Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCVII NO. 23, December 15, 2021

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VOL. XCVII NO. 23 | SENIOR LIVING

DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 11 TEVET 5782

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CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE BOB BAHR CHANA SHAPIRO DAVE SCHECHTER DAVID OSTROWSKY FLORA ROSEFSKY JAN JABEN-EILON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON SHAINDLE SCHMUCKLER

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MICHAL BONELL

Finding Your Forever Home Jewish tradition teaches us to respect our elders and to honor the wisdom of their years. We are commanded to care for our parents and grandparents. Yet choosing the right level and exact type of care can sometimes be overwhelming.

These days, seniors have more options when it comes to care, lifestyle and community than ever before. They can, as Chana Shapiro investigates in depth, choose to relocate or renovate, retrofitting their home to accommodate their changing needs. Relocation is also popular, as Bob Bahr reports, with seniors continuing to flock to the Blue Ridge area. But are the North Georgia mountains the new Florida?

Seniors aren’t sitting still, either. We go on the road with Flora Rosefsky (New York City) and the Angels 4 Angels cancer walk team (San Diego). In the arts, we preview two new books, a guide to becoming a mensch by Allen Lipis and a children’s book for the pandemic by Cynthia Zeldin. Chana Shapiro takes us on a tour of Estelle and Herb Karp’s unique collection of Sumida River pottery, linking Brookhaven and Japan. And we zoom

in for an adorable closeup on the big love between “Big Jerr’” (Jerry) Katz and his bride of 60 years, Martha Jo, as recently featured on PBS. Finally, we explore the world of senior scams to teach you how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from phishing and “vishing.” Atlanta consumer expert Clark Howard shares some of his safe shopping tips for the holidays.

Our faithful correspondents, Marcia Jaffe and Chana Shapiro, investigate the bewildering — and bewilderingly expensive — world of burial options and resting place real estate in both Atlanta and the Holy Land. And if you’re still wondering whether to keep that priceless PEZ collection, consider Robyn Spizman’s meditation (“Is Your Inheritance a Burden or a Blessing?”) on inheriting eccentric collectables from our beloved relatives — whether we want them or not.

Make sure that you catch our last issue for 2021, Year in Review and Resolutions, as we update you on some of the AJT’s breaking news coverage throughout the past year. ì

Cover Image: Josh Rosen comes from a Jewish family in Southern California. He was recently contracted by the Falcons as a buck-up quarter for Matt Ryan. // Photos Courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

CONTENTS NEWS ���������������������������������������������� 6 BUSINESS ������������������������������������17 SPORTS ���������������������������������������18 ISRAEL �����������������������������������������20 OPINION ��������������������������������������22 SENIOR LIVING ��������������������������� 24 ART ����������������������������������������������� 42 DINING ����������������������������������������� 44 THE LOWDOWN �������������������������� 45 CALENDAR ���������������������������������� 46 COMMUNITY �������������������������������� 50 KEEPING IT KOSHER ����������������� 54 BRAIN FOOD �������������������������������� 55 OBITUARIES �������������������������������� 56 CLOSING THOUGHTS ���������������� 60 MARKETPLACE �������������������������� 62

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 5

NEWS Andre Dickens Poised to Become Atlanta Mayor

By Dave Schechter As the 61st mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens will take charge of a city afflicted by a spike in crime, short of sufficient affordable housing, plagued by near legendary traffic congestion, with one of the nation’s highest rates of income inequality, and facing the possible loss of its wealthiest enclave.

As he declared victory Tuesday night, having decisively defeated Felicia Moore in a runoff, Dickens said, “This work will start right now.”

As of midnight, the 47-year-old Atlanta native and city council member led Moore by a margin of 63.6 percent to 36.4 percent.

The Associated Press called the race in Dickens’ favor shortly after 10.30 p.m.

With all Fulton County precincts reporting, Dickens held 63.1 percent of the vote. Fulton County accounts for 90 percent of Atlanta residents. In the smaller DeKalb County section of the city, Dickens led with 65.5 percent of the vote.

Turnout of registered voters in Fulton County was shy of 17.5 percent and a shade less than 7.5 percent in DeKalb County.

In the race for city council president —

Andre Dickens will be Atlanta’s 61st mayor, succeeding Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

as of midnight on Nov. 30 — Doug Shipman led Natalyn Archibong, 54 percent of the vote to 46 percent.

Dickens told his supporters: “I’m humbled that you have put this faith in me to be the city’s next leader.” He will succeed Mayor

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Keisha Lance Bottoms, who announced in May that she would not seek a second term.

Before the Nov. 2 general election, polling and prognostications suggested that the next mayor would be either Moore, the president of the city council, or former two-term Mayor Kasim Reed.

Moore, who was elected to the council in 1997 and as council president in 2017, led the 14-candidate, nonpartisan field with 40.8 percent, short of the majority needed to win the race outright. Dickens earned the second slot in the runoff by receiving 23 percent of the vote, to Reed’s 22.4 percent.

Between the general election and the runoff, momentum gradually swung in Dickens’ direction. He received endorsements from Bottoms, former Mayor Shirley Franklin, former Mayor Andrew Young, and U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, among many.

Dickens was elected in 2013 to represent At-Large Post 3 on the city council and was re-elected in 2017. He has been an executive with TechBridge, a non-profit focused on issues related to poverty.

Dickens received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and a master’s degree in public administration from Georgia State University in 2013.

During the campaign, Dickens said that, as part of his SAFE Streets Atlanta plan, he would hire 250 new police officers, improve training techniques to include racial sensitivity and de-escalation techniques, and engage in community policing.

As of October, Atlanta had recorded a 14 percent increase in the number of homicides, compared with the same period last year. In 2020, homicides increased 62 percent and aggravated assaults 15 percent, compared with 2019.

In an October poll conducted by the University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs — commissioned by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution — 47.9 percent of respondents identified crime as “the most pressing issue currently facing the City of Atlanta,” followed by affordable housing at 26.2 percent.

On the latter subject, Dickens told the Atlanta Civic Circle and Saporta Report: “We need to build or preserve 10,000 units of affordable housing in the next four years, and I will hire a Chief Housing Officer to oversee those efforts. They will be tasked with pursuing more affordable options especially around our transit centers, but also with preserving affordable homes through senior property tax freezes and no-cost renovations.”

Perhaps the thorniest issue Dickens will face is the proposed secession of Buckhead from the city, a movement primarily spurred by the issues of crime and taxes.

Buckhead covers about 18 percent of the city of Atlanta’s land area and accounts for more than 40 percent of its assessed property value. Secession would cost the city an estimated $232 million in tax revenues.

Creating the proposed Buckhead City would require the Georgia General Assembly and the governor to approve legislation that would put a referendum on the Nov. 8, 2022, ballot.

The 2020 Census reported a 19 percent increase in the city of Atlanta’s population since 2010, to nearly 500,000. African American population growth has been outpaced by that of whites, Asian Americans, and Hispanics. An analysis by the AJC pegged the African American population at 47 percent of the city, the first time in recent decades that Blacks have not been the majority. ì

NEWS

Clark Howard Shares Holiday Tips for Consumers

By Robyn Spizman Gerson Atlanta consumer expert Clark Howard is hard at work getting ready for this winter’s Clark Howard Habitat for Humanity build. It will be the 89th and 90th Habitat homes Howard has sponsored. At the same time, he’s preparing for the 31st annual Clark’s Christmas Kids, a program that collects presents for foster children in Georgia. An around-the-clock, moneysaving, consumer-safety advocate, Howard cares about consumers. As gift-buying and travel pick up again around the holidays, we enter a prime season for a variety of consumer challenges. Luckily, we sat down with Howard to get some proactive advice and timely tips on safe buying and giving this holiday season.

AJT: What is the one thing every consumer should do to stay safe?

Howard: Freezing your credit is free and shuts criminals down cold when they try to apply for credit as you. Credit account fraud is the number-one form of ID theft and is a mess to clean up. It has no effect on your existing credit. You freeze your credit with Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. It will take a total of about 15 minutes to complete the process. I have a credit freeze guide at clark.com/creditfreeze.

AJT: For those of us who are seniors (over 65), how do we protect our social security number and identity?

Howard: Most important thing for seniors, but actually for consumers of any age: It seems that every form at every hospital, lab, diagnostic center and doctor will ask for your social security number.

Always leave this blank or put in all zeros.

The medical industry has such poor internet security that nearly half of ID thefts start there.

AJT: What is a helpful tip for smartphones?

Howard: People have been replacing their smartphones less frequently than in the past, as the changes are more incremental year to year than used to be the case. If you do want a new phone, use that as a time to shop for a new calling plan with all the cell phone companies. They will usually bribe you with a huge discount on a new phone and you make yourself a free agent so you can find the cheapest plans by not just going back to the company you already use. If you are or were in the military or are over 55 years old, T-Mobile has much better price plans than AT&T and Verizon.

AJT: Are there any settings on our

phones that you think we should know about to stay safe?

Howard: I don’t have an iPhone so I’m not sure of the specific setting, but I know that iPhone users have the privilege of being able to block most apps from using their personal data. It is something all iPhone users should do. Unfortunately, there is no equivalent for Android users. If you have an Android, download the Lookout app, which does a great job of protecting you from spyware and viruses.

AJT: Do you have any tips on the best way to protect yourself while traveling?

Howard: Get a pouch that goes under your clothing to protect yourself from the pickpockets. Hide a credit card and some cash in your suitcase so that if someone does steal your wallet, you have the back-up.

AJT: Are there any websites you love that we should all know about?

Howard: I love to travel, so my favorite is Scott’s Cheap Flights. It notifies you whenever there are great deals for travel. People who like to fly business class can buy a premium membership from Scott’s that saves a ton on front-of-the-plane tickets.

AJT: With online crime on the rise, what is a good practice to avoid being hacked or stolen from?

Howard: Don’t post your birthday, birthplace or other key info on social media. Criminals can use info when people overshare to steal from your bank, credit union and brokerage accounts.

AJT: Regarding credit cards, what are the best practices? What should we know?

Howard: Using credit cards as a payment system is great. Running balances on them is a disaster, with the average interest rate around 17%. If you pay in full, reward cards are king. Avoid the temptation of the airline reward cards unless you charge a minimum of $10,000 per month or fly that Peggy.Feldman@HarryNorman.com airline a minimum of 6 times per year. Oth404-310-0895 Cell erwise, get a cash-back card. The best pay 2% cash back on everything and have no annual fee.

AJT: What is your favorite way to save money these days? Any tips for our savings-conscious readers?

Howard: I hate paying for parking. I had to go to visit my doctor today and the parking charge is insane. I went on Google Maps and found the closest place I could park legally for free. It was an 11-minute walk each way, so I got 2,000 steps in and saved around $10.

Clark Howard is one of the country’s leading advocates for safety and consumer protection.

AJT: Do you think everyone should bank online?

Howard: Online banking is fantastic!

People under 35 generally don’t see traditional banks as relevant. The beauty of online banking is that virtually all services are fee-free. In addition, savings interest rates are usually 20 times that of traditional banks. Although that doesn’t matter as much with interest rates as low as they have been the last few years.

AJT: What’s the next-smartest time of the year to purchase something large? Any tips on your favorite sales coming up in January or February?

Howard: Sales patterns are totally disrupted because of the supply chain issues.

It is impossible right now to state which items will be a deal and when.

AJT: Are you a fan of the highest-grade gas for a luxury automobile or should we go with the cheapest? What do you drive and put in your tank?

Howard: I have driven an electric ve-

hicle for 10 years now. I could never go back to gas. As for those who still suffer with that overpriced gasoline, most vehicles made since 1996 that require premium will run perfectly on regular. What you will lose is some of the rated horsepower. Porsche says any car they make can run on either fuel type, even though premium is recommended so you can drive at the speeds that will get you a speeding ticket.

AJT: Are there any insurance policy tips you wish more people knew?

Howard: The auto insurance business is going through massive changes right now. There are a number of app-based insurers that offer a potentially better deal than companies that spend billions of dollars on advertising. People under 35 are signing up by the millions for non-traditional insurance. Check out people like Mile Auto, Lemonade and Metromile. ì For more tips, deals and consumer safety best practices check out Howard’s website at www.Clark.com.

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 7

NEWS

Atlanta Jewish Groups Welcome Afghan Refugees

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

Fishman.

Te m p l e memLike many Americans, members of the Sinai Atlanta Jewish community were horrified bers are by no when Americans and tens of thousands of means the only Afghan partners were evacuated from Ka- Atlanta Jews bul airport in a chaotic, historic airlift this scrambling to past August. In the final half of that month, help welcome more than “120,000 U.S. citizens, citizens of hundreds of our allies, and Afghan allies of the United Afghan immiStates” were airlifted out of Afghanistan, ac- grants. “Ever since the airlift cording to U.S. President Joe Biden.

Thus ended America’s longest war, captured the which started within weeks of the 9/11 world’s attenattacks. Marine Corps General Kenneth tion,” the subTemple Sinai spent Nov. 21 assembling welcome gift Temple Sinai’s Elijah Levin collected more than 1,300 McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Com- ject of Afghan bags for Afghan families arriving in Atlanta. items for Afghan families for his bar mitzvah project. kept mand, said there were no Americans on the evacuees coming up in conversation at Congregation lar choices of education, kiddush, building The training also included advice about last five flights out of Kabul. what to put in the welcome gift bags. Any Today there are still more than 50,000 Or Hadash (COH), reported Renee Videlef- fund or general fund.

Evacuees “literally come with just the food has to be halal. Afghans like black and Afghan evacuees living in temporary hous- sky, a board member and Tikkun Olam clothing on their backs,” said Videlefsky. green teas. ing on U.S. military bases around the coun- committee chair.

Other essential items included toiletCOH immediately decided to take the She appealed to the Jewish Moms of Atlantry. Resettlement agencies are working ries, games, puzzles, dictionadoption route. “It’s fine to do- ta Facebook page, asking for feverishly to get them off the aries and toys. Various synanate money, but people really donations of children’s clothbases and into communities by gogues are also encouraging wanted to do more and have ing and other items. “We got a the end of the year. people to buy gift cards — esthe opportunity to bond with a wonderful response,” she reAnd Atlanta’s Jews are eapecially from Target, Walmart family in need and learn about ported. ger to help. and Macy’s.

Videlefsky is also a board another culture,” said Videlef“There’s a lot of enthuAs of Nov. 15, New Amerisky, who has been working member of the National Counsiasm in our synagogue, and can Pathways (NAP) alone with immigrants since the late cil of Jewish Women Atlanta everywhere, for Afghans,” welcomed 107 Afghan refugees 1980s. She was a Jewish Big Section, where she’s been insaid Leslie Walden, co-chair of to Atlanta, with another 100 Sister to Russian immigrants, volved in their Afghan relief a large committee at Temple The refugees “literally Islamic Speakers expected the following week. helping newcomers maneuver efforts. Sherry Frank, co-presiSinai. “We feel responsible for come with just the Bureau Executive “By year end 2021, we will have dent of NCJW, pointed out that the system. them. These are people who clothing on their backs,” Director Soumaya 250 from Afghanistan and we The COH committee has the more than 100-year-old risked their lives for us, and said Renee Videlefsky Khalifa is offering expect another 150 in early NCJW has always worked with two co-chairs: Steve Levene and people feel terrible about this.” of Congregation cultural training 2022,” said Nancy Gaddy, chief Naomi Binenfeld. “We want no immigrants. “At the turn of the Walden’s co-chair, Jane Or Hadash. to groups assisting Afghan families. advancement officer of NAP. more than eight core people,” [20th] century, we met Jews at Fishman, said Temple Sinai The biggest challenge to resettlement is created the Immigrant & Refugee Justice said Videlefsky, explaining that there’s a vet- Ellis Island, and also after World War II,” said Campaign about four years ago. During that ting process through the resettlement agen- Frank. In the 1970s, the local group worked a lack of housing, according to Aimee Zantime, the group — referred to as a “circle” cy they chose, called Inspiritus. The core with Jewish Family & Career Services of At- gandou, director of refugee and immigrant services for Inspiritus. “There’s group members will be trained lanta to assist immigrants arriv— has worked with several a housing shortage and rents and pass background checks ing from the Soviet Union. refugee resettlement agencies are so expensive. We need lesMembers of NCJW are before they can meet with the in Atlanta, distributing food sors who are willing to work family of seven that has been working with New American and going to detention centers. with the agency.” Meanwhile, assigned to COH. Once vetted, Pathways to make dozens of “When the Afghan refugees some of the Afghan families the group will be responsible welcome baskets. But before started coming, we started already in Atlanta are being for helping the family furnish doing so, Frank turned to the working with New American housed temporarily in hotels their new home, learn English Islamic Speakers Bureau, crePathways,” Fishman said, one and Airbnb vacation rentals. ated in August 2001 to build and adjust to life in America. of four refugee resettlement B’nai mitzvah children “There are different levels bridges of understanding agencies operating in the city. are joining the efforts as well. of adoption, including time and create interfaith partnerTemple Sinai, in collaboTemple Sinai’s Jane “We were once Fishman wants to immigrants,” said Temple Sinai member Elijah and money,” said Videlefsky. ships. ISB Executive Director ration with Temple Emanu-El, collaborate with other Sherry Frank, coLevin collected more than “We are called a companion Soumaya Khalifa conducted a The Temple and Congregation synagogues to help president of NCJW. 1,300 items for his bar mitzvah Or Hadash, has been conduct- resettle Afghan refugees. partner, which requires a com- cultural training course for the project. mitment of $1,000 and three individuals assisting the Afghan refugees. ing a clothing drive and asFrank explains that although the latest “Most of us didn’t know much about sembling welcome baskets for the Afghan months. We’ll have no problem raising the families arriving in Atlanta. “We get a lot money and this will be more than a three- the history, religion and cultural nuances of group of immigrants seeking refuge in Atof support from our synagogue through month commitment. We really want to get Afghanistan,” said Frank. “Soumaya’s train- lanta may not be Jewish, it’s not surprising this circle,” said Fishman, noting that 120 our kids involved.” As of November, COH’s ing is so fabulous.” Among other nuances, that the Jewish community is so welcoming. congregants are circle members, although donation web page gives contributors a the group was taught that women shouldn’t “There’s no Jewish connection,” she said. they are not all active. “After the new year, choice of donating to the congregation’s shake hands with religious men, just as is “It’s just Jewish tradition. We were once imwe plan to adopt an Afghan family,” added Afghan Relief fund, in addition to the regu- the custom among many Orthodox Jews. migrants.” ì 8 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

NEWS

Lipstadt Calls for Anti-Semitism Education at Home

Deborah Lipstadt spoke about anti-Semitism in a program sponsored by the Jewish Education Project.

College campuses have increasingly seen anti-Israel rallies and demonstrations.

By Bob Bahr

Cobb County Board of Education approving a resolution condemning anti-SemiDeborah Lipstadt, the renowned tism and racism in the public schools.

Despite the findings of recent reports, Emory professor of Jewish history, says parents can do more to prepare their chil- Lipstadt believes that parents and educadren to face the growing threat of anti- tors have a responsibility to emphasize Semitism in schools and the general com- not just the dangers inherent in everyday life but also to strengthen munity. She told an online the self-image that young audience assembled by Jews have of themselves. the New York-based JewWithout that, Lipstadt beish Education Project that lieves that young people the family setting is a good may begin to withdraw place to emphasize the from an active role in the proud history of Jewish community. life.

“If all the student “The first thing we knows about their Jewish should do is infuse young identity is that it’s a reason people with the joys of bethat people don’t like you, ing Jewish,” she advised, or to make snide remarks “infuse them with the posiThe ADL’s David Hoffman about you, then if I were tive stuff, tell them what says the organization has that kid, I would say, ‘you they’re about and not just partnered with local colleges know what? I’m not idenwhat they’re against. Make to help Jewish students tifying. I’m going underthem feel that being Jewish confront anti-Semitism. ground. I’m not wearing is this great thing. It’s a trathat Jewish star around my neck.’” dition. It’s a long family tradition.”

It is not just anti-Semitic attacks that In its annual survey of “The State of Antisemitism in America” this year, the target Jewish students. A new report reAmerican Jewish Committee reported leased on Dec. 8 by the Anti-Defamation that 82% of American Jews said that anti- League described continuing efforts to Semitism had risen over the past five years condemn Israel and Zionism and to isoand that 25% said that they have been the late pro-Israel and Zionist students. In target of religious prejudice over the past 2021, according to the ADL, anti-Israel activity on college campuses was at the year. It described its finding as “grim.”

The release of the report on Oct. 25 highest rate in recent memory.

“This action disproportionately imcoincided with the third anniversary of the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue pacts large percentages of Jewish students, in Pittsburgh, which killed 11 congregants for whom a connection with Israel is an as they assembled for worship. Accord- integral component of their religious, soing to the AJC, the study is the largest ever cial, or cultural lives and identities,” the done of American Jews and the general report pointed out.

It went on to say, “one of the most public on anti-Semitism in America.

In September, swastika graffiti was common strategies of anti-Israel activfound in the bathrooms of Pope and Las- ists in 2020-2021 was to promote the view siter high schools in Cobb County. The that any expression of a connection with vigorous community response and the or support for Israel is racist, thereby impublicity over the incidents resulted in the plicitly painting many Jewish students as

being complicit in the alleged misdeeds of the Israeli government.”

Though Lipstadt pointed out that disagreement over the policies of the Jewish state should not always be interpreted as anti-Semitic, often that kind of criticism hides a darker message.

“Some anti-Semites know that it’s not so cool anymore to be an anti-Semite.

After the Holocaust, people look at scans and say bad things about Jews, but you can say bad things about Israel. So they cloak their anti-Semitism in anti-Israel [rhetoric]. ‘I’m not against Jews. I’m just against Israel. I love Jews. Some of my best friends are Jews,’” she said.

In August, the ADL announced that it was partnering with Hillel International to develop a Campus Climate Initiative to help train students to stand up for themselves in classrooms and online. Hillel has produced a video series on the history of anti-Semitism and how the hate speech and tactics have changed in recent years.

The videos are being used, according to Hillel, to teach 500 new professionals in the organization to confront new chal-

J

lenges.

David Hoffman, the assistant director of the ADL’s regional office in Atlanta, said that the effort is aimed at strengthening the resolve of Jewish students to assert themselves in response to the growth of anti-Semitism in education.

“What we know is that students need to be prepared to speak up and to share facts,” Hoffman pointed out, “They need to respond when they’re being approached with arguments that are not correct and to show strength when incidents do occur.”

Just as Lipstadt is enthusiastic about making the home a starting place for anti-Semitism awareness, Hoffman also believes that there is no better place to prepare students for what they may face in secondary education and on college campuses.

“Families really need to be having these conversations about anti-Semitism,” he said. “Parents need to be prepared to have the conversations and sometimes they need to be the ones to start the conversations.” ì

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NEWS

She's A 2021 Maccabee ter. She does it with grace, and she does things quietly. She doesn’t do things for recognition, rather because of the good it does. She hosts events for fundraising at her home, and she is one of the most giving, unique and strong women I know

Chana Shapiro On Dec. 6, the Jewish Interest-Free Loan Association of Atlanta (JIFLA), announced the winners of the She’s A Maccabee Awards. These annual Chanukah awards honor powerful Atlanta women who are using their talents, passions and strong commitment to the Jewish community to help others.

The awards were inspired by JIFLA’s Women’s Empowerment Loan Fund, which enables women to achieve personal and professional self-sufficiency.

Award nominees are recommended by Atlanta community members, and the winners are chosen by JIFLA’s executive staff. The following are excerpts from community members’ letters in praise of the 2021 award recipients:

Cheryl Dorchinsky

Cheryl is a passionate, hardworking advocate, volunteer, and online administrator (for groups with over 4.5k members). She is a community member who is responsible for building strong relationships between nonprofit organiza-

tions, promoting diversity, and is a blessing to the Atlanta community. When she saw a need for advocacy for Israel, she founded the Atlanta Israel Coalition to foster a nonpartisan, multi-faith collective effort to amplify pro-Israel voices, through free online Israel tours and partnering on more than 45 Israel-related educational programs. Cheryl left a job as a successful executive in the corporate world to pursue her dream of uniting diverse Israel supporters, while combating anti-Semitism. And she does it without receiving a salary!

Stacy Fialkow

Stacy’s nickname is “Sunshine.” She is a ray of sunshine, no matter what she is doing, no matter who she is communicating with, no matter what project she is working on, no matter what school she is donating her time for, no matter if she knows you or is simply walking by you at the park. She brings light to all of us and makes each person feel special, and in today’s world, this is an invaluable gift to all. As a JF&CS staff member, she makes our community and world bet-

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10 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Michele Hirsch

Michele saved my family. Her acts of generosity know no bounds, and had she not come into my life, offering me nothing short of a miracle, I have no idea where my kids and I would be today. More specifically, Michele made it possible for my son to ac-

NEWS

Each of the four recipients received a special candle, representing the light each of them bestows on others.

cess a life-changing autism teaching program, for which my family and I will forever be grateful. I have shared the miracle story with people all over, and it has inspired many strangers to tears. Michele works behind the scenes to ensure her community members reach their potential.

Jill Wheatley

Jill has a heart that knows no bounds.

Her home and personal life keep her busy, but she is never too busy to share her time, energy and elder-care skills with others in need. As a volunteer, delivering home cooked meals to seniors, Jill encountered a situation of extreme need. She worked tirelessly to tap into resources to ensure that proper care and attention were provided.

Jill waded into an incredibly difficult situation and pushed for results that would be in the best interests of an elderly couple she had just met. Along the way, Jill developed a kinship and strong emotional connection with this senior couple. Recently, the husband passed away and Jill arranged the funeral service and delivered an emotional and heartfelt eulogy. Her steady hand and support provided a gift to this couple that can never be repaid. Jill is a tribute to selfless acts of lovingkindness, respect of elders and community.

Each of the four recipients received a certificate and a specially created candle, representing the light each of them bestows on others. The candle was chosen as a symbol of their Maccabee-like impact on the Jewish community.

“The award is a beautiful and humbling honor,” said Stacy Fialkow. “I was completely surprised to receive it, because there are so many women ‘warriors’ out there with a spirit of giving, kindness and loyalty

to the community.”

Cheryl Dorchinsky agreed. “In my mind, the phrase ‘She’s a Maccabee’ represents strength and a sign to never give up,” she said. “There are days when I feel discouraged; however, I continue because the cause is so important. The work we do impacts all of us, as well as future generations.

I am one person, but together our voices are louder, our light shines brighter and we can be a greater force for good in our community and across the globe.”

“Being honored is very exciting,” Michele Hirsch said. “I believe we all have the potential to be Maccabees, once we find our passions in life. I have been fortunate to find missions that motivate me to work hard and hopefully to inspire others.”

Special recognition was given to Private Ahava E. Heart. “Ahava embodies the tradition of the Jewish woman warrior! She is the direct third generation serving in the United States Armed Forces. She is enrolled in the U.S. Army Nursing ROTC program at Radford University in Virginia, with the career goal of serving as a U.S. army nurse.

Continuing her family’s Maccabean Jewish woman warrior tradition, with this exception — she will be saving lives instead of taking them," JIFLA wrote.

“We are thrilled to announce our 2021 JIFLA’s She’s a Maccabee winners, honoring the many female warriors in our community,” said Nancy Weissmann, Executive Director of JIFLA. “We are proud to continue the tradition during Chanukah and shine a spotlight on those who are actively working to spread the Jewish values of community, love and giving to those less fortunate. We received so many deserving nominations, it was a challenge to select our winners! Every single story submitted told of an exemplary woman who gives so much to those around them.”

For more information on the She’s A Maccabee Awards and to learn about JIFLA’s loan programs please visit www.jifla. org. JIFLA helps Jewish community members to overcome challenging financial periods and to maintain financial stability by providing interest-free loans. For more information, please call 470.268.5665 or email office@JIFLA.org. Visit JIFLA.org and follow JIFLA’s social channels on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. ì

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NEWS

Student Apologizes for Anti-Semitic Graffiti

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

but the majority of the community was grateful for being with the student in Two months after the shock- the process of tshuvah.”

That process may include joining ing swastikas and “heil Hitler” graffiti were scrawled in two Cobb County Sernovitz at the Breman Museum to learn more about the high schools, one of the Holocaust. And, after young offenders has a subsequent call with apologized for his unthe father, Sernovitz thinking actions and, said the student may according to one Cobb perform a community rabbi, is going through service such as planting the process of tshuvah, flowers for the Daffodil or repentance.

Project, one flower rep“The father and resenting each of the 1.5 son took the initiative million Jewish children to contact me, and we killed in the Holocaust. met for one and a half “I believe the apolhours, talking about the ogy was authentic,” said impact of his actions,” Sernovitz. “I believe this said Rabbi Larry Serstudent is suffering and novitz, senior rabbi at will go through a proTemple Kol Emeth. “I I’m not sure I have ever seen cess for a long time.” anything like this,” said Allison felt remorse from the Some of the Jewish son and a feeling of sad- Padilla-Goodman, vice president of the southern division of ADL. students approached ness and guilt. I saw the humanity in this child as he was grap- the 15-year-old afterwards and said they pling with the impact of his actions that accepted his apology. He was also invithe didn’t anticipate. I shared with him ed to share in celebrations of Chanukah, about the Holocaust and about the pro- which was just around the corner at that point. cess of tshuvah.”

According to Rabbi Daniel Dorsch However, Sernovitz shared Holocaust survivor Elie Weisel’s contention at Congregation Etz Chaim, some of that apologies must be made to those his congregation’s teens who were inimpacted in the community. He offered vited at the last minute to the program, to give the student an opportunity to knew the Pope High School student read his written apology directly to from homeroom. “To get up in front of a group of kids and Cobb high school stureflect on what he did dents and parents at and admit to making an upcoming program a mistake was couraabout anti-Semitism. geous,” said Dorsch.

Sernovitz invited his “But the courage works young congregants and both ways. It was also also invited high school courageous for my kids students from Congreto come. There are a lot gation Etz Chaim to a of layers that continue private, by invitationto be unpacked in Cobb only program that was schools.” held at Temple Kol Allison PadillaEmeth. Because he is a Goodman, vice presiminor, he remains undent of the southern identified. division of the Anti-Def“This was a chalamation League, who lenging moment for Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, senior led the parent training all of us,” said Sernorabbi at Temple Kol Emeth, said vitz, recalling when the the majority of the audience was workshop on anti-Sem15-year-old read aloud grateful for being with the student itism after the apology “in the process of tshuvah.” was made, also told the his letter of apology and then answered questions that had been AJT that it was “incredibly brave of that submitted earlier. “It didn’t take away young man. It was not necessarily an aufrom what the child had done and the dience that was excited to see him.”

But she thought that Sernovitz impact on those in Atlanta and around the country. Some people who attended “framed it perfectly as an act of apology didn’t like the format and the remarks, in Jewish values. I’m not sure I have ever 12 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Pope High School reported two incidents of anti-Semitic graffiti, one of which included a swastika and read "hail Hitler".

trict schools. The resolution didn’t speciseen anything like this.”

Padilla-Goodman said “it was clear fy what CRT was, but the board dropped from this young man that if somebody the No Place for Hate initiative.

“Schools need to address how to had stood up to him, I don’t think he would have done it. He didn’t harbor ha- navigate hatred,” Padilla-Goodman emtred to Jews. He had Jewish friends. We phasized.

As far as the Cobb student’s apology, talk a lot about standing up to hatred at its lowest levels, especially with people she said, “I hope the [Jewish] students who are close to you in your life – those learned from it. They saw a young man who made a bad decision and confrontwho will listen to you.”

In fact, in her subsequent workshop ed that decision in front of a scary audifor the parents, she talked about how ence. I hope they saw him as a humble young people need to be given the tools human who wanted to find understandto stand up to hatred. “There are ways to ing. We all felt the need for grace and need for education.” use the language,” when Dorsch observed one hears something that the teen’s father anti-Semitic, or anti-Iswas very “stoic in an rael or anti-anyone. She obviously grave situasuggested that a person tion. The kid has not rehearing this hatred, ask turned to school [since a question, or say they the incident]. It’s obviare uncomfortable with ously had a big impact that statement or just on their life.” He was say, “that’s not cool.” referring to the fact that Padilla-Goodman the teen was expelled stressed that these from school as a result kinds of tools and ideas of his participation in are why the ADL No the graffiti.

Place for Hate initiative According to Sernois so crucial. “We have vitz, “there are different more schools than ever” “To get up in front of a group of offering this program, kids and reflect on what he did and reasons why people paradmit to making a mistake was ticipate in anti-Semitic including 500 across the courageous,” said Rabbi Daniel hate crimes. This kid is Southern division and 260 in Georgia alone. Dorsch of Congregation Etz Chaim. not anti-Semitic in his “Every Atlanta school offers No Place for heart. I believe we have the opportuHate,” except Cobb County which barred nity to create an ally in him.” He added, it last June after the Cobb school board “I feel the gravity of the moment. I feel passed a resolution banning Critical honored to help in this restorative just Race Theory and The New York Times’ process. It’s a learning experience all 1619 project from being taught in dis- around.” ì

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NEWS

Atlanta Scholars Kollel Event Features Disney Executive

Rabbi David Silverman greeted guest speaker Jim Kapenstein, who flew in from California.

Young women from Brookhaven Kollel were in attendance. Left to right Elaine Berkovich, Danielle Spelfogel, Maria Barton.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Torah. His presentation was titled “Decision of a Lifetime.”

As in past ASK events, the rabbis surprised the crowd with clever skits extolling the Kollel’s outreach efforts. This year, Rabbi David Silverman (Head of Kollel) and Rabbi Daniel Freitag tossed about possible tongue-in-cheek acronym alternatives to ASK, though “MASK,” “TOKE,” “CASKET,” and “MOSQUE” were ultimately rejected.

Rabbi Daniel Pransky gave a D’var

After some COVID stalls and postponements, the Atlanta Scholars Kollel networking event attracted a crowd of 150 at City Springs on Dec. 6. This year’s guest speaker, Walt Disney Company Senior Vice President and Associate Council Jim Kapenstein, flew in from Los Angeles to share the emotional journey that brought him to a fuller and more fulfilling life through practice and belief in

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Jordan Tritt (right) introduced his friend, David Gutt, to Kollel.

Rabbi Yosef Vakrat, Congregation Ariel’s Israeli liaison, shared news of his new preschool venture with Rabbi Daniel Freitag, Chris Pena and Junko Horvath.

Torah emphasizing Chanukah’s miracles had to navigate his way through lessof oil and survival. Kapenstein enrap- than-friendly environments while sticktured the audience as he told the story of ing to his values as an observant Jew. his involvement in the Jewish community, “There were times when I gave up milstarting in Dunwoody, and encompass- lions in bonuses to not work through ing both his professional and family life. Friday evening and Saturday on a major Kapenstein’s father, who died tragically merger,” he elaborated. “Especially diffiat 34, was the co-chairman of Robert Ken- cult since non-observant Jews were in the nedy’s presidential campaign and was room, not observing the Sabbath. When they realized that I with Kennedy at the would not comprohotel when he was asmise, they came to sassinated. He menrespect me and went tioned that his father out of their way to had cautioned RFK schedule around obagainst going into the servances.” Along the kitchen to meet the way, he threw out big workers before the names like Bob Iger, tragedy occurred.

George Lucas, and Fatherless at a other giants of the young age, Kapenindustry. stein told the crowd The heartfelt that his two older Eric Miller (left) and Ross Fishbein (right) brothers found their flank Rabbi Yosef Shapiro, who has grown core of his message way to observant the Brookhaven Kollel to 600 participants. was the role of learning and the caliber of Judaism before he himself began asking serious questions. the Atlanta Kollel staff. “I’ve experienced “Twenty-six years ago, I sat in the front learning in L.A., but the Atlanta Kollel Rabrow of such an audience as here tonight,” banim are like diamonds,” he said. “Nothhe said. “Asking heavy questions, such as, ing touches the rabbis here. When people ‘How will Judaism play a role in my life? like that believe in you, you ascend!”

Kapenstein invited his wife, Jill How will I raise my family? Would I want my daughter to join a sorority?’” Kapen- Caller, to field questions alongside him. stein wanted proof that a 2,000-year-old Having also grown up in a non-Orthodox Torah was still alive; Rabbi Benyamin setting, she described how the pair had made this journey together, growing — Friedman answered the call.

Kapenstein, who wore business at- sometimes at different rates — and artire and matching tennis shoes, held the riving at a wonderful family with five audience’s attention by speaking very children. “We grew together by seeking softly and intentionally. “With 3 out of 4 advice from Rabbanim. I succeeded by [marriages being] intermarriages today, not being a perfectionist. It wasn’t easy, we all have the ‘max of 120 years’ to de- but it’s so meaningful and worthwhile,” cide our purpose and make an informed she concluded.

Another audience member asked decision. Think of COVID, G-d decides everything in the world. When have we wit- Kapenstein to reveal what Disney’s next nessed such shut downs … even yeshivas acquisition might be. An expert in mergers and acquisitions, Kapenstein declosed. Never before!”

As a high-level corporate attorney murred, saying that he had already dished for Disney, Kapenstein said that he had on too many names and secrets. ì

NEWS

Atlanta Team in San Diego for Breast Cancer Walk

By Flora Rosefsky “You’ll be fine, and I’ll be walking next to you,” said Donna Newman to her good friend, Rina Wolfe, about 20 months ago, after being told about Wolfe’s breast cancer diagnosis.

True to her word, when Newman learned about the Susan G. Koman 3-Day for the Cure walk in San Diego this year, Rina Wolfe gets support from her children and Team co-captains Rina Wolfe and Roslyn Konter San Diego police officers wear she signed up to honor grandchildren. Megan Sheridan, Amy Sheridan, Tova receive The Susan G. Koman® fund-raising award. costumes to the three-day event.

Weiss, Rina Wolfe, Madison Weiss, Ashley Sheridan. her friend as part of Atlanta’s Angels 4 Angels team.

“This team was so much about supporting me through my cancer journey,” Wolfe said, “I’m proud and humbled by their love.”

Approximately 2,300 walkers from 49 states showed up for the event to fund breast cancer research, treatment and support services (held from Nov. 19 Roslyn Konter, Donna Newman Sue Rothstein, Rina Wolfe, Roslyn Konter, Donna 3-Day Walk ends after the team walked a total of 60 miles. and Rina Wolfe walk the sidewalks Newman and Susan Sandler take a short break. to 21), including Debbi and streets of San Diego.

Chartash and Melody blinking an eye, I told her to count Maziar, the founders of Angels 4 Angels. ballerina tutus me in,” Sandler said. For her birthAdditional contributions raised by the 10 over their pants. day, she decided to ask family and also team members who walked in San Di- Walkers Facebook friends to donate to her ego brought the fundraising total to over dressed up in cos3-Day Walk fund, recognizing that $88,000. Because Angels 4 Angels raised tumes, colorful “breast cancer or some form of canthe highest amount per capita, the Atlan- T-shirts and hats. cer impacts everyone, whether it’s The Angels ta-based multi-generational team was a family member or someone you recognized with the “Small but Mighty 4 Angels Atlanta know.” group stood out Award” in a presentation on Nov. 20.

On the third evening, all the Joining Wolfe and Newman were from the so-called groups came together following the Gretchen Buchanan, Roslyn Konter, Susan “pink bubble” by The Angels 4 Angels team gets ready to begin their 3-Day Walk.

60-mile walk. Special groups entered Sandler, Amy Sheridan (Wolfe’s daugh- wearing yellow Gretchen Buchanan, Donna Newman, Megan Sheridan, Roslyn to a standing ovation: the volunteers, ter), Megan Sheridan (Wolfe’s grand- hats. Besides the Konter, Susan Sandler, Sue Rothstein, Rina Wolfe, Amy Sheridan. the youth corps, and the survivors, indaughter), former Atlantan Sue Rothstein, plethora of pink cluding Sue Rothstein and Rina Wolfe.

Saralyn Dunphy (Wolfe’s daughter from clothing, a sea of In her remarks, Wolfe said, “the Sandler went on to say how the camaraderie Knoxville), and Jeffrey Wolfe (stepson free pink tents set up in a nearby campfrom Coral Gables). Cheering the team ground, available for registered walkers, fourth Angel is in honor of all family and and the experience of being a 3-Day walker on were Wolfe’s daughter, Tova Weiss, couldn’t be missed. (The Angels 4 Angels friends who are survivors and thrivers. In gave her a profound sense of hope.

Newman said that, unlike Atlanta’s February 2020, I became one of the Angels and granddaughter, Madison Weiss, from team opted to stay at a nearby hotel.)

At a candle lighting ceremony on we walk in honor of. I am now one year annual Peachtree Road Race, for example, Boca Raton.

Asked about how the city of San Di- Saturday evening, Wolfe was one of three cancer-free. My way to remember my sis- “this 3-Day walk was not a contest, not a ego responded to the 2021 walk, Newman participants invited to speak about why ter Lori is to pledge tzedakah and perpetu- race at all. Rather, it was a life affirming said, “the city could not have been more she had started attending the walks. She ate ideals that were important to her. I am experience. It made me realize the value hospitable. Police volunteered their time spoke about how her team, founded by grateful for the sweetness of her life, and of life, and friendships.”

Rothstein, who is already making to make sure we were safe.” Indeed, of- Chartash and Maziar, was formed in for the many acts of lovingkindness she plans for the 2022 walk, said that the ficers stood at intersections, some rode 2007 in memory of three young women did.”

San Diego was also Susan Sandler’s event will be held in Boston next August. bicycles, while others played music to be from the metro Atlanta community who encouraging and friendly. San Diego resi- had lost their battles with breast cancer: first 3-Day Walk. When her friend Rina Wolfe, who has already signed up, invites dents shouted out words of thanks and Jill Alpert, Debbie Sonenshine, and her reached out last summer, asking her to anyone who is interested in taking part to join the Angels 4 Angels team, “without contact her. ì applauded. Some even wore costumes like youngest sister, Lori Fierman.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 15

NEWS

Jewish Tower Wins National Recognition for Quality

By Bob Bahr The National Affordable Housing Management Association has named The Jewish Tower in Buckhead, a Community of Quality. This honor is for the largest residence in the portfolio of the Jewish HomeLife Network and is in recognition of the facility meeting the highest rental standards for safe, affordable senior housing. The executive director of The Jewish Tower, Lee Pratt, believes the award speaks to the work that has been accomplished for more than 40 years of service to the community.

“It’s a recognition of the efforts we have made over the years. It’s a unique honor for an Atlanta community. We’re the only community of this type that has this recognition here,” said Pratt.

The recognition, according to Jewish HomeLife’s marketing manager, Shari Bayer, is one that’s shared by everyone at the organization, which has facilities in Alpharetta and Dunwoody. “Why this certification is so nice is that it’s really a validation of what we’ve been doing the last couple of years particularly at The Jewish Tower, since it has become part of the Jewish HomeLife

16 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Lee Pratt, left, executive director, serves lunch at an appreciation luncheon for staff of The Jewish Tower,

For over 40 years The Jewish Tower has been serving the Atlanta community.

network. Lee and her team have worked so hard to help all their residents and have gone the extra mile,” she said.

Funding for The Jewish Tower comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. According to Kris Cook, the executive director of the National Affordable Housing Management Association, the award is limited to a very small number of affordable housing com-

munities. “The Jewish Tower is among the executive director, during the initial months select few that have achieved the very high- of the pandemic many HUD supported faciliest standard of excellence in property man- ties were unable to quickly gather medical agement and in the provision of services resources. “None of the other HUD buildings, to lower-income families. These services to my knowledge, had the kind of support enable residents to attain high levels of self- we had, and we’re not only grateful for it, sufficiency and success in their lives and for but we believe it saved lives and allowed us to do things other buildings were not able to. their families,” she said.

The award is particularly significant, I think that was an important part of giving since it comes during the midst of nearly people peace of mind at a time when it was two years of difficult times for senior liv- very much needed. For us to know that we could lean on profesing communities sional medical staff across the country. and scientists from According to the the CDC in Atlanta to Nonpartisan and get answers to quesObjective Research tions that were urCenter at University gent and important of Chicago, since the was priceless,” she early months of said.

2020 -- 33% of the As the facility independent living looks ahead to the communities in the New Year, Pratt is United States have conlost residents to the The Jewish Tower in Buckhead wins national particularly award from affordable housing association. cerned about not COVID pandemic, yet twice that number of communities have just the physical well-being of residents, but the psychological challenges they face. She come away relatively unscathed.

“While COVID-19 has been devastat- believes that the COVID vaccine earlier this ing for older adults, a majority of properties year and the booster shots that all the resiavoided any resident deaths,” said Caroline dents have recently received will give hope Pearson, senior vice president of health to them. While they are still wary of the dancare strategy and lead researcher at NORC. gers the pandemic poses, she is particularly “Death rates in senior housing increased in concerned about keeping them connected settings of care that serve the most vulnera- to others. Pratt stated, “We’re offering a vable residents, based on age, health status, and riety of activities that they can do and still caregiving needs. Healthier, more active resi- feel safe and not feel isolated. We’ve noticed dents in independent living had comparable over the last few months that the feeling of isolation has probably been almost as bad mortality to those living in private homes.”

The Jewish Tower’s success in keeping as the fear of the pandemic because it has residents safe may be partially the result of a real impact on people. So, we’re trying to the resources that are available through The keep that balance of people staying healthy William Breman Jewish Home, an assisted both physically and mentally.”

The award to The Jewish Tower will living community that is adjacent to the building. Over the years the two communi- be presented at the annual meeting of the ties have developed important relationships National Affordable Housing Management with medical experts within and outside the Association in Washington, D.C. in March Jewish community. According to Pratt, the 2022. ì

BUSINESS Merchant & Gould Adds New Litigation Group Merchant & Gould P.C., a national intellectual property (IP) law firm that has helped innovators around the globe since 1900, has announced the formation of its new International Trade Commission (ITC) Group, specializing in Section 337 investigations before the ITC and expanding the firm’s capabilities at a critical time. Atlanta is one of the firm’s seven office locations.

The ITC Section 337 Investigations Group, which will sit within the firm’s Litigation Practice, serves all clients, regardless of industry, and handles both patent and non-patent issues (trademark, trade dress, false advertising and trade secrets) under Section 337. As a global law firm that has focused exclusively on intellectual property work for more than 120 years, Merchant & Gould has deep experience that cuts across all technology fields and a historical understanding for how trade and intellectual property affect a company’s ability to innovate.

Section 337 litigation is considered a specialty within the broader field of intellectual property and unfair competition litigation, encompassing all types of IP and unfair competition claims. Cases

Christopher J. Leonard Managing director, CEO, and chairman of the board, Merchant & Gould.

Joshua A Hartman, partner, Merchant & Gould

typically blend traditional IP issues, such as patent, copyright, trademark infringement and trade secret misappropriation, with trial practice and administrative procedure — requiring an interdisciplinary mix of IP law experience, litigation skills and regulatory proficiency, as well as economic and financial knowledge.

“With the launch of the ITC Group and this additional niche, Merchant & Gould is increasing our existing IP capabilities in the ITC litigation space

during an important shift in our global economy. ITC investigations require a variety of IP specializations, and we have a deep team of IP all-stars who understand the complexity of this area, as we move into a more interconnected world,” said Christopher J. Leonard, managing director and CEO of Merchant & Gould. “This distinctive insight and experience will be invaluable to our clients who are protecting their brands and businesses across the world, while balancing different

trade issues.”

According to Joshua Hartman, who joined Merchant & Gould in September as a partner to lead the firm’s ITC Group, “The ITC has been extremely busy, and the trend is continuing with an increasing number of investigations and a greater variety of new complaints.

Relationships among the U.S. and other economies are growing tighter; and the COVID pandemic accelerated reliance on online marketplaces, increasing the risk of unfair competition from imports. Products are also more and more complex, as innovation progresses; and with global supply chains, products are made through contributions from many places. To protect intellectual property, businesses are looking outward, and that’s when Section 337 can provide solutions.”

Hartman added, “Fast action is critical in this part of the IP mix. Thankfully, the rapid resolution in front of the ITC is also fast paced, bringing clients quick relief when it matters most. But you have to know how to navigate deep waters — almost like using a battleship as a speed boat.” ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 17

SPORTS Atlanta Falcons Contract a Jewish Player Two years ago, during a meaningless game in early December against the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins secondstring quarDavid Ostrowsky terback Josh Rosen, sporting a teal-and-orange snow hat, stood on the sidelines at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., watching his team lose 22-21 on a last-second field goal. Rosen was a backup to journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick, who, on this seasonably cool pre-pandemic afternoon, couldn’t manage to lead his 3-10 team into the end zone once.

This couldn’t have been what Rosen had in mind when, not even two years earlier, the Arizona Cardinals made him the 10th selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, following his brilliant career at UCLA. (It was while playing at UCLA that Rosen, who grew up in a Jewish household in Southern California, repeatedly heard

18 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

anti-Semitic slurs from opponents, something he confided to Michael Silver of nfl. com days before the draft.) But that’s life in the NFL (“Not For Long”) where success, at least for many players, remains ever transient.

Still, Rosen’s was a unique situation.

Teams drafting quarterbacks in the first round (Arizona chose Rosen over eventual league MVP Lamar Jackson) traditionally wait at least a few years before deciding to move on. But after nosediving to a 3-13 finish in ’18, the Cardinals had the top pick in the upcoming draft and subsequently couldn’t pass up an opportunity to select University of Oklahoma sensation Kyler Murray. All of which meant Rosen was now the proverbial odd man out, who, after being a West Coast kid his entire life (he grew up outside of L.A.), was traded to Miami. After spending most of the ’19 season behind Fitzpatrick on the depth chart, Rosen was waived the following September, quickly becoming a journeyman himself. After stops in Tampa Bay and San Francisco during the following year — four teams in three years is no way to start an NFL

Josh Rosen takes over for Matt Ryan during the waning moments of a 43-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys last month. // Photos Courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

career — Rosen entered the current season searching for a new backup gig.

He didn’t have to search for long.

Four days after he got released from San Francisco, Atlanta Falcons backup QB AJ McCarron suffered a season-ending

knee injury during a preseason game against Miami. Two days later, Rosen was brought in for a workout before signing with his fifth team.

But he still hadn’t officially landed a roster spot. It wasn’t until following

SPORTS the team’s final preseason game against Cleveland — after only three days of practice — that Rosen, by virtue of completing nine of 18 passes for 118 yards and tossing a touchdown, was able to secure a one-year, $850,000 contract.

Following the preseason finale, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith sounded confident in Rosen being the heir apparent to McCarron as Matt Ryan’s understudy.

“I thought Josh handled it pretty well. He’s been in several systems, a very smart football player. I thought he showed his arm talent tonight. Again, I thought he did a nice job overall.”

As expected, once the games started counting, with Ryan at the helm, Rosen has seen very limited action, attempting merely 11 passes during three mop-up appearances. Granted, it’s been a tiny sample, but Rosen has as many interceptions (two) as he has completions.

But oddly, when he sat down for a rare interview with ESPN last month, Rosen came across as upbeat more than anything.

“I’m more at peace with who I am and how I think about myself probably than I have ever been in my career,” said Rosen, whose father, Dr. Charles Rosen, is a globally renowned spine surgeon, founding director of

While playing time has been sparse, Rosen has taken advantage of playing behind one of the league’s most dependable veterans in Matt Ryan.

the University of California-Irvine Spine Center and former candidate to be the U.S. surgeon general during the Barack Obama administration.

“So, I wake up in the morning with maybe a little bit more pep in my step than I’ve had the past couple years. It’s all really exciting and it’s all right in front of me to just keep pushing on.”

Mind you, these comments came less than a week after a brutal 25-0 loss to the New England Patriots, in which Rosen threw a pick-six to linebacker Kyle Van Noy before getting pulled for the following series.

Still, it’s not too late for Rosen to figure things out. How long he stays in Atlanta (or the NFL for that matter) is anyone’s guess, but the former UCLA standout (and tennis prodigy) is only twenty-four, hasn’t suffered any debilitating injuries as a pro yet, and has surely benefited from having prior league MVP Ryan as a mentor. He’s also showing signs of maturity. While he doesn’t have any major regrets about his past behavior, he has carried with him the reputation of being pouty after a poor performance, a stigma he would like to shed going forward.

To date, Rosen hasn’t seen the field since the debacle against New England the week before Thanksgiving. And with Atlanta being a mediocre team that rarely finds itself in lopsided games, there’s no telling if Rosen will get another chance this year.

But it won’t be for lack of diligent preparation.

“It’s a tough business ... and you’ve had the journey Josh has had, ... cut a bunch of times in a short amount of time,” Smith recently told the media. “Like I said, we’re all human. It’s no different than coaches that move around a bunch in a short span of time. So, I think sometimes different people, they earn it, and he has.

“We’ll just see where it goes. I’ll say this about Josh. A lot of people, they don’t withstand what he has and I appreciate that about him.” ì

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ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME

Sheba Medical Center Holds Historic Chanukah Candle Lighting Ceremony Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s largest hospital, held a historic night of firsts on Dec. 6. As the State of Israel continues to develop closer-than-ever relationships with its regional neighbors, Sheba hosted a Chanukah candle lighting ceremony with the first Bahraini ambassador to Israel, H.E. Khaled Yusuf Al Jalahama. He was joined by Israel’s first ambassador to Bahrain, H.E. Eitan Na’eh, and Prof. Yitshak Kreiss, Director General of Sheba Medical Center.

“Fueled by the notion that healthcare is a non-political issue with no barriers in terms of what can be shared in health, together with the Government of Bahrain, we devised the ‘Prosperity Through Healthcare’

Today in Israeli History Dec. 15, 1999: San Francisco-based venture fund Aqua International Partners buys a 25% stake in Israeli bottled water company Mayanot Eden (Eden Springs) for $47.5 million, financing the company’s expansion into Europe.

Dec. 16, 1984: Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan arrives in Ethiopia with $300,000 worth of relief supplies for a country suffering a drought-driven famine that kills an estimated 1.2 million people over two years.

Dec. 17, 1993: Shlomo Goren, the first head of the IDF’s Military Rabbinate and a former Ashkenazi chief rabbi, calls for soldiers to disobey orders to remove Jewish settlers from the West Bank, Gaza Strip or Golan Heights.

A Kupat Holim Clalit pharmacy operates at Kfar Saba in 1938.

Dec. 18, 1911: A special convention of Jewish agricultural workers in Ottoman Palestine approves a proposal to create Kupat Holim Clalit (General Sick Fund) to pay for the health care of immigrants to the Land of Israel.

20 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

initiative to change the future of the Middle East,” said Prof. Kreiss. “Through the privilege of having the support of our new friend, Ambassador Al Jalahama, together with Ambassador Na’eh, we can make our vision a reality. Healthcare is the most powerful engine of growth in life. It not only creates economic growth, but also engines of peace. The highest level of friendship is achieved by working side by side in a hospital to save lives and I am excited to see this friendship and partnership grow.”

Since the signing of the Abraham Accords in Aug. 2020, Sheba Medical Center has been at the forefront of collaboration with countries in the Gulf region to advance medical care and research. The medical center has partnered with two of Bahrain’s largest hospitals on research initiatives in addition to signing an MoU with the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi for developing improved healthcare services.

“I am honored to celebrate Chanukah with Sheba Medical Center, who have become great partners to the Kingdom of Bahrain in a very short period of time, becoming instrumental for building people-to-people relations between our two countries,” said Ambassador Al Jalahama. “Having signed agreements between Sheba and two of our largest hospitals, we will now see the creation

of an exchange program, fellowships and training courses. These kind of initiatives on subjects without borders are what will bring our two countries together. Sheba have actively and continuously contributed to ensure the success of this historic milestone, a new chapter of peace in the region. I look forward to continuing our work together to develop these relations and hope for Sheba’s continued success moving forward.”

Dec. 19, 1936: Avraham B. Yehoshua, one of Israel’s most acclaimed writers, is born in Jerusalem. Yehoshua leads a new wave of Israeli writers with novels including “The Lover,” “Mr. Mani” and “The Late Divorce.”

ing whether Jews should have the rights of French citizens. Sephardim gain emancipation in January 1790, Ashkenazim in September 1791.

Dec. 20, 1976: Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s Labor-led coalition falls apart as he breaks with the 10-seat National Religious Party. Left with 57 of 120 Knesset seats, he calls for a spring election to avoid a no-confidence vote.

Dec. 21, 1973: A Middle East peace conference opens in Geneva under the auspices of the United States and the Soviet Union. Syria skips the event because Israel refuses to recognize the PLO. The conference ends Dec. 29.

IWI Launches Advanced Body Armor Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) is launching the patented GAL Versatile Protective Suit (VPS). The new suit protects the user with its patented “Gal” system, which absorbs massive kinetic trauma, reducing and diverting the transfer of the blow to the body.

According to the company, the lightweight, wearable protection system is adaptable to all scenarios. A comprehensive, 3-level

Dec. 24, 1969: Israel uses a fake shipping company as a front to purchase five military boats and sneaks them out of Cherbourg, France, defeating a French embargo that canceled the original purchase after the June 1967 war.

Egyptian President Anwar Sadat addresses the Knesset during his November 1977 visit to Jerusalem. //

By Ya’acov Sa’ar, Israeli Government Press Office

British Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin in late 1948 expressed the fear that Israel would become a Communist state.

Dec. 25, 1918: Anwar Sadat, the president who leads Egypt into the 1973 Yom Kippur War and signs a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, is born in Mit Abu al-Kum, Egypt. He is assassinated during a military parade in 1981.

Dec. 22, 1948: A cable to the State Department from a U.S. envoy recounts British Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin’s concerns about the likelihood of Israel becoming a Communist state and threatening the Suez Canal.

Dec. 26, 1864: Yehoshua Hankin, who personally buys 30% of the land owned by the State of Israel at its independence in 1948, is born in Ukraine. He makes his first land buy, the future Rehovot, in 1890.

Dec. 23, 1789: The French National Assembly spends three inconclusive days debat-

Dec. 27, 2008: Israel launches Operation Cast Lead after Hamas breaks a six-month

operational solution, the GAL VPS is flexible and easy to wear. It includes a vest and arm and leg protectors, all anti-trauma, and weighs just 4.4 kg at W2, making it a lightweight protective suit.

The system is also covered with an antiabrasion material as standard, or with flame retardant material according to the customer’s needs. Together with the bullet proof and anti-stab ultralight vest and ultralight ballistic helmet, the GAL VPS is an up-to-date, versatile protective suit.

“In the past year, we have witnessed the growing need for a professional personal protection system that provides a solution for security forces in the face of diverse missions and minute-by-minute situational changes,” says Ronen Hamudot, executive vice president of marketing and sales at SK Group.

“We have developed a single kit that provides different levels of protection and addresses any scenario, including covert missions, search and arrest missions, dispersal of demonstrators, and more.

“This GAL VPS is an addition to the overall solution offered by IWI in the field of public protection. IWI continues to pursue its goal of providing complete solutions to its customers, by constantly developing the most advanced systems in the world.” cease-fire. The 22-day operation aims to stop rocket fire at civilians, stop Hamas terrorism and stop weapons smuggling into Gaza.

Dec. 28, 1907: Ze’ev Ben-Chaim is born in present-day Ukraine. He is one of the greatest scholars of Hebrew and Aramaic and publishes five volumes of translations of ancient Samaritan texts into Hebrew and Aramaic.

JNF’s first chairman, Yona Krementzky, implemented the idea for the organization’s iconic blue tzedakah boxes to collect coins from families.

Dec. 29, 1901 : The Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemeth L’Israel) is launched after Theodor Herzl persuades the Fifth Zionist Congress to approve the half-century-old idea of a land bank on a 105-82 vote.

Dec. 30, 1990: Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir drops Science Minister Ezer Weizman from the Cabinet after accusing him of meeting with a senior PLO official in 1989 and corresponding with PLO head Yasser Arafat.

Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.

Israel to Ease Access to Legal Abortions

ISRAEL NEWS

By Jan Jaben-Eilon Abortion – that controversial issue that divides genders, people of different religions and different political persuasions – continues to unite most Jews.

That’s true in the U.S., where women’s groups like the National Council of Jewish Women are at the forefront of fighting for abortion access, to Israel where Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz recently announced that he plans to make it easier for Israeli women to end their pregnancies.

Horowitz’s statement came about the same time as the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the Mississippi case that would severely restrict abortions and weaken or destroy a standing right upheld in the 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Days later, the U.S. Supreme Court again allowed to stand a precedentdefying Texas law that limits women’s access to abortion in that state after six weeks.

Under current Israeli laws, abortions are granted by a three-member pregnancy termination committee within a hospital. Horowitz not only wants to end attempts by the committees to dissuade women from having abortions, but, in addition, lawmakers from his party plan to introduce legislation that would end women’s need to get committee approval for abortions within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

The Health Ministry also hopes to remove some barriers to abortions that include questioning the motives behind the request to terminate a pregnancy.

“It should be a given that the rights to a woman’s body are the woman’s alone,” said Horowitz in a statement to the Israeli news site Ynet News. “Any decision, or medical procedure, such as the choice of whether to perform an abortion, must be in the hands of the woman. We have no moral right to decide for her how to deal with an unwanted pregnancy.”

In Israel, some 90 percent of applications for abortions are granted. The procedure is subsidized or free through the national health system and, as of 2014, free for women ages 18 to 33.

Notably, even Catholic countries like Ireland and Mexico have legalized abortions.

Dr. Mimi Zieman, who is an Atlanta obstetrician and gynecologist active in the National Council of Jewish Women Atlanta Division, contends that the new U.S. laws abolishing abortion rights are “based on a Christian approach. The Jew-

A woman getting an ultrasound.

“The risk of maternal mortality is 20 times higher if the woman carries the baby to full term” than if she has an abortion, states ob-gyn Dr. Mimi Zieman.

ish approach to abortion is different.”

According to NCJW, Jewish sources explicitly state that abortion is not only permitted but is required should the pregnancy endanger the life or health of the pregnant individual. And health is generally interpreted to include psychological health as well as physical health.

Zieman notes that “the risk of maternal mortality is 20 times higher if the woman carries the baby to full term” than if she has an abortion. “There are all kinds of risks from pregnancy, not just death,” she adds.

Moreover, under Jewish law, a fetus is not considered a person and doesn’t have the same rights as one who is already alive. In the Book of Exodus, feticide is not treated as murder. And the Talmud defines life as beginning when the baby’s head emerges from the mother’s body.

The latest Pew Religious Landscape Study, from 2014, found that 83 percent of Jews surveyed supported legal abortion in most or all cases – more than any other religious group surveyed.

Thus, one of the arguments made by many Jews is that abortion is not only a medical issue, but a values issue. NCJW believes, as the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees, no one religion should be enshrined in law or dictate public policy on any issue — including abortion.

NCJW is urging the U.S. Senate to follow the U.S. House of Representatives in passing the Women’s Health Protection Act which would protect the right to abortion access across the country.

“We will continue to advocate until every

person has the freedom to make their own moral and faith-informed decisions about their body, health and future,” states Sheila Katz, NCJW CEO. An NCJW campaign called 73For-

ward – in recognition of the 1973 Roe v.

Wade court decision – is gathering support from Jews who are secular all the way to Orthodox to defend abortion access from an explicitly Jewish perspective.

“If the Supreme Court chooses to overturn Roe v. Wade, they will have chosen to elevate Christian faith-based teachings above science and above the faiths of other religions,” said Valerie Habif, co-founder of the Jewish Democratic Women’s Salon in Atlanta.

“Reproductive justice is not and should not be a partisan issue because unplanned pregnancies affect women of both parties equally,” Habif emphasized.

“The belief about when life begins is ultimately one of faith not of science, and the Jewish community should be doing everything we can do to protect America’s separation of church and state. Women need to have the ultimate decision about control of their own reproduction, separate and apart from any governmental body. This is no less true in Israel than it is in the U.S.” ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 21

OPINION The Necessity of AntiSemitism Rallies

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We live in troubled times.

That’s what a local television reporter told the guest he was interviewing. I inferred from the reporter’s inDave Schechter tonation that he From Where I Sit was referring to more than the murder trial he was covering.

The United States is having a reckoning with its past. Americans are debating how to teach the nation’s racial history, while having a timely conversation about the role of race in the present day. Peoples and movements marginalized in the telling of the American story are demanding a more complete accounting, a prospect that has sparked a backlash from those either comfortable with established narratives or fearful about the consequences of a reassessment.

In the mythical “good old days,” life was easier and if we could just return to that halcyon time, everything would be better. I was born during one such decade and that misconception belies the reality that for many it was a time of struggle for equity of resources and equality of opportunity.

It is within the memory of some readers to recall when you might be refused an apartment lease or house purchase or denied a college education or a job because you were a Jew, though that might not have been the stated reason.

Today, the ease with which anti-Jewish sentiment is expressed — whether rising from the gutter or wafting from the windows of more refined quarters — demonstrates that, even in a period of progress and prosperity for American Jews, wariness is warranted.

A reckoning of another sort recently concluded in a Charlottesville, Virginia, courtroom, as a jury found organizers of the August 2017 “Unite the Right” rally liable under state law for injuries to counter-protesters and awarded damages in excess of $25 million. The jury deadlocked on two federal charges of conspiring to commit violence.

Khaki-wearing, tiki torch-carrying, neo-Nazis chanted “Jews will not replace us” as they marched through the University of Virginia campus. Armed men in camouflage stood outside Congregation Beth Israel as Shabbat services were held inside. “I had never seen extremism like that up close and I

never feared for my safety as a Jewish person.

It changed me,” Rabbi Rachel Schmelkin told Religion News Service.

The plaintiffs may never receive a penny, but the verdict sent a message that a bill can come due for public displays of hate.

A pair of events in Atlanta during Hanukkah, organized under a national “Shine A Light” banner, reminded those who knew and informed those less aware, that “the world’s oldest hate” requires constant vigilance.

Jew-hatred (a phrase some favor as more specific), has proven itself resistant to rallies, marches, and other forms of response. In their ignorance, anti-Semites will seize on some aspect of Jewish life or manufacture a grievance to justify their prejudice.

Rallies “make us feel that we are doing something to raise awareness about what’s going on,” I was told by someone who has attended his share.

An anti- anti-Semitism activist said: “Rallies aren’t going to stop anti-Semitism.

For the most part a rally is preaching to the choir. It provides community and people don’t feel alone. It allows allies to come stand with you. It’s not going to change anyone’s mind. The only way to make change is one on one, meeting Jews when you hate Jews or don’t know Jews.”

Credit the organizers, they are doing what they can; while acknowledging, as one said, that “the real work has to take place on relationships” initiated at such events, particularly with people who have had little or no contact with the Jewish community.

Just about every day, I receive email and see social media posts from organizations seeking support for their campaigns to end anti-Semitism.

Perhaps, it was suggested to me, a more realistic goal would be to “disrupt rather than eradicate” this scourge (though that may be a less effective fundraising pitch).

Like the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, anti-Semitism mutates and maynever totally disappear. “We do everything that we can to minimize it as much as humanly possible,” a professional involved in that effort said.

Jewish Americans worship, observe, and celebrate their faith in the open, not hiding, while rejecting fear and expressing pride.

Yet, even as they demonstrate an admirable willingness to — literally and figuratively — let their menorahs shine in the front window, the fact anti-Semitism rallies are considered necessary attests to these being troubled times. ì

Happy Holidays!

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SENIOR LIVING Finding Your Final Resting-Place

Marcia Caller Jaffe

Our parents seldom spoke of it.

Many still consider it “bad luck” to do so. But Baby Boomers are doing their due diligence in shopping for a final resting place, a

burial plot.

After finalizing the obvious — should I be buried with my parents back home? what if I have no spouse? where does the second wife go? does synagogue membership matter? — shopping for plots is similar to picking out other commodities: pay early and save; buy bigger packages and save; interest and credit terms, materials for markers — the list goes on. It’s reassuring that Atlanta is replete with options for Jewish burial and kind, knowledgeable cemetery representatives (in some case, owners) willing to help customers navi-

Arlington Jewish transactions are handled by Felicia Kelley and Kim Chess.

gate the complex process.

Addressed here are only cemetery and land options. Expenses for the Jewish

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process prior (through a funeral home) are not included and could add several thousand more dollars to the bill. All prices listed here are for one individual.

Considered the premier choice for Jewish burials, Arlington Memorial Park commands prominent geography in Sandy Springs. According to Felicia Kelley and Kim Chess, who is Jewish and a 50 year veteran of serving the Jewish community, Arlington accounts for a large percentage of the Atlanta area’s Jewish burials. The Jewish areas of the park, Beit Olam and Shalom, offer community, semi-private and private estate options.

Shalom is the existing Orthodox area, and Beit Olam accommodates Unaffiliated, Reform and Conservative burials.

On the higher end of the spectrum, Arlington also has a new Hedged Estate area that features plots for two, including a bench and preinstalled monuments.

The section also features private estates that can be tailored to individual tastes.

Chess recommends the early bird approach. “Pre-arranging locks in today’s pricing and reduces the emotional and financial stress on your loved ones after you pass away,” she said. She also noted that Arlington is affiliated with many synagogues, including Ahavath Achim, which recently encouraged members to buy at Arlington. Since the synagogue buys in bulk, the buyer is not up-charged, and the synagogue gets to keep a bit.

An economical option is Dunwoody Jewish Cemetery (North Atlanta Memorial Park), on Winters Chapel Rd., owned by Kelly Link, who bought out his ex-father-

in-law, Brian Marlow. (Marlow is Jewish.)

Link said, “We are known for our rolling green grass and upkeep. We have Jewish areas for eight synagogues, as well as unaffiliated areas and places where a nonJew can be buried with a Jewish spouse, as long as no Christian symbols are used.” Link advises getting a better deal by buying “pre-need” versus after the demise, “where things have to be handled in a day or two in the typical Jewish death.”

Prices start at $3,000 for the plot, 25% down, with perpetual care at 15% of the plot cost. Then there’s the $1,295 for the vault, a $1,695 service fee, and somewhere between $2,800 and $4,500 or more for upright monument markers.

With COVID-induced supply chain woes, Link says that it’s more difficult now to source imported stone like marble.

“We bury a large contingent of European/Russian Jews,” Link said. “And we go to great lengths to work with rabbis to assure that the Jewish customers are respected, like the vault/dome touching earth so the casket rests on the ground.”

Roswell’s Green Lawn is serviced

by Robert Hernandez. “We have about 1,000 graves and enough space to last 50 more years,” he told the AJT. Hernandez also advocates the early-bird approach.

In terms of pricing, “spaces are $5,995, 10% down, 10% discount for preplanning, $1,495 for perpetual care, $1895 burial fee (includes opening and closing, tent, chairs), markers/monuments $2,000, gray granite upright $2,500.”

Monuments are not required, of course, and some opt for humbler mark-

SENIOR LIVING

Dunwoody Jewish Cemetery, part of North Atlanta Memorial Park, offers lower-cost options.

ers. “Traditionally, Jews eschew silk flower markers for stones,” Hernandez said, “plenty of those around to place on graves.”

If history is your thing, consider Crest Lawn, a former Civil War lookout.

The highest point in Atlanta, it’s 170 developed acres look out onto Stone Moun-

Crest Lawn features Civil War history, elevated views of the city, and beautiful Jewish sections.

tain and the city skyline. Plots range from $4,000 to $5,000. But Sales Manager Amber Samuels warns, “Be cautious comparing fees because there are so many variables and discounts, the main one being ‘pre-need.’ We have 10 Jewish sections and maintain a high level of cooperation with the Jewish community,

like setting up tents for Temple Sinai, The Temple, and recently Beth Tefilah for various services. If the stone is bought here, the unveiling is at no charge. We have a Hebrew interpreter to assure accurate descriptions. We are on point for keeping Jewish heritage going.”

Greenwood and Oakland Cemeter-

Green Lawn in Roswell offers a northern option.

ies also accommodate Jewish burials, the latter having limited remaining access.

Westview, established in 1884, is the largest cemetery (600 acres) in the Southeast.

They don’t have a dedicated Jewish area, but do welcome all faiths.

The bottom line: Chose thoughtfully.

This will be your “forever” home. ì

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SENIOR LIVING

The Option of Being Buried in Israel Burial in Israel is considered a virtuous practice, to the extent that it is customary to include a little earth from Israel in the coffins of Chana Shapiro Jews buried in the Diaspora. The tradition of burial in the Holy Land is grounded in a number of Jewish sources, the best-known being from Midrashic teachings that when the Messiah arrives, all Jews will be resurrected, starting with those buried in Israel.

In the Torah, the practice is modeled by the patriarch Jacob, who insists that his son Joseph swear to not bury him in Egypt, but instead bury him with his ancestors — a reference to Abraham’s purchase of the cave at Machpelah in Hebron as a family tomb. The Book of Genesis records the measures that Jewish patriarchs took in order to be buried there.

Two generations after Abraham, Jacob instructs his children, “Bury me

with my fathers in the cave which Abraham bought, where they buried Abraham and Sarah, his wife, and Isaac and Rebecca, his wife, and where I buried Leah.” Jacob’s offspring — that is, his daughter and twelve sons — honored their father’s wishes and buried him in Israel, while they and their families remained in Egypt for the rest of their lives.

Though exhuming the body of a Jew is very rare, it is allowed in the case of re-burial in Israel. Jacob’s son, Joseph, in his own old age in Egypt, left this legacy: “You must bring my bones out of here.” Nearly 200 years after he died, Joseph’s bones were carried out of Egypt by Moses and the Israelites. Jewish sage Moses Maimonides states that the bones of

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In Biblical and Mishnaic times, Jews were buried in underground in caves.

Jacob’s daughter, Dina, and her brothers, the fathers of all twelve tribes, were also brought for burial to the Land of Israel.

For many Jews today, being buried in Israel is a statement of eternal attachment to the Jewish homeland. One cemetery popular among foreign Jews is Eretz HaChaim, which is located near the city of Beit Shemesh, a 40-minute drive from Jerusalem. Americans make up the largest group buried there, according to Jonathan Konig, who assists the cemetery’s burial society. Eretz HaChaim plots cost about $11,000, in addition to a $1,500 one-time maintenance fee. The cemetery organizes transportation and other necessary services, from arrival at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, for $2,200. Before the flight to Israel, clients must also pay steep additional fees for a range of necessary permits, transporting the body to New York, and services performed there, including “taharah,” the purification and preparation of the body of the deceased. Pre-pandemic, El Al charged about $2,300 and United about $2,900 to fly a casket and body to Israel. That does not include flights for family members who wish to attend.

Rabbi Binyamin Hammer, the National Council of Young Israel’s director of rabbinic services, notes, “The success of the day school movement has caused a tremendous amount of aliyah from America. People say, ‘If I can’t live there, at least let me be buried there.’” His colleague, Rabbi Yehudah Prero, adds, “Many people feel that if they pass away in a certain city, their kids and future generations may not continue to live there.

But if they’re buried in Israel, they believe their gravesite will be visited.”

Plots can be purchased directly from

a cemetery, but it’s easier to use an intermediary. A number of American synagogues and Jewish organizations own blocks of cemetery plots in Israel that are reserved for their members, including Congregation Beth Jacob in Atlanta.

Eddie Dressler, of Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, has assisted families with burials in Israel for many years to ease the difficulties surrounding the stressful experience. Dressler explains, “Because we know what’s required to bring someone to Israel for burial, we’re familiar with all the paperwork required, and we streamline the complicated process. We follow the family’s lead to make things proceed smoothly.”

In Mishnaic and Talmudic times (200-600 CE), Jewish burials took place in caves, carved tombs, sarcophagi, and catacombs. The tomb most typical of that period is a natural cave or chamber cut into soft rock, sometimes connected with a network of tunnels, where generations of the same family would be buried. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz recently reported that there is no more room in the largest cemetery in Jerusalem, Har Hamenuchot, where hundreds of thousands of graves have now filled every corner of this mountain. The cemetery’s burial organizations have resorted to multi-storied burials, on four to six levels, while also burying people in niches carved into the rocky walls. New structures are currently being erected to accommodate future burials in massive underground catacombs in order to meet the increased demand. One wonders how Americans will react to this option, which may someday be replicated in other cemeteries. ì

SENIOR LIVING

Is Your Inheritance a Burden or a Blessing? “ A n d someday son, this will all be yours.”

Sound familiar? When we collect things with the intention of passing them down Robyn Spizman from generaGerson tion to generation, we hope these treasures will become meaningful parts of our family’s lives. Some end up appreciating these treasures, while others are overwhelmed with stuff, hold estate sales, donate them, and even feel relieved when we can hand them down to other family members.

What will your kids say one day when it’s their turn? Will anyone really want it all? Do you have specific instructions for when the time comes? Take an inventory of your own life, collections and belongings. Who will want it one day? Any Picassos hanging around? Does the next generation want to polish your

Eddie Goldberg preserved the beloved recipe box with his photographic talents as a tribute to his late wife.

silver? Does your will detail how the items will be distributed?

So, what’s a family member to do?

“Papa Leon” Goldstein’s prized antique meerschaum pipes, miniature replicas of majestic sculptures, are his prized treasure. Leon and his wife of blessed mem-

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This box, filled with generations of recipes, continues to be a cherished possession.

ory, Betty, had a 180-piece pipe collection which was her favorite room. If anything that they amassed in their travels. When defined my wife best it was her love of Betty passed and Leon downsized, the building tradition. My hope is that this collection was integrated with the décor photo will grow in value to my family and of his smaller residence, keeping it intact. continue to hang in my home and, after His daughter, Gail Heyman, and I’m gone, in our daughter’s home. My beher siblings know how much the collec- lief in tradition is part of my strong Jewish tion means to Papa Leon. “Someone once heritage. When Renae was a child, she was gave me a pipe and while I never smoked also the recipient of her parents' dresser, pipes, that’s how it all started,” says Leon. which they had received on their marriage from Renae’s mother’s “When we’d be travparents. When Reeling, we’d stop at nae’s father died and antique stores, and her mother moved to spent years collecting a high-rise, we had the these pipes. I love this paint stripped off and collection. One day, under that paint was I would hope that a a beautiful mahogany museum would disdresser. Years later, play them before the when Renae’s mother collection is split it died, we brought the up within the famdresser to our home. ily.” Heyman and That dresser repreher siblings, along sents the same thing with Leon’s children, to me as I hope my grandchildren and photo of Renae’s recgreat-grandchildren, ipe box will mean to will ultimately each my daughter. L’dor select one pipe as a Leon Goldstein’s rare pipe collection will one day hopefully v’dor.” way to honor Papa first head to a museum.

Lori Halpern and Leon’s wishes.

Eddie Goldberg, too, has been think- her brother Mark Haimowitz not only ing about objects and the importance of inherited their mother’s artwork, but family traditions. “My wife, Renae, died also incorporated it into their homes. in the spring of 2019, one month shy of “My mother, Cynthia Lambert Groves our 50th wedding anniversary,” he said. “I of blessed memory, was an artist and wanted to pay tribute to her and our life sadly passed away on Dec. 9, 2006, at together. As I concentrated on how to re- the young age of 66,” Lori said. “She was member her best, I was reminded of her a professor of humanities at Florida cooking skills and her infamous ‘recipe Community College at Jacksonville, and box,’ which was a fixture in our kitchen. my mom didn’t spell out who would I took and framed a photograph of it in a get what regarding her art; she wanted special frame and hung it in our kitchen, Mark and I to split things up. When

SENIOR LIVING

Lori Halpern treasures her mother’s paintings, which she and her brother shared.

Over 101 Dalmatians honor the time Spizman and her mother Phyllis Freedman spent antiquing.

Jack Freedman’s war medals are framed in a shadowbox for preservation.

Leather gloves that belonged to Hannah Brown still inspire her family.

she sadly lost her battle with lung cancer and it came time to empty out her home, Mark and I did a good job of splitting up her art in a way that would’ve made Mom proud. There was a sketch that was meaningful to both of us, and instead of arguing about it, I got ‘Aunt Ruthie’ (as we call this piece) first and then every big birthday we switch and give the picture and one other on loan until the next milestone birthday. Mom is smiling down on us that we were able to find a way to make it work and it is always fun to get ‘Aunt Ruthie’ back.”

Patty and Larry Brown’s mother, Hannah Blumenthal Brown, owned a beautiful selection of mid-century items, from gloves to hats and more. When she passed, Patty treasured her gloves and hats, as she felt they were beautifully made, representing a bygone era. Along with monogrammed linens from tablecloths to napkins that were used for family gatherings, Patty had them laundered by a professional cleaner, restored and returned to their grandeur. She put them in storage boxes for safekeeping and for their children to enjoy one day.

And, last but not least, while I have embraced many of my family’s heirlooms, from framing my grandmother’s antique beaded purse to shadow-boxing my father’s wartime medals and dog tags, I inherited a collection of over 101 porcelain and bone china Dalmatian figurines from my mother. It includes the dozens of Staffordshire and bone china dogs she and I collected over 35 years on our monthly antiquing adventures. Having grown up with (actual) Dalmatian dogs my entire life, after my mother passed, these figurines represented precious

memories shared together. I preserved them in a cabinet my artisan cousin Steve Cohen made, keeping it all in the family. So far, the only candidate and family member who has expressed interest in my prized collection is two-year-old Poppy, who visits the dogs and loves saying hello to them.

I hope Poppy or a family member will eventually want them, and continue to stay hopeful that my spotted collection will be passed down, along with the joy and love these inanimate objects represent to me. ì

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SENIOR LIVING

Renovate or Relocate? How to Successfully Age in Place

By Chana Shapiro More seniors are opting to age in place than ever before. According to a Seniorlink blog by Angela Stringfellow, the trend has been “driven by the rising costs of long-term care, coupled with the rapidly growing senior population of aging Baby Boomers, who enjoy a more active, vibrant lifestyle than previous generations.”

In fact, the Urban Institute claims that the number of households headed by people 65 and older is expected to grow from 34 million to 48 million in the next 20 years. Technology and wider availability of services, such as home meal delivery, are making it easier for older adults to remain in place.

The World Health Organization, concerned with healthy aging of the growing population, explains that healthy aging is “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age,” and, according to many senior adult organizations, an increasing number of older adults believe that the best place for their wellbeing is in their own home.

According to AARP’s 2021 Home and Community Preferences Survey, three out

of four adults who are 50 or older say that they want to stay in their homes and communities as they age, and most are now financially equipped to do so. The survey found that nearly 80 percent of respondents over the age of 50 own their homes and 51 percent have no mortgage.

But owning a home does not guarantee being able to remain in it through old age.

A study by Family Caregiving reports that, “While some adults have a home with features to allow them to remain in place as they get older, like a bathroom on the main level (80 percent) or a room on the first floor that could be used as a bedroom (82 percent), many respondents said they would need to make changes to stay at home comfortably and safely.” The survey also notes that most at-home seniors prefer retrofitting their own residences rather than moving to a senior residential facility or into their children’s homes. This requires careful planning, and perhaps even new construction, to update existing rooms, and install devices that do not exist in their present structure.

A recent Urban Institute survey reported that the most crucial adjustments are entry threshold ramps and bathroom

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According to an AARP survey, three out of four adults who are 50 or older want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

safety changes. A third of those polled said they would be willing to make the necessary changes. Joanne Bradley, Georgia supervisor of Amramp, a leading provider of accessibility solutions, helps homeowners retrofit their homes. She advises installing a ramp that is ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant, widening the door width of the master bedroom; modifying the shower entrance (“even a 3” rise is too challenging”); and installing grab bars around the toilet and in the shower.

Bradley adds, “If I have to pick one thing to correct, it would be an ADA-compliant entrance into the home, but if a ramp is too steep, there is serious potential risk.

All the other issues of aging in place can be achieved with great products that can help with almost any issue. Everything is expensive today. When it comes to aging in place, take care of major up-front costs, like ramps, first. Everything after that should be easier.” The National Institute on Aging (NIA) website suggests the following: 1. Remove area rugs and affix all carpets firmly to the floor.

2. Replace handles on doors or faucets with ones that are comfortable for you to use.

3. Install grab bars near toilets and in the tub or shower.

4. Place no-slip strips or non-skid mats on tile, wood floors and all surfaces that get wet.

5. Place light switches at the top and bottom of stairs and turn on night lights.

Stringfellow, the blogger, recommends going through one’s house, room-by-room, looking for problem areas like potential tripping or slipping hazards, areas that are hard to access and difficult to maintain, and unnecessary furniture or rugs.

She emphasizes the following: 1. Cover your home entry. Upgrade lighting indoors and out. Install intercom to doors. Add wheelchair-height peepholes.

Trim foliage around house and away from walkways. Repair uneven walkways.

2. Move the master bedroom downstairs or install a stairlift. Widen doors for wheelchairs and walkers.

3. Have a phone in every room, including bathrooms.

4. Replace bathtub with a walk-in shower or tub, with grab bars. Get a shower chair and a raised toilet seat. Install roll-in showers with adjustable shower heads and a handheld one with a long hose. Replace curtain tension rod with permanent rod. Place rubber mats inside and outside shower. Optimally, lower portion of the bathroom sink with proper knee clearance. Label or colorcode hot and cold faucets. Set water at 120 degrees or lower.

5. Retrofit kitchen cabinets with drawers and pull-out shelves. Get an electric cook top with level burners, front controls.

The AARP recommends moving laundry near the bedroom or bathroom, lowering light switches, thermostats, faucets, and raising outlets to be reached from sitting or standing and installing a medical alert system and health tracking tools.

Obviously, changes can be cost-prohibitive. The National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) offers this financial advice: “You can include the medical expense amounts you pay for special equipment installed in a home, or for improvements, if their main purpose is medical care for you, your spouse, or your dependent. The cost of permanent improvements that increase the value of your property may be partly included as a medical expense. If the value of your property is not increased by the improvement, the entire cost is included as a medical expense.”

Some seniors would leave their home for one that allows them to age independently if it wasn’t expensive or was easier to maintain. In a recent study by the Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute,

SENIOR LIVING 60 percent of adults polled said they would aged people should plan ahead if they beconsider living in an ADU, a small Accessory lieve they’ve found their forever home. No Dwelling Unit, located on the property of an one can predict the future, and some changes are quite costly, perhaps even impossible existing home or on a small piece of land.

What’s more, 62 percent said they to achieve. If you make changes little by would consider building an ADU on their little, the burden will be so much less than own property for a loved one who needed if you do it all at once. For example, bathrooms can be remodcare, or a family memeled slowly over time. ber or friend who Medical concerns needed a home. Buildare very expensive, ing an ADU can be and the unexpected more affordable and can and will happen. can provide “more of If you are suddenly the design features faced with high hosthat people of all ages pital and doctor bills, need than some of the the last thing you older housing.” Those want is a big expense 50-plus said that they to make your home would move to be handicapped accesnear someone special, sible.” if they were able to The AARP gives maintain their own Joanne Bradley, of accessibility this advice for seniors space (69 percent), to provider Amramp, advises installing considering their have needed support a ramp that is ADA-compliant. housing options: “Start doing daily activities (68 percent), or to save money (48 percent). with a safety home assessment by an occuOther respondents would share a home with pational therapist, physical therapist, geriata family member (69 percent) or a friend (54 ric care manager, aging-in-place specialist or percent). Only 6 percent said that they would qualified professional via the area agency on aging or Department of Veterans Affairs.” share a home with a stranger.

Stringfellow agrees, noting that the Bradley, of Amramp, stresses, “Middle-

240-point Comprehensive Home Safety Assessment is performed by a trained advisor and includes the exterior of the home, all entry areas, every room — including bathrooms, bedrooms, laundry room, garage, basement, kitchen and dining room, lighting evaluation, fire safety and electrical safety. She cautions that you should “confer with a certified aging in-place-specialist, through the National Association of Homebuilders, and use Universal Design standards for guidance.”

Universal design refers to building environments that are accessible regardless

of one’s physical limitations or disabilities.

Much of the universal design concept has been codified in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. A complete summary assessment is prepared with recommendations for fall prevention and home safety. If necessary, modifications are suggested, an ADA advisor can refer vetted providers in one’s area.

AARP confirms that most people prefer retrofitting an existing space — even with numerous limitations — rather than constructing a new space. The key is learning what to do and planning ahead. ì

AARP Findings: • 79 percent said they would need to modify bathrooms with grab bars or install no-step showers.

• 71 percent said their home has some type of inside and outside accessibility issues • 61 percent said they would need an emergency response system • 48 percent said they would need smart-home devices, like a voice activated home assistant or a doorbell camera.

The AARP research was based on 25-minute surveys with 2,826 Americans ages 18 and over. It was weighted to reflect a diverse sample.

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SENIOR LIVING

Martha Jo Katz’s Love Stars in PBS Series

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Former model and local celebrity Martha Jo Katz has had her share of publicity, but none so touching as the November premier of the “Your Fantastic Mind” series on PBS that featured her and her husband Jerry elucidating how love operates — scientifically and socially — in humans. “After all the TV I have done in the past, I was elated that we were doing this together,” she said.

Along with other diverse couples at various stages of their love lives, the Katzes represented success in their longevity. Martha Jo said, “After 60 years, it becomes second nature. He knows what I do, and I know what he does. I cook and he takes the garbage to the street, and I watch! He fills the birdfeeder and I watch that too! He changes the lightbulbs, I turn the lights on!”

The episode aired in the summer across the U.S. and will do so soon in London. (It’s available on YouTube.) Jerry gushed, “Even at the age of 19, I realized Martha Jo was the one I could spend the rest of my life with. The secret to a longstanding happy marriage is keeping the love flame burning!”

The adventure began when co-executive producer and host of the series, Jaye Watson, posted that she was looking for couples to feature. Filming began in April at I-85 Executive Park, followed by another session at the Katzes’ home with Watson’s husband and co-executive producer, Kenny Hamilton, in May. Cameramen captured the couple folding laundry together. Ultimately, the 10 hours of footage was edited down to 28 minutes — all of it unscripted.

Martha Jo summarized their relationship this way: “Having Jerry’s sup-

32 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Martha Jo and Jerry Katz “stole the show” in a recent PBS special on love.

port is why I was successful. I always knew that I could count on him and that he was proud of me. He may say I am ‘the BOSS,’ but we really are a team.”

Jerry brought up the importance of maintaining chemistry: “Well, some things don’t work the way they did when you were 19. You have to adjust to age and accommodate that into your lovemaking.

When our friends ask me about that, I say, ‘They don’t call me Big Jerr’ for nothing!’”

Martha Jo adds that she coined the nickname “Big Jerr’” because Jerry is so tall. She added, “Jerr’ really is a pussycat and has loved all our kitties. We now have Miss Doozy, and their relationship is magical. Seeing him play with her, and teach her tricks, makes my heart sing.”

Although the show’s research ap-

parently found that the longer a couple dates and the later into the relationship the marriage occurs, the less chance there is of divorce.

That doesn’t apply to the Katzes, who paired up early on.

The Katzes eloped in 1961, then remarried, “We met the first week I was and now celebrate two anniversaries. at UGA in 1960,” Martha Jo said, “[When] the Jewish fraternities “My roommate thought I was crazy,” were pledging. I saw him standing with the AEPi boys, walked over and intro- Martha Jo recalled.

Of their longevity, she said, “He keeps duced myself. He invited me back to the fraternity house for a party, and that was me laughing. No marriage is perfect, but it. After that night, we were together al- knowing what to make important is the key to longevity. Most issues are not remost every night.”

Jerry confirmed, “I was attracted to ally important in the long run.”

Martha Jo often quotes her late her immediately!”

The couple eloped in May 1961, to mother: “Marriage takes sacrifice and Abbeville, S.C., kept it a secret, then had compromise from both parties done without resentment.” ì another wedding in June.

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SENIOR LIVING

Retirees Flock to North Georgia Mountains The Jewish Congregation of Blue Ridge, as the synagogue in the small North Georgia town 90 miles north of Atlanta calls itself, Bob Bahr celebrated the last night of Chanukah this year in a big way. The congregation, which numbers about 50 active members, lit up a 9-foot menorah in the center of town on the final night of the holiday for a crowd that included the town’s non-Jewish mayor.

It was yet another sign that the Jews of North Georgia have made a home for themselves in a part of the South that had once condoned racism, anti-Semitism and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan.

Today, the JCBR, as it calls itself, worships in a facility provided by the Faith Presbyterian Church in Blue Ridge and has formed a close partnership with their non-Jewish neighbors. They even provide storage for the congregation’s handsome ark, which was built by a local craftsman.

(The Torah scroll was acquired from a synagogue in Clearwater, Fla. that was shutting its doors.)

Howard Winkler, the congregation’s secretary, commutes from his home in Cobb County to Blue Ridge, where he has spent weekends and vacations for the last 20 years. The 70-year-old retired Georgia Power executive describes the congregation as “marvelous” and a model of interfaith co-operation.

“We’re a part of the interfaith community. We volunteer at interfaith events, the Presbyterian congregation has provided us a place to worship over these past several years. They were guests at our Passover seder. The city was just there lickety-split to help us install our large menorah. They’ll store it for us until next year, when we display it during the eight days of the holiday in the main downtown park in the middle of town.”

Earlier this year, the JCBR partnered with their hosts to accept a $15,000 grant from the Columbia Theological Seminary’s Lilly Endowment in Decatur. The money was used during the summer, in a joint social service project that provided hundreds of meals for needy seniors in Fannin County — where Blue Ridge is located — as well as neighboring counties in the area.

The program, which also provides training on dealing with the effects of long34 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

High Holy Days Torah readings are a highlight of services in Blue Ridge.

For the first time ever, Bankrate, the financial services website, described Georgia as the best place to retire in the nation.

The Jewish Congregation of Blue Ridge holds monthly Shabbat services.

term poverty, culminated with both congregations building a large sukkah during the holiday of Sukkot in September.

In recent years, the North Georgia mountains have also become a prime destination for retirees. Lured by spacious mountain vistas, the slow pace of life, a relatively affordable cost of living, and a generous package of tax breaks for seniors, Jews have joined the parade to snap up prime retirement homes in unprecedented numbers. Earlier this year, for the first time ever, Bankrate, the financial services website, described Georgia as the best place to retire in the nation. In Blue Ridge, which some call the High Country of Georgia, builders are having trouble keeping up with demand.

Mike Holloway, of Coldwell Banker High Country Realty, says that the demand for retirement homes, coupled with the trend by younger workers of virtual offices far from the crowded streets of big cities, has created a seller’s market in the last year and a half.

“It’s probably one of the biggest seller’s markets in 20 years,” he said. “Prices are really, really up. Many of the homes, particularly those with long-range mountain views, cabin-style, the things

All this growth has helped to make that people are looking for, go for list or above list with multiple offers and usu- Forsyth County, which borders Lake ally sell within just a few days of listing. Lanier, one of the fastest growing counSo it’s been a good time for sellers, par- ties in the state. According to governticularly those who have second homes, ment statistics, it’s now among the top 20 where they don’t have to reinvest that fastest growing counties in the nation.

A small synagogue in Gainesville has money in another home.”

Closer to Atlanta, Pulte Homes, one just hired Rabbi Steven Lebow, who is reof the nation’s largest home builders, tired from Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta. has made some serious investments in And Chabad of Georgia has purchased a 10-acre site in the North Georgia.

Forsyth commuOver the last 15 nity of Cumming, years, through which will be the its Del Webb first full-service subsidiary, the synagogue and company has community cendeveloped sizter in North Georable 55-and-over gia. communities in In Blue Ridge, North Georgia.

Winkler can’t get Near Chaover how much teau Elan WinMarty Pomeranz blows the shofar at the growing Jewthe Blue Ridge Congregation. ery and Resort ish community in in Hall County, it has built 1150 homes on 545 acres and has a 35,000-square-foot the mountains has meant to him.

“At this stage of my life, to help creactivities center for retirees.

Another development of resort-style ate a Jewish community here has been retirement homes is located in Cresswind the greatest blessing of my life. I only at Lake Lanier, a 934-unit residential wish my father were around to see it becomplex with a 254-acre nature preserve. cause he would have kvelled.” ì

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Georgia Healthcare Faces a Winter of Uncertainty

By Bob Bahr With the official start of winter just around the corner and the COVID pandemic still a major threat to public health, doctors like Sharon Rabinovitz are concerned about the future.

Since 2018, Rabinovitz has been the executive director of the Emory University Student Health Services and an assistant vice president at Emory, responsible for the health and well-being of nearly 16,000 students.

In a state in which only about 50 percent of the residents have been fully vaccinated and the political leadership has successfully resisted compulsory government mandates to increase that statistic, the immediate outlook, is “uncertain,” according to Rabinovitz.

“I think Georgia is a microcosm of what’s happening now, nationally and globally, and the impact of that is it will take a lot longer to beat this pandemic,” she said. “And that is the frustrating part for all medical and public health professionals because we know what works to mitigate this. It’s much harder to do if we

Emory’s Dr. Sharon Rabinovitz is responsible for the health and wellbeing of almost 16,000 students.

Uncertainty about the future of the COVID virus may complicate health care.

don’t have high levels of vaccination and mitigation strategies and public health measures in place.”

In recent weeks, new cases of the COVID-19 virus have increased, according to government statistics, from 95,000 cases a day to almost 119,000 cases nation wide during the first week in December.

Hospitalizations across the country are also up by 25 percent over what they were last month. In Georgia, during the same period, the number of reported cas-

es was up 31 percent and hospitalizations with personal attendance starting in August, students are required to be fully were up 14 percent.

In all, about 800,000 Americans vaccinated, included for COVID. Masks have died since the pandemic began in are required at all times on campus. Still, according to Rabinovitz, since August, 2019.

On Dec. 2, in a speech at the National even with these strict measures in place, Institutes of Health, President Biden an- 514 students were reported to have connounced a program aimed at reducing tracted the virus. Now, we are faced with these statistics during the winter months a new variant and all the implications ahead. He called for the expanded use of that carries with it.

“We have one year of data of how at-home diagnostic tests, increased testing for international travelers and en- COVID behaves during the winter and the data that we have dorsed new efforts to from last year did not encourage vaccines [factor in] vaccines or and booster shots. a new variable that “My plan I am anwe’ve added this year. nouncing today pulls So, with all that said, no punches in the fight we have a lot of knowlagainst COVID-19 and edge, and we also have it’s a plan that I think a lot of uncertainty as should unite us,” Biden to what this winter is said. “I know COVID-19 going to look like.” has been very divisive With holiday in this country. It’s gatherings complicatbecome a political ised by a reluctance to sue, which is a sad, wear masks and what sad, commentary. It Health literacy can be an important some have described shouldn’t be.” tool in protecting our heath. as pandemic fatigue, On Dec. 7, a federal judge in Augusta, Ga. temporarily the stage is set for the possible spread of blocked the Biden administration from en- the latest Omicron variant and the onset forcing an executive order that mandated of the winter cold and flu season.

It’s a challenging time, but, as RabiCOVID-19 vaccines for employees of federal contractors. The mandates were im- novitz reminds us, two years of living posed in September to implement work- with the virus has also taught us some place health safety guidelines developed valuable lessons.

“We have never been so health-literby a federal task force. The decision came after several contractors and seven states ate for infectious disease as we are now,” led by Republican governors — including she points out. “We know the strategies to help keep us safe and healthy. We Georgia — challenged the mandate.

But COVID infections have been know that masks work. We know the difficult to control in the best of circum- importance of washing our hands frestances. In Minnesota, where 75 percent quently, getting vaccinated, getting the of the population has been vaccinated, boosters, getting frequently tested. It will hospital Intensive Care Units in early in help us to control the spread of infections December were at 98 percent capacity, and manage our own safety. I think that the highest level yet during the pandemic. managing our own safety is what it’s all At Emory, which resumed classes about this year.” ì

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SENIOR LIVING

Seniors Are Scammed Out of Billions of Dollars For many associate at Wellborn & Wallace, argue that senior citizens, the $3 billion is probably much lower than the telephone reality. “So much never gets reported,” said has been their Wellborn. “The elderly with middle-aged or primary link to older kids are too embarrassed to say they family, friends sent money to a Nigerian.”

“Many scammers go unnoticed,” points and the wider out Mullman, a graduate of Atlanta Hebrew community Academy who earned his undergraduate and since the COVlegal degrees from Georgia State University.

ID-19 pandemic Jan Jaben-Eilon But there are warning signs. If a Facebook shut them infriend invitation comes from someone you side. According are already friends with, that’s a tip-off that to local lawyers, though, that phone conneca scammer is trying to get into your account. tion isn’t as safe as it may seem.

Scammers in Georgia have been known “The phone has become even more danto pose as police brothergerous than the computer hood organizations, veteran in facilitating scams against support and cancer research seniors,” said Pete Wellborn, groups, say the attorneys. managing partner and found“Some are real charities, but er of Wellborn & Wallace, LLC. 98 percent of the income goes Callers who try to get money to operations and paying salor private information from aries, with only two percent seniors are “vishing” or voice going to the stated charity,” fishing, something that used said Wellborn. The bottom to be done more often by line, he emphasizes, is “never email, he said. give money to charities that Wellborn suggests that call you on the phone.” seniors — or anyone, really — “If I could spend one hour with potential victims, The Federal Communiput cards next to their phones there would be no more cations Commission website to remind them that Social scams,” said Pete Wellborn, advises people who receive Security, the Internal Revenue managing partner of “an inquiry from someone Service, Microsoft, Amazon, Wellborn & Wallace, LLC. who says they represent a Georgia Power, Nigerian company or a government agency, hang up princes, and anyone saying you can share in and call the phone number on your account a lottery win or just wanting to verify your statement, in the phone book, or on the cominformation are all scammers. “If someone pany’s or government agency’s website to calls and says your Social Security number has been used in a crime,” don’t believe it, he verify the authenticity of the request. You will usually get a written statement in the says. mail before you get a phone Some seniors are getting call from a legitimate source, calls purporting to be from particularly if the caller is Georgia Power saying that asking for a payment.” their electricity will be turned Scammers use all kinds off if they don’t pay their of technology to swindle unbills within 24 hours. That’s suspecting seniors, including a scam being perpetrated all emails, social media messagover the country using local ing and text messages. “Peoutility company names. ple who will not be calling “Scams that succeeded you from a foreign country five to 10 years ago are much include your grandson and less sophisticated than they “Never give out personal niece,” pointed out Wellborn. are now,” Wellborn added, information to anyone It’s also not unusual for noting that scammers have who calls you,” advises people to fall for the same actually recorded real GeorSam Mullman. scam twice, adds Mullman. gia Power messages and edThe best advice is to be intentional and ited them, making them sound real.

The website of the National Council keep your guard up, as well as to use comon Aging states that the FBI estimates that mon sense. “If it sounds too good to be true, seniors lose more than $3 billion each year it’s not true,” said Wellborn.

Another important piece of advice is to fraudsters. “Scammers go after seniors because they believe older adults have a sig- to “never give out personal information to nificant amount of money sitting in their ac- anyone who calls you,” said Mullman. “One rule to live by is to only discuss or give concounts,” the website reports.

But Wellborn and Sam Mullman, an fidential information when you have made

the call, after confirming the right number.

That would knock out 95 percent of the scams.”

The attorneys offer more technical advice, as well. Mullman suggests that seniors check with their cellular providers and landline services. “Call your phone provider and ask them for the best solution,” he said.

Increasingly, phone services are noting “potential scam” on caller IDs. “If you pick up, you will hear a click. It’s a call center and the dialer is going from an automated call to a live call,” said Wellborn.

While the telephone has served as an essential connector during the pandemic, it has also facilitated a huge increase in scams.

In 2020, scams jumped 25 to 33 percent, according to Wellborn, and “so far, 2021 looks the same.”

“The world of scamming is a tiny reflection of war in society going back thousands

of years,” Wellborn philosophizes. “Years ago, you had to be close to someone, to use a sword. Then it was a bow and arrow, then missiles, etc. The potential fallout is so much greater as technology advances and becomes cheaper. There’s so much more power in the hands of bad guys. I have grown to hate these scammers.”

Mullman says that the best way to stop calls is a grassroots awareness of the problem. To that end, he and Wellborn have teamed up to offer free presentations at local senior facilities or to other groups at high risk, about scamming. “If I could spend one hour with potential victims, there would be no more scams,” Wellborn says. ì

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SENIOR LIVING

Vivo Aims to Disrupt Aging

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

tation — which introduced him to “sarcopenia,” the progressive loss of muscle mass that Philadelphia native Eric Levitan gradu- leads to frailty in the elderly. This natural ated from Duke University at 20 with a de- loss, he learned, was responsible for many aging-related issues: falls, type gree in mathematics. In Octo2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and ber, he wound up in the Atlanta more. He gleaned that strength Business Chronicle for raising training at any age works to $1.1 million in seed money for rebuild muscle mass and keep his online startup, Vivo, which these issues at bay. “As my own motivates seniors to live healthy parents’ quality of life began to lifestyles. decrease as they aged, I poured “Unlike other livestream myself into this research,” he or video classes, Vivo is an online, but live and interactive Eric Levitan graduated said. “I reconnected with Duke, from Duke at 20, then which connected me with exexperience focusing on buildlaunched himself perts in the field, and began to ing strength and function,” he into consulting and entrepreneurship. experience firsthand what was explained. “We are a sciencebased program with proven outcomes. Our possible. It was really profound.”

Looking back, Levitan didn’t know how scientists baseline every member’s strength and balance and reassess every two months to utilize his math degree, so he signed on to measure progress. Small group classes with Andersen Consulting (now Accenture), provide social engagement and build com- which provided a foundation for his work munity. Being online, we can connect family ethic and skill with customers. He was a conand friends from all over and create a shared sultant for 10 years, then joined a friend at a software company he had founded. Over experience.”

Not long ago, Levitan saw a presenta- the next 13 years, Levitan helped to build tion on the four cornerstones of healthy that company into a successful business, ulaging — nutrition, exercise, sleep and medi- timately selling it to an Israeli software firm.

Levitan’s science-based curricula are designed to counter aging and declining muscle mass.

Vivo’s classes allow families and groups to engage virtually while exercising.

Levitan stayed on for five years, exiting “to start something new and make an impact in the world.”

The majority of Vivo’s members are between 60 and 75, says Levitan, “but we have younger and older members (in the 90s).”

The cost is $159/month, or $18 (chai) per class.

The staff of 16 accommodates 120+ members and runs over 50 classes per week.

Levitan has great ambitions for his company, his daily priorities consisting of “communication, building teams and setting the vision for what Vivo can become.”

He says that in five years, the company “will be positively impacting people all over the world — and not just in fitness, but nutrition,

sleep, and cognition. Vivo will be the go-to resource for guidance on healthy aging and will change the narrative around what aging looks like.” The company is currently scouting opportunities to partner with senior living facilities, corporate wellness programs, healthcare insurance firms, and doctors and physical therapists.

Levitan lives with his wife and two daughters in the Chastain Park neighborhood. When he’s not envisioning the future of Vivo, he mentors other entrepreneurs at the Atlanta Tech Village and participates in causes benefiting the unhoused. He’s also passionate about music, playing guitar in a band at favorite local spots around town. ì

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SENIOR LIVING

On the Road Again Due to COVID, my travel over the last two years has basically consisted of trips to Toco Hill Publix, Kroger or Spicy Peach, doctor’s appointments or a stop at my Decatur studio.

The decision to attend a family event in New York City on Nov. 14 was not an Flora Rosefsky easy one for me. Yes, I had my two Pfizer vaccinations from February and a booster shot last October. But what about the breakthrough variant strain, and me still being an older senior who was more vulnerable? How would it feel to travel on a After showing her COVID vaccination Flora with three of her four children: Flora Rosefsky shares her thoughts plane again and what would the city be like? card, Flora was able to take off Mollie, Steven and Ellen. about her sister Ethel Young at the her mask at the coffee bar. tribute celebration held at the MCNY. I was planning to attend a memorial tribute service for my older sister, Ethel Young, who had died of COVID restaurants closed on what were once prosperous streets, screen and use my charge card. We enjoyed each other’s back in February, unfortunately due to complications. Her including Madison Avenue. Will they come back? Only time company, and James actually helped me put my bags in the daughter, Claudia, decided to put together a celebration of her overhead compartment. Once again, Delta escort service met will tell. life for about 80 guests at the Museum of the City of New York Coming home on Nov. 15, Mollie and I arrived at LaGuar- me at the Atlanta gate and took me directly to the Uber area, on Fifth Avenue and 110th Street, at the edge of Central Park. dia but parted ways. She was off to another concourse to at- where I found my driver to take me home.

Almost half of the guest list were my Greenbaum mishpocha, With a warm greeting and hug from husband Bernie tend a business conference in Charlotte. So here I was, with whom I hadn’t seen in a few years, other than occasional my cane, depending on Delta’s escort service to get me back as I got out of the car, it felt good to be back in Atlanta.

Zoom sessions. My children, who lived in the New York area, home safely. I give high marks to the airline for how well they If one is fully vaccinated, and at a certain age, with their convinced me that the airlines and the city itself had strict accommodated those who needed assistance with thought- booster shot, my feeling is that travel can be back again.

COVID protocols. Being fully vaccinated, I agreed to book the ful and fine employees. Always arriving super early at any Follow common sense and be knowledgeable about the Delta ticket to join family and friends. airport, with time to kill before boarding my flight, I decided COVID guidelines wherever you happen to be heading, My daughter, Mollie Spaugh, picked me up Saturday to have lunch. The best part was sitting next to someone who because cities and countries may vary. Enjoy being on the morning to head to the airport. I had called ahead for escort helped me figure out how to work the restaurant’s tabletop road again. ì service, which got us through security easily and without tiring me out. I noticed signage all over the airport about the need to be masked at all times. Mollie brought her own sanitizer wipes to clean our seats and the screen on the seatback in front of us, yet there were more reminders telling passengers that the plane had been sanitized before we entered it.

New York City is known for its top restaurants; my son, Steven, has a loose-leaf book filled with their menus for takeout orders. Waiting for us when we arrived at his apartment on the Upper East Side, were daughter Ellen Cohen and husband Dan, their sons, Jake and Will, Steven with his friend Pattie Ryou, and grandson Eli. We feasted on takeout Italian from nearby Tony D’s, a favorite family-style restaurant.

Sunday’s breakfast was a dairy spread from the infamous Barney Greengrass. As in Atlanta, New Yorkers are eating more takeout these days, but dining inside is coming back, too.

Around the corner from Steven’s apartment is Sant Ambroeus, a European-style coffee bar, perfect for a Monday morning chocolate croissant and cappuccino. Like any restaurant now in the city, I had to show proof of my COVID vaccination card, either by taking out the card itself or as a phone photo. After showing my card, I was then allowed to sit down unmasked. This protocol of showing vaccination proof occurs when going to a New York City museum, Broadway show, concert and other indoor events. I noticed how the vast majority of New Yorkers were masked, even while walking THROUGH MARCH 27 | HIGH.ORG | HIGH MUSEUM OF ART ATLANTA the city sidewalks, as well as when inside. On this trip to the KAWS PRINTS is organized by the High Museum of Art, Atlanta.

KAWS, STAY STEADY, 2015, screenprint on paper, High Museum of Art, Atlanta, gift of the artist. © KAWS. Big Apple, I sensed a community coming together to put on BENEFACTOR EXHIBITION AMBASSADOR EXHIBITION LEAD SPONSOR PREMIER EXHIBITION PREMIER EXHIBITION their masks and follow the city’s current guidelines and proSERIES SUPPORTERS SERIES SUPPORTERS SERIES SPONSOR SERIES SUPPORTERS Robin and Hilton Howell The Antinori Foundation ACT Foundation, Inc. tocols. I don’t have the statistics on how many New Yorkers Corporate Environments Sarah and Jim Kennedy The Arthur R. and Louise Sams and are vaccinated compared to other cities, but wouldn’t be surRuth D. Lautz Foundation Jerome Grilhot Elizabeth and Chris Willett Dr. Joan H. Weens Estate prised if they have a high compliance rate.

One rather sad note was seeing so many storefronts and

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 39

SENIOR LIVING

Yoel Levi Launches Music School for Rising Israeli Stars

By Bob Bahr When Yoel Levi, the world-famous conductor and former music director of the Atlanta Symphony was a young teenager in Israel, his father urged him to take up a trade. Maybe he could become a carpenter or mason, a person who could build with his hands to provide for his future.

But Levi, who grew up in Haifa, Israel’s third largest city, had other ideas. Instead of working with timber and stone, he wrapped his hands around a violin.

In time, the talented young musician became a student of one of Israel’s bestknown teachers, a no-nonsense woman named Ilona Feher, who had helped launch the careers of outstanding Israeli violinists such as Pinchas Zuckerman and Shlomo Mintz. But working with her, according to Levi, was a challenging ordeal.

“She was a tough cookie, with very high standards. She wouldn’t put up with any nonsense. I had to practice my violin for eight hours, every day. You wouldn’t dare to come to a class unless you were

Young musicians will work directly with orchestra members of the Haifa Symphony.

very well prepared, because then you would be really shredded to pieces.”

Early in life, Levi learned the importance of the rigors of preparation and discipline and what can happen when a talented teacher and a gifted student bond. What he learned in Haifa became the foundation of his work as the assis-

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World-class soloists like violinist Shlomo Mintz will be providing master classes at the new school.

tant conductor to the legendary Loren professionally. They will learn early in Maazel at the Cleveland Orchestra, and their training what it means to be a prothen as the successor to Robert Shaw in fessional musician. How one listens to your colleagues as they perform, how to Atlanta.

Today, after a 40-year career that has watch the conductor. What does it take to be able to listen seen him conduct for so many differsome of the world’s ent things and be greatest orchestras performing as well. and work with most So, we are starting a of the legendary sogreat tradition now loists of our time, in Haifa. I’m very he’s preparing for a excited about it.” new challenge.

The school beLevi, who gan its first classes makes his home in last October with Atlanta, has decidYoel Levi was the music director of the Atlanta Symphony for 12 years ten students, all ed it is time to pay and returned in 2020 to conduct studying on full forward some of its 75th Anniversary concert. scholarships. In the the valuable lessons last month, they have been joined by a he has learned.

Starting last July, Levi began audi- talented 16-year-old Israeli Arab student tioning students in Haifa, his hometown, violinist from the local community. Welwhere he is now the musical director of coming her to the school has given Levi a profound sense of satisfaction. the symphony orchestra.

“I said, wow, I’m so happy. I have He was looking for only the best students, a young Zuckerman or Mintz per- no words. I was hoping that this school haps, who, while still in their teens, could would be open to everyone in Haifa. My be part of a new kind of conservatory. experience is that music can bring people This institution would have direct access together. When the music starts, people to the musicians of the Haifa Sympho- forget, people behave differently. A lot of ny and to the famous soloists who pass aggression melts away.”

The school has the support of the through there. It would be a place where seasoned professionals and aspiring mu- America-Israel Culture Foundation, which sicians would mingle freely and learn has been an important benefactor of the together. A place, Levi says, that doesn’t Haifa Symphony over its 70-year history and of talented young soloists in Israel. exist anywhere else in Israel.

For Levi, it’s been a long time com“It is going to be unique, it doesn’t matter which instrument you play, if you ing. But when he returns to Haifa next are the best of the best you will have an month with his conductor’s baton to opportunity to study with some of the work with aspiring performers, he may greatest soloists when they come to play finally fulfill the vision his father had for with the orchestra. There will be master him when he was young: He will have classes for the students, and, in time, they become a builder, and he’ll have done it will play with the orchestra, and develop with his own two hands. ì

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ART Allen Lipis: 'If Not Now, When?'

AJT: Allen, you have a new book out, “If Not Now, When?”

Can you tell us about where the title comes from?

Allen LiShaindle pis: The title Schmuckler comes from a famous remark

by Rabbi Hillel, who said, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”

The subtitle is: “Character Improvement Based on Jewish Ethics.”

AJT: What was your life like before you started your book?

AL: I have been a member of Beth Jacob Synagogue for many decades, and I listened to presentations from the rabbis there and other visiting rabbis. I ran my own consulting firm on payment systems, and I was comfortable doing research on various topics, as well as making presentations of our research to banking audiences nationally and internationally. I had an excellent reputation for research and consulting.

AJT What propelled you to want to write this book?

AL: I had never been interested enough in a Jewish topic to study it in detail on my own. Yet, attached to the Beth Jacob synagogue was the Kollel learning center, where many people were studying Jewish topics every evening. One night I walked in and briefly spoke with Rabbi Goldberger, the rabbi in charge.

Rabbi Goldberger suggested taking on a topic to study and suggested that I study Pirkei Avos, the Ethics of the Fathers, a part of Talmud that deals with how to live your life. He matched me up with Bill Griss, who was much more knowledgeable than I am. That started me on a 10-year path to become more and more knowledgeable about what the rabbis said about improving your behavior to be a more perfect human being. As I learned more and more, it occurred to me that only rabbis were writing on this subject and I could contribute by summarizing what they said into a single volume and do it from a layman’s perspective. In addition, I could add stories both from my own experience and from others that could reinforce what the rabbis were saying.

42 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

AJT: When you started the book, how did you organize the information?

AL: Organizing the book was perhaps the most difficult subject of all, because it required pulling together the thoughts of dozens of books and hundreds of comments made by more than a hundred rabbis.

Gradually, it occurred to me that the essence of what God requires of all of us is to work on being a happy and joyous person in the face of so many other emotions that prevent that from happening.

As I proceeded, I started to outline the various emotions that prevent a person from being happy Allen Lipis holding his new book "If Not Now When?". and joyous and the list amounted to about 20 categories. Some of the categories did not without knowing if I could use it. I had deal with negative emotions, but rather many more statements than I used, but with speech, relationships, decisions, ac- gradually, as I looked at the enormous tions and gaining knowledge. I decided amount of material that I had gathered, to include these sections in my book be- it became clear what worked together cause they were very important subjects and in what order. that assist a person in becoming a better AJT: How long did it take you to person. As I read a book, I underlined with a yellow marker those sections that write this book?

AL: I started studying Jewish ethics I found useful. I copied these sections onto an Excel worksheet and catego- ten years ago and never stopped. At first, rized each into the various chapters in I thought I could organize a series of the book. So, for example, all statements lectures, and I did. I had six speakers. It that dealt with Action were labeled “A” was well received. Over time, I gradually and those dealing with decisions were gave up on the lecture series because I labeled “D.” In this way, I could organize needed a team to work with me to find the various statement from all the books a location, establish a marketing plan, I read. From there, I could rewrite these and sell the idea to hundreds of people. I statements to suit my taste, changing finally thought it best to write the book them as I saw fit. In addition, I could de- first and then see where it led. cide how to combine all the statements AJT: Who proofed it for you? Did on Action from the dozens of books into a structure that worked for me. It was a your family help?

AL: My wife proofed the book and complicated process. I had plenty of stories from my own life that would fit in caught many typos, and I read the book various places, but I searched for many several times, making many changes other stories by returning to the books I each time. I think I might have had a had read and other sources to bring the better book with a professional editor. material to life. This took considerable Creating a book is a great deal of work. time, but it was worth it.

AJT: Do you have another book in AJT: Did you know what informa- you that you wish to write?

AL: Yes, I have another book that tion you wanted to include, or did you will follow this one perfectly. I want to surprise yourself?

AL: At first, I just took whatever ma- find inspiring Jewish stories to suppleterial I found interesting or insightful ment this book. Stories can bring the

material to life, and each of us has one or more inspiring stories to tell. It will be a great way to establish relationships and find new friends and stay close to old ones. I have already started the process. If you have an inspiring story to tell, I want to hear it and publish it.

AJT: Before you became a writer, what did you do?

AL: I have always been strong in mathematics. I started as an accountant, then switched to mathematical statistics, and then to operations research — the use of mathematics to solve business problems. I worked for a research company, then at M&M Candies, then a consulting firm and eventually vice president at Citibank. That led to me being invited to Atlanta to work with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta on the development of the ACH, the Automated Clearing House, the electronic payment service that handles direct deposit of paychecks, social security payments and other electronic payments. Gradually, over time, I became a writer of research reports for the banking industry. But that writing ability proved useful for this book.

AJT: Tell us about your family.

AL: I am married to Judy Lipis, and we have been married for 57 years. I have three children and each of them have three children.

AJT: What do you want our readers to know about you?

AL: I have a Ph.D. in operations research, I have a very supportive and loving wife, and I am attached to all of my family. I was very successful running my own consulting firm, I have published several books previously, and I have given many dozens of speeches nationally and internationally.

AJT: What was your inspiration, during the ten years, to keep you focused on completing the book?

AL: I have come to believe that character improvement is the goal for everyone. It is the most important aspect of any religion, and yet there is too little focus on the subject, partly because change is never easy. I know that none of us wants to change, even for the better, because it is difficult. It is one reason why a lecture series may not appeal to people, but reading a book might be more of an incentive to encourage a person to change. ì

ART

Children’s Book Tackles Atlanta’s COVID Pandemic A new book for children published

by Atlanta author Cynthia Zeldin seeks to explain the recent pandemic in ways that kids will Bob Bahr understand.

“Lily Tova, The Therapy Dog” is inspired by real life, structured around the experience of Zeldin’s pet, an 8-year-old Havanese and certified therapy dog with over 500 hours of service.

The book began to take shape in Feb. 2020, just after Zeldin’s 80th birthday, which Zeldin and Lily Tova at the she celebrated at The Temple, where she Global Village School. serves on the board of directors.

“It was the last occasion at The Temple,” she recalled. “A week later, the congregation Instead of personally visiting the chilannounced that they would be not having dren that they had come to know so well, an in-person service. And from that moment Zeldin scheduled Zoom calls, with the dog I said, ‘this is what I have to do to make this as an active participant — something Zeldin year count.’ I decided that I would write a photographed in preparing the illustrations book. It took a year and a half to complete.” for the book.

The book’s illustrations are based on “I have actual pictures of Lily Tova sitLily Tova’s actual exting at my table in perience. Prior to the my sunroom with pandemic, the dog her nose up against had been a regular the computer screen. visitor to The TemShe’s listening to the ple’s Zaban Paradies children at Global Center for Homeless Village Project, Couples, and other which was how she local social service was able to regain programs. some of the happiThe artwork on ness from when she the cover is based on visited them in peran incident in which son.”

Lily Tova began Zeldin hopes chewing on the pages that the book conof a book as a teacher veys the message at the Global Village that even though the school was reading to COVID pandemic Park of the book is based on visits a group of students. has created very real Zeldin and Lily Tova have made to the Among the illustraproblems, people William Breman Jewish Home. tions, which are all have found ways to based on photographs that Zeldin has taken carry on and learn important lessons about over the years, are scenes from the Jewish life and the role that animals can play in soTower apartments and the William Breman ciety.

Jewish Home in Buckhead, where Lily Tova “It’s much more isolating than anyone and Zeldin make frequent appearances. could imagine,” she said. “And I think that All of that came to a sudden halt when was one of the reasons that I wrote the book. the pandemic closed these facilities to the I knew there was so much isolation, so many public. Rather than avoid it, Zeldin has made feelings of being deserted and being left in the experience an important focus of her loneliness. And I thought this was a very a children’s volume. good way for people to feel good about them“It’s been a sad year for Lily Tova. She is a selves.” very friendly dog who loves people. And so it Because the dog is a Havanese, a breed was sad for her not to see these children and officially recognized by the American Kennel those seniors in person. So, we did the next Club as originating in Cuba, Zeldin is preparbest thing. We created a story around it.” ing a translation of the book into Spanish —

Cynthia Zeldin’s new book has a strong message for children about the pandemic.

Lily Tova uses a personal computer to connect with young students.

and perhaps even into Hebrew, to honor the dog’s name.

Whichever the language, Zeldin believes the underlying idea of the book is universal.

“Lily Tova is like a hero. And I really wanted her to be viewed that way. She’s a

dog who gives totally 100 percent of herself.

I wanted people to see her as a therapy dog who is kind and caring and loving, and that children will all want to have.”

“Lily Tova, The Therapy Dog” is published by Archway Publishing and available at your local bookseller. ì

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DINING La Petite Maison Thrives in Sandy Springs Despite some health issues along the way, chef Stephanie Jaouen-Spells is living her best life, committed to her trade.

Clad in silver Marcia sequined pants, Caller Jaffe she was working the room at her restaurant, La Petite Maison, like a fine Swiss watch, greeting new customers and regulars (many of whom are Jewish), and making sure everyone’s meals are on point.

Born in Aubervilliers, in the Paris suburbs, she lived in Burgundy, then Brittany, before getting a business degree at the Université de Lyon. While nannying in England, which explains the British note in her French accent, Jaouen-Spells began working in a banquet hall at a five-star hotel. At the tender age of 22, she was promoted to server at La Noblesse, the “only woman” on the staff.

While working as a flight attendant for British Airways, she met her husband, who was

Owner Stephanie Jaouen-Spells welcomed guests this year with a Chanukah menorah.

The newly expanded patio seats 54.

stationed in Atlanta, and befriended the Jewish family that owned La Petite Maison.

She recalled, “They were always there for me during hard times and taught me to respect and embrace Judaism. When the owner’s wife became ill, I had a successful jewelry company and was working at the restaurant on weekends. My pledge was to

buy them out and not change the team and pers, with the square plate framed by mango chutney and red grapes. The dish comes family atmosphere.”

Jaouen-Spells herself has endured sev- with a mound of savory whipped cream.

(The carpaccio also comes eral cancer surgeries and is with salmon and beef options.) now five years cancer-free. She For the entrée, Saumon credits her attitude and deterGrillé et Son Pistou with honmination for her good health. ey lemon sauce ($27): Raphael “You can never stop fighting,” indicated that this was one of she says. “You put one foot forthe more popular fish dishes. ward and keep going. When I White rice and string beans du was ill, the love and help of the jour. The latter were sweet and community was overwhelmsour, and stellar. The salmon ing — cards, flowers, even edges were crisp, which added friends working here.” to the flavor.

All the time she invested The salmon entrée For dessert, Browned Apdoesn’t feel like work. “I’ve Saumon Grillé et Son ple Tartin with caramel coulis been the owner for sevenPistou with honey lemon and demi-glace of whipped and-a-half years, and I’m still sauce was recommended by the server. cream, sour cream and more learning. Coming here is like meeting friends; but there is always activity. caramel with calvados, a brandy from NorWe just redid the patio, then the whole AC mandy made from apples or apples and pears. system broke.”

For next time, try the cheese plate for La Petite Maison’s business has 2 ($15) with fruit chutney and bounced back from the slugwalnuts, homemade linguini gish pace of the pandemic. pistou ($16) or swordfish with “Our landlord, Mark Blumena white wine beurre blanc thal, was very understanding and lemon confit served with and worked with us,” she reroasted potatoes and green called. beans ($28).

Now about our dining Bottom line, the food is experience. Every table gets authentic and beautifully prefragrant crusty French bread, sented without a heavy hand. a reddish olive tapenade, Bravo and merci for serving toast, black olives, oil and baldedicated French cuisine that samic vinegar. We relied on stood out in Sandy Springs our server Raphael for sugLa Petite Maison’s salad and appetizer course before Sandy Springs became gestions. starred the Salade Verdi the social and dining mecca Salade Verdi ($14): Mixed and the tuna carpaccio. that it is today. Lunch and dingreens, tomatoes, parmesan with pesto, fresh mozzarella rounds, and ner served six days a week, closed Sunday.

The restaurant, at 6510 Roswell Rd., seats just artistically sliced avocado.

Tuna Carpaccio ($17): Circular arrange- over 50 in the glitteringly lit patio, and 49 inment of sliced dark pink tuna, avocado, ca- side. ì

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44 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The Lowdown I Bet You Didn’t Know …

Marc Adler

Houston-born serial entrepreneur Marc F. Adler came to Atlanta in 1991 to attend Emory University. He graduated in three years and went on to earn an MBA as a Woodruff Scholar.

Adler’s career started in his dorm room, where he founded a digital experience agency, Macquarium, with his unique amalgamation of creative ideas and technical acumen. Since then, this renaissance man has had a hand in many other ventures, playing the role of movie producer, angel investor, innovator, educator, retailer, art collector, and landlord.

Adler is the recipient of awards from the Smithsonian, American Marketing Association, Telly, and Anima Mundi. He was named Catalyst’s Entrepreneur of the Year, one of Georgia Trend’s “Top 40 Under 40,” and received an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts from the Atlanta College of Art in 2000, where he was the youngest commencement speaker in the country. He serves as trustee of the Adler Foundation, a supporter of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, Holocaust Museum Houston, and the Children’s Museum Houston (founded by his mother in 1980).

Adler recently traded in his Italian sportscar for an all-electric SUV with a baby seat for his 6-month-old son.

Read on to learn about why Adler posed as a spy.

The most surprising thing about being a first-time dad is ...

Taking my son to his first pediatrician appointment was more challenging than transporting Hannibal Lecter between high-security penitentiaries.

Hidden talent ...

Made the finals of the National Air Guitar competition.

My most exotic vacation was ...

Chernobyl. I’m still glowing about it.

One fun thing people don’t know about me is ...

I entered the World Series of Poker wearing a top hat, tuxedo, and cape. I waived a magic wand over my cards on every hand, but the only trick I was able to perform was making my chips disappear.

My guilty pleasure is ...

Sleep! With a newborn at home.

I’m reading and/or streaming ...

Masterclass – How to Read Body Language. Maybe it will improve my poker skills?

I collect modern art because ...

My own paintings couldn’t ever make the cut for my parents’ refrigerator door.

Most unusual recent activity ...

James Bond Training Camp in the UK. Can’t say too much (it’s classified), but I learned espionage techniques, countersurveillance, honeypot traps, poisons, hand-to-hand combat, and evasive driving in an Aston Martin. Still waiting for Her Majesty to issue me a double-O status.

What advice would you give to a 21-year-old Marc Adler?

Rogaine, don’t bother!

Reported by Marcia Caller Jaffe

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 45

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 16-31

ALL OF DECEMBER

Houston Person entertain you for an evening. Purchase tickets at https:// bit.ly/30XlUgI.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17

Dino Safari … A Walk Thru Adventure — Select days. Grab a prehistoric passport and join over 30 giant moving dinosaurs in our walk-thru safari on a globetrotting expedition at Dino Safari, an adventure for the whole family. Visit https://bit.ly/3qaVkek to purchase tickets.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16

American Red Cross Blood Drive — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The American Red Cross and Blood Banks throughout the country have seen blood supplies dwindle significantly. Join Congregation B’nai Torah and register at https://bit.ly/2SYONoO. Knit and Crochet Group — 1 to 3 p.m.

Join Congregation Dor Tamid and crochet and knit beanies for premature babies from home. Join us on Zoom to socialize while working on your beanies or any other project. Get the Zoom link by visiting https://bit. ly/3pGpJiQ.

Club Hertz Live Comedy Night with Mark Kendall — 7:30 p.m. Come enjoy a night of comedy at the Alliance Theater from the best stand-up comics, sketch comedians, and musicians in the city! Hosted by Mark Kendall, this night of fun will feature comics that have appeared in clubs all over the country, as well as Comedy Central and HBO, including performances by Candasse and Black AF. Visit https://bit.ly/3Ct6lKq to purchase tickets.

Tot Shabbat — 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. oin Congregation Dor Tamid for Tot Shabbat.

RSVP at https://bit.ly/3AaHRFt.

Story Time with Rabbi Jordan — 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. Join Rabbi Jordan from Congregation Dor Tamid for Story Time on Facebook. Visit https://bit. ly/3xfpywO to get the link.

Tot Shabbat — 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Celebrate Shabbat on Saturday mornings with other families with young children at Congregation Etz Chaim.

There will be songs, Torah stories, crafts, and challah. More information can be found at https://bit. ly/3zP0UEk.

Blue Jean Shabbat — 6:15 to 9:15 p.m.

Put on your blue jeans and come to Congregation Etz Chaim for Shabbat. Register by Dec. 10 at https://bit. ly/3cIU4ak.

Tot Shabbat — 11 a.m. Filled with music, laughter, spirituality, and soul, join us one Saturday a month for Tot Shabbat. Rabbi Rachael and Rabbi Max from Temple Emanu-El have crafted a program to bring together those little ones from birth to age 5 to feel the rhythm of Jewish music and Jewish time. Get more information at https://bit.ly/3oWZx2X.

JIFLA Young Professional Night — 7:30 to 10 p.m. Spend some time getting to know other Jewish Young Professionals in a fun casual environment. Play a Financial Literacy Jeopardy game and talk about how interest-free lending can help you reach your financial goals. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3DuRdgg.

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Scholar-in-Residence Weekend featuring Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger — 7:30 p.m. Join the clergy from both Congregation Dor Tamid and Temple Beth Tikvah for a special service where Rabbi Mecklenburger will discuss “What ever Happened to Prophecy?” Visit https://bit.ly/3oDZlXy for more information.

Tot Shabbat and Kiddush Lunch — 11 to 1 p.m. Join Congregation Beth Shalom every Shabbat for an interactive Tot Shabbat, where we sing, play, and engage in fun activities, followed by a wonderful Shabbat Kiddush lunch together. Visit https://bit.ly/3r4o74W to get more information.

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

Club Hertz Live Comedy Night with Mark Kendall — 8 p.m. Come enjoy a night of comedy at the Alliance Theater! Hosted by Mark Kendall, and including performances by Candasse and Black AF. Visit https://bit. ly/3HwGWTT to purchase tickets.

Club Hertz Live with Singer-Songwriters — 2:30 p.m. Join the Alliance Theater and welcome Leah Belle Faser, Liz and the Lions, and Haddon Kime in a relaxed lounge atmosphere. Visit https://bit.ly/3Dnt102 to purchase tickets.

The Joe Alterman Trio featuring Houston Person — 8 to 11 p.m. Join Neranenah Concert and Culture Series and let Atlanta native Joe Alterman and

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

46 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Scholar-in-Residence Weekend featuring Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger — 7 p.m. Temple Beth Tikvah and Congregation Dor Tamid will get together for Havdalah and have an opportunity to learn from Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger. He will share his wisdom on the “Creator, King, Rock, Eagle, and More: The Reality Behind Divine Metaphors.” More information at https://bit.ly/3pKKObU.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Torah Reading Vayechi Friday, Dec. 17, light candles at 5:13 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 18, Shabbat ends at 6:12 p.m.

Torah Reading Shemot Friday, Dec. 24, light candles at 5:16 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 25, Shabbat ends at 6:16 p.m.

Torah Reading Va’era Friday, Dec. 31, light candles at 5:21 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, Shabbat ends at 6:20 p.m.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19

Intown Jewish Academy’s Jewish Book Club — 8 to 9:30 p.m. IJA’s Jewish Book Club features the most captivating and exhilarating new Jewish literature. Join the club and take part in lively monthly discussions led by book club expert Ariela Rich. Sign up by visiting https://bit.ly/3y8i68w.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20 Hadassah Greater Atlanta Installation — 1 p.m. Join Hadassah of Greater Atlanta for the 2022 Installation of Officers via Zoom. Register at https://bit. ly/3y88r27.

Club Hertz Live with ensemble vim — 2:30 p.m. Join the Alliance Theater and welcome ensemble vim in a relaxed lounge atmosphere. Visit https://bit.ly/3wUTUWG to purchase tickets.

Club Hertz Live with Linqua Franqa — 7:30 p.m. Join the Alliance Theater and welcome Linqua Franqa in a relaxed lounge atmosphere. Visit https://bit.ly/3qMwIJp to purchase tickets.

Club Hertz Live with Adam L. Mc Knight — 7:30 p.m. Performing all styles of music, from R&B to gospel, pop, and even opera, Adam amazes and astounds audiences with his natural singing ability. Join the Alliance Theater and listen to the smooth stylings. Visit https://bit.ly/3xeYTlc to purchase tickets.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23

Havdalah on the Patio — 8 p.m. Join Chabad of Fulton for a casual evening of snacks, stories, songs, and the spiritual experience of a Havdalah ceremony. More information found at https://bit.ly/3rVRGpB. Club Hertz Live with The Manly Hero — 8 p.m. Join the Alliance Theater and welcome the Manly Hero in a relaxed lounge atmosphere. Visit https://bit. ly/3cjsHUl to purchase tickets.

Anderson, MS, LPC from Jewish Family and Career Services for a weekly free support group for spouses, partners and/or significant others of those struggling with addiction.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3t53zr5.

Peachy Parsha — 12 to 1 p.m. Join Intown Jewish Academy Mondays at noon as we discuss and explore the weekly Torah portion while enjoying a delicious lunch! Get the information to order lunch and RSVP at https://bit.ly/3enslxi.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21 mAAc Meets — 10 to 12 p.m. Join Ahavath Achim and the Mature Active

Adult Community (mAAc) on Tuesdays. One of our rabbis will begin the class with a one-hour discussion. The second hour of the class will be led by another member of the group. Find out more information by visiting https://bit.ly/2TOx0kp.

Club Hertz Live with Una Noche Latina: Dúos — 7:30 p.m. Join the Alliance Theater and welcome Una Noche Latina: Dúos in a relaxed lounge atmosphere. Visit https://bit.ly/30AhlZu to purchase tickets.

The Kabbalah of the Matrix — 8 to 9:30 p.m. Discover the truth of reality as exposed by the teachings of Kabbalah. Join us for a mind-blowing three-part series that stretches your consciousness and decodes the paradox of existence. Head down the rabbit hole with the teachings of Jewish mysticism. You’ll never see the world the same way again. RSVP with Intown Jewish Academy at https://bit. ly/3Cbp4Kq.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22 Significant Others of Addicts Support Group — 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Join Sally

PrimeTimers Coffee with Rabbi Jordan — 10 a.m. Grab a beverage and head over to Zoom to spend time with Rabbi Jordan and your PrimeTimer Friends from Congregation Dor Tamid. Get the Zoom link by visiting https://bit.ly/3Cg2QZ6.

Club Hertz Live with The Eric Thomas Project — 7:30 p.m. Join Eric Thomas at the Alliance Theater for a relaxing night of Jazz. Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/3nJ9OAs.

Think Different — 8 to 9 p.m. Study the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries with master Tanya teacher Rabbi Ari Sollish and Intown Jewish Academy. Register at https:// bit.ly/2MGGxq1.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 47

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28

as the majority of the class requests.

The only prerequisite is the ability to sound out Hebrew words. Register at https://bit.ly/3xJqCty.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30

Club Hertz Live with Dynamo Deb Bowman and Big Love — 2:30 p.m.

The Big Love Band (Jared Lanham, Ken Gregory, Arthur D. Turner, Craig Shaw) is bound to bring audiences festive cheer and a truly heartfelt performance in concert at the closing Christmas Eve matinee of the Alliance Theatre’s Club Hertz Live music series. Purchase tickets at https://bit. ly/3CEQCbu.

The Egg Drop — 9 to 1 a.m. The Neranenah Concert and Culture Series is throwing it back to the ’90s and 2000s, and re-living the years spent out on the dance floor at b’nai mitzvahs! Register at https://bit. ly/3FFpfQh.

Family Bureka Making — 10 to 12 p.m.

Fun for all ages. No experience needed. If you’ve made burekas before, come and help teach your friends and family. If you’ve never made them before, Congregation Or VeShalom will show you how these Sephardic treats are created. Members and non-members welcome. Register at https://bit. ly/3EIFPPp.

Challah Bake — 2 p.m. Join Student Rabbi Taylor Baruchel and Congregation Beth Tikvah to learn how to make challah. You will make the dough, rise, and braid. Then bring it home to bake. Visit https://bit. ly/3rOhJPy to register.

Christmas Eve Shabbat Chinese Dinner — 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Temple Beth Tikvah for a Christmas Eve Shabbat Dinner. Register at https:// bit.ly/3dDOk2k.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26

29th Annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy — 8 p.m. Jewish Comedy on Christmas in a (virtual) Chinese restaurant, taking place this year on Zoom and YouTube Live. Visit https:// bit.ly/3l2OiVw for other dates and times to register.

Kabbalah & Coffee — 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, via Intown Jewish Academy, probes the esoteric through a unique program of English text-based study. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. Remember: The best part of waking up is coffee in your cup and Kabbalah in your “kop” (“head” in Yiddish)! Get the Zoom link by visiting https://bit.ly/2UJtM2w.

Brain Health Bootcamp — 1 to 3 p.m.

If you are recognizing symptoms of cognitive changes or have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, join Jewish Family & Career Services’ fun and social class that can help you strengthen your mind and body to stay sharp, especially during these times. To sign up, visit https:// bit.ly/39hGqsM.

Jewish Spirituality and Mysticism — 8 to 9 p.m. Weekly class on Jewish spirituality, mysticism and how to apply it to your personal growth in a meaningful way. Taught by Rabbi Hirshy from Chabad of North Fulton. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3oJJQhp.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29

MONDAY, DECEMBER 27

Jewzapolooza! — 8 to 1 a.m. What’s a Jew to do on Christmas Eve? Join Atlanta Jewish Singles in their 40s & 50s for a night of fun, friends, food, drinks, and dancing! No fees, no cover, no minimum. More information can be found at https://bit.ly/3DI36zo.

48 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Still Traveling: Fabulous Finland — 2 to 3:15 p.m. Let Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta whisk you away for an “armchair adventure” on an interesting, educational, fun & live guided group tour to a destination beyond your front door … even beyond the grocery store! Register and get the Zoom link by visiting https://bit. ly/3kukqRH.

Biblical Hebrew Class — 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Join Ahavath Achim Synagogue for a Biblical Hebrew Class, led by Hebrew instructor Jim Dricker. In this class, we will cover all aspects of grammar and a well-rounded basic vocabulary.

Students set the pace of the program, and we will proceed as fast or as slow

SOJOURN’s Drawing from the Well — 12 to 1 p.m. Drawing from the Well is SOJOURN’s inclusive weekly meetup for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. Participants gather in community to discuss and connect around resources from Torah Queeries, Mussar teachings, holidays and happenings in the world. Get the Zoom link by visiting https://bit.ly/34YpvJS.

Connector Chatter Directory Spotlight Atlanta Jewish Bowling League (AJBL)

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Wellborn & Wallace, LLC

In conversation with Sam Mullman, associate How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

The law firm was created in 2001. Prior to that, Pete Wellborn, the founder, was a partner at Arnall, Golden, Gregory and was the head of the Intellectual Property and Technology practice there.

In conversation with Alex Schulman, founder How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

AJBL was founded in 1956, coincidentally the same year as the birth year of the current president, Alex Schulman.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

Continuing to support and encourage friendship and ruach by building relationships through bowling. We accept all levels of bowlers and all levels of Jews to our league, from the Orthodox bowlers who wear kippahs to the more Reform who wear Braves baseball hats, we all get along. As long as you bowl and enjoy each other’s company, we have a great time!

How does your organization help the community?

By engaging our fellow Jews of all ages in a healthy, fun and unique way.

How do you cater to the younger members of the community?

Our firm caters to the younger members of the community by offering competitive pricing that allows startups and young entrepreneurs the opportunity to engage specialized counsel for all of their business and intellectual property needs.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see our firm continuing to be a top law firm in Atlanta — one that businesses, both large and small, trust with all their legal needs.

How does your organization help the community?

Our firm offers pro bono legal services to those who cannot traditionally afford adequate counsel. This includes advising Atlanta’s immigrant population in construction and landlord/tenant disputes and assisting nonprofit entities by creating value through an intellectual property portfolio.

Congregation Gesher L’Torah

In conversation with Hannah Zale, program director

How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

Gesher L’Torah was established in 1998 by ten passionate families in the North Fulton community who felt a need for a vibrant hub of Jewish life. Throughout the years, these founding members have recruited and retained hundreds of families who were looking for a soulful and supportive synagogue to truly belong to. GLT has grown into a staple of the Atlanta Jewish community. Now, GLT offers preschool, religious school, ongoing adult education, weekly services and holiday programs, as well as a full calendar of creative and engaging social events and clubs for every age and stage.

How do you cater to the younger members of the community?

Gesher L’Torah has two hands on the pulse of the needs and desires of younger members of the community. Our education director, Rebecca Gordon, has built an exciting and accessible curriculum for child learners of all abilities and offers one-on-one Hebrew language tutoring for all students. GLT youth groups are student-led and collaborative, creating opportunities for leadership and professional development for tweens and teens. We also offer diverse opportunities for young members to participate in service and social justice practices that are meaningful and impactful. In addition, our Program Director and song leader, Hannah Zale, always has a full calendar of in-house and on location social events. These events are curated and especially designed to meet young people where they are.

How does your organization help the community?

We help the community at the micro and macro level. The impact of this organization on individuals is huge. For our members, we make sure every person has the resources and information they need to reach their goals, spiritually and educationally. We are able to provide members unique services for conversion, adult bar and bat mitzvahs, as well as continued Judaic discovery though weekly classes with our Rabbi, Michael Bernstein. GLT makes an impact through active service with Backpack Buddies, The Daffodil Project, MLK day of Service, The Sandwich Project, JF&CS Foodbank and many more!

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 49

COMMUNITY Jewish Pride Peachtree City Style

By Michael Weinstock As the sun casts its golden rays of dusk across the surface of Lake Peachtree’s 270 acres, a warm, sparkled glow inches from side to side, ever closer, throughout the forests of Atlanta’s south side.

Lamplight? A lone hiker, clutching a hiking t orch?

Your eyes trace this glow that scans and zigzags and sets the forest ablaze with its incandescence. Don’t blink. One orb splinters off to form another in tandem. However magical these globes of light, the sprinkles of stardust that float atop remain the true fascination. What kind of magical fireflies are these?

A second set of radiant asterisks now trail behind the leaders, as the four suns slalom their way closer still, heating from a yellowed glow to a white glare. Don’t blink.

What just happened? Four additional spots topped with stardust dart side to side, behind the initial four.

Eight lights.

Okay, time to blink … hard! Squeeze your eyes shut, count to ten, then open them.

Several golf carts, decorated with Chanukah festive décor, line up to parade during the event.

With your eyes still shut, Yoni Z’s thumping house-inspired tune “Hallelukah,” fills your chest, as the volume ratchets and your pulse quickens. Spring your eyes open, wide.

A total of no less than 40 headlamps parade toward you. Headlamps? Yes, golf cart headlamps. Twenty golf carts in procession stride the contours of Peachtree City’s cart paths. These are unique golf carts, however.

Not only do these parading golf carts feature

synchronized Jewish music, but remember the stardust? That’s the illuminated lamps of each cart’s own menorah. These golf carts shuttle friends and family alike, through the hinterlands of Peachtree City to Drake Field, where both Chabad of Peachtree City and Congregation B’nei Israel join in the Grand Menorah Lighting and Celebration.

This annual event attracts both Jews and non-Jews alike – from every facet of the social

spectrum – and features the pride-filled golfcart parade, hot golden latkes, live musical performances by Chabad of Peachtree City congregants, songs and dances for the kindelach, arts and crafts for everyone, the enlightening Chanukah address by Rabbi Lew, and the pinnacle event: the kindling of Grand Menorah.

This annual event remains the stardust of Jewish pride –Peachtree City style. ì

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COMMUNITY

STYLE Magazine

Jewish Atlanta’s Stylish Simchas and Celebrations

SPRING 2021

STYLE Celeb ratio ns ta ’ s Stylis h Simch as and Jewish Atlan ta’

Several golf carts leading the parade carry the menorahs that will be lit.

Don’t Miss Out on Upcoming Issues: Winter 2021 Spring 2022

Summer 2022 Most of the golf carts had to be transported on a trailer to the starting location to participate.

A hanukkiah is affixed to the golf cart is part of the parade.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 51

COMMUNITY

A Beloved Pottery Collection Bridges Buckhead and Japan

By Chana Shapiro In her Buckhead apartment, 97-year-old Estelle Karp, an elegant and beloved Atlanta singer and gourmet cook, lives in a haven of treasured Japanese and Chinese art. There are polychrome sculptures; carved animal figures; Asian furniture; cabinets of netsuke figures; a wall of classic blue and white porcelain; tiny figurines that modest Chinese women used to demonstrate their medical issues to doctors, called “doctor’s ladies;” and three dozen sword-like letter openers with intricate handles. “My late husband, Herb, and I were always on the lookout for interesting pieces of Oriental art,” Karp explains. The most spectacular of all is Karp’s impressive trove of Japanese Sumida pottery — and it all started 77 years ago.

In 1944, nineteen-year-old Estelle Mallon, a USO volunteer singer, was performing for American troops when she met Herbert Karp, a new army recruit in the audience. The romance moved quickly, and that same year, while Herbert was just beginning his military service, Estelle and her mother traveled from their home in Kansas City, Mo., to Chicago to show her sister the engagement ring from her new fiancé.

During the trip, Estelle and her young niece, Terri, were walking along Michigan Avenue with the intention of buying Terri a gift, when they spotted a highly decorated, handmade mug in a Hadassah consignment shop. When Terri expressed interest in it, Estelle declared, “I would buy you anything in the world, but I’m keeping that mug for myself!” The mug was a piece of Sumida Gawa pottery, the catalyst of Estelle and Herbert’s extensive collection.

Sumida Gawa is a type of raku (or 52 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

low-fire) Japanese pottery intended for export, created from the late 1800s until the beginning of World War II. Production was revived after the war and continues to this day. Sumida’s name comes from the Sumida River (gawa means river), which runs by the Asakusa pottery district near Tokyo. SumEstelle Karp with her husband’s Herbert Karp with Japanese pottery assessors ida forms have artwork and a Sumida-base lamp. in front of a wall of Sumida ware. heavy bodies and are lavishly decorated with realistic high-relief figures depicting flora, fauna, legendary figures and events, and people enjoying everyday activities.

Karp says, “Herb and I loved the same things A ceramic baby crib.

Estelle gave this mounted The Sumida mug Highly decorated Sumida and always supwarrior sculpture that started it all. vase, bowl, and cup. ported one anothto her husband. er.” After they married in 1947, they began to seriously collect pieces of Sumida that dealers couldn’t ac- ida, was given a copy of the book. He wrote, exotic Sumida pieces. Over the years, they curately identify. My husband was adept at “I was overwhelmed by ‘Sumida … accordassembled a world-class, curated collection, wheeling and dealing when he was deter- ing to us,’ and I decided to publish it in Japabecame experts in all aspects of Sumida pot- mined to acquire something.” nese.” Indeed, in Aug. 2006, more than 600 tery, and turned their home into a showcase In Oct. 2001, Herbert Karp and another Japanese-language books were published by for the genre. Herbert, who passed away in well-known Sumida collector and expert, Yokoyama.

2018, built custom shelving. Their daughter, Gardner Pond in San Francisco, produced Before that, the Karps were visited in Lauri Lavine, remarks, “My father cleaned a comprehensive book of all things Sumida, Atlanta by a man and woman representing every piece of pottery himself. Much of it including 164 pages of sumptuous full- the Japanese Cross Culture Trading Compawas displayed on a dining room wall, and color photographs, the history of Chinese ny, who assessed their collection for Yokoyachildren never sat on that side of the table, and Western influences, the themes and ma. Herbert reported to Pond, “He had to see in fear of breaking or chipping a piece.” subjects decorating the pottery, a complete almost every piece close up, even got down The Karps were great admirers of all glossary of essential terminology, and bi- on the floor to see two shelves of bowls. He, Chinese and Japanese art and fine crafts, ographies of major potters and identifying in many instances, was able to tell me who and while adding to their Sumida trove, marks. “Sumida … according to us,” while did a piece and [more] about some of the they simultaneously collected blue and a scholarly treatment of the genre, is also pieces.” The couple convinced the Karps white porcelain, uncommon decorative a personal homage to it. The introduction that the best of their collection must be seen pieces, indigenous furniture, and iconic ev- notes, “For those of us who collect Sumida, in museums. Of their vast trove, the Karps eryday items. Standouts are a handmade the charm is in its multitude of shapes, sold the delegation 206 representative piecbaby crib, an herb medicine cabinet, an colorful glaze combinations and variety of es, and Pond sold many of his best Sumida opium set, a traveling makeup case, a Chi- applied decorations that express beauty, pieces, as well. The museum opened in 2007 nese screen spanning an entire wall, and a humor and folklore. Greater enjoyment of in Nagoya, Japan. ceramic statue of a mounted warrior, a gift Sumida ware is gained by understanding In a letter to Pond, Karp wrote, “We from Estelle to her husband. what the potter was depicting as he applied are more than delighted that the collections “We were always on the hunt for spe- the relief decorations.” stayed as a unit and were returning to their cial things from Japan and China, as well as The definitive volume created and re- place of origin, and the publication of the Sumida,” Karp recalls. “Antique dealers con- vived interest in Sumida ware in the U.S. book [in Japanese] satisfied our efforts to tacted us, and we also asked them to find and abroad. Japanese businessman Hiroichi give Sumida its rightful place in the art potthings we wanted. Occasionally, we found Yokoyama, an enthusiastic admirer of Sum- tery field.” ì

COMMUNITY

SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

Bar Mitzvah Hunter Segal

Hunter Segal, son of Sascha Segal Balan and Ross Balan, big brother to Oakleigh, and grandson to Terry & Fred Segal, became a Bar Mitzvah on December 4, 2021, at Temple Beth Tikvah, in Roswell.

Hunter has played baseball since he was four years old, so for his Mitzvah Project, he raised over $1,000 for Pitch In For Baseball and Softball, They provide equipment and opportunity for others to play sports.

SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

Have something to celebrate?

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Send info to submissions@atljewishtimes.com submissions@atljewishtimes.com..

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 53

KEEPING IT KOSHER

JEWISH JOKE

You can purchase Dr. Praeger’s Kale Veggie Burgers at your local grocery.

Pita Pockets Preference: Dairy or Parve – No Feta Difficulty: Easy Occasion: Everyday Diet: Vegetarian, Pescatarian or Vegan (no Feta) Cooking and Prep: 10 minutes Serves: 2 Contains: Gluten, sesame, wheat and milk, if you use Tahini.

Poison This man goes to see his rabbi. He says, “Rabbi, I think my wife is poisoning me.”

The rabbi says, “Calm down, calm down.”

He says, “I need your advice.”

The rabbi says, “Well, give me a chance to talk to her, and then I’ll get back to you.”

Move over, falafel! The kale burger is tucked between crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion for a classic pita sandwich. I added a drizzle of tahini and a sprinkle of feta for a finishing touch!

Dr. Praeger’s veggie burgers make serving healthy dinners effortless, and with the variety of flavors available you can plan Meatless Mondays for the whole month.

About three days later, the rabbi calls the guy, and he says, “I had a long talk with your wife. I talked to her for about three hours.”

He says, “Yes, so what’s your advice?”

“Take the poison.”

Source: “Old Jews Telling Jokes” by Sam Hoffman with Eric Spiegelman

Ingredients (9) 4 Dr. Praeger’s Kale Veggie Burgers, cooked according to package directions 2 pitas, sliced in half hummus, for spreading 1/2 cup butter lettuce, or lettuce of choice 1 tomato, cut into thin slices 1 Persian cucumber, cut into slices 1/4 red onion, cut into strips 1/4 cup crumbled Ta’amti Feta (optional) Mighty Sesame Tahini (optional)

Start Cooking Prepare the Pita Pockets Spread the inside of the pitas with hummus.

Add in the burger, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion.

Before serving, add crumbled feta and a drizzle of tahini, if desired.

Recipe By Sara and Yossi Goldstein Source: Kosher.com 54 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

YIDDISH WORD

ptcha n. Jellied calves’ hoof, an old Ashkenazi delicacy.

Also known as sulz, drelies, fisnoga, or holodets.

According to Gil Marks (“The Encyclopedia of Jewish Food”), the dish originated in the 14th century as a popular Turkish soup and was adopted by those who couldn’t afford more expensive cuts of meat.

BRAIN FOOD

Terrific Teams

ACROSS

By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Easy 1

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1. There’s a Roman one at Masada 5. What Bader Ginsburg once practiced 8. Name on the Tara deed 13. Width x length, for a rectangle 14. “Baa baa” mama 15. Baby who was renamed Clark Kent 16. Superhero team for Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel?

18. “... had a farm” follower 19. Reactions to 32-Down 20. Cease to be 21. ___Pop Popcorn 23. Yomi preceder 24. Edu. lobby group 25. Superhero team for Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel?

28. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” director Lee 29. Modify, as a dress 30. “Guarding ___” (1994 Cage/ MacLaine picture) 32. Tedious task 33. “Loser” singer 37. Barreled toward 39. Mets’ MLB div.

40. Superhero team for Benjamin Cardozo, Stephen Breyer, and

Elena Kagan?

45. Lethal weapon 46. Part of a dreidel, perhaps 47. Comic Conan 48. Oscar winner Brody 50. “Tom Sawyer” writer 51. Ali who had a perfect record in the ring 52. Superhero team for Simeon, Levi, and the Maccabees?

55. Many Jews attend its Policy Conference 56. Busy CPA month 57. Farmyard females 58. It may be stolen on a movie set?

59. Merrick Garland and Janet Reno: Abbr.

60. Young NBA star?

10. Closing prayer of Mincha or Maariv 11. “Mad About You” and “Stranger Things” actor Paul 12. Honolulu greeting 17. The dog in “Peter Pan” 20. Peaceful agreements 21. Holy city in the Holy Land (Var.) 22. Film “Citizen” 23. Make weak, as a drink 26. Torah, Neviim, and Ketuvim 27. Planet or sphere 31. Many 18-yr.-olds 32. “Bloomin’” veggie 34. Locomotive operator 35. Detective’s discovery 36. “Peachy ___!”

38. Completely untroubled 40. Like the laws of kosher food, say 41. Still too green 42. Tunes down 43. “My Country” author Abba 44. “Make ___ turn at the light” 45. Big parties 49. Israeli hero Ramon 50. “The Mandalorian” rating 52. One step below the Majors 53. Genetic component 54. Tel Aviv to Bet Shemesh dir.

DOWN

1. “Call Me Maybe” singer Carly ___ Jepsen 2. Output of Renoir or Monet 3. They often happen on Zoom 4. Joseph to Ephraim 5. “Mrs. O’___ Cow” 6. Belt hole makers 7. Director Craven or Anderson 8. “Sky Above Clouds” painter Georgia 9. Samson’s source of strength

“Thanksgiving” SOLUTION 1

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H

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 55

OBITUARIES Richard David Goldstein Sandy Springs

Richard David Goldstein, of Sandy Springs, Ga., passed away unexpectedly, from a very brief illness, on Dec. 4, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. Rick graduated from the University of South Florida, earning a degree in marketing. He used that degree to build Wolfstein’s Pro Series, a manufacturing and distribution company for after-market car care products sold across the United States and Europe. One of his proudest moments was the day his son, Spencer Goldstein, joined the company as his partner.

Rick was a very personable, outgoing man who seized every opportunity to genuinely know and understand the people he met. He loved to travel, particularly in China, and spent a great deal of time learning about the culture and customs of every country he visited. He took tremendous pleasure in taking his children on many of these trips to teach them appreciation of the joys of the journey. Rick was a consummate cook and grill master. He was both a barbecue judge and a cook participant who traveled the Southeast with his partner, Robin Bowles, under the team’s name, “Just Blowing Smoke.” Rick and Robin competed for, and won, many first and second place trophies. Rick also actively participated with the Atlanta Kosher Barbecue Festival, providing judges and supervising the contest.

Above all else, Rick loved his wife, Lisa, his children, Spencer and Sara, his family,

and his many friends. He will be so deeply missed by all of them.

Rick was pre-deceased by his father, Martin Goldstein, from Atlanta, Ga. He is survived by his mother, Bettye Goldstein; his wife, Lisa Segall-Goldstein; his beloved daughter, Sara Goldstein, with whom he had a special bond; his beloved son, Spencer Goldstein (Kristen Palsson); his brothers, Steve Goldstein (Debbie) and Ronnie Goldstein (Barbara); and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lifeline Animal Project (3180 Presidential Drive, Atlanta, GA 30340) or the charity of your choice. A memorial service was held on Dec. 8 at Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care Chapel, 3734 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta, GA 30341, with Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal officiating. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com. Dressler’s, 770-4514999.

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56 | DECEMBER 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

OBITUARIES

Faye Behar Mitchell 95, Atlanta

Faye Behar Mitchell passed away on Nov. 29 at 95 years of age, after a long stay at the William Breman Jewish Home. She received brief but very timely care from The Weinstein Hospice. Faye was born in Atlanta, Ga. on September 7, 1926, to parents Eli and Marguerite (Tereño) Behar, who immigrated to the United States from Turkey.

Faye was a graduate of Commercial High School in Atlanta and worked as a nurse’s aide during World War II. She was married to her devoted husband, Jonas W. Mitchell, after his return from the Air Force, until his death in 1981.

They raised their four children in two different homes in Lenox Park, at a time when they felt their children were safe and free to walk in their neighborhood to visit friends and even ride the city bus to movie theatres and restaurants in downtown Atlanta. The only instructions were, “Be home by dark for supper.”

While her husband, Jonas, was in the food business with his brother Herman, Faye made sure the refrigerator was fully stocked at all times, and she had an open-door policy for all visitors. With the help of her cherished housekeeper, Beatrice Davenport, meals were superb, consisting mostly of Sephardic specialties, but also Ashkenazic dishes Jonas had grown up eating.

Faye made certain that her family was part of the closely knit Congregation Or VeShalom Sephardic Synagogue community. Both of her sons had their bar mitzvahs there and all four children attended Sunday School under the leadership of her beloved Rabbi Joseph Cohen. Rabbi Cohen and his dear wife Luisa lived with Faye’s parents when they arrived in Atlanta from Turkey, following a stay in Cuba.

Faye’s parents were original members of Or VeShalom and her mother was the very first president of the esteemed sisterhood.

Faye was a founding member and danced with the Ruth Mitchell (no relation) Dance Company of Atlanta. For many years she also devoted her talents to volunteering as a ballet instructor to girls of all ages living at the Hillside Cottages in Atlanta, a foster care community. Along with teaching classes, she presented dance recitals to her students’ visiting parents and grandparents at special occasions and holidays. Faye sewed all of their costumes herself, working tirelessly with patterns measured for each dancer and sewing by hand sequins, trims, and adornments, making each costume tasteful and sparkly, giving each girl a feeling of pride!

Later in life, Faye studied art, attending classes at Georgia State University under the guidance of noted artist Joseph Perrin and taking private lessons from a well-respected local artist, Ouida Canaday. She had studio space with other artists at Tula, a local gallery, and a studio in her home. Faye sold her art canvasses in various shows throughout Georgia, mastering many different styles over the years and adding her own unique flair.

Faye was predeceased by her husband, Jonas W. Mitchell, her son, Gordon Mitchell, her parents and her in-laws, Benjamin and Rebecca Mitchell, her sisters and their spouses, Sara & Sol Krieger, Julia and Bernard Libman, her brothers Ralph Behar and Sam Behar and his wife Adele Behar, and most recently her brother-in-law, Herman Mitchell.

Faye is survived by her children, Marguerite (Ronnie) Merlin, Benson (Kim) Mitchell, and Joni Mitchell, and her sister-in-law, Marilyn Mitchell. Faye’s grandchildren include Jay Merlin, Jonas Mitchell, Stephanie M. Paulus, Victoria Merlin, Andrew Schwartz, and great-grandchildren Mason and Olivia Paulus.

Faye’s children want to thank wholeheartedly her son-in-law, Ronnie Merlin, for the patient and steadfast care provided to their mother. They also want to express their deep gratitude to the William Breman Jewish Home and Weinstein Hospice. The nurses, caregivers, and extended staff provided care and patience “above and beyond” to their mother, who presented them with many challenges, but the children were given immeasurable peace of mind. Atlanta is very fortunate to have Jewish Home Life services.

Memorial donations would be appreciated, and should be made to the William Breman Jewish Home, 3150 Howell Mill Road NW Atlanta, GA 30327. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770.451.4999.

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www.DresslerJewishFunerals.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 57

OBITUARIES

Lea Turner

99, Hallandale Beach, Fla.

Our assisted living is accredited for two reasons.

You. And your family.

Because having the confidence and peace of mind of accreditation is important.

That’s why The Piedmont is accredited by CARF International—an independent organization that sets exceedingly high standards for care, service and safeguards. We think you’ll find that our accreditation is only one of the many reasons to take a good look at The Piedmont at Buckhead senior living community.

Please call 404.496.5492 to schedule a personalized tour today!

Lea Turner, of Hallandale Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully on Aug. 25, in hospice care, making a final journey to her eternal resting place. Lea’s journey began in 1922 in Berlin, Germany, during turbulent times. Lea was the eldest daughter of Meilich (Max) and Regina (Rachel) Jochnowitz of Melitz, Poland.

In 1937, Lea and her family made a daring escape from Nazi Germany to the United States. From 1937 to 1945, living in Washington Heights in New York City, Lea supported her parents and two siblings (David and Frieda), working during the day and attending school at night.

In 1945, Lea married Arthur Turner and journeyed from New York City to Washington, D.C. to start their family. Arthur was a businessman who primarily operated Turner’s Fine Furniture in Washington, Maryland and Virginia. Lea and Arthur worked together while raising their four children in Chevy Chase, Md. Lea is survived by her children, Claire Turner (Deep Gap, N.C.), Jerry Turner (partner Gloria Waldman, Hollywood, Fla.), Alyce Turner (Columbia, Mo.) and Stanley Turner (Carole Kurtz Turner, Sandy Springs, Ga.); grandchildren Rachelle Turner, Alex Turner (Kat), Dov Turner (Laura), Lea Lufkin, and Jaclyn Turner; and great-grandchildren Maximus and Roman (Alex and Kat) and Maya (Dov and Laura).

Lea was a founding and continuous member of Montgomery County Jewish Community Center, now Ohr Kodesh Congregation (Chevy Chase). Lea’s devoted Arthur passed away suddenly in 1995, virtually on the eve of their journey into retirement at the home of their dreams in Florida. Thereafter, Lea lived alone, often enjoying traveling, while being perpetually busy cooking, sewing or reading, while maintaining homes in Maryland and Florida. In 2013, challenged by physical limitations, Lea remained in Hallandale Beach until her final journey.

A funeral service held on Aug. 27 at Temple Beth-El Memorial Gardens was conducted by Rabbi Gideon Goldenholtz of Temple Sinai of Hollywood. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Magen David Adom, Federal Tax ID Number 123-1790719, to make a tax-deductible donation to save lives and support Israel.

Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact Editor and Managing Publisher Kaylene Ladinsky at kaylene@atljewishtimes.com or 404-883-2130, ext. 100, for details about submission, rates and payments. Death notices, which provide basic details, are free and run as space is available; send submissions to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

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OBITUARIES

Robert Weinberg

Irene Wolpert

Robert Weinberg, of Atlanta, died Dec. 10. Mr. Weinberg was the son of the late Sam and Jean Weinberg. For many years, he operated S & W Seafood in Sandy Springs. After leaving the restaurant business, Bob had a successful career in commercial real estate. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, David and Carley Weinberg; daughter, Melanie Weinberg; son, Brian Weinberg; granddaughters, Mica and Skylar Weinberg; brother, Fred Weinberg; and fiancé, Pam Barker. Graveside services were held on Dec. 13 at Arlington Memorial Park, with Rabbi Scott Colbert officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or the American Kidney Foundation.

With heavy hearts, we announce that Irene Wolpert, age 107, passed into eternal peace on Dec. 3, in Atlanta, Ga. Beloved by her family, she was a patient, kind and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Born in Maryland on Sept. 17, 1914, she was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her siblings.

She is survived by her children, Elaine Salsburg, Karen St. Laurent and Janet Wolf (husband: Jeff Goldworn); her grandchildren, Dawn Salsburg, Brad Salsburg (wife: Rosann); Alison White (husband: Adam), Alex Wolf (wife: Heather) and Tracey Jenkins (husband: Tony); great-grandchildren, Corinne and Jennifer Salsburg, Travis and Charlie White, Reanna and Maya Wolf and Nate Jenkins. Special thanks to her wonderful caretakers, Embelly Williams and Hidayatou Diallo.

A graveside service was held at Arlington Memorial Park on Dec. 7. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

81, Atlanta

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AgeWell Atlanta: Helping Jewish Atlanta’s older adults live their best lives

Paid for by AgeWell Atlanta

“I

’m totally overwhelmed – I had no idea.” “This is so hard, no one talks about this until you’re in the middle of it.” “I’m just so sad – I hate seeing her like this.” “I’ve got my kids, now I’ve got my parents.” “She can’t drive anymore.” “I had to take his keys.”

One of the most common calls the aging services experts at AgeWell Atlanta receive is from an adult tasked with the tremendous responsibility of caring for his or her aging parent. Doctors’ appointments.

Transportation. Groceries. Socialization.

Isolation. The new role in which adult children find themselves is beyond challenging.

And, the emotional toll often gets put to the side.

AgeWell Atlanta was created with a mission to enable older adults in the Jewish community to “Age Well” through improved independence, quality of life, and social connection. Through its centralized concierge platform, AgeWell Atlanta makes the process easier, less stressful, and most importantly, a happier, healthier, better life for those we love.

With one call, individuals will be connected to a centralized concierge who will work to determine the best track for each family’s individual needs: care, housing, transportation, medical services, social programs, and customized plans to support

older adults and caregivers to provide maximum wellness – wherever they reside.

“Atlanta is home to one of the fastest growing senior communities in the country.

Most older adults prefer to stay in their own homes as they age, which increases the need for a coordinated system of care,” says Jennifer Curry, AgeWell Atlanta’s Information and Referral Manager/Concierge.

AgeWell Atlanta is a collaborative partnership of four Atlanta Jewish agencies, each providing expert advice, guidance, and a unique depth of experience and offerings: geriatric care management and caregiver support groups at Aviv Older Adult Services of Jewish Family & Career Services; recreational and enriching programs for active, mature adults at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta; and residential communities and at-home care services at Jewish HomeLife. All of the partner agencies are designed to relieve some of the burden as well as offer caregivers a welcomed break. Funding is provided

by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta along with other generous gifts from the community.

“The options for older adults can be overwhelming and confusing for caregivers,” states Curry. “This collaborative partnership provides a breadth of offerings to serve older adults all along the care

continuum.”

It is important to remember, these are not simply “older adults,” or “seniors.” They’re mothers and fathers. Grandparents and dear friends. AgeWell Atlanta is here to help everyone navigate this new life cycle.

For more information, please contact AgeWell Atlanta at 1-866-AGEWELL (1866-243-9355) which provides callers with free, detailed recommendations and a warm handoff to resources provided by the agency partners and other trusted organizations, based on the unique needs of each caller.

For additional information and to learn more about upcoming social programs, visit agewellatl.org.

AgeWell Atlanta partner agencies include: Aviv Older Adult Services of Jewish Family & Career Services helps aging individuals and their families navigate life transitions and changing circumstances.

Whether you’re an older adult, spouse, or caregiver, our experienced and compassionate team will support you on your journey with resources and guidance.

Jewish HomeLife’s network of residential communities and at-home care services support every stage of the aging journey,

from long term care, independent and assisted living to rehab, clinic, home care and hospice.

Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta offers opportunities for active, mature adults to live rich and full lives through a vast array of recreational and social activities, personal enrichment classes, health and fitness programs, Jewish learning classes, and more.

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta creates a thriving, caring and connected Jewish Atlanta where every Jew and their loved ones can access warm Jewish community, timeless Jewish wisdom, global Jewish peoplehood and Jewish ways to do good in the world. ■

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2021 | 59

CLOSING THOUGHTS Seniors, Then and Now Then: We never called our grandparents grandma, grandpa, bubbe, or zayde, or some derivative of their given names. I cannot even recall Shaindle when I disSchmuckler covered their Shaindle’s Shpiel actual given names. (Abraham and Fanny, for those of you who are overwhelmed with curiosity.)

We always called them Mama and Papa, which is how my own parents, aunts, uncles, mama and papa’s customers in the fish market, our friends and our parents’ friends, referred to them.

Mama, Papa, my mom and dad, aunts and uncles shared one huge apartment, with only one bathroom and one kitchen, until each married or started their own families. One by one they longed for and worked toward the American dream.

Empty nest syndrome was not in our

vernacular yet, and besides, their oldest daughter, her husband and her two children lived with mama and papa even after they made their big move up the street to the apartment building in which the rest of the family lived. After my aunt and uncle’s two grandchildren married and moved out, mama and papa had their oldest daughter and her husband living with and caring for them.

Retiring to Florida or leaving the apartment they shared with their eldest daughter and her husband was unheard of. Elderly parents were not left to live out their years alone. Elderly parents did not move to a retirement village, nor were they moved to a home for the elderly.

No one in the extended family moved across the country. Everyone stayed in the Bronx, most in the same apartment building. My uncle and his family chose to move to what at the time was considered so far away that it required planning and was referred to as a shlep to make the visit. I refer here to New Jersey.

Upon retirement, mama and papa were cared for and loved right where they lived, right up until they chose heaven rath-

er than the Bronx.

Now: Empty-nesters feel they must plan what their retirement years will look like.

Some — very few — enjoy the privilege of living with one of their children and their family. For the rest, sailing the oceans and the seven seas seems enticing.

Florida also seems to be quite popular. Seemingly just far enough away, yet close enough for a long drive to visit their children and grandchildren.

Many, after living close enough but far enough, choose to move yet again, to whatever state or hamlet their children and grandchildren reside. Funny don’t you think? All that money could have gone to toys for the grandkids, or extravagant bar or bat mitzvah presents, maybe a nice used car when those same grandkids turn sixteen.

What I hear people say to those with

multiple generations living under the same roof: how lucky are you, to have your parents and grandparents share the lives of their children and grandchildren.

What do I think, you ask? Well, without judgment for others, I think — no, I know — I am one of the most blessed women on earth. Our four girls, our four sons in love, and our ten grandkids live mere moments away. We are not moving anywhere to live out our retirement days.

For goodness sakes, why would we? ì

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