Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCIV NO. 49, December 13, 2019 by Atlanta Jewish Times

NEXT WEEK: CHANUKAH

VOL. XCIV NO. 49 | CHANUKAH GIFT GUIDE

DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 15 KISLEV 5780

Our Guide to Eight Days of Gifting

HOLIDAY FLAVORS AJT SHARES HOLIDAY FAVORITES FOR YOU TO TRY AT HOME.

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CELEBRATE POSSIBILITIES FEDERATION BRINGS A-TEAM TRIFECTA WITH INSPIRING PROGRAM.

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PUBLISHER

MICHAEL A. MORRIS michael@atljewishtimes.com

MANAGING PUBLISHER & EDITOR KAYLENE LADINSKY

kaylene@atljewishtimes.com Executive Assistant

JODI DANIS

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PAULA BAROFF Contributors This Week BOB BAHR BROOKE ROSENTHAL DAVE SCHECHTER MARCIA CALLER JAFFE MARTINE TARTOUR RACHEL STEIN ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON TERRY SEGAL

Wrapped and Ready Gift-giving season is upon us and the AJT wants to make sure you’re prepared. In addition to our annual gift guide, this year we also branched out to include gifts you can find at your local synagogue gift shop. And we bring you our editor’s top five choices for creative and imaginary gifts for the youngest among us. In Jewish Atlanta, holiday gifts go way beyond the menorah, dreidels and chocolate gelt. Although, speaking of food, don’t miss the AJT’s holiday recipes for your sampling, from latkes to festive drinks. A local chef who leads cooking classes also shares two of her festive edibles. Some of our news stories also have a food component. For instance, the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta featured Todd Ginsberg of The General Muir and celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. The 36-footlong buffet was another main attraction.

The JNF annual Jack Hirsch Memorial Breakfast was a tribute to Israeli space exploration and the annual Eizenstat Lecture recognized the defiant music created during the Holocaust. There’s beauty to be found in the arts as well as the Miss Universe pageant held this year in Atlanta, including our very own dual citizen Miss Israel. Learn about her life and the making of a beauty queen. In other Israel news, we cover the New Israel Fund Tzedek Award presentation and the recount the work of the organization. And we capture the Atlanta visit of JAFI President Isaac “Bougie” Herzog, son of Chaim Herzog and leader of Israel’s Labor party. Columnist Dave Schechter also shows how, in advance of Chanukah, we can find light, hope and positivity in darkness, evil or death. For more community views on the Festival of Light, tune in next week as our holiday coverage continues. ■

THIS WEEK

Cover photo: A sampling of the items included in our annual Chanukah gift guide and the editor’s top five picks for children’s gifts.

CONTENTS LOCAL NEWS �� 6 OPINION �� 14 ISRAEL NEWS �� 18 CHANUKAH GIFT GUIDE �� 20 HOLIDAY FLAVORS �� 28 COMMUNITY �� 32 CALENDAR �� 34 OY VEY �� 38 BRAIN FOOD �� 39 CLOSING THOUGHTS �� 40

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LOCAL NEWS Atlanta Israeli Investment Lauded by Jewish Agency Chair

Photos from Jewish Agency for Israel // Isaac

Herzog, chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, met Dec. 9 with members of Atlanta’s rabbinic community.

By Dave Schechter In Israeli politics, Isaac “Bougie” Herzog is what’s known as a “prince,” a second-generation Israeli political leader. His father was Chaim Herzog, himself a soldier, lawyer, journalist and legislator, as well as Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations and Israel’s president. Had the political fates been kinder, “Bougie” (a childhood nickname) might have been prime minister. But, as he said, there are other ways to serve your country. In June 2018, he was elected chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, the 90-yearold non-governmental organization with a budget of more than $370 million to assist

6 | DECEMBER 13, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Herzog met with the shinshinim and some of their host parents and representatives of organizations with whom the young Israelis are working.

Jewish populations wherever they live. Herzog came to Atlanta Dec. 9 for meetings at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta with various segments of the community. He also spoke the day before to the Hillel International Global Assembly held here. The Jewish Agency is a major recipient of funds allocated by the Federation, nearly $1.45 million for fiscal year 2020, which began July 1. That included $230,000 for the Shinshinim, a Jewish Agency program that this year sent Atlanta 10 young Israelis who are taking a gap year between high school and their military service, and working with schools, congregations and communal organizations. Herzog said that the investment of

Atlanta’s Jewish community in its Israeli sister towns of Yokneam and Megiddo has yielded “one of the most remarkable successes in Israel.” The Federation allocated $20,000 to promote philanthropy in the region and $25,000 to help Yokneam’s emergence as a high-tech center. An additional $1.171 million from Atlanta Federation helps fund JAFI’s core programs, as well as community-building and education programs in Yokneam-Megiddo and Minsk, Belarus. At a breakfast meeting, Herzog outlined three challenges facing the Jewish Agency: “a potential split” between Israel and the Jews living in North America, due, in part to ignorance about each other’s lives; anti-Semitic hate, whether from the left or the right; and the need to “produce content that enables people to be attracted to Jewish life.” The latter includes unaffiliated Jews or “indifferent millennials,” who might be attracted by the planned creation of a “Jewish peace corps.” Where Israelis “take for granted that they’re Jewish” and make up threequarters of their country’s population, American Jews are a minority of about 2 percent and must decide how they want to express their Judaism, Herzog said. “The perception of life of my son in the paratroops may be very well different from your son in college, and that’s okay,” Herzog said. “These are different societies and different evolutionary modes.” Another example, in Herzog’s view, is that while many American Jews voice about the issue of pluralistic prayer at the Western Wall, of greater interest to Israelis is that public buses now operate in Tel Aviv on Shabbat for the first time since the city’s founding in 1909. That is a “watershed development,” a major change in the religious status quo, he said. Herzog believes the shinshinim can play a long-term role in bridging the gap between Israeli and American Jews. The shininshim, ages 18 to 19, bring with them a personal take on life in their homeland, and when they return to Israel a year later, take with them experience in the diversity of Jewish life in America. This is Atlanta’s third year hosting shin-

Meeting with Herzog are the 10 shinshinim, emissaries taking a gap year between high school and military service, posted in Atlanta.

shinim, a selective opportunity in which one applicant is accepted for every 12 who apply. In a decade’s time, they will be part of Israel’s young leadership, better acquainted with Jewish life in America than previous generations, Herzog said. He engaged in a separate give-and-take session with the shinshinim, their host families, and representatives of organizations that benefit through their interaction with the young Israelis. Herzog also met for discussion with members of Atlanta’s rabbinic community. For all of the differences between the Jewish populations, “When Pittsburgh happened the hearts of Israelis stopped instantaneously,” Herzog said, referencing the Oct. 27, 2018, massacre of 11 Sabbath worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Herzog noted the presence at the breakfast of Israel’s Consul General to the Southeast, Ambassador Anat Sultan-Dadon (whose father also was an Israeli ambassador), adding that they had discussed recent anti-Semitic vandalism at the University of Georgia. Elsewhere in the world, Herzog said that political and economic instability has placed the Jewish community in Venezuela at “high risk;” cautioned that a Labour victory in Britain’s Dec. 12 parliamentary elections could prompt increased Jewish emigration to Israel; and noted that terrorists failed in their assault of a synagogue in Halle, Germany, because of security barriers funded through a Jewish Agency program initiated by his predecessor, Natan Sharansky. As leader of Israel’s Labor party and the Zionist Union coalition, Herzog fell short of unseating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud-led coalition in the 2015 elections. Addressing Israel’s current political turmoil, Herzog said that, barring a “miracle,” he expects a third round of parliamentary elections in March 2020, after voting in April and September failed to yield a governing majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Herzog’s term as chairman of the Jewish Agency lasts four years. While “it’s very difficult for me” to be on the sidelines of Israeli politics, “I’m really passionate about what I do. [The Jewish Agency] fills my life, it gives me a huge purpose,” he said. ■

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LOCAL NEWS

Federation Brings A-Team Trifecta By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Shabbat dinners, that fill an important role. One was a New Yorker who landed in Woodstock and saw the Federation as an oasis and connection to Jewish roots. Robbins touted the 2019 $19 million campaign success and stated that they were already halfway to the 2020 $20 million goal. “Federation is not about money, but about community.”

The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s event “Celebrate Possibilities” sparked a group of 400 with a charmingly outrageous and inspiring program, cornucopia of food, and sense of place Dec. 5 at The Works. Co-chairs Steve and Linda Selig pose with Ty Restaurateur Ray Schoenbaum Guest panelist celebrity Andrew Smith of Regions Bank, Judy Kogon and Mark compliments machutunim caterer Zimmern chats and jokes with local The event featured Sandra Bank on the night’s full restaurateur Todd Ginsberg. a jocular interview with Rohs. Regions Bank was the event’s major sponsor. range of gourmet delicacies. local restaurateur Todd Ginsberg alongside James Beard Award-winning cesmell his description of her goulash, tongue, chicken and lebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. A confluence of sentimental- brisket, which ended up on her apron and was “never The Food ity brought the Federation’s goals for community with the washed.” He said, “The schmaltz on the apron was like A Kosher Touch had backdrop of Selig’s monumental redevelopment of the Up- cologne to Jewish boys growing up. Maybe more like shel- the “magic touch.” Sandra per Westside. lac. … I smell that now in food stalls in Japan or Hawaii. It Bank’s creativity shone. The The evening was chaired by Beth and Joel Arogeti; Mara represents caring, family and community.” 36-foot-long buffet table and Justin Berman; Sara and Robert Franco; Ally and JonaThe bespectacled Zimmern engaged in an easy made it easy to duck in an than Habif; Linda and Steve Selig; Stacey and Stuart Shapiro; rapport with Ginsburg. The audience got a bit queasy out with no waiting or orMindy and David Shoulberg; and Michelle and Gary Simon. with his hearty description of eating camel (including der. Anything that could the hump for fat) and walrus “parts.” Sober for 29 years, be pickled, dried, chopped, Zimmern Electrifies the Stage Zimmern feels that his happiness is related to helping wrapped, folded, spiced, Not shy about sharing his thoughts, Zimmern is the others. “We folks in this room are lucky, when you look dipped or marinated made its way to that behemoth host of Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods.” Parsed with off- around at the {world’s} conflict, hunger and trauma.” of a table. “I’ve always been color language, he talked about his Jewish grandmother, A full 36-foot-long buffet a little irritated that Chriswhom he loved dearly and who cooked in a tiny New York The Mission board spanned The Works City kitchen. “I remember her playing canasta, watching Federation CEO Eric Robbins spoke of the Federation’s tians have these elaborate industrial event space. the news, and serving anchovies on white bread … with important role of creating community, sharing examples of charcuterie boards,” Bank her ample bosoms, which I fit under.” The audience could Atlantans who enjoy PJ Library and other events, such as said. “Why can’t we have a kosher version?” Off to the room’s side were three huge vats of colorful paella. A man in line noted, “Look at this spread. See, the bars are empty because Jewish people know good food when we see it.” Full bodied hearts of palm, crudité, spicy meatballs, salami cucumber rolls and turkey pastrami were just a very few of the items artfully arranged. Segueing in and out of parts of the buffet could land seared tuna squares or vegetarian spring rolls in peanut sauce.

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adaptive mixed-use development at 1295 Chattahoochee Avenue behind Ballard Designs. Phase One is under construction by Selig Enterprises. The boutique food market segment will accumulate international chef-driven fare, setting the stage for new concepts in cuisine. One of the evening’s co-chairs, Mindy Selig Shoulberg, vice president of Selig Enterprises, spoke lovingly of her late brother Scott. “His vision was to preserve the historic Upper Westside and create a new vibrant community and stay true to the buildings.” Selig Enterprises has owned the one million square feet of industrial space of which The Works is a part for over 70 years. Expect hotel, resident, green and office space to follow. Planned are a 16,000-square-foot international market, entertainment, indoor/outdoor bar, gathering spaces and shops, year-round outdoor seating, and The Spur, a quarter-mile linear park. Zimmern is partnering with Robert Montwaid, creator of New York’s Gansevoort Market, to curate and consult on the food interests in this space. ■

LOCAL NEWS

Eizenstat Lecture Brings Holocaust Music to AA By Brooke Rosenthal There is a Jewish mystical concept called klipot, encapsulated fragments of G-d’s light. When released and reunited through human kindness and good deeds, the hidden and fragmented light is made whole. This is akin to what Maestro Murry Sidlin has done in creating “Hours of Freedom: The Story of the Terezin Composer,” and The Defiant Requiem Foundation. Atlanta native Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat, board chair of the Foundation, brought this moving and important performance to Ahavath Achim Synagogue in Buckhead Dec. 5. “Hours of Freedom” strives to offer new insights into what it meant to resist and defy attempts to suppress the human spirit during the Holocaust. Photos by Chris Savas // Ambassador Eizenstat and Maestro Sidlin The Eizenstat Lecture series at Ahashare a moment during the vath Achim Synagogue is currently in its conclusion of the program. 31st year and has hosted a cadre of notable personalities including Elie Wiesel, hid them in trash bins and walls, under Natan Sharansky, Henry Kissinger, Ruth floor boards and stuffed in the pockets of Bader Ginsburg, Al Gore, Hillary Rodham deported prisoners with the hope those Clinton, Joe Biden and two dozen others. individuals and the music they carried Events leadwould survive. ing to this year’s “What you “Hours of Freehear is what these dom” originated composers could from Rafael not hear, because Schachter, a defithey were killed,” ant, young Jewish Eizenstat stated Czech musician bluntly. Sidlin who smuggled in searched out these a score of Verdi’s scraps of music, Requiem Mass hidden and fraginto the Theresienmented like the stadt concentraED, and deftly tion camp. There stitched them tohe organized chogether to give us ruses to sing for the “Hours of Freethe weary workers dom.” Upon hearimprisoned during these hastily ing World War II. composed pieces, Edgar Krasa, Sidlin used his a surviving memimagination and The multimedia presentation included ber of the camp some “speculative a photo of Ilse Weber, the only female chorus who lived history” to create among the 15 imprisoned composers. in Boston, told Sia nine-chapter dlin, “We sang to the Nazis what we could program, dubbing them with titles such not say to them.” The Verdi piece was peras “Longing,” “Hope,” “Broken Heart” and formed 16 times during imprisonment, “Censorship,” all based upon his own imthe last being for a tour of Red Cross leadpressions from the musical pieces. ers, complete with sham cookie and toy Regarding “Hours of Freedom,” Eitreats for the choral singing children, all zenstat stresses that the “story belies the of whom were sent to Auschwitz afternotion that Jews did not fight back in their ward. own way. They used arts and music to keep Sidlin met with Krasa and the other dignity, spirit and hope alive” during Nazi few surviving members of that Terezin oppression. He pointed out that only 10 chorus, who told him about the 15 comof the 50 states have mandated Holocaust posers in the camp who created music education; Georgia is not one of them. A on scraps of paper (even toilet paper) and primary purpose of The Defiant Requiem

Mezzo-soprano Leah Wool sings Czech lyrics with drama and passion.

“Hours of Freedom: The Story of the Terezin Composer” was performed at Ahavath Achim for over 1,000 guests.

Foundation he chairs is to “use the concerts as a springboard for education; to teach the teachers.” To that end, these performance pieces have been edited into 45-minute classroom modules, intending to provide

education within the current climate of rising anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial. On one of those fateful scraps of paper, Krasa wrote, “When the experience is over, the tune, after all, rings in our ears.” ■

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LOCAL NEWS

Amy’s Holiday Party Celebrates 25 Years of Giving

Face painting was a popular carnival room attraction.

Selecting from the thousands of presents was no small undertaking.

By Eddie Samuels When Amy Sacks Zeide held the first Amy’s Holiday Party as her bat mitzvah project, it gave gifts to 25 children at one local shelter. Now, 25 years later, the party still rages on, this year giving gifts to 1,200 children and families on Sunday. And while that first event was a hit, Zeide says that she couldn’t have foreseen it lasting a quarter century under

the mantle of Creating Connected Communities, the organization she founded and for which she serves as co-executive director. “I was 13 years old and couldn’t have guessed I’d be doing it for more than one year,” she said. “The truth is, the agencies asked us if we were coming back next year and we said ‘Yeah!’ That’s how it happened; they asked, and we saw an opportunity to provide something special.”

By her side since that very first year is her co-executive director Dara Grant. “My first holiday party was in 1995 because Amy and I have been friends forever, and when we’re looking back at the history, I’m proud to say I’ve been here from the beginning,” Grant said. “Now I’m working for this incredible organization and we have over 400 volunteers, as opposed to the 20 of us it was the first time.”

Carnival-style games were fun alternatives when not in the gift room.

Like every holiday party, the gifts were a big hit Sunday, as one by one children and teen guests were paired up with volunteers and walked around tables piled high with presents, from sports balls and board games to backpacks and Bluetooth speakers. Each guest selected three gifts from the assortment. “We continue to collect toys yearround, but we do the most toy shopping in the month of November,” Grant said.

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LOCAL NEWS

Amy Zeide pairs up younger guests with teen volunteers.

Making their way through the room, two younger partygoers stop to examine a doll.

“We have sports balls, toy cars and trucks, a selection for any age. Truly, I think anyone can find something they like here.” In addition to the ever-busy present parade, the carnival room was a hit once again, with games and activities for all ages, including face painting, arts and crafts, bouncy castles and carnival-style games. Children could also line up to get their photo taken with Santa, who was kind enough to pay the party a visit. “This year we have a special mural [in the carnival room] to recognize the 25th year and the kids are getting to take part and add to it,” Grant said. Specialty rooms also housed infants, teens and adults separately, with activities for them, and DJs played music to a crowded dance floor. Between the fun, the party also provided over 1,500 lunches and sent each child home with a hat, gloves, toothbrushes and toothpaste. For Zeide, even after 25 years, she still walks away from each and every party with the same sense of wonder. “Every year I have children and families run up to me and give me a hug and bring me holiday cards and tell us how much this program means to them and that they feel loved because we’re here,” she said. “That’s what makes all of this worthwhile.” ■ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 11

LOCAL NEWS

New Israel Fund Honors Atlanta Couple By Paula Baroff The New Israel Fund honored Atlanta residents Shai and Judy Robkin Dec. 8 with the Tzedek Award for their work with the organization. NIF director Mickey Gitzin came to Atlanta from Israel to praise the Robkins and speak about the work of the organization at Congregation Or Hadash. The Robkins are dual Israeli citizens who work to raise money for NIF and educate Jews in Atlanta about relevant issues. They travel to their apartment in Jerusalem every year and try to visit NIF-affiliated organizations each time. NIF, which is known for funding organizations in Israel that promote democracy and civil society, is proud of achievements on the ground they can attribute to their work. “Israeli civil society is strong. We succeeded in that,” Gitzin told the AJT. “There are many organizations; people are doing amazing work on the ground. On the other side we did not feel that Israel’s democracy was as strong as we would expect it to be.” The organization developed a new strategy; rather than targeting specific issues, they decided on focus areas to work on consistently over a longer period of time. This tactic has shown measurable results, Gitzin said, comparing the increase in public housing after NIF funding as well as growing Jewish-Arab collaboration. “I think that one of the most amazing things we saw in the last year was a massive demonstration in the heart of Tel Aviv of Jewish women and Palestinian citizens of Israel, Arab women, demonstrating together against women’s violence. I think a lot of the advancement in this field has

12 | DECEMBER 13, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Photos by Ori Salzberg // Shai and Judy Robkin

Posing with the Robkins’ Tzedek Award are Libby Lenkinski, Shai and Judy Robkin, Mickey Gitzin, and Eyal Yerushalmi.

to be attributed to organizations we support,” Gitzin said. He also mentioned organizations they fund advocating increased investment in Arab communities within Israel. NIF has a unique ability to react quickly to current events, which is a benefit to supporting the organization, Shai Robkin said. “We know the people there and we know the thoughtfulness that they’re giving, and they can react on the ground to whatever’s happening.” He cited an NIF coalition called Tag Meir, which responds to what are known as “price tag” attacks, or violence against Palestinians by radical Israeli activists. Gitzin said, “Tag Meir was the humane response to price tag attacks on Christians, Muslims, wherever they are, often within Israel and the settlements. The idea is that every place that a price tag event occurred, they’re going to go there and show a different face of the Jewish tradition and the Jewish people. “Many of them are coming from diverse backgrounds of Jewish identity. If there is violence they will

come with flowers. If there is a horrible action, there will be demonstrations and speaking on behalf of peace. In a broader sense it reduced a lot of tension that was created because of these price tag attacks.” The NIF is misunderstood, said Judy Robkin, explaining that the goal of the organization is to invest heavily in a healthy Israeli democracy, not to boycott it. “Our personal goal is to make a better civil society. And civil society reaches all the people in the country. … If you’re in America and you’re not looking out for the refugees, and you’re not looking out for the underprivileged and you’re not looking out for the homeless, you’re not Director Mickey Gitzin speaks looking out for civil about the work of NIF. society.” NIF has also been in the public eye after being singled out and attacked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year. “And what happened was just remarkable,” Gitzin told the crowd at Or Hadash. “In five days NIF had raised more than 1.2 billion shekels from Israelis who wanted to show support. ... I think there is a level of respect for us standing for our values.” The number of Israeli donations has increased every year, and every fourth donation is now from an Israeli, Gitzin said. Those the AJT interviewed voiced their concerns about what they see as a rise in right wing populism around the world, including in Israel, and how that threatens civil society. “We can’t ignore the elephant in the room. Americans have become aware in the course of the last three years of things Israelis were aware of for a long time,” Shai Robkin said. “Which is, quite frankly, how precious democracy is and how fragile it is. And I don’t have any hesitation. The parallels between what we see coming out of the prime minister of Israel and the president of the United States, they’re spooky in the sense that they’re so closely aligned.” America’s political environment has brought with it a new type of interest in the work of NIF, said Libby Lenkinski, NIF’s vice president for public engagement. Growing alliances between various sectors of Israeli society is a priority, she said. “They’re important for bringing forward whatever the issue is, but also because the populist narrative is all about division and fear of ‘the other.’ So when people can come together and defy the kind of going assumption about what this population will and won’t do, it’s really, really powerful.” ■

listen to speakers at Or Hadash.

LOCAL NEWS

JNF Fundraiser Features Israeli Space Pioneer By Bob Bahr It was almost exactly nine years ago this month, in December of 2010, that Yonatan Weintraub, a young Israeli engineer, and two of his friends who were recent engineering graduates, decided that it was time for Israel to go to the moon. The story of how Weintraub and his two friends ultimately helped create the successful launch of a space vehicle earlier this year and its crash landing on the moon three months later was the highlight of this year’s Jack Hirsch Memorial A major goal of the Israeli lunar program was to stimulate an Breakfast Dec. 3 at The St. Regis Atlanta interest in science and space among Israel’s youngsters. in Buckhead. This year’s honoree was Atlanta businessman Todd Starr. The event, which is an important what became an important part of the Israel’s schools to inspire young people, he part of Jewish National Fund’s program global economy, I think the same thing said. Over 200 volunteers were recruited to work with school-aged young people. in Atlanta, was among the largest in the applies today for space exploration.” “I was interested in space ever since The relatively low cost for the mishistory of the organization here. Over 400 attendees heard Wein- sion was partially the result of economies I was a kid. We wanted young people to traub recount how Israel became only that have been brought about by reusing think this is a cool thing,” he emphasized. the fourth country in the world, after rockets for the launch and by creating new “A big part of the mission was to get kids ways to build a so- excited and interested in technology.” the United States, The mission was also unique because phisticated lunar veRussia and China, to hicle in a very small almost all the money for it came from primake the trip to the and light package, vate donors. The space vehicle listed on a lunar surface. Weintraub said. The side panel the most important contribuInitially the Israeli space vehicle space effort was was about the size of an attempt to win a small washing mathe Google Lunar chine. XPRIZE competi“This was the tion. The contest ofcheapest mission in fered a prize of $20 space ever,” Weinmillion for the first traub pointed out. team to make a soft “We didn’t do what landing on the moon is called a dedicated by the year 2015. Although Isra- Photo by: JNF/Jon Marks // Yonatan Weinburg launch, we did a spoke at JNF’s annual Hirsch breakfast launch on the reusel’s moon rocket ulfundraiser, which honored Todd Starr. able SpaceX rocket, timately did not blast off until January of this year, the effort by which is owned by Elon Musk. It’s the Uber Weintraub and his friends, with assistance of space flights. And then there were new from the government-owned Israel Aero- technologies in the manufacture of the space Industries, helped to pioneer a set of parts. Our partner, IAI has commercialized the design and offered it to NASA for their new technologies. The Israeli team brought the cost of the own moon mission” But it was not just the innovations launch down to $100 million, which is, by far, the least expensive attempt at a moon in technology that motivated Weintraub, shot. By comparison, America’s Apollo pro- the Israeli government, and those who gram of the 1960s and 1970s is said to have financially supported the effort, he said. All were hoping for what has been called cost almost $700 billion in today’s dollars. Weintraub believes that the success the “Apollo effect.” That is, they were of the economical Israeli effort holds hoping for something similar to the enorenormous potential for the future com- mous boost that scientific education in the United States is said to have received mercialization of space exploration. “One hundred million dollars is a as a result of America’s space program. lot of money, but it’s within the budgets That, in turn, is generally credited with of universities and other research facili- helping to fuel America’s subsequent ties,” he said. “As these costs come down, global technological leadership. Weintraub and the company he cowe will see a huge change in society. Just like the Wright brothers who showed that founded in Israel for the moon shot, Spapeople could fly and helped to opened up ceIL, worked hard to create a program in

An Israeli shot of earth with a sign saying “Small country, big dreams," taken by the Beresheet spacecraft

tors: the Kahn Family Foundation named after an Israeli philanthropist who was born in South Africa, the Adelson Family Foundation of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife Miriam, and the Schusterman Family Foundation. Together they kicked in over $56 million. Adelson has only one request for his giant-sized contribution. He asked that the words, “Am Yisroel Chai,” which means the Jewish nation lives, be written in Hebrew on one side of the lunar vehicle. ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 13

OPINION Looking for Light to Dispel the Darkness ery soul, is to seek out sparks Since receiving a canand to elevate them back to cer diagnosis (I’m feeling the source, to G-d.” fine, thanks) the past several In my articles and colmonths have provided opporumns from the past year I tunities to consider the strugfound examples of people gle between light and dark. collecting those sparks. Mustering the effort to Norbert Friedman died seek out light in such cirFeb. 6 at age 96. “There was cumstances can be a chalsomething uplifting about lenge, even for those who spending time with this man, tend to see the proverbial Dave who survived 11 Nazi concenglass half-full. For the rest of Schechter From Where I Sit tration camps, who surely us, greater effort is required. had earned the right to view When I wrote an article last year about interpretations of life in dark terms – yet radiated light,” I the phrase tikkun olam, Rabbi Ari Sollish wrote in an appreciation article published of Chabad Intown explained the role of a week later in the AJT. At his birthday party last December, light in repairing the world. “Before this world, before this reality, Friedman was asked, “How do you do it?” “Many of you have forced me to G-d created another reality. And in that reality the light was too great for the vessels. The change my thinking about life. For this I’m vessels shattered and the shards, the broken grateful. I will go wherever they take me, pieces of those vessels, formed the physical happy that I have known and I have benreality of this world. … The other world had efited from the love and friendships from a lot of light and the vessels were small. This such wonderful people as you,” he said. In March, I wrote, “At the root of world has big vessels and a small amount of light,” Sollish said. “These sparks are found their barbarism, the Nazis sought to strip in earthly things and physical reality and Jews of their dignity,” at the start of a our job, the job of every human being, of ev- story about the efforts of John and Amy

14 | DECEMBER 13, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Israel Pregulman to restore a measure of dignity to Holocaust survivors. Using a small camera and eschewing artificial lights or backdrops, in the past seven years John has photographed some 1,065 survivors, most, but not all, in the United States. The photographs are taken not for profit, nor for gallery shows, but are given to the survivors themselves. The Pregulmans learned that perhaps 30,000 of an estimated 80,000 survivors in the United States live below the governmentestablished poverty line. “We found that unconscionable,” Amy said. “In relationship to need, it’s such a massive problem. There is more need than there are dollars, right now.” In November 2015, the Pregulmans established KAVOD – Ensuring Dignity for Holocaust Survivors (kavod, the Hebrew word for dignity). Every dollar donated helps purchase grocery and pharmacy gift cards that are funneled to survivors in need through local Jewish organizations. Thus far, KAVOD has assisted more than 2,100 survivors. “My feeling is, that’s a Jewish perspective. You’re taught to take care of each other,” Amy said. “We’re responsible for each other as Jews. We’re responsible for each other as people.”

Now, funding from the Seed the Dream Foundation will allow KAVOD to also aid survivors needing dental and vision care, as well as assistance with utilities, home repairs and rent. Remembering the light of the lives lost, rather than the darkness of their deaths, is at the heart of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Each of 105,000 names stitched into more than 50,000 panels – cut to measure 3-footby-6 foot, the size of a grave – might be considered a memorial candle of a sort. I wrote in November about Jewish aspects of the quilt, while reporting that after 18 years in Atlanta it would return to San Francisco, where it was created in 1987. “We were founded to remember their names, to make sure that the world did not forget these people, that they did not die in vain,” said Julie Rhoad, president and CEO of the NAMES Project since 2001. There is a teaching attributed to Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad: “A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.” Or, to put it another way, when I walk outside these days and it’s gray, raining, windy and cold, I remind myself . . . It’s still a nice day. ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 15

OPINION Letter to the editor,

Letter to the editor,

How to fight anti-Semitism: I went to a talk at the MJCC Book Festival by Bari Weiss, who spoke on this subject. The following night I went to The 57th Fighter Group Restaurant in Chamblee, which has a World War II theme, for dancing. Noticing a large swastika hanging on the wall, I was surprised. While I normally would have kept quiet, Weiss’s talk inspired me to contact the restaurant. I sent a message explaining why the swastika was offensive, its meaning and the feeling it left me with. Without response, I followed up with a call. A woman called me back and explained that removing the swastika would be “erasing part of history that we don’t want to do.” She went on to say, “everyone has thin skin these days” and they “want people who want to respect history coming to their restaurant.” She said they even rent the venue out for bar mitzvahs and they just cover the flag for the events, and no one complains. I tried to liken it to the Confederate memorials that are changing, to say that we can respect history without sustaining the feelings of hatred and fear that were present at the time. Nothing worked until I said I would have to share her response with my community and let others know. Then she listened and shared that she dated a guy with a swastika tattooed on his back and she even tried to tell him that it had lost its original meaning of harmony, which he claimed it represented, and you can’t change a symbol. We talked more, and she thanked me for educating her and said she would talk to the owners. It felt like there might be victory. Today, I got a note that read: I have spoken with the owner regarding your concerns. While we understand the Nazi flag may be offensive to some, especially if they are directly affected, it more importantly represents a victory over Nazi Germany. Most people who visit our restaurant understand its significance and view it as a reminder of a victory over tyranny. Our entire restaurant is filled with such memorabilia and it is respected and honored by our patrons. Happy holidays. Be well. I’m hoping our community can take a stand. I’m pleased to share more, to generate various ideas for how to use this incident for good or help in any other way. Thanks for being our voice! Julie Rosenberg, Atlanta

Dear Oy Vey, My response to Lynn would have been blunter than yours, but I am an old school professor and not a rebbetzin. I would have responded to Lynn as follows: Dear Lynn, Your answer should be “Hineni,” here I am! Your one day off from work can change so many days for both the participants and their future clients. Think of their needs, not your own. Some suggestions: A first time full-day workshop is a LOT of work. Allow 40 hours prep for each hour of presentation. Work with the program planners and try to cut your commitment back to YOUR two strongest points if feasible, depending on what is meant by “workshop.” Don’t fly in just for the day. Ask if the organization has machers who have frequent flyer miles to use for a hotel room. Walk in well-rested, not exhausted from a three-hour trip just to get on the plane at 6 a.m. At the end of your presentation you should have: 1. The satisfaction of knowing you’re valued and have shared your experience with others, 2. New contacts for your professional and personal growth, 3. A “go-anywhere,” good but improvable presentation on your thumb drive. I wish you well in all that you undertake, Julian Yudelson, Atlanta

The AJT welcomes your letters. We want our readers to have an opportunity to engage with our community in constructive dialogue. If you would like your letter to be published, please write 200 words or less, include your name, phone number and email, and send it to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

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OPINION Letter to the editor, Of course, Thomas Pickering sees little hope for the Middle East. His statements indicate that he holds Israel and the Palestinians equally responsible for the lack of progress toward peace, and he also feels that President Trump should not make any changes in the current (stalemated) situation. Does Mr. Pickering think that Jordan’s 19-year, illegal occupation of eastern Jerusalem somehow gives legitimacy to the Palestinian demand that Jerusalem become the capital of the future Palestinian state? Does he not know that Jordan ethnically cleansed areas under its control of their Jewish population and also destroyed synagogues and desecrated Jewish cemeteries? Does he not know that, following the Six Day War, Israel graciously allowed Jordanian religious authorities to maintain control over the mosques on the Temple Mount, and that Palestinians have used that vantage point to attack Jews praying at the Western Wall, located at the base of Judaism’s holiest site? Both Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas flatly rejected Israeli proposals for a Palestinian state on essentially all of the disputed land, even with the possibility of shared governance in parts of Jerusalem. No Palestinian leader contacted Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss details of his vision of a demilitarized Palestinian state coexisting peacefully with the nation-state of the Jews. Israel’s unilateral withdrawal from Gaza was reciprocated by thousands of missiles being fired at Israeli population centers, the digging of tunnels under Israel to facilitate the abduction and murder of Israelis, and incendiary devices being floated into Israel to set crops ablaze. Yet, Mr. Pickering tells us Israel has stopped making peace proposals before noting that the Palestinians have announced that they will never again negotiate directly with Israel. I’m glad that Mr. Pickering realizes that a One State solution would mean the end of the Jewish state. However, he doesn’t specify whether he thinks such a state would be, as anti-Zionists claim, “a state of all its people.” Surely, Mr. Pickering knows that Palestinians have been raised in societies in which people who murder Jews are highly honored and richly rewarded. Jews would be second-class citizens in a Muslim-majority state, if they were tolerated at all. And it is the Palestinians’ anti-Jewish animus, not Jewish communities on a few percent of the disputed land, that is the barrier to the implementation of the Two State solution. Jewish businesses which employ both Israeli and Palestinian workers, and serve both Israeli and Palestinian consumers, should be lauded as a first step toward Two States for Two Peoples, a Palestinian state and a Jewish state, with members of minority groups having full civil rights in their state of residence (just as non-Jews already have full civil rights in Israel). Mr. Pickering is abetting the intransigence of the Palestinian leaders. There will be no progress toward peace until the Palestinian leadership stops prioritizing the destruction of Israel over building a future for the Palestinian people, including those who claim descent from Arabs who fled Arab-initiated wars against the Jews and the Jewish state. Toby F. Block, Atlanta

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 17

ISRAEL PRIDE

News From Our Jewish Home

Professor Ester Segal of the Technion faculty of biotechnology and food engineering

Breakthrough Alzheimer’s Treatment in Trial Stages Israeli researchers are testing a technology that suppresses the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The study was led by professor Ester Segal and doctoral student Michal Rosenberg from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and professor Orit Shefi and doctoral student Neta Zilony-Hanin from Bar-Ilan University, The Times of Israel reported. Administering the “neural growth factor” protein slows the progression of

Today in Israeli History

Alzheimer’s, Segal told the newspaper. Delivering the protein to the brain is difficult because the blood-brain barrier protects the brain from infiltration by harmful substances and organisms. It also restricts helpful drugs from passing through the bloodstream to the brain. There have been attempts to inject the proteins directly into the brain with a catheter, but it is very risky, Segal said. To solve this difficulty, the researchers from Technion and Bar-Ilan universities created nanoscale silicon chips. They have a nanoscale porous structure that allows the protein to be controlled and delivered directly into the brain at a targeted site. The protein is released gradually, then the chips degrade in the brain and dissolve safely, Technion said. Since the skull is drilled, the procedure is still invasive, but is less invasive than a catheter, Segal said. They are also testing a method of delivering the proteins by using a “gene gun,” which injects the chip with protein particles through the nose. It is “something like a nose spray,” Segal said. This is the first time researchers have successfully used a gene gun to deliver particles into a live animal brain, she said. The research team hopes to expand the study to clinical trials. Dec. 14, 1858: The Ottoman Empire enacts the Tapu Law, which introduces title deed registration to its Arab provinces under the new Ottoman Land Code. The law enhances landowners’ ability to rent to peasant farmers and thus helps the empire collect more taxes. Most of those farmers don’t want ownership, which would expose them to fees, taxes and military service, so the law concentrates ownership among Arab nobles, including many absentee landlords.

Photo by Hugo Mendelson, Israeli Government Press Office // Reuven Shiloah, the first

director of the Mossad, leaves Israel for armistice talks in Rhodes in March 1949.

Dec. 13, 1949: Reuven Shiloah, a Foreign Ministry special operations officer, is assigned the task of launching and leading the Institute for Collating and Coordinating Intelligence Operations, the Israeli intelligence agency commonly known as the Mossad. In appointing Shiloah, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion emphasizes Israel’s need for intelligence on the Arab world as the first line of defense to survive among enemies.

18 | DECEMBER 13, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Photo by Kobi Gideon, Israeli Government Press Office // U.S. Ambassador David Friedman

(right) joins Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aboard a U.S. Navy warship making a port call in Ashdod on Oct. 11, 2018.

Dec. 15, 2016: President-elect Donald Trump announces that he will nominate New York bankruptcy lawyer David Friedman to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Israel. Friedman, a longtime Trump adviser who worked with the presidential cam-

Remains of a third century C.E. mosaic from a synagogue found in the ancient town of Majdulia in the Golan.

Third Century Synagogue Uncovered in the Golan

Mosaics from a third century synagogue were found in Majdulia in the Golan, according to The Times of Israel. These tiles are the earliest evidence of synagogue decoration in the area. The town of Majdulia was established around the same time as the fall of the Second Temple in the first century C.E., when scholars had thought there wasn’t much of a Jewish presence in the region. “Our findings are among the earliest that have yet been uncovered that bear witness that, already in the third century, paign on Israel policy, owns a home in Israel, has raised money for the West Bank settlement movement, and has said a twostate solution is neither a Trump priority nor the only path to Middle East peace. Dec. 16, 1984: Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan arrives in Ethiopia with $300,000 worth of relief supplies for a country in the middle of a drought-driven famine that kills an estimated 1.2 million people over two years. The shipment, funded through donations by Jews around the world, includes equipment to build a camp that can house and feed 8,000 refugees. Ethiopia cut off diplomatic relations with Israel after the October 1973 Middle East war. Dec. 17, 1993: Shlomo Goren, the first head of the IDF’s Military Rabbinate and the Ashkenazi chief rabbi from 1973 to 1983, calls in a written statement for soldiers to disobey orders to remove Jewish settlers from the West Bank, Gaza Strip or Golan Heights. An opponent of the new Oslo Accords with the Palestinians, Goren sees any such order as illegal for conflicting with the Torah commandment to settle the land promised to the Jewish people.

synagogues were beginning to undergo a conscious transformation” from synagogue as study hall to prayer hall, said excavation director Dr. Mechael Osband. “In the third century C.E., we see an interesting mix of the continuation of a tradition from Second Temple synagogues — for example the seating arrangement — and the tradition of a relatively unadorned architectural style, with the addition of some new elements that with time became common in synagogues, such as colorful mosaics, including animals,” Osband said. Though no complete image was found, elaborate and colorful sections of animal legs and other designs were discovered. “We know that synagogues at the end of the Second Temple period were largely used as places in which to learn Torah. Synagogues at the end of the Roman era, and especially during the Byzantine era, were used as prayer halls, a sort-of ‘minitemple,’ and as such they are much more luxurious, and it is not unusual to find ornate mosaics,” Osband said. The majority of the other artifacts found in the excavation were from the Roman era; the first potter’s kiln from the era was discovered, along with olive presses. ■ Dec. 18, 1947: Gila Goldstein, who in the 1960s becomes the first Israeli to have sex reassignment surgery, is born Abraham Goldstein in Turin, Italy. The family immigrates to Israel a few years later, and Goldstein begins identifying as a girl and using the name Gila by 1960. She becomes a dancer, a singer and an actress. She is a leading LGBT activist and in 1975 helps found Aguda, Israel’s first support organization for LGBT youths. Dec. 19, 1936: Avraham B. Yehoshua, who becomes one of Israel’s most acclaimed writers, is born in Jerusalem, where his family goes back at least five generations. Influenced by such authors as Franz Kafka, William Faulkner and S.Y. Agnon, Yehoshua leads a new wave of Israeli writers with novels including “The Lover,” “Mr. Mani” and “The Late Divorce.” He wins the Bialik Prize, the Israel Prize and two National Jewish Book Awards. ■ Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (www.israeled.org), where you can find more details.

ISRAEL NEWS

Triathlete Miss Israel By Marcia Caller Jaffe When the Miss Universe pageant broadcasted from Tyler Perry Studios Dec. 7, proud Jewish eyes were on Sella Sharlin from Israel. Sharlin, who is from Moshav Beit Yitzhak, was crowned Miss Israel in March. Born in Boston, this stunning beauty is an Israeli Air Force pilot and triathlete. “Miss Universe represents strength, heart and beauty,” she told the AJT through phone and email correspondence. “I share and believe in those values. So, I decided to enter and compete. I really wanted to win, and I have worked very hard for it.” Ultimately, the crown went to Miss South Africa at the pageant. Enjoying the city, Sharlin visited Atlanta Botanical Gardens and the Georgia Aquarium. Read about the makings of a beauty with stealth and depth. Jaffe: Describe your family background. Sharlin: I was born in Massachusetts, so I am also an American citizen, but I moved to Israel when I was 1. My parents are eighthgeneration Jerusalemites whose family first immigrated to Israel in 1745 from Vilna, Lithuania. My parents, who attended the pageant, are both dentists.

Photo by Dvir Kahlon// Sleeveless white

dress with blue bottom was designed by Israeli Shai Shalom to cross the fancy with the understated.

Jaffe: Do you serve in the IDF? Sharlin: I was accepted into the Israeli Air Force pilot’s program and had the chance to pilot 15 flights. After this, I transferred to an all-male elite army unit and was the only female among 10 men in the training. I believe that the army is much more than war and peace. The army is about the pride of serving your country. It’s about taking yourself to the limit, growing and dealing with difficulties — like I did. Going

Miss Israel is a triathlete and only learned to swim to compete.

Sharlin was crowned Miss Israel in March 2019. She is a ninth generation Jerusalemite.

to an elite unit only for men, I hope I will inspire many girls to do the same.

I can do this, I can do anything. And if not anything, then certainly much more than I first believed. And not just me — we all can. We should all believe in ourselves and then work hard to get what we want. Triathlons represent endurance, hard work and commitment.

Jaffe: In past pageants, Arab contestants were criticized for being photographed {friendly} with Miss Israel. Have you experienced anything untoward? Sharlin: Organizations like Miss Universe celebrate what makes us similar and everything that is beautiful about humanity. So I have a great friendship with [contestants from] many other countries like Bangladesh, Turkey, Egypt, Poland, and Germany. Miss Universe is about bringing people together and making the world a better place. Jaffe: Describe your dress. Sharlin: It rests on the theme “there are no laws that make new laws” designed by Israeli Shai Shalom. Instead of a traditional and expected evening gown, he chose a design which is characterized by a connection between the tailor-made and the careless; between the elegant and the casual; between the fancy and the understated. Jaffe: Your hobbies? Sharlin: I trained as a professional triathlete for seven years. I participated in many national and international competitions. My main achievement was winning first place in the European Triathlon Championship in my age category. The first thing I thought crossing the finish line was: I can’t believe I didn’t know how to swim a few years ago! If

Jaffe: Where do you see yourself in five years? Sharlin: I believe in helping underprivileged youth because they are the future. I will study at the IDC institution for leadership — because I feel that the world needs more people with this capability. My ambition is to inspire and influence others to challenge limitations in their lives and to reach new heights. At 23, I don’t know what my future holds. I do know I will always meet it head on with optimism and determination. Much of children’s futures depend on whether they believe in themselves and if they realize the importance of hard work and dedication. In related Israeli news, the Dec. 7 AJC Living section cover featured prominent Miss Universe Israeli dress designer Aviad Arik Herman. In addition to Miss Sweden's dress, he created an outrageously thematic creative gown for Miss Great Britain, which makes a political statement about climate change. Another Miss Israel, Noy Ben Artzi, competed in the Miss Asia Pacific International competition in a Herman dress celebrating Israeli folk dancing. ■ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 19

CHANUKAH GIFT GUIDE Eight Days of Gifting It’s almost Chanukah and we all want to give gifts that will be enjoyed and appreciated over time. From your children to grandchildren, grandparents and parents, to sisters, brothers, cousins, friends, family and beyond, gift from your heart and enjoy the thank yous that are bound to come your way. We hope this gift list saves you time and energy, which certainly are at a premium these days. To be a gifted giver, be sure to take time and focus on your gift recipient’s likes and interests and put a little piece of yourself in each gift. From the gift selection to the manner in which it’s presented, here’s wishing you miracles, magic and meaning this Chanukah holiday season.

Robyn Spizman Gerson

Ready, Set, Go Shopping! Start at your synagogue gift shop and discover endless choices from A to Z. (Auntie to Zayde). When it comes to gift-giving, support your local synagogue and show the love for their amazing selection of gifts for everyone on your list and beyond. You will love the amazing array of items that you’ll find, from Judaica to beautiful home décor to usher in the Sabbath, as well as chanukiyot of every shape, style and size. Everyone will love the outstanding selection and gifts with purpose. Check your gift shop today as the best Judaica is right at your fingertips. Picture Perfect Gifts at Powers Ferry Square: Power shoppers take your mark! This easy-to-navigate shopping center on Roswell Road (corner of Powers Ferry and Roswell roads) is filled with some of my absolutely favorite Atlanta-owned boutiques for on-the-go gifting. Start at Tassels jewelry store and you’ll marvel at the gorgeous gems and exquisite jewels only found at Tassels, which is dedicated to all things truly beautiful. Tassels sells the latest treasures that are timeless trends in jewelry and literally the most jaw-dropping jewels you could even dream about, at www.tasselsjewelry.com. Next, check out the eclectic B.D. Jeffries and enjoy the distinctive antiques, beautiful coffee table books and unique one-of-a-kind pieces, including the stunning turned wood bowls that are priceless works of art created by artist Bill Benzur. You’ll be mesmerized by the endless home décor accessories creatively curated by the talented Atlanta owners. www.bdjeffries.com Shabbat Shalom at Home: This hotoff-the-press, step-by-step book is ideal for saving time and making family cooking easy and delicious. Chicago food writer and blogger of www.koshereveryday.com, author Sharon Matten says the answer is an electric pressure cooker. Her newest book, “Shabbos under Pressure,” is a testament to why you should update the relic of your grandparent’s kitchen, sharing how today’s pressure cooker is more improved and safer than ever. In her colorfully illustrated book, she presents traditional to newly updated recipes, and every one has a gluten-free adaptation. Sprinkled throughout, you’ll find welcome time-saving ideas, personal stories and delightful anecdotes. Check out www.amazon.com and www.sharonmatten.com. 20 | DECEMBER 13, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The Toy Store Galore! Gift giving is always easy at Learning Express, the popular customer service-focused toy store located in Buckhead. Kids will love their Chanukah gift and toy selection, which has something for every kid on your list. Check out hot toys like Auto Moto, the transforming robot car, an array of crafts including charm, sequin and yarn crafting kits. Gifts for babies and toddlers include stackable toys, the programmable message pretend phone and the NogginStik rattle that lights up and entertains baby. Three-year-olds and up who love to connect and take things apart will flip over the mixand-match building toys including Build-A-Plane from Popular Playthings. And don’t miss the Design & Drill toys, the LOL surprises and the endless toys that inspire creativity and imaginative play. Enjoy this one stop shop with a complimentary Chanukah gift wrap. www.learningexpress.com/stores/ atlanta-buckhead Love Your Melon: Top off your gift list with this purposeful and stylish apparel brand that gives 50 percent of all net profits to nonprofit organizations that fight pediatric cancer. You’ll discover the cutest hats and accessories at Love Your Melon, an online store that features beanies, home goods, sweatshirts and sweaters. This site embodies the feeling of coziness and the interchangeable (absolutely irresistible) pom-pom hats in a variety of colors. Delivery is a quick ship and this site is certain to send your favorite friends and family your warmest Chanukah wishes with lots of TLC included for a good cause. That tops off any gift in style! To date, over 160,524 beanies have been given to children battling cancer and more than $6.2 million has been donated to fund cancer research initiatives. www.loveyourmelon.com Sensational Chanukah Baskets: For the past 31 years, Sensational Baskets has created over 10,000 amazing gifts for individuals and businesses, both nationally and internationally. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Festival of Lights with fabulous goodies and treats. Beautifully packaged in a blue metal container, the Sensational Hanukkah Lights is brimming with buttery maple cookies, all-natural fruit and nut mix, chocolate covered espresso beans, Nam’s Bits chocolate chip cookies with a blue ribbon and Happy Hanukkah label, chocolate lined wafers, gourmet white chocolate pretzels, chocolate caramels, tiramisu truffles and more. You may also request an allkosher gift. Sensational Baskets is standing by ready to help you look like a seasoned gift giver. www.sensationalgifts.com Fragile And Fabulous: Fragile is hands down Atlanta’s favorite gift registry for new brides and a myriad of special occasions. From home accessories, entertaining gifts and even presents for little ones, Fragile makes gift giving a cinch. Located in the heart of Sandy Springs, check out their Baccarat butterflies, stunning serving pieces, stylish home décor gifts and all things gorgeous. Fragile’s complimentary gift wrap and seasoned and knowledgeable owners and staff make it a pure pleasure to go shopping there, as they’ll help you select the ideal gift every time. www.fragilegifts.com

CHANUKAH GIFT GUIDE Hello Beautiful! Give the gift of flawless, effortless beauty this holiday season with the blendSMART Holiday Glow four-piece set, selected as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things 2019 holiday gift list featured in the December issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. Created by former Atlanta model and consultant Carol Martin, (Mrs. Art Harris) the blendSMART electric brush is engineered to replicate the circular motion of makeup pros, spinning at 190 rpm, giving you flawless results every time. Amazon.com and www.blendsmart.com I Love You A Lox! This Chanukah tell your loved ones, “I love you a lox!” and give a gift card from Goldbergs delicatessen. Their gift cards are a delicacy and certain to be the perfect resource for their catering, in-dining eatery, famous matzah ball soup and bagels, delicious spreads, breads and extensive menu. Family and friends who lunch or brunch together create memories that are lasting. Leave it to Goldbergs to make it deli-delicious and fun. www.goldbergbagel.com

Home “Sweet” Depot: Tried and true for the handy gift recipient are gift cards to The Home Depot. I simply don’t know a Home Depot shopper who does not appreciate their do-ityourself dollars. Featured by me on the Today show years ago when they first arrived in the gift-giving world, this distinctive orange gift card continues to be a forerunner and a guaranteed hit. Tie it to a hammer and add a bow for a knockout gift. Your fix-it friend or family member will definitely thank you and might even fix something on your to-do list. www.homedepot.com

A Novel Idea: Any of the extensive list of absolutely amazing books and unforgettable authors that were featured at the 2019 Book Festival of the MJCCA will be super suggestions for gifting this Chanukah season. Check out Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver’s “Superstar Alien,” which young readers and tweens will love. For the historical true-story reader, books by Heather Morris are the ideal gift. Morris is the author of two remarkable novels about strength and courage, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” and “Cilka’s Journey” are meaningful books for a powerful and inspiring story. www.amazon.com

Mitylene Makes Gift-Giving Magic: You’ll love this upscale specialty boutique with exclusive lines for children and moms alike, filled with gifts that you won’t be able to resist. Anyone who loves stylish clothes, unique gifts and memorable items will love this store nestled in the heart of Buckhead at 4209 Roswell Road. Make gift-giving magic appear right in front of your eyes at Mitylene. Check it out! www.shopmitylene.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 21

CHANUKAH GIFT GUIDE

Oh Baby: Moms love to dress their baby in style and personalized baby gifts are always a hit. A Great Baby is dedicated to dressing baby in luxurious cuteness, from personalized blankets and bedding to clothing and accessories. Use the online preview tool to choose the font you like best, then add the name selection to the blanket print you prefer. Give A Great Baby 10 days to make the custom order for you, then expect a fabulously packaged gift to arrive in the mail. Handwritten notes can also be included. www.agreatbaby.com. WubbaNub: Here’s an adorable invention created by a desperate mom, who just wanted a few hours of sleep, but her baby’s pacifier kept popping out of his mouth and onto the floor. She sewed a plush toy to the pacifier and the WubbaNub was born — 20 years ago! Now available in a variety of styles, including the licensed Major League Baseball team WubbaNubs ($14.99), these onepiece solutions are beloved members of families around the world. For children aging out of using a pacifier, WubbaNub now includes age-appropriate items called WubbaNub Loveys. www.WubbaNub.com

Help for The Host: UncommonGoods is one of the most clever “uncommon” online resources for entertaining and gifting, and never disappoints. I loved featuring them for years on national television and they are still going strong. This web-based company is dedicated to seeking out the most unique items and curates imaginative and one-of-a-kind gifts you rarely find anywhere else. From wow serving pieces to cool household accessories, bar items and sure-fire hits, you’ll discover a wide assortment of gifts for absolutely everyone on your gift list! www.uncommongoods.com.

A Garage Lovers Gift: For the person who has everything, including a car they adore, here’s an over-the-top gift certificate that will floor your recipient. Since car geeks adore anything car-focused, a gift certificate from Granite Garage Floors will be a guaranteed winner. Atlanta founder and owner Alan Mishkoff’s designer floors are a home lover’s dream. GGF professionally installs industrial grade, totally durable and aesthetically beautiful floors that look like granite. Gift your significant other this state-of-the-art floor and include a gift certificate to have his or her car detailed. Fuel the holiday full speed ahead! www.granitegaragefloors.com

A Fruitful Gift: Wondering what to gift your health-conscious foodie or at-home chef? Send them a box from Farmbox Direct. This affordable monthly food box subscription is bridging the gap of food deserts nationwide. Choose from small to large organic or natural boxes with either all fruits, veggies or an assortment. Not only are you giving them the gift of eating right, you’re also doing your part to support local and sustainable agricultural businesses. www.farmboxdirect.com

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Blanketed with Love: These personalized hats, blankets and gorgeous knitted creations are an outstanding gift. Seen on national talk shows and beloved by a huge following, Butterscotch Blankees are adorable and a wonderful keepsake. This amazing company believes that every gift should be as unique and vibrant as your loved one. That’s why their personalized blankets come in a rainbow of colors and custom designs. From personalized baby blankets to knit hats with a child’s name, all of their luxury gifts are made to endure a lifetime of love and snuggles. These fabulous gifts are warm, cozy and timeless. www.butterscotchblankees.com

CHANUKAH GIFT GUIDE Just Name It: Get personal with a monogrammed gift from this beloved resource in Buckhead. John’s Alterations features a beautiful assortment of monogram services and personalized items, including customized travel accessories, spa robes, make-up bags and more. Located on Roswell Road, this popular monogramming institution adds names and initials to your gifts, allowing you to make a strong first impression. Gotta Get A Gund: Gotta Getta Gund! That’s the motto of one of the leading beloved stuffed animal companies. From teddy bears to puppy dogs, Gund excels in this gift category. Check out “Flora The Bunny,” which is one of Gund’s favorite stuffed friends and is an adorable singing animated plush with two different play modes. Press the left foot to play an interactive game of peek-a-boo, and the right to hear the song “Do Your Ears Hang Low” in a child’s adorable voice. Made from high-quality, huggable plush material that is surface-washable, Gund stuffed animals are a treasured friend for little ones and you’ll enjoy the interactive playtime even more. $40. It’s a can’t-miss gift and forgive the pun, but every-bunny will absolutely love it! www. gund.com A Love of Reading: If a personalized book is on your list, check out my favorite personalized gift resource for kids called frecklebox. (www.frecklebox.com). You’ll find an assortment of fun and creative books, including the personalized Hug book (I enjoyed writing) with quick ship options that you can personalize with your child’s name. You can even include Mommy, Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa in the acknowledgements or storyline. You’ll also love gifting the personalized wipeable name placemats, stickers, journals and coloring books featuring your child throughout the book. Another suggestion for personalized books is “The Whisper in the Dark” Personalized Storybook from BubblesU. Your child is the star of their very own magical night-time adventure with colorful characters like Bubbles the Elephant and Professor Lionstein. The hardcover book features your child’s name and photo or illustration throughout the pages, and guides their imagination to sleep bravely through the night. www.bubbles.u.com Boxwoods On Board: Shop until you drop at Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts, a universe of gift- giving located in the heart of Buckhead on East Andrews Drive. Atlanta’s well-known gift, plant and home accessory boutique has successfully served shoppers for many decades. Boxwoods presents stunning rooms throughout the store to browse that are filled with fabulous gifts for everyone on your list. Check out the exquisite orchids (both real and faux) from Boxwoods, which specializes in beautiful floral arrangements, gorgeous books, gifts and is devoted to beautiful living and gifting with a flair. www.boxwoodsonline.com

Examine & Treat Pet Vet Playset from Melissa & Doug: Melissa and Doug have an assortment of trusted, kid-friendly gifts. Give your little animal-lover everything they need to examine and treat pretend pets. This is a great gift for sparking your child’s imagination, engaging in educational pretend play, and helping them develop empathy. It comes with an adorable plush dog and cat and plenty of veterinarian role-playing accessories, like a stethoscope, neck cone, bandages and more. www.melissaanddoug.com

A Gift with Good Taste: Award-winning Atlanta Chef Pano Karatassos launches an exclusive line of signature curated cooking and food products imported from Greece titled “Chef Pano.” The line includes extra virgin olive oil, Koroneiki and Kalamata olives and Greek Organic Forest Honey. Another fan favorite is Chef Pano’s cookbook, “Modern Greek Cooking.” Written with his cousin, Sophia Perpera, one of the world's leading authorities on Greek wines, the cookbook includes photography by acclaimed food photographer Francesco Tonelli and a forward by longtime friend and mentor, Thomas Keller. In addition to Amazon, Chef Pano’s signature product line is available for purchase at Kyma and other Buckhead Life restaurants in Atlanta and online, www.chefpano.com

Copy to Read: And last but not least, if you want to spread a little love around your circle of friends and family, be sure to get a copy of my newest book “Loving Out Loud: The Power of A Kind Word.” It’s bound to help you spread a little kindness in your corner of the world. Robyn Spizman Gerson is a New York Times best-selling author, media personality and communications expert appearing often on television, www.robynspizman.com.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 23

CHANUKAH GIFT GUIDE

Editor’s Choice Our Chanukah gift guide wouldn’t be complete without some of the coolest toys for our kids. I have chosen five items to highlight in our 2019 guide because they are educational and fun. I can assure you that they have all scored well in reviews and would occupy most kids’ attention for hours. The truth is, I would enjoy some time out to play too.

Kaylene Ladisnsky

Forensic Science Detective’s Toolkit Put science into kids’ hands with this forensic detective tool kit, including experiments and tips from pro detectives! Develop observation, logical thinking and problem-solving skills while exploring the scene of the crime. The kit includes every kid-friendly tool a forensics detective needs: fingerprint powder, a magnifying lens, crime scene notepad, and more. Just add a triple-A battery (not included) and you are ready to go. A 48-page, full-color guide includes 17 engaging science experiments, from how to locate evidence and test for counterfeit currency to creating a crime scene report, complete with sketches. Includes 33 pieces in all, a free retractable tape measure and a black light pen. Ages 8 and up. Available at amazon.com and mindware.com for $49.95.

Melissa & Doug Created by Me! Star Fleece Quilt Make a super-cozy quilt in no time. This kit helps you create an easyto-make extra-large, colorful fleece blanket with no sewing involved. Just tuck the extra-wide and extra-long fringe into slots and tie single knots to put together your very own quilt. The fabric pieces are super thick, soft and fuzzy on both sides for extra snuggling. The 40 12-inch by 12-inch pieces include fringe that’s nearly 2 inches long, making knotting fast and simple. The finished quilt is about 4 feet by 5 feet. Or put together fewer pieces to make scarves or smaller projects. Illustrated instructions and design ideas are included. Ages 6 and up. Available at Target for $17.99

24 | DECEMBER 13, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

National Geographic Mega Gemstone Dig Kit This premium science kit has it all. Dig into this Mega Gemstone Mine with the archaeological tools provided and explore naturally formed crystals and gemstones from around the world. Unearth these gemstones and add them to your rock collection. Your student will learn all about each stone and about how they are formed with the detailed learning guide included in this kit. STEM science learning just doesn’t get any better! Science kit includes: • Large dig brick containing 15 gemstones • Archaeological digging tools • 1 magnifying glass • 16-page, full-color learning guide illustrating how gemstones are formed and mined and helping young scientists identify each specimen as it’s discovered. Ages 8 and up. Available at amazon.com for $19.99.

FIND REAL GEMS

CHANUKAH GIFT GUIDE Dig it Up! Minerals & Fossils and Big Bugs A different surprise lies inside each of these clay stones, just waiting to be discovered. With Dig It Up! Minerals & Fossils, simply chisel away the stone to excavate petrified wood, fool’s gold, amethyst, snowflake obsidian and eight other minerals and fossils. Identify and learn about each geologic discovery with an accompanying field guide to fossils and minerals. Then experience the thrill of discovery just like a real paleontologist as you excavate 12 giant bug eggs! Simply soak the 3-inch clay egg in water and then carefully chisel away the shell to excavate the bug surprise inside. Every egg in the carton contains a different prehistoric bug model. Learn about each one in the excavation guidebook. Each set includes a dozen individually wrapped clay stones or eggs, each with a chiseling tool and instructions. It’s a perfect activity for groups or parties. Ages 4 and up. Available at mindware.com. You’ll receive a free excavation kit while supplies last for $41.95 (Set of two with free excavation kit).

Science Academy: Deluxe Squishy Ball Lab Create 10 different squishy stress balls. Each squishy ball has unique scientific properties and you add your own artistic design. Explore chemical bonding in polymers while creating funky stress balls with colorful beads and glitter. And test how differences in mass, density and viscosity affect your creations! All ingredients and supplies needed for your Deluxe Squishy Ball Lab science experiments are safe and non-toxic. The colorful, detailed guide booklet includes stepby-step instructions and safety information, plus decorating ideas. Ages 8 and up. Available at amazon.com and mindware.com. Pricing varies from $34.95 to $41.95.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 25

CHANUKAH GIFT GUIDE

At Your Synagogue With Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the rearview mirror, it’s easy to focus on holiday gifts from the biggest retailers with the juiciest bargains. This year, however, the AJT wanted to draw attention to some lesser-known places to find meaningful gifts for the season – synagogue gift shops. We invited Atlanta’s synagogues to submit information about a few of their items and specials as Chanukah approaches. Check out a few local Judaica gift sellers below:

B’nai Torah Gift Shop

Our gift shop offers holiday-specific Judaica as well as year-round pieces that make beautiful gifts for family and friends. Superby by Classic Touch menorah is a beautiful piece that is a nice mixture of modern and classic styling. Cost: $130 700 Mt. Vernon Highway, NE, Sandy Springs, Ga. 30328 404-257-0537

Congregation Beth Shalom Gift Shop

Menorahs, candles, dreidels and gifts, plus anything you need for your Jewish home. Everything in shop is 20 percent off for AJT readers. Ready for you, with hundreds of choices. 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Atlanta, Ga. 30360 770-671-1667

Etz Chaim and Judaica Gift Shop

We have ritual items and gifts for holidays, life cycle events and just for gift giving. We have menorahs for college students and others with LED lights so as not to be concerned about a flame. 1190 Indian Hills Pkwy NE, Marietta, Ga. 30068 770-846-3237

Temple Emanu El of Greater Atlanta Sisterhood Gift Shop

A volunteer-run gift shop with proceeds for temple/sisterhood projects and charitable organizations. All your Chanukah and occasion needs for all ages. Costs ranging from $2.50 to $200.00. 7980 Spalding Drive, Atlanta Ga. 30350 770-856-3047 26 | DECEMBER 13, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CHANUKAH GIFT GUIDE

Kol Emeth Judaica Shop

All things Judaica, modern and traditional. Chanukah items 20 percent off all December. Costs ranging from $0.10 to $230.00. 1415 Old Canton Rd., Marietta, Ga. 30062 770-973-3533

Or VeShalom Gift Shop

This gift shop provides Judaica items for all holidays, including a wide selection of children’s menorahs, dreidels and beautiful candles. Costs ranging from $5 to $40, depending on the item 1681 North Druid Hills Rd., Atlanta, Ga. 30319 404-867-4638 ■ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 27

HOLIDAY FLAVORS Flavors of the Season

Bon Appetit from the AJT!

We at the AJT share some of our favorite Chanukah and holiday recipes. Our recommendations range from traditional dishes to festive drinks.

My Grandmother’s Latkes By Michael Morris

The key to making old world tasting potato latkes is using matzo meal instead of flour, generously. I fry my latkes in cast iron, but I think a hot nonstick pan works just as well. One of the reasons I use cast iron, I fry them on my outdoor grill – less splatter and my house doesn’t smell like a giant latke for a week. One more tip, I use thick-skinned Idaho style potatoes and I do not peel them. The skin adds a hearty flavor. 4 small or 3 medium or 2 large potatoes (more skin, more flavor) 1 large onion (I like onion, but you can use a smaller onion to suit your taste) 6 eggs ¾ to 1 cup matzo meal Salt, to taste (I use a full teaspoon) Vegetable oil or Smart Balance My grandmother used a meat grinder for the potatoes and onions. I chop my potatoes and onions, coarse, in a Cuisinart. If the potato mix becomes watery, drain or soak some of the water out. Mix in the eggs, salt and enough matzo meal to make the mix stiff, but still fluid. As the potato mix sits, it may become a little more watery at this point, so just add more matzo meal. I fry silver dollar-size latkes and make them fairly crisp, but I know many people that like them a little more hearty.

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Ladinsky’s Matzah Crunch By Kaylene Ladinsky

4 sheets unsalted non-egg matzah 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 cup packed dark brown sugar One 12-ounce package semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups) Coarse sea salt Toffee chips Walnut or peanut pieces (optional) Preheat oven to 250 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place matzah in an even layer on baking sheet and set aside. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add brown sugar and immediately reduce temperature to low. Cook, stirring and adjusting heat as necessary until sugar has completely dissolved and begins to bubble. Drizzle toffee over matzah and spread to cover using a spatula. Optional: Sprinkle desired amount of nuts onto the matzah. Bake toffee/nut-covered matzah until toffee has a rich, shiny sheen, 10 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Tent matzah with aluminum foil (to allow the chips to melt) and let stand 20 to 30 minutes. Remove foil tent and spread melted chocolate over matzah to cover; sprinkle with sea salt. Transfer matzah to refrigerator and let chill at least 2 hours. Break chilled matzah into pieces and serve. Matzah will keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.

HOLIDAY FLAVORS Tarragon Tuna and Pasta Bake (aka Tuna Noodle Casserole) Submitted by Roni Robbins

This tuna noodle casserole is my go-to recipe when I need to prepare a meal for someone or bring a dish to a party. It’s easy to prepare, warm and comforting. Plus, it seems to be appreciated, especially in the winter, and can be a side dish or a meal in itself. Servings: 4 8 ounces dry pasta 1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted 1 cup milk 2 teaspoons dried tarragon ½ teaspoon ground pepper 3 cans tuna ¼ cup Parmesan cheese Paprika Preheat oven to 350 F. Cook pasta and then drain. Mix soup, milk, tarragon and pepper. Add tuna and pasta. Put in a prepared 13-by-9 dish. Sprinkle with cheese and paprika. Bake about 30 minutes or until heated through. For a healthier recipe, you can also use reduced-fat soup and lowfat milk and only use ¼ cup of Parmesan. You can also add fresh mushrooms and other vegetables for added flavor and top with Corn Flakes. Enjoy!

Hungarian Zucchini Squash with Dill (Tokfozelek) Submitted by Michal Bonell

This is a delicious alternative sauce for latkes my mother use to make. 6 zucchini squash 1 tablespoon salt 1/2 cup white vinegar 3 sprigs fresh dill 1 very small onion, sliced thin 1/2 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon flour 1 3/4 tablespoons sugar Wash and peel the zucchini. Use a large-holed grater to shred the zucchini. Put zucchini shreds in a small bowl. Add salt, vinegar and dill. Stir, then cover and chill (overnight if possible). Place zucchini in a pot, then barely cover it with water. Add the onion slices, stir it, and cook. When the zucchini changes to a creamier color, it is done. Pour out the cooking liquid into a large container. Don’t throw it away yet, you might need it. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream and flour. Add the sour cream to the drained zucchini while stirring to avoid clumps. If too thick, thin it out by adding 1 tablespoon of sour cream, then one tablespoon of the cooking liquid that you set aside. Repeat until the desired consistency is achieved. Next, add the sugar and remove the larger chunks of dill. Serve as a dip with latkes.

Chicken Piccata

Submitted by Brenda Gelfand This is a good dish for company and to go with latkes. Servings: 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced (about 4 pieces) All-purpose flour, for coating Tuscanini sea salt, to taste Pepper, to taste ½ cup oil ½ cup Baron Herzog Chenin Blanc or other white wine 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest ¼ cup capers, rinsed 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped Thin the sliced chicken breast by pounding between two pieces of plastic wrap. Season each side with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess. In a large skillet, heat ¼ cup of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil sizzles, add 2 chicken breasts and fry until golden brown, about 3 or 4 minutes per side. Transfer them to a plate and add the remaining oil to the skillet. Fry the next two pieces of chicken until golden brown. Transfer to a plate. Add the wine, lemon juice, lemon zest and capers to the pan. Bring to a boil and reduce the sauce by a third. To serve, place the chicken on a serving dish or plate, pour the sauce over it, and garnish with parsley. Note: This recipe works just as well with up to 1½ pounds of chicken. If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, increase the rest of the ingredients to match. Recipe by: Sina Mizrahi Source: Relish by Bina Magazine reprinted by kosher.com

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www.cucinemoda.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 29

HOLIDAY FLAVORS Hello Dollies

Soufganiyot

Hello Dollies have been a favorite in my family, and my nickname as a child was Dolly. I remember making these scrumptious treats with my mother for Thanksgiving, Chanukah and other holidays, and still do this with her, and my daughter.

As Chanukah foods are deep-fried in oil, symbolizing the oil from the menorah used in the Temple, one of the Sephardic favorite recipe is fricassés, salted doughnuts filled with tuna, eggs, potatoes and of course, olive oil. Delicious!

By Sheri Okun

Graham crackers (one sleeve or two cups crushed) ½ to ¾ cup butter melted or non-stick spray 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup white chocolate chips 1/2 cup butterscotch chips 1 cup shredded coconut One can sweetened condensed milk Chopped walnuts or pecans, if desired Preheat oven to 325 F. Crush the graham crackers in a ziplock bag. Usually one sleeve of graham crackers is enough. Melt butter on the stove or on low in the microwave. Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a middle-sized bowl until evenly moistened. Press mixture into the bottom of the greased 9-by-9 or 9-by-13 baking dish. Pour half of the can of sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker crust and sprinkle chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, (chopped pecans or walnuts), and coconut into the crust. Drizzle remaining ½ can of condensed milk over the top. Bake in the preheated oven until coconut edges are golden brown. Cool, cut into squares and serve.

By Martine Tartour

Servings: 15 fricassés 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 egg 2/3 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking power 1 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup milk Vegetable oil for frying Combine flour, egg, sugar, baking powder and salt, and mix. Add milk slowly until all ingredients are combined. Transfer dough onto a well-floured surface and knead gently until it forms a cohesive ball. If dough is too sticky, continue to work in flour until it is manageable. Leave to rest dough for 1 hour, then knead it again. Break off about 15 pieces of dough and roll them into smooth and tiny balls. Fill a medium-size saucepan 2 inches deep with oil over medium-high heat. Heat oil to 350 F. When your oil has reached the temperature, very carefully fry your fricassés. Stuffing: 2 cooked potatoes 2 hard-boiled eggs 1 can tuna in oil Black olives, chopped When your fricassés are cold, open them, and stuff them with your ingredients.

Rum Cake

Submitted by Lilli Jennison 3 eggs 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon 2/3 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups white sugar 2 teaspoons lemon zest 2 teaspoons lemon juice 3/4 cup milk 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 shots of dark rum Powdered sugar (optional) Preheat oven to 300 F. Grease Bundt pan well. Whisk the eggs. In a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugar. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon rind, 1 shot of rum and milk. In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and cinnamon. Beat into the creamed mixture. Place batter into the prepared pan. Bake 1 ½ hours or until cake tests done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As soon as you remove the cake from the oven, sprinkle the top evenly with the 1 shot of rum. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like. Source: Budget Savvy Diva, www.budgetsavvydiva.com 30 | DECEMBER 13, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Bunuelos (Sepharadic Chanukah donuts) By Martine Tartour

My mother’s family is Sephardic from Istanbul. My grandmother used to speak Ladino, and cooked bunuelos for Chanukah. Certainly a recipe coming not only from Spain because you can find bunuelos in Columbia or Mexico, where they are cooked for Christmas. Servings: 12 small bunuelos 1 cup corn starch 1 egg 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 pinch each sugar, salt and pepper 2 tablespoons milk Vegetable oil for frying Mix all the ingredients (except the oil) thoroughly until the dough is homogenous and soft. Make the dough into golf ball-size or slightly larger balls, being careful not to squish the dough. Fry them in oil at 350 F. Roll them in sugar. Serve with honey or marmalade on the side as a dip.

HOLIDAY FLAVORS Hot Toddy (During Chanukah, Chot Toddy) By Eddie Samuels

2 oz. bourbon or rye 1 teaspoon honey 1 tablespoon lemon juice Hot water (about ½ cup) Lemon twist or wedge, star anise pod and cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Waffle Latkes By Bob Bahr

For those looking for latkes with a minimum of oil and calories that come along with them, try making them in a waffle iron. Then top them with an imaginative combination of sweet and savory toppings, starting with smoked salmon and a dollop of sour cream or fig jam with a thin carrot slice. 2 cups shredded potato 1/2 cup minced onion 1 large egg, beaten Salt and pepper Mix potato, onion and salt in a bowl. Move to a sieve and let drain for about 15 minutes. Then squeeze any extra moisture out of the mixture. The drier the shredded potatoes, the crispier the latke. Add your egg and pepper, mixing to coat. Heat your waffle iron (put on high if there is an option). Coat the iron with nonstick olive oil spray, then add two tablespoons of the mixture. Close the lid and let cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Give another quick spray with olive oil to finish.

Heat water in saucepan or kettle until boiling. Let cool about 2 minutes. In a mug, combine whiskey, honey and lemon juice and stir thoroughly to dissolve honey. Top with hot water and stir to combine. Garnish with star anise, cinnamon and lemon.

Jen’s Holiday Cheer By Jen Evans

2 ounces vodka 1 ounce Kahlua 2 ounces heavy cream or whole milk ½ ounce chocolate syrup Ice A piece of your favorite chocolate Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and pour into your favorite holiday glass. Top with a piece of your favorite chocolate on a fun toothpick for your garnish.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 31

COMMUNITY Say ‘Yes’ to Chef Cyndi By Marcia Caller Jaffe Cyndi Sterne is the brainchild, entrepreneur and chef-owner of Yes, Chef! Culinary Events in Sandy Springs. Formerly known as Hal’s Kitchen, she has successfully grown and operated the business for nine years. The industrial-chic kitchen and dining room located at Belle Isle Square can host up to 60 guests for hands-on cooking experiences for innovative corporate team building events, private celebrations and seated dinners. Sterne, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, attended Indiana University and majored in costume design. Her chef classes run two to three hours each and cover a variety of cuisines. Three that are coming up are Vegetarian Fare, Pasta, and a special Valentine event. For the team events, everyone cooks after the group or hosts preselect(s) the menu. Popular choices are Steakhouse, Latin American, Mediterranean, Continental and Southern. “Although I am not a true Southern native, I have always had an affinity for Southern food brought to Ohio from my Southern-raised maternal grandparents. My grandfather was from Selma, Ala., and his Coca-Cola soaked peanuts were an oddity to us Northern, suburban kids. My grandmother’s

32 | DECEMBER 13, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

let to reach depth of 1/4 inch. Heat over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add patties to skillet. Cook until golden and cooked through, adjusting heat if browning too quickly, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Using slotted metal spoon, transfer to paper towels. Arrange on platter. Top with labne dollops. Sprinkle with dill. Blood Orange Cake Sterne loves the color and scent of this no waste Blood Orange Cake.

Sterne prepares Zucchini Keftedes for Chanukah.

family owned a general store in Arkansas, and we fondly remember her fried chicken that made its way to the Shabbat table.” About the season, Sterne said, “Holidays have a special way of invoking food memories, and Chanukah is one of the best.” When her boys were in elementary school, she started a deep-frying Chanukah tradition. What began with Southern staples has evolved into harissa-brined chicken schnitzel with a cooling tahini sauce, zucchini fritters and sufganiyot. Her advice: “If you are lucky enough to own some heirloom cast iron, this is the perfect time to break it out. Not only does

it sear and fry perfectly, a cast iron pan on the stovetop is a memory that all southern cooks (and the kids watching) can identify.” She shares with us two of her holiday recipes: Zucchini Keftedes (Sephardic meatless balls) Servings: 12 1 1/3 pounds medium zucchini, trimmed 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions ¼ cup chopped fresh dill ¼ cup chopped fresh mint 2 garlic cloves, minced or grated 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 cup panko 1 large egg, beaten to blend 1 cup coarsely crumbled feta cheese Black pepper Vegetable oil (for frying) Labne (strained yogurt) for garnish Additional chopped fresh dill for garnish

Servings: One Bundt cake or 14 minis 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 1 1/4 cups sugar 3 large eggs 3 blood oranges or 4 Meyer lemons (about 1 pound), ends trimmed, cut into chunks and seeds removed (If the oranges are dry, add splash of OJ or orange or peach schnapps) 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder

Heat oven to 325 F with a rack positioned in the center. If you have a big food processor, the entire cake can be made in it! Spray 10-cup Bundt pan with oil-based spray. Pulse orange chunks in food processor until mostly smooth but not completely puréed. Spoon out 1 1/2 cups of the pulpy orange mixture. Pulse butter and sugar together in processor. Add eggs individually and continue to pulse. Whisk together the dry ingredients in large bowl. Add butter, sugar and egg mixture to the flour and combine. Add the orange purée, and thoroughly Using grating disk combine. Add to batter, then of food processer to beat until blended. Scrape grate zucchini. Remove batter into the prepared pan to strainer and sprinkle and smooth the top. zucchini with 1 teaspoon Bake until firm to the coarse salt. Let stand 30 touch, and toothpick stuck minutes to 1 hour. Line in the middle comes out rimmed baking sheet dry or with a few crumbs, with parchment or foil. about 50 to 55 minutes. Wrap zucchini in Cool pan on rack set over towel and squeeze out as a rimmed baking sheet much liquid as possible. for 10 minutes, then invert Place in medium bowl. cake onto rack and cool. Mix in green onions, 3 Pour leftover purée tablespoons chopped dill, Photos by Karen Haberberg into a small saucepan mint, garlic, lemon zest, Photography// Cyndi Sterne is with ¼ to 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon black owner of Yes, Chef Culinary and a few splashes of wapepper. Gently stir in panEvents and speaks lovingly of her Southern grandparents and ter. Dissolve sugar and let ko and egg, then feta. their Shabbat fried chicken. it get syrupy. Strain pulp Using 2 tablespoons zucchini mixture for each, shape into 1 and drizzle the syrup over the cakes. ■ Follow Sterne on instagram @yeschefat¾ to 2-inch-diameter patty and place on lanta for recipes, tips, and chef-led classes. Or baking sheet. Chill at least 1 hour. Pour enough oil into heavy large skil- call her at 404-345-9610.

COMMUNITY SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

B’nai Mitzvah Notices November

Ashley Dryburgh, daughter of Gail and Mark Dryburgh. Joshua Hertz, son of Marci and Jeff Hertz. Leah Liss, daughter of Lori Cooper and David Agin. Ryan Siegle, son of Lara and Andrew Siegle. Jessica Sobel, daughter of Garry Sobel. December Dylan Loft, son of Sara and Dr. Evan Loft, on Dec. 7. Samuel Robert Rosetti, son of Victoria and Michael Rosetti, on Dec. 7.

Have something to celebrate? Births, B’nai Mitzvah, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries, Special Birthdays and more ... Share it with your community with free AJT simcha announcements. Send info to submissions@atljewishtimes.com submissions@atljewishtimes.com..

SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

Have something to celebrate? Share your simchas with the

Births, B’nai Mitzvah, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries, Special Birthdays and more ... Share your news with the community with free AJT simcha announcements. Send info to submissions@atljewishtimes.com submissions@atljewishtimes.com.. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 33

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 13-25 CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13

Shabbat Friday Night Monthly Musical Service – Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway NE, Marietta, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Come be part of their Friday night musical service. They are looking for musicians of all ages, so if you play an instrument that enhances the ruach of Shabbat, join them. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2KGOyGZ.

Vayishlach Friday, December 13, 2019, light candles at 5:12 p.m. Saturday, December 14, 2019, Shabbat ends at 6:11 p.m. Vayeishev Friday, December 20, 2019, light candles at 5:14 p.m. Saturday, December 21, 2019, Shabbat ends at 6:14 p.m.

Song Jewish Music Residency Fellow, for a weekend of music, uplifting song and Torah. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/37XRwSf.

The Chasidic Role in the Feminist Revolution – Chabad Intown on the Friday Night Live – Congregation Shearith Israel, 1180 University Drive, Atlanta, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Shearith Israel’s monthly, spirited, song-filled Friday evening service followed by a lovely oneg and socializing. It’s a wonderful way to welcome Shabbat. Free. For more information, www.bit. ly/2Gp5SRI.

BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 8 to 10 p.m. With Chava Green, Ph.D. candidate, Emory University. The feminist movement of the last five decades has radically reshaped our society. Learn the remarkable connections between feminism and Chasidism in this landmark presentation. Featuring a gourmet kosher-by-candlelight dinner. $18 per ticket. To register and for more information, www.bit. ly/37E6DQs.

Congregation Ariel Steak Night – Congregation Ariel, 5237 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, from 6 to 10 p.m. Schmooze, booze and steaks. $80 per person. For more information, www. bit.ly/34FJOdm.

Monday Night Parsha – Chabad of North Fulton, 10180 Jones Bridge Road, Alpharetta, from 7 to 8 p.m. weekly. As Chabad of North Fulton begins the new annual cycle of Torah reading, consider joining this new class by Rabbi Gedalya Hertz on the weekly parsha. Free. For more information, www.bit. ly/34E5JS1.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14

Telling Right from Right: Ethics for Adults – Congregation Shearith Israel, 1180 University Drive, Atlanta, from 7 to 9 p.m. Shearith Israel and Congregation Bet Haverim present a four-part series, “Telling Right from Right: Ethics for Adults,” exploring ethics in connection with upcoming Jewish holidays in 5780. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2DPPk1v.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16

Divorce & Separation Support Group – Jewish Family & Career Services, 4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, from 6 to 8 p.m. Join this biweekly support group facilitated by Helen Kotler, Ph.D., LPC. $25 per session. To join the group, hkotler@jfcsatl.org or call 404-210-9571.

Find more events and submit items for our online and print calendars at:

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

34 | DECEMBER 13, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

on the BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Discuss, explore and journey through the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. This ongoing class probes the esoteric through a unique program of English text-based study. No prior kabbalistic experience required. Free. For more information, www.chabadintown.org.

An Evening of Learning & Inspiration, In Honor of Yud Tes Kislev – Chabad of Toco Hills, Torah Day School, 1985 Lavista Road NE, Atlanta, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guest speaker is Rabbi Shais Taub, a world-renowned author and lecturer. “Let there be Light, Living a Life Illuminated With Passion & Purpose.” Men and women are invited. Enjoy a live musical performance and dinner. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2RcBLB5.

DECEMBER 20–21

Calendar sponsored by the Atlanta Jewish Connector, an initiative of the AJT. In order to be considered for the print edition, please submit events two weeks in advance. Contact community relations director, Jen Evans, for more information at jen@atljewishtimes.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22

Kabbalah and Coffee – Chabad Intown

Rabbi-in-Residence: Ariel Root Wolpe – Congregation Shearith Israel, 1180 University Drive, Atlanta, from 8 a.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Saturday. Welcome Rabbi Wolpe, current Rising

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25

Open Play Games – Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open play tables are set up every week on MJCCA’s Main Street on Mondays and Wednesdays for you to enjoy popular strategy and skill games while making new friends. Free for members, $5 for the community. For more information, www.bit.ly/2H6mYRt.

CHANUKAH EVENTS

Happy Chanukah 5780! SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14

World History by a Jew: Chanukah Edition – Chabad of Toco Hills, To-

Hanukah stories, Circus Camp performers, STEAM projects and more. Free. For more information, www.bit. ly/2s9qQ0j.

rah Day School, 1985 Lavista Road NE, Atlanta, from 4:15 to 5 p.m. “The REAL Story of Chanukah: Archaeology, Greek History, Jewish Tradition” by Seth Fleishman. Free. For more information, HistoryByJew@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

Srochi Sunday: Hanukkah Edition – Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a funfilled Sunday with Shalom Baby and PJ Library with Hanukkah crafts for your little one and family to enjoy. Experience storytime, songs, arts and crafts, snacks and more. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2RdxYmQ.

Light It Up With Epstein Hanukkah Party – The Epstein School, 335 Colewood Way NW, Sandy Springs, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friends and family in the community are invited to enjoy a fun morning filled with celebrating, latkes, art projects, candle rolling,

34th Annual PAL Hanukkah Party – Nitro Zone, 6344 Cash Court NW, Peachtree Corners, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Join them as the Achim/Gate City Lodge of B’nai B’rith International sponsors bowling fun. Refreshments provided by For All Occasions. Celebrate Hanukkah and bowl with the PALS, Atlanta’s only Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister program for kids, provided by the JF&CS - Jewish Family and Career Services. $20 donation per person. For more information, www.bit.ly/35UfRGD. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 35

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 14-28 Highlands – Chabad Intown on the BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 8 to 10 p.m. Free. For more information and to register, www.bit.ly/2RayRg4.

Maccabeus and More Concert – Temple Emanu-El, 1580 Spalding Drive, Atlanta, from 4 to 6 p.m. Experience the miraculous story of Chanukah through exciting moments from G.F. Handel’s oratorio, “Judas Maccabeus.” In conjunction with the William Baker Choral Foundation, we welcome a choir representing both synagogues and churches in the Atlanta metro community along with orchestral accompaniment. Free and open to the community. For more information, www.bit.ly/2P33GAA.

B’nai Torah Hanukkah Party – Congregation B’nai Torah, 700 Mount Vernon Highway NE, Sandy Springs, from 5 to 8 p.m. Your favorite Jewish camps will lead activities, including candlemaking, edible dreidel creations and more. They are serving nosh, including a latke bar and sufganiyot. Free. For more information, www.bit. ly/2DEkhp2.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18

Community Chanukah Party – Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway NE, Marietta, from 6:30 to

Atlanta with some old traditions, like Chinese food. $35 in advance, $40 at the door. For tickets and more information, www.bit.ly/33MV7PW.

8:30 p.m. Enjoy Chanukah Music, PJ Library, crafts, sufganiyot and more. This is a multigenerational event. Free and open to the community. www.bit. ly/34HhlUL.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20

Lunchtime Culture – Chanukah Favorites With the ASO – William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Experience a specially curated program by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the historic Breman Museum. Audience members can visit the museum to learn about pivotal moments in Jewish history while also enjoying the music of Chanukah and other selections by Jewish composers. Free. For more information, www.bit. ly/2qc1rT8.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21

Latkes, Vodka and Games – Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, from 6 to 9 p.m. Kick of the holidays with Congregation Beth Shalom. Bring friends, spouses, adult children and games. Dinner includes latkes, vodkas and all the fixings. Bring your favorite board game for a great time. $12.50 per adult. For more information, www.bit.ly/2OGZ5VN.

Menorah Lighting at Avalon – Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta, from 5 to 8 p.m. Grand menorah lighting, Chanukah snacks, kids’ entertainment, music and fun. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/33FetpV.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25

Be a Pinch Hitter! – Pinch Hitters is an annual community service project where volunteers from the Atlanta Jewish community “go to bat” for nonmedical hospital personnel on Christmas day. Volunteers work in four-hour shifts so our Christian brethren can spend the holiday at home with their families. Pinch Hitters is organized by the Achim/Gate City (Atlanta) Lodge #0144 of B’nai B’rith International. Free. For locations to volunteer and more information, www.pinchhitters. org/.

Celebrate Chanukah in Milton/Crabapple – City of Milton’s Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road, Milton, from 5 to 8 p.m. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2rMEfv8.

Grand Menorah Lighting Ponce City Market – Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE #8500, Atlanta, from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information and to register, www.bit.ly/2RayRg4.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22

Grand Menorah Lighting Virginia

Got old issues?

Community Fun-a-kah at Etz Chaim – Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway NE, Marietta, from 4 to 7 p.m. Join Etz Chaim for a Chinese dinner from Harmony Vegetarian restaurant, light chanukiyot, sing songs and do interactive activities for adults and children. $5 for children 12 and under, $10 per adult. To register and for more information, www.bit.ly/2qULOQx.

If you discover old issues of the Atlanta Jewish Times laying around, we want them. To boost our archives, we will come pick up any AJT issues from 2014 or earlier. Please call 404-883-2130 or write kaylene@ atljewishtimes.com to setup retrieval. Subscribe, Support, Sustain. As always, thank you for reading your Atlanta Jewish times. 36 | DECEMBER 13, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

AJMF Presents The Egg Drop – Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Throwback to the ’90s and 2000s and relive the years spent out on the dance floor at b’nai mitzvahs. Join the AJMF and your friends at Smith’s Olde Bar for the newest Christmas Eve tradition in

Chinese Food Dinner – Chabad Intown on the BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Join us Dec. 25 for a delicious Chi-

CHANUKAH EVENTS

nese dinner followed by a timely discussion on the origins of Christianity as told in classic Jewish sources. What is the true story behind “Yeshu,” the founder of Christianity as called by our sages? We’ll weave together the incredible Talmudic, Kabbalistic and Chasidic sources. Evening includes a menorah lighting and Chanukah treats. $25 per ticket. To register and for more information, www.bit.ly/35Yjtrs.

Menorah Car Parade – Chabad Intown on the BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information and to register, www.bit.ly/2RayRg4.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28

Menorah Lighting, Glover Park Stage at Marietta Square – Mari-

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26

Chanukah in Roswell – Roswell Park, 925 Canton St., Roswell, from 5 to 8 p.m. Chabad of Roswell/North Fulton presents Chanukah at the heart of Roswell Park. Grand menorah lighting, Chanukah sing-along, holiday treats for the kids, Chanukah latkes, music and free dreidels for all. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2YeULjJ.

etta Square Glover Park Stage, 50 Park Square, Marietta, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Celebrate Hanukkah with Congregation Ner Tamid of Marietta/ West Cobb, featuring Chanukah music and dancing by the Smyrna Team Dancers, books from PJ Library, free hot chocolate and gift card raffle. For information, www.mynertamid.org or call 678-264-8575.

To find more Chanukah events, w w w. a t l a n t a j ew i s h c o n n e c t o r. c o m / s e r i e s / c h a n u k a h events-2019/. ■ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 37

OY VEY OY VEY! HAVE I GOT A PROBLEM... navigate? Dear Rachel, when Jill’s ips so hard to sh on ti la re orning coffee w m -la of in e p ar cu st hy W h my fir my way throug I was making got a job!” tement. “Jerry ci ex h call came. it dearth of w ed t despite the ice was ting an vo er er ub H ex !” d ad un “D to so ns!” I managed “Congratulatio d my wife, employed, an stem. un sy y as m w y in rr ne Je caffei d poured s since x long month of ice cream, an s ob gl ed um It had been si ng, cons r daughter ne a lot of paci es). Seeing ou do ur d ed ha oc I, d pr an of r Kathy e orde any stable prayer (note th ggling without in ru ts st ar n he re r ild ou out young ch ormy waves. f course by st and their two of w n -la ow in bl nip so and e’ll be doing ching a sh her voice. “H e felt like wat m in h co tc in ca of a , ce sour shared Monday,” Jill “He starts on ly getting me. Was I real ement.” ng ag si ri an m rp su ty er k, prop y chee y grateful I aked down m how supremel is ew kn I ll A lone tear le A e? Perhaps. my middle ag h security. emotional in e keys. And be blessed wit ld ou w n re my cell phon g ild on ch y al m ed at nc th felt gers da eryone! Jerry tating, my fin reat news, ev G : at ch ily Without hesi m k on our fa bold and blac there it was, e brother rr sisters and on ngrats, Je y! o Co b! Tw jo t. w an ne er a ub has d ex ere quick an The replies w ed for details. gg Until I read be d lations an rough my day. tu th ra ed ng at co d flo d he wis ork an t ready for w Grinning, I go Jerry’s email.

Jewish Joke of the Week

A Little More Bread Please Abbe Cohen goes to a restaurant every day for lunch. He always orders the soup du jour. One day the manager asks him how he liked his meal. Abbe replies (with a Yiddish accent) “Wass goot, but you could give a little more bread.” The next day, the manager tells the waitress to give him four slices of bread. “How was your meal, sir?” the manager asks. “Wass goot, but you could give a little more bread.” Next day the manager tells the waitress to give him eight slices of bread. “How was your meal today, sir?” the manager asks. “Wass goot, but you could give a little more bread”. The manager is now obsessed with seeing Abbe say that he enjoyed his meal, so he goes to the bakery and orders a 6-foot-long French loaf. When Abbe comes in as usual the next day, the waitress and the manager cut the loaf in half, butter the entire length of each half and lay it out along the counter, right next to his bowl of soup. Abbe sits down and devours both his bowl of soup and both halves of the 6-foot loaf of bread. The manager now thinks he will get the answer he is looking for. When Abbe comes up to pay for his meal, the manager asks in the usual way: “How was your meal TODAY, sir?” Abbe replies “It wass goot, as usual, but I see you are back to giving only two slices of bread!” Joke provided by David Minkoff www.awordinyoureye.com 38 | DECEMBER 13, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

okreally been lo ent, but I had om m k y as m ly l oi nd sp ture, ki didn’t mean to mily. In the fu fa e th h “I’m sure you it w s ” Jerry. g new other people. sharing my bi ties and telling ing forward to er lib he serious? I ng as ki W ta . ers before uld digest it co I ve re fo the main play be job? Did he ha it three times ally landed a fin d ch ha I had to read su he in at e k to m mily, th y kids, our fa he have to spea d di d nd an A ? id en couldn’t tell m liv d all be ”? I was worried we ha “in the future do to ap t s ha hi w any idea how is e Tell m , where ing manner? add more fuel to , e th nd g A . on se a condescend al nded respon f a knee-jerk ts, that we exte tgage paymen almost shot of or out the tenum e ab f lik , el lp ys all the he minding m re , ry fu y m preciation for ined in eat effort, I re way? Using gr ips. sh on ti -law rela ous bond of in respond? to w ho of s Any suggestion Signed, -In-Law A Hurt Father Dear Hurt Father-In-Law, Parents should never be rebuked in a condescending manner. It is inappropriate and disrespectful. No wonder your feelings were trampled! However, we do want transparency in our relationships. To that effect, Jerry could have simply shared his disappointment as he would have preferred being the one to share his news. I imagine if he had expressed his feelings without condescension, it would have been easier for you to swallow. And perhaps you would have responded with a simple, “Sorry about that. Thanks for letting me know.” Considering your dilemma, I think you have two choices. You can either swallow your hurt and apologize, even though the tone of his message was clearly out of line. Or you can express your feelings, although I would advocate a conversation rather than sending an email or text. You know Jerry. Will he be open to hearing your feelings? Or will your honesty exacerbate an already volatile situation? If you have any concern that a discussion may turn a gentle rain into a hurricane, I recommend settling for option one. Even though Jerry goofed, ultimately, you want your relationship to sail smoothly. And as close as you may be to your son-in-law, he is still not your son, and you have to tread with care. However, if you can’t get over what happened and find it’s getting in the way of your relationship, perhaps letting time go by would be helpful. When you’re both in a calm place, perhaps you can explain your feelings about his email and that as much as you care about what’s on his mind, you would appreciate a different mode of communication should he want to discuss an issue. A warm touch on the shoulder, a smile, or some type of loving gesture can go a long way in helping honest communication be well-received. Kudos to you for being a devoted father and father-in-law, Rachel Atlanta Jewish Times Advice Column Got a problem? Email Rachel Stein at oyvey@atljewishtimes. com, describing your problem in 250 words or less. We want to hear from you and get helpful suggestions for your situation at the same time!

Yiddish Word of the Week Schmaltzy, Schmaltsy, Shmaltzy, Shmaltsy

‫שמאלציק‬ ַ Overly sentimental or romantic. “I didn’t like that movie, it was too schmaltzy.”

BRAIN FOOD That’s One Way To Spell It By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Manageable 1

13 16

21 25 29

35 39

43 47

53 56

26 31

ACROSS

1. Funny Radner 6. "Incidentally," in a text 9. Anthony Hopkins, in "Thor" 13. More of a nudnik 14. Word that sounds like its middle letter 15. Number of Jews left living in Libya? 16. "Dawn" author 18. An explosive and a TV channel 19. Dominant Mass. team 20. Subject that 16 & 47-Across wrote extensively on 22. "It's ___ -brainer!" 23. First Jewish frat. 25. Milhouse van ___, Bart Simpson's best friend 27. Words that follow "Love Me" in a hit by 36-Across 31. Levi and Dan 32. Trip some big shots take? 33. Johannesburg's nation: abbr. 35. Type of bran or meal 36. "Lights" was a hit for her 41. "Hitch" star Mendes 42. Speedwagon of rock 43. "Alamos" or "Angeles" preceder 44. Makes like 36-Across 47. Poet whose autobiography is subtitled "My True Story of the Holocaust" 52. Bewilders 54. Switchback curve

21. Like Eilat for most of the year 23. Vikings owner Wilf 24. Heckler 26. One playing at Barclays 28. Crosswords' most common fish 29. What some might do over hot Marzipan rugelach 30. Big Ten football powerhouse, for short 34. Sheedy and McBeal 36. Forensic material 37. Less and less people have one in their homes 38. ___-whiz! DOWN 39. Labs and boxers 1. Tough Israeli Brigade 40. A neighbor of Syr. 2. "Any problem with that?" 41. Einai preceder, in song 3. They're often fabricated 45. Travels like a flying squirrel 4. Mountain drink 46. Market-overseeing org. 5. Jewish name that's short for the 48. Jay formerly of late-night home of Cardinals 49. Most superheroes are one 6. Major party 7. There was one of Knowledge in 50. Many going down Mount Hermon Eden 51. "I Got You Babe" singer 8. From Cardiff 53. Up and alert 9. Doing road gigs, e.g. 57. Lashon follower 10. What some charities call a 58. Day before a Jewish holiday "gift" 59. Iconic character played by Ford 11. As good as done 12. "Mario Bros." and "Duck Hunt" and Ehrenreich 60. Have some cholent, e.g. platform 62. Where Penguins and Ducks 13. Where Kathmandu is play 17. "Julius Caesar" reproach 63. 102, to Caesar 55. King Kong studio 56. 61-Across played him in "The Spy" 59. Play dreidel 60. Writer Blyton 61. Sacha who played 56-Across 64. Skin woe 65. Poetic palindrome 66. Swank of "Freedom Writers" 67. Gold items 68. Rabbinic title 69. Daniel spent some time with them in Babylon

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1

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to music director Wally Zimmerman play on The Temple’s famous pipe organ. Zimmerman played the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, the late Romantic German organist Josef Rheinberger; and tunes from Jerome Kern’s “Showboat.” ■ Mr. and Mrs. Sandy Kasten of Atlanta announced the marriage of their daughter, Stacey Robin, to Karl Stanley Hydrick, son of Mrs. Danny Hydrick of North Augusta, S.C. Mrs. Hydrick received her bachelor’s degree in English from Emory University and her law degree from Georgia State University. Mr. Hydrick graduated from North Augusta High School before serving in the military and as a sergeant with the Augusta Police Department.

Remember When 15 Years Ago// December 17, 2004 ■ The executive director of Tufts University’s Hillel was nominated for a Grammy for an album of Ugandan Jewish music. Rabbi Jeffrey Summit, an ethnomusicologist, produced, compiled and annotated “Abayudaya – Music from the Jewish People of Uganda” for Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. ■ Two divisions of Atlanta’s Center for Jewish Education and Experiences embarked on an initiative to match young people with and without disabilities for social and recreational programming. B’Yachad (together, in Hebrew) was just an item on an agency wish list until twins Jason and Jami Lupuloff started looking for their b’nai mitzvah project last summer. The blend of Amit children, volunteers from Jewish Atlanta Teen Community Outreach volunteers and Jason and Jami’s leadership efforts created the combination for a valuable new community program.

Wally Zimmerman played The Temple’s famous pipe organ at a free organ recital.

25 Years Ago// December 9, 1994 ■ The Temple hosted a free organ recital Dec. 11. The community was invited to listen

50 Years Ago// December 19, 1969 ■ A special weekday opening of the Mizrachi Women’s Canteen at the Atlanta Jewish Community Center during the Winter Wonderland program was announced. The Canteen that normally only opened on Sundays would now be open six more days because of the B’nai B’rith Conventions. ■ Jacob Adler, one of the oldest Yiddish writers in the world at the time, was honored by the City of Gulfport, Fla., on the occasion of his 96th birthday. Some 100 guests gathered at Congregation Beth Sholom in Gulfport on Dec. 13 for a special celebration luncheon sponsored by the congregation. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 13, 2019 | 39

CLOSING THOUGHTS Tevet: Invite Angelic Assistance Rosh Chodesh Tevet bethem, beyond this article. gins at sundown Dec. 27. Our I jokingly refer to them as task is to rectify our sight. the Maytag Repair Angels, Ayin is the Hebrew letter sitting around waiting for appearing as two eyes with people to actually call upon the connecting stem. Usuthem. It’s a spoof on the ally I write of exploring inold Maytag repairman adner and outer vision during vertisements in which they Tevet. This year, I invite you were called the “loneliest to consider a different kind men in the world.” The idea of vision. It’s seeing things Dr. Terry was that the washers and that aren’t visibly present, Segal dryers were so well-made such as Hashem and the an- New Moon Meditations that no one ever needed gels. It may require a leap of their services. But does evfaith. There’s that old expression, “Look ery day feel like Shabbat in our current before you leap,” suggesting that we not world? Not so much. So why not expand jump into something foolishly, where we our vision, allowing us to “see” Hashem at might get hurt. But what might that look work, open our eyes to subtle synchronlike from the opposite perspective? Never icities, circumstances that seem to come mind not leaping, but not even looking! from nowhere or the unfolding of events Sometimes thoughts, actions, and behav- that could not have been imagined? iors can become so rote, so predictable, With the Chanukah lights illumithat rote turns into rut. There are no nating the darkness for eight nights, we new solutions to the same old problems. brighten the world. But what about after There’s no growth, no change. That can that? We must cultivate light from withbe just as damaging as blindly leaping. in so that we’re beacons of light, hope, I’ve long believed in assistance from change and faith, ongoing. But we need angels and am currently writing about help to do that.

40 | DECEMBER 13, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

God sends messengers, mal’ach, in Hebrew, that early biblical sources say bring specific information to us or perform certain tasks. According to an article from My Jewish Learning titled, “Do Jews Believe in Angels?” there are many rabbinic and Kabbalistic sources that cite the presence of angels during important historical events. For example, there’s the angel that prevents Abraham from killing his son, Isaac. What if he hadn’t been listening or disregarded the message? The patriarch, Jacob, wrestles with an angel and Sarah is informed that she will bear a son. The Talmud teaches that two ministering angels accompany us home from synagogue on Shabbat evening. The good angel, seeing that the home has properly been prepared for Shabbat, says, “May it be Your will that it shall be like this for another Shabbat.” The evil angel begrudgingly answers, “Amen.” If the home is not properly prepared though, the opposite occurs. The evil angel says, “May it be Your will that it shall be like this for another Shabbat.” The good angel is required to respond with “Amen.” I can already imagine the arguments against heightening our awareness to

angelic whisperings. “How will I know if I’m listening to a good angel or a bad one?” It’s kind of like falling in love. You will know when it’s the real deal. You become aligned with joy, security and peace as you transform into the best version of yourself. Consider listening to your heart and expand your awareness beyond the edge of the familiar. Do it in a natural way by quieting the noise of the outside world and setting aside your internal noise for a time. Sit in the dark for several minutes and just listen to your breath move in and out of your body without trying to alter it. Then light a candle. Notice how illuminating the darkness brings comfort. Meditation Focus: Imagine yourself receiving guidance from Hashem or the angels about some issue. Consider what that would feel like for you. Notice if it’s difficult to accept help. Inspiration, (literally “in spirit,”) often arrives in a dream state, while “sleeping on it,” or upon awakening. Spend the month of Tevet honing your skills to observe the presence of angels, even in the smallest of ways. ■

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