Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCV NO. 26, December 31, 2020

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CONTRIBUTORS THIS WEEK ALLEN H. LIPIS BOB BAHR CHANA SHAPIRO DAVE SCHECHTER DAVID PERDUE JAN JABEN-EILON JON OSSOFF LESLIE LUBELL MARCIA CALLER JAFFE RACHEL STEIN REV. RAPHAEL WARNOCK TERRY SEGAL

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Back in Time As we approach the new year, we give pause to remember 2020 as one for the history books. The year of the pandemic. The year of the mask. The year of sheltering in place and COVID compliance, closed synagogues, businesses and schools, shortages of toilet paper and cleaning products. 2020 may be perfect vision, but it was anything but a perfect year.

The stories that filled these pages began to change in mid-March from community events, anti-Semitism and local Jewish news to Jews testing positive for the virus, surviving its onslaught, the changes made by communal organizations to protect the public health, financial assistance available, and more recently, Jewish links to lifesaving vaccines. Despite the health crisis, anti-Semitism continued, synagogues hired new rabbis, and Black Lives Matter protests and election coverage kept the AJT quite busy week after week.

Aside from our Year in Review retrospective section, we discuss New Year’s resolutions versus superstitions common in Jewish traditions. Our Rov-

THIS WEEK ing Reporter Chana Shapiro asks community members whether they believe in miracles, and education consultant Mark Fisher shares resolutions high school juniors should have to prepare for college applications.

Grady High School graduates share their views on the new name of their alma mater. And we report on the latest philanthropy of The Marcus Foundation, one of the largest donations the Shepherd Center has received.

You will also find in this issue stories and editorials in advance of the senatorial runoff election Jan. 5 that has the nation rallying around Georgia.

The AJT also announces a headliner in the lineup of authors appearing at the MJCCA’s Book Festival in Your Living Room, the online version of the year-round literary program created as a result of COVID. Stay with the AJT for more Jewish news in 2021 with our first issue of the new year Jan. 15 on the topics that remain on everyone’s minds: Health and Wellness. Until then, here’s to a much healthier and more prosperous year in 2021. ì

Cover image: For our Year in Review issue, we offer our version of the ‘80s blockbuster “Back to the Future” film, recounting how the hands of time reversed through 2020.

CONTENTS NEWS ������������������������������������������������� 6 BUSINESS ��������������������������������������� 14 PHILANTHROPY �������������������������� 15 ISRAEL NEWS ������������������������������� 16 OPINION ����������������������������������������� 18 YEAR IN REVIEW �������������������������� 28 RESOLUTIONS ������������������������������ 46 COMMUNITY ��������������������������������� 50 CHAI STYLE ����������������������������������� 53 ART ��������������������������������������������������� 56 CALENDAR ������������������������������������� 58 NEW MOON MEDITATIONS ����� 61 OY VEY �������������������������������������������� 62 BRAIN FOOD ���������������������������������� 63 OBITUARIES ���������������������������������� 64 CLOSING THOUGHTS ����������������� 68

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 5

NEWS 2020 Election Season will End in 2021

By Dave Schechter The 117th Congress of the United States of America will be sworn in on Jan. 3, 2021. Two days later, on Jan. 5, Georgians will elect their two U.S. senators.

Back on Nov. 3, the election groundhog popped up, saw a shadow (translation: no Senate candidate winning a majority) and forecast nine more weeks of electioneering. Put another way, Georgia will have an electoral hangover after New Year’s Day. The eyes of the nation and the world — yes, the world — are on Georgia. At stake is control of the Senate, which, in turn, would determine who chairs powerful Senate committees, the fate of initiatives by President-elect Joe Biden, and such matters as filling vacancies on the Supreme Court of the United States.

Republicans must win at least one of the two seats to retain a majority, albeit narrow, in the Senate. If Democrats win both seats, they and independents who caucus with them would hold 50

seats and the Senate would be divided 50-50. In that event, the tie-breaking vote would rest with the Democratic vice president-elect Kamala Harris.

Should both Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock win, Democrats would hold the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives.

Polls conducted in November and December put the contest between incumbent Republican Sen. David Perdue and Democratic challenger Ossoff within a range of 2 percentage points either way. The span in the race between interim Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Democratic challenger Rev. Raphael Warnock has been wider, in a range of several points, with various surveys giving each the lead.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have campaigned for Loeffler and Perdue, as Biden and Harris have for Warnock and Ossoff. An estimated $400 million has been spent on advertising by candidates and outside groups.

While nearly all of the runoff at-

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Turnout for the Jan. 5 election is expected to be greater than past general elections.

tention is focused on the Senate seats, voters also will choose a member of the state Public Service Commission, between incumbent Republican Lauren McDonald Jr. and Democratic challenger Daniel Blackman.

Turnout in runoffs tends to be significantly less than in general elections, but Georgia may defy that trend. As of Dec. 19, the number of votes already cast — in person or through absentee ballots — was just 7 percent less than at the same point in advance of the general election. More than 1.33 million people already had voted, 60.7 percent through in-person early voting and 39.2 percent by absentee ballots.

A rule passed in November by the state election board allows Georgia’s 159 counties to begin processing — but not counting — absentee ballots two weeks before the Jan. 5 runoff, and requires that this work begin at least one week before the election. The election board also issued a requirement that counties pre-

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serve surveillance video of absentee drop boxes for 30 days after Election Day. In the weeks before the runoffs, Loeffler and Perdue, along with the state Republican Party and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, filed suit in federal court, seeking additional measures to verify the signatures on absentee ballots and asking that they be put in place by Dec. 21, when counties may begin processing absentee ballots.

Two other Republican lawsuits sought to limit the use of drop boxes for absentee ballots to normal business hours or eliminate them altogether.

Another runoff issue has been a reduction in the number of early voting locations in several counties, among them Cobb, Forsyth and Hall. In Cobb, where election officials said that an insufficient number of trained poll managers forced them to reduce the number of locations, several organizations complained that voting options were eliminated more in minority communities. ì

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NEWS

Warnock’s Israel Stance Remains an Issue

By Dave Schechter With less than a month until the Jan. 5 runoffs for Georgia’s two U.S. Senate seats, the degree of Democrat Rev. Raphael Warnock’s support for Israel remains an issue in his race against interim Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler. As Warnock asserts a pro-Israel stance, Loeffler argues that statements he made before becoming a candidate prove that he is anti-Israel.

On a Dec. 8 video conference call organized by the Jewish Democratic Council of America, Warnock said, “I am a staunch ally and supporter of Israel and I echo without reservation Dr. King’s perspective that Israel’s right to exist as a state and in security is incontestable.” Warnock is senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. also served.

The videoconference with Warnock and Jon Ossoff, the Democrat challenging incumbent Republican Sen. David Perdue, drew an audience of 2,000 and was moderated from Israel by Daniel Shapiro, the U.S. ambassador to Israel from 2011 to 2017.

The next day, the Republican Jewish Coalition issued a statement to the AJT that called the Democratic event “an attack on the truth, and an affront to all Jewish voters in Georgia.”

Note: The RJC held a videoconference Dec. 2 with Loeffler and Perdue, but would not permit on-the-record coverage and turned down an AJT request for a recording afterward.

On the Democrats’ videoconference, Warnock said, “My opponents are trying to use Israel as yet another wedge issue in this campaign and I think that’s quite unfortunate. I wish I were surprised. I’m not. They are worried and they should be.”

Polls released in December have ranged from Warnock leading Loeffler by 5 percentage points, to Loeffler leading Warnock by 7 points. The same surveys have shown Ossoff and Perdue holding 2-point leads over each other. Republicans must win one of the races to maintain control of the Senate. Democratic victories in both would create a 50-50 division, with the vice president, projected to be Democrat Kamala Harris, holding the tie-breaking vote.

Much of Warnock’s time on the Dec. 8 videoconference was spent discussing Israel.

“I am a supporter and an advocate for the two-state solution. I see that as the viable way to a democratic Jewish state and I’m committed to that work and I think it deserves attention and focus and engagement,” Warnock said. “I come out of the Kingian tradition of nonviolent resistance and so I will always affirm the right of

The Democratic challenger to Republican interim Sen. Kelly Loeffler calls himself “a staunch ally and supporter of Israel.”

people to protest nonviolently, but at the same time I condemn BDS [the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement], its refusal to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist, and I support President [Barack] Obama’s memorandum of understanding.” That 2016 agreement provides Israel with $38 billion in U.S. military aid over a 10-year period. “Israel is an important ally for us, the most important ally for us in that part of the world. … Our aid and support of Israel is something that I would advance as a member of the Senate,” Warnock said.

Warnock has been targeted by Loeffler and her Jewish supporters for a letter that he signed following a February 2019 trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories with a delegation of African American and South African ministers organized by the National Council of Churches. The clergy said that they observed “the heavy militarization of the West Bank, reminiscent of the military occupation of Namibia by apartheid South Africa.”

On the Dec. 8 video call, Warnock said, “I do not believe Israel is an apartheid state, as some have suggested.”

In its response, the RJC stated, “Perhaps the most insulting exchange for the Jewish community came when Rev. Warnock claimed to not believe that Israel is an apartheid state, despite the fact that he signed a letter just last year stating the complete opposite.”

Warnock also addressed the May 2018 sermon in which he discussed a week that included dedication of the U.S. Embassy location in Jerusalem and clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinians. In that sermon he said, “We saw the government of Israel shoot down unarmed Palestinian sisters

The Republican senator calls Warnock “the most antiIsrael candidate anywhere in the country.”

and brothers like birds of prey. And I don’t care who does it, it is wrong. It is wrong to shoot down God’s children like they don’t matter at all. And it’s no more anti-Semitic for me to say that than it is anti-white for me to say that Black lives matter. Palestinian lives matter.”

Warnock told listeners on the call, “I was speaking to the issue of activists and human rights and the ability of people to be heard. At the same time, I have an increasing recognition of Hamas and the danger that they pose to the Israeli people.”

Warnock said that he would engage with the “complicated situation” as “a principled and honest broker who affirms human rights and at the same time is trying to get us to a place where Israel can exist alongside its neighbors in peace.”

Loeffler released a television ad on Oct. 10 titled “Birds of Prey.” In an accompanying statement, she said, “Raphael Warnock is the most anti-Israel candidate anywhere in the country who supports cutting all military aid to our country’s strongest ally. This unfortunately follows a pattern in which he has called Israelis ‘birds of prey,’ compared Israel to an apartheid state, and celebrated notorious anti-Semite Jeremiah Wright.

Unlike my opponent, I will always fight for Israel’s sovereignty and I will always stand fully behind America’s strongest friend and ally.”

Note: In 2008 and later, Warnock defended and sought to explain the April 2003 Palm Sunday sermon at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago during which Rev. Wright used the words, “God damn America.” When a tape of Wright’s sermon emerged during the 2008 presidential campaign, the ensuing controversy prompted Barack and Michelle

Obama to resign from the church.

In his remarks, Ossoff mentioned a digital advertisement, posted and withdrawn in July by the Perdue campaign, in which Ossoff’s nose appeared to have been lengthened. “Did David Perdue run an antiSemitic attack ad in which he lengthened my nose? Yes, he did. Was it disgusting?

Yes, it was. Has he apologized for it? No, he hasn’t,” Ossoff said. [Perdue’s campaign blamed the advertisement on a subcontractor subsequently fired.]

“So, he may be an anti-Semite but, worse, he’s corrupt,” Ossoff said. He repeated allegations that Perdue profited from stock transactions while playing down the COVID-19 pandemic. A Perdue television ad restates his campaign’s position that the Republican incumbent has been “exonerated totally” of any wrongdoing.

In its statement, the RJC said, “Recently, to everyone’s amazement, no one stood up to Ossoff or Warnock for campaigning with Rep. Hank Johnson, Ossoff’s former boss, who has called Israelis termites, or for Warnock’s previous defenses of anti-Semitic sermons from Reverend Jeremiah Wright.

The entire event was a huge disservice to the entire Jewish community and Georgia’s Jewish voters can see through the untruthful campaign rhetoric of Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff.”

Note: Ossoff left Johnson’s Capitol Hill staff in 2012. In 2016, Johnson compared West Bank housing construction to “a steady [stream], almost like termites can get into a residence and eat before you know that you’ve been eaten up and you fall in on yourself.” His office later said that Johnson “did not intend to insult or speak derogatorily of Israelis or the Jewish people.” ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 7

NEWS

Jewish Republicans Take Outreach Door-to-Door

Photos by Nathan Posner // Karla Salvatierra and Judy Rocker canvas houses in support of Republican Sens.

David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler

By Nathan Posner The Republican Jewish Coalition is targeting Jewish voters, among others, in a door-to-door campaign to help keep the two currently Republican Georgia Senate seats and prevent Democrats from controlling the executive and legislative branches of the federal government.

8 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Republican Jewish Coalition volunteers gather for a photo before heading out to canvas in Atlanta.

Jews may not be the most crucial support block for either political party, but every voter is a target for the upcoming senatorial elections in January that will determine the control of the chamber.

Sam Markstein, RJC’s national political director, said there are at least 120,000 registered Jewish voters in Georgia, so any shift, given the November election mar-

RJC volunteer Ed Kotler comes back from canvassing a house in Buckhead.

gins, “could make the difference in a close ing in both training and door-knocking.

Having reached hundreds of thourace.”

With a week of action that started sands of voters during the general election through mailers, Dec. 13, the RJC texts, and calls, focused on mothe RJC hopes bilizing voters in to convince Jewthe North metro ish voters in the Atlanta area to state to support secure the Senate the Republican seats as well as candidates. the public service About 50 commissioner volunteers met post up for grabs. early Dec. 13 for Markstein training at local described the Republican ofweek of action as fices before head“targeting Jewish A pair of RJC volunteers get material for ing out to canvas voters in key subcanvassing before heading out. the Northern urban Atlanta counties. We’ve knocked on thousands of metro neighborhoods.

Chuck Berk, who co-chairs the local doors just in the first couple of days.”

The January election has already chapter of the RJC with his wife Bonnie, brought big names to the state with many was one of the volunteers for the week of action. He said potential 2024 he believes in Republican canthe importance didates coming of “split governtoo, as well as ment and that the President DonRepublicans need ald Trump, who to hold the Senate visited last week, [to stop a] liberal and Presidentand progressive elect Joe Biden agenda, ... to be who came Tuesa check and balday.

RJC volunteers canvas houses in support of ance.” Berk said While some, Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler he wants to “edugenerally more Democratic groups, have held back on cate people...[about] the actual comments door-to-door canvassing due to the corona- Raphael Warnock has made that have been virus, the RJC views the technique as key to anti-Israel and anti-Semitic.”

With the start of early voting in Geortheir voter outreach and have implemented a variety of protocols to ensure the safe- gia Dec. 14, the RJC’s Markstein said, “it was ty of both volunteers and the voters they a good time to get out and remind voters are contacting. Those steps include hand that they can vote now and avoid the lines sanitizing, mask usage and social distanc- on election day.” ì

NEWS

Democrats Take Campaign to TikTok

By Nathan Posner If you are familiar with TikTok, you likely have seen everything from dancing to cooking videos to anything else that can be filmed on a phone. While there is a large amount of political content, what may surprise you is the ever-growing amount of content either fanning over Democrat Jon Ossoff or encouraging young Georgia voters to get out and vote for the Democrat slate in the upcoming January runoff elections.

Ossoff, at 33, would be the youngest current senator and is believed to be the second-youngest Georgia senator ever elected, as well.

The Ossoff campaign has taken the social media approach of previous campaigns to a new level. With content aimed directly at young voters in an app vastly dominated by young people, Ossoff and the Democratic party aim to turn out support for his campaign, as well as young voters.

While other campaigns have focused on social media apps that have larger reach into groups that already have high voting rates, Ossoff and the Democratic party are focusing on young voters who historically have had a low turnout rate, especially in nonpresidential elections. As of Dec. 10, Ossoff has amassed over 130,000 followers on the platform with many of his videos attracting millions of views.

The content has ranged from talking about the importance of voting to attacking Sen. David Perdue, Ossoff’s opponent.

With TikTok, users can create minute-long or shorter videos with their own audios or a variety of audios available on the app. Usually these audios are associated with a dance, video type, or something else that is unique to the video, with the associated audio, which can be used by any user on their own video.

Ossoff has been creating content that is relatable to young people, highlighting common experiences that he may have with this key voting demographic.

One recent video went along with the TikTok theme of “aesthetics,” another in which he “dueted,” or paired, a video advocating for people to register to vote. A particu-

larly popular video recently featured Ossoff talking about the importance of young voters, highlighting a clip from a recent debate in which Perdue’s lectern was empty because he declined to participate. As Ossoff said, “So for the whole TikTok family out there: make a plan to vote.”

Although this outreach may not seem so spectacular to those who are regulars on the app, the direct outreach from a major party candidate for statewide federal office is believed to be a first. While previous campaigns have used TikTok, most accounts supporting political candidates have been maintained by fans.

Before Ossoff created his own account, fans ran two large accounts, one a general support page and the other a “students” for Ossoff page. Both accounts found moderate success, with many of their videos reaching tens of thousands of people, but Ossoff’s direct involvement in his own account has taken the “Ossoff fan base” on TikTok to a new level.

Many of the videos complement Ossoff on his looks. Even his fellow candidate Rev. Raphael Warnock acknowledged in a TikTok video on the students for Ossoff and Warnock account that “some of you think my running mate Jon Ossoff is a good-looking guy. … If you’re into all that hair, I guess he’s okay.” This is a tamed-down version of what is expressed in some of the comment sections in these videos.

Many of the videos from mostly young supporters of Ossoff focus on Perdue’s controversial stock trades, as well as debate performances. Other videos use audio with the remarks “There he is! There’s my favorite white boy!” in which videos of Ossoff are shown. While most of the videos have been comedic in nature, many focus on the importance of the Senate runoff and available voting options for young people, along with voting deadlines. The videos may seem a little off the cuff, but young people have embraced them, a step toward satisfying the Democrats' goal of getting young voters out in historic numbers to vote in the Senate runoffs. ì

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NEWS

Rabbis’ Letters Address Warnock Statements

By Dave Schechter Differing groups of Jewish clergy have defended and denounced statements about Israel made by Rev. Raphael Warnock, the Democratic candidate for one of Georgia’s U.S. Senate seats.

The letters illustrate how the Jewish community is being targeted in advance of the Jan. 5 runoffs in which Warnock is challenging interim Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Democrat Jon Ossoff is seeking to unseat incumbent Republican Sen. David Perdue.

The first letter, published Nov. 23 by the Jewish Democratic Council of America, was intended as “a rejection of false and divisive slander entering our community.” The names of some 200 Jewish clergy — included 16 from Atlanta — were attached.

“Rev. Warnock recognizes that being a true friend also means being a truthteller who does not shy away from hard conversations, and he has made no secret of his strong reservations and concerns over Israeli settlement expansion, which may impede prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” the JDCA letter said.

That letter also suggested that racial bias might play into “baseless claims and attacks” against Warnock, the African American senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. “We sign this letter not as an endorsement of a particular candidate, but a rejection of false and divisive slander entering our community. … We abhor the politics of dividing traditionally marginalized communities in order to consolidate political power,” the letter said.

On Dec. 14, the Coalition for Jewish Values, which claims to represent 1,500 “traditional” rabbis, released a rebuttal that said: “the fact that partisan clergy sign a letter does not, unfortunately, mean its words are true.” The authors of the CJV letter included Rabbi Ilan Feldman of Congregation Beth Jacob.

The CJV referenced a Dec. 8 JDCA event, during which Warnock said, “I do not believe Israel is an apartheid state, as some have suggested.”

The CJV letter said, “We appreciated hearing Rev. Raphael Warnock present his views and defend his record … But we are concerned and hurt by the manner in which the Reverend brushed aside his past rhetoric against Israel and the Jewish community, and even blamed his opponents for ‘trying to use Israel as yet another wedge issue.’”

10 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Rev. Raphael Warnock’s statements have become the subject of letters from different groups of rabbis.

In its letter, the CJV continued: “To admit that silence in the face of injusliken a country in which Jews and Arabs tice is complicity,” referencing “many share seats in government and at the Christians that were silent and closed Supreme Court to a country in which their ears against the sound of the deadly Blacks and Whites did not share hospi- apartheid jackboot in the lives of South African blacks,” as tal rooms, classwell as those who rooms or even “condoned” and bathrooms is to benefited from make a despicable slavery, and those comparison – and who “were silent one redolent with and complicit to Antisemitic bias.” the horror of the Another camHolocaust.” paign flashpoint The CJV obhas been a letter jected to that that Warnock statement, and joined following said, “In fact, the a February 2019 statement’s refertrip to Israel and ence to silence of the Palestinian Christians during territories with apartheid, slavery a delegation of and the Holocaust African Americould easily be can and South Rabbi Ilan Feldman is one of the four authors read to infer that African ministers of a letter about Rev. Raphael Warnock the behavior of organized by the from the Coalition for Jewish Values.

Jews in Israel is National Council of Churches. The ministers said that they somehow comparable to that of South observed “the heavy militarization of African whites, slaveowners, or even Nathe West Bank, reminiscent of the mili- zis. Such a dystopian vision can only be tary occupation of Namibia by apartheid attributed to Antisemitism.”

The CJV also referenced a May 2018 South Africa” and saw “patterns that seem to have been borrowed and per- sermon in which Warnock discussed fected from other previous oppressive a week that included dedication of the regimes,” citing “laws of segregation that U.S. Embassy location in Jerusalem and allow one thing for the Jewish people and clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinians. “We saw the government of another for the Palestinians . . .”

The ministers’ letter also said: “We Israel shoot down unarmed Palestinian

sisters and brothers like birds of prey.

And I don’t care who does it, it is wrong.

It is wrong to shoot down God’s children like they don’t matter at all. And it’s no more anti-Semitic for me to say that than it is anti-white for me to say that Black lives matter. Palestinian lives matter,” Warnock said.

The CJV said: “Rev. Warnock misused his pulpit to bear false witness. He saw no such thing, because it never happened.

Each and every element of his statement was false, defamatory, and bigoted.

“And thus we must ask: when, and in what circumstance, did Rev. Warnock reject his aforementioned previous, hateful positions? Only a fool, or someone callously unconcerned for the safety of Israel and the Jewish community, would grant credence to what he says on the campaign trail today to Jewish audiences, over what he said just a year ago in front of his own, supportive congregation,” the CJV letter said.

While Feldman was one of the four listed authors of the CJV letter, the Atlanta area clergy signing the JDCA letter included: Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder, Rabbi Peter Berg, Rabbi Joab EichenbergEilon, Rabbi Brian Glusman, Rabbi Ari Kaiman, Rabbi Lauren Henderson, Rabbi Steven Lebow, Rabbi Joshua Lesser, Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser, Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal, Rabbi Neil Sandler, Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez, Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, Rabbi Scott Sperling, Darshanit Miriam Udel, and Rabbi Harvey J Winokur. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 11

NEWS

Grady Alums Weigh in on Name Change

By Marcia Caller Jaffe After two postponements, the Atlanta Board of Education voted Dec. 14 to change the name of Henry W. Grady High School to Midtown High School. Alumni of Grady, which counts many Jewish students among its graduates, shared their opinions about the name change with the AJT. The conundrum began when the Black Lives Matter movement spurred calls for toppling statues of previously accepted heroes considered racists as a retrospective in today’s social justice climate. There was even talk of removing the intricate granite carvings off Stone Mountain.

On the one hand, Henry Grady (1850-1889) was lauded as a noted orator, the publisher of the Atlanta Constitution and the visionary responsible for post Civil War healing by peacefully promoting blending of the Union and Confederacy. Some of his writings did however state his beliefs in the “supremacy of the white race.”

Thus, the process began to change the Grady High School name.

A variety of alums speak out:

Harriet Schwartz Berger, ’69, likes the cache of the old Grady name.

Harriet Schwartz Berger, 1969: My choice would have been to stick with Grady. I think it has a cache and colleges and others recognized the

Grady High School was once known as Hebrew High. Today the name change has been a highly charged ping-pong local news item.

excellence of the school’s depth and reputation.

Dr. Harvey Zion, 1965, a Grady football player who went on to play college football for Florida State University, experienced Grady’s integration in 1962.

Harvey Zion, class of Zion has a unique 1965, thinks Grady should spin on the name change. have been named for “My initial passion on the a former principal. name change was to Roger Derthick, who was principal from ‘56 to ’72, provid-

Tai Cohen, 2007, who lettered in soccer and football, said that he’s proud of Grady, but if the name represents social injustice, “then by all means, do the name change.”

ing this smooth transition era.

“I was opposed to ‘Ida B. Wells’ because she had no tie to Atlanta. I was surprised that only 178 (out of close to 1,500 students) cared enough to sign a petition to change the Grady name. Thus, the initial spark to the APS [Atlanta Public Schools] committee to change names was not strong,” Zion said. “I’m OK with the change to Midtown.”

Bob Fierman, 1967, was voted best looking in the class senior superlatives. “In my era, Grady enjoyed a large Jewish population. The hallways and most classes were practically empty on the Jewish holidays, especially in the accelerated math and science classes. My attitude about the school name is, that for us, Bob Fierman, ’67, said the aging-seniors, the name, Grady “belongs to another “Grady High School” repregeneration who should sents some of the happiest feel comfortable with what their school name memories of our youth, but represents to them.” the school is no longer ours.

It belongs to another generation who should feel comfortable with what their school name represents to them.”

Jerry Katz (Big Jerr) 1959, was an all-around star athlete and a member of a Jewish boys group, the Dudes.

There were also similar Greek and Christian clubs who intermingled activities.

“I was for the Grady name to remain true to its roots. Henry Grady contributed a lot to our city. Times Jerry Katz (Big Jerr) ’59, was for keeping the name. may have changed, but the “Henry Grady contributed good he did for Atlanta rea lot to our city.” mains.”

Dorothy Carrillo, 1963, was features editor of the school newspaper The Southerner. “Looking back, I realize what a sheltered life we led: Sunday and Saturday mornings at synagogue, Sunday afternoons at the AJCC, and Grady all week. Plus, our neighborhoods

12 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

NEWS were largely Jewish, so our lives were fundamentally Jewish. When half of Grady was absent for the Jewish holidays, the halls would be empty and not much learning would occur.

They can call the school whatever they want; it will always be “They can call the school Grady to me. Like the whatever they want; it will Grady anthem says, always be Grady to me,” said ‘Grady Forever.’” By the Dorothy Carrillo, class of ’63. way, Grady was also known as Hebrew High, she said.

Mollie Pett, 2008, a medical device product manager noted, “There were a few Jewish students, but it was blended. I didn’t feel that there was a particularly coherent Jewish community at Grady.

I’m certainly in favor of the name change. While ‘Grady’ may be a historic name in Atlanta, it doesn’t fit the nature and modern Mollie Pett, 2008, supports the name change to ideals of the school as a represent the geographic diverse and inclusive comlocation as an inner-city munity. I will never cease school with its urbanto appreciate the openprogressive style. minded environment that the school fostered and how this has shaped my views as an adult. If I had a vote, I would support the name ‘Midtown High School,’ to represent its geographic location as an inner-city school that can showcase the urban and progressive style that the school developed.

The times call for a change in our community with a name for the local school that accurately reflects the nondiscriminatory and diversified population in its neighborhood.”

Kenny Silverboard, 1975 “The late '60s and early '70s are when Grady transitioned away from having a good number of Jewish students due to a lot of factors like gentrification, older folks staying in their homes after the family was raised. Yolanda King [daughter of Martin Luther King] was president Kenny Silverboard, ’75 said he’ll refer to of Grady’s sophomore and himself as a graduate junior class ’71 and VP of of Grady that’s now the senior class ’72. known by a new name.

Regarding the name change, I don’t have a problem with it. My memories are of the school. Just like the Progressive [Jewish] country club of a different era.” I think, if asked, I will always say ‘I graduated from Grady, now known as ...,’ whatever they change it to. You make memories from a place, no

The Dudes social club included many Jewish members.

matter the name. Some of my fondest recollections are from back then. If changing the name helps the end goal, I am all for it. “ Morris Podber, 1969 “I still keep in touch with tons of Jewish people as a tight-knit group from Grady. When I went to my 50th reunion, I realized what a great bond we had.

Bottom line: I prefer to

stick with the Grady name.”

Tai Cohen, 2007, lettered in soccer (team captain) and football.

“I am proud of Grady and it’s a big part of my life, but if the name is associated with someone who represented social injustice, then by all means, do the name change. I’ll support any new name for a more progressive idealism.”

Morris Podber, ’69, prefers the school stick with the Grady name.

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Dylan Johnson is a current Grady senior set to graduate next year. He is active in Moot Court and didn’t officially vote on the name change. “I think the change is needed based on an outdated icon. I support “Midtown” because it is in a gray area, inclusive and won’t cause upset.” ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 13

BUSINESS Jewish Atlanta Innovation Vies for $100,000 Federation Innovation will host its first Propel Pitch: A Virtual Competition of Jewish Atlanta Innovation Jan. 14. Participants will compete for up to $100,000 in funding for the most innovative and impactful ideas.

Recipients of Propel Innovation Grants, a research and development accelerator for nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurs reimagining Jewish life in Atlanta, can compete for the award prizes. Propel Pitch is funded by The Marcus Foundation.

Participants will include innovation contenders from AgeWell Atlanta, Be’chol

Lashon, Career Up Now, Jewish Education Collaborative, Jewish Fertility Foundation, Moishe House, OneTable Atlanta, Repair the World, The Blue Dove Foundation, Tikkun Olam Makers, Trybal Gatherings, Your Jewish Bridge, and 18Doors.

“During a year when we’ve all had to rethink how we live and interact with the community, Propel Pitch gives Jewish Atlanta the opportunity to celebrate the innovators who are blazing trails and reimagining how we engage Jewishly,” said Federation CEO Eric Robbins.

“We hope that this friendly competition will not only bring attention to these

important ideas that are more important than ever, but also bring increased funding for these changemakers.”

The panel of Atlanta judges with extensive business and community experience are: Renay Blumenthal, vice president of The Marcus Foundation; Neal Cohen, co-founder of Tip Top Cocktails; Monica Hooks, executive director at Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative; Jenny Levison, owner of Souper Jenny; and Lior Weinstein, serial entrepreneur specializing in digital transformation.

Community members and grantee supporters can view the online pitch vid-

Eric Robbins said the Propel Pitch offers the opportunity to celebrate innovators.

eos from Jan. 7 to Jan. 13. The event will culminate with a live night of presentations, judging and Q&As Jan. 14.

Rabbi Werbin to Teach AJA Gemara Students Rabbi Yitzchok Werbin has joined the Atlanta Jewish Academy’s high school Judaic Studies faculty for the 202021 school year. Werbin is the leader of Kesher Torah Synagogue, formerly The Kehilla in Sandy Springs.

Born and raised in Dunwoody, Werbin graduated from the Greenfield Hebrew Academy in 1995. He received his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Florida, worked in commercial real estate, and then was inspired to

Rabbi Yitzchok Werbin will teach high-level students of Gemara.

explore Judaism on a deeper level. He traveled to Jerusalem to study Talmud,

Jewish philosophy and character development, receiving his semicha [ordination] from Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg, of blessed memory.

Since returning from Israel, Werbin has been actively engaged in outreach efforts for Beth Jacob Synagogue. He personally leads numerous weekly learning opportunities for large and small groups, as well as individualized study.

Werbin was brought to AJA to teach a select group of freshman and sopho-

more boys who are high-level students of Gemara, the latter part of the Talmud.

His goal is to challenge them to grow both textually and analytically, spending more time focused on learning the text of the Gemara on their own and engaging in rich, interactive discussion delving into the depths of the logic of the rabbis of the Gemara.

Werbin’s wife Sarah is a Jewish and marriage educator; they have five children.

Jamestown Partners with Food Bank Jamestown recently announced a million meals and volunteer support for partnership with the Atlanta Community the holidays. Starting the week of Dec. 14, Food Bank to help combat food insecuri- Jamestown began inviting the community to donate throughty in Atlanta. out the holiday seaThe global real son. The public was estate investment and encouraged to bring management firm benon-perishable food hind Ponce City Maritems to donation staket, Southern Dairtions at Ponce City ies, Buckhead Village Market and Southand Westside Proviern Dairies, located sions District began across from Ponce partnering Dec. 14 City Market. Visiwith the food bank, tors also could scan known as one of the QR codes displayed largest hunger relief throughout the propprograms in the naerties to contribute. tion. In addition to “One of the greatdonating more than est needs in our com$250,000 through munity is helping its charitable founlocal families tackle dation, Jamestown food insecurity,” says partnered with the “One of the greatest needs in our community is helping local Matt Bronfman, CEO food bank to launch families tackle food insecurity,” of Jamestown. “The a weeklong food drive Matt Bronfman said.

Atlanta Community to help combat food Food Bank has been working tirelessly insecurity in Atlanta.

Jamestown aims to provide over one these last few months to make sure 14 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Georgians have good, nutritious meals on their tables during the holiday season. Jamestown is proud to be a partner in their efforts, and we look forward to joining the extended Ponce City Market neighborhood in coming together in the last few weeks of 2020 to help this incred-

ible organization make an even bigger impact.”

On top of financial support for the food bank’s mobile pantry program and property activations, Jamestown has arranged a series of volunteer days next year to further support the nonprofit. ì

PHILANTHROPY Marcus Foundation Gives $80 Million to Shepherd Center

By Bob Bahr The Marcus Foundation and Billi and Bernie Marcus have announced an $80 million grant to Atlanta’s Shepherd Center, believed the largest such donation since the hospital’s founding in 1975.

The Shepherd Center is one of few specialty hospitals in America that concentrates on patients with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and other similar conditions.

According to Alana Shepherd, coAlana Shepherd, founder and chair of the founder of the hospital and chairman Shepherd Center, with Bernie Marcus. of the board, the Marcus support for the Shepherd Center dates back to the early 1980s. certainly technologies and programing “Billi and Bernie believed in us from that can help our patients become more the beginning as we dreamed to do the im- independent and have them have a better possible, establishing a specialized reha- recovery. And that’s in research. It’s innobilitation program vation. following the catastrophic accident AJT: How is our son, James, this gift going to experienced.” have an impact on The developthe military famiment of the cenlies that you serve, ter’s hospital comthose military plex on Peachtree veterans who’ve Road has long been impacted by impressed Bernie spinal injuries and Marcus, one of the other conditions? founders of The Morrison: Home Depot corOur SHARE Miliporation. tary Initiative was “ Wa t c h i n g started in 2008 for Alana and her post 9/11 serviceSarah Morrison, center, is CEO family nurture the men and women of the Shepherd Center. organization from that have a brain an idea into the premier destination for injury and post-traumatic stress disorneurorehabilitation has inspired my fam- der. It’s a 12-week program that really has ily and foundation to continue driving given purpose back to the servicemen and Shepherd Center’s mission forward.” women. And again, we just need to do The AJT spoke with Sarah Morrison, more of it. We want to grow that. We want CEO of the Shepherd Center, about the to double that. There’s a lot more serviceimpact of the Marcus gift and the hospi- men and women that need our care and tal’s plans for a five-year fundraising cam- need our specialty treatment and protopaign. cols. We know what we do works because Morrison: This campaign has three we have 100 percent success rate and that different legs to it. One is access. It is the 100 percent of our more than 600 clients ability to serve more people. The second are still with us and are still productive. leg is patient experience. And that’s where our family housing comes in and allowing AJT: What is the impact likely to be of families to be here throughout their loved this $80 million gift on the physical strucone’s rehab. ture of the Shepherd Center?

We’re also going to have smart rooms Morrison: The biggest [impact] from in all of our patient rooms. So, for ex- a structural perspective is to be able to ample, if somebody was paralyzed from have us grow and be flexible well beyond the neck down, they can wheel into their 2025, when the Shepherd Center turns patient room and be able to control their 50 years old. It will give us the ability to environment. add more beds. It’ll give us the ability to And then the third leg is the innova- grow some of our other programs like for tion. Right now, there’s not a cure for brain multiple sclerosis. But again, the innovainjury or spinal cord injury, but there are tion goes along with that in enhancing

The Shepherd Center is a specialty hospital that treats spinal cord injuries and similar conditions.

they’re recovering. You can feel the hope.

If they come to Shepherd Center, we’ll get them as far as they possibly can go. And with a lot of these injuries, recovery can take years. And that’s why Shepherd has been so strategic in making sure that we have the full continuum of care. So it’s just really taking our winning formula of care, which is our culture, our clinical excellence, AJT: What our innovation are you most and our donaproud of as the chief executive The $80 million gift from The Marcus Foundation is tions, and really integrating that officer of Shepbelieved the largest in the hospital’s 45-year history. all into what I’ll herd?

Morrison: We’re still very much a call our secret sauce and really achieving family-oriented organization where peo- the high level of outcomes that we do. And ple really live by the mission of serving with this gift and this fundraising camthese catastrophically injured individuals. paign, we’re going to continue to escalate And you can feel that. You can feel how and enhance all of our programing. ì our care, doing more of it and doing better with it.

This gift is going to be a catalyst that will absolutely transform how Shepherd cares for these individuals and how others care for these individuals. So we’re very, very excited. We’re also very excited about our flexibility and our future growth well beyond 2025.

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 15

ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME

Photo courtesy of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation // Western Wall Rabbi

Shmuel Rabinovitch and a delegation from UAE and Bahrain at the Kotel.

Candlelighting at Western Wall Celebrates Peace Pact

With the newly signed peace agreements between the UAE and Bahrain, a delegation from the two countries visited the Western Wall for a Chanukah celebration.

Lighting candles to celebrate the holiday, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch remarked, “Who would have believed that peace would come to our home in such a glorious way? It is a Chanukah miracle.”

After the success of the Abraham Accords, which have helped numerous countries establish diplomatic relations with

Today in Israeli History

Israel, many of those nations have sent delegations to Israel to explore cultural and economic opportunities that could result between the two nations.

The ceremony at the Western Wall celebrated not only the newfound peace, but the efforts of those fighting the coronavirus as well. With Health Minister Yuli Edelstein in attendance, Rabinovitch thanked medical workers. “A little bit of light pushes away much of the darkness.

Your light — the light of the mission, the light of a love of Israel, a light of dedication – illuminates us all.”

4 Million Expected to Receive Vaccines by March

With Israeli COVID-19 cases reaching new highs in past weeks, the arrival of the Pfizer vaccine by the end of the month is bringing hope, according to The Times of Israel. An estimated 4 million dosages are expected to arrive before the new year, with a second batch of an additional 4 million before March allowing for the vaccination of up to 4 million people.

The Israeli Health Ministry has released a list of who will be receiving vacHusayn of Mecca, sign an agreement pledging mutual respect and cooperation between Arabs and Jews in the Middle East.

Jan. 4, 2006: Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, 77, has a devastating stroke en route to Hadassah Hospital at Ein Kerem after feeling ill at home in the Negev. He slips into a coma from which he never recovers.

Photo by Moshe Milner, Israeli Government Press Office // Soldiers stationed near the Suez

Canal vote in Knesset elections Dec. 31, 1973.

Jan. 2, 1927: Ahad Ha’am dies in Palestine at age 70. Born Asher Ginsberg in Ukraine, he adopted the pen name Ahad Ha’am (One of the People) amid his advocacy for a culture-focused Zionism.

Jan. 3, 1919: Zionist leader Chaim Weizmann and Emir Faisal, son of Sharif 16 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Israeli Driverless Startup to be Added to NASDAQ, Valued at $1.4 billion

Innoviz Technologies, an autonomous vehicle technology company based out of Rosh Ha-Ayin near Tel Aviv, is set to be added to the NASDAQ. The company is reported expecting an opening valuation Jan. 7, 1858: Eliezer Ben-Yehuda is born Eliezer Perelman in Lithuania. After moving in 1881 to Jerusalem, he undertakes the revival of Hebrew as an everyday language and speaks only Hebrew at home.

Jan. 8, 2008: Moshe Levi, who became the first Mizrahi chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces in 1983, dies of a brain aneurysm at age 72. He was known as Moshe VaHetzi (Moshe and a Half) because of his height.

Jan. 9, 1952: The Knesset ends three days of debate by voting 61-50 to accept more than $800 million in Holocaust reparations from West Germany over 14 years.

The decision sparks protests.

Dec. 31, 1973: Israel holds an election for the eighth Knesset, postponed by the Yom Kippur War, and the Labor-led Alignment wins 39.6 percent of the votes, keeping Prime Minister Golda Meir in power.

Jan. 1, 1995: The full, 1,500-page Agranat Report, the government’s official assessment of the Israel Defense Forces’ performance during the October 1973 war, is released to the public, nine years ahead of schedule.

cines, focusing on those in high-risk groups and anyone over the age of 60, the paper reported. After that, those with medical conditions putting them in danger from the virus, and those at high risk of infection due to their vocations are expected to receive the vaccine, and then the general population, depending on availability.

As cases have been spiking, reports have surfaced that the Health Ministry may quarantine the public again. There are new contact tracing efforts in place, as the security agency Shin Bet attempts to create a contact tracing effort for those who do not cooperate with other similar efforts, The Times of Israel reported. The technology, previously used to combat terrorism, will now be turning to combat the deadly pandemic.

Yahya Ayyash was blown up while making his weekly call from Gaza to his father in the West Bank.

Jan. 5, 1996: Hamas bomb maker Yahya “The Engineer” Ayyash is killed in Gaza City when the Shin Bet sets off explosives in his cellphone. His bombs killed more than 80 Israelis.

Jan. 6, 1909: Moshe Sneh, a doctor known for resistance to British rule in Palestine who becomes a Communist lawmaker, is born in Radyzn, Poland. He serves in the Knesset from 1949 to 1972.

Photo by Moshe Milner, Israeli Government Press Office // Jordan’s King Hussein visits

a Jordanian soldier being treated at Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital on Jan. 10, 1996.

Jan. 10, 1996: Jordan’s King Hussein pilots an army helicopter to make his first public visit to Israel nearly 15 months after

of $1.4 billion.

Specializing in Lidar (laser imaging, detection and ranging) devices that are used in autonomous vehicles to help detect objects and distance, the company has expanded to offices all over the world. While they are not doing a traditional initial public offering, the company is planning to do a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) with a company called Collective Growth Corporation, a sort of shell company that helps take corporations public.

CEO Omer Keilaf said, “The public listing is a major step on our path to becoming one of the dominant players in the global autonomous driving industry,” although the company has already established itself in the industry. BMW, a leader in autonomous driverless technologies, said that “Innoviz is one of our strongest partners that is enabling us to develop the future of automated driving.” Founded by ex-members of the Israel Defense Force’s Unit 81, a special high tech development unit for the IDF, Innoviz has over 280 employees in offices around the world.

BMW recently selected Innoviz’s computer vision software for a series of production cars starting next year. signing a peace treaty. He secretly visited Israel in 1977.

Jan. 11, 1929: Rafael Eitan, the 11th chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, is born in Tel Adashim. He is wounded four times before reaching the rank of lieutenant general as the chief of staff in 1978.

Jan. 12, 1981: Hamad Abu-Rabia, the first Bedouin to serve in the Knesset, is fatally shot at age 51 outside the Holy Land Hotel in Jerusalem over a political dispute with a Druze rival.

Jan. 13, 1922: Nahum Sokolow, the president of the World Zionist Congress’ Executive Committee, meets with U.S. President Warren Harding for nearly an hour during a tour to raise money for Jewish settlement in Palestine.

Jan. 14, 2018: Benjamin Netanyahu pays the first state visit to India by an Israeli prime minister in more than 15 years, reciprocating a trip to Israel by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2017.

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

ISRAEL NEWS COVID Vaccinations for Israelis Started Dec. 19

By Jan Jaben-Eilon With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi leading the way, the Israeli COVID vaccination process launched Dec. 19. Those prioritized next in line are hundreds of thousands of medical personnel, followed by the elderly and those with underlying conditions.

The question is, who will be next?

According to a poll released by the Israel Democracy Institute, only about 40 percent of Israelis last month said they would agree to participate in the first round of vaccinations, while more than half would not.

One of the IDI researchers involved in the survey, Dr. Or Anabi, wasn’t surprised.

“People are afraid that because the vaccine hasn’t been tested for as long as other vaccines that were developed in the past that maybe we don’t know everything about the long-term effects,” Anabi said.

This is true despite the fact that the Even more enticing is that the passnumber of daily new virus cases is on the rise again, with the government suggesting port might enable travelers to fly abroad that the country might go into a third lock- without first getting a virus test, as is curdown after earlier lockdowns in the spring rently required. According to Israeli news, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said that and during the High Holy Days.

The Health Ministry said 2,500 to 3,000 the idea is not to provide a benefits packnew cases of the virus are mounting daily. age for people who receive the vaccination, One Israeli TV channel reported that health but that “those who are no longer in danofficials think that number could double ger of being ill with the coronavirus can do soon while any effects of the vaccine would things that others who are still in danger can’t do.” not be felt before March.

Israeli public broadJust over 3,000 Israelis caster KAN reported that have died from COVID. some government officials According to Israeli see the possibility for innews reports, the Health ternational travel as a key Ministry is considering incentive for the public to ways to bribe Israelis to get vaccinated. encourage them to get The government exvaccinated. Channel 12 pects to receive about 4 reported that the governmillion doses of the Pfizer ment may restrict travel vaccine by the end of this and access to public places month, with nearly the for those who refuse to Health Minister Yuli Edelstein same number during be vaccinated. Those insaid the government is considering issuing a type January. Moderna vacdividuals who decline the of “passport” to Israelis who cines are expected some vaccine might not be alreceive both inoculations time during the first half lowed to fly, eat inside resagainst the COVID virus. of 2021. The Israeli health taurants or attend cultural events without showing a negative COVID maintenance organizations – through which Israelis receive their healthcare – test result.

Health officials are also contemplating anticipated inoculating 60,000 to 80,000 issuing a type of “passport” to Israelis who people a day, although that could lead to a get vaccinated, allowing them access to res- shortfall in vaccines by April.

Meanwhile, the Israel Institute for taurants, cultural events and the right to not quarantine after exposure to a diagnosed Biological Research in Nes Ziona, is also devirus-carrier. The so-called passport would veloping a vaccine. It has told those particibe issued two weeks after an individual re- pating in trials that if they want, at any time ceives the second of the two shots required after joining the Israeli vaccine study, to receive either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID against COVID.

Netanyahu gets the vaccine.

vaccine, it would provide them with information about whether they have received a placebo or the actual Israeli vaccine. As Israeli newspapers have reported, this could

create a research dilemma because the control group – those receiving the placebo – would no longer serve the purposes of the study. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 17

OPINION Letter to the Jewish Community

By Senator David Perdue Since Israel’s founding, the United States has been a steadfast ally and friend of Israel, united by our shared values of freedom and democracy. However, in 2015, when I was sworn in, that special relationship had been severely damaged by the [former president Barack] Obama administration. My first international trip as a U.S. senator was purposefully to Israel, where I personally met with Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu to reaffirm that America stood shoulder-toshoulder with the State of Israel.

Over the last four years, the U.S.Israel relationship has rightfully been restored as a top priority, demonstrated best by our long overdue recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and subsequent move of the American embassy.

This unwavering support has helped facilitate Israel’s recent diplomatic breakthroughs with the Arab world, which will not only increase Israel’s standing in the world, but also tectonically change the Middle East for the better.

Despite these positive developments, Israel continues to face threats at every border. From Hezbollah and the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] in the North, to Hamas and ISIS in the South, Israel’s enemies will stop at nothing to attack and kill innocent Israelis. In light of Israel’s rising security challenges, I have strongly supported providing Israel the resources it needs to defend itself.

This support should continue to be robust and never be made conditional, period.

A nuclear-armed Iran would spell disaster for the Middle East, but in particular, Israel. The dangerous Iran nuclear deal served only to embolden Iran and provide it with a free path to accelerate its nuclear efforts. It’s important to remember that without a Republican Congress, there would’ve never ever been a vote on the Iran deal, nor would the American people have been able to see what was even in it. Still, I strongly supported the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] 18 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

and impose a maximum pressure campaign to comprehensively address all forms of Iranian malign aggression and cripple the Iranian regime.

I have also been a proud defender of the Jewish community here at home. Since arriving in the Senate, I have made fighting anti-Semitism in all forms and at all levels a top priority, including standing up to the antiSemitic Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which has served as a catalyst to the rising frequency of attacks against Jews.

Unfortunately, we saw this issue at the forefront in 2017 after a string of bomb threats at Jewish community centers across the country. That was appalling, and I worked with national security officials in the Trump administration to make sure there would be a long-term strategy to protect these JCCs and other places of worship.

There are efforts underway to undermine our alliance with Israel and our

commitment to the Jewish people around the world. These movements must be called out and forcefully rejected.

The future of our essential partnership with Israel is on the ballot in this election.

The [President-elect Joe] Biden foreign policy agenda my opponent would enable in office risks emboldening enemies like Iran and making the world less safe. Jon Ossoff has chosen to stand side-by-side with and defend his running mate Raphael Warnock, whose unacceptable positions include comparing Israel to apartheid South Africa, celebrating renowned anti-Semite Jeremiah Wright, and likening Israel’s sitting prime minister to segregationists. ì

OPINION

Letter to the Jewish Community

By Jon Ossoff I write humbly to ask for the support of Jewish voters in Georgia.

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.

That Jewish upbringing instilled in me a conviction to fight for the marginalized, the persecuted and the dispossessed.

In the U.S. Senate I will fight for health, jobs and justice for all Georgians.

I will work to make health care affordable and accessible for all. I will support a jobs program with

historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy. I will champion a new Civil Rights Act to secure

equal justice for all.

I believe no American should lack great health care for lack of wealth. This is not socialism. It’s compassion.

I believe we must invest in infrastructure and clean energy to grow our economy and protect our environment.

This is not socialism. It’s vision.

I believe we must advance criminal justice reform to end race and class bias in our justice system. This is not socialism. It’s consistent with the principle of equal protection under the law, enshrined in our Constitution, but not yet real in daily American life.

I am running against a virulent and unrepentant anti-Semite, Sen. David Perdue, who lengthened my nose in attack ads and refused to apologize for it despite the demands of the American Jewish Committee.

A U.S. senator who uses ancient anti-Semitic imagery to inflame hatred against his Jewish opponent must be crushed by Jewish voters on Election Day. Perdue has supported the growth of right-wing extremism, which is a threat to Jews in America, as it is everywhere and always. He has been one of [President Donald] Trump’s most shameless apologists, and the TrumpPerdue GOP has given rise to

violent right-wing groups like the Proud Boys, who would have been at home in the German SA of the early 1930s.

I am a committed supporter of the State of Israel. I have family in Jerusalem, and I am committed to Israel’s security as a homeland for the Jewish people, as I am committed to supporting American diplomatic engagement to negotiate a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

We are living at a moment of crisis: 300,000 Americans have been killed by a virus that Senator Perdue assured us was no deadlier than the flu. We have witnessed staggering malpractice and incompetence by the GOP-led federal government this year.

And for eight months, the Senate has blocked economic relief desperately needed by millions of Americas.

I will vote to rush direct relief to families and small businesses.

I will vote to rush resources to Georgia’s CDC, hospital systems and clinics, and to ensure free COVID-19 testing and vaccination for all Americans so public health experts can lead the effort to defeat this virus.

If [Senate Majority Leader] Mitch McConnell and David Perdue maintain a majority in the U.S. Senate, they will engage in a campaign of wanton partisan obstruction, putting the national interest beneath the GOP’s interests, and deliberately sabotaging the efforts of the BidenHarris administration to implement a strong public health response and economic recovery plan.

I ask you again for your vote, so we can address this crisis head-on and enact legislation to make life better, healthier, more prosperous, and more just in Georgia and across our great country.

Early voting is open now, and election day is on Jan. 5. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 19

OPINION

My Support for the Jewish Community and Israel

By Rev. Raphael Warnock I was born in Georgia, raised in Savannah and for the past 15 years have served as the senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Leading from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s historic pulpit, I am proud to continue his legacy of leadership and friendship between Atlanta’s Black and Jewish communities.

In 1958, The Temple was bombed following Rabbi Jacob Rothschild’s outspoken support for the Civil Rights movement and Dr. King. This twisted act of violence strengthened unintendedly the camaraderie not only between the two men, but also among two communities of faith.

Rabbi Rothschild and Dr. King understood then what I know to be true today: the same sicknesses of bigotry and hatred fuel the threats faced by our communities and we need each other to defeat them.

More than 60 years later, I continue in that tradition of interfaith understanding and respect, working with Atlanta’s Jewish community leaders on joint services and fellowship in recognition of our shared values.

Many are still learning of my background and my interfaith commitment to our neighbors, especially to the Jewish community and to Israel. That’s why I believe it’s critical the community hears directly from me.

I wholeheartedly and unabashedly echo Dr. King’s declaration that “Israel’s right to exist as a state in security is incontestable.”

Israel has long been the greatest proponent of democracy in the Middle East and America’s most important partner in the region.

We must stand with Israel against the many threats they face, including a

20 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

nuclear Iran, and as a U.S. senator I will work to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.

That is why I support [former] President [Barack] Obama’s security assistance memorandum of understanding that protects Israel, and I agree with President-elect [Joe] Biden that placing conditions on our assistance would be a mistake.

In the spirit of John Lewis and the civil rights tradition I revere, I recognize the First Amendment right to protest is an American value we must protect. But I strongly oppose the BDS [Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions] movement and its anti-Semitic underpinnings, including its supporters’ refusal to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist.

It is true that I am deeply concerned about continued settlement expansion. I believe it is a threat to the prospect of a two- state solution, which I believe is the only path to enduring peace. I will continue to advocate for self-determination for the Palestinian people because I want to see a Palestinian state living sideby-side with a safe and secure Israel.

In my final year of seminary, I wrote my thesis on two of my favorite theolo-

gians: Dr. King and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an important leader in the minority voice of Christian resistance to Hitler, the Third Reich and “Christian” Aryanism in Germany. Both were pastors who confronted anti-Semitism, racism and bigotry and urged us all towards a more loving, peaceful and just society.

King said, “We are caught up in an

inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Bonhoeffer averred, “We have for once learned to see the great events of world history [...] from the perspective of the outcasts, the suspects, the maltreated — in short, from the perspective of those who suffer.”

Their moral legacy has informed my activism, the coalitions of conscience that I have strived to create and the work that I do. Without reservation, you can count on me to stand with the Jewish community and Israel in the U.S. Senate. ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 21

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

Disclamer to our readers: This section of the newspaper is a forum for our community to share thoughts, concerns and opinions as open letters to the community or directly to the newspaper.

As a letter to the editor, we proof for spelling and grammatical errors only. We do not edit nor vet the information the letter contains. The individual signing the letter is accountable for what they share.

Letter to the editor,

Letter to the editor,

While Judy Woodruff [“PBS Anchor Sees Threat to Press Freedom,” Dec. 15] is sincere about her thinking, that “social media is not a journalistic entity,” her assumption is misconceived. Perhaps technically, social media is not journalistic; the perception is that it is and therefore is taken as such. In this case, perception is reality and that creates the problem. Search engine giants do act as purveyors of information and therefore should be held accountable for the content of such information. Without being accountable, we, the general public, cannot separate fact from fiction and worse: intentional misrepresentation. Our world is moving so fast that we need guidelines and boundaries on communication mechanisms.

Larry Benuck, Atlanta

To Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue: Millions of Americans have risked and continue to risk their lives in defense of democracy. Is it too much to ask that you risk your precious Senate seat in defense of the same?

Senators: You are both smart people. You know that Joe Biden fairly and squarely won the state of Georgia and the presidency of the United States. It is inconceivable that you actually believe America’s November elections, and Georgia’s in particular, were rigged against Donald Trump (and perhaps rigged in favor of down ballot Republicans?)

Everyone understands that you fear the wrath of President Trump. And yes, it’s possible that his loyal followers will abandon you should you stand up for the integrity of our elections and your fellow Georgia Republicans, most importantly the Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. But are you not willing to take that risk to protect the core institution of American democracy?

It is that democracy that has allowed people to come to our shores from all around the world, participate fully as citizens and share in the American dream. Jews, who have been discriminated against and suffered persecution throughout history, are particularly appreciative of the freedoms and opportunities that this great nation has afforded them. Jews also understand that any attack on democracy is also an attack on them and their well-being.

The beauty of American democracy is that we can legitimately disagree about almost everything – everything except democracy itself. Jews can legitimately agree or disagree with the policies you promote. But the delegitimization of democracy is a line that no American, and, in particular, no Jewish Americans should cross. And a vote for you on Jan. 5 crosses that sacred line.

Shai Robkin, Atlanta

Letter to the editor, I just had a wonderful Chanukah experience. My daughter works at [Congregation] Etz Chaim’s religious school. Her daughter, my grandbaby, attends their preschool during the week. This past Sunday, an anonymous donor wanted to give a gift to a child in the school. Our baby, through the religious school, was selected to receive the gift. The anonymous donor wanted a child to get this gift, and what a gift it was: a huge bag of new dresses, toys, cut-out figures, etc. What a surprise, as no one saw this idea coming.

We appreciate this so much. But because it was anonymous, there was no way to thank the donor directly. What wonderful, thoughtful gifts. The thought of someone or family giving such generous gifts at this time of year, well, it really made Chanukah Sunday special. So I wanted to somehow thank them for this surprise. Since we do not know who it is, we thought this letter could be placed in the [Atlanta] Jewish Times.

Hopefully the donor will read this and know what a big deal this was to us.

This goes to show all of us what a caring Jewish community we live in. Even in these trying times, our people are bringing good cheer and joy to others. So thank all of our anonymous donors out there! A wonderful holiday experience we will never forget.

Wayne Neuwirth, Marietta.

22 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

OPINION Letter to the editor,

Letter to the editor,

Given Dave Schechter’s report of Rev. [Raphael] Warnock’s statements supporting Israel’s right to exist, continuing military support, opposing BDS, and denouncing apartheid charges against Israel, I’m confused as to why Israel is even a campaign issue. To me, the Israel “issue” is a distraction.

Judge a candidate’s character and integrity by their actions, not their words. Rev. Warnock has been about service to others for his adult life.

By contrast, when Ms. [Kelly] Loeffler was privately briefed of the severity of the COVID-19 virus in January, she adjusted her stock portfolio. She downplayed COVID-19’s potential impact on Georgians. After the November election, without any supporting evidence, she and fellow Senator David Perdue, sought the resignations of Secretary of State [Brad] Raffensperger and Voter Implementation Chief [Gabriel] Sterling over unproven voter fraud. That reflects poor judgment on her part. Her campaign ads don’t communicate a vision – just hysteria and misinformation. Warnock ads advocate what he is for, not just what he opposes.

Electing her will ensure a U.S. Senate controlled by [Senate Majority Leader] Mitch McConnell. He is already blocking over 250 pieces of bipartisan House-passed legislation from Senate consideration. America needs better; Georgia deserves better.

Rev. Warnock is the better choice for Georgians than his opponent.

Rich Lapin, Dunwoody

It is funny that your progressive letter writers think that I am a diehard Republican activist and part of a well-coordinated plot against empty suit [Jon] Ossoff and anti-Israel preacher [Raphael] Warnock. If the names Lerch Kerry, Inconvenient Gore, Epstein-buddy Clinton, Tank driver Dukakis, Mopey Mondale, and Apartheid Carter seem familiar, these are the names of Democrat presidential candidates I supported with money and votes. So much for being controlled and diehard. For the newbies of Sandy Springs, I was on the Committee for Sandy Springs for six years, begging the corrupt Democrat leadership of Atlanta and Fulton County to be allowed to start an independent city. Newer residents do not remember hour-long response time for police and fire. Nor do they remember the multiple investigations of several recent past mayors of Atlanta.

It was the Republican renaissance in 2004 that allowed Sandy Springs and then Milton and Johns Creek to be free at last with improved services and education. It was the first Republican Governor Sonny Perdue who made the first state visit to Israel, and I helped draft the bill that allowed Georgia to buy Israel bonds, which has been repeated by Governors [Nathan] Deal and [Brian] Kemp. We are talking about between $20-30 million of bonds held by the people of Georgia. It was the three Republican governors who elevated Georgia into the top five places to do business for the past several years. Now Fulton County, with the influx of out-of-staters, has become blue because Republican improvements have been accomplished.

In this election, we are asked to support Warnock and Ossoff, neither of whom have any experience running a large business, creating jobs, knowing foreign affairs or legislative history. I do not know if Warnock is anti-Semitic, but he has a long history of anti-Israel comments, which have not been retracted and are troubling. There is no equivalence between Warnock’s quotes over time and a passing meeting with QAnon by [Kelly] Loeffler. Lastly, Ossoff has the thinnest resume and people defended him when he was accused of being funded by Communist China. Social media and the mainstream news censored this story. However, after the election and [Joe] Biden safely elected, lo and behold, Ossoff had to redo his taxes and list his Chinese financial sponsors. OMG. We knew this all along, but as Lincoln, a Republican said, you can fool all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time or else we become the fools.

And if this does change your vote, remember if [David] Perdue and Loeffler do not win, you can welcome crazy Bernie Sanders as your new chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.

Dr. Jeffrey Kunkes, Atlanta (Independent, not coordinated pro-Israel and Judaism activist)

Letter to the editor, In his letter announcing, “My Support for the Jewish Community and Israel,” Rev Raphael Warnock cites the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Congressman John Lewis. If he truly supports the views of Dr. King and Congressman Lewis concerning Zionism, he should have no problem publicly embracing the wise and prescient words of Dr. King spoken at Harvard [University] shortly before his death and cited by Congressman Lewis in a January 2002 op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle commemorating Martin Luther King Day: “When people criticize Zionists, they mean Jews; you’re talking anti-Semitism.”

If Rev. Warnock cannot unequivocally embrace these famous words of Dr. King cited by Congressman Lewis, then his support for Israel and the Jewish people is lukewarm at best.

Richard Sherman, Margate, Fla.

Letter to the editor, Shortly after Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was re-elected by a wide margin in August, the Atlanta Jewish Times published a letter by one Richard Sherman of Margate, Fla., which contained one invidious comparison, and one factual error. To wit: 1. He compared the voters of the congresswoman’s Minnesota district to the 1933 Germans who helped make Hitler chancellor. Either he was on LSD when he said it, or he failed history in school.

2. He declared that the late Georgia Congressman John Lewis would certainly condemn Congresswoman Omar as an “anti-Semite.” Before he passed, Congressman Lewis co-sponsored a bill with Congresswoman Omar calling for a boycott of Israel.

And, Ilhan Omar revealed that John Lewis affectionately called her “daughter” and told her how thrilled he was that she, a black Muslim African hijab-wearing refugee, had been elected to Congress and would now serve beside him.

Ross Vachon, San Clemente, Calif.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 23

OPINION Letter to the editor,

Letter to the editor,

If Rev. [Raphael] Warnock is truly a disciple of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., he should be urging Mahmoud Abbas [president of the Palestinian Authority] to negotiate with Israel, with the understanding that Palestinian leaders, and not just Israel, will need to make compromises if peace is to be achieved. Rev. Warnock should be condemning Abbas’ inciting his people to “violently resist the occupation,” noting that, in signing the Oslo Accords, Israel did what no Arab state had done for the Arabs of Palestine: afford them the opportunity to live under the administration of leaders of their own choosing! And Rev. Warnock could chastise the Palestinian leaders for prioritizing efforts to destroy the nation-state of the Jews over efforts to build a state, co-existing with Israel, in which Palestinians could become productive citizens. In the best of all possible scenarios, Rev. Warnock would be calling on Palestinian leaders to grant citizenship to the Palestine refugees – people claiming descent from Arabs who fled Arab-initiated wars aimed at preventing Israel’s rebirth in the Jews’ ancestral homeland –rather than demanding that Israel take them in. To close on a really high note, Rev. Warnock could even remind everyone that Jewish Lives Matter too.

Toby F. Block, Atlanta

Regarding the [Dec. 15] letter from former Consul General of Israel Alon Liel, in these pages, I share his appreciation for the work of [former] Ambassador Andrew Young and for the close ties between many in the African American community and the Jewish community. But Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Raphael Warnock is no Andrew Young.

It is stunning that [former] Ambassador Liel offers a character reference and endorsement for Warnock, while admitting that he has never met him or spoken with him. I urge Ambassador Liel to listen to Warnock’s own words, from before he decided to run for public office. Warnock’s statements put him at the far left of the Democratic Party and are laced with the anti-Israel and anti-Semitic tropes we have all sadly come to expect from that quarter.

Raphael Warnock’s widely reported words include likening Israel to apartheid South Africa and the security barrier to the Berlin Wall; falsely claiming that the Israeli government shot down “unarmed Palestinian sisters and brothers like bird of prey;” comparing [Israel Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu to segregationist [and former] Alabama Governor George Wallace; and publicly defending the anti-Semitic, racist Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Perhaps Ambassador Liel has only heard Warnock’s recent comments, distancing himself from those remarks and asserting friendship with Israel and the Jewish community. But Warnock’s election eve conversion to the pro-Israel camp is deeply suspect. His sermons and political positions over many years prior to 2020 should not be ignored; they are the real measure of the man.

Ambassador Liel’s fond memories of Andrew Young from 30 years ago are not a sound basis for assessing Raphael Warnock today. Warnock’s past statements show that he is no friend of Israel or our community, and his policy positions are too radical and too dangerous for Georgia and for our country.

Norm Coleman served as a U.S. senator from Minnesota from 2003 to 2009 and is national chairman of the Republican Jewish Coalition.

Letter to the editor, COVID-19 Letter to America Wherever you are right now, whatever you are doing, I would like you to pause your activities, take a seat and hear me out. For those of you who were going to read my above statement and continue on with your current activities before you go, I have one question: Aren’t you glad you’re wearing that mask? Ah-ha! Now I have your attention.

Before you roll your eyes and grunt at me, no this isn’t an infomercial on COVID-19 and why what you are currently doing is endangering the whole human population. Well, not exactly. Personally, if COVID-19 is brought up in any conversation it’s as if someone has just brought up the 2020 election instead. You’re either red or blue. And that’s why I’m not, yes you heard me, I’m not going to talk about COVID-19 statistics, and what you need to be doing to keep yourself and the rest of America safe (well, not exactly). You’ve listened to the news, read the newspapers, and have scrolled through Twitter. I don’t need to talk about something you already know.

So, I’m going to ask you again, please take a second and pause whatever you’re doing at this moment. I need you, America, to hear me out because what I’m about to share with you isn’t something you will have heard already on the news or read tweets about. Hi, my name is Tamar. I’m a senior in high school, and I’m afraid I’m losing something very important to me: My America.

At 17 years old, I’m now having to worry about whether or not I’ve been exposed to a deadly virus that has killed around 282,000 people in the United States, and 1.54 million worldwide. If I were to not be wearing a mask, I would not only be endangering myself and my family, but I would also be endangering every single person I encounter in my day-to-day life.

As a 17-year-old, I have to ask myself, am I a murderer? I know this sounds silly, me a 17-year-old killing hundreds and hundreds of people? It’s not easy holding your head up high during a pandemic when you feel like you’ve contributed to a genocide.

Death is not a joke. Death isn’t something you should ever take lightly, especially when you can do things to prevent it. But you know what else isn’t a joke? Our mental health.

That’s right, I’m admitting to you today that COVID-19 is taking a toll on my mental and emotional health and I KNOW for a FACT I’m not the only one in this position.

So, America, yes you, I hope you will have made it to this part of my letter for I am a teen on a mission. America, the land of the free, home of the brave is dying. Whether you are red or blue, wear a mask, keep your distance. And in case you’re wondering, no, I don’t want to hear why you don’t wear a mask. I don’t care “why” you aren’t socially distancing with those who don’t live under your roof. There are NO excuses (exception: medical diagnosis) especially when My America is suffering and deteriorating right in front of my 17-year-old eyes.

Tamar Wilons, Dunwoody

24 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Letter to the editor, I read the recent full-page ad by Rev. Raphael Warnock in the AJT and was excited that he now says he supports Israel’s (the Jewish people’s) “right to exist.” Israel’s and her Jewish citizens' right to exist are not subject to discussion, debate or negotiation any more than discussing America’s right to exist. Warnock now boasting of his support for Israel’s right to exist is insulting, pandering and just plain baloney.

There are actually two Warnocks: the one before he ran for office and the one now wanting to be senator.

In 2018, he repeatedly bashed Israel from his pulpit telling lies about her, and he signed a National Council of Churches of Christ statement in 2019 calling for an end to arms sales to Israel. In particular, that statement called for the U.S. to reconsider its $38 billion military aid package to Israel.

Warnock was also a 2019 delegate for the Progressive National Baptist Convention and endorsed a 2019 resolution calling on the U.S. government to end military aid to Israel, which means it would no longer be able to properly defend itself.

Warnock now denies that he wants America to stop giving military aid to Israel, but he cannot deny approving the false, one-sided NCC statement and the PNBC resolution.

He signed the 2019 statement that likened Israel and “saw parallels” to apartheid South Africa, which totally abused the majority black population for so many years.

Unlike South Africa used to be, Israel is a democratic state, and the Arab minority have the rights of the Jewish majority.

Warnock now says in his “I stand with Israel” ad that he never accused Israel of being an apartheid state.

He did not say Israeli police had the “gangsters and thugs mentality” like he called police in America, but he accused them of shooting so-called nonviolent protestors like “birds of prey.” Did he actually check to see if these “peaceful protestors” had planted bombs or were carrying knives and guns?

Nothing in Warnock’s “Israel sermon,” the statement, the resolution and his numerous ads, addresses the cruelty of the Palestinians whom he calls “his brother and sisters,” but he never refers to Israeli Jews as “his brothers and sisters.”

Warnock is no friend of Israel. I will never vote for any Republican or Democrat whom I feel is anti-Israel. Therefore, I will not vote for him. ì Lowell Fine, Atlanta

Connecting at Chabad Intown

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An IJA Torah study course over Zoom.

on “Journey of the Soul,” he said. “It's a different perspective from what I learned in Hebrew School.”

What do an opera singer, dentist, retired advertising executive and yoga teacher/artist have Forging Relationships in common? They're all part of a learning community at Chabad Intown. Mindy Margolis sings opera with the Atlanta Symphony The first course at AIJ for Jerry Riemer, who reOrchestra, but she defines herself as a stay-at- tired from an advertising and marketing career, home mom. In 2006, she was searching for was “Great Debates in Jewish History.” stimulating classes and found them at Intown He said, “It was the perfect opportunity to argue Jewish Academy (IJA). “I've taken three courses for the sake of arguing.” He didn't get to argue, a year for 14 years and loved every single one,” but he connected with Rabbi Sollish. “The esshe said. “The pull is Rabbi [Ari] Sollish. He's sence of his lessons is to be a mensch,” Riemer said. “Rabbi Sollish is one of those people who such a dynamic teacher.”

Margolis likes interacting with other adults lives it.” and exercising her brain. She recalls one class Riemer takes five or six courses a year. His where Rabbi Sollish said, “I'm going to blow favorite course is The Mystery of Hebrew Numerology on the topic your mind with this.” of Gematria. He knew She remembers thinking it existed but seeing the – in a half hour, that's application is what connot going to be. “But by tinues to fascinate him. the end of that class my Relationships between mind was blown!” people is something Margolis said, “I loved that Riemer enjoys at coming to classes on Thursdays at noon.” But Rabbi Sollish leads a weekly socially distanced IJA. “Times like this, it's tough to be in touch,” he now she appreciates that Torah study class on the Beltline. said. “People here aren't Chabad Intown made classes accessible to everyone on Zoom. “The just students but also members of a community. world didn't stop,” she said. “You can still take They're where they want to be with people they the courses that you love and are important to want to be with.” you, just in a different way.”

Coping with a Changing World Discovering a Different Perspective Donna Bogatin, a certified yoga instructor Before COVID-19, Dr. Morris Socoloff worked whose work led her to creating beaded jewelry, as a hospital oral and reconstructive dentist was new to Atlanta and didn't know anyone. who taught residents around the country. A Warmly welcomed at a Jewish Art Reception at native of Atlanta, he considers himself a con- Chabad Intown, Bogatin enjoyed more than the servative Jew, but said he found Chabad Intown beautiful photographs from Israel.

“Rabbi Schusterman made a speech that imyears ago.

“I'm floored by the number of classes at pressed me,” she said. So she looked up the Chabad,” he said. Recently, he finished a Zoom courses. A world traveler who studied foreign course on “Secrets of the Bible.” He said, “It's cultures, Donna wanted to learn about Judapresented in a way that really questions our ism, but she was busy. Before the pandemic, she existence and gives us insight on how to live.” had a huge year in wholesale with her jewelry Now, he's thinking about enrolling in a course OMM YEAH! Small Batch Gems. Then the

Rabbi Sollish discusses his new book "Inclusion and the Power of the Individual" in January 2019.

world changed.

On March 7, in the last week before the pandemic, Bogatin demonstrated her jewelry at Macy's. On March 14, she attended a special Shabbat service at Chabad Intown. Rabbi Schusterman's stepmother, Chana Rachel Schusterman, taught a class titled “Joy and Inner Peace in Times of Chaos.” With all of the stores and markets closing, that class helped Bogatin “start the shift to be able to go on,” she said.

Now, every day at noon, Bogatin clicks on Zoom for Rabbi Sollish's Power Parsha class discussing that week's Torah reading. “Rabbi Ari (as many warmly call him) is very engaging,” she said. She likes that he teaches Judaism with a modern view. She particularly enjoys Wednesdays, when his parsha class meets on the porch of their new building, near the Atlanta BeltLine. Here, even with social distancing, everyone learns and eats lunch, ordered the day before from Spicy Peach. She feels the sense of community studying Torah together. “It gives me all the Torah knowledge and inspiration I've always wanted.”

Collaborating on Zoom

Tekhelet, the mysterious, lost blue thread mentioned in the Torah, is one of the ideas that Bogatin learned about. It inspired her to design Nouveau Judaica. With the Tekhelet in mind, Rabbi Sollish asked her to teach jewelry-making on Zoom. She and the Rabbi collaborated on a Tree of Life theme and then followed up with two more lessons. Bogatin prepared kits of beads that were mailed to the 25 to 30 Zoom participants. “I present the jewelry aspect and the Rabbi gives the Jewish inspiration,” she said.

“It's taken my jewelry to another level.” More than that, she credits her connection to Chabad Intown for giving her a new perspective on life.

“Both the Torah knowledge and the interaction of community has helped me grow – really, survive!”

Rabbi Sollish is the director of the Intown Jewish Academy, the adult education arm of

Chabad Intown. His vision is to inspire and connect individuals by sharing Jewish wisdom.

“Nothing is as uplifting as studying Jewish wisdom,” he said, “and nothing gives people a sense of meaning amid the chaos than Torah.

“I can't tell you the number of people who contacted me in the last nine months, who are alone, scared and anxious,” Rabbi Sollish said.

“Intown Jewish Academy helps maintain community while sharing Jewish wisdom. People have told me that their perspective has been transformed and that this is a blessing for them.

With G-d's help we're making an impact.”

A Vision for The Future

The community is invited to support a $12.5 million building campaign called Vision 2020 to help Chabad Intown complete the purchase of its new facility on the BeltLine at 730 Ponce de Leon Place. The vision calls for a multipurpose community center with classrooms, kitchen, offices, co-working spaces, café, arts and makers room, young adult and teen lounge, playground and more.

Funds raised also will cover the construction of a new Intown Jewish Preschool building nearby.

Be a part of it! Visit https://buildingintown.com or e-mail Rabbi Schusterman at rabbi@chabadintown.org to learn how Vision 2020 will benefit Intown Jewish Academy, the many other Chabad Intown programs and Atlanta’s Jewish community.

Paid Content by Chabad Intown.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 25

OPINION

HAMSA Looks Back Looking back on 2020 I began 2020 with a long list of goals and objectives for the HAMSA (Helping Atlantans ManLeslie Lubell age Substance Guest Contributor Abuse) program, thinking that by the end of the year I would be reflecting on the great work we did through events and programming. It never occurred to me that I would spend the year hoarding toilet paper and learning about infectious diseases, nor could I have imagined that I would be writing this from my kitchen table, where I’ve been stationed – often surrounded by children – since March 16.

In a lot of ways, COVID brought us together; everyone was going through something for the first time – and none of us knew what to expect. There’s a comfort in knowing you’re not alone

in your experiences, especially when there is so much fear and uncertainty; we naturally lean into human connections when we seek safety and comfort.

But connection is hard to find when you are isolated at home. For those who live with addiction and mental illness, connection through relationships, peer support, treatment, counseling, etc. is the source of our strength … but isolation is our kryptonite. Our clients were faced with daunting new challenges, while HAMSA – and every other program that supports people seeking recovery – was forced to pivot.

HAMSA’s role evolves The response to the lockdown was immediate; there really wasn’t much time to think – there was only time to act. Within 24 hours, our small team (consisting of myself and Information and Referral Specialist Michelle Day) rallied and was compiling lists of crisis lines and locations that were still seeing clients face to face. We called every client to check in and see how we could help. We reached out to local crisis cen-

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ters to find out about new admissions protocols and restrictions. We started a weekly newsletter to keep people informed and connected to us.

Knowing that the fear, uncertainty, financial hardships and isolation would likely lead to an increased need for HAMSA’s services, we mobilized with an array of resources and a new perspective on how we could reach people.

The pandemic’s impact on addiction and mental illness We began to see the impact of the pandemic on people with addiction and mental illness almost immediately. People who had completed several months in residential treatment returned to a world they didn’t recognize, one where they couldn’t attend peer support meetings or go to outpatient treatment – the things they were told to do upon discharge.

People for whom 12-step meetings were a lifeline suddenly didn’t have them anymore. Therapists were only via telehealth, and crisis stabilization units had limited capacity as they navigated finding PPE [personal protective equipment] and developing best practices, and the capacity they did have was full. People were losing their jobs, losing their insurance, and losing connection. It took a toll.

Overdoses and hospital visits for drug and alcohol or mental illness related causes have sharply increased; the recovery community has suffered many losses, with many relapsing and tragically losing their lives. We didn’t need to be scientists to see that the fallout from the pandemic was an addiction and mental illness epidemic. But we were prepared.

How HAMSA has helped It’s no surprise that the pandemic has resulted in an increasing need for treatment resources for addiction and mental illness, and a 58.5 percent increase in calls over 2019 demonstrates that need.

With overdoses on the rise, we started doing online programs to increase awareness about the hidden dangers of drug use, and Narcan trainings to educate about opioid overdoses and how to save a life. We even dropped off Narcan kits and did socially distant trainings in people’s driveways.

Atlanta enjoys a unique collection of Jewish organizations that address mental illness and recovery or offer support to those seeking treatment.

Just as no one can recover alone, we can’t do this work by ourselves; but through collaboration and partnership, we can be even more successful.

We joined Rabbi [Eliyahu] Schusterman at Jeff’s Place as co-facilitators for a virtual 12-Step Torah Study and formed two new addiction-specific therapy groups in our Jewish Family & Career Services’ clinical department.

JIFLA [Jewish Interest Free Loan of Atlanta] made treatment more accessible through their interest-free loan program, and SOJOURN [Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity] helped us connect transgender and gender diverse clients with grant-funded treatment. We brought award-winning author David Sheff to our community via Zoom for an intimate conversation about addiction and families, and organizations like The Blue Dove Foundation and many others supported the event. When more than 500 people registered for the event, we knew it was a topic people wanted to hear about.

We worked closely with our trusted professional network through our Information and Referral service to ensure clients had the right treatment options and understood new admissions policies.

By leaning on these partners – staying connected – we removed barriers so people had better access to treatment and a chance at recovery.

Looking forward As we head into 2021 with a glimpse of the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, we remain painfully aware that there are many who will continue to struggle and suffer long after the vaccine is distributed. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for addiction. We will continue to evolve to meet our community’s needs as we move into a post-COVID world – and HAMSA will always be here to help. To learn more about HAMSA, visit hamsahelps.org or call 833-HAMSA-HELPS. ì Leslie Lubell is HAMSA program manager. HAMSA is a program of Jewish Family & Career Services.

OPINION

2020’s Deserved Place in History Me, to 2020: “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

I realize that writing those words with two weeks remainDave Schechter ing in the From Where I Sit year might be tempting fate. Who knows what this annus horribilis — Latin for “horrible year” — has left in store?

I have little doubt that 2020 will be among the years that stand out when future historians case the gaze back in time.

For example, 1918, when World War I ended as a global influenza pandemic killed tens of millions; 1929, when an overheated stock market crashed and the United States plunged into the Great Depression; and 1945, as World War II ended, first in Europe and then, with the introduction of a weapon employed twice and not since, in the Pacific.

In my lifetime, 1968 stands out.

The Vietnam War raged. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, sparking what were called “race riots,” and then Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. Protests swept university campuses and police clashed with anti-war demonstrators in the streets of Chicago.

Of course 2001, notably for the 9/11 terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 people in New York, Washington, D.C., and near Shanksville, Pa., and the resulting security measures that have changed how Americans live.

Which brings us to the soon-to-bedeparted 2020. The novel coronavirus COVID-19 has tested medicine and science and strained the health care system, though the year ends with hope placed in vaccines that may slow, if not arrest, its spread. The killings of African Americans sparked protests and ongoing, often-divisive conversations about race. Meanwhile, the election season will end soon (in Georgia, of all places). The Republic is still standing, but there is no vaccine for the damage done to the nation’s civic infrastructure.

Yes, your columnist is in a bit of a mood.

Just days before our departure, COVID-19 scotched the mid-March trip my wife and I had planned to Spain and

France, to visit our youngest, who was studying in Strasbourg. As Europe shut down, we pulled our son out of France, putting him on a train to Germany, for flights from Frankfurt to Chicago, and then to Atlanta.

COVID concerns also prevented my 92-year-old mother and youngest sister from making a planned Passover visit. I talk to my mother almost every day and can see her on video calls but cannot visit her in Chicago. Likewise, my wife is unable to visit her father and mother in Texas, even as the latter’s faculties diminish.

Because I tick off a couple of COVID-19 risk boxes, all of my reporting since February has been done from my home office; hardly ideal, but necessary.

Which brings me to a particular segment of society. Generalizing slightly, these folks derided the virus as a hoax or behaved as if it impacted only the elderly or (and here they couch their language) people of color — like the fellow in Alpharetta who told a Washington Post reporter in May, “When you start seeing where the cases are coming from and the demographics – I’m not worried.”

They eschew masks and pledge not to patronize businesses that require masks.

(Lessons from the 1918 flu pandemic — see St. Louis vs. Philadelphia — escape them.) They find conspiracies around every corner and seemingly cannot understand that the response to COVID-19 has evolved as more has been learned about the virus. They go about their lives as if immune to the virus, but instead, appear immune to reason. All the while, more Americans are taking ill, hospital intensive care units again are filling, and people are dying. But it’s not their problem.

And then there are the stubborn of various political stripes. The most fervent adherents of the two major parties remind me of the joke about the Jew stranded on a desert island. When his rescuers ask why he built two synagogues, he replied, because this is the shul I attend and that’s the one I wouldn’t be caught dead in. That attitude is prevalent in our toxic public discourse: This is my tribe and those are the people I wouldn’t be caught dead talking to. Call it what you want — the divide, the gap, the gulf — but there is no chance of it narrowing until that nonsense stops.

Your columnist did not intend to end the year on a cranky note, but it’s been that kind of year. So, 2020, close the door quietly, but close the damn door. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 27

YEAR IN REVIEW

JANUARY AJFF Unveils Diverse 2020 Hillels of Georgia Seeks Lineup (Jan. 10) Anti-Semitism Probe of Georgia Tech (Jan. 12)

By Dave Schechter

Most of the 2021 AJFF will be held online.

By Bob Bahr The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival opened its 20th anniversary series this year on Feb. 10, just weeks before the first casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic was announced. During the festival, the full impact of the developing public healthcare crisis was yet to be felt in America and ticket sales were brisk for the three-week series.

The opening night film at the Cobb Energy Centre was “Shared Legacies,” a documentary that was subtitled “The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance.”

Prominently mentioned in the film was the friendship between Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple and Rev. Raphael Warnock, the paster of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr.’s father was once the leader.

The past year’s dramatic events had a profound impact on the AJFF and on Warnock, who is locked in a close Jan. 5 runoff race for a U.S. Senate seat in Georgia.

Likewise, the AJFF has worked hard during the past 11 months to attract the at28 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

tention of local film goers with a series of online film discussions and virtual film screenings. The 2021 festival, which begins Feb. 17 is expected to screen only about 30 feature films, a sharp drop from the 50 or so this year.

Most screenings will be virtual during a dramatically shortened festival of only 12 days. Organizers are hopeful that traditional patrons won’t be distracted by the plethora of virtual Jewish film sites that have debuted during the past year. To maintain the interest of loyal ticket buyers who might miss the social aspects of a theatrical showing, the festival is said to be developing virtual events that will stimulate discussion of the films that are screened online.

There will also be a number of drive-in screenings, with social distancing, in The Home Depot Backyard, an 11-acre greenspace adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.

The 2020 festival sold an estimated 38,000 tickets, ranking it among the largest of the about 200 Jewish film festivals around the world.

A complaint by Hillels of Georgia that Georgia Tech tolerated an anti-Semitic atmosphere remains under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education.

The case file was opened March 4 and the investigation was listed as being “for possible discrimination based on race,” according to the Department of Education database.

The race designation stemmed from an executive order issued Dec. 11, 2019, by President Donald Trump, expanding enforcement of Title VI – which specifies discrimination based on “race, color, or national origin” – to include anti-Semitism.

Lawyers representing Hillels of Georgia contended in a Dec. 27, 2019, letter to the Department of Education that Georgia Institute of Technology “has willfully ignored” anti-Semitic activity and requested that DoE conduct a civil rights investigation.

In their letter to Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kenneth Marcus, attorneys from the American Center for Law and Justice said, “We write to respectfully urge you to investigate and determine whether Georgia Tech has engaged in discrimination, in permitting a

Claims surfaced that Georgia Tech tolerated an anti-Semitic environment.

hostile environment, and other violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”

The complaint centered on an April 1, 2019, incident in which Lauren Blazofsky, director of Hillel at Georgia Tech, was barred from entering an on-campus room where the Young Democratic Socialists of America were holding a “Teach-in: Palestine 101” as part of Israel Apartheid Week.

ACLJ alleged that “Georgia Tech allowed blatant anti-Semitic exclusion and harassment at a campus group event, attempted to conceal the offense, repeatedly and systemically stonewalled Jewish student and faculty efforts to address the incident; ignored two out of the three complaints arising from said event; and after a student conduct board finally found the campus group guilty on the one complaint they did hear, violated their own policies and issued a decision on appeal reversing that guilty ruling – allowing the anti-Semitism to continue unchecked.”

There are 500-plus Jewish students at Georgia Tech, a small fraction of the campus population. Most are undergraduates.

YEAR IN REVIEW

JANUARY Atlanta Jewish Life Festival in a Hot Minute (Jan. 17)

By Roni Robbins Like many large community events, the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival, which celebrated its second anniversary nearly a year ago, is having to rethink how it proceeds in a world upended by COVID. “I am bummed, but certainly we cannot have a festival indoors in the [Georgia] Aquarium in January,” said Michael Morris, AJT owner-publisher and organizer of the AJLF. He saw the need to bring the Jewish community together and breathed new “life” into the former Atlanta Jewish Festival that hadn’t been held for several years.

Last year’s event at the aquarium united 4,000 Jews from throughout Atlanta for a day of fun, festivity and friendship, both old and new. Over 100

community partners and sponsors tables filled the Oceans Ballroom, including synagogues, schools, camps, nonprofits and businesses sharing their missions with attendees. There was also a wide variety of food, live bands, theater and roving entertainers such as a magician and a clown.

But now the Life Festival may need to take a hiatus until it’s safe to have large gatherings again, Morris said. “I’d love to have it in the springtime, but even that is questionable when it comes to the safety of a couple thousand people coming together outside. We will look to next fall or postpone an entire year ‘til next January if it doesn’t look good,” he said.

Morris realizes the festival is just the latest victim of COVID.

“We are unfortunately like other gala dinners or afternoons in the park.

We have to adjust to reality. Getting together in large groups is not possible right now. It’s not in the best interest of our community.”

Will the postponement drastically impact the festival, which just recently got back on its feet? “I don’t think it’s hurtful for the festival. Every festival and every gathering has to be suspended right now, both small gatherings with the family and large gatherings with the community. The good news is most of us are looking forward to enjoying large gatherings again.

“I am definitely looking forward to a time when we will be totally back to normal. I do not believe in a ‘new normal.’

I want to be able to spend time together

Community partner booths attracted community members from throughout Atlanta to learn about new organizations and chat with old friends.

and in doing so enrich our lives.”

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 29

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FEBRUARY Georgia’s Anti-BDS Law Challenged (Feb. 13)

New Bill Could Affect Jewish Adoptions (Feb. 20)

By Dave Schechter Georgia’s anti-BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) law was challenged in January by a documentary filmmaker whose invitation to speak at Georgia Southern University was withdrawn when she would not pledge to refrain from boycotts against Israel.

When Abby Martin refused to sign the state-mandated pledge, her invitation to be the keynote speaker at the 2020 International Critical Media Literacy Conference at Georgia Southern’s Savannah campus was withdrawn, and the Feb. 2829 conference was canceled.

Georgia law requires that anyone signing a contract valued at $1,000 or more with a state agency sign the pledge.

Former Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signed legislation creating the law on April 26, 2016. Martin was to have been paid a $1,000 honorarium, plus expenses.

30 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Abby Martin was prevented from speaking at Georgia Southern.

The BDS movement seeks to apply economic and political pressure to force Israel to change its policies toward the Palestinians, including construction in the West Bank, often referred to by religious and nationalist Jews as Judea and Samaria.

The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the CAIR Legal Defense Fund, and the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund filed suit Jan. 10 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta, naming as defendants Steve Wrigley, chancellor of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, and Kyle Marrero, president of Georgia Southern.

According to the suit, “Martin emailed in response: As I’m sure you know, a lot of my work advocates the boycott of Israel … [and] I cannot sign any form promising to not boycott Israel.”

The plaintiffs asked the federal court to issue an injunction against enforcement of the Georgia law and for the statute to be declared “unconstitutional and unenforceable statewide,” and they are seeking $1,000 in compensatory damages for Martin. The case remains before the court.

In October, two liberal Jewish organizations joined the case on Martin’s behalf. J Street and T’ruah filed a brief in federal court, saying they oppose BDS but that the laws punish open debate.

The AJT interviewed community leaders about the adoption bill.

By Jan Jaben-Eilon In early 2020, the Georgia Senate considered a bill that would, in part, “prohibit child-placing agencies from being required to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to, refer, or participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the placement violates certain religious or moral convictions of the child-placing agency.” (The bill did not pass, but could be revisited next year.)

According to many Jewish critics of proposed Georgia Senate bill 368, the legislation would allow adoption and foster care agencies to reject prospective Jewish and other minority couples while receiving government funding.

At the time, Allison Padilla-Goodman, vice president of the southern division of the Anti-Defamation League, stated: “It is shocking that the state of Georgia is considering a bill that openly sanctions discrimination against Jews,

LGBTQ people and others. Allowing a taxpayer-funded child placement agency to discriminate is outrageous. No child should be denied a loving foster or adoptive home simply because of a prospective parent’s religion, sexual orientation or identity. We urge the state legislature to not pass the bill.”

Leslie Anderson, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta, told the AJT that the proposed legislation goes against Jewish values. “The Torah states that we need to help the widow and orphan.” But she also pointed out that the language in the legislation is “overly broad and could allow for all kinds of discrimination based on religion. This would give religious groups carte blanche to do what they want, without any opportunity for remedy.”

She said that she didn’t expect the legislature to pass the bill, and it did not.

It is unknown whether the bill would be proposed again in 2021.

YEAR IN REVIEW

MARCH White Supremacist Propaganda Hits Recorded High (March 15)

Examples of white supremacist propaganda.

(Original story by Paula Baroff; summary by Anna Levy) In March, a new report came out from the Anti-Defamation League revealing that white supremacist propaganda had doubled last year in the United States, with a total of 2,713 cases reported in 2019. This was the highest number of incidents the ADL had ever recorded.

The report only focused on physical propaganda, which included pieces of literature, stickers, banners and other items placed in public spaces. Online propaganda was not recorded. Amy Iandiorio, one of the ADL’s investigative researchers, said: “Online propaganda is its own beast. …They have different levels of success and exposure than what we track in the public sphere.”

Almost 90 percent of the year’s white supremacist propaganda activity was carried out by only three organizations: Patriot Front, American Identity Movement and New Jersey European Heritage Association. Of those groups, 66 percent of all the incidents were attributed to Patriot Front, a Texas-based group.

White supremacy was also shown to be a bigger problem at college campuses;

about 630 incidents were reported on college campuses, which is almost double the reported number in 2018. Every state except Hawaii reported at least one incident.

Iandiorio said it’s important for people to be vigilant when it comes to hate in their communities, and to report any instances of white supremacist propaganda to the ADL: “There are groups across the country dedicated to fighting hate.”

Six Berman Commons Employees Test Positive for COVID-19 (March 29)

By Dave Schechter The COVID-19 coronavirus in March found its way into the Berman Commons assisted-living residence in Dunwoody operated by Jewish HomeLife.

Four residents of the Berman Commons memory unit tested positive on March 25 for the potentially deadly virus.

A letter sent on March 29 to residents and their families reported that six employees had tested positive. The initial spread apparently came through contact with a staff worker in the memory care unit.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are locking down the entire commu-

nity,” Jewish HomeLife spokeswoman Shari Bayer told the AJT. All residents in Berman Commons’ 32-unit memory-care wing and in the 58 assisted-living apartments were directed not to leave their apartments. Communal activities, such as meals, were suspended, as were visits with family members.

At the time, Harley Tabak, president and CEO of Jewish HomeLife, told the AJT: “This is an emotional time for all of us. We are doing everything in our power to bring the best medical expertise, testing and protective equipment to protect our most vulnerable population, to protect our staff who are on the front lines every day. We are not the first and will

not be the last senior care community to face this crisis, and sincerely appreciate the community’s support in our efforts.”

In response, Berman Commons increased its cleaning protocols and required staff to use PPE (personal protective equipment) — such as N95 masks, gowns, gloves, and if necessary, facial shields — in caring for residents.

In time, the spread of COVID-19 at Berman Commons was slowed and reports of positive tests among residents and staff became more rare. By late June, Jewish HomeLife resumed what it called “in-person compassionate care visits” at Berman Commons, as well as The Cohen Home and The William Breman Jewish

COVID-19 hit residents and staff of the Berman Commons.

Home, allowing family members to visit residents under strict rules.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 31

YEAR IN REVIEW

APRIL Or Hadash Hires New Rabbi (April 9)

By Jan Jaben-Eilon “Bashert” is the word most often used to describe the coming together this year of Congregation Or Hadash and its new rabbi, Lauren Henderson. “She’s our bashert,” say Or Hadash’s search committee co-chairs Gita Berman and Lynn Epstein, months after Henderson replaced founding Rabbis Analia Bortz and Mario Karpuj, who moved to Israel.

And it seems to be mutual. In early December, Henderson told the AJT, “I feel so blessed to be part of such a strong congregation. So many people have stepped into leadership roles, making phone calls to connect with our entire membership, running trivia programs and movie nights, creating gift bags and more.”

This was not a foretold conclusion. It’s

not easy to replace popular rabbis like Bortz and Karpuj, who had led the congregation for nearly 18 years. But Berman and Epstein – both past presidents of the congregation – knew what they were looking for. “We were looking for our bashert and sometimes that takes time,” Berman said last spring upon the announcement that they had signed a three-year contract with Henderson to start in July.

It actually took only seven months before Henderson was chosen from 17 rabbis who applied for the position.

On a weekend in late February – before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down community gatherings – Henderson visited Or Hadash. “Thankfully, Rabbi Lauren was able to visit and spend Shabbat with the Or Hadash community just before the March shutdown. It was one of the last weekends

Lauren Henderson is Or Hadash’s new rabbi.

we were together in-person. During her visit it was obvious that we were bashert,” said Epstein.

When the search committee afterwards surveyed congregants to ascertain their opinions of Henderson, fully 93 percent said they would be as involved or more involved in the synagogue headed by Henderson. Those congregants, however, had no idea how the year would unfold under

a longer and wider spread-than-expected pandemic.

“It’s definitely been challenging, trying to find creative and safe ways to connect with everyone while we’re all distanced,” Henderson said. “In some ways, the pandemic has opened up new possibilities for us to radically reimagine things like high holiday services. Many people told us that they were surprised at how connected and engaged they felt through Zoom during the high holidays. Using the technology we had and by pre-recording many parts of the service, we were able to include so many congregants chanting and teaching Torah and sharing their gifts with the wider community.”

According to Berman, “If we were able to go back in time to do this again, we would definitely choose Rabbi Lauren again.”

Virtual Seders Connecting Blass Sheds Light on Our Community, and COVID (April 16) Passover Issue (April 15)

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

(Original story by Roni Robbins and other AJT contributors, summary by Anna Levy) Passover fell during April this year, soon after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The AJT reported in our Passover issue the different ways Jewish Atlanta adjusted to celebrate the holiday.

The issue included stories about a few virtual seders that began March 26 and continued through April 13. A few seders mentioned were the annual women’s seder sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women and Congregation Or Hadash, The Downtown Seder present by City Winery, and a Virtual Unity Seder on Zoom with leaders from various faith and ethnic community from around Atlanta.

The issue also explored mental health during the holidays and COVID, and featured advice from The Blue Dove Foundation, an organization dedicated to addressing mental health and substance abuse across Jewish Atlanta. An article featuring Rabbi Malka Packer-Monroe discussed interfaith couples and gave advice on navigating the holiday 32 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Seders went virtual for Passover.

season, during which Passover and Easter often overlap.

An article entitled “Passover Stories, Rituals Help Children Learn” offered ideas on opportunities to make virtual learning fun and engaging for toddlers and preschoolers.

Ideas included children putting on a mock seder, having story time with rabbis, singing the four questions, and encouraging children to take an active and compassionate role in the retelling of the Passover story.

As is the AJT tradition, the Passover issue also included a section with holiday messages from the community. The section entitled “Opening the Flood Gates to a New Normal” contained thoughts from community members, many discussing the “new norm” they saw emerging during COVID.

ment of medications such as Remdesivir, monoclonal antibodies and soon to be apInfectious disease physician, Dr. proved vaccinations, which I urge everyMitchell Blass updated Atlanta Jewish one to strongly consider taking, have been Times readers multiple nothing short of miracutimes throughout the panlous. demic. His social media lit The past 30 days have up with questions of how brought a massive surge to interpret data, or how to the capacity of our local frightened we should be hospitals. with on-and-off climbing The media, in my case numbers and deaths. opinion, has its own agenThis is his Dec. 6 update: da and depending on what Sitting at the dinner outlet one relies upon, it table on Thanksgiving, I may appear that we live on Dr. Mitchell Blass kept would have never imagined distinctly different planets. the community updated what 2020 would bring or The ‘Thanksgiving efon the pandemic. imagined that the phrase fect’ on the pandemic in the 'existential threat' would become com- United States is likely to be known in the monplace in our lexicon. Nor would I have next few weeks. I have learned not to be imagined how many souls would be lost specific in predictions about COVID-19, as to a disease that only 9 months ago was I have both under and over estimated it in unknown. I never would have imagined the past. the conflict that exists today between the I am certain that THINGS are not as health of the individual and civil liberties. important as TIME spent with the ones you Today more patients are being hos- cherish and love. I pray that 2021 will bring pitalized, however their length of stay is an end to the pandemic and that we will all clearly much shorter. The rapid develop- cherish the new normal.

YEAR IN REVIEW

MAY ‘Not My Time to Die’ (May 11)

By Marcia Caller Jaffe In early March, on the nascent crest of the world struggling to understand COVID, Tony Levitas’ coronavirus case landed him in Northside Hospital for a month. Facebook was loaded with prayers for Dr. Levitas. After his release, he reported to the AJT on his ordeal. Nine months later he looks back.

He stated, “It’s been a long and difficult year for all, but I’m still quite grateful to be here, a COVID-19 survivor. My most bothersome lingering symptoms include fatigue, difficulty concentrating for extended periods of time, arthritis-like pain in my hands, fingers, knees and ankles, and I still have a lump in my throat from being on the ventilator for so long, making it difficult to talk for long periods of time. I cannot sing the high notes as I used to be able to. If that is the worst I have to deal with, I’ll take it gladly."

He now works part time and is able to do moderate exercise and play golf.

Many of his patients have been traumatized by COVID, and he relays that much anxiety and stress abounds.

“I’m especially saddened and disgusted with the way our president has downplayed this horrific pandemic, calling it a hoax, and continued to hold

tive and creative period for me, writing several new songs post-hospital, some of which can be found on Facebook or at www.reverbnation.com/tonylevitas,” he told the AJT. “Every day I practice gratitude and I’m very thankful to be here, and enjoy life, my loved ones and do the things that bring me happiness. I must offer a very heartfelt thank you to all the people who sent prayers of love and support while battling Covid. I know it helped pull me through. Praying for a better 2021!”

Tony Levitas shares his experience with COVID-19.

large gatherings without masks or social distancing while well over a quarter of a million of our fellow citizens have died.”

Levitas is optimistic that with the vaccine, COVID can be beaten.

In the spring he recorded a song, “Not My Time To Die,” and has received a lot of positive feedback. It can be seen on his Facebook page from a July 3 posting.

“This has been an extremely produc-

Former Atlanta Rabbi Wasn’t Prepared for Brunswick Killing (May 20)

By Jan Jaben-Eilon It’s been nearly a year since an African American man, Ahmaud Arbery, was shot and killed apparently while jogging down a street in Brunswick, Ga. Three white men were arrested and are awaiting trial. While none of the four had any connection to the local Jewish community, Temple Beth Tefilloh and Rabbi Rachel M. Bregman – formerly at The Temple in Atlanta – were not left unscathed by the ensuing community crisis that drew worldwide attention.

“I am really heartbroken to be joining a small, but growing club of clergy

and community leaders where a young black person is murdered for being a young black person,” Bregman said last spring. The part-time rabbi has served Brunswick’s only synagogue for about seven years after three years at The Temple. She said it was “divine intervention” that brought her to Brunswick.

“I have always been a social justice junkie,” Bregman, a Boston native said.

She noted how she ran a soup kitchen while in rabbinic school in New York and traveled to Rwanda and Uganda to “better understand the complexities of the world.” As a community organizer, she’s also been heavily involved in hunger,

homelessness, anti-human trafficking and civil rights.

All of which may have led her to The Temple in the first place. “Knowing The Temple embraced a commitment to social justice” acted as a magnet to Bregman. The oldest Jewish congregation in Atlanta, established in 1860, The Temple has long been in the center of the civil rights movement. In 1958, The Temple was bombed by white supremacists in retaliation for Rabbi Jacob Rothschild’s criticism of segregation.

While at The Temple, Bregman served as the rabbi for Open Jewish Project, connecting with thousands of young Jewish

Rabbi Rachel Bregman served the Brunswick, Ga., community.

adults, and strove to educate the Atlanta Jewish community about the scourge of human trafficking.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 33

YEAR IN REVIEW

JUNE Rabbis Criticize Letter on Killing, Protests (June 5)

JCC Reopens After COVID-19 Closure (June 5)

By Dave Schechter On June 1, five Jewish organizations in Atlanta issued a statement in response to the death of an African American man, George Floyd, under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer.

The five were the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, the Anti-Defamation League Southeast region, the American Jewish Committee regional office in Atlanta, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta, and the Atlanta Rabbinical Association.

The letter said that the killings of Floyd, of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, and of Ahmaud Arbery near Brunswick, Ga., were “part of a pattern of systemic violence against Black Americans that cannot continue. We cannot stand idly by these and countless other transgressions against our Black brothers and sisters.

“Police brutality against Black Americans is the most visible manifestation of institutional racism,” the letter said, continuing with, “Misguided and immoral public policy that preferences white Americans over people of color and contributes to ongoing inequities must come to a swift end.”

Rabbi Shalom Lewis, rabbi emeritus of Congregation Etz Chaim (who retired in June 2019) rebuked the signatories in an email that objected to the tone and content of the statement. The AJT obtained Lewis’ letter from more than one source.

Lewis said that he was “appalled and embarrassed by the text,” calling it a “shameful expression” that “relies on pandering generalizations, progressive doc-

34 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Jared Powers gives the community a tutorial on what to expect when returning to the MJCCA. Rabbi Shalom Lewis objected to community leaders in letter on killings and protests.

trine and untruths.”

The retired rabbi added, “The chutzpa of community leaders assuming they speak for all of us resulted in an inarticulate undeserved Mea Culpa that ignored the hijacking of legitimate, peaceful protest,” Lewis wrote in his email. Lewis’ response was endorsed in another email by Rabbi Ilan Feldman of Congregation Beth Jacob.

Lewis later told the AJT: “I am associated with a document I find repugnant in words of commission and the words of omission. The most flagrant absence, transgression of this document, is there is no mention whatsoever of the rioting and the violence that has ensued, not a word.”

Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, who is also president of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association, told the AJT, “I really appreciated Shalom’s willingness to speak up. The community message referenced was representing felt feeling and values that the authors identified and believed we needed to be articulated clearly at this difficult time. Of course, a community as diverse and large as ours has a myriad of perspectives so no one statement can capture them all. Shalom is giving voice to others in our community. Ultimately that is what this is all about.”

(Original story by Dave Schechter, summary by Anna Levy)

and girls ages 8 to 16. The cost of a twoweek session begins at $3,710, and the four-week session begins at $4,865.

The Marcus Jewish Community CenDuring the closure, some of the ter of Atlanta closed its doors for nearly MJCCA programming was migrated to 80 days from March 13 until it reopened online, including preschool and day June 1. Both during and after the reopen- camp programs, the Lisa F. Brill Institute ing, the agency found creative ways to for Jewish Learning, the Book Festival stay afloat fiof the MJCCA, nancially and BBYO, and serwas assisted by vices with Rabbi grants and the Brian Glusman. community.

After Gov. Only two Brian Kemp weeks after clossigned an execuing its doors, tive order allowthe agency aning day camps nounced the layand preschools off or furlough of to open, the more than half agency ran their its employees.

“Summer Days The Jewish Fed@ the J” program eration of Greatfrom June 29 to er Atlanta made Aug. 7. The day grants totaling camp plan called $310,000 to the for small groups New board chair Ken Winkler, middle, with predecessor Joel Arogeti and CEO Jared Powers.

MJCCA to help of 10 camps and extend health insurance coverage to em- two counselors, and all outdoor activiployees who were furloughed and laid off. ties. In addition, the MJCCA offered 10 Camp Barney Medintz, the MJCCA’s virtual day camp programs for all ages overnight camp and a major revenue gen- throughout June. erator for the agency, was a huge casualAn emergency fund established by ty of the COVID pandemic. Camp Barney the Federation provided the agency with annually attracts more than 1,200 boys $100,000 to help with the reopening.

YEAR IN REVIEW

JUNE Protests Envelop Atlanta and the Nation (June 12)

Supreme Court Ruling 30 Years Later on Civil Rights Act to Protect LGBTQ (June 22)

Violence erupted in Atlanta during Black Lives Matter protests.

By Nathan Posner Through much of the summer, and even in recent weeks, Black Lives Matter protesters have marched in downtown Atlanta. Protests across the nation began in response to the death of George Floyd and a video that surfaced of the Minneappolis man being killed by local police. In Atlanta, tens of thousands of protesters gathered near Centennial Olympic Park May 29 to call for police and criminal justice reform.

After marching to the capitol and back, protests began to turn violent with police and protesters confronting each other in front of CNN. Later, a police car and other vehicles were burned, and a curfew was imposed that would remain for weeks as protests continued. That night, and a few to follow, looting and further violence occurred as protesters and police clashed in downtown Atlanta.

Protests were mostly peaceful during the day, but as night and the curfew drew closer, police and protesters would often clash with one another, with police using tear gas and sometimes rubber bullets to disperse the protesters.

Protests would continue in the months following, often focusing on the capitol, especially after the death of Breonna Taylor and the resulting court decision. Some of the more aggressive protesters, often associated with anti-fascist

movements and ideology (aka antifa), have shifted more toward countering farright protests, starting in Stone Mountain in August, and then more recently at the Georgia State Capitol in the wake of the election.

Jews were heavily involved in the protests in Atlanta, with many rabbis and Jewish organizations speaking out about the importance of solidarity between the Jewish and Black communities and highlighting the history of supporting the community during the Civil Rights movement. Some protests have been held that were specifically Jewish to support the Black Lives Matter movement.

Despite nationwide protests, no national action has been taken on police or judicial reform since the death of Floyd, and in Atlanta, the opposite happened.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed HB 426, which imposed penalties for “bias-motivated intimidation,” and focused on punishing those who attacked police officers.

In addition, a $5 million plan was approved by the Georgia Building Authority and the Board of Public Safety that includes an 8-foot non-scalable fence to surround the capitol.

The site of the original protest, Centennial Olympic Park, has remained closed since the end of May. And while repairs seem to be completed from the damage done at the May 29 protest, it is still blocked to all public entry.

Supreme Court ruling protects LGBTQ employees from discrimination.

By Jan Jaben-Eilon In mid-June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects gay, lesbian and transgender employees from discrimination based on sex. A retired Atlanta attorney who had lost her own case decades ago when she sued the Georgia attorney general for rescinding a job offer to her after learning that she was going to have a Jewish wedding ceremony with her lesbian partner expressed surprise.

“I was floored. It took me half a day to realize that the attorney general can’t fire someone because they are gay,” Robin Shahar told the AJT. “It is continuing to sink in. It is that monumental.”

In the 6-3 split decision, with Justice Neil Gorsuch writing the majority opinion, the court decided against three employers in three different cases. One of the cases involved a child welfare coordinator for Clayton County in Georgia,

who was fired after he joined a gay recreational softball league. “It is impossible to discriminate against a person for being homosexual or transgender without discriminating … based on sex,” Gorsuch wrote.

Rabbi Josh Lesser agreed with Shahar. “This has a sweeping impact on fundamental basic rights,” said the rabbi of Congregation Bet Haverim, whose mission statement still reads that its purpose is to serve the LGBT community.

“Not all people will marry, but everyone will work. I’ve known so many people who have been closeted over the years because they were afraid to lose their jobs.”

To Shahar, the court’s decision was a “clear message on what is acceptable and what isn’t acceptable. Our jobs are where we spend most of our days. With this decision, people don’t have to choose between living honestly who they are and to have a job.”

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 35

YEAR IN REVIEW

JUNE Kemp Signs Georgia Hate Crimes Bill Into Law (June 29)

Gov. Brian Kemp signs historic hate crimes bill.

By Dave Schechter After years of effort, the Georgia legislature passed, and on June 26 Gov. Brian Kemp signed, a hate crimes bill, giving prosecutors and courts a new tool to punish defendants found to have acted with bias in committing a crime.

The new law, which took effect July 1, “does not fix every problem or right every wrong,” but is a step forward for “a state too great to hate,” Kemp said as he signed the bill during a ceremony at the state capitol.

The measure known as HB (House Bill) 426 was overwhelmingly approved June 23, first by the state Senate (47-6) and then by the House (127-38).

Under the law, the sentence given for a conviction on a misdemeanor or felony could be increased if the defendant is found to have acted with bias because of the victim’s race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, mental disability or physical disability. Up to 12 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000 now can be added to the sentence for a misdemeanor conviction and 36 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

up to two years imprisonment to the sentence for a felony conviction.

The effort to get the bill passed dated back to 2004, when the state Supreme Court threw out a law passed in 2000 as “unconstitutionally vague” because it did not specify protected groups.

The bill signing capped years of efforts by the Hate Free Georgia Coalition, a group of 35 nonprofits assembled by the Anti-Defamation League, which has crafted model legislation on which most states’ statutes are based.

With the new Georgia law, only three states – Arkansas, South Carolina and Wyoming – remained without some sort of hate crimes statute. (Indiana has a law that the ADL and others consider too weak to be effective.)

In urging Kemp to sign the bill, Allison Padilla-Goodman, vice president of the ADL’s Southeast region, said, “ADL applauds and thanks the House, Senate and their leadership for working across party lines to enact HB 426. Georgians need protections against hate crimes, which target victims simply for who they are and terrorize entire communities.”

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 37

YEAR IN REVIEW

JULY Back to School (July 16) (Original stories by AJT staff and contributors, summary by Anna Levy) The AJT published a Back to School issue covering the ways that school has changed in the era of COVID. School openings was a hot-button topic as parents were faced with difficult decisions about whether to allow their children to go back to school in-person or participate in virtual learning for the year. Many schools made modifications to help ensure the safety of its students and staff.

The issue included a story about how Atlanta’s public and private schools ad-

For many, school classes during the pandemic was online via Zoom.

justed and made changes to curriculum in the pandemic. High school graduates and university students were also a focus

in the issue. Hillel at Georgia College was slated to receive its own house as part of an effort by Hillels of Georgia to focus on smaller universities. The college also received a grant to help fund activities and programs.

Emory announced major changes for the fall 2020 semester, such as significantly reducing the number of students living on campus and moving most classes online. The university also established a policy that face coverings be required on campus.

The student newspaper reported that only about half of the students were ex-

pected to return to campus.

Among other stories was a piece about reimagining the “summer college visit road trip,” popular among high school juniors who want to explore prospective colleges.

The AJT also offered advice for parents who chose online schooling with suggestions of toys to help teach, inspire creativity, and teach basic information to children. Another article detailed a partnership between In the City Camps and Jewish Family & Career Services to give parents virtual assistance, ideas and counseling during the pandemic.

Hemy Neuman Murder Trial Resurfaces (July 17)

By Jan Jaben-Eilon As in 2019, this past year Hemy Zvi Neuman requested yet another trial to reverse his conviction of murder in one of the most sensational scandals to hit the Atlanta Jewish community.

A decade ago, on Nov. 18, 2010, Russell “Rusty” Sneiderman was shot and killed outside his child’s preschool in

38 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Dunwoody. Neuman, boss of Sneiderman’s widow, Andrea, was arrested for the murder. On March 14, 2012, Neuman was found guilty, but mentally ill, of malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole and another five years for the felony weapons charge. Four years later, he was found guilty again after a retrial, without the acceptance of an insanity claim, and sentenced again to life in prison without parole.

In 2019, he asked for another trial, claiming mental illness caused by his love for his victim’s wife, Andrea, who, by the way, was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice for her testimony about her relationship with Neuman during his first trial.

In September, Neuman requested another trial before the Georgia Supreme Court.

According to attorney Esther Pa-

Hemy Neuman continues to request a reversal of his murder conviction.

nitch, who represented Neuman’s exwife, there’s “nothing new,” as of this month. In September, she told the AJT that “appealing a life sentence is normal as he has nothing better to do and it costs him nothing. I am hopeful nothing will come of this appeal and the Supreme Court judges didn’t seem persuaded

by his lawyer’s argument.” She had observed the hearing virtually.

She predicted that “this is likely the end of his appellate remedies if he loses.”

Meanwhile, the center of this tragedy that engulfed the Jewish community – setting friend against friend – continues to sit in the Augusta State Medical Prison.

YEAR IN REVIEW

JULY Perdue Campaign Jewish Atlanta Removes Ad Ossoff Called Remembers John Lewis ‘Anti-Semitic’ (July 28) with Affection, Respect (July 31)

Communal leaders fondly recall the civil rights icon, his support of the Jewish community and Israel.

An ad that seemed to enlarge Jon Ossoff’s nose became a campaign issue.

By Dave Schechter The shape of Democrat Jon Ossoff’s nose became an issue in late July, when incumbent Republican Sen. David Perdue’s campaign posted a Facebook ad in which Ossoff’s nose appeared to have been altered.

The ad had been placed three separate times during the month, according to Facebook’s ad library, before it was withdrawn July 27. Titled “Democrats are trying to buy Georgia,” the ad used blackand-white photos of Ossoff and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who also is Jewish.

The Forward reported that three graphic designers it consulted determined that a photo of Ossoff, taken in 2017 by the Reuters news agency, had been “changed by having his nose lengthened and widened, even as other parts of his face stayed the same size and proportions.”

During a July 28 news conference, Ossoff decried “the digital attack ad . . . that was manipulated to enlarge and extend my nose, in what is one of the most classic anti-Semitic tropes in history.”

Images that distort the size and

shape of noses, to depict Jews as being outsiders and evil, date to the late 13th century B.C.E., and were used by the Nazis in the 1930s and '40s and more recently by white supremacists and other anti-Jewish bigots.

Perdue’s campaign manager, Ben Fry, said in a July 28 statement: “In light of an unfortunate and inadvertent error involving one of our Facebook advertisements produced and placed by an outside vendor, our campaign will be making a change to a new digital fundraising company. Senator Perdue did not know about nor see the ad before it ran, and he is committed to ensuring future mistakes of this kind do not occur.”

The Perdue ad was criticized by the Atlanta regional offices of the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League.

Ossoff has continued to talk about the ad on the campaign trail. During a Dec. 8 videoconference organized by a Jewish Democratic group, he said, “Did David Perdue run an anti-Semitic attack ad in which he lengthened my nose? Yes, he did. Was it disgusting? Yes, it was. Has he apologized for it? No, he hasn’t,” Ossoff said.

(Original story by Dave Schechter and community members, summary by Anna Levy)

Soviet Jewry, security for Israel.”

Billy Planer led hundreds of groups on civil rights history trips throughout the South. He said that Lewis “understood that Members of the Atlanta Jewish com- we were all in this together. That is why munity shared their views on the passing he looked to completely blur the lines beof beloved Congressman John Lewis on July tween the Black and Jewish communities.”

17 due to pancreatic cancer.

Jerry Klinger wrote how Lewis helped In one article, Rabbi Joshua Lesser of create what is believed the nation’s first Bet Haverim said, anti-lynching “Pour out our memorial.

The hearts like water” memorial was (Lamentations placed at the Leo 2:19) as a recurFrank memoring theme as Jewrial in Marietta, ish Atlanta shared where Atlanta their grief at the Jewish businesspassing of John man Frank was Lewis. lynched. Klinger Other Atlanexplained that John Lewis talks to teens as part of Billy tans also shared the application Planer’s Etgar 36 summer cross-country trip. their sentiments for placement at the passing of the longtime statesman was originally denied. Lewis wrote to the and civil rights icon, who was 80 at the Georgia Department of Transportation, time. urging it to reconsider their denial. After A week prior to his death, Sherry Lewis’ letter, the GDOT reconsidered and Frank had visited Lewis at his Atlanta approved the application for the memohome to “tell him goodbye and how much rial.

I loved him.” She recalled how she, Lewis, Peter Berg, senior rabbi at The Temple, and the late Cecil Alexander formed the At- said of the civil rights leader, “John Lewis lanta Black-Jewish Coalition, calling Lewis taught us all that the world will not fix it“a champion of causes central to the Jewish self, that if we want to make a difference, community: anti-Semitism, freedom for we have to stand up and be counted.”

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 39

YEAR IN REVIEW

AUGUST Sephardic Synagogue Gets Conservative Rabbi (Aug. 26)

By Bob Bahr When Rabbi Josh Hearshen took over in July as reportedly the first non-Sephardic rabbi in the 106-year history of Congregation Or VeShalom, he faced some uncertainty over how the congregation would accept him and how he would adapt to a practice of Judaism that was somewhat different than the one in which had been trained. But after nearly six months on the job he no longer has any apprehensions.

When the AJT spoke with him earlier this month he said his new job, even during this difficult year, is “working out beautifully.”

Hearshen elaborated, “We’re all Jewish so that’s the basic way of coming to the table. The liturgy is unique, and I’ve spent much time reading and learning and meeting with people. But at the end of the day those religious practices are not presenting themselves as a deterrent to understanding the congregation.”

He’s been having regular public interviews with the synagogue’s members from diverse cultural backgrounds, from Central Asia, in one instance, or from the Eastern Mediterranean, in another.

And he’s been talking a lot online about food.

“This Sephardic synagogue, in particu-

lar, is very proud of its heritage in terms of food. And one of my one of my favorite hobbies is cooking. So I cook online for our members.”

What he said when we first interviewed him in August stills seems to hold true. With a new job and a new baby that was adopted in January, his family life couldn’t be better.

“The reality is, for us, it’s been an incredible year. We had a great year as a family.”

Nonetheless, he admits that taking over as a new rabbi during a public health crisis has been difficult.

“Judaism is such a communal experience and COVID is such a killer in that as-

Josh Hearshen is believed to be the first non-Sephardic leader of Congregation Or VeShalom.

pect. We do as much as we can online, but it is definitely a challenge.”

Stand Against Swastikas (Aug. 28)

By Roni Robbins Rabbi Larry Sernovitz had only been the spiritual leader of Temple Kol Emeth about a month when swastikas were painted on residential fences outside a quiet East Cobb neighborhood.

The incident led to a communitywide stand against hatred hastily organized by the synagogue and the Anti-Defamation League in Kol Emeth’s lobby. It also led to a Becoming an Ally anti-bias training

by ADL and the reformation of the East Cobb Clergy Association, Sernovitz said.

All of the events that developed as a result of the anti-Semitic act of graffiti brought together a cross-section of the interfaith community to unite against a common threat – hatred of “the other,” the rabbis words immediately following the August incident. “Positive things came out of it. “ About 100 people attended two online Becoming an Ally seminars in the months after the vandalism. “Because of what happened, we were able to make a difference.” Congregants from faithbased organizations in Cobb County attended the seminars to train the public how to respond and stand up to hatred and bias.

Sernovitz said the goal of such gatherings is “the ability to change people’s perspective.”

40 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Anti-Semitic graffiti united the suburban East Cobb community.

Coming together as a community was especially important to help discuss identity. “It’s an opening to begin to explore what identity looks like and how to look within and understand others,” he said.

“The challenge in our environment can’t be just cliché, … what it takes to clean up our world and what it means to be a diverse community that understands different faiths.”

The conversations over the past few months were “open, honest, vulnerable,” and helped build relationships with people participants may never have met

before, learning about their faiths, and making a “big community small.”

The East Cobb Clergy Association had been defunct several years, the rabbi said. Since reforming, the group of about a dozen leaders has met in meetings via Zoom on “what it means to be in community with each other and come together to learn.” While COVID created a challenge to meet in person, Sernovitz hopes in the future the clergy can visit each other’s houses of worship.

Post-election last month, the community came together at a solidarity ral-

ly on Zoom. A number of clergy members from mosques, churches and Kol Emeth spoke about “what gratitude means, what unity means,” regardless of political background. It created a stronger sense of community, he said.

Sernovitz, who became spiritual leader of the Reform synagogue when Rabbi Steven Lebow retired in July, said he moved to East Cobb from New Jersey, where anti-Semitism is more common than in Marietta.

He believes young people in the community saw swastikas and the community’s quick response and will “learn resiliency, learn strength, learn what it means to be Jewish. We are not the swastikas; we are not the small amount of hate.” Instead, he looks forward to being a part of the building up, not tearing down of the community.

“Those who seek to hate try to divide us. It actually makes us stronger. It’s a powerful message that we are better together,” he said. “We are not going to completely stop hate, but we can make sure when it does happen, we can respond and build coalitions and partnerships. We have a long history in East Cobb of community no matter, always. … I’m really proud that even in midst of COVID we are able to be the voice of calm and peace. While the whole world changed, our values and our priorities don’t have to.”

YEAR IN REVIEW

SEPTEMBER AJT High Holiday Coverage (September) (Original stories by Roni Robbins and AJT contributors, summary by Anna Levy) For the high holidays this year, the AJT published separate issues for both Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. The publications explored the unique ways Jewish Atlanta celebrated the high holidays during COVID. Our Rosh Hashanah issue featured messages from community members and AJT staff telling us what they learned during 5780 that they would take into 5781. Many spoke about what they learned sheltering in place during the global pandemic. A special section entitled “5780 Through the Artist’s Lens” also featured artwork submitted by community members on what they learned from the past Jewish year.

In addition to the community messages, there was an article entitled “Awaken to the Call of the Shofar,” in which the AJT interviewed some of the longest-serving shofar blowers, or baal tekiah, at Atlanta synagogues. Nine synagogues were also featured in an article about outdoor shofar blowings.

Another piece featured the ritual of tashlich, or the casting away of sins, and how it evolved during COVID. A new tashlich tradition involved blowing bubbles to symbolize the previous year’s sins floating away through the air.

For the AJT’s Yom Kippur issue, three Atlanta rabbis – Jesse Charyn, Isser New and Josh Hearshen – were inter-

The high holidays were anything but traditional this year with most synagogue services online.

viewed about their priorities for the new year. The rabbis focused on what we’ve learned from the pandemic, stressing our ability to change and improve while striving toward a better self and world. Another article did a deep dive on “The Multi-Faceted Yizkor Service” exploring its history and how different groups of Jews perform it. The community was also encouraged by an article called “Alternative Ways to Observe” to generate excitement about creating new observances for Yom Kippur this year, instead of lamenting traditional practices that would not be possible.

Nine Shuls Join for Outdoor Shofar Blowing (Sept. 18)

Members of the Toco Hills community took shofar blowing outdoors to congregants’ neighborhoods.

By Chana Shapiro Toco Hills rabbis and leaders sought to find a way for congregants to hear shofar-blowing outdoors this year. The goal was to enable the increased number of members who could not attend Rosh Hashanah services, because of COVID-19 concerns, to fulfill the mitzvah of hearing live shofar blasts.

Yisrael Frenkel, one of the regular shofar-blowers at Congregation Ohr HaTorah, found a way to bring together all the area congregations to deal with the needs of elderly and high-risk Toco Hills residents. With a unanimous response from nine area synagogues, the result was the formation of The Toco Hills Shofar Collaborative.

The collaborative included Chabad of Toco Hills, Congregation Beth Jacob, Congregation Bet Haverim, Congregation Ner Hamizrach, Congregation Netzach Yisrael, Congregation Ohr HaTorah, Congregation Shaarei Shamayim, Congregation Shearith Israel, and The New Toco Shul.

A representative of each synagogue coordinated in-house registration, and the information was shared and used

to assign registrees to groups of limited size, with strict COVID-compliant restrictions.

The collaboration was a great success, with 474 registered Toco Hills residents from Orthodox, Conservative, Traditional and Reconstructionist shuls. Several dozen unregistered people showed up at the designated sites, all conforming to the well-publicized socialdistance and mask-wearing rules.

Twenty-six separate shofar-blowings took place throughout the Toco Hills area, some at central meeting locations and some outside home-bound individual’s homes. There were 18 volunteer shofar-blowers, members of four of the participating synagogues.

Jewish Home Life generously sponsored pre-Rosh Hashanah coronavirus tests for 25 synagogue chazzanim (cantors) and shofar-blowers, to make sure they would not spread the virus as they fulfilled their Rosh Hashanah roles.

The shofar-blowing collaboration drew praise and gratitude from members of all nine synagogues, whose members were happy to meet new neighbors and safely observe a stirring Rosh Hashanah ritual together.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 41

YEAR IN REVIEW

OCTOBER Book Festival Goes Big, Virtual (Oct. 15)

By Roni Robbins Within weeks after the Marcus JCC closed in mid-March due to the pandemic, what is believed to be the nation’s largest Jewish book festival already had a game plan for virtual programming.

What emerged was the Book Festival of the MJCCA in Your Living Room on Zoom.

Book Fest events began virtually in April and will continue through the new year.

Among those scheduled to appear in 2021 are billionaire Bill Gates, media entrepreneur Lisa Lillien, lawyer Scott

Turow, and actress Tovah Feldshuh, to name a few.

Through its online events, the book festival expanded its relationship with Jewish community centers throughout North America. So while the events weren’t in person, “the reach was global without geographic boundaries; we had audiences that didn’t know we existed,” said festival director Pam Morton. Viewers watched from Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, the Philippines and Israel, she added.

“It’s been exciting to work with all the JCCs and talk to our colleagues in other cities. We combined their programming with ours. It would have been more difficult to be successful if we were on our own.”

For the MJCCA, the relationship created an “opportunity to create and share content with our community when people were staying home.” And for the partner JCCs, the collaboration offered a way to generate revenue during a tough time, which included layoffs and furloughs, she said.

The partnership with The National JCC Literary Consortium will remain as long as the events are virtual, Morton

The Book Festival of the MJCCA gained a larger online audience during the pandemic.

said. And even when in-person events resume, Morton expects some hybrid of online programming will continue for authors or supporters who can’t make it in person.

“I kind of think it opened new doors for us. … for people who cannot get out of their houses.”

The Book Fest in Your Living Room events were free during the summer and started to change in September with paid events, she said. The traditional book festival ran for two weeks from Nov. 7 to Nov. 22 with about 24 authors, including

Michael J. Fox, Joan Lunden, John Grisham, Cameron Douglas, Dale Berra and Natan Sharansky, among others.

What was gratifying to Morton about this year’s festival was that despite COVID, the altered format, and a lack of VIP benefits typically offered – including seating, parking and signed books – most of the festival’s sponsors, pacesetters and patrons continued their commitment, she said. “We would not have a festival without their support.”

To view the 2021 lineup and buy tickets, visit www.atlantajcc.org/bookfestival.

Breman Jewish Home Again Struck by COVID-19 (Oct. 26)

By Dave Schechter A COVID-19 outbreak at The William Breman Jewish Home in October was linked to at least six resident deaths as well as nearly four dozen residents and more than a dozen positive tests among staff. The coronavirus struck roughly three-quarters of the residents of the skilled nursing facility operated by Jewish HomeLife.

In addition to those six deaths, five deaths at The Breman Home during April and May were linked to COVID-19. As of December, a database maintained by the Georgia Department of Community Health listed 14 COVID-related deaths there.

The Breman Home “stopped taking 42 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

new rehab and long-term care residents as soon as we found our first resident case,” JHL spokeswoman Shari Bayer said. The positive tests among staff also forced Jewish HomeLife to tap The One Group, a part of JHL that provides home care, as well as outside agencies to ensure the necessary number of clinical staff. By late October the 96-bed facility had a resident count of 59.

In an Oct. 21 statement, JHL president and CEO Harley Tabak reviewed the challenges faced at the facilities that the agency operates at three Atlanta area sites, as well as the home care services it provides. “Once COVID enters the environment, it can spread quickly before even the first symptom is identified. As a nursing home, we must always balance

The Jewish Home, like other senior living facilities, was hit hard by the virus.

critical infection prevention protocols with our employees’ own personal lives, with a hospital’s need to release rehab patients regardless of COVID status, and our residents’ psycho-social needs of see-

ing their loved ones,” Tabak said.

The October outbreak concerned the families of residents. Miriam Karp, whose 91-year-old mother Hazel Karp was among those testing positive, said the situation “is a nightmare, a real nightmare.”

Concerned about the welfare of her mother, who tested positive for COVID-19, Jayne Seckinger stood outside the Berman Home holding a sign that read “Frieda Needs Help.” The sign was seen and Frieda Smith, 89, improved after receiving a sports drink with electrolytes and a nutritional drink with protein, her daughter said. In talking to the AJT, Seckinger stressed that “I love the Jewish home. It is Atlanta’s beloved Jewish home.”

YEAR IN REVIEW

NOVEMBER AJT Election Coverage (November)

By Dave Schechter The coronavirus first forced postponement of the March 24 presidential primary, which was rescheduled for May 19, already the date of Georgia’s primary for the U.S. Senate and other offices. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger then moved the combined primary to June 9.

Raffensperger, a Republican whose office oversees elections, faced other problems. Many senior citizens, who make up the bulk of poll workers, were unwilling to risk their health, and a call for younger volunteers went out. Much of the electorate had no desire to risk their health by standing in lines, so the state sent absentee ballot applications to 6.9 million registered voters.

In the end, more than 1.1 million Georgians voted by absentee ballot in the primary.

The primary also was the first statewide test of Georgia’s new, $104 million voting machine system, manufactured by Dominion Voting Systems, which would provide a paper ballot with a QR code to be fed into a scanner for counting.

Georgia made headlines June 9 for all the wrong reasons. A combination of factors, some human and others technical, plagued Election Day. At some venues, voters waited in line for several hours — well past the scheduled 7 p.m. closing time — to

cast ballots.

Heading into the Nov. 3 general election, the state did not send absentee ballot applications to every registered voter, whose ranks had swelled to 7.58 million. Nonetheless, for reasons of convenience or concerns about COVID-19, more than 1.3 million Georgians voted by absentee ballot and another 2.7 million voted early in-person.

It was clear on election night that the count would continue the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that.

Georgia election law required absentee ballots to be in the hands of county election officials by 7 p.m. Nov. 3. Raffensperger had hoped to ease the crunch by giving the counties permission to open, verify and sort — but not count — absentee ballots beginning two weeks before Election Day. That helped but also led to accusations later that the inner envelope holding ballots had not been matched with the outer return envelope — something the Secretary of State’s office denied.

Among the noteworthy results, Libertarian candidates drew enough votes to force the Democratic and Republican candidates for the two U.S. Senate seats into Jan. 5 runoffs. And Democrat Mike Wilensky won re-election to his seat in the Georgia House, meaning that he will be the only Jewish member among the 236 state legislators in

the House and Senate combined.

As the count proceeded, Democratic former vice president Joe Biden pulled ahead of incumbent Republican President Donald Trump. Democrats hadn’t won Georgia’s presidential vote — and this year, 16 Electoral College votes — since 1992.

Georgia election law allowed Raffensperger to choose one race for audit, and he chose the presidential contest for a hand recount. When the hand recount audit was completed, Biden still led. Those results were certified, by Raffensperger and then

by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp.

Then, because the margin was within 0.5 percent, Trump exercised his option to request a machine recount. Again, Biden led, by nearly 12,000 votes, out of close to 5 million. Trump’s supporters subsequently held news conferences alleging wide-scale fraud, which the secretary of state’s office denied, and filed suits that, to date, have been denied or dismissed by federal courts.

Republicans, meanwhile, were at odds with themselves over accepting the certified results. On one side was Trump, backed

by Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler and some members of the Georgia legislature. On the other side was Raffensperger, backed by Attorney General Chris Carr, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, and Kemp, though he said changes were needed in the absentee

Election Day mishaps put Georgia in the spotlight.

ballot laws moving forward.

Threats requiring police protection were made against Raffensperger and his wife, and elections supervisor Gabriel Sterling, a Republican from Sandy Springs. A young election worker in a suburban county was targeted online with images of a noose.

The mild-mannered Sterling eventually blew his stack and, in a remarkable 4 minute and 41 seconds, excoriated those making threats and politicians tolerating threats, and warned that someone would get hurt or even killed if the rhetoric did not stop.

Meanwhile, the secretary of state’s office continued planning for the runoffs, which would include not only Georgia’s U.S. Senate seats, but also a seat on the state Public Service Commission.

Temple Kol Emeth Featured in New Borat Film (Nov. 5)

By Bob Bahr Marietta’s Temple Kol Emeth got a lot more than it bargained for when it innocently signed an agreement in January to rent out its sanctuary to a motion picture production company and pocketed the $500 rental fee. Little did they know their synagogue would be playing a featured role in the new “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” released on Amazon Prime Oct. 22.

In the film, which lingers on a few moments on the synagogue's sign in front, Sacha Baron Cohen, disguised as a devilish anti-Semitic Jewish stereotype with a giant nose, confronts a kindly and wise Holocaust survivor, 87-year-old Judith Dim Evans of Aiken, S.C. She assures the surprised Borat that

the anti-Jewish atrocities of World War II actually happened and that they were a part of her life. Eventually they sit down to a meal together in one of the Temple’s pews and he eventually says goodbye with a sweet kiss on the cheek.

It’s one of the few, truly moving scenes in the over-the-top comedy that included an embarrassing sequence with President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. One critic writing in The Atlantic magazine called it “less of a satire and more of a straight-up expose.”

But the resulting publicity made it one of the most popular new releases of the year.

Amazon, which doesn’t disclose viewing numbers, said “tens of millions” watched the film all over the world on its opening weekend.

Other sources claimed that it surpassed the Disney premiere of the new “Mulan” blockbuster earlier this year. Audiences and critics generally gave the Borat movie a thumbs up, but the Evans’ family tried in Fulton Superior Court, without success, to get her scene cut from the film.

The Marietta synagogue was also caught off guard and was not told by the producers of the true nature of the film. Still, Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, who became spiritual leader of Kol Emeth after the incident took place, said that Evans’ words needed to be heard.

“Whether it was done in our synagogue or any other synagogue, I believe that that the Holocaust survivor who was in that movie spoke eloquently. I believe that her words should be all of our words.”

Sacha Baron Cohen chose Temple Kol Emeth for a scene in his new movie.

Sacha Baron Cohen, in the closing credits, dedicated his motion picture to Evans’ memory.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 43

YEAR IN REVIEW

DECEMBER COVID-19 Vaccines Have Jewish Links and Vaccine Coverage (November-December)

By Dave Schechter Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the grail has been development of a vaccine that could slow, if not arrest, the spread of the potentially fatal virus.

As the novel coronavirus swept across the United States, with devastating effect in parts of the Atlanta area and in rural Georgia, pharmaceutical companies worked at a pace uncommon to their usually painstaking process.

The federal government called its contribution to the effort “Operation Warp Speed,” borrowing a term familiar to Star Trek fans. Billions of taxpayer dollars were made available to aid vaccine research.

According to the Johns Hopkins

44 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

School of Medicine, as of Dec. 21, more than 77 million cases of COVID-19 had been reported worldwide, with more than 17.8 million in the United States. That includes 509,000 confirmed cases in Georgia, according to the state’s Department of Public Health.

The global death toll was nearly 1.7 million with 317,000 deaths in the U.S., including 9,400 confirmed deaths in Georgia, the DPH reported.

Pfizer was working with BioNTech, a German firm founded by the children of Turkish immigrants. Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, whose parents survived the Nazi devastation of the Jewish community in Thessaloniki, Greece, passed on the government money. “Basically I gave

Jews play a big role in development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

them an open checkbook so that they can worry only about scientific challenges, not anything else. And also, I wanted to keep Pfizer out of politics,” Bourla told CBS News Face the Nation Sept. 13.

Pfizer did negotiate a production and delivery deal with the U.S. government, worth up to $1.95 billion, to secure an initial 100 million doses of its vaccine

by March 2021, with an option to purchase more.

Another firm, Moderna, which accepted $2.5 billion in development aid, had begun work on potential pandemic responses even prior to COVID-19. The U.S. initially agreed to purchase 100 million doses of its vaccine and this month ordered an additional 100 million.

Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna were among more than a dozen efforts in latestage trials.

What made their announcements in November all the more stunning was not only the speed at which the vaccines had been produced, but that the results exceeded what had been anticipated in terms of effectiveness. “How fast we moved is not something you could expect from the big, powerful pharma. This is speed that you would envy in an entrepreneurial founder-based biotech,” Bourla told Forbes magazine.

First Pfizer on Nov. 9, and then Moderna on Nov. 16, announced that largescale tests, involving 30,000 or more volunteers, produced effectiveness rates of 90 percent and better in preventing infection among people who previously

had not been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19.

Moderna’s chief medical officer, Tal Zaks, is an Israeli with degrees from BenGurion University. Zaks told the Axios news website that he kept in mind his mother, a woman in her 80s living in the Israeli city of Ra’anana. “I want these data out as soon as I humanely can possibly get them. We have been working days, nights, 24/7 . . . I don’t think this was humanly possible to do any sooner,” he said.

The Moderna announcement was cause for celebration at Emory University, where a portion of the phase one vaccine human trials, involving several dozen volunteers age 56 and older, began in March. Those trials yielded evidence of “neutralizing antibodies” in quantities comparable to what was found in people who had survived COVID-19. The largescale testing included several hundred volunteers at three Atlanta sites: The Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, the Emory-Children’s Center, and Grady Health’s clinic.

On Dec. 11, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine received the emergency use approval needed from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for inoculation of people age 16 and older. Moderna was expected to receive similar approval in the days to follow. The hope was that by the end of 2020, approved vaccines would be available, initially to residents of long-term care facilities and to doctors, nurses and other medical personnel working with COVID patients.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 45

RESOLUTIONS Resolutions vs. Superstitions

By Roni Robbins For Jews, the opportunity to create resolutions for change comes twice a year: the high holidays and the secular New Year. At those times, we take the opportunity to improve ourselves with commitments to G-d and ourselves to will our promises and hopes into existence. The intersection of secular and Jewish traditions, along with a mystical belief in a higher power, bordering on superstition to protect and guide us, is where we find ourselves at the cusp of another blank slate – the new year.

The AJT asked a few Atlanta rabbis to discuss the connection between resolutions and superstitions.

The Hamsa is thought to represent the “Making a resolution is very cherhand of G-d to ward off evil spirits. ished in Jewish tradition and also in Jewish mystical tradition,” said Rabbi While some may doubt the exisAri Sollish, who teaches regularly about tence of supernatural beings, words are kabbalah, Jewknown in Jewish ish mysticism. tradition to creThe founder and ate an energy, director of the light or aura that Intown Jewish some connect Academy added, with angels. “Ev“Resolution-makerything we say ing is considered has impact – for a very sacred exbetter or worse perience. It’s not – and creates a just an expression real energy.” Sollof hope or a wish; ish explains that it’s a powerful positive energy tool that we can or words can help use to manifest propel us, and the Jews are “definitely big on symbolic a certain reality opposite saps our things to impact the coming year,” that we wish to energy. said Rabbi Joshua Heller. be. The idea that “There’s a speech is powerful and can create or de- sense that when we say something, we stroy is not just a mystical, kabbalistic actually create a reality. And this is not idea, it’s a truth that we see all around just in a spiritual sense. In truth, our us.” words create a physical reality.” In this

46 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Some Jews don’t believe in decorating a baby’s room or revealing the gender of a child until after the birth to avoid the “evil eye.”

Sollish explained that the reason way, we are meant to keep our vows, Sollish said. “Making a resolution is a to ward off the evil eye is “based on the thoughts we have powerful thing that impart enthat is not meant ergy whether they to take lightly. We can be seen or are supposed to not. If one thinks mean it. It is real negatively about and significant, another it could and it creates a cause harm to new reality.” that person. PhysWhen we ically we have the verbalize our power through commitment our actions to through a resoluharm someone. tion, it helps us Our words can create a reality, likewise cause “step into it and Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller said, “We have harm and so can keep it.” rituals that help us stick with our resolutions. our thoughts.”

On the other ...We don’t call it resolutions; it’s teshuvah ...”

There are hand, Jews are always wary of the negative energy that also customs based on Jewish law that threatens us. For this reason, supersti- touch on this concept, such as not calltions such as the “evil eye” have emerged. ing a father and son back-to-back to the Torah, Sollish In Hebrew the said. “The idea evil eye is known is to not create a as the ayin hara situation where and in Yiddish, people could be some may follow jealous and bea blessing with grudge the blesskinahora, coming and create a bining kayn ayin negative energy. hara (no evil eye), We want to avoid to prevent posithat.” tive energy from Some Jews being lost. The may also put pronouncement off decorating a of kayn ayin hara baby’s room or or kinahora, someannouncing the times accompa“Making a resolution is very cherished in gender of the nied by mock spitJewish tradition,” said Rabbi Ari Sollish. child because of ting three times, is to ward off the evil eye and protect the this superstition. “It’s related to ayin hara,” he said. “They do not want to put blessing or anyone thinking ill of it.

RESOLUTIONS You can look at it as mystically or psychologically.”

In general, though, Jewish law is not in favor of vows, Heller said. “It’s better not to vow at all than to vow and not fulfill,” he said, quoting from Ecclesiastes.

“Don’t let your mouth bring you into disfavor.”

Making resolutions is not a particularly Jewish idea, Heller said, but “one of the most basic ideas of Judaism is that every day is a chance for self-improvement. We do have the idea of teshuvah, repentance, when we commit to a better path. … It’s what the high holidays are all about.”

Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller of Temple Emanu-El shared similar sentiments about the secular New Year and its rituals. “January 1 is not technically part of Judaism.” It actually has some Christian contexts, she said.

What’s relevant is that “Judaism teaches about rituals. There are all these opportunities to do rituals. We have rituals that help us stick with our resolu-

tions. … We do rituals to keep us committed.”

For instance, Shabbat is a weekly ritual, as are shaking the lulav and etrog or kissing the mezuzah.

Marking time is also a common Jewish practice, she said. “People look at Jan. 1 as a launching pad. I think it’s wonderful.” It’s the same concept employed during the high holidays, when Jews have a chance to start anew and hold themselves accountable, she said.

“We don’t call it resolutions; it’s teshuvah, readying ourselves for the Jewish year ahead. … We are returning to the right path, which is teshuvah, or making repentance,” Miller said. “Because we are Jewish Americans we have a chance to think back about the Jewish New Year at Rosh Hashanah and have I accomplished a goal and where did I miss out?

“The term resolution we hear for the secular New Year, I don’t think is that different. We resolve to be a better person. You want to be resolute in your teshuvah.” ì

Angels are believed to be connected with positive energy.

their blessing out there before it has materialized. It makes sense.”

Sollish admitted, “Unfortunately, begrudging others’ success is part of the darker side of the human condition, the reality of the human condition,” which includes competition to excel over others.

“Jewish superstition is grounded in something real. Superstitions and customs are based on reality and work around that reality. Words and thoughts create an energy; superstitions are around us to protect ourselves and our loved ones against evil thoughts.”

Rabbi Joshua Heller, known as an authority on Jewish law and practice, said Jews are “definitely big on symbolic things to impact the coming year.” For example, on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, we eat certain foods believed to bring good luck such as the head of a fish so we get “ahead for the coming year.”

The word for carrot is similar to the word “more” in Yiddish, and the Hebrew word for beet is similar to the word for “remove” as to remove bad luck, explained Heller, rabbi of Congregation B’nai Torah.

“Gourd in Hebrew is similar to the word for ‘to tear up’ as to tear up the evil decree. People specifically go out of their way to eat these foods. You could see it as trying to influence G-d or maybe to inspire you to change your behavior.”

Other Jewish New Year practices are also symbolic for casting off evil such as tashlich, when Jews throw figurative sins, as bread, into moving water. There’s also the lesser-known and more ancient practice of kapparot, waiving a live chicken over the head to transfer bad deeds to the animal. The custom has since been modified using money instead of a chicken.

“Judaism is full of symbolic acts. You can think of it as mystically transferring bad deeds to something else, symbolic of having better behavior in the coming year.

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RESOLUTIONS

A Mother's Superstition

By Chana Shapiro My mother was superstitious. Her superstitions ran the gamut, from pulling her ear when she sneezed to believing that a sneeze, during a conversation, proved that whatever was said was actually true or would soon be true. Did these superstitions save our family from harm? My mother thought so.

My mother maintained a same-door policy for guests as well as family.

Go in and out the same door My friends were used to my mother’s same-door rule, which my family scrupulously observed, and which

48 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

my friends considered, for lack of a better word, “quaint.”

Relatives, repairmen, boyfriends and girlfriends knew that whichever door they entered was going to be the door through which they exited. For my 14th birthday party in our “finished” basement, my friends arrived through the front, back and basement doors. As kids started to leave, Mom appeared, just in time. She had to make sure they left the house through the door they had entered, and she lovingly escorted each group to its appropriate door.

tached them to a garment I wore, in the least obvious place possible. In my youth, girls dressed in skirts and dresses for school; therefore, I usually had several safety pins attached to my slip. When one of my friends needed a quick no-sew fix, I was there! One day, as my favorite teacher Mrs. Gottlieb returned our homework, she revealed a hole under the arm of her blouse. We were simultaneously embarrassed and doing our best to stifle laughter. I reached down, removed a safety pin and placed it on my desk. When Mrs. Gottlieb reached me, I slid her a pin and a terse note, “hole under left arm.”

Mrs. Gottlieb took the pin and left the room, quickly made the repair and returned. After class, she thanked me. I told Mom the story; she was happy, but not surprised.

Our family’s safety pin superstition allowed me to lessen my teacher’s embarrassment.

See a pin, pick it up My mother taught us, “See a pin, pick it up, a safety pin will bring good luck!” We became a family of safety-pin scouts.

I walked everywhere vigilantly, and I found a lot of pins. I at-

My family did our best to combat the ever-threatening evil eye.

Beware the ‘evil eye’ The website My Jewish Learning states, “The evil eye, ayin ha’ra in Hebrew, is the idea that a person or supernatural being can bewitch or harm an individual merely by looking at them.” To my mother, the evil eye was her greatest fear. To prevent unimaginable doom, my siblings and I scrupulously obeyed the mandate that with other people, even some of our extended family, no boasting or bragging was allowed, lest the evil eye ruin anything good we experienced. When my little sister received a double-promotion, when my brother won a merit scholarship, when my story was published in a teen magazine, none of these accomplishments was announced. If others complimented us, my mother was quick with kinehora (Yiddish for “let it be without the evil eye”) and changed the subject. My parents were very proud of us and praised us privately, but Mom was determined to protect us from other people’s assumed jealously, where a mere evil eye look or silent curse could harm us.

For a school trip, Mom suggested, “Bring the sweater set that looks good with your hair, kinehora. Would anyone really wish me harm because I looked good in green? Better not take a chance. After I moved away, my mother wrote letters full of the cautionary ayin ha-rah/kinehora incantation.

When our daughter, Rachel, passed her driving test, Mom mixed pleasure, love and concern, “Wonderful that Rachel will have more independence, kinehora, and also be a big help to you, kinehora, you should all be well.”

Did your family hold their breath when they passed a cemetery? Did they believe that stepping over a person’s outstretched legs could stunt their growth? How about never picking up a face-down coin? Did your family chew a thread when someone was sewing on a garment they were wearing? Did they believe that putting a hat on the bed would cause a headache? Well, welcome to my family, we should all be well, ptui, ptui, ptui (I just spit three times.) ì

RESOLUTIONS

The Golem of Prague

By Allen H. Lipis The story of the Golem is one of the most famous stories of Jewish history.

Tradition recounts that when persecutors rose up to attack us, the Maharal Yehudah Loew, chief rabbi of Prague 500 years ago, created the Golem, a manlike creature made from the dust of the earth, endowed with “life” by means of a secret Kabbalistic formula. Through the Golem, the Maharal brought about miracles for the protection of the Jews.

A famous story about the Golem deals with blood libels. Back then, Christian priests, especially the priest Taddeus, claimed that Jews secretly killed Christian children and used their blood for their Passover matzot. After Taddeus’ sermons, the Christian townspeople would pour out of church, seething with hatred for the Jews.

The Maharal, in desperation to save the Jews from slaughter, prayed for guidance. He received an answer at night in a vision. He was given 10 Hebrew letters, signifying words meaning “You will create a Golem, a thing of clay and destroy the wicked!”

The Maharal and two friends went to the Moldova River and began to shape the soft clay. They created a figure that resembled a man.

The first friend circled the Golem seven times while reciting certain holy letter combinations. The Golem began to glow. The second friend did the same thing, and the glow was replaced by a watery vapor. Then the Maharal also circled the Golem seven times and the three of them cried out, “And God blew the breath of life into his nostrils.” The Golem’s eyes then opened. The men discovered that the Golem had great strength and also the ability to disappear.

The Maharal told the Golem, “We created you with God’s help to protect the Jews against our enemies. You must obey my orders in everything! The Golem could see and hear but was mute.

He nodded his head in agreement.

The Golem was not a monster, but rather a gentle soul that had no independent thought but was morally upright.

He did exactly what he was told until he was told to stop by the Maharal. When asked to bring water to the kitchen, he continued to bring water until the kitchen flooded and was then told to stop.

When he was told to catch fish, he fished all day, and when told that there were too many fish, he dumped the entire basket of them back into the lake.

One tale of the Golem dealt with a

The image of the mythical Golem of Prague was not a monster, but a gentle soul that helped protect Jews of Prague.

The Maharal Yehudah Loew, chief rabbi of Prague 500 years ago, was believed to have created the Golem.

Jewish girl named Miriam, who went to Father Taddeus to become a Christian.

As Pesach approached, Miriam packed her bags and raced out of her house.

At the same time, a Christian girl who worked for Miriam’s family quit and was missing. She had returned to her own village jobless. With that fact in mind, and having Miriam under his control, Taddeus forced Miriam to concoct a story that the Maharal and his friends had killed the missing girl for her blood, and they had a bottle of blood to make matzah. In addition, Miriam said that one of the men told her father that the girl who was missing would be replaced in a few days.

The next day, the Maharal, a friend and the Golem were arrested. Before the trial began, the Maharal, who was told in advance about Miriam’s fabrication, found a mute man in Prague who matched the Golem’s figure, sedated him, and put him in the Golem’s bed, so it looked like he was the Golem. The Maharal then told the real Golem to go to the girl’s village with a letter that said she would have her job back with a raise if she would return to Prague.

With the Golem’s special powers, the missing girl returned with him in the middle of the trial. The Maharal and his friend were then declared innocent, Miriam was sentenced to six years in prison for perjury, and Taddeus was discredited.

Most important, the Golem performed many acts of brute strength to

defend the Jews. After many other incidents involving the Golem, and once the

blood libel battle was over, the Maharal no longer relied on the Golem. With his two friends, they followed the same process used to create the Golem, but in reverse. They wrapped the Golem in a tallit and hid him in the attic of the Maharal’s synagogue, available to return when needed. No one was told where the Golem had gone. Only a few in Prague knew the truth, and today many believe that the secret incantation to bring him back could only be enacted by the Maharal.

In 1921, when my grandparents and their four small children – one of them my mother – emigrated to the U.S. from Romania, they stopped in Prague. They knew the story of the Golem, and my uncle told me that they went to the place that housed the Golem but, alas, they couldn’t find him. Without the Kabbalistic formula, known only to the Maharal of Prague, the Golem will not be brought to life, and thank G-d today we are not desperate for his return. ì Chana Shapiro contributed to this story.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 49

COMMUNITY Chanukah Wrap-up AJT Staff Over the past eight nights, Atlanta Jews have been bringing their menorah lights outdoors to share the glow with the community.

In Cobb County, Mayor Tommy Allegood of Acworth and Mayor Derek Easterling of Kennesaw hosted menorah lightings together with Rabbi Zalman Charytan of Chabad of Kennesaw. Menorah lightings also took place every night of Chanukah at the site of the future home of Chabad of Kennesaw.

Levi and Aliza Afrah stand with their children Aderet, Ayala, Orli and Nili in front of their menorah, celebrating the three Chanukah birthdays of Aderet, Orli and Nili.

Zalmy Goldberg publicly celebrates Chanukah as he drives his truck around Atlanta.

Chabad of Cobb set up large menorot throughout the East Cobb area. And Congregation Etz Chaim lit its outdoor menorah, along with a traditional table-topper, Dec. 13. The menorah lighting ceremony was followed by Chanukah songs by engagement director Heather Blake on guitar.

50 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Further east, a large menorah for Chabad of Gwinnett graced Holcomb Bridge Road.

COMMUNITY

A large wooden menorah stood in front of a home in Toco Hills. It was brought to Atlanta from New York by homeowners who constructed it themselves.

Elsewhere around the city, a two-story menorah and matching dreidel made from Christmas lights filled up the front yard of the Lips family home in Dunwoody.

Chabad of North Fulton held a menorah lighting at Avalon, a menorah car parade, a Chanukah program at Newtown Park and a teen Chanukah event.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 51

COMMUNITY

Do You Believe in Miracles?

By Chana Shapiro

Zahava Kurland, business owner I don’t believe in coincidences; miracles appear unexpectedly. This one occurred several years ago.

I am finishing a conversation with the arborist who tells me that it will cost $2,200 to take down my rotting 300-yearold oak tree. I am in a tizzy as to how I will pay for this.

A few days later, a neighbor and I are sitting in the den with our kids playing near us. She looks through the deck doors and says, “I didn’t realize how huge your deck is!” Now, I look at the deck with different eyes. “Wow, you’re right!”

Suddenly I realize that my deck is empty!

All the deck furniture is gone! Someone stole all of it!

The insurance claim paid me $1,900.

Problem solved!

Peter L. Wilson, metal artist (Zahavah Kurland’s son) My tonsils were removed just before my fourth birthday. My mother had a ter52 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

rible cold and took meds to sleep. She was knocked out. Something woke her up (she says it was my “angel.”) I was in bed, on my knees trying to call her, but I was hemorrhaging from my throat.

We had just moved to Atlanta from New Jersey, which didn’t have 911, so we weren’t accustomed to using it. My mother tried calling numbers the hospital gave after my tonsillectomy, but none worked. Somehow, she remembered to dial 911, and an ambulance came within five minutes (she said it seemed like forever). When I got to the hospital, I had lost most of my blood, my veins had collapsed, and I was experiencing hypothermia. Thank G-d, I lived.

After that, I shook every time I heard a siren. The supervisor of the ambulance corps suggested that we visit an ambulance.

Our drive to the station in Decatur took 20 minutes. They showed me the ambulance, gave me a toy physician’s bag, and I rang the siren. Recalling our 20-minute drive, my mother asked how they got to our house so fast. They had been on a false alarm call and stopped at the fire station around the corner from where we lived. They were sure that if they had driven from Decatur, I would not have made it. Now, that’s a miracle!

Helen Gerchikov, nursery school teacher What makes something a miracle?

I would describe the event as above na-

ture, out of the ordinary. Something that makes one stop in one’s tracks. And sometimes a miracle is finding comfort in a sad situation that is extraordinary.

Last year, near Thanksgiving, my father passed away.

That same morning, my husband’s father had passed away. Both fathers died on the same day. It was a hectic, emotional, exhausting day. The two funerals were surreal, one following the other in a haze of tears. But among the pain was a huge comfort. My husband and I were experiencing this together. We were sitting shiva together. The community supported us together. And the biggest miracle was that my husband said kaddish for both fathers.

This November, as we lit the two yahrtzeit candles, a feeling of peace came over us as we remembered our fathers together. Not an ordinary event, definitely above nature, a “wow” kind of day. It was a miracle.

Mira D. Bergen, real estate broker Tune in to G-d’s communication daily and you will see with your heart that what seems coincidental is really miraculous.

We were recently married, and I already met five of my husband’s six children, and most of his 12 grandchildren, so we were anxious to go on our trip to Dallas to see this son with his wife and five children. Our reservations were made two weeks earlier. We were flying out Thursday afternoon, spending Shabbos, and then returning to Atlanta on Sunday.

A few days before, they needed to cancel because of non-health circumstances.

We were so saddened and disappointed, and so were the children, who made “Welcome Grandpa and Mira” drawings! We could not understand why this happened.

My husband’s friend of 68 years (like a brother since he was 10 years old) died Wednesday of the same week. My

husband wanted to help put him to rest, and he was able to fly to Los Angeles that Thursday afternoon, the same time we would have been on the flight to Dallas.

We did not realize G-d had other plans for us. Coincidence or miracle? We are tuned into the “miracle network;” we choose miracle!

Bob Levin, author I suppose miracles occur outside the boundaries of our curiosity. Several times doctors have used the idea of miracle when it came to me, most recently during my cancer episode. And while I was in my late 30s (I’m in my 60s now) I was told that by the time I’m 50 I would be carrying around oxygen. I don’t carry it, and I’m walking 6 ½ miles a day to help cure me from the cancer cure.

When my dad came to Atlanta, for seven years he quietly asserted his imminent death. I developed an ulcer. The doctor said it was among the worst he’d seen.

The next year’s ‘scope found no evidence it had ever been there. This the doctor’d never seen and couldn’t explain.

But it’s explainable because of my immersion in Chinese medicine, although Confucius would explain it differently. As a part of “the natural unfolding,” he would say, wonders occur for those who conscientiously practice and study the ancient rituals and wisdoms, that is, the Judaism in which I’m also immersed.

Iris Levin, manager of member services Bob’s wife No. ì

The expanse of the living room area extends to the Southeast view. The two beige chairs are Holly Hunt. Chandeliers by: L’Hermitage and Dennis & Leen. The Paul Tamanian horn is “Large White Tusk” (Fay Gold Gallery). Soyer’s “The Ballet Dancer.” Far right, Deedra Ludwig oil.

Chai Style Home

Photos by Duane Stork // Alison and Marisa flank Kimo Minton’s

“Head”/ oil on cottonwood. Daughter Marisa was the real estate agent for this Waldorf Astoria Residences unit.

Waldorf’s Response to Parisian Salon Imagine Gertrude Stein entertaining in her grand sa- magic, we mixed family keepsakes, paintings, luxurious cut lon, convening a clutch of insiders initiating the Age of Con- velvets, a Louis XVI commode (circa) 1780, and, voila!” versation. The Waldorf Astoria residence of Alison and Jeff Her attorney husband Jeff added, “I liked this condo Kaufman, in the heart of Buckhead, echoes gilded vignettes right away because it functioned well for living and enterwhere art meets style. Stories told and keepsakes collected taining. The long kitchen counters and the well positioned by them would amuse Coco Chanel herself. bar create a nice flow for guests.”

In 2015 the Kaufmans downsized from a Daughter Marisa Green was the real eslarge Buckhead home to a Buckhead condo at tate agent who found and closed the deal. She the Waldorf Astoria tower across from Lenox recalled, “We viewed the Waldorf Astoria due Square. to its convenient location, top level security, As is the custom in salons, much space privacy and amenities. They knew the minute is dedicated to art. They collect Kimo Minton, they walked in that they wanted this home. who combines Hawaiian, Japanese and Native The walkability of the neighborhood and acAmerican influences to synthesize ancient cess to restaurants and shops played a role in and modern meditative practices. Other arttheir decision. They created a home that alists are Jean-Pierre Bourquin, Deedra Ludwig, lows for an easy lifestyle and is safe and fun. It Diane Arbus, Jonathan Sobol and Stephanus Marcia has an open floor plan and is a perfect size for Heidacker (“The Stroll”). Then there’s Georgia Caller Jaffe entertaining. The sun-filled windows and art State University graduate Steve Seinberg’s walls gives them a touch of Paris.” playful painting style and Heidi Becker’s “White Lilies Blue,” Come away to France: which lights up the master hallway. In Jeff’s office is local artist Zoe Hersey Zelby’s trompe l’oeil [optical illusion]. Rocio Marcia: You grew up with a family who valued art, Rodriguez did the vertical rose triptych.

Alison: My parents were collectors, so we sprinkled in “We took several months after closing before moving some of their pieces with my grandmother’s crystal and my in,” Alison recalled. “We wanted custom shades, curtains, mother’s Lalique Bacchantes vase. When we went to camp, closets, paint and wallpaper in a modern classic French am- my parents went to Europe. biance. Nothing trendy. I love so many styles. With a lot of We had a Fletcher Martin painting that fit perfectly.

Martin became a painter after he was initially known as a photographer for Life magazine during World War II. Jeff: I like the carved wooden Chinese figures originally purchased by Alison’s parents in a quaint New York shop. I also like the hand-wound wooden grandmother clock from Jeff Littrell Antiques.

Marcia: What art do you collect?

Alison: A variety. Moses Soyer was known for his Rembrandt warmth and expressionism. He painted dancers in the 1940s with a touch of melancholy. His work is in the LACMA [Los Angeles County Museum of Art], Met and Whitney museums. His “The Ballet Dancer” is displayed in a gilded frame by Herbert Benevy.

In contrast, the guest powder room features a candycolored Lucite geometric by Leonard Janklow, and the 7-by6-foot encaustic on the wall near the entrance is by Mark Perlman (Bill Lowe Gallery).

Jeff: The bronze sculpture is by Tom Corbin (ADAC).

The Kelly Wearstler “Stone Lips” sculptures are very cool.

The Paul Tamanian horn “Large White Tusk” is from Fay Gold Gallery. We were crushed during our move when we damaged some of our favorite sculpture, created by our daughter, Nicole Kaufman, a graduate of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Marcia: Do you stay in the French realm for furnishATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 53

CHAI STYLE

Paintings by Steve Seinberg (New River Flying Bugs) mixed media, Jean-Pierre Bourquin( right) line the back hall.

The background Chinese dolls are from Alison’s parents. The Kimo Minton sculpture GRACE II “graces” the cocktail table. The Scalamandre chair fabric was chosen by late designer L. Benjamin Jones.

ings?

Alison: “Well, yes and no. The Louis XVI, blue antique commode from William Word gallery on Miami Circle, circa 1790, (Directoire) is the central decorative piece. The Ron Arad lamp is from England (circa 1980). I was lucky to hire the late L. Benjamin Jones as our interior designer. He had flawless taste in color and fabrics. The cut velvet high back chair fabric is Scalamandre from the Ovation collection.

The coffee table is by Rose Tarlow and chairs are Holly Hunt.

Jeff: Alison loves interesting sofas and lighting. She installed a custom velvet linen J. Robert Scott sofa in the living room, a buff bronze Liaigre sofa in my office and a black leather Coach sofa in the den. She polished the look by adding Porta Romana sconces. Lamps in the master suite are also Liaigre and add interest. The L’Hermitage chandelier in the dining room (Dennis & Leen) is surrounded by matching chandeliers in the den and living rooms by Ironies. Much of the lighting came from Jerry Pair (ADAC).

Master bedroom-Alison’s favorite painting above the bed is by Sherri Mignonne (Aspen). The Picasso signed lithograph (right). The lamps are Liaigre.

The guest bedroom fixture is from Edgar-Reeves (ADAC). The painting over the bed by Hutton Snellings and Jonathan Sobol (top), and Brock (bottom).

54 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CHAI STYLE Attorney Jeff Kaufman poses in front of a large Mark Perlman encaustic.

The backsplash is Calacatta Gold marble. The row of Mercury glass fixtures are indeed special.

Marcia: How is the stage set in the master bedroom?

Alison: Our favorite painting in the master suite is by Sherri Mignonne from Aspen. The signed Picasso lithograph in that bedroom and the Louis Field ink drawing all add color and dimension. Field was an illustrator and art director for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from 1938 who produced many famous movie posters. We really like the Michael Taylor mirror and the vintage factices from the Andy Warhol collection.

Marcia: What about the kitchen decor?

Alison: Our cooktop and oven are Wolf. Before moving in, we changed the backsplash to Calacatta Gold marble. We installed unique mercury glass pendants over the island; but we’re not very fussy about cooking. The Jennifer Cawley encaustic on canvas adds depth here too.

Marcia: Last word?

Alison: I love the inspiring views, especially the colorful sunrise and sunsets. I am just thankful and enjoy being here in my home. ì

The master bath chandelier is one of a kind from Wildwood Antique. The view is to busy Buckhead’s business district.

The guest powder room has a fun candy hued Lucite geometric by Leonard Janklow.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 55

ART Bill Gates Coming to Book Festival

By Anna Levy As climate change becomes a hotter button topic, Bill Gates has written a book that outlines practical and actionable steps how the world can combat climate change and eventually halt the production of greenhouse gas emissions entirely.

His book, “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need,” will be presented Feb. 24 at the MJCCA’s Book Festival in Your Living Room.

“I submitted a proposal to the book’s publisher with the hope of securing a virtual event with him,” said Pam Morton, director of the book festival. “I was thrilled when they accepted our invitation. He is one of the biggest authors we have ever had at the festival, and we are absolutely over the moon about being able to offer this to the community.”

Morton credits the festival’s new collaboration with the National JCC Literary Consortium for helping to attract Gates.

“Instead of the program reaching only one JCC in Atlanta, it can reach up to 90.

It is a win-win for both the JCCs across the

56 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Gates’ book will outline a reasonable and actionable plan to stop climate change in its tracks.

Gates’ book, which he will present at Book Festival in Your Living Room in February.

country and for the authors. Instead of an author having to hold 100 different Zoom presentations, they can hold one and get the same reach.”

Gates, whose net worth is estimated at $129 billion, has spent the last 10 years investigating climate change and has consulted experts in the fields of numerous

sciences, including political science and finance, to find solutions. In addition, he also draws from his own understanding of innovation and technology to describe how current technology is already helping lower greenhouse emissions.

“It’s inspiring to see so much passion these days for dealing with climate change, and to know that the world has set some ambitious goals for solving it,” Gates said in a post from his blog, Gatesnotes.com.

“What we need now are practical plans to reach those goals.”

To conclude the book, Gates lays out a concrete plan for the next decade to get greenhouse emissions down to zero. The plan includes both policies the government can adopt and decisions individuals can make to contribute to the plan’s success.

“I’m excited about the book and eager to continue the conversation about how we can avoid a climate disaster,” Gates said.

The book is currently available for pre-order and will be released Feb. 16. ì Gates will present his book 8 p.m. Feb. 24.

For tickets, https://www.showclix.com/event/ bill-gates-climate-disaster.

ART

Jewzy is New to Streaming TV

Jewzy.TV has an attractive lineup of documentaries and feature films with a Jewish focus.

By Bob Bahr

recent favorites from the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival as “Breakfast at Ina’s,” a Fans of Israeli film and other mov- documentary about the Brooklyn-born ies with a Jewish theme who tire of Ina Pinkney, who opens a restaurant in combing through the collections of Net- Chicago and becomes the city’s Queen flix, Amazon Prime and Hulu now have of Breakfast. There’s also “Harmonia,” an award-winning a website that offers modern retelling of a selection of some the biblical story of of the best recent reAbraham, Sarah and leases at a bargain Hagar, which is set in basement price. the classical concert Jewzy.TV, a world. streaming platform Fans of the Brad that was launched Lichtenstein’s lothis fall, offers a cally produced docusharply curated colmentary, “There Are lection of feature Jews Here,” that was films and documenbacked by Atlanta taries, news from the philanthropist Mike independent IsraelLeven, can see it based news service again on Jewzy. The I24, and a chance for documentary prolocal and national The Hebrew Hammer is part of Jewzy.TV’s holiday offerings. files several Jewish nonprofits in America to upload their own productions to communities in smaller towns around the Jewzy website. A free trial is offered the country that are bravely, but often the first week and then a month-to- barely, hanging on.

Wootliff said the reaction to the month subscription is $5.99 or $59.99 a new service has “overwhelmed, amazed year.

The CEO of the new operation is Jer- and delighted” him.

“Our surveys have shown that there emy Wootliff, who grew up in London, was educated at Syracuse University was healthy demand in the Jewish comand worked as a producer in broadcast- munity for a service where you didn’t ing. Three years ago, while creating have to plow through the gazillions of documentaries for Jewish nonprofits, programs on the big websites. We want he realized that there were few sources to be the place to go for Jewish enteronline for Jewish audiences who craved tainment. And when I say Jewish I don’t quality offerings. Despite a thriving net- mean just Israel. I don’t mean religious. work of Jewish film festivals, including I mean a place that’s mainstream, and Atlanta’s, once a film played the festival cool.”

For the holiday season, Jewzy has circuit it was often hard to find.

“I knew the demand was there. And just added “The Hebrew Hammer,” a my instinct told me that people were Hollywood comedy favorite from a few looking for ways to be a cool, happening, years back which stars Adam Goldberg millennial Jew and hey, the one thing as an Orthodox Jew who wants to save that unites us all is watching television.” Chanukah from the clutches of Santa On the Jewzy site you’ll find such Claus’ evil son.

The AJFF chose Jewzy.TV’s “There Are Jews There.”

He’s also acquired the complete library of 650 programs of the comedy series, “Old Jews Telling Jokes,” which is part of his plan to put some fun into everyday Jewish life.

“The COVID crisis has put America and the Jewish community through terrible difficulties right now, but we want to bring some joy and happiness and smiles back.”

But Wootliff also believes that Jewzy.TV can give you something to think about as well. He’s adding the finishing touches to a new program that highlights the issues that the American Jewish community is facing as a result of the health crisis during the last year.

Featured in the program are Orthodox Rabbi Mark Dratch, executive vice president of the Rabbinical Council of America, and Sylvia Barack Fishman, a professor of Judaic Studies at Brandeis University, among others.

The rise of subscription services like Jewzy is part of a major shift in the entertainment world away from the bundle of channels that were once popu-

lar moneymakers for cable TV providers and toward a more selective approach by today’s entertainment industry. More and more viewers are “cord cutting,” as the trend has been described.

According to the show-business daily, Variety, cable households that stood at a peak of over 105 million in 2010 are down to about 83 million. They are forecast to fall to just under 73 million in 2023.

The paper quoted the former programming head of AT&T’s DirecTV, Chris Long, as saying in the next 10 years how we pick and choose what we watch is going to be completely transformed.

“At some point people will make that decision of ‘I can get everything I want (in streaming TV). I no longer need to have 180 channels that I only watch 12 of.’”

Wootliff thinks he and his new service are a part of that bright new future of streaming TV. “This is the digital age. Now we’ve got a new Jewish virtual world, a new Jewish virtual community.” ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 57

CALENDAR Virtual Classes and Events:

DECEMBER 23-JANUARY 14 group is for spouses, partners and/or significant others of those struggling with addiction. To register and for more information, sanderson@jfcsatl.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23 Torah Studies, Live – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Intown Jewish Academy for an in-depth analysis of the Torah portion. This program brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of inspiring and engaging weekly classes. You will walk away surprised, inspired and knowing more about who you are — and who you can be. To learn more, https://bit. ly/37HWWTv.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 Beth Shalom Movie Club – From 7 to 8 p.m. Watch this movie on Prime video before Dec. 24 and then join us on Zoom for a wonderful discussion about the movie “Swing Kids.”

It is based on actual events that took place in Nazi Germany in the late 1930s. The term “Swing Kids” refers to German young people who loved American swing music and distained Hitler. For more information, http:// bit.ly/3mFDieK.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 Think Different – From 8 to 9 p.m. Join Intown Jewish Academy for a weekly group to study the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries with master Tanya teacher Rabbi Ari Sollish. To register, http://bit.ly/2WwqDjM. 12 Step Spiritual Study Group – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. From Chabad Intown for loved ones of those affected by addiction, Jeff’s Place presents a 12-week class and discussion with Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman. The class will explore the 12 Steps through a Jewish lens and draw guidance and strength to navigate this excruciating challenge. To register, www.bit. ly/3hTPeqT.

Rabbi Mark’s Weekly Parsha Torah Study – From 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Join Congregation Beth Shalom and Rabbi Mark Zimmerman for a virtual Torah Study each week as the weekly parsha is discussed. To join, http://bit. ly/3mHaF0O. Significant Others of Addicts Support Group – From 1 to 2 p.m. Free weekly support group from JF&CS. This

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25 Be A Pinch Hitter a Different Way – From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Since 1980, the

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

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

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

58 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Pinch Hitter Program has placed volunteers as non-medical hospital personnel on Christmas Day. Because of COVID, the program organized by the B’nai B’rith Achim/Gate City Lodge is debuting the B’nai B’rith Pinch Hitters Gift of Talent Extravaganza, a series of 60-minute pre-recorded videos available to hospitals and senior living facilities to entertain residents and patients on Christmas Day. The videos will also acknowledge, celebrate and thank the essential workers at these locations. For more information, http://bit.ly/3h86eLB.

Winter Break Family Camp - Camp for the whole family with counselor-led adventures, Chanukah fun, a magical Shabbat and a rockin’ New Year’s Eve! The program includes three nights of Chanukah celebrations with latkes, sufganiyot (jelly donuts), dreidel games and holiday songs; family-time activities and games; outdoor adventures and fitness with hiking, ropes courses, archery, yoga and more; fun and inspirational adult programs with professional artists and educators; a magical camp-style Shabbat; healthy kosher chef-prepared meals; and two New Year’s Eve parties – one for kids and one for adults. To learn more, http://bit.ly/3mE3UwS.

The Art of The Conductor with Yoel Levi – From 6 to 7 p.m. Join The Temple for a series of hourlong conversations focusing on the music of four different modern Jewish composers featuring Atlanta conductor Yoel Levi and AJT contributor Bob Bahr. Levi is one of the world’s leading classical conductors. He was principal conductor of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for 12 years, during which time the orchestra achieved worldwide renown.

To register, tinyurl.com/y2224kz8.

Kabbalah & Coffee – From 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Discuss, explore, and journey with Intown Jewish Academy. Learn about the world of Jewish mystical teach-

ing and how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. To register, http://bit.ly/38oc9YH.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28 Monday Night Parsha – From 7 to 8 p.m.

Join Chabad of North Fulton for this virtual class by Rabbi Gedalya Hertz on the weekly parsha. To join, www. bit.ly/2zpsgIl.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29

Decoding Talmud – From 8 to 9 p.m. Join Talmud scholar Rabbi Mendel Jacobson for a four-part journey inside the depths of the Talmud. Learn Talmudic logic, gain language and study skills, and examine a legal topic that will come to life before your eyes. Course login will be provided upon registration. For more information, http://bit. ly/2WzCoWH. Brain Health Boot Camp – From 1 to 3 p.m. Join JF&CS for a new virtual Brain Health Bootcamp. If you are recognizing symptoms of cognitive changes or have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, these fun and social classes can help you strengthen your mind and body to stay sharp, especially during these times. The class will combine gentle physical exercise, including yoga and exercises, to help reduce stress and anxiety, along with an hour of brain exercises done in a non-stress and engaging way of learning. For information or to register, contact Georgia Gunter at ggunter@ jfcsatl.org or call 770-677-9421.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 Rabbi Mark’s Weekly Parsha Torah Study – From 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Join

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

Congregation Beth Shalom and Rabbi Mark Zimmerman for a virtual Torah Study each week as the weekly parsha is discussed. To join, http://bit. ly/3mHaF0O. Significant Others of Addicts Support Group – From 1 to 2 p.m. Free weekly support group from JF&CS. This group is for spouses, partners and/or significant others of those struggling with addiction. To register and for more information, sanderson@jfcsatl.org.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 Kabbalah & Coffee – From 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Discuss, explore, and journey with Intown Jewish Academy. Learn about the world of Jewish mystical teaching and how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. To register, http://bit.ly/38oc9YH.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6 East Cobb Infertility Support Group – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Jewish Fertility Foundation for a free virtual support group. Open to any woman currently experiencing medical infertility. RSVP at http://bit.ly/3rgkhDp for private Zoom link/password.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 JFF Infertility Support Group – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Jewish Fertility Foundation for a free virtual support group. Open to any woman currently experiencing medical infertility. To register, www.bit.ly/3e7ZFpC. Beanies for Preemies – 1 to 3 p.m. Congregation Dor Tamid is looking for congregants who crochet or knit to make beanies or octopi for premature babies in the Northside Hospital NICU. You can make them at home

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Vayigash Friday, December 25, 2020, light candles at 5:17 p.m.

Saturday, December 26, Shabbat ends at 6:17 p.m.

Vayechi Friday, January 1, light candles at 5:22 p.m.

Saturday, January 2, Shabbat ends at 6:21 p.m.

Shemot Friday, January 8, light candles at 5:28 p.m.

Saturday, January 9, Shabbat ends at 6:27 p.m.

and bring them to CDT or join the monthly get-together. This is an ongoing social action activity. For more information or to receive the pattern instructions, contact Sharon Rocco at srocco1951@gmail.com.

veals an economic paradigm grounded in 3,000 years of Jewish tradition and experience — an ancient, yet fresh spin on how we view the ethics of money. Course login information provided upon registration, http://bit. ly/3azSkjU.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 Virtual Happy Hour – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Congregation Beth Shalom’s Virtual Happy Hour. Join Steve Kerbel, wine expert, for three sessions exploring the complexities of fine Israeli wines and a little Israel geography.

Includes three red and three white Israeli wines specially curated just for us. When you register, you will receive the link to order the wine directly from kosherwine.com. $149. Jan. 9, 16, 23, http://bit.ly/3awZR31.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10 Movies at the Etz – From 4 to 6 p.m. Join Congregation Etz Chaim for the film, “Prosecuting Evil: The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz.” A gripping profile of the last surviving lead prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials whose lifelong desire for justice altered the rule of law. The movie is available on Netflix or for rent on another streaming service. Please watch the movie before the virtual discussion. For Zoom link, visit http://bit.ly/3mDV95Z.

MONDAY, JANUARY 11 The Judaism & Wealth Series – From 8 to 9 p.m. Intown Jewish Academy presents “Jewish Wisdom on the Ethics of Business,” a four-part series with Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman. It teaches Judaism’s approach to the economic dilemmas we encounter. The series re-

Federation Innovation Pitch Night – From 7 to 9 p.m. Featuring a range of Propel grantees, this (likely virtual) Federation Innovation Pitch night will provide an opportunity for our community’s visionary changemakers to connect with a wider audience and receive valuable philanthropic support. For more information, http://bit. ly/3reLdTY. Significant Others of Addicts Support Group – From 1 to 2 p.m. Free weekly support group from JF&CS. This group is for spouses, partners and/or significant others of those struggling with addiction. To register and for more information, sanderson@jfcsatl.org.

Hadassah Ketura History of Cuban Jews – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Hadassah Ketura Group via Zoom for a wonderful, inspirational immigrant story by Alberto Sapoznik, formerly of Cuba, and his migration to the U.S. For more information and to register, email katierkloder@gmail.com.

Ongoing: Judaic Needlework Meeting – From 7 to 9 p.m. The Peach State Stitchers is a chapter of the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework, an international organization devoted to needlework traditions through the sharing of handcrafted items for both Jewish ritual and every day cultural use. We are novice to experienced quilters, crocheters, fiber artists, weavers, knitters, needlepointers, beaders, cross-stitchers and more. Our members enjoy workshops, lectures, tours, making projects and needlework challenges throughout the year. Contact peachstatestitch@aol.com for details and meeting information.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 Virtual Congregation-Wide Book Discussion – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Congregation Etz Chaim will discuss the oldie but goodie book, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People,” by Rabbi Harold S. Kushner, which is very fitting during this pandemic.

How do we theologically respond to the greatest conflict in our modern times? Please read the book prior to the event. We will use Zoom breakout rooms to have small group discussions. For more information, http:// bit.ly/3pdLoNo.

Chabad.org Presents Jewish Kids Activities Online – Jewish art projects, videos, games, activities and more.

For more information, www.bit. ly/2UgUFId.

MJCCA Fitness – MJCCA is open. See the group exercise classes at www.atlantajcc.org/reopen.

MJCCA Book Festival – In Your Living Room Live, click to view MJCCA’s upcoming Book Festival virtual events, www.bit.ly/3bk1mi7.

BBYO – Tune in to BBYO On Demand, a new virtual experience for teens worldwide. Enjoy amazing programming and global events. Some of the sessions will even be led by our very own Greater Atlanta Region BBYO members. For more information, www.bit.ly/2QFlCD2.

MJCCA Blonder Department for Special Needs – Please stay tuned to the Blonder Family Department for Special Needs Facebook group for daily ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 59

activities, chats, workouts and more.

For more information, www.bit. ly/2Jmpl4x.

PJ Library – PJ Library is bringing fun, crafts, stories, Q&As, scavenger hunts, food demos and so much more. To join in and for more information, www.bit.ly/2WzFFqh. Repair the World – Repair the World welcomes you to sign up for its programming. Join them from the comfort of your home for a discussion on compassionate care for ourselves and our community. For more information, www.bit.ly/2xhUsv5.

Virtual Hillel Connections – If you’re looking for community, connection and meaningful learning opportunities or if you’re just bored and need a distraction during coronavirus cancellations, you’ve come to the right place. Hillel has virtual meetups and online gatherings that bring you together with Jewish and Jew-ish students from around the world in realtime. For more information, www.bit. ly/3af7wjA. Please send Virtual Classes & Events to diana@atljewishtimes.com.

Community Services: Anti-Defamation League – The Coronavirus Surfaces Fear, Stereotypes and Scapegoating: A blog post from ADL to help provide accurate information, explore emotions and, most importantly, play a role in reducing stereotyping and scapegoating. To read more, www.bit.ly/3dp5a3t.

Atlanta Community Food Bank Text for Help SMS Function –The ACFB’s mission to provide nutritious food to the 60 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

people who need it has reached a major milestone toward access to food for all. The Text for Help is ‘findfood’ (no space). Responses will include a list of three different nearby pantries and their contact information. For more information, www.acfb.org.

Israeli American Council – IAC @ Home brings you the most innovative content online while helping build a national community with Israel at heart. With activities for kids, teens, young professionals and adults, you can stay connected to Hebrew, Israeli and Jewish heritage, online activism and to one another. IAC @Home lets you enjoy a coast-to-coast community right from your own home. For more information, www.israeliamerican. org/home.

JF&CS -Emergency Financial Assistance – JF&CS is here to provide emergency aid for individuals and families.

Please call 770-677-9389 to get assistance. For more information, www. bit.ly/2wo5qzj.

JF&CS - Telehealth Counseling Services – Now offering telehealth options via phone or video conference for current and new clients to help our community during this crisis. For more information about our therapy services or to make a telehealth appointment, email us at therapy@jfcsatl.org or call 770-677-9474.

Please send Community Service Opportunities to diana@atljewishtimes.com.

Synagogue Livestreaming Services:

Temple Beth David — Kabbalat Shabbat services every Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat morning service and Torah Study every Saturday at 11 a.m. on our YouTube channel, (https://www. youtube.com/channel/UC2GcbAI_ HdLRSG5hhpi_8Cw).

Ahavath Achim Synagogue – Shabbat Evening Services at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. To watch and for more information, www.bit. ly/38dS4Ed.

Temple Beth Tikvah Livestreaming Services – Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays at 10 a.m. To join on Facebook, www. facebook.com/TempleBethTikvah/ or www.bit.ly/2ZlCvrr.

Congregation Beth Shalom’s Virtual Services – Erev Shabbat, Fridays at 6:30 p.m., Shabbat service, Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Zoom minyan Sunday at 9:30 a.m. For more information, www. bit.ly/3gY0mUK. Congregation Etz Chaim – Erev Shabbat Musical, Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. Join in for weekly livestream Shabbat services. To join, www.bit.ly/3gWL02s.

JF&CS - Telehealth Older Adult Services – Aviv Older Adult staff are there to help provide resources, care plans and support for you and your family. Call AgeWell at 1-866-AGE-WELL (1866-243-9355) to find out how they can help. For more information, www.bit. ly/2wo5qzj.

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Resources – The unsettling, fast-moving and unpredictable world of life with COVID-19 is upon us. As we’re all discovering, a worldwide pandemic disrupts everyone on an unprecedented scale. For updates and more information, www.bit. ly/3ahrNVM.

regular times through Zoom. They are counting participants in these Zoom services as part of a minyan, allowing members to recite full prayer services including Mourner’s Kaddish. To participate via phone, dial 929-205-6099 and then enter the meeting code 404 873 1743. To be a part of services, visit the Zoom link, www.bit.ly/2wnFWlD.

Temple Kol Emeth Services – Shabbat services on Fridays at 8 p.m. View our services on www.kolemeth.net or www.facebook.com/Temple Kol Emeth-Marietta, GA. Temple Sinai Livestream Services – Temple Sinai has live Shabbat services on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. For more information and to view services, www.bit.ly/2BXRfTF.

Congregation Or Hadash – Shabbat Services Friday at 6:30 p.m. Saturday morning services at 9:15 a.m. Minyan Sunday and Tuesday mornings. To participate and get Zoom link, www. or-hadash.org.

Congregation Shearith Israel – Daily and Shabbat services will continue at

The Temple Livestreaming Services – Find live streaming services here, www.the-temple.org.

Please send Synagogue and Temple Streaming Services to diana@atljewishtimes.com.

Check the Atlanta Jewish Connector for updates: www.atlantajewishconnector.com.

NEW MOON MEDITATIONS Tevet: Envision the New World Rosh Chodesh Tevet began at sundown Dec. 15.

The task of Tevet involves correcting our sight. We integrate inner and outer vision to Dr. Terry Segal see our issues New Moon Meditations clearly and align our actions with them.

The increased light from Chanukah candles illuminates the darkness. You know when a bright light is turned on and then off, you can still see the image that had been lit? We must hold the image with G-d’s bright light, even in the darkness.

While most of us don’t watch the planets move, we’re still affected by their meetups, revealing patterns from the past that repeat themselves and bring similar themes to our current experiences.

We began 2020 with the conjunction of Saturn and Pluto in the sign of Capricorn. Saturn governs authority, structures, government and foundations, while Pluto

is about collapse and transformation.

We’ve witnessed both in our world this year, capping it off on Dec. 21, the winter solstice, or Tekufat Tevet. That’s when Saturn and Jupiter met up in the sign of Aquarius for the first time since 1405. This configuration symbolizes a blooming of culture, science and vision.

Many medieval commentators and Kabbalists, including Rabbis Ibn Ezra and Moshe Cordovero, mention the link between Shabbat and Saturn as having a special connection to the Jewish people.

Jupiter, the big planet, expands things and Aquarius governs airwaves, humanitarianism, progressive ideas, revolutions, science and technology. These powerful astrological and historical conjunctions heralded a new age over 600 years ago and also now.

Europe had endured the seven-year devastation from the Bubonic Plague. The expulsion of Jews from Spain, just as Columbus set sail to discover a new world, occurred in 1492. As the Age of Aquarius approaches in the next few years, hopefully we’ll have hindsight from the deadly effects of COVID and rising anti-Semitism, and create a world that is kind, just and

built on equality and mutual respect.

The zodiac sign of Tevet is Capricorn, represented by the goat, a watchful protector that steadfastly moves up the mountain. Capricorn’s positive traits make them loyal, ambitious, hardworking team players. Their negative traits make them overly serious, critical, melancholy, unforgiving and suspicious. We all should watch for these traits this month.

Ayin is the Hebrew letter, resembling two eyes connected by a stem. Tevet comes from tov ayin, “the goodly eye.” The evil eye of hatred needs to be scrutinized and corrected.

Tevet’s tribe is Dan, the strong and watchful guardians of the borders in the Land of Israel. Dan means “to judge,” using the keen eye of discernment to look outward for threats or breaches to security, as it also urges us to look inward and assess our own actions as mature ones that benefit all.

The ruling planet of Saturn invites us to release attitudes, ideas and beliefs that won’t serve us in the new world. Each of us is called to become the most hard-working, effective and compassionate version of ourselves. The full moon of Dec. 29 brings an awareness of the need for compassion,

for ourselves, others, and especially those who have been made to feel separate or insignificant.

Anger is the sense, or state of emotional experience. It can motivate us to correct our vision and view the events that occurred, the decisions made, and the changes that resulted, as learning. There were also great losses, which may be the most difficult to integrate. Both literally and metaphorically, we must sort through each material item or quality within ourselves and make a conscious choice to savor and value it, transform it, or let it go.

With the liver being the controlling organ, the focus is to keep it from becoming fiery. The liver’s function is to purify the blood. Emotions such as resentment, frustration, irritability and bitterness create liver stagnation. Continuous detoxification of these qualities is required for proper functioning. In Kabbalah, the body and soul are ruled by the brain, heart and liver.

Meditation focus: Look back over this year in which COVID blindsided us all. What did you close your eyes to? What did you “see” for the first time? What vision of 2021 can you integrate with your actions? ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 61

OY VEY

JEWISH JOKE

OY VEY! HAVE I GOT A PROBLEM... .

Dear Rachel, ate with each passing day g more stuck and desper lin fee , ire agm for qu as a in rse g ove been I am sinkin I sink. My husband has my situation, the lower lf seemed like itse ted sen The more I think about pre t tha irations. The job asp al itic pol s his of it rsu months in pu ause I saw how much thi allowed him to leave bec gly lin wil I s. fad am an dre r the his the answer to n tasked with being mo . In his absence, I have bee to ses and I have had time opportunity meant to him ages 4, 6 and 8. As time pas en, ldr chi nd ful uti sba hu bea ee my ther to our thr e increasingly clear that g and lonely) it has becom our reflect (the nights are lon ropriately cautious with different ways. I am app tly vas in ng ing goi ent ly par on ch and I approa ts, even if we are y always sit in their car sea the t tha s” ng on isti uti ins , eca lth “pr d for those children’s hea hand, does not see the nee er oth the es, on , tin He . rou e ner around the cor es to homework or bedtim essary. Even when it com s, and views them as unnec l play a game with the kid sibilities seriously. He wil pon res e ir tak t the g no s tin ple doe my husband ult, they wind up not com the name of fun. As a res keeping them up late in rt for the next day. ich gives them a poor sta wh e, lat bed do to ng goi d homework an id social gatherings and sure that we mask up, avo ke ma ays n. alw I tio a, ten on con cor As far as lies the issue of ently traveled. And herein rec has o g wh lon e a on for any h use not visit wit is planning to a month off, which he has nd sba be n hu the my d an lly, Thankfu quarantine for two weeks ver, he does not want to idea overdue visit home. Howe hand, am terrified by the with us. I, on the other nd spe to our eks o we int two VID ly left with on bid, he brings CO arantining first. If G-d for qu ut ho wit me ho ing of him com e of the children? my home, who will take car port and is brushing off me straight from the air ho e com to d ine erm He is det ignificant. concerns as if they are ins greatly appreciated.

Any suggestions will be Sincerely, Frightened and Furious Dear F.F., It can be really confounding to co-parent with someone who has diametrically different views from you, especially in your situation. You are currently the parent on-call, so it would seem appropriate for you to call the shots. While I understand your husband’s intense desire to reunite with his family after a long absence, it will be anything but a heartwarming reunion if COVID rears its head. And though we don’t have any control over this wildly spreading virus, there are certain safeguards in place that we do with the hope that they can help protect us.

If you insist that your husband quarantine, and he refuses to comply, what can you do?

Other than changing the locks or running away, what are your other options?

Here are some suggestions that come to mind. Try having a conversation with your husband in which you validate his feelings and show real empathy for his situation. He has missed his family for so long, to spend half his time off within close proximity to the family, yet be unable to visit, sounds incredibly frustrating and challenging. Perhaps that validation will soften the blow, especially when you tell him how eager all of you are to have him back home. If that doesn’t work, is there someone you both respect with whom the two of you can confer together? Sometimes an impartial third party can be a good buffer who will help to clarify issues and foster understanding and cooperation. Another suggestion would be to ask your husband to speak to a doctor and ask his advice. I imagine the doctor would strongly advise him to quarantine after coming from overseas; once again, that seems to be a routine measure that is widely accepted during this pandemic.

Being a “single” parent is a taxing and stressful challenge. Maintaining your boundaries while welcoming your husband home adds to the roiling mixture. Hopefully, with the help of one or all these ideas, you, your husband, and children can enjoy some wonderful quality time together in the best of health.

Wishing you success and good collaboration, Rachel Atlanta Jewish Times Advice Column Got a problem? Email Rachel Stein at oyvey@atljewishtimes.com, describing your problem in 250 words or less. We want to hear from you and get helpful suggestions for your situation at the same time!

62 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The Interview David went for a job interview at a Jewish organization. It seemed to go well because before he left, he was told, “We would like you to work for us. We’ll give you $10 an hour starting today and in three months’ time we’ll increase it to $15 an hour. So when would you like to start?”

David replies, “In about three months from now.”

Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center, chabadnaples.com

YIDDISH WORD OF THE MONTH hock (Yid. ‫)האק‬: ַ Bother, pester (as in the character Maj Hockstetter from Hogan's Heroes; a hockstetter being someone who constantly bothers you); a contraction of the idiom Hakn a tshaynik (literally "to knock a teakettle"; Yiddish: ‫טשײניק‬ ַ ‫)האקן ַא‬, ַ from the old time pre-whistle teakettles whose tops clank against the rim as the pressure pushed them up and down. Often partially translated in informal speech, as in, "Don't hock my tshaynik about it!" ("Don't pester me about it!")

BRAIN FOOD

2020: Not All Bad

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1. 2020 (Jewish) World Series winner Pederson 4. Some MIT degs.

7. Israel normalized relations with this country in 2020, with 19-Across13. Son-gun connector 14. Partner of Paul, once 15. “___ but a few...”

16. Slip, usually 17. Narrow inlet useful in constructing crosswords 18. A-listers 19. See 7-Across 22. Kings’ land, for short 23. Perez to Judah 24. Israel normalized relations with this country in 2020 27. Israel normalized relations with this country in 2020 32. Org. for those with s’micha 33. Be a nudnik 35. “Brave New World” intoxicant 36. Creator of Portnoy and Zuckerman 38. “___ Synagoge” (Essen cultural center) 39. Cutting-edge ceremony?

40. Israeli-made weapons 41. Kudrow and Bonet 43. Kroger alternative 44. City of ___, locale of several

exciting discoveries in 2020 46. Israel normalized relations with this country in 2020 48. Old curtain material: Abbr.

50. Where Saints have been mostly dominant in 2020: Abbr.

51. Simple, but good advice for 2020 57. Doom who was a foe of Conan 58. Israel Museum to The Western Wall dir.

59. Kosher animal rarely on a menu 61. Islamic bigwig 62. Website with video game and film reviews 63. Kosher animal often on a menu (but with a different name) 64. Israel normalized relations with this country in 2020 65. Blog feed inits.

66. Org. that (thankfully) did not have a very successful 2020

DOWN

1. New leader for 2021, familiarly 2. Great singer Haza 3. Raider Derek 4. Walters, but not Streisand 5. Engineering project begun on July 4, 1817 6. Chalav option 7. Place for a baby to be “in”?

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25 Years Ago//December 22, 1995 ì Local Atlanta Jewish families are preparing to host Olympic athletes as the city prepares for the 1996 Olympic games. As part of the AT&T

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15 Years Ago//December 23, 2005 ì As the Greenfield Hebrew Academy kicked off its arts month, they were joined by the Southern Polytechnic State University’s Legacy Band.

Parents hoped that the program would encourage more children to do band, as administrators were excited for the opportunity to bring the arts into the classroom, which are sometimes lost amid tight schedules. ì Adam Schneider, a Sandy Springs resident who recently became a bar mitzvah, decided to use his bar mitzvah project to give back to his community. With his parents and grandparents, along with some of his own money, they bid on the famous turtles seen around Sandy Springs, and donated it to the koi garden at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite Hospital.

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8. Arenado and Ryan 9. J.K. Rowling attribute, for short?

10. Polanski’s Sharon 11. It can be the truth, in Israel 12. First half of an Iowa city 20. Dip one day in Av, for some 21. Lacks truth 24. “Yihye Tov” singer 25. When John Proctor confesses in “The Crucible” 26. Left hanging 28. Cable type 29. Corinthian alternative 30. Friend of Ramban, in his native land 31. Jessica Meir made some headlines working for this org. in 2020 32. “Ah ___”, possibly common cry in 2020 34. Wants 37. Hong Kong’s equiv. of the Dow 42. Eases up 45. There are several by the Dead Sea 47. 1/5th of MV 49. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Warren 51. His exile led to today’s Iran 52. Language in Southern India 53. Like an active chanukiah 54. Country where Esau dwelt 55. “Hit” or “run” 56. City in central Israel 57. “Getting things done,” initially 60. U.K. distances

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Atlanta Family Program, families will provide lodging, breakfast, and other services to athletes participating in the Olympic games. A group of up to 10 families, overseen by Mrs. Carol Nemo from The Davis Academy will be participating in the program. ì Jews from 29 nations gathered at the grave of Yitzchak Rabin, Israel’s fallen leader. Only one month after the death of Rabin and his funeral, attended by many leaders including Arab leaders, a group of Jews visited the site to pay their respects. Speakers at the event focused on the importance of unity, both within religions and as nations, to continue the search for peace as led by Rabin.

50 Years Ago//December 25, 1970 ì An estimated 10,000 Jewish protestors marched in downtown Gov. Lester Maddox will New York, blocks away from the Soviet Union United Nations Mission. The proclaim Religious Freedom protest was over the treatment of Soviet Jews, and a Leningrad trial against Day for the state of Georgia a Jewish person, seen by many to be a “show trial.” when BBYO marches at the ì BBYO planned to host a march at the Georgia state capitol to proGeorgia capitol to protest “red bias for Jewry.” test “the red bias for Jewry.” The group will be greeted by Gov. Lester Maddox, who will proclaim Religious Freedom Day for the state of Georgia. The march is part of BBYO’s four-day Southern regional convention. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 63

OBITUARIES

Annette Saidleman Goodman 79, Atlanta

Annette Saidleman Goodman, 79, of Atlanta, formerly of Troy, Ohio, passed away Dec. 13, 2020. Annette was owner of the MariAnnette Especially for Children and a member of Beth Abraham Synagogue in Dayton, Ohio.

For almost two decades, Annette also had a career in the Jewish federations in Sarasota, Fla., and Lee and Charlotte counties in Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents David and Sarah Saidleman, and sister Marilyn Lipp. Annette is survived by her loving husband Gary M. Goodman; daughter and son-in-law Marci and Hilliard Creath of Georgia; son and daughter-in-law Randy and Felicia Goodman of Georgia; grandchildren Jonah Goodman, Alexandra and Benjamin Creath; four nieces and a nephew; and other relatives and friends.

A graveside service was held Dec. 18 at Beth Abraham Cemetery in Dayton, with Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation in Annette’s memory. Funeral arrangements by Marker & Heller Funeral Homes in Dayton.

Elaine Koenig 78, Atlanta

Elaine Koenig passed away Dec. 18, 2020, at the age of 78. She was born May 10, 1942, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Elaine was a graduate of Queens College and earned her bachelor of science in physical therapy from the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Elaine was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. And she was a kind and compassionate champion for others. She spent much of her career as a physical therapist, and after her last daughter left for college, she went back to school to earn her master of public health in health policy and management from the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. She then went on to work as director of educational programs there, was the executive director of the Greater Atlanta affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and as director of patient and family services at the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Healthcare. One of her favorite “jobs” was the volunteer work she did in her last several years in the nursery at Piedmont Hospital.

She was predeceased by her parents Jack and Lillian Melnick and son-in-law Michael Raptis. She is survived by her husband Ron; daughters Karen (Mark) Winarsky, Deborah Raptis and Allison Koenig; and grandchildren Isabelle and Sara Winarsky, and Logan and Amanda Raptis.

The funeral took place on Dec. 20.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Atlanta Community Food Bank or Midtown Assistance Center. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Elaine Ruth Levine Levin Atlanta

Elaine Ruth Levine Levin died peacefully of natural causes at home Dec. 18, 2020, surrounded by her loving family and devoted caregivers. She was a woman of tremendous grace, dignity and pride. As such, the family is respecting her privacy and not publishing her age. Elaine was the daughter of Marc and Rae Levine and the devoted younger sister of Joyce Levine Cohen Jacobson.

Born in New Castle, Pa., she was raised in Clarksburg and Charleston, W.V., amidst coal mines and limited opportunity.

Despite her geographic misfortune, she was blessed to have a mother determined to provide her the top-notch education that she herself had been denied, and a father with good business sense. When the family’s fortunes eventually improved, Elaine was sent to Ashley Hall in Charleston, S.C., for her last year of high school, which was quite the culture shock! Her mother’s plan worked, and Elaine went on to graduate from Vassar College.

64 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Living in Birmingham, Ala., she met the love of her life Dr. Harold B. Levin on a blind date while he was visiting from Atlanta for a Georgia-Alabama football game. Following their marriage in 1953, Elaine moved to Atlanta and became active in The Temple Sisterhood, joined Ahavath Achim Synagogue, and became an avid tennis player at The Standard Club. Elaine and Harold’s home became a weekly gathering place for extended family, and they hosted every holiday.

While raising three children, Elaine obtained a doctorate in psychology from Georgia State University, where she became professor emerita and remained close with many of her GSU colleagues for the rest of her life. She worked as a psychologist for Jewish Vocational Services and established a private practice specializing in issues of dual career couples, midlife and aging.

Dr. Levin donated professional services to numerous community organizations, including counseling Hospice Atlanta patients and co-leading grief-bereavement groups and career transition workshops at The Temple. She was board certified, a fellow of the Georgia Psychological Association, and a member of the American Academy of Psychotherapists, the American Group Psychotherapy Association, and the American Psychological Association.

In addition to her family, friends, and profession, Elaine’s other great passion was art.

She honed her knowledge by attending countless lectures and classes, including studying at The Courtauld Institute of Art in London and The Sorbonne in Paris.

Using her incredible eye for beauty and form and her fascination with the psyche, she carefully selected and acquired artworks of the highest quality that spoke to her. Elaine trained her focus on drawing, a medium that offers a glimpse into the heart, soul and mind of the artist. Over time, her collection grew to include 20th century masters such as Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Henri Matisse, Hans Hofmann, Louise Bourgeois, Egon Schiele, Otto Dix, and Max Weber, as well as antiquities. For over 40 years, Elaine was devoted to the High Museum of Art, where she was a member of its exclusive Director’s Circle and awarded a life trusteeship. She served as a docent guiding museum visitors; chair of the Twentieth Century Art Society and the Exhibitions Committee; vice chair of the Collections Committee; and member of the building committee responsible for funding and completing the major Renzo Piano expansion.

Elaine was also involved with the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University as a member of its National Leadership Board, Curator’s Council; patron of its Works on Paper; chair of its nominating committee; and honoree of the museum’s 2017 Veneralia on Paper.

The Carlos Museum has created the Elaine L. Levin Study Room for works on paper.

Her bequests include gifts of art to the High and the Carlos museums. She also played an active role on the Collections Committee at the Harvard University museums in Cambridge, Mass., and the Works on Paper Committee at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Blessed with an abundance of energy, curiosity, organizational skills, and the ability to pack light, Elaine traveled the world with fellow art aficionadas and conquered at least two museums and three galleries a day.

At age 80, she climbed Machu Picchu escorted by a man on either side. With her family, she visited Israel, a tenting safari through Africa, Angkor Wat, Australia, London and Berlin.

Elaine was a graduate of Leadership Atlanta. She participated in the METS program, accompanying seminary students through the Middle East and later served on its nominating committee.

She was a trustee of the American Jewish Committee and served on the board of directors of the Anti-Defamation League, Atlanta Urban League, Planned Parenthood, and the Jewish Educational Loan Fund. Through all these activities, Elaine developed strong, meaningful and lasting friendships. She cherished the many years of camaraderie with her book group, birthday lunch group, AAP family group, AAP’s secret “Red Hot Mamas,” and over 20 years of twice weekly pilates at Body Central Pilates Studio.

After she lost her beloved husband in 2001, Elaine transformed the shell of a two-floor condo into a unique architectural space to display her art and entertain family and friends.

She loved to gather an intimate group around her large, round eight-seat dinner table for delicious food and scintillating conversation.

Elaine’s family and friends will miss her sharp mind, terrific sense of humor, wide smile and warm charm. She was always tremendous fun and always dressed stunningly with an impeccable sense of elegance and style. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out, and a role model, mentor and inspiration to many.

Elaine is survived by her children Jan Kelmachter (Mark), Jay Levin (Deborah) and Lauren Levin (Cindy Smith) as well as four grandchildren Mica Kelmachter and Arielle, Caleb and Jeremy Levin.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude and appreciation to Kathy Lum, Elaine’s

OBITUARIES indispensable administrative assistant for nearly 20 years; Pat Thompson and Gabby Reyes, Elaine’s dedicated and devoted caregivers; and Agape Hospice.

Due to COVID, a private family-only graveside funeral was held Dec. 21 at Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta. The family is sitting shivah via Zoom at 7 p.m. nightly excluding Dec. 25 and concluding with a special memorial service for Elaine’s cherished friends at 7 p.m.

Dec. 26.

Please visit the website https://elaine-levin-memorial.eventcreate.com for Zoom links to the shivah and memorial service. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the recently established Elaine L. Levin Lecture on Drawings at the High Museum of Art. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Kenneth Robert Lewis 96, Roswell

Kenneth Robert (Ken) Lewis passed away at home early Dec. 13, 2020, at the age of 96. He was born April 15, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Isadore Leonard Lewis and Reba Fox Lewis.

A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he returned from peacekeeping service in Japan in 1946 to finish college and marry the love of his life Ruth Flancer Lewis.

A bachelor of science degree in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University led Ken to new frontiers professionally. After working at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and Westinghouse, he became chief engineer at Vishay Intertechnology, Malvern, Pa., where he developed the process to manufacture electronic components that were used in the first Mars probe launched by NASA. Family was foremost for Ken. Raising his three daughters in Philadelphia and Broomall, Pa., he took them on deep sea fishing expeditions with fried chicken lunches packed by Ruth. As his daughters married and had children, there were family vacations at the Jersey Shore – always needing to move to bigger houses. As the family began migrating to Georgia, Hilton Head Island, the Florida panhandle and Fripp Island became the gathering places with still bigger houses to accommodate four generations.

Ken and Ruth moved to Roswell from Broomall in 2004 to join family already in the Atlanta area. Other family members soon followed them. Ken never lost his “strong rooting interest” in his Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies and Flyers.

To the end, Ken enjoyed partnering with Ruth to play bridge at every opportunity and to play dominoes with all comers: friends and family and even great grandchildren. He also enjoyed weekly poker games and golfing matches.

In addition to Ruth, who survives him after 74 years of marriage, he is also survived by three daughters Judi Schnitzer (Stan), Sue Heavlin, and Carol Salmons (Fred); five grandchildren Brynne Goncher (Marc), Mitch Klasky (Cara Cimmino), Adam Salmons (Kyle Fellerhoff), Rachel Salmons (Jason Elgin), and Jenni Baum (Yaak); and seven great-grandchildren Harrison, Talan and Simon Goncher, Tatum and Evan Klasky, and Noa and Hazel Baum.

The family requests donations in his honor be made to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 65

OBITUARIES

Ruth Shartar Minsk

Irene Feingold Rothstein

Ruth Minsk (nee Shartar) died Dec. 13, 2020, at age 99. Born in Atlanta and a lifelong resident, Ruth was a proud graduate of Girls High School. She was a longtime employee of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company and retired to care for her husband. And she was a lifelong member of Congregation Shearith Israel.

Ruth was predeceased by her devoted husband Bennie Minsk; brothers Harry Shartar and Isadore Martin (Buddy) Shartar; sister Edythe S. Gordon; and parents Saul and Fanny (Maziar) Shartar.

Ruth was the beloved mother of Frederic I. (Paula) Minsk, Howard C. Minsk and the late Stephen L. Minsk; cherished grandmother of Seth (Vikki) Minsk, Jared (Renee Ilesamni) Minsk, Zachary Dalton Minsk, Nina Minsk and Cloe Minsk; and adored great-grandmother of Michael, Yael and Noah Minsk and Ryan Chombok, Lindsay (Phil) Shearer and Elliot Minsk.

Graveside services were held privately Dec. 15 at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Irene Feingold Rothstein, age 86, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away with her children by her side Dec. 3, 2020, at her daughter’s home in Los Altos, Calif. Irene was born in Birmingham, Ala., on April 22, 1934, to the late Della and Abraham Feingold. She grew up in Cordele, Ga., and moved to Atlanta when she and Herman Rothstein were married in 1955.

Irene’s love and devotion to her husband Herman of 55 years, their six children, and her older sister Bettye was endearing.

As a youth, Irene was valedictorian of her Cordele High School graduating class and an avid clarinetist. She was a member of the University of Georgia Redcoat Marching Band. In her adult years, along with being a devoted wife and amazing mother of six, Irene enjoyed a career of nearly 30 years at the Atlanta Jewish Community Center. Her personal interests were fitness, swimming, gardening, cooking, volunteering and especially traveling.

Accompanied by one or more of her children, Irene visited all 48 contiguous United States. Globally she traveled to Canada, Japan, India, Italy, Germany and France. She topped it off, fulfilling a lifelong dream with her daughter Donna, on an amazing journey to Israel, where they reunited with Israeli exchange students who had lived in Atlanta with the Rothstein family many years before.

Irene was always giving back to her community whether it was as president of the PTA, Boy Scout den mother, Brownie leader, or actively participating in the latest aerobics charity benefit of the 1980s.

She even traveled annually to Florida to support and participate in her son’s aerobics charity efforts. A favorite memory from childhood is sitting at the kitchen table to make and decorate M&M cookies with friends. On special occasions and high holidays Irene’s family and friends enjoyed the magic of her banana pudding and kugel dishes. These treasured recipes were handed down to Irene by her mother Della.

In recent years, Irene shared these family recipes with some of her children’s friends, assuring this delicious tradition would carry on. To all who knew Irene, her legacy, never ending love and inner strength live on in many ways.

Irene was predeceased by her husband Herman Rothstein, and her son-in-law, Alan Bayer. She is survived by her sister Bettye Schwartz; her sons Alfred, Leon (Debbie) and Mark (Barbara); her daughters Pam Rothstein Bayer, Donna Rothstein and Dellalyn Rothstein Hogan (Austin); her grandchildren Paris, Nicholas, Daniel, Madison, and Aurora; and several nieces and nephews. She had also become a great aunt.

A private memorial service was held Dec. 15 followed by a graveside service at Crest Lawn Memorial Park with Rabbi Peter Berg and Cantor Deborah Hartman officiating. Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 30309; Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, P.O. Box 13, Sedona, AZ 86339; or Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999. Please sign an online guestbook at www.edressler.com.

99, Atlanta

Seymour (Sy) Pomper 95, Atlanta

Dr. Seymour (Sy) Pomper, age 95, was born May 8, 1925, in New York City to Ruth (Graubard) and Israel Pomper. He and his brother Lester grew up in New York City working in the family delicatessen while his mother was a nurse.

After graduating from the prestigious Townsend Harris High School in New York at age 16, Sy proceeded to be the youngest person believed ever enrolled at Cornell University. During World War II, Sy was a sergeant in the U.S. Army, where he worked on chemical and biological warfare. After the war, Sy continued his education at Yale University, where he earned a master's and a doctorate degree. He then carried out radiation and genetic studies on yeast at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Later, Sy began working for Standard Brands as a microbiologist. Sy was a leader in his field and published numerous papers, receiving 16 patents for his innovations. During his tenure at Standard Brands, Sy invented what would become popular products such as Fleischmann’s Rapid Rise yeast, Egg Beaters, and Home Hearth bread mix.

On Oct. 3, 1953, Sy married Judith Irene (Judy) Grossman of blessed memory. They settled first in Norwalk, Conn., and later moved to Stamford, where they lived for over 50 years. Judy and Sy had four children Joseph, Laurie (Yakis) Grannat, Roni (Arthur) Tillem, and William; six grandchildren Yinon (Leah) Grannat, Eliya (Elazar) Grannat-Bashan, Bnaya (Rotem) Grannat, Alix (Paul) Johnson, David (Jess) Tillem, and Nicole (Alex) Chanson; and eight great-grandchildren.

Sy also liked to have fun. His lunchtime bridge game with work colleagues was so lively, they regularly attracted a crowd of onlookers. He was a member of the Standard Brands bowling league and later played in a regular tennis game with a group of fellow senior citizens. Sy loved to listen to music and to dance the Lindy.

To Sy and Judy, family was everything. They brought their Israeli grandchildren to Atlanta every summer for many years to ensure that they and their Atlanta cousins would know each other well. Judy and Sy loved to travel, making regular visits to California to see Bill, to Israel to see their daughter and grandchildren, and all over the world to wherever their son, a Foreign Service officer, was posted. In 2006, Judy and Sy moved to Atlanta, where their daughter and her family lived. As he had in Connecticut, Sy set up and ran two successful men’s discussion groups at the Atlanta Jewish Community Center.

Sy cared deeply about his family and community. His combination of fierce intelligence, boundless intellectual curiosity, quiet strength and unshakable determination made him a stalwart son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a valued friend and colleague. We would like to thank longtime members of Team Pomper, Tanisha, Kadie and Audrey, who worked tirelessly to ensure that every day was the best it could be for Dad. Dr. Seymour Pomper will be sorely missed by the many people whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Congregation B’nai Torah or Congregation Ariel.

Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

66 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

86, Atlanta

OBITUARIES

Jerome (Jerry) Rosenblum 77, Atlanta

Jerome “Jerry” Rosenblum, age 77, passed away Dec. 15, 2020, in Atlanta. Jerry was born in Canton, Ga., March 28, 1943, and moved to Atlanta in 1950.

He graduated from Northside High School in 1961 and went on to the University of Georgia. An avid Georgia Bulldog fan and great athlete, he loved playing all sports, especially golf.

His career in apparel started at Rosenblum’s Department Store in Canton. Named Salesman of the Year numerous times, he spent many years selling menswear and accessories.

He never met a stranger, and his sense of humor was infectious. For Jerry, family and friends always came first, especially his wife Carol.

Jerry was preceded in death by his loving parents Si Rosenblum and Dorothy Saul Rosenblum.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years Carol (Samuel) Rosenblum; sons Scott Rosenblum, Hank (Jennifer) Rosenblum and Adam (Heather) Blank; daughters Molly Rosenblum and Marisa (Dave) Gewertz; and eight grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Renay (Alan) Levenson and brother Bobby (Brenda) Rosenblum, and numerous other family members and friends.

A memorial service was held Dec. 18, 2020. The family requests donations in Jerry’s memory be made to Weinstein Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Mathilda (Tillie) Tenenbaum 87, Atlanta

Mathilda (Tillie) Tenenbaum, 87, passed away peacefully Nov. 9, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. An Atlanta native, Tillie was born to Eleanora and Nace Galanti June 9, 1933.

She attended James L. Key Elementary, Smith High and graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in education.

Tillie was an amazing wife to her husband Albert Tenenbaum for 66 years and a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her cherished family. Her great-grandchildren were “over the moon” for her lemon cake. Visits and playdates with their Meema/Honey were always extra special and fun.

She was a dedicated member of Congregations Or VeShalom and Shearith Israel. For many years she taught Sunday School at Or VeShalom and was lovingly known as Miss Tilliebaum. She sang and danced in all the Or VeShalom “Broadway” productions and served the Sisterhood as president. For decades, she could be found every Tuesday manning the ovens and handling many background tasks for the weekly OVS Sisterhood cooking day.

Tillie was a devoted caregiver to her mother for many years, and was always a trusted friend and confidant to so many. She was selfless and always thinking of others. She will long be remembered for her sensitivity, empathy, generosity and for ALWAYS being a ball of energy. She is preceded in death by her parents Eleanora and Nace Galanti; her beloved brother Isaac (Ike) Galanti; and nephew Allen Tenenbaum.

Tillie is survived by her husband Albert Tenenbaum; her children Charlotte (Joel) Marks, Lenore (Scott) Kaye and Toby (David) Fagin; grandchildren Andrew (Chevi) Marks, Steven (Sherry) Marks, Megan Marks, Adam (Chelsea) Fagin and Lauren Fagin; and great-grandchildren Marin, Lane, Pearl Chaviva, Shoshana Adira, Libby and Yechiel Shalom.

Due to COVID-19, a private funeral service was held Nov. 11 at Arlington Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Congregation Or VeShalom, Congregation Shearith Israel or The William Breman Jewish Home. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Nancy Braunfield Thal 92, Atlanta

Nancy Braunfield Thal died Nov. 4, 2020, at The William Breman Jewish Home due to COVID. She was born April 23, 1928, in Fairfield, Conn., to Pearl and Joseph Braunfield. Her father was a milliner, so she knew style from an early age. Nancy was the youngest child of three and the only girl. Her brothers of blessed memory were Robert, who was shot and killed in World War II and buried in Normandy, France. Her other brother Donald also served in World War II on a submarine.

Nancy met Marshall Jay Mantler as a young girl at Fairfield Beach. He was friends with her older brother Bobby. They married when she was 21 and he was 31. She had been working as a high fashion model and living in Gramercy Park, N.Y. They moved to Atlanta in 1949. She became a housewife, mother and champion golfer at The Standard Club. She not only played in many tournaments but also knew several of the golf pros like Sam Snead.

In 1951 she had her first child, Marcy Mantler Ford, and three years later she had Meg Mantler Roop, of blessed memory.

In 1959, Nancy married Aaron Thal, of blessed memory, and they were married almost 50 years. They had homes in Atlanta, Maine and Palm Beach. She loved antiquing and had an amazing eye for detail. Being artistic and extremely creative, she loved refinishing old pieces of furniture. She was in Connecticut antiquing when she found an unbelievable handcrafted lace wedding dress in an old trunk. It was tinged yellow with age, but she knew not only its value but that it could be cleaned and restored. It was over 100 years old. Having that savvy eye, she casually offered $10 for the dress; it was worth thousands more, and Marcy wore it proudly when she married Dan. Nancy began clay sculpting in her 50s and created an exact replica of Mother Teresa, which she bequeathed to the High Museum. She was a foodie before it was popular and enjoyed replicating dishes she had tried. She also loved music, dancing, swimming and was a voracious reader. She had a strong sense of style and was known for her stunning wardrobe.

Throughout her 17-year struggle with Alzheimer’s dementia, she retained the wherewithal to laugh at herself. She had a marvelous sense of humor that she interjected into all her conversations.

Nancy is survived by daughter and son-in-law Marcy (Dan) Ford; grandchildren Morgan and Edward Ford, and Jeff and Hunter (Brittany) Roop; and great-granddaughters Meg Tallulah and Paisley. She also adored and loved being aunt to brother Donald’s children Martha, Robbie and Peter.

If you would like to do something in Nancy’s honor, be kind.

Franceen Shonson Tillem 74, Atlanta

Franceen Shonson Tillem, age 74, passed away Dec. 18, 2020, in the early morning.

Franceen was a native Atlantan born on July 21, 1946. She graduated from Druid Hills High School in 1964 and was very involved in the Jewish community. She was past president of Ahavath Achim Synagogue’s Sisterhood and a lifetime member of Hadassah.

Franceen worked at Crum & Forster insurance company and Zim Chemical Co. before devoting herself as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Franceen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 32 years Melvin Phillip Tillem and parents Sam and Beverly Shonson. She is survived by her daughters Mitzi Tillem and Lori Finn (Jordan) Forman, and grandchildren Cary Benjamin Racioppi, Brandon Michael Racioppi, Maxwell Stanley Finn and Isabelle Rose Finn. Franceen is also survived by her sister Marcia (Emil) Baumrind and brother Brian (Karen) Shonson.

A funeral service was held Dec. 20, 2020, via Zoom. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Weinstein Hospice and Ahavath Achim Synagogue. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Brian Alan Welch 42, Atlanta

Brian Alan Welch passed away Sept. 1, 2020. He was born July 12, 1978, in Atlanta.

Brian never met a stranger. He was witty and lived life on his own terms. He provided many laughs with his sharp sense of humor.

Brian is survived by his mother Adrienne Cohen; his sister Angie Trimbach; brother-inlaw Gabe Trimbach; grandmother, Eleanor Sims; stepfather Solomon Cohen; daughters Clara and Audrey Welch; and nephews Mason, Ethan and Zachary.

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.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 67

CLOSING THOUGHTS Happiness for the New Year The challenge of happiness Throughout our lives, we are incomplete.

Happiness is the search for what is missing.

It comes from finding whatAllen H. Lipis ever you think The Bottom Line you need to be complete, like doing well in school, finishing a project, or helping another person finish their job. It can be a small thing, like having pencils and pens at your disposal, or big things like building a new home, and anything in between.

The mind plays the central role in your happiness Your mind plays the central role in whether you are happy or not. What makes you happy? Is it family, weather, money or a hundred other items? Is happiness based on having a certain amount of money, owning a particular object, seeing other people succeed, or having success in some way by yourself?

68 | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The benefits of happiness If you are unhappy, that unhappiness can cause sadness, worry, envy, anger, physical illness, and excessive anxiety. That unhappiness can lead to not eating properly, not sleeping properly and not exercising properly. Being cheerful preserves your health and helps you cope with adversity.

Besides being happy yourself, your attitude can cheer other people up, not only your family, but also other people who may be unhappy. Happiness can be infectious.

The unhappiness formula Dennis Prager in his book, “Happiness is a Serious Problem,” came up with an unhappiness formula. The formula is U = I – R. The amount of unhappiness, U, equals your image, I, minus your reality, R. Your image is what you want to achieve compared to the reality of what you have actually achieved, and where you are now. The greater the difference from your image to your reality, the greater the unhappiness or dissatisfaction.

Your image is your expectation of what you hope to achieve, which could be very far away from where you are right now, or relatively close. You decide what that expectation is. For example, if you are out of shape and

can only walk or jog one mile in 25 minutes, and you expect to jog a mile in eight minutes, then that difference is huge and can make you quite unhappy. If, on the other hand, your expectation is to walk one mile in 20 minutes, then the difference is not as great, and you shouldn’t be as unhappy.

In a similar fashion, having an image to lose 5 pounds from what you weigh right now should make you somewhat unhappy, but expecting to lose 60 pounds should make you more unhappy. That is not to say that the 60-pound loss is 12 times more unhappy than the 5-pound loss. Unhappiness does not move in a straight line and the scale of unhappiness is very likely different for different people.

However, the point is that the greater your expectation is from where you are today, the more likely you will be unhappy.

You can reduce your unhappiness by dropping down your image, by lowering your expectation. It will be easier to achieve that expectation than having a goal that is much more difficult. Intermediate goals are easier to achieve. Smaller goals can make it easier to celebrate little, positive results. Over time, the image you have going forward can be closer to where you are right now, making your unhappiness a little less and your goal

more achievable.

Of course, you can also reduce your unhappiness by boosting your reality, but that is much more difficult because reality is what it is, which is much more difficult to change than some future expectation in your mind.

In short, by either lowering your image or increasing your reality, you can improve your happiness.

Human nature If you are not satisfied with how you act and who you are, does this dissatisfaction make you unhappy? Are you willing to accept your own reality, or do you want to be a better person, however you define better? Do you want to reduce your anger, your suffering, your arrogance? Do you want to improve your kindness, your commitment to family, friends and others? Do you want to hate less and love more? If any of these thoughts, among others, make it possible to change and you want to change, then character improvement is possible. You can be happier.

It’s all up to you.

The Bottom Line: Begin right now to be a little happier to enjoy your life a little more, and you might even live a little longer. ì

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