No 49, December 7 The Atlanta Jewish Times

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23 Kislev – 29 Kislev 5773 vOL. LXXXVII NO. 49

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He’s watching and learning. How you walk to temple together, rain or shine. The way you speak gently to Aunt Ruth. And your gift for making the holidays feel miraculous. Best wishes for a happy Chanuka.

DECEMBER 7 â–Ş 2012

Life is a Miracle.

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AJT

From the Editor

Beyond the Superficial

HOW WE CAN BEST HONOR TWO TRADITIONS

BY RON FEINBERG Web Editor

T

he search for meaning is a constant struggle. Around this time of year, when days grow short, the nights stretch long and the world seems to overflow with things of the spirit and holiday cheer, such philosophical concerns become even a greater problem for some.

Unable to capture just what it is they believe, many people thrash about a bit, taking a little of this and a little of that. They close their eyes and shrug their shoulders, and mostly come up with a whole bunch of nothing.

Phooey! Yes, raising children of faith is a difficult problem these days, and helping them understand the wonder and beauty of different traditions is a worthwhile undertaking. But trying to blend the disparate traditions of Christmas and Chanukah is a mistake that honors no one.

Chanukah has nothing to do with Christmas. Christmas has nothing to do with Chanukah. Placing a Star of David atop a Christmas tree might seem like a good idea, a gesture that transmits a message of understanding and tolerance. But it trivializes the holidays for those who take their religion seriously, lacks any depth of meaning

or transcendent worth and confounds and confuses the brightest of children.

The search for meaning and faith is a struggle that involves understanding who you are and your place in the world. Coming to such belief might begin as an exercise of intellect – a product of the mind – but ultimately finds a resting spot in the heart and soul.

To be clear: Standing off in the distance and appreciating the beauty of the holiday season is okay. I have no problem with anyone enjoying Christmas Carols and Chanukah lights, sharing festive meals and handing out gifts to family and friends.

It’s when some folks try to mash everything together, creating Chanukah bushes and Christmas menorahs, that the season grows bizarre, silly and meaningless.

Chanukah and Christmas aren’t words devoid of meaning. Both holidays offer something special for those who are interested in hearing the message.

But there’s a price that must be paid to appreciate the holidays as anything more than one-dimensional, festive happenings: You have to figure out what you believe and make a choice.

No wonder people suffer from holiday depression. They eventually grab hold of only the superficial elements, ignoring the transcendent beauty and wonder to be found during this “most wonderful time of the year.”

Of course, sometimes the result is not only sad; occasionally, all this effort runs amok. In the rush to belong, to understand, and feel good about whom and what they are, people sometimes forget that ritual and belief need to have something meaningful at their core. To this point, I share a personal anecdote.

Several years ago, I received a publicity kit for a new children’s book, “Blintzes for Blitzen.” I tossed it atop a growing pile of letters, bulletins, books and press releases, planning to study it when I got a moment. As Chanukah neared, I remembered the colorful cover that featured a drawing of a reindeer and a menorah and, curious, dug out the promotional material.

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At first glance, “Blintzes for Blitzen” seemed to be just another holiday offering – a cute, brightly illustrated children’s book that explored the beliefs of two dramatically different religions, capturing the seasonal cheer and worth of both.

But it became clear very quickly that the book was mostly filled with a discordant mishmash of this and that; it was devoid of meaning, message or cosmic belief.

The motives of the book’s publisher, MixedBlessing, seemed noble enough: “The book blends the traditions of Christmas and Chanukah into a heartwarming tale of discovery and joy,” the publisher wrote in their press literature.

It continued by saying the little tale is aimed at the “growing number of interfaith families.”

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That the story is moronic – something about one of Santa’s reindeer, Blitzen, stumbling across the house of Bernie the deli owner, who is busy making blintzes for Chanukah – only reinforces the notion that nothing of lasting worth is being offered.

Anne Tyler Harshbarger; photo by Jim Fiscus. Additional photos by Charlie McCullers.

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AJT

NOGA REPORTS

An Independent Palestinian State WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

BY NOGA GUR-ARIEH AJT Contributor

O

n Nov. 29, the UN General Assembly voted on the Palestinian Authority’s resolution to change its UN observer status from “entity” to “non-member state” – such as is the case with the Vatican, for example. Despite Israel’s attempts to get as many states as possible to oppose that resolution, the majority still chose to pass the movement.

The anger aimed towards the UN started days before the actual vote, when it became clear that the resolution would pass. Many pro-Israel activists saw in this as a betrayal and a setback in the peace process, as this resolution called for unilateral recognition and did not come out of a negotiated agreement with Israel.

Of course, others said that this vote

would be irrelevant regardless of the outcome, claiming that without Israeli recognition, there cannot ever be an independent Palestinian state. According to those people, the UN vote was nothing but an attempt to provoke Israel.

As for me, when I think of the fact that the Palestinians are asking for a state of their own, I can’t help but think about the history of the Jewish people.

In just a few days, we will celebrate Chanukah, one of the many holidays celebrating our victory over a vicious enemy that wanted not only our land but also our lives. This has been our history for more than 2,000 years, and only a mere 64 years ago – several months after the UN declared Israel an independent state – did the hunting of Jews finally stop.

From that point on, we had a home and a safe haven for Jews worldwide, a place where they could live without being hunted for their way of life. It didn’t

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stop people from coveting our land, but now we at least have the power to stay put and to fight for our legally owned property. When I think of our story and how great the existence of a Jewish State is for our people, I always ask myself the question: “Why can’t any group of people who want to live independently as a state have the right to do so?”

Why, then, should there not be a Palestinian state?

The answer lies in the fact that it wouldn’t simply end there. In this story, no one is naïve enough to believe the Palestinians will settle for recognition as an independent state in this small territory of theirs.

Well, except for maybe the Palestinian citizens, who really just want peace and quiet.

But Mahmoud Abbas does not want to settle down in peace on a small piece of land. If that was true, there would probably be peace by now, because there is no longer any actual reason for a conflict. Indeed, if it was true that Abbas and people like him could be satiated, the Palestinian Authority would not need to address the UN proposing a one-sided resolution.

If all they wanted was to be independent, it would have happened years ago; Israel seeks peace, and this would have been a way to achieve it. Besides, it is much cheaper for Israel to stop supporting the Palestinian Authority.

Abbas addressed the UN and proposed a one-sided resolution because his definition of “peace and quiet” is the complete ownership of the land of Israel and our return to wandering in the desert. His speech in front of the General Assembly was aggressive and showed no true desire for a settlement of any kind.

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In his speech, he repeatedly tried paint the conflict in black and white; he tried to convince the UN delegates that Israel is the villain,and that the Palestinian Authority is the victim. He even compared Israelis to the Nazis, and that is a comparison that should never be made, one that is without a doubt very insensitive and aimed to hurt every single Israeli and Jew. What’s more, Abbas played a tricky game. He purposely chose Nov. 29 as the date for the UN vote. That day

marked the 75th anniversary of the General Assembly of the UN’s vote for the partition of what was once “Palestine” into two states – one for the Jews, and one for the Arabs.

At the time, the Jews accepted this partition, while the Arabs refused it.

They wanted the entire territory and were unwilling to settle. Sound familiar?

Sixty-five years later, the Palestinian leader returns to the General Assembly stage with a not-so-secret request: He wants an independent state at Israel’s expense. This bottom line of his is not new. He has stated many times before that his wishes are to wipe Israel as we know it off the map and claim the territory for the Palestinians.

And even though he sometimes appeared as a worthy partner for negotiations, his bottom line is no different than the ones Palestinian leaders before him held, and those have all been: “We will not settle, we will not negotiate. We want to wipe the Jewish state off the map.”

I have no problem with an independent Palestinian state. In fact, I am for it. I want the Palestinians to have a place to belong and to call home. I am sure many Israelis feel the same way, for we have been in their place before.

But when voting for a Palestinian state, the UN is not really voting for peace or for the Palestinian people.

True peace can only be achieved by conversation and negotiation, not by winning a vote at the UN. The only way in which two states can truly exist side-by-side, quietly and peacefully, is when both sides are willing to seriously sit down, talk and compromise.

Leaders on both sides have negotiated before, and therefore, I believe they can negotiate again. A proposition to the UN is not the beginning of a negotiation process, and therefore no vote, future or past, will get us any closer to peace.

Editor’s note: 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.

AJT

News

UN Upgrade Could Shift Israeli-Palestinian Conflict to the Courtroom RAMIFICATIONS FROM CONTROVERSIAL UNITED NATIONS VOTE

By Gil Shefler Via JNS.org

I

srael and the Palestinians have fought each other on many battlefields and many diplomatic fronts for decades, but the passing of the resolution upgrading the Palestinians’ status at the United Nations indicates the next war between the two might take place at a very different venue: courtrooms.

with 138 members voting yes, 41 abstaining and only nine voting no.

Outside North America and the Czech Republic, most of Israel’s support came from island-nations like Palau and Micronesia in faraway Oceania, where Old Testament stories of Israelites returning to their Promised Land resonate strongly among the fervently Christian locals.

Even Israel’s regular allies at the UN, like Germany, could not risk

breaking with their European Union partners and abstained. Meanwhile, the Palestinians were backed by Paris, Beijing and Moscow, in addition to a solid bloc of Islamic states.

how ill-advised, ill-conceived, or illogical.”

After the resolution passed, Israeli officials downplayed its importance. Israeli ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor said that an automatic majority “has been voting against in the General Assembly for decades, rubberstamping any Palestinian resolution no matter

“Some of those who voted for this one-sided resolution may have thought that they were advancing peace, but they only placed another obstacle in its path,” Prosor concluded.

The latest vote was “another sad chapter of that unfortunate legacy,” he said.

The Nov. 29 resolution — which gave the Palestinians “non-member observer state” recognition — could have far-reaching implications regarding Israel’s legal standing in the world.

Palestinians might hope to translate their victory in New York into action at The Hague, the sleepy Dutch city that is home to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Advocate Ido Rosenzweig, a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) and expert in international humanitarian law, explains that the Palestinian Authority is likely to try gaining statehood recognition in the international courts after a previous attempt failed.

“In such a case, the court would have to address the Palestinian Authority’s legal status again in order to determine whether it corresponds with the definitions of statehood,” Rosenzweig wrote in an email.

However, Dr. Allan Gerson — the former legal council to U.S. ambassadors to the UN Jeane Kirkpatrick and Vernon Walters, and author of “Israel, the West Bank and International Law” — argued that Palestinian claims to statehood based on the passing of the resolution were flawed for three chief reasons.

Secondly, Gerson said that while there have been exceptions to the Security Council rule such as the 1947 Partition Plan for Palestine, the 1947 exception was based on the recommendations of a UN committee and received support of all Security Council members.

Finally, “in law you need a formula for statehood and the Palestinians do not meet the criteria of authority and control,” he said.

The UN General Assembly passed the resolution over Israel’s objections

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

“First, the resolution is not binding because it was not a decision reached by the [UN] Security Council,” he said.

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AJT

According to Arlene

Unpredictable Happening FROM HIGHEST OF HIGHS…

BY ARLENE APPELROUTH

For the Atlanta Jewish Times

H

Sheltie, Champ, had a traditional lifestyle.

My husband, Dan, was responsible for earning the money, and I managed almost everything else, including shuttling our three kids to their after-school activities.

olidays often make me nostalgic for the good old days when my family lived under one roof 4475 AJT ad_4475 AJTin ad5Sandy 9/4/12 Springs.

2:38 PM Page 1 The five of us, plus our much-beloved I may have served as their driver,

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She’s been working six days a week, so I’m especially grateful for Shabbat, a time she does not work, when we can enjoy quality time. I watch my daughter with awe as she handles her professional responsibilities in addition to being a loving mother.

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Dual-career families have many challenging details to work out, but Michelle and her family are succeeding. I hope we created some good memories for our grandchildren on this trip; in addition to sharing a traditional meal, we took them to two Smithsonian Museums and a train museum in Baltimore.

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…to Lowest of Lows Soon enough, the fun was over, and we had to come back to reality. After the flight home, our friend Victoria picked us up at the airport.

miDDLE schooL 9:00–10:30 am

She listened enthusiastically to all of the stories and anecdotes about our week. But then, as we followed the road into our subdivision, she turned to me with an unsettling comment.

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Perhaps most importantly, I wanted my daughter, Michelle, to know how fortunate she was to grow up in a time when so many professional choices were open to her. She wouldn’t feel the sting of resentment, as I had, when hearing a professor say, “You women are wasting valuable spaces, getting an education you’ll forego using because you’ll have babies and take care of them.”

Speaking of Michelle, Dan and I spent this past Thanksgiving with her and her family in Silver Spring, Md. As a wife, mother to two preschoolers and attorney working for the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., “our little girl” has a lot of responsibility.

Wednesday, october 17 Tuesday, November 6 Tuesday, December 4 Wednesday, January 16 monday, February 11

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but I didn’t always understand what drove my children’s interests. Still, because I had repeatedly told them it was important to follow their dreams, I saw it as my responsibility to transport them wherever they thought they could best fulfill those dreams.

“I have some really bad news,” she said.

Had something happened to our house?, I wondered. I was impatient, so I prompted her:

335 Colewood Way, NW Sandy Springs, GA 30328 epsteinatlanta.org sacs accreditation

“What bad news?” I asked.

“Your fish are gone,” she replied.

“What do you mean, my fish are gone?” I asked. “Where did they go?”

I couldn’t get my head around what she was saying. Since six years ago, when I had a pond with a waterfall installed in our backyard, I have taken

care of a colorful assortment of fish and watched them grow. I’ve even experimented with all types of fish food to discover what they liked best.

“Did they die?” I asked as we pulled into the driveway.

“No, they’re just gone,” Victoria said.

“It’s almost winter; they hibernate,” I said, recalling that during winter months the fish are often out of view, huddled at the bottom of the pond.

“No, I put a stick in the pond and moved it around to check,” my friend responded. “No fish surfaced.”

Something must have eaten them, I thought. Canadian Geese had been around recently. Were they predators?

“It was probably a heron,” Dan said.

Once out of the car, I ran into my backyard and stood staring into the pond. No fish.

I also put a stick in the water, hoping to see some signs of life. I was disappointed, shocked. I didn’t know what to do.

I wondered if it was appropriate to have a memorial service for fish. Only two of the 20 even had names, but I had known and enjoyed those living creatures. I could recognize them by whether they swam slowly across the pond or darted to the surface to be fed.

Then, my mind turning spiritual on me, I wondered about the transmigration of souls and where the souls of those 20 fish were now.

Now, looking back on the disappearance of my pets, I realize that this is just the way nature works. We’re all just part of one big food chain, I’ve been telling myself as I try to make sense of what seems an unnecessary loss.

I’ll never know what happened to those fish, and I’ll miss the quiet time that was mine when I would feed them and watch them eat. When you take care of living creatures, you create an emotional connection to them.

I know that, in the end, life is unpredictable, but there’s always something to learn from what we experience.

I’m going to replace my fish, and this time, I’ll figure out how to put some netting over the pond.

Editor’s note: 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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AJT

If You Ask Me

The Miracle in Poland DEFYING EXPLANATION

BY EUGEN SCHOENFELD AJT Columnist

C

hanukah, the holiday of light and miracles, begins this weekend. The coming celebration is somewhat ironic, considering many of us in this age of reason and science don’t believe in miracles – events that are caused through transcendental forces.

And yet, there are events that transcend the explainable and lead us to question whether all events that we experience can be explained by science. Let me share with you one such personal experience.

One day a student posed the following question: “Professor, do you believe in miracles?”

The question, asked during my sociology of religion course, was offered in a challenging tone.

“What do you mean by miracles?”

I asked.

“You know, I mean those described in the Bible,” he said.

As a professor of sociology, I had been put in a difficult situation. How could I respond to this student’s question, especially after he had admitted to me that he believed in biblical inerrancy?

Although I as a professor don’t have the right to discuss or comment on a student’s personal faith, I had to be truthful; not necessarily about the truth of the scriptural text, but about my own belief.

So I responded:

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

“If you are asking me whether I believe in the existence of miracles, then the answer is ‘yes,’ since I have experienced a miraculous event.”

Although I don’t believe that biblical miracles of the Hollywood sort have ever occurred, at the same time I do believe that people may have experienced extraordinary events that in some ways could be described as “miraculous.”

For example: I am a Holocaust 8 survivor.

But that’s not the event I shared with my student. Instead, I told the questioner of a miracle that actually came in the midst of a most desperate period of my life.

were no trucks waiting outside the camp gates.

Was I desperately seeking a miracle?

But there were machine guns.

Shortly after they were marched out of the camp walls, we heard the muffled sound of firing in the distance.

No matter, I kept on digging.

Soon, I had stripped away the topsoil and discovered sand underneath.

A Trying Journey In 1944, a number of Jews from Munkacs, Hungary were sent from Birkenau, the death camp in Southeast Poland, to the Warsaw ghetto. I was among them; indeed, just a few days after my arrival at AuschwitzBirkenau, some of us were sent to a labor camp in Warsaw, built in the middle of the former ghetto on Geinsa Street.

There, the Germans had put down the heroic ghetto uprising and shortly afterwards systematically demolished all the houses. Thus, we were assigned to something called Berlin Aufbau (Rebuilding Berlin).

Our job was to harvest and clean the bricks of the destroyed Jewish homes; the bricks would then be used to rebuild the city, which was continually being bombed. Our stay in the camp, however, was a short one.

Towards the end of July, the Russian army was nearing Warsaw, and the city would soon fall to them. One evening, we were told we would be marched to a railroad junction about 70 miles from the city, where we would board a train that would take us to another camp.

We were also told that those of us who couldn’t march such a distance would be trucked to the junction. All we needed to do is step forward if we needed help.

I tried to persuade a classmate who stood next to me, Friedman, not to believe the SS officer ordering us around. Nevertheless, he and others stepped forward, declaring themselves unable to handle the forced march.

I’m not sure why the Germans made such a claim of aid. We had been imprisoned long enough to have learned about Nazi cynicism and their use of lies. Of course, there

Digging a Well of Hope The next day, about 1,500 of us schutzheftlingen were woken early, given a hot brew which the Nazis called erzats café, lined up in companies guarded by SS with automatic weapons and began our march.

It was a hot summer morning.

Once outside Warsaw, the sun in the Polish steppe became hotter.

We became dehydrated; our legs felt leaden, and many of us couldn’t keep up with the speed set by our guards.

Escape was impossible.

The guards tried to make us go faster, but to no avail. When some of my fellow inmates fell to the ground, exhausted, they were immediately shot.

That evening, we thankfully arrived at a river. A few of the younger people broke ranks and ran to the shore, but they were shot. It turns out our German captors needed to count us first before allowing us, a few at a time, to enter the river and drink.

But we hardly had time to quench our thirst before we were driven out of the river, and as a result, sleep was impossible. I felt that without any additional water most of us wouldn’t survive the next day’s march. I knew that we were in a hopeless situation.

I thought of Moses with his cane hitting the rock and bringing forth water. In my mind, I saw the Jews in the Sinai and how our ancestors dug wells in the dessert. Why couldn’t I do the same?

Indeed, why couldn’t I dig a well?

I had the necessary tools, my spoon and my mess kit. I began to dig.

“What are you doing?” my father asked.

I told him I was digging a well.

He didn’t respond. Was I delusional?

Digging in the sand was much easier, and it soon became darker and moister. I could feel the water in it. I kept on digging, and to my amazement and joy, when I reached the depth of about 15 or 16 inches, water started seeping into the cavity.

I filled my mess kit with the precious liquid and, not forgetting to recite the blessing of shehakol, I gave the first taste to my father. Others saw what I had done and began digging their own “wells.”

Then, I heard heavy footsteps, the sound of boots. The camp commandant, my tormentor, appeared.

“Well, since you found water, you might as well have it,” he said.

Of course, some people may argue that finding water was nothing but a series of coincidences. After all, being at the bank of a river pretty much meant there was water nearby. But in my view, finding water was but one of the many miracles that occur daily and which we take for granted.

To me, a miracle is an improbable and unanticipated event that increases one’s chance to stay alive when faced with hopeless conditions and events. Our condition in the middle of Poland was hopeless, and everyone lying beside the river knew it.

Now, 68 years later, I’m sure that it was a miraculous event that we experienced, an experience for which I am duty-bound to repeat a lifelong birchat hagomel, the blessing of redemption.

Editor’s note: Eugen Schoenfeld is a professor and chair emeritus at Georgia State University and a Holocaust survivor.

AJT

If You Ask Me

Happy Hannukah!

Life at Home is the Key to IndependenceSM

‘Tis the Season to be Different APPRECIATING WHAT SETS US APART AND BRINGS US TOGETHER

I

grew up in a multicultural environment before attending a Jewish day school, so I’ve had many close friends of faiths different from mine – Baha’i, Muslim, Wicca, Christian, Atheist.

A distinct memory I have of this time of year is attending a homeschool group event on one of the days of Chanukah. All of my friends jumped up, wished me a happy holiday and asked me all sorts of questions about our holiday. Some other friends even e-mailed me Chanukahspecific greetings.

This was a very sweet gesture that I really appreciated. But interestingly, these wishes also made me notice the considerable differences between Chanukah and Christmas.

Chanukah normally falls around the same time as Christmas, so it seems to many that the two holidays might be parallel in some fashion.

That’s not the case, of course; the holidays have very distinct vibes and spirits.

In particular, the length of these two holidays demonstrates one important difference. One intimate day of a holiday is very different than a long celebratory week.

Also, Chanukah isn’t one of Judaism’s most defining holidays, as Christmas is for Christianity. Chanukah celebrates miracles, and it’s about expressing thankfulness, honoring our history as a nation and taking time to add a spiritual note to our week.

But for most of the Festival of Lights, we go about our usual daily routines – we wear regular clothing, go to school, eat regular meals. It is a very sweet holiday – a week of joy and beautiful candle-lighting and song-singing rituals – but Chanukah is simply not the epitome of spirituality.

Of course, within our U.S. society, what defines Chanukah for most is a seasonal connection to Christmas. I can see how this association came to be, as an outward theme of both holidays is “lighting up the night.”

Both are observed towards the beginning of winter – a season of long nights and prolonged darkness, not necessarily the ideal season to feel gleeful – and lighting candles in windows or setting up trees and lights outside homes completely changes the bleakness of the outdoors. Thus, whatever neighborhood you’re in, you’re bound to see some holiday spirit, and likely in a shining, incandescent form.

And that’s the great thing about lights: When they’re bright, you can’t even see what they are representing, they’re just beautiful, bright bursts of color.

Whether they are representing a small feeling of jubilation, or a monumental feeling of inner-peace, they come together for one purpose: heightening the world’s spirituality.

They provide an incredible feeling of unity, which brings me back to the aforementioned memory.

The holiday wishes my friends of different faiths and I would exchange were different. And yet, the act of warmly acknowledging each other’s faiths connected us all.

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It wasn’t the similarity of the religion or holiday that brought us together; rather, it was the differentiation of them. Remarkable!

And so, what I’ll never forget from my mixed-faith community is just how similar our differences are.

At the end of the day, we are a community of people that are different and, yet, the same.

What is noticeably different is usually superficial. Obviously, Chanukah and Christmas are dramatically different; but holiday spirit carries identical feelings.

h a k u n a h C y p p a H

With that, happy holidays, and vive la différence!

Editor’s note: Eden Farber, 15, is a sophomore at Yeshiva Atlanta. She was recognized in the Jewish Heritage National Poetry Contest of 2010 and has published op-eds and poetry in Modern Hippie Magazine and the NY Jewish Week’s Fresh Ink for Teens section.

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BY EDEN FARBER For the Atlanta Jewish Times

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AJT

Barry J. Roseman, M.D. Surgical Oncologist

Specializing in:

Breast Surgery Melanoma & Skin Cancer Surgery

Community

University of Georgia Hillel’s “Uga’s Party” HOLIDAY HAPPINESS FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE

BY JAMIE GOTTLIEB AJT Contributor

H

“Dr. Roseman took the time to answer all of my questions”

illel at the University of Georgia combined two holiday staples, Santa Claus and a menorah, to bring the all-around festive spirit to AthensClarke County with “Uga’s Party.”

“He treated me with attention and concern, as if I were a friend or family member.”

The event, now in its fifth year, re-

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Joel Marcovitch, director of Hillel at UGA, said this edition of the Party was really special for the students and the community.

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lieves parents of gift-giving pressures during the holiday season, working with various elementary schools and children’s organizations.

“It’s a holiday party for local, underprivileged children,” Jessica Jacobs, director of social justice and awareness for Hillel explained. “It’s a time for them to have a really good time at the holidays, especially if their parents can’t provide them with presents.”

Jacobs said the event gave children the opportunity to meet Santa and decorate stockings and cookies with UGA student volunteers. This year, more than 25 gave of their time and came out to the event.

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“The whole night was fantastic and so much fun,” Jacobs said. “It was really surprising that so many people came

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“There are kids from Athens who don’t really get the holiday experience,” she said. “Whether they celebrate at home or not, they get the chance to celebrate it with kids at UGA.”

“We have corresponded with Amy’s Party in the past and have gotten toys and ideas from them,” she said.

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Leanna Ross, a sophomore, helped set up Uga’s Party and said she thought the entire event was an incredible experience.

According to Jacobs, Uga’s Party gave about 200 toys - most of the toys were donated by abraKIDabra Toys – to children. She said that the original plan for the event was modeled after Amy’s Holiday Party, which similarly donates gifts to underprivileged children.

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‘‘We choose Belmont Village.’’

on a Wednesday night.”

“We’re thrilled to do this every year, and I believe that Jewish students at Hillel at UGA are doing wonderful things for the community by giving back,” said Marcovitch.

Ross said the most rewarding part was seeing how the kids reacted.

“Seeing the kids see those presents just brightened up my day,” she said.

Adriane Cooper, co-director of special events at Hillel, said Uga’s Party is about tzedek, which roughly means “charity” and “giving back” in Hebrew.

“It’s a really important part of Judaism because what it does is it allows us to give back to the community that we live in,” she said.

AJT

Community

How – and Why – I Give 2012 AMY’S PARTY TEEN CO-CHAIR SHARES

By Jaclyn Rothenberg For the Atlanta Jewish Times

lucky to enjoy the hallmarks of the holiday season.

es, craft project stations, pictures with Santa and a dance with a DJ.

The Point of Pitching In

remember my first Christmas: I was about 12 years old when, despite my family being Jewish and us having just celebrated eight nights of Chanukah, Santa Claus visited our home.

Fast-forward four years: The very same woman who told me that “Saint Nick” had visited our home was now telling me to get involved in outreach in preparation for college. In my search to find the right effort to which to donate my time, I stumbled across an organization by the name of “Amy’s Party.”

Then, on the day of the event, both teenage and adult volunteers serve over 1,000 lunches and distribute over 2,000 brand-new gifts to the children, and through partnership with approximately 30 homeless shelters, foster care and refugee centers in Atlanta and in the end gives each individual child a meal and a toy to bring home.

Looking back, I realize today that my mother, the same woman who treated me to Donna Lewis when I Jaclyn Rothenberg was 12 and encouraged me to get involved at 16, gave me the best gift of all: the push to help others who are less fortunate than myself.

My sister and I came downstairs to our family living room, tree-less and all, to find two presents placed under our fireplace. As I eagerly tore open my small square package, ripping each layer of wrapping paper as I did, my mother said that this year, Santa had made a stop at our house.

His gift to me was my very first CDROM: Donna Lewis to be exact. I said “thank you” with a smile and never looked back.

This was an extra present, something beyond what I received for Chanukah. Perhaps I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was fortunate and blessed to have nine presents. Unlike so many millions of children in this world, I was

That was the one. Indeed, after volunteering that year, I decided to spend the next two years committed to planning the 2012 edition of the Party and serving as a teen co-chair for the event.

About the Party Now in its 18th year, Creating Connected Communities (CCC) – the organization behind Amy’s Party – solicits some 300 volunteers and provides for more than 700 underprivileged children and their families.

For the entire year prior to each iteration of the event, local teens help prepare and plan a carnival with priz-

And beyond that, CCC has recently expanded to include an opportunity through which teens participate in a yearlong Leadership Training Program. As part of this program, adult committee members mentor the teen committee members in non-profit work and community outreach, which allows the teens to form strong relationships with the community agencies whose clients attend the holiday party.

The teens also receive advocacy and awareness training about issues relating to homelessness, foster care, and refugee status.

This year, the party will be held on Dec. 2 at The Defoor Centre. With the number of homeless children in the greater Atlanta area – each without the means to celebrate the holiday and receive a gift in celebration – I encourage you all to enjoy the act of giving.

Editor’s note: Jaclyn Rothenberg works as an associate at SKDKnickerbocker in New York and volunteers for Creating Connected Communities.

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

I

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AJT

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Entrepreneur Profile: Phil Rubin MARKETING GURU, BUSINESS OWNER the MBA program at Tulane University in New Orleans.

BY AL SHAMS

AJT Contributor

T

here’s a good chance that most AJT readers have been touched by Phil Rubin’s professional talents. As CEO and President of Atlanta based [r] Dialogue, he’s helped create a successful approach for growing customer loyalty and brand relationships.

Many people know these loyalty programs, whether they come in the form of frequent flyer awards or customer appreciation credits.

Rubin was born in North Carolina, but shortly thereafter moved with his family to New Orleans, where he attended high school. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance at Louisiana State University and then became part of Macy’s executive training program in Birmingham, Ala. After several years with Macy’s, he returned to Louisiana and entered

Over the next 15 years, he held executive positions with several companies and gained a great deal of experience with a special emphasis on loyalty and relationships marketing, integrated communications and partner development programs.

Later on, he served as Group Vice President of the Lacek Group, a loyalty-marketing firm; established the Atlanta office for Lacek; and was responsible for developing strategies for such clients as Delta, Cox Communications, Premier Technologies, UPS and Iridium.

Rubin then joined Loyaltyworks and created their loyalty practice.

From there, he eventually led the spin-off of this division to become [r] Dialogue.

In creating his own firm, Rubin was guided by wise words: His father always said that, while difficult, the

Happy Hanukkah!

Celebrate the Fe s t i v a l o f L i g h t s w i t h a b u n d t .

most creative work can be done while being self-employed.

Mainstay of the Field Today, [r] Dialogue is a customer loyalty and relationship-marketing firm that focuses on creating and sustaining profitable relationships between a company and its customers. Its approach to customer loyalty comes from more than 100 years of experience and recognizing that every company has a distinct brand and core strengths.

The goal is to take these unique qualities and create a cost-effective way for a company to enhance customer relationships and incremental profit. Here are some key techniques employed by [r] Dialogue to attain these goals:

er audience than possible with other approaches.

Over the years, Rubin has developed some core beliefs which he feels are essential in developing a good loyalty program: • “Solution Neutral”: No one size fits all. Each company has unique qualities, and these should be the focus of an effective program.

• Brand Matters: Each company spends a great deal to create a favorable brand image. A good loyalty program seeks to create a meaningful relationship between the customer and the brand.

• Science and Art: While gathering Phil Rubin and collecting data is largely scientific, interpreting that data is an artful skill based on years of experience and insight.

• Improve customer retention, crosssell and upgrade sales • Enhance customer engagement, satisfaction and advocacy • Grow brand awareness among both customers and prospects • Create partnerships with other customer-focused companies

During his professional career, Rubin has stayed abreast of the data gathering techniques employed by Israeli Intelligence Agencies for defense purposes. He believes some of these principles and techniques can be used in his own business.

More on Rubin

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

Since its inception, [r] Dialogue has compiled an impressive list of clients and has created some unique and creative loyalty programs. Its clients include Arby’s, Cracker Barrel, Getty Images, Kimpton Hotels, Palm Restaurants, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Spanx and Teva Specialty Pharmaceuticals.

Such customer loyalty programs for companies with large numbers of clients have become possible with the introduction of computers with expansive memory. Data managers are now able to gather information on customer buying habits and preferences.

They are then able to analyze and dissect that data.

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Using individualized profiles, a retailer can design a rewards program tailored to the specific tastes and interests of these customers. The application of intelligent software design, combined with powerful computers, allows a retailer to reach a much larg-

Rubin currently serves on the American Israel Chamber’s Board of Directors and is a member of its Executive Committee. He has also served as a board member for the ADL, Or Hadash Synagogue and the Weber School.

He lives in Sandy Springs with his wife and two daughters. In addition to his passion for family and marketing, he enjoys running and sporting events.

Editor’s note: Al Shams is a Sandy Springs resident a former CPA and an investment professional with more than 35 years industry experience.

AJT

FROM THE FEDERATION

Super Sunday Soars

COMMUNITY PHONE DRIVE RAISES MORE THAN $500,000

T

Staff Report he Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (JFGA) held their annual Super Sunday telethon on Dec. 2. The event, going strong after its revival in 2011 raised more than $500,000.

Jewish community volunteers gave their time and energy in shifts throughout the day. This year marked the introduction of the new Community Incentive Program, which ensures that 50 percent of volunteers’ efforts, up to $1,000, will go to the Jewish 501c3 of their choosing.

JFGA affiliates include organizations such as the Jewish Family and Career Services, MJCCA, The Breman Museum, and The Epstein School.

We wish our family and friends a very Happy Hannukah!

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DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

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AJT

Chanukah

Understanding the Whole of Chanukah HISTORY, MEANING AND MODERN INTERPRETATION

BY RON FEINBERG Web Editor

T

he Metzger family of East Cobb – Melanie, Kevin and their three children – will be lighting their hanukkiah this weekend, sharing gifts and noshing on chocolate gelt and latkes.

Chanukah, the eight-day Festival of Lights, begins at sundown on Sat., Dec. 8, and Jews around the world will be celebrating.

“We get together as a family,” Melanie said, “and do the whole latkeand-gelt thing.” Her youngsters, Haley, Abby and Isaac, will also get a few gifts, but nothing “outrageous,” she said.

It’s a challenge, a balancing act of sorts, for many families wanting to hold on to all the festive touches and traditions of the period while paying attention to the historic and spiritual dimensions of the holiday.

Message and Challenge “One of the messages of Chanukah is that those who are devoted and committed can overcome great odds,” said Rabbi Shalom Lewis of Congregation Etz Chaim in East Cobb. “Our challenge is never to be intimidated by overwhelming odds.”

But practicing Judaism and observing Chanukah in America – particularly in the Deep South – can be daunting. A sense of purpose and sense of humor can help.

“When my daughter Jill was small, we were at the mall, and she saw Santa,” Lewis said. “She wanted to sit on Santa’s lap, like all the other kids. But I told her the line was way too long, [that] perhaps we could just walk by him and wave. She was okay with

LEFT: Isaac Metzger, 3, smiles as he looks forward to Chanukah with his family.

ABOVE: Abby Metzger, 6, and her sister Haley, 9, will celebrate with gifts, gelt and giving back. PHOTOS/Gary Feinberg

“We don’t want to make Chanukah all about presents,” Melanie Metzger said.

“But it’s hard.

We do little gifts; nothing big.”

Maccabees and Oil

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

Chanukah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, recalls the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the military victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Greeks in 165 BC.

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The story’s spiritual aspect is based on a Talmudic legend that details a miracle: When the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, they found only one small jar of sacred oil to be used to rekindle the holy menorah. The jar contained oil for only one night, but miraculously it burned for eight, until fresh oil could be produced.

The holiday is celebrated by lighting one candle the first night of the festival, two on the second, and so on, until eight candles are burning in a special candleholder – known as a hanukkiah – on the eighth and final night.

that. She waved, and Santa waved back. It worked.”

Eights Day of Gifts Not so easily handled, however, is the issue of gifts. For centuries, Chanukah was a minor holiday on the Jewish calendar, a time to recall the might of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil.

But in the 1920s, some American Jewish parents started doing for their children what their Christian neighbors already were doing each Christmas. That link – the giving of gifts – continues to this day.

The Metzgers have managed to turn the holiday into a time for teaching, as Melanie is helping her youngsters understand that Chanukah can also be about reaching out and helping families in need. A year ago, the children bought gifts with their own money for a holiday charity – Clark’s Christmas Kids, a program sponsored by Clark Howard and WSB-TV – and this year they’ll be donating money for needy families through their school.

“It’s important the kids learn about giving to others,” Metzger said.

Religious Freedom Given the challenges – and opportunities – of Chanukah, the good news

remains that today, Jews in America and most others countries around the world are free to celebrate the ancient holiday in any fashion they wish.

Menorahs pop up alongside Christmas trees and mastrees and creches on town squares now; Chanukah songs like “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” have become almost as ubiquitous as “White Christmas” and “Frosty the Snowman”; and, for better or worse, the two holidays have often been mashed together into a secular winter festival that is saluted with the generic greeting of “Happy Holidays.”

Remember as we begin the Festival of Lights that such acceptance has not always been a given. Anti-Semitism made it difficult for Jewish communities to worship and honor their traditions for thousands of years.

The Maccabees stood their ground and faced off against the Romans, and it’s important that we take a little time each year to recall their struggles and triumphs, Rabbi Lewis thinks. After all, as he points out: “The very first message of Chanukah is religious freedom.”

From the entire Atlanta Jewish Times staff Happy Chanukah!

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AJT

Chanukah

What’s Your Favorite Part of Chanukah?

DAVIS ACADEMY STUDENTS TELL US Staff Report Last week, the Atlanta Jewish Times asked local youth what they are hoping to receive as gifts this Chanukah. Now, we’re curious about those other things that make the holiday special.

We asked several students from the Davis Academy, “What’s your favorite part of Chanukah?”

Here are their responses:

Editor’s note: Additional reporting by Fran Putney.

“I like eating latkes the best. I eat them plain. I like the Georgia Bulldogs, so my Chanukiah is a football field.”

“I like setting up the candles on the Chanukiah.

Sometimes I pick yellow for the shamas and red for all the others.”

“I like eating latkes because they’re yummy!”

Sarah Meiselman kindergarten “The best thing about Chanukah is getting jelly donuts. I like the purple jelly inside.”

Jared Foreman kindergarten

Gavin Friedman 2nd grade

Ross Bernath 1st grade “The best thing about Chanukah is lighting the Chanukiah, saying the prayers and being with my family.”

“I like setting the candles and lighting the Menorah.”

Madison Rose 2nd grade

Jessica Meyberg 1st grade

“Chanukah food is the best! I love the jelly donuts, and our family makes home-made latkes which I always eat with applesauce. “

“I like to give and get presents. In our family, we get one on the first day, the fourth day and then on the last day of Chanukah.

I also like to light the candles.”

Carly Clayman 8th grade

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

Ian Quegan 5th grade

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“The best part about Chanukah is getting to be with family. We have a tradition where all 8 of the grandchildren hold the Shamas and light the Chanukiah.”

“Spinning the dreidel is my most favorite part of Chanukah. The Chanukiah I made has two peace signs to hold the candles.”

Sydney Gold 1st grade

“I get to have more time with family and friends that I don’t get to see very often. We have a great time and play dreidel.”

Ben Bernstein 7th grade “We have a big family dinner that’s really fun, and I get to see some of my cousins who are usually away at college. Also, eating gelt!”

Ian Levin 7th grade

Nicole Cobb 4th grade

Light Up Your Chanukah GIVE THE GIFT OF POETRY

Staff Report Tired of giving the same old dreidels and gelt at Chanukah? Looking for a truly unique gift for someone close to you?

Atlanta resident Rachel Stein – wife of the Atlanta Kashruth Commission’s Rabbi Reuven Stein, mother, Congregation Beth Jacob member, Atlanta Bikur Cholim founder and author of four books – has a unique idea.

The AJT caught up with her to find out how she’s sharing her ability for artistic expression during this holiday season.

Atlanta Jewish Times: When did you begin gravitating towards writing?

Rachel Stein: As a kid, whenever teachers assigned essays, I would get excited while all the other kids groaned. I’ve always loved to write.

AJT: Is there any particular style of writing that you enjoy?

RS: I love writing Jewish stories with lessons that inspire growth. I also enjoy descriptive writing and poetry.

AJT: Rumor has it that you are about to offer your gift to others. How appropriate that is during this Chanukah season!

RS: I see that Jewish Times’ reporters have reliable sources. I am offering personalized poems made to order as Chanukah gifts or to enhance special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, bar or bat mitzvahs and graduations.

AJT: Why would people want poems as gifts?

RS: Unlike chocolate, a poem isn’t finished after the first reading. Its taste lingers in the heart – without the extra calories. It can also be taken out again and again to reread and enjoy. Poems are personal gifts that show warmth and caring.

Editor’s note: To reach Mrs. Stein and order your custom made poem today, call her at (404) 247-4045 or email her at rachels83@gmail.com.

AJT

Chanukah

Everything You Waned to Know About Chanukah EVEN IF YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU WANTED TO KNOW!

BY SUZI BROZMAN AJT Contributor

W

hether you consider yourself a traditional Jew, a secular Jew, a cultural Jew or none of the above, there are three Jewish holidays you probably commemorate in some fashion – Passover, Yom Kippur and Chanukah.

The book includes the story of Chanah and her seven sons, whose devotion to their religion is an example to all of us. There’s even a whole section showing how Chanukah is hinted at in the Torah.

In the pages of “Inside Chanukah,” you can learn about the dreidel: what it is, how we play and how it developed.

What a way to enhance your family’s

celebration, to learn and share the things that make the holiday special.

Did you know that the dreidel is seen by some as a reflection of our history in the world?

Did you know that you’re supposed to place your hannukiah (the correct name for the menorah we light on Chanukah) in such a way that it can be seen from the street?

In fact, in Israel many people kindle a specially-constructed hannukiah outside. It’s lovely to walk the streets of Jerusalem and see the lights glowing on every street, reaffirming the devotion of our people to our traditions.

Give this book a try. After all, learning is such a Jewish trait, and it’s a way to keep our traditions going another several thousand years.

On Passover, you don’t eat bread and you have a Seder as part of remembering G-d bringing our people out of Egypt and slavery. On Yom Kippur, you go to synagogue and probably fast.

And on Chanukah, you light a menorah and eat latkes.

The “why,” for many of us, is unclear.

Were there even potatoes in ancient Israel?

Considering so many of us have questions, I’m recommending a new book, “Inside Chanukah” by Aryeh Pinchas Strickoff, (Feldheim, $27.99).

Instead, the book is a very accessible volume with something for people at every level of education. It offers descriptions of the history, practices and laws of the holiday; directions for lighting Chanukah candles (when, where, how and prayers to accompany the lighting) and even readings about Chanukah from ancient reporters like Josephus and rabbis through the ages.

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

It’s not a brightly colored picture book to read to your preschoolers. It’s not a cookbook with recipes for latkes of all shapes and flavors. And it’s not a Hebrew tome that your limited skills would keep you from reading.

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AJT

Israel

A Helping Hand ATLANTA-AREA VFI RECRUITS OFFER AID

BY SHARON SLEEPER

A

Special for the Atlanta Jewish Times unique and special trip was pulled together in early November by the Southeast Region of Volunteers for Israel.

The organization handles logistics in the U.S. for Sar-El, an Israeli program that places volunteers from around the world on Israeli Defense Force bases.

This was our third-annual group trip, a mission that turned out to be particularly important after hostilities broke out between Hamas terrorists in Gaza and Israel. Our group included volunteers from across Metro Atlanta and eight Southeastern states. We also adopted a few additional volunteers from California, Ohio and Michigan.

We were placed on a massive base outside of Tel Aviv. After a fairly routine first week of packing medical supplies, things changed drastically. Here’s a brief journal of highlights, cobbled together from notes sent to family and

friends, of the last 10 days of our mission: Thursday, Nov. 15 Our base is under alert, but we are headed off for a weekend trip. Unfortunately, much of our plan has been changed, since we need to stay clear of areas under attack and the nearby coastline.

Instead we’ll spend time in the desert and visit the “Grand Canyon” of Israel outside of Mitzpeh Ramon. We managed to hike in Ein Avdot, visited Ben Gurion’s home, stayed overnight at the Bedouin Hospitality Center and even rode camels.

across Israel. We, too, were headed back to our installation for a final week of work.

cohol and blood pressure cuffs.

Our group has grown to almost 50 volunteers, including Masa Israel students evacuated from the area around Gaza. On our way back to base, we stayed off the major highways, following a convoluted, circuitous route.

By the way, when you hear about Israel arriving on the scene of disasters around the world, the supplies come from this base.

We made it back just in time for lunch – hummus, salads, lots of tomatoes and cucumbers. Then we attended a lecture that detailed what to do if air raid sirens began wailing. We got to use what we learned just a few hours later when the base’s siren went off around 7 o’clock that evening. We easily made it to the safe rooms – four nearby concrete cottages.

Sunday, Nov. 18 We made our way back to the Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv. It was filled with troops, decked out in battle gear, making their way back to bases

Now taking orders for Hannukah catering

B”H

Monday, Nov. 19 Our medical supply base is very busy now. Most of the warehouses are staffed and open day and night. Soliders, tense and weary, are sleeping on chairs and tables.

They have good reason to be tired.

Just in the last day, the IDF has managed to send 80 tons of supplies – food and medical equipment – to troops on the border with Gaza.

The reality of war is filtering into our area. We’ve just learned of Israel’s first casualty, an 18-year-old soldier who had just been in the army for five months.

Good news from home: Many volunteers are coming back to offer aid. One couple from Ft. Lauderdale just left Israel 10 days ago and are due back next week. They will be needed, especially if Israel follows through on plans to put troops on the ground in Gaza.

only e h t e m o h g ith ou can brin cing an order w

Now y

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

ply by pla im s , ta n a tl A in t sufganiyo ly OU4U). r e m r fo ( g authentic Israeli in r te r Ca Signature Koshe

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Email or call orders to Ron at: ron@skcatlanta.com or 678-361-6761

All orders may be picked up at our kitchen, located in Norcross throughout the week of Chanukah, or at Congregation Beth Tefillah on Novmber 9th. strawberry filled sufganiyot - $20 / dozen or $1.89 each (cholov yisrael) chocolate, Vanilla, or Dulce de leche filled - $2.50 each.

Meanwhile, several volunteers from Atlanta are extending their stay here for another week.

Wednesday, Nov. 21 So, exactly what’s keeping us busy these days? Our group has cleaned, counted, sorted and packed; inventoried and unpacked; sealed, schlepped, closed, opened, taped and repaired medical supplies and surgical instruments.

We’ve also sterilized items, packed kits, backpacks, bags, boxes, vests and, of course, field boxes.

Some kits include full pharmacies – Kleenex, cough drops, needles, gloves, an assortment of basic medications, al-

We’re really busy, but what we’re doing is really important.

Thursday, Nov. 22 Happy Thanksgiving! Some of our group returned home yesterday to be with family for the holidays. The rest of us continue working, staying busy even today when we normally would have been off at noon.

Good news. The latest cease-fire seems to be holding.

Friday, Nov. 23 We’re out and about for Shabbat.

Six of us had dinner in Rehovot at the home of one of my Israeli friends.

But work doesn’t end: We receive a call for volunteers to help out on Sunday at a food supply base in Haifa.

Sunday, Nov. 25 I’m back with a large group of volunteers – VFI workers, students and a large contingent of French speakers from Netanya. We’ve all extended for another week.

Our mission? We’re part of a huge assembly line: Two lines, handling over 400 boxes of food supplies each hour.

Yikes!

Each volunteer has a special task.

Up front, workers load the boxes with canned pineapple, tuna, corn, dry roasted peanuts, canned eggplant, pickles and halva.

Then a second group tapes the boxes.

A third group places the sealed boxes into larger cartons and slaps on labels.

I’ll be remaining in Israel until late spring. As I mentioned earlier, if you’re interested in having “an adventure,” then consider joining me. Israel needs your help.

You’ll have fun, meet interesting people and return home feeling really good.

Editor’s note: For additional information about Volunteers for Israel, check our vfi-usa.org or the Sar-El website, sar-el.org.

AJT

Israel

Israeli Pride

GOOD NEWS MADE IN THE JEWISH STATE THIS PAST WEEK Elderly Israelis save eight lives. Israel Transplant reported that, since January, eight elderly Israelis – some of whom are over 75 and nearing 80 – were the source of life-saving organs. With improved lifestyles and hi-tech scanners, fewer organs are rejected.

Israeli chef wins two Michelin stars in Amsterdam. The Michelin Guide awarded two stars out of the highest-possible three to Moshik Roth’s new restaurant, named “&samhoud Places.” Roth was the first Israeli chef to ever receive a Michelin ranking, a highly prestigious honor, when his previous venture won one star in 2005 and then a second in 2009.

Alcohoot debuts the world’s first smartphone Breathalyzer. Alcohoot’s application and smart-

phone add-on can turn a user’s phone into an accurate BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) tester. It can also show you a list of nearby taxi companies and has other useful features.

Tel Aviv was topped only by Silicon Valley for tech entrepreneurs. An international study – Startup Genone – has declared Tel Aviv to be the second-best place in the world for start-ups. Tel Aviv was ranked just behind Silicon Valley for the title.

Vecoy’s “decoy” method is used to fight viruses. Israel’s Vecoy Nanomedic technology tricks viruses to self-destruct by mimicking human cells.

If the virus mutates, it can no longer infect humans.

Editor’s note: This list courtesy Michael Ordman and verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com.

Israel funds teaching hospital in Ghana. The Israeli government has lent $217 million to the University of Ghana to construct a 600-bed teaching hospital at Legon. It will have a trauma and emergency service, a heliport and internal medicine. Sections include surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, cardiology, heart surgery and medicinal imaging. iPad app assists autistic children. Israel’s Center for Educational Technology and Singapore’s Dynamics Speech are developing VTAMIC (Visual Task Manager in a Calendar), which is designed to help children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders deal with daily activities.

England set to face Israel in U21 Euro Championships. In June’s European U21 Soccer Championship, hosts Israel were placed in Group A with England, Italy and Norway.

There are four venues for the upcoming events: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Netanya and Petah Tikva.

Israel-UK Tech Exchange gets underway. Fifteen Israeli high-tech innovators took part in the inaugural TeXchange, the Israel-United Kingdom Tech Hub’s Tech Exchange program that connects Israeli high-tech companies with UK corporations that can help them expand.

OPENS NEXT WEEK!

DEC 13-16 Call 800-745-3000 • Ticketmaster.com or visit the Centre’s box office Groups of 10+ call 404-873-5811 x207 GAS-SOUTHBROADWAY.COM

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

Israeli mother defeats terrorist. Yael Matzpun of Moshav Sdei Avraham was stabbed in the face by a terrorist from Gaza while her four children were sleeping. But Matzpun managed to push the perpetrator into the adjacent bathroom and jammed the door by using a bed. IDF troops later chased and killed the terrorist.

#WSSATL

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AJT

CohenEducation Photographic Art

Happy Hanukkah! From Ross & Deb Cohen

TDSA Middle School Girls Put on “Exile Story, A Pesach Musical”

PRODUCTION FEATURES SINGING, DANCING AND MORE

By Leslee Morris

I

For the Atlanta Jewish Times

We also specialize in Website Videos, Weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvah and Family Portraits! Photography and Video www.cohenphotographicart.com blog.cohenphotographicart.com 404-783-0808

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f you were fortunate enough to be one of the approximately 250-plus attendees at the Torah Day School of Atlanta’s Middle School Girls production, “Exile Story, A Pesach Musical,” you were treated to a play replete with humor, a meaningful message and phenomenal acting and singing. The Dec. 2 performance truly thrilled the audience.

Written and directed

by Rachelle Freedman – a TDSA parent and graduate – and produced by Chashy A l t e man, it was a rich production, including the very creative simultaneous use of two stages with two separate sets and an ensemble cast and crew consisting of over 45 stars.

The songs were sung using the beautiful and moving music from Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story” with snappy and entertaining lyrics written

by Freedman and her husband Yacov.

Davida Graber worked as the voice coach while Meira Merlis served as an acting coach.

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

Other volunteers contributing to the production included Ella Szczupak and Robin Voight as videographer and lighting specialists, and rounding out the helpers were Ms. Danit, Bracha Bernhard, and Chaya Menucha Feldman.

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Alterman, when offering her thanks to Freedman, referred to the play and its concept as a “fine wine served in a Styrofoam coffee cup.” Her description aptly illustrates Mrs. Freedman’s exquisite professionalism and creative capabilities using the relative amateur theatre troupe and staging.

Noteworthy, though, is that the production was truly like a fine wine. Set in present day, the play illustrated the

blending of two families and their traditions for Pesach seder.

The teenage daughter, Tani, was not thrilled to have her seder with this family she considered “weird.” Meanwhile, the secondary stage illustrated the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt including their transformation from slaves to a nation.

PHOTOS/courtesy Leslee Morris

“Freedom was the main message,” Alterman said. “You are ‘free’ when you are able to change your attitudes, as Tani did. The Jews in Egypt shed their slave mentality as they witnessed Hashem’s miracles and became a nation. “[Today], we are often slaves to negative or faulty perceptions, and overcoming those is our freedom.”

The TDSA middle school girls embraced that lesson as they worked together for many, many hours. Before the performance, Rabbi Naphtali Hoff gave a beautiful welcome that reflected this.

“We were delighted to observe as the girls worked together to achieve a common goal,” he said. “They lent each other support while trusting their own ideas and abilities. They cooperated and collaborated, laughed together and grew together.

“Today every one of them is a star, and will shine brightly, each in their own unique way.”

AJT

Education

GHA Students Hear Rabbis Speak on Diversity

REPRESENTATIVES OF CONSERVATIVE, REFORM AND ORTHODOX JUDAISM SERVE AS EXAMPLE

BY LEAH LEVY

E

AJT Contributor

ighth-grade students at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy (GHA) recently welcomed three local rabbis to the school to speak about diversity. As part of the

“Rabbi Greene, Rabbi Heller and Rabbi Starr were amazing models for the children of how to ‘agree to disagree’ and of different factions getting along respectfully,” she said.

The students expressed some surprise, but felt thoroughly enriched.

“It wasn’t exactly what I expected, because I thought there would be a huge argument, but they never disagreed,” said Dan Jutan.

“It wasn’t a war,” added fellow student Matthew Sklar.

Rabbi Joshua Heller presents to GHA students with Rabbi Adam Starr and Rabbi Fred Greene. PHOTO/courtesy Leah Levy

school’s memorial for Yitzhak Rabin, the tragically slain Prime Minister of Israel, GHA Head of School Rabbi Lee Buckman invited spiritual leaders representing each major denomination to explain their differing interpretations of Judaism.

Rabbi Fred Greene of Temple Beth Tikvah, Rabbi Joshua Heller of Congregation B’nai Torah and Rabbi Adam Starr of the Young Israel of Toco Hills met with the 8th graders to discuss their ideas on the famous Talmudic passage: “It [the Torah] is not [determined] in heaven.”

The trio – representing Reform, Conservative, and Modern Orthodox schools of thought, respectively – explained their distinct interpretations of the Talmudic teaching, but stressed that each denomination has far more commonalities than differences. The 8th-grade students found the presentation very engaging and asked thoughtful questions of the rabbis.

Teacher Debbie Bornstein was impressed by the proceedings.

“It was cool,” Jutan continued, “because we got to learn about different denominations from people who really know.”

GHA Head of School Rabbi Lee Buckman felt that tolerance of diversity was an appropriate message to send on the anniversary of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s death.

“We observed the yahrzeit with a special assembly that stressed the importance of listening, of tolerance and of respect for people who differ in approaches to religion, as well as in every other way,” explained Rabbi Buckman.

“But what Rabbi Green, Rabbi Heller and Rabbi Starr did was bring all these ideas to life in a very real-world way.

“They are wonderful role models for our students on what friendship and respect look like, even when philosophies are not exactly the same.”

Judy Kaminsky, assistant to the Head of School, concurred.

“The rabbis made it clear that while there are philosophical differences in their practice of Judaism, they are very willing to listen to other views and interact with other rabbis,” she said. “And that’s what GHA is all about.”

Editor’s note: Leah Levy is a paraprofessional at GHA and the author of “The Waiting Wall,” a Sydney Taylor Notable Book for 2010.

Chaya Mushka Students Receive Chumashim

S

Staff Report econd-grade students at Chaya Mushka Children’s House (CMCH) proudly received their first Chumashim on Nov. 29.

This milestone marks the beginning of their formal learning of Torah from the text.

Parents and grandparents were in PHOTO/courtesy Allison Carter attendance for the program, which included singing, a skit and dancing on Dad’s shoulders! Rabbi Yossi New and Rabbi Isser New were present to personally extend a mazel tov to the students and their parents.

CMCH is the South’s premier Jewish Montessori school.

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

LET THE TORAH LEARNING BEGIN!

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AJT

Arts & Life

Kosher Movies: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011) LOVED ONES MAY LEAVE, BUT THEIR MEMORIES REMAIN

BY RABBI HERBERT COHEN AJT Contributor

D

uring my years as a synagogue rabbi, I would often speak at funerals and do my best to comfort the

bereaved, but it wasn’t until I myself experienced a loss myself that I could truly empathize with the mourner.

With time, we do adjust to the loss, but while life continues, the shadow still remains. It is felt particularly when

we have something good to share those particular family members only to suddenly realize they are no longer here to share the moment with us.

ing that it is a message from his father.

The journey connects him with a wide assortment of people who listen to his story, often befriend him, and share life’s wisdom with him.

For example: When I had obtained my crowning academic achievement, a doctorate in English literature, my mother and father had already passed away. I felt their absence acutely, for they would have enjoyed the moment with me as only a parent can celebrate the good things that happen in the life of a child.

In time, Oskar comes to terms with the reality that some things in life never make sense. His mother, suffering her own emotional pain, remarks, “It’s never gonna make sense because it doesn’t.”

This sense of loss was intensified when I suddenly lost my wife in January of 1989. This was a tragedy of a different kind. My world fell apart; it was my personal 9/11.

In a simultaneously strange and normal occurrence, I remember very vividly having chicken soup at the home of a friend in Israel after my wife’s funeral in Beit Shemesh. The soup was so tasty that I asked my host for the recipe so I could give it to my wife. I could not comprehend that she was no longer here.

I still can make no sense of the tragedy that affected our entire family during those dark January days. Perhaps this is why I responded positively to “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,” a film that deals in a thoughtful, nuanced way with the loss of a husband and father on Sept. 11, 2001.

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The film recounts the story of Oskar Schell, a young boy whose father perishes on 9/11 in the Twin Towers.

Through flashbacks, we see the close and loving relationship that existed between father and son. Thus, when Oskar’s father dies, the loss is devastating and he is inconsolable.

A year later, Oskar explores his father’s closet and discovers a key in an envelope with the name “Black” written on it. Oskar then sets out on a journey to find out what the key fits, think-

That does not mean, however, that one cannot find comfort in the memories a loved one leaves behind, in the life lessons learned from a beloved spouse or parent who is no longer in this world.

The mystical figure of a person falling to his death at the beginning of the film is reversed at the end. The falling image falls up instead of down, signifying that Oskar has matured, conquered his fears, and is now ready to move on with the memories of his dad animating him as he transitions into adulthood.

What happens in “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” is in many ways a reflection of the Jewish mourning cycle.

The initial seven-day grieving period is intense; the mourner does not even leave his home. But at the end of the week, the custom is to walk around the block, to begin a new cycle, as it were.

The pain is still there, but G-d is telling us to keep going in spite of tragedy.

We will never understand the reasons for tragedy, but Jewish tradition reminds us that tragedy should not be the only thing that defines us, nor should it paralyze us as we face an uncertain future.

Editor’s note: Rabbi Cohen, former principal of Yeshiva Atlanta, now resides in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Visit koshermovies.com for more of his Torah-themed film reviews.

Sweet Potato Latkes

heated later.

TRY A TWIST ON A CHANUKAH FAVORITE

BY SAFA NOOROMID

S

For the Atlanta Jewish Times weet potatoes offer lots of nutrition compared to potatoes!

Very high in vitamin A and a good source of vitamins E and C, B vitamins, manganese, potassium and dietary fiber, they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a different starch.

What’s more, as a complex carbohydrate food, sweet potatoes offer a lower glycemic index rating; that’s because it digests slowly, causing a gradual rise in blood sugar so you feel satisfied longer. With all that, it’s time to move sweet potatoes to the “good” carb list!

But how to incorporate them into the dishes traditionally served at Chanukah?

How about sweet potato latkes, which make a colorful addition to any meal?

The addition of a variety of vegetables to the sweet potato batter adds texture and nutrition to this easy recipe.

The best part is that you can use any vegetable you like, and you can either fry the latkes on the stove or bake them in the oven to cut calories.

Ingredients: • 1 medium onion • 1 large potato, peeled (Idaho or Yukon Gold) • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled

• 1 medium to large carrot • 1 red pepper • 2 eggs (or ½-cup fat-free liquid egg substitute) • 1/3-cup matzah meal or wholewheat flour • Pinch of baking powder (¼ tsp.)

• 2 tsp. salt (or to taste) • ½-tsp. turmeric • 1 tsp. pepper (or to taste) • ½-cup oil, for frying* • plain Greek yogurt (optional topping) • unsweetened applesauce and cinnamon (optional topping) • * If baking, pour oil into a small bowl for “painting” latkes before they are placed in the oven.

4. To bake in oven, first use a basting brush to “paint” a thin layer of oil on a baking pan where you will place each latke. Place the pancakes, then use the brush to lightly paint the top of each latke. Bake at 375°F, using the middle rack of your oven, for 10 to 15 minutes on

each side, until golden brown and crispy. Baking time can depend on size and moisture level, so keep an eye on them.

Editor’s note: Visit ATLNutrition.com or email Safa@ATLNutrition.com for more from nutritionist Safa Nooromid.

Cibo e Beve Announces Chanukah Menu CHEF HARRELL BLENDS ITALIAN, JEWISH TASTES

Directions: 1. In a large bowl, grate the vegetables one-by-one, using a hand grater or the food processor. If using a food processor, do not overprocess – try to retain some texture.

2. Add eggs and remaining ingredients (except for the oil), mixing until batter is well-blended. If the mixture is watery, add another small handful of flour or matzo meal.

3. To fry on stove, heat oil in a large skillet at medium high. Add spoonfuls of batter to hot oil. Brown on both sides for three to five minutes or until latkes are golden brown and firm. Remove latkes to drain on paper towels for a few minutes.

Can be served right away or re-

Jelly-filled bomboloni

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Staff Report

andy Springs restaurant Cibo e Beve’s will offer a unique Chanukah menu on Dec. 8. Executive Chef Linda Harrell has blended the eat ery’s Italian roots with cuisine traditional of the Festival of Lights.

“When so many of my customers asked me to create a special menu for one of the Jewish holidays, I immediately thought of creating this menu for Chanukah,” she said. “I love doing extra-special things for my customers, so it was a lot of fun to create a menu

that incorporates Italian versions of traditional Chanukah dishes.”

Included on the menu are Italian potato latkes with crème fraich; apple cider-braised brisket with Anson Mills polenta and fried Brussels sprouts; and jelly-filled bomboloni (Italian doughnuts).

Editor’s note: Find out more about the restaurant at ciboatlanta.com.

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AJT

food for thought

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Atlanta Synagogue Directory

Sponsored by:

CHABAD Chabad Intown 928 Ponce De Leon Avenue Atlanta, GA 30306 www.chabadintown.org 404.898.0434

Congregation Beth Shalom 5303 Winters Chapel Rd. Atlanta, GA 30360 www.bshalom.net 770.399.5300

Guardians of the Torah P.O. Box 767981 Roswell, GA 30076 www.guardiansofthetorah.org 770.286.3477

The Kehilla of Sandy Springs 5075 Roswell Rd. Sandy Springs, GA 30342 www.thekehilla.org 404.913.6131

Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Rd. Roswell, GA 30075 www.bethtikvah.com 770.642.0434

Chabad Israel Center 5188 Roswell Rd. Sandy Springs, GA 30324 www.cicatlanta.com 404.252.9508

Congregation B’nai Torah 700 Mount Vernon Hwy. Atlanta, GA 30328 www.bnaitorah.org 404.257.0537

Young Israel of Toco Hills 2074 Lavista Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329 www.yith.org 404.315.1417

Temple Emanu-El 1580 Spalding Dr. Atlanta, GA 30350 www.templeemanuelatlanta.org 770.395.1340

Chabad Jewish Center 4255 Wade Green Rd. Suite 120 Kennesaw, GA 30144 www.jewishwestcobb.com 678.460.7702

Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills Pkwy Marietta, GA 30068 www.etzchaim.net 770.973.0137

Nediv Lev: the Free Synagogue of Atlanta 3791 Mill Creek Ct. Atlanta, GA 30341 My.att.net/p/PWP-NedivLev 770.335.2311

Reconstructionist Congregation Bet Haverim 2676 Clairmont Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329 www.congregationbethaverim.org 404.315.6446

Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St. Roswell, GA 30075 www.kehillatchaim.org 770.641.8630

Chabad of Gwinnett 3855 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 770 Norcross, GA 30092 www.chabadofgwinnett.org 678.595.0196 Chabad of North Fulton 10180 Jones Bridge Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30022 www.chabadnf.org 770.410.9000 Congregation Beth Tefillah 5065 High Point Rd. Atlanta, GA 30342 www.chabadga.com 404.257.9306 Conservative Ahavath Achim Synagogue 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. Atlanta, GA 30327 www.aasynagogue.org 404.355.5222

Congregation Gesher L’Torah 4320 Kimball Bridge Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30022 www.gltorah.org 770.777.4009 Congregation Or Hadash 6751 Roswell Rd. Atlanta, GA 30328 www.or-hadash.org 404.250.3338 Congregation Shearith Israel 1180 University Dr. Atlanta, GA 30306 www.shearithisrael.com 404.873.1743 Non-denominational Atlanta Chevre Minyan Druid Forest Clubhouse North Crossing Dr. Atlanta, GA 30305 www.atlantachevreminya.org Congregation Shema Yisrael 6065 Roswell Rd., #3018 Atlanta, GA 30328 www.shemaweb.org 404.943.1100

Orthodox Anshi S’Fard Congregation 1324 North Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 www.anshisfard.com 404.874.4513 Congregation Ariel 5237 Tilly Mill Rd. Dunwoody, GA 30338 www.congariel.org 770.390.9071 Congregation Beth Jacob 1855 Lavista Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329 www.bethjacobatlanta.org 404.633.0551 Congregation Beth Yitzhak 5054 Singleton Rd. Norcross, GA 30093 770.931.4567 Email: anatoliy@bjca.com Congregation Ner Hamizrach 1858 Lavista Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329 www.nerhamizrach.org 404.315.9020

Reform Congregation B’nai Israel 1633 Hwy 54 E Jonesboro, GA 30238 www.bnai-israel.net 678.817.7162 Congregation Dor Tamid 11165 Parsons Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30097 www.dortamid.org 770.623.8860 Congregation Ner Tamid 176 West Sandtown Rd. Marietta, GA 30064 www.nertamidonline.com 678.264.8575 Congregation Rodeph Sholom 406 East 1st Street Rome, GA 30161 www.rodephsholomga.org (706) 291-6315 Temple Beth David 1885 Mcgee Rd. Snellville, GA 30078 www.gwinnetttemple.com 770.978.3916

Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Rd. Marietta, GA 30062 www.kolemeth.net 770.973.3533 Temple Sinai 5645 Dupree Dr. Sandy Springs, GA 30327 www.templesinatlanta.org 404.252.3073 The Temple 1589 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 www.the-temple.org 404.873.1731 SEPHARDIC Congregation Or VeShalom 1681 North Druid Hills Rd. Atlanta, GA 30319 www.orveshalom.org 404.633.1737 Traditional Congregation Shaarei Shamayim 1810 Briarcliff Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329 www.shaareishamayeim.com 404.417.0472

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

Chabad of Cobb 4450 Lower Roswell Rd. Marietta, GA 30068 www.chabadofcobb.com 770.565.4412

Shalom B’harim 150 Warwick Street Dahlonega, GA 30533 www.shalombharim.org 706.864.0801

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AJT

MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL

Not All Questions Have Easy Answers OPEN-ENDED STORIES IN LIFE AND TORAH

By Rachel LaVictoire

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AJT Contributor his week’s Torah portion, Vayeishev, is somewhat of an incomplete story.

It begins by telling of Joseph being Jacob’s favorite son and how his jealous brothers sell him to the Egyptians and tell their father that Joseph was killed.

Next, the portion then focuses on one of the brothers, Judah, and his family.

Judah marries and has three boys. The oldest, Er, marries Tamar, but he dies before the couple have a child, so she marries his brother, Onan.

But Onan dies without a child also, and Judah tells Tamar not to marry the third son, but to instead return to her home as a widow. Subsequently, when Judah’s wife dies, Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and seduces Judah, becomes pregnant and gives birth to twins.

Then, the parsha returns to the story of Joseph, explaining that Pharoah’s chamberlain, Potiphar, had purchased Joseph and appointed him over his house. Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce Joseph, and when he spurns her efforts, she tells her husband that Joseph tried to lay with her.

As a result, Joseph is put in prison, where he interprets the dreams of two

other prisoners: the Pharoah’s baker and cupbearer. Joseph tells the cupbearer that Pharaoh will retrieve him from prison in three days and will be restored to his position. Joseph asks the cupbearer to mention him and his abilities to Pharaoh.

Finally, the parsha ends with the cupbearer being released, but forgetting about Joseph.

Questions and a Puzzling Mitzvah So, this week we are left with many unanswered questions: Will Jacob ever discover that Joseph is alive? Will the brothers be punished? Will Joseph be let out of prison? How will Judah reconcile raising the children of his daughterin-law?

Until next week, when those questions may be answered, I would like to focus on the mitzvah of the Levirate Marriage.

When Er dies childless, Tamar marries his brother. This was done by instruction, though; Judah said to Onan, “Come to your brother’s wife and perform the rite of the levirate, and raise up progeny for your brother” (Genesis 38:8).

Notice the careful phrasing, saying to raise the offspring for your brother, meaning that the children would not truly be his, but Er’s. The mitzvah is

Shabbat Candle Lighting Times shabbat blessings Blessing for the Candles Baruch Arah A-do-nai,El-o-hei-nu Melech Haolam Asher Kid-shanu b’mitzvotav V’zivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of time and space.

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

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

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

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

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

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

Friday, December 7, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:10 pm Shabbat, December 8, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:09 pm Friday, December 14, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:11 pm Shabbat, December 15, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:10 pm Friday, December 21, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:14 pm Shabbat, December 22, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:13 pm Friday, December 28, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:18 pm Shabbat, December 29, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:18 pm

not officially detailed until Deuteronomy, where it is described thusly: “If brothers reside together, and one of them dies childless, the dead man’s wife shall not marry an outsider. Her husband’s brother must come to her, taking her as his wife in a levirate marriage. The firstborn son whom she bears will then perpetuate the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be obliterated from Israel” (Deuteronomy 25:5-6).

If either of them do not wish to marry, they must undergo a chalitzah, or separation.

To me – and, I assume, to many others – this idea seems, well, strange. It doesn’t seem appropriate for a brother to marry his widowed sister-in-law.

Yet, it is a commandment of G-d.

You wash your hands by tipping a jar of water twice over your right hand and then twice over your left hand and reciting a blessing. You dip Challah in salt before eating it because salt never spoils and therefore signifies our everlasting covenant with G-d.

You cannot “carry” any object outside unless your community has an eruv, a string put into place by a recognized rabbi that surrounds the entire area. Although you cannot make a fire on Shabbat, you can keep food warm on a gas flame that was lit before Shabbat as long as the flame is covered.

While I understand that Shabbat is a day of rest, some of these mitzvot, like the Levirate Marriage, are troubling.

Growing up a reform Jew, these rituals are practically foreign to me. But living among them for Shabbas certainly opened my eyes.

An Eye-Opening Orthodox Shabbat This past Friday afternoon, three friends and I left campus to have Shabbat dinner with an Orthodox Jewish family here in St. Louis. We arrived at the Yari household in the late afternoon, and already the home smelled of food, had a Shabbat table fixed for 25 people and echoed the soothing sound of a Jewish New York mother saying, “good shabbos” and welcoming us into her home.

One daughter led us downstairs to put our bags away, and the other followed promptly with kugel and cholent (a sort of Jewish chili). My friends and I sat downstairs, ate and were then asked to come upstairs for candle lighting.

We stood around a gorgeous two-foot candleholder made of sterling silver. I was puzzled by the number of candles, though, so I asked Mrs. Yari why there were eight out for Shabbat instead of two.

She explained that some people choose to light just two, but others light two for every one of their children in the house.

And so the learning began.

Throughout the weekend, I was introduced to new laws surrounding Shabbat: Shabbat candles are to be lit by the woman before reciting the blessing. The wine poured for Kiddush should overflow to symbolize an excess of joy on Shabbas. Once Kiddush is said, one cannot speak until taking a sip of wine (same goes for the blessing over the Challah).

What Can I Say? Like the parshah this week, I have no answers or words of wisdom. I’m still caught up in my own reflection. There’s no doubt that the Yaris believed they were following the word of G-d in all of their Shabbas preparation and celebration. And there is no doubt that I do not follow the word of G-d in a similar way when the sun sets each Friday night.

I say that because I am a reform Jew, those laws are not what we emphasize, but is that a cop-out?

If black is not observing Judaism and white is being Orthodox, what does gray look like? And is gray a structured set of beliefs, or a way for us to reconcile the fact that we are not willing to change our daily lives in accordance with the Torah?

Right now, I have no conclusion. I can only question and hope that, like that of Vayeishev, my story will play out in a meaningful way and I will come to a fuller understanding of Torah – and life.

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

AJT

D’var Torah

Parashat Vayeshev NO MERE COINCIDENCE Temple Beth David and the Atlanta Rabbinical Association

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his week’s parsha is the beginning of the Joseph story. It is an account of contradictions and reversals of fate.

Joseph’s brothers try to rid themselves of the arrogant dreamer. And yet, Joseph’s dreams come true, and eventually the slave becomes both the master of Egypt and of his brothers. In the end, their hatred of Joseph turns to love, and he who was cast out becomes the catalyst for family unity.

At the beginning of the tale, Joseph is favored by his father with a spectacular coat. Joseph tells his family about his dreams of grandeur, and Jacob sends his favored son to check out the doings of his brothers.

Joseph sets out on his reconnaissance mission to Shechem only to find that his brothers have moved to a different pasture. A stranger appears in the empty field, and the following exchange takes place: A man came upon him wandering in the fields. The man asked him, ‘What are you looking for?’

He answered, ‘I am looking for my brothers. Could you tell me where they are pasturing?’

The man said, ‘They have gone from here, for I heard them say: Let us go to Dothan.’

So Joseph followed his brothers and found them at Dothan.

(Gen 37:15-17)

But when Joseph finds his brothers, things do not go as planned. He is cast into a pit and sold to the Midianites as a slave bound for Egypt.

Two theories immediately arise regarding this stranger whom Joseph meets at Shechem. First, we wonder: Could the stranger simply have been someone in the right place at the right time?

Such an explanation claims that it was purely serendipity that the two met; Joseph was lucky (or unlucky, depending on one’s perspective). But consider the consequences if there had been no stranger for Joseph to meet: He would have missed his brothers.

There would have been no encounter with them that led to the pit, to Egypt, to Potiphar, to Pharaoh, to salvation, to

reunited family, to slavery. In short, if Joseph had not met up with his brothers at Dothan, there would ultimately have been no Moses, no Exodus, no Sinai, no Torah.

Jewish traditions suggest a second interpretation: Is the stranger someone special sent to help things along?

Citing this passage’s use of the Hebrew word ish (“man”), the great commentator Rashi tells us that the stranger Joseph met in the fields of Shechem was none other than the angel Gabriel, who is also known in Hebrew as ish.

So, what we come to witness here is not serendipity or coincidence, but the guiding hand of Divine Providence, with the inevitable conclusion of the Joseph story is the giving of Torah at Sinai.

When one thinks about it, such a monumental event in the formation of the Jewish people could not be left to chance. The fact that HaShem’s participation in this sequence of events is not readily apparent is not surprising.

There is a Yiddish proverb that says: “Coincidence is when G-d chooses to remain anonymous.”

Consider for a moment our own lives.

We are busy, engaged people. How often do we pause to see the beauty in our world? How often do we recognize the effect our words have on others?

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How often do we see the Divine Presence in our daily transactions? How often do we feel that G-d is not part of our lives? If we but consider for a moment, we realize that G-d stands by, anonymous but present; we need but to attune ourselves to the possibility.

Editor’s note: Rabbi Kirzner is the rabbi of Temple Beth David in Snellville and a member of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association.

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

BY RABBI ROBERT P. KIRZNER

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AJT

what’s happening

Fri., Dec. 7 Playgroup with a Purpose, baby playgroup sing along. Held twice a month at differing locations. Fri., Dec. 7, 11 a.m.

The William Breman Jewish Home and the Cohen Home. RSVP to Shauna at (404) 351-8410.

RSVP at cbshalom.wufoo.com/forms/ cbs-hanukkah-party.

Chanukah Wonderland, fair and kid’s wonderland with cookie decorating, crafts and shopping. Sun., Dec. 9, 12:30 p.m. $5/child. Congregation Beth Tefillah. (404) 843-2464.

Shabbat in the Orient, enjoy gourmet cuisine, singing, children’s programs, and Jewish storytelling. Fri., Dec. 7. $28/adults, $14/children 7-12, $8/ children 3-6. Chabad of Cobb. RSVP at chabadofcobb.com.

Bearing Witness Series, with Robert Ratonyl sharing his story, followed by a daffodil planting. Sun., Dec. 9, 2 p.m. $12/adults, $8/seniors, $6/students.

The Breman Museum. RSVP at bearing_witness_ratonyi.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Dec. 8 Education Series “False Messiahs,” with Rachel Lazarus. Enjoy a Kiddush lunch. Sat., Dec. 8, 12:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom. (770) 399-5300.

Taste of Faith, an afternoon with representatives of most of the major religious faiths of Atlanta, food and music.

Sun., Dec. 9, 3 p.m. Free. Temple Sinai.

(404) 252-3073.

Sun., Dec. 9 Hanukkah Party, games, activities and projects. Stay for lunch afterwards.

Sun., Dec. 9, 12 p.m. $10/adults or kids 11+, $7/kids 3-10, free for ages 3 and under. Congregation Beth Shalom.

Driving Education, “SteerSmart” program walks through the anatomy of a crash and how to avoid injury or fatalities. Sun., Dec. 9, 4 p.m. $10/online, $15/at door. MJCCA. RSVP to laura. fendrick@atlantajcc.org.

Join us this Chanukah December 12 • 8pm Klezmer Local 42

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Menorah Lighting, latkes, doughnuts and dancing at the Chanukah Grand Menorah Lighting. Sun., Dec. 9, 6 p.m.

Chabad Israeli Center. (404) 252-9508.

Bingo and Latkes Night, Fundraising for future Brotherhood events. Sun., Dec. 9, 6 p.m. $10/adult (ages 13+), $8/child (ages 12 and younger). Chabad of Cobb. RSVP by Nov. 30, (770) 565-4412 x300 or office@chabadofcobb.com.

Chabad Celebrates Chanukah, live fire show, music, food and gifts; bring chairs and blankets. Sun., Dec. 9, 6 p.m. Free and open to public. Thrasher Park of Norcross. RSVP via chabadofgwinnett.org The Little Mermaid, Epstein School musical showing until Dec. 11. Shows start Sun., Dec. 9. $10/general seating, $20/patron tickets. Epstein Middle School. epsteinatlanta.org.

Mon., Dec. 10 Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration, opener of four night series with music, donuts and hot chocolate beginning with a performance

by The Little Sparks. Mon., Dec. 10, 5:15 p.m. Free and open to community.

MJCCA. lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org.

Chanukah at the North Point Mall.

Chabad of North Fulton invites you to the 2nd Annual public Menorah Lighting at the North Point Mall. Monday, 12/10, 5:30-6:30 the center court.

Klezmer Local 42 – Wed., 12/12 at 8:00PM - $10. To RSVP 404-441-9475 Thurs., Dec. 13 Family Hanukkah Night, dinner by Mark Pinksy and menorah lighting.

Thur., Dec. 13, 5 p.m. $18/person.

Coast Restaurant. (404) 869-0777.

Rock Climbing, with Atlanta Jewish Singles meet up. Thurs., Dec. 13, 7 p.m. $15/person (for group of 10+). Atlanta Rocks. RSVP via meetup.com/AtlantaJewish-Singles/events/91084192.

Fri., Dec. 14 Chanukah Shabbat Dinner, with song, story and discussion. Fri., Dec. 14, 6 p.m. $12/person. Free for ages under 5. Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett. (678) 595-0196.

Musical Hanukkah and Sufganiyot Oneg, Shabbat service. Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m. Congregation Dor Tamid.

(770) 623-8849.

Community Chanukah, with Congregation Ner Tamid. Fri., Dec. 14, Congregation Ner Tamid. (678) 264-8575.

Sat., Dec. 15 Congressman Guest Sermon, Congressman Rob Woodall will be giving a sermon on “A Congressional View of the U.S.-Israel Relationship.” Stay for Kiddush lunch. Sat., Dec. 15, 9:30 a.m.

Congregation Beth Shalom. (770) 3995300.

Tues., Dec. 11 Davis Open House, visit Davis Academy or schedule a tour. Sun., Dec. 11, 9:30 a.m. The Davis Academy. For private tours or RSVP, (678) 527-3300 or lmirksky@davisacademy.org.

Primetimers Chanukah Party, bring your favorite Chanukiah and candles along with one gender neutral ($18) wrapped gift per family. Sat., Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Congregation Dor Tamid. RSVP to (770) 623-8860.

Hebrew Crash Course, a two-part Hebrew reading class for adults. Sun., Dec. 11, 11 a.m. Congregation Or VeShalom.

RSVP to office@orveshalom.org.

Get Your Dreidel On, CNT Women’s Group Chanukah party, bring along an appetizer, wine, or dessert plus a gift of up to $15. Sat., Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Private residence. (678) 264-8575.

Menorah Lighting, “Light the Night” at the lighting of Atlanta’s tallest menorah and enjoy live music, Chanukah treats and more. Sun., Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.

Free. Old Towne Shopping Center. chabadofcobb.com.

“Innovations in Mobility” Program, from Israel Innovation Impact hosted by Glenn Lurie. Sun., Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. $15/members of AICC and co-sponsors, $25/non-members. AT&T Midtown Two Auditorium. Register at aiccse.org.

Wed., Dec. 12 Chanukah Bing, join the sisterhood for some Chanukah fun. Wed., Dec. 12, 6 p.m. The Breman Jewish Home. Carpool and meet-up at Congregation Ariel.

RSVP to abunder@gmail.com.

Rich Jewish Musical Tradition at Steve’s Live Music featuring

“King of Storytellers,” Rabbi Hanoch Teller as the Scholar-in-Residence. Sat., Dec. 15, time TBA. Congregation Ariel.

(770) 390-9071.

Sun., Dec. 16 Jump Jump, indoor playground for kids with Chabad of Gwinnett. Sun., Dec. 16, 10 a.m. Free. 6315 Spalding Drive, Norcross. (678) 595-0196.

BBQ Brisket Dinner, award-winning brisket served by the CBS Kosher BBQ team, in addition to hamburgers and hotdogs. Sun., Dec. 16, 6 p.m. $15/ adults, ages 11+, $10/ages 10 and under. Free for ages 3 and under. Congregation Beth Shalom. RSVP by Dec. 12 to (770) 399-5300 or bshalom.net.

AJT

MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING

Izrael Benjamin

OF PEMBROKE PINES, FLA. AND SANDY SPRINGS

lI NE ST W IN G

Izrael Benjamin, of Pembroke Pines, Fla. and Sandy Springs, died Nov. 27, 2012. A survivor of the Hungarian and Siberian labor camps during the Holocaust, he met his beloved wife of 57 years, Margaret Rosenberg Benjamin, on a train platform en route to a displaced persons camp in Milan, Italy.

Upon arrival to the United States in 1947, they were denied entry due to immigration quotas and sent to Cuba. During their seven years in Cuba, Izrael learned the skill of watchmaking through ORT. After moving to Miami in 1954, Izrael continued his work as a watchmaker, eventually opening Mercury Watch Repair. Izrael Benjamin was predeceased by his beloved and cherished wife, Margaret. He is survived by his children, Adam and America Benjamin of Miami and Eve and David Adler of Sandy Springs; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. An online guestbook is available at edressler.com. Graveside service and burial took place Nov. 29, 2012 at Mt. Nebo Memorial Park in Miami. Donations can be made to Congregation Beth Tefillah, Yeshiva Atlanta or Weinstein Hospice. Arrangements in Miami by Riverside Gordon Funeral Home.

Irma Bluestein 87, OF ATLANTA

Irma Bluestein, 87, of Atlanta, died on Nov. 27, 2012. She was the beloved wife of 64 years to Milton H. Freedman, M.D.; the devoted mother of Francie Freedman Teitelbaum, Sally Freedman Plesser and Jane E. Freedman; the adored grandmother of Jennifer, Emily and Samantha; and the favorite aunt of many nieces and nephews. Irma was the youngest of four children born to Barnett “Barney” and Belle Bluestein in Boston. Raised in Boston, she graduated from the University of Michigan in 1946. She met and married Milton in Boston, where he was completing his medical training, and they moved to Atlanta, his hometown, in 1949. Irma valued education and learning and delighted in reading and sharing good books with family and friends. In addition to being a devoted spouse, mother and homemaker, she volunteered many hours to PTA, Brownies, the Brandeis Book Fair, typing books in braille for the blind, tutoring elementary students in the Atlanta public schools and working at the Northside branch of the Atlanta Public Library. Additionally, Irma’s home was always open to her close family and friends. Irma will long be remembered for her grace, her intelligence, her wit and humor and her compassion for others. She will be deeply missed by her immediate and extended family and close friends. Deep appreciation goes to her loving caregivers, Celeste Smith and Audrey Cox. An online guestbook is available at edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Milton H. and Irma B. Freedman Scholarship Fund at Emory University School of Medicine, 1440 Clifton Rd., NE, Suite 170, Atlanta, GA 30322; to Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. NW, Atlanta, GA 30327; or to a charity of your choice. Graveside service was held at 3:30 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 29, 2012 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs with Rabbi Neil Sandler officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

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Naomi B. Gold Naomi B. Gold, 82, of Atlanta and previously of Savannah, died peacefully surrounded by family on Nov. 29, 2012. She was a selfless volunteer in the Jewish community and especially devoted to synagogue life. Though she never sought out public acknowledgement, she was honored on a number of occasions. She will be remembered for her warmth and outgoing ways by numerous friends and by her entire family, whom she adored. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of nearly 60 years, Rabbi Raphael Gold; her son Rabbi Hillel Gold, his wife Dr. Ruth Gershen and their children Tziporah, Tamar, Avraham, Merav, Akiva and Elisheva, all of Teaneck, N.J.; and her son Dr. Sam Gold, his wife Julie Atlanta and their daughter Aliza, all of Atlanta. Funeral services were held at Ahavath Achim Synagogue on Sun., Dec. 2, 2012, officiated by Rabbi Neil Sandler. Interment followed at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ahavath Achim Synagogue or Chemoflage, Inc., 5602 Brooke Ridge Dr., Dunwoody, GA 30338. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care. Online guest book at Jewishfuneralcare.com.

DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

82, OF ATLANTA

29

JEWISH PUZZLER

by Kathi Handler (bookssss@aol.com)

Across 1. Zim transports 6. First murder victim 10. Cursed eye?

14. Comedian Fields 15. Nickname for Lux 16. Emulate Walter Blum 17. Graven__ 18. “Maude” Producer 19. Seth’s boy 20. Like the Second Temple 21. Bomb scientist 23. Lulav has two 24. Impersonator comic 25. Switch positions 26. Mt. Hermon climate 28. Hebrew letter 30. Jewish ravioli 35. Eilat stone 38. Her worth is greater than __ 40. Richard Tucker specialty 41. Haman 43. Blood libel 45. Serling’s Twilight __ 46. Yiddish Parisian Newspaper 48. Ballet impresario, _ Hurok 49. Israel’s progeny 51. Need for latke chef 53. Doing business as 54. Her 56. Paddles 60. Shamsky was one 62. Israel’s CIA 65. Gabbai catch 66. “The __” Wiesel book 68. Many colored garb

69. Kittel color 70. Father of Edomites 71. Like Goliath 72. Days of creation 73. Transmitted 74. Hurried 75. Jacob and the Angel

57. Breathing 58. Levite domain 59. Used his shekels 60. Berg and Stooge 61. Seder manner 63. NY Times owner 64. Zupe

39. Buddy Rich specialty 42. Nebbish? (Eng) 44. Jonas Salk’s Org.?

47. Prophet’s offering 50. Offering. often 52. Snacker 55. Acted the bigot

67. Sukkah?

69. Jerusalem to Ashkelon (dir)

Last week’s answers

Down 1. Like Israelite necks 2. Greenberg specialty 3. Home of Modigliani 4. Baby chazzer 5. Prophesy 6. “Annie Hall” director 7. Holocaust partisans 8. Airline 9. David’s instrument 10. In front of 11. Kedem fields 12. Stolen from Laban 13. Fewer 21. Parve ice dessert 22. Shiva clothes 27. Gadites or Danites 29. Fleischer, Press Secretary once 31. Observe Shabbat 32. Imitated the Israelites 33. Italian Shalom 34. “Let’s Make a Deal”, Host 35. The strip 36. Freud inventions 37. Hester Street locale

Chess Puzzle of the Week

by Jon Hochberg

Challenge: White to move, checkmate in one move

Last week’s puzzle solution.

Black to move: Checkmate in 1 move Push pawn to e2 to create a discovered attack w/ the Bishop.

1) e2

Jon Hochberg is a chess instructor who has been teaching in the Atlanta area for the last 6 years.

Currently, Jon runs after school chess programs at several Atlanta schools, including The Epstein school. He always welcomes new students, and enjoys working with children who have no prior chess knowledge. Jon can be reached at Jonhochberg@gmail.com to schedule private lessons.

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DECEMBER 7 ▪ 2012

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