J DEFEAT?
Under Jeremy Ben-Ami, J Street, fresh off its national conference, is cutting efforts to grow in Atlanta. Page 4
1930S REPEAT?
CIVIL DUTY
Yom HaShoah speaker Irving Roth warns of the parallels between anti-Semitism now and then. Page 18
Women return from a mission trip through Alabama with insight on the civil rights movement. Page 16
Atlanta VOL. XC NO. 12
APRIL 3, 2015 | 14 NISAN 5775
WWW.ATLANTAJEWISHTIMES.COM
Taste of Pesach
Jacobs Helps Halt Bill On Religion
S
Leslie Chaffer offers daughter Alyssa, 5, a taste of chocolate-covered matzah during the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s pre-Passover family celebration, Matzah and Magic. Alyssa’s twin, Julia, is just out of the picture. You can get the full picture on Passover, which starts at sundown Friday, April 4, with our special section, Pages 28 to 57.
FLOWER POWER
More than 600 people, including many from Jewish and Catholic schools, run and walk around Dunwoody for the Daffodil Dash. Page 20-21
MEMORIES
The sixth Atlanta Jewish Music Festival is in the past, but we can’t stop humming and singing along with the sounds of success. Page 26
Israel
INSIDE 3 Arts
26
Calendar
6 Passover
28
Candle Lighting
6 Obituaries
58
Education
7 Death Notices
60
Local News
8 Crossword
61
Opinion
9 Marketplace
62
enate Bill 129, Georgia’s religious liberty legislation, was tabled March 26 after the House Judiciary Committee added an anti-discrimination amendment proposed by Rep. Mike Jacobs, R-Brookhaven. The Judiciary Committee’s vote to table S.B. 129 likely killed the legislation for 2015, although proponents had until the General Assembly’s adjournment April 2 (after we went to press) to revive the bill. The Anti-Defamation League and rabbis representing all denominations of Judaism spoke out against S.B. 129, warning that it would turn faith into a license to discriminate. Proponents noted that the language follows the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. Two other Republicans on the committee, Beth Beskin of Buckhead and Jay Powell of Camilla, joined Jacobs and six Democrats in passing the amendment 9-8 after Republican proponents said they couldn’t support the amended bill. The amendment added one clause to the bill: “and protecting persons against discrimination on any ground prohibited by federal, state or local law.” Sen. Josh McKoon, R-Columbus, said the “very elastic terms” in that clause would create enough exceptions to destroy his bill. Jacobs, who is Jewish, said he accepts claims that S.B. 129 is not meant to aid discrimination. But in response to overwhelming opposition to the bill from his district, he wants it to be explicit. “This is what my constituents want me to do, ... This is what I want to do.” See more, Pages 10-11. ■
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ISRAEL
Israel Pride: Good News From Our Jewish Home
Device to prevent heart failure. Tel Aviv-based Vectorious Medical has raised $5 million to take its miniature wireless hemodynamic monitoring sensory implant into human trials. The device measures and reports left atrial pressure, a reliable early indication of cardiac deterioration, which medication can treat. An even bigger heart. Tel Aviv-based SHL Telemedicine specializes in providing remote diagnosis and monitoring services for patients suffering from chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its second German acquisition in two years is GPH, which monitors 10,000 heart patients. Baseball for all. The Israel Association of Baseball launched Baseball for All (Baseball Le’Kulam), the first program to teach Jewish and Arab Israeli children to play baseball. Twenty-eight sixth-graders from Modiin and Ramla learned about baseball and about one another. India’s PM tweets in Hebrew. Relations between India and Israel have improved so much since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected. After Israel’s elections, Modi tweeted in Hebrew, “Mazel tov, my friend Bibi @Netanyahu. I remember our meeting in New York last September warmly.” 12 young science geniuses. Twelve teenagers won the top prizes in the Intel-Israel Young Scientists Competition in Jerusalem. Their projects covered medicine, mathematics, linguistics, music, anthropology and satellite technology. The 12 will travel to international finals in Pittsburgh and Milan and receive academic scholarships. Hundreds of schools in tech contest. Hundreds of Israeli middle and high schools are participating in the biggest programming contest in Israeli history,
with prizes totaling 100,000 shekels. Israel’s Center for Educational Technology wants students to learn to write code using CodeMonkey, an Israeli interactive computer game. Brainihack 2015. The winning project at this year’s Brainihack in Tel Aviv, Emochat, used a Neurosteer Brain Computer Interface device to interpret another person’s emotions based on brain activity. No need anymore to see facial expression or hear voice tone. Microsoft opens new Haifa R&D center. Twenty-four years after selecting Haifa for its first research-and-development center outside the United States, Microsoft is inaugurating a new R&D center in the city. The building covers more than 80,000 square feet, houses 150 engineers and allows Microsoft to expand by hiring dozens more. Multinational cooperation week. The Israeli R&D centers of Motorola, Microsoft, Marvell Technology, Deutsche Telekom, Citibank, Kodak and GE are holding their third Weekathon in three years to develop products together. Each company is sending up to five senior programmers to develop “the next big thing.” Magisto revolutionizes Facebook. Magisto, an Israeli video storytelling platform with more than 55 million registered users, is a key part of Facebook’s newly launched Messenger platform. Using Magisto’s patented artificial intelligence technology, EmotionSense, Facebook transforms text and photos into a video with music, motion and special effects. Where to go next with your smartphone? Israel’s Deeplink.me has launched AppWords, a mobile search and ad platform that uses keywords to trigger relevant content between apps. For example, after finishing with a booking app to buy theater tickets, you receive custom bids from your restaurant apps. Israeli scientists calculate Saturn’s day. Scientists at Tel Aviv University have solved the mystery of Saturn’s days, determining that one day on the planet lasts a little more than 10 hours and 32 minutes, seven minutes shorter than originally calculated. Unemployment at record low. Israel’s unemployment rate in February fell
Startup Nation index. The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and BlueStar Indexes launched an index to track Israeli startup tech companies. The BlueStar Israel Global Technology Index (BIGITech) comprises 57 companies with a total market value of $75 billion. ■
from 5.6 percent to 5.3 percent, the lowest adjusted rate ever recorded by Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics. Easing the pressure. Teva Pharmaceutical has launched a generic equivalent to blood pressure drug Exforge in the United States, offering a cheaper alternative to a drug with $409 million in annual sales, Globes reports.
Compiled courtesy of verygoodnewsisrael. blogspot.com and other news sources.
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APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
Brain disease mechanism discovered. Researchers at Israel’s Ben-Gurion University and the University of California — a hotbed of the BDS movement against Israel — have discovered a molecular mechanism in a mutant gene that governs how ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) attacks motor neurons. They have also identified that the protein MIF inhibits this mechanism. The discovery is also relevant to other neurodegenerative diseases.
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ISRAEL
J Street No Longer Growing Chapters
Group instead targets influencers, Green Line declarations By Jan Jaben-Eilon
W
hile the fifth national conference of the pro-Israel, pro-peace J Street lobbying group made headlines around the world in late March, Atlanta chapter members were caught off-guard by
nivers 2 0t h A n
Ary
what didn’t make the news. For the past year or so, Atlanta J Street activists had felt diminished support from the Washington-based organization, created in 2008. The Atlanta chapter had co-sponsored writer and political analyst Peter Beinart in November 2012, the Israeli film “The Gatekeepers,” in April 2013, and a de-
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bate between Rabbi Daniel Gordis and J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami in February 2014 for the entire Atlanta Jewish community. The chapter also held several smaller programs for members. But many Atlanta activists said they’d felt adrift lately. In an interview at the conference with the Atlanta Jewish Times, Rachel A. Lerner, the senior vice president for community relations at J Street, acknowledged that the organization has decided to refocus its limited resources. “Over the past year and a half, we’ve re-evaluated our field organization,” she said. “We’re creating effective advocacy networks across the country in places without an enormous Jewish community to effectively engage with Congress.” Those networks are being dubbed J-Span, according to Jessica L.D. Rosenblum, the director of communications and media outreach at J Street. The term, she said, was coined in 2014 to refer to “areas where we are focusing on cultivating local leadership to support our advocacy work but where we don’t yet have a full chapter presence.” Dotan Z. Harpak, one of the Atlanta chapter’s leaders, said that was news to him. He didn’t recall being informed of any new policy affecting the Atlanta chapter, nor had he heard of J-Span. Activists in other Southeastern cities also expressed ignorance of J-Span. Lerner said J-Span will focus on “influential people” in these communities to engage with Congress, defining the term as rabbis, Jewish leaders and political donors. “We’re an organization with limited resources, and our top priority is to engage members of Congress. Where resources are limited, that’s where we want to focus.” Untouched by this new direction are Atlanta-area students who are part of J Street U, which was prominent at the conference with more than 1,100 students, one-third of the participants. Emory University junior Leah Michalove of Atlanta returned from the conference, titled “A Clear Choice for a Better Future,” fired up to develop the pro-Israel conversation at Emory. “At the student session at the conference,” she said, “we talked about our successes and new initiatives to bring home, such as how we as students can address the power held by conservative donors.” J Street used the conference to
Photo by Moshe Zusman
J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami speaks during his organization’s Washington conference.
pose two new challenges to its activists around the country: to approach local Jewish federations to find out whether they fund any programs on the Palestinian side of the Green Line and to replace any maps of Israel in local Jewish institutions that don’t display the Green Line. Such maps were provided to everyone at the J Street conference. The United Israel Appeal identifies the Green Line as the boundaries before the June 1967 war, plus Jerusalem as defined by Israel. The UIA is an independent legal entity that is responsible for the allocation and oversight of funds raised by U.S. Jewish federation campaigns on behalf of Israel. An example of what J Street wants was added to the website of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, Ore.: “No core Federation dollars go beyond the Green Line. UIA does not fund, nor does it build, any buildings beyond the Green Line.” According to news reports, students in Portland approached that city’s federation CEO, Marc Blattner, formerly of the Atlanta Federation, to seek clarification about funding beyond the Green Line. The website addition was a response to their challenge. A spokeswoman for Federation in Atlanta said none of its funding is sent over the Green Line, although J Street has not contacted Federation about it. J Street’s strategy is to push Jewish organizations that say they favor a twostate solution and to delineate what that means. Michalove said she was heartened by a meeting J Street U students held with Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the president of the Union for Reform Judaism, at the Washington conference. “He committed to making that change at every URJ camp,” she said. ■
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LOCAL NEWS
his personal life since his wife’s death two years ago. He is moving to New Jersey to serve as dean of the Hillel Yeshiva and be closer to his daughter and son-in-law.
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EDITORIAL
10 Years Ago April 1, 2005
■ The Weber School has completed the sale of 10.5 acres of its 30-acre site at the intersection of Roswell and Abernathy roads in Sandy Springs to Jolly Development. The deal with the real estate developer will enable the Jewish high school to move ahead with construction on its new campus, with the goal of opening in the fall or winter of 2006.
mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com Associate Editor
DAVID R. COHEN
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Contributors This Week APRIL BASLER DAVID BENKOF SUZI BROZMAN LUCAS DEAR JORDAN GORFINKEL ZACH ITZKOVITZ JAN JABEN-EILON LEAH HARRISON MARCIA JAFFE JASON KAPLAN RABBI PAUL KERBEL RABBI MARK HILLEL KUNIS BENJAMIN KWESKIN JOSHUA E. LONDON GAIL LUXENBERG KEVIN MADIGAN FRAN MEMBERG MELANIE NELKIN TED ROBERTS DAVE SAVAGE SHAINDLE SCHMUCKLER EUGEN SCHOENFELD AL SHAMS CHANA SHAPIRO DAVID SHAPIRO PAULA SHOYER JOE STERLING
25 Years Ago March 30, 1990 ■ The headmaster of the Greenfield Hebrew Academy, Ephraim Frankel, resigned his post of 23 years in a letter last week to board President Eliot Arnovitz. The resignation is effective at the end of August. Frankel cited the change in
■ Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Berger of Lynn, Mass., announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Marilyn June Berger, to Jacob M. Baker, son of Sam Baker of Atlanta and the late Mrs. Dasha Baker.
■ Dan and Julie Moradi of Alpharetta announce the birth of their daughter, Leah Judith, on Oct. 28, 2004. She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was 19½ inches long.
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50 Years Ago April 2, 1965 ■ The assassination of a civil rights worker during the Selma-Montgomery sequel last week brought swift condemnation of the un-American Ku Klux Klan from President Johnson. A Klan attorney in Atlanta, among other comments, accused the Anti-Defamation League of being a secret organization for international bankers, but Gov. Carl Sanders defended the “non-secret nature” of the work of all facets of B’nai B’rith.
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■ The bar mitzvah of Marc Rubenstein of Atlanta, son of Brian and Gayle Rubenstein, will take place at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 7, at B’nai Torah Synagogue.
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CALENDAR SATURDAY, APRIL 4
Community seder. Dave Savage leads an English-language seder for people of all backgrounds at 6:30 p.m. at City of Light, 1379 Tullie Road, Atlanta, with setup at 5:30. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 12 (free for those who want to chant any of the Four Questions in Hebrew), plus a potluck dish to share. Send checks to Dave Savage c/o City of Light Seder Service, 980 St. Charles Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, or pay at the door. Second seder. The Sixth Point holds its No-Hater, Never-Greater 2nd Seder for young professionals and their families and friends at Huntcliff River Club, 9072 River Run, Sandy Springs, at 6 p.m. Registration is $25 per adult and $15 per child until March 27, then $30 and $20 until April 1; www.freshtix. com/events/no-hater-never-greater2nd-seder.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
Film history. Bob Bahr teaches “Fitting In — A Short History of Jewish Film in America” for six weeks, beginning today with the original “The Jazz Singer,” at 10 a.m. at Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive, Sandy Springs. Open to all; register at www.templesinaiatlanta.org.
Temple Sinai and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival are co-sponsors.
CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES
Passover Friday, April 3, light candles at 7:42 p.m. Saturday, April 4, Shabbat and first day of Passover end at 8:38 p.m. Sunday, April 5, second day of Passover ends at 8:39 p.m. Passover Thursday, April 9, light candles at 7:46 p.m. Friday, April 10, light candles at 7:47 p.m. Saturday, April 11, Shabbat and Passover end at 8:44 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
ACCESS town hall. Learn about American Jewish Committee Atlanta’s under-40 division and share your thoughts on its future as it reaches its 25th birthday at the AJC’s Buckhead offices, 3525 Piedmont Road, Building Six, at 6 p.m. Free; register at www. ajcatlanta.org.
itemid/6418/d/20150410/Register.aspx.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
Special seder. The annual Hunger Seder to bring attention to the hungry and learn ways to help moves to the seventh night of the holiday and starts at 6:30 p.m. at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave., Buckhead. Tickets are $36; www.concretejungle.org/HungerSederATL.
Yom HaShoah. Holocaust survivor and author Irving Roth speaks at the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s annual commemoration at 3:30 p.m. at the Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Free, rain or shine.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
Holocaust memorial concert. Zimria Festivale Atlanta and the Lynn Swanson Festival Singers, perform Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and free for children 12 and younger; www.festivalsingers.org or at the door.
Kabbalistic Passover finale. Rabbi David Spinrad and the First Friday crew hold a mystical eighth-night seder at 8 p.m. at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., Midtown. The cost is $25, with proceeds going to the Blessing Box Project. Limited to 50 people; the-temple.org/calendar/ tabid/237/ctl/editreg/mid/616/
aha a
CREATING EARLY LEARNING MOMENTS
TUESDAY, APRIL 14
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
Ambassadorial view. Marc Ginsberg, former U.S. ambassador to Morocco, speaks about the Middle East at 7 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, in a program co-sponsored by Friends of the IDF. Free; register at www.fidfcbs416.splashthat.com.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Silver anniversary. Celebrate 25 years of ACCESS, the American Jewish Committee’s under-40 division, with a gala at 8 p.m. at Le Fais do-do. Tickets are $65 until April 3, then $75; www. ajcatlanta.org/access25. Send items for the calendar to submissions@atljewishtimes.com.
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APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
ENROLL TODAY
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LOCAL EDUCATION NEWS
The Blind Leading the Blind to stand for human rights — specifically, the rights of the Palestinian people. SJP is an outgrowth of an organization called the General Union of Palestinian Students, which was founded on the campus of San Francisco State University in 1973. When you uncover the truth about many of these pro-Palestinian
Guest Column By Lucas Dear
groups on campus, specifically SJP, you begin to see the disturbing aspect about what is in their inner core and the truth about why these groups are so vehemently against Israel. Unfortunately, the SJP’s methods of advocating are not based on finding a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but rather on demonizing Israel every chance they get based on skewed evidence.
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Instead of calling for a peaceful two-state solution, SJP uses slogans such as “We support the intifada,” “Long live the intifada,” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” If groups like the SJP were inclined to talk about peaceful solutions in this conflict, they would not call for Israel’s destruction through violence. One of the ways in which the anti-Israel groups make false claims against Israel is to say that it is an “occupation” and that the settlements are illegal. Critics of Israel, specifically in terms of settlements, rely on the same interpretation of one clause in an international document, Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949. Article 49 forbids transfers of populations to occupied territories: “The Occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population in the territory it occupies.” Look at the West Bank. The Israelis are not being deported to the West Bank, and the Palestinians are not being deported from the West Bank. The SJP claims that the Israeli occupation of the settlements is oppression of the
Palestinian people, which is false. The connection between the SJP and the BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanctions) movement is another point of speculation toward these pro-Palestinian groups. Even the Palestinian Authority has criticized the BDS movement. In December 2013, PA President Mahmoud Abbas declared, “A boycott of Israel is not in the interests of the Palestinian people.” But the SJP and the BDS movements are relentless in pushing for the financial cutting-off of Israel — a tactic that is more extreme than even those of the PA. The sentiment these groups bring with them is one of hatred and anger on campuses instead of a movement of dialogue and open debate. The SJP and other anti-Israel groups influence one another in ways in which the blind leads the blind. With this kind of approach, no positive resolutions will be accomplished, and no reconciliation will result. ■ Lucas Dear, a senior at Georgia State University, lives in Buckhead.
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APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
T
hese past few weeks featured Israel Apartheid Week on many college campuses around the world. The Israel Apartheid Week website talks about the yearly anti-Israel bashing, saying, “The series of events are supposed to raise awareness about Israel’s apartheid polices towards the Palestinians, and to build support for organizing groups such as BDS, and SJP.” In actuality, these events that are being put on by these organizations are causing anti-Semitic action toward Jewish students and making the pro-Israel students feel uncomfortable to be able to express their views. Specifically, earlier this year, a Jewish student at Temple University was assaulted by members of Students for Justice in Palestine, who hurled disgusting insults such as “kike” and “baby killer,” after he tried to engage in conversation with members from the group. An active group on campus that participates in Israel Apartheid Week, Students for Justice in Palestine claims
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JF&CS Transitions Don’t Alter Mission By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
gramming and community outreach. Aranson and Miller showed simi-
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ewish Family & Career Services celebrated a double leadership transition at its annual meeting March 26 at Temple Sinai. The typical transition was the end of Lynn Redd’s two-year term as president, the organization’s lay leader, who gave way to John Perlman. The unusual transition came in the professional ranks. After 24 years, Gary Miller was attending his final annual meeting as the CEO. Rick Aranson, the 11-year chief operating officer, will take over in July. “Our new leaders … will take the agency to new heights,” Redd said in assessing her “very busy, productive two years” as president. She said the accomplishments of her term included: • The launching of a $5.1 million capital campaign to complete the JF&CS campus in Dunwoody, toward which $1.6 million has been raised during the campaign’s quiet phase. • Efforts to earn income from some of the services and technologies JF&CS offers to those who can afford to pay, a process that aims to ensure the agency’s sustainability by getting managers to think like social entrepreneurs. • Increased cooperation with other agencies in the belief that JF&CS should stick to the things it does best or that no one else does and should find partners for other services. • The development of a board with new members and new talents. • The transition from Miller to Aranson, which includes keeping Miller as a consultant to oversee the capital campaign. She attributed much of her success to Perlman, whom she called the most active first vice president ever. Perlman, who served as the president of JF&CS predecessor Jewish Vocational Services in the early 1990s, demonstrated the smooth shift in the presidency when he listed the accomplishments he hopes to celebrate in two years: new facilities funded by the capital campaign; continued growth of earned income; a continued emphasis on doing only those things JF&CS does the best; a positive transition from Miller to Aranson; and expanded pro-
Photo by Eric Bern
Rick Aranson will become the CEO of JF&CS in July.
lar continuity. “You have made JF&CS what it is today,” Aranson told Miller. Aranson said he doesn’t expect the agency’s vision to change much, except as necessary to meet new community needs. “I envision JF&CS as an impactdriven, progressive and dynamic organization that balances a sophisticated business strategy while respecting its mission, tradition and core values.” He, Miller, Redd and Perlman emphasized that all they do is about the mission. For his part, after explaining the four keys to the alchemy of building a dynamic organization, Miller said it comes down to the people. “I have been blessed with the greatest dream team in the history of nonprofits.” Some members of the team were honored at the meeting: • Board member Mindy Sard, the co-chair of The Tasting, was given the Herbert Kohn Meritorious Service Award. • Comptroller John Jordan received the Stacy G. Fialkow Staff Professional Development Award. • Outgoing Ben Massell Dental Clinic Chief of Staff David Zelby was recognized for more than 35 years of volunteer service at the clinic, including 15 years as chief of staff. Stephen Bankston is taking over that role. “The universe is unfolding as it should,” Miller said. Addressing the new leadership, the Canadian added: “To you I hand the torch. … Good luck, G-dspeed and make us all proud. No pressure, eh?” ■
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OPINION
Letters to the Editor
Bibi’s Speech Was Right
Eugen Shoenfeld is sure everyone knows about Iran’s nefarious intentions. Therefore, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech was unnecessary (“The Shame of Netanyahu’s Speech,” March 20). But President Barack Obama can’t bring himself to even say the words “radical Islamist”; it’s likely that he thinks Iranian leaders really don’t mean it when they say they will wipe Israel off the map. Contrary to Professor Shoenfeld’s contention, the prime minister was not urging us to go to war; he simply pointed out that a sunset clause in the proposed treaty would actually facilitate Iran’s progress toward obtaining nuclear weapons. He advocated making the relaxation of sanctions dependent on Iran’s exhibiting good behavior (such as ceasing to make threats against Israel and no longer funding terrorists) instead of being done on a fixed timetable. Rather than showing a lack of derech eretz (good manners), Mr. Netanyahu was walking in the footsteps of the Jewish prophets. Just as Nathan confronted King David about Bathsheba and Uriah, and Elijah confronted King Ahab about Naboth’s garden, Mr. Netanyahu, rightly, felt that the threat to Israel (and the United States) necessitated that the speech be made, even if protocol needed to be circumvented. Toby F. Block, Atlanta
person. Other American Jews are mystified about what’s upsetting the first group. They say Netanyahu’s remarks opposed only the policies of Arab voters, not their ethnicity, and that he was condemning the use of foreign money to bus them to the polls. More important, they’re so relieved that Israel has re-elected the only leader willing to stand up to the existential threats the nation faces that they cannot fathom the other group’s petty quibbling. Nobody sees it as both or neither. Major Jewish organizations took sides, and not always the ones you’d expect. Conservative Judaism’s Rabbinical Assembly issued a statement
condemning Netanyahu’s “singling out Arab citizens for exercising their legitimate right to vote” and saying that “it is incumbent upon Jews around the world to denounce the Prime Minister’s divisive and undemocratic statement.” Abraham Foxman is the national director of the Anti-Defamation League, which boasts that it “fights all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all.” Yet he rejected the RA’s stance, telling New York’s Jewish Week that it was “an intemperate, inappropriate overreaction” to simple “election overzealousness.” The impact of Netanyahu’s
remark will go far beyond Jewish organizational divisiveness. Israel supporters on campus will face renewed claims that Israel is a racist state. The contrasting approaches to Israel advocacy of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and J Street will come into sharper focus. But perhaps most significantly, Hillary Clinton will be forced to disclose what color dress she sees. There will be no middle ground. So get ready for a wrenching and fascinating episode in American Jewish life. David Benkof, St. Louis The writer is senior political editor for the Daily Caller and edits the AJT crossword puzzle.
On Bibi and Arab Voters
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APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Election Day exhortation for his supporters to vote because Arabs were doing so “in droves” has become the white-and-gold dress of the American Jewish community. (I’m referring, of course, to the outfit whose picture zipped around the Internet, appearing to some as blue and black and to others as white and gold. Nobody sees it as both or neither.) Some American Jews are furious that Israel’s leader would appeal to the basest instincts of Israeli voters. They are embarrassed that the most prominent Israeli in the world sounded like a racist demagogue. Some have even begun to reconsider the extent and nature of their support for an Israel that overwhelmingly re-elected such a
AJT 9
OPINION
www.atlantajewishtimes.com
Our View
No Deal With Iran
T
he start of April means the end of the negotiating period for an international agreement with Iran, and while we wait for the details of the inevitable deal to emerge, we’re certain of one thing: The best deal is no deal at all. The choice is not between a deal and war, nor is it between a good deal and a bad deal. It’s take-it-or-leave-it time: Iran takes every bit of its nuclear program to the figurative dump, or we leave the sanctions in place. Reports differ on what will emerge from these many months of talks between Iran and a U.S.-led group of nations. But whether the agreement expires in 10 years or lasts longer, whether it limits Iran to 600 active centrifuges or 6,000, whether it sets hard limits on fissile material or provides for international monitoring of potential bomb components, whether it halts Iran one year or six months from a bomb, the bottom line is that Iran will still have a nuclear program. It still will have the materials, the equipment, the protected labs and the scientists to go nuclear whenever it decides the time is right. And it will have months or years of restored economic production to carry its nuclear program to completion and to withstand a new round of too-little, too-late sanctions. Meanwhile, the terms of the deal will serve as a template for Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey, which have no intention of ceding regional Muslim leadership to Iran. As Saudi Prince Turki Al-Faisal told the BBC in mid-March, “Whatever comes out of these talks, we will want the same.” (Note the lack of concern among the Arabs, Turks and even Persians that the supposed evil in the region, Israel, maintains a nuclear stockpile.) The only way to prevent a Middle East nuclear arms race is to refuse to put on paper how far nations may go toward a nuclear bomb before facing sanctions. Keep the sanctions on Iran and explore ways to tighten them. Make the choice for Iran and its neighbors clear: Any pursuit of a nuclear program will result in crippling sanctions; abandoning (or never beginning) a nuclear program will keep your oil flowing to the world and your economy connected to global trade. ■
A Religious Assault by Religious Liberty Advocate
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APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
most obvious targets, but Jews, Muslims and other he apparent death for 2015 of Senate Bill 129, religious minorities also being at risk — makes its Georgia’s religious liberty legislation, should failure so close to Passover more meaningful. No relieve the Atlanta Jewish community, but instead it brought a reminder of how nasty politics can holiday better highlights the inherent danger of being the Other, the outsider, and our responsibility to be. (Nothing is fully dead until the legislative session embrace those who are different. We were strangers ends; we went to press before the adjournment.) in a strange land, and the From the AntiEgyptians suffered horDefamation League to ribly for mistreating us. SOJOURN to rabbis — not Editor’s Notebook As Hillel said, “What is limited to ReconstructionBy Michael Jacobs hateful to you, do not do to ist Josh Lesser, Reform mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com your neighbor. That is the Fred Greene and Loren whole Torah.” Lapidus, Conservative I therefore cheered Joshua Heller and Michael that a member of our comBernstein, and Orthodox munity, Rep. Mike Jacobs (no relation), R-BrookhavAdam Starr — leaders in our community who have en, brought to the House Judiciary Committee on studied and contemplated S.B. 129 and whose opinMarch 26 an amendment brilliant in its simplicity. ions deserve respect have declared their opposition. The amendment states that the legislation They would lead the charge for the protection of couldn’t justify any discrimination banned by fedreligious liberty if it were in peril in Georgia. eral, state or local law. An anti-discrimination clause Meanwhile, I haven’t heard bill proponents offer any problem within Georgia that would be solved shouldn’t be a problem in legislation that supposedly is needed to protect the rights of religious people. through legislation to protect the exercise of rights But the Jacobs amendment outraged S.B. 129 guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, the Georgia proponents, who tabled the amended bill. Constitution and the federal Religious Freedom ResThat should have been the end of the story: A toration Act of 1993. S.B. 129 is either bad or unnecesflawed bill dies, with the burden on proponents to sary, and it’s bad to enact unnecessary legislation. craft something better and justify its passage in the The suspicion that this legislation would be future. That’s representative democracy in action. used to defend discrimination as an exercise of 10 faith — gay and transgender people being the Instead, WSB radio host Erick Erickson chose to
AJT
enflame the situation. In a rant about “Christians being stabbed in the back” March 27 on his Red State website, Erickson played the trump card of anti-Semitism against Jacobs: the betrayal of Jesus. Erickson compared three other Republicans on the Judiciary Committee to Judas, then attacked Jacobs as “the man who wants to deny protection to Christian businesses” and thus betrayed “people of faith,” code for Christians. Just for good measure, Erickson used “Mike Jacobs” six times, began and ended with mentions of “Judas betraying our Lord,” and made sure to blame unspecified “monied special interests.” Interestingly, he called for his readers to email and call the three other lawmakers and to call Gov. Nathan Deal to demand that he not make Jacobs a state judge. But he didn’t find Jacobs — a Republican like the others, a lawyer, a vote on the committee — worth complaining to, only complaining about. Aside from religion, how is Jacobs different? I am not accusing Erickson of anti-Semitism; I have no idea what is in his heart. But he is a smart, experienced political operative, and I have to believe he knew exactly what he was doing when he mixed Jacobs with anti-Semitic tropes in a state that still rarely elects Jews beyond local office. The only positive of the rant is that if Deal is considering Jacobs for the judiciary, the appointment is assured now. The governor would never let Erickson take credit for changing his mind. ■
www.atlantajewishtimes.com
OPINION
Below is the text of Senate Bill 129 in the form approved by the Georgia Senate, as well as the amendment presented by Rep. Mike Jacobs, RBrookhaven. Proponents argue that the legislation would protect the free exercise of religion from the unspecified burdens the government is placing on people of faith. Opponents have focused on the potential for discrimination against gay and transsexual people because nothing is happening to drive the urgency and passion behind S.B. 129 other than the expansion of marriage rights and ordinances protecting gender equality. Also, businesses’ First Amendment rights have been strengthened by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court decision that led to the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act and is cited in the legislation is 25 years old. The Supreme Court ruling against applying the federal RFRA law to state and local government actions is 18 years old. Nothing in the legislation explicitly targets the gay community, and the text closely tracks the 1993 RFRA. The differences include two paragraphs from the Georgia Constitution’s Bill of Rights regarding the definition of free exercise of religion. The first paragraph addresses freedom of conscience and bars any human authority from interfering with the worship of G-d based on conscience. The second paragraph, among other things, specifies that the freedom of religion does not excuse acts of licentiousness or practices that aren’t consistent with peace and safety. If you cut through the legal citations and definitions, the essence of the law is that the government must show a compelling interest to “substantially burden religious exercise.” The legislation does not define religious exercise but does say it need not be central to or compelled by a system of belief. Jacobs’ amendment changed “The compelling interest test as set forth in prior federal court rulings is a workable test for striking sensible balances between religious liberty and competing prior governmental interests” to “The compelling interest test as set forth in prior federal court rulings is a workable test for striking sensible balances between religious liberty and competing prior governmental interests and protecting persons against discrimination on any ground pro-
provided for in the federal Religious hibited by federal, state or local law.” Freedom Restoration Act must be adThat addition gutted the purpose opted by a state through legislative act of the legislation, proponents argued or court decision in order to apply to before the House Judiciary Committee state or local government action; and adopted to amendment. Bill sponsor (7) Courts have consisSen. Josh McKoon and others tently held that government argued that the legislation has a fundamental, overridwouldn’t offer any protection ing interest in eradicating if it varied from town to town discrimination. based on local laws. (b) The purpose of this The hypotheticals prechapter is to: sented as reasons to reject the (1) Restore the compelamendment ignored long leling interest test as set forth gal precedent of courts refusin Sherbert v. Verner, 374 U.S. ing to intervene in matters of religious faith and doctrine, Rep. Mike Jacobs 398 (1963) and Wisconsin v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 205 (1972) and as explained by committee to guarantee its application in Chairman Wendell Willard all cases where free exercise of religion based on his private legal practice. is substantially burdened; and (2) Provide a claim or defense to Section 1. persons whose religious exercise is This Act shall be known and may substantially burdened by governbe cited as the “Georgia Religious Freement. dom Restoration Act.” 50-15A-2. Section 2. (a) Government shall not subTitle 50 of the Official Code of stantially burden a person’s exercise Georgia Annotated, relating to state of religion even if the burden results government, is amended by adding a from a rule of general applicability, new chapter to read as follows: except as provided in subsection (b) of “Chapter 15A this Code section. 50-15A-1. (b) Government may substantially (a) The General Assembly finds burden a person’s exercise of religion and determines that: only if it demonstrates that applica(1) The framers of the United tion of the burden to the person is: States Constitution and the people of (1) In furtherance of a compelling this state, recognizing free exercise governmental interest; and of religion as an inalienable right, (2) The least restrictive means of secured its protection in the First achieving that compelling governmenAmendment to the United States Contal interest. stitution and in Paragraphs III and IV (c) A person whose religious exerof Section I, Article I of the Constitucise has been burdened in violation of tion of this state, respectively; this chapter may assert that violation (2) Laws neutral toward religion as a claim or defense in a judicial promay burden religious exercise as ceeding and obtain appropriate relief surely as laws intended to interfere against government. 50-15A-3. with religious exercise; In any action or proceeding to (3) Governments should not substantially burden religious exercise enforce a provision of this chapter, the court or tribunal may allow the without compelling justification; prevailing party, other than govern(4) In Employment Division v. ment, a reasonable attorney fee as part Smith, 494 U.S. 872 (1990) the Supreme of costs. Court virtually eliminated the require50-15A-4. ment that the government justify Nothing in this chapter shall be burden on religious exercise imposed construed to: by laws neutral toward religion; (1) Apply to penological rules, (5) The compelling interest test as regulations, conditions, or policies set forth in prior federal court rulings established by a penal institution that is a workable test for striking sensible are reasonably related to the safety balances between religious liberty and security of incarcerated persons, and competing prior governmental staff, visitors, supervised violators, or interests; the public, or to the maintenance of (6) In City of Boerne v. Flores, good order and discipline in any penal 521 U.S. 507 (1997) the Supreme Court institution or parole or probation held that the compelling interest test
program; or (2) Create any rights by an employee against an employer if such employer is not government. 50-15A-5. As used in this chapter, the term: (1) ‘Delinquent act’ shall have the same meaning as provided for in Code Section 15-11-2. (2) ‘Demonstrates’ means meets the burdens of going forward with the evidence and of persuasion. (3) ‘Exercise of religion’ means any exercise of religion, whether or not compelled by, or central to, a system of religious belief, including but not limited to the practice or observance of religion under Paragraphs III and IV of Section I, Article I of the Constitution of this state or the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, or the use, building, or conversion of real property for the purpose of religious exercise. (4) ‘Government’ means the state or any local subdivision of the state or public instrumentality or public corporate body created by or under authority of state law, including but not limited to the executive, legislative, and judicial branches and every department, agency, board, bureau, office, commission, authority, or similar body thereof; municipalities; counties; school districts; special taxing districts; conservation districts; authorities; any other state or local public instrumentality or corporation; or other person acting under color of law. (5) ‘Penal institution’ means any jail, correctional institution, or similar facility for the detention of violators of state laws or local ordinances and any entity supervising such violators placed on parole, probation, or other conditional release and any facility for the restrictive custody of children and any entity supervising children who are not in restrictive custody but who are accused of or adjudicated for a delinquent act. (6) ‘Restrictive custody’ shall have the same meaning as provided for in Code Section 90 15-11-2.” Section 3. This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval. Section 4. All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed. ■
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
The Source of Controversy
AJT 11
OPINION
FOR ONE WEEK WE GO WITHOUT
BREAD
FOR DAYS SOME GO WITHOUT
FOOD
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta cares for Jews in need today and builds a strong Jewish community for tomorrow here at home, in Israel, and around the world. Through our efforts and your Passover gift, a hungry child in Kiev receives hot meals. Medicine is delivered to a fragile Holocaust survivor in Haifa. And a homeless family in Atlanta has shelter.
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
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AJT 12
THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF A COMMUNITY.
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54 Lessons in a Hotel Life
M
Asking why is OK. Making a mistake is ike Leven, who until last OK. The customer is not always right year was the president of but is still the customer. The boss is Las Vegas Sands and, now in not always right but is still the boss. retirement, is the chairman and CEO Listen more than you talk. People of the Georgia Aquarium (some retirement), received the Hunter Conference don’t always do the right thing, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Award for Excellence & Inspiration on Honesty and truth can get you in March 27 at the Hunter Hotel Investtrouble, but that’s OK. Competitors ment Conference in Atlanta. I attended the award ceremony in support of Mike. I really didn’t think PUBLISHER’S LETTER I would find something By Michael A. Morris noteworthy for the Jewmichael@atljewishtimes.com ish Times, other than a member of our community being presented with a are not enemies. You still have to learn deserving award from his peers, but I when you are older. When you have to was wrong. fire someone, never take their dignity I could tell you what Bernie Maraway. Someone always makes more cus or Kirk Linsell from Loews Hotels money than you, and someone makes said about Mike. I could tell you what less. The balance sheet of life is more Jon and Rob Leven said about their important than the balance sheet of dad. I will tell you that Hunter Hotel business. Don’t miss your kids’ events; Advisors deserves kudos for creating they grow up an award certoo quickly. emony that Democlasted only racy is tough 25 minutes. and difficult, The message but it is the I want to conbest option vey, however, invented. is just how Capitalism is inspired I not perfect, was by Mike’s but it provides speech. opportuniI should ties and is not have been fair. Reading surprised. I biographies am inspired Photo by Michael A. Morris teaches you every time Mike Leven accepts the Hunter Conference Award for Excellence & Inspiration. lessons you I hear Mike cannot learn speak. For by yourself. example, FedWhen you are mistreated, never lower eration’s campaign launch four years your standards. Do someone a favor ago, called Boot Camp, drew record atrather than receive one. Bad things tendance, and Mike’s perspective was happen to good people, but good the topic of conversation for months. people handle them better. His talks are always a grand slam. Sweat the small stuff; that’s what Maybe that is why Rob and Jon said life is made of. Temptation will always their father is their mentor, source of be around the corner. Be proud to be inspiration and always their dad first. an American. And lastly, the best word Mike has been in business for 54 years, he told his audience. He decided, in the English language is love. Imagine, just imagine, what the instead of a speech, that he would offer 54 pearls of wisdom for his years. world would look like if we all adhered to those principles — if we even atWith very little commentary, prepare tempted to live by that wisdom. If you to be inspired by one of the hotel have the opportunity to hear Mike industry’s greatest businessmen, one Leven speak, just do it. Or perhaps I of Atlanta’s greatest businessmen, or should say, open the door every time maybe just an exceptional businessopportunity knocks. man and remarkable person. I will end with one thing Bernie In no particular order, some from Marcus said about his dear friend: his list: Brains are no substitute for Mike is the definition of “mensch.” ■ hard work. Everyone deserves respect.
www.atlantajewishtimes.com
OPINION
Genocide Demands Our Attention
So many people wish they had our First World problems
I
t’s tempting to get annoyed by the lost keys, angry drivers, long bank lines and other trivial annoyances that seem to collect all day. Realistically, they are “First World problems,” and they could be a lot worse. This year the Georgia General Assembly passed its fourth annual resolution declaring April Genocide Prevention and Awareness Month in Georgia. Throughout history, events related to genocides have occurred in April. As a result, many institutions around the world have designated April, the month we typically associate with emerging daffodils, as the month to remember, commemorate and act on historical and present-day genocides. In her 2002 Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “A Problem From Hell: America in the Age of Genocide,” U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power concludes that the reason the United States has not done what it could and should to prevent genocide is not a lack of knowledge or influence, but a lack of will. She coined the term “Upstanders” and challenged us to have the courage to leave the “Bystanders” behind. Lack of will was not missing in the early years of the genocide in Darfur in western Sudan, but more than 11 years later, the international community of conscience has indeed lost its will. In 2004, a remarkable and powerful constituency coalesced to address the tragedy in Darfur. Students, faith-based communities, interfaith nonprofits and community leaders came together to warn the world about the first genocide of the 21st century in Darfur. For a while the media paid attention and even fueled U.S. policy against a genocidal regime in Sudan. Today, that fiery effort has been reduced to smoke on a conflict that is still robust. Worse, the perpetrators are welcome across borders while continuing to commit the same atrocities. After four years of civil war, Syria, still in the hands of the Assad regime, claims civilian lives daily. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, over 5.4 million people have been murdered, many of them women who were raped. The victims of those crimes only wish they had First World problems. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, remarked recently: “Human rights are the only meaningful rampart against
We have a renewed opbarbarity. Essentially, portunity to change the byif I may boil down a stander calculus through a massive topic into one national campaign called sentence, states must Moving Beyond Witness be willing to protect the (www.movingbeyondwitness. human rights of their org, where you can check the people, and people must Georgia map for local events). be able to hold the state The campaign unites indiresponsible.” viduals and organizations Patience can be a through events and provides virtue, but with genotools to educate communities cide and mass atrociabout past and contempoties, patience equals rary genocides. It offers us a inaction. Seventy years renewed opportunity to leave after the Holocaust, the behind bystanding and to U.S. Holocaust Memoregenerate a constituency of rial Museum considers Upstanders. preventing genocide a Each of us can commemGathered at the state Capitol are (from left) Alan Sherko, an “moral imperative.” BeEzidi Kurd; John Nercessian, an Armenian; Majok Marier, a orate the past while galvanizfore, during and since the former Lost Boy of Sudan; and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle in the back ing actions to prevent and Holocaust, inaction was row and state Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta; AJC Regional Director combat genocide today. We and remains the reason Dov Wilker; Sen. Elena Parent, D-Atlanta; and Melanie Nelkin, can move beyond witnessing that most of the world is the chair of the Georgia Coalition to Prevent Genocide. and First World problems. ■ composed of bystanders. In the United States, we are walled have not helped. It’s familiar and conMelanie Nelkin is the chairwoman of off from genocidal fronts by thousands venient to feel overwhelmed, but histhe Georgia Coalition to Prevent Genocide. of miles of land and sea, and the media tory doesn’t give us do-overs.
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
By Melanie Nelkin
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www.atlantajewishtimes.com
LOCAL NEWS
Fighting Oppression With Words
Panel featuring survivor finds success by reaching one mind at a time By Al Shams
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iscrimination and attempts at genocide are not merely parts of history, and the world is always in danger of seeing them flare up. Holocaust survivor Norbert Friedman, who was 17 when Germany invaded his native Poland in 1939, agreed during a recent discussion that eco-
nomic turmoil produced the social chaos of 1920s and 1930s Germany and thus paved the way for Hitler to rise to power and carry out the Holocaust. Hitler promised order, discipline and simple solutions to complex problems, and people accepted that anything would be better than what they were living through. Friedman’s message: The process
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
The Davis Academy wishes our community a happy Passover filled with stories, songs and blessings.
AJT 14
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of economic and social chaos destroying a civilized country could be repeated anywhere the average citizen feels disenfranchised. Friedman, who spent time in 11 concentration camps before the U.S. Army liberated him May 1, 1945, came to the United States in 1950 and moved to Atlanta in 2010. He offered his thoughts Photo courtesy of the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na’im and Norbert Friedman connected about what happened their experiences with discrimination and hatred. in Germany during a private conversation after a February program at the Cen- Rights, served as the moderator. Scott said her father, like many reter for Civil and Human Rights that turning African-American servicemen, the center co-sponsored by the Georgia encountered discrimination in Atlanta Commission on the Holocaust and the after World War II. In one instance, a British Consulate General in Atlanta. piece of his art was used in a public exThe “Understanding to Action” hibit, but he was unable to attend the panel discussion explored the moral event. themes connecting the Holocaust, the Still, he realized that you can fight civil rights movement and current huhate only with love. He challenged segman rights issues around the world. regation and Jim Crow laws in a nonviSimilar themes are being addressed olent manner and imparted his peaceacross Georgia in April, which is Genoful philosophy to his daughter. cide Prevention and Awareness Month It took Friedman some time to as well as the month of Yom HaShoah, come to a similar conclusion. He said Holocaust Remembrance Day. that for many years after liberation he In addition to Friedman, the panel was “more cynical, less trusting and included: • Atlanta Daily World Publisher M. less idealistic,” before he realized that Alexis Scott, who drew on the experi- the camps were the scenes of countless ences and photographs of her father, acts of courage, nobility, honor, love, William Alexander “W.A.” Scott III, a self-sacrifice and compassion that are witness to the liberation of Buchen- too often forgotten. While Scott and her father were wald in April 1945, as well as her firstworking for civil rights in the 1960s, hand knowledge of segregation and the Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel wrote civil rights movement in Atlanta. about his experiences, and Friedman • Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na’im, an decided the best way to deal with his Emory University law professor and an trauma was to write and talk about it. Emory senior fellow in the Center for He has been an active speaker the Study of Law and Religion. A native before student groups, especially in of Sudan, the site of ethnic strife and the New York area, where he lived for genocidal slaughters in the south and the west, An-Na’im is an international many years and was honored for those human rights activist. He reminded the educational efforts in 2001. During one of those appearance, audience that genocidal crimes since a student asked Friedman why he puts World War II have included Rwanda, time and effort into such events. “If I Bosnia and Cambodia. can have a positive impact on just one • British Consul General Jeremy person,” Friedman replied, “my efforts Pilmore-Bedford, a 25-year diplomat would be worthwhile.” A young Afriwhose posts have included Qatar, Sincan-American girl rose and said, “Mr. gapore, Russia and Malaysia. The UnitFriedman, I am that person.” ■ ed Kingdom holds the chairmanship of the International Holocaust RememAl Shams is a Sandy Springs resibrance Alliance this year. dent, a former CPA and an investment Dina Bailey, the educational direcprofessional. tor of the Center for Civil and Human
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LOCAL NEWS
Holocaust Event to Honor Consul General, Ex-Mayor retired gastroenterologist, participated in the candle-lighting ceremony at the 2011 Days of Remembrance. Eva Galambos fought for 30 years as the president of the Committee for Sandy Springs to win the incorporation of the city, and when it happened in 2005, she was elected the first mayor. She held that post until retiring at the end of November 2013. Galambos was instrumental in finding a home for the exhibit “Anne Frank in the World: 19291945” in her city. A champion of the Commission on the Holocaust, she was appointed to its board in May 2013. Her volunteer public service includes co-founding and serving as secretary of Sandy Springs Revitalization, founding Sandy Springs Clean and Beautiful, chairing the services committee for the Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods, chairing the Fulton County Public Housing Authority; and founding the Sandy Springs Civic Roundtable. As Humanitarian Award winner,
Eva Galambos (left) and Opher Aviran (right)
she follows two Jewish community members: Melanie Nelkin, chair of the Georgia Coalition to Prevent Genocide, in 2014; and Bill Nigut, former regional Anti-Defamation League director. While the Humanitarian Award is handed out annually, Aviran will receive only the fourth Lifetime Achievement Award given by the Commission on the Holocaust. The most recent award went to then-Congressman Phil Gingrey in 2013. Aviran has served as consul general since August 2010 and will end his tenure in Atlanta this summer.
In such foreign postings as Burma, the Netherlands and Australia since 1983, he has worked to strengthen economic, academic, cultural and political ties with the state of Israel. He was given the rank of ambassador in October. During his tenure in the Southeast, Aviran has developed professional and personal relationships with elected officials and key business, academic, cultural and community leaders across the region. Fields of particular interest for increased cooperation between Israel and the Southeast include defense, homeland security, cyber security, renewable energy, health information technology, emergency preparedness, water, agro-business and logistics. ■ What: 2015 Days of Remembrance Where: Georgia Capitol, North Wing, 206 Washington St., downtown When: 11 a.m. Friday, April 17 Admission: Free
Register today
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APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
T
he Georgia Commission on the Holocaust is honoring two prominent members of the Atlanta Jewish community during the annual state observance of the Days of Remembrance of Holocaust victims. The commission’s Humanitarian Award is going to former Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos, The Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award is being presented to Israel’s outgoing consul general to the Southeast, Opher Aviran. Holocaust Remembrance Week 2015, which runs April 12 to 19, marks the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camps. The theme of the Georgia observance April 17 is “Witness to Liberation: 70 Years Later.” Survivors and witnesses to liberation will light six candles at the event. The ceremony will include recognition of the winners of the statewide Creative Arts Student Contest as well as Galambos and Aviran. Galambos is married to a Holocaust survivor from Hungary, Dr. John Galambos, who was liberated from the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp by U.S. troops in 1945. John Galambos, a
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LOCAL NEWS
Civil Rights and Jewish Sites
Federation mission to Alabama opens women’s eyes By David R. Cohen david@atljewishtimes.com
F
rom March 23 to 25, 68 women hit the road to visit some of the most historically significant civil rights and Jewish sites in the South. The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Spring philanthropy civil rights journey took participants to Alabama to visit such sites as the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Freedom Park in Birmingham and Temple Mishkan Israel in Selma. Teri Edelstein and Melinda Wertheim co-chaired the mission. The two buses rolled back into the Ahavath Achim Synagogue parking lot March 25 in the afternoon. There I asked a few participants how the trip affected them.
Teri Edelstein, mission co-chair: “The stories that these survivors told impacted me in an almost life-changing way. We got to meet people that were there who experienced anti-Semitism and the civil rights movement firsthand. In Selma, we met the youngest Jew in town. He’s 63 years old.”
Lois Frank, mission education co-chair: “This trip empowered us and awakened us to the fact that there is still work to be done today. I think almost everyone on the trip without exception said, ‘What now? What do we do?’ ”
Betty Sunshine, vice chair of 2015 community campaign: “Going on a trip like this and developing understanding for another group of people is very important. Going with a group of women was very impactful, especially knowing that it’s just one small act that anybody can do.”
Unstuck in Time: The Sephardic Journey Ottoman collapse crucial to 20th-century arrivals By Zach Itzkovitz
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
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n a multicultural age of political correctness and eroded barriers, those who investigate their past seek to isolate themselves in the pursuit of identity. Jews have always been ostracized from their countries of origin. To what extent has this exclusion aided our quest for self-understanding? Professor Devin E. Naar addressed that question in a presentation titled “From the Mediterranean to America: The Legacy of Sephardic Jews in the United States” before a modest crowd at Congregation Or VeShalom in Brookhaven on March 29. He represented the University of Washington in Seattle, where he is the chairman of the Sephardic studies program. “They came as representatives of the sultan in the Ottoman Empire,” Naar said of Sephardic immigrants to the United States. “They came to Chicago for the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. This was the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America in 1492 — it happened a year late.” Naar said the World’s Fair provid-
ed an important cultural exchange between the United States and the Ottoman Empire, which claimed most land around the Mediterranean. “They were coming here not as Sephardim, not even necessarily as Jews,” Naar said, “but as representatives of the Ottoman Empire. In order to represent the Ottoman Empire, they built a mosque because they wanted to show the culture of the Islamic world of the Ottoman Empire.” Naar showed a ketubah (Jewish marriage contract) on which appeared traditional Hebrew writing around a star and crescent. “These are the symbols of the Ottoman Empire,” Naar said. “These are the symbols of Islam. These are the symbols of Islam and the Ottoman Empire that Jews were placing on their own religious legal documents. … This is a world in which Jews and Muslims were part of the same cultural environment.” In the Ottoman Empire, according to Naar, Jews were given many of the same rights as any other religious group. When the Ottoman Empire dissolved, borders were drawn that sepa-
rated former Ottomans by ethnicity and religion. The new map produced a hostile environment for regional Jews, many of whom left for America. “They were liable for military conscription,” Naar said. “They didn’t necessarily want to defend a country of which is wasn’t clear that they were really a part.” Naar displayed images of American newspapers from the early 20th century written in Ladino, a Romance language based on Medieval Spanish but using Hebrew letters — the Sephardic equivalent of Yiddish. One image Naar showed depicted a guide for newly arriving Mediterranean Jews. Another listed meetings of groups composed of other Mediterranean Jews. “By the end of World War I, there were over 40 of these institutions created across the country,” Naar said, “primarily in New York, but in many, many places in different parts of the United States.” Congregation Or VeShalom, Naar said, was one of the earliest examples of such an institution, founded in 1914.
Through World War II, many more Sephardic Jews arrived in the United States as they fled Nazism and Fascism. Naar read aloud Ladino letters between Jewish relatives in America and Turkey. One letter, between an American girl and her Turkish grandfather, detailed the latter’s aspirations of escaping and asked for help in doing so. “They continued to express connections with the countries, towns and cities from which they came,” Naar said. “They created new institutional life, trying to transform and promote their own sense of community and identity. They created a Ladino newspaper, a press, to unite the voices, the aspirations and the anxieties of that community — persistent until 1948.” Many of the primary documents are available to view online as part of the Sephardic Studies Digital Library & Museum at the University of Washington (jewishstudies.washington.edu/ sephardic-studies/sephardic-studiesdigital-library-museum). They are available to anyone to use as vessels through which to travel back in time to a distant yet familiar universe. ■
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APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
ב"ה
LOCAL NEWS
Survivor: Similarities Between Now, ’30s Scary By Kevin Madigan kmadigan@atljewishtimes.com
THANK YOU!
Jcrafts Georgia extends our sincere gratitude to all our hosts and participants that took part in the Jcrafts experience this year. Atlanta Jewish Academy Beth Jacob Preschool Chabad of Cobb Chabad on Emory Chabad Intown Hebrew School Chabad Israeli Center Chabad of North Fulton Chaya Mushka Childrens House CMCH Elementary A Jewish Montessori Congregation Ariel Congregation Beth Jacob Congregation Beth Tefillah Congregation Kehillat Chaim Davis Academy Friendship Circle of Atlanta Gesher L’Torah Preschool Gesher L’Torah Religious School Hatzofim Home Depot of Buckhead Home Depot of Sandy Springs Home Depot of Suwanee Intown Jewish Preschool Marcus Jewish Community Center MJCCA The Sunshine School Schiff PreSchool Temple Emanuel Temple Kol Emeth The Carlton Senior Home Torah Day School of Atlanta
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be an opposition. Look, the reason I believe so many voted for Netanyahu is because fundamentally, even though economics is important, lifestyle is important, I think the people voted for life. And that scares them. It’s life and death.
olocaust survivor and writer Irving Roth will be the guest speaker at the Yom HaShoah observance at the Marcus Jewish Community Center on April 12. He AJT: Netanspoke to the Atlanta yahu said during his Jewish Times from his campaign that there home in New York. would be no PalestinAJT: What is your ian state while he is view of the position of in office, but now he Jews today? is saying it won’t hapRoth: I see many pen under present similarities between conditions. Irving Roth the 1930s and 2015. Roth: If you listen Some parts of the world to what Netanyahu want to eliminate the said, the operative Jewish people. It’s not so different. word he said is “today.” In 2009 (Former Iranian President Mahmoud) Netanyahu made a speech at Bar Ilan Ahmadinejad spoke a couple of years University about creating a two-state ago at the United Nations, and the solution. But there’s been nothing audience applauded when he talked but murder and mayhem and war about the destruction of Israel. The and rockets. They intend to do what world just ignored it. It’s true that they always intended to do, which is some parts of the world, including destroy the Jewish state. He specifically the United States, walked out, which I said “today.” As long as the rhetoric, think is very admirable. particularly in Arabic, goes on, as long The problem we’re facing now is as we can’t do something about Hezthat the state of Israel and the Jewish bollah, Iran, agree on disarmament, do people have become the pariah of the something about Hamas, what are we world, and that’s a major problem doing, committing suicide? But they, because one of the things is they refer with deliberate malice aforethought, to Israel as an apartheid state, but the misinterpreted what he said. What do relation with what’s going in Israel you want him to do? Lie down and die? and what went on in South Africa is Or move on? There’s a disconnect bepure fiction. Yet it’s an accepted truth tween facts and those things that have that’s been generated by people who been generated by the media. hate Israel. That’s a major issue. It was picked up, and now it’s on everybody’s AJT: You support Netanyahu’s lips. position? To quote a fellow by the name Roth: What I do is support his of Josh Earnest, who’s in the White concept of a two-state solution. I fully House someplace (as press secretary), believe in it. And I believe in my heart he accuses (Israeli Prime Minister Ben- of hearts that the Jewish people believe jamin) Netanyahu of undermining the in it too. The problem is they’re scared values and democratic ideals that have out of their wits because somebody been important to our democracy and is trying to destroy them and develop are an important part of what binds nuclear weapons to destroy them, and the U.S. and Israel together. He says in I think that’s what drives it. And this is the democratic election Palestinians a big problem. were being persecuted, yet their people AJT: What is your take on the curin parliament are being increased rent nuclear weapons negotiations by 30 percent. So what is he talking with Iran? about? Have we lost our minds? We Roth: Let me say this. If the agree that negotiations with PalestinUnited States agrees to everything ians are necessary. Join with the Jews Iran wants, what it will do at best is and create something positive; fully postpone the Iranian nuclear program join the government and let them by 11 years. In the lifetime of a nation,
LOCAL NEWS
Photo by Chris Savas The annual community Yom HaShoah commemoration at the Marcus JCC takes place at the Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden, rain or shine.
AJT: How do you feel about the settlements? Roth: I don’t necessarily agree with settlements as such. But (since boundaries were established) after the 1967 war less than 15 miles from Lod (Ben-Gurion) Airport, there is a hillside where you can put a gun, or two, or three. Easily. So every time you land at the airport, you can get blown up by a missile. That’s not a defensible border. So what I’m suggesting is that you put some Jewish people there and trade some other piece of land which is not dangerous. That’s what Barack (Obama) suggested. Let’s trade because there are certain places we cannot possibly afford, particularly when you’re still intending to destroy us. AJT: Tell us about your Adopt a Survivor program. Roth: It tries to make sure that the life of the Holocaust survivor, the testimony, the experience, does not disappear. The way this is conceived is that young people in their 20s, their 30s, their teens, meet a survivor one on one, or three to one survivor, or 10, and listen to the survivor and his life — before, during and after the Holocaust. They effectively become biographers, understand the person, his experience. It dissects the Holocaust, and they are able to speak about it with a level of insight in 30 years. So it’s for the grandchildren, so that the individual testimony doesn’t disappear. AJT: What else would you like
readers to know? Roth: I would say that I’m hoping the world community will come to its senses and understand that the Jews are not, as a German newspaper used to have it very finely printed, “our misfortune.” The Jews have not been a misfortune, and the Jews and the Jewish state are not a misfortune now. In fact I would say that the Jewish state, the Jewish people, are a very positive force in humanity. And I want to remind you that in September 1938 when Hitler, Chamberlain, Daladier and Mussolini met to sign the Munich Agreement — I remember that vaguely as a child — then Chamberlain stated “peace in our time” as he returned to London. Six months later Germany marched into Czechoslovakia and dismembered it. So much for bullies. We speak of learning from history, but unfortunately I find that’s something we do not learn. AJT: We seem to be making the same mistakes over and over again. Roth: Yeah. This business of never again … it’s again. We can’t just say, yeah, let’s hope for the best. It’s not enough. You have to stand up and say, “Wait a minute, what is really going on?” I think the Middle East is going to become a tinderbox because I certainly don’t think Saudi Arabia is going to sit quietly and not acquire a nuclear weapon. I don’t think Turkey or Egypt are going to do that either. These are very scary times. ■
What: Yom HaShoah observance Where: Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden, Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody When: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 12 Cost: Free
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that’s not exactly an eternity. And this is what bothers me. We’re not talking long term. Ten years in my lifetime, of course, is a lot. But in the lifetime of a nation, that’s not a hell of a lot. And they seem to ignore that.
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A: Nearly 400 runners are ready to start the 5K as the temperature hovers around the freezing point March 29. B: Miriam Michalow (left) joins Daffodil Dash organizer Andrea Videlefsky’s in-laws, Myrna and Norman Videlefsky, for the 1-mile walk. C: Erna Dziewienski Martino, who walked the course with her sign, is the daughter of Holocaust survivors. D: Some runners take the daffodil theme to an extreme.
E: The Nazi-era Jewish star sewn onto clothing serves as a reminder of the Holocaust. F: The start of the Daffodil Dash 5K is a cause for excitement. G: Holocaust survivor Murray Lynn delivers the keynote address after the Daffodil Dash while Andrea Videlefsky holds the microphone for him. H: Daffodil Dash organizer Andrea Videlefsky gets the 1-mile walkers moving at the start at Georgia Perimeter College.
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LOCAL NEWS
Running for the Children
Daffodil Dash draws more than 600 for anti-genocide efforts
S
eventy years after the Nazi death camps were liberated, “we are sliding back into a past that we long thought we had left behind,” Holocaust survivor Murray Lynn warned a crowd gathered at the Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden on March 29. But Lynn said the threat to Jews and to Western civilization in general is coming not just from Europe, which has never reformed itself or solved the problem of rabid anti-Semitism, but also from the Middle East, which he called the new flash point in a deadly conflict over ideas and values. “All of us have a stake,” Lynn said. That connection between the Holocaust and modern racial, ethnic and religious conflict was a central element of the event that brought hundreds of people to the Marcus Jewish Community Center that cold and sunny morning: Am Yisrael Chai’s Daffodil Dash. The event kicked off Georgia Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month. The fourth annual 5K run/walk and 1-mile dash/walk raised money and awareness for Holocaust education and for organizations that support children and families in Darfur, South Sudan and Rwanda, areas of ethnic slaughter in the past quarter-century. More than 600 people ran or walked a course that started at Georgia Perimeter College and ended at the Marcus JCC. The men’s race winner was Brandon London, while 17-year-old Elayna Harris won for the women. “It’s a wonderful cause,” said Deborah Jackson of Tucker, who ran the 5K with son Charles. Such multigenerational participation was common. Thousands of daffodils on the JCC property were evidence of the work of the Daffodil Project, which has planted 180,000 daffodils toward the goal of a worldwide living Holocaust memorial of 1.5 million daffodils, one for each of the Jewish children killed in the Holocaust. The flowers’ shape and yellow color are reminiscent of the stars Jews were forced to wear under the Nazis, and their perennial nature reflects the resilience of the Jewish people. “We can’t be broken by adversity,” Lynn said. The biggest group at the Daffodil Dash came from the Epstein School, which had 121 members on its team and raised the most money, organizer Andrea Videlefsky announced during
a brief awards ceremony. The Epstein team was led by Amy Kowalsky during her bat mitzvah weekend. Other large teams included the Weber School, a combined group from Atlanta Jewish Academy Joseph Majak is the secretary of and Congregation Ariel, the South Sudanese community Davis Academy, Temple in the Clarkston area.
Sinai, Congregation B’nai Torah, and two teams from the Marist School. The top individual fundraiser was Natanya Naturman, one of several teenagers at the event who twinned their b’nai mitzvah celebrations with children who died in the Holocaust.
Children were the focus of the address by former South Sudanese Lost Boy Joseph Majak, a leader in the South Sudanese community in Clarkston. “We have to stop killing children,” Majak said. “Children are angels.” Lynn urged the crowd, especially the hundreds of teenagers, to stand up for what they know is right. “Don’t compromise your birthright,” he said. “Don’t be hobbled by fear.” ■
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Vegetables
Matzo Ball Soup (2 Matzo Balls)- 8.95 qt Chopped Chicken Liver- 11.95 lb Chopped Herring- 12.95 lb Charosis- 11.95 lb Gefilte Fish - 3.50 each
Entrees
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes - 7.95 lb Oven Roasted Potatoes- 7.95 lb Broccoli & Cauliflower with Lemon & Fresh Herbs - 9.95lb Tzimmes -12.95 lb Squash Casserole ( serves 3) - 5.95 Squash Casserole ( serves 10) - 10.50
Orange Roasted Chicken Quarters- 10.95 lb Turkey Breast & Gravy- 12.95 lb Goldberg’s Famous Brisket- 15.95
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Matzo Farfel Kugels
Menu Additions
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Coconut Macaroons- 13.99 doz. 1.50 Each Chocolate Dipped Macaroons-13.99 doz. 1.50 Each
Extra Matzo Balls- 2.00 Each Shank Bones- 5.95 Each Beet Horseradish-3.95 Each Seder Plates- 15.00 Each
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By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
AJT 21
LOCAL NEWS JOIN US AT THE 14TH ANNUAL
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Clear Sailing for Safe Harbor Bill It took until the second-to-last day of the 2015 legislative session, but Sen. Renee Unterman’s legislation to expand protections for child victims of sex trafficking finally reached the House floor March 31. Unterman introduced Senate Bill 8, which would provide the services victims of child sex slavery need to lead normal lives and would extend their time to take legal action against their abusers. The bill and its companion, Senate Resolution 7, easily passed the Senate in mid-February, then languished in the House despite changes Unterman had made to align her legislation with a proposed House measure. The House Juvenile Justice Committee sent S.B. 8 to the full House on March 25 with a recommendation for passage, and it topped the agenda for floor action March 31. S.R. 7, which calls for a referendum on a state constitutional amendment to create a fund for the services the exploited children need, ran into complaints about taxation but passed. Action on S.B. 8 occurred after the AJT went to press. Visit atlantajewishtimes.com to see the outcome. Sex trafficking is a huge problem in Atlanta and is a focus for social action at some synagogues, led by The Temple.
This is the third time Kol Emeth has had a share of the Creating Community Award in the five years it has been presented. It won the initial award in 2011 for the annual interfaith Thanksgiving service it holds. In 2013, the award went to the Cobb Interfaith Habitat Coalition, of which Kol Emeth was a founding member and whose chairman was Kol Emeth’s current president, Henry Hene. Senate Win Could Kill LaVista Hills House Bill 520, the legislation to hold a referendum in November on the creation of the DeKalb County city of LaVista Hills, won Senate passage 38-5 on March 25, but the fate of the legislation was in doubt as the General Assembly’s April 2 adjournment approached. The problem is that the proposed city, which would include heavily Orthodox Toco Hills, grew under an amendment to the bill brought by Sen. Fran Millar, R-Dunwoody. The new borders encroach on the proposed territory for the city of Tucker and take in neighborhoods below Toco Hills that don’t want to incorporate. The group leading the push for La Vista Hills, LaVista Hills YES, denies having any part in the changed borders and issued pleas for legislators to agree on city lines and pass the bill. With a packed final-week agenda, however, H.B. 520 easily could have to wait until next year.
Kids4Peace Wins Cobb Award The Atlanta chapter of Kids4Peace Making Life More Worth Living Jewish Family & Career Services (www.k4p.org/atlanta), an organization that brings together Jewish, Muslim and and Greater Atlanta Hadassah’s Ketura Christian children from the Holy Land and from Georgia for camp experiences and service projects that allow them to learn about one another, was awarded the Cobb County Creating Community Award for District 3 on March 18. Kids4Peace Atlanta board members Khadeejah Farooq and Rabbi The Cobb Erin Boxt flank Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, who nominated the Community organization for the Creating Community Award from her district. Relations Commission gives out one award for each of the county’s Group are partnering for Ketura’s fifth annual L’Chaim program, Being Connectfour commission districts each year. The Rev. Brian Sullivan heads the At- ed, Sunday, April 26, from 1:30 to 4:30 lanta chapter, whose leadership includes p.m. at the JF&CS headquarters, 4549 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. Temple Kol Emeth Rabbi Erin Boxt.
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People are invited to discuss life in a way that will engage the spirit, heart and mind, as well as practical issues. The panelists are Rabbi Judith Beiner, the community chaplain for JF&CS; Chris Brannon, a partner at the firm of Brannon & Black and chairman of the Elder Law Section of the Atlanta Bar; Ruthanne Warnick, the founder of Capture the Journey and a certified guided autobiography instructor; and John Kunihiro, the founder and CEO of Art of Healing. The cost is $10, which includes light refreshments. Contact Sheila Dalmat at 678-441-0650 or sdalmat@gmail.com for details and registration.
Smooth Transition
T
he Marcus Jewish Community Center’s annual meeting March 24 marked the end of eight years of a split board structure in which one board, the Governance Board, oversaw finances while the other, the Advisory Board, focused on programming. The Marcus JCC elected a newly unified board under the chairmanship of Douglas Kuniansky, who was the president of the advisory board and is shown with Marcus JCC CEO Gail Luxenberg (below left). The new 18-member board features other familiar faces, including Howard Hyman and Ron Brill, who were the co-chairs of the Governance Board and now are secretary and treasurer, respectively. Hyman and Brill, shown with Kuniansky, received awards to thank them for their leadership. Kuniansky’s predecessor as president, Steven Cadranel, also a member of the new board, received the Erwin Zaban Bridge Builder Award from the chair of the annual meeting, Laura Dinerman. ■
Kol Emeth to Honor WRJ Temple Kol Emeth’s annual Lights of TKE-Avodah honor dinner will highlight the work of the congregation’s sisterhood, the Women of Reform Judaism. The evening of honor will recognize 12 current and former WRJ presidents while celebrating contributions to the East Cobb congregation and the community at large since the mid-1980s. The president of the national WRJ is Kol Emeth member Blair Mark. Tickets are $100; www.kolemeth.net.
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LOCAL NEWS
Peace Is Always in the Air
Frisbee group turns Arabs and Jews into teammates By Joe Sterling
Its bridge-building centers on ultimate Frisbee because the t took the toss of a Frisbee disc to sport is “self-officiatchange Shadda Daburri’s world. ed,” a reality that calls The Israeli Arab teen didn’t for cooperation and know Jewish kids growing up in her communication. Ultivillage of Tamra and heard only the mate Peace’s Facebook negatives. But that changed when she page, where it has embraced the sport of ultimate Frisbee. posted photos and capShadda joined a leadership and sule profiles of group Jewish-Arab friendship program called members, has more Ultimate Peace, a movement in the than 11,000 likes. The Middle East centered on the team sport. enthusiasm for peace She made friends with Jewish comes through on the teens, and now she’s part of a tight-knit page and in person. tribe of Israeli Jews, Arabs and PalestinDuring their Emoians. Photos by Joe Sterling Left: Being teammates crosses political and cultural lines for Shadda Daburri, 17, Yonatan Ben Haim, 17, and Nevo ry event, the Ultimate Arabs and Jews, she said, “can live Werner-Reiss, 16, of Kiryat Ono. Right: “If you don’t talk with someone, don’t judge them,” says Zaher Nujedat, 17. Peace members fotogether.” cused on breaking the Shadda and her teammates are in their schedule as well. They will mark says it is bringing together kids in ice between the peoples. the United States on a tour to promote the start of Passover there with a seder. “communities divided by conflict.” It Yonatan Ben Haim, 17, of Ra’anana the movement and play the sport. A Team members spoke at Emory “builds bridges of friendship, trust and said he made friends with his Arab contingent visited Atlanta from March before several dozen people March 26. leadership” and stresses “mutual reteammates through Ultimate Peace. 25 to 29. Some of the players also chatted with spect, non-violence and fun.” Jewish parents, he said, aren’t always They had events at Emory Univerthe Atlanta Jewish Times. The movement offers summer comfortable with the Jewish-Arab insity, Grady High and WD Mohammed In its literature, Ultimate Peace camps, leagues and clinics. teraction. He said his own parents Schools of Atlanta. Washington is on were edgy when a teammate visited, but quickly warmed up. When young kids were going to a tournament, they and their parents were nervous. “What if someone takes out a knife?” the kids asked. “What if they start hitting us?” Yonatan assured the parents that their kids would be safe, and they were. “It was such a great experience,” he said. et our chefs do the cooking, so you can spend more time with your family. Zahar Nujedat, 17, of Buena Nujedat stressed the importance of teamwork. Teammates pick you up when you make a mistake. “We play togethChocolate Flourless Torte Alon’s Famous Brisket er,” he said. He said he had negative impresApple Sponge Cake Lamb Roast | Braised Salmon sions of Jews until he met them. “When I joined Ultimate Peace, all my ideas Chocolate-Covered Matzah Braised Chicken | Beet Salad changed,” he said. “If you don’t talk with someone, don’t judge them.” Caramels with Maldon Salt Israeli Vegetable Salad Other than noting the animosity Classic Coconut Macaroons between Jews and Arabs, the visiting Orange Glazed Carrots teens rarely referenced politics, but French Almond Macaroons hot-button issues did come up. House-Made Gefilte Fish | Sephardic Haroset The Gaza war last year was a chalDuck-Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes lenge. Ultimate Peace made it through with outings, such as a movie and a trip Chicken Soup | Matzah Ball 4 pack to the beach. “We’re a family,” said Lior Perlis, 16, of Binyamina. “We love each other.” As for 17-year-old Shadda, she’s planning to go to college, maybe at Tel | Aviv University, with a major that’s fitting for a young woman whose group | promotes togetherness: chemistry. ■ 24
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A Festival to Remember
AJMF6 changes sound and soul of Judaism in Atlanta By Benjamin Kweskin
“A
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on Monday after 11 days, leaving concertgoers, congregants and sponsors gleaming from its success. The largest-yet Spring festival featured music from local and international artists, reflecting Atlanta’s growing, diverse Jewish community. “The sheer number of musicians, sponsors, supporters and audience members far eclipsed anything we’ve
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done in the past,” said AJMF Founder and Executive Director Russell Gottschalk. This year’s festival was sponsored by over one hundred individuals and organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, the Marcus FounCantors Barbara Margulis, Nancy Kassel, Lauren Furman Adesnik dation, Fulton County and Deborah Hartman sing at the Cantorial Concert March 22. hundred, Diwan Saz performed traArts and Culture, and ditional Middle Eastern music with a the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. For the first time, AJMF expand- beautiful Havdalah interlude led by ed its borders to Austin, Texas where band member and Iraqi-Kurdish rabbi, the festival proudly supported and fi- David Menachem. Deckelbaum and her band were nanced several AJMF artists at a SXSW equally energetic, eliciting an encore; festival showcase. “One of our goals for AJMF6 and blending pop, rock, reggae, folk, and beyond is to step onto the national even operatic skills. Deckelbaum enstage. With our presence this year at gaged the crowd a great deal during the SXSW we are showing the nation that surprising and unique performance. “Frankly, I loved Diwan Saz the Atlanta is a major player in Jewish music,” AJMF President Bram Bessoff said. most!” exclaimed Nina Rubin. “They AJMF6 set out to affiliate with as were thrilling in vocals, harmonies, many local congregations as possible, instruments and kavannah (spiritual making them official venues of the intent). Yael Deckelbaum’s voice was impressive with stunning control and Spring Festival. “With the involvement of pioneer- range.” Ethan Davidson, former AJMF ing congregations like The Temple, Temple Emanu-el, Ahavath Achim, board chair, played guitar with Tony Temple Beth Tikvah & Congregation Levitas and the 4th Ward Afro-Klezmer Beth Shalom, we are finally creating Orchestra during the Atlanta Hunger the network of support we need to es- Walk at Turner Field, where thousands tablish Atlanta as a Jewish Cultural got their first taste of Jewish Music while helping the Atlanta Food Bank. Hub of the South,” Bessoff said. “AJMF has become ingrained in AtAJMF6 opened with an energetic performance that had the crowd hop- lanta’s cultural fabric,” said Davidson. ping by Canadian Ska/Rock Band Jump “This festival is offering experiences no Babylon and closed with an emotional other festival can provide.” Many Atlanta area synagogues and powerful Holocaust Remembrance Concert in partnership with the Ken- utilized the AJMF to excite and engage nesaw State University (KSU) Music congregants. A festival highlight for many was a Department, Georgia Commission on the Holocaust, the Breman Museum spiritually moving Shabbat service featuring ancient chanting derived from and The Temple. Rising star and Georgia native both Eastern and Western traditions singer Hannah Zale chose to debut her called Kirtan. For the third consecutive year, Congregation Bet Haverim and new album “Fortress” during AJMF6. “Although I do write secular Ahavath Achim Synagogues united to music,” said Zale, “it’s all through a include this unique and powerful addivery Jewish lens and from a very Jew- tion in the AJMF lineup. “The best part about this year’s fesish place, which is my heart. I’m very tival was to see AJMF’s overall growth, prideful of my Judaism.” Certainly, the festival’s biggest our increased breadth and continuing highlight was its Main Event spot- diversity,” said Gottschalk. “Seeing diflighting two captivating performances ferent Jewish organizations and comby Israeli artists Diwan Saz and Yael munities coming together for AJMF is really special and makes me optimistic Deckelbaum. Playing to a large crowd of several for the future of Jewish Atlanta.”■
ARTS
aisles to the heart-racing triple-time beat of “Hava Nagila,” not many tuchases were left in their seats. ■
JAFFE’S JIVE By Marcia Jaffe mjaffe@atljewishtimes.com
HAPPY PASSOVER FROM THE SHEMARIA FAMILY WE HAVE YOUR SIZE! SIZES 6-16 A-EEEE
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Music director Gayanne Geurin and band director Will Robertson at the Congregation Bet Haverim performance March 28.
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Middle: Photo by Marcia Jaffe
Violinist Ben Reiss, part of the Emory University English department, stands with cellist Ruth Einstein, a member of the Congregation Bet Haverim string section since its inception. Bottom: Photo by Marcia Jaffe
Bet Haverim Rabbi Josh Lesser settles in to enjoy the concert at Oakhurst Baptist Church.
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APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
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ongregation Bet Haverim’s chorus, band and strings thrilled more than 300 music lovers March 28 with American and Israeli folk songs, Negro spirituals, and Hollywood tunes contrasting the depths of sorrow with hope for a better world in tandem with the human spirit around the approaching Passover holiday. The occasion was the Reconstructionist congregation’s annual fundraising spring concert, Together B’yachad, at Oakhurst Baptist Church. The magnificent harmonies underscored by bow and bass began with a resounding “By the rivers of Babylon, where we sat down and wept as we dreamed of Zion.” Talented veteran Gayanne Geurin, the music director and narrator, boasted of the CBH mission to extol diverse music as a connection to things that could divide us. “Music tonight is not racial, ethnic, gender-specific, nor interfaith,” she said as she introduced the beautifully stringed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Bet Haverim Rabbi Josh Lesser also dwelled on community: “Every time we get together to bring music to the larger community, it’s a great moment that builds our sense of togetherness.” James Taylor-like Will Robertson, the band director and soloist, performed his composition “We Are Gathered Here Today,” with touching lyrics: “We are only here for one moment; let’s do all we can to fill this world with love.” Percussionist Henry Farber said, “I never knew Jewish music could be so fun, invigorating and hip!” Ruth Einstein, who has a master’s in cello performance, has been with the strings since the band’s inception. She said, “This is still such a pleasurable experience even after years of performance.” There is always room for humor. Cigar-smoking halftime raffle hawkers and comics chortled, “If we see tuchases in the seat, we’ll kick ’em out.” As the audience danced in the
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PASSOVER
Set for Seders Any Bubbe Could Love Preparation key for Berman Commons’ executive chef
By Fran Memberg fmemberg@atljewishtimes.com
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
S
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o you’re making Passover seder in your brand-new kitchen in the custom-built home you just moved into. Bubbe and Zayde will be at your table, so you’re hoping your guests will exclaim, “Oh, this is just like Grandma used to make,” when they taste the dishes you’ve lovingly prepared. Imagine serving up those treasured recipes to 20 or 30 or more grandmas, all of whom were renowned among their family and friends for making the best (fill in the Passover recipe of your choice). That situation doesn’t intimidate Edward Kraitman, the executive chef at Berman Commons, the assisted living facility for the Jewish community that opened in early March in Dunwoody next to the Marcus Jewish Community Center. He is proud of his experience as the executive chef at the Renaissance on Peachtree, a senior living community with a high percentage of Jewish residents who Kraitman says had no complaints about his food. Planning and organization are the keys to minimizing stress and even more so for a chef preparing for a communal seder and an entire week of kosher-for-Passover meals. Kraitman’s menus were planned before any occupants arrived, and the cooking started a week before the April 3 first seder, to
Photo by Michael Jacobs
Berman Commons executive chef Edward Kraitman and sous chef Marina Sirota get some practice in the new kitchens before the March opening.
be conducted by Rabbi Brian Glusman. Berman Commons, the only kosher assisted living facility in metro Atlanta, is fitted with amenities that would make Passover prep much easier in any private home: separate meat and dairy kitchens that have their own Passover paraphernalia, including ovens, walk-in coolers, cookware, dishes and silverware. Residents are already singing praises about Kraitman’s cooking. One gentleman said the “soups are very unique.” A female resident said she “enjoys every minute” of mealtime. Fred Glusman, the Berman Commons kosher supervisor, who held similar positions at local senior residences with kosher kitchens, said Kraitman is an excellent chef. He appreciates that Kraitman is knowledgeable about kosher laws. Kraitman donned his Berman Commons chef’s toque in December 2014. Berman’s executive director, Jenice Cunningham, had tasted Kraitman’s cooking. “We connected, we met, and I was very impressed,” she said. “He creates an atmosphere of excitement in the dining room. It’s a dining experience — service, presentation and energy. He and the staff go out to meet the residents and get to know them and
their needs. There are no plates with food on them at the end of the meal.” Kraitman, 50, learned cooking basics as a child helping his mom and grandmother in their Jewish kitchens. He has culinary degrees in food preparation and kosher food preparation. In 1993, Kraitman moved to Atlanta. For many years he was the catering chef for the former Quality Kosher Emporium while also working as a sous chef at Chateau Elan. From 2001 to 2003, Kraitman was a sous chef at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, and he was at the Renaissance for two years before joining the Berman Commons staff. Kraitman supervises three chefs, a number expected to increase to nine when Berman Commons fills all 90 apartments. Three servers bring food restaurant-style to residents; three additional servers will be added as more residents move in. Sous chef Marina Sirota worked with Kraitman at the Renaissance. “She helps me provide quality,” Kraitman said. “She’s my right hand, left hand and my eyes in the kitchen.” Kraitman and staff prepare three meals daily. Instead of adding salt and pepper in the cooking process, he relies on healthful ingredients and uses spices, herbs, stocks and other flavorings to create tasty dishes. All meals are cooked on-site, including a traditional Shabbat dinner on Friday nights. “I love working at Berman Commons and in the Jewish community,” said Kraitman, a married father of three sons. “You need to see the smiles of these people. They are happy. They enjoy life. They love and respect life.” ■
Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers
1½ cups dry quinoa 4 Tbsp. olive oil 9 green bell peppers (8 whole, 1 chopped) 2 medium onions, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 2 celery ribs, chopped 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped 1 tsp. dried tarragon 8 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup fresh basil, chopped 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Juice of 1 fresh lemon Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare the quinoa according to package directions. When it is ready, set it aside, covered. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the peppers by cutting off the tops (the most common procedure) or slicing lengthwise (chef Edward Kraitman’s preference). Clean the peppers thoroughly and remove all seeds and membranes from inside. Sauté the chopped onion, green pepper, carrots and celery in the olive oil until the onion is lightly browned. Add the cooked quinoa to the sautéed vegetables, then add the rest of the ingredients to the stuffing mixture. Spoon the quinoa-vegetable mixture into the peppers and put the peppers into a baking pan lightly greased with olive oil or Passover butter or margarine. Cook until the peppers begin to brown around the top edges, about a half-hour. Serves 8.
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PASSOVER
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The seder wasn’t always quite so crowded, as seen in this photo from the 1948 seder at a home on Virginia Circle.
Dinner for 97
Family seder grows through generations April Basler abasler@atljewishtimes.com
T
he Galanti family of Congregation Or VeShalom in Brookhaven always celebrates Passover belmontvillage.com together. The cousins are close, and the Sephardic family all wants to be PCH 008034, 008036 © 2015 Belmont Village, L.P. together. So the Galantis have not split Passover into multiple smaller seders. It’s a Galanti family Passover tradition. AtlJewTimes_4_23_golden.indd 1 3/27/15 10:01 AM Last year the family had 93 people at the seder: this year a record 97 people are expected. “We take pride in doing it,” said Ann Galanti of Brookhaven. Rabeno and Louisa Galanti immigrated to Atlanta from Turkey in the Magic show with Debbie Leifer, renowned magician Cake and 1920s and began the tradition of a famrefreshments Story time Gift book for each child ily Passover seder in Atlanta. The seder has grown steadily over the years as children grow up, marry and have children of their own. “It’s grown by leaps and bounds,” Sammy Spider arts and crafts, activities, and games Cake and said Janet Galanti of Dunwoody. refreshments Story time Gift book for each child Years ago it was held in family members’ homes with about 60 people in attendance. Ten years ago the Galantis moved to a venue with a larger space Children enjoy a live petting zoo Cake and refreshments to accommodate their big family, the Story time Gift book for each child Roswell River Landing. The Galantis like that the venue is centrally located and comfortable and comes with a full kitchen because they do all their own cooking. Children create provided wooden craft Cake and refreshments How do the Galantis pull off a sedStory time Gift book for each child er with a home-cooked meal for that many people? Call for priCes “It’s unbelievably organized,” said Ila Galanti of Sandy Springs. AndThouShaltRead.com | Oytoys.com Some of the intown cousins split into three smaller groups and rotate the organization of Passover every two years. They have a notebook and
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APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
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AJT 30
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a spreadsheet to guide exactly what to do, including a seating chart. The Passover committee sends a save-the-date card to family members six weeks out to explain what each person should bring, but typically the same people make the same dishes every year. It takes two to three hours to set up for the seder and about an hour to clean up. The Galantis hire people to help set up the tables and to assist in the kitchen to keep the food moving. There’s no matzah ball soup or gefilte fish at the Galantis’ seder because it is a Sephardic seder with Mediterranean food. The two dishes everyone looks forward to most are the quajado, a Spanish casserole of spinach, meat and matzah meal, and the charoset, made of dates, nuts, wine and applesauce. Before the seder, the Galantis have an outdoor cocktail hour overlooking the river if the weather is nice. They serve chopped liver, chopped herring and smoked salmon, which are dishes customary to their many Ashkenazi relatives. The family last year started using a custom-made haggadah that includes family pictures and is easier for the children to read. Everyone in attendance, even young children, takes turns reading aloud from the haggadah. All the children from age 4 to b’nai mitzvah age read the Four Questions together for the large crowd. When Passover starts on a weekend, as it does this year, more out-oftown family members are likely to come. The Galantis are expecting family from Israel and all over the United
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PASSOVER
Sephardic Charoset
This is the recipe of Louisa Galanti, of blessed memory. 24 oz. walnuts (pecans may be used) 24 oz. almonds (with skin) 6 packages (8-10 oz. each) pitted dates 5 jars (23-25 oz. each) applesauce 1 cup white vinegar 1½ cups Harvey’s Bristol Cream or pale sherry wine Chop nuts in a food processer (or blender). Cook dates (not too much water), stirring some, to soften for a few minutes before grinding. Drain water but use excess water in the mix. Mix applesauce with nuts. Add dates, vinegar and wine. May add more Harvey’s Bristol Cream or pale sherry wine and some Manischewitz concord grape Passover wine if desired. Serves 45-50.
Photo by April Basler
Top left: The seder clan includes (from left) Nancy Galanti, Janet Galanti, Ila Galanti, Ann Galanti, Sam R. Galanti and Helene Galanti Tuck. Top: right: This is part of the 2014 Galanti seder scene. Far right: The Galantis cook for the seder using this cookbook from the Congregation Or VeShalom Sisterhood. The Galantis have a new tradition of using their own custom haggadah (not shown).
Passover Quajado de Carne and Spinach
This recipe is from “The Sephardic Cooks, Comé con Gana” by the Congregation Or VeShalom Sisterhood, available from the Or VeShalom gift shop. 6 matzahs, soaked, with most of the water squeezed out 1½ lbs. ground meat 1 tbsp. oil 2 tsp. salt, pepper to taste 1 lb. fresh spinach 10 eggs, beaten ½ cup chicken broth Brown the meat in the oil, and add salt and pepper. Add the matzahs, spinach and broth to the cooled meat mixture and mix well. Add the beaten eggs and mix well. Bake in a greased, heated 9-by-13-inch pan at 375 degree for 30 to 45 minutes. You can add chopped onion and brown with the meat for added flavor. You can substitute 20 oz. of frozen spinach for 1 lb. of fresh spinach.
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Menu Highlights The Galantis go through a lot of food for their Passover seder. Along with other items, this year’s meal will include the following: • 1½ cases of Manischewitz wine. • 2 cases of drinking wine. • 10 pounds of matzah. • 115 pieces of chicken. • 27 pounds of brisket. • 18 pounds of squash. • 12 pounds of green beans. • 4 pans of quajado.
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
States, including Seattle, New York, Florida, St. Louis, Knoxville and San Diego. T h e Galantis all get together for the first night of Passover only. On the second night, they celebrate with their respective families in much smaller groups. The entire Galanti clan also breaks the fast after Yom Kippur together. The large family remains close, and the cousins from around the country know one another and keep in touch. “Generationally, there were five siblings of Louisa and Rabeno,” said Nancy Galanti of Sandy Springs. “They all had three children, so then there were 15 first cousins that all got married, minus a couple. Then they had children, and there are now 35 cousins in that next generation, not counting spouses.” Sam R. Galanti of Brookhaven is the youngest son of Rabeno and Louisa and the only one of their five children who is living. The 84-year-old will be at the seder’s head table, which is still representative of the five siblings. “We’re all family, and we love getting together,” he said. “I remember doing this since I was a child.” ■
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PASSOVER
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Our makeshift seder plate of salt water, romaine lettuce, parsley, egg, charoset and a tinfoil shank bone.
My Seder Scrum
T
he shank bone was aluminum foil, the charoset was a few slivers of apple doused in wine, and the seder plate was a floral-imprinted serving tray. There was no haggadah. No, this isn’t the setup of a Passover-themed horror film. It was a seder I helped put together a few years ago in West Hollywood, Calif. Even though it wasn’t traditional by any stretch, it ended up being one of the most meaningful Passover experiences I’ve ever had. But let me take a step back and tell you how we came to be celebrating Passover sans shank bone. In 2013, I moved to Los Angeles to play rugby for the Santa Monica Dolphins. When Passover came, I felt a need to attend a seder. As luck would have it, three of my new teammates were Jewish and were also without a home base in L.A. All four of us, while not especially observant, had attended seder growing up, and we decided to put one on ourselves. My teammate Justin, who hails from Sydney, Australia, agreed to host at his apartment in West Hollywood, and we invited some girls to celebrate the holiday with us. That’s where the planning stopped. The day of the seder arrived and I asked Justin what to bring. “Lots of wine,” he said. “Do you have matzah?” “No.” “Do you have a haggadah?” “No.” “Do you have a seder plate?” “No.” I could tell this was going to be a challenge. I headed off to Trader Joe’s to see what I could salvage on my way over. Matzah I found quickly, along with parsley and romaine lettuce for the bitter herbs. Next, I bought a premade hardboiled egg and an apple to make charoset. But my search for a shank bone and haggadah proved fruitless, and now I was running out of time.
I got to Justin’s apartment and hastily assembled the ingredients in shot glasses I found in his kitchen. We arranged them on a serving tray and put it on the table. When I looked at what we had created, I was disappointed. What would my parents say if they could see this train wreck of a seder plate created
By David R. Cohen david@atljewishtimes.com
with shot glasses and a few hastily acquired ingredients? The majority of guests had never celebrated Passover or even seen a seder plate, and when I sat down, they had lots of questions. So I did my best to tell them why this night was different from all other nights. “Passover is about freedom,” I said. “This seder plate is meant to symbolize the Exodus of Jews from slavery.” And so it began. We told stories and drank wine. Questions were asked, answers were given, and we drank more wine. In the end, a group of people from very diverse backgrounds and very faraway places celebrated Passover together. It wasn’t pretty, it didn’t have everything I was used to, and it wasn’t perfect. But Passover was never meant to be perfect. Much in the same way that the Jews hastily created matzah on their way out of Egypt, so did we hastily put together a seder plate to celebrate. Passover isn’t about following a haggadah. It’s about finding your own way to celebrate. So this year at your seder, try to shake things up a little. You wouldn’t hide the afikomen in the same place twice; why would you have the exact same seder? ■
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PASSOVER
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18 Minutes in Time
J Congregation Or VeShalom is delighted to extend to our members, families, and friends, and the entire Jewish community of greater Atlanta heartfelt wishes of Moadim Lesimhah-Chag Kasher v’sameach, a joyous festival of freedom to one and all. May this year bring freedom to all in need and may peace reign in Israel and the entire world. In the words of the prophet Amos- “let justice roll down like a river, and righteousness like a never failing stream.” Amen
Congregation Or VeShalom
1681 North Druid Hills Road, Atlanta, GA 30319 404-633-1737 | office@orveshalom.org www.orveshalom.org
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From the top down: Two matzah bakers wise beyond their years know that preparation time and time travel go well with the Atlanta Jewish Times. Chabad Hebrew School students enjoy beautiful weather for outdoor baking. JCrafts transports the young audience from the modern-day Home Depot in Buckhead to ancient Egypt.
Newly trained matzah makers stick to their task March 26 at the Home Depot on Piedmont Road in Buckhead.
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Friendly would-be farmer Shmuel Griesman explains the source of the flour used to make matzah during the JCrafts demonstration at Home Depot.
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Crafts Georgia, a Chabad affiliate under the direction of Rabbi Levi Mentz, a recent arrival from Los Angeles, made the rounds with its Model Matzah Bakery before Passover to share the Exodus story and demonstrate the art and science of making matzah within the 18-minute halachic time limit. Rabbi Mentz said the beauty of JCrafts is that it works with people from all streams of Judaism while teaching thousands of children. It also makes presentations that have nothing to do with Moses, Pharaoh and the bread of affliction. You can get more information at jcraftsga.org. ■
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The clock is ticking as Chabad Hebrew School students roll out their matzah dough. Below: The Model Matzah Bakery takes inspiration from the time travels of Marty McFly in “Back to the Future.”
www.atlantajewishtimes.com
PASSOVER
A Spoonful of Chocolate
ModernTribe at 171 Auburn Ave. downtown helped families see the sweet side of matzah at a special event March 22. In addition to the creation of chocolate-covered matzah and other children’s crafts, the free event included readings from Spring Asher’s new “Our Family Haggadah” and a discussion led by Rabbi Ezra Sarna on the modern lessons to be taken from slavery and the Exodus. ■
Photos courtesy of ModernTribe
Above: ModernTribe owner Jennie Rivlin Roberts and “Our Family Haggadah” creator Spring Asher have lots of help to celebrate the book, which was out of stock at press time because of its popularity. From left are Phyllis Weiser (Rivlin Roberts’ mother), Rivlin Roberts, Asher, Juliet Asher (Asher’s daughter), and Juliet Asher’s daughter and a friend of hers.
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hat does a kosher cookie shop do during Pesach? It keeps making cookies, just not the kosher-for-Passover variety. During the holiday, the Ali’s Cookies (www.shipacookie.com) locations at Emory and Perimeter Mall will remain open but won’t be certified kosher for Passover. To get around selling a nonkosher product on Passover, Congregation Ariel members Alison and Jeff Rosengarten will give up ownership of those two stores for the duration of the holiday. The East Cobb store will be closed during the eight days of Passover. “My wife and I go through the trouble of selling the stores on Shabbos and on all the Jewish holidays so that we do not personally violate the Sabbath or the holidays,” said Jeff Rosengarten, the CEO of Ali’s Cookies. “It’s a violation to be conducting business on the Sabbath regardless of if it’s kosher or not.” Rosengarten said he would like to offer a selection of kosher-for-Passover cookies, but it would be too difficult to kasher the three shops, all of which go through large amounts of chametz daily. Instead, the couple will take a leave of absence while observing the holiday.
As it is, the Atlanta Kashruth Commission does not certify the Ali’s Cookies locations at Emory and Perimeter as kosher because they are open on Shabbat. The only store certified kosher is the East Cobb location, which closes on Saturdays. The AKC does, however, oversee all three locations for kosher ingredients. Rosengarten said the time away from the stores during Passover helps him take a step back and refocus his efforts. “I don’t normally get to enjoy the wonderful smell that’s in the store because we get used to it,” he said. “Over Passover, being away for 10 days, it’s so nice to come back in and smell what the customers smell. It makes us appreciate the cookies that much more.” ■
Happy Passover!
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APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
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Kosher Wines Win With Impressive Ratings By Joshua E. London
K
osher wines have collected some impressive scores and some remarkable praise in the wine press the past decade. The latest impressive review comes from The Wine Enthusiast’s April 2015 issue, including more than 30 Israeli wines. None of them received a rating lower than 85, and 16 of them received scores of 90 or higher. A 90-point or higher score from The Wine Enthusiast can be thought of as an award of excellence from the panel of tasters employed by that magazine. In its rankings, a score of 87 to 89 is “very good” and “well recommended,” while 90 to 93 is “excellent” and “highly recommended.” Above that is, well, above that. Two wines, Tzuba 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon and Alexander 2010 Reserve Cabernet Franc, won Editor’s Choice, and two others, Carmel 2013 Selected Sauvignon Blanc and Carmel 2013 Selected Cabernet Sauvignon, were named Best Buys by the prestigious magazine. For decades wine critics have recognized Israel’s ability to produce world-class wines, but this review appears to have taken the recognition one step further. The highly rated wines come from virtually all of Israel’s wine-growing regions. The Galilee and Judean Hills have been noted wine regions for years, but now the Upper Negev/Judea, Shomron and other regions have shown that they can produce wines of high regard. “Best value is a rarity in any review, and so when that best value comes
from Israel, it’s even more astounding, although not surprising to me,” said Jay Buchsbaum, the director of wine education for Royal Wine, which imports Carmel wines. “We always knew our wines could compete on the world stage; now everyone else knows it too,” said Joshua Greenstein, who heads the Israel Wine Producers Association. If you see a kosher wine with a high score, it means that some wine expert or panel of experts tasted that kosher wine and thought it deserving of praise. Whether you agree is your prerogative. The scores are not there to tell you what to like, only to suggest that such a wine is one you might like. Taste for yourself to find out. L’chaim!
A Taste For Scoring
The best method for exploring wine is to taste it — as often as possible and preferably with good food, friends and family. Because there are so many different wines, however, specialists and wine critics have emerged to help consumers make sense of it all. There are, of course, detractors to the basic concept of scoring anything in matters of taste. Wine is subjective to a degree, and what I like might not be what you like. On the other hand, this is true of a great many things, yet we can and do still speak to each other meaningfully, intelligently and to our mutual benefit about our tastes, our preferences and
www.atlantajewishtimes.com
PASSOVER The following are the scores The Wine Enthusiast awarded to Israeli wines in its April 2015 issue Score
Winery
Wine
Region
Price
90
Tzuba
2012 Chardonnay
Judean Hills
$25
93
Shiloh Winery
2010 Legend red blend
Judean Hills
$40
90
Yatir
2010 Petit Verdot
Judean Hills
$45
92
Domaine du Castel
2011 Grand Vin Bordeaux-style red blend
Haut-Judeé
$75
90
Tulip Winery
2011 Mostly Shiraz
Galilee
$40
90
Barkan
2011 Special Reserve Winemakers’ Choice Merlot
Galilee
$25
90
Alexander
2012 Sandro red blend
Upper Galilee
$25
90
Barkan
2011 Special Reserve Winemakers’ Choice Shiraz
Galilee
$25
90
Carmel
2010 Carmel Mediterranean red blend
Galilee
$60
90
Barkan
2012 Special Reserve Winemakers’ Choice Chardonnay
Judean Hills
$25
89
Shiloh Winery
2012 Chardonnay
Judean Hills
$27
89
Domaine Netofa
2013 Estate Bottled Rosé
Galilee
$21
89
Domaine Netofa
2013 Estate Bottled Chenin Blanc
Galilee
$25
92
Madmon
2012 Soreka Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Shomron
$30
92
Tzuba*
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
Judean Hills
$30
92
Alexander*
2010 Reserve Cabernet Franc
Galilee
$40
91
Shiloh Winery
2010 Legend II red blend
Judean Hills
$40
91
Flam
2011 Reserve Syrah
Galilee
$50
91
Psagot
2011 Edom Bordeauxstyle red blend
Judean Hills
$38
91
Flam
2011 Reserve Merlot
Galilee
$70
91
Psagot
2011 Psagot Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Jerusalem Hills
$75
91
Carmel
2011 Appellation Cabernet Sauvignon
Galilee
$20
89
Carmel#
2013 Selected Sauvignon Blanc
Galilee
$11
91
Psagot
2011 Cabernet Franc
Judean Hills
$35
89
Carmel#
$11
Domaine Netofa
2011 Syrah-Mourvèdre
Galilee
$25
2013 Selected Cabernet Sauvignon
Shomron
91 90
Shiloh Winery
2011 Shor Barbera
Judean Hills
$32
89
Tulip Winery
2013 White Franc white blend
Judean Hills
$30
90
Psagot
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Judean Hills
$35
89
Barkan
$25
Tulip Winery
2012 Just Cabernet Sauvignon
Galilee
$25
2011 Special Reserve Winemakers’ Choice Cabernet Sauvignon
Galilee
90 90
Tulip Winery
2011 Black Tulip Bordeaux-style red blend
Galilee
$80
88
Tulip Winery
2013 White Tulip white blend
Galilee
$25
90
Domaine Netofa
2011 Latour Netofa Estate Bottled SyrahMourvèdre
Galilee
$45
88
Flam
2013 Rosé
Judean Hills
$35
88
Montefiore
2011 Karem Moshe red blend
Judean Hills
$50
86
Carmel
2012 Single Vineyard Kayoumi Vineyard White Riesling
Galilee
$30
90
Psagot
2012 Merlot
Judean Hills
$26
90
Alexander
2009 The Great Amarolo red blend
Israel
$120
90
Flam
2012 Classico Bordeauxstyle red blend
Judean Hills
$35
86
Shiloh Winery
2011 Secret Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Judean Hills
$40
90
Segal’s
2009 Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon
Galilee
$75
85
Tzuba
2010 Metzuda Syrah
Judean Hills
$30
85
2012 Chardonnay
Judean Hills
$25
2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Galilee
Psagot * Editors’ Choice; # Best Buy
Tulip Winery
our experiences. Indeed, what better way to expand our horizons and learn more about each other than to converse about our individual perceptions and judgments? Our social interaction would be rather dull if we didn’t share our judgements with one another. The wine critic simply professionalizes this impulse. In the late 1970s, Robert M. Parker Jr., a lawyer in Monkton, Md., began The Wine Advocate, a consumer newsletter of wine evaluation. Owing to wine’s many variables in quality and character, he decided on a 100-point scale. Given the 100-point scale used in American education, he figured consumers would readily understand that, say, while an 85-point wine might be good, a 90- or 93-point wine would be better. Points are awarded for a wine’s appearance, color, aroma, body, flavor, overall quality and the like. Other influential publications have adopted this 100-point wine scale, such as The Wine Spectator and The Wine Enthusiast, both venerable specialty publications designed to give consumers informed, expert opinions on wine. While each publication’s exact scale differs slightly, they all essentially function in this way. ■
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PASSOVER
Mickey and Matzah
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hat guest would you love to have at your seder? How about Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto? Walt Disney World Resort holds a special place in my heart, as it does for countless millions of people all over the world. But can you really mix Mickey Mouse and matzah? Can one eat pesadik and enjoy the place “where dreams come true”? Yes. As a frequent visitor to Walt Disney World Resort and someone
who loves Passover for the food and experience, here are some of my tips. During Passover, kosher Pesach food is found in local marts, but the convenience of getting everything you want or need can be challenging. Chabad of South Orlando does a great job of providing contact information for catering services both local and from New York. There
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are small delivery charges, but to be near the House of the Mouse is worth the investment. You may even ship your own food to your destination.
Guest Column By Jason Kaplan
But how do you actually visit Mickey Mouse with your matzah? Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drink into the theme parks and eat in common areas but not in the restaurants. Counter service (not table service) restaurants will even provide you with a cup of water at no charge. I would make sure to get a clean tray and line it with napkins to have a chametz-free surface to dine on. Just pack up matzah sandwiches, chips and snacks for the day and schmooze with Mickey and the gang. Walt Disney World Resort is the gold standard in customer service with guest access to kosher food at any
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restaurant. The Pesach-hechshered food is prepared by Miami-based Weberman Foods, which is certified by the Orthodox Rabbinical Council of South Florida (ORC) and by OK Labs. Passover products are prepared under the supervision of Mehadrin Kosher Inspection (MKI). During Pesach, many table service Walt Disney World Resort restaurants allow you to order kosher Passover entrees such as brisket, honey-glazed chicken breast, baked fillet of salmon with a matzah farfel side dish, 8-inch cheese pizza made with egg whites and a potato starch shell, and chicken strips with potato croquets. There are sides of vegetables and potatoes. Soups include garden vegetable and matzah ball, and delicious desserts include chocolate layer cake, coconut macaroon and carrot cake. All kosher meals are clearly marked, triple-wrapped to allow heating in any oven, and come with sealed plastic utensils and napkin sets. The meals must be ordered 48 hours in advance of your restaurant dining time by calling 407-939-3463. Many counter service and food cart locations also sell fresh fruit. Walt Disney World Resort cast members (employees) want you to be comfortable and enjoy the show and eat without worry. That is truly magical for Jews on vacation. So where do people stay? Lodging is easy because there are many Pesach villas and hotels available at a reasonable price, many with an all-inclusive option with food and seders. Personally, I would look at Walt Disney World Resort villas that can accommodate eight or more people and have full kitchens that can be easily kashered for the entire holiday if you are interested in a family vacation. Walt Disney World Resort properties are unique because you will be able to enjoy — with Disney benefits such as extra magic hours — the theme parks, grounds and pools on the yom tovim and during the chol hamoed days (based on your observance and tznius levels). If you are looking to exodus Atlanta, then Walt Disney World Resort has the food, fun and magic waiting for you. Enjoy many magical memories with Mickey and Matzah! ■
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Jason Kaplan is a Disney enthusiast and orthodontist living in Dunwoody. He is a “dad” member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel and frequently visits Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
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PASSOVER
Good Health Is True Freedom ment, and the sages found this mandate implied in the words “Take heed to thyself and take care of your lives” (Deuteronomy 4:9) and “be extremely
Guest Column By David Shapiro DrShapiro@CompleteSpineSolutions.com
protective of your lives” (Deuteronomy 4:15). When Maimonides served as the royal physician to the sultan of Egypt, the sultan never became ill. One day he asked, “How do I know that you are an expert physician, since during the period that you have been here, I have never been ill, and you have not had the opportunity to test your skills?” Maimonides replied, “The ability of a physician to prevent illness is a greater proof of his skill than the ability to cure someone who is already ill.” We are all spiritual beings engaged in the physical experience of
life. If health is key to true freedom, let’s look at the different levels of health to reach for the highest: • The lowest level is when you have a health issue and ignore it. • The next level is treating the symptom and not the cause. • Next is treating the cause of a disease once you have it. • The next level is prevention. • The highest level is Dorland’s Medical Dictionary’s definition of
health. It is a state of optimal physical, mental and social well-being, not just the absence of disease or infirmity. Get on a healthy track now for you, your family and your community. Celebrate freedom in its truest sense. Have a happy and kosher Passover. Dr. David Shapiro, certified at the highest level in chiropractic biophysics, is the founder and chief wellness officer of Complete Spine Solutions in Tucker.
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T
his is the season of our freedom. To truly be free, we need to be healthy, spiritually and physically. If physical health is lost, spiritual health can suffer. A person who has lost health spends all time and resources trying to regain it, limiting the ability to focus on spirituality or anything else. A person’s true freedom can be compromised during the search for health solutions because it can become an all-encompassing endeavor. To maintain our freedom, we need to take stock of our physical well-being before our health declines and plan for our future good health, happiness and continued freedom. We all know the importance of setting goals, but most of us don’t have clear and measurable health goals. Lewis Carroll said, “Any road will get you there if you don’t know where you are going.” How important are goals, and how can we make them effective? A fascinating study was conducted on the 1979 Harvard M.B.A. program in which graduate students were asked, “Have you set clear, written goals for your future and made plans to accomplish them?” The result: 3 percent had written goals and plans; 13 percent had goals that weren’t in writing; and 84 percent had no goals. Ten years later, the same group was interviewed again, and the results were absolutely astounding: • The 13 percent of the class members who had goals but did not write them were earning twice the amount of the 84 percent who had no goals. • The 3 percent who had written goals were earning, on average, 10 times as much as the rest of the class. This study pertains to financial well-being; if we apply the same principle to our health, we can be more confident in our ability to enjoy all the fruits of our labors well into old age. Unfortunately, when it comes to our health, people rarely set goals. We should set and write down health goals for the short term and long term (20 to 30 years). What do we want our lives to be like, and what are the steps we need to take to get there? Health goals need to be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. Our sages said the major responsibility for personal health falls on the individual, not our physicians. To take care of one’s health is a command-
AJT 41
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PASSOVER
Customize Your Haggadah By Dave Savage
I
s the traditional Manischewitz or Maxwell House haggadah your cup of tea? Does your family speed-read and skip through these and other published haggadot, looking for the fun parts and the basic Exodus story? Have you ever attempted to create a haggadah that your family would enjoy? Many families and congregations have a long-standing tradition of cre-
issues the story brings up. Through the conversation, questions and answers, our history, values and traditions are remembered, reinforced and passed on to all who join us in this occasion. When you create your own haggadah, it is important to consider the age, maturity and attention span of the people attending your seder. Be sure to assign parts to the children with ageappropriate vocabulary. If you are going to have guests who are not familiar with the seder traditions, be sure to add parts that explain what and why things are being said and done in a certain way. Adding humorous songs and readings is a good balance to the serious stories of freedom and slavery. The flow of the seder can be improved if instructions are included in parentheses. Also remember to number the pages. In our seders, we share the reading with everyone who attends. The blocks of text are sized so that each person has about the same amount to read. Be sure to mark the leader’s parts to avoid confusion. I encourage you to find suitable materials in other haggadot and in the writings and songs of all freedom-
ating a fun and meaningful haggadah by cutting and pasting, writing, editing, and revising materials that tell the Exodus story with a special emphasis and point of view. Versions are told from the women’s point of view and from the children’s perspective. There are versions with Yiddish and Ladino songs. Some haggadot have traditional G-d language, and some do not. The key is to tell the basic story and to create a conversation about the
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AJT 42
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Atlanta, GA 30306
loving people. Many seders include the words of Martin Luther King and Gandhi. The Internet is a wonderful source of material. Be sure to look at readings with an eye toward individual paragraphs, sentences or phrases. You can get my whole haggadah by emailing dave@davesavage.com. ■
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tlantan Spring Asher has penned, along with her family, an addition to the long list of haggadahs available for Passover. But Asher’s book is unlike the venerable Maxwell House haggadah or the free ones available at supermarkets or the 1,000-plus versions in Emory’s Pitts Theology Library collection. Asher’s haggadah, “Our Family Haggadah,” is family-friendly. With simplified text and illustrations that look as if they were drawn by kids in the family, the haggadah is refreshing in look and style. The haggadah was introduced at a party to make chocolate matzah, and it’s not too late to buy copies to enliven your seder and to share with friends and family. The book is good for all ages and for seders with young children or non-Jews attending. The spiral-bound haggadah is available from ModernTribe (171 Auburn Ave., Suite G, Atlanta, or ModernTribe.com) for $12. ■
PASSOVER
The Right Questions
T
he Nobel Prize-winning physicist Isidor Rabi once explained how he became a scientist. When he would come home from school, his mother did not ask him, “What did you learn today?” but, rather, “Izzy, did you ask a good question today?” To be a Jew is to ask questions. Our rabbinic tradition was based on asking questions about a word or verse in the Torah or debating an aspect of law with pointed questioning. To be Jewish really means that we are a religion that encourages us to struggle with our beliefs, to act on our passions, and to strive to understand our relationship with G-d and our tradition. Where does this passion for questions come from? Ultimately, it may come from our celebration and observance of Passover. In the Book of Exodus, the Torah describes a number of situations where children may come and ask us (the parents) to explain Jewish ritual and customs to them. Based on these verses, the haggadah presents to us “the Four Questions” and “the Four Children.” The central focus of the Passover seder is to explain our traditions and history by encouraging our children to participate by asking questions. The Four Questions is one of the most special moments of our seder. For some of us, our children or grandchildren are reciting them for the first time. In other homes, there may not be any young children, and teenage or college students are often embarrassed that they still have to recite the questions. But a number of scholars have pointed out that we have been misinterpreting the idea behind the Four Questions. It is not the mastery of these questions that is so important. These
questions were meant to be examples of the types of questions we can ask at the seder. In fact, the Mishnah, our first code of Jewish law (c. 200), states that if children are too young to ask (spontaneous) questions, it is the father who teaches (questions like) the Four Questions, which are not really formulated as questions but as
Guest Column By Rabbi Paul Kerbel
statements of wonder encouraging the children to ask even more questions. And the Talmud indicates that those at the seder can ask any question that stimulates discussion and allows us to act as free people. So this year I would like to assign to all of us a “homework assignment.” Let us prepare in advance four additional questions that we would like to ask or to discuss after we recite the traditional Four Questions. The secular kibbutz haggadot of the 1930s in Palestine give us some examples: “Why do people all over the world hate the Jews?” “When will there be peace and brotherhood the world over?” Let’s go around the table. Let’s linger a bit. Let’s ask new questions — questions about Passover, questions about the Exodus, questions about the Torah or Jewish tradition, questions about Jewish survival and Jewish continuity. Like Isidor Rabi, let us ask, “Did I ask a good question today?” Questioning is truly a sign of freedom and crucial to re-enacting the Passover experience. ■ Rabbi Paul Kerbel is one of the spiritual leaders of Congregation Etz Chaim in East Cobb.
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PASSOVER
Behind the Door With Ben & Jerry’s
W
hy is this night different from all other nights? On all other nights, we do not add even one flavor. But on this night, this Passover, eight flavors! This year Ben & Jerry’s is offering eight flavors of kosherfor-Passover ice cream, including its new special Passover flavor, charoset. If you’re a vegetarian, you can even serve it at the seder. Unfortunately, it’s not clear whether it will be available in America this year or only in Israel. Passover is upon us. Let’s take a moment to consider why we call this holiday Pesach, or Passover, and why that’s so important. The haggadah asks: Pesach shehayu avoteynu ochlim … al shum ma? “The Passover offering which our fathers ate … what was the reason for it?” Why do we call it Pesach? Al shum shepasach Hakadosh Baruch Hu al batey avoteynu b’mitzrayim. “Because the Holy One Blessed Be He passed over the houses of our forefathers in Egypt” when He slew their firstborn. The question many ask: How did G-d know not to strike the Jewish homes? Because He commanded us (Exodus 12:7-13): “They shall take some of its blood [of the Passover sacrifice] and place it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses. … When I see the blood, I shall pass over you so that there shall not be a plague of destruction upon you when I strike in the land of Egypt.” The big question: Did G-d need a sign on the door to know which homes were inhabited by Jews and which were not? The suggestion is that perhaps G-d didn’t need any special demarcation, but you know, with it being such a busy night and all, perhaps the Malach Hamavet (Angel of Death) needed that extra marker while making his sweep through the neighborhood. But let’s be real about this. This is not some scene out of a Hollywood movie where the wrong guy is taken out at the wrong time. Surely the real Angel of Death doesn’t use painted street addresses to locate his mark. So what’s with the placing of the sacrificial blood on the door? And for
that matter, why the door? Why not the window, the stoop or, if the Angel of Death is coming from heaven, the rooftop? Let’s take a moment here to analyze the concept — the symbolism
Guest Column By Rabbi Mark Hillel Kunis
— of a door. A door creates privacy in addition to providing shelter and protection. A door is what separates the public person from the private person, the external self from the internal self. In the privacy of one’s home, all facades and inhibitions tend to fall away, allowing the best — and sometimes the worst — of a person to come to the surface. Some people can be patient on the outside — all smiles and cheerful when in public — and yet, when they come home, it’s moody-broody time — no patience for the kids, no tolerance for the spouse, not a smile anywhere in sight. Do you know someone like that? Do you live with someone like that? On the other hand, some people can be ruthless on the outside, but on the inside they are warm and loving with family and friends. And there are those who are very quiet, withdrawn, reserved and uptight when in public but barrels of fun and laughter within the confines of their homes. The door is where that transition — from the superficial you to the real you — takes place. Judaism asks us: What sort of doors do you have? What transpires on the inside of your doors? Is there a spirit of goodness and holiness on the other side of that threshold? Are there Jewish books on the shelves? Are there kosher products in the cupboard and in the fridge? Are Shabbat and Jewish holidays celebrated therein with joy, meaning and depth? Are words of Torah shared? Are prayers recited? Are people treated with chesed, love and compassion? Only you and G-d really know. Yes, Judaism asks of us: What sort of doors do you have? Yehuda
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PASSOVER
looks like that’s important; it’s what’s inside that matters. So what was the message of the Israelites’ marking their doorposts with the blood of the Passover sacrifice? It wasn’t an address or a door marker. It was their testimony that they were ready to leave the Egypt that was on the outside and devote themselves from now on — inside and out — to G-d. And that was why their homes were untouchable by the Angel of Death. The blood on the doorpost was
there not for the benefit of G-d or the angel, but for the benefit of the Israelites, who finally understood what it was that separates a Jew from an Egyptian. It’s all in the door. May we all have Jewish doors this Passover behind which we can eat kosher-for-Passover Ben & Jerry’s Charoset ice cream. Amen! ■ Rabbi Kunis is the spiritual leader of Congregation Shaarei Shamayim in Toco Hills.
Photo by Ben & Jerry’s Ben & Jerry’s charoset ice cream could fit right into a meat-free Passover meal.
PASSOVER@
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come mat at the door, or is it more like a “Do not disturb” sign? Do we welcome the opportunity to be hospitable and benevolent to those in need of comfort, friendship or sustenance? Or do we, figuratively speaking, slam those doors in the faces of needy individuals who seek entry? A mezuzah on the doorpost testifies that this is a Jewish home — a home where goodness, holiness, modesty and decency are a way of life, even behind closed doors. The mezuzah represents G-d’s presence in the home as well as His protection over all who reside therein. It’s not merely a nice Jewish ornament. Indeed, if we’re only concerned about the mezuzah for its façade — its appearance, something that looks good — if we’re not much concerned about whether the scroll inside is kosher, then we’ve missed what a Jewish door is all about. That’s why we’re supposed to check our mezuzot every seven years. A Jewish door is where the facade is supposed to end and where truth and authenticity are supposed to begin. It’s not what the mezuzah case
First Night Seder at The Temple:
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APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
Leib Gordon, the great 19th-century Hebrew poet, wrote: “Be a man in the streets and a Jew at home.” In his time, Jews were trying to get ahead in Western society amid subtle and notso-subtle anti-Semitism, and this was a call to look like a regular person on the outside and leave one’s Jewishness at home. Unfortunately, today for most Jews it’s just the opposite. We have, thank G-d, come to a point in America where with pride we can stick out our chests and tell everyone we’re Jewish. But how many of us have a home that looks like a Jewish home inside, where it really counts? We begin the Seder by declaring: Kol dichfin yeytey v’yeychul, “All who are hungry, let them come and eat.” It reflects a custom in ancient Jerusalem found in the Talmud that whenever a family sat down to a meal, they would tack a cloth on the door of their home. This served as a sign to all strangers and passers-by that it was mealtime and that anyone who was hungry or so desired was welcome to come in and partake with them. What’s posted on our proverbial doors? Do we have a symbolic wel-
AJT 45
Happy Passover
Proudly serving our community since 1964 Andy N. Siegel CPCU, CIC, AAI Adele Siegel Glasser, AAI Sheldon Berch
PASSOVER
2015 AKC Passover The following information is based on the kosher-for-Passover guidance offered in this year’s holiday guide from the Atlanta Kashruth Commission and Rabbi Reuven Stein.
LEAVE THE COOKING TO THEM
The following establishments offer pesadik prepared foods: Dolce Catering & Bakery 770-451-3065. The Goodfriend Catering Co. 678-222-3719. The Kosher Gourmet 404-636-1114.
5 PLACES STOCK UP ON www.siegelinsurance.com
2987 Clairmont Road, Suite 425 • Atlanta, GA 30329 Phone: (404) 633-6332 • Toll Free: (888) 275-0553
New Chicken Schnitzel Eatery just like back home (and better!) Locally sourced, all-natural chicken breast with flavors from around the world.
ESSENTIALS
These groceries and specialty stores will sell you so much more than matzah: 1. 2. 3.
4.
5.
The Spicy Peach, 404-334-7200. The Kosher Gourmet, 404-6361114. Kroger Toco Hills, which has a Passover store within a store near the front, 404-633-8694. Publix Toco Hills, which places special Passover products near the front, 404-638-6022. Other Kroger and Publix stores in the area also have special Passover sections.
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
BE ON THE LOOKOUT
AJT 46
ABERNATHY SQUARE 6615 ROSWELL ROAD SANDY SPRINGS, GA 30328 404-228-5381
• For those who use quinoa, the AKC this year recommends using only quinoa with Pesach certification. • Joyva and Irene’s products, even with the Pesach certifications they have, are not recommended. • Egg matzah should not be eaten on Pesach except by sick and elderly people who cannot digest regular matzah. Even the sick and elderly cannot fulfill their obligation at the seder with egg matzah. Chocolate-covered matzah and Manischewitz Passover Tams also fail to meet the seder obligation. • Many people use romaine lettuce for the mitzvah of maror (bitter herbs). Some insects that blend into the green leaves are on the lettuce and are forbidden to be
eaten. Check very thoroughly. • Even though some produce may have a wax coating, the AKC policy is that it can be used without peeling. • Double-check labels. Many Pesach brands have similar year-round products that are not kosher for Pesach. These products can get mixed up on the shelves. • Not all wines are kosher for Passover. Some companies, such as Manischewitz, produce the same types of wines for Pesach and not for Pesach. The bottles look almost identical. Please check the label. • Items such as raisins and other dried fruits should have reliable supervision for Pesach. • Some matzahs and wines that are kosher for Passover should not be used for the seder. Examples include gluten-free matzah made from tapioca starch instead of flour and wine made from berries instead of grapes. Do not make hamotzei or hagafen on these products. • You may use kosher-for-Passover products from previous years • The following medicinal ingredients are not kosher for Pesach: avena sativa, beta-glucan, prolamine, secale, sodium lauroyl oat amino acids, and triticum vulgare. • After Pesach, Jewish law forbids eating chametz that was in the possession of a Jew who did not sell it. • Among the items that cannot be kashered for Passover are bread machines, china, slow cookers, George Foreman grills, graters, knives with plastic handles, pasta makers, plastic utensils, porcelain, porcelain-enamel pots, Pyrex, sandwich makers, stoneware, synthetic rubber, Teflon, toaster ovens and waffle irons.
SEPHARDIC OPTIONS
Sephardim may use rice on Pesach as long as it has no additives or vitamins and is thoroughly checked three times before use. Baby rice cereals and some soy milk could contain real chametz and should not be used. Processed products for Sephardim including tomato sauce, peanut butter and tuna fish should not be used unless they have a reliable Pesach hechsher.
PASSOVER
Guide → → → → → Somehow, these details aren’t covered in the Maxwell House haggadah. To prepare coffeemakers that have brewed only unflavored, caffeinated, pure coffee, clean them thoroughly, use new filters, and replace your usual glass carafe with one that’s new or that you use only on Pesach. For all other coffeemakers, start by cleaning them thoroughly, then don’t use them for 24 hours. Pour one cup of water into the chamber. Heat the water in the unit and allow it to drip over the exposed metal base. Replace the plastic filter holder, and use new filters. Single-cup machines such as Keurigs offer their own complications while avoiding the need to replace carafes and filters. The machines would require kashering year-round if used with nonkosher products, including hot cocoa mix. But the kosher status of the machine is not affected if someone places a nonkosher or non-kosher-for-Passover mug under the machine. You should kasher your Keurig before Passover use because some kosher products are not kosher for Passover. Always check with your rabbi, but many authorities agree that you can kasher a Keurig for Passover. As for what you put in your coffeemaker, it must be regular, unflavored coffee, whole bean or ground. Acceptable caffeinated options include 365 Everyday Value, Dunkin Donuts 100% Arabica, Ellis, Folgers, Green Mountain, Java Joe’s, Publix, Starbucks, Trader Joe’s Coffee, instant Folgers (regular and, in an exception to the rule, decaffeinated), and Nescafe Taster’s Choice (only regular). For decaffeinated coffee, you may choose unflavored Ellis, Hena, White House, Parker House or Folgers (no chicory).
NO PET EXCEPTIONS
One may not eat, benefit from or own leavened products, so make sure that your pet foods are chametz-free. Do not use a product that contains wheat (cracked, flour, germ, gluten, ground, grouts, middlings, starch), barley
(cracked, flour), oats (flour, grouts, hulled), pasta, rye or brewer’s dried yeast. FOR CATS, these foods are acceptable this year if produced in the United States: • Blue Wilderness Grain Free (dry) — chicken, duck and salmon. • Evangers — when bearing CRC Pesach approval. • Friskies (canned) — Special Diet Classic Paté Ocean Whitefish Dinner, Special Diet Classic Paté Beef & Chicken Entrée, Special Diet Classic Paté Turkey & Giblets Dinner, Special Diet Classic Paté With Salmon, and Special Diet Classic Paté Beef & Chicken Entrée. • Prescription Diet — a/d, c/d (dry only), d/d (except duck), g/d (dry only), k/d (dry only), m/d (canned only), r/d, s/d, t/d, w/d (dry only) and z/d. • Wellness Core — Grain Free (dry) Original, Turkey & Turkey Meal & Duck (canned) Orig¬inal, and Salmon & Whitefish & Herring.
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FOR DOGS, these are acceptable: • Blue Wilderness Grain Free (dry) — chicken recipe (puppy, small breed, senior, large breed, healthy weight), duck and salmon. • Evangers — when bearing CRC Pesach approval. • Mighty Dog (canned, no gravy) — Chicken Egg & Bacon Country Platter, Chicken & Smoked Bacon Combo, and Hearty Beef Dinner With Lamb and Rice. • Prescription Diet — a/d, c/d, d/d g/d, h/d, j/d (dry only), k/d, n/d, r/d, s/d, t/d, u/d and w/d (dry only). • Science Diet (canned) — adult beef and chicken. • Wellness Core Grain Free (dry) — original, reduced fat and small breed. • Wellness Core Grain Free (canned) — Puppy, Turkey & Chicken Liver & Turkey Liver, and Beef & Venison & Lamb.
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
WAKE UP TO KOSHER COFFEE
DON’T LET YOUR SPRING DAYS BE SPOILED BY ALLERGIES!
AJT 47
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PASSOVER
Just in Time After 3,000 Years
Paula Shoyer’s Passover cookbook refreshes the seder options By Suzi Brozman sbrozman@atljewishtimes.com
S
ick and tired of the same old Passover recipes? Want to surprise and delight your family and seder guests? Here’s your answer: “The New Passover Menu” by Paula Shoyer. Shoyer broke onto the kosher food scene with her amazing books on kosher baking, “The Kosher Baker” and “The Holiday Kosher Baker.” She is not only a traditional cook, but also has the distinction of having graduated from the Ritz Escoffier pastry program in Paris. She teaches French and Jewish baking classes around the country. In “The New Passover Menu” she has distilled the best of both worlds, giving us delectable recipes that could be on the menus at the finest restaurants but meet kosher and Passover requirements. Salmon gefilte fish loaf looks almost as good as it tastes.
Paula Shoyer
How about using chicken meatballs in your soup instead of (or in addition to) matzah balls? Banana charoset? Why not? The holiday is more than 3,000 years old, but that doesn’t mean your menu has to be that old. Beet and butternut squash salad
with pomegranate arils reminds us that we can use a world of vegetables even if we swear off rice and most other grains for the eight days.
Shoyer has outdone herself with recipes for cupcakes, muffins and rolls that taste so good, you’ll make them all year. (Disclaimer: I was a recipe tester for the book and couldn’t wait for it to be published so I could try everything.) The book is chock-full of glorious photographs to tempt you to cook and eat the recipes. One of my favorites is coconut schnitzel with almond butter sauce. But it’s hard to have favorites when you can choose from Linzer tart, Peruvian roasted chicken with salsa verde, whole chicken with dried fruit stuffing and even Torrone candy. The book from Sterling Publishing is $24.95. If your cookbook collection can’t handle another book, this one would make the perfect hostess gift for anyone generous enough to share a holiday meal with you. ■
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Welcome To The Future
VOL. XC NO. 5
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
to Atlanta to g Jewish teens come Nearly 3,500 leadin d. communal paths forwar chart personal and Page 18-25
AJT 48
BEST POLICY
GoldHonest Tea CEO Seth e of man brings a messag corporations as change ss agents to Emory busine students. Page 3
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simAnti-Semitism isn’t ple, which means there ns to are no simple solutio Eurothe problems facing pean Jews. Page 7
Diamant To Help Launch Community Mikvah
By Suzi Brozman om sbrozman@atljewishtimes.c known as the nita Diamant, best Tent,” is comauthor of “The Red two public ing to Atlanta to make appearances this month. Boston Girl,” Her latest book, “The her visit Feb. 23 to the will be the focus of ity Center. But Commun Jewish Marcus will help local orgathe night before she a new project, an allnizers plunge into at Congregation denominations mikvah Springs. B’nai Torah in Sandy n of reimaginDiamant’s discussio age will be free ing ritual for the modern The Temple in at and open to the public the Metro Atlanta Midtown to launch (MACoM) into the Community Mikvah Atlanta. consciousness of Jewish ent nonprofit MACoM is an independ construction of the that plans to start in May and finish community mikvah . The project will before the High Holidays faciliexisting the of involve a renovation has the support of ties at B’nai Torah and synagogues and other more than a dozen organizations. supdiverse reflects MACoM’s board rabbis and repreport, including three Conservative and sentatives of Reform, Judaism. Orthodox streams of model the establish Diamant helped al community for a nondenomination 10 years at Boston’s Education 27 mikvah the past Waters). Mayyim Hayyim (Living Obituaries 28 to the idea of a “People responded ng and beautiful, welcomi Simchas 29 was that place to s and sad, a way for happy occasion Sports 29 ” Diamant said. mark life’s changes, thoughts on the Crossword 30 See more about her Page 6. ■ modern mikvah on Marketplace 31
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PASSOVER
New Menu Options The following recipes are used with permission from Paula Shoyer’s “The New Passover Menu.”
lemon juice and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more or until the sauce thickens a little.
CHICKEN SCALOPPINI WITH MUSHROOMS
To assemble the dish, remove the chicken from the oven. Pour the sauce over the chicken, turning the breasts to coat both sides. Add salt and black pepper to taste and sprinkle with the chopped parsley.
Equipment: measuring cups and spoons; cutting board; knives; 1-gallon freezer bag; large frying pan with 2-inch sides; 9-by-13-inch roasting pan
CHICKEN SOUP WITH CHICKEN MEATBALLS AND ZUCCHINI SPAGHETTI
Prep time 25 minutes; cook time two hours, eight minutes. Soup may be made three days in advance or frozen; meatballs may be made one day in advance.
½ cup potato starch or matzah cake meal ¼ tsp. salt, plus more to taste ½ tsp. black pepper, plus more to taste
8 shiitake mushrooms, cleaned and cut into 1/3- to ½-inch-thick slices 8 button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced into 1/3- to ½-inch-thick slices ½ cup white wine
June 22 – July 3 , 2015
Serve immediately or place into the oven to keep warm until service. Serves 6 to 8.
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
8-10 chicken scaloppini or boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded
Rabbi Scott Colbert
You’ll enjoy a host of unique visits and tours, luxurious five-star accommodations (including the new Beresheet Hotel near Mizpe Ramon) and the services of legendary guide, Moshe Nov. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in B’nai Mitzvah services in Jerusalem and to renew your vows on the beach in Tel Aviv! Please call Rabbi Colbert: 770-395-1340, or SRI Travel: 770-451-9399 for more information and to join.
Equipment: measuring cups and spoons, large soup pot, cutting board, knives, vegetable peeler, two medium bowls, large sieve or strainer, garlic press, food processor. For the soup
½ tsp. fresh or dried thyme leaves
2 whole medium chickens, cut into pieces
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 large onions, quartered
3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice (1 lemon)
6 carrots, peeled and cut in half
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish
1 leek, white and light-green parts only, cut lengthwise in half
To prepare the chicken, preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the potato starch, salt and pepper into a large plastic bag and shake to mix. Add the chicken breasts three at a time, close the bag, and shake to coat. Shake off the excess. Add the breasts to the frying pan and cook 2 to 4 minutes per side or until you see some browned parts. Transfer the cooked chicken to the roasting pan. Repeat with the rest of the chicken and keep it warm in the oven.
6 stalks celery with leaves, cut crosswise in half
To prepare the sauce, add the mushrooms to the same frying pan and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add the wine and thyme and cook for 2 minutes more, or until the wine starts to evaporate. Add the broth and
Salt and black pepper
A Taste of Persia
1814 Peachtree St Atlanta, GA 30309
Shabbat - Holiday - Special Event Lunch - Dinner - Banquet
Happy Passover!
It is a great way to share and taste a variety of our delicious kabobs and rice dishes.
4 cloves garlic, peeled 2 parsnips, peeled and cut in thirds 1 fennel bulb, quartered 1 turnip, peeled and quartered 2 bay leaves 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 gallon water ½ bunch parsley ½ bunch dill
For the chicken meatballs 2 boneless chicken breasts (about 5-6 ounces each)
Delivery Available Through
For Larger catering orders call: 404.888.9699 www.SufisAtlanta.com
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
Prep time 20 minutes; cook time 25 minutes. Dish may be made two days in advance.
Experience Israel with
AJT 49
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PASSOVER
Kosher for Passover
Y
ou can count on the following items to be acceptable during Pesach, according to the Atlanta Kashruth Commission: • Baby food — First Choice applesauce, carrots, sweet potatoes. • Bicarbonate of soda — all baking soda (not baking powder). Baby carrots. • Cocoa — any domestically produced, including Hershey’s (except special dark). • Coconut oil — Spectrum organic virgin/crude (with plain OU) and secret virgin unrefined (Star-K). • Dairy — acceptable only with the OUP mark are Axelrod plain nonfat yogurt; Breakstone sour cream, salted butter, unsalted butter, whipped butter and cottage cheese; Crowley heavy, light and whipped cream; Dannon coffee, plain, plain low-fat, plain nonfat and vanilla yogurt; Friendship cottage cheese and cottage cheese with pineapple (regular and nonfat); Kroger cream cheese; Publix half and half, heavy cream, and whipping cream; and Temptee cottage cheese.
• Eggs — preferably purchased before Pesach. • Fish — any raw with supervision; smoked fish needs kosher-for-Passover certification. • Frozen fish — all may be used if washed, although some avoid Alas¬kan wild salmon or other frozen fish that have been glazed. • Flax seed — check before Pesach for extraneous matter. • Frozen fruit — all frozen (some authorities require additional checking of berries for infestation), whether whole, sliced or balled, as long as unsweetened, additive-free, without added syrup, citric acid, ascorbic acid or vitamin C. • Hemp — check before Pesach for extraneous matter. • Ice — all plain-water bagged ice. • Juice — 100 percent pure frozen orange or white grapefruit juice from concentrate with no sweeteners, addi¬tives or preservatives; Tropicana bearing OKP; and Kroger orange juice without calcium, bearing plant No. 13-250, the letters “AKC-P” on the inkjet of the container. ■
Happy Passover 5775
¼ cup chicken stock
2 tsp. finely chopped cilantro
2 tbsp. ground almonds or matzah meal
½ tsp. black pepper
2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 large egg 2 scallions, thinly sliced ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. black pepper For the garnish 2 medium zucchini, not peeled To make the soup, place the chicken pieces in a large pot. Add the onions, carrots, leek, celery, garlic, parsnips, fennel, turnip, bay leaves and salt. Add the water and bring to a boil. Use a large spoon to skim the scum off the top of the soup. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer, checking after 5 minutes and skimming off any additional scum. Add the parsley and dill, cover, and simmer for 2 hours. Let cool. Strain through a large sieve, reserving the carrots to return to the soup when serving. Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if necessary. To make the meatballs, while the soup is cooking, prepare the meatball mixture. In the bowl of a food processor with the metal blade attachment, mix together the chicken, stock, ground almonds, garlic and egg until a paste forms. Add the scallions, salt and pepper and pulse a few times to mix. Transfer the meatball mixture to a medium bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for up to 1 day, until ready to shape and cook the meatballs. Use a spoon to scoop up the meatball batter and wet hands to shape it into 1½-inch balls. Bring the strained soup to a simmer, add the meatballs, cover, and cook for 8 minutes.
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
To make the garnish, meanwhile, prepare the zucchini “spaghetti” for the garnish. Slice the zucchini lengthwise into ¼-inch-thick slices. Keeping the stack together, use a vegetable peeler to shave the zucchini into long strips. Slice the reserved cooked carrots into rounds and return them to the soup. Top each serving of soup and meatballs with some of the zucchini spaghetti. Serves 14 to 16.
AJT 50
חג כשר ושמח
Boris Savchuk
borisviolin.com
1 carrot peeled and chopped into ¼-inch pieces 1½ tsp. mixed, finely chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme and basil
CRUNCHY QUINOA WITH SWEET POTATOES AND CRANBERRIES
Prep time 10 minutes, plus 30 minutes for quinoa to cool. Cook time 30 minutes. Quinoa may be cooked or salad assembled two days in advance.
Equipment: measuring cups and spoons, cutting board, knives, small saucepan, roasting pan, spatula, small frying pan, small bowl, whisk, large bowl. Quinoa is the greatest addition to the Passover pantry. It finally received definitive rabbinic approval for Passover in 2014 after a rabbi was dispatched to Peru and Bolivia to see how quinoa is grown. He learned that quinoa grows at high altitudes while the grains that are prohibited on Passover are grown much farther below it. The authorities concluded that there was no risk of intermingling. My husband, Andy, eats quinoa for breakfast with blueberries all Passover long. This dish is a great combination of color and texture. 1 cup quinoa 2 cups water 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes 4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar 1 tsp. honey ½ tsp. ground cumin ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. black pepper
For matzah ball variations
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
gebrokts
1/3 cup dried cranberries
Combine your choice of any one of the following with one packet from a 5-ounce package of matzah ball mix to make 13 matzah balls. Plan on two matzah balls per person:
3 scallions, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices
1 tsp. fresh, finely chopped ginger plus
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
To prepare the quinoa, place the quinoa in a small saucepan with the
PASSOVER water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and let the quinoa sit, covered, for at least half an hour. The quinoa may be cooked 2 days in advance and stored, covered, in the fridge. Place the sweet potato cubes into a roasting pan and toss with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Roast for 25 minutes, or until the cubes can be pierced with a fork. Set aside.
1½ cups Passover breadcrumbs or matzah meal
To prepare the dressing, in a small bowl whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil with the vinegar, honey, cumin, cinnamon, salt and pepper.
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Prep time 10 minutes; cook time 20 minutes to fry eggplant and 35 to 40 minutes to bake. May be assembled a day in advance, fully baked three days in advance or frozen; thaw completely before reheating. Equipment: cutting board, knives, measuring cups and spoons, two shallow bowls, large frying pan, 9-by-13inch baking pan, silicone spatula. Eggplant Parmesan is one of my favorite Italian dishes. It is best made by my brother Adam Marcus, who has paid his rent for occasionally living with us by making his master version of this dish with a homemade sauce. Although I try to avoid frying foods most of the year, I find that eggplant Parmesan tastes better with breaded and fried eggplant slices. If desired, you can grill the slices in the oven until fork-tender, then layer and bake as described below. If you go the healthier route, sprinkle the oven-roasted slices with some garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Depending on the size of the eggplants, you will end up with two or three layers in the pan. 1/3 to ½ cup oil for frying 3 large eggs, beaten
1½ tsp. dried oregano Salt and black pepper 2 medium eggplants, not peeled, sliced into ¾-inch-thick rounds 1½ to 2 cups tomato sauce 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, or more as needed
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place a large frying pan on the stovetop and add 1/3 cup oil. Pour the beaten eggs into a shallow bowl. In another bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder and oregano and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, fry the eggplant slices in batches, browning both sides, until fork-tender, about 10 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate covered with paper towels. Add more oil to the pan between batches if the pan gets dry. Using a silicone spatula, spread about ¾ cup of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Place one layer of eggplant slices on top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Cover with a second layer of eggplant. Pour another ¾ cup sauce on top and use the spatula to spread the sauce on top of the eggplant pieces. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheese. If you have more eggplant slices, place them on top, then add some tomato sauce and more shredded cheese. Sprinkle the Parmesan all over the top.
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Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the eggplant layers are heated through and the cheese is melted. If you assembled the dish in advance and stored it in the fridge but did not bake it, bake for an extra 20 minutes. Serves 12 to 15.
FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH MARSHMALLOW ICING
Gluten-free and nut-free
Prep time 20 minutes, four hours to chill the baked cake, 10 minutes to make the icing; bake time 35 minutes. Cake
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To assemble the dish, use a whisk to break apart any clumps of quinoa that may have formed as it cooled, and transfer the quinoa to a large bowl. Add the dressing and whisk well. Add the sweet potatoes, pine nuts, cranberries and scallions and mix gently. Serve at room temperature. Serves 6 to 8.
½ tsp. garlic powder
AJT 51
PASSOVER
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may be made three days in advance or frozen.
remove from heat, add the egg yolks and cocoa, and whisk well.
Equipment: cutting board, knives, measuring cups and spoons, 9- or 10inch spring-form pan, double boiler or heatproof bowl and medium saucepan or microwave oven, metal flat-blade spatula, whisk, handheld electric mixer, large mixing bowl, silicone spatula, blowtorch.
In a separate bowl, with an electric mixer on high speed, beat the egg whites until stiff. Reduce the speed to low, add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and mix.
Flourless chocolate cake is ubiquitous at Passover, but I began to tire of the same recipe year after year. Here, I’ve dressed up this classic dessert with a sweet cooked icing that perfectly complements the bitter chocolate cake. For the cake 1 tsp. oil for greasing pan 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped ½ cup (1 stick) margarine 6 large eggs, separated, whites at room temperature 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa ½ cup sugar For the marshmallow icing 1 cup sugar ¼ cup warm water 2 large egg whites at room temperature 1 tbsp. honey Dash salt Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. To bring egg whites to room temperature quickly, separate the eggs and place the whites in a metal bowl. Place the bowl over another bowl filled with 2 inches of hot water. Stir the eggs occasionally and they will be at room temperature within 10 minutes.
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AJT 52
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Place a piece of parchment on the counter and trace a circle around the bottom of a 9- or 10-inch spring-form pan. Cut out the circle. Grease the bottom of the pan with a ½ teaspoon of oil. Press the parchment circle on top. Grease the top of the parchment circle and the sides of the pan with the remaining oil. This step makes it easy to slide the finished cake onto a serving plate. To make the cake, melt the chocolate and margarine over a double boiler, or use a heatproof bowl over a saucepan filled with simmering water, whisking often until the mixture is thoroughly melted. You can also use a microwave oven, heating for 30-second increments and mixing after each heating cycle until melted. When the chocolate and margarine are melted,
When all the sugar has been added, turn the speed up to high for 1 minute. Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in four parts, mixing more slowly after each addition. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the cake is set when jiggled. The cake will puff up and look cracked on top, but do not worry about that. Let cool, and the cake will fall a bit. Place in the fridge a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. When you’re ready to serve, open the spring and remove the sides of the pan. Use a metal flat-blade spatula to separate the parchment circle from the bottom of the pan and slide the parchment and cake onto a serving plate. You may tuck pieces of waxed paper or parchment paper under the cake to keep the platter clean when icing the cake. To prepare the icing, pour a few inches of water into the bottom of a double boiler or a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Off heat, place the sugar and warm water in the top of the double boiler or in a heatproof bowl that can sit on top of the saucepan without falling in. Whisk to dissolve the sugar. Add the egg whites, honey and salt and beat with a handheld electric mixer for 1 minute on medium-high speed. Place the bowl over the gently boiling water and beat with the handheld electric mixer on high speed for a full 7 minutes. Remove from the heat. Trim any dry pieces from the top of the cake. Eat them. If the top of the cake is uneven, you may place a piece of parchment on top of the cake and turn it over to ice the bottom as the top. Use a metal spatula to spread the icing on the sides of the cake, and then scoop up and spread the icing onto the top of the cake to cover it. You can smooth the top and sides, or, if you plan to toast them with a blowtorch, use a small spoon to create waves or texture on top. Remove the waxed paper or parchment pieces from under the cake. Store the cake in the fridge. Use the blowtorch to brown the waved edges until a golden-brown color is achieved. Serves 12 to 16. ■
PASSOVER
The Passover Dress My love of the HMD (hand-me-down) line began early in my life. I still prefer the HMD line; however, now I am the proud recipient of the HMD line from my girls, some of their friends and some of my friends. Back to my Pesach dress. The one year I remember most was the year I wore a new flare dress.
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I was probably 6 or 7 years old. I loved the feel of spinning around and watching the dress spin with me. The skirt portion of the dress was quilted a soft red, yellow, white and blue plaid. Sitting on the big chair, I could spread the skirt all around me so I appeared to be sitting on a throne — with my skinny little legs dangling. I thought I was in heaven until my dad saw me. The siddurim were long. We kids sat at the grown-up table. We were very quiet until it was time to open the door for Elijah. We would all scream, “My turn! My turn!” Every time I was chosen, I would shake with fear. Walking down that long, dark hallway to open the door was terrifying. I did it, but always on the verge of tears. The worst part was holding the door open to a dimly lighted hallway, the same hallway in which Elijah was waiting. Oh, G-d, is he in yet? Finally, I was saved by the voice of someone yelling, “Farmach de teir” (shut the door). And the craziness that came with finding the afikomen. Well, let’s just say that sitting under the table not only was a great hiding place, but also allowed me to see who would be hiding the afikomen, a distinct advantage until I was discovered. Skipping to the next seder I remember, it was the one my own family had. My girls did not have to walk down a long, dark hallway; we did not have one. They just had to walk a few steps in a brightly lighted entranceway. That skirt! When I think of it even today, it brings back delicious memories, and I am not referring to the fish in the bathtub. ■
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APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
P
assover seder under the dining room table was one of my favorite hiding places. For many years, before they moved to the same apartment building where my parents, two aunts, two uncles and four cousins lived, my grandparents (z”l) lived on the second floor of a four-story walk-up on Elsmere Place in the Bronx. The apartment faced the “front.” It boasted two huge front windows. The one on the left had the fire escape, and the one on the right boasted a metal gate so we could not fall or jump while lounging on the windowsill. The apartment had three authentic bedrooms. There was the living room-turned-bedroom and a back room-turned-bedroom. Two actual bedrooms, along with the one small bathroom and eat-in kitchen, were off this runway-shaped hallway, which always seemed very dark and scary to my little-girl self. By the way, this hallway was wide enough to house the Singer sewing machine, on which I learned to sew. For years the apartment was filled with two married aunts and their spouses, one grandchild, one unmarried aunt, and one uncle. Yes, they all shared the apartment. I can’t even imagine mornings when all occupants had to ready themselves for work and my cousin Loretta had to get ready for school. Madness! I vaguely recall all the ruckus caused by my grandmother and her three daughters preparing for the seder. The cooking, the dishes, the cleaning, the shouting, the furniture rearranging, the chair schlepping and, most important, the fish in the bathtub, which completely freaked me out when I needed to go. I did not realize I would be sharing this little bathroom with a flapping fish; good grief, what were they thinking? I had no clue where the fish went from the bathtub. I sort of remember looking at it and hoping it would escape with a quick swim down the drain. I was a child with a vivid imagination. I could not, however, imagine the fish becoming gefilte fish. No way could I accept such barbaric actions by my own family. Pesach usually meant a new outfit. Some of my clothes were handme-downs from my cousin Loretta.
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AJT 53
PASSOVER
Hopping Into the Holiday
Hundreds of children and parents crowded into the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s Morris & Rae Frank Theatre and Main Street on March 29 for music with Rabbi Brian Glusman, magic with Howie the Great, and arts and crafts. The morning even included a sundae-style matzah toppings station to make the bread of affliction yummy for the preschool set.
Photos by Michael Jacobs
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
Top: Rabbi Brian Glusman gets a silent reminder from an amphibian friend about the second plague.
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Middle left: A bird and a boy named Jonah help Howie the Great thank the crowd at the end of his magic show, which included a flame-throwing bike, the balancing of a ladder on his face and a card trick using a stack of matzot. Middle right: What’s a seder without a freshly customized, plastic Kiddush cup? Bottom left: Families swarm through Zaban Park’s Main Street for snacks and crafts. Bottom right: Even matzah is appealing with enough chocolate on top.
PASSOVER
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Food, Fun and Chocolate
Photos by David R. Cohen
Top: Food items on the seder plate included chocolate matzah, marshmallows, strawberries and Hershey’s chocolate. Above left: Special haggadot for the chocolate seder aimed to teach attendees more about the connection between symbolic foods and the story of Passover. Above right: Ana-Maria and Jordan Eisner partake in the festivities.
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
Led by the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s Rabbi Brian Glusman, often seen leading children in Shabbat and holiday celebrations, an adults-only gathering at Congregation Etz Chaim enjoyed chocolate-inspired food and drinks to symbolize customary Passover items March 18.
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PASSOVER
May You Be Renewed
N
o single holiday in the Jewish calendar requires so much preparation as does Passover. In my youth, all house improvement, especially interior and exterior house painting, was reserved to be done before Passover. What a commotion we experienced in those early spring days — the weeks before Passover. What I hated most is that even though the days before Pesach were still cold, we followed customs and stopped building fires in the pripitchek, the floorto-ceiling stove that was constructed from bricks and covered with shiny tiles. The only place that was comfortably warm was the kitchen, but of course there was always daily cooking going on and never room enough to lounge in it. The task of preparation was enormous. All the cabinets and drawers, especially those in the kitchen, were taken outside and thoroughly scrubbed. The most effort was extended to the bread drawer.
It was my task to take out all our clothes and hang them on a sturdy line stretched between two plum trees. The pockets of all garments were turned inside out, and, using a sturdy brush, I brushed away the accumulated lint with any chametz — the accidental bread crumbs or candy that could have been left in the pockets. Without
ONE MAN’S OPINION By Eugen Schoenfeld
this task, our whole house could have been contaminated, and we would have violated the commandment of eliminating all leaven from the house. As the holiday approached, more and more of our home was made pesadik (kosher for Passover). Proper space had to be made to store the hand-baked matzot and the many eggs that Mother had, with great time and effort, bought dozen by dozen from
HAPPY PASSOVER!
the peasant women who brought them to the market. Finally, the most difficult part in which I had an important task was to climb to the attic and retrieve the pesadik dishes and to store and remove the everyday utensils and carry them to the basement, where, according to custom and law, they were ritually sold. There are many aspects to this holiday. It is the holiday of freedom, of redemption. It is also the month of Nisan, the first of the year. Let us not forget that Pesach is also the holiday of spring and of spiritual renewal. Jews in the past, at least in my part of the world, celebrated this renewal by wearing some new articles of clothes. All of us donned new shirts or shoes or hats, but above all was the display of a new suit or, for my mother and sister, new dresses. A new suit had an additional attribute: It was an important status symbol. On the first day of Passover as we put on the new clothes, we children displayed ourselves to our parents, and they in turn did so to us. We wished one another in Hebrew titchadesh — may you be renewed — and we gave a second wish in Yiddish, tzerass it gesunderheit — may you live to wear out these clothes in good health. This last custom has since childhood brought in me a tragic-sentimental emotion. Even today I cannot think of Passover without recalling and
re-experiencing the great impact that a brief story had and continues to have on me as Passover approaches. This story, written by Yaakov Fichman and titled “Titchadesh,” tells the emotional state of the young son of a poor tailor who never experienced having new clothes and hence never having anyone wish him the blessing of titchadesh. Occasionally his father made him something to wear, but each time the item was made from old clothes that the tailor’s customers discarded when they donned their new garments. Each Passover this poor little son yearned that he too could wear something new and hear others wish him the blessing of titchadesh, of being renewed. Alas, his father could never afford to give him what all other Jewish boys had on Passover — something new and with it the blessing for a healthy renewal. Poor and sick with consumption, my little hero died. As he was ascending to heaven wrapped in his new shrouds, the angels who accompanied him kept on wishing him titchadesh, titchadesh. I would like at this time to wish all the readers of this paper the blessing of titchadesh. May all of you experience on this wondrous and joyful holiday the blessing of physical and spiritual renewal: Titchadshu, titchadshu. ■
If He Had Matzolah …
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AJT 56
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hen Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary fame went to Jerusalem to perform at the Concert of Solidarity and Good Will on March 18, he planned to take Foodman snack food Matzolah with him, he told the CEO of Foodman, Wayne Silverman. Yarrow first tasted Matzolah, a matzah-based granola, in December while he was on a U.S. book and concert tour with Noel “Paul” Stookey. Now Yarrow eats it at home and on the road as a “delicious and nutriFoodman CEO Wayne Silverman tious” breakfast and snack. (left) and folk singer Peter Yarrow He planned to “schlep Matzolah have been friends for 25 years. to bring joy to Israel. There’s got to be fun as well as seriousness in advocacy efforts. Sharing a bit of Matzolah with peace organizers and activists will help nourish their spirits.” The Jerusalem concerted featured Jewish, Muslim and Christian performers. Yarrow said that eating Matzolah year-round instead of just at Passover could extend the holiday’s theme of freedom. “Maybe by remembering Passover and noshing on Matzolah year-round we will help bring peace to the Middle East,” he said. “It certainly couldn’t hurt.” ■
PASSOVER
Elijah in Manhattan: A Love Story end. It’s one of those unifying articles of faith that every Jew, even the lost ones, enjoys believing. A sweet story, you know. In fact, my rabbi believes that besides visiting many millions of seders on the first night of Pesach, he’s there on Passover night wherever two
Scribbler on the Roof By Ted Roberts
Download my app by texting 404-334-2500 and key in “TERESAGARRETT” or go to my website at teresa.garrett@harrynorman.com to view all of our beautiful homes. or more Jews are together.” She had been a little loud. She noticed that the old gentleman had looked up from his drink, a dark purple wine in an ornate silver wineglass. Nathan, his arms folded loosely across his chest, had fixed his eyes on her as she talked. She has some spirit, he reflected. How his father’s eyes would gleam with passion to hear her declarations of faith. Rachel brushed her hair back from her face. “Sorry, I got a little carried away — didn’t mean to preach to you. Let’s talk about something else.” “No, no, I understand. That first night of Pesach is magic, my old man used to say. Makes you remember who you are. Every Jew, he used to say, had a progenitor, an ancestor, in his direct line who walked dry-shod on the bed of the Red Sea. If he had perished under Egyptian whips or drowned beneath the waves, I, for example, wouldn’t be sitting at this glitzy bar in 21st-century America talking to a young Jewish lady who believes in a resuscitated prophet who makes a million house calls on one spring night.” “You know what?” she said. “I’d love to go to a seder tonight. And there’s no lamb shank, charoset, parsley or bitter herb at your place or mine, but there is at your father’s place. Why don’t we surprise him? We’ll be just in time to greet Elijah.” Nathan blinked. And nodded. With her, he had a chance. So he set out on the longest journey any man can undertake: a journey home. At the end of the bar, the dignified but poorly dressed patron held up his wine goblet. “There are no coincidences,” he whispered to the goblet. He glanced hurriedly at his watch and left. He had many calls to make. ■
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H
er name was Rachel; his was Nathan. Separated by two barstools, they struggled through 20 minutes of conversation before their last names appeared. Greenberg went with Rachel, Cohen with Nathan. “Hey, you must be Jewish,” blurted out Nathan, a lonely bachelor on a cold, rainy night in April. “I bet you’re Jewish, too,” she responded. Well, things were looking up. Nathan now sat beside her, and she smiled at his aggressive move. He’s Jewish, no stranger, she thought. “What a night for two Jewish buckaroos to be sitting in a western bar in the middle of Manhattan,” Rachel said. “It’s the first night of Passover, you know.” “Yeah. I’m afraid I’ve neglected ‘my heritage,’ as my father puts it. He lives here in the city, only a few blocks down 57th. My family has a seder every year. They sit around the table, sing childish songs, stuff themselves on a five-course meal, and wait for Elijah to drop by. I go to a bar. Usually the one over on Eighth and 52nd. This year my mood took me here. Don’t know why. It’s a heck of a coincidence that I’m sitting next to you.” “Well, I’m alone in the city. My family is back home in Louisville, Kentucky. Like yours, about now they’re sitting down to a huge meal with a week’s supply of calories and cholesterol. Kosher but still deadly. And I’m sure they’re singing silly songs, as you put it. Wish I was there.” “How seriously do they play out the Elijah game? You know the legend. His visit to every Jewish home on seder night. I remember my old man. He’d put down his wineglass, get all serious and open the front door. ‘Hey, Pop,’ the 8-year-old who was then me would shout, ‘if the ubiquitous Elijah can pop up at 6 million Jewish homes in a single night, he can get through that wood-paneled front door without your help. A decent burglar can do it in a few minutes. Why not challenge the prophet?’ My old man hated it.” An old man at the end of the bar looked up with a pained expression. “I guess so,” Rachel said. “Sure, I know the Elijah story. Our rabbi calls it a Midrash, a rabbinic parable, which elevates it a level or two above a leg-
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AJT 57
OBITUARIES - MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING
www.atlantajewishtimes.com
This Week I Learned What JCC Really Means
I
’ve been the CEO of the Marcus JCC in Atlanta for three years now. I know that everything we do is about building community — whether it’s preschool, camp, book festival or Melton classes. But the week of March 23 I learned what the “C” in JCC really means. That week we were knocked off our feet. Our beloved tennis coach, the guy who had a kind word for everyone, the guy who knew everything about each one of us AND our families, the guy who trained the top players for miles around, and the guy who took kids in wheelchairs out on the tennis courts so they could experience some fun. The guy who mingled with the support services team and the board members. Yes, that guy. The one we all loved. The one whom we would unanimously vote as the nicest among us. The one who made us all want to be better. Well, that guy, Juan Pablo Arico, left us too soon. And that’s when I learned what
the community in JCC means. First, we came together as a staff so we could figuratively rend our clothes and howl with outrage. We sobbed, screamed and sat in silence until we could gather ourselves. Then we went to face our community. And with tears welling in our
grief; we wrote tributes on tennis balls and affixed them to the chain link fences of the tennis courts. We told each other stories and posted on Facebook. We talked together — staff, members, campers. People who didn’t even know Juan but learned of his wonderful reputation joined in our grief. On, Friday, the fourth day of our pain, we held a communitywide me-
morial with hundreds expected. Each of us who considered ourselves Juan’s friends grieved together. We helped one another through. We shared our memories and created new ones. We let his family know so that they were heartened by the legacy their son and brother left behind. This is our JCC community at its best. I am so proud to be a part of it. ■
Guest Column By Gail Luxenberg CEO, Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta
Juan Pablo Arico 51
own eyes, we shared our heartbreak. We watched the tennis players suffer, and we suffered with them. We watched the kids ask why, and we answered as best we could. We looked at each other and saw who needed a hug, and we grabbed them close. We went through counseling sessions together. All week, we laughed at memories and mourned together. We devised a way to share our
Juan Pablo Arico, 51, died suddenly Tuesday, March 24, 2015. As the director of tennis and director of tennis camps at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Juan was beloved by all whose lives he touched. Born January 24, 1964, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he distinguished himself as a champion tennis player in his native country. In 1986 he came to the United States as a tennis instructor. He returned to Argentina in 1989 and permanently settled in the United States in 2000 when he joined his brother and parents in Rochester Hills, Mich. In 2003 Juan joined the tennis staff at the MJCCA and became the director of tennis in 2009. Juan taught players of all ages and skill levels and helped them not only improve their tennis skills, but also enhance their ideas of sportsmanship both on and off the court. He was regarded by all as a top-notch coach. Perhaps most important, his generosity to others was unwavering. He volunteered and organized teams of volunteers to regularly visit the Ronald McDonald House at Emory and was determined to bring joy to the lives of the children and their families who lived with serious illness. He said his work was a mitzvah, a good deed. He was named a “Hometown Hero” by the Atlanta JournalConstitution on July 21, 2014. Juan instructed children with special needs, whether or not they were mobile, to teach them how to play tennis to the best of their ability. He brought joy to all with his guitar and was as well-known for his smile and his warmth as he was for tennis. He received the Team Player Award in 2012 from his co-workers as a testament to his special style and way of engaging all. A memorial service was held at the MJCCA on Friday, March 27, 2015. Juan is survived by his brother, Daniel (Sherri), and parents, Juan and Norma of Michigan. The Juan Pablo Arico Tennis Scholarship Fund at the MJCCA will continue to recognize Juan’s spirit and his work. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Funeral Home and Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners, 770-448-5757.
Joseph Henry Barton
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
79, Atlanta
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On March 17, 2015, Joseph Henry Barton, 79, beloved father of Steven Barton and his wife, Alyssa, Sharon Kirsch and her husband, Stuart, and Stuart Barton, succumbed to his courageous battle with liver cancer. In addition to being a loving father, he was a devoted Zayde to Maia, Ariana, Tea, Joshua and Jessica. Joe was predeceased by his lovely bride of 50 years, Joan Barton, who died in 2009.
OBITUARIES - MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING Joe graduated from the University of Alabama in 1958 and later moved to Atlanta. He was a very ambitious man, and eventually Joe made a name for himself when he created United Transmission Services in downtown Atlanta. His business flourished and became a well-known staple for people all over Georgia for 50 years. With a reputation for outstanding customer service and integrity, Joe never turned anyone away from his shop (even if they could not pay), and he never met a “stranger”! He was not shy when it came to hard work, and helping others was part of his nature. Joe had a long history of philanthropy, always finding ways to give back to the community with a generous and open heart. Though he never wanted to be recognized for his contributions, he also was eager to lend support wherever and whenever needed. Joe Barton was often referred to as the “Mayor of Marietta Street,” constantly engaged in long conversations with anyone who would listen — and there were many who wanted to hear what Joe had to say! Talking wasn’t Joe’s only favorite hobby. He spent many years covering much of Atlanta either by running or walking with his dog and son Stuart. He was a longdistance runner before running ever became fashionable, and his family was never quite sure if he enjoyed the running or the opportunity it gave him to meet someone new. Those of us who had the pleasure of knowing Joe realized early on that there wasn’t much in his world that bothered him. He was always upbeat and, when asked how he was doing, would enthusiastically reply, “Great, I never had it so good!” At Joe’s 50th high school reunion, he was asked, “What has been your greatest accomplishment?” Joe’s reply, “I was promoted from pumping gas to changing tires.” That was Joe — humble, easygoing and most of all lighthearted. Joe never met a person he didn’t know. You either had a friend in common, a cousin, a colleague, etc. At the end of those discoveries, Joe of course would come away with a story to tell his family at the dinner table. It went something like this: “I met the most interesting person today. …” Joe was a loyal husband, friend, extraordinary family man and confidant to many and will be terribly missed by all who knew and loved him. Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Weinstein Hospice, 3150 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30327. Graveside services were held March 19, 2015, at Crest Lawn Memorial Park with Rabbi Mark Kunis officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
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Lee Weinstein 74, Atlanta
Lee Weinstein, age 74, of Atlanta died Sunday, March 22, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Christina; son and daughter-in-law Mark and Erica; daughter and son-in-law Joy and Marc Hoffmann; stepdaughter Cynthia Greeley and husband Matthew; stepdaughter Caren Warren and husband Gabe; grandchildren Michael Hoffmann and wife Miriam, Zachary Hoffmann, Shevin and Sadie Weinstein, Taylor Hite, Sarah Warren, and Katelyn Warren; mother- and father-in-law Donald and June Day; sister and brother-in-law Marlene and Stanley Rinzler; and brother-in-law Douglas Day and wife Shirley. Lee was born and raised in Atlanta. He was a graduate of Grady High School, UNC Chapel Hill and Emory Law. He was current commander of the World War II Round Table. He was active in and a member of numerous organizations, including the Georgia, Atlanta, Sandy Springs and American Bar Associations, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, and American Association of Justice. He was past president of the Margaret Mitchell PTA, Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, the Progressive Club, Atlanta Lodge of B’nai B’rith, Civil War Round Table of Atlanta, and the WWII Round Table of Atlanta. He was past vice president of the Atlanta Optimist Club, past director of the Atlanta Jaycees and former assistant solicitor of Sandy Springs (trial division). One of his greatest passions was to support and honor veterans of the U.S. armed forces. He was a frequent speaker at civic groups on Gettysburg, World War II and related patriotic subjects. A memorial service was held Wednesday, March 25, at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30309. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Temple, Wounded Warriors Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org), or the charity of one’s choice. Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Miriam Belger Miriam Belger, 98, of Alpharetta, prolific and gifted educator, devoted wife and mother, inspirational grandmother to five and great-grandmother to 10, passed away of pneumonia on Monday, March 23, 2015. Throughout her long and productive adult life, she poured out her heart and soul as a cornerstone of Jewish education in Atlanta. Born to Abraham and Annie Sepersky of the Bronx, N.Y., Miriam was her family’s first university graduate, graduating from Hunter College with a degree in education. During her tenure as an early-childhood educator at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, she lovingly taught and inspired generations of Atlanta’s Jewish youth, only moving on after 45 years to spend her retirement serving as a reading instructor and teacher mentor in several Atlanta-area public school systems. In the course of her life, Miriam taught thousands of children to read and inspired just as many by extolling the virtues of a giving nature, hard work and an unceasing desire to be successful. She takes her leave of a family that will always feel united by her love and devotion to them: daughter Susan Belger Scheinfeld; son-in-law Morray; grandchildren Harris, Todd and Jennifer Barton, Ryan Scheinfeld, and Alene Scheinfeld Mosher; 10 great-grandchildren spread out in Atlanta, Gautier, Miss., and Palo Alto, Calif.; and sister Pearl Cohen. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Morris Belger; sister Bella Vogel; brother David Sepersky; and daughter Joan Belger Barton. To know Miriam was to be inspired by her — to always go with your right foot forward. Despite her innate modesty, there are few who can claim as lasting a legacy or as deep an influence on so many others; may her life and accomplishments always be celebrated. An online guestbook is available at www.edressler.com. Graveside services were held Wednesday, March 25, at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Donald Tam officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions and remembrances may be made to the Cohen Home, 10485 Jones Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA 30022, www. cohenhome.org, or the Weinstein Hospice, 3150 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30327, www.weinsteinhospice.org. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
98, Alpharetta
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OBITUARIES - MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING
Charlotte Wilen 93, Atlanta
Charlotte Wilen, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, mentor and community leader, passed away Friday, March 27, 2015, at the age of 93. Mrs. Wilen will be remembered for her work improving pre- and post-natal health in Georgia and nationwide and for establishing programs committed to ending prejudice and discrimination. While volunteering at Grady Memorial Hospital over 40 years ago, Mrs. Wilen was struck by the preventable tragedy of inadequate prenatal care. She observed that a child not cared for before birth was behind already. The experience turned Mrs. Wilen into a tireless advocate for prenatal care for women in need. In 1991 she testified to the U.S. Congress: “Our focus can’t begin when children are half-grown. Indeed, our kids need us even before they are born. If I wanted to make a positive impact on the well-being of this world, I would start by making an impact on the life of a child. Every baby born in society is our baby. We share in everything that goes well for them and everything that does not.” Later, while working with statewide nonprofit Continuum, Mrs. Wilen led an effort that became federal law that no pregnant woman in labor can be turned away from a hospital emergency room. In 1992 she helped establish the Maternal and Child Health Institute to improve the availability, access and quality of prenatal health care of underserved populations and to push through legislation preventing “drive-through” deliveries in Georgia. Once children were born, Mrs. Wilen fought for their right to live free of hatred and fear. In 1960, deep in the middle of the civil rights battle, Mrs. Wilen initiated the first integrated and interfaith youth meeting in Atlanta, the beginning of Operation Understanding, a dialogue and community action project partnered by the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and the Atlanta YWCA. It was the first event of its kind in the United States and
won a Parents Magazine Award for Community Service in 1961. For over 50 years Mrs. Wilen worked with groups like B’nai B’rith Women, later Jewish Women International, and Junior League of Atlanta to cure prejudice and discrimination through K-12 education and after-school programming. More recently, Mrs. Wilen founded Embracing Differences, which sponsors public art exhibits that encourage frank dialogue about diversity and shared values. Her hope: to use art to help end disharmony, discrimination and prejudice. Mrs. Wilen was recipient of the U.S. secretary of health and human services’ National Community Leader Award and the prestigious Jefferson Foundation Award for Outstanding Public Service. Locally, Mrs. Wilen was recognized as one of the Ten Leading Ladies of Atlanta and received a Channel 11 Ones Who Care Award. She was involved with and supported many community organizations, including the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, the Atlanta Ballet, the Atlanta Jewish Federation, the Atlanta Symphony and the High Museum. Mrs. Wilen believed what George Bernard Shaw wrote: “I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” Family and friends remember her for her attitude, her ability to laugh at herself, her passion, devotion and tremendous hard work. “A light has gone out in our lives,” say those close to her. Mrs. Wilen was born Aug. 28, 1921. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Israel Wilen, with whom she founded Wilen Manufacturing Co. and served as vice president from 1942 to 1987. She is survived by daughter Susan Wilen; sons Joseph and Richard Wilen and their respective spouses, Nancy Wilen and Kate Wilen; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Charlotte Wilen’s Good Beginnings Fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, 50 Hurt Plaza SE, Suite 449, Atlanta, GA 30303, 404-688-5525. Funeral services were held Monday, March 30, at The Temple with Rabbi Peter Berg officiating. After the funeral, a private family committal service was held at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
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Death Notices
Dorothy Bierer, 96, grandmother of Temple Kol Emeth members Allison Eman and Stephanie Pearle, on March 29. Chief Master Sgt. James C. Binnicker, father of Temple Sinai member Mike Binnicker, on March 21. Herman Ehrlich, father of Temple Sinai member Michelle Lane, on March 21. Karen Dreyer Friedman, 45, of Atlanta, Congregation Or VeShalom member and wife of David Friedman, on March 27. Anda Gadidov, 56, of Roswell, wife of Radu Gadidov and mother of Bogdan Gadidov, on March 23. Helen Kern, 105, mother of Temple Sinai member Susan Kolker and Beth Namiat, on March 21. Muriel Levinson, 94, of Marietta, longtime Temple Kol Emeth member and mother of Cynthia Modugno, Daphne Gaddie, Jill Lapple and Debbie Buckley, on March 27. Thelma K. Menter, 87, of New Rochelle, N.Y., wife of Gilbert Menter and mother of Larry Menter, Ruthie Cohen, Sandie Biondi and Carol Wershaw, on March 29. Russell “Rusty” Shenn on March 24. Aron Vaksman, Congregation Shearith Israel member and father of Polina Smolyansky, on March 29.
CLOSING THOUGHTS OBITUARIES – MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING
www.atlantajewishtimes.com
The Seder of the Big Snow CROSSWORD arrived safely several days earlier, but the St. Louis people had to travel to the seder that very evening. The phone calls began early morning as everyone considered how to get to us. Aunt Shirley had the dessert, Aunt Charlotte had the matzah balls, and none of the relatives was prepared to
By Yoni Glatt Editor: DavidBenkof@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Easy
CHANA’S CORNER By Chana Shapiro cshapiro@atljewishtimes.com
make a separate seder at home. Aside from all that, the first-night seder was a mainstay of the family. We had always been together, and somehow we had to make it work this year, too. One relative, Dolores, had MS and was confined to a wheelchair. If necessary, the other aunts, uncles and cousins could risk their lives to reach our house on foot. They would put on their boots and get Shirley’s flourless chocolate cake and Charlotte’s extrafluffy matzah balls to us no matter what. But no one wanted to read the haggadah without Dolores at the table. It was decided that the strongest males would meet Dolores and her family on Delmar and carry her and her wheelchair to our house. My sister’s family and mine offered to go along to help, but my mother insisted that we stay with her and my father. We knew she was hedging her bets: If the fetch-Dolores personnel sank into the snow or fell, got injured, and ended up in the ER, at least she’d have all of us to lean on as we walked to the hospital. (Who’d consume all the uneaten charoset? I wondered, selfishly, but quickly corrected my attitude.) Sure enough, as the sun began to set, my uncle Joel and Dolores’ husband appeared, carrying Dolores, and two cousins made their way with the wheelchair. We were waiting with blankets, and eventually the four were defrosted enough to move their extremities. Everybody made it to the house that night. An especially wonderful seder was enjoyed by all as the snow continued to fall. ■
ACROSS 1 Prayer that involves a single bow 6 The “Cohen gene” is made up of it 9 Many shuls have one for Elijah 14 Territory in Israel’s far north 15 Marc Roberge and Benj Gershman’s rock band with a nauticalsounding name 16 “Son of Sam” David Berkowitz, e.g. 17 Prepare for Passover 20 ___ Poke (kosher-certified caramel candy) 21 Where to start when counting in Ladino 22 They might be served after Shabbat lunch 23 Prepare for Passover 28 “___ gezunt!” (Yiddish for “As long as you have your health!”) 29 ___ Foods Kosher Fiber Love Bar 30 Way to prepare a brisket 31 The Jewish War Veterans have an award for cadets in this prog. 33 Chanukah candles are lit earlier because of it: Abbr. 35 Musical instrument referred to in the title of Roman Polanski’s 2002 Holocaust film 39 Setting for David O. Selznick’s “Gone with the Wind” 40 Seder bone 43 Tel follower 44 Ten Commandments physical descriptor 46 Something Zsa Zsa Gabor liked to wear around her neck 47 Foch who played Pharaoh’s daughter in “The Ten Commandments” 48 Where some might watch “The Goldbergs” 51 Letters that might stop a gonif 53 Casspi’s target 54 Prepare for Passover 57 Ahava ingredient 59 “___ Jewish?” (Avi Hoffman one-man show) 60 Sat. delivery in shul 61 Prepare for Passover 67 Genre for folk musician
Regina Spektor 68 It covered Noah’s Ark 69 First name in commentators? 70 The Jewish calendar has six main ones 71 Like Hodel (at first) in “Fiddler on The Roof” 72 Jerusalem zoomed in on a map, e.g. DOWN 1 Michael Mukasey and others with the same Cabinet position: Abbr. 2 The Dead Sea, geologically 3 Samuel’s mentor 4 Sometime Yiddish transliteration for a German anti-Semite 5 Get the schmaltz out of the sink 6 Part of the Jerusalem Post’s web address 7 A minor prophet 8 Where some Jews once fought for sport (or their lives) 9 CBS show produced by Jerry Bruckheimer 10 Josephus, e.g. 11 They might be felt the day after running the Jerusalem marathon 12 Swedish superstore with locations in Netanya and Rishon LeTzion 13 A Friend 18 Acts aggressively like a Forward reporter might toward a Jewish leader accused of bribery 19 Make like a Jewish mother 23 Krusty’s numberone fan, and others 24 German W.W. II menace 25 Father-in-law of Moses 26 Try to get into AEPi 27 Shoot Han Solo’s gun 32 Like a Shabbat table 34 Part of a Dr. Brown’s
can 36 ___ Malkeinu 37 With “the,” a number to dress to under the chuppah? 38 Like a ball used by quarterback Jay Fiedler 41 The oldest man on Earth, four thousand years ago 42 Seder starting step 45 “___-haw!” (interjection from Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys) 49 Org. Israel is an ally - but not a member - of 50 Where some treif animals oink from 52 Rabbi Isaac Luria 54 Bubbie might make Jewish penicillin (chicken soup) to treat them 55 Prime Numbers setting? 56 Suze of CNBC 57 Alicia Silverstone’s “Clueless” catchphrase 58 “Girls” girl Dunham 62 “Amen!” 63 Sound at a bris 64 Middle of Jerusalem? 65 Start of 189 “Seinfeld” episode titles 66 You won’t find one on Adam Levine’s face in his Proactiv ads
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
APRIL 3 ▪ 2015
M
y grandfather told us about Passover in Lithuania. For Pesach, he and his brothers descended into the cellar to retrieve potatoes and onions stored during the winter. They made periodic trips to that cellar all year long to add sugar to the huge jugs of mashed, fermenting fruit for Pesach wine, stirring the mixture in the dark (we liked hearing about the rats they dodged). In my grandfather’s stories, it always snowed on Passover. They owned boots, mittens, heavy sweaters, scarves and caps (knitted by their mother and sisters), and the older boys had hand-me-down coats. Snow was nothing to them. I’ve been in constant contact with family and friends who this year can tell Passover snow stories of their own, and these intrepid souls have developed pride in their hardship. “I combatted a blizzard to get matzah before they ran out,” a Boston pal boasted. “I was afraid I couldn’t find a real horseradish this year,” my friend who likes to grate his own maror told me, “so I drove through 20 miles of tundra.” “You think it’s easy to find kosher-for-Pesach chopped walnuts?” a Chicago friend snorted. “There was a run on everything as soon as the snow started during Purim!” As plants flowered outside my window, I called my sister, who has been commuting between Prince ton and Philadelphia in weather that would challenge Paul Bunyan. I described my daffodils, and she told me about overloaded windshield wipers. Soon we reminisced about our grandfather’s snow stories and one unforgettable seder when we and our families gathered at our parents’ house in St. Louis. It had begun to snow hard that week, and at least 4 packed feet covered everything. Twenty relatives were expected at my parents’ seder, and we’d cooked like mad. But there was no clear course from the passable main thoroughfare, Delmar Boulevard, to my parents’ side street on Kingsbury about a fourth of a mile away. My sister’s family and ours had
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