast United States, Consul General Opher Aviran and Deputy Consul General Ron Brummer, to discuss the situation.

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Consul General Aviran outlined the toll the labor dispute has already taken locally. “Last week, I was forced to decline the invitation to address the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives as they honored the special relationship between Georgia and the State of Israel. Turning down this great honor was immensely frustrating not only for me, but for the entire Consulate, as we understand the significance of this opportunity and deeply appreciate the gesture.

Furthermore, the Consulate and “Israeli House,” which had no choice but to step down from their leading roles in the commemoration ceremony for

Addressing the broader consequences of the clash, Aviran continued, “We are especially saddened to cancel, for the first time in Israel’s 66-year history, Israel’s Independence Day celebrations around the world. Here in Atlanta, we so looked forward to bringing one of Israel’s greatest cultural ambassadors, Achinoam Nini, for a special concert. Other international commitments affected include the probable cancellations of the Pope’s visit to Israel in May and President Shimon Peres’ official visit to China.”

Deputy Consul General Brummer addressed the effect of the Finance Ministry’s inflexibility on more recent graduates of the diplomatic training program, such as himself.

“We are proud to be diplomats. It is a very selective career path—only 1/100 are chosen for these positions.

However, after only five years, nine of the 35 cadets in my class have left the Ministry due to the financial and emotional costs.”

Though this is the most interesting and exciting work I have ever done,” Brummer added, “My colleagues and I can earn two to three times our current salaries in the private sector. Following this posting [at the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast], I will probably have to leave the Foreign Ministry because my family simply cannot afford to continue living with these circumstances.”

Now, more than ever, the State of Israel needs support. Israel’s diplomats are the first line of defense against real threats, including a nuclear Iran, and the best representatives of the innovative prowess the nation has to offer. The time is now to act to save Israel’s Foreign Service.

For more information about this story and how you can support your local Israeli Embassy and Consulate contact Kaylene Rudy (404) 883-2130 x 100.

israel

Netanyahu’s Government’s First Year PRIME MINISTER DISCUSSES PROGRESS AT NEGEV CONFERENCE

Krayot bypass road (in Haifa’s northern suburbs) and Yagur interchange.

PROVIDED BY ISRAEL GOVERNENT PRESS OFFICE

P

rime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tues., March 18,, attended the 6th Negev Conference in Sderot and discussed the actions of his government (Israel’s 33rd) during its first year in office:

“Today, we are marking exactly one year since the government was formed. One of the main goals that we set was to develop the Negev and the Galilee and bring them closer to the center. We have invested more than NIS 10 billion in transportation infrastructures. We built a railway station here in Sderot. Be’er Sheva is becoming a global cyber center. We blocked illegal migration.

“In the wake of Operation Pillar of Defense, quiet – of a kind unknown in a decade – has prevailed here.

There will be no trickle of rockets. My policy is clear: Any firing of rockets will be met with an immediate and sharp response.

“In the past year, we have built up Israel’s security in the face of regional turmoil and the Israeli economy has continued to grow more than the economies of the world, which are still dealing with an economic crisis.

“There has been an impressive series of achievements here, especially given the short time in which they have occurred. Some of them are due to the implementation of decisions taken by the previous government.

In the coming year, we can expect to see further results of decisions taken by the new government.”

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In 2013, NIS 12.8 billion were invested in transportation infrastructures throughout the country in order to link the Negev and the Galilee with the center. Such projects include: Golani interchange, the Sderot railway station, widening the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway, the

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Illegal migration into Israel has been blocked. The 242-kilometer border fence in the south has been completed and the number of illegal migrants entering Israel’s cities has declined to zero.

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2013 was the quietest year in the south in a decade.

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The implementation of free education for toddlers: The parents of approximately 290,000 children from ages 3 to 4 enjoy free education, a savings of NIS 800 per month per child.

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Growth in 2013 was among the highest in the West (3.3 percent in Israel as opposed to the OECD average of 1.2 percent).

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Unemployment in 2013 was among the lowest in the world (6.2 percent in Israel as opposed to the OECD average of 8 percent).

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Tel Aviv is ranked 2nd on Startup Genome’s Startup Ecosystem index, right behind Silicon Valley.

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The government approved the Digital Israel plan in the framework of which, fiber optic cables will be installed throughout the country.

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Daylight savings time was extended, saving the economy approximately NIS 300 million per annum.

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The Open Skies reform has led to a 66 percent increase in low-cost flights.

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Free dental treatment for children under 12: As of today, over 3 million free dental treatments have been given.

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israel

Israel Day

SUPPORTERS VISIT THE STATE CAPITAL SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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group of dedicated community members traveled to the Georgia State Capital where they were granted an audience on the subject of Israel. Read the House and Senate resolutions, as of 2014’s “Israel Day.” The resolutions included below recognized unwavering support and friendship for the Jewish State, for as formally recognizing its right to selfdefense.

House Resolution 1459

By Representatives Geisinger of the 48th, Jacobs of the 80th, Wilkinson of the 52nd, Henson of the 86th, Riley of the 50th , and others A RESOLUTION Expressing support for the State of Israel and inviting Honorable Consul General Opher Aviran to be recognized by the House of Representatives; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the State of Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, is the greatest friend 4 and ally of the United States in the Middle East; and WHEREAS, attacks on the people of Israel continue to undermine the possibility of a peaceful resolution of its conflict with Palestine; and

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WHEREAS, attempts to deny the legitimacy of the sovereign state of Israel continue unabated in the United Nations and international media; and

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4. Express their desire to encourage all Georgia lawmakers, both state and national, and all Georgia citizens to give their vigorous and enduring support to the State of Israel; and 5. Invite Honorable Consul General Opher Aviran to be recognized by the House of Representatives at a date and time to be determined by the Speaker of the House.

14 LC 103 0401 H. R. 1459 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that TOP: Shai Robkin AICC SE, Cheryl Levitan JFGA, Shelley Rose ADL, Chuck Berk Israel Bonds, the Clerk of the Elizabeth Appley JCRCA, and others.

House of Representatives is au- BOTTOM: Mr. Chuck Berk spoke and the whole room rose to applaud and show support after the resolution was read.

Photo above and identified below by Chuck Berk. thorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Honorable Consul General Opher Aviran and to the Georgia congressional delegation.

Senate Resolution 741

By Senators Albers of the 56th, Jackson of the 24th, Crosby of the 13th, Tolleson of the 20th, Carter of the 1st and others

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia recognizes that Israel has a right of selfdefense against attacks.

A RESOLUTION

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body:

WHEREAS, the State of Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, is the greatest friend and ally of the United States in the Middle East; and

1. Express strong support and a steadfast commitment to the security, welfare, and survival of the Jewish State of Israel with secure borders and recognize its right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens against acts of terrorism;

WHEREAS, attacks on the people of Israel continue to undermine the possibility of a peaceful resolution of its conflict with Palestine; and

2. Call for an end to all attacks against Israel and for all nations to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish State; 3. Call for the United Nations to work for true peace by ending its one-sided and unjust blaming of Israel when it engages in lawful acts of self-defense;

Expressing support for the State of Israel; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, attempts to deny the legitimacy of the sovereign state of Israel continue unabated in the United Nations and international media; and WHEREAS, the State of Georgia recognizes that Israel has a right of selfdefense against attacks.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body:

1. Express strong support and a steadfast commitment to the security, welfare, and survival of the Jewish State of Israel with secure borders and recognize its right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens against acts of terrorism; 2. Call for an end to all attacks against Israel and for all nations to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish State; 3. Call for the United Nations to work for true peace by ending its one-sided and unjust blaming of Israel when it engages in lawful acts of self-defense; and

4. Express their desire to encourage all Georgia lawmakers, both state and national, and all Georgia citizens to give their vigorous and enduring support to the State of Israel.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Honorable Consul General Opher Aviran and to the Georgia congressional delegation.

atlanta Max Heimowitz, John Manzari, Maurice Hines, Leo Manzari and Sam Heimowitz, with members of the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, in Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater November 15-December 29, 2013.

Photo by Teresa Wood.

PUBLISHER CLIFF WEISS

cmweiss@atljewishtimes.com

BUSINESS OFFICE Business Manager

Kaylene rudy

krudy@atljewishtimes.com Customer Service

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Choreographed and written by Maurice Hines | direCted by Jeff calHoun

Senior Account Manager

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EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief

CLIFF WEISS

cmweiss@atljewishtimes.com Associate Editor

elizabeth friedly

Broadway legend and tap extraordinaire Maurice Hines teams up with the unforgettable Manzari Brothers to share his life story and glamorous career through tap.

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Maurice Hines is “tHe life of tHe party.”

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ARLENE APPELROUTH BRAM BESSOFF Eden Farber Rachel LaVictoire marcia jaffe Al Shams CHANA SHAPIRO Shaindle Schmuckler

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GABRIEL WEISS CONTACT INFORMATION general office 404.883.2130 KRUDY@atljewishtimes.com The Atlanta Jewish Times is printed in Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. The opinions expressed in the Atlanta Jewish Times do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.

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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

Atlanta Jewish Music Festival

WIN THE VIP TREATMENT VIP ACCESS TO SOUND CHECK ► MEET AND GREET WITH YO LA TENGO, TWO VIP TICKETS MIKEY PAUKER AND t with Main Evenes! BASYA SCHECHTER! ► ATLANTA JEWISH FESTIVAL POSTER backstage pass March 29 SIGNED BY THE ARTISTS ► DINNER AT FRONT PAGE NEWS ►

Two Second prize winners will receive two tickets to the “Main Event” on Saturday, March 29, 2014 Second prize winners will also receive one autographed commemorative poster by Yo La Tengo

march 21 ▪ 2014

“LIKE” Us on our Atlanta Jewish Times Facebook to enter the drawing for an AJMF prizes contest. Ends March 25, 2014

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AJT

Atlanta Jewish Music Festival

Your Guide to AJMF5

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THIS YEAR’S MUSIC FESTIAL

BY BRAM BESSOFF

AJT contributor

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s self-proclaimed music guru of the AJT, co-chair and vice president of the Atlanta

Jewish Music Festival, I am assuming responsibility to making sure you don’t miss a single moment of what promises to be the biggest and best spring festival we’ve done yet.

Spread over 10 days and two weekends there is a lot to attend and this is how it’s going down: MAIN EVENT, SAT. MARCH 29 Yo La Tengo, Mikey Pauker & Basya Schechter Variety Playhouse (1099 Euclid Ave NE 30307) Doors: 7:45 p.m., Show: 8:45 p.m.

Yo La Tengo Starting backwards, our festival ends with a headlining show from Yo La Tango, an Atlanta fav since before the millennium. The group features Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley, who formed the band as a husband/wife duo in Hoboken, N.J., back in 1984.

The band was named after a moment in baseball history when the 1962 New York Mets center fielder Richie Ashburn and Venezuelan shortstop Elio Chacón found themselves

colliding in the outfield due to confusion over “¡Yo la tengo!” being Spanish for “I got it!”

described as one of the most profound and trend setting Jewish Recording Artists and experiential educators in the world.

First becoming the team’s standard for calling out a catch, it is now memorialized as the name of an artist that has survived the music industry timeline completely on their own terms.

Featured in Time magazine’s online time.com as one of the 10 Stars of the New Jewish Musicians, Mikey is recognized as an engaging musician who is transforming the boundaries of contemporary Jewish music and gen-

With releases dating back to 1986, YLT released their first LP, “Ride the Tiger” on Coyote Records. The band has since recorded 13 records, including their latest “Fade” released just last year.

They have been through five record labels and four past members, leaving them a trio for their upcoming performance with Ira and Georgia being accompanied by James McNew on bass.

Despite achieving limited mainstream success, Yo La Tengo has been called “the quintessential critics’ band” and maintains a strong cult following, known for its encyclopedic repertoire of cover songs both on stage and in the studio.

Along with their impressive 30 year discography, they have collaborated with Yoko Ono, done four film soundtracks and an original score for a short lived documentary series “The Sounds of The Sounds of Science.”

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Their humor can best be understood when you watch a alternate video for “Sugarcube” (a tune which has been covered by the Flaming Lips) featuring huge YLT fans, Matt Besser, and Amy Poehler of Upright Citizens Brigade (who can be seen on various episodes wearing Yo La Tengo t-shirts) along with David Cross, the talent behind Mr. Show.

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Watch it by finding the link on the @atlantajmf twitter feed or searching YouTube. Tenacious D fans will love this video.

Mikey Pauker Be sure to arrive early so you can catch our supporting acts. Mikey Pauker of Laguna Beach, Calif., has been

Mikey Pauker erating “Jewish Cross Over Music.”

Mikey draws inspiration from traditional Jewish liturgy, Chassidut, Mysticism, and his own Jewish experiences. Mikey’s “Sim Shalom” has been featured in the RUACH 5771 song book and has been implemented in congregations, youth groups and summer camps all over the U.S. and Israel.

Recently he has shared the stage with Matisyahu, Moshav, Trevor Hall, Idan Raichel, Yael Mayer, Josh Nelson, Craig Taubman among others. Along with members of his full time band, Mikey will be accompanied onstage at AJMF5 by two local musicians Eli Sperling, fellow AJMF board member, and Nick Edelstein, a previous AJMF featured artist (2011 Closing Concert).

Basya Schechter

Basya Schechter Opening the evening is special guest and front woman of Pharaoh’s

AJT

Atlanta Jewish Music Festival

Daughter, Basya Schechter. Hailing from New York City, Basya blends a psychedelic sensibility and a pan-Mediterranean sensuality.

Known for leading her band through swirling Hasidic chants, Mizrachi and Sephardi folk-rock, along with spiritual stylings filtered through percussion, flute, strings and electronica, her sound has been cultivated by her Hasidic music background and a series of trips to the Middle East, Africa, Israel, Egypt, Central Africa, Turkey, Kurdistan and Greece.

Performing as a pared down trio at AJMF5, expect to see a different side to Basya. She brings her cross between an Arabic oud and a Turkish saz guitar sound, laden with harmonic minor melodies and odd time signatures that will bring new light to Pharaoh’s daughter classics and solo works seldom heard live.

There will be a few fun and interactive ways to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival, including custom on-demand t-shirts printed on site.

Choose from an array of designs, colors and shirts to purchase your own one-of-a-kind concert tee. Hop into our pop-up photo booth or get a free photo frame magnet from our wandering photographers who will insert your pic into this year’s commemorative photo frame as your free gift for attending AJMF5.

FAMILY DAY, SUN. MARCH 23 Featuring Josh Nelson Project, Boomfox, Miss Emily, No Komment, Miles Cohen, Justin Goren and JR Stein Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (5342 Tilly Mill Rd 30338) Doors 10:30 a.m., Music & more 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

from the best of our acclaimed teen open mic series along with a full array of activities for all ages including food, drum circles, and interactive exhibits by vendors and partners from the Atlanta community.

Josh Nelson Project

Boomfox Boomfox is an Athens-based rock band led by Hannah Zale Toland that brings pop sensibilities to a solid rock sound. In support of their recently released EP “Beech Valley,” Boomfox stop to rock AJMF with their fusing of blues, grunge and alternative rock that brings a high-energy performance and sound that Athen’s Music Junkie says they found it “impossible to stop listening.”

Zale, who is classically trained in opera, helped form the band’s image and found inspiration for their name by covering Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady” one too many times in their early days. When Hannah Zale and the Foxy Caucasians didn’t catch, they became Boomfox.

Josh Nelson Project

Miss Emily

Highlights include a headlining performance from Josh Nelson Project.

One of the most popular performers and composers in modern Jewish music, Josh Nelson brings his extraordinary message of hope, unity and spirituality to concert stages and worship services across the globe.

For those with little ones, be sure to arrive at the beginning of the day

Josh is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, known to play as many as 13 instruments in one show (although not at once) and is a songwriter whose work is celebrated and integrated into the repertoire of congregations, camps and communities around the world.

Another artist recently hailed by Time Magazine as a “star of the New Jewish Music,” Josh’s presence and performance style is high-energy and captivating.

He is a classically trained musician who is equally versed in rock, jazz and world music, Josh lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. with his two young sons and a goldfish named Dorothy who will not be making it to the show this coming Sunday.

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Miss Emily to catch Florida’s own “Miss” Emily, a Jewish music educator who believes wholeheartedly in the power of informal education with music as her tool of choice.

Her primary career focus is early engagement of young Jewish children and their families through developmentally appropriate, enjoyable and meaningful musical experiences.

Emily has two released albums, “For Shabbat!” and “Every Day!” and was featured on the PJ Library’s album “This is Me!”Emily also works with Jewish Learning Matters, creat-

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The newest addition to our spring festival, the Family Day is AJMF’s first move to a traditional festival-styled, multi-stage event.

Along with our featured performers, there’s more live music

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AJT

Atlanta Jewish Music Festival

ing and editing curricular materials to support the use of books and music to teach Jewish values.

best Hebrew chant leaders: Gayanne Geurin, Michael Levine, Bonnie Puckett and Will Robertson.

Local teen sensations No Komment of Tucker, Ga. along with featured teen open mic night artists Miles Cohen, Justin Goren and JR Stein fill out the middle of the day bridging the gap between rocking the tots and the adults.

It has been known that services like this have taken some to meditative states of devotion and connection to the Divine while inspiring others to break out into joyful song and dance.

Attending and playing in similar services in the past, I can contest that it is easy to find new meaning in prayer with Kirtan chanting.

SHABBAT CELEBRATIONS, FRI. MARCH 28 Featuring Mikey Pauker & Rabbi Brian Glusman Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (5342 Tilly Mill Rd 30338) 5:30 p.m.: Family friendly Shabbat experience. 7 p.m.: Celebration for families, singles, and adults of all ages.

The evening will be accompanied by rabbis Laurence Rosenthal and Joshua Lesser and is open to entire public. In fact, we at AJMF encourage you to invite non-Jewish friends and acquaintances to attend and experience this moment with us.

This year we are excited to produce two very different ways to experience Shabbat through musical worship and prayer.

Bring younger children to enjoy family-friendly Shabbat songs, prayers and blessings, challah, grape juice and a visit from “The Shabbat Dinosaur” for the family experience promptly starting at 5:30 p.m. and stick around for the Shabbat celebration at 7 p.m. featuring Mikey Pauker’s unique style as he breathes new life into Shabbat classics.

SHABBAT CHANT SERVICE, FRI. MARCH 21 Featuring Gayanne Geurin, Will Robertson, Bonnie Puckett and Michael Levine Congregation Bet Haverim (2676 Clairmont Rd NE 30329)

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Doors 6:30 p.m., Service begins 7:30 p.m.

Open to all, FREE

Come experience a unique Shabbat service of Sacred Hebrew Chant as AJMF5 returns to Bet Haverim for this special musical service. Together with congregation Ahavat Achim, this 10 Shabbat service features Atlanta’s

This is a group that is as comfortable playing a freylakh as they are swinging a blues.

Nat Hentoff of The Wall Street Journal said he “Never before have I heard this lyrically powerful a fusion of Jewish and jazz souls on fire.”

Open to all, FREE

On the lighter side, Shabbat Celebrations with Mikey Pauker and MJCCA’s own Rabbi Brian Glusman is a two-part affair intended for the whole family.

Co-founded by AfricanAmerican jazz pianist Warren Byrd, and Jewish-American jazz bassist David Chevan for an interfaith Martin Luther King memorial service in 1998, they set out to create an ensemble dedicated to preserving, promoting and expanding the rich cultural and musical heritage of the Jewish and African diaspora.

The Afro-Semitic Experience OPENING NIGHT, THU. MARCH 20 Afro-Semitic Experience Steve’s Live Music (234 Hilderbrand Dr NE 30328) Doors 6:30 p.m., Set 1: 7:30 p.m.

(Sold Out), Set 2: 9:30 p.m.

(Few Tix Remaining) The Afro-Semitic Experience AJMF5 kicks off with a celebration of Jewish and Black culture by bringing in an artist that is fighting antiSemitism and racism with the power of music. Residing from my neck of the woods growing up in the North, The Afro-Semitic Experience is a band from Hartford, Conn. that is beyond simple description.

Perhaps best worded as soul-driven music, they play spiritual, world-beat, funk, jazz, cantorial, gospel, salsa, swing pretty much all at once. To get a taste of what that sounds like, listen to “Fon der khupe 6” on their website, and you’ll see what I mean.

One of the hottest tracks from their brand new record “Jazz Souls on Fire” which is being released the night of this show.

Pianist/Composer Warren Byrd is a Hartford, Conn. native with an international touring schedule. His experiences with performing began with singing in the church choir with his older siblings. By the time he’d been awarded a full scholarship for Classical Vocal Studies at Hartt College of Music, he’d decided he wanted to be a jazz artist.

Bassist and composer David Chevan, was born in Philadelphia in 1960, and grew up in Amherst, Mass. His early passion for music has led him to explore a wide range of musical realms from singing in synagogue, to playing in gospel groups, Polka bands, Klezmer bands, and Italian wedding bands, and finally to jazz and contemporary composition. He has composed music for a wide range of artists and ensembles.

The talent on stage is not the only special aspect of the evening, opening night is also the site of AJMF’s silent auction featuring a wide array of unique gifts such as studio recording time, rock star consultancy, dance lessons, learning to speak Hebrew, a bottle of scotch, VIP tickets to Haim and so much more going to the highest bidder.

AJMF5 also brings the third installment of our limited edition commemorative poster available for sale at all non-Shabbat AJMF events.

Featuring the illustration styles of Atlanta design student Matt Phejlada, this limited edition silk screen poster is hand printed by local legendary pop artisans Danger Press.

The concept this year was to proclaim our goal to unify the different sub cultures across the Atlanta Jewish community, represented by a crowd of unique and different characters coming together under the AJMF banner to celebrate Judaism, life and each other through the power of music.

Limited quantities of posters will be on hand for each event, so we recommend arriving early if you are one of those that like to collect. Each poster is hand signed and numbered by the artist and is first-come-first-served.

As always we recommend getting your tickets in advance, our events have been known to sell out before. For all things AJMF5, links to venues, online ticket sales and more detail visit www.atlantajmf.org, and be sure to come find me, Russell, Raychel and all the board members and volunteers of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival to say hello and share in the fun.

We look forward to seeing you over the next two weeks.

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.

AJT

Atlanta Jewish Music Festival

Celebrating 5 Years

AJMF FOUNDER & DIRECTOR LOOKS BACK SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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hen I founded the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival (AJMF) in 2009 with about a dozen other passionate volunteers, we wanted to unify Atlanta’s Jewish community through the power of music and round out the Jewish cultural calendar that already included an annual Jewish Film Festival and Jewish Book Festival.

In fact, I spent the previous three seasons with the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF: 2006-07 as an intern, 2007-09 as part-time staff) learning some of their best practices and being inspired by their supportive and enthusiastic constituency. It was a perfect storm of youthful exuberance and just enough information to be effective that enabled the birth of AJMF. Two things happened in the first half of 2010 that ensured our successful launch.

First, in March and April of that year, Emory Hillel partnered with the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation to present the Israeli Hip-Hop duo Axum to Atlanta’s Jewish community. As a recent Emory Alum (‘07 BA Film and Music), AJMF founder and friend of then Emory Hillel Director Michael Rabkin, I was on the short list and eventually secured the two-month position of managing these artists while they engaged with Hillels of Georgia Chapters and the Atlanta community at large.

I was given tremendous freedom during that time and with Axum’s dedication and support, we created approximately 50 public concerts, residency and media appearances over those two months. This gave me invaluable music production experience and marketing opportunities leading up to the first Atlanta Jewish Music Festival (June, 2010).

During this time, the founding steering committee consisting of myself, Bennie Cohen, Ethan Davidson, Sara Duke, Gayanne Geurin, Marcia Jacobs, Jodi Mansbach, Michael Rabkin, Eric Robbins, Jennie Rivlin Roberts, Rebecca Leary Safon, Itai Tsur, Howard Wexler, were having difficul-

ty raising money to launch AJMF, an unknown initiative (so what is Jewish music?), in an unknown package (what’s a Jewish music festival?) by an unknown salesman (who is this Russell Gottschalk?). ]

As more Southerners flock to Atlanta for our multi-day, must-attend festival, there are more opportunities for AJMF to impact and strengthen these other Southern communities through the power of music.

I remember a I want to end by conversation with a thanking the dozens friend and co-founder of volunteers who of A3C, Brian Knott have served on our who gave me the diboard and steering rection we needed. committees over the He said, “Don’t be years, the many more afraid to hit a single. who volunteer at Everyone swings for events and the hunRussell Gottschalk the fences but if you dreds of donors and hit a single or a douorganizations who ble, at least you get on base.” support this fun and important work.

We took that advice to heart and instead of launching a multi-day celebration of Jewish music as we initially planned, we developed a oneday festival that feature four exciting acts (one local, two national and one international group) in a mediumsized venue, the Apache Cafe.

With a clear focus and modest expectations, we launched AJMF to a sold out crowd, proving the value of this product and my leadership acumen.

I spent the next two to three months following up with donors (both current and prospective), partners, volunteers and potential steering committee members (we would not become an independent 501(c)3 until Fall 2012) to think about next steps. I knew early on that AJMF would only be as big and successful as our community wanted. And fortunately for me and our vibrant Atlanta Jewish community, many people (both Jews and non-Jews) want to connect through live music experiences.

Since our first season (2009-10), we have continued to support artist residencies (including Socalled 2011, Guy Mendilow 2012 and Josh Nelson 2014) and celebrate our signature event in the Spring (March 20-29 this year!). But we’ve also developed a thriving teen open mic series (established Fall 2011) to support young musicians and have begun to program in other parts of Georgia (Columbus Feb. 2014, Athens March 2014).

A special thank you goes out to the leadership of Limmud Atlanta+Southeast for supporting us as our fiscal agent (2009-12) and

lending their expertise when we were learning to crawl.

And a final thank you goes to you, the reader and current or potential AJMF fan. There are more opportunities than ever to celebrate Jewish music and community this month (see our full page ad and articles by AJMF board co-chairs Bram Bessoff and Raychel Robbins in this edition).

We hope you can join us and we look forward to another incredible series of events!

Russell Gottschalk can be reached at russell@atlantajmf.org and on many social networks @ATLRusky.

He lives near Candler Park with his fiancee and soul mate, Mimi Hall. In addition to directing AJMF, he enjoys serving on the board of ACCESS (American Jewish Committee’s young leadership group), learning through professional development opportunities and playing disc sports.

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

Tickets: AASynagogue.org/tickets

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

march 21 ▪ 2014

BY RUSSELL GOTTSCHALK

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AJT

Atlanta Jewish Music Festival

My Atlanta Jewish Music Festival Legacy SECOND AND FINAL YEAR WITH AJMF

BY RAYCHEL ROBBINS SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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his week, the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival kicks off its 5th Annual Spring Festival and I just so happen to be President and Co-Chair.

This is my second (and final) year serving in these leadership roles and I’ve been having mixed emotions regarding the transition.

There is an old joke in the nonprofit world: What is the best title to have at a nonprofit? Past President!

It’s funny, because it’s true, right?

Volunteer leadership is one of the

most rewarding yet exhausting experiences (other than parenthood).

goer. I’ve been to every AJMF Spring Festival except for the first. I love AJMF’s mission.

All kidding aside, I am often asked Each year AJMF how I got involved in grows. Each year, AJMF and ultimately through the power became President. I of music, AJMF enam not a musician or gages more Jews in Raychel Robbins a singer. I can barely Atlanta and beyond. keep a beat or carry a Each year, I watch as tune. Honestly, I become involved the crowds get larger because AJMF needed my nonprofit and the event offerexpertise, but I’ve stayed involved be- ings become bigger cause AJMF nourishes my soul. and more varied.

I love music. I’m an avid concert- Each year, I see the impact that AJMF has on our Jewish Community.

This year, AJMF has something for everyone.

Thursday night, kicking things off on March 20, is perfect for jazz lovers. AfroSemetic Experience will play at Steve’s Live Music and there will be a silent auction and raffle featuring musical experiences, top shelf liquor, and other exciting items.

Friday evening is the first of two Shabbat experiences. Musicians from Ahavath Achim Synagogue and Congregation Bet Haverim will lead a spiritual service with Kirtan Chanting at CBH.

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Sunday is the day to bring the entire family out to AJMF. Family Day at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta will feature games, photo and video booths, and several musical performances. Come back to the MJCCA on Friday, March 28, for our second Shabbat experience.

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And finally, come party with us at our Main Event on Saturday night, March 29. We’ll be at Variety Playhouse and Yo La Tengo, Mikey Pauker, and Basya Schechter will highlight and close our 5th Annual Spring Festival.

I hope you’ll join us at one or more events and become a part of our AJMF family.

I’ve been a part of AJMF for almost as long as I’ve lived in Atlanta.

When I first became involved, AJMF was a one-day festival and a little baby organization with a steering committee and not a lot of structure.

As I end my tenure, AJMF is a vibrant, multi-day festival and a sustainable 501c3 non-profit that will

Main event act, Yo La Tengo continue to grow and be a destination festival in Atlanta for years to come. I know that AJMF is and will always be part of my legacy. I’m immensely proud, my heart is full of music and song, and I look forward to celebrating at AJMF5.

Raychel Robbins is a non-profit consultant and owner of Robbins Nonprofit Solutions and Consulting.

When she isn’t helping her clients meet their leadership development and fundraising goals, she spends her time volunteering and with her family. Raychel serves as President of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival and is on the Board of Congregation Beth Shalom. Seek her non-profit advice via twitter @RobbinsNPS.

tell & K’vell

Beth David’s Rabbi Named Chaplain to Gwinnett PD

JEWS MAKING NEWS

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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RABBI KIRZNER GIVES INVOCATION AT POLICE GRADUATION

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abbi Robert Kirzner, Temple Beth David, Snellville, was recently appointed to the chaplaincy of the Gwinnett County Police Department.

As one of the 11 member group, his primary function is fatality notification. “I’m a ‘ride-along’, accompanying the officers while they perform their duties,” he said. “I offer them emotional support during and after their tours, many of which involve dangerous situations and serious crimes. These police officers truly deserve our respect and support. Their job is hard, emotionally draining, and all too often, unrewarding. I’m honored to work with the department, and with the men and women who serve our communities so diligently.”

As part of his chaplaincy, Rabbi Kirzner gave the invocation at the Gwinnett Police Academy’s graduation on March 12, blessing the ceremony and offering his well-wishes to the new officers, their families and friends.

Engagement

Harkavy & Goldsmith

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usan and Bob Harkavy of Sandy Springs, Ga. are thrilled to announce the engagement of their son, Andy Harkavy, to Megan Goldsmith, daughter of Lynne and Richard Goldsmith of Baltimore, Md.

Megan is the granddaughter of Rayda and Earl Gerber and the late Sheila and Ted Goldsmith. Andy is the grandson of the late Alice and Maurice Madanick and the late Beatrice and Abner Harkavy.

Megan earned a bachelor’s degree in family studies from Towson University, a master’s degree in Jewish communal service from Baltimore Hebrew University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work.

Andy earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and Spanish from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in Jewish Communal Service from the Baltimore Hebrew Institute at Towson University.

Megan serves as a Teen Program Associate at Jewish Volunteer Connection and Andy serves as the Director of the Baltimore Educational Initiative for Teens of Reform Judaism (BEIT-RJ). A wedding is planned in the spring of 2015.

Compiled by elizabeth friedly

Adam Lambert to Tour with Queen merican Idol” runner-up, Adam Lambert announced he will be fronting for rock legends Queen on their upcoming 2014 U.S. tour.

Lambert first appeared with Queen for the 2008 “Idol” finale, after having originally auditioned for the show with “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Guitarist Brian May was so impressed that he hired Lambert to perform with them throughout Europe in 2012.

This summer, they will play 19-dates with tickets going on sale this Friday.

Since “Idol,” Lambert has released two studio albums and is currently guest starring on Fox’s hit show “Glee.” He confirmed via Twitter that he is also working on his third album.

Born to Leila and Eber Lambert, the singer grew up in San Diego, California. Lambert and his younger brother, Neil, were raised Jewish, according to their mother’s faith.

In 2005, Lambert performed “The Prayer” at a tribute concert for assassinated Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

Natasha Lyonne for New Amy Poehler Pilot

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BC has ordered Natasha Lyonne’s new comedy pilot “Old Soul,” co-created and executive produced by Amy Poehler along with Josh Bycel and Jonathan Fener.

The series follows Nadia (Lyonne), a former “wild child,” who finds herself caring for the elderly.

Lyonne is also returning for a second season of Netflix’s smash hit, “Orange is the New Black.” All 13 new episodes will be made available online on June 6.

Born to Ivette Buchinger and Aaron Braunstein, Lyonne is originally from Great Neck, New York. Both of the actress’s maternal grandparents were Holocaust survivors and she was raised in an Orthodox Jewish household.

When Lyonne was 8-years-old, her family moved to Israel and spent the next year and a half there. She later attended the Ramaz School, a private Modern Orthodox Jewish prep school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

march 21 ▪ 2014

AJT

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AJT

tell and K’vell

Super Lawyers of 2014

new list names berman, fink, van horn attorneys SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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enjamin Fink, Alan Lubel, William Piercy, Charles Van Horn and Kenneth Winkler have been named to the Georgia Super Lawyers list as top attorneys in Georgia for 2014.

Only 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers. In addition, Neal Weinrich has been named to the Super Lawyers Rising Star list, a prestigious recognition for no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in Georgia who are 40 and under or have been practicing for 10 years or less.

This year also marks the second consecutive year that Benjamin Fink and Charles Van Horn were named to the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers list, a distinguished honor for select lawyers across the state of Georgia.

cluding the practice area for which they are recognized: Benjamin Fink (Top 100) Employment & Labor Alan Lubel - Business Litigation William Piercy - Business Litigation Charles Van Horn (Top 100) Business Litigation Neal Weinrich (Rising Star) Business Litigation Ken Winkler - Employment & Labor

Berman Fink Van Horn is also pleased to announce the promotion of Neal Weinrich and Kristin Zielmanski to Principal. In addition, the Firm has hired Michelle Marchiony as an Associate.

industries in unfair competition disputes in courts in Georgia and other jurisdictions, as well as in arbitration.

Recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Georgia, he writes and speaks frequently on various issues that arise in competition-related cases and was recently published in Georgia Business Litigation. He is also co-founder of and a regular contributor to Georgia Non-Compete and Trade Secret News (georgia-noncompete.com).

The annual selections are made using a rigorous multi-phased process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area.

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Berman Fink Van Horn attorneys named to Georgia Super Lawyers 2014 list are listed below, in-

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Michelle Marchiony (Associate) Marchiony is an honors graduate of Emory University School of Law, where she served as Managing Editor of the Emory Law Journal.

Kristin Zielmanski (Principal)

Marchiony’s expertise includes business litigation, general corporate, non-compete, trade secrets and unfair competition litigation, real estate transactions and mergers, acquisitions and corporate finance.

Neal Weinrich (Principal)

“It is a great honor to be recognized by our attorney peers throughout Georgia,” said Jeffrey Berman, Shareholder and Managing Partner at Berman Fink Van Horn. “We have a unique approach that delivers efficient results to our clients. We are pleased that the industry is taking note of our team.”

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

ate of the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business, Zielmanski is also a published author and contributes to blog sites Georgia Business Disputes (georgiabusinessdisputes.com) and BFV Business Law E-News.

“We welcome our new team member, Michelle, and extend congratulations to Neal and Kristin on their hard work and great accomplishments through the years,” said Jeffrey Berman, Shareholder and Managing Partner at Berman Fink Van Horn.

Zielmanski joined in 2007. Her areas of practice include business and real estate litigation, labor and employment and legal ethics.

Weinrich oined Berman Fink Van Horn after graduating from Emory University School of Law in 2006. He concentrates his practice on commercial litigation involving restrictive covenants, trade secrets, computer fraud and other competition-related issues.

In 2011, the Atlanta Bar Association awarded Zielmanski the Kerry Harike Joedecke Atlanta Young Lawyer of the Year Award. Currently, Zielmanski serves as President of the Atlanta Council of Younger Lawyers and is also a member of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia and the Lawyers Club of Atlanta.

Weinrich represents employers and employees from a wide variety of

A graduate of Boston College Law School and a cum laude gradu-

40 JEWISH LEADERS UNDER 40

Berman Fink Van Horn focuses on complex business transactions, dispute resolution and litigation, non-compete and trade secret litigation, labor and employment matters, real estate transactions and disputes, insurance and mergers and acquisitions.

More information is available at www.bfvlaw.com or visit our blogs at www.sportsfansguide2hr.com, www. georgia-noncompete.com or www. georgiabusinessdisputes.com.

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

AJT

tell and K’vell

Temple Sinai Art Exhibition

TOM WILLIAMS BRINGS sculptures TO SYNAGOGUE SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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ationally-recognized sculptor Tom Williams’s exhibition recently opened at Temple Sinai following the Shabbat Service and the dedication of the Chuppah.

Williams graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture and is currently an instructor at the Spruill Art Center in Atlanta.

The month-long exhibition runs from March 14 to June 14. The artist is pictured with some of this work.

The exhibition was curated by Susanne Katz.

You can see Tom William’s other works at www.twilliams-sculptor.com

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2 1 - Artist Tom Williams assembling the Chuppah which will be dedicated this evening 2 - Tom Williams with Standing Figure 3 - A Relationship 4 - Exhibition wall

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ATLANTA BALLET presents

Named “Best Show of the Year by an Atlanta-based Company”

• • • • •

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.

“Powerful New Choreographic Voices vividly illustrates fast ascent of Atlanta Ballet”

Secus

by Ohad Naharin Seven Sonatas

by Alexei Ratmansky

the authors

by Tara Lee

–ArtsATL

March 21 - 23, 2014

atlantaballet.com | 1.800.982.2787

Supported by Adele Davis Fund for New Works

march 21 ▪ 2014

Share your Celebrations with Your Atlanta Jewish Community for Free

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

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AJT

community

MJCCA Announces Public Launch of Capital Campaign “FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUTURE” RAISES OVER $6 MILLION TO DATE SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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he Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) will announce the public phase of its $7.5 Million comprehensive capital campaign at the agency’s Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 18.

The funds raised through the campaign will reconfigure, renovate and enhance the MJCCA’s infrastructure at its Dunwoody Zaban Park campus and its overnight summer camp in Cleveland, Ga., Camp Barney Medintz.

To date, the MJCCA has raised more than $6.8 million, with lead gifts coming from: Marlene and Abe Besser, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, The Ron and Lisa Brill Charitable Trust, Lynne M. and Howard I. Halpern, The Marcus Foundation, Inc., and The Zaban Family Foundation.

Gail Luxenberg, CEO of the MJCCA explained, “This is an exciting time for the MJCCA. The agency’s annual user rates are the highest in our 104 year history. We are pleased that our myriad of programs and services are reaching the lives of 55,000+ people from across metro-Atlanta every year-- from infants to mature adults, from teens to young adults, from singles to young families, from basketball players to theatregoers to summer campers.”

substantial investment in our infrastructure. That is why we are calling this campaign the ‘Framework for the Future.’”

Ron Brill, former Chief Financial Officer of The Home Depot, has taken on his first major fundraising leadership role at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, as the chair of the MJCCA’s capital campaign.

Brill said, “I see this campaign as an opportunity to ensure the continued health and success of an agency that I consider to be vital to our community – and to my own family.” Brill added, “We are fortunate to have committed leadership and stakeholders who have stepped forward with early and generous gifts.

Now it is the community’s chance to join us. We can all play a part in the framework of our future.”

Top and Bottom are Camp Barney Renderings

Steven Cadranel, President of the MJCCA said, “I am particularly proud and appreciative of the hard and thoughtful work all of our Board members, volunteers, and staff have done to meet the community’s growing and ever-changing done to continue serving more people and families, and connecting them to their Jewish identity.”

MJCCA Capital Campaign objectives include: Zaban Park

march 21 ▪ 2014

The MJCCA’s Zaban Park Campus is a place where community Luxenberg conmembers meet, engage tinued, “For the and connect. Zaban Park’s past seven years, core programs have either our senior managereached their maximum cament and Goverpacity or are nearing those nance Board have limits. Campaign funds Ron Brill Gail Luxenberg been focused on will be used to strengthen the agency’s fiscal Zaban Park’s infrastruchealth.” She continued, “Our faciliture and refurbish some of the most needs. Thanks to their efforts, our ties have been properly maintained highly trafficked resources – for its preschools, camps, and community but heavily used - so before our curday camps, preschool, and sports and outreach are truly considered best rent facilities are unable to meet the fitness programs. in class! Our donors’ generosity has community’s demands for first-rate been amazing and our future is very athletics, preschool, camps and cul16 bright, but there is still work to be tural programming, we must make a

Camp Barney Medintz The MJCCA’s resident summer camp, Camp Barney Medintz, has been a strong priority for the agency since its founding more than 50 years ago. The overnight camp, beloved by generations of campers, will receive significant improvements to its facilities (cabins, swimming pools, staff housing etc.) ensuring that the next generations of campers can participate in this unique overnight camping experience.

Editor’s note: for information or to contribute to the MJCCA’s Capital Campaign, contact Staci Brill, Capital Campaign Director at (678) 8124150 or visit online at atlantajcc.org/ framework.

community

Communal Responsibility

Letters to Sala

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT tage Door Players and the MJCCA are pleased to announce two programs revealing the extraordinary survival story of Sala Garncarz Kirschner.

Stage Door Players and MJCCA Presents the Co-Production of “Letters to Sala” From April 24 – 27, Stage Door Players and the MJCCA proudly present the Atlanta premier of the similarly titled play, “Letters to Sala,” by Arlene Hutton.

Currently celebrating the Ruby Anniversary Season of his awardwinning theater company, Stage Door Players Producing Artistic Director Robert Egizio finds this true life drama the perfect project to co-produce with MJCCA’s Arts & Culture Department.

The Play - “LETTERS TO SALA” Sala Garncarz was 16-years-old in 1940 when she was sent from her home to Geppersdorf, a German forced labor camp. After liberation in 1945, she came to America as a war bride and never spoke of her wartime experience.

In 1991, on the eve of major surgery, the 67-year-old grandmother revealed more than 300 letters and photos, collected and hidden as she survived five years and seven Nazi labor camps.

With dialogue taken directly from actual letters, the production features a stellar cast of Atlanta talent with Susan Shalhoub Larkin as Sala; Rachel Garner as Sala’s daughter, Ann; and Rachel Frawley as young Sala.

The Aurora Theatre’s Jaclyn Hofmann directs the Atlanta premiere.

The production will feature a set design by Chuck Welcome, lights by J.D. Williams, and costume design by Anna Jenny.

JDAM AND THE FUTURE OF ATLANTA’S DISABLED COMMUNITY

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ne of the most important values that Judaism teaches us is “Kol Yisrael Arevim Zen Bazeh” or communal responsibility. It is our responsibility as Jews to stand up for each other, especially for those who are vulnerable and cannot speak for themselves.

Every February, Jewish communities across the country join together to recognize the importance of being inclusive to all individuals throughout Jewish life; Jewish Disability Awareness Month (JDAM) was started in 2009 and has expanded over the years.

In keeping with Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s efforts to promote inclusion, a variety of community organizations and synagogues hosted a wide array of activities, from panel discussions to engagement activities for the entire family.

Some highlights from JDAM 2014 included a speaker event with Dave Nelson, Founder and Executive Director of The Community School, and his son Graham who eloquently spoke at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta) about the challenges of growing up with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

Temple Beth Tikvah hosted a sensory-friendly, family Shabbat service that included low lighting, a quiet room and an American Sign Language interpreter. Federation hosted two town hall meetings for families with children with disabilities where family members were able to talk about their vision for the Jewish community and what would make Atlanta more welcoming to people with disabilities.

The needs of people with disabilities and their families are vast and extremely complex. Because Federation is dedicated to serving the needs of this population, its Disabilities Task Force is working on determining how to best serve children and adults with special needs and their families.

The task force, which is co-chaired

by Ina Enoch and Sheryl Arno, is charged with assessing the needs of Jews in our community with special needs, determining existing resources for people with special needs in Atlanta, identifying assets and gaps, and suggesting additional programs to serve this population.

In an effort to meet these goals, Federation began by funding two positions: a Jewish Supplementary Education Inclusion Coordinator and a Community Disabilities Coordinator.

The supplementary education inclusion coordinator, Gena Rosenzweig, developed an inclusion program

TWO PROGRAMS, ONE WOMAN’S TRUE STORY

S to support children with special needs in Jewish supplementary schools. The Community Disabilities Coordinator, Jaime Russo, raises awareness in the Jewish community about disability issues and is working with organizations and synagogues to create welcoming environments to support individuals and families with special needs.

Please join Federation on April 2, from 7:30 -9 p.m. for two town hall meetings for adults with disabilities and their families. The two meetings, one for adults with disabilities and one for their families, will take place simultaneously at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

A survey will be launched in late March to collect data on existing and needed resources in the Jewish community for people with special needs.

The survey link will be posted on the Federation website. All are encouraged to participate.

In the coming months, Federation will be hosting the first “partner meeting” for all community partners to attend. Survey results will be reviewed with them. Partners will have an opportunity to present information about their programs and begin a conversation about how to support and build on the programs and services already being provided.

Federation will also be looking at best practices, including those in other communities, for how we can best address the needs identified in the survey and town hall meetings. Based on the information gathered, the Federation together with the Disabilities Task Force will create a vision for Atlanta and take steps toward implementing some new programs and/or build on programs already being provided.

Your Federation leadership is proud of the initiatives being undertaken by the Jewish Disabilities Task Force, local synagogues and Jewish agencies dedicated to serving the needs of Jews with disabilities.

A commitment to this large and vitally important segment of our community is just another way by which we not only define a caring community, but also are committed to a Jewish future that embraces all Jews. If you have questions or want to learn more, please contact disabilities@jfga.org.

The Exhibition - “LETTERS TO SALA: A YOUNG WOMAN’S LIFE IN NAZI LABOR CAMPS” In conjunction with the production, the MJCCA’s Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery will host the traveling exhibition of Sala Garncarz Kirschner’s letters and photographs, “Letters to Sala: A Young Woman’s Life in Nazi Labor Camps,” from April 10 – May 28.

“Letters to Sala” the exhibition, is curated by Dr. Jill Vexler, and on loan from the New York Public Library and the French Children of the Holocaust Foundation.

The exhibition is a graphic representation of Sala’s story from her years in the Nazi work camps, documents which she carefully hid in her barracks or sewed into her clothing. Scholars have declared this collection to be one of the great treasure troves of its kind.

About Nazi Labor Camps Sala’s story takes place against the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of Poland. In contrast to concentration or death camps, labor camps, which numbered in the thousands, were established to support and supply the Nazi regime.

Sala’s Daughter, Ann Kirschner Both the play and exhibition are inspired by “Sala’s Gift: My Mother’s Holocaust Story” (Simon and Schuster) by Ann Kirschner, daughter of Sala Garncarz Kirschner.

“My family and I are delighted that the public has the opportunity to experience my mother’s incredible story of survival and courage,” said Ann Kirschner. “When the world seemed entirely hostile, a young girl found refuge and hope in these remarkable letters written by her family and friends.

Their words have now been preserved and made available in ways that will help future generations understand the lessons of the past.”

All ages and levels.

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Prestigious and affordable French classes in Atlanta.

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Engaging Events.

Open House Dates 3/26 & 4/1 Spring Session 4/7 Register: www.afatl.com (404) 875-1211

Monthly Dinners in French.

Visit Francophone countries.

march 21 ▪ 2014

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COMMUNITY

Gentile Honored to Speak at Yom HaShoah HOW JUDAISM AND THE HOLOCAUST remembrance SHAPED ME

BY JIM BARFIELD

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

W

hen Rabbi Glusman asked me to speak and perform for this year’s MJCCA Yom HaShoah Service I considered the invitation to be a supreme honor.

I’m a gentile; however, one of the most enduring and uplifting experiences that I hold dear is my lifelong relationship with the Jewish Community of Atlanta. Since my youth, I have felt a deep, mystical-like connection with this community despite the fact that my only lineal Jewish ancestor of the past century was my grandmother, Clara Flatauer, who married outside her faith.

One of my earliest childhood memories was listening to “Nanny’s” unforgettably sad stories about relatives, particularly her favorite cousins, who lived in Germany and were killed in the Holocaust.

These conversations always occurred in her kitchen while she cooked supper and simultaneously babysat my sister and me. As a result of her vivid accounts, a current of residual sadness and anger over the deaths of these never-known distant relatives seemed to forever flow quietly through my mind.

This current would strengthen and fester throughout my adult life leading me to write “Boxcars,” a novel about the Holocaust that hopefully teens of all backgrounds could embrace.

march 21 ▪ 2014

My grandparent’s house on Elizabeth Street was purchased and graciously renovated about 5 years ago

by Doug Robinson, a partner in the law firm of Evans, Scholz, Williams, and Warncke. A while back, he allowed a Hollywood film company to shoot some scenes of “Jane Mansfield’s Car” inside the house.

Watching Robert Duvall and Billy Bob Thornton argue loudly in my grandmother’s kitchen was initially unsettling to my brain. It felt like an invasion of the privacy of some of my most solemn memories. Yet, less than half-way through the film, my mind recaptured my own time there with perhaps better clarity.

As if by some kind of magic, I could feel my grandmother’s pres18 ence onscreen in this movie, busy at

her stove, dismissing the characters’ war stories told by Duval and Thornton as minor compared to what her own civilian relatives in Germany endured leading to their deaths.

Had she lived, I know my grandmother would have been particularly proud of my daughter, Jenna Barfield Sleeman who converted to Judaism, totally on her own, a personal decision of faith while a student at Emory.

I can just hear her now coaching, “It is good, Jenna has returned to the bosom of Abraham.” This blended family of ours has always been complicated, but it’s founded and nurtured on unconditional love.

I couldn’t be more proud of this child myself. She’s the love of our life.

A little about my own history may be helpful. During my early years we lived in a house attached to my father’s business, a health center which precariously doubled as both a workout gym and a physical therapy clinic for polio victims.

This was the late 1940s and early 1950s, a time that called for miniature submarine looking contraptions referred to as “iron lungs.” Understandably for parents, polio was on the forefront of feared childhood afflictions. But what I didn’t understand at the time was the fact that I was never invited to anyone’s house and no child was ever allowed to visit me.

Our family was ostracized and effectively quarantined from the rest of the community even though these post-infected patients coming to the clinic in hopes of learning how to walk again were certainly not contagious.

I learned early on that there was an interlocking connection between ignorance and prejudice, and I later understood that this was an essential component of the rise of the Nazi party.

My high school education was at Grady High in Atlanta. In my day, this school was considered the most progressive public school in Georgia and a national leader in merit scholarship recipients.

Uniquely, the majority of students were Jewish, many the children of Holocaust victims and survivors. I found lifelong friendships from this extraordinary student body.

As a whole, we held varying degrees of vague concepts about the Shoah, but seemingly by design, the subject was never taught or mentioned in any of my classes. While on the subject of high school, somehow I feel the need to confess at this late date – a half century after the fact – that my family did not live in the Grady school district. My father finagled my admission since he had a TV program about health and nutrition on Channel 30 that was shown to Atlanta students, including Grady.

Of course, this was a thin and possibly questionable connection that allowed me to play football at one of the state’s top programs. Today, seeing the present controversy in the news about Grady football players living outside the school district makes me feel a little uneasy.

Could the Georgia High School Athletic Association investigate Grady all the way back to our glorious winning season of 63? Could all of those sensational touchdown runs

by Marshall Dinerman now be erased from the books merely because I happened to be on the field? Perhaps we’re saved by some sort of athletic statute of limitations.

In my career as a lawyer and Associate Juvenile Court Judge, I have spent a lot of time with teenagers, so much so that I feel a permanent bond with youth. I am very much aware of the fact that most teens who are not Jewish have no concept of the Holocaust. Anyone who doubts this should see the YouTube video entitled “94 Maidens” in which Rhonda Fink, a TV personality in Philadelphia conducts interviews with college students who are sadly unable to show any understanding of the Holocaust whatsoever.

I am convinced that a universal and proper education about the most horrendous and disgraceful period in recorded history is absolutely necessary in order to lift the human race to the next level. The Holocaust is by far the worse cruelty ever inflicted, but history is awash with attempts of one group of people labelling the differences they see in others as badges of their inferiority, followed by incremental steps of separation, segregation, subjugation, and attempts at extermination.

This is not a result of some flaw in human DNA that we have no control over. It is the result of prejudicial and false teaching. I believe human nature, when left to blossom as nature intended is genuinely against the killing of other members of our own species.

In my Young Adult novel, “Boxcars,” I have attempted to craft a story that teens from various backgrounds will embrace, yet at the same time, learn clearly about the Holocaust. The goal is for them to come away with a lifelong personal commitment to never fall for anything sounding akin to anti-Semitic rhetoric.

For my upcoming presentation at the MJCCA for Yom HaShoah, I have composed a song entitled, “Mother and Child” which I will debut for this occasion.

The song focuses on a photograph taken during the Holocaust depicting a woman and her small child being shot by soldiers for no apparent reason other than the fact that they are Jewish. The song is a reminder that by our tendency to lump all of the Holocaust victims together as the “6 million” it’s easy to forget that each one murdered had their own personal unique life stories.

My song will be put on YouTube immediately after the service along with the photograph from which it was created.

I look forward to participating in this year’s Yom HaShaoh Service for many reasons, but I am particularly proud of the timing since my grandson, Jack Sleeman, will be present and this occasion will surely strengthen our bond with one another.

Less than a month later, we as a family of Jews and gentiles, along with an ever-growing group of friends, will celebrate Jack’s bar mitzvah on Key Biscayne, the very first bar mitzvah in our family for over a century! Shalom.

AJT

COMMUNITY

All-Star Performance for Holocaust Memorial Day Eve WITH LUDWIG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, ACCLAIMED VIOLINISTS AND PIANIST

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he Ludwig Symphony Orchestra presents “A Holocaust Memorial Day Eve” concert for the last performance of its 17th season on April 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gwinnett CenterPerforming Arts Center.

The evening’s performance features internationally acclaimed Korean violinist-Hye-Jin Kim interpreting Saint-Saens Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso and the rare Dvorak Romance in F, Malek Jandali- American/Syrian pianist and composer in the premiere of his Piano Theme and Variations, and local Russian artistsOlga and Jacob Yampolsky performing the double concerto for violin and viola by Max Bruch.

Hye-Jin Kim has been lauded by The Strad for her “heart-stopping, unrivalled beauty and musically wellthought out interpretations.” A recent performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra with the esteemed Maestro Christoph Eschenbach brought the audience to a shouting standing ovation.

Ms. Kim crafts extraordinary programs, often reflecting her interests in art and literature which, paired with her rare sensitivity and intellect, set her apart in today’s music scene. This remarkable artistry brought her to international prominence quite early in her career when she was awarded first prize at the Yehudi Menuhin Competition at the age of 19.

She has soloed with the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hannover Chamber Orchestra in Germany, and the New Jersey Symphony led by Gerard Schwarz.

Hye-Jin Kim has performed at the U.N. Headquarters in both New York and Geneva, and concertized extensively in Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, as well as major cities of Asia and Europe.

Olga and Jacob Yampolsky were principal players of the Odessa Philharmonic in the Ukraine and now reside in Atlanta as one of the most dynamic violin/viola teams. Of Rus-

sian-Jewish heritage, they bring a unique soul to this rare work of Max Bruch-composer of the famous Kol Nidrei.

Jacob Yampolsky has taught at the Odessa Conservatory and performed with the Seattle Symphony as well as the Naples Philharmonic in Florida. Olga Yampolsky has toured Spain and the Baltic Republics and was a violinist for the LA Recording Company.

Malek Jandali-is one of the most successful pianist-composers of his generation. He has performed as pianist in all major capitals of the world and can sell out a hall just by a posting on Facebook where his fans exceed 120,000.

Korean violinist-Hye-Jin Kim

Malek Jandali’s music has been called “hauntingly beautiful” and combines ancient Syrian melodies and rhythms in a modern stylized canvas that marks this composer as the first and most important classical composer of the Middle East.

Upcoming concert engagements include soloist with the StockMalek Jandali holm Symphony in Sweden, recordings with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and recitals in New York and Los Angeles.

Maestro Thomas Ludwig, former music director of the New York City Symphony and resident conductor for American Ballet Theatre with Mikhail Baryshnikov at the Metropolitan Opera House, will lead the 80-piece orchestra in a program that includes Mendlessohn’s -Overture, Scherzo, and Wedding March from the Midsummer Night’s Dream and Tschaikovsky’s exciting “Capriccio Italien.”

Editor’s note: tickets may be purchased by calling (770) 623-8623 or online at www.ludwigsymphony.org.

Adults-$22. Seniors-$19. (over 65) and Students $12. (under 21)

Olga and Jacob Yampolsky

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SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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AJT

COMMUNITY

Israel and Social Justice Debated at JCPA Plenum JEWISH PROFESSIONALS FROM ACROSS THE U.S. APPROVE NEW POLICIES

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

I

march 21 ▪ 2014

n his first public appearance since joining the U.S. peace process team, David Makovsky spoke about the need for a twostate solution and the prospects for peace at the JCPA Plenum last week.

The Plenum is the annual conference for Jewish community leaders and representatives from 125 Jewish Community Relations councils and 16 national Jewish agencies to gather, learn, debate, and vote on consensus policy.

In addition to Makovsky, the Plenum delegates were joined by Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori, the head of the Episcopal Church; Abraham Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, who gave his first remarks since announcing his retirement; Jewish Federations of North America CEO Jerry Silverman; and many others.

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In his update to the Plenum, Makovsky began by laying out the benefits of peace for Israel. Concerns like Iran and religious extremism are shared by Arabs and Israelis, and without the Palestinian conflict to divide them, they could begin to cooperate more.

More important is the need to avoid a binational state. Support for two states for two peoples has been a bipartisan American goal for many years, Makovsky said, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has said that negotiating a peace that avoids a binational state is critical to the future of a Jewish state. Netanyahu even visited the grave of Herzl to emphasize the connection between peace and Zionism.

On the Palestinian side, Makovsky noted, Mahmoud Abbas seems to be equally serious. He has demonstrated a commitment to non-

Atlanta lawyer and JCPA Outgoing Chair Larry Gold moderates a Plenum discussion with JCPA national staff members (L-R) Jared Feldman (Vice President & Washington Director), Geri Palast (IAN Managing Director), Ethan Felson (Vice President & General Counsel) and Martin J. Raffel (Senior Vice President & IAN Director) Photos by Jon Barash

violence, kept his word about not turning to the UN while talks are ongoing, and has cooperated with Israeli security forces in going after Hamas such that they are no longer a functioning security threat in the West Bank.

Israel has asked for deeds, not words, and these are deeds. The cost of failure for Abbas is there as well, as he understands that Palestinians will never experience self-determination without two states for two people.

Two states for two peoples will require a sense of shared security, said Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori in an interfaith conversation with JCPA President Rabbi Steve Gutow – who praised her work in focusing on investment with Palestinians, not divestment from Israel.

Recently returned from a trip to Jordan, Bishop Schori laid out a vision of peace based on the belief that one’s security depends on the security of all people.

The interfaith discussion also focused on points of commonality between the two communities and the need to, as Bishop Schori said, keep diverse communities communicating. A mutual understanding of each other’s religious traditions reveals shared commitments to repairing our immigration system and ending hunger – an issue both agreed was a major civil rights issue of the day –

Atlanta delegate and Immediate Past President of the Atlanta JCRC Harold Kirtz addresses other JCPA delegates at the Resolutions Session.Photos by Jon Barash

as well as equality for gays, lesbians, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.

On LGBT issues, Rabbi Gutow noted that Bishop Schori was an early leader. “I begin with the understanding from Genesis that it is not good for the human being to be alone,” she said. But she also emphasized consensus as essential to ensuring a good life for all, saying “Truth is more fully-known in a diverse community than in an individual.”

Rabbi Gutow, as well, emphasized consensus, referencing last year’s Plenum discussion on gay marriage and the JCPA’s leadership in combating discrimination.

Atlanta lawyer and JCPA Outgoing Chair Larry Gold presents Atlantan Leon Goldstein with the Tikkun Olam Award for his lifetime of service making the world a better place.

Photos by Jon Barash

Atlantan Lois Frank addresses the Plenum following her receipt of the JCPA Tikkun Olam Award. Photos by Jon Barash

Leonard D. Cole, Past JCPA Chair presented Abraham Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, with the prestigious Albert D. Chernin Award Photos by Jon Barash

In recognition and appreciation of his two years as JCPA Chair and his years of service to the Jewish community, Atlanta lawyer and JCPA Outgoing Chair Larry Gold was presented with a silver kiddish cup by JCPA President Rabbi Steve Gutow Photos by Jon Barash

Left to right - Abraham Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League with Atlanta JCRC officers Elizabeth J. Appley (President), Harold Kirtz (Immediate Past President) and Atlanta Plenum delegates Harold Kirtz and Jonathan Barash review Janice Ellin (Vice President) Photos by Jon Barash one of the proposed JCPA resolutions taken up at the Plenum’s Resolution Session during which JCPA delegates voted to approve new policies on human trafficking, the minimum wage, reproductive rights,

The del- JCPA, the public affairs arm of inclusion and disabilities, international LGBT discrimination, and egates also voted the organized Jewish community, increasing government support for public higher education. (Atlanta to approve new serves as the national coordinating delegate Noah Appley in the background.) Photo by Lois Frank

I TA L I A N

IN E IS C

march 21 ▪ 2014

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man, citing the success of the Boston CRC in following up with Birthright alumni.

The challenges of the Pew study were discussed by Abe Foxman, National Director of the ADL, who received the Albert D. Chernin Award.

After warning of the costs to world Jewry if America retreated from the world stage, Foxman said that crucial to stemming the estrangement of today’s Jewish youth from the community is stopping what he calls the ignorance of today’s youth. It is incumbent on us through programs like Birthright to explain why our concerns matter.

Others honored at the JCPA Plenum include Atlanta leaders Leon Goldstein, Melanie Nelkin, and Lois Frank who were each recognized with the Tikkun Olam Award for their lifetime of work making the world a better place.

policies on human trafficking, the minimum wage, reproductive rights, inclusion and disabilities, international LGBT discrimination, and increasing government support for public higher education.

REG

Other plenaries focused on the future of the Jewish community.

Jane Eisner, editor-in-chief of The Forward, moderated a conversation between JFNA CEO Gerrold “Jerry” Silverman, Elana Kahn-Oren, Director of the Milwaukee JCRC and Rabbi Deborah Waxman, President of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.

Paraphrasing Shimon Peres, Silverman said our greatest strength and weakness is that “we are a people of dissatisfaction,” always striving.

Kahn-Oren noted that our community’s leaning toward what-canbe is a case for community relations.

It is important to build community partnerships, not just out of the fear that we were victims once and could be again, but because this work of community building is our destiny as Jews.

The Jewish community has so much to teach about our activist sensibility, said Waxman. Our commitment to tikkun olam is one that has carried across generations, and that strength should influence our work in reaching out to younger Jews.

When we engage millenials with the benefits of Jewish life, we all win, said Silverman. We do our work not just as another social justice organization, but as Jews, said Kahn-Oren.

And the CRCs are particularly well-suited for connecting young Jews with Jewish life, said Silver-

alfredosatlanta.com

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AJT

Common Eating Disorder Myths and Facts appearances can be deceiving

BY ELLEN ZUCROW, LCSW SPECiaL FOR THE AJT

M

yth: People who are of “normal” weight, or who may be considered overweight, cannot have eating disorders.

Fact: Eating disorders take many forms and occur in people of all body shapes, sizes and weight. Being overweight or of normal weight is neither a predictor nor a sign of whether or not someone is struggling with an eating disorder. Very often, individuals maintain a normal weight for their size and height, but are secretly binging and purging or intermittently not eating at all. Appearances can be deceiving.

Myth: Only women are affected by eating disorders.

Fact: This is a commonly held myth.

Though women are most often diagnosed with eating disorders, men struggle with them as well. Statistics show that as many as one in 10 people with an eating disorder is male.

Myth: Eating disorders occur only in people of high socioeconomic status.

Fact: Eating disorders do not discriminate; they occur at all socioeconomic levels.

Myth: Eating disorders are a choice.

Fact: Eating disorders are most often a coping mechanism that develops in order to deal with complex psychological and social factors. Though no single factor has been determined to cause eating disorders, psychological and social factors may make one more vulnerable to developing an eating disorder. Over time, a person

loses his or her abilMyth: Once you ity to accurately see have an eating disand feed himself or order, you will alherself. Combined ways have it with the rituals Fact: Though rethat accompany covery from an eatmost eating disoring disorder takes ders, as well as the a lot of hard work complex medical and appropriate and physiological treatment, individconsequences that uals can and do go can occur, one’s on to recover fully ability to function and lead happy, on a daily basis can healthy and probecome seriously ductive lives.Seekimpaired.

Eating Ellen Zucrow, LCSW ing help is the first disorders also imstep. pair one’s ability to socialize and interact with others, For more information about eatoften isolating the one who is strug- ing disorder and other counseling gling. These factors all hinder the in- services, please visit www.ytfl.org/ dividual’s ability to make sound and counseling or call (770) 677-9474. healthy choices.

Ellen Zucrow is a Senior Supervisor in Clinical Services, Counseling Services – Tools for Life division.

Georgia Walk

Sunday, May 18, 2014 march 21 ▪ 2014

Atlantic Station, Pinnacle Lot 240 20th Street, Atlanta, GA 30336

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Register Today & Join Us! WalkNowForAutismSpeaks.org/Georgia

AJT

community

Kicking for Autism FREE SOCCER CLINICS FOR KIDS with AUTISM AND ASPERGERS SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

K

icking for Autism was founded in 2012 by 12 teens in partnership with Autism Speaks. Leading members come from various high schools across the city, and work together to achieve a common goal: to make an impact on the lives of children with Autism throughout the Atlanta area.

The group sets up soccer clinics for children age 7 to 14 with high-functioning Autism and Aspergers Syndrome. Volunteers, with the aid of speech pathologists, run the two-hour clinics. No experience with soccer is required and clinics are absolutely free.

All equipment and supplies are donated. There will be soccer balls available. Soccer cleats and shin guards are not required.

Extra water bottles and warm attire are recommended. The upcoming clinics of the 2013–2014 year will be held March 22 and April 19 from 1:30–3:30 p.m. at the Norcross Soccer Academy indoor soccer fields.

Teen volunteers will lead clinics and speech pathologists will help facilitate. Mellow Mushroom will be donating pizza and Kroger will provide water and snacks.

Other sponsors include Other sponsors include Foot Solutions. Please register by emailing Noah Newman at: kickingforautism@gmail.com.

Left to Right: the Kicking for Autism Board Members (in blue) are Zac Chase, David Martin, Carly Morse, Justin Fleischmann, Josh Bircoll, Jeremy Schwartz, and Noah Newman

Israeli Choreographer Returns to Atlanta Ballet OHAD NAHARIN FOR MODERN CHOREOGRAPHIC VOICES this weekend only AJT CONTRIBUTOR

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or this weekend only, March21-23, Atlanta Ballet welcomes back Ohad Naharin with his work “Secus,” one of three choreographers premiering distinctive contemporary works at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

With “Secus,” the Atlanta Ballet follows up last year’s electrifying performance of Naharin’s “Minus 16,” an unconventional work that blurred the lines between performer and audience member.

“Secus” is described as an infectious, fast-paced piece, fabulously set to the music of Chari Chari, Kid 606+Rayon, Kaho Naa and the Beach Boys.

According to Naharin, “There’s no theme, just many suggested themes. I look upon this dance as simply one more offering of the power of imagination. I play with the borders, the limits. There is passion, extreme. It is the pleasure of the moment – like in gastronomy, the same pleasure as in good food.”

Deborah Friedesa of the Jerusalem Post said of “Secus,”: “From total stillness, the dancers burst into flurries of activity, creating a sense of organized

chaos both in the space and within their bodies. Their novel movement often defies description, but it constantly commands attention and inspires awe.”

The Atlanta Ballet will also present ballet icon Alexei Ratmansky’s “Seven Sonatas.” Ratmansky, who revived the Bolshoi Ballet and served as its director for four years, is currently artist in residence at American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York.

He has been called “the most lookedto choreographer in Western ballet” and “the most gifted choreographer, specializing in classical ballet today” by The New York Times.

“Seven Sonatas” is a classical piece for six dancers who engage with each other in a variety of intricate combinations, set to seven “Keyboard Sonatas” by composer Domenico Scarletti.

Atlanta Ballet has the distinction of being the first company outside of ABT to perform the piece, a tribute to Atlanta Ballet’s growing national recognition.

Rounding out the program is the world premiere of “the authors,” choreographed by Atlanta Ballet’s own Tara Lee, who is in her 18th season as a dancer and choreographer with the Company.

Her piece is an examination of hu-

man relationships inspired by the idea that adjusting one’s focus can reveal a larger truth. In addition to staging her own world premiere, Lee will dance in both Naharin and Ratmansky’s pieces.

Tickets for all four performances this weekend are available at www.atlantaballet.com or by calling (404) 892-3303.

Ticket prices start at $20. For groups of 10 or more, call Atlanta Ballet Group Sales at (404) 873-5811, ext. 207.

march 21 ▪ 2014

BY DEBBIE DIAMOND

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AJT

MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL

Staring into History

WHY WE CONTINUE TO READ THE LAWS THAT NO LONGER APPLY

BY RACHEL LAVICTOIRE AJT CONTRIBUTOR

T

his past week, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a week in Israel.

I found the trip through some advertisements at our school— signs that read: “Free Alternative Spring Break Trip to Israel!” I signed up for the trip before knowing much about it. After all, how can you really pass up anything that says “free” and “Israel”?

Well, soon after registering, I was told that the trip was run by the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and focused on “development and sustainability issues in the Negev.”

Sustainability and environmentally friendly issues have never really been something I’m passionate about but, again, it was free and it was Israel.

Fast forward a few weeks, two plane rides, and some silly ice-breaker games and there we were: 20 students, ranging from ages 19 to 29, sitting on a bus in the Negev wondering what would be our next destination.

march 21 ▪ 2014

We’d run into some weather complications and were unable to go on the hike that had been planned for us. Finally, our tour guide, Ori, told us we’d be going to Mt. Ramon. “Now, I know you’re going to tell me that it’s not a mountain… but it is. I promise,” she said.

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Not surprisingly, she was entirely correct. We stepped off the bus and saw no such mountain. To our left, miles off in the distance, we could see a very small city; but before us, there was just sand and a little hill with stone steps that led to an observation platform.

We thought Ori was referring to the little man-made hill as a “mountain,” but we were soon corrected.

She gathered us on the platform for her usual monologue about the history and significance of the place we were visiting. Mt. Ramon, she explained, is the result of a fascinating natural phenomenon. It’s actually a ‫( שתכמ‬makhtesh), or a crater. Hundreds of millions of years ago, the ocean actually covered the mountain.

When the water eventually retreated to northwards, it left behind a sort-of dome-shaped hill.

Then, due to various natural forces (ones Ori couldn’t quite explain in English), the top of the hill caved in and was washed away, leaving behind both side walls and what we now refer to as the Ramon Crater.

I won’t say that this was my favorite part of my trip. Compared to the other places we saw and people we spoke to, the Ramon Crater was relatively mundane; but it was spectacular nonetheless.

See, when the original dome caved in and created this valley between the two walls, it revealed lay-

ers of history: rocks at the bottom of the crater have been dated back 220 million years, and the newer stones are found towards the top.

Imagine, now, standing on the top of an observation platform that’s 892 meters (2,926 feet) high and peering out onto this crater—the largest in the world—knowing you’re looking at the progression of about 220 million years of Israel’s history.

Pretty amazing, right? Even if history isn’t your “thing,” there’s something innately powerful about Jewish history and the history of Israel—enter, this week’s Torah portion.

This week, we read parshat Shemini, which is a continuation last week’s parshah, Tzav. Both focus a great deal on very meticulous laws and mitzvot.

Tzav starts, “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying ‘Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: That is the burnt offering which burns on the altar all night until morning, and the fire of the alter shall burn with it” (Leviticus 6:1).

The reading continues in this same dry, monotonous manner. It outlines the laws regarding the burnt offering, peace offering, meal offering, and other miscellaneous sacrifices—who should offer them, what they should wear, when and how they should be offered, etc.

Shemini starts with the story of the deaths of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Avihu, after they offered an uncalled for sacrifice. It then continues with G-d proclaiming the laws of Kashrut (keeping Kosher).

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Realistically, these two Torah portions are fairly irrelevant today. Yes, some Jews do still keep Kosher, and therefore the last chapter of Shemini’s reading is applicable to them, but no one (as far as I know) still sacrifices animals to G-d.

The natural question to follow, then, is why do we care? Why do we continue to read these parshahs over and over, year after year, when only bits and pieces of the readings still apply to our lives today?

The answer, as I’ve come to understand it, is something that comes only from experiencing Israel. When you go to Israel, you meet person after person who knows so much about Israel’s history, things few Americans would know about our own past.

It’s something they’re passionate about and something they love to share with others. It’s something that’s engrained in the very nature of ‫( ץראה‬the land).

On our first morning in Israel, the 20 of us gathered on a porch at the Kibbutz. It had rained the night before—it was chilly but everything was clear. The dust had been washed away. The administrator who was giving us a tour pointed out to a large pasture.

“These are the fields of our Kibbutz, where we grow our crops,” he explained. “Now, look over there,” he pointed to a mountain off in the distance. It was Mt. Hebron. And on the other side of the pastures, Be’er Sheva. Both are places to and from which Abraham traveled. We read these stories in the Torah and you see them when you go Israel.

Reading these stories is like visiting the Ramon Crater and looking out onto places like Mt. Hebron and the city of Be’er Sheba—it’s an experience that’s innately connected to Jewish history.

Even if we feel disconnected to the rules and the commandments, we can appreciate the readings of the Torah as pieces of history. When we read, we’re partaking in an important Jewish pastime. We read the parshahs over and over after year, just as our ancestors did.

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

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

AJT

education

Willy Wonka Jr. at Davis Academy SCHOOL-WIDE EFFORT PAYS OFF IN SOLD OUT SHOWS

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

I

n a show chock full of chocolate and an ending with a sweet example that those who do the right thing are life’s winners, nearly 200 Davis Academy students brought “Willy Wonka, Jr.” to the Davis stage on March 9 and 10.

Three sold-out performances showcased the talents of Davis students ranging in age from 5 – 13. A fourth show on March 11 was presented to a very special audience of 4-year-old children from area preschools, including many of the Jewish pre-schools.

famous candy maker, seeks to find the successor to his chocolate empire through a contest.

Davis Director of Visual and Performance Arts Kendrick Phillips liked the story as much for its valuesbased themes as for its fantasy and fun.

“It is Charlie, with his grateful heart, his positive mental attitude and honor, who is the chosen benefactor of the chocolate factory and all

of the ‘riches’ contained within,” she said.

In addition to parent volunteers, more than a dozen Davis alumni returned to assist in roles ranging from stage direction to ushering. It’s a unique mentoring program that Phillips developed over the years that allows alumni to receive community service credit and give back to the school in a meaningful way.

North Springs High School senior Jeremy Schwartz (Davis Class of 2010) returned to mentor again for the show this year, assisting with lights, sound, choreography and singing and anything else needed.

“The thing I enjoy the most about being an alumni mentor is coming back and working with all of the kids and being back home at Davis and just having a good time,” said Schwartz. “The best feeling is when you get to see so many kids, especially the younger ones, put their efforts into a making show. When you see the finished product – that gives me and many others a giant smile and a feeling of joy and satisfaction.”

The Davis Academy production was a musical adaptation of author Roald Dahl’s classic book, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” in which Willy Wonka, a

march 21 ▪ 2014

“Our students handled themselves with poise, professionalism, and passion,” said Phillips, who added, “Our annual musical is a wholeschool effort that reflects the quality of our fine arts program here at Davis.

Students who participate year after year not only expand their talents but also in grow in confidence and appreciation of the arts. We work hard to bring the very best to the Davis stage, but we also have a lot of fun.”

25

AJT

education

GHA-YA Board President Explains Rationale of Merger MANY ISSUES STILL UNDECIDED

exclusive FOR THE AJT

K

atherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy (GHA) and Yeshiva Atlanta (YA) announced earlier this month that together, they will create a new Preschool-12 college preparatory day school – the first of its kind in Atlanta.

After months of exploration and due diligence, the agreement to merge was approved by the boards of both schools on March 12, 2014.

Legally this decision will take effect at the conclusion of the current school year. Ian Ratner, a current GHA and YA parent and well-known community leader, has been appointed as Board President of the newlyformed school.

The Atlanta Jewish Times had the chance to question Mr. Ratner about the reasoning behind the decision, the school’s future location and the community’s reaction thus far.

Ratner Explains “The merger of GHA and YA is a fantastic event for the Jewish Community of Atlanta. Several years from now, the two Boards that voted for this combination will be viewed as visionaries.

march 21 ▪ 2014

“The preschool K - 12 model is the winning model. This allows the creation of a seamless and fully integrated curriculum. It’s also a more compelling fundraising model, since families can commit for a longer time period to the institution. And most importantly, it allows the younger families in elementary school to see the end result.

26

“They can get excited seeing our graduates getting accepted to top colleges around the U.S. and going to wonderful programs in Israel. There are also the obvious business and programmatic efficiencies.

“It’s only been a few days since the big announcement and already I’ve received dozens of calls and emails from all over the community and the

Yeshiva Atlanta students

Ian Ratner sentiment is extremely positive. People are excited about creating something new, vibrant and engaging.

“We will be striving to ensure our product is a top secular and Judaic product. Both schools already do an excellent job, so this is really a continuation of the already strong educational product.

“Personally, when you see young adults who have come through the whole system, who get into top universities and are also knowledgeable, committed and spiritual Jews, it’s easy to get excited. This is our future.

There was a detailed study leading up to the vote to combine the schools.

The results of those internal studies showed the actual Judaic practices at the school are aligned and very similar. I know this first-hand from having children attend both schools.

“In terms of logistics, there are several viable ideas circulating in the community. One is a total consolidation on the gorgeous GHA grounds.

The other is to build a state-of-the-art

Greenfield Hebrew students sport facility on the YA grounds and build a high school extension onto the GHA campus so all the students are together.

munity. I’ve already had some warm discussions and can you imagine a better naming opportunity for a school than this? I can’t.

“This arrangement, with some investment in transportation equipment, is being used effectively by other independent preschool K -12 schools. Either way, a methodical, cost effective solution will be developed.

“I believe that other segments of the Jewish community will move to this form of consolidation. It has been discussed for some time and the Boards of GHA and YA were just the first to make it happen. I think you will see others follow.”

“After the new Board gets rolling, we will communicate a development plan with specifics. I believe there are dollars to support us in the com-

The Unexpected Gift of Silence

HUMANITY’S STRUGGLE WITH THE SPACE BETWEEN WORDS

BY RABBI LAPIDUS SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

A

t almost every worship service at The Temple, we have a moment of silent prayer and reflection.

I say “moment” and not “minute” because it i s rarely a full minute, as people get antsy after about 20 seconds or so. Silence is not something we frequently have in our daily lives, so we when we do sit in silence, 10 seconds seem like an eternity.

In this week’s parasha, after Aaron’s sons, Nadav and Abihu, are killed when making an offering to G-d, Moses says to Aaron, “This is what G-d meant by saying, ‘Through those near to Me I show Myself holy, and gain glory before all the people.’”

Then the Torah says, “And Aaron was silent.” (Leviticus 10:3).

When I imagine this scene, I envision Aaron staring mutely at his brother, tears running down his cheeks, barely hearing what Moses said, unable to formulate a response.

Whether we take this to mean that Aaron accepted G-d’s judgment or was in too much grief to speak, the situation is the same. In the face of tragic loss, Aaron was silent.

Tradition teaches us that when we visit someone in mourning, we should take our cues from them. If they want to talk, we wait for them to speak first and then respond. If they say nothing, we are present in their silence.

So often, I see people struggle to be silent, fighting the instinct to offer comfort with words. Yet we know words are often not comforting in these moments. What platitudes can we offer? What reasons can we give?

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Sometimes, words only cause more pain and create a divide between us and the mourner. In a way, our tradition is protecting us from saying the wrong thing.

As clergy, my colleagues and I often find ourselves in situations where there are no words to offer. Whether it is the death or illness of a loved one, a tragedy in our world, something which challenges the notion of what we believe is fair and right… words are rarely enough in these moments.

People ask us questions which have no clear answers. We have conversations which embody the struggle with G-d that is a foundation of our faith. Ultimately, though, what is comforting in these moments is rarely what we say, but the fact that we were present.

There are moments when all we have to offer is our shared humanity and sadness, the gift of being present.

I remember seeing in a movie theater the phrase, “Silence is Golden.”

There, silence allows for the enjoyment of a movie. Elsewhere, silence is golden in different ways.

Silence allows for emotional space, it keeps us from saying empty words, it gives us the opportunity to sit and be there for those who need us. It may feel like an uncomfortable eternity at times, yet it is often the most precious blessing we can offer.

Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus joined the clergy team at The Temple in July 2008 and currently serves as an Associate Rabbi. She is also a member of the ARA.

AJT

what’s happening

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.

Daddy-Daughter Dance, for kindergarten to fifth grade girls and their dad, step-dad, grandpa, uncle, older brother, or other male relative. Semiformal attire and prizes, dinner, and dancing. Plus a keepsake photograph.

Sun., March 23, 5 p.m. $40/members (per couple), $50/non-members. To register multiple children, (678) 8124010. Info, lana.schlam@atlantajcc. org, or (678) 812-3727

Thurs., March 27

Young Adults on Tap, Jews on Tap is an opportunity to socialize, network, and just relax with other young adults. All are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation or background.

Drinks and food available for purchase. Thurs., March 27, 7:30 p.m.

RiRa. Info, roey.shoshan@atlantajcc. org or (678) 812-4055.

Chocolate Seder, for adults only.

A decadent and delicious chocolaty twist on a traditional Passover Seder led by Rabbi Brian Glusman. Use candy, sweets, and ‘spirits’ to symbolize the traditional Passover foods. A formal meal will not be served. Thurs., March 27, 7:30 p.m. $18/person (by March 21), $25/person (after March 21). Congregation Etz Chaim. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org, or (678) 812-4161. Register at etzchaim. net/chocolateseder.

Fri., March 28

Musical Shabbat Kids’ Celebration, bring your children to enjoy familyfriendly Shabbat songs, prayers and

blessings, challah, grape juice and a visit from “The Shabbat Dinosaur.”

Fri., March 28, 5:30 p.m. Free. Zaban Park. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc. org or (678) 812-4161.

Anniversary, Community-Wide Chai Shabbat, Temple Sinai celebrates 18 years with Rabbi Ron Segal. Welcome reception and Shabbat service. A dessert oneg will follow the service. Fri., March 28, 6 p.m. Temple Sinai. RSVP, www.templesinaiatlanta.org.

Musical Shabbat Concert, join the AJMF and MJCCA for a Shabbat celebration featuring Mikey Pauker’s unique musical style as he breathes new life into Shabbat classics. March 28, 7 p.m. Free. Zaban Park. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4161.

Sat., March 29

Beth Schafer Concert, nationallyacclaimed Jewish artist comes to perform. The event will benefit Camp Coleman and includes dessert and refreshments. Seating is limited. Sat., March 289, 7:30 p.m. $18/person, $54/ family (up to 5), $250/sponsored table.

Temple Beth Tikvah social hall. RSVP

by March 24, (770) 642-0434.

AJMF Main Event, with performers Yo La Tengo, Mikey Pauker and Basya Schechter. Sat., March 29, 8:45 p.m. $25/advance, $30/door. Variety Playhouse.

Chai Gala, celebrating Temple Sinai’s 18 years with Rabbi Ron Segal. Sat., March 29. The Loews Atlanta Hotel.

RSVP, www.templesinaiatlanta.org.

Sun., March 30

The Daffodil Dash, a 1 mile and 5K Run/Walk in memory of the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust. Raising awareness and funds for Holocaust education and children suffering in humanitarian crises. Registration begins one hour before race.

Sun., March 30, 9:15 a.m. Georgia Perimeter College on Womack Rd. Register online, www.daffodildash.org.

Mon., March 31

GHA’s Sidney Feldman Golf Tournament, honoring A.J. Robinson. The tournament kicks off with registration, breakfast, and opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m., the shotgun start is at noon, and a gala reception and the presentation of awards will be held at 5 p.m. Mon., March 31. Druid Hills Golf Club. For more information, visit www.ghacademy.org/index.php/golftournament or (404) 843-9900.

march 21 ▪ 2014

AJT

d’var torah

27

AJT

COMMUNITY

Atlanta Mourns Loss of a Great Woman THE PASSING OF RASHI MINKOWICZ, WIFE OF RABBI HIRSHY

BY SHAINDLE SCHMUCKLER SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

C

habad emissary, loving and devoted wife and mother of eight tragically passed away of a stroke early in the morning of Thursday, March 11. Rashi Minkowicz z”l was only 37 years old.

“We were living in Atlanta for all of 30 minutes when the phone rings and its Rashi inviting us to a Shabbos dinner. And by the end of that first conversation, she had me teaching at her Sunday school. She was my first friend in Atlanta.

“We spent endless hours planning for Sunday school and other events together. But we didn’t just plan for Chabad. We loved to talk purses and shoes. We loved to trade recipes and laugh about the ridiculous things our kids put us through,” remembered Jocelyn Schorvitz.

Rabbi Hirshy and Rashi Minkowicz were true spiritual partners in building a Chabad community in the city of Alpharetta.

After arriving in 1998 and starting from scratch, their passion and love of Judaism spread and a Chabad Center was born. When they arrived, there was no Torah community in Alpharetta. Now there are more than 20 families who keep the Shabbat, and many more of us who have been recipients of their inspirational teachings.

march 21 ▪ 2014

“She was the spine of our community,” recalls Anthony Shapiro, who credits his family’s return to Torah observance to the Minkowicz family. “She was an inspiration, not just

28

as a rebbetzin, but as a mother and a friend – never criticizing for what we were not doing, but pointing out and celebrating what we did do.”

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Rabbi Chaim Meir and Sara Lieberman, Rashi grew up as one of 17 siblings in a home that was open to long- and short-term guests around the clock.

After graduating from Associated Beth RivkahSchools (directed by her future fatherin-law) in Brooklyn, she went on to study at the Bais Chaya Mushka Seminary in Montreal, Canada. Rashi’s cousin, Levi Margolin, remembers her as a real trailblazer.

“She was the first of our cousins to get married and the first to go out on shlichus,” he says. “Immediately, she started having her siblings, cousins, friends and even strangers visit and help out with whatever was going on.

We were (and still are) all so proud of what she and Hirshy were doing.

She was a true shlucha of the Rebbe [Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory], and lived every moment for her family and community. It’s amazing to see the positive vibe and growth that they have created in Alpharetta.”

is extended to the family.

TOP: Rashi Minkowicz BOTTOM: Rashi Minkowicz & family

community in building a beautiful state-of-the art mikvah, which she then operated with pride and care.

She also directed the community’s Gan Israel summer day camp and its Hebrew school, as well as planned and executed countless women’s events and holiday programs.

Rashi Minkowicz is survived by her husband Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz and their eight young children: Mendel, Yoel, Henya, Tonia, Naftali, Shaya, Dovid and Alter. The love and devotion of an entire community

Rashi z”l is also survived by her parents; her in-laws, Rabbi Laime and Shoshana Minkowicz; and 16 siblings: Rabbi Moshe Lieberman (shliach in Newton, Mass.); Rabbi Yossi Lieberman (shliach in West Hempstead, N.Y.); Bluma Marcus (shlucha in Los Alamitos, Calif.); Mendy Lieberman, (Brooklyn, N.Y.); Levi Lieberman (Redondo Beach, Calif.); Esty Majesky (Brooklyn, N.Y.); Henya Friedman (Brooklyn, N.Y.); Shaya Lieberman, (Brooklyn, N.Y.); Doba Raskin (Brooklyn, N.Y.); Mushka Shusterman (Los Angeles, Calif.); Shalom Lieberman; Tirtzah Lieberman; Chani Lieberman; Shmulie Lieberman; Zalmy Lieberman; and Nissi Lieberman.

Rashi’s z”l funeral procession passed by her childhood home, and then LubavitchWorld Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway, in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y., on Thurs., March 13, at 10:30 a.m. It then proceeded to the Old Montefiore Cemetery, where interment took place at 11:15 a.m.

An active leader, Rashi led the

“Liking” us on Facebook could be the difference between staying home on a Saturday night or going to out to the theater, a sports event, a concert, dinner at a great restaurant or just finding out more about Atlanta’s Jewish Community.

AJT

may their memories be a blessing

Muriel Gershon 89, Atlanta

Muriel S. Gershon, age 89, of Atlanta died March 13, 2014.

Muriel was born in Chicago, an only child. Her mother died when she was only 4-years-old. Her father, Jack Sachs, of blessed memory, later remarried Josephine Sachs, of blessed memory, who was a wonderful mother to Muriel. After attending Junior College, Muriel began nurse’s training during World War II. She met her future husband, Burt, the love of her life, at a party when she was only 17. Burt felt the same, and so they married in May of 1944. With the war over, they returned to Atlanta – Burt’s home – where he became a Certified Public Accountant. Muriel went into retail and became an Assistant Buyer at Rich’s and later worked at Ellman’s with fine jewelry, where she was very respected and successful. Muriel loved helping others through involvement in charitable organizations. She served as president of City of Hope, Atlanta Chapter, as well as the local Jewish War Veterans’ Auxiliary. Muriel actively spoke to groups on the causes where she felt she could make a difference in people’s lives. Muriel loved to travel and organize trips; she and Burt usually traveled with dear friends or cherished relatives. They traveled within the States, as well as Canada, Mexico, Europe and Israel. Muriel accompanied her mother, Josephine on one of the earliest trips to China. She and her husband have been long-time members of Ahavath Achim Synagogue. Survivors include her loving and devoted husband of 69 years, Burton Gershon; son, Jeff and daughter-in-law, Cary Gershon, Peachtree Corners, Ga.; daughter, Cathy Gershon, Roswell, Ga. and grandson, Andrew Gershon, N.Y., as well as many other dear relatives and friends. Muriel’s longtime caregiver, Debbie Rolle, gave personal assistance and love above and beyond her duty. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ahavath Achim Synagogue or National City of Hope. Sign online guestbook at www.edressler.com. A graveside service was held Sun., March 16 at 11 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Neil Sandler officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta (770) 451-4999.

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Cathryn Kaufmann Cathryn Marjorie Kaufmann, age 90, of Atlanta, died peacefully on March 17, 2014. A lifelong Atlanta resident and member of The Temple, Ms. Kaufmann attended American University and was a graduate of Duke University. Longtime civil servant, Ms. Kaufmann worked at the Social Security Administration for most of her career. Ms. Kaufmann was a dedicated volunteer at the Midtown Assistance Center and the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, as well as the Zaban Center. She was politically interested and followed many causes and was active in the League of Women Voters and National Council of Jewish Women. A passionate believer in public transportation, Ms. Kaufmann took the bus to and from work most of her career. Ms. Kaufmann was the daughter of Hettie and Lawrence Kaufmann (deceased), cherished sister of Dorothy Kaufmann Steinheimer, sister-in-law of Lawrence Steinheimer (deceased), and beloved aunt of Carole Steinheimer Brand & her husband Nicholas and George Steinheimer and his wife Helen, great-aunt of Jonathan and Elizabeth, David, and Ellen Brand, and Benjamin and Lauren Steinheimer, and friend to countless others. Sign an online guest book at www.edressler.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Cathryn Kaufmann to the Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, Gift Processing Area, 1687 Tullie Circle, Atlanta, GA 30329, or Midtown Assistance Center at 30 Porter Place, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, or to The Temple, Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, 1589 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, (770) 451-4999.

march 21 ▪ 2014

90, Atlanta

29

JEWISH PUZZLER

by David Benkof

Across 1. Suffixes for Zion and Yiddish 5. Downbeat Hebrew song “Zemer Nugeh” (___ Melody) 9. Like the rainbow of Genesis chapter 9 14. Perform the mitzvah of “shiluach haken” with a mother bird before taking her eggs 15. Ivy League university with Hebrew in its logo 16. ___ offering (Temple “terumah” sacrifice) 17. Physics Nobelist known for his theory of superfluidity 19. One kind of Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle employee 20. Deal-___ (diet promoted by Richard Simmons) 21. Stand-up comic Andrew ___ Clay 23. “___ Speak!” (Memorable Dianne Wiest line in Woody Allen’s “Bullets Over Broadway”) 24. ___ Foundation (supporter of the art of mime) 26. Irgun initials 28. ___ center of the world (location of the Holy of Holies, traditionally) 30. “Spark ___” (2012 Matisyahu album) 33. Constitutionl law expert Sunstein 36. “___ Flux” (2005 with black Jewish actress Sophie Okonedo) 38. Policy area coordinated by the Obama Administration’s Michael B. Froman 39. Gloria Allred, e.g.

40. Polish Talmudist of the 16th century 42. Dir. followed when going from Netanya to Haifa 43. Figure out a Hebrew verb’s root and

binyan, for exmple 45. Molly Picon was a Yiddish one 46. Sidelock worn by many Hasidim 47. ___ Tovah! (Tishre greetings) 49. Kind of campaign the ADL concerns itself with 51. Bud of baseball 53. Expresses the Kabbalistic concept of constant “devekut” to God 57. Ima’s partner 59. Pioneering Jewish historian Isaak Markus 61. Davalos of the Holocaust film “Defiance” 62. Smells like herring 64. Former Israeli prime minister with a master’s degree from Stanford 66. Yarmulke alternative 67. Late winter Torah portion 68. “The Golem,” e.g.

69. Billy Joel’s “___ Young Man” 70. Jerusalem Ulpan Beit ___ (“House of the People”) 71. Some experts at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis

spectators in Florida) 8. ___ Bigalow (Rob Schneider character) 9. Boarding school in N. Carolina 10. Source of a rare kosher delicacy 11. Academy Award nominee for “Hester Street” 12. “When a man divorced his first wife, ___ the altar sheds tears” (Talmudic quotation) 13. Treasury ___ (Jack Lew’s agy.)

18. “Dr. Who” actress Kingston who discovered her Jewish heritage just a few years ago

22. ___ Hayim Synagogue (Cairo site) 25. “I’m kvelling!”

27. Jewish fraternity ___ Beta Tau 29. One subject in the Talmudic tractate Bava Metzia 31. Israeli Supreme Court Justice Arbel (2004-present)) 32. Torah portion that will be read on August 23, 2014 in the Diaspora 33. Kippot 34. Second word of the Hamotzi prayer 35. Lee ___ Theatre & Film Institute

(NYC acting school) 37. Org. formerly known as Pioneer Women 40. Tchelet, perhaps 41. TV version of Balaam’s donkey 44. It might be worn on one’s foot on Yom Kippur 46. Catholic equivalent of a Hasidic rebbe 48. Akin to samekh-ayin-peh 50. He was king when Elijah was a prophet 52. Fiennes role in “Schindler’s List” 54. Aired “Seinfeld,” say 55. Raise high, as God’s name 56. “But the Lord was wroth with me for your ___...”

(Psalms 3:26) 57. Kiryat ___ (Settlement near Hebron) 58. “Have You ___ Jewish Today?” (children’s book) 60. Jewish “Transformers” actor whose first name makes some people think he’s Muslim 63. Chazer’s place 65. ___, Tzefardeia, Kinim.... (Exodus plagues)

Last week’s answers

Down 1. Anthony Weiner’s wife’s religion 2. It starts with Deuteronomy 6:4 3. Prime ___ (God, according to Maimonides) 4. Shiva sentiments 5. “The Fountainhead” novelist Rand 6. Sect described by Josephus 7. Jai ___ (sport with many Jewish

Shabbat Candle Lighting Times shabbat blessings

march 21 ▪ 2014

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

30

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

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

Blessing for the Wine Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu

Meelech Haolam, Borei p’ri hagafen Praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.

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

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

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

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

Fri., March 28, 7:37p.m.

Sat., Mar 29 8 :33 p.m.

Fri., April 4, 7:42p.m.

Sat., April 5 8:38 p.m.

Fri., April 11, 7:47p.m.

Sat., April 12 8:44 p.m.

Passover Fri., April 14, 7:49p.m.

Sat., April 15 8:47 p.m.

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Send resume to: mbonell@atljewishtimes.com

HELP WANTED Help Wanted- Office/Clerical PT Clerical Person needed from 11:00AM To 3:00PM Monday-Friday, $400.00 weekly. Computer skills are a must. Need to be detail oriented, possess good customer service skills, some cash & items handling skills, Must be able to do Lil errand. sandra01morgan@outlook.com

CNA / Caregiver 6 years exp. skilled nursing, assisted living and home care respectively. Call 770-912-3037

Visit the AJT online at atlantajewishtimes.com

march 21 ▪ 2014

Must have sales experience and proven track record.

Independent and motivated team player. Enthusiastic attitude about advertising and the Jewish community.

Must be comfortable cold calling. Excellent oral and written communication skills, along with exceptional interpersonal skills. Proficient in the use of Outlook and internet resources.

Israeli, compassionate, CPR certified, caregiver Offers companionship, driving, References available Call Semmie at 404-593-7484

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WellStar Medical Group Proudly serving East Cobb

ALLERGY & ASTHMA Grace Chiang, M.D. 3939 Roswell Road Suite 200 Marietta, GA 30062 770-333-2027

CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE Mindy Gentry, M.D. Michael Hardee, M.D. Harvey Sacks, M.D. 1010 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta, GA 30068 770-321-3490

ENDOCRINOLOGY Sona Patel, M.D. Reshma Shah, M.D. 3939 Roswell Road Suite 110 Marietta, GA 30062 678-403-4300

FAMILY MEDICINE AND INTERNAL MEDICINE — PEDIATRICS Mitzi Rubin, M.D., FAAFP Travis Bowles, M.D. 3939 Roswell Road Suite 200 Marietta, GA 30062 770-973-2272

PEDIATRICS

Amy Cooper, M.D., MPH, MS Eva Montgomery-McGuire, M.D., FAAP 3939 Roswell Road Suite 300 Marietta GA 30062 770-578-2868

PEDIATRICS

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY Caroline Gibbons, M.D. Jenifer Conde, M.D. 3939 Roswell Road Suite 300 Marietta, GA 30062 770-578-2875

FAMILY MEDICINE & GERIATRIC MEDICINE

Susan Staviss, M.D., FAAP 1523 Johnson Ferry Road Suite 150 Marietta GA 30062 770-509-1234

PULMONARY MEDICINE Mark Schlosberg, MD Jeffrey Michaelson, MD Folu Akinnusi, MD 3939 Roswell Road Suite 110 Marietta, GA 30062 770-422-1372

march 21 ▪ 2014

Whitney Denton, M.D. Shravantika Reddy, M.D. 3939 Roswell Road Suite 240 Marietta, GA 30062 678-403-4660

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All practices accepting new patients and most insurance plans.

770-956-STAR

wellstar.org