Atlanta Jewish Times, XCIV No. 02, January 11, 2019

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THIS WEEK Learning Beyond the Classroom Learning in the Jewish community goes way beyond the traditional classroom and textbook. Our focus on education this week includes how Congregation Gesher L’Torah is engaging high school students and recent grads through its first college panel. We share the details behind the Atlanta Jewish Academy’s annual Upper School girls’ student-run production by and for women. And we spotlight two Holocaust education events: planting daffodils at Congregation Dor Tamid and a speech by a survivor about “Hope and Perseverance.”

The cover story shows how much there is to love about and learn from this year’s upcoming Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. But even before we watch films, we will come together at the inaugural Atlanta Jewish Life Festival this Sunday to nosh, shmooze, dance and celebrate all that’s spectacular about our community.

What stands out about Jewish Atlanta, for starters, is its history and people as we learn this week in stories about the

75th anniversary of Atlanta's American Jewish Committee and the 100th birthday of the original RBG: Roselyn Baer Greenberg. She received birthday greetings from well-wishers including pilots, cruise staff, and the Supreme Court justice herself.

We also have an interview with visiting Rabbi David Rosen, whose list of leadership roles includes being chief rabbi of Ireland and of the largest synagogue in South Africa.

Touching on national news, we asked for a response from leaders on both sides of the political divide about U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson’s comparison of President Donald Trump to Adolph Hitler. There’s also a story about the rescue of German shepherds from a puppy mill in South Georgia, a form of tikkun olam familiar to our community.

From preserving and celebrating life to films and festivities, Jewish Atlanta remains a community of continuous doers and learners.

Clarifications: In the Jan. 4 Year in Review issue, Keri Kaufmann was pictured with Nicole Wiesen, but Kaufmann has no association with Wiesen and Jewish Women Incorporated.

CONTENTS LOCAL NEWS ���������������������������������� 4 BUSINESS ���������������������������������������� 9 ISRAEL NEWS ������������������������������� 10 OPINION ����������������������������������������� 12 COVER STORY ������������������������������ 14 EDUCATION ����������������������������������� 18 ARTS ������������������������������������������������ 26 DINING �������������������������������������������� 30 CALENDAR ������������������������������������� 32 COMMUNITY ��������������������������������� 34 KEEPING IT KOSHER ������������������ 39 BRAIN FOOD ���������������������������������� 40 OBITUARIES ���������������������������������� 41 CLOSING THOUGHTS ����������������� 42

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LOCAL NEWS

As of Yet featuring Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal

Friction

Mojo Dojo

5 Reasons Why You NEED to Attend the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival Hold on to your yarmulkes! There’s a new festival and it aims to be the most boisterous celebration of Jewish culture and community in town. The first annual Atlanta Jewish Life Festival, presented by Atlanta Jewish Times, will take place this Sunday, Jan. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Georgia Aquarium.

We spoke with festival organizers to get the inside scoop, and, voila, we give you five reasons you NEED to bring your family to this festival.

1. Nosh

Anyone who’s been invited to a Jewish event or into a Jewish home knows the chief concern of the host is what’s being served, who is eating and how to get guests to eat more! From New York delis to Mediterranean delights, Jewish food brings warmth, comfort and full bellies. You can expect both kosher and kosher-style vendors at AJLF. Highlights include kosher gelato, cinnamon rolls and fare from famed vendors Pita Palace, Yalla and For All Occasions catering, just to name a few.

2. Dance

Kick up your feet in a horah or just spin around in circles! Kids have a place to wiggle, jump and dance in front of the stage in The Kibbutz and the Georgia Aquarium atrium. Joe Alterman of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival and DJ Ricardo Spicer of Amp’d Enter-

Preston Lindsay, caricature artist 4 | JANUARY 11, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

tainment proudly MC the AJMF and The Kibbutz stages with musical acts attractive to young and old alike. Student dancers and Jewish choruses will appear on both stages throughout the day.

3. Activities for the whole mishpachah

As if hosting a festival at the Georgia Aquarium was not entertaining enough, festival organizers are planning a slew of kid-friendly activities spaced throughout the building. Face painters, Henna artists, caricature creators and even a green screen for fun family photos await festival goers on Sunday.

special exhibit on Jewish life in Atlanta and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta is planning a massive interactive display.

5. Discounted ticket prices

Tickets are ridiculously inexpensive and include entry to the Aquarium for the entire day.

AJLF single tickets cost only $18. An even deeper discount is offered to families. A family pack costs $54, including two adults and up to four children. This is up to a $200 savings!

Stop by community partners to collect swag and learn about the great Jewish organizations and institutions in Atlanta. The Bremen Museum is planning a

For this handful of reasons and more, we hope we see you and your family at the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival! ■ Need more information? Visit: www.atlantajewishlifefestival.com.

Reuben Haller as Ruby the Clown

Magician Paul Sponaugle of Magic & Mirth

4. The Kibbutz

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 5

LOCAL NEWS

AJC's Rabbi Rosen to Discuss Judaism and Other Religions

By Eddie Samuels David Rosen has a long and storied career interacting with individuals of vastly different religious and cultural backgrounds. As American Jewish Committee’s international director of interreligious affairs, he planned to share some of that experience at the organization’s 75th anniversary Thursday and at Congregation Shearith Israel this Shabbat.

Discussing the events Jan. 10-12, he explained that they all shared a common theme.

“The message is that there’s a lot of good news out in the world, even though one hears the bad news. There has never been an era with so much cooperation between religions,” Rosen said.

Friday’s discussion will take place at 8 p.m. after a community Shabbat dinner. The talk, in keeping with the theme of interreligious cooperation, is titled: “The Catholic Church and the Jewish People/State of Israel Today.”

Rosen explained that Friday’s event will tell the story of relations between Jews and the Catholic Church and discuss modern cooperation between the two.

“Part of the irony today is that we take cooperation with the Catholic Church for granted,” Rosen said. “I would like to put that in perspective and identify the contributions of the three modern popes to interfaith interactions.”

His first Saturday presentation will take place during Shabbat morning services, focusing on “AJC and the International Muslim Interfaith Initiatives,” and his second, at 1 p.m., on “The Global Interreligious Landscape, the Jews & AJC.” He was born in England, the son of Rabbi Kopul Rosen, the founding principal of Carmel College in England; studied in England and in Jerusalem; and served

Rabbi David Rosen had a private audience with Pope Francis during the 16th meeting of the Joint Commission of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Holy See Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews in November 2018.

in the Israel Defense Forces as a chaplain to the forces in West Sinai.

Chief rabbi roles followed: first at the largest Jewish congregation in South Africa, where he also founded the Cape Town Interfaith Forum, and then as chief rabbi of Ireland. He served in that role until he returned to Israel in 1985 as dean of the Sapir Center for Jewish Education and Culture in the Old City of Jerusalem.

He later served as the Anti-Defamation League’s director of interfaith relations in Israel, and its co-liaison to the Vatican.

In addition to his Catholic relations, Rosen is a board member of the King Abdullah International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and has served as a member of the executive committee of the World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace. He took on his current role at the AJC in 2001.

Throughout his decorated career, Rosen has been dedicated to the values of

Photos courtesy of David Rosen // Rabbi Rosen and the

Dalai Lama meet at Melk Abbey, Austria.

interfaith communication.

He was honored by Pope Benedict XVI as a papal knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, and by Queen Elizabeth II as a commander of the British empire, among a number of other accolades, for his commitment to interfaith reconciliation and cooperation.

While news of interreligious interactions tends to focus on negative events, the vast majority of news today is better than it’s ever been, he said.

“The problem is within the breast of the human heart, we are far more attracted to the sensationalist and the negative than we are by the positive. We are horrified by it, but we are also stimulated

by it,” Rosen said. “There is within western media — not so much in the United States, but certainly in Europe — generally speaking, a negative bias towards religion, a certain kind of glee to expose its failure.”

Dialing his message down to the simplest possible explanation, he was certain not to focus on the negative. “We’ve never had it so good,” he emphasized. ■ The events at Shearith Israel are open to the public. Shabbat dinner costs $25, or $15 for those under 13, but there is no cost to listen to Rosen speak. Tickets for the AJC celebration are $36 and can be purchased at www.ajc.org/atlanta.

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LOCAL NEWS

At 75: The AJC Looks Ahead

By Bob Bahr This week the Atlanta chapter of the American Jewish Committee began a yearlong celebration of its 75th anniversary with a program featuring Rabbi David Rosen, the AJC’s international director of interreligious affairs. I asked Dov Wilker, who has been the regional director of AJC Atlanta since 2011, about the year ahead.

Wilker: We’re kicking off the 75th year with a program on Friday, Jan. 11, called Shabbat Around The World where we have four consuls general speaking at four synagogues and Rabbi Rosen speaking at the fifth.

They’ll be talking about the United States and Israel’s relationship with that country. We hope to expand people’s understanding of what it means to be a global Jewish advocate today.

The Temple is going to be hosting the consul general of Canada; B’nai Torah … the consul general of Belgium; Temple Sinai, … France; [Congregation] Or Hadash, … Ireland. [Congregation] Shearith Israel is going to be hosting Rabbi David Rosen as its scholar in residence.

At the end of January, we’re doing a program on innovation between the U.S., Israel and Africa: what the U.S. and Israel are doing in Africa together with African companies to further innovation. And then we’re doing a program at the end of February, right after the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, with experts from the U.S., Israel and Japan discussing artificial intelligence, and the role of evolving artificial intelligence and what it means to us. We are looking at having at least two programs a month in the first six months of the year.

that is the Jewish community.

As a director of an organization, I need to be open and willing to discuss issues with people whether they agree with me or disagree with me. Sometimes my opinion changes and sometimes their opinion changes and sometimes we leave with the same opinions that we came in with, but with an understanding that there’s an appreciation for differing opinions.

tism? What are the issues that make the Jewish community worried? People sometimes say things out of ignorance and we will tell them that, and sometimes they say things out of malice and we make sure to say things to them about that as well. But yeah, I’m deeply, deeply concerned about this issue.

AJT: The past year has probably been as challenging as any that you’ve faced.

What have you learned and AJT: After all that’s how has that helped to prehappened in the last year, pare you for this year? in Pittsburgh, in CharlotI have a much greater tesville and elsewhere, what appreciation for the work is your concern about antithat I do. After Pittsburgh Semitism in this country?

I remember saying to my Dov Wilker has been the regional director of AJC in Atlanta since 2011.

Wilker: We need to wife, "this is why I got into continue to bang the drum. this field of work —- to be People need to understand what is anti-Semitism. We able to make a difference, to be able to respond to these sometimes don’t realize how little people know. We’re sorts of incidents, to help to bring people together, to going to continue to work to educate our elected offi- educate them about the diversity of our community." I cials about what is anti-Semitism. What are the tenets know there are challenges that we face, but I really beof anti-Semitism? What are examples of anti-Semi- lieve there’s hope. ■

AJT: You have two high profile events as well?

Wilker: On May 9 we’ll be having what we’re calling our 75th anniversary Legacy Award Dinner at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead hotel ballroom. We’ll be honoring our past by recognizing all the past presidents and leadership, and we’ll be talking about the present and the future.

Then in the fall, from November 17 to 19, we’re going to be hosting AJC’s Board of Governors Institute, which takes place roughly every five years in different cities around the world.

It’s a national board meeting but it also takes some of the components from our Global Forum, which is held each year in Washington. We’ll invite high profile speakers as well as hear from our experts from around the world.

My hope is that we will also have speakers that are Georgia-based. We have some excellent people here too.

It’s something that we want the Atlanta community to be able to participate in, not just the Jewish community, but the entire Atlanta community.

AJT: We live in a community with many diverse viewpoints. How do you see your job in bringing together this very diverse community?

Wilker: I believe that the opportunity we create as an organization lends itself to hearing diverse voices from within the community and from outside the community. Whether it’s our interfaith work or ethnic work or international work, we are trying to bring diverse voices together so that people understand the diversity ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 7

LOCAL NEWS

Jewish Atlanta Reacts to Comparison of President to Hitler

By Eddie Samuels U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, a Democrat from Georgia’s fourth Congressional District, found himself in hot water yet again following a New Year’s Day address to the NAACP. His speech, at Friendship Baptist Church during a celebration of the 156th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, drew parallels between President Donald Trump and another leader, Adolf Hitler.

“Americans, particularly black Americans, can’t afford to make that same mistake about the harm that could be done by a man named Hitler or a man named Trump,” Johnson said.

In particular, Johnson compared both men calling for and approving of violence in their rallies.

“Trump encouraged violence against protesters at his rallies, and his messaging about Charlottesville – that there were bad people on both sides – sent a powerful message of approval to the far-right racists in America,” Johnson said from the pulpit.

Jewish Atlantans on both sides responded strongly to Johnson’s remarks. Todd Stein, a Democrat, admonished Johnson for his remarks.

“Invoking Hitler and Nazi Germany when describing American politics should not be done without exception. The comparison made by Rep. Johnson diminishes the brutality and lessons of the Holocaust and makes solving our political differences that much harder,” he said, explaining that there are better avenues for Johnson to address the president.

In a statement, RJC “As a Democrat, I would Executive Director Matt like to see Rep. Johnson harBrooks called for a Congresness America’s immense sional censure of the condissatisfaction with Presigressman. dent Trump’s politics, poli“Cong. Johnson contincies and ethics to present ues to demonstrate his defecan alternative and unifying tive understanding of reality path forward for the counwith his latest outburst. His try,” Stein said. “Fomenting remarks about President more division, as Rep. JohnTrump are unconscionable.” son did with his comments, Johnson later clarifails to do that.” fied his remarks to the AtBonnie Berk, co-chair lanta Journal Constitution, of the Republican Jewthough he didn’t walk back ish Coalition, also shared what he said. her thoughts on Johnson’s “I wanted to make the speech. point that our democracy “This man is an embaris under severe threat, that rassment to the U.S. House,” freedom is threatened, and she said. “The horrors of the that if we are not vigilant, Holocaust were unimaginawe can allow tyranny to set ble; the suffering and death U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson is a Democrat from in,” he said. almost beyond human comGeorgia’s fourth Congressional District.

His words haven’t just prehension.”

She also questioned whether or not Johnson had perturbed Jewish Georgians, they also bothered fellow House members like Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas). learned from the past.

His New Year’s Day speech is not the first time John“Has Rep. Johnson visited the Holocaust museum in D.C., or the new museum on slavery and lynching in son has found himself at odds with much of the Atlanta Montgomery, Ala.? Those are places to experience man’s Jewish community. In 2016, Johnson compared Jewish settlers in the West Bank to termites. The AJT published inhumanity to man.” an editorial condemning his remarks.

“That’s a particularly vile association because the Nazis justified their attempts to exterminate Jews by portraying us as vermin. Anyone who compares Jews to termites, or Jewish construction to termite construction, is just begging to be accused of anti-Semitism,” the AJT wrote.

Johnson apologized for his remarks in a letter to his constituents at that time.

“The language I used was not only unacceptable, but it was hurtful,” he wrote. “I deeply regret using this terrible metaphor. It was not only nonconstructive, it was wrong.”

He also sat down for an interview with the AJT, in which he again apologized for his remarks, but claimed he was describing the settlement process, not the people involved. He also described his recent trip to Israel and Palestine and the events that led up to his remarks.

“I was alarmed at the deterioration of conditions and the spirit of the Palestinian people who want peace, but peace appears to be more and more unlikely, peace based on a two-state solution, … because of the ongoing construction and approval of new settlements.”

He has yet to apologize for his most recent remarks.

Johnson serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

He is the ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet.

Summing up her feelings on the matter, Berk called for Johnson’s replacement.

“This is a seat that needs a new occupant,” she said ■ Video of Johnson’s speech can be seen on AJT's website, www.atlantajewishtimes.timesofisrael.com.

8 | JANUARY 11, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

BUSINESS

Grant Allows Atlanta Jewish Foundation to Expand Philanthropy A challenge grant of up to $250,000 from an anonymous, well-respected national foundation can help the philanthropic advising arm of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta grow its assets to $1 billion in the next decade, according to Federation President and CEO Eric Robbins.

The grant allows the Federation to substantially grow the Atlanta Jewish Foundation, its planned giving, endowment and philanthropic advising arm. Over a two-year period, the grant will strengthen the internal infrastructure of AJF, support new staff positions, and significantly upgrade technology.

The Federation is part of the first cohort of PRESIDE, a new initiative that prepares board chairs, chairs-elect and their CEOs to lead with Jewish values, building a sustainable culture of intentional leadership and effective governance within their organizations.

“With this investment, Federation is on its way to becoming the primary driver of Jewish giving in metro Atlanta,” Robbins said. “Our board is committed to growing Atlanta Jewish Foundation and is absolutely confident that we can raise our share. We have already received commitments from more than 20 donors, including a substantial gift from The Breman Foundation.”

“These matching funds help us amplify AJF as an asset-based revenue stream that ensures our ability to fund Jewish community priorities. Atlanta Jewish Foundation currently has more than $429 million in assets under management. With this grant, AJF hopes to have $1 billion in assets under management within 10 years,” Robbins said.

Mark Silberman, Federation’s board chair, added, “Our commitment to growing Atlanta Jewish Foundation is right in step with philanthropic trends towards legacy planning and individualized giving. Donors want to direct their philanthropy to the things they care about most. With our deep understanding of Jewish community needs and the organizations that are addressing them, AJF offers donors a competitive advantage over commercial funds and advisors. We can help them manage their investments wisely and, at the same time, express their highest philanthropic priorities.”

Helen Zalik, a Federation board member who helped shape the grant proposal, underscored the role a robust Foundation can play. “Federation has a vision to become a true philanthropic champion in Atlanta, with the capacity and the influence to make big things happen. By investing in Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s infrastructure, I am confident that Federation will now be able to engage people who want to have local and global impact but have never done it through the Jewish community. This is a tremendous opportunity to broaden our donor base and do good in the world.”

The Federation is one of 15 Jewish organizations selected to participate in the PRESIDE program. ■

Haber Investment Counsel Hires Senior Wealth Advisor Haber Investment Counsel hired Peg Hoogs, chartered financial analyst, as senior wealth advisor.

She will be responsible for managing ultra-high net worth relationships and consulting with clients on portfolios, construction and manager selections.

She brings extensive investment and wealth management experience as a member of the CFA Institute and the Atlanta Society of Finance and Investment Professionals.

Haber’s founder and managing director, Cort Haber, is active in the Atlanta Jewish community as a trustee and investment committee member for the Jewish Home Life Communities foundation and two-time chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta endowment investment committee.

“Cort’s high-touch, client-focused business model combined with his ambitions to grow the firm motivated me to join his team,” Hoogs said. ■ Compiled by AJT staff ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 9

ISRAEL PRIDE

News From Our Jewish Home

Gene research by Tel Aviv University may lead to a way to help restore hearing.

Tel Aviv University Maps New Methods to Combat Hearing Loss Tel Aviv University scientists have produced the world’s first map of natural gene manipulation that impacts development and ultimately loss of function of the entire inner ear. They have revealed many new genes that may help restore hearing to deaf children and adults.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have been able to observe key periods in development and maturation of the ear.

The study found that diagnostic methods can be improved by studying variations in the characteristics and structure of DNA over time. Researchers discovered new regulatory regions of the ear that may also allow for improved therapies for hearing loss in the future.

Professor Karen B. Avraham explained that the mapping technique allows for a holistic picture, looking at all

Today in Israeli History

A monument to the victims of the Egoz sinking stands on Mount Herzl.

Jan. 11, 1961: The Egoz, a ship leased by the Mossad to secretly transport Moroccan Jews to Israel, sinks around 3 a.m., a few hours after leaving the Moroccan port of Al Hoceima on its 12th immigration trip. Forty-four would-be immigrants, half of them children, drown. The tragedy leads Morocco to ease its ban on Jewish emigration, and some 80,000 Moroccan Jews make aliyah from 1961 to 1964.

Jan. 12, 1989: In the first competition for Israeli athletes in the Soviet Union since the Six-Day War in June 1967, the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team beats CSKA Red Army in Moscow, 97-92. The game reflects a thaw in relations be10 | JANUARY 11, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

the genes in a snapshot rather than one at a time.

The study, available through the National Institute of Health, has the potential to radically change the way hearing loss is diagnosed and treated.

Salovey is a descendent of the Soloveitchik rabbinic dynasty, and, following in his family’s tradition, encouraged students to dedicate themselves to tikkun olam in his 2015 commencement speech at Yale.

Israel Allows Export of Medical Marijuana

First English Language Computer Science Degree for Women

The Knesset on Dec. 25 passed an amendment that is set to make Israel one of the world’s leading exporters of medical-grade cannabis, also known as medical marijuana.

Shortly before being dissolved in favor of new elections, the Knesset passed an amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance concerning the regulation of marijuana exports.

The measure permits police inspection and oversight of marijuana farms and allows police to regulate exports subject to approval from the Ministry of Health, according to Forbes. This sidesteps legal hurdles that would be expected without police involvement, Forbes reported.

While marijuana is still recreationally illegal in Israel, the nation is one of the world’s leaders in medical marijuana research and is poised to be one of, if not the largest exporters of medical marijuana in the world.

Following the success of Jerusalem College of Technology’s business program in English for men, the school is launching a similar program — this one in computer science — for women.

The programs allow religious students to further their studies with rabbis at yeshivas in Israel, while also receiving professional training in the fields. The three-year computer science program — the first English-language women’s program in the field in Israel — will kick off in the fall semester of 2019, as part of the Machon Tal school.

“According to the Council of Higher Education, women account for 58 percent of students who pursue a bachelor’s degree in Israel, but just 29 percent of those who study computer science,” JCT reported in a press release.

Currently, 53 percent of the computer science students at the institution are women. ■

tween Israel and the Soviet Union since 1987. Still, 200 Maccabi fans are granted visas to travel to the game only at the last minute, so Soviet Jews make up much of the crowd.

Jan. 13, 1922: Nahum Sokolow, the president of the World Zionist Congress’ Executive Committee, meets with U.S. President Warren Harding in Washington during a U.S. tour to raise money for Jewish settlement in Palestine. Sokolow briefs Harding on the hardships and persecution faced by European Jews and progress on the Zionist enterprise.

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach performs in Tel Aviv in 1973.

Jan. 14, 1925: Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, one of modern Judaism’s most influential composers and spiritual leaders, is born in Berlin. He spends his early

Courtesy of Yale University Events // Yale

University President Peter Salovey received an honorary doctorate.

Yale President Receives Honorary Doctorate from University of Haifa Peter Salovey, Yale University’s 23rd president, received an honorary doctorate from University of Haifa in recognition of his contributions to the field of psychology. His doctorate is just one in a high-profile year for the Israel university, which presented the same honor to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Salovey is known as a pioneer of the concept of emotional intelligence, defining a person’s ability to understand, interpret and control their feelings and pick up on others'. He and John D. Mayer were the first to formally coin the term in a journal article in 1990.

years in Baden, Austria, where his father is the chief rabbi. The family escapes to Lithuania in July 1938, a few months after the Nazi annexation of Austria, then moves to Brooklyn after the German invasion of Poland in September 1939. He founds the House of Love and Prayer in San Francisco in the 1960s and starts a moshav near Tel Aviv, Me’or Modi’in, when he settles in Israel in 1977.

Jan. 15, 1958: Israel (Rudolf) Kastner is cleared by the Israeli Supreme Court of any wrongdoing in his activities during World War II as the head of the Judenrat (Jewish Council) in Hungary during the Nazi occupation. Kastner is estimated to have saved 33,000 Hungarian Jews from the death camps but is accused by a Hungarian Jew living in Jerusalem in 1952 of collaboration and concealment of information about the Holocaust. Kastner loses the resulting libel trial in 1955 but wins on appeal.

Jan. 16, 2003: The space shuttle Columbia launches from the Kennedy Space Center with Israel’s first astronaut, Ilan Ramon, among the crew of seven.

Unknown at the time is that a piece of

Israel’s first astronaut, Israeli Air Force Col. Ilan Ramon, kept kosher and observed Shabbat during his mission aboard the space shuttle Columbia.

foam breaks off the shuttle’s external tank during the launch and damages a wing. As a result, Columbia disintegrates on re-entry Feb. 1, killing all seven crew members.

Jan. 17, 1930: Sir John Chancellor, the British high commissioner in Palestine from 1928 to 1931, expresses his growing anti-Zionist views in a 90-page dispatch to the Colonial Office, the longest known dispatch from a high-ranking British official to enumerate Arab grievances in Palestine. Chancellor calls for an end to efforts to establish a Jewish national home in the Land of Israel. ■ Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (www.israeled.org), where you can find more details.

ISRAEL NEWS

American, Israeli Governments Mirrored in Dysfunction With the partial government shutdown in the United States approaching its third week, America is not the only nation struggling with its mandate. Israel dissolved the Knesset Dec. 24 in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed was a unanimous decision by the heads of the coalition parties. New elections are scheduled for April 9, eight months earlier than required by law.

The United States shutdown began over disagreements between legislators and President Donald Trump over funding the $5.7 billion the president requested to begin construction on a wall at the Southern border. This, despite Republican majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate until the Democrats took control of the House on Jan. 3.

While a deal to reopen the U.S. government is always possible, signs point to little progress being made in the near future. The then-Republican majority House already passed a continuing resolution — resuming government operations at prior spending levels — but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to allow it to the floor, citing the president’s unwillingness to sign anything that doesn’t include his wall funding.

Similar to the situation in the U.S., Netanyahu’s right-wing party also held a slim majority in the Knesset but struggled to pass a bill that would make ultraOrthodox Yeshiva students draft-eligible, following an order from the Israel Supreme Court in September of 2017.

Because many Orthodox members of Netanyahu’s coalition disagreed with the contents of the bill, the majority was unable to move forward, and the bill ultimately failed amidst criminal investigations of Netanyahu and some of his clos-

est allies for charges including bribery and fraud.

Members of opposition parties were able to relax somewhat following the dissolution.

“It is impossible to continue with a government whose Prime Minister is under recommendation of indictments of the state attorneys and the police for fraud,” Zionist Union member Shelly Yachimovich said.

Yachimovich also called the upcoming elections “a sigh of relief.”

Election drama doesn’t stop there, as both sides of the aisle are experiencing shakeups. Right-wing party Habayit Hayehudi is contemplating cancelling its primary following departures of senior ministers Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked, according to a Jan. 3 report by Haaretz.

The party cited increasing election costs, estimated at several million shekels, as a reason for the cancellation.

The left is also experiencing some uncertainty with elections on the horizon, as Labor Party leader Avi Gabbay announced on Jan. 1 that the Zionist Union would be disbanding. The Union was a coalition joining the Labor party with the Hatnuah Party, led by Tzipi Livni.

Gabbay explained in a press conference that he “still believes in partnerships and connections,” but that “successful connections require friendship, abiding by agreements, and loyalty to the path ahead.”

The announcement of the coalition's dissolution took Livni by surprise, according to Haaretz. Gabbay also called out Livni days later for refusing to rule out joining a future coalition led by Netanyahu.

Labor party members have reportedly begun collecting signatures with the intent of ousting Gabbay. ■ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 11

OPINION

Letter to the editor: Year in Review I read with great interest the AJT’s feature, Year in Review. A great variety of significant and relevant stories, which captured 2018, were shared with the AJT’s readers. I have to marvel at what’s going on in the Jewish community and how well it has been covered and reported by the Atlanta Jewish Times. Thanks for all you do, and I look forward to more of the same in 2019.

Jerry Schwartz, Alpharetta

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A disease associated with Jews of Ashkenazi ancestry (AJ) often is misdiagnosed for multiple sclerosis (MS).

In adult polyglucosan body diseases (APBD), gene mutations cause the build-up of starch-like bodies in the neurons of brain cells and block normal brain messaging. This blockage of brain messaging results in neurologically-related health problems and even premature death. For AJ, 1 in 48 are carriers.

In “Frequent misdiagnoses of adult polyglucosan body disease” in the Journal of Neurology in July 2015, Mark Hellmann and others studied APBD patients retrospectively. They concluded that misdiagnosing of APBD for MS (and other diseases) stems from “physicians’ unfamiliarity with the typical clinical and imaging features of APBD,” and that 17 percent of these APBD patients were first misdiagnosed with MS. Also causing diagnostic difficulty, APBD mimics MS in two main ways. First, early signs of APBD are similar to those of MS, including fatigue, numbness, neurogenic bladder, spasticity, and gait difficulties. Second, as with MS, APBD health problems typically start in early adulthood and progressively worsen.

Many members of the APBD Research Foundation experienced their local physician misdiagnosing APBD for MS. It took them an average of 9.2 years to receive an APBD diagnosis from the first sign of the disease. Their corrected APBD diagnoses occurred with prestigious physicians.

The APBDRF has underwritten the use of an athome saliva collection kit for MS-diagnosed AJ to genetically test for APBD. To inquire about this convenient saliva kit, please send an email to info@apbdrf.org. A Columbia University lab will perform the test and confidentially send you the results. ■ Lawrence Schwartz, Atlanta The AJT welcomes your letters. We want our readers to have an opportunity to engage with our community in constructive dialogue. If you would like your letter to be published, please write 200 words or less, include your name, phone number and email, and send it to editor@ atljewishtimes.com.

OPINION

Publisher's Note and energy you are now deBefore I look forward voting to your community’s into 2019, I want to offer a few paper. thanks at the close of 2018.

I also want to thank Jan It is hard for a newspaper Jaben-Eilon, Bob Bahr, Arlene to keep up with the times (I Applerouth and Leah Harriknow, punny). The digital age son for spending more time at is not outdating a physical our offices, offering ideas and paper, but it is certainly keepexpertise to create a more viing us on our toes to remain brant paper, pitching in, and engaging, interesting and atMichael A. wearing more hats to get the tractive. Dozens of readers Morris job accomplished. It is this have commented to me over Publisher kind of attitude that enhancthe past year about the quality of our articles and the engagement of es the quality of your paper every week.

Your staff has also been invaluable in our layout and design. I trust that many more of our readers have enjoyed these maintaining a fresh, clean, accurate and changes and I want to let you know about well-read paper. Creative and Media Director Deborah Herr Richter has been the some of the people behind the scenes.

First, I want to call out David Schech- foundation behind all the new and continter and Marcia Caller Jaffe. Both of these uous layout changes. From the new cover writers have become staples in our offices, format to the improved flow of the paper have created new columns for your paper, and the design of each section, I applaud and have pitched in and taken on a lot of her ingenuity and for ensuring each issue responsibility to create a more engaging is its own work of art, enticing readers to paper. As examples, David coordinated this flip to the next page. One of our newest year’s entire election cycle coverage; and, team members, Associate Editor Roni RobMarcia, among other responsibilities, de- bins, works tirelessly every week and ensigned and created The Lowdown (I bet you sures that the whole paper comes together didn’t know…). Thank you both for the time in a coherent and accurate fashion for you.

Finally, I want to reiterate the awards our writers have received. This past year, David Schechter, Patrice Worthy, Leah Harrison, Rachel Fayne, Elizabeth Friedly, Ruth Abusch-Magder, Marita Anderson, and Rebecca Stapel-Wax all received a 1st Place Simon Rockower Awards for articles they wrote in the Atlanta Jewish Times. In addition, our former intern Charlotte Morrison’s article, “Teens Who Vape,” caught the attention of MSNBC. These accolades are a clear demonstration of the quality of your weekly community newspaper.

Looking forward to 2019, we intend to continue the momentum, the great coverage, and add more to our repertoire. On the top of the list, I hope you are attending this year’s Atlanta Jewish Life Festival.

Maybe you are even picking up this edition at the Georgia Aquarium right now!

The paper’s mission is to keep the Atlanta Jewish community connected, and what better way than once a year to invite the entire Jewish community to one location to eat Jewish food; listen to Jewish music and entertainment; meet with representatives from all of the Jewish nonprofits, social action organizations, schools and synagogues; hobnob with friends; and most importantly, have fun with our kids?

Kudos go out to the Jewish Federation of

Greater Atlanta, the Marcus Jewish Community Center and the Georgia Aquarium for being key partners.

In the paper, we will continue new trends such as weekly business briefs, as well as more in-depth articles about Jewish entrepreneurs, senior management, and Jewish-run businesses of all sizes.

The Times will continue to publish more articles on the philanthropic activities of Atlanta’s key benefactors as well as new and lesser-known donors in our community. Your paper will continue to spotlight more local communities in our Jewtopia series, and, the AJT will strive to remain at the leading edge by covering topics that are emerging, such as vaping and medical marijuana.

Online, you will begin to see more articles published that will not be in the paper.

We will have more email blasts keeping you abreast of breaking news, and the Atlanta Jewish Connector will become more robust.

Your paper has a lot in store for 2019 and I want to thank the Managing Publisher and Interim Editor Kaylene Ladinsky for leading the charge to safeguard your paper’s mission and for keeping our paper relevant, interesting and entertaining.

Now, onwards to the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival! ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 13

COVER STORY

Graphics and stills courtesy of AJFF // Founded by the American Jewish Committee 19 years ago, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is known for showcasing the very best of what the cinematic arts offer.

AJFF Offers Much to Love and Learn The long running love affair with the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is likely to remain as solid as ever with the announcement, this week, of the 76 feature films, documentaries and short films that make up its 2019 schedule.

There’s a lot to love and Bob learn here from the open- Bahr ing night film from Israel, “Shoelaces,” about the touching relationship between an aging father and his special-needs son, to the mouth-watering closer about Jewish food, in “Chewdaism: A Taste of Jewish Montreal.”

The festival, which runs for three weeks, from Feb. 6 to Feb. 26, offers a rich treasury of Jewish life, with films from 28 nations.

“Across these films, one thing remains true: they represent not only the Jewish experience, but the human experience writ large,” said Kenny Blank, the festival’s executive director, and the volunteer leadership note in the opening pages of the 115-page program guide.

As in previous years, the festival offers an excellent opportunity to catch up on your knowledge of Jewish history and the Jewish world. There are more than a few moments of profound discovery in what has arguably become our most 14 | JANUARY 11, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

important opportunity to experience a community classroom that cuts across denominational lines.

Your choices could be as varied as “Who Will Write Our History,” which chronicles the desperate last days of the Warsaw Ghetto, or “It Must Schwing! The Blue Note Story,” about two young Jewish immigrants from Germany who started one of America’s greatest recording companies. Then there’s “92Queen” about how a group of determined Jewish women, battling a solid wall of male opposition, create an ambulance service for themselves in

Brooklyn’s Orthodox community.

One of the interesting aspects of this year’s festival is the number of films that portray the Orthodox community with more balance and compassion than in the past.

About a third of the feature films and documentaries are from Israel. Most offer a view of everyday life there that you won’t find in any travel guide to the Jewish state.

There is a searing picture of a dysfunctional Israeli family in the film, “Noble Savage.” “The Dive” details the conflict that engulfs three brothers who come home for a weekend on their kibbutz during the 2006 Israeli war in Lebanon, and “Family In Transition” shows

The opening night film from Israel, “Shoelaces,” about the touching relationship between an aging father and his special-needs son.

how a couple with four children grapples with the decision of the husband to become a woman. All are films that showcase strong and often stirring performances by a new generation of talented Jewish performers.

And although the Israeli film industry has raised the ire of at least one Israeli cabinet minister and a number of right-wing members of the Knesset, one festival film fearlessly charts the rise of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in “King Bibi,” a festival stand-out.

Another eye opener is the American premiere of “The Jewish Underground,” in which Israeli filmmakers focus on the surprising influence that right-wing extremists, once convicted of serious crimes, exert in today’s parliament But the festival is not just about great films. This year it will feature great music as well. The AJFF is presenting its Icon Award to violinist Itzhak Perlman, who will accept the award at a concert on Feb. 16, which the festival is co-sponsoring during its second week.

Perlman was featured in a popular documentary here during last year’s festival screenings and may be remembered for his violin performance in “Schindler’s List.”

The concert will be held in the Byers Theatre, part of Sandy Spring’s new City Springs performance complex. Tickets

COVER STORY

Scheduled for Young Professionals Night, “Leona” is a film from Mexico that offers a rare exploration of the Jewish culture of that country.

“The Frisco Kid” is one of the four classic films being revisited this year, starring Harrison Ford and Gene Wilder who crosses the Wild West on his way to start a synagogue in San Francisco.

are on sale now at the City Springs box office. The venue has been added this year for a number of screenings, including the closing night’s film.

The AJFF, heading into its 19th year, not only offers a lot to love but it also offers an entertaining and unparalleled opportunity for all of us, in the words of this year’s festival, to “see the world on film.”

More information on ticketing and all the festival films can be found at www.ajff.org Here’s what’s in the AJFF spotlight this year: Opening night: “Shoelaces” is a moving and thoughtful Israeli film about Reuven, an aging Jerusalem garage owner who has abandoned his special-needs son for years, but is forced to look after him after Reuven's mother dies. But in a thought-provoking reversal, it is the older man who needs attention when he experiences a life-threatening medical condition and is forced to turn to his son for help — the shoelaces that tie them together.

Still from the mouth-watering closer about Jewish food in “Chewda-ism: A Taste of Jewish Montreal.”

Closing Night: “Chewda-ism: A Taste of Jewish Montreal,” — Two Montreal natives, Jamie Elman and Eli Batalion return home to spend a day eating their way through a series of iconic Jewish restaurants. Along the way, they explore their own confused relationship with the city of their birth and discover the history of a city they had once left behind.

The AJFF audience on closing night will

have its own encounter with Jewish food after the evening’s screening.

Young Professionals Night: “Leona” is a North American premier presented

by American Jewish Committee’s Access division. This film from Mexico offers a rare exploration of the Jewish culture of the country. The film is seen through the eyes of a young Jewish woman who falls for a non-Jewish guy and incurs the

wrath of her family. In the end, she discovers more than romance; she experiences a new sense of self. Leona is played by actress Naian Gonzalez Norvind, who helped write the screenplay and who won best actress at the Morelia International Film Festival for her performance.

Classics return: “The Frisco Kid”— One of the four classic films the AJFF is revisiting this year. Gene Wilder and a young Harrison Ford star in this 40th anniversary screening of the comic western that has Wilder as a Polish immigrant rabbi crossing the Wild West on his way to start a synagogue in San Francisco.

Ford is his guide and protector. Other classic screenings are “Gloomy Sunday,” a German film from 1999, “Enemies, A Love Story,” the 1989 Paul Mazursky movie and “The City Without Jews,” a 1924 silent from Austria that was tragically prophetic. ■ Bob Bahr is a film educator with the Center for Media and The Moving Image and often lectures in the Atlanta community about film and modern society.

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COVER STORY FILM SCHEDULE 2019

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COVER STORY

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 17

EDUCATION

Anurag Gillella, Rachel Kaiser, Alli Goldring, Harry Traub and Justin Rubin serve on Gesher L’Torah’s first college panel to engage high school students and recent grads.

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Many synagogues struggle with retaining family members once their children graduate from high school. Engagement with high school and college students is equally difficult when synagogues have to compete with BBYO, Hillel, sports teams, part-time jobs and rigorous academic workloads.

As part of a new series of events to engage our community of high school students and recent grads, Gesher L’Torah held its first college panel Dec. 16. GLT college students making up the panel were: Alli Goldring, a freshman at the University of Georgia; Rachel Kaiser, a freshman at Middle Tennessee State University; Justin Rubin, a junior at UGA; and Harry Traub, a sophomore at Vanderbilt University. The panel was moderated by GLT marketing intern and Chattahoochee High School senior, Anurag Gillella.

The panel discussed topics such as the application process, the selection of schools, picking a major and the transition to college life, which can be overwhelming for many students. The biggest challenge the panel faced was learning to manage their time since college students are in class fewer hours per day than high school students. As such, “the need to hold yourself accountable,” as suggested by Justin, is critical. He pointed out that in large freshman classes, you typically don’t get homework on a regular basis. Grades are more heavily weighted on tests and exams. “I had to learn to study on my own even if I didn’t have homework or a quiz the next day.”

Other transitions include transportation and building a social network. Particularly on a large campus, learning the bus system is important. As Alli pointed out, your mom can’t drive you to school if you miss the bus. The panel agreed that making friends is not so difficult. “Everyone is looking to meet people,” Harry said. Alli suggested students join clubs as “they make big schools so much smaller.”

Questions from the audience led to the panel members discussing how they decided on their college. UGA is a popular choice given the strong balance of academic and social activities and the opportunity to qualify for the HOPE scholarship. Many high schoolers, however, worry that they “will know everyone” there. This was a big concern for Alli, who says this is really not the case and that her closest friends now are not from Georgia.

In terms of selecting a major, the panel advised that high schoolers pick something they actually want to do. A key suggestion

by Rachel is to leverage the Academic Common Market, which identifies out-of-state schools offering in-state tuition if your desired degree is not offered in your state.

In terms of a high school curriculum, the panel advised the student audience to challenge themselves, but only in the courses they like or excel at. Only select an Advanced Placement course if you are confident you can do well, as performing poorly in these classes can hurt your Grade Point Average. “Definitely go for higher grades,” Harry suggested. The panel strongly believed that an A in a regular class is better than a C in an AP class.

The panel was also in favor of finding scholarships. They agreed that it takes time to find and apply for scholarships, but every $500 scholarship adds up and contributes to your financial package. Scholarships are offered by high schools as well as a variety of companies and organizations, including utilities such as electric and plumbing companies. If planning early enough, the panel recommended studying for the PSAT that is offered junior year, as National Merit Scholarships are awarded for high scores.

Attendees found the panel to be extremely insightful. “We learned a lot from some awesome GLT college students,” said GLT member Wendi Goldberg. ■ Marla Cushing serves as vice president, marketing and communication for Gesher L’Torah, which will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its building this year.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 19

EDUCATION

ISMI’s Impact Shines Through Founded and directed by Professor Ken Stein, Emory’s Institute for the Study of Modern Israel is the oldest permanent Israel academic center in the United States. An interdisciplinary unit that does not confer degrees, the institute promotes teaching, research and learning focused on Israeli culture, foreign policy, history, society and politics for the Emory community and beyond. It promotes student learning with rigorous research and engages the Atlanta community and region with its excellence in programming.

“ISMI’s focused goal was to create an understanding of Israel as integral to Jewish history and therefore part of American Jewish identity. Its teaching role educates broadly about Israel’s origins and emphasizes its strategic relevance for the United States in an otherwise tumultuous region,” Stein said about the institute’s objective. ISMI grew out of the disbanded Middle East program at the Carter Center.

During a two-day conference at its recent 20th anniversary celebration, experts from academia (Asher Susser, Yitzhak Reiter, Yaron Ayalon, Rachel

20 | JANUARY 11, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

(From left) Joel Singer, Jonathan Schanzer, Alan Makovsky and Asher Susser discuss Israel's efforts to develop official and unofficial relationships with Muslim-majority nations in the Middle East.

Fish) and diplomacy and think tanks (Joel Singer, Alan Makovsky, Jonathan Schanzer), Atlanta leaders (Dov Wilker, Dan Gordon, Lois Frank), and some of Stein’s former students addressed issues such as Israel’s Jewish identity, the prospects for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, and the present and future viability of Israel studies on U.S. campuses.

“Zionist identity is at the core of most Jews, wherever they are, if we define Zionism today as the belief that Jews have the right to a sovereign state in even

part of the Land of Israel,” said Ayalon, who will become the director of the Jewish studies program at the College of Charleston on July 1.

Asher Susser, professor emeritus and former director of the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies, said Zionist identity was transformed after the June 1967 war, giving Jews throughout the world a sense of success and unity.

Until 1967, that Zionist identity remained secular at its core and used Jewish symbols for support, Susser said. But

after 1967, “the religious becomes the core, subordinating Zionism to some degree and the state to religious redemption.”

The field of Israel studies is distinct from Jewish studies, which often omits modern Israel except for Hebrew language and literature, which is deep and broad across the country.

Israel as an independent area of study remains necessary because most Middle Eastern studies programs at American universities focus on Turkey, Iran and Arab countries. When they teach Israel, it mostly is in the context of the conflict and not as part of modern Jewish history or as a country with a rich, diverse culture whose population persevered for self-determination.

Additionally, objective scholarship on Israel today often is overwhelmed by ideologies and philosophies that poke holes at Israel’s legitimacy. These influences include Edward Said’s Orientalism (rejecting Westerners’ role in analyzing the Middle East), postmodernism (denying objective truth), Marxism (viewing those with wealth and power as inherently evil), post-colonialism (condemning all

EDUCATION

Lois Frank and Emory College Dean Michael Elliott listen to ISMI founder Ken Stein talk about the institute's impact at Emory, across Atlanta and beyond.

actions of the Western world and lionizing “natives”) and post-nationalism (viewing the nation-state as the cause of the world’s problems). Fish said, “These kinds of intellectual components can and have created quite a hostile environment to the pursuit and study of Israel on the campus.”

That’s unfortunate because, as recent Stein student and former ISMI intern Dana Pearl said, there’s a need for objective, intellectual classes on Israel, even among Jewish day school graduates like herself. Pearl said the idea of standing up for Israel on campus because it produces Sabra hummus or invented the cellphone didn’t resonate for her.

Day schools, she said, are “missing right now a lot of the kids that want to learn about Israel from an intellectual perspective and don’t just want to learn the talking points that they should say when they get to campus and join a political club to advocate for Israel.”

Dov Wilker, the American Jewish Committee Atlanta regional director, said Stein speaks to some of his national AJC colleagues more than he does because they seek the professor’s expertise on issues related to Israel advocacy.

Dana Pearl, a recent Emory graduate who worked as an ISMI intern, discusses her research into possible correlations between college curricula that are negative toward Israel and anti-Semitic incidents on the same campuses.

“The value that ISMI provides is really in my opinion probably only 10 percent to the university but … 85 percent to Atlanta and maybe 5 percent elsewhere because we really do benefit from the resources,” including the other members of the ISMI team and the visiting professors, Wilker said. “I really do believe that ISMI as an institution in Atlanta has really enhanced what the city of Atlanta is.”

Lois Frank, an Emory College graduate, longtime AJC member and former national chair of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, said she delights in seeing an Atlanta professor educating her AJC and JCPA colleagues across the country, and she said the panels of experts at the 20th anniversary weekend provided a taste of what ISMI has brought to Atlanta and the nation through the years.

Frank also said she always has been able to count on Stein to provide extra insight whenever she needs it, as when her book club read troubling information about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in “The Lemon Tree.” She concluded: “I and others want to see the Israel institute at Emory continue. We benefit from it in many ways.” ■

Alan Makovsky (left) brings an American and diplomatic perspective to a panel discussion, while Asher Susser provides an Israeli and academic view.

Provided by the Institute for the Study of Modern Israel ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 21

EDUCATION

CDT To Plant Daffodils for Holocaust and Tu B’Shevat

By Jan Jaben-Eilon Congregation Dor Tamid is the latest Atlanta-area synagogue to join The Daffodil Project, a worldwide program launched in Atlanta in 2010 by Am Yisrael Chai to plant 1.5 million daffodil bulbs in memory of the 1.5 million children who were killed in the Holocaust. The Alpharetta synagogue will be planting its bulbs Sunday.

“We’re trying to get every Atlanta synagogue involved,” said Am Yisrael Chai president Andrea Videlefsky. “We’ve got about half.” While, in most cases, the nonprofit Holocaust education and awareness organization approaches a synagogue to participate in the project, CDT actually reached out first. “We were thrilled,” Videlefsky told the AJT. Molly Peled, the religious school director, and Rabbi Jordan Ottenstein decided to change the Alpharetta synagogue’s school curriculum to make it more community-oriented with more hands-on learning, said Stacey Jahanfar, CDT’s religious school assistant and communications coordinator.

Stacey Jahanfar (left) is CDT’s religious school assistant and communications coordinator Molly Peled, CDT’s religious school director, helped change the curriculum to incorporate more hands-on learning.

“The seventh to 12th grades already do that with field trips and we wanted something to entice the younger children,” she explained.

The Daffodil Project was chosen partly because the bulb planting this weekend is close to Tu B’Shevat, “and we wanted to do something related” to the traditional tree-planting holiday. “We also wanted to raise our profile in the community and be more a part of it,” she said. Dor Tamid’s membership includes about 300 families.

The school, which goes from pre-K to 12th

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Rabbi Jordan Ottenstein and the religious school changed CDT’s curriculum to be more community-oriented.

grade, has 180 students enrolled.

The actual daffodil bulb planting at Dor Tamid is scheduled for the afternoon, after Videlefsky makes a presentation to the children. The plan is to plant 250 bulbs provided by Am Yisrael Chai. “We provide the first 250 bulbs to any new organization with the understanding that they will plant a minimum of an additional 250 bulbs within the first year,” Videlefsky said. “The synagogues don’t have to continue beyond the minimum 500, but they must look after the garden as a memorial garden and display the plaque.”

Videlefsky says she plans to explain to the children of Dor Tamid that this is an action project with which they can be involved. “Children are the future. We need to learn about the past and apply it to the world today and try to build a better future,” she says. “We bring the lessons of the Holocaust to the real world of today.”

Am Yisrael Chai achieves that goal by not only focusing on the memory of the children murdered during the Holocaust, but by supporting programs in Darfur, South Sudan and Rwanda. Although Videlefsky says her group researched which programs to which they could “make meaningful contributions,” she acknowledged that it is also personal with her.

She is a native of Johannesburg, South Africa, and came to the United States in 1993. “My own heritage brought me to this project. I’ve always been interested in Holocaust history. Extended family members perished in the Holocaust.

I believe every Jewish person is directly connected to the Holocaust.” And, she emphasizes a connection between the Holocaust and today’s refugee crisis.

In addition to the bulb planting, Am Yisrael Chai sponsors the Daffodil Dash to raise awareness and funds for Holocaust education and, according to its website, for those suffering genocide and other humanitarian crises in the world today.

A week after The Daffodil Project,

on Jan. 20, Holocaust survivor Marion Blumenthal will present her story at the Hope and Perseverance Program at the Byers Theatre in the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.

Videlefsky says she came up with the idea of planting daffodils because the shape and color are reminiscent of the yellow stars Jews were forced to wear during the Holocaust and because daffodils are resilient; they return each spring.

So far, more than a half a million bulbs have been planted in 200 locations worldwide as a part of the Daffodil Project, including Israel, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Canada and Japan.

The goal is to plant 50,000 to 75,000 each year until 1.5 million bulbs are planted.

The City of Atlanta has planted the largest number of bulbs in the area, with some 280,000 planted from the Center for Civil and Human Rights to the King Center. “It’s called the Ribbon of Consciousness,” Videlefsky said. “Clarkston, which has the highest number of refugees per capita in the United States, has planted daffodils.” So have many synagogues, churches, botanical gardens and city parks.

Because of Atlanta’s temperate climate, the season for planting daffodil bulbs continues until Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In fact, the City of Dunwoody’s MLK Jr. Day of Service on Jan. 21 will include a large daffodil planting in the Liane Levetan Park in Brook Run. Levetan, the first woman on the DeKalb County Commission and the first female CEO of the commission, told the AJT that she feels “privileged that the group wanted to plant the bulbs in my park,” which she said covers more than 100 acres.

Born in Vienna in 1936, Levetan fled the Nazis in 1939 with her parents and spent World War II in London. The Daffodil Project has special meaning to Levetan, who said that William Woodsworth’s poem, “Daffodils” was her favorite growing up. “As a child in London, I memorized it.” ■

Among other sites at the synagogue, daffodils were planted down the meditation path.

EDUCATION

Marion Blumenthal Lazan travels regularly, sharing her story in the hopes of educating and passing on the importance of lessons learned.

Photos courtesy of Nathaniel Lazan // Marion Blumenthal Lazan discusses her book, “Four Perfect Pebbles: A Holocaust Story” (cover inset).

Kindness, ‘Hope and Perseverance’ at the Heart of Message

By Eddie Samuels Driven by a goal to connect with as many audiences as possible, Holocaust survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan will be speaking at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center on Jan. 20. It’s a week before International Holocaust Remembrance Day and part of Am Yisrael Chai’s annual event series. As this year’s keynote speaker, Blumenthal Lazan’s discussion, titled “Hope and Perseverance,” fits in with her goal of furthering Holocaust education.

Born in Bremen, Germany in 1934, Blumenthal Lazan fled to Holland after Kristallnacht with her parents and brother, Albert.

They hoped to escape to America, but their plans were halted by German invasion and the Blumenthals spent the next 6 1/2 years in transit and prison camps, including Westerbork in Holland and Bergen-Belsen in Germany, where tens of thousands died.

Eventually they were liberated from the camp; and while all four had survived, her father succumbed to typhus shortly afterward.

Getting to America was a slow process that took three more years, but eventually, they settled in Peoria, Ill. Her journey is documented in her book, “Four Perfect Pebbles, A Holocaust Story,” written with Lila Perl. Blumenthal Lazan explained to the AJT that the name of the book stems from one of a number of games she made up to stay occupied when times were bleak.

“One of them was based in superstition, and I decided that if I was able to find four pebbles of about the same size and shape, that it would mean that the four members of my family would all survive,” she said. “It was a painful pastime. What if I couldn’t find that fourth pebble? … Nevertheless, this game and others gave me something to hold on to, a distant hope. I was lucky to have such an imaginative mind that saw me through those difficult days.”

Now, Blumenthal Lazan is tireless in her quest to educate people, taking six flights to different cities in the months of November and December alone, with her husband of 65

years, Nathaniel.

“It’s a lot of schlepping at our age,” she joked.

She emphasized that now, perhaps more than ever, it is important to pass on the lessons she learned from her experiences.

“When I speak, I make it clear that in the not-too-distant future, we will not be here any longer to share our experiences and to pass these messages along. Someday, the audiences that I address are the ones who will have to bear witness,” Blumenthal Lazan said.

Her message is one that seems so simple, and yet, she emphasizes, it is so difficult to achieve.

“Number one lesson is to be good, kind, compassionate and respectful towards one another. That is the reason for peace,” she said. “Had there been respect and tolerance toward one another some 70 or 80 years ago, we would not be talking about this dreadful period of our history.”

In part, she blames the media for continued negativity in the world today, and encourages publicizing the good, in the hopes of making the world a more peaceful place.

Blumenthal Lazan thanked Am Yisrael Chai President Andrea Videlefsky, in particular, for organizing her local speaking event.

Videlefsky said of the upcoming speech: “We are seeing increasing hate crimes, prejudice, discrimination and violence in our world today. Now more than ever, we need to hear her message of respect and tolerance.”

Among the lessons Blumenthal Lazan hopes to relay from her keynote and her story, she said, “Do not follow a leader blindly without first searching one’s heart and mind for what the consequences might be. We must never generalize or judge another group by the actions of some within that group.” ■ The event opens with an exhibit at 6 p.m. followed by Blumenthal Lazan’s keynote speech at 7. The event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required, at www.2019remember. eventbright.com. To learn more about Blumenthal Lazan, visit her website, www.fourperfectpebbles.com.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 23

EDUCATION

National Merit Scholarship Program: Big Changes Ahead 15,000 students will become Based on your PSAT score semifinalists. Some 95 percent in October 2018 of your juof these students will be finalnior year in high school, the ists. Next year for the class of criteria for advancing in the 2020, the student’s SAT or ACT National Merit Scholarship score counts as the “confirmaProgram is based solely on the tion score.” Certain academic PSAT score. That is it! requirements must be met, Next year, there will be a and an application completed. change for the class of 2020.

There is an essay, and a recomHow will the criteria change? Dr. Mark L. mendation from the princiAs of now, the PSAT will still Fisher pal is required. This prevents be the test for advancement a brilliant student who tests in the competition for juniors next year. However, once a student ad- extremely well, but has a poor academic vances, there is a “confirmation score” that record, from becoming a National Merit is needed to get into finalist competition. Scholar. That would be embarrassing to This confirmation score is based on your the program.

From these 15,000 finalists, about 8,000 SAT score. The purpose is to make sure that the PSAT score wasn’t a fluke. There are will receive scholarships from the National also other factors that enter the picture, Merit program or sponsoring colleges or which will be discussed below. So, what is companies. What if a student is a finalist but receives no money up front? There is noththe change?

Many students want to take the ACT ing preventing a student from stating they exam rather than the SAT. They may have are a National Merit Scholar on college apfelt that the ACT test worked out better for plications. In fact, that is wonderful.

In late August or September, the Nathem. But they still needed to take the SAT, even though they did better on the ACT. tional Merit program lets high schools That seemed to put the ACT student at a know who has advanced in the competition. National Merit Scholarship Corp. prodisadvantage and appeared unfair.

Finally, for the class of 2020, the rules vides information to the high schools, not will change. The “confirmation score” will the student, until he or she is a finalist.

Incidentally, the SAT score used for be based on the submitted SAT or ACT score. That is a relief for ACT participants. the “confirmation score” can be taken from Progress. But the PSAT score is still the ini- the fall of sophomore year to December of senior year. For the class of 2019, you obvitial entry point for competition.

What is the National Merit Scholar- ously will use your highest score. Sorry, no ship Program? It recognizes high-achieving super scoring.

On pins and needles, when do you find high school seniors. About $50 million is given in scholarships every year. Some col- out if you are a finalist? You will have to leges offer lowered tuition or even free tu- wait until February of your senior year.

Is there any possibility of obtaining a ition for top students. There are a variety of scholarships possible. It all begins with scholarship if you are not receiving money that PSAT/NMSQT, National Merit Schol- as a commended student or semifinalist? arship Qualifying Test. It is the Selection You may not have scholar status, but a college may be able to offer you a corporateIndex that counts on the PSAT. Basically, the index is double the sum sponsored award, usually for children of of the reading, writing and language scores, employees. There are also some other posplus the math score. The PSAT scores are sibilities. Students usually find out if they two digits, not to be confused with three- have been awarded money between March digit SAT scores. An example would be a and June of their senior year.

Students commonly state that they reading, writing and language score of 65 x 2 = 130, plus a math score of 70, which is a did not prepare, at all, for the PSAT. They selection index score of 200. In the state of just took the test without any preparation.

Georgia, the estimated guess for advancing Perhaps if you are at least a good test taker, to the “commended student” or semifinalist wouldn’t it be worth it to prepare for the stage is from 218 to 220. Every state is dif- PSAT? There are ways of preparing. ■ ferent because of the number of graduating high school students in that state.

Mark Fisher is a college and career conThe first step in the competition is be- sultant at Fisher Educational Consultants, coming commended student. About 30,000 www.fishereducationalconsultants.com, and students will be in that category. That is a consultant for the College Planning Instithe starting and ending point. But, about tute, www.GotoCPI.com.

24 | JANUARY 11, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

EDUCATION

Female-Centered Play Spotlights Jewish Education for Women

By Roni Robbins Every year, the girls of the Upper School of the Atlanta Jewish Academy create a Chagiga, a production that is completely “by women, for women.” The girls write, direct, produce, and act in this full-scale show, or work behind the scenes.

The newest play, “Raizel’s Riddle,” will be presented Jan. 27-28 at the AJA theater. Summer Pitocchelli wrote and directed it, and it was produced by Sela Ratner and Maayan Starr.

Women and girls throughout the Atlanta Jewish community come to see the production, now in its 30th year.

Pitocchelli gave us the lowdown on what the play is about and the motivation behind its local performance.

“Raizel’s Riddle” was inspired by a children’s book by Erica Silverman, Pitocchelli said.

“It takes place in 1870s Russia, where one girl, Raizel, shows a small village the importance of educating Jewish girls about their heritage. While her Jewish connection and the Torah education that her grandfather gave her is demon-

popular characters in strated to be an unpopuTanach study are male. lar position in her new I thought it was importown, she is determined tant, especially to the to come home and find young women in our the place where she truly community, to show just belongs,” the young writhow present and influener-director explained. tial women have been in “The general theme the history of our people. of the play is the imporFor example, it is no actance of female Jewish edChloe Karpel, 11th grade, cident that one of the ucation, especially set in and Leah Houben, ninth main characters in this a time period where the grade, act in a scene from year’s play is named Rainorm was not in favor of the play, “Raizel’s Riddle.” zel, after (according to educating girls. It is also about the importance of the Jewish com- some of the historical documents) Sarah munity and how that transforms Judaism Schenirer’s mother.”

Schenirer started Bais Yaakov, the from a belief system into a lifestyle.”

The theme has personal meaning for girls’ education movement that swept across Europe in the early 20th century, Pitocchelli, she said.

“Jewish education has always been Pitocchelli said.

She said the AJA students started writvery important to me. I recognize it as a privilege to be able to receive such an ing the play in April and ended in Septemeducation, and I’ve always been very ber with final edits and historical checks.

“Due to the fact that this is an allthankful to the teachers and classmates who have put up with my endless ques- female production, many of the girls in the crew are also actors. With a 17-pertions and theories about the Torah texts.

“That said, the importance of wom- son cast and approximately 45 girls in en in Judaism has also been an idea that various committees, we are also joined interested me, seeing as a majority of the by numerous parents and community

members to make our production possible. Chagiga is a community-wide effort, and for a play about the Jewish community, this is fitting!”

Chagiga is an annual tradition of the AJA Upper School, “continued from the days of Yeshiva Atlanta,” she said.

Her own path to director was several years in the making. “For me, ever since I saw my first Chagiga in eighth grade and discovered it was written and directed by a student a couple of years older than me, I knew I wanted to direct it one day.

Entering high school, I participated as an actress for three years, culminating in becoming the playwright and director as a senior. It was and still is my dream, and it has been a dream to work with my incredible cast, my extraordinary producers, and my amazing community to make this a reality." ■ “Raizel’s Riddle” will be presented at 6 p.m. Jan. 27 and 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at the AJA theater, 5200 Northland Drive, Atlanta, 30342. Tickets are $18 for women ($20 at the door), $15 for girls ($28 at the door), and $12 for AJA girls, and are available at chagiga@ atljewishacademy.org. Hors d’oeuvres will be served before each show.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 25

ARTS Harmonious Local Ladies Win Barbershop Honors

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Atlanta is full of winners, so pile on more pride with our 80-plus member Song of Atlanta Show Chorus, part of Sweet Adelines International. The barbershop chorus recently took home the trophy for sixth in the world. Consider also that in the previous competition the group came in seventh internationally.

Barbershop music is four-part a cappella (without accompaniment) harmony in which the chords form a resonant ring. In addition to the large chorus, they also have quartets. In both chorus and quartets, the four parts are tenor, lead, baritone and bass.

The full chorus welcomes ladies from all ethnicities. For this interview, we met with some of the Jewish members: Cheryl Simon, a member for 21 years; Nancy Rosenblum Tillison, 20; Karen Savrin, 19; and Amy Walker, seven.

Jaffe: With 67 combined years as members, this seems more like a marriage.

Tillison: Cheryl and I met through

St Louis, but we have also been to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Seattle and Denver, to name a few. To compete at the top of our game, we have stage makeup, matching costumes, professional choreography and various coaches.

The show chorus was all in black while performing "Chicago the Musical" for the Sweet Adelines International Competition in Las Vegas, Nev. in October 2016.

our therapy practices. While working full time, it is not easy to make the time commitment, but we do it because it’s so enjoyable.

Walker: There are 21,000 Sweet Adelines worldwide with over 500 choruses.

We have several members in their 80s and some preteens. We have some mother/daughter members. We practice on Tuesday nights for three hours in Al-

pharetta (previously it was at Congregation Etz Chaim). Some members drive from neighboring states.

Jaffe: So how does one get involved?

Savrin: There is an audition process.

You have to learn a specific song to sing.

Our director, Becki Hine, who has been with us 25 years, makes those decisions in conjunction with the music team. One is given direction on how to prepare. We are not looking for star operatic soloists.

The purpose is harmony and blending.

We enjoy performing and competing.

Jaffe: Who decides on the repertoire?

Simon: Our music team. We usually manage about 20 songs. We change, add and delete to keep current. Many standards, like “Blue Skies,” are very old songs. Then we add in modern tunes from Queen, Abba’s “Take a Chance,” Avicii, Broadway songs from “Rent” (“Seasons of Love”) and “Chicago.”

Jaffe: Where do you perform?

Tillison: We did a Chick-fil-A holiday event at their headquarters, sang at Atlanta City Hall at a ceremony for fallen police officers (attended by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Arthur Blank), nursing homes, parades, and a PGA Tournament, where we got to see Tiger Woods!

We have at least two annual shows: Most recently at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center and the new Sandy Springs City Springs facility. In May, we’ll perform at the Blessed Trinity [Performing Arts] Theater in Roswell. Rehearsals are open to all interested singers.

Walker: One particularly meaningful event is “Diva Day,” where we host female high school students at a day-long workshop to teach them the art of barbershop harmony.

Savrin: We have performed the national anthem at a Braves game, NASCAR and Georgia Tech basketball games.

Don’t forget that we made it to round 2 on “Americas Got Talent”!

Jaffe: How do the competitions en-

Jaffe: Last word.

Simon: I joined to sing and made 70 new friends.

Tillison: I so much enjoy the sisterhood. We have tremendous camaraderie.

Think of it as “Pitch Perfect,” the musical comedy film and sequel about young gals performing in an a cappella contest amid scandals and zany escapades, for grownups! ■

Walker: We start by winning first place in the “regionals” composed of five states, which we have done for the past several years. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and pay out-of-pocket to travel. The most recent international convention was in

For anyone interested in joining the group, a guest night is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at its rehearsal location, the gymnasium of Restoration Church, 410 Rucker Road, Alpharetta. More information at www.SongofAtlanta.com.

sue?

Cheryl Simon, Nancy Rosenblum Tillison, Karen Savrin and Amy Walker are a few of the Jewish women who perform with the Song of Atlanta Show Chorus.

26 | JANUARY 11, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Photos by Duane Stork // Dr. Padwa's Room features a Calder limited lithograph, San Francisco; “Lovers Sharing

Poncho,” bronze relief by Guilloume; “Cello” by Collin Varsan, New York City; wooden hippo from Nairobi and a collected duck decoy. Far right: Metal sculpture of a human form by artist Terri Stone.

Chai Style Art

Molecules, Mobiles and Mountains Approaching Dr. Al Padwa’s 1936 Virginia-Highland His interest in mountain climbing is about the suchome leaves no room for doubt as the anatomically cor- cess, freedom, view from top, and extreme challenges rect rust statues in his yard exude his whimsy and study required to reach the pinnacle. He claims, “Life is wonof structure while the home’s interior launches a world derful from up there!” of collected art and purpose.

Read how Padwa relishes life from His CV reads like a Chinese dim sum “down here” as well. cart, too numerous to list, but includes serving on the Fulbright Scholar student Jaffe: How have your travels influselection committee, conducting visiting enced your décor? professorships in Australia, Peking and IsPadwa: Traveling for scientific contanbul, and being a U.S.-Israel Binational ferences, various meetings and sports adScience Foundation awardee, as well as a ventures, I acquired many traditional art NATO researcher in Catania, Italy. pieces from Japan, Czechoslovakia, China, As a retired Emory University chemIndia, the Parisian Mussee d’Orsay, and istry professor with a doctorate from Co- Marcia South America. My home is truly a conlumbia University, Padwa composes his Caller Jaffe fluence of my travel experiences. I’m surown sculptures, which he refers to as “Ceilrounded by masks purchased in Africa, a ing Dwellers,” often constructed from junkyard metals. barometer from the Cotswolds, England, and an 1840 Padwa, who has conquered some of the world’s highest Japanese silk screen. When I negotiated for art in Japan mountain peaks, said, “My mobile art is a blend of cul- in 1973, the dollar was valued at 475 yen compared to ture, science and nature. They are kinetic, … somewhat the current 90 yen exchange rate. I spent a sabbatical akin to pharmaceutical molecules (Padwa was a chem- in Switzerland and bought unusual Middle Eastern oil istry legal expert in a legal dispute involving the drug lamps. In 1960 I started collecting wooden duck decoys.

Cialis).

Dr. Al Padwa cradles one of his metal globes in his backyard sculpture garden.

Jaffe: How does a chemistry professor morph into a sculptor in his 8th decade?

Padwa: I started teaching organic chemistry at Emory in 1979 and retired in 2011.

My transition was “organic” in that my mobiles are related to complex molecular structures in three-dimensional space. Building these complex organic molecules in my lab and the mobiles in my home explores how they similarly exist in terms of spatiality and mirror images relationships, and are related to DNA-like spiral coils. That is the spirit of the type of science in which I am involved – heterocyclic chemistry.

Jaffe: Where can we find your mobiles?

Padwa: One of my more exciting installations is a large Calderesque-like mobile painted in primary colors that is displayed in the lobby of the new wing of the Emory chemistry building. I created a model of it in my backyard several months before installing it at Emory.

Also, rather than bringing a bottle of wine for a visit to a friend’s home, I enjoy bringing one of my original mobiles built from some very unusual material, which could also be placed inside a plant or piece of pottery. I have passed on around 150 of my personally designed ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 27

A Vermeer poster acquired in 1982 Musee d’Orsay, Paris is flanked by old brass lamps from Montreal, Canada 1960.

Above the mantel is a Asian Japanese silk screen (1840), which Padwa bought in 1973 in Japan. Adjacent to the silk screen are small Australian sculptures. The wooden decoy is part of his 1960s collection.

mobiles to many chemistry academician friends all over the world.

I am displaying at the Jewish Life Festival Jan. 13.

Jaffe: What materials do you use?

Padwa: (Laughing) What materials don’t I use? I look for repurposed items like pitchforks, rusted shovels, concrete, concentric rings, bottle caps, feathers, puppets, shells, old pieces of iron, paper, steel, railroad ties, and fused glass, to name a few.

I work with a band saw, a digital kiln to fuse glass at 1600 degrees, and an iron forge at the Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta.

It takes about three weeks to complete a piece; and in my workshop shed, I listen to Audiobooks.

Jaffe: You have an illustrative Jewish heritage. “Padwa” sounds like a Far East surname.

Padwa: The giveaway is my first name, “Alberto.” My Italian relatives lived many years in Padua, Italy. They took the name of their city to sidestep a more Semitic sounding name, which was often the custom. I actually have a written record of my rabbinical ancestors dating back to 1095 (34 generations). I am a direct descendant of Rashi, (Shlomo Yitzchaki), the French Jewish scholar who authored respected Talmudic commentaries.

My grandfather came from Poland to New York City in 1916 with no formal education. Nevertheless, both my brother David, who is a Kennedy Scholar, and I achieved very high academic credentials. … the realization of the American dream. Let us witness the link between our

Padwa selected the chandelier because it relates to Calderesque shapes and mobiles. Paintings: “French Village” oil (left), Paris; Prague 1999 (middle) ; La Paz, Bolivia (right), artist unknown. Ivory elephant from China 1986, now a forbidden export. Padwa built the stationary abstract sculpture on the dining room table.

28 | JANUARY 11, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The upstairs bronze mobile is by artist Joel Hotchkiss. The watercolor is by Cheryl Combs.

Aiming Sun painted these Nepalese women in oil for Padwa along his Nepal trek, titled “Two Women on Road.”

Padwa’s highest climb was Mt. Aconcagua, which took one month and is the highest peak in the Americas.

ancient Judaic scholars and the pursuit of truth and excellence in the sciences today.

Jaffe: You are quite an accomplished athlete and outdoorsman.

Padwa: I have completed eight marathons, but mountain climbing is really the passion of my heart and soul. My most exciting trek was in the Andes with a summit to Mt. Aconcagua (near the Equator in Argentina), the highest mountain outside the Himalayas and stands at 23,000 feet. This feat is only for the most experienced climbers. I also enjoyed hiking near the Carlsbad Caverns, Yosemite, Mt. Rainier, the 14ers in Colorado, and Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Jaffe: What artworks of others do you admire?

Padwa: My obvious choice is Alexander Calder because of his unusual mobiles, which are moleculelike, simply structured and painted in primary colors.

Upstairs in my master bedroom hallway is a treasured bronze mobile built by artist Joel Hotchkiss. Even my dining room chandelier has a Calderesque shape.

Jaffe: Last word.

Padwa: Just give me a lid from a can, some old rope, PVC pipes, an old rusted fireplace poker, and my creative juices start to flow.

“Each mobile should be able to move, to stir, to oscillate, to come and go in its relationships with the other elements in its universe. It must not be just a 'fleeting moment,' but a physical bond between the varying events in life.” -Alexander Calder ■

Left: The Emory chemistry building lobby honors Padwa by displaying his mirror-imaged mobile, which took several months to complete.

Above center: Padwa constructed metal scrap fish mobiles while he was a non-matriculated student at SCAD, where he mastered the technique of symmetrical bending. Below: Padwa’s recycled rust creatures pose in the driveway by his work studio.

This is the model made by Padwa for the chemistry building lobby mobile.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 29

DINING Cartwheels for Bogartz: Charm + Deliciousness

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Blasting out of the starting gate with all the elements for success, Bogartz Food Artz in City Walk, Sandy Springs, is in the right place at the right time with the right chef, the right menu and the right audience. Partner/brothers Scott and Bruce Bogartz from Knoxville, Tenn., opened the chef-centric restaurant in November and never looked back because they knew the secret formula: extensive menu, terrific food from scratch, and being on the scene table-hopping to make sure everyone is happy. When the boss is there, the kitchen runs like a Swiss watch, especially if he (chef Bruce) has been there all day tending to every detail, making every stock from scratch, and baking every dessert from some of Mom’s best recipes. Scott, who graduated from Emory University with Bruce, just a few years later, runs the front of the house after previously selling his software development company.

In just the past few months, Bogartz has been featured twice as the Atlanta Journal Constitution Lifestyle cover story: “Exploring Jewish Food Traditions for Hanukkah” by Ligaya Figueras and “Eclectic Bistro Takes Cues from Clientele” by Bob Townsend. Both recognized Bogartz’s talent and passion.

When I saw the menu, I pondered if one chef could do justice to both traditional “Jewish” food (brisket, latkes, kugel) on one hand and homey Southern, Creole-Cajun on the other, while exemplifying fine dining at a modest price point.

Don’t underestimate Bruce, who trained at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, operated several restaurants in Tennessee as well as a food truck, and was a corporate chef for Warner Brothers in Aspen.

The interior, designed by Liz Laurence, is understated white bricks and white tablecloths, … some eclectic gewgaws and family photos. There is a full bar on the east side with 35 beer choices, 29 wines and a good range of scotch, vodka, gin, bourbon, tequila and rum. There is a bubbe meise (old wives’ tale) that Jews come for marvelous tastes and large portions and not so much the booze. We also come to mingle, and here familiar faces abound. On one of my visits, a frequent diner, Janet Selig, was topping off a turtle sundae. “I may have eaten here three times last week. The food is that good, and the prices are remarkable. Bogartz will succeed because they are willing to listen and change and are so eager to please.”

Do we dare utter “Brickery?” Chef 30 | JANUARY 11, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Photos by Tori Allen, PR // Top: Chef Bruce’s famous hush puppy-like gooey Brie beignets.

Below: The pecan-laden grilled North Carolina trout is a popular menu item.

Bruce dishes about his food history, secret recipes and favorites.

Marcia: What are the most popular menu items?

Bruce: Gumbo, short ribs with a Polynesian twist, and brisket is a real hot seller. Can’t seem to sell a lot of steaks.

Marcia: Were you interested in food preparation as a youngster?

Bruce: Yes, I was surrounded by good cooks like my Bronx grandmother, my mother’s terrific desserts, and matzoh balls at lunch. But back then, the food industry had not revolutionized, and it wasn’t very dignified to be a chef. I was supposed to be a physician like my father or a psychologist like Mom. But it all worked out! I’m now 53 and started at 17.

Now my daughter Sara Elizabeth is cooking and wants to help out.

Marcia: In Knoxville did you align with the Jewish community?

Bruce: I prepared a kosher dinner for 300 (under supervision) for Chabad, which was cool.

It’s funny that when we mess too much with traditional Jewish recipes, there can be an uproar. Like my latkes flavored with pumpkin or trout ... yikes!

Marcia: Share some secrets. The sweet potato hash reminds me of tzimmis.

Bruce: My kugel is sweet with cinnamon, cranberries, cottage cheese, sugar and apples and sometimes “Red Hots” candy!

Our barbeque sauce is made with

Clockwise from top: Business chief Scott Bogartz poses out front with sons Nick and Jake. Bogartz’s white brick interior is casual, chic and a tad bit shabby. Chef Bruce bakes homemade rich desserts, often from Mom’s recipes. Reviewer's favorite: Hot smoked Patagonian salmon served with sweet and sour slaw and a goat cheese latke. The salmon is rubbed with savory and sweet dry rubs.

red wine and tomato juice and is a 9-hour process.

The Brie beignets are served with sweet and savory pepper jelly with a kick.

Inner melty with a (hush puppy-like) dough fritter.

Duck confit: I butcher four cases of duck a week. I’m partial to legs and thighs.

Scott’s favorite is parmesan-creamed corn.

Each table is given a complimentary appetizer of homemade biscuits and pimento cheese.

Marcia: How do you have time to cook when you’re here on the floor yakking with customers?

Bruce: I have already put in a long day preparing and have three full-time kitchen workers, plus a dishwasher. I just love taking care of customers myself.

Marcia: Describe what goes on dessert-wise: Bruce: I make 10 chocolate chip pecan pies at once. Coconut flan, turtle sundae with salted pecans and homemade hot fudge over cookie dough, butterscotch and mint ice cream.

My mom’s chocolate chip pound cake, peanut butter trifle with cookie crumbles.

If you can’t choose, pick three for the sampler. ... Or rice pudding, crème caramel, … we are always changing and adding.

Marcia: Where in Atlanta do you like to dine?

Bruce: Bagelicious!

Marcia: Scott, last word.

Scott: What Bruce does with food is art. It’s just a case of will we kill each other first? (Laughing) Bottom line: The Bogartz brothers have a home run. Knoxville’s (my hometown’s) loss and Atlanta’s gain. ■ Bogartz Food Artz has easy free parking near the front door. Call 833-366-3278 or visit www. bogartzfoodartz.com.

What I went crazy over: Roasted Pineapple Salad (enough for two): Romaine and spinach, goat cheese, cashew pralines, truffled lemon vinaigrette.

Portabella Patty Melt: marinated mushrooms, Swiss cheese, onion ragout, Sriracha sauce.

Hot Smoked Salmon: Farm-raised Patagonian salmon smoked and seasoned with sweet and savory dry rub served over a goat cheese latke with sweet and sour slaw. The second time, I subbed asparagus, which were huge and firm.

What I will go crazy over next time: Tuna Poke: Cubed raw tuna dressed with green chile, citrus mustard, cilantro, sesame oil and avocado.

Vegetarian Wild Mushroom and Wild Rice Stew.

The grilled mountain North Carolina trout is over horseradish mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach and caper butter.

The menu changes can be four pages and read “Some art is just too big for just one canvas. See back for chef’s favorites, meat & two and sandwiches.”

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 31

CALENDAR CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11

Shabbat, Me & Rabbi G @ the JCC – Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, from 5 to 6 p.m. Activities and crafts followed by songs and blessings with Rabbi Brian Glusman concluding with a visit from the popular Weinstein School Shabbat dinosaur. Challah and grape juice will be served. Free and open to everyone.For more information and to RSVP, www.bit.ly/2BwiaoZ.

YJP 2nd Fridays – Shabbat Dinner – Chabad Intown On The BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Join YJP every month for 2nd Fridays Shabbat dinner on the Atlanta BeltLine. Mingle, shmooze and meet new people with an open bar and a Shabbat dinner buffet. $25 per person. Limited to the first 50 RSVPs. For more information, www.bit. ly/2E6BcD0.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12

Congregation Beth Shalom’s Prospective Member Shabbat – 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet Rabbi Mark Zimmerman and other members of the Kehillah. Free. For more information, www.bethshalomatlanta.net or call 770-399-5300.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13

Bearing Witness – William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, from 2 to 5 p.m.

This series features Holocaust survivors, all Atlanta residents, who recall their experiences during the Holocaust. The Breman Museum is pleased to offer free admission to the Bearing Witness series through a generous grant from the Sara Giles Moore Foundation. For more information, www. bit.ly/2CJcZmv.

Beth Shalom Mini Movie Festival: “Exodus” – Congregation Beth Sha32 | JANUARY 11, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

lens. Bring your lunch; we’ll provide beverages. Lunch and discussion group. Free. RSVP before the meeting to christineh@ncjwatlanta.org or call (404)843-9600.

Bo Friday, January 11, 2019, light candles at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 12, 2019, Shabbat ends at 6:29 p.m.

Beshalach Friday, January 18, 2019, light candles at 5:36 p.m.

Saturday, January 19, 2019, Shabbat ends at 6:35 p.m. lom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, from 7 to 9 p.m. Back by popular demand, inspired by Leon Uris’ bestseller, this extraordinary moving chronicle of a rebirth of a people and the establishment of a nation is the ultimate experience in human drama. $5 per adult. For more information, www. bethshalom.net.

Young Adult Co-ed Dodgeball – Mar-

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16

Music as Spiritual Resistance at Terezín – William Breman Jewish Heri-

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15

The Last Jewish Mobster – Chabad Intown On The BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Myron Sugerman is a masterful storyteller, a serious historian and a communicator par excellence who will dazzle you with details of the mob’s impact on the American Nazi Party in the 1930s and it's role in supplying money and weapons to the Hagana and Irgun during Israel’s struggle for independence. $18 per ticket. For more information and to find out about sponsorships, www.bit.ly/2CaAlPC.

tage Museum, 1440 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hear compelling stories about this form of resistance from Dr. Laurence Sherr, an internationally recognized Holocaust music lecturer, composer and educator. Dr. Sherr’s presentation will include eyewitness video clips, archival materials and his onsite photo documentation. Free for members, $12 for nonmembers. For more information, www.thebreman.org.

FRI., JAN. 18 – SAT., JAN. 19

Intown Shabbat Project – Marcus JCC, 3542 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. A new program that seeks to connect Intown families over Shabbat dinners. Sign up to either be a host or be hosted and MJCCA Intown will take care of the rest. It will match four families by age of children and neighborhood. MJCCA Intown will provide the funds for Shabbat dinner, a Shabbat kit, and some fun kid's activities. Free and open to the community. For more information, contact Lauren Chekanow, lauren.chekanow@atlantajcc. org.

An Evening with Joy Laden – MACoM, Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah, 700-A Mount Vernon Highway NE, Sandy Springs, from 8 to 9 p.m. Since coming out as transgender in 2008, she has become a nationally recognized speaker on transgender issues. She has been a featured speaker outside academia, including delivering keynote talks at the 21st World Congress of GLBT Jews and the 2015 Asanbe Diversity Symposium at Austin Peay State University. She has spoken to dozens of Jewish communities around the country and served as scholar-in-residence at a number of synagogues and is a member of the board of Keshet, a national organization devoted to full inclusion of LGBTQ Jews in the Jewish world. For more information, www.atlantamikvah.org.

cus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, from 8 to 10 p.m. Join in every Thursday night through March 7 for the 20s to 30s dodgeball league at the JCC! No experience necessary. T-shirts are provided. $65 for members, $75 for the community. For more information, www.atlantajcc.org.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17

Frankly Speaking with Sherry Frank – National Council of Jewish Women - Atlanta Section, 6303 Roswell Road NE, Sandy Springs, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. NCJW Atlanta continues its women’s discussion group for members and friends. Moderated by noted Atlanta advocate Sherry Frank, this monthly luncheon meeting focuses on current events through a Jewish

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20

Zine Making Workshop – William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, from 1 to 3 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of zine making fun. Explore the history, purpose and art of zine making. Make your own zine, inspired by the Vedem Underground Exhibition. Open to all ages. Free for members, $12 for non-members, $6 for non-member students. For more information, www.thebreman.org.

JANUARY 11-25

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 Atlanta Jewish Life Festival – Georgia Aquarium, ballroom entrance, 225 Baker St., Atlanta, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join all of Jewish Atlanta to celebrate its culture and Atlanta’s thriving Jewish community. Mark your calendar or register now to be part of this big event, www.atlantajewishlifefestival.com.

Holocaust Remembrance Event – Sandy Springs Performing Arts Theater, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, 6 to 8:30 p.m. In commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, join keynote speaker Marion Lazan, who was a direct witness to the events of Kristallnacht. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2LV8Dtu.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25

Acoustic Shabbat Café – Virginia Highland – San Francisco Coffee Roasting Co., 1192 North Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, from 7 to 9 p.m. Join Rabbi Brian Glusman, Drew Cohen and teen musicians from The Weber School for an evening of music and Shabbat prayers. Food and wine available for purchase. This interactive Shabbatthemed experience is sponsored by Atlanta Jewish Music Festival and The Weber School. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2nVTxbJ.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22

Jews and Food – Chabad Intown On The BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta. Tuesday evenings through Feb. 12, from 8 to 9 p.m. and Thursday afternoons through Feb. 14, from 12 to 1:15 p.m. $60 for single reservations and $100 for double reservations. Why are Jews obsessed with food? Dive into Jewish history and Kabbalistic insights. For more information, www. chabadintown.org.

Lost and Found Jewish Musical Treasures – Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square NE, Marietta, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Congregation Etz Chaim invites you to attend its Saturday evening Scholar-in-Residence Program with Hankus Netsky and Hebrew National Salvage. Tickets are $20 per person. To register, www.etzchaim. net/event/sir2019.

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. Please contact community liaison, Jen Evans, for more information at jen@atljewishtimes.com.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 33

COMMUNITY Aflac’s Hi-Tech Duck Consoles Ailing Children

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Aflac has long supported Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and provided comfort to children with cancer. The Aflac Foundation and employees have provided more than $128 million to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center at CHOA. Consistent with this mission, Aflac supported the development and distribution of My Special Aflac Duck.

“The mechanics of the special duck enable the child to share emotions,” said Joey Moskowitz, a member of the Aflac board of directors. “The emoji disc choices allow the duck to reflect the patient’s experiences. It can coo and quack in sympathetic gestures. The stomach lights up in various colors to parallel the mood. It even has a chemotherapy port to hook up and participate along with the child.”

Aflac has invested more than $3 million in this program, Moskowitz said.

“Each My Special Aflac Duck costs about $200 to produce and deliver,” he said. “While we would prefer that there was no need to deliver another duck to a

34 | JANUARY 11, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Joey Moskowitz displays the aqua tote bag and duck whose stomach is glowing to show a happy mood.

A child is able to select emojis (shown here) and chemo port to reflect emotions and share experiences related to cancer treatments.

child with cancer, our intention is to provide them on an ongoing basis.”

The My Special Ducks are designed

by Sproutel Inc., which makes interactive children’s games and was co-found-

ed by Aaron Horowitz. Aflac approached Sproutel to create a robotic comforting duck that would help children cope with treatments associated with pediatric cancer.

The ducks are created for children diagnosed with cancer between the ages 3 to 13. To date, Aflac has delivered more than 1,800 Ducks to children in hospitals across the country, free of charge. About 15,000 to 16,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.

After 18 months of research with 100 children, parents and caregivers, the My Special Aflac Duck debuted in January 2018 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where it won the Best in Show Award as well as the Tech for Good Award. It was recently named one of the 50 Best Inventions of 2018 by TIME Magazine.

Distribution is through hospitals or treatment facilities. Aflac created an intake process online at AflacChildhoodCancer.org/MyDuck where healthcare professionals treating children with cancer can register to order the special ducks, and where requests are verified before being delivered.

The traditional Aflac duck has been used in a world-renowned marketing campaign since 2000, when the first television commercial ran. ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 35

COMMUNITY

Chef Safa Nooromid offers Chelo Kabab Koobideh (white rice with kebab) to guests.

Programming chairs Beth Mintz and Esther Low (right) show Ketura’s appreciation to chef Safa Nooromid (left) and hostess Jill Ferst (center) with certificate and an orchid.

Guests watch attentively as chef Safa Nooromid adds ingredients.

Hadassah Savors the Flavors of Persian Cuisine Guests and members of the Hadassah Greater Atlanta Ketura Group recently experienced the exotic tastes and aromas of Persian food at a cooking demonstration at the home of Jill and Joe Ferst in Marietta.

Safa Nooromid, a well-known Atlanta area nutritionist, demonstrated the art of Persian cooking with samples for those attending.

Here are some recipes you can try at home:

Persian Tomato and Cucumber Shirazi Salad 3 small Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber, unpeeled 3 ripe, firm Roma tomatoes ¼ medium red onion 2 tablespoons thinly sliced sweet or hot green pepper (no seeds) 3 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh cilantro (may also use fresh parsley, dill or mint instead)

Dressing: ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper ¼ teaspoon fine lime zest 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about one medium lime) 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Preparation: You may prepare and combine the vegetables a few hours ahead and refrigerate without adding the dressing. Toss the vegetables with the dressing right before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. For a delicious change, try substituting fresh shallots for the red onions in this recipe and see which you prefer.

Recipe by Safa Nooromid

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UNDER SUPERVISION OF THE ATLANTA KASHRUTH COMMISSION 36 | JANUARY 11, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Chelo Kabab Koobideh

Cook and prep: 1 ½ hours | Servings: 4

Chelo kabab means “white rice with kebab.” This ground beef version of kebab with onions and saffron is called koobideh.

Pepper For the koobideh: 4 tomatoes 1 pound ground beef 2 onions 1 onion, grated and drained 1 tablespoon tur- For the chelo: 2 cups basmati rice meric Sunflower oil 1 tablespoon sumac A few saffron threads A few saffron threads Salt Salt Koobideh: Dilute saffron in 1/2 cup of boiling water, cover and infuse for 10 minutes. Mix the ground meat with the grated onion, then add the spices, salt and pepper. Stir for two minutes after each ingredient is added. Finish with 3 tablespoons of infused saffron water and mix well again. Place in a covered container in the fridge for at least 12 hours.

Make 8 koobideh kebabs by pressing the meat well to barbecue skewers.

Pinch the meat with your fingers regularly throughout the skewer every inch to give its characteristic shape. Grill the skewers on a barbecue by placing them over the coals. Turn them regularly to ensure a perfectly even grilling for about 15 minutes.

Place the tomatoes and onions on the barbecue and turn regularly. They are served as an accompaniment to the skewered meat.

Chelo (rice): Soak the rice in plenty of cold water for 2 hours. Rinse thoroughly and drain.

Cook the rice for 7 minutes in a large amount of salted boiling water. Drain the rice, but do not wash the pot. Keep over high heat, add 2 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons water, stir and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spatula. Pour the precooked and drained rice to form a pyramid.

Poke 3 to 4 holes in the rice with the handle of your wooden spatula. Pour 2 tablespoons of oil in an evenly distributed fashion.

Put a dish towel over pot, then cover with pot lid and bring dish towel ends over pot lid. This technique ensures a better seal and is key the to success with this type of rice steaming. Keep the lid on during cooking.

Cook over high heat about 5 to 10 minutes until a little steam escapes from the sides of the lid. Then lower heat and cook for 40 minutes.

Place the rice in a serving dish and remove the crispy rice crust that formed at the bottom of the pot. Dissolve the saffron in 2 tablespoons of boiling water; take a part of the cooked rice and pour the saffron on top.

Serve the kebabs accompanied with the grilled tomatoes and onions and top the rice with a few tablespoons of saffron rice. ■ Recipe by Mike Benayoun | Source: 196 Flavors For more about Hadassah Greater Atlanta and Ketura, www.hadassah.org/atlanta.

COMMUNITY

Dogs like these are being rescued, receiving medical care and new, loving homes. You can help too.

Time to Consider Tikkun Olam for Some Furry Friends?

Hundreds of German shepherds rescued from deplorable Georgia puppy mill For six years, those who lived and worked around a puppy mill in South Georgia where dogs are living in horrible conditions consistently reported their concerns, asking for someone to step in and do something. Their outcry was finally heard. The New York-based Guardians of Rescue are heading up the rescue of hundreds of dogs from the mill in Montgomery County, about 170 miles southeast of Atlanta.

The rescue efforts will include removal of the dogs, providing them medical care, and finding new permanent and loving homes, the rescue organization reported.

It’s the kind of tikkun olam Jews are known to do in Georgia. As the AJT reported this summer, many Atlanta Jews lead and volunteer for the pet rescue industry, from the national to the local level.

“These poor dogs have been living miserable lives. We are happy to be the ones to finally bring it all to an end,” explained Robert Misseri, Guardians of Rescue president. “We can’t do this on our own because we don’t have the funds to pull off a rescue of this size. We desperately need the help of the public in order to make this happen and get all of these dogs to safety.”

The puppy mill has as many as 450 German shepherds in a large fenced area dotted with small dog houses. The area has no grass; rather it has all turned to mud and muck, and the dogs live in about 10 inches of mud and animal waste at all times. They have never seen the inside of a home or car, and neighbors say they are tired of the awful stench that permeates from the property. One neighbor reported to the media that they saw dogs being beaten to death with a shovel. Those who live in the area have worked tirelessly to bring attention to the situation, hoping that they could get the puppy mill closed down and help the dogs find great homes to live out the rest of their lives.

Guardians of Rescue has partnered with Animal Aid USA, along with Victoria Stilwell, an internationally-known dog trainer, and Claudine Wilkins, Georgia’s most prominent animal rights attorney and founder of Animal Law Source.

They will join veterinarians, vet technicians and other volunteers helping at the site with the large-scale rescue.

Misseri reiterated the need for more help “because we are going to take on a big expense through moving the dogs, getting veterinary care, buying supplies, and ensuring proper vetting to adopt them out. Together, we can all make great

things happen for these dogs that are in such need of our help.”

Guardians of Rescue is located in Smithtown on Long Island, N.Y. It helps animals on the street and beyond where its chapters are located, on a national and international level, the organization reported. It also helps military members with their pets. ■

To learn more about Guardians of Rescue, get involved, or make a donation, contact www.guardiansofrescue.org or Georgia volunteer Lea McCarthy, 912-282-7321. To help with the rescue, www.guardiansofrescue.networkforgood.com/projects/66749hundreds-of-montgomery-georgia-dogsurgently-need-your-help.

Hundreds of German shepherds were living in muddy conditions at the South Georgia puppy mill.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 37

COMMUNITY Greenberg gave each grandchild a $100 bill during her centennial celebration: Sherri Weissman, Nancy Schusterman, Debra Blanke, Laura Dowling, Steven Frumin, Jeffrey Frumin, Elizabeth Douglas, Ilene Rosh and Meryl Rindsberg.

SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

The Original RBG Turns 100!

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Roselyn Baer Greenberg (RBG) celebrated her 100th birthday at the Dunwoody Country Club last month with personal wishes from the Supreme Court Justice with the same, but more famous acronym.

Greenberg was surrounded by family extended from her three daughters, Linda Rosh, Susan Frumin and Roberta Marblestone.

Greenberg was born Dec. 9, 1918, in St. Augustine, Fla. Daughter Linda Rosh said, “We all say the reason she looks so good and is so healthy is because she drank from the Fountain of Youth there!”

She lived in Dothan, Ga., most of her life

before moving into the Renaissance on Peachtree.

To set the stage for the centennial celebration, water bottles had a picture of Justice RBG with Greenberg’s face superimposed, and grandchildren donned white judge’s collars.

In preparation for the party, the family developed a birthday video of their travels around the world. It included: • Pilots in the cockpit wishing her a happy 100th birthday with many more miles to go • People at the Varsity singing “Happy Birthday” to her • A cruise director having the audience at one of the shows sending wishes

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• The captain of the ship and all of the crew putting on a birthday party for her on the bridge with a cake, balloons, champagne and folks wishing her a happy birthday in their native language • Irish singers on stage in Dublin wishing her a Happy Birthday Concurrently, Rosh attended the Eizenstat lecture at the Ahavath Achim Synagogue Nov. 1 and slipped Stuart Eizenstat a note asking him to communicate with Justice Ginsburg. A few days later, Rosh received an email from Ginsburg’s Chambers stating, “Justice Ginsburg received your request for a birthday tribute video for Roselyn Baer Greenberg, which is enclosed.” Rosh said, “I was ecstatic and appreciative that Stuart made this happen!”

On the video, the justice said, “From

one RBG to another, you inspire me and I want to wish you a very happy 100th birthday!”

The following week, the justice fell, and Greenberg responded with her own version of Ginsburg’s video, “From one RBG to another, wishing you a speedy recovery.” In return, the family received another email from the justice’s chambers stating that they would share the video with Ginsburg.

“My mother has always been my inspiration and our family’s matriarch,” Frumin said. “We are so lucky to have had her for 100 years and look forward to many more meaningful years together!”

Marblestone added, “Our mother is like the energizer bunny … she just keeps on going. Such an inspiration and so loved by everyone!” ■

Engagement Announcement Dubrof – Linsky

Dr. Scott and Jodi Karlin, and David Dubrof, all of Atlanta, are proud and happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Morgan Brittany Dubrof, to Jacob Ralph Linsky. Jacob is the son of Donald and Debra Linsky of Tampa, Fla. Morgan is the granddaughter of Burtrand and Dorothy Haskins of Tampa, and Jerry and Judy Dubrof of Atlanta. Jacob is the grandson of the late Marshall and Loretta Linsky of Tampa, and the late Dr. Joel and Mrs. Amelia “Mimi” Mendelson of Daytona Beach, Fla. Morgan graduated from Georgia College and State University and works for the Fulton County School System as a kindergarten teacher at Dunwoody Springs Elementary. Jacob is a graduate of the University of Georgia and works at TriBridge Residential as an investment associate.

A June 2020 wedding is planned at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta.

B’nai Mitzvah Joshua Karl Greenspon, son of Heike and Phil Greenspon, on Nov. 19.

Alexis Needle, daughter of Michelle and Ben Needle, on Jan. 5. ■

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KEEPING IT KOSHER Yiddish Word of the Week shtinker Shtinker (1) – ‫שטינקער‬: Squealer, rat, informant. From the German Stinker (pronounced shtinker), literally a stinker, i.e. someone who stinks, smells bad.

Originally from the vocabulary of outlaws.

Background: Before the fall of the ghetto walls (i.e. the opening of European non-Jewish societies to Jews in the past two centuries), Jews and gentiles interacted only at the very top of society (e.g. “court Jews”) and at its very bottom, notably among outlaws. Thus, many Yiddish words that have entered other languages come from the underworld, where loyalty ranked very high. Betraying a fellow felon stinks, hence a rat became a stinker. The term is widely used in Modern Hebrew – especially in military or other security contexts – for informants, friends or foes.

Example: “Why did Bella fire that cute CPA of hers?” “He’s bad news.

She found out he was a shtinker for her ex!”

Zucchini Shakshuka Cook and prep: 40 minutes Servings: 2 Contains: Dairy, eggs Preference: Dairy Difficulty: Easy Occasion: Shabbat Diet: Paleo, gluten free, low fat, low carb, sugar free, vegetarian, pescatarian Cuisines: Israeli Taking the flavors of classic shakshuka and adding zucchini make this a dish that just screams “feel-good comfort food!"

Ingredients: 2 pounds summer squash zucchini (about 2 average size) 1 tablespoon Haddar Kosher Salt, plus more for sprinkling 2 tablespoons oil 1 onion, minced 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for sprinkling (omit if you don’t like spicy) 2 cups tomatoes, chopped, or 1 cup tomatoes and 1 cup Tuscanini tomato sauce 1 cup crumbled feta 1/4 cup loosely packed chiffonade of basil, plus more for garnish 6 to 8 large eggs Freshly ground Gefen black pepper Trim the ends off the squash and dice into half-inch cubes. Combine with one tablespoon salt in a colander and let drain in the sink for 10 to 30 minutes.

Add oil to skillet and heat to medium heat. Add the onions and paprika and cook, stirring, until just tender.

Squeeze as much liquid as possible from the squash with your hands and add it to the skillet along with the tomatoes (and tomato sauce, if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is tender and no longer releasing liquid, about 10 minutes.

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in feta – reserving one tablespoon – and basil.

Smooth the mixture evenly in the skillet and make 6 to 8 wells using the back of a spoon. One at a time, crack an egg into a small bowl and pour into the wells. Sprinkle salt, pepper and paprika over each egg.

Bake until egg whites are set and yolks are still soft, about 6 to 10 minutes. Garnish with basil and reserved feta. ■

Shtinker (2) – ‫שטינקער‬: Sweetie pie, honey. Same smelly origin, but a very different context – wholesome family life. In this context, shtinker is used as a term of endearment for a cute and/or precocious child, perhaps contrasting his/her adorability or precocity with that of an infant in dirty diapers.

Example: “Come on, little shtinker, give aunt Sonia a hug!” (… and she’ll pinch both your cheeks, of course).

Rabbi Joab Eichenberg-Eilon, PhD, teaches Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic at the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies, eTeacher Group Ltd.

Jewish Joke of the Week Three Sons Three sons left England and went to live in the USA, where they prospered. One day, they met and discussed the gifts they were able to give their old mother.

David said, “I built a big house for Ima.” Henry said, “I sent her a Lexus - with a driver.”

Alan said, “You remember how Ima enjoys reading the Bible. Because she now can’t see very well, I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the whole Bible. All Ima has to do is name the chapter and verse.”

Soon afterwards, a letter of thanks came from their mother.

“David, the house you built is so huge. I live only in one room, but I have to clean the whole house. Henry, I am too old to travel. I stay most of the time at home, so I rarely use the Lexus. And that driver has shpilkas – he’s a pain in the tuchas. But Alan, the chicken was delicious.”

Joke provided by David Minkoff www.awordinyoureye.com

Recipe: Rivki Rabinowitz | Source: kosher.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 39

BRAIN FOOD Movin’ On Up By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Manageable 1

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14. Residents: suffix 56. Destination of those moving 15. Brother of Charlie (Sheen) on up 16. Rare football ending 60. “___ didn’t!” (denier’s phrase) 17. Where over 185,000 moved 61. Deep, narrow valley on up from in 1990 62. Sony laptop, once 19. Pure treif 63. A good king of Israel 20. Where over 105,000 moved 64. “Limit, ___ customer” on up from between 1948-1951 65. Accompaniers of cover letters: 21. Premier Khrushchev Abbr.

23. Tesla’s Musk, and others 24. Where over 100,000 moved DOWN on up from between 1961-1964 1. Get rid of 27. TV host Goodman 2. “Lawrence of Arabia” star 28. ___ Independence 3. Estée Lauder competitor 29. Mimics 4. One from Tibet 32. Went on and on about 5. No longer working: Abbr.

33. Shoot using a scope, say 6. It doesn’t fly in Oz 34. All time best sellers 7. Container 38. So far 8. Sequon got the ball from him 39. What a regular asks for, with this year “the” 9. ___ Judah (Jewish symbol) 40. Later, to Juan 10. The face of 13-Down 43. Onion, for one 11. Where over 20,000 moved on 44. Oil option up from in 1991 45. Palindromic billing for some 12. Hilariously funny thing websites 13. See 10-Down 48. Where over 52,000 moved on 18. Lt.’s inferior up from between 1919-1948 22. ___ the Sunshine Band 50. It has legs and sometimes 24. Luka Doncic, e.g., for short

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25. Miners find 26. “Maggie May” singer Stewart 28. Used to be 30. Brand for those who might need to plan a bris 31. View 32. Seminary subj.

33. Letters for a savior?

34. Bro 35. The Cyclones of the NCAA, for short 36. Where over 37,000 moved on up from between 1948-1951 37. One might say Calvin Klein 38. Corn site 40. Tenn. neighbor 41. Beit follower 42. Brown’s vines 44. Warren Buffett, e.g.

45. Name for 56-Across, once 46. Having one in New York this time of year is unlikely 47. Doctrines 49. Back in?

50. Wail 51. Bisect 52. Funny Faris 53. Jerusalem Biblical and Bronx 54. Kind of collar 57. First palindromic name, perhaps 58. Single, e.g.

59. A Beatle bride

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1

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59 62 65

the trip, Moi is expected to travel throughout the country to view the latest developments in Israeli agriculture and industry.

15 Years Ago // January 9, 2004

■ The bar mitzvah of Matt Goldin of Tucker, Ga., took place

■ The newly announced InterContinental Hotel revealed plans to

at 10 a.m Saturday Jan. 8 at Temple Beth David. Matt is the

include a kosher kitchen to cater to the b’nai mitzvah and weddings

son of Janet and Andy Goldin.

the hotel anticipates hosting.

50 Years Ago // January 17, 1969

■ The bat mitzvah of Jessica Greenstein of Atlanta was held Satur-

■ Arrangements were being made for the first kosher food

day Jan. 10 at Congregation B’nai Torah. Jessica is the daughter of

service for Jewish patients at a municipal hospital, the

David and Sandra Greenstein. She is a seventh-grade student at

Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. The plan was to pro-

Greenfield Hebrew Academy.

vide 1,000 kosher meals a week for patients at the hospital.

25 Years Ago // January 14 1994 ■ The president of Kenya, Daniel arap Moi, arrived in Israel for a state visit that is slated to result in a trade agreement. During 40 | JANUARY 11, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi visits Israel.

■ Black students at Brandeis University continued their revolt against the school. The 65 students made 10 demands to oppose what they called racism in the school’s operation.

Frances Lesser Buchalter 91, Memphis

Frances Lesser Buchalter, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died Dec. 19, 2018, at her home in Memphis, Tenn. She was 91.

Fran was born in Memphis an only child of Hannah and Earle Lesser. After attending Lausanne Collegiate School, Snowden Middle School and Central High School, Fran studied at Memphis Southwestern (Rhodes College) and the University of Tennessee in Memphis and became a medical technician.

Fran’s first job was starting the medical laboratory at the B’nai B’rith Home for the Aged, now the Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab, so that it could be licensed as a hospital. This job began Fran’s long-term devotion to the elderly and the Home, where she later held multiple volunteer roles, culminating in her being elected president of the board, and in 1992, managing all aspects of the Home’s transition to its new facility in Cordova, Tenn.

Fran married the first love of her life, Jay Schwarz, in 1949. After Jay’s untimely death in 1960, she found love a second time, marrying Maurice Gene Buchalter in 1961. Together they blended five children into a loving, very active and highly organized household. Fran’s love for her family came first, followed by her commitment to making things better for others by doing additional volunteer work that included leadership roles with the National Council of Jewish Women, Temple Israel and the Runaway House for children in crisis, that she helped found. While Fran received many accolades and honors, she was particularly proud to have received a “Point of Light Award” from President George H.W. Bush in recognition of citizens working to aid their communities through volunteer work.

Fran’s loving legacy will live on through everyone who knew her, especially her surviving family, who include her five children: Carol Buchalter (Michael) Mittel of Atlanta; Earle (Patricia) Schwarz, Jan (John) Kiersky and Robert Schwarz of Memphis; and Ralph Buchalter (Kent Gibson) of South Orange, N.J., 13 grandchildren: Louis Mittel, Candace Mittel (Jeff) Kahn, Anna (Erez) Shabtay, Susan Schwarz, Linsey Knight, Warner (Lauren) Kochman, Emily (Kalman) Sweetwine, Laura (Jim) Maron, Jonathan Kiersky, Justin (Hillary) Kiersky, Isaac Buchalter, Hannah Buchalter and Abigail Buchalter; and seven great grandchildren. Fran was predeceased by grandson, Will Kiersky.

A memorial service was held Dec. 23 at Temple Israel in Memphis. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Fran with a donation to the Memphis Jewish Home or to the charity of your choice.

OBITUARIES out of his apartment — showing off their pictures daily to everyone at Berman Commons in Dunwoody.

Born in Harlem on Feb. 20, 1927, to Benjamin and Gussie (nee Geffner) Margolies, Norman moved with his family in 1930 to Brooklyn, where his roots ran deep. From a young age he worked in his father’s deli, Ben and Sol’s, establishing his lifelong love of food and devotion to family early on.

To know Norman was to know a real character, a force of nature, the original gourmet, a vanguard of Brooklyn cuisine, culture and history. Along with his brother in the 1960s, Jacob, who predeceased him, Norman built a small empire of fast food restaurants, Benson’s Burgers, known from Nostrand Avenue to Flatlands to Eastern Parkway. Norman was an innovator in the industry, installing the first indoor dining areas, hiring women and offering a varied menu to keep his customers coming back for more.

Six decades after graduating from P.S. 241, he still called together friends he’d met in grammar school for bimonthly dinners. By then he and many of his friends had retired to South Florida. Norman was a lifelong prankster who loved to tell jokes and stories and keep the people he loved laughing. He showed us how to live life to the fullest and taught us that family comes first, that morals and doing the right thing were the foundations of daily living. His family misses him very much. Arrangements made by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999. ■

‫זיכרונה לברכה‬ Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact 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.

Debra Lang 71, Atlanta

Debra Lang, 71, of Atlanta, passed away unexpectedly Dec 31, 2018. Survivors include her brother Lawrence “Doc” Cohen; daughters, Dara (Arthur) Povlot, and Erika (Jeremy) Cohen; son, Jason (Jenni) Lang; and grandchildren, Ethan and Micah Povlot, Harper Cohen, Norah and Miller Lang.

Debbie was born in Baltimore, Md., and raised in Savannah. She was a graduate of The Ohio State University and returned to Georgia, moving to Atlanta to start a family. She was a longtime member of Congregation B’nai Torah and recently Ahavath Achim Synagogue. Debbie was a devoted daughter, sister, mother and grandmother that lived life to the fullest. She loved cooking and travel and shared her love with her family and friends, organizing family vacations, going to the theater and hosting frequent family dinners. She brought a ray of sunshine or a hearty laugh to all who knew her. Her kindness to strangers and welcoming of friends and guests to holiday dinners was legendary and there was always enough food for one more guest.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A graveside service was held Jan. 2, 2019, at Arlington Memorial Park, with Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta, 770-451-4999.

Norman A. Margolies 91, Atlanta

Norman A. Margolies died peacefully at home Sept. 15, 2018. He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Irene (Buntzis); their three children, Gail Reid (Matthew), Renee Katz (Norman), and Alan Margolies (Elyse); five grandchildren; and one greatgrandson. Norman grinned at each of their smiling faces every day on his way in and ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 11, 2019 | 41

CLOSING THOUGHTS Days of the Week in 2019 to carry me through many birthdays. I was My Mom (z”l) loved Alexander’s dealways told you could never have enough partment store. panties, and my mom insured that I did.

Located on the Grand Concourse in the Then there were the sets of seven difBronx, a fairly short bus ride up Tremont ferent colored panties. A new color for evAvenue and over to the Concourse (we in ery day. These sussies required an entire, the know referred to this stretch of real esdedicated drawer of my white triple-drawer tate simply as the Concourse.) dresser. Of course, I could never share the Mom, sometimes with her sister Jeafact that all these sussified decisions were nette or Ruthie, would plan a day-long giving me major anxiety attacks. outing to this ‘destination’ playground for Shaindle I began thinking certain days of the grownups, occasionally to purchase an Schmuckler week or a particular color panty was the item or two, more often than not, to return Shaindle’s Shpiel reason I was either doing very well, or not said item or two. so well on any given school test or exam.

I must digress for just a sentence or When I requested all white sussies, my mom two.

Sussie is a term I learned from my daughters, who laughed. Why would she think this a funny request? I were in a sorority. Sussie is an unexpected little gift. A was in the throes of an anxiety attack for God’s sake.

Meshugah – crazy – was her response. I’m afraid ‘just because’ gift, as in, a box of caramel, butter rum or coffee flavored Nips. A sweet little photo or card, or in she was probably right. After all, the white ones did not my mom’s case – underwear – or for those who embar- make one bit of difference in my everyday life. Well, not that I noticed anyway. rass easily, panties.

My aunt Ruthie (z”l) also gave me a sussie now and Days of the week underwear, to be quite specific.

Remember those? I had enough days of the week panties again. Usually made of wood, with words carved into

the wood like “Welcome to Monroe NY” with a picture of some sort also carved into the wood. Or a sussie from Niagara Falls with a three-dimensional wood cutting of the water falls.

Sometimes the sussie was a leather wallet or bookmark representing a trip she may have taken. I actually loved those sussies. Once Ruthie gave me wooden candle sticks with “Welcome to Newburgh NY” carved into them. I used them for Shabbat.

The real truth here is I love being the person who gives sussies. I feel like the rich uncle, or in my case, the rich tante (aunt).

Of course, I really didn’t have any rich uncles or aunts. Not in a financial sense. They were rich in the love they showered on my sisters and me and all our cousins. They were rich in maintaining a culture that was not so easy a task in their adopted country, a country that allowed them the freedom to purchase any sussie that struck their fancy.

Sussie. I just love saying it. It has such depth. Such possibilities. A sussie can be a sunrise or sunset. A sussie can be a prayer. A sussie can be a friendship.

I wish for you many sussies in this year of 2019. ■

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