Atlanta Jewish Times, Vol. XCII No. 32, August 18, 2017 by Atlanta Jewish Times

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE, PAGES 13-31 525-YEAR MISSION SURVIVAL STORIES

BIGGER BITE

Kol Emeth’s Noshfest expands the entertainment amid kugel and bagel contests. Page 13

What the Inquisition took away, Rabbi Mark Kunis helps bring back to Judaism. Page 18

Three Toco Hills shuls explore the ways Jews have endured through oppression. Page 22

Atlanta VOL. XCII NO. 32

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AUGUST 18, 2017 | 26 AV 5777

Weber Stuffed, Smothered With Students $255K Raised For Chabad Of Forsyth By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com

Only 300 people are allowed in the black box theater in the basement of the Weber School, according to a sign posted by the fire marshal. For the first time, that limit could be an issue. Twenty years after its start as the New Atlanta Jewish Community High School, Weber opened Monday, Aug. 14, with its largest freshman class (71 students) and largest total enrollment (268). With 87 new students in all, Weber’s enrollment has grown 14 percent since last year and 25 percent in three years. “We wanted to build responsible, thinking, Jewish adults to enhance our community, and nothing speaks louder than the fact that our vision and our message is being embraced by the whole community, ’cause they’re sending their kids and their grandkids,” said Steve Berman, a school founder and former president. Aug. 14 also was opening day for two of the four other Sandy Springs day schools: the Davis Academy and Atlanta Jewish Academy, which now has preschool through 12th grade on one campus. The Epstein School started Aug. 10, and Chaya Mushka opens Aug. 21. Rabbi Ed Harwitz, who started as Weber’s head of school when the Class of 2018 arrived as freshmen, said at the firstday celebration in the school’s basement

Photo by Andria Lavine Photography

Sporting Waffle House-style shirts and hats, members of the Weber School Class of 2018 charge into the basement theater to celebrate the first day of their last year of high school Aug. 14.

theater that the increased size means more choices in academics — 15 new faculty members this year and 30 new courses the past three years — and in extracurriculars — from varsity gymnastics and intramural ultimate Frisbee to new music ensembles and the Sumo Robot League. Just as important, he said, is something senior Eli Katz pointed out: The school has more voices. Those voices “bring energy, intelligence and creativity to the Weber School, but also to our broader Jewish community and to the world,” Rabbi Harwitz said. The numbers indicate that commu-

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nity leaders were right to launch Weber. “There were times that we really felt like ‘Are we doing the right thing?’ People would tell us, ‘The community can’t support this; maybe we should allocate our resources elsewhere,’ ” Berman said. “So it’s gratifying to see. This really marks a watershed moment for the school.” Another former president, Mark Cohen, said: “It’s exactly what, as founders, we had envisioned the school to become. … We love it to be bigger, but it embraces all the concepts that we envisioned as a school — the Jewish content, the Jewish cross-section, is really phenomenal.” ■

INSIDE Candle Lighting �� 4 Israel News ��7 Opinion ��9 Arts ��32 Simchas ��34 Obituaries ��36 Sports ��37 Crossword ��38 Marketplace ��39

Two months after unveiling its new home south of Cumming, Chabad of Forsyth took a big step toward securing its financial foundation by raising more than a quarter of a million dollars in 24 hours. Like other Jewish organizations that have run one-day crowdfunding campaigns at Charidy.com, Chabad of Forsyth lined up donors to match contributions on a 3-to-1 basis, so that each dollar pledged was worth $4 to the first Jewish congregation in Forsyth County. When the campaign launched at noon Sunday, Aug. 13, the goal was $170,000 — $42,500 from pledges and the balance from matching gifts. Driving donations by email and phone, Rabbi Levi Mentz needed only about three-fourths the time allotted to reach the goal. The campaign then entered a bonus round, during which each donation was tripled instead of quadrupled. The bonus goal was $250,000 total; Chabad of Forsyth finished with $255,693 from 336 donations and their matches. Before the fundraising drive, Rabbi Mentz said the purpose was to clear the debt from Chabad of Forsyth’s 5.5-acre property at 795 Brannon Road He could not be reached for comment on whether the additional $85,000, 50 percent beyond the initial goal, will pay off debt or support other efforts to create a Jewish community center for Forsyth, Dawson and Lumpkin counties. Rabbi Mentz has said the Brannon Road site, close to Ga. 400, is the perfect location and size for Chabad of Forsyth’s needs now and in the future. “From here,” he said in a video for the crowdfunding campaign, “we will be a beacon of light to make Forsyth County the greatest county in the United States.” ■

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Feeling Good Again I smile each time I see the painting now mounted on the wall above my bed — its circular green leaves, shimmering trunk and glittery sun seeming to glow against its deep-blue background. But it didn’t always look that way. Last year, when I originally painted it, the black trunk and bare branches sat sadly beneath a hazy moon. The lonely cardinal sitting on a branch has been joined by a blue jay, along with the new brightness and life that surround them. My husband commented that it’s amazing how a painting can match someone’s mood and that I must be in a good place now. It’s true: I am feeling good emotionally and physically. But I wouldn’t appreciate this as much if I didn’t know what it felt like to not feel good — to be 35 pounds overweight and disconnected from myself and G-d. I like to say that my relationship with Hashem waxes and wanes, a nearly constant struggle. According to Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, who has written numerous Torah books, this is totally normal. In this week’s parshah, Re’eh, which means “to see,” the Torah tells us that no matter how far away you are from G-d, from love and joy, you can always come close when you make an effort. When a person feels discouraged, his belief that he can no longer improve becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. But as soon as you believe you can improve in an area, you will immediately find the strength to make those improvements. Find people to consult with if you need direction. Never despair, Rabbi Pliskin says, and keep your focus on what you can do in the present to reconnect. When I start to envy those who seem to have it easy, who never struggle with ups and downs, who seem to have complete faith and motivation

at all times, I try to remind myself of the saying “Don’t judge your insides by someone else’s outsides.” We never truly know what is going on with someone, where they came from or where they are ultimately headed. And sometimes it seems the further away we may go from joy and

Hand of Hashem By Mindy Rubenstein mindy.rubenstein@yahoo.com

The transformation of this painting from winter to spring and night to day reflects the painter/ writer’s personal improvement.

connectedness, the more momentum and potential we have to come back in full swing with even greater strength and faith. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev once approached a wicked person who did much wrong in his life and said: “I am envious of you. If you will repent and return to the Almighty with love and sincerity, all of your blemishes will be transformed into a great, shining light. I envy the brilliance of that light.” That is in part what I hope to represent in my altered painting: No matter how dark or discouraging life may become, there is the potential at any moment to let the light in — or maybe even to help others see a spark of their own light, just waiting to be revealed. ■

• Do something kind for someone else. Call a parent or friend just to check on that person, for example. • Make a list of things you’re grateful for, even if they seem obvious. I’m grateful my contact lenses help me see, that I found time to paint, that my children are getting along well at this moment. • Pray, meditate, breathe. Find a quiet space and try to calm your mind. Saying Modeh Ani and Shema are great ways to connect. • Each day, try to do something healthy that you enjoy, whether it’s doing yoga, going for a walk or visiting someone who is a positive influence in your life.

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

How to Improve Mood and Connectedness

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CALENDAR THURSDAY, AUG. 17

Elder abuse talk. DeKalb County Solicitor General Sherry Boston speaks to the Edgewise group at 10:30 a.m. at the Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Free for members, $5 for others; www.atlantajcc.org or 678-812-3861. Transgender talk. Joy Ladin discusses community inclusion at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, 1440 Spring St., Midtown. Free; www. sojourngsd.org/joy-ladin-touraugust-2017.

FRIDAY, AUG. 18

Film opening. Yiddish movie “Menashe” plays at Regal Tara Cinemas 4, 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, and Lefont Sandy Springs, 5920 Ros well Road, Suite C-103. Times and tickets at tickets.menashemovie.com.

SUNDAY, AUG. 20

Blood drive. Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, holds a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Appointments at www.redcrossblood.org (keyword bethshalom) or 800-733-2767.

TUESDAY, AUG. 22

Modern mikvah. Rabbi Judith Beiner leads a class for the Marcus JCC’s Brill Institute on “The Tradition Lives On: Mikvah in the 21st Century” at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesdays through Sept. 12 at MACoM, 700-A Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs. Register at atlantajc.org/brill or 678-812-3723. Breman training. The Breman Museum, 1440 Spring St., Midtown, holds a six-session training course for volunteer docents for its Holocaust Gallery and other exhibitions, starting at 12:30 p.m. Details from Jennifer Reid at jreid@thebreman.org or 404-870-1632.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 23

Rosh Chodesh study. MACoM, 700A Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy

Springs, hosts a women’s study session for the start of Elul called “Women at the Beginning of Exodus: Where Would We Be Without Them?” at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $18, including dinner; info@atlantamikvah.org or 404-549-9679.

THURSDAY, AUG. 24

Drugs and prison. National Incarceration Association President and CEO Kate Boccia talks to the Edgewise group about the effects of drug addiction on families at 10:30 a.m. at the Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Free for members, $5 for others; www. atlantajcc.org or 678-812-3861. JELF exhibit opening. The Jewish Educational Loan Fund holds a grand opening at 6 p.m. for “The Legacy of the Hebrew Orphans’ Home” at the Breman, 1440 Spring St., Midtown, with a reception, exhibit tours and a panel discussion among curator Catherine Lewis, Henry Birnbrey, Sherry Frank, Stephen Garber and Caroline Light. Tickets are $180 ($100 for those under 40); jelf.org/breman.

SATURDAY, AUG. 26

Prehistoric party. Clothes from the 1980s are the proper attire for the Signature Event at Fernbank, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Under 40 Division and the Birthright Israel Alumni: Atlanta Network, at 9 p.m. at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta. Tickets are $15 (including one drink) in advance or $25 at the door; jewishatlanta.org/signature-event.

SUNDAY, AUG. 27

Kitchen tour. The Toco Hills Tour of Terrific Kitchens, presented by the Mount Scopus Group of Hadassah Greater Atlanta, visits eight new and renovated kitchens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting at 1564 Nantahalla Court. Tickets are $20 before Aug. 24 and $25 at the door; paypal.me/mtscopus/20. Simcha expo. The Atlanta Party Con-

Remember When

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

25 Years Ago Aug. 14, 1992 ■ Alon Liel, the Israeli consul general in Atlanta, has been appointed the ambassador to South Africa and will leave for Pretoria in mid-November. The Israeli government approved the recommendation of the Foreign Ministry’s appointments committee Aug. 11. Liel, 43, led the ministry’s South Africa desk from 1986 to 1988. Now he will lead relations with South Africa at a critical time, as the black majority soon will be represented in the government. ■ The bat mitzvah of Rachel Leah Mathis of Roswell, daughter of Jim and Marsha Mathis, was held Saturday, Aug. 8, at Temple Beth Tikvah. ■ Hugo Ribot and Karen Tenenbaum Ribot of Cartersville announce the birth of 4 a daughter, Sara Beth, on April 23.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Re’eh Friday, Aug. 18, light candles at 8:03 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, Shabbat ends at 8:58 p.m. Shoftim Friday, Aug. 25, light candles at 7:54 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, Shabbat ends at 8:49 p.m.

Corrections & Clarifications

• The last name of Matthew Barry, who the Pole Vault Atlanta and Davis Academy track and field coach, was misspelled in an article Aug. 11. • Atlanta Hebrew Orphans’ Home founder Simon Wolf was a Washington, D.C., businessman and philanthropist. His home city was incorrect in an article Aug. 11 about the history of the Jewish Educational Loan Fund. nection Bar & Bat Mitzvah Expo presents more than 70 vendors from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North, 7 Concourse Parkway, Sandy Springs. Free; register at atlantapartyconnection.com/bar-and-bat-mitzvahexpo for extra door prize entries. Bowling. The co-ed Atlanta Jewish Bowling League offers bowling at 6:30 p.m. at Bowlero, 6345 Spalding Drive, Norcross, to introduce people to the league. Free; RSVP to 404-667-7752.

MONDAY, AUG. 28

College loan webinar. The Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF) holds its semiannual online seminar about its interest-free loan program at 10 a.m. Free; register at jelf.org/webinar.

ern Poverty Law Center, the Sierra Club Foundation, the National Immigration Law Center and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Tickets start at $25; concertsforamerica.com.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 30

Big party. The Collective: A Celebration of Community features the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s annual awards, Dad’s Garage entertainment, and a panel discussion with the heads of five major organizations at 7 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Torah, 700 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs. Tickets are $10 in advance, $18 at the door; jewishatlanta.org/event/collective.

THURSDAY, AUG. 31

Infertility support. Licensed therapist Ashley Marx facilitates a Jewish Fertility Foundation support group at 7 p.m. at the foundation, 60 Lenox Pointe, Buckhead. Free; www.jewishfertilityfoundation.org/support-groups-1.html.

Submarine warfare. Retired Navy captain and submariner Barry Benator talks about life on subs and their role in major U.S. wars at the meeting of the Edgewise group at 10:30 a.m. at the Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Free for members, $5 for others; www.atlantajcc.org or 678-812-3861.

Benefit concert. Jewish Atlantans Audrey Kaye and Hannah Zeldin join such stars as Melissa Manchester and Kim Fields at the Concert for America: Stand Up, Sing Out at 7:30 p.m. at the Ferst Center, 350 Ferst Drive, Midtown, to raise money for the NAACP, the South-

Survivor and spy. Holocaust survivor Marthe Cohn, 97, who spied on the Nazis for the French, tells her story for the Intown Jewish Academy at 7 p.m. at the Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road. Tickets start at $20; bit.ly/2umD9a1.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7

Send items for the calendar to submissions@atljewishtimes.com. Find more events at atlantajewishtimes.com/events-calendar.

50 Years Ago Aug. 18, 1967 ■ The Student Non-Violence Coordinating Committee, linked to the riots in American cities, has added anti-Semitic planks to its platform, applying religious hatred and stereotypes to baseless accusations against Israel, such as cruel treatment of refugees and the leveling of 30 villages. The Red Cross recently commended Israel for its treatment of Arab refugees now under its authority. ■ Augusta lawyer Robert A. Persky recently returned from Israel, where he attended the convention of the Zionist Organization of America, of which he is a member of the board. Persky traveled through Israel, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, the Golan Heights and Sharm el Sheikh. A highlight was the Western Wall. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Eli Moskowitz of Atlanta announce the engagement of their daughter, Carol Ray Moskowitz, to Richard Wolper, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Edwin Wolper of Charleston, S.C. An August wedding is planned.

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FOOD

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

Chefs Soar on Wild Wings

We’ve all had our fair share of chicken wings, but have you ever tasted wings outside the flavors of mild, medium and hot? How about brined in sweet tea and glazed in cola? Or slowroasted with caramelized honey and a Chilean pepper hot sauce? If the thought of those upgraded ingredient combinations makes your mouth water, clear out your calendar for Sunday, Aug. 20. The Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown produced by Taste of Atlanta is taking place from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Foundry at Puritan Mill in West Midtown. Twenty-five restaurants from around Atlanta and the Southeast (Charlotte, Savannah, Chattanooga and Nashville) are stepping up their wing game for the showdown. Each restaurant competes for the “best wing” title and trophy, so each chef is concocting a creative combination of ingredients for a discerning audience. Each event attendee is allotted one golden token to vote for the favorite wing. That decision will be as tough as the physical act of consuming all 25 wings (with unlimited capacities). Whether you attend with a generaladmission ticket or as a first-taster VIP, the wings are all you can eat. Get a sneak peek at what some of the Atlanta restaurants are bringing to the table: • From Bhojanic, Buckhead’s best Indian restaurant, chef Archna Becker will bring the heat with Mango Chili Wings. • Representing one of Atlanta’s long-running restaurant institutions, Canoe executive chef Matthew Basford will serve Pimento Cheese Chicken Wings With Green Strawberry Kimchi. • Donetto has not opened to the public, but chef Mike Perez will unveil a Pollo Frito With Calabrian Chili and Basil Sauce — aka a fancy and flavorful wing. The restaurant is a part of the Indigo Road Restaurant Group, which owns popular Atlanta spots O-Ku, Colletta and Oak Steakhouse. • From Inman Park’s designated hot spot, Hampton + Hudson chef Savannah Sasser will sample Sweet T Brined Cola Glazed + Spicy Peanut Wings. • Local Republic is getting creative with its take on chicken wings. Chef Scott Smith will serve a variation with local honey, sriracha, fish sauce and sesame seeds.

• Chef Nick Anderson from City Winery will offer a funky take on wings and cook Jerk Wings With Mango Pico. • Saltyard chef Nick Leahy’s menu item will be Slow Roasted Wings With Caramelized Honey and Chilean Pepper Hot Sauce, Bleu Cheese Slaw and

The Food Scene By Skye Estroff

Inman Park hotspot Hampton + Hudson serves Sweet T Brined Cola Glazed Wings.

Venerable Canoe gets creative with Pimento Cheese Chicken Wings With Green Strawberry Kimchi.

Pickled Okra. • Chef Todd Richards from Richards’ Southern Fried will serve his signature wing, Richards’ Southern Fried Hot Chicken Wing With Pimento Ranch. • One Flew South chef Jared Hall will use his expert marinating skills to create Sweet N’ Spicy Wings. Participating restaurants and chefs from Atlanta also include Drew Van Leuvan from Seven Lamps, Woody Back from Table & Main, Brian Carson from The Mercury, Brian Meiler from JCT Kitchen and Aaron Avers from The Establishment. Read more about the showdown and see a complete list of restaurants at SouthernWingShowdown.com. Buy tickets online and check out the event on Facebook (Southern Wing Showdown), Instagram (@southernwingshowdown) and Twitter (@wingshowdown). ■ Skye Estroff is the marketing and media manager for Atlanta’s largest food festival, Taste of Atlanta. She is an Atlanta native, a University of Georgia grad and an expert in Atlanta’s best food.

ISRAEL NEWS

A multinational military force provides the chance for foreign troops in Lebanon to leave safely.

Items provided by the Center for Israel Education (www.israeled.org), where you can find more details. Aug. 18, 2000: Archaeologist Claire Epstein, whose many archaeological surveys and excavations in Israel included discovering the culture of the Chalcolithic Period (4500 to 3300 B.C.E.) in the Golan, dies at Kibbutz Ginossar. Aug. 19, 1856: Scholar and writer Michah Joseph Berdichevski is born in Ukraine. He is best known for his Hebrew writings, which include a lengthy debate with Ahad Ha’am about the nature of Hebrew literature, as well as his extensive recording of Jewish folklore. Aug. 20, 1920: The first Hebrew language medical journal in Palestine, HaRufuah, is published quarterly by the Jewish Medical Association of Palestine. It is now published monthly by the Israel Medical Association. Aug. 21, 1982: American, French and Italian troops arrive to supervise the evacuation of around 15,000 PLO troops from Beirut. Forcing terrorists and Syrian forces to leave Lebanon’s capital is one of Israel’s principal goals during the 1982 Lebanon War. Aug. 22, 1952: The Development Corporation of Israel, better known today simply as Israel Bonds, launches its first mission to Israel for American champions of the bonds. The 25 American Jewish leaders on the mission, each responsible for selling bonds in the United States, spend 15 days touring industrial plants, observing military maneuvers and meeting with officials. Aug. 23, 1903: The Sixth Zionist Congress, the last presided over by Theodor Herzl, convenes in Basel, Switzerland. It is the largest Zionist Congress to date, with about 600 delegates. Aug. 24, 1954: The Knesset passes the Bank of Israel Law on a vote of 55-0 with 14 abstentions. The law, which goes into effect Dec. 1, 1954, establishes the state’s central financial authority.

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

Today in Israeli History

ISRAEL NEWS

Photo by Mark Neiman, Government Press Office

Israel Photo of the Week

President Meets the Admiral

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin meets with Basketball Hall of Famers Wayne Embry (left) and David “The Admiral” Robinson during the visit of an NBA delegation to Israel on Thursday, Aug. 10. The NBA’s Basketball Without Borders initiative, which brings children from different communities to play together, is operating in Israel for the first time this year.

Israel Pride: Good News From Our Jewish Home Tennis menace. Israeli-Canadian tennis player Denis Shapovalov, 18, made history at the Rogers Cup tournament in Montreal as the youngest player ever to make the semifinals. He beat superstar Rafael Nadal along the way. Born in Tel Aviv, Shapovalov was the first Israeli-born player in the Rogers Cup semifinals since Harel Levy in 2000. Levy was ranked No. 144 when he lost to Marat Safin of Russia in the finals. Shapovalov began his run ranked 143rd and ended 66th after losing to fourthseeded Alexander Zverev of Germany.

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Breakfast baby. Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have found that eating more calories in the morning can help women conceive. The study, conducted on 60 women ages 25 to 39, showed that a big breakfast increased fertility among women who suffer from menstrual irregularities such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Conan in Canaan. Conan O’Brien, the former “Tonight Show” host who has his own show on TBS, announced on Twitter on Friday, Aug. 11, that he will travel to Israel soon. O’Brien wrote, “Breaking: Conan O’Brien sends Conan O’Brien to Israel to help Jared Kushner.” Kushner is slated to visit the Middle East before the end of the month. O’Brien’s visit of about five days was planned with the Keshet Media Group and the Israeli Foreign Ministry. Israel’s newest soccer star? British-

Jewish striker Nick Blackman, who is playing for Derby County in England’s second-highest soccer division, recently flew to Israel at the invitation of Maccabi Tel Aviv to examine the option of transferring to the club. Blackman played in the Maccabiah Games in Israel when he was 13. He could play internationally for Israel, Poland, the Netherlands or Barbados, based on family history. Blackman has scored only one goal for Derby County in three years. Reducing post-surgery cancer relapse. After surgery to remove cancerous growths and tumors, conventional medical practice is to refrain from chemotherapy, radiation or immune therapy for several weeks. New research from Tel Aviv University says that may be a fatal mistake. Most cancer-related deaths are the result of “post-surgical metastatic recurrence,” in which cells of the main cancerous tumor that was presumably removed travel to other parts of the body, where, undetected, they can proliferate into inoperable, deadly growths. The researchers found that rather than do nothing around cancer surgery, they could reduce the risk of cancer recurrence if they applied a specific drug regimen consisting of a beta blocker and an antiinflammatory. The next step will be a longer-scale clinical trial. Compiled courtesy of ynetnews.com, israel21c.org, timesofisrael.com and other sources.

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OPINION

Making Wise Choices in College If you are a new college freshman or a relative of one, congratulations on embarking on a great adventure. You made it through the arduous college acceptance journey, filled with too many anxious moments. The next phase is how to best use the opportunities in front of you. For many of you, college will be the best four years of your life. If by graduation in spring 2021 you have discovered what ideas or occupation may fuel your jets for decades to come, you will have succeeded. Here are some suggestions on contributing to an excellent, if not superb, college experience. Choice and time are now under your control. You can sleep late and miss class. In doing so, you chose to forgo the value of several hundred dollars of tuition money per missed course session. You can take courses with challenging professors or choose easy ones and secure an easy A. You can take advantage of a whole cafeteria menu of extracurricular opportunities, including internships. You can challenge those who spew what you consider nonsense or skate on with silence. You can choose to study abroad and get a quick course in other cultures, maybe refine a foreign language. For the first time in your life, no one else is making your schedule; there are no lockers, no school bells. How you choose to use your time matters. In choosing what to take, choose professors, not titles of courses. To find out who the best professors are in any department, walk into that department during orientation or during the year. Ask who in that department are the professors who earned teaching awards in the past 10 years. Jot down the names. Do that for five or six departments where you want to take classes, then you will have 25 to 30 names. Next, take your newly minted list and ask complete strangers on campus which professors are the best. Do your due diligence. The choice to take courses is a cherished prerogative. Decide wisely each semester and you will have fun learning experiences, particularly with professors who are not in your field of interest but who have excellent teaching reputations. In the first 10 days of a semester,

most schools allow you to taste a course and see whether you like the professor. I strongly suggest that you read the whole syllabus when you receive it the first day of class.

Guest Column By Ken Stein

Here are two actual examples discovered in my field of Middle Eastern history in which there was a syllabus issue. A course titled “Middle Eastern Politics 1945-Present” at a South Carolina university recently looked very tasty at first glance, but the syllabus revealed that 80 percent of the course’s content dealt with Palestine from 1945 to 1949. Alternatively, a comparative course on Palestinian-Israeli literature did not have a syllabus distributed at the beginning of the semester; beware of what you do not see! As it turned out, 80 percent of that course focused

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on Palestinian claims against Israelis. Those professors had agendas. What if a professor makes a discomforting remark in class? How do you handle it? What is academic freedom, and what should be challenged? If you feel up to it, find a colleague who feels equally put out, and together tell the professor during office hours why you feel a comment made was wrong or one-sided. Whatever you do, be polite, and always offer an alternative reading to help make your case. If you complain, you likewise have to correct. Finally, in the highly charged political environment in which colleges operate today, where multiple voices abound, be prepared to hold your ground, take a stand and defend the values that got you to this moment. You do not want to look back in four years and say you missed unique opportunities because you made bad choices, were timid or slept late. ■

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For 40 years, Ken Stein has taught Middle Eastern history and political science at Emory University, www.ismi. emory.edu.

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Emory’s No. 1 The Forward recently released its first College Guide, and it rated Emory University the No. 1 college in the nation for Jewish students. Based on a 100-point scale addressing 50 variables, Emory scored 85.33, including a perfect 30 out of 30 for academics and 18.33 out of 20 for Israel (multiple pro-Israel organizations on campus without any BDS resolution ever being introduced). The rest of Forward top 10: University of Pennsylvania, Washington University in St. Louis, Harvard University, Vanderbilt University, Cornell University, Tulane University, Brown University, Columbia University and American University. The highest-ranking public school is New York’s Queens College at 14. Georgia Tech is 110th, and the University of Georgia is 129th. No other Georgia schools appear on the list of 171 colleges and universities. “The Jewish community at Emory is like no other community on a college campus,” Noa Shapiro-Franklin, Emory Hillel’s vice president of Shabbat, wrote in a column for The Forward. “There is a level of comfort and support that you receive from the community that makes it feel like you belong. You are sure to find your Jewish home at Emory Hillel!”

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OPINION

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Our Views

Chabad Reunion

The AJT reported in December 2015 on a rift that led Chabad of Georgia Rabbi Yossi New to remove Chabad Intown from his organization, although Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman continued his religious and outreach work under the Chabad Intown name. It was a story we weren’t happy to report. But we are pleased to share this update: Chabad Intown is once again part of Chabad of Georgia. Rabbis New and Schusterman issued the following statement in the first week of August: “We are pleased to share that Chabad of Georgia under the leadership of Rabbi Yossi New and Chabad Intown led by Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman have reached an agreement and joint understanding regarding Chabad’s outreach to the Intown community. “Chabad Intown will be reinstated under the umbrella of the Georgia Chabad network and the international network of Chabad Lubavitch, as it continues to serve the growing Jewish population in the Intown community. “This agreement holds much promise for the continued growth and development of Chabad Lubavitch centers in Georgia in its service to the Georgia Jewish community.” That statement came right after Tisha B’Av, which laments the destructiveness of Jewish divisiveness. We’re delighted to take this reunion as a sign of the power of Jewish unity and look forward to a future full of Chabad’s positive contributions.

Progress on Taylor Force Act

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

The AJT shared our view of the necessity of the Taylor Force Act in the Aug. 4 issue, and we’re pleased to report that the legislation has the momentum to carry it through to passage this year. Before Congress took its August recess, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved a revised version of the bill on a 17-4 vote. The opposition came from Democrats Cory Booker of New Jersey, Tom Udall of New Mexico, Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Chris Murphy of Connecticut, although, based on comments Booker made to The Jewish Journal’s Jewish Insider, there’s reason to hope that at least some of those votes could be changed in the full Senate through reassurances over humanitarian aid. The bill, which aims to punish the Palestinian Authority for rewarding terrorists and their families with support payments that escalate with the severity and deadliness of the violence, was revised to protect humanitarian programs and to specifically exempt the East Jerusalem Hospital Network. The legislation would cut off U.S. aid that “directly benefits the Palestinian Authority” as long as its repulsive terrorist pension plan remains. An approved amendment from Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, calls for putting the first year’s withheld money into an escrow account, giving the PA the opportunity to regain the money by abolishing the terrorist payments. The Taylor Force Act is named for the Army veteran and Vanderbilt University student fatally stabbed by a Palestinian terrorist in Tel Aviv in March 2016, and it’s one simple, concrete step the United States can take to reduce the likelihood of other innocents 10 falling victim to terrorism in Israel. ■

Photo by Audrey Galex

Perry Goodfriend, son of Holocaust survivor Cantor Isaac Goodfriend, attends an Atlanta march in solidarity with Charlottesville and the anti-Nazi demonstrators Saturday, Aug. 12, which marked his father’s yahrzeit.

Fight Fascists With Freedom When a car barreled into counterprotesters which is why we must cherish and preserve its proamid the neo-Nazi/Klan/white-supremacist/alt-right tections, especially the Bill of Rights. swarming through Charlottesville, Va., on Saturday, It’s the lack of such a trustworthy, proven Aug. 12, it was an act of white-nationalist terrorism. document that allowed Weimar Germany to spiral Like people who wouldn’t call vehicle-ramming downward into Nazism. attacks in England and France acts of extreme Neo-Nazis thrive in chaos and feed on faux vicIslamist terrorism, anyone who refuses to call the timhood, the conditions enhanced when well-meanVirginia murder what it was is ignoring the obvious ing people talk about stifling the First Amendment. and enabling the violence. We must acknowledge Fascists want the governthe problem and name the ment to suppress protests enemy to defeat it. and decide what opinions When President Donare acceptable. Editor’s Notebook ald Trump issued a lukeSo let them hold their By Michael Jacobs warm condemnation of rallies. Let them spew their mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com all hate and violence and hate. Let them dress for made a point of spreading battle in riot gear — and the blame by twice saying just ignore them. Record “on many sides,” he abdicated any remaining claim what they say and do, see who shows up, but don’t to moral leadership in the United States. give them the fight they crave. Opposing the racist, anti-Semitic, nativist, Sadly, I suspect that Lexington, Ky., Mayor Jim know-nothing hatred espoused by the likes of RichGray had the most appropriate response to Charard Spencer and David Duke now is the job of Conlottesville when he announced that his city would gress, the states, local governments and individuals remove its Confederate statues. who truly believe in American greatness. My ancestors fought for the Confederacy, and I It starts with faith in the U.S. Constitution. had Confederate battle flags in my bedroom when I We must trust its safeguards to see us through the was young to show that I wasn’t ashamed of them or storms of marches, rallies, protests and their inevimy Southern heritage, not as an expression of white table counters — and we must not try to prevent pride, nationalism or supremacy or some bizarre such demonstrations, regardless of how we feel wish that this great nation of ours remained torn about what they promote. asunder or half enslaved. We also shouldn’t repeat the kind of anti-speech But what that Confederate emblem meant to action that happened at the progressive Netroots me became irrelevant as I realized how many others Nation conference in downtown Atlanta even as the saw it as a symbol of hatred and oppression, so those violence was flaring in Charlottesville on Saturday flags are gone. morning. Supporters of a black Democratic candiAlso gone is the statue of Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard date for Georgia governor, Stacey Abrams, made it I could see from my grandparents’ old apartment all but impossible for a white Democratic candidate near the entrance to City Park in New Orleans. It for governor, Stacey Evans, to address the same saddened me when the statue came down this year crowd Abrams had spoken to two days earlier. because it was tied to 30 years of wonderful family While the neo-Nazis, Klansmen and alt-righters memories. who descended on Charlottesville share a hatred But if those Confederate monuments are so for anyone who doesn’t look, speak, think, act and precious to the people who march with swastikas, worship as they do, they also share a repugnance attack Jews and other minorities, and want to undo for American democracy and exceptionalism. They everything that makes America great, then tear hate the Constitution because it stands in their way, them down. ■

LOCAL NEWS

A Netroots Nation panel Friday, Aug. 11, almost made it to the end of a discussion on a progressive foreign policy without any trouble. From the need to bring the troops home from Afghanistan to the bewilderment over President Donald Trump’s approach to North Korea, the 40 or so people in the Hyatt Regency meeting room downtown for the national conference of progressive politics nodded, clapped and occasionally snapped in support of the anti-militarist policies promoted by four speakers. Then, the final question, squeezed in as the session ran over its allotted morning time slot, crossed the line. “I would like to point out one elephant in the room that we have not talked about, and that’s Israel,” said Mickey Reese, a University of North Georgia student. He complained about a double standard toward Israel, believed to have nuclear arms, compared with Iran. “I don’t want Iran to have a nuclear weapon, but as long as we have this double standard, I think that we are going to be hated in the Middle East, and I wonder how we can break the hold that the Israeli lobby and other voices have on the U.S. Congress.” Questions were taken in pairs, and the two U.S. House members on the panel, California Democrats Ro Khanna and Barbara Lee, answered the two parts of another question, leaving Israel to Stephen Miles. “We need to not have double standards in our foreign policy. We need to not be hypocritical with our values,” the director of Win Without War said. Without specifying the problem, Miles said the solution “is speaking up and demanding that our voices be heard.” He cited as a prime example the enactment of the Iran nuclear deal two years ago over the opposition of AIPAC and $8 million in paid phone calls to Congress by an organization AIPAC created, Citizens United for a NuclearFree Iran. He did not mention that J Street and many pro-Israel individuals lobbied for that deal. “That is the challenge we should take from here today,” Miles said. “We can drown out the other side. We can have a progressive foreign policy, but only if we speak up.” The Palestinians were never mentioned during the 75-minute session. ■

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

Progressive Policy Hits ME Bump

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LOCAL NEWS

Women’s Connection Sparks Spiritual Growth By Tova Norman

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

“Every person that you meet has a piece of your soul that is missing. You have something to get from that person and to give to that person. It’s not coincidence that you met them. When you are open to that, you can infinitely grow.” That is what Batsheva Gelbtuch, co-director of Jewish Women’s Connection of Atlanta, said is an essential ingredient in JWC Atlanta: women connecting and growing together. “There is a lot of love within JWC Atlanta,” she said. Gelbtuch and co-director Julie Silverman said the real mission is to change the world through women because if you affect the woman, you affect her family, then the community. “The Jewish woman innately realizes that she is the anchor and the one who drives the family in terms of spiritual growth,” Silverman said. JWC Atlanta was started three years ago by women who had traveled on one of the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project trips to Israel that the Atlanta Scholars Kollel women’s division

Through a partnership with Federation, Jewish Women’s Connection of Atlanta now offers two subsidized Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project trips to Israel each year.

had participated in since 2009. “When the women get to participate in that kind of experience, they really feel so connected to one another. … It’s not just about a fun trip to Israel for a week. It’s about beginning a meaningful journey,” Silverman said. “We want to share this whole dynamic with any Jewish women in Atlanta.” JWC Atlanta’s Facebook group has more than 1,200 members. “It’s an organization which was created by women for women to keep that connection going,” Silverman said of JWC Atlanta, which operates under the kollel umbrella. JWC Atlanta’s annual kickoff event

will be Sunday, Aug. 27, at founding board member Carlla Goldstein’s home. “When you’re looking for something else in your life, or there is something little missing, it gives you that missing piece to inspire you and make you a better person, and then it comes back to your family,” Goldstein said. Lori Spett, who is co-chairing the kickoff event and going on the JWRP Israel trip in November, agreed. “It is helping me be a better person for myself,” she said, “but also for my kids, my husband and my friends.” Spett likes that JWC Atlanta offers many ways to get involved: lunch-andlearns, evening classes, events through-

out the year, and one of her favorites, Mamas in Pajamas, in which women call in on Monday evenings to participate in 30-minute interactive classes. “I just think there is something for everyone, and it’s an open-arms kind of situation,” she said. “People should feel comfortable walking into any of the events and getting something out of it.” JWC Atlanta, through a recent partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, now offers two subsidized JWRP trips to Israel each year and has an annual Shabbaton and the kickoff event, in addition to weekly classes on a variety of topics. Goldstein said the kickoff is her favorite event of the year. “It sets the momentum and tone and the energy for the whole year. There is just so much excitement, and we always say there is just such positive energy in the room.” Raquel Kirszenbaum, a JWRP trip leader, will speak on the topic “#behappy: Some pursue happiness, others create it.” Tapas and sangria, inspired by Kirszenbaum’s Latin American heritage, will be served. “Hopefully, we can all come away with something to bring more happiness into our lives, to our families and then to the community,” Goldstein said. Spett, who grew up in Atlanta, loves that she can find people she doesn’t know at a JWC event. She hopes the kickoff will be another opportunity to meet new people and see old friends. “Bring your mother, bring your neighbors, bring your aunt. Bring anyone who might get something out of this program,” she said. “It’s such a welcoming group of women.” “It doesn’t matter what your personal beliefs are,” Goldstein said. “We are very inclusive.” The hope is for JWC Atlanta to “be a place that every Jewish woman in Atlanta feels empowered to write her own Jewish story, whatever that means to her, and find a community of loving and supporting sisters that are there to support her on her journey,” Gelbtuch said. The kickoff is the place to start. “Every Jewish woman in Atlanta should come and join us,” she said. “It’s a sisterhood without boundaries.” ■ Who: Raquel Kirszenbaum What: JWCA annual kickoff Where: 4889 Northland Drive, Sandy Springs When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27

Admission: $18 in advance or $25 at the door; www.jwcatlanta.org

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Photo by Joshua Jacobs

Teddy Delacruz of Chicago consumes six bagels in five minutes to win $500 at the 2016 Noshfest.

Music, Culture, Kugel Help Season Noshfest In its seventh year at Temple Kol Emeth, the Jewish food festival Noshfest plans new attractions Labor Day weekend. One difference is a stronger focus on culture. “We’re trying to make it feel a little bit more Jewish,” event co-chair Sarah Thalheimer said. “Part of that is saying, ‘Let’s have a booth just dedicated to Israel.’ There’s going to be a big map. It’ll be very interactive, talking about the land and different major cities and landmarks there.” Physical attractions related to Israel will include a replica Western Wall, where people can place notes they write; a petting zoo; and a Masadathemed rock-climbing wall. Another goal is to bring in more and more varied entertainment. “There’s more live entertainment this year,” Thalheimer said. “We have a couple of DJs — one Israeli DJ who’s going to bring in an Israeli drummer. We have a couple singer-songwriters as well as a couple bands that are a little bit bigger.” The live music acts range from Dixieland to Americana to classic rock. The Day 2 headliner is Peyton Parker, a Nashville-based singer from Kennesaw who was a finalist on the NBC show “The Voice.” New partners also are a big part of Noshfest. The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta will be there with representatives from PJ Library and the ALEF Fund, Thalheimer said. “We’ll have Habitat for Humanity and their interfaith coalition, the Sunshine School, and Temple Beth Tikvah.”

Last year featured an expansion of the festival’s live events, and popular demonstrations such as cooking and krav maga are returning. Still, the nosh in Noshfest remains the star. Thalheimer said that even though the Labor Day weekend festival had more food vendors than ever last year, attendees still provided feedback that there wasn’t enough food. “Part of that was just that it wasn’t very visible,” she said. “This year we’re expanding that a little bit, spreading the food out and interspersing a little bit between some of the vendors, and we’re going to have bigger signage and a menu printed that people can get when they come in and that shows all the vendors and all the food and a schedule of the events.” Noshfest is adding a kugel cookoff, in which people from the community can put their recipes to the test in the hope of winning bragging rights and a $150 prize. The kugel contest will whet appetites for the second annual bagel eating contest. “I don’t believe anything is really changing. We’re keeping the same rules: It’s five minutes, eat as many bagels as you can,” Thalheimer said. “They’ll all be plain, and all you get is water.” The winner gets $500 cash. Entry to the contest is $20, but you get a $20 gift card to Bagelicious. Teddy Delacruz is the reigning champion. Noshfest is Sunday, Sept. 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1415 Old Canton Road, East Cobb. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to bring two canned goods for MUST Ministries. ■

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SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Etz Chaim Provides Soft Landing for Director By Eddie Samuels

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

Just over a month into his tenure as executive director at Congregation Etz Chaim, Marty Gilbert says he could not have asked for a better community. Now 834 miles from his previous position as the administrator of Reform Temple Emanu-El of West Essex in Livingston, N.J., Gilbert is adjusting to his new home. He said his decision to move south resulted from a variety of factors, including Emanu-El’s decision to merge with another Reform synagogue, Temple Sinai in Summit, N.J. “They already had an executive director in place,” said Gilbert, who was hired by Emanu-El in 2014 after a 30year career in business. “Since I’m getting a little older, we’d been discussing moving south for a while. Shoveling snow is not the best of winter activities. … Not that sitting in front of the TV drinking beer is either.” Since his start in July, Gilbert said his expectations have almost all been exceeded by the community’s welcome. His wife, Lori, and three chil-

Marty Gilbert has left snow and his lifelong home behind in New Jersey to lead operations at Congregation Etz Chaim.

dren, Erin, Danny and Sara, still live in New Jersey, but Gilbert said two of his grown children have visited and been unabashedly welcomed, and congregants have made connections with his wife as well. Gilbert sought several attributes in a new congregation, and Conservative Congregation Etz Chaim met all of them. “I was looking for a community that was still in growth mode and that was a stable situation.” Having been involved with a rabbinic search more than four years ago at Temple B’nai Shalom in East Brunswick, N.J., he saw a reliable leader

in Etz Chaim’s senior rabbi, Daniel Dorsch, who arrived from New Jersey a year ago. “He is a terrific rabbi and will only continue to become more so,” Gilbert said. “He was an associate rabbi in Livingston, but it was more about his demeanor, his personality.” G i l b e r t couldn’t help but draw parallels between Dorsch and the rabbi his search had turned up, Rabbi Eric Eisenkramer. “We’d always had one rabbi, and we brought in Rabbi Eisenkramer,” Gilbert said. “He and Rabbi Dorsch really are clones of each other, and they’re about the same age. It really shows that it doesn’t matter how old you are; it’s about how you carry yourself.”

Gilbert’s parents helped found Temple B’nai Shalom in 1971, and he has always been a New Jerseyan. The move to Georgia marks a stark transition from his lifelong home, but Gilbert said things have worked out for the best. “It’s been a wonderful month,” he said. “The staff here are terrific, and working with Rabbi Dorsch has been wonderful. I couldn’t ask for a better soft landing than here.” As for his goals for his first year, Gilbert pointed to a Hollywood influence. “I strongly believe in the Mr. Spock line at the end of ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan’: ‘The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few,’ or the one.” ■

“We’d been discussing moving south for a while. Shoveling snow is not the best of winter activities. … Not that sitting in front of the TV drinking beer is either.”

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SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

The shul in the center of the city

Chabad Teen Time Gets Double Boost From Pair By Sarah Moosazadeh sarah@atljewishtimes.com

The largest Sephardic synagogue in the Southeast nestled in the Brookhaven neighborhood of Atlanta. 1681 North Druid Hills Road, Brookhaven 30319 404-633-1737 office@orveshalom.org

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To foster a stronger connection between youths and their identity within the Jewish community, Chabad of Cobb welcomed Rabbi Gedalya Hertz and his wife, Ruthy, as the congregation’s new youth directors July 1. The Hertzes look forward to increasing engagement among teens in public schools and Jewish day schools in North Fulton and East Cobb to facilitate a greater appreciation for their heritage. The couple met after Rabbi Hertz’s sister introduced them while Ruthy was living with her in Israel. They have been married two years. Growing up in Bensonhurst, N.Y., Rabbi Hertz realized early that he would follow in his father’s footsteps to become a rabbi. “It was something I’ve always wanted to do and was brought up wanting to help others in the community.” After completing yeshiva in Crown Heights and receiving his rabbinical certificate, Rabbi Hertz spent a year of outreach in Argentina’s Jewish community and served as a camp director at Morristown’s Jewish Center, Beit Yisrael. As the youngest of eight children, Ruthy grew up in Toronto. After graduation, she spent two years in Israel teaching college before returning to the States to become a high school teacher. In addition to working with teens, she also served as a camp director and regularly hosted social events. “Teens are the future of the Jewish community and are at a pivotal time in which they are not only shaping their identity, but need the most love and attention,” she said. “Providing a Jewish environment is the best way to ensure they receive that attention and continue preserving their heritage.” Before accepting the position at Chabad of Cobb, Rabbi Hertz taught high school students, and his wife helped create Shabbatons, prepared curricula and organized numerous events. The opportunity to become youth directors presented itself after they learned about the community’s need for increased programming. “We were already familiar with Atlanta’s Jewish community, including Chabad of Cobb’s warm environment, and have since built countless relationships with the youth,” Rabbi Hertz said.

Rabbi Gedalya Hertz and his wife, Ruthy Hertz, have arrived with son Mendel to serve as Chabad of Cobb’s new youth directors.

The Hertzes hope to implement a series of programs in the fall targeting middle and high school students, including JTYME (Jewish Teens and Youth Mentoring and Engagement), which aims to gather teens once a month, host Shabbatons, provide a regional trip to New York and create friendships. They also intend to create programs for three age groups: ninththrough 12th-graders; seventh- and eighth-graders; and a bar mitzvah club for youths turning 13. “We want the kids to be a part of their own social network while creating a sense of Jewish pride and unity,” Ruthy said. Despite the couple’s excitement about their new opportunity, they are aware of the challenges they may face. “There are so many Jewish teens we would like to connect with, and, thanks to the new program, we hope to do so,” she said. “We want teens to feel they can take an initiative and assume leadership roles as well as ownership and pride in what they’re doing. Although we are creating the program, the teens are playing a much bigger role.” Since the couple arrived, the Hertzes have launched CTeen in Johns Creek and Marietta, providing clubs and retreats for teens to connect and enhance their Jewish pride. Ruthy said the programs are part of a worldwide organization under Chabad Teen Network. “We want teens to feel they are not alone but a part of a larger, global network.” The Hertzes also plan to establish volunteer opportunities, including visits to senior homes. “It’s amazing to see how much the teens will accomplish and better themselves within Judaism,” Ruthy said. “We are excited to be a part of the mission and help teens embrace their idealism.” ■

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SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Photos courtesy of Bonnie Sussman Rabbi Mark Hillel Kunis sits on the beit din examining candidates for conversion in Nicaragua.

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

Mission to Nicaragua Finds 114 New Jews

My wife, Cheryl, and I went on a special mission to Nicaragua this summer, but it is impossible to explain the mission without a bit of history. “In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” That you know. Let me tell you, as Paul Harvey would put it, the rest of the story. Columbus postponed his voyage a couple of days because he was supposed to set sail July 31, which was Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, which is the most tragic day in the Jewish calendar, a day on which all the great tragedies that ever happened to the Jewish people occurred. Was Columbus Jewish? You bet he was, and there is a good deal of proof, but that’s a subject for another article. It was on that Tisha B’Av in 1492 that Queen Isabella of Spain’s Edict of Expulsion of the Jews under the Inquisition took effect. It declared that all Jews who had not left Spain since the signing of the edict four months earlier had to convert or die. Then the government made it almost impossible for Jews to leave the country because it abducted the children of those who tried. Even if one succeeded in leaving, where would one go? Few countries welcomed Jews, and it was a treacherous journey getting anywhere. Many fled to Portugal, but the Inquisition soon followed them there. In the 16th and 17th centuries,

some fled to the New World, to places like Bahia and Recife, Brazil, because it was controlled by the Dutch, who more or less welcomed Jews. But Portugal soon conquered Brazil, and the Jews had to flee again. Some wound

Guest Column By Rabbi Mark Hillel Kunis

up in New Amsterdam, which soon became New York, and others in the emerging communities of the Caribbean like Curacao, Suriname, Santo Domingo and Jamaica. Many openly converted to Christianity but secretly remained Jews. The Christians called them Marranos (pigs). They had to be especially careful because if they were caught not burning their stoves on Saturday or not eating on Yom Kippur or doing a Jewish custom or not showing up for church on Sunday, the Inquisition would arrest them, torture them on racks that tore their bodies apart, force them to inform on other secret Jews, burn them at the auto-da-fé and take all their assets. Can you imagine the terror this engendered? No wonder they were careful not to tell their children much about being Jewish, for fear it might spill out when they played with Christian children.

Now how long do you think being Jewish would have lasted for these Jews — one generation or two, 50 or 100 years? How about 525 years! How amazing is the Jewish spirit, the Jewish soul? A full 525 years after the signing of the Edict of Expulsion, the Jewish soul emerges as strong as ever in Nicaragua, which in 2012 had only 50 Jews. In mid-June I received a call from Kulanu (Hebrew for “all of us”). It’s an amazing organization that helps emerging Jewish communities in Latin America, Africa and India. The vice president of Kulanu, Bonnie Sussman, is the wife of a colleague I have known for 25 years, Rabbi Gerry Sussman. Bonnie told me about this mission to Nicaragua and asked whether I would be interested in being part of a beit din of three Orthodox rabbis to convert those who are descendants of Jews or, for some surprising reason, those whose souls have been attracted to Judaism. Would I? My whole life has been about helping that pintle Yid, that Jewish soul, emerge from those who have, for one reason or another, been estranged from Jewish life. But I told her my father’s health was failing, and I was not sure I would be able to make it. Right after the shiva, she called again, and although I needed to go to Florida to clean out my father’s condo and begin to put his affairs in order, Cheryl and I agreed. The timing wasn’t great, but this was an opportunity we couldn’t afford to miss. Nicaragua is a poor country. Hotel accommodations are rather limited. It’s near the equator and therefore always very warm. The home where we conducted the conversions — although owned by two successful people, Moshe Henriquez, a radiation oncologist, and his wife, Yehudit, a Supreme Court lawyer — was not airconditioned because it’s too expensive. The conditions may have been difficult, but the spirit was inspiring. Dr. Moshe had assembled a small but faithful community that had studied Judaism and prayed Shabbat services together for years. I had recently read an amazing book, “Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean,” which tells about Jews in the 16th and 17th centuries who owned ships and became pirates against the Spanish and Portuguese who betrayed their people. They did this in concert with England, which, in turn, promised a place in the British colonies for Jews. One of the Jewish pirate heroes

Continued on the next page

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE Continued from page 19

Rabbi Mark Hillel Kunis (right) walks with a member of the Nicaragua Jewish community, many of whom are descended from Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity by the Spanish Inquisition.

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The Kulanu mission converted 114 Nicaraguans, more than twice as many Jews as lived in the country five years ago.

was Moshe Cohen Henriquez. To my amazement, Dr. Moshe Henriquez is a direct descendent of the great Jewish pirate Moshe Cohen Henriquez. Cheryl and I were amazed by the spirit of these people. They don’t have much, but they have sacrificed so much just to be Jewish. As we conducted the conversions, many would come early in the morning and sit as long as 10 hours to wait for their turn at the beit din. The love in their hearts for Hashem and Torah and the glow on their faces when they emerged from the mikvah as Jews were so inspiring. Cheryl was the official mikvah lady, supervising the women as they immersed. She did an outstanding job of making the women feel comfortable as she enthusiastically led them through the process even though she doesn’t speak more than a couple of words of Spanish. The women approached the mikvah with a good deal of trepidation because they had to remove their clothes, and, truth be told, many were afraid of going underwater. Let me share with you some of Cheryl’s stories. Sabrina, about 14 years old, came into the mikvah with such exuberance and utter joy and excitement that she bounded down the steps to the ritual bath. When Cheryl told her to go into the water, she practically dived in as the waters splashed all over. When reciting the blessings after Cheryl, she shouted them with all her might with joy and happiness. She recited the Shehecheyanu with love and devotion that are seldom seen among Jews praying today. The whole mikvah rocked with her enthu-

siasm. Chaviva was so anxious and nervous as she entered the mikvah, but when she came out, there were incredible tears of joy as she hugged and kissed and hugged and kissed Cheryl while she touched her heart. With a translator, she later explained that she had four children and a few grandchildren. They all had converted, and she was the only one left. She has a son who is in Lakewood, N.J., studying to be a rabbi. Gisselle, the wife of Akiva Simcha Fernandez, the leader of the second group we converted, is blind. She is reserved and shy. Cheryl guided her into the mikvah as she clutched the handrail. She also was terrified of going underwater. When she emerged from the mikvah, it was as if she could see through blind eyes as her whole face radiated with the joy of the mikvah experience. This quiet, reserved personality was transformed into a beautiful, boisterous, laughing and joyful character. Let me share some of the stories I came away with from the interviews of the beit din. We asked everyone when he or she became interested in Judaism. One young man said it was when his grandfather died and left him a tallit. He asked what it was, and his search led him to become Jewish like his grandfather. One woman said she was told as a girl not to go out on Friday nights and not to eat pork. One young man said that only when he asked questions about Jewish things he had seen did his grandmother tell him he was descended

from Jews. It was not unusual for some of these people to be attracted first to Messianic groups such as Jews for Jesus because they were told that this was the real Judaism. One who did join told us he only left when he met a distant cousin who had left and somehow became a frum Jew; that’s how he found out what real Judaism is. I have each conversion candidate sign and read out loud a conversion oath at the beit din in which he or she promises to live a Jewish life of mitzvot and Jewish customs. One woman just broke down crying as she read it. She explained that she had been trying to get to that point her whole life. The last book of Torah, Devarim, tells us again and again that the Jewish people will be dispersed throughout the world because of their sins. In other words, Jews will be found everywhere. Well, in late July, Cheryl and I found Jews in the most unlikely place: Managua, Nicaragua. It’s an amazing testament to the Jewish soul that it somehow survives even there. Let me end by telling you about what happened after the weddings on our last day there. The final count of the beit din was 17 circumcisions — 10 adults and seven children — 114 conversions and 24 separate weddings. We helped birth two new Jewish communities. They are in desperate need of Spanish siddurim and chumashim and tallises. Once converted, all those who were married had to be married again under a chuppah. That, in and of itself, was amazing and joyous. As people began to leave, I asked for help forming a minyan to say Kaddish for my father. Soon, about 40 came outside the wedding hall with me (where it was cooler) to daven the Maariv service. These people davened with such enthusiasm — with full voices on a main street. Think about that. These were Jews who, until recently, had hidden their identity for 525 years. Now, outside on a main drag, in front of a Christian world, they proudly prayed out loud, with all their hearts, for all the world to see. Let us all be inspired to match their enthusiasm for Hashem and His Torah way of life. Amen! ■ Rabbi Mark Hillel Kunis is the spiritual leader of Congregation Shaarei Shamayim in Toco Hills. “For more information on Kulanu and the important work it does, visit www.kulanu.org.

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

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SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

3 Congregations Unite to Focus on Jewish Survival By Sarah Moosazadeh sarah@atljewishtimes.com Tisha B’Av, a day for lamenting Jewish disunity, presented the latest opportunity for three of Toco Hills’ small congregations to unite for learning. New Toco Shul, Congregation Netzach Israel and Chevra Ahavas Yisrael shared much of the 9th of Av, including a panel discussion in the Chevra Ahavas Yisrael sanctuary at Torah Day School of Atlanta on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Rabbi Don Seeman, a New Toco member and an associate professor of religion and Jewish studies at Emory, led the discussion among Eli Livnat, Netzach Israel Rabbi Yehuda Boroosan, Martin Solomon and Reuven Formey to expand on the fate of Jews in modern times through personal stories. Solomon’s grandparents survived the Holocaust, but he spoke about his wife’s grandfather, Moshe Dovid Mandelbaum of Poland. The Nazis were transporting Mandelbaum and others to concentration camps in boxcars when a German soldier asked whether anyone knew any Jewish songs. Mandelbaum, who served as a can-

Eli Livnat talks about serving in the Israeli army during the Yom Kippur and Six-Day wars.

Reuven Formey discusses race and religion in the Jewish community.

Rabbi Yehuda Boroosan highlights his journey from Iran to the United States.

tor, began singing Vehi Sheamda, and others joined him. The soldier asked him why they were singing so close to death. Solomon said Mandelbaum responded that “people before you and after you … have tried to destroy us; however, we will persevere.” At the camp, Mandelbaum and others were forced to dig their own graves. But his life was spared at the last second by an officer who wanted to use Mandelbaum’s knowledge and skills to build tunnels. Livnat’s parents survived the Holocaust and moved to Israel immediately after its establishment, seeking to raise their children among Jews after his mother’s family perished in the Holocaust. At 18, Livnat entered the Israeli

army and received a shorter period of training in exchange for becoming a teacher in Israel’s periphery. Livnat taught near the Lebanese border and was tasked with calculating the range of mortars before the Six-Day War. When the war began, Livnat was sent to a post near the Sea of Galilee to shell Syrian troops targeting civilians. Livnat’s unit soon was moved again, shifting north to where fighting had increased amid heavy shelling. As the soldiers began their journey, however, they were spotted by the Syrians, who began a bombardment. “We were extremely fearful as the bombs landed amidst the trucks; however, we miraculously survived by driving the vehicles over stone-filled roads and, baruch Hashem, no one was hurt,” he said. Livnat returns to Tzfat every time he visits Israel with his wife and recites a prayer as he looks down on the point where he engaged in battle. In 1977, Rabbi Boroosan was living life to the fullest as he sought to graduate and continue his education at one of Iran’s top institutions, Pahlavi University. However, after returning from a mission to Israel, he noticed a shift

in Iran’s political climate as chants for Ayatollah Khomeini swept the country. One day, while sitting in an English course, Boroosan recalled a man entering his classroom asking everyone to leave. “We were shocked and confused and did not budge, as it is customary in Persian culture to remain seated until the teacher dismisses you,” Rabbi Boroosan said. “However, after the man returned with a brick in his hand for the third time, we all got up and left, never to return again.” Although he wished to remain in Iran, Rabbi Boroosan realized his circumstances had changed. “I noticed my friends were all gone, which filled me with a deep sadness, until one day my mother entered my room and said, ‘You’re leaving.’ ” After Iran’s revolution, a decree allowed anyone who received admission to a foreign university to go. Other than entering the army or testing for a second language, Chabad was the only other outlet Jewish Iranians possessed to leave the country. “We didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, and parents were fraught with the idea of sending their children

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All for One Chabadniks, Iranian Jews and Modern Orthodox are working together in Toco Hills to build community and celebrate diversity while marking Jewish holidays. Netzach Israel (Persian), Chevra Ahavas Yisrael (Chabad) and New Toco Shul (Modern Orthodox) have shared Shabbat Across America, Purim, Passover and Tisha B’Av. On Shavuot, members stayed up all night to learn Torah together and eat foods from different traditions. Laura and David Bogart attend Congregation Beth Jacob, the biggest and oldest Orthodox shul in the neighborhood, which offers three active services to accommodate the needs of different members. But David also davens at New Toco Shul. “A lot of people are moving to Toco Hills from out of state,” Laura said. “This is an opportunity to meet new people, celebrate and make new friends.”

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

Her husband said each of the synagogues offers a different dynamic.

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“If you go to a synagogue, you may not know everyone. Joint programming encourages everyone to get to know one another. I’ve run into people and ask if they’re new, only to find out that they’ve lived here for five years,” he said. When New Toco started in 2015, rabbis and their friends started attending and leading classes, group study and Shabbat. Chabad Rabbi Yossi New started teaching on a weekly basis. Now some people attend more than one synagogue, and everyone gains from a diversity of ideas. — Logan C. Ritchie

abroad,” Rabbi Boroosan said. After applying for his passport, he encountered setbacks under martial law as he traveled five times from Shiraz to Tehran, 18 hours each way by bus, between January and March to obtain his passport from the ministry of Education. Despite confirming his acceptance from a yeshiva abroad and receiving his passport shortly before the Persian new year, Nowruz, Rabbi Boroosan encountered another problem: A new law demanded travelers report to government offices 72 hours before a flight. In a last attempt to leave the country, he traveled to the government building, received his ticket, departed for Rome and was issued a visa 10 days before arriving in the United States in time for Passover. “I always thought I would continue my education in the U.S., reside for four years and return home. However, that didn’t happen,” Rabbi Boroosan. “On Tisha B’Av we mourn to remember the destruction of the Beit Hamidrash, but we must also remember to never forget our identity or forsake our relationship with our roots and that Hashem is with us every step of the way.” While Formey (who performs as Prodezra Beats) did not discuss race or religion in terms of politics, he did emphasize the importance of sensitivity regarding both. After attempting to marry his fiancée in Israel, Formey found it difficult to prove his wife’s Judaism because her own parents may have tried to hide it. Through setbacks, Formey and his fiancée continued to meet with one rabbi after another until they decided to hire an attorney to assist them. The day Formey and his wife entered the government building in Jerusalem, however, the lawyer glanced at Formey and said he couldn’t help the couple. “We tried to ask him what the issue was, but we never received a response and to this day haven’t spoken to this gentleman again,” Formey said. “I’m sure you can come up with your own ideas of why he chose not to assist us, but going through various Hasidic teachings which emphasize the importance of sensitivity toward others, it appears we often tend to ignore that Jews of color continue to deal with such issues within the community.” Rabbi Seeman said, “Our hope is that going forward there is increased collaboration … if by virtue of nothing else than of being small and embracing diversity without divisiveness. We each have different ways of completing tasks, but there is no reason why we can’t come together.” ■

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Lifelong Path Carried Rabbi to Dor Tamid By Sarah Moosazadeh sarah@atljewishtimes.com

Join Congregation Beth Shalom for an amazing Israel adventure. “Southern Exposure, a Second Timers trip” Led by Rabbi Mark and Linda Zimmerman January 21 - February 1, 2018

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

“One does not travel to Jerusalem, one returns.”

Join us for an incredible trip to Israel and discover the wonders of Israel’s off-thebeaten-path south. This is a perfect trip for those who may have been to Israel before and would like to further explore the Negev and Jerusalem, and deepen their connection to the land and people of Israel. For more information visit the link below or contact Rabbi & Linda Zimmerman at: Linda@bshalom.net or 770-399-5300 http://bethshalomatlanta.org/israel-south-trip/ First-timers are also welcome! Tour arranged by ITC Tours LIC 800-247-2575 or email Janine@israeltour.com

When fellow second-graders were researching the Minnesota Twins and the Chicago Bears, Jordan Ottenstein was learning about the Holocaust and Israel, so it’s not surprising that he grew up to become a rabbi. Now he is the fourth senior rabbi at Congregation Dor Tamid, where he started working in July. Originally from Minnetonka, Minn., Rabbi Ottenstein grew up in a family where Judaism was always at the forefront of life. His mother was his kindergarten teacher at religious school, and he forged a relationship with Rabbi Norman Cohen, fostering his passion for Jewish studies. “Judaism is something I have always been connected to and known, which inevitably led to my greater involvement in community,” Rabbi Ottenstein said. Throughout adolescence, he was active in Jewish youth groups, including BBYO and NFTY, and he attended the Alexander Muss High School in Israel before moving to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he pursued Hebrew and Jewish studies. “My journey has always led me on a path to becoming a rabbi,” he said. After college, he worked at Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis, where he held multiple education positions before becoming the director of lifelong learning. He also earned a master’s in teaching from Webster University and was certified by the Association of Reform Jewish Educators. In 2009, he entered Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion to become a rabbi, starting with a year in Jerusalem alongside wife Marni Phon and finishing in Cincinnati in 2014. Rabbi Ottenstein served three years as an assistant rabbi at Beth-El Congregation in Fort Worth, Texas. He served on the board of the local Jewish Education Association and as a staff chaplain for the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. He also made visits to the low-security federal prison and minimum-security prison camp 200 miles away in Texarkana, Texas “I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with the prisoners and provide pastoral counseling as well as teaching,” Rabbi Ottenstein said. “I think it’s a segment of the Jewish community that is often underserved, as there are

Rabbi Jordan Ottenstein hopes to bring stability to the Dor Tamid bimah.

currently few rabbis conducting active work in the prison system, yet it remains an important issue for Jews to have access to rabbis when they are needed.” Rabbi Ottenstein learned about the opportunity at Dor Tamid from the Central Conference of American Rabbis. “I felt that the congregation was a good fit both on paper and in person and believe the synagogue prides itself on being a warm and open community with a focus on lifelong learning and social justice, two aspects I am very passionate about.” He said hopes to expand the Johns Creek congregation’s educational offerings for members young and old. The religious school, which has 180 students, this fall will include Play Tamid, offering parents and children up to age 4 religious classes taught by Rabbi Ottenstein once a month. Other efforts to connect families to the congregation include tot Shabbat services and a young families program. Dor Tamid, formed when Temple Shir Shalom and Congregation B’nai Dorot merged in 2004, was led by Rabbi Ron Herstik for its first nine years, but Rabbi Ottenstein is the third rabbi to serve the congregation since 2013. “Stability is always a benefit to the strength of the congregation, and I hope to provide that while challenging individuals to grow,” Rabbi Ottenstein said. “Building relationships is important, and the benefit of being a rabbi is that in some way, shape or form you get invited to the lives of your congregants. That is something I treasure and look forward to enhancing within the community in the journey ahead.” The rabbi said Dor Tamid’s North Metro location can help it develop strong bonds among Jewish community members. “Atlanta has a lot of opportunities for the Jewish community, and although it may not be as concentrated as further south, the challenge and the opportunity lie in our members’ access with the Jewish community and our ability to engage individuals with various endeavors.” ■

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SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

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Greater Atlanta Synagogue Directory Chabad

Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett 3855 Holcomb Bridge Road Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 www.chabadofgwinnett.org 678-408-0196 Rabbi Yossi and Esther Lerman Executive Director Fran Redisch Serving the Jewish communities of Gwinnett and Hall counties. No membership. No affiliation. No artificial ingredients. No tickets. No fluff. No problem.

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

Chabad Intown, Atlanta 928 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 www.chabadintown.org 404-898-0434 Rabbi Eliyahu and Dena Schusterman Rabbi Ari and Leah Sollish Chabad Intown, Atlanta, provides opportunities year-round to all, regardless of background, affiliation or spiritual inclination, to learn about and experience our rich Jewish tradition and heritage. We do this through programs for all ages, including the Intown Jewish Preschool, Intown Hebrew School, Intown Jewish Academy, and YJP — Young Jewish Professionals, Atlanta. All our offerings are presented in quality format and are always uplifting and inspiring.

Marietta, GA 30068 www.chabadofcobb.com 770-565-4412 Rabbi Ephraim and Chani Silverman Rabbi Gedalya and Ruthy Hertz, youth directors Chabad of Downtown Universities 471 10th St. NW Atlanta, GA 30318 678-304-8672 www.chabaddtu.com Rabbi Shlomo and Shifra Sharfstein Chabad of Emory 1526 N. Decatur Road Atlanta, GA 30307 404-441-3199 www.chabademory.org Rabbi Zalman and Miriam Lipskier Chabad of Forsyth Congregation Beth Israel 600 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 110 Cumming 30041 New home: 795 Brannon Road Cumming 30041 310-666-2218 www.jewishforsyth.org Rabbi Levi and Chaish Mentz We are a warm, vibrant and inviting community in North Georgia. Experience our uplifting and inspiring events, programs and services together with wonderful families just like you.

Chabad Israeli Center Atlanta Congregation Beit Reuven 4276 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road Chamblee, GA 30341 www.cicatlanta.com 404-252-9508 Rabbi Mendy and Liba Gurary Rabbi Alexander and Esther Piekarski

Chabad of Kennesaw Center for Jewish Life & Learning 1480 Shiloh Road, Suite 500 Kennesaw, GA 30144 www.chabadkennesaw.org 770-400-9255 Rabbi Zalman and Nechami Charytan

Chabad of Cobb 4450 Lower Roswell Road

Chabad of North Fulton 10180 Jones Bridge Road

Alpharetta, GA 30022 www.chabadnf.org 770-410-9000 Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz Rabbi Gedalya and Ruthy Hertz Office Manager Kim Urbach Chabad of North Fulton is a welcoming, dynamic and vibrant community that offers a wide range of educational and outreach services to all Jews, regardless of religious background or affiliation. We offer a full-service synagogue, adult education, lifecycle events, year-round programming for all ages, summer camp, community outreach, counseling, and, most important, direct and easy access to the rabbi for any personal assistance you might need. Construction is underway for a new educational campus that will help us serve you even better. Chabad of Peachtree City 632 Dogwood Trail Tyrone, GA 30290 www.chabadsouthside.com 678-595-0199 Rabbi Yossi and Shternie Lew Chevra Ahavas Yisrael 1985 LaVista Road Atlanta, GA 30329 Mail: 1412 Lachona Court Atlanta, GA 30329 404-337-6116 Rabbi Yale New President Seth Fleishman Chevra Ahavas Yisrael is a young and vibrant shul in the Toco Hills neighborhood. Opened in 2016, CAY is open to people of all backgrounds, with a special focus on young families. Its lively services, family holiday celebrations, exciting youth activities, interactive classes, and men’s and women’s events directly cater to the Jewish and social needs of the community. CAY is a

Chabad synagogue that brings the joy of Judaism into your daily life. Congregation Beth Tefillah Chabad of Atlanta 5065 High Point Road Sandy Springs, GA 30342 www.bethtefillah.org 404-843-2464 Rabbi Yossi and Dassie New, founders Rabbi Isser and Musha New, associates Rabbi Ari and Yocheved Karp, youth Rabbi Avraham and Bracha Slavaticki, adult education Rabbi Yale and Rickelle New, Friendship Circle COO Reuven Gartner President Trevor Horwitz Congregation Beth Tefillah is a warm, friendly and dynamic community of over 400 families and individuals of all ages. Our campus covers 5 acres, including a synagogue, preschool, youth center, mikvah, daily chapel and library, in the heart of Sandy Springs. We offer a full range of services to all Jews, regardless of religious background or affiliation, including year-round adult education, youth programming, outreach and lifecycle events. Our staff includes five rabbis and their wives, as well as a professional office to serve and support your needs.

Orthodox

Congregation Anshi S’fard 1324 N. Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 www.anshisfard.org 404-969-6763 Rabbi Mayer Freedman President Efrom Prater Anshi is a warm, welcoming congregation where everyone feels comfortable. All our programming and services are enjoyable, engaging and user-friendly. Our congregants include a wide array

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE The Kehilla in Sandy Springs 5075 Roswell Road NE Sandy Springs, GA 30342 www.thekehilla.org 404-913-6131 Rabbi Karmi Ingber Administrator Effie Ross President Aaron Feldser Kehilla means community, and that is what we are: a warm and diverse community where everyone is welcomed and accepted for who they are, whatever their level of Jewish observance. We are young professionals, growing families and empty-nesters. We believe that everyone wants to grow. Our mission is to inspire people to make themselves and their lives better through the wisdom of the Torah. Our diverse congregation follows Orthodox traditions.

of professionals, artisans and academics, singles and families. Some congregants were raised observant, while others are just discovering their Judaism. Congregation Ariel 5237 Tilly Mill Road Dunwoody, GA 30338 www.congariel.org 770-390-9071 Rabbi Binyomin Friedman Rabbi Mordy Birnbaum, youth director Executive Director Debbie Kalwerisky President Michael Rice An Orthodox synagogue open and welcoming to all Jews. Daily services and classes, programs for men, women and youths, learning and fun for everyone. Offering all High Holiday services; guests welcome. Contact shuloffice@ congariel.org for more information. Congregation Beit Yitzchak 6030 Goodwood Blvd. Norcross, GA 30093 www.facebook.com/BeitItzkhak 770-931-4567 Congregation Beit Yitzchak offers catering for all your needs under AKC supervision. Call 678-200-8897.

New Toco Shul 2003 LaVista Road Atlanta, GA 30329 newtocoshul.com 770-765-7485

Congregation Netzach Israel 1985 LaVista Road Atlanta, GA 30329 www.netzachisrael.org Rabbi Yehuda Boroosan

640 Stone House Lane NW 640 SMarietta, tone House Lane NW GA 30064

Marietta, GA 30064

Young Israel of Toco Hills 2056 LaVista Road Atlanta, GA 30329 www.yith.org 404-315-1417 Rabbi Adam Starr Office Manager Leslie Mallard President Hillel Glazer Our warm Modern Orthodox community celebrates a commitment to traditional practice and observance coupled with a profound engagement and openness to the world. We are a proudly religious Zionist congregation that loves the people and land of Israel and believes that the establishment of the state of Israel is of great religious significance. We cherish partnering and participating with the broader Atlanta Jewish community in the spirit of Klal Yisrael. Under the dynamic leadership of Rabbi Adam Starr, our synagogue has grown significantly and completed a spectacular, environmentally friendly spiritual home in September 2014.

High Holy Day services are led by Rabbi Jeffery Feinstein and follow the Reform Machzor “Gates of Repentance”. Worshippers are encouraged to bring their own books. A limited number are available at services.

High Holy Day services are led by Rabbi Jeffery Feinstein and Reform Machzor, “Gates of Repentance”. Worshipper Services are open to all at no charge, however, encouraged to bring their own books. A limited number are seating is limited. Please contact CKH at 770 218-8094 to reserve your seat.** at services. Services Schedule of

Services are open to all at Rosh no Hashanah charge, however, is pmlimited. Ple Erev 9/20/2017 seating 7:30 CKH Rosh at 7Hashanah 70 218-‐8094 to reserve your seat.** Day 9/21/2017 10:00 am Kol Nidre 9/29/2017 7:00 pm of Services 10:00 am Yom Kippur Schedule Morning 9/30/2017

Yom Kippur Afternoon 3:00 pm Conservative Erev RAchim osh Synagogue Hashanah Yizkor 9/20/2017 4:30 pm 7:30 p Ahavath (approximate) 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. NW Rosh Day Neilah and Havdalah 9/21/2017 5:00 pm 10:00 a Atlanta, H GAashanah 30327 (approximate) www.aasynagogue.org Kol Nidre (Erev Yom Kippur) 9/29/2017 7:00 p 404-355-5222 Rabbi Neil Sandler additional information contact Yom Kippur Morning For 9/30/2017 10:00 a Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal Rabbi Feinstein at 770 218-8094, Interim Executive Director Barry Herman Yom Kippur Afternoon or visit him on the web at: www.rabbiatlanta.com 3:00 p President Rob Wildstein **Donations are to provide Ahavath Achim Yizkor Synagogue is a his (checks can appreciated to helptotoRabbi continue services 4:30 p be made payable Jeffery Feinstein) toric, egalitarian congregation driven by social a action, continuity, Neilah nd Jewish Havdalah 5:00 p 27 Continued on the next page AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

Congregation Ner Hamizrach 1858 LaVista Road Atlanta, GA 30329 www.nerhamizrach.org 404-315-9020 Rabbi Shmuel Khoshkerman

Congregation Congregation Kehillat Kehillat HaShem HaShem

invites you to join in the celebration thecHigh Holy Daysof the High Ho Invites you to join in tofhe elebration

Congregation Beth Jacob 1855 LaVista Road Atlanta, GA 30329 www.bethjacobatlanta.org 404-633-0551 Rabbi Ilan Feldman Rabbi Dov Foxbrunner Rabbi Emeritus Emanuel Feldman Executive Director Yitzchok Tendler President Josh Joel Beth Jacob Atlanta is truly the Orthodox synagogue for all Jews. Beth Jacob aims to inspire and motivate individuals and families at all levels of observance to strengthen their Jewish connection. We welcome Jews of all backgrounds to participate in our programs. The Atlanta Scholars Kollel and Beth Jacob co-host study groups and workshops, presenting timely topics with a Jewish perspective. On Shabbat and holidays, our synagogue is home to several concurrent services for young children, teens and beginners.

‫לשנה טובה‬

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE cultural arts and education. These focal points are the guiding forces in our community and serve as an invitation to all people who want to participate. Congregation Shearith Israel is an egalitarian, Conservative synagogue devoted to spiritual and religious enrichment, Jewish education and community. At Shearith Israel, we closely follow Jewish tradition while having the insights of modern thought. For more than 100 years, we have served Atlanta by providing a rich environment for pursuing Jewish spirituality, learning, and friendship. Our congregation embraces its members and friends, and we look forward to having you join us for Shabbat or an upcoming event.

Join us at one of our Upcoming Events

Shabbat in the Park

Friday, August 18 at 5:45pm • Decatur Toy Park Potluck Dinner with a Shabbat sing-a-long and socializing for all ages.

Honey on the Beltline

Sunday, September 10 from 3 - 4:30pm Sunday, September 17 from 2 – 3:30pm Come meet our Rabbi, Staff, and Congregants, as we walk the beltline, passing out honey to wish the ATL a sweet, New Year!

Community Tashlich Program

Sunday, September 24 at 2pm • Piedmont Park Boat Dock Join Congregation Shearith Israel, along with other Intown Jewish organizations for a large-scale Tashlich program.

Temple Beth Tikvah is a family. Be part of our Kehillah Kedosha, our holy community, where members support each other and develop meaningful connections.

Congregation Beth Shalom 5303 Winters Chapel Road Dunwoody, GA 30360 www.bethshalomatlanta.org 770-399-5300 Rabbi Mark Zimmerman Executive Director Loli Gross President Howard Fish Beth Shalom is one of the most dynamic Conservative, egalitarian synagogues in the North Atlanta area, not far from the JCC. We are an inclusive, spiritual community providing a warm, nurturing environment where we pray, learn, educate and perpetuate Torah and Jewish values while serving the greater community. We are a shul with a strong culture of welcoming, where all our members can become an integral part of our extended family. Shabbat and holiday services are infused with ruach (spirit) and the enthusiastic participation of our musical congregation. Congregation B’nai Torah 700 Mount Vernon Highway Sandy Springs, GA 30328 www.bnaitorah.org 404-257-0537 Rabbi Joshua Heller Rabbi Hillel Konigsburg Executive Director Natalie Sarnat President Alan Smirin

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills Parkway Marietta, GA 30068 www.etzchaim.net 770-973-0137 Rabbi Daniel Dorsch Rabbi Shalom J. Lewis Executive Director Marty Gilbert President Todd Surden Congregation Etz Chaim is a Conservative congregation entering its 43rd year with a new executive director and new youth director joining Rabbi Daniel Dorsch, who arrived in July 2016. The signature Lilmode adult education program provides free events open to the public throughout the year.

• Alexandria Shuval-Weiner, Rabbi • Donald A. Tam, Rabbi Emeritus • Nancy Kassel, Cantor • Susan Cosden, Director of Congregational Learning

9955 Coleman Road • Roswell, GA 30075 www.bethtikvah.com • 770-642-0434

Congregation Gesher L’Torah 4320 Kimball Ridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30022 www.gltorah.org 770-777-4009 Rabbi Michael Bernstein Executive Director Doug Konkel President Mitch Hershkowitz Congregation Or Hadash 7460 Trowbridge Road

Sandy Springs, GA 30328 www.or-hadash.org 404-250-3338 Rabbi Mario Karpuj Rabbi Analia Bortz Executive Director Erica Hruby President Marc Medwed Or Hadash is a Conservative, egalitarian congregation dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming Jewish environment that builds spiritual and social connections through prayer, music, all-ages learning and tikkun olam. We believe that a caring community is a holy community. Founded in 2003, Or Hadash has become a thriving congregation of 375 families involved in Shabbat and holiday experiences, youth and family programming for pre-K through high school, Machon Hadash (religious school), men’s and women’s clubs, and adult education. Congregants will tell you Or Hadash is more than a synagogue community; it is an extended family. Congregation Shearith Israel 1180 University Drive Atlanta, GA 30306 www.shearithisrael.com 404-873-1743 Rabbi Ari Kaiman Executive Director Jodi Salomon President Rick Kaplan With more than 110 years of history, Shearith Israel is an egalitarian synagogue devoted to spiritual and religious enrichment, Jewish education, and community. We closely follow Jewish tradition while having the insights of modern thought. We have served Atlanta by providing a rich environment for pursuing Jewish spirituality, learning and friendship. Rabbi Ari Kaiman and our congregation embrace members and friends, and we look forward to having you join us for Shabbat or an upcoming event, including countless opportunities to participate in social, cultural, spiritual, educational and community service programs.

Traditional

Congregation Shaarei Shamayim 1600 Mount Mariah Road Atlanta, GA 30329 www.shaareishamayim.com 404-417-0472 Rabbi Mark Hillel Kunis Office Manager/Treasurer David Krombach President David Fink Congregation Shaarei Shamayim is the boutique intown traditional shul. It’s a place of inspiration, comfort, companionship and healing. To break down the artificial barriers and labels that separate our people, the principle of Ahavat

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE Yisrael, love of our fellow Jew, takes center stage, and all are welcome. That is why we offer both separate (mechitzah) and mixed seating for men and women. We are an intimate, active congregation. We have Shabbat and holiday services, weekly educational activities, social activities, and a religious school — all focused on inspiring a thirst for G-d and Jewish life.

Sephardic

Congregation Or VeShalom 1681 North Druid Hills Road Brookhaven, GA 30319 www.orveshalom.org 404-633-1737 Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla Executive Director Adam Kofinas President Richard Maslia Congregation Or VeShalom is a Se phardic synagogue in Brookhaven. At 400 families strong, we are dedicated to the spiritual and intellectual growth of our members. Building on over 100 years of tradition, we embrace our history and envision a strong future with innovative programming. B@OVS is rethinking how young adults (individuals and families) connect with community, Judaism and OVS. We welcome you to experience the Sephardic warmth, culture and welcoming community.

• Inclusive community

• One-of-a-kind synagogue experience • Creative learning

• Pre-K through high school engagement

• Musical programming • Social action

Reform

Congregation Dor Tamid 11165 Parsons Road Johns Creek, GA 30097 www.dortamid.org 770-623-8860 Rabbi Jordan Ottenstein Cantorial Soloist Mike Zuspan Temple Administrator Kerry Sbat

Continued on the next page

Looking for an innovative, experiential religious school program? Consider Machon Hadash a new paradigm in Jewish education. Contact Rachel Herman, Director of Education and Youth Activities, at rherman@or-hadash.org for program information. Join us! High Holiday tickets can be purchased through our website. We invite you to learn about the benefits of membership. Contact Erica Hruby, Executive Director, at ehruby@or-hadash.org for details.

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Congregation B’nai Israel 1633 Highway 54 East Jonesboro, GA 30238 Mail: P.O. Box 142481 Fayetteville, GA 30214 www.bnai-israel.net 678-817-7162 Cantorial Soloist Susan Burden Administrator Angela Ellis President David Rosenberg Congregation B’nai Israel is a warm, welcoming Reform Jewish community offering our unique hospitality to everyone who enters our doors. We are building an amazing place to pray, learn and grow, to build friendships, to provide support and comfort, to laugh and love, and to accept and respect all people. Come be a part of our recipe for living a full Jewish life south of Atlanta through the connection, inspiration and enrichment that we offer.

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE President Rob Lederman Congregation Dor Tamid, a Reform synagogue serving Johns Creek, Alpharetta, greater North Fulton, South Forsyth and Gwinnett, was founded to create meaningful and enduring religious experiences for our members and their families. We actively welcome all families and individuals interested in participating in Jewish life and in the community of the congregation. Our practice of Judaism is according to Reform principles, and we embrace the movement’s commitment to diversity, outreach, inclusiveness and social justice. Our congregation enjoys tot Shabbat services, lifelong learning and many other activities. Congregation Ner Tamid 1349 Old Highway 41 Suite 220 Marietta, GA 30060 www.mynertamid.org 678-264-8575 Rabbi Joseph Prass President Michael Gutenstein

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

Rodeph Sholom Congregation 406 E. First St. Mail: P.O. Box 425 Rome, GA 30162 www.garodephsholom.org 706-291-6315

The Temple 1589 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30309 www.the-temple.org 404-873-1731 Senior Rabbi Peter Berg Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus Rabbi David Spinrad Rabbi Steven Rau Rabbi Lydia Medwin Rabbi Emeritus Alvin Sugarman Cantor Deborah Hartman Executive Director Mark Jacobson President Lauren Grien The Temple, founded in 1867, blends tradition with innovation to create a vibrant, warm atmosphere that is inviting to all who enter the famous red doors on Peachtree Street. In addition to upholding deep roots within the greater Atlanta community, The Temple’s clergy and staff have dedicated themselves to engaging with each and every congregant. From young professionals and new families to those who have called Atlanta home for generations, all find The Temple to be a place of solace, celebration and friendship. Temple Beth David 1885 McGee Road SW Snellville, GA 30078 www.gwinnetttemple.com

770-978-3916 Rabbi Richard Baroff (part time during search for full-time rabbi) Cantorial Soloist and President Barry Nickelsberg Temple Beth David is a warm, inviting synagogue 20 minutes east of the Perimeter, just off Route 78. Family Shabbat is the first Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Services all other Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Our education department is staffed by professional Jewish educators. Inexpensive adult and children’s programs and educational opportunities all year. Everyone is welcome; membership is not required. For High Holidays, Rabbi Jonathan Crane will lead services, and students and service members with valid ID are free. For others, there’s a minimal ticket cost. Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road Roswell, GA 30075 www.bethtikvah.com 770-642-0434 Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Rabbi Emeritus Donald Tam Cantor Nancy Kassel President Harlan Graiser Temple Emanu-El 1580 Spalding Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30350 www.templeemanuelatlanta.org 770-395-1340 Senior Rabbi Spike Anderson Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller Rabbi Max Miller Rabbi Emeritus Scott Colbert Rabbi Emeritus Stanley Davids Cantor Lauren Furman Adesnik Executive Director Stephen Blick Presidents Art Katz and Rick Shapiro Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St. Roswell, GA 30075 www.kehillatchaim.org 770-641-8630 Rabbi Harvey Winokur President Lori Dreffin Temple Kehillat Chaim draws from a five-county area. We are a friendly, inclusive synagogue that welcomes all types of families. We have programs for tots through senior adults. Our religious school is held only on Sundays. It features the unique ISJL curriculum, which engages students’ imaginations as they gain Jewish values. Our families are given their own bar/bat mitzvah dates. This allows for maximum participation on Shabbat eve and morning. Our Brotherhood, Sisterhood and youth groups are actively involved in the temple and community.

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Temple Sinai 5645 Dupree Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30327 www.templesinaiatlanta.org 404-252-3073 Senior Rabbi Ron Segal Associate Rabbi Brad Levenberg

Associate Rabbi Samantha Shabman Rabbi Emeritus Philip Kranz Bunzl Family Cantorial Chair Beth Schafer Executive Director Jack Feldman President Marcia Nuffer Temple Sinai is a vibrant Reform congregation that values lifelong Jewish learning, a warm spirit of community, a sense of inclusivity and active participation in Jewish life. Our community serves as a center of Jewish life and as an extended, caring family for which we provide a Jewish context for life experiences. Our congregation continually challenges itself to meet the needs of our members. We welcome all, regardless of age, marital status, sexual orientation or financial means.

Reconstructionist

Congregation Bet Haverim 2074 LaVista Road Atlanta, GA 30329 www.congregationbethaverim.org 404-315-6446 Rabbi Josh Lesser Executive Director Amy Robertson President Shoshana Ben-Yoar Congregation Bet Haverim is a Reconstructionist synagogue founded by lesbians and gay men, embracing all Jews and loved ones. Shabbat services

include Erev Shabbat with music from our chorus, Tot Shabbat for little ones, a chant service and a monthly Shabbat dinner. We also offer Parent ’n’ Me and Sing ’n’ Play programs for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Hebrew Israelite

Congregation Or-Ami 2459 Roosevelt Highway, Suite C16 College Park, GA 30337 678-207-8068

Nondenominational

Congregation Shema Yisrael Mail: 6065 Roswell Road, No. 3018 Atlanta, GA 30328 High Holiday services at Unity 3597 Parkway Lane Norcross, GA 30092 www.shemaweb.org 404-998-5410 Cantor Herb Cole Bob Bahr Eugen Schoenfeld Our progressive, egalitarian High Holiday worship services are open to the entire community. We are The Open Synagogue. Guardians of the Torah P.O. Box 767981

Roswell, GA 30076 guardiansofthetorah.com 770-286-3477 Rabbi Richard Baroff, president Guardians of the Torah is a congregation without walls that is open to all. Guardians of the Torah is also an organization that supports police and other public safety officers and first responders in need of spiritual support. We profess our devotion to G-d, our commitment to studying Torah, our steadfast support for the people and the state of Israel, and our love of the United States of America. We are funded through the generous contributions of our followers. There are no dues or assessments. Kehillat HaShem 640 Stone House Lane NW Marietta, GA 30064 www.rabbiatlanta.com 770-218-8094 Rabbi Jeffery Feinstein Shabbat services are held on the second Shabbat of each month at 10:30 a.m. There are never any membership fees or dues at Kehillat HaShem, including High Holiday worship. All are welcome. Bar and bat mitzvah tutoring, weddings, baby namings and other lifecycle services may be scheduled directly with Rabbi Feinstein.

Free and open seating available at all of our prayer services. Please email Leslie Mallard, Office Manager, at Leslie@yith.org to attend!

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road Marietta, GA 30062 www.kolemeth.net 770-973-3533 Rabbi Steven Lebow Cantorial Soloist Blake Singer Senior Administrator Denise Jacobs President Ben Singer Temple Kol Emeth is your Jewish home in Cobb County. We pride ourselves on being welcoming. We embrace all who want to share our values and traditions. We are a community built on the pursuits of Torah (study), avodah (worship), tzedakah (charity) and maasim tovim (good deeds). Kol Emeth’s purpose is to teach, study and advance these Jewish foundations and to provide an experience and education in Jewish traditions and teachings. Membership means involvement in synagogue life, including ritual observance, service to the community, education, emotional comfort and personal growth.

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AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

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By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com When I moved to Atlanta, I switched to a Reform congregation after a lifetime of Conservative shuls, and 12 years later I still miss Mussaf, the post-Torah prayer service deleted by the Reform movement. I always figured my discomfort had to do with the change from what was familiar — until I read Congregation Shaarei Shamayim Rabbi Mark Hillel Kunis’ “Dancing With G-d: How to Connect With G-d Every Time You Pray” and realized that the absence of that recitation of the Amidah leaves a void in the Saturday service that you notice only if you’ve felt the power of that core prayer to, as Rabbi Kunis says, “increase your intimacy with G-d.” Including a four-chapter, 88-page Amidah supplement that wraps up “Dancing,” about half the book addresses aspects of that prayer. But this is not an academic examination of the prayers or an analysis of the services. It’s a guidebook. It covers the mechanics of prayer and the order of worship, but those physical, practical details are just a process and are covered not because they are the essence of prayer, but because comfort with those details clears the spiritual path to G-d. As Rabbi Kunis writes, “When we recite the Shema G-d speaks to us, and when we recite the Amidah we speak to G-d — thus completing a holy dialogue.” Without one last chance at that dialogue, “Dancing” made me see, Saturday morning just doesn’t feel complete.

The beauty of Rabbi Kunis’ book is that, like the siddur (prayer book), it’s not a story you read once, then put on a shelf. It’s a companion you revisit for guidance, inspiration, spirituality and joy. And if you don’t feel like cracking open the book, you can go to www. dancingwithg-d .com to watch videos and hear the book’s exercises in action. I have no reason to think Rabbi Kunis had any conversations with Rabbi Karmi Ingber of The Kehilla in Sandy Springs about their books, but Rabbi Ingber’s “Where the Heavens Kiss the Earth: Mystical Insights for Personal Growth” seems like the perfect pairing for “Dancing With G-d.” Both books are guides packed with exercises as well as spiritual insights and are best used rather than simply read, although there’s plenty of pleasure to be found in the beautiful words they weave together. While “Dancing” is about connecting with G-d through prayer, Rabbi Ing ber’s book takes the next step on the spiritual ladder, delving into Torah and Kabbalah for the meaning of life. Rabbi Ingber doesn’t waste time in explaining that the purpose of creation is to provide a chance to achieve the ultimate pleasure of closeness to G-d. He then spends most of the book addressing some of the core questions about the world around us, such as why bad things happen to good people — first at the mystical and philosophical level, then from a practical view. Don’t skip the endnotes after each chapter; they are full of gems, such as

Rabbi Ingber’s evidence-based demonstration that the Greek alphabet was derived from the Hebrew aleph-bet and not the other way around. Both rabbis’ books are excellent, but they are not quick or easy. Properly approached, they require study, contemplation and rereading. Perhaps there’s a message in the fact that an Atlanta rabbi’s spouse provides the perfect down-to-earth, heart-first narrative to enjoy when you want to laugh and cry about life itself without thinking about the big picture. That’s not to say Donnie Kanter Winokur, the wife of Temple Kehillat Chaim Rabbi Harvey Winokur, has given us something lightweight or inconsequential with her new memoir, “Chancer: How One Good Boy Saved Another.” To the contrary, she accomplishes an impressive amount in fewer than 300 pages. It’s hard to beat a true story about the love between a dog and his family, but Winokur does so much more. She shows us the pressures of being a rebbetzin and the strains on a rabbi’s marriage. She demonstrates the pain of infertility and the joy of adoption. She reveals the fear and uncertainty that come with being a parent and the wonder of seeing the world through your children’s eyes. She makes us face death with dignity and acknowledge the enduring loss. She educates us about the worlds of disabilities and service animals and the many ways people without disabilities can just be idiots. All those elements are secondary

By Donnie Kanter Winokur Grand Harbor Press, 284 pages, $14.95 Where the Heavens Kiss the Earth By Rabbi Karmi Ingber Balboa Press, 174 pages, $14.99 Dancing With G-d By Rabbi Mark Hillel Kunis Menorah Books, 328 pages, $24.95

to her narrative about discovering and dealing with the disabilities experienced by the Winokurs’ adopted son, Iyal, from his fetal exposure to alcohol — and about finding the miracle of the first service dog trained to respond to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, a 90-pound golden retriever with a bum hip named Chancer. Winokur doesn’t hide anything, from her exhausting roller coaster of emotions to Iyal’s shocking revelations of abuse at school. She writes, “Our diagnosis was just words on a page — black-and-white symbols that couldn’t begin to capture the Technicolor, 3-D, all-encompassing lifetime of IMAX effects on display in my son’s life.” You can help her launch the book with a free reading and reception at Kehillat Chaim at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23. ■ Who: Donnie Kanter Winokur What: “Chancer” book launch Where: Temple Kehillat Chaim, 1145 Green St., Roswell When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23 Admission: Free; bit.ly/2w8czkG

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

G-d, Dog and Other Spiritual Powers

Chancer

SIMCHAS

Bat Mitzvah Hailey Lober

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

Hailey Brooke Lober of Roswell, the daughter of Michael and Heather Lober and sister of Hannah Lober, was called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah Saturday, Aug. 12, at Temple Beth Tikvah. She is the granddaughter of Skippy Lober of Merritt Island, Fla., and the late Henry Lober and David and Marilyn Waugh of Jacksonville, Fla. Hailey is in the eighth grade at Mill Springs Academy, where she has received three President’s Educational Gold Awards for Outstanding Academic Excellence. She plays fast-pitch softball for the city of Roswell, is on the swim team at Mill Springs and is an equestrienne at Alpha Equestrian. She also enjoys biking, hiking, surfing, skateboarding and kayaking. Hailey is an active member of the National Charity League, a mother/daughter philanthropic organization. She also is involved in a leadership program at school. Through both programs, Hailey volunteers at such charitable organizations as Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, Atlanta Humane Society, the Drake House, DreamWeavers of Georgia, Foster Care Support Foundation, Furkids, the Fulton County Library, Heaven’s Gait Therapeutic Riding and the North Metro Miracle League. Her favorite volunteer opportunity is tutoring children after school at STAR House, where she makes a personal connection with every child she tutors, resulting in lasting relationships. Hailey is also a dedicated environmentalist. As part of her mitzvah projects, she joined the Sierra Club to support research into honeybee colony collapse disorder. She certified her family’s yard as a wildlife habitat through the World Wildlife Fund and continues to work toward ecological sustainability. ■

SIMCHAS

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100-Year-Old Keeps Creating Beauty By Cole Seidner

Centenarian Doree Kemler creates figurines and acrylic paintings.

to the Atlanta area in 1994 to be near her children. People have always called her Doree, which came from a version of Dorothy, spelling currently unknown. “I haven’t seen my birth certificate since I was a little girl,” Kemler said. Even as her birthday lunch ended,

people still gathered at the table. One pushed her phone over, making sure that everyone could see the painting on it. “Can you believe she painted this? She’s amazing for a hundred-year-old lady.” Kemler wore a smile with a corsage pinned to her jacket just under a small

bundle of pearls while talk turned to her oncoming cake. She was the first to say how good her life has been. To her, 100 is just another year, and her birthday was just another day, as much as her family was thrilled to celebrate her and her accomplishments. ■

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

There’s a hypnotic swirl of pastel that could swallow a viewer forever. In an epic wash of acrylic, it seems this woman is a master. With the use of a beautiful, waving navy color washing into a soft, light purple, she has mixed impressionism, abstraction, surrealism and fantasy into “Fruits of Life,” an odd and beautiful shell design. This isn’t her only way to create. Doree Kemler has taken 100 years to master her art. From landscapes to abstracts to sculptures, she has tried her hand at everything. As a centenarian — Kemler celebrated her 100th birthday Aug. 12 — she has had the time. Her well-practiced hands have learned to use what is available. From the first time Kemler picked up a pencil, she has been making art. While she tried going to school once to learn to paint from someone else, the teacher shook their head. “Don’t let anyone else teach you,” Kemler recalled the teacher telling her. “You’ve already got it.” In addition to creating art, which she sells through her website (www. doreeskemler.com), she takes time to teach art to younger seniors. In 100 years, she has focused on more than painting. Kemler filled her work years with social work and psychology, retiring at age 63 and becoming a senior disability analyst. With a wicked grin and a glimmer that only grandmothers have, she informed her birthday party that under her watch, she made certain that only those who needed disability funds received them. “It was the ’80s,” Kemler said. “People could pay their doctors, and they would write letters. But if we looked at their history, they would have no disability. Then we couldn’t pay people who actually needed money when they could not work.” When she was not working (and even when she was), art filled her time. Visual designs such as figurines, ceramics and carvings are scattered around the home of one of her sons, Michael Bloomfield, who helped host her 100th birthday party. He might be her biggest fan. Pointing to each work that he could see and calling out his favorited, Bloomfield showed pride when he read the scrawl of Doree Kemler in the corner of each. Kemler, who lives in Dallas, moved

OBITUARIES

Henrietta Guskind 97, Atlanta

Henrietta “Henny” Guskind, age 97, of Atlanta died peacefully at home surrounded by family Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017. She was born in Hoboken, N.J., to Ida and Isadore Usdin. Henny was the youngest of five children. While living in New Jersey, she met her future husband, Sylvan S. Guskind (Sid), after he returned from military service in Europe during World War II. Henny and Sid married in January 1946 and lived in several states while Sid was in the Air Force before moving to Atlanta in 1957, where they joined with family to start a meat business and raise their family. Henny is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Judith and Arnold Ross of Johns Creek and Nancy and Steve Sachs of Alpharetta; grandchildren Kevin Sachs of Atlanta and Emily Sachs of Dunwoody; and two great-grandchildren, Sydney Sachs and Zoey Sachs of Dunwoody. Henny was preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings. After Sid’s death, she met a wonderful gentleman, Sherman Sabel. They enjoyed a long relationship that lasted until Sherman’s passing in 2005. Henny took great joy in being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and was devoted to her family. She had many lifelong friends and kept in touch with numerous people scattered across the country. Henny had been an active volunteer at Scottish Rite hospital, where she was recognized as an outstanding volunteer. Her hobbies included sewing and knitting items for family and charitable donations. Henny had a keen eye for fashion and had a wonderful knack for putting together stylish, color-coordinated outfits, including matching shoes. She loved to dance and enjoyed traveling with Sid and friends before his passing. Henny will be fondly remembered as a kind, gentle and loving person. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. A graveside service was held Thursday, Aug. 10, at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Spike Anderson officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Arnold Katinsky

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

89, Sandy Springs

Arnold “Arnie” Henry Katinsky, age 89, died peacefully at his home Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Katinsky; sons and daughters-in-law Jonathan (Sheri) Katinsky, David (Paula) Katinsky, Matthew (Nola) Katinsky and Michael Katinsky; grandchildren Joshua, Jacob, Nicholas, Daniel, Hannah and Joseph Katinsky; nephew Steve Schreiber; niece Mickie Roux; goddaughter Julia Maynard; and a legion of extended family, friends and loved ones. Born in Ardmore, Pa., Arnie was raised above his father’s drugstore and soda fountain, where he developed a love for ice cream that he indulged throughout his life. He served as a U.S. Army cipher stationed in the Pacific during World War II and later graduated from Temple University. For more than 40 years, he had a notable career in radio marketing and promotion, working for major stations including WIP in Philadelphia and WNEW in New York City. In 1975 he moved with his family to Atlanta, where he served as marketing and promotions director for WGST and WPCH until his retirement in 1998. Throughout his adult life, he was an active participant in the Jewish community, serving as the president of Temple Shalom in Matawan, N.J., and later holding offices in congregations in Summit, N.J., and Bayshore, Long Island. Most recently, he served as an officer and board member of Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs. He also edited the congregational bulletin for 20 years, gaining fame for his annual Purim satires. Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. The funeral service was held Sunday, Aug. 13, at Temple Sinai with Rabbi Ronald Segal officiating; burial followed at Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to Temple Sinai’s Kesher Fund or to Weinstein Hospice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

SPORTS

B’nai Torah Returns To Softball Finals B’nai Torah, Etz Chaim and Beth Tikvah 2 have advanced to the finals of the Atlanta Men’s Synagogue Softball League in the A, B and C divisions, respectively. Now the three squads have a week off while the rest of the league plays to see who will join them in the championships of the double-elimination tournament Aug. 27. Three teams in each division are competing for the second championship slot. For B’nai Torah, which narrowly defeated The Temple 11-10 to advance to the A league finals, this is the 11th season in a row that the Conservative congregation will play for a title. Last season, B’nai Torah lost in the final for the first time in nine years, falling to Beth Tefillah. Or VeShalom, Temple Sinai and The Temple are still standing in the A league losers’ bracket and will play Aug. 20 to determine which will face B’nai Torah in the final. Etz Chaim toppled Beth Tikvah in the B league semifinals 9-2 in a game that saw Etz Chaim score all its runs in

the first two innings, then hold off Beth Tikvah. Gesher L’Torah, Young Israel and Beth Tikvah remain in the B losers’ bracket and will play Aug. 20 for a trip to the finals. Beth Tikvah 2 knocked Dor Tamid 2 into the C losers’ bracket with a 10-7 win Aug. 13. Kol Emeth, Emanu-El and Dor Tamid 2 remain in the C losers’ bracket and will face off Aug. 20 to see who will play Beth Tikvah 2 for the championship. Any team coming out of the losers’ bracket must win two games against the winners’ bracket team to win the championship. ■

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Saturday, August 26 9:30am to noon

COME AND FIND OUT ABOUT OUR SCHOOL!

✦ French classes on Saturday mornings for native and nonnative children age 18 months to 12 years from September to May. ✦ Beginners and Intermediate classes for adults.

Aug. 20 AMSSL Schedule

East Roswell Park 12:15 — Emanu-El vs. Kol Emeth 1:45 — Dor Tamid 2 vs. winner Emanu-El/Kol Emeth 3:15 — Or VeShalom vs. Sinai | Gesher L’Torah vs. Young Israel 4:45 — Temple vs. winner Or VeShalom/Sinai | Beth Tikvah vs. winner Gesher L’Torah/Young Israel

Wheelchair Ramps

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Wine, Spirits & Beer

• Very competitive pricing • Huge diverse selection of Bourbons, Scotch, Tequila and more. • Expansive wine department from collectible to daily drinkers • Phenomenal service and knowledgeable staff • Clean, safe, and fun shopping experience

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AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

• Low Cost • Rent or Buy • Free Home Evaluations • Installed in Hours/Days • Home Modification

CLOSING THOUGHTS

He Calls Me Mommy

AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

My hubby, my four girls and I arrived from Tampa, Fla., alongside the moving truck. It took us a few days to pack all our belongings, scrub the house clean (until it screamed, “Enough!”), cry our goodbyes and head for Hotlanta. We arrived to an unpleasant surprise: The home we thought we had purchased fell through. This could have been tragic, had our real estate angel not swooped in and taken care of us. She found us a small home in the same neighborhood where we planned to live. Brandspanking-new elementary and high schools lured us to the area. Our temporary residence was so small, my girls named it “the hotel.” We lived there for about a year, until the same real estate angel found us a fabulous home on a hill in Stone Mountain. Our parents thought we hit the jackpot, given how large it appeared atop the hill. Debbie, our real estate angel, found our first, second and third homes. One day I spotted an article about foreign exchange students living with American families. This was the beginning of a journey for us and the foreign exchange students, to places our family and these students would otherwise not go. Spain, Germany, France, England and Israel — they all attended school for a semester, or experienced summer camp for the first time, while they lived with us. They all shared rooms with my girls. When my husband consulted for the M&M’s candy company in Holland, he met a colleague who became one of his closest friends. This friendship led to our meeting his son Imre, whom he sent to live with us for more than a year. He became our foster son. We were honored his parents allowed him to live with us and to spend his senior year in the United States. He is the same age as daughter No. 2; they were in school together. He arrived in June. We picked him up from the airport and headed straight to Camp AJECOMCE. I had explained our summer camp concept to his family. My first questions: How was your flight? Did you have anything to eat? I stopped and told him to pick out any 38 snack and drink. Tick-tock, tick-tock.

I had to get to work, given that I was the director of the camp. Finally, he decided on a drink but did not choose a snack. Asked why, he responded ever so politely, “I can’t find it.” Now I was really confused, and I pointed out that the entire gas station store was filled with snacks. But our cute boy had no clue what

CROSSWORD

By Shaindle Schmuckler shaindle@atljewishtimes.com

25 27

57 60

ACROSS 1. A tallit might be spun on one 5. He anointed David, for short 8. Some Adanim tea 14. Square root of sheshesrai 15. Capote, to friends 16. Like one who really doesn’t want to go into The Ari’s (freezing) mikvah 17. Albert Einstein and Jonas Salk, e.g. 19. Make like most of Israel’s tribes in the year 3205 20. Biblical figure Superman was based on 21. Had some (kreplach) 23. Testify 24. Give power to (like G-d to Solomon) 25. Possible substitutes underneath chuppahs? 27. Od 29. Goes bad, like a fig or apple 30. Prophets 33. Noah and Jonah spent time on them 35. Heb___.com (Jewish dating site?) 38. Perhaps the worst of humanity today 39. Roles for Dustin Diamond and Jesse Eisenberg 40. Be a father, in the Bible 41. Half-brother of 59-Down, for short 42. Where a stereotypical Jewish mother hates food to go to 43. Third one to speak in the Bible 44. Tziyoni or Leumi 45. Writer Agnon 47. Boaz’s wife, once? 51. Esau was a skilled one 55. Jewish name in Iceland? 56. Bread for J.D. Salinger? 57. Start of a song sung while stretching

35 40

44 47

19 21

a snack was. Once I explained, he chose canned potato chips. Lesson 1: Snacks are a way of American life. When school started, daughter No. 2 and Imre walked to school together, brother and sister in the making. When the football coach could not see the value in placing my “son” on the football team, I marched right up to the coach and explained the value of having one of the top high school soccer players in Holland on his team. Imre also shined as a champion swimmer for the school. Lesson 2: Football is a way of American life, especially in the South. Lesson 3: Don’t mess with a Jewish mother. Imre dreamed of getting his American driver’s license. With it, he would automatically receive an international license back home. The written part was an unusually difficult challenge for him, though he was a bright kid. He did have his permit, and he passed the driving part. Immy seamlessly became one of our family. He became a brother to the girls, and I cried the first time he called me mommy. Now he is a married man and the daddy to three children, traveling down the East Coast after flying into JFK, headed for Roswell. They are all staying in our home. When they arrived on a Friday, the first question was “How was your car trip, and are you hungry?” When our family gathered for Shabbat dinner, Imre, Yasmin, Thomas and Laszlo added to our blessings. Immy still calls me mommy, and my heart swells when I hear my three new “grandchildren” call me savta. ■

“Candyland”

By Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Medium

Shaindle’s Shpiel

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

58. Lofty locale for some b’nai mitzvah in Israel 60. Total yutzes 62. Wolf or lamb, e.g. 63. Shalosh, in Italy 64. Actor Ermey best known for Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket” 65. Where to get jewfro’s permed 66. “It ___ to Be You” (Harry Connick Jr.) 67. Word after auld lang

31. Haifa to Afula dir. 32. Israel’s Gedi 34. (Challah) scrap 35. Mossad counterpart 36. Locale for Shem, Ham or Japheth 37. Middle name of Jamie Curtis 39. Those who have a knack for reading Torah or playing piano 40. Makes like 43-Down when finding out about getting pregnant DOWN 42. Yom Kippur, e.g. 1. Hallström who directed 43. Lot’s aunt Josh Gad in “A Dog’s 44. Energetic one Purpose” 46. Baseless ___ (sinat 2. “The Road to Wealth” chinam) writer Suze 47. Shul elevations 3. He appointed Jack Lew as 48. Haim who plays White House chief of staff keyboards 4. Pubs for a false god? 49. Herb or Crown Heights 5. Writer R.L.’s relatives restaurant 6. “Two nations ___ in your 50. Co-star of Jason (Isaacs) womb” (Genesis 25:23) in “The Patriot” 7. Spiritual improvement 52. Ted who created “The movement started in the Three Stooges” 19th century 53. Great 18th century Rabbi 8. Those in need of tzedakah Yaakov 9. Green of “Miss Peregrine’s 54. Watch again Home for Peculiar Children” 59. Jacob’s fifth 10. Summarizes last week’s 61. Glass on the radio parshah 11. Andy Cohen’s network 12. Some say taking one in Israel is a LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION mitzvah (two G A B S R E A R M S C A R S words) O M R I E N N I O I R G U N 13. Looks from Y A I M A D I E U S A L M A Laban or Lilith P E O P L E O F T H E B O O K 18. Route 6 N O L A N H O R W R Y B A A S Y R E S S A Y charges E S T E E A R O N U R N S 22. Hitler’s C H I L D R E N O F I S R A E L hissy fits K I D S H A T S P I P E R 26. Some A N I S E W G A S R S sports cars A P T E N T E A R N S 28. Problem T H E C H O S E N P E O P L E for Eglon and T I S H A I L A N A E A S Y President Taft I S L A M D A C E S A N T I 30. Shem to E N T R Y R A I D C H A N A Ham, for short 1

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AUGUST 18 ▪ 2017

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AUGUST 18 â&#x2013;ª 2017