Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCVIII NO. 4, February 28, 2022 by Atlanta Jewish Times

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VOL. XCVIII NO. 4

FEBRUARY 28, 2022 | 27 ADAR I 5782

Education & Camp

Should COVID Vaccinations Be Required for Camp?

PUBLISHER MICHAEL A. MORRIS michael@atljewishtimes.com

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FRAN PUTNEY

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE BOB BAHR CHANA SHAPIRO DAVE SCHECHTER DAVID OSTROWSKY FLORA ROSEFSKY JAN JABEN-EILON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE RABBI RUTH RACHEL STEIN ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON

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THIS WEEK Educating Our Youth According to the CDC, there is still no authorized vaccine for children under five. As pandemic restrictions continue to impact our community’s learning and camping experiences, we take a look at what organizations are doing to prepare campers, parents and staff for another summer. AJT talks to overnight camp directors about their vaccination policies and how summer 2022 will be different from the previous one, and while tracking down the latest vaccine recommendations from health officials and local physicians. An infectious disease experts and psychologists share which masks work best for kids and how to get kids to actually wear them. We also turn our attention to college campuses, which are facing challenges of their own. Chabad continues to provides a home away from home for Jewish students and shares upcoming and onging programs, while the AJT investigates how college students are taking the initiative in leading new campus programs with Hillel sponsorship. We also speak to Jillian Krim and Emma Rosenau, the co-founders of a new Progressive Zionist club at Emory University, whose mission is to show students that progressivism and Zionism are not mu-

tually exclusive. Simon Amiel, the executive director of RootOne, shares a a new initiative by the Marcus Foundation to send American Jewish teens on an intensive summer trip to Israel. According to Amiel, philanthropist Bernie Marcus is deeply concerned about the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. But he believes that “if we’re able to get more American Jewish teens to Israel before they get on campus, they will have a higher level of knowledge and confidence that they wouldn’t have necessarily otherwise had in terms of Israel and their Jewish identity.” That, in turn, will better prepare them to deal with anti-Israel activism and protests on campus. Don’t miss the most recent installment of “What’s Jewish About …” featuring the mainstream sitcoms of “Friends” and “Grace and Frankie” creator Marta Kauffman. In local news the latest on the Toco Hills eruv and yet another antisemitic incident at Cobb County schools, and there's now the question of East Cobb becoming a city? Stay tuned for our next issue, focusing on Atlanta homes and gardens and senior living. ì

Cover Image: Camps are getting ready for another summer, but the pandemic shows no signs of abating. So how should we protect our youth, especially the youngest, for whom there is still no approved vaccine?

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NEWS Incident at Cobb School Horrifies Jewish Community By Jan Jaben-Eilon The latest display of antisemitism in Cobb County schools has prompted a variety of reactions from the community. According to Brad Epstein, his 14-year-old daughter, Hannah, an eighthgrade student at East Cobb Middle School on Terrell Mill Road, reported that classmates were photographed wearing an armband with a swastika on it and demonstrating the Nazi salute. The photographs were posted on social media and Epstein’s daughter took screen shots before they were taken down. Then she reported it to her teacher. Just a couple of weeks earlier, Epstein said, the class had studied a book about the Holocaust. While Epstein said that the teacher and assistant principal, Nicole Sheppard-Floyd, responded appropriately, he was not satisfied with the response of the Cobb County School Board. In a statement, the school board said, “Several students, after school, made a very poor decision to display hateful and

One of several students who wore a neo-Nazi arm band and demonstrated salute at East Cobb Middle School.

Anti-Semitic imagery while recording themselves on social media. The students will be disciplined according to district policies, and we encourage parents to talk to their students about using social media responsibly.” This latest incident follows one in

which graffiti — including swastikas and “Hail Hitler” — was scrawled above urinals in school bathrooms in Pope and Lassiter High Schools in Cobb County during the Jewish High Holy Days last fall. The Cobb school district was strongly criticized for not addressing the an-

tisemitic aspect of the graffiti, calling it merely “hate speech.” Pope Principal Thomas Flugum didn’t mention the antisemitic significance of the graffiti at his school either. In a comment posted on Twitter, the southern division of the Anti-Defamation

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Attendance at East Cobb Middle School’s Jewish Club was triple its normal number, with many non-Jewish students participating to show their solidarity.

League stated, “Antisemitic messages at Cobb County public schools persist with no clear path forward. We have a responsibility to targeted Jewish families and are still open to work with the schools. An anti-hate resolution without action is not enough to effect change.” Epstein also complained that when he contacted Cobb County school board members, only one responded. In a follow-up email to the board, he wrote: “Your silence is deafening! Since I made you aware of this incident, only one board member had the courage to reach out to me. If this were racism in ANY other way, there would be a loud outcry. However, your silence in this matter implies that you ALL condone this type of behavior.” The one school board member who responded to Epstein, Dr. Jaha Howard, thanked him “for bringing light to this disgusting act. I know the Superintendent and his operational team are aware. I am also eager to be a part of how our district can be more proactive in preventing antisemitism in our communities.” Epstein told the AJT that “talk is one thing; action is another. Kids are kids, but educators should know better. They should protect our kids. These people are not fit to hold public office.” He also challenged East Cobb Middle School to check their security cameras. “There may be 10 people involved, not just one or three kids,” he said. According to Epstein, three students were suspended for five days following the incident. At press time, the Cobb County School District had not responded to questions confirming that information. Epstein noted that one of the three students immediately recognized that he was wrong to take the photos. “He posted it and quickly took it down. And he apologized and said he was willing to speak to a rabbi.” The Epsteins are active members of Chabad of Cobb. Rabbi Ephraim Silverman released a statement, acknowledg-

ing that “this is obviously extremely hurtful and painful for the Jewish community and really for all decent people living in our community. We have Holocaust survivors and the children of survivors in our community so you can imagine the emotions that these images evoke. There is no place for this kind of behavior in our society.” He added, however, that “we do need to give the school the opportunity to address this and to take appropriate action. I am hoping that lessons from recent events at some of the other schools will help guide the school’s handling of this. I also feel that it is important that we do not allow these isolated acts of stupidity and hate to change the way we see our community and society. I have personally been working in many of the local schools for 20 years providing support for the schools’ Jewish clubs. And I will tell you that 99 percent are kind, tolerant and respectful. Let’s not allow a few juvenile idiots [to] change the way we view our neighbors.” Indeed, Silverman told the AJT that a prescheduled meeting of the Jewish Club at East Cobb Middle School on Friday, Feb. 18, was very well attended, both by Jewish and non-Jewish students and the assistant principal, all of whom came to show their support. “There was triple the attendance,” he said. “They wanted to make a statement of solidarity.” Congregation Kol Emeth Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, who reacted to the earlier antisemitic incidents in the Cobb County schools, called the latest incident “just another example of the schools not doing enough to educate our kids about history.” He called the school board more “reactive than proactive,” and said that they need to change their curriculum and programming “so this kind of stuff wouldn’t happen. Otherwise, we just have to get used to it.” Sernovitz added, “our whole community needs to be outraged, not just the Jewish community.” ì

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NEWS

City of East Cobb Vote Set for May 2022 By Dave Schechter

of Cobb County — have not taken a position on the issue. “We are nonetheless All that remains to hold a referen- pleased by the attention being paid to dum on the future of East Cobb is the sig- East Cobb on the statewide level. We feel this issue is garnering so much attention nature of Gov. Brian Kemp. in no small measure beBoth chambers of cause East Cobb continthe Georgia General Asues to be a wonderful sembly have approved place to raise a family, legislation enabling retire and to live a fully residents to vote on committed Jewish life,” whether a swath of said Etz Chaim’s execuunincorporated Cobb tive director, Marty GilCounty will become a bert. city. If Kemp signs the The feasibility bill, as is expected, the study required by law referendum would apwas conducted for propear on the May 24 ponents by The Center primary ballot. If apfor State and Local Fiproved, elections for nance, in the Andrew mayor and city council Young School of Policy would be on the Nov. East Cobb is a “wonderful place Studies at Georgia State 8 general election balto live a fully committed Jewish University. “We find lot, and the city of East life,” Marty Gilbert said. that the proposed city Cobb would begin opof East Cobb would be financially feaerations in January 2023. The three synagogues in the pro- sible,” the study said. Revenues were esposed city — Temple Kol Emeth, Congre- timated at $27.7 million and expenses at gation Etz Chaim, and Chabad Lubavitch $24.6 million. The largest revenue source

would be an estimated $15.6 million in Cobb County in general, there’s a reason property taxes and the largest expense why there are four cityhood initiatives,” $14.3 million for public safety, which in- said Cindy Cooperman, who has been part of the Committee for East Cobb Citycludes police and fire services. The new city would take respon- hood since the referendum legislation sibility for zoning and planning, code was filed last March. The other three would-be cities are Vinenforcement, parks ings, Lost Mountain and recreation, public and Mableton. safety and road mainCooperman said tenance. Other services that “local representawould remain with the tion closer to the peocounty. ple” is important, as Arguments in supCobb County commisport of a new city censioners each represent ter on East Cobb’s idenabout 180,000 people, tity as a unique place, while the proposed a desire for greater locity of East Cobb would cal representation and have a population of worries that the county about 59,000. government is encour“It’s not just repaging development that resentation of the would increase popu“We’re mostly concerned people,” she told the lation density. Arguabout overdevelopment,” AJT. “It’s a community ments against the new said Cindy Cooperman. of interest in itself. It’s city focus on adding another layer of government, concern more suburban out here. … We’re mostly about increased taxes and fees and fears concerned about overdevelopment. If that the new city will cost more than es- you look at the age of the homes and the neighborhoods here, it’s a lot of singletimated. “If you look at the representation in family homes. People want to have a say 8 | FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

NEWS

CONNECT WITH REAL There’s one place where you can plug back into what matters. Where real experiences connect friends and family to the world’s “If you like living with a little more freedom, you can move to East Cobb,” Bill Simon said.

about how East Cobb will look moving forward.” Bill Simon, who is active in the East Cobb Alliance, which opposes creation of a new city, said, “East Cobb has been unincorporated for 40-plus years. People choose to live in unincorporated East Cobb because it’s not a city. … There are six cities already incorporated in Cobb County. If you like living with a little more freedom, you can move to East Cobb and set up shop.” “The other six cities operate at a higher millage rate on the homeowner and commercial property owners, so there’s no way that a city of East Cobb can operate cheaper than the county can,” Simon told the AJT. There still will be county taxes, so “No one is escaping anything.” A city of East Cobb would be one of the largest in Cobb County, along with Marietta (approx. 60,500) and Smyrna (approx. 56,200). Its borders would be Shallowford Road to the north, the Cobb County line to the east and south, the Chattahoochee River to the south, and on the west by Sope Creek and Shadowlawn, Old Canton, Murdock and Hembree roads. The city would take in parts of the attendance zone of Walton, Pope and Wheeler public high schools. In the legislative pipeline behind the East Cobb cityhood proposal are bills for referendums in Lost Mountain and Vinings, which have cleared the House and await Senate consideration. A Mableton referendum remains in the House. “In the last 17 years, the Georgia General Assembly has had 11 bills to allow voters in unincorporated areas to vote on cityhood. Ten of those passed. One of them failed by the voters. Ultimately, here in the General Assembly, we do not create cities, we only create the opportunity for the citizens in those areas to vote,” Republican Sen. John Albers, of Roswell, said on the Senate floor. That referendum in May might hinge on a federal judge, who has warned that the primaries could be delayed if he finds that the congressional district map redrawn after the 2020 Census illegally diminishes the representation of African American voters. ì

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NEWS

JNF's Jack Hirsch Breakfast at Truist Park Due to the ongoing Major League Baseball lockout, there will likely be no full slate of spring training games on Tuesday, March 1. But David Ostrowsky that doesn’t mean baseball fans in Atlanta won’t get an opportunity to celebrate the national pastime. The Jewish National Fund-USA’s 18th Annual Jack Hirsch Memorial Breakfast is set to take place at Truist Park on this late winter morning, featuring Jewish baseball icons Ron Blomberg and Art Shamsky and honoring Abe Schear, a local philanthropist and partner in the real estate and leasing practice of Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP. The annual breakfast, which celebrates Israel and its citizens, was last held in Atlanta in December 2019. It’s safe to say transplanted New Yorkers who have settled in the Peach

State will not be disappointed. Blomberg is entrenched in New York Yankee lore by virtue of becoming the American League’s first ever designated hitter on Opening Day 1973. To this day, he serves as a tireless advocate for Thurman Munson’s induction to the Hall of Fame (he has one more chance via the Veterans Committee next year) and last year came out with a memoir, “The Captain & Me,” describing his life on and off the field with his former teammate, roommate and dear friend. “I’m a true blue New York Yankee,” says Blomberg, who is thrilled to once again speak in front of a live audience, openly admitting that he is neither the most introverted nor technical guy in the world, the latter evidenced by his reliance on flip phones and calculators to pay his bills. “I love to talk. I love to get my message out. How I look at it, I’ve been booed in front of 50,000 people. Being booed in front of one or two more, it doesn’t bother me. “I’m really excited to go down to the stadium and talk to all the Jewish fans that wanted to have a breakfast like this.

The Jewish National Fund-USA’s 18th Annual Jack Hirsch Memorial Breakfast will take place at Truist Park on March 1. The annual breakfast, which celebrates Israel and its citizens, was last held in Atlanta in December 2019.

We have to get back to where we used to be.” Despite living in Roswell full-time, Blomberg didn’t go to a single Braves postseason game last October. While he identifies first and foremost as a Yankee (he was a regular at Yankee Stadium be-

fore the pandemic) and doesn’t root for Atlanta, he is good friends with former Braves like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Jeff Blauser. But team allegiances aside, he is, quite simply, far more comfortable being at Truist Park talking baseball, as opposed to watching baseball.

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NEWS “It is very difficult for me to watch time. Back then the war in Vietnam was a baseball game if I’m not playing,” adds tearing the country apart. It never gets old for me. I’m constantly Blomberg. “I want to be out talking about it [the 1969 there. I’m a player. I’m not world championship]. To a fan.” this day, I still get people Shamsky is a close wanting to know what hapfriend of Blomberg (they pened that year in terms both managed in the Israeli of games that were played. Baseball League in 2007 Over the years I’ve probably and have done numerous met 100,000 people who speaking engagements totold me they were there on gether in New York City) Oct. 16, 1969. I realize Shea and, of course, was a key Stadium held about 53,000. contributor to the New York Either they were or weren’t, Mets’ run to the franchise’s Abe Schear has been a but it doesn’t make any diffirst world championship in longtime supporter of ference to me. They were 1969, a miraculous feat that JNF, an organization that his parents were there as far as they are conhas been glorified in pop culture for decades, includ- previously involved with. cerned.” While Blomberg and Shamsky will ing a recent book he penned, “After the Miracle,” chronicling his lifelong friend- certainly be the center of attention on ship with Mets teammates, including the March 1, it is Schear, who believes he late Tom Seaver. Like Blomberg, Sham- owns every single one of their baseball cards, who will be honored sky spent years lobbying for for his continuous efforts a close friend (his manager, on behalf of JNF, an orgaGil Hodges) to be voted into nization that he has supCooperstown, a developported since 2005. Schear ment that finally came to has been to Israel dozens of fruition last month. He has times and watched the insome fascinating stories to augural season of the Israeli tell, too. Baseball League in 2007, an “For me, it’s always experience he calls “a very wonderful to meet new peoquirky thing to do in Israel, ple, especially with JNF and and a great memory.” the causes they have going Although the Israeli for them,” says Shamsky, While Art Shamsky played Baseball League soon foldwho, at 80, has been an acfor the Atlanta Braves’ ed, JNF-USA has not given tive supporter of JNF for derival back in the 1960s, he knows there will be up on baseball. Far from it, cades, particularly through quite a few Atlantans actually. The organization his efforts to establish baseon hand interested in is currently spearheading ball and softball programs hearing him relive his the Project Baseball Initiain Israel. “That team [1969 glory days in Queens. tive, which not only covered Mets] has a lot of followers who have transplanted from New York. the majority of Team Israel’s expenses The fact that we were such an underdog during the recent Tokyo Olympics, but is also raising funds for a that went on to win the cutting-edge baseball/softWorld Series, we made peoball complex in Beit Shemple feel good about things esh, one that can be used by for a brief period of time. thousands of young Israeli And they have passed it on ballplayers. from generation to generaIn addition to Blomtion. I played 13 years, and berg’s and Shamsky’s stono one talks about the other ries, JNF’s Project Baseball 12. It’s really about 1969.” Initiative will be one of the He is anticipating quite core topics discussed during a few questions about that the breakfast in March. magical season, even if it is There is no cost to atover a half-century old. Ron Blomberg remains tend the event and photo “It was an incredible one of the most significant individuals in baseball opportunities with the year for sports,” adds Shamhistory, having paved the Braves’ World Series trophy sky who loves engaging way for future Hall of Fame will be available. To register with fans online, whether designated hitters such for the 18th Annual Jack it is via Twitter, personal as Frank Thomas, Edgar website (artshamsky.com) Martinez and David Ortiz. Hirsch Memorial Breakfast at Truist Park or for more or Cameo. “It was an awful information, visit jnf.org/jackhirsch. ì year for the country and the world at the

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Toco Hills Synagogues Unite to Repair Eruv By Chana Shapiro For those who observe the laws of Shabbat, a community eruv (pronounced ay-roov) is of great importance. The concept was first established almost 2,000 years ago to assist Jews in following the laws of Shabbat. Today, the continuity and integrity of the sevenmile-long community eruv in Toco Hills is in danger, meaning that it may no longer be kosher, with repairs estimated at $100,000. According to tradition, nothing can be carried from the domestic zone (such as one’s house) into the public zone on the day of rest. That means not carrying a book to synagogue or a casserole to your neighbor down the street. You can carry a cup of coffee around your house, but you can’t bring it over next door. The eruv is a technical boundary that extends a domestic zone into the public zone. It joins multiple areas to make one large area, thereby permitting activities within its borders that would otherwise be prohibited. A continuous, elevated wire attached to telephone and light poles in a specifically mandated manner constitutes an eruv. Thirty years ago, Congregation Beth Ja-

Rabbi Mordechai Paretzky works on the community eruv. // Credit: Elan Hertzberg

cob constructed Atlanta’s first community eruv. It involved mastering the laws of eruv construction, working with city officials to gain use of their telephone poles, making arrangements with home- and business-owners through whose property the eruv would run and many other personal and financial arrangements. Today, the Orthodox synagogues in the Toco Hills area contribute to the eruv’s

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(From left) Rabbi Shmuel Khoshkerman, Rabbi Adam Starr, Rabbi Dov Foxbrunner, Rabbi Mordechai Paretzky, Rabbi Ilan D. Fledman and volunteer Elan Hertzberg gather in front of Pig-N-Chik BBQ.

maintenance. Community members support its repairs and trained volunteers check the seven miles of eruv every week. Thousands of Jews depend on the eruv, which allows them to push babies in strollers, bring dessert to friends and carry a raincoat in case of a downpour. A kosher eruv makes synagogue attendance and socialization easy. But, if the eruv is found to not be kosher, members of the Orthodox synagogues are notified before Shabbat begins and everyone has to make adjustments accordingly. That’s what happened more than a month ago, when and due to the communal impact, the Orthodox congregations, under the oversight of Beth Jacob Assistant Rabbi Dov Foxbrunner, immediately arranged to repair the eruv, which turned out to be no small feat. In a message to his congregation sent on Jan. 7, Beth Jacob Rabbi Ilan Feldman explained the situation: “Our community eruv went up on Feb. 7, 1992. For 30 years it has functioned well. A successful community eruv is the result of several factors working right all at the same time: halachic [Jewish law] precision, permission and cooperation of local government and phone and power companies, goodwill of non-Jewish neighbors, technical skill, ingenuity and availability of manpower. When any of these critical factors cease to function at a minimally acceptable level, an eruv can’t work. “In December we took it upon ourselves to invite Rabbi Mordechai Paretzky to help us address a complex question provoked by a homeowner who suddenly objected, after many years, to having the eruv go through the back of his property, we had to resort to different halachic solutions. Rabbi Paretzky has dealt with almost every possible community eruv question. While Rabbi Paretzky was here we took advantage of his presence to show him other areas and

aspects of our community eruv, wanting to have it seen by fresh eyes. “A good portion of our eruv depends on approximately 240 power poles, and capitalizes on the wires that connect them to each other in a very specific manner. As we began examining many of these poles, we encountered questions due to changed terrain, poles moved by the power company without informing us, partially degraded configurations and difficulty in accessing the configuration from the ground. We assigned sections to be checked by various trained individuals and discovered that the level of confidence that one needs to declare the eruv valid no longer existed. “The eruv is intended to enhance our ability to observe and enjoy Shabbos. While not having an eruv is not to be taken lightly and causes significant inconvenience and possible absent-minded violation of Shabbos, the eruv being down is an opportunity to focus ever more on the sanctity of Shabbos and the privilege we have to observe it. May Hashem enable us to observe His Shabbos in peace, harmony, and sanctity.” Since then, Rabbi Paretzky has returned to Atlanta to make the eruv repairs. A multi-synagogue fundraising campaign was launched, surpassing the original $100,000 estimated cost of reconfiguration and repairs. Fundraising will continue in order to further improve the eruv and proceed with a possible expansion. On Feb. 4, Rabbi Feldman, Rabbi Dov Foxbrunner, Rabbi Adam Starr of Congregation Ohr Hatorah and Rabbi Shmuel Khoshkerman of Congregation Ner HaMizrach met at the corner of Clifton and Briarcliff Roads, in front of Pig-N-Chik BBQ — a crucial eruv stop — causing rubberneckers galore and plenty of fodder for jokesters. By afternoon, the eruv was declared “kosher” and a collective sigh spread as people quickly — and joyfully — reframed their Shabbat plans. “An eruv is about coming together, and representatives for different shuls are here because we’re one united community,” said Rabbi Adam Starr. “We’ve come together because we’re one united community, in service to HaShem, who take Shabbos observance very seriously.” “How many times in our community’s history have we had a chance to ‘rise up’ and collectively proclaim our allegiance to Shabbos?” wrote Rabbi Feldman after Shabbat had ended. “Even before the money was committed, a community-wide declaration regarding the sanctity of Shabbos was made when so much Shabbos-related activity stopped … even at the expense of convenience, and when so many were eager to participate in any way they could to help restore the eruv.” ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES FEBRUARY 28, 2022 | 13

NEWS

Wordle Takes Atlanta By Storm By Marcia Caller Jaffe After catering executive Clive Bank had knee surgery earlier this month, he emailed his sister-in-law, Karin Mervis, directly from the recovery room. The email had nothing to do with his knee, though; it was about the popular word game Wordle. Bank was checking in with Mervis for their morning ritual, comparing Wordle scores. “Being eccentric, Clive doesn’t read texts,” Mervis said, “so he’s there on his wife’s speaker phone, chirping about Wordle.” The six-panel word game has Wordle gives players six tries to guess a five-letter word, Popular spinoffs include Lori Goldstrom loves the taken over social media with imagwith feedback for each guess in the form of colored tiles. Jewdle and Nerdle. game, but got pushback es of the yellow, green and — if luck after posting results. is not on your side — black squares posted by players looking to show off or just in 1970) and Jotto. When one puzzle a day my mom, who is 83, hooked on it,” says weeks,” says Darla Jaben. “I’m not a game share their game experience with friends. is not enough, some download the app and Penny Blitzer. “My daughter set up a Wordle person and not competitive by nature, but I Players have six chances to guess the five- play more, including various spinoff games Gang family text. It’s so great that my mom love it! I play first thing in the morning and gets to connect with her grandchildren; usually post my results. I was going to stop like Jewdle and Nerdle. letter word. posting my results, but it has Below, Atlanta Wordle enthusiasts and I with my nephews. My The New York Times has purchased the been a fun way to interact game, which was developed by software en- weigh in on the game, their top strategies mom has learned text lingo, with others on Facebook. and that a smiling emoji gineer Josh Wardle and reminds some users and the people they love to play with. I also like to make jokes “I found out that my 27-year-old daugh- with tears means laughing of older games like Mastermind (invented about Wordle in my posts. I by Israeli postmaster Mordecai Meirovitz ter and 28-year-old nephew played and got so hard you cry, not sadness!” use multiple vowels at first Rhonda Wise says, “My to eliminate, then double husband and I play Wordle consonants like st, sh, cr, ch. every morning while we Recently, I started playing have our coffee. We have a the archived games, but that friendly competition. We has become too much of a can’t wait to start our day ‘time suck,’ so I try to limit it with it. It gets the brain in Cantor Debbi Ballard to under two extra games a gear! We are always able to has a 100 percent day. Playing the older games get the word in 3-5 guesses solve rate. She solves it usually in 3 or 4 tries. has made me a better player. (he’s usually a bit better than me). I’ve tried other similar games, such as Wordle reminds me of Mastermind, which I played with my daughter. I keep the website Jewdle, but I like Wordle best.” “I play with my husband and our best open in my phone because it keeps track of friend and have a daily text chat,” says Anns- my ‘streak’ and data.” Lori Goldstrom says, “Most days I play ley Hillman Klehr. “We use the elimination in the morning to get my strategy, but it can only be brain going. I posted my used when not in hard mode. game daily, but started seeing We will guess letters in a word a lot of pushback from oththat does not use letters we ers that they were annoyed. already know to eliminate. Sometimes I will add to someI will also use what I know one else’s post. My out-ofabout letters and their blends. state siblings and I share our I’ve lost once! And have had results daily on group chat. two days in a row where I got I love how little time it takes it in two tries!” from my day and as a quick Cantor Debbi Ballard way to connect with siblings. says, “I have played over 30 Penny Blitzer involves her 83-year-old mom, who I always start with a word sessions of Wordle and have now understands emojis. with at least two vowels, and solved 100 percent, usually in 3 to 4 tries. The words with repeating let- use some of the r, s, t, l, n, e, ‘Wheel of Fortune’ ters are hardest, and Wordle really doesn’t letters. I can typically make some quick headhelp you to know they are repeating. I usu- way with these strategies. I have downloaded ally start with well-rounded words: STEAM, the app, too, which doesn’t have limitations, and allows more games if I’m in the mood to BLOCK, AUDIO, FIGHT, PEARL.” “I’ve been playing Wordle for a few practice.” ì 14 | FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

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NEWS

Michéle Taylor Now 'Madame Ambassador' By Dave Schechter In quick succession this week, Atlantan Michéle Taylor expected to take her oath of office as United States Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council and fly to Geneva, Switzerland, where Israel will be high on the Council’s agenda. The full Senate approved Michéle Taylor’s nomination Feb. 17 on a voice vote. The UNHRC, which is based in Geneva, begins its regular session on Feb. 28. In a statement, Taylor said: “I am deeply grateful to President [Joe] Biden for Michele Taylor (seen here at the State Department in December) is about to take up her post as the U.S. Ambassador choosing me to serve in to the United Nations Human Rights Council. this important role, and humbled by the confidence he, Secretary [Antony] Blinken, and the that “calling Israel an apartheid state has United States Senate have placed in me. been a slowly creeping trend for a very The U.N. Human Rights Council presents long time, and in 2022, it will be a real both challenges and opportunities for threat.” the United States, but we need to remind When Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden the world through our presence that we introduced Taylor’s nomination for a are a nation that leads, not follows on all vote, he said it was crucial that Taylor matters related to human rights. be confirmed that night because of the “I am in the process of making prepa- UNHRC schedule. Wyden told the Senrations to travel to Geneva as soon as pos- ate: “Delaying Mrs. Taylor’s confirmasible in order to represent the American tion would obviously hinder the United people at the upcoming session of the States' ability to advocate for American Council. I intend to be a forceful voice in values, help vulnerable people who sufdefense of universal human rights, in sup- fer under abuse and oppression around port of Israel, and to counter those voices the world.” that have a decidedly different, and nega“I come from a family that lost relative, view of the rights and liberties that tives in the Holocaust. Mrs. Taylor is the should be accorded to all individuals.” daughter of a Holocaust survivor. And it The UNHRC was created in 2006 is absolutely essential that we up the ante and is comprised of 47 nations, serving in the fight against antisemitism and rotating terms. The Council has been that’s a key part of this country’s diplocontroversial because of its perceived macy,” Wyden said. anti-Israel bias. In the upcoming session, Taylor’s nomination went to the which runs through April 1, multiple res- Senate floor after approval Jan. 12 by the olutions labeling Israel as an apartheid Senate Foreign Relations Committee on a state are expected. UNHRC’s Commission voice vote. of Inquiry is expected to issue a report on Biden last year directed that the Israel in June. The commission was creat- United States rejoin the Human Rights ed in May 2021 after Israel’s war against Council, effective with its 2022 term, rockets launched from Gaza. reversing the June 2018 withdrawal orOf the 33 such commissions tasked dered by his predecessor, former Presisince 2006, nine have focused on issues dent Donald Trump. U.S. participation regarding Israel and the Palestinians. has followed political lines; active during The current commission has a broad the administration of former President mandate and no ending date. According Barack Obama, a Democrat, but not durto media reports, Israeli Foreign Min- ing that of his predecessor, former Presiister Yair Lapin recently told reporters dent George W. Bush, a Republican. ì

NEWS

2022 SUMMER SESSIONS

Mitchell Kaye Seeks Return to Legislature

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By Dave Schechter Former Georgia state Rep. Mitchell Kaye is seeking a seat in the state Senate, even if he occupies it for only several months. Kaye, a Republican who served five terms in the House, is running in the April 5 special election to replace Republican Sen. Matt Dollar, who resigned his seat in the 45th district to take a post with the state’s technical college system. Dollar’s announcement came after the General Assembly approved a referendum on creating a city of East Cobb. The winner of an April 5 all-comers election — sometimes referred to in political circles as a “jungle primary” — will serve the remainder of Dollar’s term, through the end of the year, a period when the legislature usually is not in session. If no candidate wins a majority, a runoff election will be held May 3. Kaye is one of three Republicans qualified for the primary, along with one Democrat. In a news release announcing his candidacy, Kaye said that he was running in the special election because “it is important that this seat remain Republican.” In that release Kaye said that “unless a judge throws out the reapportionment maps, the winner of this election will not serve a single day when the legislature is in session, and it is critically important that constituent services go uninterrupted.” Democrats have filed lawsuits over the redrawn legislative district maps, claiming that the effect of redistricting was to diminish African American voting strength. Kaye, a member of Chabad of Cobb, represented House District 37 in Cobb County from 1993 to 2003. He is a financial and valuation analyst professionally.

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Meanwhile, primaries for a full-twoyear term from the 45th senate district will be held May 24. The winner of the general election race in November will take the seat beginning in January 2023. Kaye does not plan to seek a full twoyear term. At present, Rep. Mike Wilensky is the only Jewish member among the 236 members of the General Assembly: 180 in the House and 56 in the Senate. The two-term Democrat from Dunwoody recently announced that he would not seek re-election. In October 2020 Kaye told the AJT: “To me it is not how many Jews are in the legislature, but how many support Jewish values. I found in my 10 years in the legislature, religious Christians of both parties were more supportive of ideas that may be unique to Judaism than many of my coreligionists; how ironic that was.” Two other Jewish candidates are seeking House seats, Democrat Esther Panitch in the 51st district and Republican Betsy Kramer in the 50th. ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES FEBRUARY 28, 2022 | 17 12/10/21 9:38 AM

NEWS

The Temple Introduces Innovative Technology By Bob Bahr The Temple brought in to play the 98th birthday celebration of former Rebbetzin Janice Rothschild Blumberg to unveil a new state of the art video production amenities. On Feb. 13 the Sunday afternoon program was described as both a historic look back and a leap forward at The Temple. They featured a screening of the 1989 Academy Award winner “Driving Miss Daisy,” which was partially filmed on the grounds and casted The Temple’s rabbi at the time, Alvin Sugarman, in a featured role. The screening of the film was introduced, from the home of screenwriter and playwright, Alfred Uhry in New York, who received an Academy Award and a Pulitzer Prize for this script and stage play. Uhry, who is an Atlanta native and grew up at The Temple, based his production on his maternal grandmother Lena Guthman Fox. It follows Fox, renamed Miss Daisy, over 25 years of social and political change and prominently mentions the

The Temple’s sanctuary featured a new $1.3 million technological make-over.

bombing of The Temple by white racists in 1959. Those years were roughly the same period that The Temple spiritual leader, Rabbi Jacob Rothschild was married to Janice, who was interviewed at the celebration. The Temple’s program neatly tied up 75 years of The Temple’s history with a glimpse at the historic synagogue’s technological future. The use of history, according to The Temple President Kent Alexander was no accident, “The event was

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Rabbi Peter Berg described the new makeover as one of the most ambitious of any synagogue in North America.

a wonderful way to bridge the past and the present to the future. I just thought it encapsulated both where we’ve been and where we’re going.” The launch of a $1.3 million amenities effectively turns the synagogue’s sanctuary into a television production center. For the program, several hundred members of the synagogue watched “Driving Miss Daisy” on a pair of large television monitors that flank each side of the bima, with its highly stylized golden ark. Both the program before and after the screening, which featured The Temple’s senior rabbi, Peter Berg, could also be seen on the 10-foot by 10-foot monitors. Video was provided by at least four cameras during the program that were controlled by a technical director in a new platform at the rear of the sanctuary. It was designed by The Temple’s architect to complement the historic structure. Rabbi Berg described the new set-up in what is, the oldest Jewish sanctuary in Atlanta, as the “most technologically sound, I think in North America.” It is believed that few synagogues have adapted to the latest communication advances on the scale and sophistication of this Atlanta congregation. The planning and construction of the transformation of the building, which was originally built in 1931 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, began in July 2020 at one of the peak points of the COVID pandemic. In the process of installing the new technology the entire building was rewired for audio, video and a second control room was constructed out of sight of congregants. The new construction also created a dedicated studio for the temple’s podcast that is hosted by Rabbi Berg and Rabbi Loren Lapidus, the synagogues' senior associate rabbi. According to Rabbi Lapidus the pandemic brought technology into the life of the synagogue as never before and ac-

celerated the thinking of how it could be expanded in religious life, “If you think about an average Shabbat service, you see one slice of a community. But if we incorporate video and photos, if we incorporate visual tefillah, or prayer, if we incorporate creative readings, people can participate more. We have this way of continually evolving worship and it becomes very dynamic.” As the rabbi sees it, the monitors on either side of the sanctuary can be used to incorporate new readings from sources other than the traditional siddur, or prayer book. It also allows those who might not be able to participate directly to do so from their homes as part of a Zoom or Facebook Live call that can be incorporated into the worship. For Lapidus, the new technology provides a way to be a part of religious life as never before, even for those who may be in another city or even another country, “It also provides access. So now if you for some reason can’t travel to be at your grandchild’s bnei mitzvah, you can still participate. You can still say the Aliyah or Torah blessing even though you are not physically in the sanctuary. We really do want to expand access and accessibility.” For The Temple’s President, Ken Alexander, the hope is that the new technology will expose the synagogue’s programs and worship to those in the community and those more distant, who have never participated before and who may want to consider more formal affiliation. He said, “The hope, of course, is not simply to make the synagogue experience a virtual one, but to expand the experience so you can do it in the same way as you participate in a more secular experience, like a bowl game or the symphony. You’d always much rather be there in person, but if you can’t, it’s pretty nice to have a front row seat from your home.” ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES FEBRUARY 28, 2022 | 19

NEWS

Congregation Beth Tefillah’s Hilarious Night Out

(From left) Rabbi Shmaya Friedman, his wife, Aliza, and Kira and Jimmy Baron were gracious hosts.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe To celebrate Shushan Purim Katan on February 16, Congregation Beth Tefillah hosted 140 guests and three uproarious stand-up comedians at the Punchline Comedy Club in Buckhead. Rabbi Shmaya Friedman, CBT’s engagement direc-

Mitchell Kaye digs into the Chinese buffet.

CBT President Jimmy Baron warmed up the audience before the three acts.

Dassie and Rabbi Yossi New were on hand for the fun and food.

tor, who was in charge of the event, said, “Tonight, this ‘Baby Purim’ is symbolic of laughter. We have delayed events because of ‘high risk’ for many months. Now our community is ready to reach out a bit to meet with friends and have a good time.” The Punchline, which is owned by Jewish attorney and talented stand-up

comic Jamie Bendall, provided the perfect venue, along with a huge variety of Chinese menu staples catered by Chai Peking. CBT President Jimmy Baron greeted guests, saying, “We really wanted to do something out of the box, be together and laugh … outside normal events like seders. You can feel the synergy here tonight.”

Baron later appeared onstage cloaked in a shmatta because he allegedly lost his kippah. Having hosted one of Atlanta’s most popular radio shows for years, Baron has not lost his broadcast talent. On stage, he warmed up the audience. “This is not like shul, so put away your cell phones,” he deadpanned.

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NEWS

Attorney and Punchline owner Jamie Bendall is also a stand-up comic.

The younger crowd was ready for laughter: Musha, Estee and Yisrael New.

First up was the headline comic, Dale Jones, who recently moved to Atlanta and starred in “Last Comic Standing.” He took the audience on a wild look back at the pandemic, from making banana bread in every possible way to a low point in fighting over toilet paper. “Please do not take us back to watching ‘Tiger King,’” he joked. “And who remembers waking up with a scratchy throat and thinking, ‘Am I gonna die today?’” Bendall took the middle spot, delighting the crowd with tales of raising his three daughters as a sports coach for the under-six-year-olds and reevaluating his willingness to drive to their games since gas prices are so high. No one will ever forget his run-in with the Alpharetta Fire Department, which arrived in full force after his daughters’ nightlight started to sizzle, or his tales of married life. “My nickname is ‘One of Us,’” he joked, “meaning that when my wife says that term, it means I will soon be doing some outrageous chore.” He also wrote himself in as a candidate for Sandy

Springs Dispatcher and is eagerly awaiting the vote tally. Jones was the epitome of the physical comic who bangs, shakes and otherwise contorts himself along with the humor. He claimed to have escaped from prison and other unpleasant “facilities,” feigned licking doorknobs at Home Depot, “waterboarding” himself in the shower, or getting body-scanned at the airport. It wasn’t hard to imagine him in a rocking chair that was out of control. There was also a segment on Jesus, in which he chided the audience, “Even you should get this, despite your religion.” He compared himself to JFK, MLK, Abe Lincoln and even George Clooney — as long as you “couldn’t see the big E on an eye chart.” Avi M., who laughed throughout the show, said, “He was authentic and totally crazy!” Pollter brothers Mandel and Levi chimed in, “Jones was current, relatable and in touch with the crowd. It was also great that he was apolitical. We were literally enthralled.” ì

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NEWS

ORT Art Auction and Gala Celebrates Connections

Event co-chairs Sheri Panovka (left) and Leslie Moradi (right) believe strongly in ORT’s mission.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe O/Art in the City’s Gala Event and Art Auction is “re-premiering” on March 13. The event, which was planned to take place in person, is pivoting to a virtual format due to pandemic concerns. Organized

John Baune’s unusual work is an animation style digital illustration inspired by generational connections.

around the theme “connections,” it will be held in the spacious Stave Room in Midtown. This year is ORT America’s 100th anniversary. The organization is the largest fundraising arm of World ORT, which supports education and vocational training

g, in n r a le f o e v lo Building a e. f li r o f s ip h s d n and frie

Bari Engel brings human forms to life in “Reach.”

initiatives. The organization believes that when students from underserved communities have access to high-quality education, they are better positioned to enter the job market with viable skills, become leaders in their own right and invest back into their communities. The fundraising event aims to reach those who are passionate about art, community members, ORT supporters and others who want to celebrate art, delicious food and drinks. A silent auction will give attendees the opportunity to bid on oneof-a-kind works of art designed by both emerging and nationally recognized artists from across the Southeast. Photographers, painters, fabric artists and ceramists will be selected and sponsored by local art collectors. “It is so exciting to bring the community together in person to benefit the students and teachers of ORT around the world,” said Rachel Miller, director of ORT

America’s Atlanta region. The event will feature an interactive art experience with local artist Adam Podber, as well as 40 other Atlanta creators, including Andi Ashe, Isaac Ben Aharon, Barbara Flexner, Kim Jade Jackson, Shelly Katz, Ann Rawn, Sophia Sabsowitz, Susan Proctor, Bari Engel, Maya Gelfman, Aaliyah McNeal and Anita Stein. In addition to collectible art, there will be special items up for auction, including a specialty tasting of small-batch bourbon, scotch or tequila, with a gift card for food, plus chef-catered intimate dinners. Catering will be provided by District Events and Catering, a gourmet kosher-style array including a selection of unusual passed hors d’oeuvres such as seared tuna tartar in wonton cups and goat cheese fritters with Southern tomato jam. An open bar will be sponsored by Tip Top cocktails. “ORT is such an amazing educational organization, and our family has been in-

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Terry Segal’s “Tevet Woman” honors Rosh Chodesh and the sanctification of the new moon for the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar.

Jennifer Lewis spends hours quilling paper into tight coils and then separating them into warm and cool tones.

Susan Proctor’s mixed media collage depicts a woman who is a free spirit yet very connected to the world by words and numbers.

Carla Contreras poses in front of her piece, named after a species of lichen she saw for the first time during a hike in North Carolina.

volved in it for so many years,” said event co-chair Sheri Panovka. “I’m excited to be co-chairing this exciting event for ORT Atlanta to benefit all of ORT’s world-wide

programs.” Her co-chair, Leslie Moradi, said, “I’m so excited to be co-chairing this event for an amazing organization like ORT and to

be able to give artists an outlet to showcase their talents and be recognized by our community.” Event sponsorships are available from

$1,200 to $10,000. Host tickets are $180 per person and regular tickets are $120 per person. Visit ortamerica.org/atlanta for more information. ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES FEBRUARY 28, 2022 | 23

ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME

At 289g, the strawberry was about five times the average weight of a regular berry of the local Ilan variety.

Israeli Farmer Grows World’s Heaviest Strawberry An Israeli farmer has grown the world’s heaviest strawberry, according to Guinness World Records. At 289g, the strawberry was about five times the average weight of a regular berry of the local Ilan variety, said Nir Dai, a researcher at Israel’s Volcani Institute, where the strain was developed. The strawberry was picked on Chahi Ariel’s family farm near the city of Netanya in central Israel in February 2021. Chahi Ariel had been hoping he was on

Today in Israeli History

Feb. 28, 1955: Some 50 Israeli paratroopers attack an Egyptian military camp in Gaza as a reprisal for raids by Palestinians against Israeli civilians. Eight Israeli soldiers and 39 Egyptians are killed in Operation Black Arrow. Yitzhak Rabin served as Israel’s prime minister in the 1970s and 1990s and was assassinated in Tel Aviv in November 1995.

March 1, 1922: Yitzhak Rabin is born in Jerusalem. Rabin leads the defense of Jerusalem during the 1948 war, commands the military during the 1967 war, twice serves as prime minister, accepts the Oslo Accords in 1993 and is assassinated in 1995. March 2, 1977: President Ephraim Katzir appoints Miriam Ben-Porat and Shimon Asher to the Supreme Court. Ben-Porat is the first woman to serve on the highest court of any country using a common law system. March 3, 1950: Iraq retracts a ban on emigration of Jews moving to Israel, on the condition that they give up Iraqi citizenship. Israel launches Operation Ezra and Nehemia, which flies out nearly 120,000 Iraqi Jews by January 1952. 24 | FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

to a winner when he saw how big the fruit were growing on his family farm last year. He has been waiting for confirmation it was a record while keeping the giant strawberry in the freezer as proof. “We waited for a year for the results,” Ariel said. “We kept it in the freezer for a year. It’s no longer as pretty as it was.” “When we heard, it was an amazing feeling. I jumped in the car, laughed and sang,” said Ariel, proudly displaying his certificate on a laptop. “We’ve been waiting for this for a long time.” Unusually cold weather in early 2021 slowed the strawberry’s ripening process, allowing it to continue gaining weight, according to the record book’s website. The previous record was held by a Japanese farmer who discovered a 250g (about half a pound) strawberry in his harvest in 2015.

Three Israeli Scientists to be Awarded $100,000 Research Prize Three young Israeli scientists have been selected as the winners of this year’s Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in

March 4, 1987: Jonathan Pollard, who pleaded guilty to espionage in June 1986, is sentenced to serve life in prison for spying on the United States for Israel in 1984 and 1985 while with the Naval Intelligence Service. March 5, 1891: William Blackstone, an American Methodist lay leader, submits a petition to President Benjamin Harrison that calls for “a home for these wandering millions of Israel” in Palestine, now under Ottoman control.

Clark Clifford argued that the partition of Palestine was crucial to strengthen the U.S. position in the Middle East against the Soviet Union.

March 6, 1948: Truman adviser Clark Clifford writes two detailed memoranda arguing for U.S. support of the partition of Palestine, setting him in opposition to the policy staff and leadership of the State Department. March 7, 1977: Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and President Jimmy Carter meet in Washington. Rabin suggests that Israel could pursue peace with Egypt and perhaps Jordan; Carter prefers steps toward a comprehensive regional peace.

Noam Stern-Ginossar, Menny Shalom and Ronen Eldan will each be awarded $100,000 for their cutting-edge research.

Israel. They will each be awarded $100,000 for their scientific research in a ceremony in June. The Blavatnik Awards recognize exceptional scientists in the initial stages of their careers for their achievements and demonstrated potential, a release about the prize explained. Scientists under the age of 42 who are doing research in the fields of life sciences, chemistry, physical science and engineering are eligible. Noam Stern-Ginossar, Ph.D., from the Weizmann Institute of Science, is one of the Israeli winners. She is recognized for developing groundbreaking analytical tools to study viral gene regulation in cytomegalovirus. These tools were applied to characterize March 8, 1969: Egypt launches a major offensive against Israeli positions on the eastern bank of the Suez Canal, starting the War of Attrition, which lasts until August 1970. Egypt aims to strain Israel’s resolve and economy.

the genome of the novel coronavirus. Menny Shalom, who earned a Ph.D. from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, is recognized for the development of new types of advanced materials for alternative energy sources. Ronen Eldan, who also earned his Ph.D. from Weizmann, is being recognized for his contributions to high-dimensional probability, a mathematical subject dealing with datasets containing an exceptionally large number of variables. The award is given in collaboration with the New York Academy of Sciences, and the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities. At the same time, winners were named in the United States and the United Kingdom. The awards have been given out in Israel since 2017. “Israel’s remarkable science is led by brilliant young men and women who push boundaries with discoveries that improve lives and expand knowledge,” said Len Blavatnik, founder and chair of Access Industries and head of the Blavatnik Family Foundation. “We honor these three outstanding, innovative scientists for their significant contributions and look forward to their future work and discoveries in the years to come.”

el’s history, the Coastal Road Massacre. They kill 38 civilians, including 17 children. March 12, 2004: Natan Yonatan, one of Israel’s greatest poets, dies at age 80. A native of Kyiv who grew up in Palestine, Yonatan almost immediately gained recognition after he started writing poetry in 1940. A surviving Davidka mortar is displayed at the Givati Brigade Museum in Metsudat Yoav. // By Bukvoed via Wikimedia Commons

The Naharayim power plant was positioned to take advantage of the flow of two rivers while controlling the level of the Sea of Galilee. // U.S. Library of Congress

March 9, 1932: Pinhas Rutenberg and the Palestine Electric Co. open a hydroelectric power plant at Naharayim. It supplies much of the electricity in Palestine until its destruction by Iraqis during the War of Independence. March 10, 1970: Israel’s Law of Return is amended to change the definition of a Jew to “a person who was born of a Jewish mother or who has become converted to Judaism and who is not a member of another religion.” March 11, 1978: Eleven Palestinians land on a beachhead north of Tel Aviv and carry out one of the worst terrorist attacks in Isra-

March 13, 1948: The Davidka, a wildly inaccurate but frightening mortar designed and manufactured at the Mikveh Israel agricultural school, is used in combat for the first time in an attack on Jaffa’s Abu Kabir neighborhood. March 14, 1972: Israel’s Black Panthers, who seek equality for Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews, steal crates of milk meant for wealthy Jerusalem neighborhoods and hand them out across poor neighborhoods to protest poverty. Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (www.israeled.org), where you can find more details.

Israel Set to Welcome the Unvaccinated By Jan Jaben-Eilon With most signs pointing to a waning of the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Israeli government announced Feb. 20 that unvaccinated tourists of all ages will be allowed to enter the country as of March 1. That means even families with children aged five or younger will be able to travel to Israel for the first time in almost two years. The lack of an approved vaccine for young children has meant that families have had to postpone plans to travel to Israel, notes Wendy Yaniv, founder of 5 Senses Tour. Still, she emphasizes, “Every requirement that is taken down is a big boost for tourism.” In announcing the pandemic travel changes, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, “We are seeing a consistent decline in morbidity data, so it is time to gradually open what we were the first in the world to close. At the same time, we will keep our finger on the pulse and in the case of a new variant, we will respond quickly once again.” In fact, the steady decline in serious cases of COVID in Israel has leveled off. Still, the prime minister asserted that “the omicron wave has been broken.”

Also, as of March 1, the government announced that it will no longer require Green Pass certificates to be shown prior to entering public venues and gatherings for those vaccinated, recovered or recently testing negative for the virus. Yaniv expects tourists to flock to Israel as a result of pent-up demand. She stopped taking groups to Israel in March 2020 when the pandemic first spread around the world. “I didn’t take any groups last year because I couldn’t give them the experience I wanted,” said the Sandy Springs resident. Now, her groups scheduled for this coming September and March 2023 are totally booked. “There’s still some space on my culinary tour in October,” she noted in mid-February. Yaniv had hoped that the requirement for PCR COVID tests within hours of departure for Israel would be lifted for tourists, allowing for more flexibility in travel. Travelers would thus be able to search for cheaper flights going through Europe, or including several layovers, if they didn’t need the COVID test results 72 hours prior to departure. “This is huge for tourists,” she said. According to Israeli news reports, there’s also a huge demand from Israelis

ISRAEL NEWS

who want to travel abroad. El Al Airlines said its calls have more than doubled in the past week or so, with prices for both airfare and hotels expected to rise as well. By and large, Israelis have accepted the need for COVID vaccinations. The percentage of Israelis who have been vaccinated is higher than that of Americans. In Israel, medical workers, the immunocompromised and those over 60 were even encouraged to get a second booster shot. That doesn’t mean all Israelis were enthusiastic, however. Just as U.S. residents were anxiously monitoring the protest against vaccination in Canada, Israel was experiencing its own brief vehicular convoy of anti-vaccine activists blocking a main highway. Meanwhile, in the past year or two, while non-Israelis were essentially unable to travel to Israel, many Jewish would-be travelers suggested that they might apply for Israeli citizenship so that they could travel there during any future pandemics. The Israeli Interior Ministry, however, reacted in early February by announcing that it would begin requiring all individuals applying to immigrate under the Law of Return to commit to moving to Israel “immedi-

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Israel announced Feb. 20 that unvaccinated tourists of all ages will be allowed to enter the country as of March 1.

ately” and “permanently.” The proposal — while prompting protests by advocates of immigration — follows years of what has become known as “passport Aliyah,” when people apply for citizenship without any intention of actually residing in the country. Most of these applicants are thought to be Russians who prefer traveling the world with an Israeli passport. ì

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OPINION Reflecting on Two Years of COVID-19 Life On March 11, 2020, I emailed our travel agent: “Today’s developments have pushed us over the edge.” We would not fly the next day to Paris, visit our son studying in Strasbourg, or tour Barcelona. Six days later, our son — who already wore a mask — Dave Schechter caught a train to Frankfurt. From Where I Sit He flew to Chicago and then to Atlanta, arriving with a fever and cough, and soon after lost his senses of taste and smell for a week. Meanwhile, over the weekend of March 13-15, Jewish Atlanta closed its doors, sending synagogues, schools, museums, and agencies into the virtual universe. In the beginning, we were all in it together - except that we were not then and are not now. In the beginning, we enjoyed live-streamed concerts and videos of musical apartment dwellers performing on their balconies. People applauded, honked car horns, and banged on pots and pans to show support for health care workers. In the beginning, testing for the virus was haphazard. Cleaning sprays, wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper were hoarded. Hospitals and elder care facilities sought supplies of gowns, gloves, masks, and other protective equipment. In the beginning, as the virus struck the elderly and minority communities, many Americans said, “This has nothing to do with me”— and kept on behaving like that. When a two-week lockdown was urged to slow spread of the virus, we all sheltered in place — except that we didn’t.

When wearing masks and social distancing were recommended, we all followed that advice — well, a lot of us did. While other countries instituted tough measures, the various levels of government in the not-quite United States were uncoordinated and out of sync. When kitchens and living rooms became offices and classrooms, the novelty wore off quickly, sweat clothes became business wear, and we learned how to navigate Zoom. We found seders or shivas on Zoom to be a mixed blessing, as online gatherings of family and friends, especially those far away, compensated for what was impossible in-person — and showed the way to a hybrid future. We saw elected officials wisely leave medical policy decisions to experts in epidemiology, virology, and public health — until they didn’t. We discovered that a stunning number of Americans are educated in these fields — flaunting degrees from the University of Facebook. When prominent figures in politics, media, sports, and culture touted sprays, creams, animal medications, bright lights, bleach, and unapproved drugs — they proved to be immune (to criticism). We were reminded that scientific breakthroughs are built on years of research that came before. When vaccines were available, we all lined up — except that we didn’t. When the militantly un-vaccinated succumbed, even people unfamiliar with the German word engaged in “Schadenfreude.” We seemed shocked that public health recommendations would change when experience and data warranted altering a course of action.

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We learned that public health departments are undervalued and underfunded. We learned that when a governor says that the people of his state know the right thing to do, that doesn’t mean they will do it. We saw some states prioritize reopening fitness centers, bowling alleys, tattoo parlors, and nail salons. We learned how a virus outbreak thousands of miles away can disrupt the global supply chain. We saw that, no matter the circumstances, Americans will complain when they can’t get what they want, when they want it. We saw that the law of supply and demand still applies to the cost of labor. We saw that people will be selfish, rude, and combative in stores, on airplanes, at public meetings, and even inside hospitals. We saw that, even in a pandemic, people will take to the streets to protest injustice — or being asked to wear a mask and be vaccinated — or because they object to the certification of election results. We witnessed displays of ignorance by people who compared mask and vaccination requirements to the horrors of the Holocaust. We were reminded that when government distributes money with insufficient oversight, some people do not receive the help they need, while others use connections, find loopholes, and game the system for their own benefit. We saw that introverts had a built-in advantage over extraverts — but that even introverts need to get out once in a while. Benjamin Franklin may have said these words at the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, but they fit our response to COVID-19: “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall hang separately.” ì

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OPINION

Letters to the Editor The AJT welcomes your letters. 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.

Letter to the editor

A few months ago, the Cobb School district was rocked with acts of anti-Semitic graffiti at two of its high schools with significant Jewish populations, Pope and Lassiter. While students were concerned about their safety and parents were outraged that this type of behavior continues to exist, the district’s administration and the school board took it all in stride. They made a few public comments, took a few meetings with local rabbis at their request, and poof, before you knew it, it was all gone. Which is the typical Ragsdale way difficult issues are handled. Promises of future public action yielded nothing. Now, again, we are faced with this disgusting behavior, as a bunch of Cobb middle school students felt emboldened to demonstrate Nazi behavior on the internet with apparently little concern of penalty for their actions. Why not? They are clearly astute enough to see that the Cobb school board and its superintendent are not inclined to address any issues that require them to take public positions, which might anger their right-wing, ultra-conservative, gun-toting, anti-maskers, there-is-only-one-religion, constituents, and cause any public discord. But someone, an entity with a public platform, needs to pop the top off this festering disease that is threatening our next generation of young people. It is time for this school board to move beyond its partisan self-serving mentality and its bunker style of operating. They must join us in the twentyfirst century and appropriately address the economic, social, racial and spiritual issues which drive our society and therefore impact our students and their families. Andrew Horn, Marietta

Letter to the editor,

Thank you for a great article about Chabad of Rural Georgia and Rabbi Chaim Markovits, by Debbie Diamond, in the Jan. 31 issue. The arrival of Chabad of Rural Georgia has been a true blessing for this region as it answers a previously unmet need for the Jews of Georgia, many of whom live in isolated communities with a very small Jewish presence. The Rabbi visited my wife and I at our home in Milledgeville. We talked for almost three hours about lots of things and the Rabbi mentioned his plans for offering classes. This was most welcome news since it is something that we sorely miss. These plans came to fruition very quickly, and I regularly attend the Rabbi’s weekly Zoom class on the Torah portion of each week. Rabbi Markovits is a dedicated and inspiring teacher, and this is just one of the ways in which Chabad of Rural Georgia is addressing the needs of the Jews in this region. Rabbi Markovits has embarked on the mission of reaching out to every Jew in rural Georgia. He has already made a substantial contribution in this regard, and his continued efforts toward fulfilling this mission will only serve to further enrich Jewish life in this state. My wife and I were members of our shul, a small congregation affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, for about 10 years and we were very active in the life of the shul. We resigned last year. I won’t elaborate here, but I offer this note as a plea to those who lead synagogues affiliated with the USCJ, be they rabbis or officers of governing boards, to be on guard against the over-politicization of the shul, the bimah and shul communications. The use of these venues to promote views on matters of current political and

Letter to the editor,

Wouldn’t it be great if all of us here in Israel could, as Ms. Kalman exhorts in her blog, suddenly see that life isn’t a zerosum game? And, as she adds, wouldn’t it also be great if we could quickly realize that Israel’s 70-plus-year conflict with the Palestinians isn’t an either/or proposition and that we should instead try to adopt an overarching shared goal? Well, of course it would. But it isn’t likely to happen, given the Palestinians’ deep-seated resistance to recognizing the Jews’ right to a land that was promised by G-d to their forefather, Abraham, more than 3,000 years ago. Come to think of it, G-d promised the land to the descendants of Abraham, and not to the descendants of Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas. Phil Fine, Arad, Israel

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Letter to the editor,

Jan Jaben-Eilon’s very interesting review of “The Betrayal of Anne Frank,” like other articles on the subject, does not mention her betrayal by so many people, even including her own father, Otto. The team hunting hidden Jews that arrested her family on Aug. 4, 1944, was led by Austrian SS sergeant Karl Joseph Silberbauer, who was stationed in Amsterdam. In 1963, while serving openly as a police officer in Vienna, he was exposed, suspended and brought before a hearing. There he was exonerated and reinstated after Anne’s father, motivated by feelings of forgiveness and reconciliation, shamefully testified on behalf of the Nazi who arrested the Frank family, stating that Silberbauer had “only done his duty and behaved correctly.” Moreover, Anne’s famous quote from her diary, emphasized in the play, in books and movies, “in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart,” has been used and misused repeatedly to make a dubious point about human kindness. She would never have made such a statement and could not have believed this after her and her family’s ordeals, suffering and death in German concentration camps, at the hands of so many Germans and their collaborators, who openly and enthusiastically delighted in the agony of their Jewish prisoners. Lewis Regenstein, Atlanta

social controversy will inevitably foster a non-inclusive environment that will leave some congregants feeling uncomfortable, unwelcome, marginalized and which may well cause some to leave the shul, as was the case for us. As a matter of pure practicality, does it really make sense to needlessly alienate some congregants? Are USCJ synagogues, particularly small ones, so flush with membership that they can easily afford to risk losing members over matters which are best left for other venues? So, my plea to synagogue leaders is to be extra mindful about fostering an inclusive environment. Such a mindset will go a long way to creating a healthy atmosphere in which everyone feels welcome, and this in turn will help foster the long-term health of our shuls. Robert Blumenthal, Professor of Mathematics, Georgia College in Milledgeville Article referenced: www.atlantajewishtimes.com/ chabad-of-rural-georgia-launches-outreach-campaign/

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EDUCATION & CAMP Should COVID Vaccinations Be Required for Camp? COVID-19 has been a thorn in the sandals of Jewish summer camp directors. In 2020, the original SARS-CoV-2 virus wiped out the overnight Dave Schechter camp season and delayed day camp openings. The Delta variant was identified in the United States weeks before the 2021 season. In 2022, even as the Omicron variant may be waning, camps are taking no chances. The directors of five popular Jewish overnight camps told the AJT that, this summer, campers and staff will be required to present evidence of vaccination in line with recommendations for their age by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The five were Camp Barney Medintz, Camp Coleman, and Camp Ramah Darom, in Georgia, and Camp Judaea and the 6 Points Sports Academy, in North Carolina. In terms of Jewish day camps, as of late

According to the CDC, no vaccine yet has been authorized for children 4 and younger.

February, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta had not yet determined its COVID vaccination policies, said Keely Sime, the MJCCA chief marketing officer. In The City Camps, which has day camp

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In The City Camps has mandated that “all ageeligible summer campers, staff and invited guests must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.”

locations in Decatur and Sandy Springs, overnight camp northwest of Cleveland, Ga. The overnight camp season begins in has mandated that “all age-eligible summer campers, staff and invited guests must be mid-June. “The hardest thing for camp directors right now is all the contingency planfully vaccinated against COVID-19.” Ashley Conant, director of In the City ning. You have to be ready for any kind of Camps, is planning for 680 campers and scenario,” said Bobby Harris, director of the 175 staff this season. “We know the data and Southeast region and Israel initiatives for the respect everyone’s personal choice, but this Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC). Harris is well acquainted is our policy,” she said. “In the with COVID and contingency summers of 2020 and 2021 planning. Prior to joining the we were able to provide a safe FJC in October, he was the longsummer camp experience for time director of the Union of all of our campers and staff Reform Judaism’s (URJ) Camp without any COVID breakouts. Coleman, located about five We are very proud of that.” miles up U.S. 129 from Camp The overnight camps Barney. made their vaccination policy His successor is Amy Smydecisions independently but “You have to ready for ler McFarland, who has been a arrived at the same concluany kind of scenario,” counselor, assistant director, sion. A search online found said Bobby Harris. and associate director at Camp most Jewish overnight and day camps across the United States requiring CO- Coleman, as well as a consultant for the FJC. This summer she expects 840 campers and VID vaccinations. Lori Zeligman, director of Camp Judaea, staff across the sessions. “Living through last in Hendersonville, N.C., said, “Since all of us year, I wouldn’t use the word maddening,” Smyler McFarland said, redo have the same stance, it defisponding to a reporter’s suggesnitely makes it a lot easier,” in tion. “It was our reality. Today terms of a consistent message we have a lot of confidence beto parents. cause we were able to pull it off “In speaking with our last summer. This time around medical advisory team, their we have so much more inforrecommendation to us was mation. We’re actually sitting that we respect everyone’s right in a much better place than we to do what they think is right were a year ago.” for their kids, but in our opinAmy Smyler That information comes ion, to enjoy camp and have McFarland said that their 2021 experience from the CDC, the various Jewthe safest possible community gave camp directors ish movements with which the at camp this summer, we have added confidence and camps are affiliated, the medito require that everyone is vacinformation for this year. cal advisory teams that the cinated,” said Michael Drucker, director of Camp Barney Medintz, the MJCCA camps consult for guidance, and from each

EDUCATION & CAMP Zeligman, who will host some 750 other. The directors and facilities directors campers and 200 staff at Camp from the five overnight camps Judaea, said, “What concerns recently toured each other’s me the most is if the CDC sites, seeing the physical laychanges their language around outs, as well as discussing provaccination. We’ve put it out to gramming and common chalour families that we are going lenges. off the guidance from the CDC “We have a real sense of and the American Academy of collegiality and a true team,” Pediatrics.” said Anna Serviansky, direcRepresentatives of the tor of Camp Ramah Darom, “We know the data and respect everyones CDC who spoke to a Feb. 2 weblocated outside of Clayton, Ga. personal choice, but inar hosted by the American Serviansky and her counterthis is our policy,” Camp Association gave no inparts talk often, and she credAshley Conant said. dication that a change is in the ited Harris with organizing the offing. Neha Cramer, who leads the CDC’s visits to the five camps. “What people don’t understand, unless school unit, said, “We all have this goal that we want camps running, in a they are in the business, is that way that’s as normal as possiyou have a lot of responsibility ble, but also as safe as possible. to take care of upwards of 750 Camps are a vital piece for chilpeople at a time, to make sure dren’s mental health and, quite they are healthy and safe, and frankly, for their parents’ menhaving a good time,” Serviantal health as well.” sky said. “We all care about The overnight camp direcJewish camp and we all want tors acknowledged receiving each other to be successful and what one called “limited pushhave as many kids go to Jew“Since all of us do have the back” to the COVID vaccinaish camp as possible,” she said. same stance, it definitely tion requirement. “This is what we believe in.” makes it a lot easier,” In a recent installment She echoed Smyler McLori Zeligman said. of a series from the American Farland’s feelings about comparing 2021 and 2022. “We can run camp in Medical Association, called “What Doctors a very transmissible variant setting, like we Wish Patients Knew,” Dr. Joanne Loethen, an did last summer, and run camp safety. We internal medicine and pediatrics physician in Kansas City, Missouri, said: know that we can pivot quickly “I completely understand if because we know how to run parents have hesitations about camp in the middle of a panany new medical device, drug, demic,” Serviansky said. “We vaccine that their child is poaren’t talking about COVID in tentially eligible to get. What the same way we were talking I can say is we have studied about it last year, because we thousands of kids and hunhave policies and procedures dreds of thousands have now in place that we know work.” gotten this vaccine. We know The URJ 6 Points Sports “We have a real sense of collegiality and that it’s safe and effective. And Academy will welcome about a true team,” Anna when you look at the numbers, 830 campers and 125 staff in Serviansky said of her it certainly supports the vacAsheville, N.C. “We’re all doing fellow camp directors. cine because of its safety and the right thing for our campers and our community,” camp director Danny efficacy against COVID 19.” Note: According to the CDC, no vacHerz said. “No matter what, this summer cine yet has been authorized the commitment will be doing for children 4 and younger. everything to keep the comThe Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine munity safe. We know we can is authorized for children in do it. We did it last summer. the 5-11 and 12-17 age groups. And we know things are goThe Pfizer/BioNTech and ing to change,” he said. As an Moderna two-dose vaccines example, Herz noted that while and the single-dose Johnson the 2022 camp season begins & Johnson vaccine are auin four months, it was just four thorized for people 18 and months ago that the Omicron “We’re all doing the right older. The CDC website recvariant was identified. thing for our campers ommends that everyone age “It’s just the unknown and our community,” 12 and older get a booster that’s scary, but I think parsaid Danny Herz. shot and that those receivents have made a commitment to wanting their kids to have this ing the J&J vaccine get a booster shot of amazing Jewish camp experience,” Herz Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna at least two months later. ì said.

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EDUCATION & CAMP

Vaccine Not FDA-Approved for Kids Under Five

Bob Bahr

Parents will have to wait until at least early in April to learn whether their children under five will need three shots to be protected against CO-

VID-19. A delay in approving the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech for young children came Feb. 11 after the FDA said they needed more data. That is when the two companies pulled their application for approval to vaccinate children under five from the Food and Drug Administration. Many had expected the FDA to approve the company's two-shot dosage, even though a study of children ages two through four released in December, showed that the vaccine produced only 60 percent of the antibodies as compared to levels in older teens and young adults. In a prepared statement, the pharmaceutical manufacturers maintained

30 | FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

In Georgia, less than 10 percent of children between the ages of six and 11 are fully vaccinated against COVID.

that a third shot may be needed for the 18 million children in America under five. According to a spokesman for the manufacturer, “Given that the study is advancing at a rapid pace, the companies will wait for the three-dose data as Pfizer and BioNTech continues to believe it may provide a higher level of effectiveness in

Test results show the two shot Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine for two- to 4-year-olds is only 60 percent as effective as it is for older children.

this age group.” Since the vaccine was approved for children ages five to 11 nearly four months ago federal government statistics show only about 50,000 to 75,000 doses are being administered each day. According to a study in January 2022 by the Kaiser Family Foundation, only 18.8

percent of that age group are fully vaccinated and only 28.1 percent have received at least one dose. In Georgia, where on Feb. 14 Governor Brian Kemp announced plans to support legislation to give parents, not educators, the right to decide if children must wear masks in school, those num-

EDUCATION & CAMP

Parents nationally have generally been slow to accept the vaccine for children aged five to 11.

bers were much lower. According to federal data of the state of Georgia, the Kaiser study showed only 9.2 percent had two shots and only 16.7 percent had one shot. In the neighboring state of Alabama only 5.3 percent of children in the age group were fully vaccinated. According to Dr. Howard Silverman at Roswell Pediatric Center, the group practice of 16 physicians, has given out about 4,000 COVID shots. He says that the parents of most of the children in the five to 11 age group prefer to consult a physician for counseling rather than getting the shots at a local pharmacy. He points out that he frequently must explain the benefits of the shots for those who are hesitant to agree to have their children receive them. “There has been resistance for the older kids, and the younger kids. You get those who are very interested, but you also get those who say, 'you are not doing that to my child,' and there are those who want to wait a month or two. It’s an attitude that really doesn’t change whether you are talking about the 16 and older age group, the 12- to 16-years-olds or those five- to 11-years-old. It has been the same case all the way around.” Some health observers fear interest in the vaccine may wane even further as the number of serious cases in children continues to drop. Silverman says that February has been far better than the end of last year and January of this year. Silverman added, “Things have improved dramatically. The Omicron variant looks like it has been mild in pediatric patients. We have admitted a few young patients to the hospital with respiratory conditions, usually for a couple of days and they’ve gone home. But the overwhelming number of patients that we’ve seen, and we’ve seen a lot of

patients with COVID, have had coughs, congestion, sore throat, fever just those kinds of symptoms.” Even though some children have developed COVID without apparent symptoms, studies have shown that they have the potential to spread the virus as effectively as adults. Because of that Dr. Evan Anderson, a pediatrician who runs the Vaccine Research Center for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta was among those who was an early proponent of COVID vaccines for children. Not just for the protection it gives them but for how they may help to dampen the spread of the virus. He told a medical writer for Emory University this month that children are a prime source of infection in the home. He said, “Among the most important methods of COVID-19 transmission are from inside the household and from household visitors. Having a vaccine available for our children will have the potential to significantly impact transmission to parents, grandparents and other adults.” Today’s dangerously high drop in child COVID vaccinations is in sharp contrast to a time just ten months ago when Anderson was beginning the first clinical trials of the vaccine on five- to 11-yearolds. In May 2021 when he called for 400 children as volunteers for the research, there were 2,000 applicants. With questions about the effectiveness of the vaccine among preschoolers still lingering, and the possibility that it may require three shots instead of two to protect them, parents could continue to resist having their children vaccinated. Which may mean that efforts to add those under five years old to those Americans who are protected against the infection this spring, may face significant new challenges. ì

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EDUCATION & CAMP

Chabad on Campus Provides Home Away from Home Chabad Houses on college campuses are famous for offering students “a home away from home,” and they’re not exaggerating. A Chana Shapiro defining feature of every Chabad House is the critical co-advisor role, in which a rabbi and rebbetzin (and their children) provide a familial setting that grounds their relationship with students. The families live in the Chabad House, establishing a Jewish family on campus. “We want to say to our students, ‘come to my home.’ We can’t separate our work from our life because they’re the same,” says Rebbetzin Shifra Sharfstein, co-director — with her husband — of DTU (Downtown Universities), for students at Georgia State University and Georgia Tech. Rabbi Shlomo and Rebbetzin Shifra started Chabad DTU ten years ago to serve students on both campuses. They bring Jewish students together for social activities,

Students light menorahs at Kennesaw State Chabad Chanukah party.

Yom Kippur break-fast at Emory Chabad.

Kennesaw State Chabad sets up a Pedi-sukkah on campus.

and there is a joint Student Advisory Council that works on programming. “By establishing a recognizable presence between the campuses, we are there for all students all the time,” Shifra explains. “Everyone on campus knows us, students play with our children, and even the campus police stop by to visit.” Jacob Levin was a Georgia Tech member of the DTU Student Advisory Council,

with leadership roles in most activities. “The Sharfsteins are close to the students, and everybody goes to Chabad for programs,” he says. “Because I like to study, Rabbi Sharfstein suggested and arranged for me to spend a summer at an entry-level yeshiva in Israel.” Levin is moving permanently to Israel this month, where he will initially study at Ohr Sameach, a yeshiva for Jews with little formal textual knowledge, but with an interest in studying classic Jewish texts. The number of Chabad centers on college campuses in the United States has skyrocketed since 2000, with more than 200 of them attracting students from all Jewish backgrounds. The Chabad Houses are located on or very close to the campuses they serve. “We want students to consider our house to be their house,” says Rabbi Zalman Charytan at Chabad of Kennesaw, which serves Kennesaw State University (KSU) students and nearby Jewish communities. Every Chabad House celebrates Chanukah with a gigantic mid-campus menorah, attracting students, faculty and neighboring community members. Rabbi Charytan erects a separate menorah in downtown Kennesaw, hosted by the city’s mayor, which “is a source of pride for our students. The growth of Chabad on campus has definitely contributed to the growth of the surrounding Jewish community.” “My wife Nechami and I moved here 14 years ago,” Charytan says, “and this is our permanent home. Our children were born here, and our door is open to students, 24/7.” The rabbi is available to drive students to a doctor or to the store, and the Charytans, like every other university Chabad family, bring homemade chicken soup to students who are sick and offer mezuzot to students for their dorm room or apartment doors. Lilli Jennison, a graduate of KSU, says, “I loved the holiday programs and often helped make challah on Thursday evenings for the wonderful Friday night dinners.” Jen-

nison was a Sinai Scholar, participating in an 8-week program led by the rabbi and rebbetzin, and she attended the annual Sinai Scholars Shabbaton in New York’s Crown Heights, where she stayed with Rebbetzin Nechami Charytan’s sister. According to the Chabad website, Sinai Scholars “provides a fresh and exciting context for Jewish life and learning on the university campus … to engage in an open community of study and self-discovery [toward becoming] passionate, informed Jewish leaders on campus and in their respective communities.” Rabbi Michoel Refson, at the University of Georgia in Athens, describes Sinai Scholars as a program “to explore what it means to be Jewish in the 21st century.” Scholars receive a stipend of $350 upon completing the course, a program that is offered at every university Chabad House. However, “a number of students do not accept the stipend because they believe they benefitted so much from the program,” Refson said. “We love it when students stop by just to play with our baby. We say, ‘We’re here for you as a family, so reach out if you need anything or just want to talk.’” The Athens Chabad’s myriad activities include weekly Pasta and Parsha, CHABBQ, Thursday night cooking parties, learning opportunities, Shabbat services that also attract the general Jewish community and huge Friday night dinners. “Students miss their families, and we’re able to offer support, comfort, and fun,” Refson adds. “My wife, Chana, is very close to all the students, leading classes, cooking and baking with them. Female students are comfortable talking to her about private matters.” The Refsons, who came to Athens 17 years ago, stress that “We Chabad codirectors don’t shy away from tough questions. Our goal is to guide students toward a deeper connection to one another and to Judaism. We are inclusive. We welcome ev-

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EDUCATION & CAMP

Emory students post mezuzah on their dorm doorpost.

2021 Chanukah menorah lighting at GA Tech.

Grad students bake challah at Emory Chabad.

“Shabbat 500” lunch at UGA.

ery Jewish student, regardless of their different streams of Judaism. At Chabad we learn, pray, celebrate, eat and sing together.” Rabbi Zalman and Rebbetzin Miriam Lipskier, who came to Emory in 2000, strive to “offer easy access to Jewish experiences. We believe that every person has a divine spark, and we help ignite that spark. The spark becomes a flame, and the flame becomes a fire. The importance of having a good time and celebrating together can’t be overstated,” Lipskier affirms. Shabbos services are coordinated and run by the students. The heavily attended upbeat Friday night dinners, are “more than a meal; we are

a family, eating, singing and sharing words of Torah, especially from my wife, Miriam and students.” Yosef Oliker, who was an Emory student from 2005 to 2009, was initially drawn to the Chabad Shabbat davening, which, on Friday evenings, was followed by “One hundred students for dinner.” Oliker remembers that “the Lipskiers always opened their doors to me and other students and provided me with a consistent Orthodox Jewish experience.” When Jay and Judy Kessler brought their daughter Miriam to Lynn University in Boca Raton, they stayed with Chabad

co-directors Rabbi and Rebbetzin Liberow and their family over Shabbat. “Kids learn as much outside of class as inside the classroom,” Kessler says. “We knew our daughters would be cared for here.” Miriam eventually met her husband at the Chabad House, and her younger sister, Adira, says that the Liberows embraced her like one of the family. “I’m still close to them and visit when I can,” she says. Yakov Jaffe, who attended both Tulane University and the University of Miami, credits Chabad — an acronym that stands for Chochmah, Bina and Da’at, or wisdom, understanding and knowledge — with

shaping his adult life. “Chabad rabbis were pivotal in my enduring interest in Judaism and now in raising my own children. They modeled how Judaism can be a beautiful and solid part of family life. The meals, their nicely dressed kids for Shabbos and the rebbetzins all were inspirational.” “The world around college students doesn’t necessarily incorporate wholesome values,” Jaffe says. “There we were with the rabbi, playing shofar on the way to class, and especially teaching us the meaning of prayers. Providing a social network was also a key component of Chabad campus life. It was all very powerful.” ì

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Encouraging Kids to Wear Masks Is Not Child’s Play Mask wearing is now a way of life, especially for children who are back at school. Which mask to wear and getting kids to wear them, though, can be a daunting task for parents. The experts weighed in on this topic to better inform parents, children (and themselves). Robyn Spizman The bottom line is AmeriGerson cans are urged to wear higherquality masks. The CDC updated its policies confirming this, and while one brand is not necessarily endorsed over another, N95s and similar high filtration respirators offer the best protection against COVID-19. According to Richard C. Prokesch, MD, an infectious disease doctor at Infectious Diseases Associates, PC of Riverdale, Ga., “I have been a strong proponent of masking from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest COVID-19 variant, omicron, is the most contagious of the variants to date and thus makes appropriate mask wearing even more important to decrease COVID-19 being transmitted airborne. The CDC recently changed the recommendations for masking, a move that I feel should have come sooner in the omicron phase of the pandemic.” Prokesch went on to state, “Cloth masks are the least protective masks especially if they are loosely woven

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and loosely fitting. The best protection is from a wellfitted N95 mask, but these are not widely available to the general public and to many uncomfortable to wear. So, even if available likely would not be worn as diligently as

necessary. KN95 masks offer the next best level of protection and are more available, then you have the disposable surgical masks, which are more protective than cloth masks.” Dr. Prokesch added, “The CDC recommends that a mask of the highest level of protection available should be worn in crowded indoor settings, regardless of the vaccine status. Persons with immunosuppression should avoid the crowded settings, but if they cannot a N95 or KN95 mask should be worn if possible. Otherwise, I would suggest double masking with a surgical mask with a tight fitting double layered cloth mask over it.” He said, “It is recommended that children older than 2 (years) wear a mask in crowded indoor settings including schools and school buses again regardless of their vaccine status. I want to stress again that vaccination is still the most important prevention versus serious COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death. With the omicron variant the COVID-19 booster adds a significant level of protection compared to the non-boosted.”

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How To Get Kids to Wear a Mask

Building a new habit like mask-wearing can be a challenge. Beth M. Seidel, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist at the Behavioral Institute of Atlanta, shares helpful tips to inspire your child below: 1. Use child-friendly language. Kids respond best to very simple, positive and concrete explanations. • Preschool: consider using a Sesame Street version of the explanation. • Older kids: explain in more detail what the virus is and our responsibility to protect ourselves and others. 2. Engage your children in the process: let them pick out the mask(s) that seems appealing to them. 3. Model mask-wearing and appropriate mask wearing (over the nose and mouth): Make sure you are wearing your mask as often as you expect your kids to.

EDUCATION & CAMP Selecting Masks

The CDC guidelines recommend wearing the more protective N95 masks to combat COVID-19’s omicron variant. President Biden announced that the federal government will send 400 million N95 masks to pharmacies and community health centers in the next few weeks at a variety of locations. Previously reserved for healthcare workers, these “more protective” masks filter out at least 95 percent of the air particles. They are followed by KN95s and KF94s. The K is for China or Korea; the N is for United States. Selecting a trusted company is key. UnRichard C. Prokesch, MD, an Beth M. Seidel, Psy.D., licensed derstanding the approvals is also key. For the infectious disease doctor at psychologist at the Behavioral best protection, you’ll want to stick to National Infectious Diseases Associates, Institute of Atlanta. PC of Riverdale, Ga. Institute for Occupational Safety and Health approved N95s and choose trustworthy retailers that work directly with approved mask manufacturers 4. Practice through play: role play with your kids. For or directly from mask manufacturers’ own websites. You example, every time you get out of the car the mask comes can also look for exclusive distributors for trusted manuon. Or when going inside a place how to talk with the mask facturers, like Bona Fide Masks, which distribute approved on. versions. 5. One step at a time: work your way up to help them Family owned and operated, Bona Fide Masks Corp. feel more and more comfortable with wearing the mask. is part of the Ball Chain Manufacturing Co., Inc. family of Start with wearing it in the house for a short time and companies, dating as far back as 1938. It is an authorized talking with the mask on. Then have them wear the mask distributor of masks, transparent about its supply chain and at a store (short visit) and then finally, at a friend’s house purchases masks directly from the manufacturer. Bona fide (for a longer period of time). Then they will feel more means “in good faith.” comfortable wearing it for longer periods of time-like at In a conversation with Bill Taubner, president of both school.

Ball Chain and Bona Fide Masks, he said, “We started a supply chain search and FDA had an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) list authorizing certain KN95s for use in healthcare settings by healthcare professionals when N95s was in short supply. Powecom and Harley were on the list. The N95 is the gold standard for respiratory protection in the United States. Like all of our products, they are sold online at low prices. It is a type of personal protective equipment used to protect the wearer from 95 percent of airborne particles measuring 0.3 µm (microns) or greater. This standard is regulated by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) and the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA). Our KN95 masks are made from a filter material which includes polypropylene and electrostatic melt-blown fabric. The mask catches and filters the virus, helping to protect us from breathing it in.” Regarding kids’ masks, Taubner adds, “We have a few different kids’ masks but the best one is the Powecom KN95SM. It’s just 15 percent smaller than Powecom’s adult KN95. Considered a respirator type of mask, it fits around the nose and mouth to provide a seal. There’s a new 2019 standard, which implements an update and is easy to breathe through.” Certain mask studies indicate that the virus can last on the surface of masks for 3 days, so Taubner recommends reusing a KN95 after 4 days in between uses.” The Harley children’s mask is another Bona Fide Masks selection that moms like for younger children, about ages 3-7, where comfort and fit are also key. Please note: Check the www.cdc.gov for updated information on masks and children, and you can learn more about Bona Fide Masks Corp. here: www.bonafidemasks.com. ì

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EDUCATION & CAMP

Emory Launches Progressive Zionist Club

In 2021, the group hosted activist Ashager Araro for an event that brought together 90 students from across campus.

By Flora Rosefsky Many students at Emory University identify as progressives and advocate liberal views. But when it comes to Israel, many are not as vocal in their support. Jillian Krim is one of two students who have set out to prove that being progressive and Zionist can go hand in hand. She and Emma Rosenau founded Emory Progressive Zionists, a new club that was officially recognized as an Emory University student organization in January. “Always being a very liberal person, I was also very proud of my Zionist identity; I kept being told I couldn’t do both” said Rosenau.

Jillian Krim and Emma Rosenau cofounded the new Emory Progressive Zionists club.

Emory Hillel’s Israel Fellow Or Drory provides professional leadership and assistance to the new club.

Indeed, the club’s mission is to show students on campus — and the world beyond — that progressivism and Zionism are not mutually exclusive. Student leaders work with Hillel staff to plan programs and bring in speakers to discuss how those on the political left can recognize Israel’s right to exist and be proud Zionists. Both Krim and Rosenau are highly involved in proIsrael campus activities. Krim is a member of Eagles for Israel, a club that celebrates Israeli culture, and Rosenau is a member of EIPAC (Emory Israel Public Affairs Committee), a political club that often works with elected officials. Together, Krim said, they started the club to “combat the rising anti-Israel sentiment on campuses.” Krim said she saw reports that Zionist students felt

increasingly unwelcome in progressive spaces on campus. “People incorrectly claim that you cannot be progressive and Zionist at the same time because they don’t know the true meaning of Zionism. While it means believing in Israel’s right to exist, people have been confusing it with a conservative, racist view which is incredibly inaccurate,” she said. Krim sees a future in which the Emory Progressive Zionist club can be a space for students who identify as progressives to support the two causes openly. One of the club’s first events was a lecture by Dr. Einat Wilk on the intersection of feminism and Zionism. Before the club launched, there was only one pro-Israel club on campus, the bipartisan organization EIPAC. “Progressive groups on campus considered being pro-Israel to be a conservative idea,” Rosenau said. She and Krim felt that many students with left-leaning views who also supported Israel needed a place of their own to discuss ideas, develop programs and lift up their voices. They wanted to create an organization that could meet with other progressive student organizations to engage in discussions and show that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not as black and white as many would portray it. Last October, the club brought activist Ashager Araro to campus. A proud Zionist, feminist and antiracist advocate, Araro was born in Ethiopia and raised in Yavne, Israel. She spoke about her family’s experience living in Ethiopia and in Israel to some 90 students from across campus, including the Emory ROTC, Hillel and Keshet Council, and students from the Hillels at Georgia State and Georgia Tech. Just a month later, it hosted a virtual, interactive learning opportunity with Ofer Erez, an LGBTQ Israeli activist and the first transgender officer in the IDF. (During his service, Erez was part of a group that decided on the procedures for better integrating transgender soldiers into the IDF.) Karp noted that “the Progressive Zionist group of students is supported by Emory Hillel, where their Israel Fellow, Or Drory, provides them with professional leadership and assistance.” The program is supported by Hillels of Georgia and the Jewish Agency for Israel. Going forward, Rosenau hopes that Emory Progressive Zionists continues to grow its membership and becomes a bigger club on campus. “We started off just Jillian and I and our two board members,” she said, “and now we have an executive board of 12 student leaders and a general body of 75 students on our email list. I am confident that Emory Progressive Zionists will be a staple on Emory’s campus for several years to come.” ì

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Students Lead Innovative Hillel Programs In addition to their course work and extracurricular activities, college students are finding ways to create innovative programs By Flora Rosefsky with the support of Hillels of Georgia. One of its premier programs is a new collaboration with Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM), a global initiative and NGO (non-governmental orGeorgia Tech student works on his TOM Make-A-Thon project from 2021. ganization) based in Israel. According to Elliot B. Karp, CEO of Hillels of Georgia, the collaboration with TOM Global will now with TOM’s, offering college students opporexpand to both the University of Georgia tunities to create innovative responses for and Morehouse College. “This demonstrates those in need. “TOM is a global movement of the impact Jewish values are making in our communities that creates and disseminates community and the demand for student-led affordable solutions to challenges that people living with disabilities, the elderly and the innovation,” he said. Founded in 2019, the TOM program at poor face in their daily lives,” Karp said. “The great thing about TOM is that we Georgia Tech won the Jewish Federation’s Propel Pitch Competition in January 2021 are helping to make the world a better place,” and was awarded a $35,000 grant. Karp be- said Jed Chizner and Justin Janawitz, UGA Hillel students lieves that SDC22_Ad_AJT_4.66x5.7 Hillel’s mission is closely aligned ol.pdf 1 2/16/22 4:14 PM who became the first TOM fel-

CMY

38 | FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

An innovative Make-A-Thon project was created in 2021 by a Georgia Tech TOM participant.

Host Lilei Turiansky joined with other Georgia Tech students for shabbat dinner at Ponce City Market.

lows at the University of Georgia. At Georgia night of Oct. 15, 2021. Nearly 60 students parTech, where TOM was first launched, stu- ticipated in Host at Home Shabbat, both as dents created a Host at Home Shabbat pro- hosts and guests. Some students cooked their own dinner, including shakshuka and matzo gram that eventually gained Hillel support. ball soup, while others orTeddy Lambert, Geordered in from their favorite gia Tech student and TOM’s establishments. The casual student manager noted the environment of these small devotion students have to events attracts many nonthe program and the annual Jewish students to support make-a-thon held on camtheir Jewish friends, making pus. Fellow Georgia Tech the event an excellent edustudents, many who are cational tool and cultural engineering majors, want UGA’s Hillel Director Jeremy to take the lessons learned Lichtig helped establish Tikkun exchange opportunity. Due to the rise in COin class and apply them Olam Makers at the University of Georgia after observing VID cases, Georgia Tech stuto “real life projects that its success at Georgia Tech. dent and host Sloan Salinas make a positive impact,” he said. Fellows also seek community partners said, “our Hillel wasn’t going to do in-person to work alongside the TOM ‘make-a-thon’ Shabbat for at least the duration of January, so they offered students the resources to host teams. In the past, Georgia Tech collaborated our own Shabbat dinners.” Lubliner reported with JFCS, Camp Twin Lakes and the Jewish that there were nine Host at Home Shabbat Abilities Alliance of Georgia to identify those dinners in January. Students take responwho might need eventual TOM projects. Af- sibility for planning and promoting their ter observing the success of the program at Shabbat dinner, while Hillel either provides Georgia Tech, UGA’s Hillel Director, Jeremy materials and food or reimburses students Lichtig, helped establish TOM at the Univer- for their expenses. Salinas says hosts like her enjoy plansity of Georgia with the generous support of The Breman Foundation, which provided a ning their own menus. “Cooking together is $10,000 grant. Lichtig recruited Chizner and also a fun way to hang out with each other,” Janawitz to lead the program as UGA TOM she said. She feels this kind of program is really beneficial to Jewish students, allowing Fellows. The success of this partnership led to them to connect with Jewish tradition in a a $5,000 grant from the Jewish Federation’s deeper sense. She said it’s also helpful for NextGen Giving Circle. The money will be “non-Jewish students who can join in the used to launch a TOM cohort at Morehouse dinners, allowing them to learn more about College, “one of the country’s most impor- their Jewish friends and their customs in tant historically Black colleges and universi- a very low-stakes environment. There’s no ties,” said Karp. “The opportunity to share need to dress up if you don’t want to.” Jewish students at Georgia Tech who and teach the students about Tikkun Olam, while giving them an appreciation for Jewish want to welcome friends and neighbors into values and Israel is tremendous. It all comes their homes “are empowered to take an acdown to making the world a better place by tive role in their Jewish identity and host a Shabbat dinner while they are in school, as improving and changing the lives of others.” Shaina Lubliner, director of Jewish Stu- it means they are likely to continue to do so dent Life at Georgia Tech’s Hillel, encouraged even after they graduate from Georgia Tech,” students to offer Shabbatot all on the same Lubliner said. ì

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Student Holds Fundraiser in Honor of Twin Brother After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Go Long for Luke fundraiser to support those with autism has been scheduled for March 27 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Sophie Greenfield, a junior at The Weber School, acknowledged that this flag-football fundraiser — the third to be held in Jan Jaben-Eilon Atlanta since she, her twin brother, Luke, and parents moved to Atlanta in 2017 — is boosting its profile with the new location. The first Go Long for Luke event was held at Chastain Park in 2018, and the second at Weber in 2019. “We wanted to expand it to get our message out there more,” Greenfield said. She and her friends, Cole and Jesse Faller, launched the event in 2013, when she and Luke were nine years old, to raise awareness for kids with autism. The Greenfield family was living in Roslyn, N.Y., at the time. According to the Autism Speaks website, autism refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta estimates that one in every 44 children is affected by the condition. “Everyone has been home with COVID, so it will be good to get everyone together in a big place, where the Atlanta Falcons play,” said Greenfield’s mother, Sandi. Masks will be pro-

Sophie, Sandi, Luke and Scott Greenfield in 2015.

Sophie said her twin brother, Luke, is her best friend.

vided, and the large area will allow the 100 or so kids who will be playing in the four or five age-appropriate games to spread out, she added. “We won’t pack the stadium.” The family hopes to double the $20,000 that was raised in the free event back in 2019. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization plans to distribute funds to several groups, including Autism Speaks Georgia, Hi Hope Service Center — which sup-

Luke Greenfield at the Weber School event in 2019.

ports adults with developmental disabilities — Annandale Village, which provides assisted living for adults and Jacob’s Ladder, the school Luke attended. Since the Greenfields moved to Atlanta, the twins have attended separate schools, which, Sophie Greenfield said, has been good for both of them. “He loves his school,” she said, speaking fondly of her twin. Although Luke is non-verbal, he communicates by typing messages. She responds, she said, either by typing back or speaking. “He understands everything.” Luke doesn’t plan to play in the football games. “He likes to watch and be a videographer and photographer. He loves to take videos of everyone playing,” Greenfield said of her brother, who is also her “best friend.” “We hang out together a lot. We have a great relationship.” Previously, the event had been held in September, but holding it at the end of March is “closer to autism month in April,” said Greenfield, referring to Autism Awareness Month. In addition to the approximately 40-minute games, the fundraiser will feature face-painting and an auction with prizes that include restaurant and spa packages. ì 40 | FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

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EDUCATION & CAMP

RootOne to Bring 7,000 Jewish Teens to Israel By Bob Bahr RootOne is a major initiative by the Atlanta-based Marcus Foundation to send American Jewish teens on an intensive summer trip to Israel. While the organization doesn’t directly provide programs for the teens, they are active in deepening the experience before and after they return. The program is supported by a three-year $60 million grant from the Foundation. The AJT spoke with Simon Amiel, executive director of RootOne, about how the program is progressing. AJT: Where is RootOne after two years of the pandemic? Amiel: It’s been a really big lift for us to be able to try to move our mission forward. There’s just a lot of work to do in order for us to get to where we need to get to. But there’s been remarkable new energy coming off of last year from our evaluation work in just having a year under our belts. So it’s been a great learning experience and a great way for us to be able to build up the initiative organically. Where we are is that in the last year we

42 | FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

RootOne expects to apply $3,000 travel vouchers for 7,000 teens this summer.

served 4,000 kids, and this year we are hoping to serve 7,000. And we worked last year with 20 different organizations. This year we’re working with 40 organizations. AJT: How did the COVID pandemic affect the RootOne program? Amiel: We were slated to take about 5,400 kids, but primarily because of COVID we lost about 1,400 … even with that, we took more kids than we did in 2019. We were fortunate to have that sort of

RootOne hopes to prepare teens to deal with protests against Israel.

AJT: What sort of funding does Root One provide? Amiel: The first is that we provide funding that translates into a $3,000 travel voucher for eligible 10th, 11th and 12th grade teens to go on experiences that are at least three weeks long. We don’t fund any experiences that are shorter than three weeks. In addition to that, we provide infrastructure funding. Because we’re working together to really expand the number of kids that are coming out of these trips and to be able to do more educationally, there’s a greater infrastructure need. OrAJT: What is the role ganizations need to hire of RootOne in helping more people. They need teens travel to and expeto do a search of differrience Israel? ent things. So we provide Amiel: Our role is to funding there, and we maximize the number of now ask every one of our Jewish teens who are parSimon Amiel is the executive grantee organizations to ticipating in the Israel director of RootOne. incorporate Israeli teens experience, as well as to maximize the impact that those experi- into their experiences in Israel, which is ences have on these kids. And the way to another expense we have to offset. do that is to work hand-in-hand with exAJT: What has been Bernie Marcus’s isting organizations to alter and elevate the experience they have in Israel. We goal in providing funding for RootOne? Amiel: Mr. Marcus is very clear. also work to build components around the trip to deepen the impacts of the ex- He is deeply concerned about the rising perience. As an example, in the last year, rates of antisemitism on campus, and we have built a platform so that every he believes that if we’re able to get more single teen who receives a voucher from American Jewish teens to Israel before us participates in many hours of learning they get on campus, they will have a highprior to stepping on the plane. They’re er level of knowledge and confidence that learning a good amount about what they wouldn’t have necessarily otherwise they’re about to experience. And none had in terms of Israel and their Jewish of that existed prior to our involvement identity. And so, if they have that when with these organizations. And another they step foot on campus, the hope is that example is ensuring that we’re working they will be better prepared to deal with with organizations to offer a robust se- what I think is a very daunting and chalries of post-trip experiences that are op- lenging environment for kids who are portunities for kids once they return to connected to Israel. More information is available at learn more, to do more, to deepen their www.rootone.org. ì relationship and knowledge of Israel. window of time, in the summer, when the pandemic was in a little bit of a lull. With the help of the Jewish Agency, we were able to get 4,000 kids into the country when other people weren’t allowed to go. So that was very, very fortunate. It was challenging, but we were able to overcome those challenges. It remains to be seen if that will happen again this summer. But so far, you know, our numbers aren’t necessarily reflecting that. I think, moving forward, we were sort of approaching the other side of the pandemic.

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES FEBRUARY 28, 2022 | 43

EDUCATION & CAMP

Rebecca Sernovitz Runs Half-Marathon for Her Son By Jan Jaben-Eilon Rebecca Sernovitz might say that she ran the half-marathon in Miami on Feb. 6 to raise money for Chai Lifeline, an international children’s health support network that assists children with lifelong illnesses, along with their families. But Sernovitz was really running for her 13-yearold son, Sam, raising more than $13,000 for Rebecca Sernovitz said she cried every The Sernovitzes met Rebecca Sam Sernovitz with his After the race, Rebecca Sernovitz, the network. time she saw a photo of her son Sam at mile 7 to cheer her on. Camp Simcha counselor, left, posed with friend, Aliza. Running the race on a marathon runner’s jersey. David Stulberger, who ran with Team Lifeline. and spending the weekend with her husband, Temple Kol Emeth’s Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, her son and The condition is found almost exclusively in people Chai Lifeline has made a huge difference in the two daughters, “made Sam feel special,” said Rebecca. family’s life, she explained, because Sam was born with of Ashkenazi, or Eastern European Jewish descent, and “People he loves were doing something for him.” familial dysautonomia, a genetic disorder that impacts is one of the Jewish genetic disorders for which JScreen, Sernovitz’s husband has participated in Bike 4 Chai, the development and survival of certain nerve cells. The a public health initiative based at the Emory University a fundraising bike ride, but she had never raised money disorder disrupts cells in the autonomic nervous sys- School of Medicine, screens clients. Approximately one for Chai Lifeline. She had run a half-marathon before, in tem, which controls involuntary actions such as breath- in every 3,700 Jews are affected, with about 1 in 31 be2019, along with several 5K and 10K runs, but this was ing, swallowing, digestion and the regulation of blood ing a carrier of the disorder. In the general population, different, said Rebecca. though, it’s extremely rare. pressure and body temperature.

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When Sam was born, “we immediately knew” something was wrong, Sernovitz said. “He was struggling to maintain his body temperature and he was jaundiced. It took four months, however, to get a diagnosis.” Every day is a challenge for Sam, she said. He has feeding tubes and a special machine to help him breathe while he sleeps. “There’s a good day one day, and then a bad day. But he is such a champ. He’s such a good sport.” Although athletics and learning can be challenges for Sam, last September, he had his bar mitzvah. “His greatest strength is how he makes people feel,” Sernovitz said. “He knows everyone’s name and forms relationships with people. He makes people feel special.” At his elementary school in Philadelphia, from which the family relocated nearly two years ago, he was nicknamed “the mayor.” According to Sernovitz, who is a senior manager at Price Waterhouse Cooper, Chai Lifeline “provides support for families going through medical challenges.” At one point, for example, Sam was hospitalized over the weekend, and Chai Lifeline brought the family a Shabbat meal. Sam also attends a special two-week overnight camp, Camp Simcha, for children with chronic medical conditions. The camp, which offers regular activities such as ziplining and motorboat rides, also has a oneto-one camper-to-counselor ratio, she said. Chai Lifeline doesn’t charge for the camp, which is another reason the family wanted to give back to the organization. Now, it’s one of the first calls the Sernovitzes make when they need support. When they arrived in Miami, Sernovitz realized that they had misplaced Sam’s feeding tube supplies. All she had to do was call the local office of Chai Lifeline and the supplies were provided to her at her hotel. ì

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ARTS 'Tinder Swindler' Spotlights Israeli Love Scammer What would make seemingly sane women loan massive sums of money over the web to potential lovers? Marcia That’s one Caller Jaffe of the questions raised by the new Netflix sensation “The Tinder Swindler,” a documentary that centers on Shimon Hayut, an Israeli internet “love bomber” who pretended to be the son of Israeli diamond magnate Lev Leviev to scam women out of their money with excessive displays of wealth. “The Tinder Swindler” got a 95 percent rating on the site Rotten Tomatoes. Israeli love bomber Shimon The ruse worked something like Hayut exploited dozens of women. Only a handful were this: appear debonair on Tinder, dressed in Louis Vuitfeatured in the Netflix doc. Few references are made to religion or Judaism, but ton loafers, fashionable sunglasses, on a private plane. Use this persona to snare attractive, intelligent women being Israeli, this villain raises the old “but is it good for — in some cases, Scandinavian blondes — into his web the Jews?” issue. At one point, to extract sympathy, Haof gourmet dining, private jets and texting platitudes yut tells a victim that he was tortured in a South African creating romance, for sure. “Love bombing” is a tactic used by manipulators prison “because he was Jewish.” A bizarre strategy for until it comes time to ask for money. who show excessive attention (at least initially), with good listening skills to make the victim feel obligated and sympathetic. Hayut’s one-liner texts don’t seem particularly personal or creative. “I miss you,” he tells one TISTS: PARTICIPATING AR woman. “I want to move in with you.” “Will you be my Ugo Agoruah girlfriend?” Still, this approach seems to work. Andie Ashe Roie Avidan Then there’s the Ponzi scheme: extract thousands e John Baun ce from victims, then use that money to ensnare the next Juanita Bellavan n Isaac Ben Aharo by taking them to Greece or an upscale restaurant Beth Berss where the waiters all fawn over her, and Hayut orders Jennifer Boaz r Austin Neal Cente everything on the menu. Rinse and repeat. s era ntr Co rla Ca Alicia Collins FBI statistics suggest that, when it comes to roBari Engel mance scams, the most vulnerable victim population Barbara Flexner Maya Gelfman is women over 50 who have experienced a divorce or Anna Guzman loss of a spouse. One local Jewish grandmother told me Bailey Hunt on Kim Jade Jacks that, against the advice of her family, she sent more than Yulia Jeltuhin $400,000 to a man she had only met online, who had Jenny Kalmin Shelly Katz begged her for help to “save his business.” Another local Cate Larkin Jewish attorney was bilked out of a seven-figure sum by Jennifer Lewis Mavis Manganelly a love match on Jdate. al Ne Mc Aaliyah e But while the Netflix documentary raises many Ruth Simon McRa Jerrold Mobley questions, it is seemingly short on answers. For examan llic Mu Joe ple, was Hayut fairly punished for his crimes? Do womAnn Rawn Adam Podber en still date him? Did he admit guilt? Without getting Susan Proctor Josette Redwolf into spoilers, let’s just say that a local reporter makes Adrina Richard a visit to an apartment in a religious neighborhood in Toby Rosing z Sophia Sabsowit Bnei Brak, meeting Hayut’s mother, who is not exactly Cathy Schiff a “charmer” herself. Terry Segal Learn more & sign up: Dana Shavin Local reactions ranged from incredulity to outrage. r ortamerica.org/atlanta Lina Shende Jerry Katz said, “I can’t believe [Hayut] got out of jail so ia Silbiger tric Pa MARCH 13, 2022 6:30 PM Anita Stein fast. He should have been put under the jail and made to ord Daryl Thetf pay back all the money.” THE STAVE ROOM PRESENTED BY ATL ANTA REGION Katz’s wife, Martha Jo, exclaimed, “He was so dis199 Armour Dr. NE, gusting! Being Jewish made it even worse. Shocking to Atlanta, GA 30324 see he is still living high and mighty. Tinder should ban him. He should be in jail for life!” ì

fit education e n e b to t n e v e Join us for a gala rved communities e in Israel’s unders

46 |ORT FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES Atlanta-1-3PGSquare-Atl.JewishTimes.indd 1

2/16/22 4:08 PM

Chai Style Homes

Designer Lisa Glazman accented the Pastners' great room in neutral tones, with mustard and azure pillows. // Photos By Howard Mendel

Coach and Designer Team Up for Championship Home Josh Pastner’s home doesn’t look like the typical coach’s abode. The Georgia Tech basketball coach bounded down the Marcia stairs, talking Caller Jaffe as fast as he was moving, while his wife, Kerri, was rearranging toys and baby bouncy seats, getting ready to face the day with a newborn son in tow. “I really have evolved in my own style here, which is basically laid back and in neutrals,” Kerri said. “I would call it a ‘casual coastal feel’ akin to a beach with a warm aesthetic.” At 44, Pastner is the youngest head coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Before becoming a coach, he was a player on the 1997 Arizona Wildcats national championship basketball team. During the 2020-2021 season, Pastner led the Yellow Jackets to the conference championships. And in April he will be honored as a “Hillel Hero.” Interior designer Lisa Glazman worked with the original builder on the Pastner house. “This home was built as a spec house by Ted Jacobson in 2016, with 7,500 square feet,” she said. “We included very unique high-end finishes like Nova Blanca marble throughout the house — in the kitchen and master bath. I expanded the original plans, which did not have a sufficient French door expanse to enhance the ‘visual comfort’ in flow and light exposure, and above all, being able to peek out at the outdoor green space.” Read on to find out how it all came together.

Jaffe: How would you describe the décor? Kerri: We are practical and have pieces from Target, Restoration Hardware, TJ Maxx and Red Oak to Jonathan Adler. Some things are from Studio McGee online. Our daughter scribbled her own name across a contemporary painting. No one got upset. Glazman: We knew that we wanted classic touches, nothing too crazy. In the guest powder room, I added a polished nickel free-standing washstand for interest. That room has an unusual vertical vestibule. I also put a great deal of thought into the great room shelving to not seem static. We selected Sherman Williams paint for gray hues and Benjamin Moore Silver Satin. Round penny tile worked well in the secondary kids’ bathrooms. Jaffe: How does family life work

around here? Kerri: The three older (11, 9, 6) girls are at school. And you can imagine Josh’s excitement with our newborn boy. One might say, “He’s in heaven about it.” None of the girls are into sports as much as dance, so now he has a son. Although we have lots of space, we are still busting out at the seams. The girls do love hanging out in our front parlor in their own area. The colorful pink flower in there is by local artist/photographer Jody Goldstein. Much of the floors are hardwood, some carpet. Glazman: When I designed the bones of this house, we did not know who the owner might be. As a mother myself, I felt the architectural plans needed some changing to make the home more functional for a young family. I moved the desk from the butler’s pantry and into the mudroom. This allowed for a larger servery and for “mom’s mess” to be hidATLANTA JEWISH TIMES FEBRUARY 28, 2022 | 47

CHAI STYLE

The master bath has a Nova Blanca custom sculpted bench that the designer says “is like a work of art.”

den. Along with the desk, I added more lockers and a broom closet. I also added a full bath to the bonus room, which gave the potential buyers an additional bedroom, if needed, and made the room a more useful space for the kids to play and have friends over. I always have resale value in the back of my mind when designing … that’s why we have the marvelous trim and fireplace, too. The Pastner daughters enjoy playtime in the parlor. Jody Goldstein’s flower photo adds whimsy to the space.

Jaffe: That’s a very heavy-duty

The dining table is reclaimed wood from Restoration Hardware.

multi-burner Wolf range. What goes on in your kitchen? Kerri: The girls love my spaghetti, thank goodness, and I make yummy eggs. Josh is proficient at takeout or ordering from Mirko Pasta and Chick-fil-A. Goldberg’s, often, for breakfast. Glazman: We made a very spacious, highly functional butler’s pantry. We wanted to make this spec home special by using Nova Blanca marble counter tops. This marble is uniquely beautiful with a gold thread and upscale patina. I also added more cabinets for paper goods and appliance storage. Jaffe: How did this all come together? Glazman: Before Josh and Kerri moved here, I showed the house to Josh’s mother. The instant she walked in, she exclaimed, “This house has Kerri’s name written all over it! This is her taste.” Pretty good for a mother-in-law. Kerri: She’s right. I wouldn’t change a thing. Exactly my taste.

The house is just a short walk from Chastain Park.

48 | FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CHAI STYLE Glazman: Don’t forget that the custom carved marble bench in the master bath is a work of art. Kerri: It could be, but we use it for holding all of our shampoo bottles! Pastner: I enjoy reading and supporting the Atlanta Jewish Times and contribute comments to the holiday editions. Also, I’m excited about my work with Hillel in different college cities following my career. ì

A Canadian native, Lisa Glazman (LMG Designs), works alongside high-end residential builders, architects and suppliers. Shown here in the Pastner kitchen nook overlooking the kids’ trampoline area.

ABOVE: Coach Pastner’s home gym sports Georgia Tech mats for fun. RIGHT: The kitchen counters are made of Nova Blanca marble. BELOW: Designer Glazman planned for an extra-large two-sided butler’s pantry and servery for entertaining.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES FEBRUARY 28, 2022 | 49

CALENDAR

FEBRUARY 1-15 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

TUESDAY, MARCH 1 Equinox — 1 to 3 p.m. In partnership with KSU’s Division of Global Affairs, EQUINOX facilitates engaging lectures and exhibitions which focus on the interconnected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to promote innovative research, scholarship and practices in sustainability from micro to macro scales — for people and the planet. To learn more visit https://bit. ly/3sp2D1y.

Leonardo Drew: Cycles — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Leonardo Drew: Cycles, from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, curated by Loretta Yarlow, Director of the University Museum of Contemporary Art, UMass, Amherst. Visit https://bit. ly/3rAGOwU for more information. Torah Study — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join Rabbi Jordan either on Zoom or inperson at Congregation Dor Tamid and continue an in-depth look at the Book of Leviticus. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3srZsGj.

Jewish Mindfulness — 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Meditation from Sinai: Mindful Awareness and Divine Spirituality to Help You Think, Feel, and Live More Deeply. Visit https://bit.ly/368114W for more information.

Family Estrangement Support Groups — 4 to 5 p.m. Being estranged from loved ones brings mixed and complicated emotions. This group is intended for those experiencing longstanding estrangements from family members. Group meetings will focus on processing and supporting one another. The cost is $35 per person. Please visit https://bit.ly/3rE34WK for more information.

Parshah & Poker on Zoom — 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join us every other Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. $20 buy-in. Winner gets bragging rights and charity of their choice gets the proceeds. Visit https://bit.ly/3oGRqZo for more information. Couples and Conversation: Building a Life Together as an Interfaith* Couple — 8 to 9 p.m. This workshop offers a safe environment to work on creating your religious/cultural lives together. It is intended for seriously dating, engaged and newly married Jewish/interfaith couples. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3B96VhB. Jewish Insights Series — 8 to 9 p.m. Every week there will be a discussion on a pertinent topic from the Torah’s weekly portion with lessons that are relevant and close to home. For more information visit https://bit. ly/3699PaI.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

Frankly Speaking with Sherry Frank — 12 to 1:15 p.m. NCJW Atlanta is excited to continue a women’s discussion group for members and friends. Moderated by noted Atlanta advocate

Etz Chaim Rosh Chodesh Minyan — 7 to 8 a.m. Everyone is welcome at this women-led morning minyan service held in support of Women of the Wall, which is fighting for equal prayer rights for women in Israel. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3ssr5iK.

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 Diana Cole for more information at Diana@atljewishtimes.com. 50 | FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

extraordinaire Sherry Frank, this monthly lunchtime meeting focuses on current events through a Jewish lens. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3BfqKE8. Knit and Crochet Group — 1 to 3 p.m. Join Dor Tamid and crochet and knit beanies for premature babies from home. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/34Ru9wp.

Brain Health Bootcamp — 1 to 3 p.m. Virtual brain health bootcamp is for those who are recognizing symptoms of cognitive changes or have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. This fun and social class can help you strengthen your mind and body to stay sharp, especially during these times. Learn more at https://bit. ly/3sr94RP.

Meditation from Sinai — 8 to 9:30 p.m. Mindful awareness and divine spirituality to help you think, feel and live more deeply with Rabbi Ari Sollish from Intown Jewish Academy. Visit https://bit.ly/34NKZg0 for more information.

cial needs, proudly presents “Mamma Mia!” Visit https://bit.ly/3GDe6Qh for more information.

Virtual Infertility Support Group — 7 to 8:15 p.m. Join Jewish Fertility Foundation for a FREE virtual support group, open to any woman currently experiencing infertility! You must RSVP on our website 12 hours prior to receive the private Zoom link and password. Please visit https://bit.ly/3HGWHHw for more information. Jerry’s Habima Theatre Presents Mamma Mia! — 7:30 to 9 p.m. Jerry’s Habima Theatre, an award-winning theater company of actors with spe-

SOJOURN’s Drawing from the Well — 12 to 1 p.m. Drawing from the Well is SOJOURN’s inclusive weekly meetup

for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. Participants gather in community to discuss and connect around resources from Torah Queeries, Mussar teachings, holidays and happenings in the world. For more information visit https://bit. ly/3gxpDWP.

lunch! Please RSVP and visit https:// bit.ly/3rD86mh for more information.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Torah Reading: Pekudei Friday, March 5, 2022, light candles at 6:19 p.m. Saturday, March 6, 2022, Shabbat ends at 7:14 p.m. Torah Reading: Vayikra Friday, March 11, 2022, light candles at 6:24 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022, Shabbat ends at 7:20 p.m.

Roni Robbins: Hands of Gold — 12:30 to 8 p.m. Discussion and book signing at Tall Tales Books. “Hands of Gold” is historical fiction that is loosely based on cassette tapes left by Robbins’s grandfather. It details his adventures across several countries and his near-death experiences. He accidentally killed a man but saved countless others. Audrey Fried-Sheets will moderate Robbins’s talk about this Jewish family saga that touches on the Holocaust. For more information visit https://bit. ly/3BkqqDV. Acoustic Shabbat Cafe – Alon’s Bakery (Dunwoody) — 6 to 7 p.m. Join Rabbi Glusman, Drew Cohen and other local musicians for a soulful evening of music, prayer and words of inspiration in celebration of Shabbat. Please visit https://bit.ly/3369vZ1 for more information.

at 11 a.m. for an interactive Tot Shabbat where we sing, play and engage in fun activities, followed by a wonderful Shabbat Kiddush lunch together. Visit https://bit.ly/3rBWd03 for more information.

JFCS Atlanta Havinagala 2022 — 7:30 to 10 p.m. The 32nd annual Havinagala is the largest Jewish young adult fundraiser in Atlanta, raising crucial funds for The PAL Program of JF&CS, Atlanta’s only Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister program. It’s a party for PAL! For more information visit https://bit. ly/3rAs15m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 6 Play Tamid — 9:30 to 11 a.m. Play Tamid is led by Rabbi Jordan. Enjoy crafts, songs, fun activities and more. Play Tamid is for kids under 4 years old, with their parents/guardians. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3oE3sm4.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5 Story Time with Rabbi Jordan — 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. Join Rabbi Jordan for a special story time on Facebook. For more information visit https://bit. ly/3HIW8gw. Tot Shabbat and Kiddush Lunch — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us every Shabbat

Building Blocks — 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Building Blocks, Come Grow with Us is a new monthly Sunday School program at Congregation Or VeShalom for children ages 3 to 7 and includes optional parallel parent learning. Visit https://bit.ly/3HEgho7 for more information. Bootycandy — 2 to 4 p.m. Join Sutter as he takes you on a kaleidoscopic od-

yssey through his childhood home, church, dive bars, seedy motels — and one riotously funny phone conversation about very inappropriate baby names. One of the most acclaimed satirical comedies in decades, Bootycandy is an audacious series of subversive vignettes that explore what it means to grow up gay and black in America. Visit https://bit.ly/3HDG6EA for more information. Take Me Out to The Bowl Game — 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Bowl and make new friends with a social league of young and old men and women in “friendly competition” on Sundays at the BowleroNorcross Bowling Alley at 6345 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners 30092. For more information visit https://bit. ly/3gwXleU.

MONDAY, MARCH 7 Peachy Parsha — 12 to 1 p.m. Intown Jewish Academy presents a weekly Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Ari Sollish to discuss and explore the weekly Torah portion while enjoying a delicious

Monday Night Parsha — 7 to 8 p.m. As the new annual cycle of Torah reading begins, consider joining this new class by Rabbi Hertz on the weekly Parsha. For more information visit https://bit. ly/34TeGvR. Rosh Chodesh Society: Well-Connected — 8 to 9 p.m. A new seven-part monthly series for women with Mrs. Dena Schusterman and Mrs. Leah Sollish reveals the soul of Jewish ritual life by showing how to make each mitzvah personal, and a way to connect to something beyond ourselves. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3Ll5p0s.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8 Virtual Job Search Workshop — 10 to 11 a.m. Join a FREE Job Search Workshop to explore strategies to conduct a successful job search that will help you secure employment more effectively. See https://bit.ly/34rXIF2 for more information.

Bereavement Support Group — 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Grief and loss of loved ones bring about complicated and mixed emotions. This support group aims to foster a safe and healthy environment to process these feelings and support people in mourning. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3Ls6oMi. “Protecting Georgia’s Pollinators” presented by the North Fulton Master Gardeners – Spring 2022 Gardening

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES FEBRUARY 28, 2022 | 51

Lecture Series — 7 to 8:15 p.m. Learn how you can make a positive impact by helping out our local pollinators. Fulton County Extension Agent Melissa Mattee Murphy will review how to design a pollinator garden, attracting beneficial pollinators to your ornamental space and how to construct a habitat for native bees. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3LmFsxK.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 Significant Others of Addicts Support Group — 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Join Sally Anderson, MS, LPC for a weekly free support group for spouses, partners and/or significant others of those struggling with addiction. To learn more visit https://bit.ly/3B5bABf.

to your personal growth in a meaningful way. Taught by Rabbi Hirshy. Visit https://bit.ly/3suZDkg for more information.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13 FRIDAY, MARCH 11 TBT Friday Night Services — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For info on how to join Beth Tikvah for Friday night services visit https://bit.ly/35XKJeJ.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12 TBT Saturday Services — 10 to 11:30 a.m. For info on how to join Beth Tikvah for Saturday morning services visit https://bit.ly/3BbaS5n.

Atlanta Purim Parade & Festival — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s the 30th Annual Atlanta Purim Parade & Festival! First join the parade down Lavista Road featuring local schools, businesses, organizations and families in costume and then enjoy a festival on the Beth Jacob campus from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. with music, festival rides, entertainment, petting zoo with pony rides, arts and crafts, food trucks and so much more! Find out more at https://bit. ly/3BdSSHJ.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10 Mah Jongg on Zoom — 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every other Thursday using the app Real Mah Jongg. There’s a free 14-day trial. Cost is $6.99 per month after trial. Knowledge of the game and current Mah Jongg card required. Visit https://bit.ly/34vdY8o for details.

Think Different — 8 to 9 p.m. Study the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries with master Tanya teacher Rabbi Ari Sollish. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3gExbXC. Jewish Spirituality and Mysticism — 8 to 9 p.m. Weekly class on Jewish Spirituality, mysticism and how to apply it 52 | FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Shabbat Learners’ Service — 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Tap into the spirit of Shabbat at this monthly interactive service. Enjoy engaging discussion, inspirational stories, moving prayer and intelligent commentary, all in a warm and friendly setting. Following the Learners’ Service, participants are invited to join the Main Service for Musaf, followed by a Kiddush luncheon. For more information visit https://bit. ly/34N3xwG.

Etz Chaim Team Shabbat Kids Programs — 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. New this year! Join one of the Team Shabbat Leagues. Formerly Jr Congregation, now there are separate teams for more meaningful, age-appropriate activities and services. See https://bit. ly/3rGL0LJ for more details.

“All About Plant Toxins” presented by the North Fulton Master Gardeners Spring – 2022 Gardening Lecture Series — 2 to 3:15 p.m. The North Fulton Master Gardeners, in collaboration with the UGA Extension in Fulton County, are continuing to provide horticultural education to the North Fulton community and beyond through FREE virtual gardening education programming. Advanced registration required. See https://bit.ly/3GGK3af for more details.

discussion of the thought-provoking novel, “Book of V,” hosted by the Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta. It is a nuanced and modern retelling of the Purim story, told through a feminist lens that transcends time and place. Grab your book and your hamantashen and join the conversation on this intriguing narrative. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3uG8531.

Judaic Needlework Meetings — 7 to 9 p.m. The Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework is 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, crossstitchers and more. Membership is $45 annually and includes workshops, lectures, tours, making projects and needlework challenges throughout the year. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3HIxGMk. MJCCA Literary Book Club — 7 to 8 p.m. Join former Atlanta JournalConstitution book reviewer and book club facilitator, Greg Changnon, for one of Atlanta’s most interesting and thought-provoking book clubs. This group meets each month to discuss a critically-acclaimed piece of literature. For more information visit https://bit. ly/3GAstox.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15 MONDAY, MARCH 14 “Book of V” discussion — 12 to 12:45 p.m. Take a lunch break for an online

Brad Meltzer, The Lightning Rod — 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. In-person conversation with NYT Bestselling Author Karin Slaughter, presented by the Book Festival of the MJCCA. For more information visit https://bit.ly/34UdSXT.

CONNECTOR CHATTER Directory Spotlight www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Temple Emanu-El

Woodward Academy

In conversation with Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller

In conversation with Nija Meyer, vice president for Enrollment Management

How long has your organization been in Atlanta? 121 years. How long has your organization been in Atlanta? 40-plus years. How do you cater to the younger members of the community? We cater to the younger members of our community by offering engaging opportunities to come together with their friends, community and rabbis. In addition to serving the full congregation with Rabbi Spike, Rabbi Rachael and Rabbi Max Miller have a special focus on congregants from birth to 39. Rabbi Rachael facilitates all of the youth programming events in the congregation, while Rabbi Max facilitates all of the NextDor Events, our 20s and 30s group. We know that finances can sometimes be tricky in the early years of adult life, so we cater to the younger members of our community by offering free membership to everyone 32 and under. How does your organization help the community? Our Temple Emanu-El members help the surrounding community by our commitment to offer support to those in need who are within a 5-mile radius of the synagogue. With this goal in mind, Temple Emanu-El works hard to feed the community from our garden, volunteer with local organizations, and educate our members on issues that require social action and social justice.

How do you cater to the younger members of the community? Woodward is by far one of the most diverse private schools in Atlanta and the country. That diversity is evident in every respect imaginable, including race, ethnicity, religion, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, learning styles, political perspectives and a broad geographic reach throughout the Atlanta Metro region. With the gift of this diversity, we are committed to practicing a deep respect for difference, where everyone feels valued and appreciated. When we don’t get it right or do it well, we acknowledge our failings and consistently reaffirm our commitment to the hard work of developing empathy for those who are different from ourselves so that our students will be more expert critical thinkers and thoughtful ethical problem solvers in a world desperate for leaders who can inspire unity rather than sow division. How does your organization help the community? The Woodward Way isn’t simply about bettering ourselves, but about finding ways to make positive impacts within the greater communities in which we serve. How does your organization help the community? With community partners proximate to our school’s campus, our students have the opportunity to pick how they want to engage civically within the local community. Whether it be mentoring at the Jesse Draper Boys & Girls Club, interacting with seniors at the local College Park Senior Center, packing food for individuals experiencing homelessness with Love Beyond Walls or building a home with Habitat for Humanity, our volunteer efforts start directly in our own backyard. Schoolwide, we support the efforts of three community partners locally and globally: The Jesse Draper Boys and Girls Club, The Atlanta Community Food Bank, and The Terranova School in Mazabuka, Zambia. In addition, each school chooses community partners that are emblematic of the age and growth of the students in each school. A typical Woodward Academy graduating class devotes more than 5,000 hours to community service.

Alliance Theater

In conversation with Ashley Elliott, marketing coordinator How long has your organization been in Atlanta? We opened on Oct. 29, 1968, as the Atlanta Municipal Theater, and just celebrated our fifth anniversary in 2018. How do you cater to the younger members of the community? We provide a Theatre for the Very Young series — performances created for children ages zero to five that overcome age, developmental barriers and language, while expanding the consciousness of very young audience members and integrating bilingual elements into each show. We also foster learning in all members of our audiences by providing classes for everyone, even children in pre-kindergarten. How does your organization help the community? We have many ways of helping the community, from free tickets for teachers to $10 tickets for teens to any of our many partnerships with organizations within our community.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES FEBRUARY 28, 2022 | 53

COMMUNITY An Act of Kindness I’ll Never Forget

By Chana Shapiro

studies, and today I participate in new studies there, as well. Another friend, the artist Judy Robkin, used her talent and ingenuity to create cooking cards for me, which visually translate measurements so that I could cook and bake, skills I love to share. At first, I couldn’t speak, read, write, manage any of my tech devices or even brush my teeth. I was unable to communicate. I was diagnosed with aphasia, but it took me 6 months to understand what that meant and how it connected to me. I still carry a card, “I Have Aphasia,” to explain why I sometimes can’t make myself clear. I was able to work with the specialty staff at Camp Ramah this summer, and since this August, I’m back at work halftime. I don’t know about driving, but I’ve already learned to navigate every back street and alternate route in the city on my bike. I’m still challenged, but I’m stubborn — in a positive way — and I work hard to improve.

several years as a nanny in a few households, word got around of my experience with children and I was offered a job in the Beth Jacob preschool. I feel very blessed with 8 amazing grandchildren, and also to be called Morah Miriam every day. I will forever be grateful to Joel Salinas, who opened a door into the world where I am today.

24/7 care. I would often hire nurses to sit with her while I shopped for food and medicines. My life was “on” 24/7, catching a nap here and there. Gena and Wade visited on the weekends for a couple of hours. On one of those visits, recognizing my level of exhaustion, and in spite of their very busy lives and schedules, they decided to drive from Villa Rica to Atlanta three afternoons a week and on weekends, to give me a break to do the shopping and get some rest — an enormous and unsolicited favor I will never forget. My mother, of blessed memory, passed away on the morning of March 7, 2007.

Dee Bloch’s relatives offered crucial respite during a difficult time.

Dee Bloch

Jeff Weener’s friends pitched in with PT and illustrated cooking measurement cards after his stroke.

Jeff Weener

I had a stroke almost a year and a half ago, and everything in my life changed. Of course, my wife, Barbara, and our many friends and neighbors wanted to help, and wonderful people reached out to me along the way. I’m especially grateful to two individuals, Carrie Budd and Judy Robkin. Carrie and Judy got me on the road toward redefining and reclaiming myself. I started physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy three weeks after the stroke. Carrie Budd, who is an old friend, works in OT at Emory. For five months, she voluntarily came to our house twice a week to work with me. She and two other therapists connected me to the VA, where I got into important 54 | FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Miriam Karpel became independent because of an unexpected job offer.

Miriam Karpel

I was born in Cuba, went to the “Centro Israelita de Cuba,” came to the U.S. in 1961 and married a “Jewban.” We moved from N.Y. to Miami in 1975, then to L.A. in 1997, and my daughter Shari and her husband, Marc, followed us. But in 2012, I followed them to Atlanta, because I had recently asked for a divorce. I was an interior designer in Miami and L.A., but I couldn’t find any work in Atlanta. Then I got a call from Joel Salinas, who I had surprisingly recently connected with. He told me about his wife’s co-worker, who needed a nanny, and he recommended me. I was interested! As a result, I started a career as a nanny and entered a new chapter of my life. I became an independent woman. After

After retiring from a California environmental law practice, and after much deliberation, my mother and I decided to relocate to Atlanta. We chose Atlanta to be nearer mishpocha living in South Carolina and the dearest of friends in Alabama. It was a 19-degree January morning in 2005 when we arrived in Atlanta, two days ahead of our moving van! After settling in, our adventure began with weekend trips alternating between Alabama and South Carolina. During one of those Alabama adventures, we discovered that a niece and nephew of Mom’s second husband were living in Villa Rica, Ga. Gena was a middle school teacher and Wade managed a famous-brand tractor company, both very busy, stressful positions that didn’t allow for much “down time.” In the summer of 2006, Mom developed a hacking cough; over several months, she was prescribed a variety of antibiotics. Finally, around Thanksgiving 2006, Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer and started chemo. After learning of Mom’s condition, and during her chemo, Gena and Wade made a couple of trips to Atlanta to visit. When Mom’s condition was diagnosed as terminal, she required

Barbara Weener is grateful to the parents of her son’s best friend.

Barbara Weener

Ezra, our youngest, was the third of our children to attend and graduate from Yeshiva Atlanta. The youngest in his grade, he didn’t drive until late in his senior year. This created challenges because my husband, Jeff, and I worked full-time and were frequently out of town on business. That meant we weren’t around consistently to drive Ezra home from school or to and from basketball games. While at Yeshiva, he became close friends with Chad Shapiro and became a part of Chad’s family. Tracey and Anthony Shapiro became Ezra’s second parents; they welcomed him into their home and treated Ezra as their own. They hosted him several nights a week, drove him to school and to games, brought him lunch and even dressed him. At Ezra’s graduation, I thanked both of them for all they did to raise Ezra. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. The Shapiros were a significant part of our village, a family to whom I will always be grateful. ì

What's Jewish About...

Hit Sitcom ‘Friends’ and ‘Grace and Frankie’?

Marta Fran Kauffman is an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning television writer, producer and showrunner, best known as the co-creator of the hit sitcoms “Friends” and “Grace and Frankie.” She is also the co-creator of “Hava Nagila,” a documentary about one of the world’s most famous Jewish songs. Kauffman’s iconic shows have stolen the hearts of viewers around the world. Her quick wit and bright ideas keep her busy in Los Angeles, where she volunteers at her synagogue and reminisces about her grandmother Ida Cohen’s matzah balls. According to Kauffman, “Grace and Frankie” will be back for season seven sometime in 2022.

Tell us about growing up in a Conservative Jewish family in Philadelphia. I grew up in Broomall, Philadelphia, and went to Synagogue Beth-El and Camp Ramah in the Poconos from the age of 12 until being a counselor. It was life-changing, as I grew up in an area that was antisemitic. I identify as a Jew and, going to Camp Ramah, I was not judged and could be who I was and sing Jewish songs. My father was in the plumbing and heating supply business. My parents’ first language was Yiddish, and my mother kept a kosher home until the day she died. During the Depression, when my mom was 16, she danced in a mafia-owned Jewish nightclub to help support her family. You graduated with a bachelor’s in theater from Brandeis University in 1978. Tell us about that. I chose to attend college at Brandeis — I knew I’d be around other Jews and it would feel like camp. I knew I wanted to be in theater and my college friend and co-creator of “Friends” David Crane, was in a student production with me. How did you get your first big break? There was one moment that I feel changed my life. I had moved to New York and had multiple jobs, from working at a law firm, a kosher deli and also writing for a game show. In 1985, David Crane and I got an agent, who is still my agent. After seeing the show “Personals,” a musical revue, my agent asked us if we wanted to write for television. David and I teamed up and “Friends” was born, based on a group of friends we hung out with, before we moved to L.A. Our friends were our family, which was the heart of what “Friends” was about. Living in L.A., I saw a place called the Insomnia Café and it was a cool place to have people hanging out. David and I started talking and partially drew our experiences on that. What’s Jewish about “Friends,” which debuted 25 years ago and is a beloved iconic television series? I’m Jewish and I believe I have a sense from my Jewish upbringing and was educated and encouraged to live my life based on that set of human ethics and morals. My hope is that that comes through in the work. We have Jewish characters in “Friends,” which is great. The discussion today is do you have to be Jewish to play someone Jewish ,and the school of thought and the direction is yes. It is better if you hire someone who knows that experience and we couldn’t have done better than the actors we cast. I also named some of the characters after people in my life. In “Friends,” I named one of Rachel’s boyfriends Billy Dreskin. It was the scene where Rachel slept with Billy and, in real life Billy is a rabbi! What’s Jewish about “Grace and Frankie,” which you also wrote? I had gone on a trip to Israel with the nonprofit Women in Entertainment, where I met Marcy Ross and she had just started to work at Skydance. She mentioned that Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin wanted to do TV. I thought she meant they wanted to do it together, and I called their agents to see if they’d do a show. Twenty minutes later I got a yes. My daughter Hannah KS Canter, who works with me, came up with the idea for the show as we were driving to Malibu one day. She suggested a series with two women who don’t like each other and whose husbands get married, which became “Grace and Frankie.” As with “Friends,” the stars aligned. What is your all-time favorite book, Jewish food and Chanukah gift? I treasure my grandparents’ shabbat candlesticks. I found this Israeli artist who makes Jewish ritual objects and hides them in other objects, harkening back to the time when you could not be Jewish out loud. I recall how my parents collected Judaica art and paintings of rabbis and, of all things, clowns! What’s your favorite Jewish holiday? Yom Kippur is my favorite, because it strips me bare. I find it to be cleansing and deeply meaningful. I’m someone who likes to reflect. I work hard and this is the one day I sit quietly and listen to my insides and am part of the Jewish community all doing the same thing. How did the pandemic change your Jewish life? I don’t find Zoom prayer particularly meaningful. I’m sitting by myself with a computer, and I miss the community and hearing the voices. COVID has had a profound effect on me, and I’ve stayed very involved in committees and joined my synagogue board at Ikar-LA. What was your favorite advice your grandmother told you growing up? My grandmother used to say, “You can’t tell your heart who to love.” And, “If your husband is mad at you, don’t yell. Wait until he’s calm and then you can yell.” ì By Robyn Spizman Gerson ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES FEBRUARY 28, 2022 | 55

OY VEY

JEWISH JOKE

OY VEY! HAVE I GOT A PROBLEM... Dear Rachel,

, family: her son, a young fered a tragic loss in her suf t jus i, them om th wi Na , s nd wa frie he -My close Just like that an aneurism and died. d ha n, e next ma Th ld e. r-o fin s yea wa 30g healthy ning, and everythin ctio fun , lth hea d goo be in ng children who that day, appearing to fe and three precious you wi a ind beh left He . up inconsolmorning, he didn’t wake e and support, but she is nt to give my friend lov wa I s. los the m fro g are reelin help her? I can say or do that can able. Is there something Signed, A Concerned Friend

Dear Concerned Friend, I’m so sorry for Naomi’s loss…how does someone recover from that??? At the same time, I am grateful that Naomi has such a warm, loving friend to support her as she grieves. Before we try to touch on what you can do to help, let’s explore grief for a moment so you can glimpse what Naomi may be feeling. Grief is a tidal wave: a huge, monstrous tower of water rushing towards the bereaved person with an all-consuming force. The wave brings such ferocious pain that the mourner feels like she is drowning, gasping for air, as she is submerged in its depths. And then, as all waves do, its waters roll back, allowing the mourner to catch her breath before the next wave rolls in, and she goes through the process yet again. Grief is as individual as a snowflake -- every person experiences it differently. There are so many variables. Was the death a shock? Were the people very close? Were there unresolved issues? Depending on the situation and the nature of the individual, grief will be present in its own way for the person navigating the process. How can you throw Naomi a lifeline? By being there for her. Listen. Don’t feel the need to talk, to advise, to interject. Let her talk, yell, weep, storm. Hold her pain. Cry with her. Don’t be afraid of silence. Follow her lead. If she wants to talk and share, listen. If she wants to cry, let her. If she is angry, let her feel safe to express her raw emotions. Don’t judge her. Just be there for her. There are also some things you should NOT say. Don’t tell her, “Be strong.” Or “It’ll be okay.” Or “He’s in a better place.” Or “He fulfilled his purpose in being here -- that’s why G-d took him back.” Don’t even share stories about her son with her yet -- she may not be able to listen. You may think the stories will bring comfort, but they may just add more layers of pain. Right now, in the throes of deep grief, all Naomi wants is to have her son back. She doesn’t want to talk about him in the past. She wants him here now. I feel you can best serve her by being her shadow. Allow her to show you the journey she is taking and walk alongside her. It may be too soon for words. She may just want a hug, a homecooked meal, and someone she trusts to listen as her searing pain overflows from her shattered heart. Unfortunately, death is part of life…and it’s never easy, even if a person lived to a ripe old age. How tragic it is when young people are taken, and how excruciating it is to see a precious family torn apart. When some time has passed and Naomi seems ready, you can ask her if she would like to reach out for help. Perhaps she wants to join a support group of other widows and widowers. Perhaps she wants to try therapy. Or perhaps she wants to do her own work -- journaling, praying, reaching out to friends, spending time in nature -- activities that bring her peace and healing. Perhaps she wants to spend time regularly ‘talking’ with her son -- maybe those ‘conversations’ will give her strength and comfort. Thank you for presenting this important question. I commend you for wanting to be a true friend and wish you strength so that you can offer Naomi the support she needs. And one more thing…don’t forget to take care of yourself. When you give deeply from your heart, you need to replenish so you don’t get depleted. Wishing you blessings, Rachel5

Atlanta Jewish Times Advice Column Got a problem? Email Rachel Stein, a certified life coach, 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! 56 | FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

“Take a Penny, Leave a Penny” A man walked to the top of a hill to talk to God. The man asked, “God what’s a million years to You?” And God said, “A minute.” Then the man asked: “Well, what’s a million dollars to You?” And God said, “A penny.” Then the man asked, “God … can I have a penny?” And God said, “Sure … in a minute.”

YIDDISH WORD Flaterl (pronounced flah-teh-rul) n. butterfly There are lots of ways to say butterfly in Yiddish, depending on where one comes from.

BRAIN FOOD

It’s All Greek To Me

ACROSS

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

43 45

22 25

28 33

41 44

48 55

1. “’Oy!”, to Shakespeare 5. Main parts 10. Nanny ___ (surveillance devices) 14. Shesh follower 15. Pitt’s “Ad” movie 16. Hand lotion additive 17. Proper term for Ethiopian Jews 19. Option provider 20. Kind of squash 21. Sixty minutes, in Milano 22. Coven doings 23. Perform a monster guitar solo 24. The Hulk was created from these (per Lee and Kirby) 26. NFL pauses 28. Blue hue 29. Kellerman concern 32. Boxed up 36. Yomi preceder 39. First name behind 2021’s “All About Me” 40. Home of Shallot’s and Ken’s Diner, familiarly 41. Lovelorn and whiny, in slang 42. “Animal Farm” setting 43. Ray of “Field of Dreams” 44. Treif that’s cracked open 45. Actresses Clarke and West 47. Degree in math

Jews 12. Cabbage or dough 13. Creator of Yertle the Turtle 18. Prefix with China 22. Composer Franz Joseph 25. “Atonement” author Ian 27. Sharp divide 29. Meir and Sharon, for short 30. OK 31. Jason Brown, Hailey Kops, and Noa Szollos are these “Greeks” in 2022 33. Bird movie about Blu 34. One who’s passed the bar: Abbr. 35. Booster-seat user 37. Medical org. 38. Key item 40. Baseball shoe feature 44. Many a yid in Tel Aviv 46. Friend of Ezra and foe of Vader 48. Erev Shabbos letters 49. Not just smoldering 50. Townsman 51. Echo voice 52. Rhythmic tunes 53. John of England 55. Italian actress Sophia 56. Tie alternative 57. NCSY market 62. Mountain and morning 63. Key near X

49. Judah Maccabee or Bar Kochva, e.g. 54. Mrs. Naftali (Bennett) 58. Pass off (on) 59. Word with Abner or Wayne 60. Words of concession 61. UN flight org. (anagram of CIAO) 62. 1986 flick about a Jewish hostage situation, with “The” 64. Lieutenant Colonel, for Yoni Netanyahu 65. Acclaim 66. Light material? 67. She “Let It Go” 68. Word before “meant to be” 69. Mishaps for QBs

DOWN

1. Arab leader in the 17th year of his four year term 2. Carnivorous worm 3. Mary of “The Maltese Falcon” 4. Israel’s second Prime Minister 5. Lead-in to Vegas 6. Sukkot need 7. Tiara- like Jewish girl’s name 8. Vision for Joseph or Daniel 9. My gal of song 10. 10 pounds adder 11. Major Greek name adopted by

“Crossing Pairs” SOLUTION 1

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M A

H O R

A M O

O N

M S

36 39

R S

R O

G H

N O

22 24

M E

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49 56

T I

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W O O

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES FEBRUARY 28, 2022 | 57

OBITUARIES

Nancy Eisenberg

Muriel Goldstein Gold

Nancy (Schwinger) Eisenberg passed away peacefully on Jan. 20. Nancy was born in Queens, N.Y., on July 1, 1951, to Dr. Robert and Gertrude Schwinger. Nancy lived an incredibly fulfilling life, caring for all of those around her. She was an amazing sister, devoted mother and dedicated grandmother with an infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor. She was always full of insight, offering life lessons and great advice to those around her. Her true passion was caring for animals, especially those who could not care for themselves. Nancy spent many years volunteering in animal shelters, helping those in need. Her greatest love was that which she had for her sons and grandchildren. She will be missed greatly by all of those who knew her and loved her. Nancy is survived by her sister, Leslee, two sons, Shawn and Jordan, and five grandchildren. In loving memory of Nancy Eisenberg. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Muriel Goldstein Gold (April 28, 1930 - February 19, 2022). Muriel Gold, born in London, England, the daughter of Lazarus and Leah Goldstein, grew up during WWII in London. During air raids, she and her family spent a lot of time in shelters. Soon after the war ended, at the age of 15, Muriel lost her mother, who had a wish for her to travel to America, which she did at the age of 18. Soon after, she ultimately made the decision to leave London and relocate to Atlanta. Muriel worked in the office of a jewelry company in downtown Atlanta and soon met Michael Gold, a native of Bialystok, Poland. They married in January 1953 and raised three beautiful children, Lisa Smirin, of Sandy Springs, Ga. (husband Alan Smirin); Nick Gold, of Palm Beach, Fla. (husband Bram Majtlis); and Tony Gold, of Suwanee, Ga. (wife Christina Gold). In addition, Muriel leaves behind five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter: Ashley Berfield (husband Gabe Berfield) and their daughter, Madison Berfield, Alex Smirin; Dylan, Andrew and Jordan Gold. Muriel and Michael were longtime members of Ahavath Achim Synagogue in Atlanta. Muriel enjoyed being a member of the Sisterhood and working in the gift shop. During her children’s teenage years, Muriel returned to the workforce and had a successful retail career. She first worked at Saks Fifth Avenue at Phipps Plaza in Atlanta, where she became a top-producing salesperson in the lingerie department and, later, in the designer handbag department. After spending several years at Saks, where she developed a loyal clientele, Muriel moved to Neiman Marcus at Lenox Square in Atlanta and worked in the women’s ready-to-wear department, later moving to the designer handbag department. Several customers still recall their fond interactions with Muriel at Neiman’s until she retired in 1996. After the death of Michael in July 2007, Muriel remained in the family home in Buckhead for several more years. In 2013, Muriel sold her home of 50+ years and moved to independent living at The Hallmark/The Piedmont, where she became friendly with some of the residents. She had the opportunity to travel to Florida and California. In order to be closer to family, Muriel moved to The Somerby in Sandy Springs in 2018. When her health further declined, in July 2021, she moved to the memory care section at Legacy Ridge at Buckhead, where she peacefully passed away. The family wishes to recognize and thank her caregivers, Sade Fisher and Tamara Cain, for the dedication and professional, loving care they provided. Graveside services were held Sunday, Feb. 20 at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Josh Heller officiating. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

70, Alpharetta, Ga.

Col. Donald Martin Gilner 84, Atlanta

Col. Donald Martin Gilner, 84, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 15, with his wife Celia by his side in Atlanta, Ga. He was born May 16, 1937, in Atlanta, Ga., to “Papa Abe” and Anne Dubin Gilner. From a young age, he realized he wanted to become a doctor. He would say, “My health book says …” and his revelations would be known to the world! He met his wife, Celia Stone Gilner, in Denver, Colo., where he received his allergy and asthma training at National Jewish Hospital. He was a young doctor, and she was a registered nurse. They were a perfect combination. He graduated from Riverside Military Academy and went on to Tulane, where he joined the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. Donald enlisted in the Air Force and rose to the rank of Colonel. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the highest civilian award, for his lifetime of service. As a doctor, he had the highest standards and was recognized as one of the Top Doctors by Atlanta Magazine on multiple occasions. He had countless letters from patients thanking him for improving their lives and resolving many complicated medical issues. He continued his medical service after retirement, working at Fort McPherson and volunteered in Honduras with a medical group to treat many critically ill patients. He was an active member of the Jewish War Veterans and Ahavath Achim Synagogue. Jewish teachings tell us to “repair the world,” or Tikkun Ha’olam, and that’s what Donald did. He impacted so many lives, while being known for honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion, forthrightness and charity. He was a loyal and steadfast friend, proud of his country, Jewish heritage and the armed services he contributed to his entire professional life. He will be greatly missed. Col. Gilner is survived by his wife, Celia Gilner, his children, Brian and Michael Gilner, his sister, Elaine Friedman and his grandchildren, Annabelle, Emma, David, Kemper, Briege, Avalon and Mirabelle Gilner. Graveside services were held 1:30 p.m., Feb. 18, at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Ga. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

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Phyllis Kent 92, Sandy Springs

Phyllis Kent, 92, of Sandy Springs, Ga., passed away on Feb. 14. Phyllis is predeceased by her husband, Manny Kent. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Howard and Carol Kent; her daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Roy Ames; grandchildren, Steven and Fraser Kent, Robert and Sara Kent, Julie and Michael Corwin, David and Marcy Ames, Adam and Susanna Ames; great-grandchildren, Penny, Izzy, Riley and Charlie Kent; Eli and Abigail Corwin; and Eden, Harper, Sophie, Lila and Judah Ames. The funeral service for Phyllis was held on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Ga., with Rabbi Shalom Lewis officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999.

OBITUARIES

Catherine Levy 76, Hoschton, Ga.

Catherine (Kay) Levy, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Jan. 2 in Hoschton, Ga. Kay was born in Detroit, Mich., and is survived by her loving family, husband, Stephen Levy, her son Brian Levy, daughter-in-law Jan, her son Daniel Levy, her daughter Joanna Stettner and son-in-law Ethan and her five loving grandchildren, Aaron, Adam, Arianna, Jeremy and Shaina. Kay was a phenomenal wife to her husband, Steve, for 57 years, an amazing mother and a devoted grandmother. Kay is recently pre-deceased by her brother, Leonard Slipson, and her sister, Jill Meyers. Kay devoted her life to her children and grandchildren, to life-long learning, advocacy and family. Kay took great pride in her five grandchildren and her day was always brightened upon hearing from one of her grandchildren or hearing stories about their lives, their friends and their dreams. Her advice, thoughts and knowledge were always sought out and listened to. Kay was always learning, always in pursuit of scholarship and academics and in trying to understand others’ perspectives. Kay will be missed by all, though her advice, stories and appeals for equity, inclusion and justice will always live on through her family. The family requests that donations in memory of Kay be made to Friendship Circle Atlanta (fcatlanta.org). Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

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Malcolm Minsk 93, Atlanta

Malcolm Minsk, beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and Atlanta Jewish community leader, passed away on Feb. 13. Malcolm was born on Jan. 16, 1929, in Atlanta and grew up here with his brothers, Alvin and Donald, and parents Harry and Ida Minsk (z’’l). He graduated from Boy’s High in 1946 and Emory University in 1949, then began working as an accountant with Henry Birnbrey and, later, with his younger brother, Donald, at a business where he ultimately worked for 70 years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war, posted to Indianapolis, Indiana and San Antonio, Texas. An active member of AZA as a teenager, Malcolm was deeply involved in the Jewish community throughout his lifetime. As a young adult, he served on the Board of the Atlanta Zionist District and the Southern Zionist Youth Commission and, with Lila Reisman and Herman Popkin, founded Camp Judea in Hendersonville, N.C. He was president of Congregation Shearith Israel and of the Hebrew Academy (now the Atlanta Jewish Academy), of which he was a Trustee for Life, along with his wife, Betty (z’’l), and was honored by Congregation Beth Jacob and the Atlanta Jewish Academy. In addition to cherished time with his family, Malcolm enjoyed working crossword puzzles, reading tax cases and traveling, visiting all seven continents, with a special connection to Israel. His and Betty’s home was always open to others, and they loved entertaining family, friends and visitors, as well as hosting community events. Malcolm was predeceased by Betty, his dear wife of 55 years, and is survived by his loving family members: brothers, Alvin (Shirley) and Donald (Sheila) Minsk; children, Ronald Minsk (Gail), Elisa Hartstein (Morris) and Wendy Solon (Alan); and grandchildren, Miriam, Shira and Oren Minsk, Eliana, Dalia, Zack and Jonah Hartstein and Sarah, Hannah and Rebecca Solon. Donations may be made to the Atlanta Jewish Academy, Congregation Shearith Israel, Congregation Ohr HaTorah or the charity of one’s choice. Please sign online guestbook at www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com. The funeral service took place at Congregation Shearith Israel at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15, with internment at CrestLawn Cemetery. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

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OBITUARIES

Marilyn Nisson

Susan Levine Opin

Marilyn Nisson passed away on Feb. 13 in Las Vegas, Nev., from complications related to end-stage renal failure. She was 74. She is survived by Max, her husband of 53 years, loving son, David (Akiko Miyamoto), grandkids, Maya and Zach and her brother, Paul Charp (Laura). Marilyn was the most caring mother, mother-inlaw, dog mom and grandmother anyone could ask for. “Mimi,” as her grandkids and some of her friends called her, lived a life full of love and compassion. She had a wide network of friends from her various activities and always found time to help others no matter what was going on in her life. Whether it was driving someone to an appointment, helping others who were less fortunate or working with various charity organizations, Marilyn was the epitome of someone who always gave back to the community. She appreciated the little things in this world and everything life had to offer. The past two years were full of medical obstacles for her, but she never once complained. The last conversation she had was with her two grandchildren, and Mimi’s face lit up. They meant the world to her, and we will all miss her dearly. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a contribution to the National Kidney Foundation or the National Humane Society in honor of Marilyn. A graveside service was held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17, at Arlington Memorial Park in Atlanta. Please sign online guestbook at www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Susan Levine Opin, 81, beloved wife of Dr. Perry Opin, passed away on Jan. 20. Susan was born in Boston, Mass., daughter of the late Herman and Rose Levine. Susan will be greatly missed by Perry, her husband of 56 years, and her loving sons, Eric Opin (Wendy Hofbauer), Dr. Gary Opin and her devoted grandchildren, Adam and Lauren Opin, her brother, Dr. Michael Levine and sisters-in-law, Esther Levine and Enid Opin Rieder. “Aunt Susan” was loved by many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. A graduate of Boston University, where she met Perry, all will miss Susan’s wit and superb joke-telling abilities. She taught speech pathology and English as a Second Language to recent immigrants. Susan’s one great love was Perry, their children and grandchildren. Services took place on Jan. 23 at Hebrew Sick Benefit Association Cemetery in Fairfield, Conn. The family received friends Jan. 24 in Milford, Conn. Memorial contributions in Susan Opin’s memory may be made to the Elisa Levine Leadership Fund at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave., Atlanta, GA 30327 or to the Boys and Girls Club in Milford.

74, Las Vegas

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

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81, Fairfield, Conn.

Thelma Mayson Ornstein 96, Atlanta

Thelma (Toby) Mayson Ornstein passed away on Feb. 5, in her daughter’s home. She was surrounded by the love she had always given. Growing up in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, she left New York for a singing engagement in Atlanta and knew that that was where she wanted to live. She met charming Max Mayson there, and they were married in 1945, when she was just 19. Their daughter, Phyllis, was born the following year, and Toby became a marvelous and creative homemaker. Her meals were fresh and delicious, and she always made Shabbat and holidays special for the family. With a thirst for learning and growing, she decided to go back to school. In 1958, she graduated with a degree in interior design and began working with her own clients. Toby adored her family, and her grandchildren gave her immense joy. Her love was unconditional, generous and always supportive. That caring spirit carried over to extended family, each of her friends and anyone she encountered. When Toby had a conversation with you, she was all in — genuinely interested and listening. If you needed her help, it was immediate. Toby’s loving nature guided her to remarry when Max passed away after 41 loving years together. She soon met Terry Ornstein and they were married for 25 good years until he passed. Toby was known for her healthy lifestyle — fresh fruits and vegetables, which she loved to share, a nice daily walk, staying active and playing bridge with friends, doing what made her happy and always fresh air from open windows no matter what the weather. She was truly a role model and beautiful inside and out. She will be greatly missed and remembered always. Toby was predeceased by her first husband, Max Mayson; second husband, Terry Ornstein; sister and brother-in-law, Frieda and Ed Reichler; brother, Murray Hoch; son-in-law, Joe Cohen; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Esther & Sam Karp and Sara & Bill Mayson. Toby is survived by her devoted daughter, Phyllis M. Cohen; adoring grandchildren, Steven & Delilah Cohen, Jodi & Shon Mekyten; six precious great-grandchildren: Sarah, Jamie, Mia & Shira Cohen and Maya & Joey Mekyten; and sister Millie (Irwin) Amdur; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please consider Weinstein Hospice & Jewish Home Life, Hadassah, ORT or Congregation Or Ve Shalom. A graveside service was held Monday, Feb. 7 at Arlington Memorial Park. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

OBITUARIES

Joel Ivan Sinkoe

Elizabeth Ruth Schulhofer Strauss

Joel Ivan Sinkoe, 72, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away on Feb. 14. Joel was born March 12, 1949, to Goldie (nee Feinberg) and Dr. Samuel Sinkoe. He was a proud Atlantan and attended Morningside Elementary and Grady High School before graduating from Oglethorpe University. In 1968, Joel married Karen Byrd and they spent the next 40+ years caring for each other until her passing in 2009. Joel had a passion for music and played guitar and keyboard with many local bands in Atlanta. He owned and operated Marietta Music Center on the Square from 1972-1982. In 1988, Joel opened Metro Pawn Shop in Doraville and worked there continuously. He never met a stranger and loved to engage people. He was there for any of his extended family and always brought joy and charm to any celebration. Joel always had a smile on his face and business card to hand out from his ever-present front shirt pocket. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always ready with a quick pun for the unsuspecting. Joel is survived by his two children, Stephanie Greene (Charles) and Philip “Rick” Sinkoe. Joel “Papa” also is survived by his two grandchildren, Senator (22) and Max (17) Greene. In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to the Special K’s Special Olympics organization and North Fulton United Soccer, both located in Alpharetta, Ga. Both of these organizations were dear to Joel as they allowed opportunities for his grandson Senator to compete in various sporting events with persons of all abilities. Donations can be made directly at https://gofund.me/a3e07608 or search for Joel Sinkoe on gofundme. com. Services were held Friday, Feb. 18 at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Hwy NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 with Rabbi Jordan Ottenstein officiating. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999.

Elizabeth Ruth Schulhofer Strauss, 89, of Atlanta, passed away on Feb. 14. Liz was born in Nuremberg, Germany and fled the Nazis with her parents. She arrived in the United States in 1939 at age seven, by way of Italy. She was predeceased by her parents, Kate Teutsch Schulhofer and Frank Schulhofer. She graduated from Henry Grady High School and earned a BBA at Georgia State University and a master’s in social work from Atlanta University. She was a psychiatric social worker at Emory University, Central DeKalb Mental Health Center and TACC (Training and Counseling Center) for over fifty years. Liz is survived by her husband of seventy years, Henry Strauss, daughters, Karen Baron (Roy) and Margaret Weiss (Jon), son, Stephen Strauss (Roz), seven grandchildren, two great-grandsons and a brother, George Schulhofer. Liz’s greatest joy was her beloved and devoted family who all loved “Lizzie” with all their hearts. Graveside services for family and friends were held on Sunday, Feb. 20 at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. The ceremony was officiated by Rabbi Spike Anderson of Temple Emanu-El. Contributions in memory of Liz can be made to the Jewish National Fund or AIPAC. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999.

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OBITUARIES

Frances Fitterman Zaglin 95, Atlanta SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

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Frances Fitterman Zaglin of Atlanta, 95, passed away peacefully at home, with her loving family by her side, on Jan. 31. Frances survived her beloved husband, Marion Zaglin, who passed away December 2015. Born April 1926, Frances was the daughter of the late Simon and Celia Maziar Fitterman and brother to the late Dr. Israel Fitterman, of blessed memory. From the early 1930s until the early 1950s, Frances attended school, all the while helping her immigrant parents in their grocery store on Eugenia Street. She enjoyed Yiddish speaking lessons at the Workmen’s Circle School on Capitol Avenue, attending classes at Girls’ High School, teaching Sunday School and serving as a counselor at Camp Young Judaea in North Carolina. Frances attended college in Athens, but longed for her family and soon returned home. She completed her schooling at the Ivey Street Campus of the Atlanta Division of the University of Georgia. Frances’s education helped to frame her positive outlook on life, her willingness to maintain a sunny disposition throughout her 95 years. Upon graduation, Frances followed the suggestion of a professor and began what would be a lifelong career in elementary education with the City of Atlanta School System. Fortunately, in 1950, a last-minute decision led Frances to join her mother, attending a family wedding in Greenville, S.C. Here, she met a young man, Marion Zaglin, with whom she experienced love at first sight. They began a long distance courtship and were married in Atlanta, June 17, 1951. Frances and Marion remained wedded for almost 65 years. Survivors include adored son, Carl Zaglin; with grandchildren, Parker and Andrea; daughter, Ellen Zaglin; with son-in-law, Louis Roistacher. Frances was a founding member of Congregation Shaarei Shamayim, lifetime member of Congregation Shearith Israel, lifetime member of Hadassah and lifetime member of Shearith Israel Sisterhood. The Zaglin Family would like to thank the remarkable team of caregivers who provided extraordinary care for Frances: Yveline Raoul, Jennifer Wynter, Audrey Cox, Juliet Edwards, Jullean Jones and Tiffany Banks. Frances also received exceptional care from Weinstein Hospice. Frances will long be remembered for her life lessons of maintaining gratitude, optimism, love for her family and her ability to adjust gracefully to obstacles. She instilled these characteristics in those she loved and who loved her in return. Most importantly, Frances possessed a strong sense of faith throughout her lifetime. In addition to her beloved husband, Marion, of blessed memory, Frances is predeceased by brothers-in-law, Phil, Louis and Jack Zaglin; Sol, Harry and Joe Zaglin; Morris and Herman Glickman; sisters in-law, Freida Kaplan, Sara and Ella Glickman, of blessed memory. In addition to her children, Frances is survived by sisters-in-law, Rosa Fitterman, Faye and Margo Zaglin. She was blessed to have many loving nieces and nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. Donations may be made to Congregation Shaarei Shamayim, 1600 Mt. Mariah Road, Atlanta, GA 30329. Graveside services were held Wednesday, Feb. 2, at Crest Lawn Cemetery with Rabbi Mark Kunis officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta, 770-451-4999.

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CLOSING THOUGHTS Recipes for Forcing Happiness In the 1970s, journalist Norman Cousins gained fame for curing himself of a crippling tissue disease by watching Rabbi Ruth on loop Marx Brothers movies that made him laugh. In Cousins’s experience, laughter and the joy that comes with it was so powerful that it could change reality. The idea that you can just make yourself happy on demand is strange, but one that is embedded in Jewish life. There is the expectation that when we reach the Jewish month of Adar, we should fill our lives with happiness. We should be marbim b’simcha. That we are commanded to be happy should come as no surprise, given the paragraph after the declaration of the Shema, the V’ahavta prayer, said daily, commands us to love God. And at Rosh Hashana, we are commanded to repent.

Jewish tradition does not shy away from telling us how to feel. This year, the Jewish year of 5782, is a leap year. To account for the discrepancies between the lunar and solar cycles, the rabbis added a month seven times every 19 years. The extra month means that we have not one but two months of Adar. Twice the obligation to be happy. But I cannot just wake up on a given morning in midwinter when the month of Adar arrives and decide to be happy. On the contrary, the short, dark days and the grey skies tend to push me toward melancholy. This year, as we approach the second anniversary of the COVID pandemic, I, like most of you, am further weighed down by the limitations and challenges we face collectively. Cousins was on to something. It is not just mind over matter, it is a matter of doing things that can lead to feeling or change our way of being. Following the commandments, teaching them to our children and keeping them front-ofmind and -heart is what leads to loving God. Examining our own actions and reciting prayers at Rosh Hashana leads us

to feel repentant. In Adar, we celebrate Purim, a holiday whose observances are meant to bring us joy. On a literary level, the Purim story has many elements of the classic comedy of errors, meant to help us view tragedy with levity. Throughout the ages, no matter our suffering, at Purim we make the bad stories into a chance to laugh at life and celebrate its absurdities. We compound this by dressing up and making noise. The story and the silliness are meant to induce happiness. To celebrate Purim, we are also expected to share in a feast with others and gift food and drink. Like the story, coming together over food is another action that leads to happiness. Lesser known is the obligation to give gifts to the less fortunate. Often, when we think about tzedakah, we think about the impact on the receiver, not the giver. But studies show that when we do good for others, we feel good. Helping others can make us happier. Watching Marx Brotherd movies is by no means a cure-all. The rituals of Purim will not guarantee happiness.

Nor does our tradition expect us all to be able to turn our emotions on and off or avoid challenging realities. Yet, this year, more than many, we might all benefit from thinking about how even in difficult times we might choose to engage in actions that lead us to live with joy. ì

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“Best handy service and home contractor I have ever worked with.” Kaylene Ladinsky Editor & Managing Publisher of the AJT

Licensed & Insured

AUTO

TRAVEL

Everyone Knows Someone Who Loves Their SUBARU

A Jim Ellis Family Dealership Where you can always expect the best!

Winner of Salesman of the Year Award 5 out of the past 6 years!

Ralph Kurland Sales Representative 905 Ernest Barrett Pkwy, NW Kennesaw, GA 30144

Brian C. Spaner

Audi Brand Specialist Mobile: 404-606-0286 Direct: 770-243-5611 bspaner@jimellis.com 5805 Peachtree Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30341 www.audiatlanta.com

cell: 678-665-1024 dealership: 770-419-9800 ext. 3312 rkurland@subaruofkennesaw.com www.subaruofkennesaw.com

Call me to test drive any of our new or used cars!

Lookout for a special gift coming with our s offf brochure to all our d a lo stu fun special volunteers!

loads of cool prizes

loads of special gifts

Purimproject@refuahfund.org 718.831.7788

Brochures coming ‫ראש חודש אדר ב׳‬