JEWISH COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO HURRICANE SANDY
Pitching in to Help Storm Victims PAGE 3
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DR. STEPHEN KUTNER, JHI FOUNDER, RETIRES Non-profit Organization Recognizes Incredible Contributions
ARTISANS @ THE ETZ IS COMING!
Art Show Plus Author Events and More PAGE 11
24 Cheshvan – 1 Kislev 5773 Vol. LXXXVII No. 45
THE Weekly Newspaper Uniting the Jewish Community for Over 85 Years
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
ALEXANDER MUSS HIGH SCHOOL IN ISRAEL HONORS FOUR LOCALS Four Atlantans Among Institution’s “Top 40 @ 40” Alumni PAGE 17
WHERE ONCE WAS NOTHING, NOW HOPE AND LIFE Congregation Etz Chaim’s Holocaust
Memorial Garden Revitalized PAGE 10
MJCCA BOOK FESTIVAL CONTINUES Family Reading Festival, Intown Events to Keep Readers Busy | Page 13
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COMMUNITY
Sandy’s Wrath Spurs Community Response
JEWISH RELIEF EFFORTS TRULY COMPREHENSIVE By Maxine Dovere Via JNS.org
H
urricane Sandy stormed into New York and New Jersey with unmitigated force, carrying death and destruction, disrupting lives, and devastating neighborhoods in America’s most densely populated regions – which happen to be home to some of the country’s largest Jewish populations. In response, the national Jewish community banded together to meet immediate needs and plan for a longterm revival. Beyond the Jewish Federations of North America’s tremendous efforts (see below), other organizations and individuals are taking
it upon themselves to help:
• The Union for Reform Judaism sent New Orleans-based congregational leaders who helped rebuild synagogues after Hurricane Katrina to consult with two synagogues that were partially wiped out: Temple Sinai in Massapequa, N.Y., and West End Temple in Neponsit, N.Y. • Marks Jewish Community House Executive Director Alex Budnitsky, together with staff and volunteers, climbed innumerable flights of stairs, carrying meals and water to those trapped in high-rise apartments without electricity. • The JCC in Manhattan prepared
Devastation in Brooklyn’s Sea Gate section after Hurricane Sandy. PHOTO/courtesy Rivkah Brikman meals for more than 1,000 people in shelters at John Jay College and at George Washington High School. Water, blankets, clothing, and toys were given to more than 600 people.
Editor’s note: This brief adapted from a longer article; see jns.org for the full version.
Jewish Federations of North Peres Writes Letter of America Disburse $500,000 to Sympathy, Encouragement Hurricane Sandy Victims to Obama JFGA CONTRIBUTES TO CONTINUING RELIEF EFFORT
FROM PRESIDENT TO PRESIDENT IN TIME OF CRISIS
From the Jewish Federations of North America and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta For the Atlanta Jewish Times
From The Times of Israel Via the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast
The funds come from both the JFNA Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund – which has raised over $245,000 in donations in less than a week, including $195,000 raised online – as well as from the JFNA Emergency Committee Reserve Fund. Other Federations across North America have raised hundreds of thousands of additional dollars through individual relief funds. “Jewish Federations send our prayers and support to all of those affected by this unprecedented storm,” said Cheryl Fishbein, chair of JFNA’s Emergency Committee. “While the rain has given way to sunny skies, the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy likely will remain for some time. These relief funds – raised through the incredible generosity of the Jewish community – are an important step toward rebuilding our communities.” The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta has been a part of JFNA’s efforts, contributing to the Sandy Relief Fund via the donations of its constituents. “We applaud the many Federations that are raising funds in their own communities, and stand in solidarity with the Jewish organizations and agencies that are helping victims on the ground,” said Jerry Silverman, president and CEO of JFNA. “It is especially important in times like these to come together and have a collective impact to help those in need and rebuild communities.” Funds are still needed for recovery and rebuilding efforts; Atlanta area donors should contribute via JewishAtlanta.org or directly to the JFNA Hurricane Relief Fund at jfeds.org/SandyRelief. Alternatively, those wishing to give can text RELIEF to 51818 on a mobile device to pledge a donation or send checks to The Jewish Federations of North America, Wall Street Station, PO Box 148, New York, NY 10268.
O
n Nov. 1, Israeli President Shimon Peres sent a letter to U.S. President Barack Obama, expressing his sympathy on behalf of Israel with the people of the United States in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, the President’s Residence announced in a press release. “From Jerusalem, I am joined by the people of Israel in an expression of concern for the ravages caused by hurricane Sandy and the destruction it left in its wake,” Peres wrote. “Our hearts go out to the people of America, and I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this superstorm.” President Peres acknowledged that the rehabilitation process in the aftermath of the “devastating event” would constitute a “complex challenge,” but said that he nevertheless hoped and prayed “that the physical and emotional damage it has caused will soon be relegated to the past.” “I am sure that – as in previous occasions when the people of America had to face challenges posed by nature or man – this time, too, you will prevail,” he said. “We are looking with admiration upon the courage of the American people and its leaders in dealing with the present ordeal. Our hearts are with you.”
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
T
he Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Emergency Committee announced Nov. 5 that it has authorized $500,000 to be disbursed for the immediate needs of Hurricane Sandy victims in the New York metropolitan area and New Jersey. The funds are to be used for disaster victims’ immediate humanitarian needs, including cash disbursements, food, shelter and clean-up kits.
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AJT
from our readers
Change to Book Festival Schedule Dear Editor: The Book Festival of the MJCCA’s Peter Beinart event, originally scheduled for Nov. 14, has been cancelled. Mr. Beinart will now be speaking that same evening at 8:15 p.m. at the Margaret Mitchell House (990 Peachtree Street).
Those who purchased Book Festival tickets to the Beinart event will have their money fully refunded. Tickets to the Margaret Mitchell Beinart event may be purchased by calling Lindy Miller Crane at (404) 683-5066.
Peter Beinart
The initial decision to bring Mr. Beinart to Atlanta was made by the Book Festival of the MJCCA’s author selection committee some time ago. The committee had originally anticipated that, while Mr. Beinart’s points of view may be perceived as controversial, his book “The Crisis of Zionism” might open up a healthy dialogue.
However, once it became known to the community that the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), a non-partisan community center, would be promoting Mr. Beinart’s book (which outlines his outspoken stance on many Israel-Palestine issues); and also in light of more recent controversy his views have attracted; the negative response and lack of support resulted in the decision to cancel his event. Our constituents and members have voiced clearly a strong concern that, while Mr. Beinart’s often-inflammatory views may be discussed, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta might not be the appropriate venue. Thus, we are glad we were able to help facilitate an alternative location for Mr Beinart to speak from and engage the community. The mission of the MJCCA is to foster and ensure a vibrant greater Atlanta Jewish community by providing programs and services of distinction that attract, involve and inspire meaningful connections and promote Jewish values. We have a responsibility to respect the sensitivity of our constituency, and while some may choose to discuss Mr. Beinart’s views, we stand by our decision that the MJCCA is not the appropriate place.
the destruction of the Jews. Can you imagine the outrage such an event would cause if it were an Israeli leader calling for the dispersal of all Arabs? Meanwhile, scores are dying daily in neighboring Syria; in Jordan, a corrupt king is doing his best to ward off his own revolution; and in Lebanon, the infighting between pro- and anti-Assad factions is heating up. There is far less of a crisis in Israel than in any of its neighbors. If anything, Israel should be proud of its record of uplifting Jewish refugees, maintaining a democracy and developing a vibrant economy despite facing non-stop military, political and economic warfare. Peter Beinart’s book “The Crisis of Zionism” seems to be more a response to a crisis in his own career than to events in Israel or the U.S. Sincerely, Doron Lubinsky, Atlanta
Different Take on Gun Issue To the Editor and/or Eugen Schoenfield: I am absolutely appalled at the article in the Oct. 5 edition of the AJT regarding firearms ownership in America [“Guns: A Comparison of Jewish and American Perspectives”]. Professor Schoenfeld, sir, you know not what you speak, and your article amounts to nothing except fuel to the fire of U.S. anti-Semitism. You have no right to subject us to a page-and-a-half of inane, hoplophobic diatribe. I cannot believe that after what you went through you refused to handle a firearm! Perhaps an Israeli sabra would like to peruse this most inaccurate attack on firearms ownership for Jews; then you’d receive a lesson in survival. EPSTEIN’S EDUCATIONAL GARDEN
COMPANY J’S “THE FANTASTICKS” MJCCA’s Theatre Season Kicks Off
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Headliners at “Taste of Atlanta” PAGE 20
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We are not diminishing free speech. We are simply minimizing friction and controversy. This was a decision based on the best judgment for the agency. We welcome any questions or comments that you may have. Please direct them to customerservice@atlantajcc.org.
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19 Tishrei - 25 Tishrei 5773 Vol. LXXXVII No. 40
THE WEEKLY NEWSPAPER UNITING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY FOR OVER 85 YEARS
CHAG SAMEACH!
CANDACE MITTEL’S EXPERIENCE VISITING “MODERN GERMANY” WITH THE AJC
Wishing You a Wonderful Sukkot
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MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL
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LaVictoire Reflects on Reading the Torah for the First Time…Again | Page 28
Gail Luxenberg and Steven Cadranel CEO, MJCCA and President, MJCCA
Beinart’s Book:Baseless Dear Editor: It is unfortunate that the MJCCA Book Festival was embarrassed by disinviting Peter Beinart, author of “The Crisis of Zionism.” The controversy has provided more publicity to the latter, who attacks “Jewish influence” and delegitimizes Israel in a similar manner to Profs. Walt and Mearsheimer. One feature of Beinart’s book is the minimization of the core issue in the Arab-Israeli conflict, namely Arab rejection of a permanent Israel, no matter its boundaries. The author attacks Israel over its actions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank while ignoring the fact that repeated Israeli concessions have not brought peace. NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
Students Learning Sustainability, Biology and More
President Abbas’ quest for unilateral statehood without negotiations and his demand that Arab refugees be resettled in pre-1967 Israel are clear rejections of coexistence. The Arab obsession with destroying Israel far exceeds their desire for a (second) Palestinian state. Another shortcoming of “The Crisis of Zionism” is the lack of regional perspective, even for the period the book covers. Threats have grown since the Arab Spring: In neighboring Egypt, incitement has gotten worse.
The ADL condemned Egyptian President Morsi for attending an Egyptian TV 4 broadcast last month at which a preacher called for “victory over the infidels” and
Can you imagine: If just 3 million of the 6 million murdered Jews had been armed, and just half of these killed a Nazi, the Nazis still would have lost 1.5 million soldiers. What’s more, this tactical problem might have tied up perhaps half the German army, and on account of this horrific need of manpower, G-d only knows how many would have survived. Too, this probably would have shortened the war by at least a year, possibly much more.
Look what the Jews accomplished in the Warsaw Ghetto with only 30 or 40 guns, mostly nine-millimeter handguns. The German losses were 85 dead and many wounded, and it took three SS divisions to quell the uprising (36,000 men)! I thank G-d that those of you with your philosophy are not populating the land of Israel. “A .32 for every Jew” may not be a bad idea! Just please don’t say that “it can’t happen here.” Owning and shooting legally owned firearms is part of the American culture, and many Jews take part; probably those with military experience own several. I really don’t know where you got your thoroughly inaccurate “information.” Perhaps your stellar education will point me in the right direction. Also, Lt. Gen. Patton said that “All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle.” The word “war” was not used. Do you have another source other than a 40-year-old movie? Sir, you may or may not consider yourself an American, but be advised that firearm ownership is my CIVIL RIGHT and is not to be infringed! Furthermore, that RIGHT was not secured for me by unarmed soldiers.
Don’t like guns? Don’t buy!
Sincerely, Eugene Kaplan Sandy Springs
AJT
israel
Israeli Pride
GOOD NEWS MADE IN THE JEWISH STATE THIS PAST WEEK New treatment cures melanoma. Patients in an advanced stage of metastatic melanoma are being given a new lease on life at the Ella Institute of Sheba Medical Centre in Tel Aviv. Sheba’s innovative Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) trials have patients from Europe coming to Israel to be treated for the disease.
nean College (EMC) for international high school students will have two tracks, one focusing on desert ecology and the other on start-up businesses. Of the 200 places in the school’s first class, 40 are reserved for Israel’s Arab neighbors, and 40 are reserved for Israelis. Israel inaugurates its new Space Center. Science and Technology Ministry officials dedicated the Taiba Space Center in memory of the late astronaut Colonel Ilan Ramon. The Center, located in the Arab city with which it shares its name, will serve residents of the Galilee Triangle for study, experi-
The country announces a big investment in Arab education. Israel is preparing a 300-million-shekel investment into higher education for minorities. The Council for Higher Education (CHE) said bringing more Arab students into higher education “will allow them to pursue a greater variety of careers and present new opportunities.”
mentation and enrichment in the field of space and the sciences. A smartphone for the blind debuts. The Israeli-developed phone, called Project Ray, vocalizes any icon or name touched by a sliding finger and activates it only when the finger is lifted. It has a special GPS and an audiobook interface with Israel’s Central Library for the Blind, Visually Impaired and Handicapped. U.S.-Israel bilateral trade hits new record levels. Exports between the two countries totaled $36.9 billion in 2011 – up from the 2007 pre-
economic-crisis high of $33.8 billion. Israel is one of America’s top 25 largest export markets (top 10 per capita). Torah for iPad launches. While there’s no substitute for the real thing, this new app attempts to recreate the feel of standing beside a real Torah. Not only does the Hebrew lettering mirror the script found in an actual Torah, the app even comes with a yad – the handshaped pointer traditionally used to touch the parchment of the Torah. Editor’s note: This list courtesy Michael Ordman and verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com.
Cardboard wheelchairs come to Africa. The team of Israeli engineers that manufactured the cardboard bicycle, I.G. Cardboard Technologies, has now produced a cardboard wheelchair for less than $10. Made from recycled cardboard, plastic bottles and recycled tires, it supports up to 400 pounds, resists both moisture and humidity, and requires no maintenance. Wildlife makes headlines from the Hula. Incredible numbers of birds – some 500 million – are currently migrating through Israel’s Hula Valley on their way to Africa. What’s more, at least one specimen of the Hula painted frog – a species thought to be extinct – has been confirmed, and the African Monarch butterfly is once again using the Valley’s lakes on its migration route.
An Israeli boarding school for environmental entrepreneurs opens. The new Eastern Mediterra-
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
A burgeoning start-up does not forget the individuals of which it is made. Israeli hi-tech leader Outbrain has grown into an international success, but it still maintains the personal touch with its employees: When the son of the company’s vice president of products was born prematurely at 25 weeks, the whole company worked together to support the hospital at where he was cared for.
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according to arlene
Whatever Floats Your Boat ANOTHER HARD LESSON IN THINKING THINGS THROUGH By Arlene Appelrouth AJT Columnist
W
hen I moved to Atlanta, I was bothered by how landlocked the city is. I wasn’t accustomed to being far from the ocean. I guess I’m just hardwired to require water for my serenity. Then, I discovered Lake Lanier, and I knew I would adjust. I decided to buy a used power boat, in part because my mental health depended on it: I told my husband that I’d either I buy a boat or I would die. Want proof that being on the water was and still is that central in my life? Look no further than the sign in my house that reads: “Boating is not a matter of life or death. It’s more important than that.” To put it simply, the sport has been a source of joy for me for more than 20 years. But recently, something happened to jar my confidence. What Began As a Pleasant Evening… I had been out alone on the lake. I got some fuel, went to the main channel and opened the throttle. Exhilarated, I was more than captain of my 21-foot run-about; I was Queen of the Lake. Now, before I continue, you should know that I’m different from most boatowners in that I do not store my boat in the cooler months. I don’t understand the need to winterize my boat; I bought a boat to experience serenity, and my need for peace of mind is not seasonal.
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
Also – and as anyone familiar with boating on Lanier knows – navigating those waters is inconsistent. One has to be able to roll with the waves and glide with changing water depths.
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When the lake is full, I enjoy boating day and night, but with the current drought keeping the water level 10 feet below full, I prefer to go boating only if there’s plenty of sunshine. As dusk darkens the sky, it isn’t always easy to avoid the small islands that pop up like porcupines and can damage the prop or ruin the bottom of your boat.
Anyway, getting back to the aforementioned evening. Night was falling, so I reduced my speed, closely monitoring my depth gauge. I approached my dock at “no-wake” speed and pulled onto my boat lifter. Then, I got out, tied up the dock lines and pressed the switch that turns the lifter on. As the machine worked, I enjoyed looking at the night sky: The moon was beautiful, auguring the beginning of a perfect evening. When I saw and heard the bubbles under my boat, l knew it was time to turn the motor off. I was feeling peaceful and grateful as I did so…and then I realized that I’d left the keys in the ignition. I’m not sure why I didn’t walk to the boat lifter box, lower the boat, board and retrieve my keys. For whatever reason, I instead lowered the small ladder on the stern of the boat, grabbed hold from the dock and climbed onto the boat. Just before that, though, I took my iPhone from my pocket and left it on the dock, knowing that climbing up the ladder might have created the possibility of drowning the phone. After all, iPhones have lots of great apps, but last I checked, they still can’t swim.
Failing to Plan an Exit Strategy It was easy to climb on the boat. Climbing off, on the other hand, presented a challenge that I had not anticipated. The distance from the ladder to the dock is the same as from the dock to the ladder, but without the solid floor of the dock, I had no stability. I could jump, but I was afraid that I would not land on both feet and might break something. I was remembering a fall down a few stairs several years ago that tore my rotator cuff; I ended up with a frozen shoulder, which required painful physical therapy, surgery and more physical therapy. As I stood on the ladder on the stern of my boat, the more I contemplated the distance, the more my fear of injury grew. There had to be another way. I picked up an extra dock line, tied it around my waist and tried to lasso a pole on my dock.
I had gone zip-lining in Central America once; why couldn’t I zip-line from my boat to the dock?
Feel the fear and do it anyway, I told myself. I thought of Nike’s ubiquitous slogan:
This bright idea was scrapped when I realized that I couldn’t secure the end of the line to a pole; the rope wasn’t long enough, and what’s more, I had no harness.
Just do it.
My next thought was to just jump in the water and swim ashore. Pondering this possibility, I stuck my foot in the water, but it was too cold. My guess was the water temperature was in the 60s; plus, the bottom of Lake Lanier is squishy. I shivered thinking of it. Thus, afraid to leap from my boat to the dock and unwilling to jump in the water, I had few options. I could sleep on the boat, I thought; it was close to 8 p.m., and there was a good chance that by 7 a.m., a fisherman would show up. Surely he or she would be willing to help. No, I decided; I was chilled and getting hungry, and the thought of another 11 hours on my boat was not appealing. I chastised myself: Why had I left my cell phone on the dock? If I had the phone, I could call one of my neighbors, and all they would have to do is walk down and lower the boat. There were even lights on in three of the four houses that I could see from my vantage. Perhaps I could get someone’s attention, even without the aid of my mobile? I tried mental telepathy and the power of suggestion. “Fred…Ray…Dennis,” I focused. “Please walk to the window and look down at my dock. You’ll see me on my boat, unable to get off. I need your help.” I waited, but nothing happened. So much for telepathy. Out of Alternatives Finally, I picked up the dock line again. There was a white plastic chair on the dock, which I was able to lasso and pull closer to the boat. Believing I had no better choice, I decided to jump onto the chair.
I jumped, not realizing that when my legs made contact with the seat of the plastic chair, the chair would move further away from the boat. I thus landed not on my feet but flat on my back, and there was nothing supporting my neck or head, which was dangling. In the moments immediately afterwards, I wasn’t sure what I was looking until I realized my eyes were angled up at the bottom of my boat. More pressing in my mind was the hope that I hadn’t fractured my back or my pelvis. I turned over, got onto my hands and knees and stood up. I picked up my phone, put the boat keys in my pocket and walked in the dark up the hill to my lake house. It was another episode in my life. Whatever I was thinking, I was sure of a couple things: First, that jumping from my boat to my dock wasn’t a good idea. I’m not as flexible as I once was. Second, that jumping out of a boat isn’t really the way to float my boat. 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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if you ask me
Playing the Blame Game YOU’RE SAYING SANDY STRUCK FOR A REASON? BY EDEN FARBER AJT Contributor
A
friend of mine recently posed an interesting question on Facebook: What if “Gangnam Style” is a rain dance, and we brought Superstorm Sandy on ourselves?
“Gangnam Style,” for those who have escaped the epidemic, is a YouTube video that has gone viral, especially among teens and despite the fact that it is incomprehensible – other than the words “hey, sexy ladies” – to those who do not speak Korean. Meanwhile, the idea that Sandy is some sort of karmic punishment has been circulating as everyone tries to
2012-2013 S E A S O N
Georges Bizet’s
find an answer for the devastation and despair across the Northeast U.S. The issue, as I see it and at least in part, is that some people are using the idea of karma as a way to place blame for the natural disaster on others. A Disturbing Trend We read recently in the Torah portion of Noach that G-d destroys the entire world because of the sins of the people; now, a storm has hit the cultural center of the universe (our beloved Manhattan), and many say it’s too spooky to be mere coincidence. That’s certainly not what I believe. I’ve heard far too many authorities say that Sandy is a punishment for some political group, religion or other sorts of belief systems. I even actually heard a rabbinic leader say that gay marriage brought the hurricane upon us. And beyond these misguided thoughts, the idea that this devastation was intentionally enacted on any certain group gives people power: It would follow that, if you caused it, then you can take it away and no one has to worry about where it will strike next. In other words: If the hurricane came to yell at New Yorkers, according to this logic and as long as we don’t do anything to upset it, we will be fine.
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But playing the blame game can be dangerous. We can’t stand up and say that New York was flooded because G-d doesn’t like this candidate or this new law or this new temple; it will get us absolutely nowhere. If we go off in that direction, all it will do is turn us against each other. As a high school student, hearing such talk from my leaders is scary – do they want me to think that no one is safe here and that if I disagree with these opinions, my city will be flooded? How can we build a society with that sort of thought process? The blame game hurts everyone – those tossing barbs, those blamed and even folks just hearing the toxic conversation. We learn from what we hear, and this is what we are hearing right now. It’s a problem, because at the end of the day, hurricanes are part of the natural order of things. Science does not have an agenda and storms aren’t called natural disasters for nothing.
Realizing Truth So, what does this have to do with the viral “Gangnam Style” video? Essentially, the video is pointless, mostly filled with goofy choreography. It’s actually a parody of itself. I’m pretty certain that most people seeing the video have no idea what’s going on – the words are gibberish, and there seems to be no point to the production. Still, most everyone adores it: It’s become the focus of online memes, status updates and even random flashmobs on the street. Maybe it’s become our society’s battle cry. The good news is that it’s a fairly harmless video, and, to tell the truth, I think we’ve become attached to it because it really has no meaning at all. Blaming “Gangnam Style,” as my friend jokingly suggested, is a way of relieving the stress we’ve put ourselves under. The video is silly and arbitrary, and it’s psychologically laughable to say that this pointless video brought a hurricane down on us. If we absolutely must blame someone, then I suggest we start pointing our finger at Mother Nature. 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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if you ask me
Life at Home is the Key to IndependenceSM
Op-ed: Choose Jewish Day High School AN ENDORSEMENT FROM AN Elementary’s HEAD OF SCHOOL
I
was recently asked why I am such a strong advocate of Jewish day high schools, even though I run an infant-through-eighth grade Jewish day school. As a former Head of School at a Jewish day high school, I’d like to share the three most important lessons about the value of a serious Jewish secondary education. • First, the main reason to enroll your child in a Jewish day high school is that adolescence is a turbulent time, and such schools provides a Jewish context for your child to go through adolescence. Teenagers reject, challenge, question and doubt their Jewish identity (and their identity in general). A week of adolescence can wipe out a lot of elementary school tuition dollars. Jewish day high schools maximize the investment that you and your children’s teachers have made and help students to emerge Jewishly whole and strong. • Second, children who don’t want to continue in a day high school often say that they already know “enough” Hebrew and Judaics. We don’t accept that argument when it comes to math or English; would you believe the child who said, “As an eighth-grader, I know enough math already”? You wouldn’t, and so we shouldn’t accept it when it comes to Hebrew and Judaics. We provide the foundation when the children are younger; the deeper questions lie ahead, and students will be unequipped to address them unless they continue their Jewish learning in a sophisticated way appropriate for their age. • Third, you will hear critics say that if you send your child to a Jewish day high school, he or she will never survive in the “real world.” The argument often sounds like this: “How will he or she ever
be able to deal with the open, diverse world of the university if he or she is sheltered in a day school all his or her life?” The most perceptive insight that I’ve ever heard in response to this question was uttered by a 10th-grader at my former school: “When I get to the university, I will have developed such a strong sense of who I am as a Jew that I will be able to contribute to that diversity,” he said. “And that’s only because of my Jewish day school education.” Out of the mouths of babes comes the most powerful advice to us adults.
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Remember, the choice of a high school is your decision. It’s simply too important an issue to leave to a child. We don’t ask our children whether or not they want an immunization or a dental appointment; if our children were to say that they don’t want to go to the doctor, we’d say either, “I didn’t ask you,” or “There’s no choice.” Parenting decisions are a serious matter. You should make the decision on where to send your child. I love our school, the Greenfield Hebrew Academy. I want to see not just our children, but all Jewish children, develop into passionate and committed adult Jews who are in love with their Judaism. When I was Head of School of a Jewish day high school, I saw firsthand how a day high school solidifies a child’s path to Jewish adulthood. Atlanta is blessed with vibrant Jewish day high school options that can help pave that path. Editor’s note: Rabbi Lee Buckman is Head of School at the Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy.
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
BY RABBI LEE BUCKMAN For the Atlanta Jewish Times
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Community
Remembering the Holocaust and Honoring the Victims CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM’S UPDATED MEMORIAL GARDEN BY RON FEINBERG Web Editor
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ust off the front entrance of East Cobb’s Congregation Etz Chaim is a little garden. It’s filled with shrubs, a few trees and two granite benches. It also includes cobblestones from the Warsaw Ghetto and railroad tracks that, six decades ago, spilled into Treblinka, the Nazi death camp in northeast Poland. The garden manages to be both a quiet oasis and a jarring reminder of the Holocaust, and that’s exactly what Barry Riesenberg had in mind when he envisioned it several years ago. “I’ve always been touched by the relics in the garden; the tracks and stones,” Riesenberg said. “I’ve been to these places in Poland, and it’s all very moving.”
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
The memorial garden was actually built in the mid-1990s, but since, it hasn’t been maintained. Riesenberg, a long-time member of Etz Chaim and past president of the synagogue’s Men’s Club, thought its revitalization was a project waiting to happen; the problem was figuring out what needed to be done to bring the garden back to life and who best to handle the work.
The issue was solved one morning after minyan, as Riesenberg was having breakfast with a friend, Irwin Weitz. “We were discussing the garden and trying to think who might be able to help,” Riesenberg said. “That’s when Allan Struletz walked into the Waffle House, and I knew we had our answer.” Struletz, also a member of Etz Chaim, is a landscape architect and the owner of Creative Scapes, a firm in Marietta that specializes in landscape projects. It turns out he was exactly the creative sort of person to take Riesenberg’s vision and ideas and turn it all into a workable plan. Having been involved in creating the original garden, Struletz realized there were certain elements that could remain part of the project – the rails, cobblestones, parts of the landscaping. “But the garden was overgrown and fully enclosed,” he said, “and we wanted to create a setting that was open and inviting, a place where you could spend time and meditate quietly.” It took a few months, but the pieces began falling into place. Soon, all that was needed was a project manager – someone to do the actual work.
Enter Hank Needle.
“Hank is our go-to guy, a master of all trades,” Riesenberg explained. “You never have to ask for a volunteer when Hank is around.” Much of the heavy lifting – placement of pavers and sprinkler system, bushes and trees – was handled by Outdoor Expressions, a landscaping firm based in Canton, Ga. But Needle, another long-time member of the shul and past Men’s Club president, took control of the most dramatic and creatively challenging element to be added to the garden. Around the backside of the area, Struletz wanted a perimeter that would serve as not only a boundary for the memorial but also a vivid reminder of the Holocaust. His solution was to design a concentration camp-type fence that eerily echoes the structures that surrounded death camps across Eastern Europe during World War II. “It was really a great project,” Needle said. “There were many different things that needed doing, so lots of guys from the Men’s Club were able to help.”
“This project” Needle said, “exceeded all my expectations.” Today, the entire area has been scrubbed clean and warmed up with new landscaping. Concrete flooring has been replaced with pavers, and the entire garden is set against the chilling new fence. Nearby, an eternal light hovers atop six pieces of cut stone, offering up a warm glow and reminding visitors that the “Six Million” will never be forgotten. Just as Riesenberg hoped, the updated garden manages to be both melancholy and uplifting by recalling the past while honoring the Jews and others who suffered and died at the hands of the Nazis. Editor’s note: Congregation Etz Chaim’s Memorial Garden will be officially dedicated on Nov. 11, Veteran’s Day and the 74th anniversary of Krystallnacht. See opposite page for more details. ON THE COVER: Etz Chaim Men’s Club members (left to right) Jeff Frankel, Hank Needle, Steve Dix, Allan Struletz and Barry Riesenberg at the Memorial Garden outside synagogue in East Cobb.
Sometimes projects work out, and sometimes…not so much.
LEFT: It was Barry Riesenberg’s vision and leadership that led fixing up memorial garden. MIDDLE: Etz Chaim member and landscape architect Allan Struletz finishes up recent project to update the memorial garden at Etz Chaim. RIGHT: Hank Needle adds a finishing touch to updated memorial garden at Congregation Etz Chaim. 10 credit Photos by Jeff Frankel
Community
Come See the Artisans@theEtz
You’re Never Too Old to Play
ART AND MORE ON DISPLAY
BY CHARLOTTE MARCUS
FROM CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM For the Atlanta Jewish Times
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ongregation Etz Chaim will hold its sixth-annual Artisans@theEtz on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The community is invited to meet over 40 artists displaying and selling their original works in the fields of pottery, jewelry, painting, wood, glass, mixed media and fabric. What’s more, in addition to the always-amazing art show, the free event also features several special opportunities: • At 12:15 p.m., the Etz Chaim Men’s Club will dedicate the synagogue’s new Holocaust Memorial Garden (see opposite page). • MJCCA Book Festival author Doreen Rappaport will speak at 1 p.m. on her book “Beyond Courage: The Untold Story of the Jewish Resistance during the Holocaust.” • Children’s book author Robin Gordon will be featured at 3 p.m. as she discusses her most recent work, “Lift: A Gosling’s First Flight.” The book earned Gordon the 48th-annual “Children’s Book Author of the Year” award from the Georgia Writer’s Association, the oldest literary awards association in the Southeastern United States. • In their yearly effort to offer a community service project to children, Etz Chaim and the Artisans@ theEtz committee are supporting Operation Homefront (OH). In recognition of Veteran’s Day, kids can make holiday cards for U.S. veterans; additionally, 10 percent of all of the show’s raffle proceeds will go to OH. Art show visitors are also invited to bring requested items for deployed troops (as outlined on the art show website under event schedule; see artisansattheetz.com). • Finally, the Phillip Michael Silverman Memorial Endowment is sponsoring a bone marrow drive in conjunction with Artisans@theEtz. By registering potential don o r s at Congregation Etz Chaim on behalf of the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation, the lives of patients suffering from various blood cancers and diseases could be saved. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60 and in general good health, you are eligible to be screened; the process is as simple as the swab of a cheek. Editor’s note: Questions regarding Artisans at the Etz can be directed to artisans@etzchaim.net.
A SIMCHA AT DOROTHY BENSON SENIOR CENTER
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AJT Contributor
n the Atlanta Jewish community, we usually associate seniors with The William Breman Jewish Home. This week, as I observe the yahrzeit of my mother – who lived there for several years before she died at age 95 – I recall vividly the wonderful care, special programs and Sunday visits with my son and then-preschool-age grandson, the former pushing my mother’s wheelchair as we strolled in the garden and past the pond where we watched the big goldfish swim. Today, I create similar fond memories by participating in special events at Sandy Springs’s Dorothy Benson Senior Center. Here, my senior friends and I celebrate simchas, the latest of which was the sold-out 13th-anniversary dinner, a “Barn Dance” complete with folk dancing led by a professional instructor.
This affair, held on Oct. 25, was attended by not just Jews but folks of many religions, backgrounds, creeds and colors. Everyone got in the spirit: Many dressed in cowboy or cowgirl outfits, and multicolored straw hats were provided for all. Dorothy Benson herself, a vibrant 90-year-old, danced with perfect rhythm and style. A “bar mitzvah” of sorts for the Center, the dance honored Benson’s contributions as the founder of this and three other facilities for seniors in different parts of Fulton County. Never satisfied with hard work and efforts, Dorothy now also leads a movement to build affordable housing for seniors in Roswell. The value of Benson’s accomplishments could be seen in the smiles of all present, including Johnny, a fixture of Center lunches and a retired florist who donated yellow daisy centerpieces for the occasion; “Uncle Miltie” and his wife Jan, who spend time together and with others here; and resident comedian Irving, who has been known to put on his clown get-up to spread good cheer. You don’t have to wait to attend the next simcha at Benson, breakfast and lunch are served daily and organized activities – like exercises (on land and in the pool), cards, chess, bingo and Mahjong – are held most days. You also might sign up for computer classes, lectures, trips, art classes or movies. In short, you’ll surely find something you’ll enjoy and meet a variety of friends! All you need is to be 55 years or older and live in Fulton County; the Center provides the fun, makes you feel at home and welcomed by staff and other seniors for sure. Editor’s note: The Dorothy Benson Senior Center is located at Roswell Rd. and Vernon Woods Dr. Charlotte Marcus coordinates the Monday lectures at Dorothy Benson Senior Center and writes from her home in Sandy Springs.
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NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
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arts & life
Kosher Movies: Jane Eyre (2006) BRAINS OVER BEAUTY IN WHITE’S ADAPTATION OF BRONTE’S NOVEL By Rabbi Herbert Cohen
ity, not good character.
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For example: In Jane Austen’s classic novel “Pride and Prejudice,” the parents of Elizabeth Bennett want her to marry a person of means. And in Henry James’ “Washington Square,” Morris Townsend, the suitor of Catherine Sloper, is portrayed as a fortune hunter, one interested in Catherine’s assets and not her character.
He urged me to stay away from girls who wore lots of make-up and were acquisitive. For long-term happiness, he said, you need a girl with good character, who is kind and understanding, soft in deed and word. His words made an impression on my young mind, and I generally found myself dating those kinds of girls.
One notable exception to this pattern is Edward Rochester’s oblique pursuit of the title character in Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre.” This famous novel has inspired a number of film versions, the best being a PBS production directed by Susanna White, originally released as a miniseries and starring Toby Stephen as Edward and Ruth Wilson as a luminous Jane.
AJT Contributor
hen I was in ninth grade, my Torah teacher told me what I should look for in a wife. He said that while outward beauty was important, it was not the critical ingredient for marital happiness.
In secular literature, it’s hard to find such a concern for good character when looking for a marriage partner; in this realm, the key ingredients for marital bliss are wealth and eligibil-
In these works, Rochester – after ostensibly courting the wealthy and attractive socialite Blanche Ingram
– finally confesses his love for Jane, whom he regards as a pure, simple and virtuous soul. Clearly, he values substance over form and good character over physical charm and beauty. It is of interest to note that Rochester is many years Jane’s senior, a person with much more life experience than Jane.
Similarly, the biblical courtship of Isaac for Rebecca (which is the topic of an extended narrative in the Bible) describes a relationship where the man is much older than the woman. But the age difference counts for little when the two lovers are on the same spiritual wavelength, and the quest to find a wife is a major task of Jewish men. To find one’s bashert (destined one), a person must exert great personal effort and may also need to consult with many friends and relatives, including, of course, one’s parents. In the Bible, Abraham is actively engaged in finding a wife for his beloved son Isaac. He charges his trusted servant Eliezer with this responsibility, and so the latter travels to AramNaharaim, where Abraham’s family lived, in the hopes of finding a spouse for his master’s son. The servant journeys there with 10 of his master’s camels. The great explicator of biblical text Rashi observes that the camels were identifiably those of Abraham because they were muzzled. Abraham’s camels would go out muzzled because of his concern for theft: He did not want his animals to graze in the fields of others.
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
Obviously, honesty was paramount to Abraham. For such a man, the litmus tests for a suitable wife were tests of truthfulness, sincerity and kindness, not the possession of wealth. Thus, Eliezer determines that the woman for Isaac will be she who gives water to not only the traveler but to his camels as well; for she has demonstrated that she cares for all living creatures.
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That such a process is undertaken proves that Isaac’s quest for a wife is an early precursor of Rochester’s love for Jane. Both courtships remind us that, in the final analysis, wealth and beauty are passing; what remains is good character that lasts for a lifetime. Editor’s note: Rabbi Cohen, former principal of Yeshiva Atlanta, now resides in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Visit koshermovies.com for more of his Torahthemed film reviews.
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MJCCA BOOK FESTIVAL
Intown Atlanta Hosts Brew Ha Ha! BOOK FESTIVAL BRINGS EVENT TO ATLANTIC STATION
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he Book Festival of the MJCCA’s annual Brew Ha Ha event is set for Nov. 13 at the Creative Loafing Atlanta office in Atlantic Station. This fun, light-hearted evening will feature two-for-one author events: Devan Sipher and Meredith Goldstein at 6:30 p.m and Mary Ann Zoellner, Alicia Ybarbo and Dan Zevin at 8 p.m. Sipher, editor of the “Vows” column in The New York Times, will discuss her book “The Wedding Beat,” which follows protagonist Gavin Greene on his romantic roller coaster. Goldstein, who writes the “Love Letters” column for Boston Globe, will speak on “The Singles,” her both funny and poignant take on the instantly recognizable social dilemma of attending a wedding alone. Mary Ann Zoellner Then, Zoellner and Ybarbo – producers for & Alicia Ybarbo NBC’s “The Today Show” – will talk about “Sh*tty Moms,” their ultimate parenting guide; and Zevin will discuss his newest work, “Dan Gets a Minivan,” a comedic coming-of-age tale that was just optioned by Adam Sandler for a movie. Both sessions have Book Festival co-chair Ina Enoch particularly excited. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Creative Loafing by bringing this fun, popular Book Festival of the MJCCA event to our wonderful Intown community,” she said.
Book Festival Fun for the Whole Family CHILDREN’S AUTHORS COME TOGETHER FOR KIDS AND THEIR PARENTS
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he Family Reading Festival of the MJCCA’s Book Festival will delight readers of all ages on the morning of Nov. 11 at the Zaban Park facility. The event, presented by the PJ Library and the MJCCA’s Family Resource Center, includes several highlights: • Eric Litwin, author of “Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons,” will put on “Mr. Eric and Pete the Cat in Concert” at 10 a.m. Count down in this rocking new story about everyone’s favorite kitty! • Jacqueline Dembar Green, author of “Speak Up, Tommy!” will introduce her new hero, whose knowledge of Hebrew helps a policeman and his dog when they come to visit his school.
• S arene Shulimson, author of “Lights Out Shabbat,” will show through the story of a little boy and his grandparents without power during a Shabbat Eve snowstorm that there is much the family can share, even without electricity. • Ann Redish Stampler, author of “The Wooden Sword,” will tell the tale of a poor Jewish shoemaker who, despite the trials and tricks of his ruler, remains true to his faith. • Jill Bloomfield, author of “Maccabee Meals: Food and Fun for Hanukkah,” will delight with samples of delicious Hanukkah treats and help attendees discover how to reinvent the Festival of Lights for their family. Editor’s note: For information and ticketing, call (678) 812-4005 or visit atlantajcc.org/bookfestival.
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
• B en Halpert, author of “Savvy Cyber Kids at Home,” will teach kids can learn to protect their personal information, like their name and physical location, through their secret “Savvy Cyber Kid” identity.
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sports
Lady Lions Close the Book on Another Great Season
GHA Volleyball Teams Shine in MAAC Tournaments
YESHIVA VOLLEYBALL POSTS STRONG RECORD, SHOWS HUGE IMPROVEMENT
B-TEAM CLAIMS SECOND, A-TEAM TAKES HOME TITLE
From Yeshiva Atlanta
For the Atlanta Jewish Times
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eshiva Atlanta’s girls volleyball team recently completed another successful year: Under the direction of Coach Kealani Kukahiko, the squad finished the season with a record of 12 wins and 6 losses. Of course, with just over 100 students enrolled at YA, the success of the program is measured in more than wins and losses. The team – made up of 12 varsity players, four practice team players and two managers – truly shined in every facet, according to Coach Kukahiko. “All the girls are hard workers, dedicated, team-focused and fun,” she said. “I really enjoyed working with them.” Two of the season’s highlights were the pair of wins over Tallulah Falls High School, the rival that no YA team had defeated twice in a season before. Much pride was also taken in the hard work that the girls put in towards improving their serves. Team co-captain Rebecca Sirota noted that the team’s efforts culminated in a practice at which the girls had aced their team pressure serving drill. “That was sure a lot of fun, being perfect, at least for one day,” said Sirota. Sirota also pointed to the improvement in the team’s serve-receive percentage throughout the season as another huge accomplishment. The Lady Lions’ figure in this critical statistic increased overall by 11 percent – from 62 percent to 73 percent – and peaked at 85 percent during wins against Greenforest, Therrill, Tallulah Falls and First Presbyterian.
Kukahiko mentioned a number of players as “top performers”: • Rebecca Sirota was called a “superstar setter” and “queen of setter dump/tips” by her coach. • Kukahiko said of co-captain Yifat Kadosh, a middle blocker and hitter, that “she keeps the offensive plays exciting.” • A nna Sirota and Dafna Kadosh were team leaders in serving aces and defensive digs, respectively, and have been named as two of the three co-captains for next year’s team. • Tova Asher and Helen Giffen both made significant serving, blocking and outside hitting contributions and together averaged five points per game in serves and four kills per match. • Mia Azani gave the team a nice hitting option from the left side, averaging more than one block and one kill per game. • Jessica Nooriel – a co-captain this year as well as next – was Yeshiva’s most consistent jump server this season and averaged seven points per game from behind the line. • Z oe Ogden, who played front row to help with blocks, has “the bestlooking setting hands on the team,” Kukahiko said. “Her sets are controlled and precise and helped us get the kills we needed to pull off the wins.” • Shoshi Ginsburg and Abby Stein were strong subs, and practice team members Daniella Sokol, Michelle Khandadash, Mai Dori and Shira Solomon were great supporters at home games. “They were awesome,” Kukahiko said.
BY JAEL AZANI, ZOE BAGEL AND LINSEY COHEN For the Atlanta Jewish Times
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ongratulations to the Greenfield Hebrew Academy girls’ volleyball teams for their strong showings in September’s Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference Championships!
The girls A-Team Wolves won first place in Division One, claiming the title over the Atlanta Academy in a final game full of exciting points and amazing saves. The team’s tireless effort is reflected in their undefeated record for the second time in the past three years. Co-captains Karen Asher and Zoe Bagel cite great teamwork as the squad’s greatest strength. “It was a team effort,” Asher said. “We could not have had such an amazing season without the devotion of every player.” “We’re not just a team, we are family,” Bagel added. “We love and support each other wholeheartedly. And we wanted this game – we truly fought hard for it, and that’s why we were so successful.” In a close match, the B-Team placed second to the Atlanta Academy in the Division Two tournament; the conclusive match was extremely close, down to the final points. Penny Eisenstein, GHA’s Head of Health and P.E. and Athletic Director, is very proud of both the A and B teams’ win-loss records.
Eisenstein, who personally coaches both teams, was impressed by the character of her players as well as their skill. “Not only are they an incredible team, but they are great individuals,” Eisenstein said. “They have grown so much, and I am so proud of both teams for representing GHA as the incredible school that we are. [The players’] work ethic, sportsmanship, teamwork and care for each other is just amazing.”
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
LINSEY COHEN
The Wolves are hoping for another amazing season next year, while graduating students are grateful for the chance to go out as champions. “I’m just really proud of the team,” eighth-grade team member Linsey Cohen said. “I’m going to miss volleyball at GHA next year as well as the great friendships I’ve made by being on the team.” Editor’s note: Jael, Zoe and Linsey are students at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy and members of the GHA Wolves Volleyball Team A, MAAC Division One Champions.
SIXTH GRADER WAS BORN TO RUN
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ZOE BAGEL
“Since 2001, our volleyball teams have won 224 games,” she said. “They have only 43 losses in 11 years.”
Epstein’s Pearl Takes 1st in MAAC Cross Country From the Epstein School For the Atlanta Jewish Times
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JAEL AZANI
n Oct. 3, Epstein School sixth-grader Sarah Pearl took first place in the 2012 Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference (MAAC) Cross Country Championships, held at Brookhaven Park.
Pearl performed exceptionally well all season, consistently placing in the top three in her races. Then, with the MAAC title on the line and approximately 70 girls in grades six through eight competing, she took home the gold with a time of 14:09.
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health & wellness
Jewish Healthcare International Announces Founder’s Retirement DR. STEPHEN KUTNER PASSES REINS TO GENE RUBEL
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Staff Report tephen Kutner, M.D. (pictured), has retired as head of Jewish Healthcare International (JHI), the non-profit organization dedicated to increasing education and access to healthcare by sending Jewish medical professionals from Israel and the Diaspora to countries across the globe.
“Steve was the founder and has been the inspiration for JHI for the past 13 years,” Dr. Kobrin said. “We thank him for his service and dedication and hope he enjoys his retirement. We are delighted that Steve has agreed to continue to serve [the organization] by joining the Board.” Dr. Kutner, an ophthalmologist, created JHI in 1999 in direct response to the massive immigration of Jewish communities to Israel after the demise of the Soviet Union. Project Vision, the doctor’s original organization, could only focus on eye care and screenings for the 900,000 immigrants in need, and while Israel offered medical care to all citizens, the country was not prepared for the influx of new residents that occurred at the end of the 20th century. Subsequently, the doctor sold his ophthalmology practice and extended his services to general health issues,
beginning with an enthusiastically received project in Ukraine. Since then, JHI has been active in Israel, Haiti and Ethiopia in addition to its activities in the former Soviet Union, and more than 400 healthcare professionals have volunteered to participate in its programs to date. The organization will surely miss Dr. Kutner – who was selected as one of five finalists in the Jewish Federations of North America’s 2010 Jewish Community Hero of the Year award – but remains in good hands as Rubel takes over. The latter has worked closely with Kutner since September 2011 and brings a business background in international settings as well as an in-depth healthcare understanding to JHI. Editor’s note: For more information on Jewish Healthcare International, visit jewishhealthcareinternational.com.
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EDUCATION
My Grandfather, Jerry Siegel, of Blessed Memory A LEADER IN EVERY SENSE BY BEN SIEGEL For the Atlanta Jewish Times
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y late grandfather Jerry Siegel helped guide my family and the Atlanta Jewish community through his leadership positions at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Congregation Beth Jacob and Greenfield Hebrew Academy. Through his efforts, he helped give people hope that the Jewish community could continue to grow and thrive. But he did even more than that; my grandfather taught the younger generations so that they will lead the way after him. He didn’t just serve and move on – he imparted the importance of leadership to my father, who followed in his footsteps to become President of Greenfield Hebrew Academy. My grandfather knew, and my father knows, the significance of teaching the next generation of Jews; my grandfather dedicated, and my father dedicates, his time and energy to making this happen.
In this respect, my grandfather copied the qualities of our teacher Moshe Rabbenu. In his last speech, Moshe called the people of Israel – specifically the tribal heads, elders and officials – before him. He told them about the covenant that they have with G-d.
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
Still, Moshe was worried that future generations (those that had not yet
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come) might deny their obligation to continue the relationship with Hashem and all of the responsibilities that come with it. So he told the leaders to keep the common man – who might think he is not obligated to follow the covenant because of his ordinary nature – in line. Moshe made it clear that the covenant applies to everyone and that each generation must educate their children and teach them to accept and follow the covenant with G-d. This point also comes up in a commentary by Sforno, an Italian scholar in the Middle Ages. He said that leaders have the obligation to teach those who might stray, the ordinary people. In other words, Sforno said that it is the leader’s job to keep everyone committed to the covenant. I know the leadership skills that my grandfather has taught to my cousins and me will stay with us throughout our lives and help us lead the way, like him. Editor’s note: Ben Siegel is a member of the Journalism Club at Greenfield Hebrew Academy.
Yeshiva Atlanta Shabbaton Unites Jewish High Schoolers Current and Future
STUDENTS FROM GRADES 8 THROUGH 12 COME TOGETHER Yeshiva University guests – kept everyone busy.
From Yeshiva Atlanta For the Atlanta Jewish Times
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n Shabbat Parashat Noach, the weekend of Oct. 19 through 21, nearly 100 Yeshiva Atlanta High School students hosted 31 eighth-graders from schools across metro Atlanta for YA’s 2012 Shabbaton. Thanks to the efforts of Jake Belinky and Elan Miller, the co-presidents of Yeshiva Atlanta’s Student Council, and the support of Ben Valenta (vice president), Jessica Nooriel (secretary) and Ethan Arbiser (treasurer), the students in attendance could not have asked for a better experience.
• As Shabbat evening came around, Yeshiva Atlanta students took some downtime to socialize and get to know the eighth-graders a bit better. Some sat and schmoozed
Yeshiva Atlanta students of today and tomorrow came together
First, the setting was for a Shabbaton at Camp Blue Ridge. PHOTOS/courtesy Yeshiva Atlanta magnificent. Camp Blue Ridge was a on the grass in front of the dingracious host, and the facilities – from ing hall, soaking up the last of the dining hall to the ball fields to the the glorious afternoon sun, and a bunks – served perfectly. What’s more, few accompanied Rabbi Reuven the weather was terrific, with crisp, Travis, Student Council Faculty sunny days shining light on the colorCo-Adviser, on a short hike to a ful changing foliage. waterfall on the camp’s property. Then, after mincha came Second, the ruach of all the stuwhat most thought was the highdents – from the eighth-graders to the light of the Shabbaton – a seudah YA seniors – was simply off the charts. shlishit filled with stories, ToThe singing, dancing and interaction rah, singing and more Shabbat between all attendees was truly beaudancing – and finally, the Motzei tiful to behold, and student participaShabbat bonfire and barbecue. tion during davening and learning While the YA staff and counprograms was equally impressive. selors were convinced that there Lastly, the Shabbaton was just was no way to eat any more food plain fun: after the luscious Shabbat meals and many snacks served through• On Oct. 19, the Color War was a out the day, the students proved great kick-off to the weekend, and them wrong – so many hamburgfriendly competitions broke out in ers, so many hot dogs. Trivial Pursuit, ultimate Frisbee, dodgeballand “MMM&M” (Munching Massive amounts of M&M’s). Afterwards, the students had Amanda Bunder, another faculty time to relax and later enjoyed a co-adviser to the Student Council, was lively Kabbalat Shabbat, a deli- thrilled with the proceedings. cious dinner and an oneg filled “It was a special and inspiring with song and dancing. Shabbaton, one which we believe gave • Shabbat day, was a full one. Stu- our eighth-grade guests a glimpse of dents took part in shacharit, the unique character of Yeshiva Atmusaf, kiddush and program- lanta and the bond that exists among ming that included a to-the-final- our students,” she said. question match of “So You Think Yeshiva’s Director of Student SerYou’re Smarter Than A Senior,” vices, Dana Burchfield, concurred. in which the Yeshiva 12th-graders narrowly avoided an upset at “I’ve been fielding phone calls and the hands of the eighth-graders. answering emails all day long from Lunch, complete with singing the parents of the eighth-graders who and divrei Torah, followed, and went with us on this Shabbaton,” she then four programs – running con- said. “The feedback from their children currently in 30-minute rotations has been incredibly positive.” and featuring YA peer leaders and
AJT
tell & k’vell
The Mitzvah of Spreading Sports Fun STURISKY, FINEBERG PUT ON CLINIC FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED
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Staff Report or their mitzvah project, Epstein School seventh-graders and b’nai mitzvah Adam Sturisky and Scott Fineberg partnered with non-profit organization Creating Connected Communities (CCC) to create a sports and games clinic for underprivileged children.
Sturisky and Fineberg share a love of sports and wanted to bring their joy to kids who otherwise might never get to play, so the two collected new and used equipment and games, planned out activities for kids of all ages, enlisted the help of 40 volunteers and created a fun-filled and unforgettable day for over 200 children in downtown Atlanta on Oct. 21. Afterwards, the boys donated the sports equipment to Atlanta-based CCC for use in future events. Editor’s note: Creating Connected Communities is an Atlanta based non-profit organization that creates programs at local community centers and shelters giving underprivileged children the opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated.
Locals Recognized Among Top Alexander Muss Alumni
FOUR ATLANTANS MAKE DISTINGUISHED LIST
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n honor of the Alexander Muss High School in Israel’s 40th anniversary, the institution honored 40 alumni on its “Top 40 @ 40” list, released in late October. Among the authors, rabbis, teachers, entrepreneurs, executives, celebrities and activists were four Jewish community leaders who call the Atlanta metro area home:
• Jenna Leopold Shulman (’96) is regional director for the Atlanta Region of ORT America, the world’s largest non-governmental educational organization. Shulman attended the University of Florida and obtained her law degree from Emory University School of Law before going into development and fundraising. Editor’s note: For the complete list of the AMHSI Top 40 @ 40, visit amhsi.org.
• Robyn Faintich (’89) of Roswell, Ga. is a Jewish community professional with experience in teen initiatives, early childhood education and adult education. In 2010, she launched JewishGPS, LLC; today, this education consulting firm serves a number synagogues, national Jewish organizations, community institutions, agencies and day schools. Faintich is a graduate of the Jim Joseph Foundation Fellowship with Bar Ilan University’s Lookstein Center and is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Jewish education leadership at Northeastern University and Hebrew College. • Keith Greenwald (’93) is the co-chair of the National Young Leadership Cabinet of Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). In the past, he served as a co-vice chair for JFNA’s Education, Leadership and Membership divisions. Greenwald is also active in the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee. • Rabbi Hillel Norry (’81) is the spiritual leader of Congregation Shearith Israel. A graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, he currently serves on the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, the central halachic authority that speaks for the Conservative movement. Rabbi Norry also serves as a Scholar-in-Residence at several Ramah camps.
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
Staff Report
Scott Fineberg (fourth from left, in blue) and Adam Sturisky (third from right, in red) organized a sports and games clinic for underprivileged children. PHOTO/courtesy Lauren Sturisky
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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 Cobb 4450 Lower Roswell Rd. Marietta, GA 30068 www.chabadofcobb.com 770.565.4412 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
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
Ahavath Achim Synagogue 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. Atlanta, GA 30327 www.aasynagogue.org 404.355.5222
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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
Shalom B’harim 150 Warwick Street Dahlonega, GA 30533 www.shalombharim.org 706.864.0801 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
AJT
MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL
Saying Goodbye to My Grandpa LIFE IS TO BE LOVED, EVEN THROUGH TROUBLED TIMES
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AJT Contributor his week’s Torah portion includes the deaths of both Sarah and Abraham. In this spirit, I would like to reach out to all of those who have recently lost someone and to anyone who is currently observing a yahrzeit. I would also like to take this time to say goodbye to my grandpa, Lawrence Charles LaVictoire, who passed away in late October. He was born in Flint, Mich. on April 25, 1926. I never heard about his life as a kid beyond that he was part of a big family – four brothers and two sisters – and that he was half of a pair of twins who were the youngest of the siblings. All five boys of the family fought in World War II. After his return, Grandpa married my grandma, Margaret Hurley. Interestingly, she hid her age from him for some time; it wasn’t until the two of them applied for a marriage license that my grandma revealed that she, at 28, was three years older than my grandpa. The age disparity didn’t matter, though, and they were married on May 5, 1951. Just a year later, they had their first son, my dad. They went
on to have five more children together – four more boys and a girl – and together, all seven of them lived in a three-bedroom house in Flint. Grandpa never left Flint, so we visited him about once a year. When I was little, I sat on his lap and kissed his wrinkled cheek. He could make a “U” with his thumb and pointer finger, slide them into his mouth, and take his teeth out with little effort; then, I would try to do the same thing, but my teeth wouldn’t budge. I knew there could be only one explanation: My grandpa was magical. Never Lost His Spark Fifteen years ago, my family moved to Atlanta, and my visits with my grandpa grew less frequent. Eventually, my grandparents moved to a different house, and on our first visit to their new home, my grandma shuffled around to “wow” us with her walk-in closet, her somewhat up-to-date laundry appliances and, of course, Grandpa’s chair. Grandpa himself had been silent up until this point, sitting patiently at the kitchen table alongside his oxygen tank. This chair, however, seemed reason enough for him to get up.
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. Blessing for thw Wine Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu Meelech Haolam, Borei p’ri hagafen Praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine. Blessing for the Bread (Challah) Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu Melech haolam, Hamotzi Lechem min haaretz. Our Praise to You Eternal our God, Sovereign of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.
Friday, November 9, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:19 pm Shabbat, November 10, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:15 pm Friday, November 16, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:15 pm Shabbat, November 17, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:12 pm Friday, November 23, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:12 pm Shabbat, November 24, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:09 pm Friday, November 30, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:10 pm Shabbat, December 1, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:08 pm
Alongside my grandma, he led us into the family room, where he pointed to a chair upholstered in olive-green, corduroy-like fabric. He playfully hit my brother on the shoulder and told him to sit down. “Watch this,” he said with as much as excitement as his ailing lungs would allow him to express. He pulled out a white plastic controller that had been squished between the cushions of the chair. He held down one of the buttons, watched the chair recline and the footrest pop out, and then he looked at my brother, searching for any sign of amazement. My brother humored him and told Grandpa how incredible the chair was. A year later, we returned. The house hadn’t changed, but when I walked into the kitchen, I saw the strangest thing: a reddish-brown oval, about the size of my palm, resting on three toothpicks. After looking closer, I noticed it had a face drawn on it with a Sharpie.
Grandpa. He too knew it would be his last visit with us. I sat with him at his small white kitchen table. I wanted to do most of the speaking so that he could save his energy, but there was too much I wanted to know; he had lived 86 years, and I’d known him for only 17 of them. I asked about his dates with my grandma and about their marriage. I asked about some of his part-time jobs, like scooping ice cream, and asked which was his favorite. I asked what the happiest time in his life was. “There were a few years when me and your grandma went to live up north,” he told me. “The kids were grown, so we quit our jobs and went up there. We had about $4,000 in the bank – if something had happened, we would have been S.O.L – but nothing happened, and we were happy.”
“That’s George,” he said, doing nothing to alleviate my confusion.
When Abraham dies in this week’s Torah portion, Chayei Sarah, we read that “Abraham was old, well advanced in years, and G-d had blessed Abraham with everything…Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years (Genesis 24:1 and 25:8).”
It turned out that George had been an apple in an earlier life. In an unwavering voice – as if his story described an entirely normal series of events – my grandpa explained that he had been curious what would happen if he left an apple out for a very long time. Then, when George the apple stopped being able to stand on his own, Grandpa had built him the stand with toothpicks.
Likewise, my grandpa – and everyone else who has set foot on this earth – suffered during his lifetime. And yet, we say, “G-d had blessed [him] with everything” because G-d gave him life, and we are thankful.
“Grandpa, what is that?” I asked, offering him an ‘I love you, but you’re also very weird’ sort of look.
When it came time to head back to Atlanta, I could feel the bones in my grandpa’s back as I wrapped my arms around him. He told me to take good care of myself and of my family; he always said that. Then, as always, he sat back down in his chair and stared blankly at the wall. I always wondered what he was thinking, but he rarely said much. I spent the next couple of minutes asking G-d to take care of him, and to allow me to come back to visit just one more time. Time Together is a Privilege Last December, we made what we knew would be our last visit with
Abraham was forced to leave his home, then faced a famine. He had a barren wife; then, after finally being blessed with a son, he was asked to sacrifice him.
G-d, thank you for sharing my grandpa with me. He is now in Your hands; please take care of him. Editor’s note: Rachel LaVictoire 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.
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
By Rachel LaVictoire
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AJT
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Fri., Nov. 9 Canoe Campout Meet-up, “Way Down Upon the Suwanee River” weekend trip. Returning Monday evening. Fri., Nov. 9, 5 p.m. $90/Mosaic members, $95/nonmembers. Best Western Hotel in Lake City, Fla. RSVP to (954) 435-3388 or rick@dronsky.com. Rockin’ Shabbat, Kabbalat Shabbat and Traditoinal Shabbat Dinner. Fri., Nov. 9, 6:15 p.m. $18/adults & kids 10+, $10/kids 3-9, free for 3 & under. Reservations required. (770) 399-0766. Sat., Nov. 10 Family 3 Star Outdoor Adventure, children’s playground, light dinner and Havdallah service. Followed by the “Parents Night Out” program. Sat., Nov. 10, 4:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom. bshalom.net. Social Action Shabbat, part of the Jewish Community Food Stamp Challenge. Congregants try to live on $1.50 per meal. RSVP to (770) 399-5300 or office@bshalom.net. Sun., Nov. 11 Adult Ed, “Substance Abuse & Raising Middle and High Schoolers: Trends, Signs to Look For and More” Sun., Nov. 11, 9:30 a.m. Jewish Family & Career Services. (770) 677-9300. Film Showing and Discussion, see “Everything is Illuminated” and speak on the power of memory and the Holocaust with Eugen Schoenfeld. Sun., Nov. 11, 11 a.m. Free. Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta. (770) 677-9300.
Live Music
Game Day, with Bridge Club of Atlanta. Sun., Nov. 11, 11 a.m. $36/person. Fountain Oaks Shopping Center in Sandy Springs. For info, call (404) 256-9897 or visit wendy@leskraitzickandassoc.com. Improv Workshop, join Atlanta Jewish Singles Under 40 for two hours of Improv 101. Sun., Nov. 11, 6:30 p.m. $15/ person. The Basement Theater. meetup. com/AtlantaJewishSinglesUnder40. Tues., Nov. 13 Tour of Oakland Cemetary, guided tour focusing on Jewish section. Food and drink at Six Feet Under after. Tues., Nov. 13, 3:15 p.m. Historic Oakland Cemetary. (770) 846-6268 or drbob@ drbobisrael.com. U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Atlanta Tribute Dinner, recognizing local contributors. Tues., Nov. 13, 6 p.m. The Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom. (678) 553-3151 or (866) 521-9457. Wed., Nov. 14 Ketura Hadassah Centennial Conversations, panelists describe experiences at the Hadassah Birthday Centennial Convention in Israel. Wed., Nov. 14, 7 p.m. $10/person. Includes refreshments. Hadassah Medical Center. RSVP to ebfrank619@gmai.com. Thur., Nov. 15 Annual Meeting of The William Breman Jewish Home, honorees: Margie Stern and Marty Pollock. Reception afterward, all welcome. Thur., Nov. 15, 6 p.m. Breman Jewish Home. (404) 3518410
Wednesday December 12 • 8pm Klezmer Local 42
“One of the best klezmer bands north of Baxter Street”
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
--Northeast Georgia Klezmer Review
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$10 at door RSVP at 404-441-9475
Klezmer Local 42 continues a rich Jewish musical tradition
that began with the original band in Lublin, Poland in 1892 and continues today in Atlanta.
404-418-6777 | 234 Hilderbrand Dr. • Sandy Springs • 30328
Tickets: steveslivemusic.com
Emory Dance Fall Concert, “Vault” Thur., Nov. 15, 8 p.m. $12/person, $8/ students. Schwartz Center Dance Studio. Call box office at (404) 727-5050. Fri., Nov. 16 Martinis and IMAX, at Fernbank Museum with DJ and full bar. Fri., Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. $13/adults, $12/students & seniors. $7/person without IMAX. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. For tickets, (404) 929-6400 or museumtix. com.
Beth Jacob. To be a vendor, contact shopandshmooze@gmail.com. Fab Film Festival, series of movies and discussion. Now showing “Uzpishin.” Benefits Hadassah. Sun., Nov. 18, 1:15 p.m. $10/person. Private residence. RSVP by Nov. 11 to (404) 5498397 or sarnacle@gmail.com.
Project Inspire Ariel, turn Friday night into Shabbos. Dinner program. Fri., Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. $10/adults, $5/children (4 or older). Congregation Ariel. RSVP to shuloffice@congariel.org.
Tues., Nov. 20 Thriving Beyond Surviving Support Group Series, “Feeding Body and Soul,” a tasty exploration of the ways in which food and its preparation can enhance our healing. Tues., Nov. 20, 7 p.m. William Breman Jewish Home. RSVP to jfirestone@weinsteinhospice.org or (404) 352-4308.
Sat., Nov. 17 Mother-Daughter Tefillah, for middle school aged girls and their mothers led by Mrs. Nechoma Birnbaum in the social garage. Sat., Nov. 17, 10:30 a.m. Congregation Ariel. (770) 390-9071.
Tues., Nov. 27 Rosh Chodesh course, “It’s About Time: Kabbalistic Insights for Taking Charge of Your Life,” monthly meetings. Next on Tues., Nov. 27. Jewish Learning Center. chabadga.com.
Game Day Party, watch college football with Metro Atlanta Jewish Singles. Sat., Nov. 17, 11 a.m. Private residence. meetup.com/Metro-Atlanta-Jewish-Singles.
Fri., Nov. 30 Etz Chaim Scholar-in-Residence, weekend of events featuring Dr. Michael Brenebaum: “The Holocaust: Are We Making Too Much of It, Too Little of It, and Where Does It Get Us?” Begins Fri., Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m. Congregation Etz Chaim. Register at etzchaim.net/lilmodereg.aspx.
Art Visions Artist Market, benefiting the Paideia School’s art program and promoting art education with over 100 local eco-friendly artists. King of Pops on-site. Sat., Nov. 17, 12 p.m. The Paideia School. (770) 377-3941. Family Movie Night, Havdallah and movie supporting CSI Youth. Refreshments for sale. Sat., Nov. 17, 6 p.m. Congregation Shearith Israel. For info, contact marill@mindspring.com. Havdalah for the Sole, an evening of foot massage, fun and friends; begins with a short Havdalah ceremony. Limited space. Sat., Nov. 17, 7 p.m. Treat Your Feet. RSVP to brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org. Primetimers Bunco and PotLuck, please bring a dinner item that corresponds with the first letter of your last name. Sat., Nov. 17, 7 p.m. $5/person. Congregation Dor Tamid. RSVP by Nov. 12 to (678) 957-1272 or grandmacaren1011@gmail.com. Letter assignments and info at dortamid.org. Square Dance, Hadassah group with the Etz Chaim Prime Timers. Sat., Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. $10/person. Congregation Etz Chaim. (770) 977-3384. Sun., Nov. 18 Chanukah Bazaar, 4th-annual “Shop & Shmooze Bazaar.” Bring precious metals to trade for cash; proceeds to support Florence and Seymour Gerson Mikvah. Sun., Nov. 18, 7:30 a.m. Congregation
Sun., Dec. 2 Ground Breaking Ceremony, Jeff & Carrla Goldstein Youth and Education Center. Sun., Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m. Congregation Beth Tefillah. (404) 843-2464. Celebration of the 19th of Kislev, with guests speaker Rabbi Tzvi and Mrs. Nomi Freeman and a special video presentation. Sun., Dec. 2, 8 p.m. Free. Chabad of Cobb. RSVP by Nov. 29 to office@ chabadofcobb.com. Folk Music Concert, Balalaika Fantasie with music from Russian, Gypsy and Jewish cultures. Sun., Dec. 2, 4 p.m. $5/person, free for ages 12 & under. Congregation Shearith Israel. (770) 873-1743. Ongoing Jewish Alcoholics Chemically Dependent Persons And Significant Others Meeting, calling all Jewish persons with a desire to get help with their own addiction or with a loved one’s addiction. First and third Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Congregation Etz Chaim. (770) 928-2523 or georgiatraveler@att.net. Torah as a Means to a Sacred Experience, weekly lunch and learn hosted by Frederick Ravid and Phil Levetan. Reservations recommended. Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. $6/person. Selig Enterprises. yes@ reallyfree.org or (678) 753-5813.
AJT
MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING
Phil Einstein
OF ATLANTA VIA MOBILE Phil Einstein – affectionately known as “Dr. Phil” – native of Mobile, Ala. and resident of Atlanta, died Tues., Oct. 30, 2012. He worked as a sales consultant with NCH Corporation for nearly 40 years and was dedicated to his customers. Phil was a compassionate man, a beloved father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah and Louis Einstein of Mobile. Survivors include two sons, David Jay Einstein of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and Mark Jerome Einstein of Waco, Texas; two brothers, Harold (Laura) Einstein of Atlanta and Nathan (Sugie) Einstein of Greenville, S.C.; five nephews, Lance (Emily) Einstein, Seth (Loren) Einstein, Daniel (Liz) Einstein, Howard (Angi) Einstein and Randy Einstein; and special friends Bradley Katz and Jack Aronson. Graveside services and interment were held Thurs., Nov. 1, 2012 in the Ahavas Chesed Cemetery in Mobile. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions may be made to Congregation B’Nai Torah, 700 Mount Vernon Hwy., Atlanta, GA 30328 or to Ahavas Chesed, 705 Regents Way, Mobile, AL 36609. Condolences may be offered at radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home.
Betty Levitt 86, OF ATLANTA
Mrs. Betty Levitt, age 86 of Atlanta, died Oct. 27, 2012. Survivors include her son, Harley Levitt; son and daughter-in-law, Howard and Pamela Levitt; daughter, Renie Levitt; and three grandchildren. Sign online guest book at edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the William Breman Jewish Home, 3150 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30327 or Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30327. A graveside service was held Tues., Oct. 30, 2012 at 1 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Neal Sandler officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.
Nathan Srochi
lI NE ST W IN G
Nathan Srochi passed away on the evening of Oct. 30, 2012 at the age of 54. He was born on Oct. 14, 1958 in Atlanta. He was preceded in death by his beloved father, Alan Srochi, of blessed memory; and is survived by his loving family, including his mother and stepfather, Rebecca and Norman Nirenblatt; brothers and sisters: Samuel Srochi, Morris Srochi, David and Allison Srochi, Amy and Robert Lawrence and Bradley and Cynthia Nirenblatt; nephews and nieces: Alan, Sara, Jordan, Maddie, Lilly, Ryan, Eric, Johnny, Billy, Ellen and Daniel; and his beloved little buddies, Shadow and Millie. Sign online guestbook at edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Atlanta Humane Society or the Diabetes Foundation. A graveside service was held on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Ron Segal officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care. Sandy Springs $575,000
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NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
54, OF ATLANTA
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JEWISH PUZZLER by Kathi Handler (bookssss@aol.com)
Across 1. Sagan sight 5. Securely 11. Scotch name starter 14. Father (Yid) 15. Magen David 16. __Yoelson 17. King of Judah 18. Standing prayer 19. Number of tribes 20. Manilow manic? 21. Zeigfeld’s nickname 22. Lou Grant lead 24. Bro to Marceau 26. Title for Golda 27. Lauren line 28. Shavuot delights 31. Distant 32. Portrait bust sculptor 35. Tied the Torah 38. Solomon’s find 39. Walked with Tsahal 41. __ Carte 42. “Wild Things” artist 44. Small amounts 46. Negev or Galil 47. Molly Picon movie 48. Beame and Vigoda 50. Laughing sound 51. Tsitsit sites 55. Brian Epstein’s clients 57. “Sea” to Marceau 59. Round for Spitz 60. Censor 61. Former PLO leader 63. Stockings 64. Corp.
65. “Calendar Girl”, singer 66. Matzoh maker’s need 67. Haifa to Jerusalem (dir) 68. Hebrew letters 69. Chanukah booty
53. Equipment for Modigliani 54. Used his shekels 56. Benjamin to Jacob 57. Create 58. Stats for El AL 62. Rage 63. Chazzer (Eng)
43. Household shmutz? 45. Satiated 47. Israeli mesa? 48. Yippie Hoffman 49. Bubkes (Eng) 50. City of Dan 52. Schacht prop
Last week’s answers
Down 1. Cane for Moses 2. Mother to line of Judah 3. Say the Viddui 4. Like David from Saul 5. Crest 6. Uzi must 7. USA Shin Bet? 8. Medad and Eldad 9. Imitates Joshua 10. Athletic org. 11. Zionist leader 12. Swift scribe 13. Geniza locale 21. Igor actor in “Young Frankenstein” 23. Practice for Baer 25. Al Rosen stat 26. Afternoon prayer 29. First Swedish Jew _ Aron 30. Neither’s partner 31. “_ on the Roof” 32. Selznick, initially 33. Exist 34. “Justice, not __” by S. Wiesenthal 35. Wilder or Barry 36. Lamed (Eng) 37. “__Kapital” Marx work 40. Noah’s boy
Chess Puzzle of the Week by Jon Hochberg
Challenge: White to move: Checkmate in 2 moves
Last week’s puzzle solution. White moves Knight to h6, checking the King. Black reponds by moving the King to h8 (pawn can’t capture Knight due to pin.) White moves Bishop to g7 for the Checkmate. 1)Nh6+ 2)Kh8 3)Bg7# 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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Rediscover Atlanta’s Jewish Museum
thebreman.org
Inspiring Visions
TUESDAY DEC 4, 6pm
A Film & Conversation on Education & Human Rights with Dr. Joyce Ladner moderated by Hank Klibanoff
The Breman Museum offers visitors personal and engaging stories about the Jewish Arts, History, and Identity.
Jan. to
Absence of Humanity: The Holocaust Years, 1933 – 1945
May
2013
OCT 2013 Rich’s Department Store Exhibition
MAY-SEPT 2013
Call 678-222-3700 to reserve your personal or group Docent led tour for all galleries Sunday – Friday or visit us at 1440 Spring Street, Atlanta Georgia, 30309. Hours Monday–Thursday 10am – 5pm Friday 10am – 3pm Sunday 1 – 5pm Admission Members Free Adults: $12 Seniors (62 and over): $8 Students and Teachers: $6 Children ages 3-6: $4 Membership Call 678-222-3700 or email rkatz@thebreman.org
© 2012 The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, Atlanta, Georgia, 30309
�
NOVEMBER 9 ▪ 2012
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And FREE Museum Admission Friday November 23 From 10-4 Select Merchandise up to 75% Off. Jewelry, Toys, Judaica, Crafts, Menorahs.
Creating Community: The Jews of Atlanta From 1845 to Present and Special Exhibitions.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 9 BEARING WITNESS Robert Ratonyi
Museum Store Sale!
The Museum is home to exhibition galleries. Experience: Absence of Humanity: The Holocaust Years, 1933 – 1945,
thebreman.org