Atlanta Jewish Times, No 48, December 6, 2013

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“My DADDY’S PRESIDENT...

WHAT DOES YOUR DADDY DO?” PAGES 14-16

DECEMBER 6, 2013 –December 12, 2013

IRAN

IMPLICATIONS AND reactions PAGES 4-6

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GIVING GRATITUDE TO IDF SOLDIERS PAGE 2

Israel’s Golan Heights Winery in Vietnam PAGE 8

AM YISRAEL CHAI’S DAFFODIL PROJECT PAGE 2

AJT

ISRAEL

Friends of the IDF Southeast Region Visits Israel GIVING GRATITUDE TO IDF SOLDIERS

F

riends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Southeast Region supporters embarked on a unique sevenday journey to Israel as part of the FIDF National Leadership Mission to Israel to show their appreciation and support for Israel’s soldiers. The mission took place from Nov. 1 to Nov. 8. Delegates from the community included FIDF Southeast Chairman, Garry Sobel, Southeast Board Member, Debby Bettsak, FIDF supporter Fred Shaftman, and Southeast Executive Director, Seth Baron.

The special Leadership Mission, led by National Chairman, Nily Falic, National President, Julian Josephson, and National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon, brought national and local community leaders from FIDF’s chapters across the U.S. together to

meet with the brave men and women of the IDF. The group met with soldiers and commanders on various military bases across Israel, including the Gaza Division’s headquarters of Re’im, the Intelligence Corps training base, the Regional Division 36 on the Golan Heights, and the Tel-Nof Air Force base, where participants learned from F-15 pilots about the advanced technologies used in Israeli Air Force (IAF) operations. The group also participated in briefings by officers of both the Southern Command and Northern Command of the IDF. Mission participants had the opportunity to meet with several toplevel government and IDF officials, including the President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres, the Head of Military Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, the Chief of the IDF Edu-

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FIDF Southeast Executive Director, Seth Baron, FIDF Southeast Chairman, GarryCorps, Sobel,Brig. and Fred Peter Halmagyi Photography at Credit: least 20 more from the Southeast cation Gen.Shaftman.

Avner PazPhoto Tzuk, the former Minister of Internal Region to experience this incredibly Security and former Head of Shabak unique mission,” said FIDF South(Shin Bet), the Internal General Se- east Chairman, Garry Sobel. curity Service of Israel, Avi Dicter, “The Friends of the IDF delegaand former Israeli Senior Official on tion which has embarked on this Arab Affairs, Avi Melamed. important journey to Israel signifies This extraordinary journey in Israel culminated with a special FIDF ceremony at the Smolarz Auditorium in Tel Aviv University. Hundreds of soldiers and commanders, FIDF IMPACT! scholarship recipients, FIDF supporters, and members of the IDF general staff came together for an evening of celebration and gratitude for Israel’s soldiers and the hard work they endure to protect the Jewish homeland and its people around the world.

“The FIDF mission gave us a unique opportunity to see Israel through the eyes of its leaders and the brave young men and women of the IDF who protect our homeland and afford us the ability as Jews to walk proudly and safely throughout the world. What I will remember most is that while I was thanking each of them throughout the trip, they would stop me and say, ‘no, we want to thank you for showing us that we are not alone.’ At Tel Aviv University we gave out far more than the 1,000 college scholarships to former combat soldiers—we gave out 1,000 futures.

I left Israel with a renewed sense of the great work we are doing to provide for the care and well-being of our soldiers. Next year, we hope to bring

the deeply rooted connection between the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and the brave soldiers who serve to protect it,” said FIDF National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon.

FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization with the mission of providing and supporting educational, social, cultural, and recreational programs and facilities for the heroic men and women of the IDF. Today, FIDF has more than 120,000 loyal supporters, and 15 regional offices throughout the U.S. and Panama. FIDF proudly offers its support to the IDF soldiers and their families through a variety of unique and innovative programs.

These opportunities reinforce the vital bond between the communities in the United States, the soldiers of the IDF, and the State of Israel.

AJT

israel

Israeli Pride

GOOD NEWS MADE IN THE JEWISH STATE THIS PAST WEEK

INTENSIVE CARE UNIT ON A MOTORCYCLE. Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom has now introduced unique ICU motorcycles. They are fully equipped with rescue and ICU capabilities so that MDA paramedics can get to patients faster, stabilizing them until ambulances arrive.

BEFORE THE TYPHOON. Israel’s water management company Miya won the Drinking Water Supply award in this year’s IWA Project Innovation Awards for its work reducing water leakage in Manila, Philippines. Water lost through faulty systems was reduced from 67 percent to 38 percent - saving 700 million liters a day.

BIBLICAL ALTAR DISCOVERED AT SHILOH. Archeologists have found the first physical evidence that the ancient city of Shiloh (in Judea and Samaria) was a religious center before the First Temple was built in Jerusalem. An Iron Age stone altar was accidentally exposed during a recent dig in the area.

STRAIGHTENING BABY FEET. Another new Israeli medical innovation is the UNFO foot brace. The device is worn below the ankle and rectifies infant foot deformities (metatarsus adductus or metatarsus varus) within the first six weeks. It is far superior, safer, and less stressful than a cast or full leg braces.

ISRAEL IN THE PHILLIPINES. Israeli doctors treated roughly 300 Philippine injuries per day, conducting over 50 surgeries, and delivered as many as three-dozen babies. The team also rebuilt a school enabling 350 children

to restart classes and their parents to return to work. Having treated over 2,600 patients, the team is now headed back home.

America’s leading chefs. The application, called “The Best of the Best,” will be available soon for iPad, iPhone and Android devices.

CURED OF ESSENTIAL TREMOR. At Haifa’s Rambam hospital, ExAblate Neuro, the non-invasive focused ultrasound treatment from Israel’s InSightec, successfully cured its first patient of essential tremor. A recent BBC program also featured the treatment, but left it unnamed.

IKEA HELPS TODDLERS WITH DISABILITIES. Ikea in Israel has raised funds to help two Israeli charities (Akim and Chimes) renovate an educational and therapeutic center for toddlers with disabilities. The center will be located in Jaffa.

TREATING PALESTINE SEWAGE. Israeli water treatment company Mapal Green Energy is building a sewage water reclamation system for the Palestinian Arab village of Uja, located near Jericho. It will recycle domestic sewage and water for use in the area’s agriculture.

DATABASE FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE. The Ministry of Economy presented a database of the Israeli companies that offer Adaptation technologies at the most recent Warsaw Climate Change Conference. The companies address climate, waste, green building materials, agriculture and crisis management.

ISRAELI SPICE GIRLS. Tavlinim (Hebrew for “spices”) is a group of women in Netivot who cater at events on a commercial basis. The group is supported by Philadelphia’s Partnership2Gether; most of the women originated from Morocco, Tunisia and Ethiopia.

RANKED SECOND WORLDWIDE. Israel has been ranked second in the Global Dynamism Index science and technology sector of worldwide accountancy firm Grant Thornton International, South Korea being the highest. Israel was eighth in the overall Global Dynamism Index rankings.

COOKING APP GONE GLOBAL. Kinetic Art, an Israeli stratup, in association with the James Beard Foundation culinary organization, is producing a vegetarian cooking application of 20 of

$1 MILLION TO RESEARCH BRAIN DISORDERS. Researchers from Ben-Gurion University, plus the University of Heidelberg and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin are working together to investigate the impact of mitochondria on memory and brain disorders.

The team has been awarded a $1 mil-

lion German-Israel Project-Cooperation Grant.

HERITAGE COIN WINS PRIZE. This special coin in the UNESCO “World Heritage Sites” series, issued by the Bank of Israel and dedicated to the water supply system at Tel Megiddo, has won a prize at the 10th annual Vicenza Numismatica International Competition. It was chosen as the “Most Beautiful Architectural Representation on a Coin Minted in 2012.”

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ISRAEL

Key Implications of the Geneva Agreement between the P5+1 and Iran • Unprecedented international recognition of Iran’s enrichment program – Under the Geneva agreement Iran will retain its vast enrichment capabilities during both the “first step,” in which the parties undertake specific respective measures, and the “final step” aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement of the nuclear issue.

This essentially means that, for the first time since the beginning of negotiations in 2003, the international community recognizes Iran’s enrichment program and agrees that it will not be rolled back – contrary to a longstanding policy of full suspension enshrined in several UN Security Council resolutions.

• International acceptance of the heavy water reactor in Arak – The elements of the comprehensive solution mentioned in the Geneva agreement lack any commitment to the dismantling of the Arak heavy water reactor. The agreement only addresses the need for resolution of concerns regarding the reactor, thus implying that Iran will not be required to forfeit the facility which is uniquely suitable for the production of military grade plutonium.

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

• Uninhibited R&D of advanced centrifuges – The current agreement allows Iran to continue R&D of Advanced Centrifuges. This means Iran will be able to further develop and strengthen its enrichment capacity under the guise of this agreement, and will be in a better position technologically when it decides it is time

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to further expand enrichment. Therefore, the agreement actually enables Iran to get closer to breakout capability.

completely absent from an agreement that envisions restoring confidence in the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program as one of its major goals.

• Current stock of uranium enriched to a level of under 5 percent will remain intact – Iran is allowed to preserve its current stock of about seven tons of uranium enriched to a level of under five percent. Although the agreement requires that during the “first step,” Iran will convert any additional LEU produced at Natanz and Fordow to oxide, this conversion is conditional upon the readiness of the relevant conversion line in Iran.

Given Iran’s well-established record of dragging its feet to buy time it will not come as a surprise if Iran continues to accumulate material long after the beginning of the implementation of the “first step” and beyond.

• The agreement undermines the sanctions regime and provides Iran with crucial relief in economic pressure – The international concessions in the area of sanctions undermine the sanctions regime and curb momentum for additional pressure on Iran. It is crucial to remember that pressure is what brought Iran to the negotiations table in the first place, and therefore reducing sanctions without any real concessions on the part of Iran is extremely counterproductive: Iran is now less likely to agree to any significant restrictions on its nuclear program.

• Iran will be able to easily reverse the measures taken under the agreement and charge ahead once it is politically convenient – Iran is not required to roll back or dismantle anything. Its nuclear infrastructure will remain intact, enabling it to resume full operations upon decision.

• The military dimensions of Iran’s program are put in the back seat – The Geneva agreement does not contain any clear requirement from Iran to provide answers, access and information in relation to the military dimensions of its nuclear program. The very heart of the nuclear crisis lies with those issues, which imply that Iran has engaged in nuclear weapons development. Ironically, they are

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now legitimate to do business with Iran – Private sector actors may interpret the agreement as a signal that Iran has embarked on a path that will bring it back from international isolation. This may result in renewed efforts to resume or develop business in Iran.

• The “interim” agreement might become permanent – In the absence of a sense of urgency under the façade of an agreement, the interim measure might become permanent and define the parameters of Iran’s nuclear program for years to come.

Given the observations made above, this means that Iran will practically be escorted to a nuclear threshold position by the international community.

• The agreement signals that it is

JCPA Statement on the Interim Agreement with Iran:

J

CPA President and CEO Rabbi Steve Gutow released the following statement today regarding the interim agreement reached in Geneva between the P5+1 countries and Iran regarding that state’s nuclear program: “Though Iran has done little to deserve our trust, diplomacy is preferable to military action. At the same time, we support President Obama when he says that no option should be taken off the table. Thus, we believe the interim agreement reached in Geneva today has the potential to serve as a valuable stepping stone to a final agreement that can serve the long term security interests of the United States, Israel, the Middle East and the entire international community. Such a final agreement, which should be negotiated in a tight time frame, must not leave Iran in a position to continue its drive for nuclear weapons capability, or to be able to restart it with ease anytime in the future.

The menace of a nuclear armed Iran needs to be eliminated once and for all.

“We also believe that it is important to maintain strong economic pressures on Iran until a satisfactory final agreement is reached as well as the strict inspection and verification mechanisms to ensure compliance with today’s interim agreement. Economic pressures caused Iran to come to the negotiating table, and they will contribute to the effort to reach a final agreement. Intrusive inspections can help ensure Iran does not continue to development of nuclear weapons while negotiations for a final agreement continue.”

JCPA, the public affairs arm of the organized Jewish community, serves as the national coordinating and advisory body for the 14 national and 125 local agencies comprising the field of Jewish community relations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Remarks on Iran Agreement at Cabinet Meeting

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“W

hat was achieved last night in Geneva is not an historic agreement; it is an historic mistake.

Today the world has become a much more dangerous place because the most dangerous regime in the world has taken a significant step toward attaining the most dangerous weapon in the world.

“For the first time, the world’s leading powers have agreed to uranium enrichment in Iran while ignoring the UN Security Council decisions that they themselves led. Sanctions that required many years to put in place contain the best chance for a peaceful solution. These sanctions have been given up in exchange for cosmetic Iranian concessions that can be cancelled in weeks.

“This agreement and what it means endanger many countries including, of course, Israel. Israel is not bound by this agreement. The Iranian regime is committed to the destruction of Israel and Israel has the right and the obligation to defend itself, by itself, against any threat. As Prime Minister of Israel, I would like to make it clear: Israel will not allow Iran to develop a military nuclear capability.”

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israel

Chambliss Urges Strict Oversight of Iran

SENDS LETTERS REQUESTING REPORT ON THE VERIFIABILITY OF PROPOSAL

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.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today sent a letter to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Robert Menendez (D-Fla.) and Ranking Member Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) urging them to use existing author-

ity to request a report from the Secretary of State on the verifiability of the administration’s recent nuclear agreement with Iran.

The letter was signed by U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and several other

members of the Senate Intelligence, Armed Services and Banking Committees.

Current law states that the chairman or ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee may request a report from the Secretary of State on the verifiability of any arms control, nonproliferation,

or disarmament proposal.

The senators are urging that the committee request this report and make it available to the Senate Committees on Intelligence, Armed Services, and Banking, all of which maintain important oversight of this issue.

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

In the letter to Senators Menendez and Corker, the group of eight senators wrote, “Verification and compliance, as well as the fortitude to publicly identify and address noncompliance, represent the foundation of any successful arms control or disarmament agreement. We respectfully urge you to request this verification assessment from the Secretary of State and to make this report available to the Senate Committees on Intelligence, Armed Services, and Banking. Given Iran’s history of noncompliance, we believe this is not only a prudent step, but a sensible and necessary element of congressional oversight.”

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In addition to Senators Chambliss and Inhofe, the letter was signed by Senators Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Mike Lee (RUtah), and David Vitter (R-La.).

AJT

israel

Israeli School Allows Kids to Call the Shots BEN OR OF DEMOCRATIC SCHOOL VISITS EPSTEIN, INSPIRES SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

D

emocratic School is part of the Sudbury system and its unique approach to education includes the complete freedom of students in grades K-12 to study whatever interests them.

Students are also empowered to expel and suspend peers whose behaviors are deemed to not be in accordance with the school’s norms.

The Ministry of Education now supports the school’s efforts and Je-

Ben Or, who is the sister of Stan Beiner, Head of The Epstein School, shared the key components of project-based learning, an area that Epstein has been exploring for the past two years.

“Students have to have complete choice of what they want to study along with access to mentorship,” Ben Or explained, “In addition, there must be structured feedback.”

Ben Or stressed that projectbased learning places an emphasis on the type of skills that 21st century workplaces will require. The presentation generated much discussion on how The Epstein School could incorporate the ideas discussed to further enhance what is now being done.

Stan Beiner shared:

“Years ago, the structure of the Democratic School seemed so different from what was happening at Epstein. With our school’s rapid transition to blended education, seamless technology, and a focus on student empowerment, the philosophy of the Democratic School no longer seems foreign at all. There is a lot in com-

mon and it was great to learn from an educator who has been employing project based learning for years.”

Ben Or is on a month long visit to the United States and is speaking at schools along the East Coast.

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When the school was first established, it was under constant scrutiny by the government and faced numerous threats of closure. And yet, despite the reaction to this stark contrast to traditional education models, the school continued to grow and currently has a waiting list.

rusalem’s mayor takes a particular interest in the program.

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TOP: Mr. Stan Beiner (The Epstein School’s Head of School) and his sister, Eudice Ben Or (CoFounder of The Democratic School of Jerusalem).

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israel

Israel’s Golan Heights Winery Launches in Vietnam AN APPROACH TO THE EVER-INCREASING ASIAN WINE CULTURE

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he Golan Heights Winery, which produces, markets and exports premium wines worldwide, has been selected as the first Israeli winery to be marketed to Vietnam.

The winery has begun to introduce Vietnam to Israel’s flourishing wine industry, as part of a new commercial initiative from Israel’s Ministry of Economy.

In recent years, Asia has seen an expansion of its wine culture. Within South East Asia, Vietnam has one of the highest wine consumptions per capita. While the country has witnessed an impressive development of wine culture over the last century, there is very little internal wine production given unfavorable climatic conditions for vine growing.

Vietnam has become a prominent wine importer and wines from as far afield as Chile, France, Italy, Australia and New Zealand are all readily available.

Einat HaLevi-Levine, Director of

kets for the wine industry,” explained Anat Levi, CEO of the Golan Heights Winery. “The growth in consumption of quality wines here is among the highest in the world and Vietnam now joins the other Asian countries that we export to including Japan and China.”

New Export Industries from Israel’s Ministry of Economy in Vietnam, has spearheaded the campaign to expose Vietnam to Israeli wine.

This year, there were a series of wine marketing events were held around Vietnam.

Reciprocal visits from Vietnamese wine import professionals were also received in Israel when they attended the Golan Heights Winery’s 30th year celebrations.

Following the visit, the winery signed a distribution agreement with a Vietnamese distributor heralding the beginning of the next stage in this exciting endeavor.

As November drew to a close, Israeli Minister of Agriculture, Yair Shamir, and Vietnamese Agriculture and Rural

Development Minister, Cao Duc Phat signed an agricultural cooperation agreement in Vietnam. The agreement was signed at a dinner party hosted by the Israeli Ministry culminating with a L’chaim over a glass of the newly imported Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon.

“The Asian market is one of the most interesting and challenging mar-

“We are very proud to lead the process and see the entrance of the Golan Heights Winery to Vietnam,” added HaLeviLevine. “This achievement signifies an Israeli breakthrough to Vietnam, an accomplishment that should not be taken for granted in this country of nearly 100 million people.” HaLevi-Levine sees the entry of the Israeli wine industry to Vietnam as a significant strengthening of bilateral trade and also of Israel’s positive “brand” in Vietnam.

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AJT

noga reports

The Key to Peace

CULTURAL ATTITUDES CAN EITHER END US OR UPLIFT US

AJT contributor

“Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us.” - Golda Meir. Statement to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., 1957

O

n Monday, Amal Haniyeh, the granddaughter of Gaza’s Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh was hospitalized in Israel in critical condition.

Hamas is a terrorist organization that stands behind Gilad Shalit’s captivity, several suicide bombers who took many lives in Israeli restaurants and malls, missiles that are constantly being fired to southern Israel and an overall death wish to all that is Israeli or Jewish.

Hamas is one of Israel’s worst nightmares and still, the Jewish states finest doctors did everything in their power to save the life of Haniyeh’s granddaughter.

When life is at stake, even if it’s the life of an enemy, Israel puts any disputes behind.

It happens almost on a daily basis, when Palestinian prisoners, who are many times convicted terrorists, receiving medical treatment; it happened just a few months ago, when it was discovered that Israel is quietly treating Syrian war victims; it happened last week when the terrorist who stabbed soldier Eden Atias in his sleep was taken to a hospital to receive medical treatment for a few minor injuries, only moments after the crime.

When it comes to the value of life, Israel asks no questions. Some would criticize it, saying terrorists must be executed and not treated or sent to retire to a life in Israeli prison that’s far better than life in their homes.

But the question of “eye for an eye” seems petty in comparison to the value of life. A life is a life is a life, no matter how wrong one had done.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for our neighbors. Since an

early age, Palestinian children are being educated to hate and are being trained to kill. True, they are not in the high position Israel is at, and therefore may need to cultivate a survival instinct, but the outcome is machines who believe “the Jews” are devils and must be stopped at any cost.

The Israeli military can destroy all of the Palestinian territories and kill everyone who lives there, but that doesn’t happen.

Instead, we sit at the negotiation table, trying to figure out a solution.

At the same time, we are treating the most vicious killers, even though we can leave them to die. We want terrorists to pay for their crimes, but instead we are freeing them as part of a goodwill gesture prior the actual “peace talks.”

At the same time, a new generation of terrorists grows, right across the border. They don’t learn to sit and talk and open a window to peace.

They learn that the value of their lives is being measured in how many Jews they kill.

Not all of our neighbors treat their children this way, the way that not all of Israelis teach their children to value all life. But a majority is enough to characterize an entire community.

This gap between the basic grasp of life pushes any chance of peace away. Freeing terrorists as goodwill, after providing them with a medical care, is no good for Israel, nor for any future peace. For those terrorists will strike again, much like Haniyeh will not stop firing at Israel.

Peace is all about attitude. It is not about what you say when you interview to the press, but what you project in your community. Peace is based, first and foremost, on the value of life, on loving your children more than you hate your enemy.

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

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

BY NOGA GUR-ARIEH

9

AJT

in the moment

Keeping Thanksgivukkah

IT’S BEST TO GIVE AND RECEIVE, NO MATTER THE CALENDAR

BY BRAM BESSOFF

AJT contributor

S

upposedly Thanksgivukkah will not happen again for another 70,000 plus years – or until the year 79811 to be

exact.

By now you should have heard some talk about this national phenomenon, and even though it’s being publicized with lots of media attention and internet chatter as a rare coincidence of the lunar and solar calendars aligning, most still didn’t get it right.

The first night of Chanukah was Wednesday, making the first day on Thanksgiving. Semantics! But Chanukah hasn’t had this much spotlight in a long time.

Thanksgivukkah itself is arguably owned by two Bostonians, who went as far as to trademark the name and snatch up the Facebook and Twitter handles to promote and merchandise the holiday. Yet one particular person cannot lay claim to this once-ina-lifetime holiday.

They weren’t the only ones thinking about making a quick dime by enterprising on the moment, just do a quick Google image search to see what I’m talking about.

My family has been celebrating Thanksgivukkah for years now - not by name, but simply due to logisitics

– this and Passover are the only two times a year the entire family can get together. Therefore, we usually celebrate Chanukah over the holiday weekend, while keeping the two generally separated.

Every year the family converges upon our place for T-day, but as of the last two years, it has been getting bigger and more extravagant.

It started in 2012, when we went off-location to spend the weekend in a few simple cabins on the lake. This year it was upgraded to a palatial six bedroom, six and a half bath estate complete with guest house, billiard room and boat dock to celebrate Thanksgivukkah and my father’s upcoming 70th birthday.

As fun as it was, the blending of the two holidays made us aware of deeper parallels and will forever be celebrated in our family as such from here on out.

Our Thanksgiving table was outfitted with a menorah and our table side conversion included discussing the parallels between the Maccabee’s fight for religious freedom and the pilgrim’s motivation to settle a new land.

Both holidays in essence are a “festival” that celebrates the overcoming of tyranny to practice one’s faith. My eldest daughter even noted the similarities between Thanksgiving and Sukkot, which quickly led

HAPPY HANUKAH!

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

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into a heated debate of a modernized form of Kashrut so more people could economically sustain a kosher lifestyle.

And although we kept the rest of the weekend mainly about a family hang and football, plenty of people were doing big things to celebrate the hybrid holiday.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino proclaimed Thanksgivukkah to be an official holiday, Macy’s included a dreidel in honor of Thanksgivukkah in its institutionalized parade, and plenty of musical artists, secular and non-secular alike, played special shows and wrote songs to commemorate the event.

Craig Taubman and the Pico Union Project held a Thanksgivukkah Festival in Los Angeles featuring Moshav & hip-hop rapper Kosher Dillz, both AJMF performing artists.

The Dirty Sock Funtime Band, my new pick for an AJMF future concert just for kids, featured their Thanksgivukkah tune “The Menurkey” – a menorah in the shape of a turkey at their CD Release show in New York last week.

A rabbi in Mineola, Long Island, even granted a pardon to kashuring a turkey in honor of Thanksgivukkah.

Speaking of food, kosher power house Manischewitz, who dropped a “K” in their spelling, got in the game by creating thanksgivukah.com so that people could submit and vote for their favorite holiday “mash-up” recipes.

Stuck for a last minute Chanukah present? Check these out for some fun Thanksgivukkah gifts: 1. Get a Menurkey at www. menurkey.com – conceived by fourth grader Asher Weintraub who designed the prototype with autocad, a 3D printer and $48k raised through kickstarter which has now become a full

blown business with an app in the iTunes store.

2. Shop locally until Dec. 31 at the Thanksgivukkah pop-up store in Inman Park or anytime online thanks to www.

ModernTribe.com Atlanta’s locally owned and operated Judaic online gift store. Check out the inexpensive $9 poster of the American Gothikkah and the very cool Woodstock inspired Thanksgivukkah t-shirt.

3. w w w . z a z z l e . c o m thanksgivukkah+gifts has a fun array of gifts starting at just a few bucks for adults and children, including greeting cards and even the wrapping paper, which are always hard to find – especially living in the South.

If there is one holiday by which secular Jews can rediscover their connection to Judaism, perhaps it is Thanksgiving. And unless you want to wait until Nov. 27, 2070 or Nov. 28, 2165, try showing your gratitude with a new tradition of giving and receiving by practicing Thanksgivukkah next year.

Bram Bessoff is a drummer and musician; you can see him sitting in with friends and artists all over the Atlanta area or catch him during one of his elusive Soup reunion shows. When not onstage, Bram sits on the board of directors as VP for The Atlanta Jewish Music Festival.

AJT

ACCORDING TO ARLENE

Waiting for a Grandchild

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PRESENT AND NOT PUTTING LIFE ON HOLD

impulsive than logical. Inconsistency is just part of who I am.

T

In defense of this personality trait, I can explain I’m trying to live by an ideal – to always live in the present moment.

AJT CONTRIBUTOR

hrough most of November I was living my life on hold.

I didn’t want to buy produce that might have to be tossed out or make appointments that would have to be canceled. I was waiting for a new grandchild to be born and wanted to be ready, just in case my son and daughter-in-law called asking me to fly to Toronto to help at a moments notice.

Living on “pause” doesn’t work.

Finally, the week of Thanksgiving, I decided it was time to fill up the refrigerator, and make plans to do the things I enjoy.

I went up and down the aisles at Costco, filling my basket, first with a fresh kosher turkey for Thanksgiving and with fruits and vegetables that would take weeks to consume.

Anyone who noticed would have a hard time believing I’m an empty nester, living only with my husband.

If they knew that, they’d probably assume I was expecting a lot of company.

Actually, no one was paying attention to what I was putting in my basket. It was only me, having to listen to my inner voices, which sometimes question my actions. One voice encouraged me to buy whatever was appealing. Another voice cautioned the baby would be born within a few weeks.

As I was checking out, I said to the cashier: “I haven’t been buying food because my daughter-in-law is due to have a baby any day. She lives in Toronto and I’m hoping to fly up to bond with my new grandchild and help out, however I’m needed. Now that I’ve bought all this food, I bet she’ll deliver the baby.”

The cashier laughed. I wasn’t sure if she was laughing with me or at me.

I knew my thinking didn’t exactly make sense. But when it comes to waiting for a baby to be born, it isn’t always possible to be logical.

Actually, for me, not being logical extends to other parts of my life as well. It’s more natural for me to be

Ever since reading Ram Dass’s classic book, “Remember, Be Here Now,” in the early ‘70s, I’ve worked hard not to let the past use up the present, or allow concerns about the future ruin my ability to focus on what’s happening now.

What was happening at Costco, was this – after I paid for my order, my basket was overflowing with so much stuff that I wondered if everything would fit into my car.

That store triggers my compulsive shopper sub-personality more than any other place I go. Everything looks good. I’ve heard other shoppers confess they go there needing a few items and come out $300 later. It’s good to know I’m not alone.

Yet Dan and I were alone as we lit our first Chanukah candles. It just wasn’t as meaningful or enjoyable without our grandchildren around.

This year, rather than trying to decide what Chanukah gifts would be most appreciated, I opted to send Chanukah gelt in the form of checks.

I know the holiday isn’t really about gift giving, but shopping for and giving gifts to my five grandchildren brings an excitement and joy that is fun for me.

Soon there would be a sixth grandchild. The baby would be number four for the Toronto Appelrouths.

There had been a lot of talk amongst the three brothers about whether they hoped they would have a sister or another brother.

“Shavua tov,” he began, wishing me a good week. He often called with a greeting like that.

“How was your Shabbos?” I asked.

It was a question I asked routinely.

But his answer was anything but routine.

“It was a long labor,” he said, “but everything is fine. Mazel tov, Mom. You have a granddaughter.”

It was great news. One surprise was the baby had already been named. David and Dalia named their daughter Chana Pearl. David had walked an hour and a half, on the Sabbath, to synagogue so he could give his daughter a name, only hours after she had entered the world.

“Did you name her Chana because she was born during Chanukah?” I asked. That made sense to me.

According to Jewish history, Chana is a well-known name. There’s a famous Chanukah story about Chana and her seven sons, and Chana is also the name of the mother of one of our patriarchs.

As soon as I meet my new granddaughter, however, I know the source of her name isn’t going to be what matters to me.

I can’t wait to touch her soft skin, breathe in her delicious smell and let her know she’s opened my heart, as only a granddaughter can do.

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

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By Arlene Appelrouth

REtiRE iN st ylE. youR st ylE. 11

AJT

op-ED

Chanukah in a Foreign Land

the story of TWO NEWLY-WEDS IN SEARCH OF A NEW CITY TO CALL HOME

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

test to the fact that I make a rockin’ good soup (won’t your dear!)

of our young lives. In fact, seemed the shock was never ending.

lthough my husband and I were married very young, we felt we were two New York City, sophisticated “adults” on our way to a place here-to-for unknown to us or our families.

Sheva checked with her doctor, whom she trusted with her life, as to which inoculation shots my husband and I would need in order to survive the journey we were about to undertake. A journey everyone begged us not to take.

We felt bullet proof. We were adventurers.

Who knew what dangers lurked in this far away strange place? What would we eat? Were there any Jews in this foreign place?

First, the stunning realization we were in a Lily-white world. Oh, except for the one black student with me on the class registration line. The second realization came on the high holy days. The Temple (I always thought a temple is where monks prayed) was nowhere near walking distance to our apartment. Such turmoil!

We braved crowded noisy trains, the G.W. (George Washington) bridge upgrade, Bear Mountain in the freezing cold, and burning – yes a I said burning – the pot of soup intended to warm the hearts of our parents on the first Shabbat that we would all share in our little love nest of an apartment.

OVER

Unbeknownst to us, we were YEARS about to experience the culture shock N AL

I TA L I A N

C

Drive to Shule (Synagogue) or not go at all? We worried ourselves (I cried) and worried ourselves some more, until we did the unthinkable.

We drove to Shule for the first time in our lives. And please do not even get me started on the architecture, the choir, the guitar and the music.

Then there was the earthquake in Alaska. It seems it must have been a 10 on the Richter scale. The side quakes came as far down as our University’s public pool. The pool was closed to the public.

Football was next. Who knew a thing about? Ask me about basketball and I could tell you plenty; after all I was captain of the basket-ball cheerleading squad. Anyway, where in the world would we play football in the Bronx? Stick ball yes, curb ball yes. Football? Oh I don’t think so!

And this was just the beginning of an education we could never have anticipated receiving.

Let’s fast forward our first southern Chanukah, after we left Alaska; What, no snow and 70 degrees? Has the world gone stark raving mad?

Everyone in our married student housing complex, with the exception of one other couple, was swimming in Christmas decorations. We had a lone Chanukiah which seemed so anemic to us.

And so began our long, ever expanding road to decorating for Chanukah, which included the purchase of a few too many Chanukiahs. Talk about keeping up with the Joneses, or I should say the Goldbergs.

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DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

We went with our second option: traveling to the southern United States. At least we could bring our car.

A NG T L A

IO

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Our first option was Hawaii. Oy, so far away; it was a fortune to transport our new car which had a Mercedes steering wheel – oh don’t be ridiculous, of course it wasn’t a Mercedes. We were really attached to the car we lovingly called Black Beauty.

REG

As an aside, I also wanted to prove to Sheva z”l, (my mother-inlaw whom I loved dearly) that her son would not starve. Soup aside, he definitely did not starve. He will at-

We were surrounded by loving family and friends. We would always be respectful of and be grateful for knowing they were the foundation on which we would build our lives. But I needed some air.

IN E

Here I must publically thank the police officer who was my dad’s close friend, for knocking on our door as a reminder to quickly move our car- or the next ticket would be ours.

Everyone worried, that is, except my two sisters. Maggie and Joycie knew I had to leave our Bronx shtetle in order to “grow into myself.”

IS

Physically, we were in great shape; he a runner, me a hippie runner around-er. We had survived our first year of wedded bliss, the anxiety of purchasing our first car and subsequent alternate parking, (is it Monday or Tuesday?)

U

A

SE R V

BY SHAINDLE SCHMUCKLER

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

We now boast lovely twinkling white and blue lights strung around

our family, dining, and piano rooms.

We have a blue, silver and white decoration with dreidels in bright colors hanging from my front porch light.

We have a blue garland with colorful dreidels on the wooden giraffe guarding our front door.

And the piece de resistance is the 21/2 foot paper mache Judah Macabbi doll I made, standing guard with the giraffe.

Years ago, as our family grew, I made not-so-small wooden name places, vibrantly painted, which now my grandchildren spread around the house indicating where to place the myriad of family gifts.

My personal Chanukah miracle and blessing is that we now require 20 wooden name places, up from the original six.

We were living in the land of the New Orleans Saints, specifically Baton Rouge, where L.S.U., Louisiana State University’s graduate school is located – Go Tigers! This is where our first baby was born. We named her Raina Jill. We had become indoctrinated into the Southern way of life, naming our children in the sing-song two name tradition.

A funny thing happened to us on the way to the rest of our lives. We fell in love with the South.

We found we did not need any inoculations, we did not have to bring our own special foods, we did not need to arm ourselves for protection and best of all, our family and friends could drive down to visit and witness for themselves that our journey to a foreign land was not so bad after all.

They even forgave us our New York accent with a new Southern drawl to it.

Our first big adventure took us to the strange land of Baton Rouge Louisiana.

Shaindle would like to express her gratitude to all her Southern friends for accepting her as one of their own.

Thank you also goes to Shaindle’s first born and present editor, Raina Jill, for teaching her how to be a mom.

AJT

COMMUNITY

The MJCCA Will Spin Its Wheels CYCLE FOR GOOD TO HELP SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Energize Your Homeschool Program

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

T

he Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta’s Spin Studio is taking part in Cycle for Good, an international stationary bike event raising money for a designated charity, on Sun., Dec. 8, from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Participants from Jewish Community Centers across North America will be riding bikes on this one day for Cycle for Good, in order to raise money for the Special Olympics, the athletic competition for the developmentally disabled.

Every year, Cycle for Good raises money and gives a certain portion to a chosen charity designated by the Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA), the leadership network for the JCC Movement.

How To Participate in Cycle for Good at the MJCCA ► Minimum contribution of $25 - per hour, per cyclist. ► Rent a bike by the hour, or ride for the entire 3-hour event. ► Bring two friends and share the 3-hour ride. ► Have friends and family members sponsor your ride for an even

bigger impact.

Editor’s note: To Register for Cycle for Good contact DeAnne Jacobson, MJCCA’s Total Health Group Fitness Director at (678) 812-4025, deanne.jacobson@atlantajcc.org, or visit www.atlantajcc.org.

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

T

he Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) recently introduced Homeschool Extras. Metro Atlanta homeschool families are welcome to the MJCCA’s Dunwoody campus, to participate in hands-on group activities.

Participants in Homeschool Extras can get active with sports like tennis, gymnastics, and swimming; or explore their artistic side with drama and dance. Programs are offered between 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Offered on a semester basis, Homeschool Extras programming is uniquely designed for three age groups: 4-6, 7-9, and 10-13.

MJCCA membership is not required, and Homeschool Extras is open to the community. Classes Begin in January 2014; Registration is now open!

Homeschool Extra Classes Include:

Hadassah Welcomes 2014 Officers

ANNUAL INSTALLATION EVENT TO TAKE PLACE

T

he Mount Scopus Group of Greater Atlanta Hadassah will host their Installation of the 2014 Officers on Sun., Dec. 15 at 11:45 a.m. at the Selig Center.

Food preparation will be by “A Kosher Touch” (AKC Certified).

The installing officer will be Rachel Schonberger, past president of the Mount Scopus group, Greater Atlanta Hadassah Chapter, Southeastern Region, and currently serves on the

National Board of Hadassah.

The officers who will be installed are: Susan Berkowitz, President; Suzan Tibor, Programming Vice President; Fundraising Vice President, Edie Barr; Membership Vice President, Regine Rosenfelder; Education Vice President, Lois Cohen; Corresponding Secretary, Loretta Bernstein; Recording Secretary, Michelle Koufman; Treasurer, Anita Levy.

Reservations are necessary.

Editor’s note: Please send a $25 check payable to Hadassah, by Dec. 6 to Anita Levy, 1512 Davis Oaks Way, Decatur, GA 30033. For more information contact Suzy Tibor at (404) 636-8582 or suzytibor@bellsouth.net

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

► Jr. Academy Tennis ► Drama: Land of Make Believe ► Group Swim Lessons ► Mini Musical Maestros ► Drama: Let’s Act! ► Gymnastics ► Hip Hop Dance ► Stroke Refinement Swim Editor’s note: for more information, contact Ashley Cohen at (678) 812-3867, homeschool@atlantajcc.org; or visit www.atlantajcc.org/homeschool.

13

AJT

Jaffe’s Jewish Jive

“My Daddy’s President…What Does Your Daddy Do?” ATLANTA’S SYNAGOGUE PRESIDENTS: THE SCHMALTZ RISES TO THE TOP

BY MARCIA JAFFE AJT Contributor

It was a swashbuckling time, much like the Wild West, when he set up a blockade on Yom Kippur to corner nonpaying members, whom he felt were in a position to contribute.

M

y father, Harry Caller (Of Blessed Memory) was able to fulfill his life’s passion in the shule presidency.

“If they can afford a Cadillac and have a boat at the lake, they can pay dues,” he said. Back then, everyone knew everyone’s business anyway.

While other men were on the golf course, for as long as I remember, he was president of the Heska Amuna Congregation in Knoxville, Tenn., which still displays the Harry Caller Presidential Wall, dotting 17 years of (non-continuous) service.

I never knew if it was simply the case that no one else would take the job or just that he wanted it. He was proud to pledge the highest dues bracket from our family who could ill afford luxuries.

This required us holding our breath when he made off the cuff remarks to the Bar Mitzvah kids in conjunction with the parsha- or his interpretation thereof. It required many nights out for meetings and rip-roaring machinations as our family went into a tail spin after the rabbi quit two weeks before Rosh Hashanah to take a higher profile pulpit in Dallas.

He did have a vision; and at age 10, I was wielding the shovel for the groundbreaking ceremony to move the shule from the old fashioned downtown to West Knoxville where it stands today.

In many of the photos here, you see hardhats. “Building the building” – expanding the school, making room for pos-

terity, constructing a grander cathedral (excuse the expression). There was never a movie “Jews on Scaffolding;” but there should be.

What motivates today’s “presidential” men and women to commit to a demanding minimal two-year term for a nonpaying job – regularly attending services, rounds of meetings, and keeping everyone happy.

CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY MORROW, GEORGIA

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Ron tells a story from the early years

All featured here found it to be a labor of love and exemplify stellar leadership about which many best sellers have been written. Lessons from books such as “From Good to Great” or Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” have nothing on these local folks’ ability to get things done.

And keep everyone happy.

David Price, Young Israel of Toco Hills, says, “There are always congregants to your left and to your right.

The ideal number of congregants for a shule is one.”

Billy Bauman A Founder in the Truest Sense In 1980, Ron Lipsitz related well to the Emory Hillel rabbi who expressed a desire to move on to a new pulpit. Ron wrote a plea to the then-Southern Israelite to join him in starting a traditional shule in Sandy Springs. Interest poured in.

Takács Quartet

“We had new members like crazy!” exclaimed Ron.

Sam Schatten (Of Blessed Memory), compared the president’s role to being a “pin cushion.”

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on Mt Vernon Rd.

Ron, who grew up plotting to skip Hebrew School, felt he was an unlikely man to be president. He got so caught up with enthusiasm, that his peers said, “Like it or not, you’re gonna be president!”

Ron, a real estate executive, started off with a stroke of genius by securing land next to the Dunwoody Costco for a future site. Ron, who knows his acreage from his hard hat, flipped the land for a giant profit to start Bnai Torah.

The rabbi did not credit Ron, however, and said, “This is G-d’s work. No human gets the credit for a million dollar overnight deal.”

Ron states that he had” no experience in leadership, and initially was too ‘hands on’ and micro-managed every committee.”

But he had the right product and location,

of operating out of an elementary school that backed up to a Chinese restaurant.

“We didn’t have air conditioning; so the odor of their food was wafting into our Passover Sedar. On regular Friday nights when our service started at 8 p.m., half the restaurant at 6 p.m. was shule goers(eating fish of course),” jokes Ron.

This Doctor Made the Job Fun Dr. Jerry Blumenthal went through the Ahavath Achim 10 year “chair to chair” progression program, culminating in an officer role change every two years.

Jerry remembers his term with great calmness and confidence.

“Things ran smoothly under my watch because I had a wonderful staff and a rewarding relationship with the rabbi [Arnold Goodman].”

Jerry oversaw bringing in a new assistant rabbi, housing the MJCC at the Ahavath

Achim campus during their building,

and the renovation of the glamorous AA social hall.

Jerry says, “I was very proud of bringing the shule out of a significant deficit

Sam Schatten (Of Blessed Memory), also an AA legacy, “filled the role so personally,” notes Janet Kupshik whose son was Bar Mitzvahed in 2005.

She remembers that, “Sam spoke with her family about the meaning of David’s parsha, helped with composing his D’var Torah, and found a place for all of our outof-town relatives to stay all in for 24 hours.”

A Line of Strong “Billy’s”

The Temple has had a line up of some very high profile leaders culminating with the current chief, Billy Bauman.

Another Billy also comes to mind: William B Schwartz, Jr. who served during the Temple bombing and subsequently had a bit part in the film, “Driving Miss Daisy.”

A Long Termer David Price served Young Israel of Toco Hills (YITH) for 3 and a half years along with a rabbi who served for 14 years as a volunteer.

Price used his experience in finance, to take YITH to a giant next level (he calls putting on his “big boy pants”) by believing firmly that “it’s now or never” and undertaking a big growth initiative even as the economy worsened.

The initial assembled land got shelved because of the economic downturn; he enlarged the donor base and started “rocking and rolling.”

Price, reared at Temple Sinai, began putting out fires to build the only modern Orthodox synagogue in Atlanta.

Per Price, some of the challenges were the bank backing out of the loan and the ex-rabbi remaining with the congregation after the new one was hired.

“Of course both are wonderful assets,” said Price, ”but it is unusual to have one on the bima and the other in the first row.”

He also worked a deal with the county and church across the street to share parking. Major coup!

Concurrently Price had four small children whom he put to bed with his supportive wife and then went off to meetings. He says the role of the president along with the board is “to be the offensive line for the rabbi. Sometimes this means putting your personal feelings aside.”

“YITH attracts a lot of doctors, CDC staff, and professors,” says Price. “As I became older, I became more religious.”

He said he laughed a lot with his executive committee who made fun of his “Davidisms.”

Continued on the next page

Billy Bauman is full of “passion” derived from growing up in small town Alabama and realizing that a sense of community is “hugely important.”

when I came in. It felt good to serve.”

“Being president made me a better person,” continues Jerry, “because I had to ‘bone up’ to prepare for weekly personalized presentations and Torah commentary. At first I had to convince myself to lighten up and not be intimidated. The turning point came when stoic Rabbi Epstein, who happened to be on the Bima, complimented me. Now that was a vote of confidence. From there on, I took off and had fun.”

Why is the bima scary to some of us, fearing that we will do something wrong?

Just pulling the ark cord makes me nervous; but the president is there to make us feel at ease. Jerry recalls a man reading from the torah whose hand and yad were shaking dramatically. The man finished his part and handed Jerry the yad and said, “Here you’d better get this thing fixed!”

Jerry’s term ran smoothly; the one thing he didn’t care for was, “minute negotiating things like rabbi’s contracts.”

We can only imagine.

Billy cautions, “The Pew data bears out what we have been seeing for a while now; the younger people today are not looking for membership as our parents did. “ Billy is one of those credited for bringing nationally recognized Rabbi Peter Berg to Atlanta.

“Outreach is critical and creating lasting relationships with our congregation is fundamental to the efforts that Rabbi Berg is championing.”

Having served many years on the Temple board, Billy is a real estate executive who is comfortable raising money as the budget increases – while maintaining a commitment to social justice (positioned next to the ZABAN Shelter).

He believes that strengthening the Temple is also a positive way to affect the Jewish community at large.

Billy describes his role as president as “part steward-part salesman.” In turn, he describes himself as “the most fortunate temple president in the country.”

I describe Billy as a cheerleader and effective leader. The Temple celebrates its 150 year anniversary in 2017.

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

Sherry Frank

15

AJT

Jaffe’s Jewish Jive

“My Daddy’s President…What Does Your Daddy Do?” ATLANTA’S SYNAGOGUE PRESIDENTS: THE SCHMALTZ RISES TO THE TOP continued from previous page “After all,” said Price, “at the end of the day, we are all volunteers.”

A Personal Tragedy Becomes Motivation Sherri Parman, Temple Kol Emeth, lost her 7-year-old son in a freak baseball accident. The TKE community surrounded her with love and support, which motivated her to serve others.

Parman, a consultant in corporate real estate, boasts a “tight, inclusive, engaged and very ‘in touch’ board and congregation.”

With over 50 percent interfaith families at TKE, Parman encourages congregants to direct views and/ or complaints directly to the rabbi: “Everyone has subjective opinions, and we want to hear them.”

She sees one of her missions as ap-

Ron Lipsitz

pealing to the “unaffiliated and uninspired through social action and youth engagement. Having a stable economy is also helpful – not to have that as a distraction.”

Taking on the presidency, he said he had no idea what to expect. He would go back and forth to the synagogue frequently during the day for services, meetings etc.

She is proud that her High Holiday appeal was successful; but sees the biggest challenge as “geography -young people moving out.”

Rabbi New asked, “Did you ever imagine you would be coming to shule four times a day?”

Not a Newcomer to Atlanta Leadership

Alterman, like U.S. President Grover Cleveland, was the only president to get married during his term. He sees his biggest legacy as “dragging out the plans for the new school building which is now becoming a reality.”

Sherry Frank, Congregation Or Hadash, served from 2009-2011, where she describes her style as “collaborative.”

Beginning her term, she was told, “Get yourself two to three wise advisers and listen to them.”

Ultimately Frank did just that, absorbed, and made her own big decisions – such as hiring a property manager to oversee construction, or deciding what type of kitchen to put into the new facility.

“Debating new property choices and deciding what resources go where are major projects; but I love change, input, and bringing in new people,” says Frank.

Sherry describes the early stages of COH as property nomads, going from church to church, then to the MJCC, and Weber School with standing room only services.

Alterman replied, “I never thought I would go more than four times a year!”

Having worked with Steve 25 years ago when I handled the Alterman Food account at the AJC, I couldn’t help but rib Steve, “How were you president of a Chabad Congregation and serve bacon at the restaurant on Friday night?”

His answer? “Parnassus. Look it up.”

Gotta love that Steve!

After 35 years with the Atlanta Newspapers, Marcia currently serves as Retail VP for the Buckhead Business Association where she delivers news and trends(laced with a little gossip). On the side, Marcia is Captain of the Senior Cheerleaders for the WNBA at Philips Arena.

She describes the congregation’s “love affair with the rabbis as role models who inspire and teach,” as part of her motivation.

Sherry calls the presidency a “half time job” of about 20 hours a week. She smiled as Fred Wachter took over the presidency after four women in a row.

“You know, he better get this right!”

A Horse Radish-ah President

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

Steve Alterman, owner of the Horseradish Grill, said his term (210012) as president of Beth Tefilah was “the most fun ever.”

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He said he never made assumptions and viewed even combative situations as “win-win” or “how can I help?”

He laughs and explains that he did not get a big ego because the executive who tapped him to be president stated that, “he was not their first choice.”

Can you imagine that?

Jerry Blumenthal

AJT

chai fashion

Chai Fashion with Nicole ALL YOUR FASHION QUERIES ANSWERED

Dear Nicole,

A

fter working at my new job for only four months, I am going to my first office holiday party and I am bringing my boyfriend. We are in our mid-20s and I am not sure what is appropriate for us to wear. The party is being held in the evening at an upscale restaurant. Sincerely, First Holiday Party Dear First Holiday Party, Office holiday parties can be very tricky. You want to look stylish but polished and put together at the same time. Both of you will want to make sure you are not dressed too casually for the event.

You will want to avoid any low-cut dresses or tops that have a too much cleavage showing. You also will want to avoid a dress or skirt that is too short or too tight. I also would avoid heels that are too high (you don’t want to trip.)

Since your party is being held at night at an upscale restaurant, I would suggest a dress or nice pant suit. There are a lot of great dresses out right now. Banana Republic had a few dresses that would be great for a holiday party. I liked the Lace Peplum dress that they have online.

Anthropologie and Bloomingdales also have some great dresses, as does Festivity, a small boutique store with multiple locations around Atlanta.

If you already have a black dress in your closet you can also just dress it up with the right shoes and jewelry.

If you decide to go with a pants suit, try pairing it with a festive top – an example would be Tory Burch’s Stacy Top. It will be a lot easier for your boyfriend to figure out what he should wear. For example, he can either wear a suit and tie or khakis, a sports coat and tie. Find out from your co-

workers if men are wearing suits or just ties to this holiday party and be sure to have your boyfriend dress accordingly.

I am sure you will both look great with whatever you decide to wear!

Dear Nicole,

I

am managing a team of five people. I would like to get them each a small holiday gift to show how much I appreciate them and all of their hard work. The team is both male and female with ages ranging from 30 to 50. I would like to spend about $25 on each person.

Any suggestions on what to get them?

stores all over Atlanta. You can go to Caja Popcorn and get a 1 gallon tin with three flavors for $23.95.

Chocolate is always a crowd pleaser. There is the Cacao Chocolate Company with two locations in Atlanta or can get Godiva, which always has holiday themed boxes wrapped and ready at numerous stores throughout the city.

Another popular gift would be a subscription to one of their favorite magazines or an online subscription to a newspaper. Other ideas would be stationary, accessories for an iPhone, such as a new case or a stand.

er, or a lunch box from Box Appetit are other ideas.

I am sure your team would be happy with any of these gifts and appreciate the thought you have put into it.

Have a fashion question of any kind?

“Chai Fashion With Nicole” will be published monthly in the Atlanta Jewish Times. Send Nicole your question at nicole@nicoleborsuk.com, or for more info about Nicole, visit www. nicoleborsuk.com.

If you team travels a lot, a luggage tag that is engraved with their information could be a nice and thoughtful gift. Coffee mugs, a coffee warm-

Sincerely, Gifts for Colleagues Dear Gifts For Colleagues, Shopping for gifts can be challenging when it is for a family member or friend – but when it is your coworkers, that makes it even harder.

You don’t want the gifts to be too personal, but you want there to be some thought put into the gift as well.

How well you know your co-worker will dictate which one of these gifts will work best for your employees.

Below are some popular gifts for the holidays that they are sure to love!

One item that you can get your team is gift cards. You can get them for all the same place or you can get each person a different one. Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, mall gift cards and local restaurants all are great places to get gift cards for (and remember, you don’t have to run around to all of these stores - most drug stores or supermarkets now carry them all!).

Another suggestion is a restaurant gift card - if you buy a gift card from any of the restaurants in the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, you’ll get additional 20 percent off from now through January 31, 2014.

Gourmet items are another option. Who doesn’t love to eat? Popcorn is the new rage and there are popcorn

Discount Galore on New & Used Sports Equipment!

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Baseball/Softball Lacrosse Packages Hockey Proline Golf & Jr Sets Soccer Packages

Skateboards & Ramps Treadmills & Ellypticals Boxing & Martial Arts Recumbent Bikes Tennis

Bicycles Disc Golf Gyms & Weights Camping/Fishing Hiking

find all major brands and more! Bring in gear to trade and make your own discount!

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

By Nicole Borsuk AJT CONTRIBUTOR

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AJT

new moon meditations

The Power of the Pinecone

Unlocking Your ‘Good Eye’ Through Sensory Experiences

BY Dr. TERRY SEGAL AJT CONTRIBUTOR

T

he Hebrew month of Tevet began on Dec. 3, 2013. This month we will focus on Enchanted Key No. 4 and seek to heighten Sensory Experiences.

In Tevet, the season of winter begins. The tenth of Tevet marks the final fast day of the year, one of four, which commemorates the destruction of the Temple.

Historically, this month is about altering the Evil Eye of the snake and restoring our vision. Journeying in the darkness of winter, we may encounter the Dragons, akin to snakes, that can turn the eye inward in the form of depression and isolation.

The word, “Tevet” comes from

“tov” or good, as in tov ayin, or “good eye.” We must train the “good eye” to see outward, in appreciation of our gifts.

We use the light that lit the Chanukah candles to illumine our path.

When we can see the G-dliness present in the world, then we can recognize it in ourselves and in others.

If we are spiritually immature, we may be judgmental and align ourselves with Critical Dragon. It is believed, however, that in the month of Tevet, our souls have the opportunity to grow and mature.

Mastering use of the Enchanted Key for Sensory Experiences allows us to see beyond the petty nuisances of each day and the perceived annoyances of others that separate us from them, ourselves, the world, and G-d.

To begin this practice we must slow down and not only smell the roses, but truly look at them, listen to them, perhaps taste their petals and appreciate their textures. We must also take note of how we feel in their presence.

Whether we experience roses, sunsets, the eyes of a child or those of the elderly, our task is to realize that all of these gifts from G-d are fleeting. Today, right now, may be our only chance to capture these moments and etch them on our souls.

Experiencing the world, alive and awake, through our senses, brings vitality to life. This is a way to correct our vision.

Think, for a moment, about a pinecone. Better yet, go outside and find one. Pick it up and hold it in your hand. Already you are connected to something greater than yourself as you commune with nature and the universal whole.

Study the pinecone. Note which variety you have. Did you know that pinecones are the reproductive parts of pine trees and that there are male and female ones?

Observe the color of your pinecone. What shape is it? Male pinecones are soft and small. Female pinecones are the ones on the ground that have completed their reproductive cycle.

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

The Canadian Hemlock pinecone is the smallest, measuring only one inch. The biggest ones come from the Coulter pine and are 8 to 16 inches long and can weigh up to 10 lbs. Sugar Pines are the longest ones, growing up to 24 inches.

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Is your cone woven closely together or are there spaces in between? Do you know that this reveals the moisture content of the pinecone? Cones are open when they are dry and closed when wet. After the female cones have housed their seeds to maturity, they open so that the wind may distribute those seeds.

When you listen to a pinecone you realize that you don’t hear anything.

However, can you recall a time when

you walked in the woods or in your yard and heard that crackling sound of a pinecone that had loosened itself from the branch and fell to the ground?

Smell the pinecone. Unless it was purchased at a craft store and coated in cinnamon oil, it may smell fresh and earthy. You certainly wouldn’t think of tasting a pinecone, but have you had pignoli or pine nuts?

They are the delicious edible seeds of the pine. They are quite fragrant when toasted and sprinkled over pasta with garlic, a drizzle of olive oil and Parmesan cheese.

When exploring the texture of a pinecone, be careful. Each individually crafted “petal,” or scale, has its own sharp tip, much like the thorn on the beautiful rose.

You might have thought that pinecones have nothing to do with Judaism, Tevet, the evil eye and the darkness of depression. But have you altered your vision to focus on the possibility of seeing G-d’s gifts everywhere and in everything?

Meditation Focus: Throughout the month of Tevet, from Dec. 3 to Jan. 2, take time to smell the pinecones. Watch the remaining leaves release and twirl to the ground. Feel the crisp night air on your cheeks. Listen to the call of a hawk echoing through the trees.

Search out the exquisite perfection in all things and express gratitude from that vibrant, G-d-filled place of goodness, within. Adjust your vision to 20/20, seeing inside and out with joy.

Dr. Terry Segal is a licensed marriage & family therapist, Ph.D. in energy medicine, hypnotherapist and author of “The Enchanted Journey: Finding the Key that Unlocks You.”

AJTF Releases 2014 Applications

ON SALE SUNDAY!

STUDENTS OFFERED OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE SPECIAL FOR AJT

T

he Atlanta Jewish Teen Foundation is providing a group of 21 high school sophomores and juniors in the greater Atlanta area the opportunity to allocate $10,000 in philanthropic dollars to not-for-profit programs or organizations of their choice through a group selection process.

The Atlanta Jewish Teen Foundation (AJTF) was founded to give Jewish high school students the opportunity to engage in and learn about the responsibility of collective philanthropy; AJTF is a philanthropic initiative of Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and is sponsored by Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Through a year-long series of exciting and interactive sessions, participants learn to use the tools of strategic philanthropy and explore how to apply Jewish values and teachings related to tzedakah and communal responsibility.

They learn skills of planning, communication, social service, grant processing, and group processes necessary to effect change in the world.

4 EASY WAYS TO BUY

CLICK: LionKing.com • CALL: 855-285-8499 VISIT: Fox Theatre Ticket Office • 660 Peachtree Street NE GROUPS

Funding decisions will be made by the members of the AJTF, a diverse group of 21 Jewish high school students from the greater Atlanta area.

(15+):

404-881-2000

APRIL 10 – 27

Editor’s Note: the full RFP and grant application can be found at www.jewishatlanta.org/teenrfp. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2014 and should be submitted to rwasserman@jfga.org.

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

The group has issued its 20132014 Request for Proposal and will be awarding $10,000 in grants to programs, projects, or organizations that promote education and literacy; women’s issues and empowerment; and/or clean, accessible, and sustainable water. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and must address the goals outlined above.

FOX THEATRE PREMIERE!

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89825 / ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES RUN DATE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6

AJT

SIMCHAS

JEWS MAKING NEWS Compiled by elizabeth friedly

Ginnifer Goodwin Expecting

“O

nce Upon A Time” star, Ginnifer Goodwin is expecting her first child with her fiancé Josh Dallas, her “Time” co-star who plays Prince Charming to her Snow White.

The couple, who met on set, confirmed the news to People magazine, after making their relationship public in 2012.

Goodwin also received good news following the recent installment of her TV mini-series, “Killing Kennedy” on the National Geographic Channel.

With 3.354 million viewers, “Kennedy” set a new record for the channel, making it NGC’s most watched show ever. Goodwin co-stars as Jackie Kennedy, along side Rob Lowe’s JFK. Goodwin was born to parents Linda Kantor and Tim Goodwin in Memphis, Tennessee. She was raised Jewish, according to her mother’s faith, and was bat mitzvahed as well as affiliated with the North American Federation of Temple Youth. Goodwin changed her name from Jennifer to the new spelling, Ginnifer, in order to better distinguish herself as an actress.

Alicia Silverstone Announces New Book

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

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ctress and activist, Alicia Silverstone is set to release her second book, titled, “Kind Mama: A Simple Guide to Supercharged Fertility, a Radiant Pregnancy, a Sweeter Birth, and a Healthier, More Beautiful Beginning.”

A longtime vegan and supporter of new child rearing techniques, Silverstone also employs the help of obstetricians, midwives and more. “Kind Mama” will hit stores April 15, 2014.

Silverstone is also preparing to return to the big screen with her upcoming horror-comedy, “Vamps.”

The film follows two vampires, played by Silverstone and Krysten Ritter, who are on the hunt for their maker (Sigourney Weaver), in order to regain their humanity.

The “Clueless” star was born to Deirdre Radford and Monty Silverstone in England. Her father was born Jewish, while her mother later converted to Conservative Judaism. Silverstone began modeling at the age of 6, before moving on to acting. She is now married to musician Christopher Jarecki, with whom she has a son.

Birth

Cooper Allen Tucker

O

verjoyed parents Kevin and Randi Tucker of Roswell announce the early birth (surprise!) of their son, Cooper Allen Tucker.

Born on Oct. 30 and weighing in at 5 pounds and 7 ounces, and 18 inches long, super Cooper is little brother to amazing big sister Shelby and furbrother Chandler.

Grandparents Ron Dolinsky of Buckhead, Kaaren Dolinsky of Roswell, and Gary and Diane Tucker of Alpharetta, are over the moon about the new addition that completes the Tucker party of five.

Mini Cooper is the great-grandson of Irving and Sylvia Rosen, of Fremont, Calif., and Robbie Tucker, of Kingston, Tenn., and is named in memory of his great-grandfather, Winfred Allen Tucker.

Anniversary

Draluck

M

aurice “Moishe” Draluck and Sharon “Cookie” Levy Draluck celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Nov. 8, 2013. They were married in 1953 at Shearith Israel Synagogue in Atlanta, where they are still members. Their children - Allan and Lori Struletz, Jerry and Enid Draluck, and Mark and Betsy Popkin; as well as grandchildren Adam and Scott Struletz, Jeffrey Draluck, Ilana and Shira Davis - wish them health, happiness, and many more joyous simchas.

Wedding

Garber & Landis

A

dam Benjamin Garber, son of Marianne and Stephen Garber of Atlanta, and Sara Jane Landis, daughter of Dave and Dana Landis of Pittsburgh, Pa., were married on Oct. 13, 2013.

Adam is the grandson of the late Al and Gerry Garber and Rooks and Dan Daniels, all of Atlanta. The bride is the granddaughter of Peg and Levi Landis and Shirley and Wallace Stump. .

The wedding, which was a beautiful reflection of the couple’s values, took place at Tyler Arboretum in Philadelphia. Led by the groom’s and bride’s fathers, the ceremony was designed by the couple to blend the families’ traditions and include the participation of family and friends.

After a honeymoon in Thailand and Cambodia, the couple – who met through their non-profit work and passion for the environment – will reside in Philadelphia

AJT

EDUCATION

Preschool’s Chanukah Happening a Hit SILENT AUCTION AND DELICIOUS FOOD DRAW CROWD SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

T

he Alefbet Preschool at Congregation Beth Shalom was filled with Chanukah ruach on Fri., Nov. 22.

LIVING FOODS INSTITUTE

Who’s Missing From This Picture?

The children were treated to lunch, as well as a Chanukah sing-along and face painting.

All of the money raised from the silent auction will directly benefit the preschool children, thanks to caring and committed parents.

Editor’s note: Visit alefbetpreschool. com to see more of the Luncheon and to learn more about the school.

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$5.00 - $10.00 Donation Suggested 3:30pm: December 15 • January 19 • February 16

Educational Seminar and Recipe Demo Organic, Vegan, Raw Food Tasting

$5.00 - $10.00 Donation Suggested 7:00pm: December 16 • January 20 • February 17 All donations go to our Scholarship Fund. Reservations for both events requested.

Call and leave your name, phone and the number of people in your party.

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DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

The annual Hanukkah Luncheon and Silent Auction was a huge success. All parents and VIPs enjoyed Chanukah performances by each class, a delicious lunch, and great deals from our silent auction.

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AJT

community

Holocaust Memorial Garden Dedicated in Blue Ridge REMEMBERING THE 1.5 MILLION CHILDREN WHO LOST THEIR LIVES SPECIAL FOR AJT

T

he dedication of a Children’s Memorial Garden took place in an unlikely location approximately 90 miles from Atlanta in the City of Blue Ridge, Ga. on Sun., Nov. 10.

An event whose purpose was to plant 360 daffodil bulbs in a public park in downtown Blue Ridge caught the imagination of this small Jewish community of northwest Georgia and hundreds of others from every denomination in this mountain town.

It all began when Michael Weinroth, a board member of Am Yisrael Chai in Atlanta, had the idea and decided to approach the Blue Ridge City Council back in April. Weinroth came prepared with a bouquet of daffodils and set them down on the conference table of the City Council.

He explained the significance of the bright yellow flower and its resemblance to the Star of David Jews throughout Europe were required to wear on their clothes when they went

out in public.

metal sculptor and area businesses.

He then requested that the council consider a garden in City Park to memorialize the 1.5 million children murdered in the Holocaust. Later that same evening the council made public their deliberations; Weinroth was shocked that the council had approved his request unanimously. He was assigned to work with Councilman Michael Eaton, a 5th generation local resident who would help to facilitate the creation of the garden through the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

According to Weinroth, the first challenge was deciding on a date in early spring for an event that had to take place after the first frost—but with guidance from the Master Gardens, the date was scheduled, relying on the rain and cold weather November would almost certainly bring.

The ground for the children’s garden was finally broken in a section of City Park adjacent to the children’s play area.

As a next step, Weinroth set about contacting the Fannin County Master Gardeners organization as well as Mrs. Carlie Hammond, the Chairperson of the Blue Ridge Good Samaritans. Through Carlie’s influence Weinroth went from church to church speaking directly to pastors and priests with the hope of gaining their involvement in the daffodil event. Additionally, a local stone mason was brought on board as well as a

Looking at the area with Hammond and Charlotte Dickinson, President of the Master Gardener to determine that the space would get the right amount of sun and shade, Good Samaritan Hammond offered, “Mike, I see the garden being located next to the children’s area, you know, children talking to children.” Suddenly, Weinroth knew he had a theme: Children Talking to Children.

That theme ultimately found its way into the printed program as each of the 400 participants placed

a daffodil bulb in the soil prepared by the Master Gardeners and staff with Parks and Recreation. Inserted in each program was a bright yellow sheet with the biography and picture of an individual child who was killed in the Holocaust.

To dedicate the garden, Weinroth invited Blue Ridge Major, Donna Whitetener to extend greetings and a welcome. Georgia’s third highest ranking officer, Speaker of the House, David Ralston spoke powerfully and thoughtfully about the loss of so many that could have risen to greatness; Rabbi Yossi New of Congregation Beth Tefillah, (where Am Yisrael Chai was established) opened the event with an inspiring message; Jaap Groen, an Auschwitz survivor originally from Holland shared a moving story of his survival; the Honorable B. Alison Sosebee, District Attorney for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit spoke of the risks of living in a lawless society.

Closing the program was the reverend Doug Burrel, Pastor of the Blue Ridge United Methodist Church who read moving stanzas from a Holocaust prayer Two local children, along with Ilse Reiner of Atlanta, a survivor of Therienstadt near Prague, and Jaap Groen unveiled the three foot high granite etched with Elie Wiesel’s immortal words and a message about the strength and resiliency of the daffodil that blooms each spring regardless of the severity of winter’s cold.

All performances live with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra December 6 – 29, 2013 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre

Highlights of the event also include a surprise “flash mob” orchestrated by Tammie Mason, a Language Arts teacher and Choral Director of Fannin County High School.

At the very beginning of the program, as people were still finding seats, a beautiful soprano voice was heard coming forward from the back of the center aisle singing “Thank You for the Music,” from the popular Broadway show and movie, Mama Mia.

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

Tickets on sale now!

Call

or visit atlantaballet.com Groups of 10 or more call 404-873-5811 x207

Anne Tyler Harshbarger. Photo by Jim Fiscus. Additional photos by Charlie McCullers.

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Seemingly spontaneously, other students rose from various areas of the large tented area and joined the soloist. Then midway through the program a ukulele was heard, strumming a contemporary rendition of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and was joined by 16 students. The audience was brought to tears by the beautiful, heartfelt performance.

As several participants stated following the ceremonies, not only was the entire program thoughtful and inspiring, but it was deeply emotional for all who were present.

AJT

community

Project Plants Twenty Thousand Give-A-Gobble, Lend a Hand ANNUAL ECUMENICAL SERVICE BRINGS Daffodils Downtown COMMUNITY TOGETHER SPECIAL FOR AJT

T

he Daffodil Project continues to grow. On Nov. 24, community members planted 20,000 daffodils in Woodruff Park in Downtown Atlanta.

According to AJ Robinson, President of Central Atlanta Progress, who partnered with Am Yisrael Chai to bring The Daffodil Project to Downtown Atlanta, Woodruff Park is the historical center of the city of Atlanta.

The vision is to plant thousands of daffodils marking the trail from the National Museum of Civil and Human Rights to the King Center.

Am Yisrael Chai is a Holocaust Awareness and Education organization that developed The Daffodil Project, which aspires to build a worldwide Living Holocaust memorial by planting 1.5 million daffodils in memory of the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust.

“It is so fitting to be planting daffodils right beside the beautiful children’s playground in Woodruff Park, where happy laughter speaks to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.”

The Daffodil Project raises awareness for and supports Holocaust Education, as well as “Kids for Kids” and “Raising South Sudan”, organizations helping children and families in remote villages in Darfur and South Sudan where children continue to suffer.

The ceremony at Woodruff Park honored the memory and the lives of those who perished and highlighted the need to help those suffering in the world today.

Holocaust survivor, Ben Hirsch, born in Frankfurt Am Main, Germany and witness to the events of Kristallnacht, shared poignant and meaningful thoughts and reflections about his experiences. Hirsch came forward to plant the first daffodil bulbs in memory of his younger siblings who did not survive.

When these 20,000 daffodils emerge from the darkness of winter right in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the daffodils standing together will bring hope, light and beauty to the city of Atlanta as we remember the children and remind ourselves to take action where children around the world continue to suffer in humanitarian crises.

Daffodils were chosen for this project as they represent the yellow stars that Jews were required to wear during the Holocaust. Yellow is the color of remembrance.

Daffodils also represent our hope for the future. They are resilient and return with a burst of color each spring.

The daffodils honor the memory of the children.

SPECIAL FOR AJT

M

ore than a dozen religious organizations representing Christian, Hindus, Jews, Muslims and Unitarian Universalists gathered again on the Thursday before Thanksgiving to celebrate how much they have in common, to meet their neighbors and to offer a helping hand to a variety of local charities.

Along with Tweets at #ManyFaiths and Facebook posts at Ecumenical Thanksgiving Celebration, the spirit and emotion was high at the 9th annual event as speakers and musicians expressed how wonderful our country and community are.

Quotes written by attendees included the following ideas: “ P e a c e among men is not just uplifting. It is breathtaking.

Absolutely inspiring! What a great representation of the peaceful and uplifting nature of the U.S.A. America’s pamphlet advertises freedom of religion for everyone. Today, we prove this true. Thank you for the courage in having an interfaith gathering! Many paths. All one G-d!”

The participants collected canned foods, and more than $4,000 for the Give-A-Gobble program. Give-A-Gobble provides food support to those in need throughout the local community.

TOP: AJ Robinson, President of Central Atlanta Progress, addresses the crowd.

BOTTOM: Planting Daffodils in Woodruff Park

Along with turkeys, Give-A-Gobble provides full meals, and grocery store gift cards enabling families to purchase Thanksgiving holiday fixings. Give-AGobble disperses Thanksgiving holiday help to: Center for Family Resources, Families First, Family Promise of Cobb Country, Foods2Kids, Genesis Shelter, Jewish Family and Career Services, MUST Ministries, United Military

Care (formerly Operation Homefront), and the Zaban Shelter.

Temple Kol Emeth’s Women of Reform Judaism president Cheryl Raskind-Hood, who helped organize the Give-A-Gooble program, said, “We wish a happy and healthy holiday season to the all those touched by and to all those who have supported Give-A-Gobble.

There is no better time to give than at Thanksgiving – and so, it is hoped that Give-A-Gobble has made this holiday season a little brighter for those in need in our community.”

Participating organizations include: Baitul Baqi mosque (Ahmadiyya), East Cobb Islamic Center, East Cobb United Methodist Church, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, EmersoUnitarian Universalist Congregation, Islamic Center of Marietta (Al-Hedaya mosque), Islamic Speakers Bureau, Masjid Al-Muminum, North River Church of Christ, Roswell Community Masjid, SEWA (Sikh Educational Welfare Association) Gurudwara Sahib, St Catherine’s Episcopal Church, Temple Kol Emeth, Transfiguration Catholic Church, Unity North Atlanta Church, and Vedanta Center of Atlanta (Hindu)

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

CEREMONY BRINGS KRISTALLNACHT SURVIVOR TO PLANT FIRST BULB

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AJT

EDUCATION

GHA’s Celebration Of Educational Theatre LEARNING THROUGH CHARACTER, LAUGHTER, POETRY AND PROSE

BY LEAH LEVY

SPECIAL FOR AJT

T

he Greenfield Hebrew Academy (GHA) hosted The First Annual Celebration of Educational Theatre on Sun., Nov.17—and it was a day packed with remarkable performances and interesting workshops.

The performances included the GHA Players in their one-act play, “Children of the Wire Fence”. Students handled lighting, blocking, costuming, and set design. Under the leadership of Taryn Carmona, Brian Harrison, Joel Coady, Liz Whittemore, Stevyn Carmona, and Carla Nixon, the GHA Players were a tremendous hit.

Yet they were not the only performers at this extravaganza. As a celebration of educational theatre, it seemed only right to open the festival with a group of interns from the Atlanta Shakespeare Company.

These talented young adults dra-

matized a lesson on the works of Shakespeare that was both fascinating and funny, mesmerizing audience members from kindergarteners to great-grandmothers.

A third group of performers were the teenagers of the Christian Magby Company. 19-year-old Christian Magby founded this theatre company when he was a high school student, and is comprised of high school and college students.

The troupe presented “Out of the Box,” a musical exploration of what it means to be your own person that was written by Christian himself when he was only 15-years-old. The 20 young performers dazzled with their acting and their incredible singing.

The last group to take the stage was Rathskeller, the Emory University improvisational theatre troupe.

Rathskeller had the attendees in stitches with their spur-of-the-moment humor. Their performance

GHA Lights up Fernbank STUDENT ART NOW ON DISPLAY

BY LEAH LEVY

SPECIAL FOR AJT

E

very year, the Fernbank Museum presents an exhibit called “Winter Wonderland.” This year, Fernbank asked the Consulate of Israel and the Greenfield Hebrew Academy to participate in the exhibit by making “menorahs with a story.”

Inspired by Israeli Jewish stories and songs, the GHA seventh grade class created four beautiful chanukiot, now on display at the Fernbank Museum.

The project was led by GHA’s Hebrew Language teacher Yaira Auz, with the able assistance of Hebrew teachers Molly Peled and Pazit Shelnutt, as well as Judy Merlin, Assistant to the Head of School.

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

“We were so impressed with our students’ creativity,” said Ms. Auz. “And we are grateful for the opportunity to build an authentic connection between Israel, our school, and the Atlanta community.”

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required a lot of audience participation, and students were clamoring to be next on the stage to participate in a sketch.

Between performances, attendees enjoyed workshops taught by real working actors. Stevyn Carmona, taught the stage combat workshop, had participants weaving and bobbing (and taking some dazzlingly dramatic fake falls). Victoria Dunn led the musical theatre workshop, where attendees sang and danced their way through “Wicked” and “Hairspray.”

“The student participants were so talented, and the performances were stunning!” said Interim Head of School Leah Summers. “We all had a wonderful time, and we can’t wait to host the festival again next year!”

Leah Braunstein Levy is a paraprofessional at GHA and the author of “The Waiting Wall”, a Sydney Taylor Notable Book for 2010. Her work appears in a new collection of essays, Kaddish, Women’s Voices, available from Urim Publications.

Above: CWF: Aaron Gordon, left, and Jordan McGrath, right, perform in the GHA original “Children of the Wire Fence.”

Middle: “Children of the Wire Fence,” was performed at the First Annual Celebration of Educational Theatre hosted by GHA. Left to right: Aidyn Levin, Natan Friedman, and Gillian Gerson.

Bottom: The GHA players in their performance of “Children of the Wire Fence,” an original one-act play. Left to right, Gillian Gerson, Aidyn Levin, Shira Balaban, Katherine Cranman, Ari Slomka, and Jaren Linowes.

AJT

EDUCATION

GHA First Graders Celebrate Colonial Festival HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE THROUGH HANDS-ON TEACHING SPECIAL FOR AJT

F

irst graders at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy donned tricorns and mob caps to perform at their annual Colonial Festival, celebrating their early American history unit just in time for Thanksgiving.

Each year, the first grade studies Colonial America with teachers Beth Intro, Gail Skolsky, and Chris Gleklen. These teachers use a variety of study methods to make their students experts on life in Colonial America, beginning with an examination of what “history” means.

They asked students about their personal histories: What were their first words? What did they look like as babies? After putting these memories into a memory quilt, as was popular in the Colonial era, the class moved on to broader histories: What did the first car or the first phone look like?

One class studied life in Colonial schools—they learned how to do needlepoint, cross-stitch samplers, weave paper placemats, make lanterns, flags, and their own china teacups and saucers. Another class studied the Declaration of Independence and experimented with their own personal declarations.

To bring a Jewish element into the unit, they also examined the lives of famous Jews from Colonial America.

The whole school adapted a colonial spirit, and there was even a beautiful replica of the Mayflower on display, built by GHA volunteer (and professional architect) Jean Paul Pentecouteau.

The culmination of all this hard work took place last Friday when first graders dressed in period cos-

Torah Day School of Atlanta Celebrates the Holidays TDSA at kroger

Students presented a Holiday Program at the Toco Hills Kroger.

tumes and invited their friends and family to GHA, where they performed a concert of patriotic songs (with sign-language translators from the middleschool elective class) and danced the Minuet and a square dance onstage.

At different stations around the room, they also demonstrated the use of natural dyes to color cloth, how to make one’s own butter and sachets, writing with quill and ink, how to seal envelopes with red sealing wax, and taught everyone how to play with colonial toys.

At the end of the program, the first graders presented Interim Head of School Leah Summers with a cross-stitch “Home Sweet Home” sampler to decorate the GHA hallways. Another cross-stitch sampler was presented to retired GHA teacher Sharon Sarnat— who first instituted the annual Colonial festival—by her first-grade granddaughter, Talya Sarnat.

The first graders all reflected on the festival excitedly. “My favorite part was the singing,” said Kayla Wallenstein. Micah Baron added, “I like the singing AND the dancing.” Eliana Linsider stated, “The most interesting thing I learned was all about the thirteen colonies.”

“This program was such a perfect example of cross-disciplinary education,” said Esther Shulkes, mother of first grader Shmuel Shulkes. “Every subject was incorporated; my son was completely immersed in the experience.”

First grade teacher Beth Intro was delighted by the children’s enthusiastic performances and demonstrations. She remarked, “This is what we hope for, that through all these hands-on lessons—the baking, the drama, the arts and crafts—they’ll always remember how they went back in time and really lived our history for a day.”

TOP: GHA teacher Gail Skolsky presents Interim Head of School Leah Summers with the first graders’ gift of a handmade crossstitched “Home Sweet Home” sampler for the school.

MIDDLE: Students demonstrated a minuet and square dancing.

Here, Amishai Weismark and Eliana Linsider glide gracefully around the square.

RIGHT: Former GHA teacher Sharon Sarnat, creator of the first Colonial Festival many years ago, received the first graders’ gift of a handmade cross-stitched “Home Sweet Home” sampler from her granddaughter, Talia Sarnat.

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

BY LEAH LEVY

25

AJT

EDUCATION

Epstein School’s VIP Day

CELEBRATING MENTORS, COMMUNITY, family SPECIAL FOR AJT

V

IP Day is a wonderful tradition for The Epstein School family. It is a day when the students are able to share their exciting world at Epstein with the Very Important People in their lives.

Thanks to the efforts of over 30 volunteers, approximately 650 guests enjoyed the program and classroom visits. Special VIP Day greetings were offered by President of the Board of Trustees Mark Stern, and Epstein Grandparent Merle Horwitz on behalf of the Annual Fund and Capital Campaign Grandparent Co-Chairs.

A group of second graders led the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Hatik-

vah.” The Epstein School Band also gave a wonderful performance, under the direction of Gale Scott.

After the program, the VIPs visited the classrooms and shared a special time with the students. Many worked on mitzvah projects, various Thanksgivukkah themed arts and crafts, sang Jewish songs, played games, shared stories and celebrated Shabbat together.

Epstein community pride was very evident as grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, siblings and special friends gathered for this festive event.

Above: Epstein Parent Laurie Kogon enjoyed spending VIP Day with her daughter Leah May Kogon and Grandparent Judy Kogon.

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

Celebrating the Golden Age

26

Distinctive Residential Settings Premier Programs for Health and Wellness Award-Winning Memory Care

Buckhead (404) 252-6271 Johns Creek (770) 813-9505

belmontvillage.com Middle: Epstein grandparents show their pride. Above: Epstein school band.

PCH 008034, 008036 © 2013 Belmont Village, L.P. AtlJewTimes_12_6_golden.indd 1

11/27/13 3:31 PM

EDUCATION

Being Jewish Means Being Thankful

Top Right – Mechina student Jenna Cohen and her mom, Michele, share a joyful moment during a class Chanukah party.

DAVIS CELEBRATES ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME HOLIDAY

Right: Davis Academy second grade students made colorful menurkey pictures like this one made by Ava Satisky.

SPECIAL FOR AJT

L

ike Jews across America, this year The Davis Academy celebrated the unusual coincidence of Thanksgiving and Chanukah, making for a lot of fun with words and symbols.

Left Top: Middle School students did a Beit Midrash on Thanksgivukkah, complete with serious discussion and the lighting of a “menurkey” (a turkey menorah).

On a reflective note, Davis Academy Director of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, Rabbi Micah Lapidus observed, “We’ve often noticed that Judaism has many, many prayers for peace. It turns out that the only more common theme in our liturgy is the theme of Thanksgiving.”

Left Middle: Chanukah and Thanksgiving are perfect opportunities to remember others.

Here Davis Middle School students Zach Baylin, Alex Panovka and Jared Solovei work on a greeting from The Davis Academy that will become part of the Prayer Canvas USA Project, an exhibit honoring and remembering those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing, that will be displayed at the 2014 Boston Marathon.

The word “Jew” itself derives from the Hebrew word Yehuda, which means “thanks” or “praise.” To be Jewish means to offer thanks. Judaism trains us to be mindful of the countless blessings in our lives.”

The Davis Academy community both gave thanks as well as engaged in spirited celebrations of these two holidays, which it turns out, have a lot in common after all.

Left Bottom: Dreidels appeared as a common theme in Chanukah cards made by Davis first graders (left to right): Emmy Hirschfield, Sarah Meiselman, Lexi Tauber, Ava Chernyak, Ian Stukalsky and Ellen Fuerst.

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AJT

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AJT

d’var Torah

Not One, but Two Messages to Take from Joseph’s Reunion D’VAR TORAH VAYIGASH

BY RABBI LAUREN S. COHN SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

A

s this week’s Torah portion, Vayigash, is the culmination of a story, in order to appreciate its drama and beauty, we must look at the Torah portions that precede it.

When looking at the entirety of the story of Joseph and his brothers, we realize that there are many lessons to be learned about reuniting with loved ones.

At long last, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers after years of separation and strife. However, he does not do so the very moment he sees them. Rather, as the vizier of Egypt (and unrecognizable to his brothers), he rebukes them, and forces them to return to Canaan only to retrieve Benjamin and then return to Egypt once more.

Joseph’s heart is not so hardened at his initial interaction with his brothers, “He turned away from them and wept” (Genesis 42: 24, Plaut). And, yet, he makes them jump through proverbial hoops.

As we read the story of Joseph’s reunion with his brothers, our initial response may be to implore Joseph to stop everything and hug his brothers. For with that hug, the anger, pain, and jealousy from the past would dissolve. We want to whisper in Joseph’s ear, “What would your father want you to do right now?”

Jacob, himself, knew only too well the powerful healing one hug can bring.

Jacob was estranged from his own brother because he stole their father’s blessing. When Isaac couldn’t see, he gave the blessing to Jacob, who was dressed as Esau.

On the eve of their intended reunion, Jacob is fearful: “Deliver me, I pray from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; else I fear, he may come and strike me down” (Genesis 32:12).

And yet, when Jacob sees Esau the next day, he is met with an embrace, a kiss, and tears. And in that moment, everything else faded away.

When Joseph recognizes his brothers in Egypt, we want them to have the same moment that their father and their uncle had. And yet, as we think more about it and the many layers of our text and family dynamics, we realize that there is much more going on.

When Jacob and Esau reunited, they each had time to prepare. They knew the reunion was to occur, and with this they were given the luxury of taking time to remember.

They could remember who they were as boys and how different they each were; they could remember the relationships they each had with their parents, they could each remember the pain they have caused each other. And finally, they could remember how much they have grown from the boys they were then, into the men they are now.

The time given to Jacob and Esau

CORRECTION CORRECTION: Rabbi Ronald C. Bluming’s D’Var Torah appeared in the November 9th issue of the Atlanta Jewish Times. He was identified as leading only one of two groups that he serves. We mistakenly omitted that Rabbi Bluming has served

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

the Jewish Community at the Renaissance on Peachtree for over a year, leading

28

Shabbat and High High Holiday worship.

mentally and emotionally prepared them for such a significant moment.

They now see each other for the people they truly are – powerful and established men with wives, children, servants, and livestock – not who they were.

In contrast, when Joseph first lays eyes on his brothers, he is completely caught off guard. He is in his role as vizier in Egypt and sees them completely out of context, while they cannot possibly see that it is Joseph who stands before them.

Furthermore, a brotherly reunion would not be complete without their youngest brother, Benjamin, there.

Thus, the hoops begin, and each hoop gives Joseph more time to prepare himself.

By demanding that the brothers return to Canaan and bring Benjamin back with them, Joseph is giving himself time to process – time to remember.

Perhaps he remembers how proud he was when his father gave him the striped coat or how wonderful he felt when he discovered his gift of interpreting dreams; perhaps he realizes how bad both of these must have made his brothers feel; perhaps he remembers how despondent he felt when he realized that his brothers sold him to Egyptians.

There are so many memories for Joseph to recall and he needs time to prepare himself before he can be in the right emotional and mental space to

embrace his brothers.

When Joseph’s brothers return from Canaan with Benjamin in tow, even then, Joseph is still not ready. He needs to know about Jacob’s well being: “With that Joseph hurried out, for he was overcome with feelings toward his brother and was on the verge of tears; he went into a room and wept there” (Genesis 44:30).

And yet Joseph still needs more time (another hoop): he demands that the brothers leave Benjamin in Egypt.

Maybe he wants to ease himself into the reunion by first being with the one brother with whom there was never any discord. But at the eleventh hour, Joseph realizes he is mentally and emotionally ready, and he banishes everyone else away so that he is alone with his brothers.

“I am your brother, Joseph, he whom you sold into Egypt…do not be distressed…he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them” (Genesis, 45:4-14).

The story of Joseph’s reunion with his brothers emphasizes the importance of reuniting with loved ones, but equally as important, it also teaches us about the work of readying ourselves for such reunions.

Rabbi Lauren S. Cohn is the Rabbi Educator at Congregation Dor Tamid in Johns Creek and is a member of the ARA

AJT

may their memories be a blessing

Estelle Tuvlin 99, Johns Creek

Estelle “Esther” Tuvlin, 99, of Johns Creek, passed away peacefully on Mon., Nov. 25, 2013. Born in Philadelphia, Pa. to Bertha and Morris Cutler, of blessed memory, she moved from New Jersey to Georgia in 1988. Esther was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Mathew. She is survived by her son, Bernie and his wife Rita; her grandchildren Michael Tuvlin, Stephanie Lampert and her husband Warren, Jeffrey Tuvlin and his wife Jennifer, Stacy Wei and her husband Tsu, David Tuvlin and his wife Meghan; and her loving great-grandchildren: Andrew, Ethan, and Jared Tuvlin, Danielle, Noah, and Maddie Lampert, Robert Wei, and Matthew and Lilah Tuvlin. An online guestbook is available at www.edressler. com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Cohen Home, 10485 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek, GA 30022, www.cohenhome.org. Graveside services were held 2 p.m. Wed., Nov. 27 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, with Rabbi Fred Greene officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, (770) 4514999.

Shabbat Candle Lighting Times shabbat blessings

Rosh Chodesh Tevet occurs on Tuesday, 03 December 2013

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

Chanukah: 7 Candles occurs on Tuesday, 03 December 2013

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.

Rosh Chodesh Tevet occurs on Wednesday, 04 December 2013 Chanukah: 8 Candles occurs on Wednesday, 04 December 2013

Blessing for the Wine Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu Meelech Haolam, Borei p’ri hagafen

Chanukah: 8th Day occurs on Thursday, 05 December 2013

Praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.

Candle lighting: 5:11pm on Friday, 06 December 2013

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

This week’s Torah portion is Parashat Vayigash Havdalah (42 min): 6:11pm on Saturday, 07 December 2013

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

Mathilda Tourial 92, Atlanta

Serving Atlanta’s Jewish Community with Sensitivity and Respect Edward Dressler, President

770.451.4999

www.JewishFuneralCare.com David Boring Michael Braswell Allen Guertin Jonathan Miller

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

Mathilde “Pat” Tourial, age 92, of Atlanta died peacefully on Nov. 29, 2013. Mrs. Tourial was the daughter of Eli and Louna Capouya who immigrated from the Isle of Rhodes.

She was born and raised in Montgomery, Ala. and earned a degree in chemistry and bacteriology, with a minor in math and physics, from the University of Alabama in 1942.

She worked for the City of Atlanta as Assistant Director of the South River Water Treatment Monitoring Lab for 18 years, was a member of Congregation Or VeShalom and its sisterhood, as well as helped establish ORT’s Atlanta chapter. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eli Tourial and she is survived by her son, Dr. Sam Tourial, Atlanta; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Ralph and Frances Capouya; brother-in-law, Solomon Kimerling; and sisterin-law, Regina Tourial. Sign the online guestbook: www. edressler.com. Graveside services were held on Sun., Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Weinstein Hospice, 3150 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30327 and Congregation Or VeShalom, 1681 N. Druid Hills Rd, Atlanta, GA 30319. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, (770) 451-4999.

Licensed Funeral Directors 29

AJT

what’s happening

Sun., Dec. 8

Koffee and Kibitz, join the Congregation Shearith Israel Sisterhood for bagels, cream cheese, coffee/juice and schmoozing. Sun., Dec. 6, 9 a.m.

Congregation Shearith Israel.

Tues., Dec. 10

Abrams on Healthcare Speaker Event, Georgia’s House Minority Leader for the Georgia General Assembly and State Representative Stacey Abrams will speak on healthcare reform and offer a preview of the upcoming legislative session.

Tues., Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. Congregation Shearith Israel.

Fri., Dec. 13

“Native Towns” Lecture, bring your lunch and enjoy a program on the Native American towns, settlements, and trails of the Metro Atlanta Area, with Alice Graybill, of Georgia State University. Part of the Friends of Georgia Archives and History’s Lunch & Learn lecture series. Fri., Dec. 13, 12 p.m. Free. Georgia Archives, www.georgiaarchives.org

Sat., Dec. 21

Bat Mitzvah Celebration, join Etz Aviv Group of Greater Atlanta Hadassah in celebrating its Bat Mitzvah year with dinner, dancing and a candle lighting ceremony. Sat.,

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Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. $18/person. Hilton Garden Inn, Kennesaw. Info, marshamike@comcast.net

Sun., Jan. 5

Holocaust Survivor Speaker, Elizabeth Ungar Lefkovitz, a Holocaust survivor from Hungary, will speak about how she survived Auschwitz, as well as a death march, through cunning, strength and unwavering faith in G-d. Sun., Jan. 5, 2 p.m. Breman Museum.

Fri., Jan. 10

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

Sun., March 2

“Return to Rich’s” Private Tour, a privately booked look at the Breman Museum’s “Return to Rich’s: The Story Behind the Store,” which has received rave reviews. Sun., March 2, 2 p.m. $15/members, $25/ non-members. the Breman Museum.

RSVP, hbrill@bellsouth.net or (404) 376-1931.

Thurs., Jan. 26

Ongoing

“The Geller Girls” Performance, come see “The Geller Girls,” written by Janece Shaffer at a discounted price from the CSI Sisterhood. Thurs., Jan. 26, 2:30 p.m. $39.38. (until Jan. 2).

Alliance Theater. Contact, (404) 7334604.

Sun., Jan. 29

Community Book Club Meeting, gather together to discuss the novel “Defending Jacob,” by William Landay. Sun., Jan. 29. Info, pgrad@att. net or (404) 876-2199.

A Musical Tribute to Judy Tager, featuring pianist Benjamin Warsaw.

Beginning with a “Greet & Eat” des-

DECEMBER 6 ▪ 2013

Sat., Feb. 22

“Underutilized and Underappreciated” Lecture, bring your lunch and enjoy a program on the underutilized and underappreciated records at the Georgia Archives and what we can learn from them. Fri., Jan. 10, 12 p.m. Free. Georgia Archives, www. georgiaarchives.org

Sun., Feb. 2

30

sert reception with Tager and Warsaw, followed by the performance.

Sun., Feb. 2, 3 p.m. $25/advance, $30/ door. Under 12 years free. Congregation Shearith Israel.

Volunteer tutoring opportunity with the Atlanta Jewish Coalition for Literacy. Min. 30 minutes one-on-one per week, beginning this fall. Nine metro area elementary schools. (404) 843-9600.

JEWISH PUZZLER

by David Benkof

Across 1. Sort of bag 5. Borscht ___ 9. Early Streisand number “Love Is ___” 14. French human rights crusader Cassin 15. “L. ___” (Steve Bochco TV show) 16. Wore 17. Hillel Levine’s “Death ___ American Jewish Community” 18. Anthony Weiner’s wife Huma Abedin, to Hillary Clinton 19. Igloo or sukkah 20. Scandal-maker of 1971 23. “___ Sleep,” Odets play 24. Second person?

25. ___ Finkle (protagonist in Bernard Malamud’s “The Magic Barrel”) 27. “___ Gadol Haya...”

28. “I’m thinking!”

31. Part of Europe where Hasidism originated 34. Klezmer instrument, sometimes 36. Torah portion about Nazirites 37. New York’s ___ Convention Center 40. Talmudic voice 42. Game at Wynn’s casinos 43. Nebuchadnezzar’s realm 46. “___ Gotta Be Me” (Sammy

Davis, Jr. tune) 47. Rd. thru Malibu 50. Post-apartheid party: Abbr.

51. Tillie Olsen’s home st.

53. “Father” of all Torah commentaries 55. Leading decisor of Jewish law of the last generation in America 60. Google competitor 61. Painter Meidner 62. “Portnoy’s Complaint” subject 63. “Awake and Sing!” playwright Clifford 64. Pole, e.g.

65. Chick’s ending 66. No Einstein 67. Berlin’s “Oh, How I ___ to Get Up in the Morning” 68. Convinced

9. King of Israel, ninth century BCE 10. Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me, ___” 11. Lulav and willow, of the four Sukkot species 12. Hammerstein’s musical collaborator 13. Suffix with Ess 21. Felix Adler’s “___ Culture” 22. Red or Dead 26. Kiryat ___ 29. Sound from a red heifer

30. Hank Greenberg’s org.

32. They guard the Western Wall 33. Skin designs, for short 34. Fluctuate 35. Jewish advocacy org. founded in 1906 37. Onetime mayor of Amsterdam 38. “Being Jewish” by ___ L. Goldman 39. In gematria, it’s number six

40. Dershowitz’s org.

41. Like Lake Nasser 44. ___-liner (Henny Youngman specialty) 45. Org. for Jewish mental health professionals 47. ___-Messiah (Shabbetai Zvi, e.g.)

48. “___ for yourself two tablets like the first ones...” (Ex. 34:1) 49. Suggested 52. “Kiss Me, Kate” co-writer Spewack 54. Ayn Rand novel, “___ Shrugged” 56. Barflies 57. Water source 58. “___ alone because of Thy hand...” (Jer. 15:17) 59. ___ Tzedek (Tel Aviv district) 60. Hebrew letter before Kaf

Last week’s answers

Down 1. “Midnight Run” star Charles 2. Repair the surface of 3. Pineapple in French and Hebrew 4. Neighbor of Niger and Nigeria 5. God worshiped by Jezebel 6. He wrote “Night” and “Dawn” 7. It might serve cholent 8. Tribes number

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