Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. 99 NO. 23, December 15, 2024

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CHANA SHAPIRO

CHERYL DORCHINSKY

DAVE SCHECHTER

DAVID OSTROWSKY

DEBBIE DIAMOND

MARCIA CALLER JAFFE

ROBERT GARBER

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Cover Photo: 12-year-old Ellie Stancill's Chanukah art contest entry.

Blank Donates $27M to New Atlanta Opera Center

By Bob Bahr

Arthur Blank, whose philanthropic gifts this year included a $200 million contribution to the recently opened Children’s Hospital of Atlanta building on North Druid Hills Road, is closing out 2024 with millions more for a new building complex for the Atlanta Opera. He is donating $25 million for the construction of a concert hall and offices that will honor the memory of his mother, Molly Blank, who died almost 10 years ago at the age of 99.

The building project, which has a budget of $45 million, will transform the Bobby Jones Golf Course Clubhouse on Woodward Way, just off Northside Drive. It was originally built nearly 84 years ago.

In addition to providing administrative offices for the opera’s staff, the new complex will include a 200-seat recital hall, rehearsal studios, and a landscaped garden. The facility will be known as the Molly Blank Center for Opera.

Blank is also donating an additional

$2.5 million for the continuation of the Molly Blank Discoveries Series, which presents opera in non-traditional spaces.

This fall, the Atlanta Opera presented a modern staging of Puccini’s opera, “La Boheme,” in repertory with the Broad-

way musical “Rent,” which is said to have been inspired by the Italian work. Both were presented at Pullman Yards, a converted industrial facility that was once used for the reconditioning of Pullman rail cars.

When his father died when Arthur was 15, it was his mother who quickly stepped in to successfully run the family mail order pharmacy business. Although money was tight, her son affectionately remembered her dedication to art.

The new opera center will have a 200-seat concert hall.

The new Atlanta Opera facility will be named the Molly Blank Center for Opera.

Despite his mother’s busy schedule as a business owner, she frequently found the time to take the subway from Flushing in New York City’s borough of Queens into Manhattan for an afternoon of theater or musical comedy.

“My mother, an artist herself, believed in the power of the arts to bring joy and healing. As a sculptor and dancer, she loved attending concerts, theater, and opera in Atlanta and New York,” Blank said. “My brother, Michael, and I are proud to carry on her passion for the arts, and we know she would be honored to see her name alongside one of the country’s top opera companies. We’re excited to support the new multi-disciplinary center on the Atlanta BeltLine and the Molly Blank Discoveries Series, bringing opera to new audiences. I can’t think of a more perfect way to honor her legacy.”

The gift comes at the start of a threeyear, $110 million capital campaign for the Opera, which will allow the company to continue its main stage performances at the Cobb Energy Center and expand its outreach programs such as the 96 Hour Opera Festival.

Over the past decade, General and Artistic Manager, the Israeli-born, Tomer Zvulun, has developed a considerable talent for guiding the company’s development program. He has initiated important sponsorship programs with The Home Depot, Coca-Cola and the Kia Automotive Corporation.

Performances in the first half of 2025 include stagings of “Macbeth” in March, Wagner’s “Siegfried” in April and May, and Handel’s opera from the 18th century, “Semele,” in June.

“Few leaders have left as large an imprint on Atlanta as Arthur Blank,” Zvulun said. “I personally admire his vision and am profoundly grateful for his generosity. It brings me great joy that our new Opera headquarters will be named after his mother, Molly Blank, who adored opera. Her legacy of courage, compassion, community service, and much-loved sense of humor will inspire all we create and accomplish in the new facility.”

The Atlanta Opera is recognized as one of the leading opera companies in the United States, known, particularly for its artistic excellence, dynamic programming, and dedication to community service.

Hailed by The New York Times as “Bringing Opera Back from the Brink,” the Atlanta Opera claims as its mission to break the boundaries of opera to create exceptional experiences for audiences everywhere

The Opera also presents critically acclaimed productions and concerts streamed in HD on the newly created streaming platform, Atlanta Opera Film Studio, which continues to allow The Atlanta Opera to reach a global audience.

Construction is scheduled to be completed on the Molly Blank Center for Opera in summer 2027. ì

Arthur Blank is contributing $25 million of the $45 million construction cost for the new opera center.

‘Stand Together’ Rally Serves as Call for Unity

By Cheryl Dorchinsky

The Stand Together rally, held just days after a divisive, heated presidential election, brought Jewish Americans — and their allies — together in a world swirling with division, fear and antisemitism. These brave participants declared an unwavering support for Israel, the Jewish people, and American values. Locally, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and the Atlanta Israel Coalition partnered to take the lead for this much needed event.

The rally, a poignant show of strength, raised a troubling question: Was this show of solidarity adequate? The turnout was inspiring, yet it revealed the need for more — more voices, more action, more courage. The stakes are too high for complacency. Each individual bears a responsibility to contribute at this time.

The rally didn’t happen in a vacuum. Americans have just come through a bruising election cycle and were forced out of their comfort zones. It was ex-

hausting, but also necessary. It’s essential that Jews hold true to values – honoring

democracy and protecting all communities in what has become a fragmented social fabric.

As Americans, as people with a

The Stand Together rally in Washington, D.C., served as a call for unity.

moral compass, as members of the Jewish community, division is jeopardizing the future for Jews and emboldening enemies. Ignoring the petty squabbles and partisan divide, Jews can come together and make effective changes for the betterment of our people and the world. What else is tikkun olam, anyway?

The Stand Together rally emerged as a clarion call for unity — at a moment it is needed most. And it wasn’t just Jews who showed up. Allies from all walks of life answered the call.

Some took great professional risks to show support, such as New York Congressman Richie Torres, who was the recipient of a well-earned award at the event. In his remarks, Torres said, “To the next generation of Jewish leaders, I tell them in an age of amplified antisemitism: Be proud of who you are. Take pride in your Judaism and Zionism. Live not in shame, but in pride. Live not in fear, but in freedom — because where there is fear there can never be freedom … We stand together, and America stands with Israel.”

If one doubts for a moment that this current age is one of amplified antisemitism, simply look at the recent pogroms in the Netherlands and Greece or the attacks here at home — such as the recent

horrors in New York and Chicago. The anniversary of Kristallnacht should pass without echoes of the past glaring at us from the front pages of contemporary newspapers.

For those who wondered what it would have been like to stand against the antisemitic vitriol of the Nazis and their regime of terror, wonder no more. Some stand with us. Others remain silent–even when silence is complicity.

Anti-Zionism, that thin veneer masking antisemitism, is frequently framed as a mere political critique, which carries dangerous consequences for Jewish communities here at home and around the world. Rally participants were well aware of this reality and stood resolute in their commitment to counter these influences. This should be a reminder to all — we cannot afford to count on the silent majority any longer. If we don’t act, no one will.

Actress Tiffany Haddish captured perfectly this in her words at the event, declaring, “Unity isn’t about agreeing on everything, it’s about standing together when it matters. And now, it matters most. The families still waiting for their loved ones to come home—they remind us what real courage looks like. And they show us why unity, in this moment, is not just important, it’s essential.” ì

Thousands attended the Stand Together rally in Washington, D.C., with many calling for the release of the hostages taken by Hamas.

Herzog Discusses Israel’s Future in Eizenstat Lecture

By Bob Bahr

An energetic and determined Isaac Herzog greeted Stuart Eizenstat who moderated the 35th annual Eizenstat Lecture series at Ahavath Achim Synagogue. The program featured Herzog, the president of Israel, and was presented online in a split-screen format early last month.

The conversation was held just after a shocking attack on Israeli soccer fans after a match in Amsterdam. It was also just a few days after the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the murderous attack by the Nazi government of Germany against the Jewish community and its institutions there. But Herzog, who was head of the Jewish Agency and a representative of Israel to the world’s Jewish community, spoke of the country’s strength today and its willingness to stand up for Jews everywhere who are under attack.

“As opposed to previous eras where we went through dark days, we are now strong. We are capable. We have the tools in a democracy such as the United States,

which is the strongest in the world. You can fight back. You can fight legally. You can fight through your elected officials. You can raise your opinions. You can unite and work hard. And Israel definitely sees it as a top priority to defend

all Jews around the world.”

But it was Israel’s response to the attack on its own people on Oct. 7, 2023, that was Herzog’s greatest prize. How the nation has responded to the largest loss of Jewish lives since the Holocaust was

what impressed Herzog most.

“The nation, at first, was in utter trauma and shock. Now it’s shown immense resilience. It’s rose up like a lion, as the Bible says.”

Herzog’s comments came before

Stuart Eizenstat interviewed the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, during the Eizenstat Lecture Series.

the ceasefire that took effect on Nov. 27 and the recent sudden collapse of the government of Hafiz al-Assad in Syria. That regime, a father-and-son dynasty that ruled the country for 54 years, was a dramatic turn of events that could bring significant changes for Israel and the Middle East.

Israel’s successful campaign over the last year against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon may be paying dividends in the campaign to diminish the influence of Iran in the region.

In the first hours after the fall of Damascus to Syrian rebels, the Iranian Embassy there was ransacked by a violent mob, which reportedly climbed the fence around the building and tore down large images of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, who was recently assassinated by Israel. His support with both men and weapons for the Syrian government, along with Russian air attacks, was largely credited with keeping the Assad regime in power.

Israel’s successful campaign against Hezbollah’s infrastructure and its military capabilities left Assad’s corrupt and demoralized army suddenly weakened to the renewed offensive of the rebels. Their success is generally seen as a blow to Iran’s once formidable network of regional allies that was structured around proxies like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Significantly, the mobs that reportedly attacked the Iranian embassy also destroyed the portraits of Iran’s top general, Qassim Suleimani, who was killed in an American air strike in Syria, where he was commanding an Iranian force in

Robert M. Goldberg

West Point, 1982: University of Michigan Law School, 1990: Member of Wealth Counsel and National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Accredited Veterans Administration Attorney

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support of Assad.

In his conversation with Eizenstat, President Herzog saw the possibility of new hope in creating a Middle East that is not being held hostage by Iran and its allies.

“I think that we can get back on track now, after we’ve overcome the mass challenges by the empire of evil, of Tehran and its proxies, its main proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas. It’s not over yet, but clearly, the picture is clear that we are getting there. I would say that the day after should include inclusion of Israel in the region in a very robust way.”

Despite its recent successes against challenges from outside Israel, the president remains very concerned about the political situation within the country.

“We also have major internal challenges. We have many, many debates and strives within our society, like any ordinary, normal democracy. But unfortunately, and I’ve been putting a lot of weight on that in my agenda, is to prevent a strife within our society that weakens us.”

Just last Sunday, Dec. 8, Herzog reportedly spoke of his deep concern over the new laws the Knesset was considering, that, he believes, could adversely affect Israel political institutions.

“This wave of legislation touches our democratic foundations — from the courts, to the judicial system, to law enforcement, to civil rights in elections and, in general, to the independence of the media, academia, and so on,” he told an audience in Southern Israel, “and the truth is that I am very concerned about what has been happening to us recently.” ì

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Israel’s success against Hezbollah won praise from President Isaac Herzog.

Silverboard Leads ORT’s Double Header

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Kenny Silverboard took over the professional leadership of ORT America and set out to roll with some substantive programming. The first event was on Nov. 14 at the home of Hilly Panovka featuring Amos Gofer, who runs ORT’s Kfar Silver Youth Village, just miles from the Gaza border. The second event was Nov. 18, a barbeque and bourbon tasting at the newly popular Dupree building.

At the Buckhead parlor event, ORT Board Chair Robbi Strauss related, “This Thanksgiving season we have each other. Tonight, these ORT alums will help tell our story.”

She introduced Ghila Sanders, managing director, Philanthropic Advisory at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation, who attended the ORT school in Rome along with her two sisters and were grateful for the education.

Gofer recounted the harrowing events of Oct. 7. With his invaluable 25 years of IDF leadership, he was in full operational mode, discerning what was

happening with terrorists and shots fired nearby with very little outside communication. There at the ORT school, he was in charge of 79 mostly orphaned chil-

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dren, some of whom had escaped the ravages of war in Ukraine. He said, “We were evaluating safe rooms, getting busses in with a five-min-

ute margin to load, turning off the power to look dark … many now don’t remember anything before the 400 days since Oct. 7 … stuck in the middle of time.”

Kenny Silverboard poses with (right) Safa Nooromid and Shahroleh who went to an ORT school in Iran 54 years ago.

Hostess Hilly Panovka and Amos Gofer chat with ORT Chair Robbi Strauss

Brad May, Zach McDearmont, the bourbon expert, and Elliot Siegel chatted about quality and taste.

He explained that only five percent of Muslims are radical (of the 100 million). “They don’t care if you are Zionists or not, on campus or in Montreal. Just radical against Jews.”

What Gofer did best was calculate risks and get the kids to safety.

The magnificence of ORT’s K’far Silver is the support children receive with social workers guiding each child to find his niche. Gofer said, “We are teaching them to be farmers, something Israel has neglected as a profession. We grow our own food and take care of wounded animals which is therapeutic for kids … not everyone can be a doctor or lawyer. Society needs farmers; and the children are allowed to also be excellent in STEM, arts, sports, language … we give them confidence and power.”

He then thanked Jews from North America who generously donate.

At the bourbon tasting, Strauss shared that ORT used to stand for Organizational Rehabilitative Training. “Now, it’s about fantastic worldwide education to create credible leaders and give the next generation reasons to be Jewish."

On a lighter note, Zach McDearmont represented the Louisville Shapira family, owners of Heaven Hill Distillery, as the forefathers of Kentucky bourbon and whiskey. He said, “Back in 1935, they stayed away from the ‘Shapira’ name to avoid antisemitism. The family continues to be the second largest holder of ag-

JOYFUL LIVING

ing whiskey in the U.S., and yes, the finest has to be in Kentucky because of our limestone water.”

McDearmont shared tips as the mostly men (with a few brave females) tasted varieties of amber cups from Ellijah Craig Small Batch, Toasted Barrel, Straight Rye, and Barrel Proof. He shared, “Remember, corn is the sweetness … rye is spicy. We have to be careful ‘to not melt your face off.’”

Charred wood was passed around to simulate the oak barrel process. “Older whiskeys taste ‘oaky,’ wheat whiskies are overrated.”  And while laughing, he added, “Sometimes, Jews dip challah into it.”

Silverboard recognized Joe Cohen who has been elected to the National ORT Board. Cohen told the AJT that he sponsors monthly poker games where thousands of proceeds go directly to ORT.

Silverboard told the AJT, “When I accepted the role at ORT after 10 years at the JFGA, I wanted to raise awareness of how we affect students in 39 countries where we have schools and/or programs. Many only know of ORT through their parents or grandparents … We are first class in education; nothing helps our young people get ahead and contribute to society more, STEM and agriculture based as well. Moving into 2025, we want to ‘drive home’ the difference dollars make in the life of  young people. We have ORT school alumni from Italy, Israel, Iran, Argentina, living in Atlanta; and I want to get them involved as advocates.” ì

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Andre Cohen, Phyllis Cohen and Steve Cohen carry the legacy of the late Joe Cohen who was dedicated to ORT’s mission

Cookbook Luncheon Serves Buffet of Flavors

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Two hundred “gourmands for the day” learned and dined while world renowned cookbook author, Joan Nathan, was interviewed by New York chef and restaurateur Jeremy Salamon, for the Book Festival of the MJCCA on Nov. 15.

A Kosher Touch staff created six crowd pleasing recipes from Nathan’s new book, “My Life in Recipes … Food, Family and Memories.”

A spry 81, Nathan’s resume includes working for Mayor Teddy Kollek in Jerusalem, appearances on “Good Morning America,” Martha Stewart, The Food Network and “The Today Show,” to name just a few. Having authored numerous cookbooks, this is the first memoir which she noted was so bounteous that “her editor had to chop 30,000 words.”

Salamon, a James Beard nominated chef/owner of Agi’s Counter in Brooklyn, was prepared with thought provoking questions for the “Jewish Julia Child,” relating to Nathan’s time spent in Paris learning the language and the art

of French cuisine. During this segment, Nathan related that an offshoot of her Parisian inclinations included Moroccan cuisine. Now widowed, Nathan shared

that her late husband was a lawyer specializing in terrorism and had tight bonds with the Moroccan ambassador, which resulted in numerous trips to his

home, where she learned more about lentils, almonds, cinnamon, her favorite yogurt cucumber salad, bulgar, onions and “peasant-like food.”

Happy Hanukkah

Joan Nathan (right) catches up with her former rabbi, now a member of Congregation B’nai Torah, Jeffrey Wohlberg, and Judy Wohlberg.

Caterer and new CEO Erin Lis prepared the meal for 200.

,

The memories flowed, comparing her mother-in -law’s light and fluffy matzo balls to her own recipe with matzo meal and fresh ginger saying, “Matzo ball soup is like challah defining the Jewish experience, comforting … and the kids admitted they never liked that other grandmother’s version of matzo balls made with soda water.”

Another engaging segment was about the roots of humus dating back to the Bible. She said, “Chickpeas were easy to grow and among the earliest forms of protein, and it’s ‘ours’ because we are the People of the Book and wrote the recipe down!”

She hinted that she’s working on a project now for The New York Times that involves kasha “with big kernels.”

In terms of her familiarity with Atlanta, Nathan stated that she had Southern biscuits that morning and was heading to the High Museum of Art before dining with Todd Ginsburg at The General Muir. Another local touch was Susan and Dr. Sydney Tourial’s guest, retired Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla, Congregation Or VeShalom, whose recipe was featured in her 1994 cookbook.

Salamon delighted the audience by introducing his own grandmother, Arlene Agis, who had recently moved to

Local dining consultant/operations manager Cyndi Sterne, DASH Hospitality, was eager to purchase the signed cookbook.

Atlanta. She told the AJT that she’s super proud of Jeremy who’s touting his own book, “Second Generation: Hungarian and Jewish Classics Reimagined for the Modern Table.”

Salamon queried Nathan about her process vis a vis preserving a recipe, “Do you move it forward? Do you not touch it? Do you keep it alive?” Nathan concluded that we have better cooks today. On a personal level, she “dropped” that her friends were Ruth Reichl and Alice Waters, the very top of the “cuisine” chain.

A feast for 200 doesn’t just magically appear; and Erin Lis, who recently took over the helm of An Added Touch and A Kosher Touch Catering, prepared the food with her staff. Prior to Nathan’s appearance, Lis explained that she accepted the company’s torch from Sandra Bank.

She stated, “Joan is a legend in the Jewish culinary world, as the keepers of family are the keepers of recipes.”

Lis shared that she uses the MJCCA as her off-site kosher kitchen base. Michelle Simon sponsored the event to honor her parents, specifically her mother, Eva Stern, who gave cooking classes, helped design photo shoots, and was known for her family Friday night dinners. Simon concluded, “Of course, dad, George, loved those dinners!” ì

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Featured Items on the Menu

Roasted Salmon Filet - preserved lemon, za’atar, sumac

Poseidon’s Spanakopita Pie - chopped spinach, feta, phyllo

Roasted Sweet Potatoes - coconut flakes, honey and soy Mujadara - flavored lentils, rice, caramelized onions

Persian Cucumber Salad – Yogurt, walnuts, scallions, radishes, craisins, Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies - nutmeg and crystallized ginger

Jeremy Salamon

who interviewed Nathan, posed with his grandmother, Arlene Agis.

Center for Puppetry Arts Offers Family Holiday Program

By Chana Shapiro

At the Center for Puppetry Arts in Midtown, there’s always something happening on one of the stages, in special events and workshops, and in the World of Puppetry Arts Museum. Visitors agree that the Center is one of the most interesting and entertaining — not to mention educational — sites among the cultural offerings of Atlanta. The Center’s website says it all: “Get ready to rethink everything you know about puppets and puppeteers.”

Presently, Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts has created special exhibit areas that feature themed puppet groupings. These temporary exhibits are part of Festive Features, which runs from Nov. 12 to Dec. 29, timed for the holiday season.

Of special interest to Jewish visitors, one group of puppets in the holiday installation is Robert Rogers’ Famous Chelm Players, created by renowned puppeteer Rogers. These puppets represent characters from Eastern European Jewish folklore, satirically called “the Wise

Men of Chelm.” These simple folks are residents of a European shtetl (small Jewish town) known in Jewish folk tales as the “village of fools.” The puppets realisti-

cally represent a mix of everyday characters who are well-meaning, yet comically misguided, and who share “wisdom” about solving inane questions about ev-

eryday experiences. The puppets on display depict stereotypical Chelmites, in their daily garb, who are central to the fictitious humorous stories. Among the

Several of Santa’s reindeer are on display at the Center for Puppetry Arts. The Chelm Players, created by renowned puppeteer Robert Rogers, can be seen at the Center for Puppetry Arts through Dec. 29.

other vignettes in the installation are major character puppets from the “Emmet the Otter” and “Sam the Snowman” TV specials.

Puppetry, although ancient, is still universally used in storytelling. Taking myriad forms, it has a role in almost every country and reflects the faiths, practices, beliefs, even sense of humor, of ethnic groups around the world. The Center for Puppetry Arts maintains an extensive permanent collection of global puppetry in its large Worlds of Puppetry Arts Museum, with more than 4,000 puppets. Visitors can learn about unusual puppets that are much more diverse and surprising than the string, shadow, and rod puppets Americans commonly see. Many puppets are not used purely to entertain, but rather to transmit group traditions and tell epic stories, and puppets usually subtly reflect a society’s mores. Some cultures have their own famous puppetmakers who are honored crafts persons. The museum includes a gallery area that features the late, legendary Muppet master Jim Henson’s desk and working area, includes sets from the Muppet TV shows and movies, and lets visitors get a close look at lots of original Muppets.

The Center’s Digital Learning Department has an enjoyable way for teachers to engage their students, as schools enter the holiday season. It offers a virtual program about gingerbread around the world. This is a literacy-based program that’s fun. Contact the Center at (404) 873-3391 to find out more.

ning from Nov. 13 to Dec. 29, 2024. This adaptation of the 1964 TV special presents live puppetry performances that tell the story of Rudolph, Santa, Yukon Cornelius, and the Abominable Snowman.

One may purchase admission to only the museum; however, there’s a bargain all-inclusive holiday combo ticket which includes admission to the puppet show, museum, Festive Features exhibits, and the hands-on Create-A-Puppet Workshop in which children can make a movable puppet to take home. Get all these events for the single price of the Rudolph puppet show.

Dates, show times, and ticket prices vary during the busy holiday season. For complete information, visit the Center’s website at puppet.org., or for the Rudolph puppet show information, go to https://puppet.org/programs/rudolphthe-red-nosed-reindeer/. To take advantage of year-round activities and at the same time support the Center, purchase a membership. Visit Puppet.org/visit/ Become-a-Member.

CHANUKAH

A visit to Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts is a family-friendly experience, especially during the end- of- year holiday season when parents are looking for an outing that appeals to adults and children of all ages. Everyone will enjoy one of the Center’s most popular shows, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” run-

The Center for Puppetry Arts is the largest nonprofit establishment in the U.S. that is dedicated solely to the wide world of puppetry. During the year, the Center offers live entertaining and educational shows for children and more sophisticated evening shows for adults, interactive show-related workshops, educational programs, opportunities to meet puppeteers, a digital learning program, rental facilities for parties and private events, and a world-class museum. It is home to the Jim Henson Collection where you can see original Muppets, “Fraggle Rock” characters, and “Sesame Street” icons.

The Center for Puppetry Arts is located at 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309; Parking is free. The Center is closed to the public on Mondays. ì

Jim Henson’s “Nativity Story” is shown at the Center for Puppetry Arts.

The Courageous Life of Lucille Selig Frank

By Dave Schechter

Ann Hite was 9 years old when her grandmother described seeing Leo Frank’s body hanging from the tree where he was lynched at sunrise on Aug. 17, 1915, in a Marietta woods.

Inas Lord’s accounts of that day may have varied — she was just 6 years old at the time — “but one thing that never changed about it was that it made an impression on her that his throat was open and he was bleeding on his white shirt,” said Hite, an award-winning Southern writer and the author of an upcoming book about Lucille Selig Frank, Leo Frank’s wife and widow.

Indeed, when Frank was kidnapped from the state prison in Milledgeville — where he was awaiting execution for a murder that another man may have committed — his neck was healing after being slashed by another prisoner.

The story Hite heard from her grandmother sparked a nearly five-decade obsession with the case. Leo Frank is “still relevant today because we have had, we have the same problems as we had in 1913 and 1915 . . . the same racism and antisemitism,” she said.

“Lucille Selig Frank: The Wife Of Leo M. Frank and Echoes of The Mary Phagan Murder Case” is to be published in September 2025 by Mercer University Press.

The book is a change of pace for Hite, the author of more than a dozen works of fiction, most set in and around Black Mountain, North Carolina, and involving ghosts or spirits of one sort or another. Her debut novel, “Ghost on Black Mountain,” won her a 2012 Georgia Author of the Year prize. She has been short-listed for several other honors. Hite’s most recent work, “Haints on Black Mountain,” a collection of short stories, was published in May 2023.

Hite was moved to write a work of nonfiction after talking with Steve Oney about his book about the Leo Frank case, titled “And The Dead Shall Rise.” When Lucille Frank, then 33-years-old, returned to Atlanta from Memphis six years following the lynching, she found her work at J.P. Allen, a women’s store. There, “she would regularly wait on the wives and children of the lynching brethren — she unaware of their connection to her husband’s death and they unaware, too,” Oney wrote.

That detail caught Hite’s attention. “The image that convinced me to write it as non-fiction, rather than as a historical fiction novel, was the image of her selling gloves at a kiosk to women whose husbands helped hang her husband,” she said. “Lucille

was such a brave woman. Way before her time.”

Leo Frank was superintendent of the National Pencil Company factory in downtown Atlanta. On April 26, 1913, which was Confederate Memorial Day, 13-year-old Mary Phagan came to pick up $1.20 owed her for work done the previous week. Her body was discovered early the next morning in the factory basement. Three days later, Frank was arrested and charged with murder.

Atlanta newspapers whipped up a frenzy against the 29-year-old, Texas-born transplant from New York. Crowds outside the courthouse were heard to yell epithets about Jews. Frank was convicted on Aug. 25, 1913. “The trial was marred by witnesses who were coached, forensic evidence that was suppressed, and testimony that was actually perjury,” said Rabbi Steve Lebow, Rabbi Emeritus at Temple Kol Emeth, in Marietta, who has devoted three decades to seeking exoneration of Frank.

Frank’s appeals, including to the Supreme Court of the United States, were denied.

A cabal calling itself the Knights of Mary Phagan planned and carried out the lynching. Its ranks included distinguished residents of Cobb County. They were enraged in June 1915 when Georgia Gov. John Slaton commuted Frank’s death sentence to life in prison. Particularly galling was that Slaton — who harbored doubts about Frank’s guilt after reviewing the case — did so the day before Frank’s scheduled execution and just days before he was to leave office.

Late on the night of Aug. 14, with the connivance of prison personnel, Frank was bundled out of the state prison and driven to the woods near what now is Frey’s Gin Road in Marietta. There he was lynched, after asking his killers to return his wedding ring to his wife.

Frank’s body was left hanging for hours. Word spread and crowds gathered. Photographs of Frank hanging from the tree were turned into postcards and sold in Atlanta, as were purported pieces of the rope that snapped his neck.

No one was arrested or prosecuted for the kidnapping or lynching.

In 1982, 83-year-old Alonzo Mann told The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville how, as a boy working in the pencil factory, he was threatened by Jim Conley, a Black janitor, to remain silent after seeing Conley carrying Phagan’s body.

On March 11, 1986, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Parole granted a posthumous

pardon “without attempting to address the question of guilt or innocence and in recognition of the state’s failure to protect the person of Leo M. Frank and thereby preserve his opportunity for continued legal appeal of his conviction, and in recognition of the state’s failure to bring his killers to justice, and as an effort to heal old wounds.”

Hite’s admiration for Lucille Frank stems from the Atlanta native’s “willingness not just to stand up, but she never backed down. It would have been so easy for her to back down and be quiet and walk away. That’s the tenacity that we as women need today. When we’re being marginalized, remember women like Lucille, who was not going to have it.”

“Take the Jewish equation out of it,” said Hite, who is not Jewish. “She’s an example for my daughters and my granddaughters. She believed what she believed, and she stood up to the biggest men around.”

“She was so strong, at such a young age, and I know 25 [her age when Leo Frank was arrested and convicted] wasn’t as young then as it is now. When you read her letters, you see what a strong person she was. She was a force to be reckoned with,” Hite said.

Lucille’s letters to Atlanta newspapers were directed at prosecutor Hugh Dorsey, about his treatment of potential witnesses on behalf of her husband. “She didn’t back down even when he answered in the same papers. She wrote another letter. Also, her final statement on the subject of the lynching was in letter form to the Augusta Chronicle, where she acknowledged that the people who actually did the deed of taking her husband’s life were only puppets for what she called ‘designing persons,’ the master

minds,” Hite said.

In her research, Hite also examined photographs, including one — donated to the Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center by a member of the Phagan family — that showed “tables with watermelon and pop and all kinds of food, they were having a big picnic out there.”

Inas Lord was brought to the lynching site by her father, Henry Lee Hawkins. Hite, who lives in Marietta, is discomfited knowing that her family participated in such an orgy. “I am more embarrassed by my greatgrandfather. My grandmother was too young to say no she wasn’t going. I think one of the reasons she told me the story at my young age was to leave an imprint on me to know these kind of horrific things can happen. I would like to think she wanted me to fight against the injustices that take place, but that is probably taking it too far,” she said. By chance, Hite’s husband is cousins with Mary Phagan’s great-nephews.

Leo Frank is buried at Mount Carmel Cemetery in the New York borough of Queens. Lucille Selig Frank died in 1957 and was buried, secretly at the time, between her parents’ graves in Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery.

Phagan’s grave in the Marietta Confederate Cemetery is a little more than two miles west of the lynching site.

The woods where Frank was hung have long since been built over. In August 2018, a marker commemorating the lynching was rededicated on a strip of grass and sidewalk not far away, next to the parking lot of a Mexican restaurant, just south of where Roswell Road in Marietta crosses under Interstate 75. ì

Ann Hite at her desk working on her upcoming book on Lucille Selig Frank.

Ann Hite’s “Lucille Selig Frank: The Wife Of Leo M. Frank and Echoes of The Mary Phagan Murder Case” is to be published in September 2025 by Mercer University Press.

Daniel Lubetzky Joins Cast of ‘Shark Tank’

By Robyn Spizman Gerson

“Shark Tank” lovers, and fan favorites, there is good news in the tank. Daniel Lubetzky, a Mexican American immigrant and son of a Holocaust survivor, is officially on board on new episodes through Season 16.

Founder of KIND Snacks, Lubetzky grew his company from an idea into an iconic multi-billion-dollar brand, and officially joins ABC’s critically acclaimed, multi-Emmy Award-winning businessthemed unscripted series.

Lubetzky is the show’s first new regular Shark in over a decade joining the regular cast, including Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, and Kevin O’Leary. “Shark Tank,” produced by MGM Television in association with Sony Pictures Television, has become a culturally defining series, amassing an amazing $11 billion in retail sales from deals offered in the Tank.

In a request to get to know Daniel a little better, Lubetzky kindly replied, “I was born and raised in Mexico City before moving to San Antonio, Texas, when I was 15. My mom was raised in Tampico on a cattle ranch and my dad, a Lithuanian Jew who survived the Holocaust, moved to Mexico after being liberated from the Dachau concentration camp. Growing up in the Mexican Jewish community, my family prided itself in preserving Jewish values and traditions while incorporating Mexican flavor. They upheld the Jewish tenet of tikkun olam— to heal the world — by always helping fellow ranchers; and they adapted Jewish holiday dishes such as the traditionally cold and bland gefilte fish into a warm red snapper delicacy in a spicy red Veracruzana sauce. My parents always encouraged me to build friendships with people different from me and to approach new people and cultures with curiosity. I would not be who I am today had they not instilled those values in me.”

Lubetzky’s Ted Talk online offers further insight into his mission, giving his philosophy about being a builder and what motivated him to invent the KIND bar. He believes each of us can impact other people’s lives in a kind way. He shared, “I came up with the idea for KIND out of my own necessity. When building Peaceworks, a business venture that ultimately became KIND, I was traveling constantly and in search of something I could eat on-the-go that was con-

venient and nutritious. I was having a hard time finding something that suited my needs and the idea for KIND was born. The name KIND was about being kind not just to your body and your taste buds, because the product is delicious and healthy; it was also about being kind to the world by fostering empathy and encouraging people to be kind to others, including strangers. Kindness is magical, it’s what I call a net happiness aggregator - not only does the person on the receiving end of an act of kindness feel good, but the person doing the kind thing also benefits. Never underestimate the power of small acts of kindness to have big impact.”

Lubetzky learned valuable lessons from his father that he lives by. He added, “Despite living through the Dachau concentration camp during the Holocaust, my dad always saw the good in all people. Hearing the stories of what he enduredand how he survived because of the kindness of strangers - instilled within me at a young age a sense of purpose to build bridges between people to ensure nothing like what he lived through ever happens again.”

And for those wondering what it’s like inside “Shark Tank?” Lubetzky added, “’Shark Tank’ is magical because it’s both educational and entertaining. I have a hard time thinking of any other show that does both so effectively. It has the ability to bridge generations and bring the entire family together to learn

about business without even realizing you are learning. People are often surprised to hear that what happens in the tank is very real - the Sharks do not see the deals in advance and we’re investing our own money. Each deal I’ve made on ‘Shark Tank’ is different and special, but one of my favorites is HummViewer. Not only is it a quirky, genius invention but my father, who was my role model and best friend, loved to watch birds with my mom outside their house. Since he passed, we have often been reminded of him when we see birds, hummingbirds especially, so this investment felt extra

personal for me.”

Of note, Lubetzky shared that he “can speak basic phrases in over 40 languages.”

Clearly prepared, a mensch and an entrepreneur for humanity, fans are confident Lubetzky will continue to do just fine in the Tank. Everyone can benefit from his efforts to raise the bar on kindness.

“Shark Tank” fans can look for Lubetzky on new episodes throughout Season 16, which kicked off Friday, Oct. 18 on ABC and available to stream next day on Hulu. ì

Daniel Lubetzky and his father, Roman Lubetzky, a Dachau concentration camp survivor.

Daniel Lubetzky is the newest regular cast member on “Shark Tank” // Photo Credit: Matthew Evans

Daniel Lubetzky at the KIND Bar Bar // Photo Credit: Poon Watchara Amphaiwan

Wittenberg Dazzles as Olaf in ‘Frozen’

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Beginning Dec. 13, theatre lovers will recognize a hometown face as actor Brian Wittenberg takes the stage in Disney’s “Frozen: The Musical” as Olaf, the lovable snowman. Recently lauded for his role as Motel, the tailor, in City Springs Theatre Company’s “Fiddler on the Roof,” Wittenberg also serves as their full-time education director.

Wittenberg, who was bar mitzvahed at Guardians of the Torah in Johns Creek, received his BFA in musical theatre from the University of Alabama. He served as the theater director at Chattahoochee High School where earlier he participated in their musical theatre curriculum and performed in community theatre.

He told the AJT, “I have a soft spot for several of my roles … a particular fondness for William Barfee in ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,’ and Henry in ‘Next to Normal.’ The characters that I tend to play all have big hearts and go on a journey to find that out for themselves or to help guide others into places of joy. I’m captivated by characters that are simple on the surface, but complex at the core. I enjoy peeling back the layers to reveal the humor, depth, and truth of what it means to be human.”

As an actor, director, and educator, his focus is being able to fully tell a story while involving the audience.

“As education manager at City Springs, I’m proud to see those stories being told in the classes we hold every day while teaching our students the technical aspects of performing on stage,” he said.

“Frozen,” which will appear during this unique holiday season where both Chanukah and Christmas overlap,

will run through Dec. 29 at The Byers Theatre at City Springs. Beloved by fans, Olaf, known for his childlike innocence, immunity to pain, outgoing personality, and uncanny ability to disassemble himself, will be in Wittenberg’s capable hands. With a magical effect, Wittenberg both performs and puppeteers Olaf.

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His take on the role: “The joy in playing a character who was originally animated is to be able to explore bigger and broader strokes of life than you would in a show based more in reality … I’m excited to explore Olaf’s big heart and how he approaches the world with joy and optimism. You’ll still hear me sing ‘In Summer’ and have witty repartee and physical comedy akin to the movie. While audiences will definitely recognize him, just wait until you see the puppet onstage. I think what will make my Olaf unique is the connections that I have with the people onstage. This cast is so special, and our offstage relationships let us explore the depths of these characters and their relationship to one another onstage.”

Donning his education hat, Wittenberg recommends that children who show an interest in theatre should train in as many disciplines possible. He stated, “The first step is always the hardest, and in theatre, it’s especially so because that first step is often performing in front of people (the most common fear). In our Conservatory programs here at City

Springs, we are able to give students opportunities to step in front of people and tell stories whether in a one-on-one private lesson, a small group setting, or an audience of hundreds of people.”

In evaluating himself as a “triple threat” (dance, voice, acting), Wittenberg stated, “I use all three disciplines to ensure that a story is told to the fullest during every performance. It’s hard to put any of them ahead of the other, but to me, acting has to show up in all three places. If I sound amazing on a song or hit that dance step perfectly, but there’s no storytelling behind it, the audience is cut off from the performance.”

Based on the 2013 Academy Awardwinning animated film, “Frozen: The Musical” tells the story of two princesses and sisters, Elsa and Anna, whose bond is tested when Elsa’s magical powers trap their kingdom in an eternal winter. With the help of a rugged ice harvester, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and Brian’s Olaf, Anna embarks on a quest to bring her sister back and save Arendelle.

For tickets, please visit www. cityspringstheatre.com.  ì

Wittenberg recently performed as Motel in “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Brian Wittenberg (front) is the education director at City Springs Theatre Company.

“Frozen: The Musical” runs from Dec. 13 to Dec. 29 at The Byers Theatre at City Springs.

Ossoff Rebuked for Israel Arms Sale Votes

By Dave Schechter

Votes by Sen. Jon Ossoff in support of resolutions calling for a halt of U.S. shipments of specific weapons to Israel met with overwhelming, but not universal, criticism from within Atlanta’s Jewish community.

Ossoff, a Jewish Democrat who has talked publicly about relatives living in Israel, voted Nov. 20 in favor of two of three resolutions advanced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont. Those resolutions called for a halt to U.S. delivery of tank rounds and mortar shells. Ossoff voted against a third resolution that called for a halt to delivery of guidance kits for joint direct attack munitions, known as JDAMS.

Sixteen Democratic senators, including Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, voted in favor of advancing all three resolutions, while another Democrat supported one of the three. Though the resolutions were defeated in the Senate by a large margin, their votes reflected divisions in the Democratic Party over Israel’s conduct of its war against Hamas in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist massacre of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 250 more.

Ossoff’s votes likely will be an issue when he seeks re-election in 2026.

The first-term senator explained his votes in a Senate floor speech. “I remain steadfastly committed to the U.S.-Israel alliance, and I also believe we must be willing to say no, even to our closest friends, when we believe it is in America’s national interest,” Ossoff said in closing.

He began by noting that in 1982, as Israel fought in Lebanon against the Palestine Liberation Organization, Republican President Ronald Reagan called on Prime Minister Menachem Begin to halt Israeli bombardment of Beirut. The bombing stopped, Reagan “then blocked the provision of cluster munitions to Israel out of concern that their use by the IDF was killing too many innocent people,” Ossoff said.

The 1982 experience is “not a perfect mirror image for the agonizing situation we face today . . . But I tell this story to remind my colleagues that in the pursuit of America’s national interests, to use the leverage that comes with the provision of arms is not just sometimes necessary — it is expected and appropriate,” he said.

“No foreign government, no matter how close an ally, gets everything it

, along with fellow

wants, whenever it wants, to use however it wants,” Ossoff said.

“No one in this body or the American government has suggested that Israel lay down its arms and be overrun, or that Israel does not have a right, and indeed an obligation, to defeat its enemies and defend its people. Rather, the United States has insisted that Israel’s conduct of the war respect our interests and our values — the interests and values of Israel’s closest ally. And yet, for the most part, that insistence has been ignored.”

Ossoff said that Netanyahu is “beholden” to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Interior Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, right-wing ministers who have threatened to bring down his government if the prime minister agrees to any deal to end the war.

The weapons involved in the three resolutions account for less than five percent of U.S. arms shipments to Israel over the next three years and that most of the items specified would not reach Israel until 2026 or 2027, and as such would not impact Israel’s existing weapons supply, he said. In total, the value of the weapons sales was estimated at $20 billion.

Ossoff’s explanation was not well received. The sharpest language in response included “shock,” “astonishing,” “betrayed,” “abandonment,” and “utterly specious.”

“To use the word disappointment would be an understatement,” said Dov Wilker, regional director of the American Jewish Committee in Atlanta. The votes by Ossoff and Warnock “likely strained relationships” with the Jewish community.

“I don’t see how this advances any of the goals that the senators have. It doesn’t return the displaced citizens to the north and to the south of Israel. It doesn’t help bring the hostages home. It doesn’t protect Israeli civilians or Palestinian civilians,” Wilker said. “This is a statement that sort of emboldens Iran and its proxies, and it’s a sad day for those who support Israel.”

Ossoff and Warnock were rebuked in a letter signed by nearly 50 communal groups, congregations, and schools, which was issued under the umbrella of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. [Note: The Atlanta Jewish Times was a signatory to the letter.]

Ossoff was elected in January 2021, defeating Republican incumbent Sen. David Perdue by 55,000 votes in a runoff, after the pair advanced from the November 2020 general election. The list of potential Republican opponents in 2026 is topped by Gov. Brian Kemp, who is barred from seeking a third term. Others mentioned include U.S. Reps. Earl “Buddy” Carter and Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Warnock, who faces re-election in 2028, has ties in the Jewish community, notably through joint efforts on various issues between Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he remains senior pastor, and The Temple. He was elected the same day as Ossoff, defeating appointed Sen. Kelly Loeffler to fill two years remaining in the term of Sen. Johnny Isakson, who resigned in 2019.

Rabbi Peter Berg, senior rabbi at The Temple, told the AJT: “This vote was a tremendous disappointment to me.  I concur with Israeli opposition leader, Yair Lapid, who said ‘No friend of Israel’ should support blocking these sales.”

The lone Jewish voice in the Georgia legislature also voiced disapproval.

Democratic state Rep. Esther Panitch told the AJT: “I am disheartened that both of our U.S. senators voted in favor of the resolutions.”

His votes “contradict Senator Ossoff’s claims of ‘ironclad’ commitment to and steadfast support of Israel, aimed at penalizing Israel and thereby weakening a democratically elected government at a critical time. Israel is fighting on behalf of the Western world so that this conflict doesn’t arrive on our shores. To be clear, the Israeli opposition leaders to Netanyahu’s government also advocated for these resolutions to fail,” she said.

“In the end, the failed vote will not be

Votes by Sen. Jon Ossoff in support of resolutions calling for a halt of U.S. shipments of specific weapons to Israel met with overwhelming, but not universal, criticism from within Atlanta’s Jewish community.

Ossoff

Sen. Raphael Warnock, were rebuked in a letter signed by nearly 50 communal groups, congregations, and schools, which was issued under the umbrella of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

felt by the Israeli forces or government, but acute feelings of abandonment by our senators are already being felt by pro-Israel and freedom-loving constituents, both Jewish and not Jewish, in Georgia,” Panitch said.

Chuck Berk, co-leader of the Republican Jewish Coalition chapter in Atlanta, told the AJT: “It is astonishing to see that these two Georgia senators, who ran on supporting Israel, have now voted not to provide U.S. aid while Israel is in a fight for its survival. A man’s word should be his bond — and apparently these senators will say what they need to get elected but can’t be trusted to fulfill their promises.”

Former Republican state Rep. Mitchell Kaye said: “Ossoff and Warnock betrayed those in the Jewish community who are pro-Israel. It should have been an easy vote as the measure was not going to pass anyway. Instead, they doubled down in support of the pro-Hamas wing of the Democrat party.”

Ossoff was praised by J Street, self-described as “pro-Israel, pro-peace.” The group’s statement said: “J Street Georgia stands with our Georgia Senators who took a tough vote of conscience on Wednesday . . . His votes this week on symbolic resolutions . . . were not about delaying or canceling aid and have nothing to do with defensive weapons or systems. These votes will do absolutely nothing to prevent Israel from defending itself against its enemies. Instead, they sent a clear message that Israel’s closest ally can and must engage in thoughtful oversight to align the use of U.S. weapons with our values, laws, and shared strategic interests. Senator Ossoff’s record affirms his steadfast commitment to the U.S.-Israel alliance and to ensuring Israel’s long-term security.”

But the general tone of the response was reflected in comments to the AJT from Michael Rosenzweig, a Jewish community activist and board member of Democratic Majority For Israel.

“Senator Ossoff’s votes are deeply disappointing to the pro-Israel community, not least because his reasoning supporting those votes was so utterly specious. In his speech on the Senate floor explaining his votes, Senator Ossoff harshly criticized Israel for its ‘lack of sufficient concern for innocent Palestinian lives,’ asserting that its conduct of the war in Gaza has been ‘gratuitously brutal,’ resulting in ‘unnecessary civilian casualties’ because of Israel’s ‘reckless disregard for the innocent.’ Those assertions completely ignored multiple, repeated statements from military experts lauding Israel for its extraordinary efforts to prevent or minimize civilian casualties, statements that I and others had explicitly brought to the Senator’s attention before the vote.

“Moreover, the Biden-Harris administration has repeatedly confirmed the conclusions of these military experts. Yet Senator Ossoff, who has had no military experience and by all accounts lacks any military expertise, thought he knew better and cast his votes on that basis . . . Hamas started the war with its heinous, unprovoked attack on October 7, and it flagrantly violates international law and all notions of decency by embedding itself in hospitals, schools and civilian homes,” Rosenzweig said. “Had the resolutions Senator Ossoff supported passed, that would have encouraged Hamas to harden its position by continuing to reject a ceasefire and release of the hostages, thereby perpetuating the very casualties Senator Ossoff decried.”  ì

Ossoff Has Fences to Mend

Dave Schechter

From Where I Sit

A year ago this week, I wrote in this space: “The Jewish community may think of itself as a large tent, capable of accommodating a range of viewpoints, but Israel is where a line is drawn.”

Back then, Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff would have been welcomed inside. Today I wonder whether Georgia’s first Jewish senator might be turned away, perhaps asked to return later.

Ossoff was excoriated by numerous local Jewish leaders after he voted Nov. 20 in favor of two of three resolutions opposing the sale of specific U.S. weapons to Israel.

Never mind that the Senate overwhelmingly rejected the resolutions, or that the weapons would not have been delivered for two or three years, or that Ossoff’s votes were intended as a message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Shock,” “astonishing,” “betrayed,” “abandonment,” and “utterly specious” were among the expressions of

opprobrium. Similar sentiments were conveyed in an open letter to Ossoff and Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock (who supported all three resolutions), signed by 47 communal organizations, synagogues, and schools, a grouping that claims to represent 90 percent of the state’s Jewish population. [The Atlanta Jewish Times was among the signatories.]

An op-ed published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, signed by 22 rabbis from the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements, chastised Ossoff and Warnock, whom they said had “demonstrated a failure to hear your Jewish constituents . . . showed indifference to the pro-Israel community while granting approval to fringe voices . . . sided with often fanatical and uncompromising organizations and individuals who consistently fight against pro-Israel policies and work to weaken the U.S.-Israel relationship.”

Rabbi Peter Berg, senior rabbi at The Temple, told the AJT that Ossoff’s votes were “a tremendous disappointment to me.”

On the other side of the ledger, a single liberal Jewish organization issued a statement of support for Ossoff and Warnock and more than 100 members of the community signed a letter calling them “true friends of Israel,” whose votes “sent a strong symbolic message

representing a growing portion of the American Jewish community that believes that the U.S.-Israel relationship should be grounded in our laws, national security interests and shared values.”

Speaking on the Senate floor, Ossoff said: “I remain steadfastly committed to the U.S.-Israel alliance, and I also believe we must be willing to say no, even to our closest friends, when we believe it is in America’s national interest . . . No foreign government, no matter how close an ally, gets everything it wants, whenever it wants, to use however it wants.”

Jewish Republicans will make Ossoff’s votes an issue when he seeks a second six-year term in the 2026 mid-term elections. Matt Brooks, executive director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, has declared on X (formerly Twitter): “Defeating @ossoff will be the top priority of @rjc for 2026!!”

Across the aisle, Mark Mellman, chair of the Democratic Majority for Israel, told the AJT: “We were deeply disappointed that both Senator Ossoff and Senator Warnock voted to endanger Israel by blocking aid to that country. Moreover, their explanations did not reflect a clear understanding of the situation. We have not made any endorsement decisions yet for 2026 but you can be sure we will be looking closely at Senator Ossoff’s record when we do.”

Ossoff knows that he has upset a significant portion of the Jewish community. The extent to which he is able or feels the need to repair those relationships will be worth watching over the next two years.

Meanwhile, in response to his votes, I have seen Ossoff referred to as an antisemite, a self-hating Jew, and as a kapo. I wish it were not, but I find it necessary to say: The senator is none of these things. Jews who use such language  debase themselves and add nothing of value to the discourse.

An AJT reader wanted me to know that “Because Ossoff is not really Jewish, he doesn’t feel in his kishkes about Jews, Israel and the Holocaust as you or I would — that is the sad reality.”

Ossoff’s father is Jewish. His mother is not. The senator underwent a conversion according to Jewish law, with a trip to the mikvah, before he was a bar mitzvah at The Temple, a Reform congregation. Irrespective of this, the Reform movement recognizes patrilineal descent. “I am descended from Ashkenazi immigrants who fled pogroms at the turn of the 20th century. I was raised among relatives who survived the Shoah,” he wrote in the AJT in December 2020.

In May 2021, Ossoff told the AJT that a message from fearful relatives in Israel — “With the constant sirens, my three-year-old cousin has been very afraid and very upset” — moved him to lead a call for a ceasefire when Hamas fired some 3,000 rockets toward Israel and Israeli forces launched air strikes against targets in Gaza.

The Jewish community is ill-served by playing “Who is a Jew?” It is disrespectful. And whether you agree or disagree with his politics, the senator is Jewish and these issues resonate in his kishkes, as they do in mine — and I trust in yours. ì

Father of Hostage Thanks Ossoff, Warnock for Their Votes

I am a father, an Israeli father, who myself have served in the Israel Defense Forces, as have my three children. My son, Nimrod Cohen, was a soldier in a tank unit on October 7th, one of the infamous parts of the attack that dark and bloody day. Despite being a proud and patriotic Israeli, my message has been ignored, or in some cases willfully ignored by my own government and especially American Jewish legacy organizations.

My life, and the life of my family have been a living hell since October 7. For over a year we have fought every day to bring my son home, yet the American Jewish legacy organizations have abandoned us and the majority of the Israeli hostage families who have spent over a year in the streets putting their own lives on the line against police brutality, to demand a hostage-ceasefire deal.

Every time we asked a major organiza-

tion to stand up and call out PM Netanyahu’s role in preventing a hostage deal and seeing our loved ones returned, they all replied the same, “we understand, but we can’t say this out loud, we are already under attack, if we speak to internal divisions in Israel, it will only lead to more antisemitism”. It is this same sentiment that was expressed most recently in the joint letter by Jewish American orgs in Georgia, when they attacked the senators John Ossoff and Raphael Warnock for showing courage and understanding, by voting in support of the recent JRD (offensive weapons limited sales to Israel). These votes were to hold back sales of less than 5 percent of U.S. military assistance to Israel since October 7th. A symbolic push to end the killing and show that the U.S. is serious about doing everything in its power to return the hostages, including seven Americans.

I have spent the last many months going around the U.S. and around the world to advocate for Jewish Legacy Org leaders and mainstream political leadership to show public support for a deal, in an effort to apply pressure on the Bibi government. Though some smaller organizations have opened their doors to me and my wife in our pursuit of getting support

for a hostage deal, many organizations choose to ignore our plight and our pleas, opting instead for a ‘bring them home’ moniker, but who will bring them home? How are they to return without a deal? These organizations have all been fine to cry and mourn for our hostages, but they won’t do what it really takes to return them safely to our loving arms.

The continuation of the war despite the justification being “to return the hostages” has not led to any Israeli family members being released for over a year now. The math is simple, a hostage deal and ceasefire saw the return of 105 hostages, military operations have brought home four hostages, for which we are grateful, but this also came at an extremely high military and civilian cost. We have watched as troves of evidence have been published, clearly delineating the various ways in which PM Netanyahu has prevented the hostage deal and has prevented my son’s return.

The answer is clear, the only pragmatic way to get our family home is through a hostage deal and ceasefire. Netanyahu’s policy of endless war is not making Israel safer, it is making America and its Israeli ally weaker as we squander the moral footing we have long relied on.

Moreover, after spending weeks of time in the USA, and in the halls of congress fighting for my son’s return, I realize, this war is also going to bring harm to our Jewish families in the diaspora.

Therefore, when Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock voted to send a simple message to Israel’s political leaders to stop the killing and start negotiating, they were doing what many hostage families have asked.

Misinformation has been widespread. Does anyone honestly think that we would hold the position that Israel should not defend itself?

At the very least, we will leave those who wish to extend this war longer with this: Do not use our family members’ names to beg your government to support a war the majority of Israelis do not want and do not think makes us safer.

Your senators have done what is right, we hope you will support them. ì

Yehuda Cohen is the father of one of the hostages, Nimrod Cohen, currently being held by Hamas.

Yehuda Cohen

of Israel is launching to connect Israeli artisans with international customers, following a year of extremely low in-person sales.

Makers of Israel Launches to Support Israeli Artisans

Just in time for Chanukah, Makers of Israel (makersofisrael.com) is launching to connect Israeli artisans with international customers, following a year of extremely low in-person sales. The website provides an easy way for those outside of Israel to purchase products made in Israel includ-

Today in Israeli History

Dec. 15, 2016: President-elect Donald Trump announces that he will nominate New York bankruptcy lawyer David Friedman, who advised the campaign on Israel policy, to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Israel.

Dec. 16, 1922: Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, often considered the father of modern Hebrew, dies of tuberculosis at 64 in Jerusalem. He founded the Va’ad ha-Lashon, the forerunner of the Academy of Hebrew Language, in 1890.

Dec. 17, 1993: Shlomo Goren, the first head of the IDF’s Military Rabbinate and the Ashkenazi chief rabbi from 1973 to 1983, calls for soldiers to disobey orders to remove Jewish settlers from the West Bank, Gaza Strip or Golan Heights.

ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME

ing art, Judaica, and jewelry from talented artisans. Founded by a group of nine women volunteers who live or have lived in Israel - immigrants from the U.S., Canada and the U.K. - the platform showcases the resilience and creativity of Israeli makers who have been directly affected by the ongoing war.

“This is more than a shopping experience,” says Sara Klaben Avrahami, founding team member of Makers of Israel. “It’s a way to connect with the stories and talents of Israeli makers, to celebrate their resilience, and to support them during a time when they need it most. We all want to do more for our economy, our society, our small businesses and the incredible people around us.”

Available items include Chanukah cards designed by children with autism displaced by the conflict, 14-karat gold jewelry named for rescued hostage Noa Argamani, a symbol of hope and resilience, and handcrafted menorahs made from local salt, dyed with pure indigo powder.

Compiled by AJT Staff

Dec. 19, 1903: Max Nordau, who cofounded the World Zionist Organization, escapes unharmed when a would-be assassin, angry over the Uganda Plan, fires two shots at close range during a Chanukah party in Paris.

Dec. 20, 1976: Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s Labor-led coalition falls apart as he fires two members of the National Religious Party from his Cabinet and sees a third resign. Without NRP’s 10 Knesset members, Rabin lacks a majority.

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.

Dec. 18, 1947: Gila Goldstein, among the first Israelis to have sex reassignment surgery, is born in Turin, Italy. The family immigrates to Israel, and Goldstein begins identifying as a girl by 1960. She becomes a leading LGBT activist.

Ambassador Jacob “Jack” Lew and Rachel Sharansky-Danziger at the 2024 Sacks Conversation, held at the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem // Photo Credit: Yacov Segal Photography

Sacks Conversation Held at National Library of Israel

One hundred and fifty communities in five continents participated in this year’s Rabbi Sacks Global Day of Learning, marking four years since his passing. Events were held in schools, universities, synagogues, and community centers worldwide, in-

Dec. 23, 1789: The French National Assembly spends three days debating Jewish rights without a decision. Count Stanislas de Claremont-Tonnerre says, “The Jews should be denied everything as a nation but granted everything as individuals.”

The Rambam Health Care Campus opened in 1938 as the British Government Hospital of Haifa. //

By Alfred Bernheim, Israel Museum

Dec. 22, 1938: The British Government Hospital of Haifa, now the Rambam Health Care Campus, opens with 225 beds at the foot of Mount Carmel. The British high commissioner says the hospital reflects Haifa’s multicultural mix.

cluding Australia, Cameroon, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The epicenter was the 2024 Sacks Conversation, which took place in Jerusalem at the National Library of Israel.

The 2024 Sacks Conversation is an annual event honoring the legacy of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. This marks the second time the event has occurred in Israel; it was previously hosted by President Isaac Herzog in 2022. Established in memory of Rabbi Sacks, the Sacks Conversation celebrates his enduring influence as a global moral leader, fostering dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

This year’s theme, “The People of the Book,” reflects a concept that Rabbi Sacks cherished – a commitment to learning, dialogue, and the power of ideas. The event featured a conversation between Ambassador of the United States to Israel Jacob J. Lew. and Jerusalem-born writer and educator Rachel Sharansky Danziger.

Compiled by AJT Staff

A drawing by a Sderot schoolgirl in November 2008 depicts her and her friends as targets of Kassam rockets fired from Gaza.

This early Keren Hayesod poster was used to raise money for Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel. // National Photo Collection of Israel

Dec. 24, 1920: Meeting in London, the World Zionist Congress launches Keren Hayesod (The Foundation Fund) to raise money for the Zionist movement and help fulfill the Balfour Declaration’s promise of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

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. 26, 1864: Yehoshua Hankin, who personally buys 30% of the land owned by the State of Israel at independence in 1948, is born in Ukraine. He makes his first land buy in 1890 when he purchases a plot that becomes Rehovot.

Dec. 27, 2008: Israel launches Operation Cast Lead after Hamas breaks a six-month cease-fire. The 22-day operation aims to stop rocket fire at civilians, stop Hamas terrorism and stop weapons smuggling into Gaza. Dec. 28, 1917: Gen. Edmund Allenby names Ronald Storrs the military governor of recently captured Jerusalem. An advocate for Arab interests and a weak Zionist, Storrs remains the governor of Jerusalem and Judaea until 1926.

Dec. 29, 1901: The Jewish National Fund, known in Hebrew as Keren Kayemeth L’Israel, is launched after an impassioned speech from Theodor Herzl inspires the Fifth Zionist Congress to approve the idea on a 10582 vote.

Dec. 30, 2002: The Israeli Supreme Court rules that IDF reservists may not refuse to serve in the West Bank and Gaza because those who agree to military service give up the right to be conscientious objectors on locations.

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

Makers

Gila Goldstein appears in Alon Weinstock’s 2010 documentary about her, “That’s Gila, That’s Me.”

Israel Producing Fewer New Startups Raises Concerns

By TOI and Agencies

On the 53rd floor of the Azrieli Sarona Tower in Tel Aviv, venture capitalists, start-up founders, and entrepreneurs gathered to hear about trends and forecasts for the coming year.

They listened to Gigi Levy-Weiss, a general partner at the NFX venture capital fund, who expressed serious concern about the “silent departure of Israeli tech entrepreneurs” from the country, with some leaving because of frustration with the current government and its management of the ongoing war, which he said no one dared to talk about openly.

On the sidelines of the same confab, Liad Agmon, managing partner of the U.S. private equity firm, Insight Partners, told The Times of Israel that there was also talk about top Israeli engineers relocating to work for the big multinational tech corporates from Google to Facebook. Otherwise, they likely would have turned out to be Israel’s future entrepreneurs setting up new startups.

This apparent trend, anecdotal though it remains at this time, is worrisome, as it seems to be confirmed by new data showing that the pace of founding new startups in Israel continues to decline, challenging the country’s image as a beacon of technological innovation and a hotbed to build large companies.

Over the past decade, the number of newly created startups has plunged about 45 percent from an annual 1,432 to about 788 in 2023, with a lower trajectory expected for the current year, according to a study by the RISE Israel institute, formerly known as Start-up Nation Policy Institute (SNPI).

“Tech is very important for Israel’s economy, and the ecosystem relies more

Offices of the Jerusalem Venture Partners tech investment firm in Jerusalem, Feb. 18, 2019 // Photo Credit: Hadas Parush/ Flash90/Times of Israel

on startups than other global markets as a breeding ground to develop large companies, since we don’t have many of them,” Danny Biran, a senior policy fellow at RISE Israel told The Times of Israel. “The fact that we have fewer startups is a problem because we will have fewer companies that employ a lot of people ‘x’ years from now.”

In Israel’s tech ecosystem, startups are the lifeblood of future mergers and acquisitions, tax income, and employment creation. Tech employees pay more than a third of all tax income collected, which underpins the vital importance of the sector as a key driver for the recovery of an economy that has been stumbling through the repercussions of more than 14 months of war with the Hamas terror group.

The economy’s dependence on the

Hi-tech office buildings in Herzliya Pituach located next to Herzliya train station, on March 27, 2020 // Photo Credit: Gili Yaari /Flash90/Times of Israel

tech sector has significantly grown in the past decade, driven by rapid growth in tax revenues from the sector, led by an increase in the number of employees and rising salaries.

The tech industry last year contributed 20 percent to local GDP, versus 6.2 percent in 1995. It also made up 53 percent of total exports.

Data presented in the RISE report found that out of every 100 newly founded Israeli startups, 14 to 16 will eventually employ more than 25 high-earning workers, and between three to five will employ more than 100.

In the past couple of years, both due to the global slowdown in general and specific events in Israel — including the political instability caused by the proposed judicial overhaul and outbreak of war in 2023 — many tech startups and

companies are struggling to raise capital. The difficulty affects the motivation of potential entrepreneurs to create new startups, as they will be faced with the challenge to raise funds needed for their survival, according to the analysis in the report.

“If it’s very difficult to raise money, potential entrepreneurs are more reluctant to create new ventures knowing that they will need to raise money,” said Biran. “But then again, over the past decade, we have had good years for raising capital and bad ones, and the decline has been fairly continuous.”

According to the report, out of every 100 startups, six to seven will raise $25 million or more, and three to five will raise $50 million or more, one company will go public, and one will be acquired for more than $100 million. ì

Sports Books for the Fan in Your Family

Is there a sports fan in your family who likes to read? Do you need a last-minute gift for the holidays? Check out these three sports books recommended by the AJT’s sportswriter.

Warren Spahn: A Biography of the Legendary Lefty

By Lew Freedman

Long before Tom Glavine and later Max Fried toed the rubber for the Braves, there was Hall of Fame lefty Warren Spahn who starred for the franchise in the mid-1900s when it called Boston and Milwaukee home. While Spahn passed away in 2003, no one had chronicled his marvelous career in a full-length biography until prolific baseball history author Lew Freedman did so in “Warren Spahn: A Biography of the Legendary Lefty.” Considering Spahn largely remains unknown to younger generations of baseball fans, Freedman’s biography stands as an important contribution to the rich baseball literary canon.

How great was Spahn? With 363 career victories, he is the all-time winningest left-handed pitcher. Given the current state of the game, it is highly unlikely anyone will ever come close to touching that grand total – a number that would have been considerably higher had Spahn not spent three years fighting in the European Theater of World War II when he was in his early-to-mid-twenties. Spahn may have grown up in snowy Buffalo, N.Y., but as Freedman illustrates, he still found the arctic conditions of the Battle of the Bulge to be as daunting as any element of combat. When World War II ended, Spahn, at that point a lieutenant, remained in Germany for months, not knowing if –or even when – he would resume his budding career with the Boston Braves. Readers can’t help but juxtapose Spahn’s predicament to that of the modern-day superstar free agent who has multiple suitors offering them tens of millions for their services.

Over the next couple decades, Spahn, of course, would cement his legacy as arguably the all-time greatest left-handed pitcher, piloting the Boston Braves to a 1948 National League pennant and, later in his career, a 1957 world championship, after the franchise had transplanted itself to Milwaukee, a city that, by all accounts, had a far more rabid fanbase than Beantown. Spahn never pitched in Atlanta but there was a nine-foot-tall, 1,000-pound statue of him erected outside the Braves’ old home of Turner Field, which is pictured in this book.

Spahn pretty much had a squeaky-clean reputation – at least compared to those of some other Hall of Famers – but Freedman does delve into a couple issues he had with managers, including fellow Hall of Famer Casey Stengel, and occasional insecurity over salary matters. But those are mere blemishes on an otherwise sparkling career that easily qualifies him for belonging to the pantheon of all-time Braves legends.

Home Run King: The Remarkable Record of Hank Aaron

By Dan Schlossberg

Understandably, there’s no shortage of books chronicling the heroic life of Henry Aaron. But given that 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s vaunted career home run record (which was later shattered by Barry Bonds in 2007), baseball writer Dan Schlossberg, a longtime chronicler of Braves history, devoted a work exclusively toward Aaron’s momentous feat of eclipsing Ruth a half-century ago.

It doesn’t take readers long to conclude that Schlossberg was the right person for the project. In the foreword to “Home Run King: The Remarkable Record of Hank Aaron,” former big-league player

and manager Dusty Baker, himself a teammate of the late Aaron’s who was on deck when the slugger made history, wrote: “Dan Schlossberg is more than a fan of Hank Aaron; he is especially empathetic because he suffered his share of prejudice as a Jewish American.” Indeed, Schlossberg, who has been writing about baseball for over 50 years, knew Aaron personally (as well as Baker and many other characters central to this narrative) and gives readers insight into the tremendous hurdles Aaron, as a Black man plying his trade in the Deep South in the 1970s, faced in his pursuit of baseball immortality. As Schlossberg traces the arc of Aaron’s life leading up to his milestone on April 8, 1974, it is poignantly clear how bigotry remained omnipresent at every stage – whether it was haunting memories of hiding under a bed while the KKK marched down his family’s street in Mobile, Ala., hearing racist vitriol from the stands while playing in the minors in Jacksonville, Fla., or the hundreds – maybe thousands –of death threats directed toward him in the days leading up to the momentous evening of April 8, 1974. Even the following decade, when Aaron was up for Hall of Fame induction in 1982, nine voters left the obvious Hall of Famer off their Cooperstown ballots.  Undoubtedly, “Home Run King” tells Aaron’s story in light of his chasing Ruth, but it also weaves in other lesser-known aspects of Aaron’s life such as his close friendship with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and post-baseball business endeavors involving incredibly successful investments in car dealerships, restaurants, and fast-food franchises. All told, after readers finish Schlossberg’s relatively short, but nonetheless highly informative book, they will have a better understanding as to why Aaron was not just a baseball luminary, but rather a true American hero.

Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon

By Mirin Fader

Three years after penning her New York Times bestselling biography of Giannis Antetokounmpo, author Mirin Fader has delivered another riveting bio of a towering NBA figure, Hakeem Olajuwon, in "Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon.” The Nigerian-born Olajuwon, as Fader so deftly illustrates, was a trailblazer as the first international player to win NBA MVP –and one who to this day has remained a devout Muslim even while attaining global superstardom.

Grounded in hundreds of original interviews -- no easy feat for a basketball biography given that roster sizes are so limited – Fader’s second biography of an international basketball icon pulls back the curtain on one of the most dominant players of the 1990s who steered the Houston Rockets to back-to-back titles while Michael Jordan, ironically drafted two spots after Olajuwon in the 1984 draft, was on hiatus. In doing so, Fader brings to light her protagonist’s global ambassadorship, down-to-earth appeal to teammates and coaches, and passion for mentoring the next generation of NBA greats such as LeBron James among other commendable attributes.

By the same token, Fader doesn’t shy away from delving into Olajuwon’s darker past episodes, most of which have been long forgotten, especially by younger basketball fans whose lasting memories of “Hakeem the Dream” are of the big man out dueling Patick Ewing and Shaquille O’Neal in consecutive NBA Finals (chronicled here along with fantastic images). There is an entire chapter devoted to Olajuwon’s trail of early career mishaps, namely alleged assaults of a TV cameraman and convenience store clerk, rumors of drug use, and a lawsuit filed by his former girlfriend, Lita Spencer, who claimed that Olajuwon caused her to suffer “extreme mental anguish, humiliation, and disgrace” by forcing her to bear a child out of wedlock and then reneging on his promise to marry her after she proved she could bear children.

Because “Dream” is so heavy on personal anecdotes (more are flattering than not) and light on game-by-game minutiae, readers absorb an intimate narrative that portrays the enigmatic, larger-than-life Olajuwon as the groundbreaking yet complicated basketball icon that he truly was.   ì

David Ostrowsky

The Only Black Jewish Player in the NHL

By David Ostrowsky

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jordan Harris has yet to score this season. He has registered a single point on one assist. In just over half of the Blue Jackets’ games this season has Harris suited up. And yet, the extremely pleasant, softspoken 24-year-old has one of the most fascinating and inspiring stories of any NHL player this season – or maybe any season for that matter.

As the NHL’s only Black Jewish skater, Harris, who spent the first three years of his career with the Montreal Canadiens before getting traded to Columbus this summer, embodies diversity like few have ever done in a league notorious for homogeneity. His dad Peter, himself a former pro hockey player who was drafted by the New York Islanders in 1986 but did not make it to the NHL, was adopted from a Jewish orphanage and is half Black. His mother, who is white, is not Jewish.

“For me personally, growing up the way I did and being Jewish and biracial and exposed to so many different cultures and types of people, it made me realize that a sport like hockey can bring people together,” explained Harris when speaking to the Atlanta Jewish Times last week. “I’ve had so many fond memories of meeting people and building relationships no matter where they come from or what religion that they are.

“I think that hockey is a great platform to bring people together like that. You just kind of want to create that space for people and let them know that this is a great avenue to show that love and show that support. Just letting people know that they are welcome and that they can learn those life lessons in hockey similarly to the way that I did.”

Last season, Harris was added to the NHL’s newly-formed Player Inclusion Coalition — a team of current and past pro hockey players, both male and female, striving to champion equality and inclusion in the sport. His initial engagement was participating in an on-ice practice with an all-girls team as part of the Hockey 4 Youth initiative that offers free hockey experiences and life skills programs to children in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton whose parents can’t afford hockey’s steep financial costs such as ice rental and equipment. Now that Harris is back stateside – he grew up in Haverhill, Mass., and later played for Northeastern University – he hopes to advance the coalition’s efforts in his new home

of Columbus as well as his hockey-mad, blue-collar hometown that rests on the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.

“It’s an awesome program and I’m definitely fortunate to be a part of it,” exclaimed Harris, who counts celebrating Passover through the years with his father’s side of the family as one of his favorite Jewish traditions. “I think that with me personally, I joined last year so I’m just trying to get my feet wet. Moving forward, I want to do more stuff for the town I grew up in, but not even just supporting but actively creating projects and doing stuff like donating hockey sticks or maybe building a roller rink and doing more significant stuff as I continue to build my career and meet more people.”

As a left-shot defenseman with eight goals and 32 points in 131 career games with Montreal following a four-year run at Northeastern and stint with Team USA’s World Juniors in 2019-20, Harris was a nice pick-up for a Blue Jackets team fighting to establish itself as a bona fide contender in a league often highlighted by Canadian teams and a region of America obsessed with college football.

“It was definitely excitement for sure,” said Harris when reflecting on the moment in late summer when he was shopping for apartment supplies and found out he was getting dealt to Columbus. “I think that starting my career in Montreal was a good start for me in a great hockey market. But Columbus has been fantastic in the sense that it’s an exciting hockey market, definitely an underrated hockey market. The fans have been great. And the guys have been great.”

As many sports fans are well aware, playing for the Blue Jackets in 2024 means being part of an organization that was rocked by a nightmarish tragedy just over a month before the season got underway: Beloved Columbus veteran Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were biking on a rural road in Carneys Point, N.J., on Aug. 29 -- the evening before they were slated to serve as groomsmen for their sister’s wedding -- when they were killed by an intoxicated driver.

“It’s obviously devastating, how it’s impacted not only our team but the community as a whole,” said Harris. “I didn’t know Matthew or Johnny personally. I just feel for the amount of people that he [Johnny] touched with his time here. How everyone reacted to it just showed how tight knit our team is and community. It was absolutely heart-wrenching, but if anything, it brought our team together. I just feel for everyone impacted by it.”

While coping with the loss of their late teammate, the Blue Jackets have been hanging tough in a stacked Metropolitan Division, hoping to creep back into playoff contention as the season enters the halfway point. “We’ve been doing well as a team so far and I think better than a lot of people expected us to do,” Harris noted.

This week, when Columbus returns home from a lengthy western Canada road trip, Harris looks forward to learning about more opportunities for giving back to the capital of Ohio. He’s already joined teammates in visiting the city’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital and wants to partake in the organization’s many holiday-centric community initiatives.

“It [Columbus] is a great community,” he added. “There’s a lot of support for the team. I think it’s really important and something that I want to do is get integrated with some more community work.”

But on a grander scale, not just for the NHL but for hockey fans worldwide who don’t necessarily associate with the racial and ethnic make-up of many players, the diversity coalition promises to be a fulfilling mission throughout the entirety of his career.

“Hockey, I think traditionally is a very non-diverse sport so to see people from all different backgrounds coming out and sharing their stories, I think it’s incredibly special. I think it speaks volumes to where the sport is going.”  ì

In only his fourth year in the NHL, Jordan Harris of the Columbus Blue Jackets has had a monumental impact off the ice by championing diversity and inclusion programs // Columbus Blue Jackets social media

Thousands Unite at Global Conference for Israel

Approximately 2,500 proud Zionists, including nearly 70 from Atlanta, attended Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel in Dallas from Nov. 14-17, 2024, fueling torches of light that continue to shine brightly even in these darkest of times.

The delegation included philanthropists, pro-Israel community members of all faiths and from 10 different countries, long-time Jewish National Fund-USA partners (donors), rabbis, clergy, and cantors who attended the conference’s Rabbinical Summit, and teenagers and young adults who participated in the conference’s High School and College Summits.

“How incredible to see so many committed Zionists, people from all backgrounds, with different perspectives, coming together for a common goal — to ensure a strong Israel for all,” said Jewish

National Fund-USA Chairman, Dr. Sol Lizerbram.

The spirit of “Am Israel Chai,” or “the people of Israel live,” resounded through-

Sernovitz Among Leading Executives Cohort

Leading Edge has announced the 16 Jewish nonprofit leaders in the newest cohort of its acclaimed executive leadership development program, “Leading Executives.”

“The need for leadership development, especially for new executives, has never been clearer,” said Gali Cooks, President & CEO of Leading Edge. “Organizations face significant new challenges, persistent old issues, and sometimes divided constituencies. Yet we know that great leadership in Jewish nonprofits can unlock new potential for organizations to achieve their missions.”

Against that backdrop, Leading Edge is excited to announce the fifth cohort of Leading Executives. These leaders represent a diverse range of backgrounds and organizations. From December through June, they will learn dynamic leadership practices to help them navigate this time, receive constructive personalized feedback to speed and deepen their growth, and connect with a cohort of peer leaders for mutual support long after the formal program is complete.

The new cohort of Leading Executives includes: Sarah Beutel (Soloway JCC); Rachel Canar (Nature Israel); Jessica Feldan (American Friends of Bar Ilan University); Jeffrey Green (Temple Sholom); Roberta Grossman (Jewish

Rabbi Larry Sernovitz of Hillels of Georgia has been named one of Leading Edge’s Leading Executives.

Story Partners); Lauren Korn (Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters Boston); Naomi Lamb (Hillel at The Ohio State University); Jeff Lieberman (Jewish Federation of Winnipeg); Heidi Lovitz (Shalom Learning); Tiferet Nashman (Shoresh Jewish Environmental Programs); Beth Rodin (URJ-OSRUI); Jessica Schaffer (JCUA); Rabbi Larry Sernovitz (Hillels of Georgia); Michelle Shapiro Abraham (Gather Inc); Rabbi Ari Weiss (Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell); Phylisa Wisdom (New York Jewish Agenda).

Compiled by AJT Staff

out the Hilton Anatole as attendees bonded over a commitment to uphold and honor the shared values that supporters of America and Israel so dearly value, shar-

ing sentiments of solidarity, a celebration of Israeli resilience, and a desire to reimagine a bright future for residents living in and currently evacuated from, Israel’s north and south. They were also united by their collective determination to bring the remaining hostages back home and to rebuild the communities that experienced widespread devastation on Oct. 7, 2023.

“As survivors of what has become the largest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust — and as witnesses to the most devastating tragedy since Israel’s founding — we carry an immense weight,” said Michal Uziyahu, mayor of the Eshkol region on the border with Gaza. “When confronted with such darkness, we face a crucial choice: we can passively watch as history unfolds around us, or we can actively choose to shape it.”

Former Israeli Prime Minister Speaks at Hillel Event

By Bob Bahr

Naftali Bennett, the former Prime Minister of Israel, got a warm welcome from the more than 850 students and supporters of Hillel who filled the sanctuary of The Temple on Nov. 18. Among the attendees were more than a half-dozen college presidents from around the state.

He was introduced by The Temple’s Senior Rabbi, Peter Berg, and the CEO of Hillels of Georgia, Rabbi Larry Sernovitz. Bennett, whose appearance before the large gathering was underwritten by an anonymous donation, took the extraordinary step of making his remarks off the record.

The audience was forbidden to record what he said or photograph the former Israeli government leader. Nor could they share with others what he discussed that evening. The decision meant that

The Temple, which features a robust video production capability, was unable to stream his remarks to the nearly 11,000 Hillel members around the state.

Shortly before coming to Atlanta, he spoke in an on-the-record appearance at a conference at the Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto, Calif. He reportedly called the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre in Israel “a colossal, epic failure of the State of Israel” and hinted he may return to politics.

Bennett was a wealthy technology entrepreneur before entering politics. He served for a year as Prime Minister in a coalition government from 2021-22. The coalition, which ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years in office, included for the first time members of Israel’s Arab minority. Netanyahu reclaimed the office in elections two years ago.

A delegation of 70 Atlantans joined thousands for the Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference in Israel from Nov. 14-17 in Dallas.

Compiled by AJT Staff

Former Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennett spoke at The Temple on Nov. 18.

Hadassah Super South Connects, Inspires, Empowers

More than 100 members of Hadassah from three regions joined together in Nashville, Tenn., on Nov. 8-10 to be inspired by the things that Hadassah women do in the south. The regions are Southeastern (Georgia, South Carolina, Southwest North Carolina), Southern (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida Panhandle, Luisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee) Southern Seaboard (North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia). Together this powerful group is known as the “Super South.”

Hadassah Greater Atlanta is part of the Southeastern Region, led by President Paula Zucker and her board. Among the illustrious speakers was Atlanta’s own State Rep. Esther Panitch, who was recently re-elected to a second term of office. Panitch co-sponsored the Georgia legislation adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism. Hadassah members listened to Panitch’s empowering story and learned from her first-hand knowledge of how to effectively engage with legislators.

A topic that is in the forefront of everyone’s minds these days is confronting antisemitism in our communities. An informative panel discussion took

place with Eytan Davidson, Director of Anti-Defamation League Southeast Region; Barbara Dab, editor of the Nashville Jewish Observer; and Joyce Laiter, co-coordinator, Hadassah Education & Advocacy Division. The question was: How has antisemitism manifested across the South, particularly after Oct. 7, and in

what ways can we effectively respond as communities, individuals and Hadassah women?

Carol Ann Schwartz, Hadassah’s National President, brought the attendees up to date on the progress of the new Gandel Rehabilitation Center in Jerusalem. She brought an exclusive video

tracing the physical rehabilitation and mental wellness journeys of two patients severely injured on Oct. 7, 2023. Schwartz went on to explain the vision for Gandel and its incredible impact in Israel.

In addition, the best-selling author of “Food, Hope, & Resilience; Authentic Recipes and Remarkable Stories from Holocaust Survivors,” June Hersh, came to share the uplifting, life-affirming stories of the survivors she interviewed.

Consul General of Israel to the Southeast United States, Anat SultanDadon, in conversation with Zucker, encouraged the Hadassah membership to “Stand Up & Speak Out for Israel.”

Being that Nashville is considered the “Music City,” the conference would not be complete without a special unique Nashville program called “The Promise Sessions.” Healing, hope, and harmony are the inspiration for this uplifting multimedia musical experience blending Nashville-based musicians with the creativity of Israeli composers, using the magic of music to empower soldiers and survivors of Oct. 7.

Compiled by AJT Staff

(From left, standing) Simone Wilker, Hana Landerman, Stephanie Pure, Nancy Schwartz, Mindy Cohen, Phyllis M. Cohen, Anita Otero, Diane Fisher, Wendy Kalman, Terry Nordin; (from left, seated) Paula Zucker, Michele Weiner-Merbaum, Susan Berkowitz, Faith Shatzman

Mitzvah Kitchen Delivers Shabbat Meals & Mitzvot

By Debbie Diamond

Once every month, approximately 50 people receive a warm, delicious Shabbat dinner delivered directly to their homes, courtesy of Mitzvah Kitchen, part of Mitzvah House, begun by Rabbi Zalmy and Chaya Goldberg, residents of Dunwoody.

Many of the recipients of these meals have been recently discharged from hospitals, are recovering from cancer treatment, have undergone an organ transplant or had a newborn baby. For whatever reason, Mitzvah House is there for these families and individuals, arriving at their homes with a smile, words of inspiration and a homemade Shabbat dinner. Every meal includes challah, grape juice, several salads, a variety of dips, gefilte fish patties, soup, an entrée and dessert. Shabbat candles are also included to help usher in the holiday. On a recent Thursday morning, volunteers joined the Goldbergs to prepare fresh challah, several dips, vegetables, and

sweet and savory chicken with roasted potatoes and a mustard dressing.

Michelle Swislow, one of the volunteers, decided to join the effort on her birth-

day because, in her words, “I wanted to do a mitzvah on my birthday.” She helped roll challah dough into twisted knots as another volunteer, Neil Chonin, a member

of the B’nai Torah Hebrew Order of David, chopped vegetables at the other end of the long table at the Goldberg home.

“Our Hebrew Order of David chapter

Chaya Goldberg demonstrates how to braid challah rolls.

Michelle Swislow, Chaya Goldberg, Rabbi Zalmy Goldberg and Neil Chonin take a quick break from their food prep for the camera.

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has been volunteering here each week since the beginning. We are committed to helping with the ongoing efforts of Mitzvah House,” said Chonin.

The Goldbergs launched Mitzvah Kitchen in March 2024. Primarily through word-of-mouth and sending messages via their email list, the requests for the Shabbat deliveries continue to grow. The dinners are prepared and delivered once a month. Individuals may nominate others or themselves by visiting the “Events” page at www.mitzvahhouse.com. A post goes up about three weeks before each kitchen delivery, according to the Goldbergs.

“We want to send good energy into the world. When people have a need, we try to fill it,” said Chaya. “We knew there were lots of Jewish people in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs who needed a meal for different reasons, so we decided to create the Mitzvah Kitchen,” she added.

The current goal for the Mitzvah Kitchen is to attract additional volunteers and benefactors as ongoing sponsors. “With greater involvement by the Jewish community, we hope to increase the number of nights and dinners we offer. Our pilot program this year has proven there is a definite need throughout Atlanta,” said Rabbi Goldberg. “And down the road, we’d love to open a separate kosher kitchen where volunteers can prepare the meals.

In addition to the Mitzvah Kitchen, the Goldbergs recently launched the Mitzvah Library at 2483 Mt. Vernon Road, located in the former Lidl shopping center. The space will serve as a meeting place for learning, playing and gathering as a Jewish community. An upcoming “Babies Love Shabbat” program will offer mothers, fathers and babies a place to meet other families while learning and creating pieces of art.

Also underway is the Mitzvah Bus,

described by the Goldbergs as “a good deeds on wheels vehicle which will be a source of Jewish pride.” Mitzvah House has raised $50,000 thus far, and is hoping to raise another $25,000 to retrofit, wrap and outfit the sprinter van, which is set to arrive this month. The Mitzvah Bus will travel around Atlanta to events, festivals, parades, businesses and schools. The Goldbergs plan to include a Jewish library and Judaica inside the van as well.

“The Mitzvah Bus will help all of us share our Jewish pride. Especially after Oct. 7, we asked ourselves what can we do to bring more Judaism to a greater number of people in the most accessible way,” said Rabbi Goldberg.

Mitzvah House launched in 2022, initially creating Jewish clubs at Dunwoody public schools. Clubs are currently held at Ridgeview and Chamblee middle schools and Kingsley, Vanderlyn and Austin elementaries. In December, the organization will host several events including a “Frozen”-themed Chanukah Wonderland, a menorah lighting with a fire artist and gelt drop at Dunwoody Village, a Chinese dinner at the new Mitzvah House Library, and a menorah-making workshop at Ace in Dunwoody.

“The Lubavitcher Rebbe brought the notion of doing one good deed to bring more light into the world. We have a simple mission here at Mitzvah House. We ask every Jewish person to not only do mitzvot themselves, but also to encourage others in their circle of friends and associates to join them, whether it’s lighting Shabbat candles, wrapping tefillin or helping someone,” said Rabbi Goldberg.

More information on events and how to get involved with Mitzvah House can be found on the website at http:// www.mitzvahhouse.com, by sending an email to hello@mitzvahhouse.com or contacting the Goldbergs at (678) 7694833. ì

Wishing you and your family a joyous Hanukkah filled with love, light and happiness. 404-403-6561 C | 770-394-2131 O Robin.Blass@HarryNorman.com RobinBlass.com

Esther, Judah and Yossi Goldberg join their father, Rabbi Zalmy Goldberg, to prepare a cilantro dip.

The Atlanta Perimeter Office | 4848 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30338

ROBIN BLASS & LAUREN BLASS SOLOMON,

Amy’s Holiday Party Celebrates 30 Years of Giving

By Robert Garber

In 1994, when Amy Zeide was 12 years old, she was sitting in the kitchen when a news broadcast came on – a local homeless shelter had been planning a party for their clients’ children, but the shelter had been robbed, and all the gifts were stolen, and Amy felt awful. “So,” said her mother, Jacquie Sacks, “What do you want to do about it?”

Amy decided to put all her birthday money into buying new gifts, and the next year, for her bat mitzvah, she decided to host the whole party.

“It just made me feel like I could actually do something,” Zeide said. “I actually had the ability, at 13, to make a difference in someone’s day, world, moment. We’re packing up, and the agency representative that I had organized this with said, ‘well are you coming back next year?’ I looked at my mom, and was kind of like ‘yeah, we’ll be there.’”

The party continued to grow, finding its purpose, its mission, not only in the people who attended the party, but

also in those that provided it.

“We realized that there was this opportunity to create a program with this dual mission of providing resources and

services for children and families experiencing hardship who needed these things, and empowering these young people to go out, and do the work, and

Happy Chanukah!

see the impact of it. I think that is what’s so important: you can’t create community without interacting in it.”

This way of thinking led to the

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Two children smile with their teen volunteer “buddy” after choosing presents from the Amy’s Holiday Party toy room // Photo by Yo, Grapefruit Photography

foundation of Creating Connected Communities (CCC), which, in addition to Amy’s Holiday Party, now runs several other events throughout the year.

The holiday party, however, remains their signature event. It’s become so large that it’s had to be split in three –with nearly 400 teen volunteers filtering in and out throughout the day.

“It’s the best day of the year. It’s a million different details, and a million personalities but it is the best day of the year,” said Tara Kornblum, who helped initially establish CCC, and was responsible for planning and organizing the day’s events.

Teen volunteers were paired with one or more kids at the start of each party, and helped and played with them throughout the day, guiding them wherever they wanted to go, while the parents would take time to enjoy themselves.

Each of the stations quickly lit up with smiling faces. In the main room, off to one side, was a series of arcade games, where a father held up his son to reach the controls, a girl held up her brother so he could try the punching machine, and kids chased the occasional runaway Skee ball. In the front was a dance floor, where the emcee danced the Macarena with volunteers and let a kid come up to rap in front of the crowd, to great applause. Tables filled with Legos, cards, and arts and crafts kits filled the area in between, where volunteers sat with children helping them write words or find the Lego brick they needed. Even those waiting outside the hall for the next party were treated to entertainment, as Spiderman and two princesses, Elsa and Tiana, greeted guests as they came in. In another room, there was a gift boutique for parents, and a chance to take pictures with Santa - but the real highlight was a little room off to the side.

“The toy room is definitely a magical place for the kids,” said Julia Promoff, who has volunteered with the party for several years. “Just generally, getting to see the smiles on the kids’ faces, that is genuinely the best part.”

The children did much more than smile. Upon entering the room, their eyes widened. They looked up at the stacks of toys they got to choose from –in some cases over three times as tall as themselves – and often couldn’t contain themselves, with some jumping up and down, or clapping, or literally shaking. One even involuntarily cussed, quickly checking around to make sure no one heard him. A volunteer held up a toddler, too little to stand on her own for long, so she could point at what she wanted. In

CHANUKAH

Amy’s Holiday Party celebrated its 30th anniversary of giving this year.

the back of the room, Chase Satisky had made it her bat mitzvah project to give out the makeup she had collected. This is the latest of the 187 bar/bat mitzvah projects involved with Amy’s Holiday Party since its inception. Zeide noted she hopes projects like these will be a good way to get kids involved, not just as a one-off, but the start of something more.

As each party wound down, families would come back together in an outside tent, eating pizza and home baked treats with the volunteers. Daron Beldick, a teen volunteer, and President of CCC’s Leadership Development Program, remembered a group he had eaten with years before.

“When we brought them outside, we said ‘OK, take your food,’ and they asked, ‘well how much can we take,’ and we said, ‘however much you want.’ It was really perspective-changing,” Beldick said. “They were mind-boggled.”

This is also where the youngest volunteers could be found – Amy’s nieces and nephews, some as young as 6, who had come to help alongside their grandparents to help.

As the last party wound to a close, Zeide reflected on the tremendous success of the day, which served nearly 1,000 children and more than 500 adults, while hugging her son, himself a teenage volunteer.

“The amount of people that came together, that stayed late, that came early, that filled in to make this happen, and the smiles and the joy that we were able to bring to these kids today,” she said, tearing up slightly, “and to have my whole family here – it’s amazing.” ì

Happy Hanukkah

As we reflect on the close of 2024, we are filled with gratitude for our incredible clients, friends and family. Your trust has been the cornerstone of another remarkable year, and we are honored to have played a role in your journey.

We believe every client’s story is as unique as a one-of-one masterpiece. Your success inspires us to strive for excellence, delivering unparalleled service, innovative strategies and unwavering dedication to your goals.

As we step into 2025, we wish you a year filled with prosperity, love and laughter. Thank you for being part of our story— together, we make dreams a reality.

Happy Hanukkah & Happy New Year!

com

Kimmel’s Book Motivates Toddlers to Get Spinning

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Barbara Kimmel, an Atlanta-based author, released her debut children’s book, “Hanukkah Hippity-Hop,” this past October through Kar-Ben Publishing. This playful and interactive board book for ages 1-4, intends to have toddlers “marching like Maccabees and spinning like dreidels.”

Though Kimmel has been writing short stories and plays for the past decade, “Hanukkah Hippity-Hop” is her first children’s book.

She said, “When my kids were young, I wrote books for them, but life got busy, and I set those stories aside. Now, as an empty nester, with encouragement from my husband, playwright Hank Kimmel, I found myself returning to writing -- the more I wrote, the more I was drawn back to children’s books.”

The glossy mini book is 10 pages, with about one sentence per page featuring wide-eyed, smiling, diverse children prancing around with a cat watching and drooling over the chocolate gelt.

The Association of Jewish Libraries

“Hannukah Hippity-Hop” is intended to get toddlers dancing and spinning dreidels to celebrate the holiday.

named “Hanukkah Hippity-Hop” one of the Best Jewish Holiday Children’s Books of Fall 2024, and School Library Journal called it “a clever and entertaining story that will brighten library shelves during the Hanukkah season.”

Kimmel emphasized the importance of the books’ playful elements. “The lively rhyme and engaging movements make ‘Hanukkah Hippity-Hop’ a fun read-

aloud … I also saw a need for more Jewish joy, which inspired me to focus my first two books on Jewish holidays.”

Kimmel’s next book, “Purim Possibilities,” will be published by a division of PJ Library, with a planned 2026 release. That book will include Colorforms stickers, offering kids dress-up possibilities.

Kimmel is preparing for a busy schedule of Chanukah events as she is

appearing at Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, and taking part in celebrations at synagogues, Jewish community centers, and holiday bazaars throughout Georgia and Florida.

Kimmel and her husband are longtime members of The Temple, where their three children grew up. She has also been a dedicated volunteer with Weinstein Hospice for more than a decade. ì

Barbara Kimmel plans to make local appearances to promote her new children’s book.

Local Rabbi Gifts Christmas Ornaments for Chanukah

By Bob Bahr

At least 10,000 Christmas trees across America will have a new decoration hanging from their branches this holiday season -- a small blue plastic menorah.

The ornaments are free gifts from the Jewish Christian Discovery Center, which has launched a national campaign to raise awareness by Christians of the Jewish roots of their faith. For Rabbi Albert Slomovitz, the Atlanta-based founder of the organization, the coincidental celebration this year of the start of Chanukah on Dec. 25, Christmas day, was a perfect time to remind Christians that Jesus, their Messiah, celebrated Chanukah, too.

He’s bought space on outdoor billboards in seven cities that features a Christmas tree wreathed in light and a menorah with its candles fully lit. Centered between them is the message, “To our Christian friends — On Christmas, do what Jesus did…Celebrate Hanukkah.” Those who respond to the website, Project Let There Be Light.com, receive their little blue menorah ornament with the words “Jewish Christian Discovery Center.”

“We’re spiritual siblings.” Rabbi Slomovitz points out. “It’s just that so many people don’t realize it.”

To help Christians understand their close relationship to Judaism, Slomovitz put together a holiday campaign that bought Clear Channel billboards in Atlanta, Jacksonville, Tucson, Philadelphia, Minneapolis-St Paul, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Houston. Clear Channel estimates the 16 billboards have the potential to generate 32 million impressions in the seven metropolitan areas.

Additionally, Rabbi Slomovitz, has taped a public ser vice announcement that is running on CBS.com and a number of other streaming services. They represent a potential reach of another six million viewers. Finally, the organization has commissioned its own Chanukah song, “Let There Be Light.”

“The goal is education,” according to Rabbi Slomovitz. “We want people to realize this man, Jesus, was Jewish, and he celebrated the Jewish holidays. There was no Christmas then. There was only Chanukah. So, it fits historically. In fact, the Christian Bible mentions Chanukah, it mentions the Feast of Dedication, as it’s described. It’s a historical fact.”

Rabbi Slomovitz, who served as Jewish chaplain in the Navy for 20 years,

earned a master’s degree, during his service, in interfaith understanding. He was immersed in a multi-faith environment during his long military career.

For a decade, he worked as the founding rabbi of Congregation Gesher L’Torah, the Conservative congregation in Alpharetta, and he has worked at Congregation Etz Chaim in East Cobb. He also earned a doctorate in American history, and he teaches at Kennesaw State University. But in recent years he says, his real job is to be someone who works to change attitudes.

“I’ve become more of an activist,” Rabbi Slomovitz says. “I’ve come to realize that change will occur but there needs to be a catalyst. A decade ago, I thought that people are generally good, they wouldn’t automatically be prejudiced. But now I’m not so sure. Just look at the antisemitic hatred on the Internet. I think we Jews need to become more active in reaching out to our Christian neighbors if we are to live together in America.”

The project had its origins almost a half dozen years ago at the Catholic Church of St. Ann in Marietta, where Rabbi Slomovitz, along with the church’s leadership, created a project to give away a Jewish star, the J-Star Christmas ornament it was called, with the purchase of each Christmas tree from the church.

Today the educational director of the church, Jenny Kielce, sits on the organization’s board and has collaborated on a workbook that is about to be published that will help Christian Sunday School teachers plan a curriculum around an understanding of how, as Rabbi Slomovitz points out, Jesus was a product of his Jewish upbringing.

“It’s called ‘The Jewish Life of Jesus’ and it starts with his birth, his circumcision, and his bar mitzvah. The question we are hoping Christians will ask is, what is their relationship with Judaism? That

may help them to come up with an understanding that Judaism is their spiritual parent. Perhaps it will help to develop a new relationship. I mean, for Christians, worship as you will, but give Judaism that innate respect.”

To aid his activism, Rabbi Slomovitz has written a book that attempts to reconnect Jews and Christians. The illustrated cover presents a bearded Jesus not

as a sacrificial figure on a wooden cross but as a Jew, with arms outstretched, covered in a blue and white tallit. It’s entitled, “A New Look At Rabbi Jesus.”

“Every synagogue and every Jew,” he emphasizes, “should ask themselves, are we doing enough to educate our Christian friends about our faith? I mean, it’s too bad we have to do that. But in the world in which we live, we need to do it.” ì

Rabbi Albert Slomovitz (far right) kicked off his campaign to encourage the Christian celebration of Chanukah at the Catholic Church of St. Ann in Marietta.

Billboards urging Christians to add Chanukah to their celebration are up in seven metropolitan areas.

CHANUKAH

Schwartzwald Expresses Her Alpine Aesthetic

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

As an attorney in New York, Brittany Hart Hillman Schwartzwald kept her hands dirty and rented a shelf in a pottery studio. Now she has a studio in her Candler Park home where she has a wheel, kiln and huge worktable.

The shtick that makes her business model unconventional is how the majority of her work is sold on Instagram, as well as using an honor system sale where she leaves her work up all year long on the front porch of her home -- fans come to shop, and then send her money via Venmo.

Make no mistake, her work is celebrated, unique and casts a very Zen spell. She also sells her pottery at festivals at Inman Park and Candler Park, and at Spruill Center for the Arts, Garage Door Studios, and The Green Flamingo.

Schwartzwald said, “An alpine lake is my most preferred kind of ‘pretty,’ and that is often the vibe I am going for with my pottery. My glazes have names like: Georgia Pine, Sweetwater, Blue Ridge and Camila. But sometimes it is a song, like Taylor Swift’s ‘New Romantics’ and ‘Lover,’ which each have their own inspired colorway.”

After earning a law degree, working in New York, and having a son, she moved back to Atlanta. Thus, she took a hiatus from making art for almost a decade.

Judaica naturally dovetails into Schwartzwald’s style. She stated, “I started making Judaica because the pieces we got as wedding presents didn’t really fit our aesthetic. I make Shabbat candlesticks ($72), kiddush cups ($72), Havdalah sets ($234), challah platters ($120), me-

norahs ($150), seder plates ($220), and mezuzahs ($54). I also make mugs, vases, planters, plates, bowls and serving dishes. Mugs are my best sellers. People love their coffee; and I want my mug to be the favorite one on the shelf, the one you reach for time and time again and hope isn’t dirty and in the dishwasher.”

Schwartzwald gets her artsy mojo in the morning. She works out, and then “gets to work” listening to her favorite playlists on Spotify. She makes a rough to-do list and then starts weighing out the clay, spending three to four hours “throwing” at a time. After that, to avoid back problems, she switches it up to unload a kiln, do glaze work, respond to customers, update Instagram, clean the studio, order supplies, do the accounting, pick up materials, schedule festivals or ship work.

Growing up at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Schwartzwald said, “My family has been in Atlanta so long, we’ve got relatives in Oakland Cemetery.”

As a child she was into art, ceramics specifically. She took classes at Callanwolde Art School and won the Piedmont Arts Fair Competition as a high school student. As a teenager, Schwartzwald crafted a pair of life-sized overalls. She labels that the largest and most ambitious piece she ever undertook.

She related, “I want my pottery to be like your favorite jeans, the ones that are cozy comfy and you reach for all the

time. There is an energy transfer with the love I put into that mug you are holding in your hand; it just feels different than a machine manufactured mug.”

Pottery is Schwartzwald’s day job. Floral arranging is her hobby. Seasonally, she sells bouquets of flowers in her own vases. She also offers floral arranging classes ($125/person, minimum of 10 people) at her home. She also likes to hike, camp and travel. Schwartzwald volunteers with the Candler Park Neighborhood Association and Atlanta Public Schools.

Schwartzwald, and her husband, Alan, and two children Mack and Mimi, and belong to Congregation Shearith Israel.

She concluded, “I gladly commission pieces, so long as it fits my color scheme and vibe. I can’t recreate your grandmother’s favorite bowl.”

To purchase Schwartzwald’s work, please visit Instagram (www.instagram.com/b_hart_art); to book a floral class, please visit www.bhartart.com or email bhartartatl@gmail.com. Shop at her front porch using the honor system at 1320 Iverson St. ì

Schwartzwald created this pair of lifesized jeans as her largest endeavor.

Brittany spends a lot of morning time in her home studio.

This seder plate will make a statement on the holiday table.

Brittany’s hanukkiah would be delightful glowing in a window.

Schwartzwald’s orchid pot features an elaborate pebbled texture.

Duwell Bakes to Preserve Sephardic Traditions

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Sarah Duwell puts almost nine decades of skill and love into baking Sephardic delicacies, especially significant this time of year because of the annual food-laden Chanukah Bazaar at Congregation Or VeShalom (OVS) where these goodies are sold.

She said, “It’s so special for me to bake each week at the synagogue as a connection with the generations of my family and longtime friends. Even now, at 89, every time I roll out the dough and put it into the oven to bake, it reminds me of all the years that my family baked here together at this wonderful synagogue.”

Sephardic cuisine, which includes a wide variety of baked goods, is a way to preserve cultural identity, and pass down family recipes and memories “la dor va dor.”

She continued, “An absolute favorite in any Sephardic household are burekas. I remember baking with my sisters, mother, and grandmother, and the amazing aroma that followed. I continued this tradition with my daughters and granddaughters.”

Throughout the year, every Tuesday, congregants ages 2-92 of OVS, one of the few remaining Sephardic Jewish synagogues in the Southeast, meet for hours to bake traditional delicacies like biscochos - traditional ring-shaped tea cookies; and burekas – savory pastries, filled with various fillings such as potato, cheese or spinach and eggplant.

Duwell expertly kneads the dough to make burekas by pinching into halfmoon shapes and watching for a goldenbrown color in just minutes. The 30-ish other weekly volunteers are all similarly rolling and pinching the dough for burekas and adding a savory filling, or twisting the biscocho dough into circles before dipping the cookies into cinnamon sugar and baking to the exact point only experience can discern. The volunteer bakers take orders and sell baked goods year-round to families who cherish these connections to their Sephardic families who originally came from Spain, Portugal, Greece, or Turkey.

Duwell (nee Notrica) was born and raised in Atlanta, attended Grady High School and Georgia State University. She met husband, Dan, in 1955 at a Jewish young adults’ singles program at The Temple. She smiles, “He was an Ashkenazi Jew, which was considered an intermarriage back then.” They were married 53 years, had three children, eight grand-

Duwell, 89, bakes Sephardic treats with various family members.

children, and one great-grandchild.

Duwell hails from a long line of Sephardic heritage. Her father, Judah, was born in the Greek Isle of Rhodes. He came to the U.S. in 1912 and was an OVS founding member.

“Back then, my father would go door to door collecting the 15-cent synagogue dues from each family,” says Duwell. Judah returned to Rhodes in 1920, which is where he met his wife, Matilda. They married in Israel in 1921, and then returned to the U.S. Back in Atlanta, Judah and Matilda had four children with Sarah being the youngest.

Over the years, Duwell’s family has always shared the love of baking. From her late sister, Betty, and Betty’s son, Bob, to Bob’s son, Scott; from Sarah’s granddaughter, Sarah Meyer, to her greatgranddaughter, Bailey Mae, to Sarah’s late daughter, Marlene, and her daughter, Judy; to Sarah’s son-in-law, Les, and sister-in-law, Rochelle. They all bake as a vital part of their cultural tradition.

Duwell concluded, “Our synagogue is not like most temples; it’s very tied to its roots. We bake together for the love of the synagogue and our community.”

The original location of Congregation Or VeShalom was in Virginia Highlands. In 1970, they outgrew the building and moved to their current location in Brookhaven. With this new space came an extended kitchen and the ability to bake together unlike before where members would bake in their own home kitchens. When the demand for burekas rose, OVS started baking and selling homemade baked goods year-round.

A family who bakes together stays together. OVS hosted its 48th Annual

Every Tuesday, Congregation Or VeShalom volunteers gather to pinch, fill and bake to golden brown.

Chanukah Bazaar and Food Festival on Dec. 8 where hundreds came to shop and eat homemade Mediterranean cuisine including those flavorful burekas and biscochos. Festival highlights included

gifts and jewelry from local vendors, raffle gift baskets, and a Kids Zone.

For more information or to order sweets, please visit www.orveshalom. org. ì

Sarah

The Gift of Giving

Robyn Spizman Gerson

It’s almost Chanukah time and here are some gift suggestions that will certainly be enjoyed. As we light the menorah’s candles, there are so many ways to brighten the lives of others. Surely that’s what the holiday is all about. Add family togetherness, playing with the children, and keeping the traditions spinning and the smiles glowing. As we celebrate this season, let’s join together to celebrate the holidays and help those in need.

Chanukah PJ’s - Bring warmth and joy to your Chanukah celebrations with A Great Baby’s custom-made pajamas. Each pair is crafted from buttery soft, stretchy jersey fabric that ensures both comfort, quality and perfect for cozy nights. Personalize your pajamas with a child’s names or designs to add an extra touch. www.agreatbaby.com

Game On – Mahjongg lovers love the ultimate destination Mah Jongg Maven filled with game-playing gifts like travel mahjong, a fabulous on-the-go bag with complete tiles and racks. From engraved hand-painted colorful tile sets to personalized Jokers, and themedgifts, discover a creative selection of gifts that celebrate a love of the game.  www.Mahjonggmaven.com

Veronica’s Attic – A Sandy Springs favorite that always delivers is Veronica’s Attic, filled with stylish jewelry, accessories, clothing and irresistible gifts. From purses to hand cremes to on-trend clothing, this Sandy Spring destination is a popular tried and true gift destination that can’t be missed. Extra applause for their pretty complimentary giftwrap. www.veronicasattic.com

A Universe of Toys – From a treat jar for kids to paint to the Nerf silent bouncing ball ideal for indoor play, ask any of the toy experts at Learning Express in Buckhead about age-appropriate toys to gift your aged children or grandchildren. Supervise play and don’t miss the instant and fun Air Toobz airpowered play for the family to build. www.learningexpress.com

Story Pods – Storypod offers a library of audio adventures focusing on social emotional learning, social skills, emotional resilience, and more. From Daniel Tiger to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, these audio adventures introduce lessons in a fun and interactive way. Figures on top are soft knit Crafties and hand washable. Tokens allow an adult to record any message or read a book that’s in the family library. Ages 0 to 6.  www.storypod.com

Books For Kids – Check out “Turtle Rocks” by Audrey Galex, a beautiful story about turtles that work together, face obstacles and solve problems. Kids will also love “Hanukkah Hippity-Hop” by Barbara Kimmel, recognized by the Association of Jewish Libraries at www.amazon.com. Plus, PJ Library presents kid-friendly Hanukkah books, printables, recipes, activities, and book ideas at PJ Library’s Hanukkah Hub. Additional books are available on PJ Library’s Amazon web store. www.amazon.com/pjlibrary

For the Fashion Forward – Clara Sunwoo mother-daughter, New York City design team, keeps shoppers looking stylish. Designs are travel-friendly and comfortable. Known for its signature fabrics, knits and liquid leather collection, ideal for gals on the go from day to evening and the traveling woman. www.clarasunwoo.com

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Farmers & Fishermen – Give a gift box of nutritious deliciousness from Farmers & Fishermen featuring fresh fish and fine food delivered to your gift recipient’s door. From surf to turf, steaks and wagyu, ask about their kosher selection filled with outstanding values and selections. Call Farmers & Fishermen at 770-441-1100 or visit online at www.FarmersAndFishermen.com

Warm and Cozy - The versatility and portability of the Solo freestanding towel warmer collection is second to none. The lightweight Solo plugs into any standard outlet, and standing on its own, is ready to warm and dry towels, bathing suits and delicates. www.alltowelwarmers.com

A Jewel of a Gift – Atlanta jeweler and artisan Amy Leff captures the magic with her company, Throwing Stars Jewelry, featuring trendy initials, name necklaces, earrings and bracelets plus hearts, zodiacs, and Stars of David. Add the sparkle to your gift giving. www.throwingstarsjewelry.com

Cheers to 100 Years and More of Openly Celebrating Chanukah in Jewish Atlanta.

For our Chanukah holiday issue, we invited members of our community to share their responses.

Joe Alterman

The question of what makes music “Jewish” is as elusive as it is profound. From the biblical psalms to modern jazz, Jewish music defies easy categorization. Some define it by language, tradition, or geography, while others see it as the stories it tells—stories of identity, resilience, and belonging. Jazz, like Judaism, is rooted in storytelling. It’s not about playing perfect notes but about expressing raw emotion and truth—an outsider’s longing for connection, the beauty of imperfection, and the ability to find hope in sadness.

At first glance, they may seem worlds apart. But at their core, jazz and Judaism share something profound: resilience, storytelling, and the power to find hope in the face of struggle. Both are journeys of the human spirit, thriving on improvisation, adaptability, and the ability to turn sorrow into beauty. Neither celebrates perfection; instead, they honor growth, recovery, and the lessons learned along the way.

Both also share a profound connection to the past. I once spoke with Jason Robert Brown, composer of Parade, who shared that every time he watches a production of the show on Broadway, he looks up at the seats where he and his father once sat together. In those moments, he feels his father’s presence, a testament to the way music bridges generations. Similarly, jazz musician Ben Sidran described hearing the same melodies at his son’s bar mitzvah that he had sung at his own—a moment that connected him deeply to his father and grandfather, both of whom had since passed.

This Hanukkah, as we light the menorah, we honor the enduring power of light—a symbol of resilience and hope. Like jazz and Judaism, it illuminates the darkness, celebrating the joy and beauty we can find even in the hardest times. It reminds us that hope is not only something we feel but something we create, a legacy we pass on, and a light we keep alive.

Joe Alterman is an arts leader, scholar, journalist and world- renowned jazz pianist.

Arlene Appelrouth

We are living in a time of transition. . Whether you focus on family dynamics, political polarization, changing mores and folkways, the landscape is shifting and it’s not easy adapting to the impermanence that is unavoidable.

My vision has become blurry. A diagnosis of macular degeneration took me by surprise and added fear and anxiety to my already complex world view.  I refuse to let this diagnosis darken my world.

Chanukah is the perfect time for me, and if you choose you, to, focus on the light. We all need more light and clarity in this ever changing world.

I am a proud Jew who has been evolving and growing in my understanding of what it means to be born into this resilient, gifted tribe of humanity.

My roots include European ancestry. My relatives were both blessed and cursed to be in the minority of European cultures. In addition to the prejudice and pogroms, there were rituals and customs and specific expectations regarding living in this world.

My grandfather, of blessed memory, Gershon Weitzman, was a draft dodger in Poland. He ran away with the clothes on his back to escape conscription into the Polish army. His life, as a baker, wasn’t what he wanted to continue. He, and his girlfriend, my Babba, were raised with poverty because of the limited opportunities for Jews in the early 1900s.They blamed their poverty on their religion.

When they arrived in Canada, without friends, family or money, they left all vestiges of their Judaism behind.  But they never forgot about the prejudices inflicted on them because they were Jews.

They didn’t trust non-Jews. They were cultural, social Jews living a kosher style life. They were neither religious nor spiritual.

I was born into a G-dless home and not given any education about my history or any of my traditions. I was told the Jewish rituals were superstitious, but to always remember I was a Jew first.  It confused me because I had no way to differentiate Jews from non-Jews.  I saw all sentient humans as children of the same creation.

When I traveled as a college graduate, it was serendipity that I found myself in Israel, looking for a friend on a kibbutz.

It was love at first site. As a volunteer, metnadevit, I was welcomed by the haverim at Kibbutz Ein Hashofet near Haifa.

The idealism amongst the Israelis I met in 1969, was admirable and enviable. Life had meaning and was celebrated by all. America, at that time,, was riddled with polarization caused by the Vietnam War.

I was an anti-establishment, anti-materialistic, hippie like young woman.  Living on a kibbutz freed me from the shackles of the pervasive materialism in America. I wanted to live free of the politics and confusion of the crumbling mores of the time.  I wanted to experience kibbutz life and was invited to stay and commit to volunteering a month at a time.

My first day as a kibbutz worker started when I climbed onto. a flatbed truck.  About 20 of us were driven to the matayim, the apple orchards. The sidon avodah, master of the workers, has to fill out a sheet, listing the volunteers.

When asked what my. name was, I replied, “Arlene.” “Ma?”  what, I was asked, ORLI? “No Arlene,” I said, slowly enunciating the two syllables in my name. “Orli?” the Israeli said. “Lo,” I said using one of the few Hebrew words I knew.  “Arlene” “Orli,” his tone reflected frustration OK, Ok. Call me Orli. At lunch in the heder ochel, (dining room) I learned Or is Hebrew for light, and le means unto me. I loved it. And during my time in Israel, I went by Orli.  Orli Caplan, the journalist from Florida.

Eventually I returned to Florida and continued working as a feature writer and investigative journalist.

I wrote using the name Arlene, given by my parents.

But Orli, and kibbutz values were imprinted on my heart and soul. When I was lucky enough to buy a boat, I named her Orli 2. My life as Orli i filled with the light I see and the joy I share. As I get ready to light my Hanukkah candles, and express my gratitude to Hashem, who I am now better acquainted with, I am dealing with life’s inconsistencies and limitations, with the mindset of a being choosing to focus on the light..  We cannot avoid the darkness of these times. But we have a choice of where to focus.  We can bring light as we light the candles. You can call me Orli. I invite you to be the light in this world.  Gamzu la tova.  That’s Hebrew for it’s all for the good.  My son, David, an orthodox rabbi has brought the light, and wisdom of Judaism into my world. I’m grateful for my life and want to invite you to look for the light as you kindle the lights on your menorahs.

Arlene Appelrouth is a writer, a seeker, a mother, and a grandmother. She calls herself a flexidox Jew as she enjoys worshiping in Orthodox, conservative, and reform synagogues. She has been a student of Judaism for decades and is grateful for many close relationships with many rabbis. She is a senior, frequently adapting to changes in where and how she lives.

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Marni Bekerman

“Hanukkah has always been one of my favorite times of the year—a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the miracles in our lives. Each night, as my husband, Daniel and I light the menorah with our children, Micah, Noa, and Annie, alongside grandparents and friends, I feel a deep connection to the tradition and the generations who came before us. Sharing this ritual as a family is a reminder that, no matter how busy life becomes, there is power in coming together, kindling the lights, and creating memories filled with warmth and joy.

The story of Hanukkah reminds us of the perseverance and faith of the Maccabees, who never gave up hope, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The miracle of the oil, lasting eight days instead of one, is a testament to the power of belief and the ability to find light in moments of darkness. In today’s world, this miracle resonates more than ever and gives us hope for a brighter future for the Jewish people and for the state of Israel. We face challenges as individuals, families, communities, and as a Jewish people on the whole, but Hanukkah teaches us that even the smallest spark of hope can ignite something wonderful.

For me, this season is also a time to teach my children the value of resilience and gratitude. As we light the candles, we talk about the importance of standing up for what is right, cherishing our Jewish identities, and finding ways to bring light to others. Whether it’s through tzedakah, acts of kindness, or simply sharing the joy of the holiday with those around us, we have the opportunity to create modern-day miracles in our own lives.

To the Atlanta Jewish community: May this Hanukkah inspire you to find light in unexpected places, to treasure the moments shared with loved ones, and to pass on the beauty of our traditions to future generations. Together, let’s embrace the miracle of this season, illuminating not just our homes, but the world around us.

Chag Sameach — wishing you a Hanukkah filled with light, love, and joy!”

Marni Bekerman is the Middle School Program Manager and Alumni Coordinator at The Epstein School.

Rabbi Michael Bernstein

This year Chanukah begins on the same day as that other, never misspelled Ch- holiday. That makes for an intertwined question

Is Chanukah a lasting testimony to the power of resisting assimilation, or a holiday that, like the Jews who celebrate it, has been transformed by every new place and new time.

Both.

Yes, it is incredible that a relatively small people could survive for so many generations, transmitting from one to another sacred creeds, sacred texts, and sacred practices. Also incredible is how that same people and its ways could have such an impact on the world becoming the seed for other great religions, helping to inspire world changing philosophies, and contributing to rich and varied conversations about ethics, law, and governance.

Part of the miracle of Chanukah is the miracle of Jews in this country partaking fully in the culture around us while remaining strongly and unabashedly identified with being Jewish.

This year many of us will light the menorah and, perhaps eat egg rolls along with our latkes and maybe take in a movie. After all the “Jewish Christmas” originally came out of necessity: Jewish and Chinese immigrants living in proximity who did not fit in while all the other restaurants were closed on December 25th. So, the candles kindled throughout the Jewish world and the tradition born in the tenements of American cities both proclaim the miracle: The people Israel live! And everywhere we live is also a part of who we are.

Rabbi Michael Bernstein is the Rabbi of Congregation Gesher L’ Torah.

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Terri Bonoff

The first night of Hanukah falls on Christmas this year. This is particularly powerful given what we Jews are facing as we reflect on the past, the present and the future.

I have participated in many gatherings where we have lamented the simple math of our diminishing Jewish numbers in comparison to the worldwide population. This has been discussed in the context of conversations about antisemitism and strategies to combat the gale force head winds we are facing as worldwide support for Israel is diminishing.

As we ponder how to secure our Jewish future perhaps the greatest tool we have is in the strength of the Judeo-Christian partnership. Jews and Christians alike honor Israel as the sacred birthplace and consider the security of Israel as paramount.

So, during these days of Hanukah, overlapping with Christmas, I invite each of us to reach out to our Christian friends and neighbors to ask for help. Enlist their support in speaking out in support of Jewish people and in support of Israel. Ask them to stand beside us, loud and proud as allies of Israel and ensure they understand how important Israel is to the religious community.

There have been organic efforts to create these kinds of partnerships in Atlanta. The White Rose Society has been reborn as a public recognition of powerful allies who are not Jewish and have stood up in inspiring ways post-October 7th. There have been informal gatherings of Jewish and Christian women dedicated to strengthening community support for Israel amidst the negative disinformation campaign that is waging globally.

There is power in numbers. We as Jews punch over our weight in many instances, but we will not succeed if we are in the fight alone. Israel is the birthplace for the Muslim, Christian and Jewish people. May we link arms with those who value the historic spiritual sanctity of our beloved Israel and leverage the power of our shared unwavering commitment. I wish all a Happy Hannukah, a Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday in the tradition of one’s faith.

Terri Bonoff is the chief executive officer of Jewish Family & Career Services.

Avital K. Cohen

Finding Light in Ourselves and Each Other

As we light the candles during Chanukah, we are not just celebrating the miracle of oil lasting eight days. Really, what we are remembering is the resilience, bravery, and unity of the Jewish people. Chanukah offers us a special opportunity to help our kids connect with these values in meaningful ways.

Chanukah reminds us that even a tiny light can shine brightly in the darkest times. For children, this can be a powerful lesson in self-worth and kindness. By encouraging them to recognize their own internal “light,” such as their unique skills, their ability to help others, and their courage to face challenges, we help them build their resilience and confidence.

Family traditions during Chanukah also promote a sense of belonging. Whether it is lighting the chanukiah, spinning dreidels, eating latkes, or gathering together with grandparents and other family, we are creating moments of connection that remind kids they are part of something larger. This not only builds lasting memories but also strengthens emotional bonds, leading kids to have a strong sense of security and wellbeing.

Chanukah also presents a great chance to teach gratitude and generosity. Whether through giving tzedakah or sharing treats with friends, kids learn that being kind and giving to others can be deeply meaningful. By emphasizing these values, we teach them to carry the spirit of Chanukah beyond these eight nights and into their daily lives.

As you celebrate, remember that every act of love and support you show your child, no matter how big or small, is its own kind of miracle, a light that can guide them through life’s difficult times.

Chag sameach!

Dr. Avital K. Cohen is the founder and clinical director of Peachtree Pediatric Psychology.

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Rabbi

Nachi Friedman

Chanukkah: Our Public Display of Judaism

Like every televised post-game interview with the team MVP, many areas of public life require the balance between displaying success and remaining humble. A winning quarterback praises his teammates despite knowing his throws won the game. On job interviews we want to present competent and smart while not appearing (too) haughty. Even in regular conversations we must balance these extremes as an uneven and lopsided approach is off-putting socially.

The same is true for mitzvot (commandments) and Jewish life. Our sukka cannot be too big or too little. Our charity should not exceed a fifth of our income or give less than a tenth. The Rabbis tell us we need to learn from everyone despite one’s own intellect, acclimates and dexterity with learning (Mishna Avos). We ideally need to perform the commandments and live a Jewish life like the MVP, balancing public displays of commandments and humility.

Chanukah is a rare mitzvah where we are commanded to publicly, proudly and openly perform a mitzvah in its best way possible.

We specifically light our candles when everyone can see us and boldly in our windows. While we should never feel ashamed to perform any commandment, there is no requirement to make our actions known, seen and specifically in the public eye. Why is Chanukah so unique?

One way we can approach the holiday of Chanukah is by focusing on what it is not. Most holidays follow the following Jewish formula: We sinned, we were punished and in danger of extinction, we prayed and we were saved. Chanukah is the only holiday where we were not in danger! In fact, we were safe as long as we listened to the Greek rules and regulations at that time. Rid of public displays of religion and abide by Hellenistic rule and stay safe.

Perhaps the message of Chanuka is the importance of unwavering and uncompromising in our belief. When it comes to the protection of our Jewish life, we cannot accept anything less than full autonomy to do and perform our commandments. In the face of antisemitism, we must fight against any sign of hatred and lack of support. Chanukah publicly calls to action an unrestricted display of commandments to show the world that we will not hide or appear ashamed of our religion.

A very moving exhibit can be found in the World Holocaust Remembrance Center (Yaad Vashem). The exhibit includes a photograph from Kiel Germany from 1931 of Rabbi Akiva Baruch Posner’s Chanukah menorah. What is unique about this picture is that the Menorah is lit by the window of their house which looks out onto a building with a large Nazi banner. The exhibit’s caption writes “Judea Dies,’ thus saith the banner. ‘Judea will live forever,’ thus responds the light”.

Our Chanuka mitzvah is to proudly carry the torch. Anti Semitism is not a new concept and will not extinguish our flame. We celebrate the mitzvah of Chanukah in Atlanta and will not restrict our “post-game mitzah talk” with humility but flamboyantly display our allegiance to G-d. May we continue to light our candles and our souls with fire so we can continue to act Jewish, live Jewish, and proudly display our Judaism.

Rabbi Nachi Friedman is the Rabbi at Congregation Anshi Sfard and the school counselor at TDSA.

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Rabbi David Geffen

Atlanta Jewry has always loved Chanukah with all their hearts

You can read about it in Bauman’s classic how it all starts

So now Chanukah 5725 has arrived with such happiness and joy

We celebrate, old folks and every wonderful Jewish girl and boy

Our blessing on this Chanukah has the good and the bad

The special moments of the chag but also the losses so sad

Light your candles, display them too  for all antisemites to see

From your hate  your killing we stand proud we’ll never flee

I am that little boy so proud that I am born and Jewish Atlanta bred I love Israel but when it comes down to it in dear old Dixie I tread

Have a spectacular Chanukah its light keeps us alive

Spinning dreidels singing tunes we all love but mostly make us strive

Rabbi David Geffen is a native Atlantan and Conservative rabbi who lives in Jerusalem.

Robyn Spizman Gerson

As Chanukah approaches I feel especially grateful to look forward to our grandchildren enjoying the holiday traditions as we celebrate together. This year, however, like so many others, many of our beloved family members are no longer with us.

Recently after attending in the same day my brother’s unveiling and that evening a memorable event at The Breman my Aunt Lois Blonder was chairing before she passed away. Now, they were honoring her along with Jarvin Levison, Sandra Adair and Tom Asher, all whose dedicated lives and abundant love served as a legacy. It was a moving reminder how precious and fragile life is. How our deeds and the gifts of our actions make a difference and become our story. We blink and life happens. We blink again and it changes.

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. We can choose to focus on what brings us meaning and joy. We can receive the gifts of love given to us and live by the lessons learned that inspire us and help make us better versions of ourselves. Every day we can wake up and try, try again.

One of my greatest gifts is seeing the smiles on our grandchildren’s faces. It’s as simple as hearing each of them say our “grandparent” designated names of Ro Ro and Zayde. It’s music to our ears and as a result, our hearts are full.

The greatest gifts of Chanukah are not material gifts. They are the people we love and those who love us. The memories that even time cannot take away or diminish. Let the lights shine on and may your family’s holiday be brightened by the gift of times shared filled with togetherness.

After all is said and done, love is the best gift you can give, receive, and return. As the adages goes, “Today is a gift. That’s why they call it the present.”

Robyn Spizman Gerson is an award-winning New York Times Bestselling author and media personality and freelance writer for Atlanta Jewish Times. Robynspizman.com

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Jeffrey A. Gopen

In my line of work, I am fortunate that I get to interact with Centenarians nearly every day. We just celebrated the 103rd birthday of one of our residents at The William Breman Jewish Home and the 101st for one of our very first residents at Berman Commons. As CEO of Jewish HomeLife, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is listening to all the stories from every facet of their very full lives—famous people they’ve met, interesting jobs they’ve held, and people they’ve loved. The wisdom and life experiences that come with living 100 years or more is priceless.

The same goes for the Atlanta Jewish Times. What a wonderful testament to the vibrancy of our Atlanta Jewish community that we have a local newspaper that has sustained for an entire century, supporting all our triumphs, simchas, holidays, challenges and opportunities. The stories, the people and the history that have filled your pages tell the dynamic story of Jewish Atlanta, and I’m honored to be part of that. Happy 100th to the Atlanta Jewish Times, and Happy Hanukkah to all.

Jeffrey A. Gopen is President and CEO of Jewish HomeLife.

Leslie Gordon

As we celebrate the enduring legacy of Chanukah, I invite you to join us in reflecting on the pride we share in our Jewish history, culture, arts and traditions. At The Breman Museum and Cultural Center, our archives tell the extraordinary stories of resilience, creativity, and faith that have illuminated our community for generations. These narratives of courage and identity remind us to embrace our heritage with pride and pass it forward with purpose.

This Chanukah, let the festival’s lights symbolize not just our traditions but the strength and beauty of our culture. May we continue to come together as a community, celebrating who we are and the values that unite us.

Wishing you a joyful and inspiring Chanukah!

Leslie Gordon is the executive director at The Breman Museum and Cultural Center.

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Rabbi Josh Hearshen

We do not have a biblical origin for the holiday of Hanukah. Its origins are found in a variation of sources including the Apocrypha, midrashic works and the Talmud. Each of these portray Hanukah in a slightly different light and each of them help us to unearth the miracle that is Hanukah. We spend a lot of time focusing on the miracle of the eight days of light that was generated from one container of pure oil that should have only lasted for one day. This is a beautiful reason for Hanukah and yet it is not the essence nor is it the true depth of the festival. Olive oil is deeply connected to the Jewish people and to the land of Israel. It was a key component of the anointing oil used for elevating priests or kings. Olive oil was clearly the fuel used to keep the Menorah burning in both the mishkan and the beit hamikdash. Olive oil is also deeply connected to the land of Israel where olive trees grow in great numbers and the olives have been harvested for millennia to press into oil. No trip to Israel’s archaeological parks would be complete without seeing the enormous oil presses that have been unearthed. But the oil is a vehicle for celebrating the holiday and not the essence of the holiday itself.

The essence is seen in the name of the holiday, Hanukah, which means dedication. It is on Hanukah that we rededicate ourselves to our people, our religion, our land and to our relationship with God. It is on Hanukah that we find that we need to be more dedicated and more engaged in our identity and our community. We light the candles or oil lamps each night to bring more and more light into the world but also into our own homes. We need to bring that light into our religious world. We need to increase our level of engagement more and more each day. This should never be limited to Hanukah as it should be our attitude all year long. But it we can each use the reminder once a year that we need to be more dedicated and show more dedication in our Jewish lives.

Rabbi Josh Hearshen is the Rabbi of Congregation Or VeShalom in Brookhaven, Ga.

Rabbi David B. Helfand

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Kedushat Levi, teaches that each Jewish holiday corresponds to one of the senses. Purim engages our hearing as we listen to the Megillah. Passover enhances taste through matzah and marror. Chanukah, he explains, is the holiday of seeing. During Chanukah, we focus on our vision, observing the menorah’s lights grow brighter each night and reflecting on the miracle of the oil and the courage to light it.

However, Chanukah challenges us to see beyond the physical. Often, we believe that “seeing is believing”—that only what we observe is real. This mindset risks dismissing the unseen realities of emotions, ideas, and dreams that define our lives. Chanukah calls us to deepen our vision, recognizing the unseen and appreciating the miracles that exist within and around us.

The rabbis describe the Hellenistic period as a time of choshech, darkness. The Greeks sought not only to conquer but to darken our spiritual vision, blinding us to God’s presence and the light within ourselves. Chanukah’s flames remind us to reclaim that light, to illuminate what was hidden, and to see the deeper truths of our lives.

George Orwell wrote, “To see what is in front of one’s nose needs a constant struggle.” Even with perfect eyesight, we can miss what truly matters. The Hasmoneans didn’t focus on their few numbers or meager resources. Instead, they saw hope and trusted in God’s presence. Their ability to perceive possibility where others saw failure led to victory and lasting light.

Consider the story of the Rabbi of Bluzhov in Bergen-Belsen. Using scraps of materials, he lit the Chanukah candles and recited the blessings, including one thanking God for preserving life. When questioned how he could say this amidst such horror, he explained that seeing the gathered Jews, holding onto faith despite their suffering, was itself a miracle. Their hope illuminated the darkness, proving that light can exist even in despair.

As we light the menorah, we are called to deepen our vision. May these candles inspire us to see blessings in those we love, discover hidden beauty in the world, and recognize miracles in unexpected places. Through the light of Chanukah, may we illuminate our lives and the lives of others.

Rabbi David B. Helfand is the Engagement Rabbi at Congregation Shearith Israel.

Rabbi Joshua Heller

The Hanukkah story starts with the Maccabees, one family that became a movement. The Syrian Greeks imposed their will on the Jews to stamp out Jewish practice and Jewish pride. Our most essential traditions were banned by law and social pressure. The Greeks even found allies in the Jewish community who were willing to betray their heritage for the sake of acceptance in cosmopolitan society. “We don’t hate Jews as people,” the message went, “just change who you are and what you stand for and you are more than welcome!”

The patriarch Mattathias stood up with a simple act of resistance, and his children formed a movement that led to the rededication of the temple, and the miracle of the oil.

Who are today’s Maccabees? Who are today’s children of Mattathias? In a literal sense, they are those who leave lives and families behind to serve in the IDF, and fight for the physical survival of our people. But the battle of the Maccabees was not only a military one, it was a spiritual one as well. Who are the people who are willing to stand up in the face of pressure to conform, to condemn their heritage?

Today’s children of Mattathias are also students on college campuses, willing to stand up as Jews in the face of masked protestors. They are young people, just starting out in adulthood, who have to decide whether to stay silent about their identity, or be cancelled in the virtual realm and the real one for being Zionists. They are people of all ages who are not afraid to stand up and speak out.

In too many places, wearing a kippah or a Jewish star, or carrying a Jewish name carries risk. Simply putting a menorah in the window is an act of courage and resistance like that of Judah Maccabee and his brothers. This Hanukkah, as we light our candles, let’s remember that one of the essential meanings of this holiday is having pride in the face of those who want to extinguish our light, but never will. This year we are all children of the Maccabees.

Meliss Jakubovic

As we light the Chanukah candles this year, I reflect on nearly 27 years of teaching Israeli dance in Atlanta, a role that has deeply connected me to our community. Dance has always been a way to celebrate joy, resilience, and togetherness, even during the most challenging times.

This year, with so much happening in the world; wars, our hostages still not home in Israel, and a general sense of unrest, we are reminded of the importance of pausing to celebrate. One of my mantras is “there is always something to celebrate” because we don’t need an excuse to be happy and bring joy to others. Life is fleeting, and time moves faster than we expect, so it’s essential to pause and acknowledge the miracles, both big and small.

The Atlanta Jewish Times has been a source of light for our community for 100 years. That’s a century of sharing stories, building connections, and celebrating our identity. What an incredible accomplishment! Thank you for being a steadfast staple in our lives, keeping us informed and united through the years.

Chanukah is not just about the candles, it’s about the light we pass on to others. It’s about the collective spirit of a community that comes together as one big family. So let’s cherish this Atlanta milestone and continue to celebrate, because when we do, we bring hope and warmth to the world around us.

Cheers to 100 years of openly celebrating Chanukah in Jewish Atlanta, and here’s to many more!

As we come together to celebrate this season, let us also send prayers for the safe return of all hostages and peace for our extended family in Israel and around the world. May the lights of Chanukah inspire us to bring hope, warmth, and kindness to one another and to the world.

Meliss Jakubovic is an Online Marketing Strategist and Atlanta’s Israeli folk dance instructor.

Rabbi Joshua Heller is the Senior Rabbi at Congregation B’nai Torah.

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Rabbi Ari Kaiman

Almost 25 years ago, the Atlanta Jewish Times profiled me as a rising teen leader. Who would have guessed that I would merit to be back in this great community regularly writing pieces like this!

I’ve long felt that Chanukah is the most ironic of Jewish holidays. We’re celebrating the anti-assimilationists with the most assimilated Jewish holiday in this great country. I believe that the Southern Jewish story is one of the most interesting of our history. The pressure to be like everyone else was stronger here. We were fewer in number, and spread out over far greater distances. Yet, the Southern Jewish community of more than 100 years never abandoned our identity. I believe that our minority status in many ways strengthened our identity and resilience in ways that resonate to this day. We have to work harder to maintain our uniqueness, and papers like this one help weave the fabric of our community.

Today, our little corner of the Jewish world shines bright.

Mazel Tov to the Jewish Times on 100 years and counting of bringing us together and preserving our history.

Rabbi Micah Lapidus

This Chanukah we will lift up the fact that we are free-free to celebrate, free to express our Jewishness, free in ways that our ancestors only imagined and that is sadly too rare in the world today for so many people, including members of Klal Yisrael.

Rabbi Micah Lapidus, Ed.D. is the Director of Jewish and Hebrew Studies at The Davis Academy.

Rabbi Ari Kaiman is the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel.

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Holding Onto Hope: Being Jewish and Israeli in Uncertain Times

As Jews and Israelis, we find ourselves living in a time that feels as though the very ground beneath us has shifted. The events of October 7th shook our hearts, homes, and our collective sense of safety. It felt as though the world as we knew it had changed irrevocably. Our grief is immense, and our pain is real. Yet, in the depths of despair, we are reminded of something that has sustained our people for thousands of years: hope.

In the immediate aftermath, I was terrified to say I’m Israeli or share my origin. The fear of judgment and isolation weighed heavily. But something within me changed. Today, I wear my Israeli flag proudly. I travel the world sharing my heritage and origin with pride, knowing that my story and identity are worth celebrating, not hiding.

For more than 3,000 years, the Jewish people have faced immense challenges, oppression, and unimaginable loss. And still, we are here.

Our history is not just a story of survival but one of resilience, strength, and faith. No matter how dark the night, the dawn has always come.

This enduring spirit of hope, embedded in our very identity, is a beacon that guides us through the most turbulent times.

This Hanukkah, the story of the miracle of lights resonates deeply. When the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, they found just enough oil to last a single day, but it burned brightly for eight days, defying all expectations. This miracle was not only a testament to faith but a reminder that light can persist even when the odds seem insurmountable.

Today, that light burns within us. It reminds us that no force can extinguish the hope, love, and unity that define who we are. We face adversity not with despair but with a deep resolve to persevere. We rebuild, we adapt, and we thrive—not in spite of the challenges but because of them.

This moment in history, though fraught with difficulty, is also an opportunity for growth and unity. The global Jewish community stands together in ways that remind us we are never alone. Our shared prayers, support, and acts of kindness reinforce the unbreakable bond we have with one another and with Israel.

As we light the menorah this year, let us take a moment to reflect on the miracles we experience every day. Let us remember that even in the darkest of times, our flame endures. The story of Hanukkah is not just one of a miraculous past but a lesson for our future: we prevail because we refuse to let go of hope.

To be Jewish and Israeli in this moment is to embody the promise that we will never be silenced, never be defeated, and never lose faith. The challenges ahead may be great, but so too is our strength. Together, we will not only endure but thrive—stronger and more united than ever before.

Let us all pray together for the safe return of our hostages, for their families to be reunited in joy and peace. This Hanukkah, may we witness miracles both big and small, and may the light of hope continue to guide us forward.

Eti Lazarian is the Managing Director at Insignia LLC, mother of three girls, and passionate philatelist.

CHANUKAH

Mike Leven

Chanukah represents to me one of the most important holidays for the Jewish people because it symbolizes how a small group fought for the survival of Judaism against the majority who hoped that assimilation to another way of life was more important. Even today as we in the United States have seemed to forget as we have thrived, we were shocked in the last years by anti-Zionism and anti-Israelism to remind us of who we are and who we must continue to be. As a child who grew up with my maternal grandparents in a small apartment, at the lighting of the candles of this holiday we rejoiced at our survival and the importance of those that came before and promised that every year we are blessed to light them again.

Mike Leven is a legendary business executive, visionary philanthropist, and the founder of the Jewish Future Promise.

ALL THE creatures ARE STIRRING

CHANUKAH

Rabbi Bradley G. Levenberg

“As we light the first candle of Chanukah this year, we celebrate not only the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days but also the vibrant, ever-evolving Jewish community of Atlanta. This year marks a monumental milestone: The Atlanta Jewish Times is about to celebrate 100 years of publishing, which means 100 years of covering Chanukah celebrations in Atlanta. This landmark moment offers us an opportunity for reflection, and reflected in the glow of the holiday candles is a story of our resilience and growing pride.

A century ago, Jews in Atlanta observed Chanukah quietly, often at home, mindful of the pressures to assimilate and remain unnoticed in the broader Southern culture. Fast forward to today, and our celebrations of this Festival of Lights have grown into public, joyful statements of Jewish identity, solidarity, and tradition. From the menorah lighting at the Atlanta Hawks game (12.24 this year!) to community-wide festivals and school celebrations, the lights of Chanukah shine in our metro community in a way that would have been unthinkable a century ago.

In the last 100 years, Atlanta’s Jewish community has flourished from a small pocket to a thriving and diverse population. This celebration of Chanukah is more than just about lighting candles; it is a testament to the strength of our heritage and the ways in which we have woven Jewish life into the fabric of the city itself.

So, cheers to 100 years of public celebrations of Chanukah in the ATL- and to many more! Cheers to the Atlanta Jewish Times on 100 years of publishing- and to many more! And cheers to our growing, thriving, and exciting Jewish community, which is certainly worthy of celebrating this year and for many more to come!”

Rabbi Bradley G. Levenberg, PhD is a senior rabbi at Temple Sinai.

Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller

The December dilemma used to refer to the dilemma that interfaith families faced when trying to decide how or if they would bring together Chanukah and Christmas in their home.

However, in the past five or so years, that’s not the dilemma I hear people discussing much anymore. Today, the question many grapple with is: Do we put our menorah in the window?

In today’s world, displaying a menorah in the window can require a bit of courage. I hope we all feel safe enough to show that courage, and my heart goes out to those who do not feel safe.

Our world is in desperate need of more light. As Jewish people, our purpose is to spread that light. I pray that we have built trust with our neighbors, who will love and watch out for us, so we can feel safe being who we are in our communities. And if you don’t know your neighbors, perhaps it’s time to introduce yourself.

This Chanukah, I invite you to join me in proudly displaying your menorah for all to see. Let’s bring the light.

Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller is one of the rabbis at Temple Emanu-El in Sandy Springs.

CHANUKAH

David Ostrowsky

“As we all know, Chanukah is exceptionally late this year, maybe the latest it’s ever been in most of our lives. That the holiday falls at the very end of the year --and actually extends into the next year -- seems like an appropriate opportunity to look back and express gratitude for all the wonderful things that made 2024 special. For me, personally and professionally, I am incredibly grateful to our readership that continues to read my sports articles -- as well as those penned by my colleagues at the AJT. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to share stories about Jewish and Atlanta-based athletes, coaches, executives, and teams with the Jewish community of Atlanta and well beyond. Of course, I feel similar gratitude staff at the AJT that is ever supportive of this endeavor.

As such, I would like to simply, but sincerely, wish each and every one of you a most joyous Chanukah. I realize that 2024 may have presented unique challenges, but I do hope that everyone can spend quality time with their relatives and friends during Chanukah, however you may do so.

Once again, Happy Chanukah and wishing everyone all the best during this holiday season as well as the new year.

David Ostrowsky is the Sports beat contributor for the Atlanta Jewish Times.

Tiffany Parks

This Hanukkah, history is on my mind. I accessed the Breman Museum archives. I searched 1920s-1924 photos of Jewish Atlanta. There, I saw men and women happily posing in front of Model T Fords. There were family members smiling in front of houses and stores against the backdrop of majestic Magnola trees and fragrant pine trees. I pondered over the outward display of these happy faces because a few years earlier was the 1918 pandemic. And, WWI ended in 1918. People were still mentally and physically impacted by these horrible events. On top of that, 100 years ago was the height of the Roaring Twenties in Atlanta. It was a time of uncertainty, violence, and change. However, amongst the pictures, I saw menorahs being lighted. I saw potato cakes being eaten. I saw Jewish Atlanta embracing their traditions. That’s the answer. That’s the lesson to live by, even today! Despite the uncertainty of today, we should continue to enjoy and find the treasure in traditions. When we gather, pray, and fellowship, it keeps us going and thriving for days, weeks, years, decades, centuries.

As a sidenote, the Breman has late 1920s-1980s archives of the Atlanta Jewish Times (old name was the The Southern Israelite).

Tiffany Parks is an educator and freelance writer for Atlanta Jewish Times.

CHANUKAH

Sarah Parrish

Cheers to 100 Years of Openly Celebrating Hanukkah in Jewish Atlanta. What stands out most in reflecting on this milestone is the word openly. A century ago, Jewish immigrants in cities like Cincinnati, New York, and here in Atlanta faced stigma and discrimination. Yet, through resilience and dedication, they transformed Hanukkah—the wondrous Festival of Lights—into the beloved and widely recognized tradition it is today, celebrated across cultures and faiths in our country.

I am continually moved by the perseverance, tradition, values, and rich culture of this community.

It is an honor to celebrate alongside you.

Just this past weekend, as I listened to my daughter’s public school chorus perform a rearranged “Jingle Bells” with unmistakable Jewish melodies woven in, I felt a deep warmth. I thought of the Rabbis 100 years ago who introduced Hanukkah celebrations to the children of their congregations. Through their vision, Hanukkah became a cherished winter celebration—one that rivals any other during this magical season.

To celebrate openly today is not just a privilege; it’s a testament to the progress, strength, and enduring spirit of the Jewish community.

Here’s to 100 years of openly celebrating Hanukkah in Atlanta—and to 100 more!

Sarah Parrish is the General Manager of Balloons Over Atlanta & Event Visions.

Jody Pollack

As we celebrate openly celebrating Chanukah, let us not forget about the hundred plus hostages that will not be sharing the candles glow with their families this year. When we have their presence, only then, will we be able to truly appreciate our presents.

Many things have changed since last Chanukah, albeit not all for the best. We learned that many being held captive have not survived and their families have gotten the closure they did not pray for. We still have fighting going on in and around Israel. While we have seen many of Israel’s enemies falter and fall, they are not fully vanquished, Yet.

Thankfully, there are new powerful lights on the horizon that will bring clarity and energy to the battlefield. The fog of war is still thick and land mines are everywhere, so we need to tread lightly. The weights that have been holding up peace are being tossed aside and peace is at hand, but the mission is far from being accomplished.

I personally am looking forward to a brighter day as we exit a self-imposed malaise and take action to rekindle our burning desire for the process of realizing the American dream of earned success and deserved rewards that we, the unmentioned minority, pursue as part of our nature. Well unfortunately, we are mentioned all too often when it comes to antisemitism but that is a subject of another diatribe.

Our community has greatly benefitted from 100 years of the various iterations of the Atlanta Jewish Times as it has served as a bright beacon of hope and as an extended member of our families. Many conversations start with “Did you see that in the AJT? I can’t believe they let him rant again” or “What a great article about so and so. I didn’t know that about him”. Without much fanfare or vanity, the paper/website continues to be part of the heartbeat of Jewish Atlanta that is a treasure hidden in plain sight. And that, my fellow Jewish Atlantans is a true Chanukah gift to all of us.

Chag Chanukah

Jody Pollack is past President of HOD Lodges Bezalel and Shimshon, past Executive Director of the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival.

Roni Robbins

Finding Light Amid Darkness

In 1925, my grandfather came to America seeking a better life and to avoid being conscripted into the Czechoslovakian army. At 20 years old, he envisioned a goldene medina, an idyllic golden country where the streets were paved with gold and opportunities for success and freedom abounded.

Despite battling tuberculosis, surviving a workplace shooting at a TB rehab center, financial struggles, and losing most of his family in the Holocaust – among other hardships – he appreciated the blessings of his family along with Judaism and its many customs. He saw light where others might see darkness, finding a silver lining in his misfortune.

I believe he’d be sadly disillusioned to learn how history is repeating itself from the dark days of his young life: the mini-Holocaust massacre of October 7 last year in Israel; wars raging there and between Russia and Ukraine; rampant antisemitism and hatred; political unrest; and TB remaining the world’s deadliest infectious disease killer. But he’d have found the light in the darkness, just as we are supposed to discover and celebrate the lights of Chanukah this month amid the shorter days of December and our current world climate.

It’s quite difficult to find the light amid the darkness with the tremendous obstacles we face today, whether it’s global divides, personal health or financial challenges. But like for my grandfather and many of our immigrant ancestors, who I believe had it much tougher than we do today, there’s a way to find the light surrounding us.

This year, as Chanukah coincides with Christmas, we only need to look around and appreciate the lights of their holiday decorations combined with our menorah flames to celebrate what unites rather than what separates. Hope you find your light this Chanukah, and when you do, cherish it and pass it along.”

Roni Robbins is a journalist and author of Hands of Gold: One Man’s Quest to Find the Silver Lining in Misfortune.

Flora Rosefsky

Although now residing in Riverdale, N.Y., at RiverWalk senior independent apartment living (formerly known as The Jewish Home), I still feel a strong connection to the metro Atlanta community, home for 26 years after moving from Binghamton, N.Y., and before settling in Manhattan a few years ago. Especially during the pandemic years, the AJT provided a unique opportunity to become a journalist.

Thanks to the internet, I can still continue to be inspired online by certain AJT articles such as arts and culture events or what’s up with the synagogues, The Breman Museum, MJCCA, Community Mikvah. Celebrating both Channukkah alongside AJT’s 100th publication year manifests the importance of overcoming obstacles. As I light the Menorah, I send joyful Channukah greetings to not only my family, but to all those friends and colleagues from the Metro Atlanta community who impacted my life with positivity and optimism. May the Chanukkah bright lights give us hope to find more miracles this coming year - in our personal life and that of our world. Chag Sameach Channukah.

Flora Rosefsky is former freelance writer for Atlanta Jewish Times and visual artist who now lives in Riverdale, N.Y.

CHANUKAH

Ray Alyssa Rothman

I grew up in a community of 10,000 Jews in Virginia Beach, or really Tidewater, Virginia, which encompasses five cities. Hanukkah menorahs were few and far between.

My neighborhood included a small enclave of Jewish families. Growing up, we were always in each other’s houses. Our friends’ parents were like surrogate aunts and uncles.

I have vivid memories of my mother and father luring us to the dining room with the promise of gifts and Hanukkah gelt. My twin brothers and I would watch expectantly as my mother or father would light the shamash candle on the menorah and use that candle to light the other candles in progression over the ensuing eight nights.

Among our Hanukkah additional rituals was going to Mount Trashmore, the man-made mountain of trash that was transformed into a public park, becoming the first landfill park in the US in 1974, to light a big menorah that our Chabad of Tidewater rabbi sponsored. When I was 10 years old, Chabad of Tidewater inaugurated this tradition. The initiation of this candle lighting was a catalyst that helped galvanize the Tidewater Jewish community and strengthen our Jewish identity.

Today in Dunwoody where I live is a much larger Jewish community. We follow a similar tradition with menorah lightings by Chabad of Dunwoody and Mitzvah House. When we light our Hanukkah candles at home, my mind drifts back to the neighborhood celebrations of my youth and our gatherings at Mount Trashmore.

The menorah is a resonant symbol because its candles cast a shining light in the darkness, representing hope, guidance, and clarity, signifying enlightenment in challenging situations. Light is associated with knowledge, understanding and truth.

Today, for me, celebrating Hanukkah in the Atlanta Jewish community is a vibrant experience filled with traditions that foster unity and joy while honoring the miracle of the Maccabee’s oil and Jewish heritage. As was the case in my childhood, Hanukkah today in Atlanta is a time of reflection and togetherness, celebrating the tenacity of the Jewish people and the spirit and promise of renewal.

Ray Alyssa Rothman is a commercial real estate broker who also helps high-net-worth individuals identify debt and equity investment opportunities. Her side business is Kibbitz & Konnect, the premier in-person social network for Atlanta’s Jewish singles community (www.kibbitzkonnect.org).

CHANUKAH

Gayle Rubenstein

As the glow of the chanukiah fills our homes, this Chanukah comes amidst a world that feels more chaotic and crazier, than ever. Yet, the festival of Chanukah shines as a beacon of hope, symbolizing unity, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.

Each candle we light renews our shared commitment to dispelling darkness with steadfast love and heartfelt prayers for Israel and the courageous soldiers of the IDF. Together, we affirm the timeless values that unite us and express our collective hope to live peacefully as a sovereign people in our homeland.

I am deeply proud of the unwavering strength and resilience of our people and of those who stand with us, spreading kindness and offering prayers and the belief for our own Israel

As we lift our glasses of Manischewitz, we toast to light, peace, and the remarkable milestone of The Jewish Times’ 100th anniversary—a tribute to our enduring heritage and the strength of this incredible community.

May this Chanukah bring warmth, blessings, and inspiration to all who celebrate. L’chaim, CHEERS, and Happy Chanukah!

Gayle Rubenstein is the owner of Balloons Over Atlanta and Event Visions; been in business for over 30 years.

Chana Shapiro

Celebrating 100 Years of Covering Jewish Atlanta

I began freelancing for the Atlanta Jewish Times four decades ago, when Vida Goldgar was the editor, and the paper was called The Southern Israelite. The office was in a little house not far from Georgia Tech, and I used to drop off my typed stories which somehow morphed into printed copy by the next week.

Now, 100 years into the paper’s evolution, our city has grown and changed, but the commitment to reporting about our diverse and interesting Jewish community remains. The Atlanta Jewish Times is the go-to source for what’s happening in Jewish Atlanta.

Chanukah, which translates in Hebrew as “dedication,” is a good time to celebrate the breadth and depth of Jewish Atlanta. In this centennial year, the paper continues its own dedication, the dedication to provide Jewish news and views to readers. Trust the Atlanta Jewish Times to cover it all!

Happy Chanukah to you and your loved ones, and Mazal Tov to the Atlanta Jewish Times!

Chana Shapiro is an author, illustrator, and educator, and a freelance writer for Atlanta Jewish Times.

Happy Chanukah!

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Jenna Leopold Shulman

The Gift of Education: A Chanukah Reflection from JELF

For many, Chanukah is a time of giving and receiving. At JELF, we are in the gift-giving business year-round, offering the gift of higher education to Jewish students who need financial support to achieve their dreams. Just as the lights of the menorah bring illumination to our homes during Chanukah, the work of JELF helps light the way for Jewish students to reach their educational goals.

As we celebrate this Chanukah season, we’re grateful for the opportunity to support Jewish students and their families, helping them overcome financial barriers to education. The more educated our community becomes, the better equipped we are to fight antisemitism and ensure a future where Jewish voices are heard and respected. And just as Chanukah reminds us of the power of small acts that add up to something greater, every contribution to JELF makes a lasting impact on the lives of the students we serve.

This holiday season, as you gather with loved ones, we invite you to consider the gift of education—one that lasts a lifetime. Wishing you all a joyful, light-filled holiday season!

Jason Smith

The Atlanta Jewish Community never ceases to amaze me.  We all have troubles that we are faced with in our lives, and knowing that there are people who care (whether they know you or not), is comforting,. As a family, we have had our own challenges and with that...along came phone calls, texts, and cards all showing support...then every night, meals would just show up at the house.  Knowing that people take time out of their busy lives to show you their sincere support is everything.

The community literally lifted us on their shoulders and carried us to recovery.

Every week it seems there is a fundraising event for a different Jewish organization.  And at every event, the community shows up to support.  Instead of finding other things to do with our incredibly busy schedules we find time to support great causes.  I speak to friends in other cities, and they are always amazed with the generosity of Atlanta’s Jewish community.

Having sent both of our kids to Jewish Day School, it is a wonderful sight to see our kids want and choose to give back with volunteering and involvement.  Our family is proud to be part of this nurturing community and take part in the lessons we are teaching the younger generation.

The Atlanta Jewish Times has become the central forum to share the good times to celebrate together and even the bad times, so we can rally around each other...

Congratulations to Michael Morris and the Jewish Times on 100 years!

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Hanukkah,

Jason Smith is a co-founder of Doraville-based mosquito control outfit Mr. Mister.

Jenna Leopold Shulman is the Chief Executive Officer of Jewish Educational Loan Fund.

Highlights include:

• The giant croc, Deinosuchus

• Armored dinosaurs

• An Ice-Age tortoise

• Human adaptations of animal armor

• And more!

Armored

Frances Wood Wilson Foundation.

CHANUKAH

Alla Umanskiy

This season, my family is celebrating the accomplishments of my older daughter who has received acceptances to several fantastic universities in the area. Seems mundane? It’s not. These acceptance letters are a result of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance on the part of my child. She grinded day in, day out, as well as partook in tons of activities, volunteering, and community engagement. She wrote essays, solicited recommendation letters, and studied for standardized tests endlessly.

This season, we celebrate our girl because she deserves it! Wherever she decides to attend, it will be a school with strong connections to the Jewish community. Thank you to all the wonderful teachers, mentors, friends and family who have supported my daughter over the years. You are our village. Congratulations to all the high school seniors getting into college and/or paving their paths forward in a way that feels authentic to them! Mazel tov and happy Hanukkah!

Alla Umanskiy is a writer, mother and wife, living, working and raising a family in the Atlanta area.

Renee Werbin

Soon we will celebrate Chanukah and begin eight days of commemorating the Maccabee’s miraculous victory over the tyrant Antiochus and his massive military. We recount the famed story of Judah the Maccabee, his brothers and his battalion of Jewish fighters who led a revolt that defeated a colossal Syrian Greek army. This astonishing victory allowed the Maccabee’s to reclaim Jerusalem and rededicate the Second Temple.

Chanukah begins on the 25th of Kislev. Jews throughout the world will light the first candle on December 25 honoring the miracle of finding a single flask of pure oil that was enough for only one night but miraculously burned for eight. This tiny amount of oil illuminated the Temple’s Menorah bringing light into the Temple, to the Jewish People and to the world.

Chanukah celebrates light, illumination and radiance. As we Jews begin Chanukah this year the fear of anti-Semitism reverberates throughout the world. October 7, 2023, is a day that will live in infamy and the atrocities committed on that day in Israel darkened our world and the light we cherish disappeared. Threats to Jews in the United States have tripled in the one-year period since the deadly October 7 terrorist attack. The ADL has recorded more than 10,000 anti-Semitic incidents; the most incidents recorded in a 12-month since the ADL began tracking threats in 1979.

Jews in the United States, Canada, Europe, South Africa, even Dubai have been attacked, persecuted and killed. The past academic year saw more than 1400 antiSemitic incidents on college campuses and many top tier academics sit idly by and dismiss these virulent and hateful acts of indecency. Our Jewish college students live in an environment of fear and hostility; afraid to show their Judaism when they walk out of their college dorms.

As we usher in the holiday of Chanukah, with so much darkness upon us, rising anti-Semitism, and anti-Israel sentiment, we must remember the light that dwells in every Jew. Chanukah reminds us of how bright that light can shine. May the miracle of Chanukah, our Festival of Lights, ignite us to remain true to our heritage. May we unite together as one to bring more light back into the world.

Renee Werbin is President, SRI Travel; Publisher and co-founder, Travelgirl Magazine.

CHANUKAH

Rabbi Mark Zimmerman

“When we gather to kindle our Hanukkiah this year, the flames will have a powerful significance beyond just their warm glow. They will remind us not only of the ancient miracle of the oil that lasted eight days, but of the enduring spirit of the Jewish people—an ancient resilience that has withstood the test of time. This festival is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of how we managed, through our tenacity and courage, to rise above any challenge and persevere.

Over the last four millennia, we faced obstacles that seemed insurmountable. Our history records the horrors of past persecutions, yet we remain a people deeply connected to our roots and unyielding in our spirit. Like the Maccabees who stood up to powerful adversaries, each generation has somehow found strength within itself to carry the torch of Jewish survival and Jewish pride forward.

While the miracle of the oil may be the focal point of the holiday, it is impossible to overlook the bravery and determination of the Maccabees. They remind us that even a small group armed with faith and perseverance can overcome far greater forces. The Maccabees also understood that their strength was not just in physical numbers but in their unity, their faith, and their sense of shared purpose. This understanding holds true for us as well, because when we support one another, we know that we don’t stand alone.

So, our celebration of Hanukkah should serve to remind us that when facing challenging times, retreat or fatalism is never the answer. The lights of the Hanukkah menorah symbolize our resilience. They are a reminder that the Jewish spirit cannot be extinguished.

As we light our hanukkiah this year may its light inspire us. Let it remind us to be strong and resolute, to support one another, and to live our Jewish identity with joy, with pride and with resolve. Just as the Maccabees overcame their adversaries, may we continue to overcome the challenges of our own time with courage and conviction, honoring our legacy and ensuring a bright future for generations to come.”

Rabbi Mark Zimmerman is the senior rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom in Dunwoody.

Atlanta Jewish Times Staff Wishes Our Community Happy Chanukah

From Our AJT Family to Yours

Kaylene Ladinsky

Atlanta Keeps Chanukah Lights Shining Bright

Even though Atlanta has delt with our fair share of antisemitic situations of the over the year, we have never lost our holiday cheer. Across the country there are many communities that live in fear of even displaying their menorah. Many American Jews are conflicted about publicly celebrating Hanukkah amidst growing antisemitism.

In 2023, antisemitism in the United States had been on the rise, and the Jewish community has experienced several incidents during Chanukah:

• Vandalism: Public menorahs have been vandalized or destroyed, including one in Oakland, California that was broken and thrown into a lake.

• Threats: There have been threats of violence against Jewish people and targets.

• Harassment: Young Jewish people have been harassed online and on college campuses.

• Antisemitic symbols: Swastikas and other antisemitic symbols have been found in public spaces.

Time Magazine in Dec 2023 reported, “This year, Chanukah feels different. Jewish Americans are outraged and devastated by the boldfaced antisemitism that feels like it’s all around us. While taking our children home from school, we hear open calls for our deaths on the street. In our professional lives, we watch in horror as organizations dedicated to the protection of women stay silent for far too long when it comes to violence against Jewish women. In our religious lives, we evacuate our synagogues because of yet another bomb threat.”

Jewish Atlanta takes our safety and civil rights to higher level than other communities. I realized the flyers were disturbing, but our community takes action.

• Antisemitism at schools: A federal lawsuit was filed by US Jewish groups alleging antisemitism at Atlanta schools. The complaint described verbal attacks against Jewish students and displays of pro-Palestinian sentiment as intimidating.

• Rally against hatred: A rally was held in Athens to address the rise of hatred towards Muslim and Jewish Americans. Students from Emory University and Georgia State walked with members of the Jewish community.

• Project Menorah: An event where allies fight antisemitism during Hanukkah

• Shine the Light on Antisemitism: A Hanukkah celebration hosted by the MJCCA and the Atlanta Israel Coalition.

• StandWithUs: An international, nonprofit, and non-partisan organization that works to fight against antisemitism. Sometimes we take for granite just how lucky we are to live in a community that supports each other, keeps connected and has the chutzpah to stand up for our loved ones, ourselves and our come to together to stand up for our community’s civil rights.

So, let’s all say, “Cheers to 100-years and more openly celebrating Chanukah in Jewish Atlanta.”

Kaylene Ladinsky is President, Editor and Managing Publisher of Atlanta Jewish Times.

Lilli Jennison

The Light of Gratitude: Reflecting on Chanukah and a Milestone Year

Chanukah, the festival of lights, celebrates miracles, perseverance, and the warmth of community. This year, turning 30 has deepened my reflection on these themes, filling me with gratitude for my family, friends, pets, and personal milestones.

My 30th birthday was a highlight of 2024. In October, I was surprised with a party planned by my loved ones, a touching reminder of the incredible support system I have. Soon after, I celebrated at St. George Island with family, where the ocean provided a tranquil backdrop to reflect on the love and joy that fill my life.

This season, I’m also thankful for my pets, whose unconditional love and playful antics have brightened my days. Whether greeting me with wagging tails or curling up beside me during quiet evenings, they remind me of the simple yet profound beauty of companionship.

A major achievement this year has been my 100-book reading challenge. With 95 books read so far, I’m confident I’ll surpass my goal. Immersing myself in stories like Home Before Dark by Riley Sager and Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney has been both an escape and an exploration of different perspectives. This journey has echoed Chanukah’s message of resilience and determination.

As I light the menorah, I’ll reflect on the blessings of 2024. The candles symbolize enduring light, just as the love of family, the joy of friendships, and the comfort of pets illuminate my life. Chanukah reminds me to celebrate everyday miracles and to carry forward the lessons of gratitude, perseverance, and connection into the coming year.

Lilli Jennison is the Creative Director for Atlanta Jewish Times.

Just One Gift This Year

Happy Chanukah.

I don’t want presents this year. I don’t want new shoes, fancy pants or a cool jacket. I just want one thing: Bring Them Home. Bring Them Home. Now. Bring Them Home. Bring Them Home. Now. Once more for the people in the back (aka Hamas & Hezbollah) Bring Them Home. Bring Them Home. Now.

Sasha Heller is the Managing Editor of Atlanta Jewish Times.

CHANUKAH

Michal Bonell

As we gather to celebrate Chanukah, it’s a time to reflect on the miracle of light in the darkness, both literally and metaphorically. The oil that lasted eight days in the Temple despite seeming so insufficient reminds us of the power of faith, perseverance, and trust in Hashem’s timing.

In our own lives, we often face challenges where it feels like we don’t have enough—whether it’s time, energy, or resources. Yet, just as the small jar of oil defied expectations, our efforts, though seemingly small, can bring great results when fueled by hope and commitment.

This holiday also reminds us of the importance of sharing light with others. As the menorah’s candles grow brighter each night, we too can spread warmth and positivity in our communities. Whether through a kind word, an act of service, or simply being present, we can create ripples of light that uplift and inspire those around us.

Let this Chanukah be an opportunity to recharge and renew our sense of purpose. No matter what challenges we face, we can always find ways to add light to the world. May our collective efforts bring us closer together as a community and bring greater brightness into every aspect of our lives. Chag Sameach!

Michal Bonell is the Senior Account Manager and Team Supervisor for Atlanta Jewish Times.

Ilyssa Klein

Over the past century, Chanukah has symbolized the strength, resilience, and enduring hope of the Jewish people. The miracle of the oil that lasted eight days teaches us that even in the most challenging times, light can overcome darkness. Today, as we face rising antisemitism and reflect on the tragic events of October 7, we are reminded of the importance of standing strong in our faith and unity.

Despite the challenges, this holiday is a time to celebrate the light we carry within us. The strength of the Maccabees, who fought for their right to worship freely, continues to inspire us to hold firm to our values and to ensure that our traditions endure for future generations. Our children, who are the torchbearers of our legacy, remind us of the power of hope and the boundless potential of the Jewish spirit.

This Chanukah, as we light the menorah, let us not focus on the darkness, but on the light we create together. We have faced trials before, and each time, our community has emerged stronger. Our children are the ones who will carry the flame of our history forward, teaching the world the importance of kindness, resilience, and unity.

Let this holiday be a reminder that no matter the obstacles, we have the power to bring light to the world. As we gather with our families, let us share the message of hope, faith, and perseverance with our children, ensuring that the light of Chanukah will continue to shine brightly, now and in the future.

Ilyssa Klein is an Account Manager with Atlanta Jewish Times.

Susan Minsk

After Thanksgiving every year, the holiday season begins with shows, commercials, advertisements and music celebrating Christmas. Being one who does not celebrate, I often find myself in a bit of a quagmire: I love the warmth of the season, but don’t feel the same affinity for the holiday. But not to be outdone, Hanukkah offers me and my family those same feelings and allows us to once again, celebrate our rich history.

Whether it is decorating the house with Hanukkah fixtures, creating Hanukkah treats, making latkes, being with family or simply lighting the menorah during the 8 days, Hanukkah is a time we celebrate family and Jewish traditions.

It is also a time to reflect on the past year and to have hope for the coming year. Since October 7th, I think it is fair to say that nobody in the Jewish community has been the same. The spurge of antisemitism raised its ugly head as it has so many times in the past but this time, the strength of the Jewish people and especially the state of Israel has been a great source of pride and protection for Jewish communities all over the world. Hanukkah affords us the opportunity to remember the strength of the Maccabees and G-d’s promise to protect the Jewish people. As we enter a new secular year, may we be blessed with peace and find joy in our families and the traditions that are unique to us.

From my family to yours - Haag Samech!

Susan Minsk is an Account Manager with Atlanta Jewish Times.

Katie Gaffin

I grew up in Orlando, so there’s usually a Disney somethingor-other stuck in my head. Right now, it’s the song from “Carousel of Progress,” the Magic Kingdom ride where guests “Travel through the 20th century and marvel at the evolution of technology during this classic Audio-Animatronics show” (Disney’s words, not mine.) Admittedly, I don’t even really like this ride; it was just what we went on if it was raining or if the lines for everything else were too long. But, as we are celebrating 100 years and more of celebrating Chanukah, the “classic Audio-Animatronics show” celebrating over 100 years of technology and progress is what comes to mind, specifically the lyric “There’s a great big, beautiful tomorrow/Just a dream away.”

I cannot emphasize enough how much I hated this cheesy song as a child, but now that I’m an adult there’s a begrudging appreciation for its meaning. It’s about hope, plain and simple. The enduring need to believe that things can and will get better, no matter the current circumstances. I think that message is something we all need from time to time, to remember that even in darkness “There’s a great big, beautiful tomorrow/Just a dream away.” But I still stand by that it’s a really cheesy song.

Katie Gaffin is the Events and Public Relations Coordinator for Atlanta Jewish Times.

Ronit Franco-Pinsky

Cheers to 100 Years and More of Openly Celebrating Chanukah in Jewish Atlanta

As we approach the 2024 Chanukah holiday, starting on the 25th of Kislev 5785, this year coincides with Christmas on December 25th. This makes it especially meaningful for our family as we celebrate with our new son-in-law and his family.

Over the past 100 years, our Jewish community has experienced both joyful and challenging times while celebrating the holiday of Light. We’ve enjoyed moments of happiness and safety, as well as faced darker periods when antisemitism was on the rise, as we are unfortunately facing nowadays.

I reflect on the year that has passed since we last celebrated. Last year, I was in Israel, surrounded by family and friends, celebrating in a spirit of hope, optimism, and encouragement. Just two weeks before the holiday, many hostages were released as part of a hostage deal and temporary ceasefire, filling us all with relief and gratitude.

As Israelis, we have faced horrors unlike anything we’ve ever known, and we’ve felt the absence of people we may never have met, constantly worried about their safety, lost in the darkness, and separated from their families. But seeing families reunited, visiting the Hostage Square, and meeting with families, gave me a profound sense of hope and love for my homeland—stronger and more intense than ever before. It was truly beautiful to witness the giant menorah at the Tel Aviv center lighting up. We celebrated with my family up north at Zircon Yakov where my 6-year-old nieces and my 80-plus-year-old parents all lit the menorah together. The sufganiyot (doughnuts) in Israel are something special filled with flavors from peanut butter to Nutella, almond, pistachio, whipped cream, and, of course, the homemade raspberry ones that are so delicious.

This year, I’m looking forward to hosting our family and friends’ Chanukah party with my daughter. We always invite our non-Jewish friends to join us in lighting the candles and celebrating with latkes, sufganiyot, and drinks to raise a toast.

I wish for a beautiful holiday filled with presents, family gatherings, and fun. But above all, my deepest wish is for all the 100 remaining hostages to return home safely and reunite with their families.

Jillian Gerson

With such a bright celebration on the horizon the celebration of Chanukah is one that brings people together. Chanukah has always brought people together both that of friends, family and many others. Our family has always kept the holiday open for all our friends even those who did not grow up celebrating the holiday. We use it as a time to celebrate all the bright things we have experienced and look forward to experiencing in the new year. Even with the darkness that we’ve experienced this past year it’s the brightness of the coming year and new opportunities that shine just as bright as our menorahs will for all 8 nights. Happy holidays

Jillian Gerson is a graduate from the University of West Georgia and is the Online Content Coordinator for Atlanta Jewish Times.

Ronit Franco-Pinsky is the Executive Assistant for Atlanta Jewish Times.

Fran Putney

Chanukah 2024

This year when we light the Chanukiah, it is my wish that the brightness of the candle flames, increasing each night, will encourage us to feel two emotions.

Hope for whatever each of us envisions for the future – for ourselves, our families, our community, our nation, and certainly the world. See it in the warmth of the flames.

Inspiration for the ways in which each of us commits to personally take action to make those visions of hope come to pass. As our tradition teaches, even small actions can make a big difference in repairing the world.

Wishing everyone a warm, beautiful and hopeful Chanukah. Chag sameach!

Fran Putney is a proofreader and writer for Atlanta Jewish Times.

Diana Cole

As the festive glow of the menorah lights up the city, we think about a century of joy, resilience, and community spirit that has made us shine brighter than ever. Hanukah reminds me of the miracles of the past and inspires hope for the future—a celebration of faith, freedom, and family.

This holiday reminds me of the faith that sustained our ancestors and the miraculous events of centuries ago that shaped our shared heritage. It reminds me of the joy that Hanukah spreads throughout the world. I love seeing the eyes of children show excitement of the menorah being lit. This year, the call for freedom resonates even deeper in our hearts, as we pray for the safe release of the over 100 hostages from the unthinkable events of October 7th. May their return be swift and an “easy” return.

We are a resilient tribe that will overcome all obstacles and antisemitism, especially in colleges.

For me, Hanukah is most profoundly about family. Though this year my family will not all be together in Atlanta, our bond remains strong, unshaken by distance. We carry the light of our family wherever we may be.

I love adding all the Hanukah community events into the AJT Connector. It reminds me that even though we are not family, we are all together as one.

May the candles of Hanukah continue to illuminate our lives with faith, hope, and togetherness for generations to come.

Diana Cole is the Atlanta Jewish Connector Coordinator for Atlanta Jewish Times.

Thank you to all who entered this year’s Chanukah art contest. In this special section we spotlight the winners and 20 editors' choice images. All of the submissions will be available to view online. Our Grand Prize winner, Audrey Weinstein, is 10-years-old. We had two age groups: adult (13 +) and children, with first second and third place winners in each age group. Michael Blaiss won first place in the adult category, and 7-yearold Sheyn Katz won first place in the child category.

Winners will recieve gift cards from our contest sponsor, Binders Art Supplies and Frames.

3330 Piedmont Rd. 404-237-6331

Art contest 2024 Chanukah

Age: 72

Artwork Title: Chanukah Scene

Sheyn Katz Parent: Micah Katz

Age: 7

Artwork Title: A Prehistoric Hanukkah

Audrey Weinstein

Parents: Aron and Alexandra

Age: 10

Artwork Title: Chanukah

ADULT SECOND PLACE WINNER

ADULT THIRD PLACE WINNER

CHILD SECOND PLACE WINNER

THIRDCHILDPLACE WINNER

Sheri Rosenblum

Age: 68

Artwork Title: A Magical Hanukkah

Jenna Leopold Shulman Age: 45

Artwork Title: Chanukah Menorah

Shai Gold Parent: Caroline Gold

Age: 12

Artwork Title: Bringing Light to the Dark

Jennifer Halpern Age: 10

Artwork Title: Absolutely Abstract Hanukkah

CHANUKAH

COVER WINNER

Sharon Weiss

Age: 75

Artwork Title: My Dreidel

Ellie Stancill

Parent: Joanna Horn

Age: 12

Artwork Title: Untitled

Isla Epstein

Parents: Laura and Jonathan Epstein

Age: 8

Artwork Title: Hanukkah Table at Sunset

Olivia Becker

Age: 8

Artwork Title: Heroes of Hanukkah

Age: 12

Parents:

Age: 13

Parent:

Age:

Artwork Title:

Devin Halpern

Parent: Jennifer Halpern

Age: 6

Artwork Title: Menorah-Saurus Miracle

Brynn Davis

Parents: Stacey and Darren Davis

Artwork Title: Untitled

Hannah Ruda

Roy and Amy Ruda

Artwork Title: Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel

Hadley Bier

The Star of Hanukkah

CHANUKAH

Parents: Barry and Staci Ritz

Age: 11

Artwork Title: Chanukah

Age: 13

Caleb Ortiz Age: Artwork Title: Heroes of Hanukkah

Josh Rubenstein Age:

Artwork Title: Heroes of Hanukkah

Isaac Ritz

Tziona Casper

Parent: Deanna Casper

Artwork Title: Candlelight

Parent:

Age: 5

Artwork

Hannah Freedman Parents: Amy and Bret Freedman Age: 12

Artwork Title: Peace and Love

Harriet Reiter Age: 85

Artwork Title: A fiery Chanuka

Izabelle Flome

Parents: Traci and Jeff Flome Age: 12

Artwork Title: Find the Light in the Dark

Henley Sachs

Emily

Title: Dreaming of Chanukah

CHANUKAH

Parent:

Age: 13

Parents:

Age: 12

Parents:

Age: 9

Artwork

Parents: Amy and Gary

Age: 10

Artwork

Katie Vogin

Jill Vogin

Artwork Title: Winter Lights

Isabelle Kats

Mark Kats and Christina Saurel-Kats

Artwork Title: Reunite

Liam Russo

Jamie and Adam Russo

Title: Chanukah Reflection

Ava Knopf

Knopf

Title: Chanukah

Terry Furuta’s

Flowers Of Giverny

Peiru Kim‘s Sugarcoat Beauty

‘The Brutalist’ Breathes Dramatic Life into the Past

By Bob Bahr

“The Brutalist,” a new film by director Brady Corbet, has a seriousness of purpose that seems to stir from the first few moments it flickers to life on the screen. On its surface, it is a tale of how a Hungarian Jewish survivor of the Holocaust named Lazlo Toth survives the nightmares of World War II and comes as a poor immigrant to America to achieve success.

He is described as a Bauhaus trained apostle of the new 20th century modern movement in architecture. The vision he brings to his buildings is an architecture that revels in pure form. It is solid and somewhat fortress like.

Toth builds with poured concrete, with careful attention to how light enters the building. To get a good idea of the style that he dedicates himself to, have a look at the Whitney Museum on Manhattan Upper East Side. It’s a stark concrete form designed by architect Marcel Breuer that has an almost sculptural

quality, particularly when it is compared to the many traditional buildings that surround it.

Locally, we have the main library building of the Atlanta Public Library on Margret Mitchell Square, downtown. That’s Breuer, too. That’s Brutalism.

In fact, it could be argued that this

HANUKKAH HANUKKAH

Hanukkah reminds us that miracles come in many forms May this season bring you peace, resilience, and a deep sense of love, as you continue to navigate your path with grace and strength

film takes much of its inspiration from Marcel Breuer’s life. Although the Jewish architect was not a poverty-stricken immigrant when he came to America in 1937, in his personality, and in his emotional nature as well and in much of his artistic outlook he is not unlike the fictional Toth.

As the Brutalist in this film, Adrian Brody, gives a mesmerizing performance as he rises from a penniless, stateless arrival in America to become a restless, artistic genius with a maniacal commitment to the creative moment. Even though the film runs over three-and-ahalf hours, you are likely to be carried along without much notice to that.

It’s easy to be absorbed by the strong and sensitive performances of Brody, Felicity Jones as his wheelchair-bound wife, and Guy Pearce who appears early in the film as a very rich, very gentile patron of these two very Jewish Jews.

The film is largely set in that decadeand-a-half after the war, from 1945 to 1960 when a prosperous and powerful America was leading the world into a new age. Corbet and his collaborator on the film, the Swedish actress and screenwriter Mona Fastvold, with whom he shares a child, have done a remarkable job of crafting a story that’s thoughtful, believable, and deeply moving. For this, Corbet has, so far, earned the Silver Lion Award at this year’s Venice Film Festival and earlier this month, a Best Film Award at the New York Film Critics Awards. Brody was honored as Best Actor during the same evening.

The recently announced Golden Globe nominations have Corbet up for Best Director, Corbet and with Fastvold for Best Screenplay, Brody for Best Actor and Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce for

Supporting Actor and Actress, with the film competing for Best Motion Picture Drama. The Rotten Tomatoes rating website gives it a 97 percent score among the 76 reviews it’s compiled to date.

The story has Pearce as the wealthy Harrison Lee Van Buren plucking the Toth character out of poverty and obscure misery to give him total artistic freedom to design and create a monumental structure on a hilltop in Pennsylvania.

The building is said to be a tribute to the rich tycoon’s recently deceased mother, but it could just as easily stand as a tribute to the dedication by a single individual, to an artistic vision that captures his soul.

In wrestling with the completion of his sprawling work, Toth comes in conflict with almost every life that touches his, from his temperamental and sometimes unpredictable patron to his wife and daughter.

The building of this memorial edifice can also be seen as a tribute to the extraordinary accomplishments of an entire generation of European Jews who rose from the ashes of the Holocaust to achieve greatness in this, their adoptive nation. Just like this building, their plight was not recognized overnight. It took three years, after the end of the global conflict for America, to finally recognize the plight of the many Jews who survived the death camps.

In June of 1948, Congress finally passed a bill authorizing the immigration of 200,000 of what were referred to as displaced persons. They and their children have made an immeasurable contribution to history. In their story and in this great film, they are finally remembered. ì

Adrian Brody stars as an immigrant to America after the Holocaust who wrestles to complete a monumental building in "The Brutalist."

A great local example of Brutalist architecture is the main Atlanta Library building by Marcel Breuer on Margaret Mitchell Square.

Horizon’s Adler Celebrates 40 Years of Theater Magic

By Bob Bahr

Lisa Adler was fresh out of the University of Illinois’ theater program and looking for a future when she and her husband first came to Atlanta 42 years ago. They wanted to start a theater, but Chicago, their first choice, was not a good choice. There were too many theaters in Chicago and too much competition for young producers with little professional experience.

So, they went to the public library to find a second choice. They leafed through the collection of telephone directories and found that Atlanta had a promising number of theaters that might be willing to work with a couple of ambitious actors just beginning their career.

What they found when they first came here was a friendly, welcoming theatrical community that was just beginning to take off. They decided to take a chance on a play called “Bonjour de Bonjour,” financed by the only real money they had at the time.

“We had about $2,000 in money from our wedding gifts, Lisa Adler recalls, “and we used about half of it to fund the play. It was very successful. And then we said, well, you know, do we want to do it again? So, the next time we did, and we raised money.”

Forty years later, they’re still at it. The Horizon Theatre in Inman Park, near Little Five Points, is a big success. It counts the National Endowment for The Arts, New York’s Shubert Foundation and Arthur Blank among its many supporters. They’re about halfway through the six productions they’re presenting during this year’s season.

They’ve just launched their holiday production, “Madelaine’s Christmas,” a musical production based on one of the popular children’s books written by Ludwig Bemelmans. For the past 13 years, it’s been packing in young audiences who come to see a warm, inspiring tale of children just like themselves. Two casts of a dozen young performers, helped along with several adult professionals, create 40 performances through the end of December.

The secret to her success after all these years is simple, a consistent devotion to creating quality theater.

“We tried to build a reputation,” Adler says, “based on the premise that you may not like the play, but you’re going to like the production. We’re going to have great actors, great design, and … the

There are a total of 40 performances with two casts of young performers during the December run of “Madelaine’s Christmas.”

play will not be depressing in a way that’s going to make you want to slit your wrist when you walk out. We are looking for hope and positive change. You will be left with something when you leave.”

The production that follows the holiday season schedule is a good example of Lisa Adler’s commitment to stunning production values combined with great performances and great writing.

In January, they’re bringing back last year’s successful staging of “Nata sha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812,” a musical adaptation of a small sliver of “War and Peace,” the epic Russian novel by Leo Tolstoy.

The two-and-a-half-hour musical, which was celebrated during its Broad way run seven years ago, concerns a sweet and simple young woman who’s in volved in an intricate plot that soon goes awry in a swirl of 19th century pomp and pageantry.

At last year’s Horizon Theatre pro duction, one local critic wrote that it was a “theater-going experience that feels like riding a party bus.” The critic went on to write that “people were stomping in their seat, clapping, laughing and even singing along. It’s a rare thrill to feel breathless when you’ve hardly been moving at all — but that’s thankfully the very experience that an audience is in for.”

If it sounds like such an exuberant show is designed to move even the most sluggish couch potato off his favorite well-padded seat, then you get some idea what Lisa Adler has been thinking lately.

In post-COVID America, it takes real razzmatazz to lure people away from their flickering computer screens and iPads. And for great live theater, that costs money.

“We came back from the pandemic,

Ludwig Bemelmans “Madelaine’s Christmas,” an audience favorite for 14 years, is the Horizon’s holiday production.

we just knew that we had to program things that we thought would be somehow enough,” Adler says. “Enough to get people out of the house. And that’s why we invested a lot of resources in ‘Natasha,’ because it was a unique experience you could not have sitting in front of a screen.”

So, after 40 years she has come to re-

Horizon’s January production is the dazzling, “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812,” a musical based on an excerpt from “War and Peace.”

alize that even with all her talent and experience, there is no formula for creating magic in front of people’s eyes. Just like as it was in that first production, there is always a risk, though today Adler is comforted by the bond she’s created with her audience and the thought that she doesn’t have to bet her wedding money, anymore. ì

Temple Sinai Art Fair Displays Variety & Flair

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Temple Sinai reprised its 2023 Art Fair this year on Dec. 7 with a “Spotlight on Talent” reception, art show and sale that was open to the community. Some familiar and renown local names, many of whom have been featured in the Atlanta Jewish Times Chai Style Art column like Temme Barkin Leeds, Fran Scher, Corey Begner, and Rick Berman joined a coterie of others, some “newbies” and other non-Jewish artists. Potential buyers registered at the front door and noted that 30 percent of the sales would go to Temple Sinai with 10 percent of that going to Israel to support the post-Oct. 7 Elem Program.

The evening began with festive charcuterie boards and wine bar before entering the expansive social hall lined with vendor displays. At the west side of the room was a huge screen featuring the Georgia vs. Texas football game which brought cheers and groans in the backdrop.

Impresario/artist and longtime Temple Sinai member, Judie Jacobs, was the master mind behind gathering and organizing. She said, “Last night I had another show at Holy Innocents and another one recently at Angels Among Us, so I’m in full swing. This one is special because a portion of the sales goes to Temple Sinai and a special fund for art therapy in Israel.”

Accompanied by granddaughter Gaby, Jacobs had over 100 acrylic paintings and small ceramics, ranging from $5 to $2,500.

Temme Barkin-Leeds showed her works inspired by her summer residency at Chateau D’Orquevaux in the Haute Marne area of France. These prints on canvas sold for $210 each or $600 for a set of four. She explained, “I had a visions of missiles as the worst case had they been available for the Nazis; but my work shows these vines around them noting their defeat, we are still here, and nature ultimately winning.”

One of the Southeast’s major potters, Rick Berman, was on hand with a copy of his book and 30 pieces. One of his favorites was an aqua hued raku fired bowl for $100. Berman, who was an instructor at Georgia State University and Pace Academy, has work in private collections ranging from Jane Fonda to John Portman, and in museums from Echizen Japan, the Chicago Art Institute to Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. A worldwide lecturer, Berman takes inspiration from his sojourns in India.

Fran Scher had one of the largest and boldest corner displays. She said, “I used to do representational art; and five years ago, I changed to abstract in acrylic, starting at $150." Scher’s work is at The Loft, and L&N Frame, represented by Gregg Irby.

Woodwork artist and retired orthopedic surgeon, Roy Rubin, had a sophisticated display of useful pieces out of species like maple, sapele, walnut, and padauk woods. A member of Temple Sinai since 1978, Rubin was upbeat, “My work tonight is ‘selling like hot cakes.’”

Jewelry artisan Amy Leff’s work was

sparkling, unique, certainly in line for Chanukah giving. As “Thriving Stars,” her pieces are solid gold and genuine stones. (Lab grown upon request). Mostly self-taught, Leff also took classes in stone setting and at Chastain Arts Center. Her very dainty tennis bracelets and artistic necklaces, also laced with diamond drops, make for nice Chanukah gift ideas. A one-of-a-kind emerald ring was still three figures.

Newcomer to the show, Laurie Solomon had an eclectic table including mezzuzot and menorahs ranging from $25 to $300. A retired Coca-Cola executive, Solo-

Solomon, a first-time vendor, studies at Callanwolde.

mon learned her craft at Callanwolde Art Center near her home. She said, “They have a variety of classes and programs on the wheel and hand building ceramics. The latter is my métier. And, yes, I drive from the Emory area to attend Temple Sinai.”

Her “Laurie’s Atlanta Pottery” features whimsical and unique items, many with three-dimensional twists, mugs, bowls and platters. That night the prices ranged from $25 to $300.

Mid-evening, a huge roar filled the room as Texas fans suffered humiliation with UGA’s close victory. ì

Laurie

Temme Barkin-Leeds showed works that she created this past summer in her residency in France.

Renown potter Rick Berman displays a raku fired bowl.

Event organizer Judie Jacobs enjoyed granddaughter, Gaby, amid her paintings.

Jerry and Fran Scher (artist) chat with Robin Pollack, master gardener.

Woodwork artist Dr. Roy Rubin said that his work was selling quickly.

The Lowdown I Bet You Didn’t Know … Doug Weinstein

Atlanta is chock full of interesting “movers and shakers” - some bent on creativity, activism and/or just plain hav ing fun and living the good life. Lean in to hear some of the “off the cuff” remarks as to what makes attorney Doug Weinstein tick.

Doug Weinstein is a litigator who practices criminal defense as well as civil litigation in state and federal court. Doug graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in electrical engineering, after which he lived in Birming ham working as an engineer for U.S. Steel while completing an MBA. Following seven years of too many close calls with runaway machines and powerhouse fires, Doug attended law school in New Hampshire prior to moving to Atlanta. Since 1998, Doug has split his time between living in Atlanta and Taipei, Taiwan. Doug’s four adult children are spread up and down the East Coast, and Doug lives in Dunwoody with Sheryl Chen and their son, Daniel, who attends Davis Academy. Most recently, Weinstein has appeared almost weekly in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as Kendrick in the YSL RICO trial that has made sensational news due to popular rapper Young Thug being a co-defendant. Find out why Weinstein interviewed 2,300 potential jurors for one trial.

What was your first job?

At age 14, I worked in the warehouse of my parents’ catalogue showroom (a place like Service Merchandise) in Jacksonville, Fla.

What advice would you give a 20-year-old Doug Weinstein?

Join the Foreign Service when you graduate. It’s a rewarding job where you get to live around the world and experience an array of cultures and peoples.

One thing fun or silly thing people don’t know about me is … I enjoy going to KTV (private Karaoke rooms) and singing with a few friends. I have a terrible voice, but I think enthusiasm counts.

I am currently reading and streaming … “A Short History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson.  I enjoy listen ing to audiobooks while driving around the state to and from court dates.

If “they” made a movie of your life, who would play the lead?

John Carroll would make a good version of me.  We share a com mon look where I would bet that he gets mistaken for other people as much as I do.

My kids say I am too … Fat. Hard to argue with them.

My favorite exotic vacation was … Weinstein: My trip to Hanoi. It’s a city frozen in time - an old, French, colonial capital full of art galleries and coffee shops.

Living in Taipei taught me …

There is a world beyond the U.S. that is full of opportunities for living, working, and discovering. Americans should be more like people from the Commonwealth countries who live as expats as a matter of course.

The last time I cried was …

A couple of weeks ago in a basement hallway after visiting with a new client in jail who was suffering from severe depression.

My worse legal case ever was …

The 10 months I spent in the YSL criminal trial questioning 2,300 potential jurors about whether they could sit through a trial anticipated to last six to nine months. ì

Reported by Marcia Caller Jaffe

CALENDAR

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

Lego Menorah Workshop - 10 a.m. Join the Chabad of Dunwoody for an interactive and exciting Lego Menorah workshop where you’ll get to build your very own Menorah entirely out of Lego! Plus, get in on the Chanukah fun where you’ll get fill and decorate your own donut! Yum! RSVP at www.chabaddunwoody.com.

Chanukah Block Party – 10:30 a.m. As winter sets in and Chanukah approaches, Jewish Community of Forsyth County invites you and your family to ‘warm up’ with a vibrant celebration at the Chanukah Block Party, where your children will dive into activities that capture the spirit of Chanukah in fresh, fun ways. Learn more at www.jewishforsyth.org.

PJ Library Hanukkah Pajama Party - 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come enjoy East Cobb’s newest play space in your favorite Hanukkah-themed pajamas. Snacks will be provided. Register at www.jewishatlanta.org.

Hanukkah at the Museum – 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join us for Hanukkah at the Museum, a joyful celebration brought to you by the Jewish Federation’s Interfaith Initiative, The Breman Museum, 18 Doors, and Something Special Sundays! This familyfriendly event is perfect for kids and adults alike, blending fun and learning as we explore the magic of Hanukkah together. Register at www.jewishatlanta.org.

Pajama Chanukah Party - 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. TKC’s annual Chanukahpalooza has become a Pajama Party for 2024! Wear your pjs and join us for brunch! Shop our vendors, play games, make crafts, and get in the Chanukah spirit. There will also be lots of great raffle items to try to win! Learn more at www.kehillatchaim.org.

Chanukah Concert and Celebration- 2 to 4 p.m. Join Temple Kol Emeth, Congregation Etz Chaim, Temple Beth Tikvah and Temple Kehillat Chaim for a free Chanukah concert, sufganiyot and much more! Register at www.kolemeth.net.

Family Hanukkah Fest-2 to 4 p.m. Light up your Hanukkah season with Or Hadash! Family Hanukkah Fest, a joyful celebration for all generations! A Hanukkah book exchange—bring a book to share and take home something new! This multi-generational event is open to everyone—so invite your family and friends to join in the holiday fun! Register at www. or-hadash.org.

DECEMBER 15-31

JBaby Intown Giggles and Gelt- 3:30 to 5 p.m. Bring your little one(s) ages 0-2 to create a menorah with their tiny hands—a keepsake to cherish and light for years to come. Sign up at www.jewishatlanta.org.

Keshet - North Fulton - 4 to 5:30 p.m. Join IAC for a true Israeli experience! We will meet for fun, learning, and of course community! We would like to open a few groups. Please register at https://bit. ly/3Rlcxi0 if you would like your child to be part of the Keshet family. Please indicate your child’s age.

AJC’s Atlanta Black/Jewish Teen Initiative 2024-2025 - 5 to 8 p.m. The Black/ Jewish Teen Initiative offers a unique experience to student leaders, allowing them to effect positive change within their communities and build relationships with peers. Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to experience the rich history of the Black and Jewish communities, learn with where they intersect, and interact with others working for a better tomorrow. Register at www. tinyurl.com/5n6szz2b.

Sparks of Light + Summer Experience Expo –5 to 7 p.m. Join Ahavath Achim Synagogue for our annual Sparks of Light Chanukah celebration in tandem with a Jewish Summer Experience Expo! Guests can participate in fun activities at the summer program booths, enjoy a kosher latke bar, and watch a spectacular fireworks display generously sponsored by Wayne Neuwirth. Food will be available for purchase at an on-site Kosher food truck. Find out more at www.aasynagogue.org.

Sparks of Light After Party – 6:30 to 8 p.m. Young adults (ages ~25–42) are invited to continue the Chanukah festivities after our Sparks of Light + Summer Experience Expo! Meet at the Synagogue at 6:30 p.m. sharp for fireworks and then head with friends to Fire Maker Brewing Company for a drink. RSVP at www.aasynagogue.org.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16

Hanukkah with Rabbi Glusman – 3 to 4 p.m. Let’s come together and celebrate Hanukkah as a community. To kick off this program, Rabbi Glusman will share a heartfelt prayer and some insights about the Festival of Lights. Then we invite you to bring your favorite menorah to display and share with the group. We’re excited to hear about everyone’s unique holiday traditions and join in celebration together! Register at www.atlantajcc.org.

Politics and History of Israel:

Peoplehood to

Sovereignty

– 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Jewish Peoplehood to Sovereignty, through 1949 — After identity formation as a nation and Jewish training for state building, how did the Zionists link people to the land and carry out immigration and land purchase? What advantages did the Zionists have in working with the British? How did Middle Eastern political culture shape Zionism’s engagements with the Arabs? Unfolding the socio-economic differences between Arabs and Jews in Palestine startlingly reveals advantages to Jewish state builders. What were they? What are the 10 reasons why the Zionists succeeded, and the Arabs failed to stymie a Jewish state? What unfolded in the critical 1945-1949 period? Join the Center for Israel Education at www.tinyurl.com/2uedzwuu.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17

Senior Day - Engage at the MJCCA – 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feed your mind, body, and soul with a variety of engaging activities and connect with other older adults! Options will include fitness classes, educational programs, guest speakers, and more. Choose three activities of your choice, then enjoy a delicious lunch together. Register at www.atlantajcc.org.

Chanukah in my Pajamikas - 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Join your Kiddish Klub friends (and meet new ones) for our fourth annual Chanukah in my Pajamikas Celebration! Wear your favorite PJs (Chanukah-themed or not!) and join us for crafts, songs, and story time. Bring your own dinner, and we’ll supply donuts for dessert! This event is open to all families with preschool-aged children (and their siblings), so invite your neighbors and friends! RSVP at www.kolemeth.net.

Chanukah, Candles, and Cocktails –6:30 p.m. Join the Jewish Community of Forsyth County to celebrate Chanukah. Create your own Candle designs. Learn more at www.jewishforsyth.org.

Pre-Chanukah Party with the Hebrew Order of David Bezalel Chapter and Jewish War Veterans of Atlanta – 7 to 9 p.m. Latkes and the Gray Matters Band RSVP at www.signupgenius.com/go/prechanukah.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Torah Reading: Vayeishev Friday, December 20 Light Candles at: 5:14 PM

Saturday, December 21 Shabbat Ends: 6:14 PM

Torah Reading: Mikeitz Friday, December 27 Light Shabbat Candles at: 5:18 PM

Saturday, December 28 Shabbat Ends: 6:18 PM

Women’s Menorah Resin and Rose - 7:30 p.m. Chanukah oh’ Chanukah come light your menorah! Join the Chabad of Dunwoody for a night of fun and crafting as we make our own floral resin Menorah’s from scratch, sip some rose and enjoy some delicious Chanukah treats. Register at www. chabaddunwoody.com/.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18

NCJW/ATL Lunch ‘n Learn at 2nd Helpings – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join NCJW for our annual Meals with Meaning mitzvah project to help individuals in the Atlanta community who are experiencing food insecurity We will be packing meals followed by a learning session with Second Helpings leadership.  Lunch will be provided at no charge; Registration is required at www. ncjwatlanta.org. Space is limited.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20

Epstein’s VIP Day - 9 to 11 a.m. VIP Day- for Grandparents and Special Friends people to our Epstein students.  Find out more at www.epsteinatlanta.org.

Drawing from the Well - 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. SOJOURN invites you to join their virtual meetup for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies to further community and connection. During our time together, we will bring resources from Torah Queeries, mussar, and offer space for connection and conversation. Get the Zoom link at www.tinyurl.com/ m4t58p5d.

Tot Shabbat with Etz Chaim Preschool - 5 to 6:30 P.M. Join Etz Chaim for our monthly Shabbat experience for young families. Bring your own dairy or parave dinner. Singing, crafts, and fun for the entire family. Learn more at www.tinyurl. com/3wwm4bvh.

Tot Shabbat - 6 to 8 p.m. Tot Shabbat is a Shabbat Program geared for children (second grade and younger) to laugh, meet new children, make new friends, and explore the wonders of Judaism in an exciting fun way! The service is filled with songs, prayers, blessings, stories, snacks, and a place where a kid can be a kid when they pray to God. This Congregation Dor Tamid service meets on selected Friday nights throughout the year at 6:00 pm. Each service is followed by a pot-luck Shabbat dinner. RSVP at bit.ly/3KW9PMj.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21

Havdalah, Hops, and Handoffs- 7 p.m.

Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Interfaith Initiative, Young Leadership Division, and Honeymoon Israel at Emory Hillel for “Havdalah, Hops, and Handoffs”—a unique event to kick off the week and the College Football Playoffs! We’ll start the evening with a meaningful Havdalah celebration, marking the close of Shabbat and the beginning of a new week. Then, settle in with Kosher gameday snacks and drinks (beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options) as we enjoy the excitement of the first-round primetime College Football Playoff game. Food is dairy and Kosher, heated in a Kosher kitchen without supervision. Reserve your spot at jewishatlanta.org.

SUNDAY,

DECEMBER 22

Congregational Israel Trip - Join Rebbetzin Brooke and Rabbi Laurence, along with other members of our AA family, for our congregational trip to Israel. Come and share your love, support, and concern for Israel and the region during this very special mission to the Holy Land. Learn more at aasynagogue.org.

Menorah Workshop at Ace - 10 a.m. Are you ready for Chanukah? Now you will be! Bring the kiddos and make a menorah @ ACE hardware. Sign up at mitzvahouse. com.

Inclusion and Belonging Chanukah Party - 2 to 4 p.m. Join AA’s Inclusion and Belonging (Peoples with Disabilities) Committee Chanukah celebration! There will be wonderful food, games, friends, and much more. There is no cost to attend this event, but RSVP is required by contacting the event chair at aasynagogue.org.

Chanukah Story Hour & Sing Along! – 3 p.m. Join in the celebration of Chanukah with the Chanukah Story Hour & Sing Along! Enjoy story time, dreidel’s, hot chocolate and gelt! There will be a reading of the Chanukah story, and how one can “shine our very own light” just like the Chanukah Menorah! Sing traditional & modern Chanukah tunes & jingles! Find out more at www.jewishforsyth.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

Be A 2024 Pinchhitter on December 25th! – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pinch Hitters is B’nai B’rith’s annual community service project where volunteers from the Atlanta Jewish Community “go to bat” for nonmedical hospital personnel on Christmas Day. This is so our Christian brethren can spend the holiday at home with their families.  Do a mitzvah and register at pinchhitters.org.

Annual Kung Pao Kosher ComedyLive-Streamed – 9 and 11:30 p.m. Kung Pao Kosher Comedy™ is celebrating its 32nd Annual Jewish-Comedy-on-Christmas-ina-Chinese-Restaurant extravaganza. Kung Pao Kosher Comedy™ returned, last year, to its pre-pandemic format over the course of 3 days, with 2 shows a day in a Chinese restaurant banquet room with familystyle dining at tables of 10 (appropriately named Barbra Streisand, Jackie Mason, Joan Rivers, Kvetch…) with Lazy Susans. Get the Zoom Link at www.koshercomedy. com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25

Hanukkah Family Fun Day – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Fun Day is an event for the entire community. Parents, children, families and elders have the opportunity to spend time together having fun with games, crafts, and learning activities in the spirit of Hanukkah. Find out more at www.atlantajcc.org.

Donuts and Dreidels in Sandy Springs with JBaby and PJ Library – 4 to 5:30 p.m. Celebrate Hanukkah with crafts, storytime, and delicious donuts in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Perfect for little ones and their grown-ups to share the holiday joy together! Sign up at jewishatlanta.org

Virginia Highland Menorah Lighting Celebration – 4:30 p.m. Join us for a Chanukah Celebration! Enjoy music, live entertainment, pre-packaged Chanukah treats, dreidels, music and more with the wider VaHi community at Chabad Intown’s annual Virginia Highlands Menorah Lighting! Register at https://chabadintown.org.

Donuts and Dreidels with JBaby and PJ Library Intown – 5 to 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Hanukkah with crafts, storytime, and delicious donuts in a fun, familyfriendly atmosphere. Perfect for little ones and their grown-ups to share the holiday joy together! Sign up at jewishatlanta.org.

Chanukah in Downtown Alpharetta - 5 p.m. Menorah lighting and Chanukah celebration in Downtown Alpharetta. Learn more at www.chabadnf.org.

GLT Hanukkah Party! - 5:30 p.m. Join Congregation Gesher L’Torah for Chinese Food, Latkes, Sufganiyot, Movies, and a Menorah Lighting. RSVP at www. wearegesher.org.

Chinese Dinner and Menorah Lighting – 6 p.m. The Mitzvah House will bring dinner, you bring your favorite Chanukah PJ’s to start of this Chanukah on the right food! Delicious catered food (with some homemade surprises obviously) and a guaranteed great time. Learn more at mitzvahouse.com.

Chanukah Chinese Dinner – 6:30 p.m. Join Chabad Intown After the VAHI Menorah Lighting for a Festive Chanukah Chinese Dinner! Keep the celebration going with a delicious Chinese dinner, holiday spirit, and great company! Savor the flavors, enjoy entertainment, and make it a night to remember with friends and family. Let’s light up Chanukah together! RSVP at chabadintown.org.

Annual Kung Pao Kosher ComedyLive-Streamed – 9 and 11:30 p.m. Kung Pao Kosher Comedy™ is celebrating its 32nd Annual Jewish-Comedy-on-Christmas-in-a-Chinese-Restaurant extravaganza. Kung Pao Kosher Comedy™ returned, last year, to its pre-pandemic format over the course of 3 days, with 2 shows a day in a Chinese restaurant banquet room with family-style dining at tables of 10 (appropriately named Barbra Streisand, Jackie Mason, Joan Rivers, Kvetch…) with Lazy Susans. Get the Zoom Link at www.koshercomedy.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26

Volunteer in Israel with Atlanta Young Professionals - Young Leadership Division is headed to Israel December 26, 2024 – January 2, 2025. YOU have the chance to volunteer in Israel, for Israel, with Atlanta young adults (ages 22-40). In response to October 7th, Israelis of all backgrounds united around a collective volunteering effort to fill gaps in society. In this unique moment, we invite you to rally your support for the people of Israel, in the land of Israel, while the needs are greatest. Plan your trip at jewishatlanta.org.

Flowery Branch Chanukah Celebration - 5 p.m. Join Chabad of Hall County for a Chanukah celebration as we light the menorah for at the Flowery Branch Amphitheater! There will be Hot Latkes, Yummy Donuts, Chanukah Crafts, and Festive Music. Free and open to the entire Flowery Branch community. Please RSVP on our website at www.jewishhall.com.

Milton Menorah Lighting - 5 p.m. Join the Chabad of North Fulton and the City of Milton to light the menorah. Find out more at www.chabadnf.org.

Mega Chanukah Event at the Battery Atlanta – 5:30 p.m. Start your Chanukah with Chabad of Smyrna-Vinings with a bang at Battery Atlanta’s epic event. Learn more at www.chabadsmyrnavinings.com.

Annual Menorah Lighting at Dunwoody Village- 5:30 p.m. Gelt drop and fire show and music with Rabbi G, OH MY! Chanukah @ Dunwoody Village is always a community favorite. See you to LIGHT THE MENORAH and celebrate Chanukah together! Find out more at mitzvahouse. com.

Donuts and Dreidels in East Cobb with JBaby and PJ Library – 5:45 to 7p.m. Celebrate Hanukkah with crafts, storytime, and delicious donuts in a fun, familyfriendly atmosphere. Perfect for little ones and their grown-ups to share the holiday joy together! Sign up at jewishatlanta.org.

Chanukah Celebration at the Halcyon – 6 p.m. We invite the entire community to our Chanukah Celebration at Halcyon. Meet us in Village Green for the lighting of the Menorah, gelt (chocolate coins), latkes, games, giveaways and music. This event is held in collaboration with Chabad of Forsyth and Congregation Beth Israel Find out more at www.jewishforsyth.org.

Ponce City Market Menorah Lighting6 to 7:30 p.m. Join Ponce City Market and Chabad Intown for a traditional menorah lighting ceremony on the Yard beginning at 6:00pm. Attendees will celebrate the Festival of Lights with an evening of food and drinks, activities for the kids and music. RSVP at chabadintown.org.

Outdoor Menorah Lighting CeremonyLawrenceville City Hall – 7 p.m. - Join Chabad of Gwinnett to light the Menorah, Chanukah gifts, and sing Joyous Chanukah songs. Find out more at www.chabadofgwinnett.org.

Annual Kung Pao Kosher ComedyLive-Streamed – 9 and 11:30 p.m. Kung Pao Kosher Comedy™ is celebrating its 32nd Annual Jewish-Comedy-on-Christmas-in-a-Chinese-Restaurant extravaganza. Kung Pao Kosher Comedy™ returned, last year, to its pre-pandemic format over the course of 3 days, with 2 shows a day in a Chinese restaurant banquet room with family-style dining at tables of 10 (appropriately named Barbra Streisand, Jackie Mason, Joan Rivers, Kvetch…) with Lazy Susans. Get the Zoom Link at www.koshercomedy.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27

Winter Break Family Camp - Winter Break Family Camp at Ramah Darom is fun for the whole family with counselorled adventures, family and adult-only time, a magical Shabbat and a rockin’ New Year’s celebration. Register at www. ramahdarom.org.

Donuts and Dreidels in Brookhaven with JBaby and PJ Library – 3 to 4p.m. Celebrate Hanukkah with crafts, storytime, and delicious donuts in a fun, familyfriendly atmosphere. Perfect for little ones and their grown-ups to share the holiday joy together! Sign up at jewishatlanta.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29

Frozen Chanukah Wonderland at Ashford Lane – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Looking for what to do to celebrate Chanukah during vacation? The most awesome Frozen Chanukah Wonderland at Ashford Lane! Enjoy rides, bounce houses, crafts, Chanukah snacks, AND meet Olaf & Elsa! Fun for the whole family Find out more at mitzvahouse.com.

Chanukah at the Forum – 4 to 5 p.m. -7 p.m. Join Chabad of Gwinnett to light the Menorah, Chanukah gifts, and sing Joyous Chanukah songs. Get more information at www.chabadofgwinnett.org.

Decatur Menorah Lighting – 4:30 p.m. Join Chabad Intown in Celebrating Chanukah at our annual Menorah Lighting in Decatur Square! Enjoy music, entertainment, Dreidels, doughnuts, hot latkes, crafts for the kids and more! Register at chabadintown.org.

Menorah Lighting at Avalon - 5 p.m. In celebration of Chanukah, Avalon will partner with Chabad of North Fulton to host the annual Menorah Lighting. Get more information at www.chabadnf.org.

Gainesville Chanukah Celebration - 5 p.m. Join Chabad of Hall County for a Chanukah celebration as we light the menorah. There will be Hot Latkes, Yummy Donuts, Chanukah Crafts, and Festive Music. Free and open to the entire Gainesville community. Please RSVP on our website at www.jewishhall.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30

Chanukah Celebration - 5 p.m. Chanukah in the Heart of Roswell Park! Join us as we light the menorah, have a firetruck prize drop and eat doughnuts and latkes. Join us as we gather together to celebrate the 6th night of the Chanukah! Enjoy hot drinks and light refreshments. Also watch a prizedrop from a fire truck (and other fun kids’ crafts)! Find out more at www.chabaddtr. org.

Gelt Drop – 5:30 p.m. Chabad of Smyrna - Vinings welcomes everyone without charging membership fees. Chabad relies on the generosity of the community to support its programs year-round. Register at www.chabadsmyrnavinings.com.

Atlantic Station Menorah Lighting – 6 p.m. Join Chabad Intown with Celebrating Chanukah at our annual Menorah Lighting in Atlantic Station! Enjoy music, entertainment, Dreidels, doughnuts, hot latkes, crafts for the kids and more! RSVP at chabadintown.org.

Outdoor Menorah Lighting CeremonyCity of Sugar Hill -7 p.m. Join Chabad of Gwinnett to light the Menorah, Chanukah gifts, and sing Joyous Chanukah songs. Get more information at www.chabadofgwinnett.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER

31

Menorah Car Parade - 5 p.m. Join Chabad of North Fulton for a Car Menorah Parade. Learn more at www.chabadnf.org.

Chinese Xmas

KEEPING IT KOSHER

Churros

These homemade cinnamon-sugar churros are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are the perfect fried treat if you want to make something a little different than the classic donut on Chanukah. These taste best fresh, but no need to worry about leftovers, they’ll be gone before you know it!

Ingredients

Churros

2/3 cup lowfat milk or milk substitute, such as Gefen Almond Milk or rice milk

6 tablespoons canola oil

pinch of salt

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon Gefen Vanilla Extract

1 cup all purpose flour, such as Glicks

3 eggs canola oil for frying

Topping

1/2 cup white sugar mixed with 1/3 teaspoon cinnamon, set aside in a shallow bowl

Directions

1. Heat the milk, canola oil, salt, sugar and spices in a small pot on high heat and bring to a boil.

2. Add the flour and mix well using a wooden spoon. You are creating a roux. Keep stirring until the roux is uniform and a thick skin forms on the bottom of the pot.

3. Turn off the flame and continue stirring the roux.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition, until all the ingredients are well blended. You can use a hand mixer or continue to stir well with the wooden spoon.

5. Affix a wide (one-inch) star tip to a pastry bag and fill the bag with the hot dough. Set it aside in a mug with the tip folded over so that the dough doesn’t escape from the bag. (If you don’t have a pastry bag, this recipe will also work with a cookie press.)

6. Heat the oil in a frying pan or a deep fryer to a depth of three to four inches, until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, heat the oil until a drop of water sprinkled on top quickly bubbles up and disappears. Place a pair of scissors in a cup of warm water.

7. When the oil is hot, pipe a three- to four-inch long tube of dough into the oil, using scissors to cut the wet ends. (Longer churros may look more authentic but smaller ones are easier to make.) The churros tend to stick together in the oil, so only fry a few at a time, depending on how large your pan is. When they float to the top, fry them for one to two minutes longer, or until they are golden brown.

8. Remove the churros with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. While the churros are still hot, roll each one in the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Serve immediately.

Recipe by Gideon Ben Ezra

Source: Kosher.com

JEWISH JOKE

The Fight

Beckie and Morris had just finished yet another of their fights. At the end of this one, Beckie says to Morris, “You’ll be sorry, I’m going to leave you!”

To which Morris replied, “Make up your mind dear, which one is it going to be? It can’t be both.”

YIDDISH WORD

Farputst chazzer

n. An unattractive person who, with the aid of a nice haircut, cosmetics, and Gucci apparel, appears quite glamorous – at least from a discrete distance.

“If I weren’t so vain and had just put on my glasses, I would have realized she was a farputst chazzer before I waved her over to my table.”

From the Yiddish farputst, meaning “made fashionable,” and chazzer, meaning “pig.”

From the Top

By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com

ACROSS

1. Doughnut filling

4. “Man on the Moon” band

7. Nickname for Steve Rogers

10. Coolers, for short 13. ___ L’Tzedek

14. Muhammad whose grandson had a Bar Mitzvah

15. Latke liquid

16. Bulls in boxscores

17. Daniel survived one 18. When the 17th of Tammuz falls out some years

20. When squared, a kosher cracker 21. ___ Zemirot

23. Some calendars have two 24. It’s used to walk the dog?

25. Sefardic cousin of cholent

27. NYC airport

28. Aired Seinfeld say

29. Cooperative interactions

32. Location question (answered two ways in this puzzle) regarding the events alluded to by a dreidel

33. “___ shorts!” (Bart Simpson)

35. Hatzalah letters

37. Notable ancestor of the Macca-

bees

39. Emerald Isle

42. Screen that blips

45. Rugrats character that observes Chanukah

46. Company that collapsed in 2001

47. Mount Hermon has it, Masada does not

48. Certifies by oath

51. Flight stat.

52. Dimes and agorot, e.g.

54. Achilles’ victim in “The Iliad”

56. Fashion lines

58. Author ___ Stanley Gardner

59. It comes at the end of the year

62. Comedy duo that played “Gefilta

Fresh & Dr. Dreidel”, Key & ___

64. Made like General Nicanor fighting 1-Down

68. Ancestry

69. ___ ante (raise)

70. Jedi who saved the day in “The Mandalorian”

71. Former Prime Minister born “Mabovich”

72. Stiffly formal

73. Play dreidel

DOWN

1. A Maccabee

2. Sports venue

3. Notable agricultural sheva

4. Shofar provider

5. Oscar winner Kazan

6. Setting of the Maccabee rebellion, in modern day terms

7. Like the Maccabees

8. Suffers from a plague

9. Tissue layer

10. Adam Sandler, e.g.

11. Wife of Rabbi Menachem (Mendel)

12. A Maccabee

19. Hockey great Jaromir

22. It barely mentions the events of

Chanukah

24. All-too-agreeable fellows

26. Famous Science Guy

28. Emeritus: Abbr.

30. Supporter of arms, for short

31. Actor McKellen who has played both a Nazi and a Holocaust survivor

34. Word before Shamayim or Hashem

35. Bana of Munich

36. ___ Hach

38. 1 or 66, abbr.

40. Caramel-filled chocolate candy

41. ___’acte (play break)

43. Narc’s org.

44. What Matisyahu felt when he rebelled

46. Donkey, in Berlin

49. “Time flies,” with “fugit”

50. Kind of movie glasses

53. 19-Down, e.g.

55. Human body’s 50,000,000,000,000 or so

57. YK month, often

58. K-12, in education

59. Tree that’s an anagram of comic legend Brooks

60. One can be told for “Shalom Bayit” reasons

61. College, to an Aussie

63. TLV posting

65. Kosher label with an extra caveat

66. Word with “jet” or “water”

67. Not including the shamashim, how many total candles that have been lit the fourth night of Chanukah

OBITUARIES

Judi Ayal 77, Atlanta

Judi (Judith Irene Shumsky) Ayal, 77, of Atlanta Ga., passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, Dec. 8. Predeceased by her longtime husband/companion, Gilber Sherr, she will rest for eternity at his side. She is survived by her sons, Ofer Michael, his wife, Kristin, and grandson, Harry Charles, and Eran Micha, his wife, Laurel, and grandson, Asher Ori, along with her sister, Jane Adrienne Shumsky of Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.

Growing up in Great Neck, Long Island, N.Y., Judi graduated from University at Beloit College in Beloit, Wisc., with a degree in anthropology in 1968. Her studies, along with her Jewish upbringing, guided a move to Israel where she continued her studies and love of archeology, living on a kibbutz. It was there that she met and married (1969) Noam Ayal and had her two children (1971 & 1975). They moved back to Port Washington, Long Island, in 1976 to be close to family and to aide in the care of her ailing mother, Elanore-- Z”L (1977). The family moved to Atlanta in 1979.

Judi ensconced herself in the Jewish community along with becoming heavily involved in the artist community. She volunteered at the AA Synagogue, the Shearith Israel Woman’s Shelter and Garden Hills Elementary School. Later, she spent a lot of time potting and teaching at Callanwolde. Judi worked at the Peachtree Road AJCC and began a 30-plus year stint working at the Jewish Federation with guest experience, the Holocaust museum, working closely with the docents therein. She continued potting long after she stopped working, taking great pride in gifting (and selling) her work in and around Atlanta. She loved local/Southern folk art and attending the Jewish movie festival, often sitting for hours on end watching films of, by, and about Jews, Israel and Jewish culture.

Memorial donations (in lieu of flowers) can be made to The Coleen Cunningham Foundation (CCF) providing support and resources to individuals and families affected by Atypical Parkinsonism. PSP, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, took her mother and ultimately, Judi: www.pspawreness.com

A small funeral was held at Crest Lawn Memorial Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, Dec. 10, with Rabbi Chaim Lindenblatt officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Maxine Hannah Swerdlin Barocas

82, Atlanta

Maxine Swerdlin Barocas was born on June 20, 1942, into and a part of a five-generation Atlanta family. Her parents were Israel (Ickey) Swerdlin and Aaronette Silberman Swerdlin.

Maxine graduated from Druid Hills High School. She attended Georgia State College. She was chosen as Sweetheart of AEPi Fraternity at Georgia State.

She met, fell in love with and married Ervin Barocas in 1963. They were the loving parents of five sons, Mickey (Israel Michael), Samuel (Sandy), Heath, Mitchell and Seth.

Maxine had the most beautiful smile that immediately lit up any room. Maxine and Ervin were co-founders of American Custom Chemicals, later, American Niagara where she was VP of Operations.

She was preceded in death by two of her sons, Mickey and Mitchell Barocas, husband, Ervin Barocas, parents, Icky and Aaronette Swerdlin, in-laws, Sam and Louise Barocas, sisters-in-law, Betty (Bernie) Roistacher and Renee (Donald) Stein, and many loving family members.

She is survived by sons, Sandy (Amy), Heath and Seth, and brothers, Dorn (Joanne) Swerdlin, Atlanta, Frank (Diane) Swerdlin, grandson, Harrison (Kelsey), Atlanta, granddaughter Ivey, Atlanta, great-grandson, Beckett Lewis Barocas, brother-in-law, Victor (Joni) Barocas, Atlanta, and nephews and nieces and scores of very loving friends and wonderful caregivers.

Maxine will be remembered for her beauty, smile, gift of gab and for being the best “Nona” in the world. Her life was real, her love was deep and unconditional, and her family and friends were her world. They all carried her and Ervin through their life and loss.

Graveside services were held at Greenwood Cemetery, 1173 Cascade Circle SW Atlanta, with Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation or the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Josiah Victor Benator

102, Atlanta

Josiah Victor Benator was born on Feb. 4, 1922, in Atlanta, Ga. His father, Victor Morris Benator, came to the United States from Rhodes around 1913, joining the many shoemakers of the Sephardic community. He brought his wife, Estrella Deleon, from Rhodes soon thereafter and raised their five children on Pryor Street and as a part of the community of Or VeShalom Synagogue. During Josiah’s young life, deep in the years of the Depression, he tutored younger students to make extra money to pay for his Boy Scout uniforms. One of those students would one day be his wife of 76 years, Birdie Grace Benator, also of blessed memory.

Josiah went to College at Georgia Tech at 17 and studied industrial management. In 1943, he graduated with honors and enlisted in the Army, attending Fort Knox Officer Candidate School where he became second lieutenant. He was assigned to the 10th armored division of General Patton’s Third Army, training at Fort Gordon in Georgia until arriving in France in 1944, fighting the Nazi-controlled Germans in active combat. In December 1944, he moved with his unit to fight the Germans in Bastogne, Belgium, at the terrible Battle of the Bulge. His unit came under heavy mortar fire with great loss and Josiah was struck by a shell, suffering serious injuries. He thankfully rallied and became a commanding officer of a Labor Supervision Company in Germany and finally returned to the states in the summer of 1946, where he served in the reserves until 1953. His military awards included the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, among many others and more recently the French Legion of Merit Award.

In 1947, after so many war-time love letters, Birdie Grace Benveniste traveled across the country from California to join Josiah at the Or VeShalom Veteran’s Banquet. The family decided that they would throw a surprise engagement party and Josiah married Birdie Benator in August of that very same year. They together raised seven children and were the joyful grandparents of 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Josiah’s love for Birdie was eternal.

Josiah’s career as a Boy Scout began in 1934 at the age of 12 with Troop 52. By 1938, he was an assistant scout master, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and ultimately, in 1950, he became “Mr. B,” Scout Master of Troop 73 with Or VeShalom. There, he continued that work with passion and devotion until he was 99 years old, mentoring 53 Eagle Scouts and countless boys as they learned to love scouting, the great outdoors and to live by the 12 principles of the Boy Scouts.

Josiah’s career after his military service took him from materials management at Scripto to Rayloc AutoParts in 1969. His love of his community at Or VeShalom was always a center of his life from Boy Scouts to observance of Shabbat. He served as president and in years on the board, he stood strong for the role of women in leadership roles. He also served his community as President of the Dekalb Grand Jurors Association and President and Co-captain of the Neighborhood Watch Sheffield Civic Club.

His awards have included many from the Atlanta Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, the Shofar Adult Religious Award, and the Role Model Scout Master Award. Additionally, he received the Hadassah Myrtle Wreath Award for a Lifetime of Love and Encouragement of Children, the West Point Society of Atlanta Outstanding Citizen Award, and the Rev. Robert Ross Johnson Humanitarian Award. Each of these awards he attributes to his ever-devoted wife, Birdie.

Josiah is survived by his children, Rachel Benator, Terry and Alan Feldbaum, Stella and Jim Port, Isaac Benator, Debra Benator and Randall Wagner, Chris and David Benator and Naomi and Dan Benator, grandchildren, Robin Tillery, Victor and Lynee Port, Jackie and Bernie Caballero, Sarah Feldbaum, Daniel Feldbaum, Tzipora Wagner and Phillippe Phanivong, Naami Wagner, Kalman Wagner, Jacob Benator and Sarah Berry, Leah Benator, Jordan Benator and Leo Benator, and great-grandchildren, Hudson and Sayler Port and Colten and Norah Caballero. Josiah is pre-deceased by his beloved son, Victor Benator, his grandson, Richard Tillery, his son-in-law, Randy Tillery, and by his wife of 76 years, Birdie Grace Benator.

May his memory be a blessing and may Josiah Victor Benator rest in eternal peace. Donations in memory of Josiah may be made to the Or VeShalom Dr. Victor Benator Memorial Fund: https://www.orveshalom.org/payment.php (details: Dr. V Benator Memorial), or to the Atlanta Area Boy Scouts of America: https://www.atlantabsa.org/ fos

Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Arline Natalie Berman

83, Atlanta

Arline Natalie Berman, 83 of Atlanta, Ga., passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 from complications due to Alzheimer’s.

Arline graduated from Georgia State University with a B.A. in psychology and an M.Ed. in counseling. An empathetic, nurturing, and intuitive soul, Arline left a notable imprint on family, friends, clients, and colleagues, maintaining a successful career as a certified co-active life and business coach and professional mediator over several decades. Meanwhile, she was active in B’nai B’rith and ASTD; volunteered with FEMA; and her hobbies included tennis, mahjong, travel, reading, gardening, and arts & crafts festivals.

Arline is predeceased by parents, Lena and Morris Shmerling, siblings, Sanford Shmerling and Sylvia Pygin, and husband, Joe, with whom she was married for 53 years. Arline is survived by her son, Mitchell and her daughter, Lana.

The funeral was held at Arlington Memorial Cemetery, at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, with Rabbi Scott Colbert officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999.

OBITUARIES

Emily Green 84,

Atlanta

Emily Green was born on Feb. 19, 1940, in LaGrange, Ga., to Loeb and Lillian Ketzky. She grew up in LaGrange with her younger sister, Brenda, and graduated from LaGrange High School. She attended college at the University of Georgia in Athens where she met her devoted husband, Willie (Bill) Green. They were married on Dec. 17, 1959, and enjoyed 65 years together.

Emily and Willie had two children, Marcy Maya and Eddie Green, both of whom live in Atlanta. She was the proud “Mimi” to her grandchildren, Lynsey, Daniel, Kevin and Halle.

Emily was a high-achieving realtor, receiving many awards for her hard work at Harry Norman Realtors over the course of her career, including lifetime membership in the Million Dollar Club and the Phoenix Award. She was also involved in her community, active in Hadassah, the Chevra Kadisha at Ahavath Achim Synagogue and the hospitality committee at Temple Sinai.

Her favorite time was vacationing at their Florida beach condo or finding her way to any casino, an avid interest she inherited from her mother, Lillian. But what she loved best was being with her grandchildren and she was delighted to celebrate her oldest granddaughter’s marriage earlier this year.

Emily is immediately survived by her loving husband, Willie Green, daughter, Marcy Maya (Chip Umstead), son, Eddie Green, sister, Brenda Lichtenstein (Mark), grandchildren, Lynsey Gray (Max), Daniel Maya, Kevin Maya and Halle Maya, nieces and nephews, Dr. Mindy Fine (Dr. Greg Bauer), Dr. Richard Fine (Melanie), Brad Lichtenstein (Anne Basting) and Paul Lichtenstein (Leslie Campion).

In lieu of flowers, her family kindly requests donations to the National Kidney Foundation, Temple Sinai or another non-profit special to those who wish to contribute. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Shirley Krick Michalove

86, Atlanta

Shirley Krick Michalove, 86, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Dec. 1, 2024. Shirley was born on Aug. 16, 1938, in Miami, Fla., to Irwin and Lee Levitt Krick. On May 25, 1959, she married Henry Michalove and they shared almost 43 years together. Later, she and Arthur Heyman lived and travelled together for over a decade.

Shirley was an involved, vital part of the Atlanta Jewish community. She was a life member of Hadassah, the National Council of Jewish Women, and the Auxiliary of the William Breman Jewish Home. She served as President of the Southeastern Region of Hadassah from 1988 to 1991 and on the Hadassah National Board for seven years. She was a founding member of Temple Sinai, serving as its first education director and, later, as a Vice President of the congregation. She served on many committees there, including the Fine Arts Committee and the Archives Committee. She served on the National Board of the Union for Reform Judaism and was an ARZA delegate to the 36th and 37th World Zionist Congresses. She served on the board of Camp Judaea for over 20 years. She was a member of the Board of Trustees of The Davis Academy, developing their Leadership Davis program. She was a docent at The William Bremen Jewish Museum for over 20 years, and an interviewer for their oral history series. Most recently, she was serving as a co-chair of the upcoming Hadassah Atlanta Myrtle Wreath 2025 Gala Brunch.

She was a curious and dedicated lifelong learner, participating in dozens of Melton classes and study groups. She compiled the genealogy of her Levitt and Krick families as well as the Michalove family. An intrepid traveler, she visited all seven continents. Other hobbies included needlepoint and baking chocolate desserts, especially her “green” brownies.

She cherished and maintained contact with family members all around the coun-

try and the world, often being considered the glue that connected them all. Temple Sinai was her home and community for over 55 years. Her lessons and legacy touched many and she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her children, Ellen Frankle and Scott Michalove; granddaughters, Jaime and Stephanie Frankle; siblings, Lori Barrish, Ted (Marilyn) Krick, and David Krick; and nieces and nephews, Sanford (Rhonda) Barrish, Elana Barrish, Lenny (Sandi) Krick, Staci Carper, Carla Michalove, Barbara Michalove, Brad (MB Andrews) Michalove, Amy Michalove, Steven Michalove and a large circle of extended family members and friends.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Shirley, her family suggests two causes that would be especially meaningful: Hadassah (1050 Crown Pointe Parkway, Suite 500, Atlanta GA 30338). Checks may be made payable to Hadassah for HGAmyrtle25. Donations so designated will go toward the Myrtle Wreath Fund for the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, the project she was co-chairing at the time of her death, or a memorial to the scholarship fund of Camp Judaea (campjudaea.org) which she supported throughout her life.

Services were held at Temple Sinai on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a graveside at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Linda Melnick Weiner

73, St. Paul, Minn.

Linda Melnick Weiner passed away on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, as a result of natural causes. Linda was deeply devoted to her family, friends, and community. She was a champion for students in the Fulton County Schools System, fighting to provide the best academic environment for all students.

Linda was an artist at heart. She loved music and the performing arts and loved nothing more than attending local or Broadway shows. In her later years, she took an active interest in creating mosaic artwork. The oldest of five siblings and a caregiver by nature, Linda spent most of her adult years raising her three children, caring for her parents through lengthy illnesses and as caregiver for her husband, Barry as he battled, and defeated, leukemia twice. Linda spent the last several years of her life in the loving care of the staff at Lyngblomsten Care Center in St. Paul, MN.

The daughter of Ruth and William Melnick, Linda is survived by her daughter, PJ (Adam), sons, Joe (Clare) and Dan (Amanda), grandsons, Cosby, Nathaniel, Jonathan and Bailey: sister, Bryna, brothers, Ike and Louis, and brother-in law, Steve (Diane). She is preceded in death by her husband, Barry, and sister, Sally.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at Greenwood Cemetery 1173 Cascade Circle SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30311. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Linda’s memory to the Lyngblomsten Foundation. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

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.

H A P P Y Chanukah

This Chanukah, may we celebrate the light that unites and strengthens our community. Happy Chanukah from your friends at Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Telling the Truth: Good or Bad?

I found a large ceramic bowl with a fabulous glaze in a specialty shop in New York. The boutique was known for its one-of-a-kind wares, and I immediately thought of Sarah, a close friend who had an affinity for unique handcrafted pottery. I bought it and brought it to her apartment for a Chanukah gift. Sarah oohed and aahed when she opened the surprise, proclaiming, “I love it!” I was proud that I had found the perfect gift.

Gracie, a mutual friend, invited me for brunch a few months later, and guess what I spotted on her bookshelf: I was sure it was the bowl I’d given Sarah. “What a beautiful bowl!” I remarked, “Where did you get it?” Gracie smiled, “Sarah gave it to me. She said it wasn’t her taste.”

I wish Sarah had told me the truth and given me a chance to return or exchange the bowl, I thought. I took a few deep, cleansing breaths and mulled over whether to confront Sarah. Why had Sarah lied to me? I had always believed that true friends always tell each other the truth.

The next morning, I called Sarah. Here’s a bit of advice: 1. Pre-coffee mornings are not the best time to share emotions; 2. Carefully choose your closing sentence before slamming down the phone. 3. Don’t slam down the phone. “I saw the bowl I gave you at Gracie’s house,” I reported. “Don’t tell me you didn’t want to hurt my feelings. True friends always tell each other the truth.” Slam!

My phone rang several days later. “I’m coming over,” Sarah declared.

“You know that thing about the bowl? Are you still mad at me?” she began. I tried to explain, “I could have exchanged it for something you’d like better. I thought we were close enough to tell each other the truth.”

“We are close friends. I don’t want this to end our friendship.” Sarah looked contrite and teary, and I think she understood my friendship-honesty belief.

Then I remembered the time I sewed my own dress to wear at a relative’s wedding. Our upstairs neighbor, Edie, told me it looked great; therefore, I decided to wear the homemade dress instead of

another one I had bought. At the reception, my cousin whispered, “People are making jokes about your crazy dress.” I wished Edie, who had an excellent sense of societal do’s and don’ts, had advised me that a bold ethnic print was not the best choice to wear at a traditional Jewish wedding. Later, Edie confessed that she almost nixed the dress, but she didn’t want to hurt my feelings.

That memory underscored my conviction that being honest is an essential act of friendship.

A few years later, we moved to a new area of the city. For my birthday I didn’t want presents, but one new neighbor, Malkie, a needlework devotee, presented me with a piece she had crafted, that read, “Live, Laugh, Love.”

”I had you in mind when I bought the kit,” she said, solemnly. I knew it had taken her a long time to complete the project, and I was honored that she associated me with those three embroidered words. But I didn’t really like it, and I couldn’t think of any place in our home I’d want to hang it. I considered this woman to be the closest friend I had made in the new neighborhood, and I certainly didn’t want to hurt her; however, “Live, Laugh, Love,” seemed generic enough to be appropriate for someone else, so I decided to tell Malkie the truth. I knocked on her door the next day, holding the embroidered gift. “I want to tell you the truth,” I yammered. “I’m touched that you made this for me, but it’s not my kind of wall art. I’m returning it, so someone else can have it. I’m sure a lot of your friends would love it.” Malkie looked at me in silence for a long minute. “OK, just give it back,” she stated. “I’ll keep it, even though I made it just for you.” Then she turned and went inside. I felt terrible. I had hurt a friend by sticking to my honesty rule, and in my heart, I knew I was wrong. When I knocked on Malkie’s door again, she didn’t answer. I called her, planning to leave a message, but she answered, “Would it have killed you to pretend to like the embroidery?” she asked. Then she hung up.

I wish I had feigned delight and not told Malkie my true feelings when she gave me her embroidery. But, on the other hand, I do wish Sarah had told me the truth, and Edie definitely should have been honest about my improper dress. It’s too bad that telling the truth isn’t a one-size-fits-all attribute. It depends. ì

Chana Shapiro

EDUCATION

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS

Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael of Atlanta admits students of any race color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administrated programs.

Limited Edition Chagall Lithograph

Produced in Paris in 1964 and depicts one of the twelve tribes of Israel that are featured on the the 12 stained glass windows of the grand temple in Jerusalem. The framed piece measures 34"x40"and carries the written title of authenticity and the letter of Tirage attached. For additional info and pricing, call or text Ms. Rifkind at 404-558-0899.