Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCVI NO. 1, January 15, 2021

NEXT ISSUE: EDUCATION & CAMP

VOL. XCVI NO. 1

JANUARY 15, 2021 | 2 SH'VAT 5781

Health & Wellness

AT L A N TA’ S S P I N E S P E C I A L I S T S SANDY SPRINGS

I

SMYRNA

404.256.2633 . polarisspine.com C O L L E G E PA R K O F F I C E O P E N I N J A N U A R Y

Alluring

cosmetic & Family Dentistry

More Reasons to SMILE COSMETIC, IMPLANT & GENERAL DENTISTRY FOR THE FAMILY.

An international leader in cosmetic, implant and general dentistry for more than three decades, Dr. David Mastro’s patients travel world-wide for his Atlanta cosmetic dentistry and report that he is one of the country’s top cosmetic and general dentists.

NOT YOUR ORDINARY DENTIST, NOT YOUR ORDINARY DENTAL OFFICE.

DR. DAVID MASTRO 800 Mansell Road Roswell. Georgia 30076 770.642.9900 1.888.SeeMySmile alluringcosmeticdentistry.com

Dr. Mastro is a unique dentist with his artistic expression developed through years of hand crafting crowns, veneers and bridges. Today, with the aid of the most advanced technology available, Dr. Mastro can care for patients’ complete dental needs from oral surgery and implants to fillings and general cleanings. Dr. Mastro is legendary for quality dentistry and for transforming smiles for people from all walks of life.

PUBLISHER

MICHAEL A. MORRIS michael@atljewishtimes.com

MANAGING PUBLISHER & EDITOR KAYLENE LADINSKY

kaylene@atljewishtimes.com Executive Assistant

JODI DANIS

jodi@atljewishtimes.com

EDITORIAL Associate Editor

RONI ROBBINS roni@atljewishtimes.com Contributor & Proofreader

FRAN PUTNEY

Photographer and Intern Staff Writer

NATHAN POSNER

nathan@atljewishtimes.com

CONTRIBUTORS THIS WEEK BOB BAHR CHANA SHAPIRO DAVE SCHECHTER FLORA ROSEFSKY JAN JABEN-EILON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE RABBI NEIL SANDLER ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON TERRY SEGAL TIFFANY PARKS

ADVERTISING

Senior Account Manager

BRENDA GELFAND

Live Well We start 2021 with the most pressing concern on everyone’s minds these days – good health. Probably the biggest issue in healthcare since the start of the new year is the beginning of COVID-19 vaccinations, which included the residents and staff of Jewish HomeLife at The William Breman Jewish Home.

Also in COVID news, we tell how a group of Jewish filmmakers is documenting Jewish Atlanta’s response to the pandemic in a new film to be released soon.

There’s also a piece about a new study of women of all ages sharing their experiences during the pandemic.

In addition, the AJT asked local doctors what they wish their patients knew.

Their responses centered on healthcare practices, record keeping, the pandemic and the medical profession, in general.

Our health coverage continues with interviews of specialists in cancer care and urology, and a Jewish therapist who treats patients struggling with alcoholism.

Because the pandemic is keeping us closer to home, with more time in the kitchen, we feature a group of men who bake challah.

Our Lowdown this week is Dr. Steven Wertheim, an orthopedic surgeon

THIS WEEK specializing in sports medicine who has served as an Olympic physician and a doctor for the U.S. Maccabi teams in Israel and South America.

And Israel News touts how the Jewish state is setting the standard for COVID vaccinations.

In our arts section, we spotlight Jewish theater during COVID as seen through the eyes of a board president of two arts organizations gaining new members during the past year.

And our Treasure Trove is a collector of memorabilia from Disney, the “greatest place on earth.”

The other big news in the past week, we sought reactions from Jewish Atlanta about the storming of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 6 by supporters of President Donald Trump in response to the electoral college certification of election results that were to affirm Joe Biden as the next president. The incident occurred a day after Georgia elected two Democrats making Jewish and African American history.

Live and learn as the world repairs itself from elections and a major health care battle. Education is the theme of our next issue, along with camps and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. ì

Cover image: Jewish HomeLife residents and staff, COO Jeffrey Gopen in this photo, received the COVID-19 vaccine in recent weeks. Photo by Nathan Posner.

CONTENTS NEWS ������������������������������������������������� 6 BUSINESS ��������������������������������������� 16 ISRAEL NEWS ������������������������������� 18 OPINION ����������������������������������������� 20 HEALTH & WELLNESS ��������������� 26 THE LOWDOWN ���������������������������� 35 ART ��������������������������������������������������� 36 DINING �������������������������������������������� 39 CALENDAR ������������������������������������� 40 COMMUNITY ��������������������������������� 43 KEEPING IT KOSHER ������������������ 50 BRAIN FOOD ���������������������������������� 51 OBITUARIES ���������������������������������� 52 CLOSING THOUGHTS ����������������� 56

brenda@atljewishtimes.com Senior Account Manager

MICHAL BONELL

michal@atljewishtimes.com Account Manager

LORI GLUCK

lori@atljewishtimes.com

CREATIVE & MEDIA Creative & Media Designer

LILLI JENNISON

lilli@atljewishtimes.com Online Content Coordinator

ANNA LEVY

anna@atljewishtimes.com

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Community Coordinator

DIANA COLE

diana@atljewishtimes.com

GENERAL OFFICE 404.883.2130

The Atlanta Jewish Times is printed in Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. The opinions expressed in the Atlanta Jewish Times do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper. Periodicals postage paid at Atlanta, Ga. POSTMASTER send address changes to Atlanta Jewish Times 270 Carpenter Drive Suite 320, Atlanta Ga 30328.

Established 1925 as The Southern Israelite www.atlantajewishtimes.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES (ISSN# 0892-33451) IS PUBLISHED BY SOUTHERN ISRAELITE, LLC © 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES Printed by Walton Press Inc. MEMBER Conexx: America Israel Business Connector American Jewish Press Association Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce Please send all photos, stories and editorial content to: submissions@atljewishtimes.com

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 5

NEWS Jewish Atlanta Responds to Capitol Being Stormed

By Nathan Posner As supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 6, forcing Congress to halt the electoral college vote, some in Georgia watched in utter disbelief. One woman was killed during an attempt to break into the House chamber, three other protesters died of medical emergencies, including a woman from Kennesaw, and an officer succumbed on Jan. 7 to his injuries sustained during the protest.

The riot, part of a “Save America March” at which Trump spoke, came just hours after media outlets predicted that Georgia Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock had won their two Senate races, ensuring a Democratic trifecta in the federal government.

Ossoff, who is believed to be the youngest current senator and first Jewish senator from Georgia, released a written statement condemning the violence, and calling for the removal of the president in wake of what happened. “Today’s insurrectionist attack on the U.S. Capitol was incited by Trump’s poisonous lies & flagrant assault on our Constitution. The GOP must discard and disavow Trump once and for all, end its attacks on the electoral process, & commit fully to the peaceful transfer of power.”

Supporters of President Donald Trump climb over a wall near the Capitol building in Washington D.C. during protests over the election Jan. 6.

While Ossoff is yet to be inaugurated as senator, the only Jewish lawmaker in a party without the current commander conservatives create their own, or vice Twitter post. “Today [Jan. 6] will end up versa, and I think it’s more likely to be the being a great day for Democracy. It will the Georgia State House, Democrat Mike in chief.

Dan Israel, a locally active Repub- latter, that Trump will get run out of the show its resilience as these actions inWilensky, offered this statement on the spired by the presilican who has been Republican Party, violence to the AJT: dent will be held to every Republican and he may create “This was a shameback. But those who National Committee a splinter group.” ful act of domesare part of it need Israel went on to conference besides tic terrorism, and to be held accountspeak about the 2020 as a delegate, unfortunately, it able.” opportunity this told the AJT that was encouraged by He is among presents for Amerihe was “appalled at President Trump. those who have pubcan unity.

“I think what happened yesMy heart aches for licly condemned the yesterday was one terday [Jan. 6]. There our country and rhetoric in which of America’s best has been this very what our children other Republicans uneasy alliance be- days, not worst. We had to witness. I do denied the election demonstrated that tween conservatives believe a brighter results, particularly America still has and the Trump cult. day is coming, but those who targeted checks and balancI think yesterday it we must come toGeorgia’s voting syses in place, and Recompletely, irrepagether as Ameritem and electoral publicans and Demrably, destroyed that cans and be greater process. “Someone’s ocrats can come link. It was always than our differencgoing to get hurt, together to do what tenuous, and as I tell es. We are all more someone’s going to the country needs, everybody, Trump alike than unalike.”

Mike Wilensky is a Georgia State Jon Ossoff is the senator-elect for the get shot, someone’s bring us together.” wasn’t one of my On the other House Representative for District state of Georgia He is the first Jewish going to get killed.”

Gabriel Sterfirst 16 choices in side of the aisle, 79, representing Dunwoody and senator elected by the peach state.

Michael Rosenling, a Republican 2016. I just think some Republicans parts of Doraville and Chamblee. zweig, an Atlantan and national board from Sandy Springs who is a contractor now it’s getting to are condemning member of the Jewish Democratic Counwith the Secretary of State, expressed the president for his involvement in the point where either Trump definitely cil of America, said of the protests, “It similar sentiments to Dan Israel in a sparking the riot and trying to imagine takes over the Republican Party and then 6 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

NEWS

Dan Israel is a local Atlanta-area Republican who has worked for a variety of campaigns as a volunteer, helping with fundraising and voter contact, and has served as a delegate to four Republican National Committee conventions.

Gabriel Sterling is a Republican who currently works as a consultant for the Georgia Secretary of State and has been heavily involved in Republican politics for decades.

is shameful and extremely frightening that the president of the United States is encouraging violent insurrection… [it is] nothing short of an attempted coup.” As the country moves forward after what

many believe to be the greatest attack on American government since 9/11, Rosenzweig told the AJT he believes that it is important to stop any more danger from being done. “This must be seen for what it

is: An outright assault on our democracy.

It is outrageous and cannot be tolerated.

Those responsible, including Trump, should be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Betsy Kramer, a local House district chair for the Republican Party as well as a Tea Party member, told the AJT she didn’t attend the march, but knew 200 to 300 in attendance.

“While what happened on Wednesday was atrocious, and it should never have happened to the Capitol, but … what went on last spring and summer was far worse than what happened up in Congress. But two wrongs don’t make a right … I would like to think that it was a peaceful protest where outsiders came to incite the protesters. They brought their own bats, hammers and milk [to ease pain from teargas and pepper spray] to start the riot. The hypocrisy is obvious.”

Kramer said she believes that it was a situation in which a few bad apples participated and incited the riot. “Ninetynine percent of those people didn’t participate in what happened [in the Capitol] ... you have stupid people.”

Kramer also believes that the media and politicians are being hypocritical over the violence that occurred during

Black Lives Matter protests, although she does believe that what happened at the Capitol was a riot. Kramer doesn’t believe that the president incited the riot; “He didn’t incite anything.”

As the House moves forward with impeachment, with some Republicans supporting the measure, the violence on Capitol Hill is likely to be marked in American history. After being forced to evacuate because of the rioters, Senate Minority Leader, soon to be majority leader, Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said upon returning to the Senate floor, that “President Franklin Delano Roosevelt set aside Dec. 7, 1941, as a day that will live in infamy. Unfortunately, we can add Jan. 6, 2021, to that very short list of dates in American history that will live forever in infamy.”

Meanwhile, many contemplate where the country goes next. After the end of a historic election in Georgia, which resulted in the first Democratic senators in decades, rumors are circulating about more protests against the incoming Biden administration. With only a few days left in Trump’s presidency, this raises concerns that this dark saga in American history is not yet over. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 7

NEWS

Electoral History in the Eye of the Beholder Isakson stepped down in December 2019 in ill health.

Ossoff held a nearly 43,000 vote lead over Perdue, an advantage of 50.5 percent to 49.5 percent. Perdue, a corporate executive before winning election to the Senate in 2014, was seeking a second term.

Dating back to 1992, Republicans had not lost a statewide runoff.

The turnout of more than 4.45 million voters — 89 percent of the nearly 5 million who voted in the general election — bucked the national trend of significantly reduced turnout in runoffs.

The national headline out of Georgia was that, once Warnock and Ossoff are sworn in, Democrats will gain control of the Senate, at least on a numeric basis.

With Democrats (including two independents in their caucus) and Republicans each holding 50 seats, Democratic Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would break tie votes.

From a Georgia perspective, the 51-year-old Warnock becomes the state’s Democrats Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock are making history in their own rights as the projected winners of the recent runoff elections. first African American senator. He has

By Dave Schechter into a bar. The bartender says, ‘Hey, sena- social media as Democrats Rev. Raphael been senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Warnock, the senior pastor at Ebenezer since 2005, a pulpit once held by the Rev. tors.’”

That joke continues to spread on Baptist Church, and Jon Ossoff, who be- Martin Luther King Jr. “A Black man and a Jewish man walk Based on the available histories, the came a bar mitzvah at The Temple, now 33-year-old Ossoff are addressed as is the first Jewish senators-elect. person elected to Interim Rerepresent Georgia in publican Sen. Kelly the Senate. In 1932, Loeffler conceded John Sanford Coto Warnock Jan. 7, hen, whose father and the next day inwas descended from cumbent Republican Portuguese Jews that Sen. David Perdue settled in Savannah, conceded to Ossoff. was appointed to fill The next markers a Senate vacancy are deadlines to cerLaura K. Schilling, J.D., CPA, Certified Financial Planner resulting from the tify the votes: Jan. (CFP®), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA®), is principal death of William J. 15 for Georgia’s 159 and founder of Financial Innovations, LLC and Laura K. Harris. Cohen, who counties and Jan. Schilling, Esq, CPA, CSA, Estate Innovations, LLC. She is licensed to practice law in Georgia and Florida. Laura has served for a year and 22 for Secretary of been published in Forbes Magazine as well as Best Self did not seek election State Brad RaffensMagazine. to the office, identiperger. fied with his mother’s The margins in Clients benefit from Laura’s legal, accounting, and Episcopalian faith. both races exceeded financial planning expertise. This diverse background The first Jew the threshold of 0.5 enables her to review a client’s financial situation from many different perspectives. known to have won percent or less that Securities offered through Triad Advisors, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Financial a statewide partisan allows candidates to Innovations, LLC. Financial Innovations, LLC is not affiliated with Triad Advisors, LLC. Over 4000 Jewish Atlanta voters participated in this year’s readers’ choice, to nominate and vote for their favorite business in a variety of race was Republirequest recounts unRepublican Sam Olens is the first categories. Laura Schilling won top ten place in the category of Best Investments and Financial Services in the 2020 Special Edition “Best of Jewish Atlanta: Readers’ Choice Awards. can Sam Olens, who der Georgia election Jew known to have won a statewide partisan race, elected attorney general was elected attorney rules. in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. general in 2010 and As of Jan. 9, ® ® Laura K. Schilling, J.D., CPA, CFP , CSA re-elected in 2014.

“As I have said previWarnock held a nearly 81,000 vote lead Financial Innovations, LLC and Estate Innovations, LLC over Loeffler, a 50.9 percent to 49.1 per- ously, Jon was not going to win or lose 6111 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite F101 cent advantage. Warnock will serve the based on his religion,” Olens told the AJT. Atlanta, GA 30328 two years remaining in the term of retired “Quite frankly, the Georgia Democratic Main 404-458-0065 Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson and face Party had a great ground game and the laura@financialinnovations.biz re-election in 2022. Republican Gov. Brian Georgia Republican Party and President www.financialinnovations.biz Kemp appointed Loeffler to the seat when [Donald] Trump were still fighting over

Time for a Financial Check-Up Call Us?

8 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

NEWS the unproven ‘rigged’ November election.” As Republican Sen. Mitt Romney stated Jan. 6, “It turns out that telling the voters that the election is rigged is not a great way to turn out your voters.”

Olens continued, “I am very happy for both Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. I want them to succeed for our state Dan Israel is concerned about Warnock and country. and Ossoff aligning with the progressive And I am proud wing of the Democratic Party. that our state elected a Black minister and a Jewish person to this high statewide office.”

Also pleased was Michael Rosenzweig, a national board member of the Jewish Democratic Council of America. “The election of Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock reverberates with profound historical and symbolic significance,” Rosenzweig said. “Seeing the state of Georgia elect two Democratic senators is inspiring, but far more inspiring is the fact that one is Black and the other a Jew. In many ways, this election marks the culmination and, importantly, the continuation of the historically strong relationship between the Black and Jewish communities in Georgia, our mutual embrace of our shared legacies.

Rev. Warnock expressed these feelings eloquently when he remarked that Martin Luther King, Jr. and [Rabbi] Abraham Joshua HesMichael Rosensweig said the election of Ossoff and Warnock chel are smil“reverberates with profound historical ing down on and symbolic significance.” all of us.”

On the other hand, Dan Israel, an Atlantan active in Republican politics, was disappointed and concerned about the future. “I think it really demonstrates that the tight embrace of the Trump cult does not generate the victories that are going to get Republicans into office in Georgia,” Israel said.

He noted that in winning his runoff and re-election to the Georgia Public Service Commission, incumbent Republican Lauren “Bubba” McDonald received more votes than Loeffler or Perdue. “There were Republicans who hated Trump, who didn’t vote for the two candidates associated with him, but still stuck to a Republican that seemed to be identified by conservative values, but not by Trump,” he said.

Israel said he worried about how closely Warnock and Ossoff might “hue themselves” to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, an element that he views as a problem facing President-elect Joe Biden.

Two issues topped Israel’s concerns about the new senators. First, “If they endorse a return to the Iran [nuclear weapons] deal, that is not acceptable.”

Secondly, while “overwhelmingly the Jewish community in the United States hates Trump,” Israel said that the administration’s success engineering diplomatic break-

throughs between Israel and Arab nations shows that “the path to peace in the Middle East is not through the Palestinians.” Furthermore, the Republican activist said that he feared “a return to the old Democratic playbook of thinking that peace in the Middle East comes through pressuring Israel to do a deal with the Palestinians.”

While the Democrats celebrate wins in Georgia by Biden, Warnock and Ossoff, the state government, from Kemp down through majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, remains in Republican hands. Republican officials have indicated a desire to tighten the rules on absentee voting and will control redistricting based on the 2020 Census.

Kemp and Raffensperger also will be up for re-election in 2022. Both Republicans have been repeated targets of Trump’s public ire, highlighted by the Jan. 2 hour-long phone call in which Trump pleaded with Raffensperger to “find” votes to reverse his loss to Biden in Georgia. ì

Clean-Well uses exclusive Nano Cleaning Technology that sticks to surfaces Clean-Well is non-toxic, yet kills germs instantly and continues to work after it dries

Clean-Well keeps on disinfecting for 30 days Clean-Well is Perfect for: Synagogues, Schools, Retail Stores, Office Environments, Restaurants, Retirement Homes, and much more And we do all the work!

Disinfect Your Environment Today!

Call 404.669.6178 info@cleanwell.services | www.Cleanwell.Services ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 9

NEWS

Jewish HomeLife Begins Vaccinations

By Dave Schechter Frances Manheim, a 96-year-old resident of The William Breman Jewish Home, wanted to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for the best of reasons.

“It’s the hardest thing in the world not to be able to see my family,” she said in a video clip provided by Jewish HomeLife.

Seeing family through a screen has its limits. “I want to touch them. I want to feel them. I want to hold ‘em. I miss that.”

Manheim was among Breman Home residents and JHL staff at the Howell Mill Road campus Dec. 29 who received the first in a two-shot series of the vaccine manufactured by Pfizer pharmaceuticals and BioNTech. The second shot will be administered three weeks later, Jan. 19.

The COVID-19 vaccine may not be Photo by Nathan Posner // Harley that light at the end of the pandemic tunTabak, president and CEO of Jewish nel, but it illuminates a path toward the Home Life Communities, receives exit. “Hope is a big word that comes to a vaccination for COVID-19 at The Breman Home on December 29. mind,” said Jeffrey Gopen, JHL chief operating officer.

The Howell Mill campus includes the where we’re going from here and how Breman Home as well as The Zaban Tow- fast this vaccine is going to make an imer, The Jewish Tower and The One Group, pact locally and nationally, for any of us,” which provides home health services. All Gopen said. “It is the first leg on a journey to normalcy, that of the staff, “front we have had any line and back of the hope of, since this house, and adminbegan.” istrators” will be The vaccine vaccinated, Gopen was administered said. In the coming at the Howell Mill weeks, residents campus by personand those receiving nel from the CVS care elsewhere in pharmacy chain the JHL system will and will be delivbe vaccinated. ered at The Cohen “The way this Home and Berman typically enters the Commons by staff building is via the from the Walgreens community.

The chain. The governmere fact that any ment arranged for of us goes home CVS and Walgreens means that we have Photo courtesy of JHL // William Breman to receive and ada potential risk of Home resident Carol Cohn displays a minister the Pfizer/ exposure and we’re flyer she received after the first in a twoshot series of the COVID-19 vaccine.

BioNTech and Modtrying to mitigate erna vaccines at elder care facilities. that as fast as possible,” Gopen said.

While much of the public focus on The state made elder care facilities a priority — along with first responders the federal government’s “Operation and health care workers — to receive Warp Speed” has been on vaccine rethe vaccine. According to Georgia Public search and development, the storage and Health Department Commissioner Dr. delivery of the vaccine is a logistical chalKathleen Toomey, more than 37 percent lenge. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, for of the state’s 9,700 confirmed COVID-19 example, must be stored at temperatures deaths have been residents and staff of far colder than those of a regular freezer long-term care facilities, even though and administered within a limited time that population accounts for only 5 per- period.

Over the past nine-plus months, cent of infections statewide.

“It’s very hard to know exactly the novel coronavirus designated as CO10 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Photo by Nathan Posner // Dr. Ramsey

Jackson receives a vaccination for COVID-19 at The Breman Home.

Photo by Nathan Posner // Jeffrey Gopen, chief operating officer of Jewish HomeLife Communities, receives a vaccination.

VID-19 has tested Jewish HomeLife. The make sure that everything we do is as Berman Commons assisted-living resi- good as humanely possible. This is just dence and the Breman Home, a skilled part of the reality of this virus and this nursing facility, both endured out- virus is surging, we’re seeing now.”

The agency breaks that struck overcame shortages residents and staff, of the personal proincluding about tective equipment a dozen deaths at in the early weeks the Breman Home of the crisis, thanks linked to the virus. to the efforts of its At present, Gopen staff and, in one said, one caregiver unique case, a Berand one resident man Commons resat Berman Comident’s family that mons have tested had a personal conpositive, as well nection in China. as one resident at Cleaning protocols the Breman Home, were enhanced. who returned from Group activities, a hospital where including meals, they might have were and remain been exposed to Photo by Nathan Posner // A woman waits in an the virus, and one observation area after receiving the vaccine. suspended. Family visits were halted staff member, who will not return to work until testing until they resumed in late June, under tight rules. negative.

Throughout the crisis, the prospect Gopen declined to discuss how much money JHL has spent combatting of a vaccine remained tantalizingly in COVID-19, but called the amount “signifi- the future. “Definitely, this vaccine is truly the next step in protecting residents, cant, for any business.”

He said, “I think this company, the our residents’ families, our staff, our board, and this community supported staff families, and in essence we’re dothis organization at such an amazingly ing what’s right by the community. This high level.” Gopen mentioned the Jewish is how we are going to move from this Federation of Greater Atlanta, which pro- world of COVID,” Gopen said. ì vided JHL with grants totaling $348,000 Nathan Posner contributed to this refrom its COVID-19 emergency fund. “We spared no expense. . . . We continue to port.

NEWS

Alex Kaufman Speaks Out About Trump’s Call to GA Secretary of State

By Dave Schechter

Thursday that Kaufman and his father, Robert J. The mysterious “Alex,” who was on Kaufman, had resigned the line but did not speak during Presi- from the global law firm dent Donald Trump’s now infamous Fox Rothschild LLP, where hour-long call with Georgia Secretary they were equity partof State Brad Raffensperger was Alex ners.

In the statement to Kaufman, an attorney and a former canthe AJT, Kaufman said, didate for the state legislature.

Kaufman, who is Jewish, was on “My father and I have the Jan. 2 call in his capacity as general enjoyed working with counsel for the Fulton County Republi- Fox Rothschild over the can Party and as associate general coun- past year, and we have sel for the Georgia Republican Party in worked with them to provide our clients with the the 6th Congressional District.

Others on the call included White highest levels of service.”

House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Kaufman & Forman P.C., attorneys representing both Trump and a law firm founded by the elder Kaufman in 1982, Raffensperger.

“I do not and have not represented merged with Fox RothsPresident Trump, the Trump campaign, child in December 2019.

“We’ve enjoyed our or the Secretary of State,” Kaufman said in a statement released to the Atlanta time working with this Jewish Times late Friday afternoon. “In great legal team, but in the my personal capacity, I provide legal end, as happens, both sides counsel to local Republican parties and determined this was not Atlanta attorney Alex Kaufman was on the line, but did not speak, during Trump's Nov. 2 call with Raffensperger. other stake holders. I was on the call the right fit. We will conin case there was talk of a settlement tinue to service our clients’ needs mov- President Trump and others. Neither Kaufman told the AJT, “Jewish people agreement that impacted my respon- ing forward with the same excellent ser- Alex Kaufman nor Fox Rothschild rep- have been part of the fabric of this country since vice they’ve come resent or have sibilities. In my before its foundto expect of us,” ever represented view, that call did ing through the the President or Kaufman said. not cover issues present.

Our In a state- his campaign . . . for me to weigh people have been ment issued As a national law in on, and thereon the front lines Thursday, the Fox firm, we are nonfore, I played no of fighting for Rothschild firm partisan, and we role in the conequality for ourtold abovethelaw. do not represent versation.” selves and others, com: “Firm policy either President During that on building the prohibits Fox Trump or Presicall, Trump beeconomy, in the Rothschild at- dent-elect Biden.” seeched Raffenslegal field, and in The 37-yeartorneys from perger to “find” the military. Our Kaufman, representing as old 11,780 votes that culture and relicounsel anyone running as a Rewould reverse his gion teach us tiklost participating in publican, loss in Georgia to kun olam, personefforts to contest for the second Democratic Presal responsibility the 2020 Presi- time in the Noident-elect Joe to take action, the dential Election. vember general Biden and made directive to help The firm does not election to Demounsubstantiated others, the value bar its lawyers cratic state Rep. allegations of of faith, family McLaurin, from running for Josh large-scale fraud and community, defeated public office or who in Georgia during as well as the imparticipating as Kaufman in 2018 the general elecportance of eduindividuals in po- in their race to tion. cation. I believe represent the 51st litical activities.”

Kaufman’s that these tenets District, The firm House identity as “Alex” are messages that later updated which takes in was reported we need more sections of Sandy that statement to Thursday by President Donald J. Trump speaks at a Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger rally in Rome, Georgia on November 2nd speaks at a press conference on the election at of in our leaders include: “As you Springs, Roswell abovethelaw.com, as part of his re-election campaign. the Georgia State Capitol on November 4th. at every level of may have read in and Johns Creek. a website that government and In a precovers the legal world. The Atlanta Jour- the media, Alex Kaufman was present nal Constitution subsequently reported for the January 2nd phone call among election review published in October, regardless of party affiliation.” ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 11

NEWS

Steve Levene Sells Reporter Newspapers

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Veteran media whiz Steve Levene recently sold Springs Publishing/ Reporters Newspapers to Atlanta native Keith Pepper, the Atlanta Business Chronicle reported last month.

Pepper returned to Georgia after years in New York City applying and honing his expertise in tech startups and a history with marketing media. “My future goal here is to have a relevant and profitable company that covers the stories that are meaningful to the community and to do it in fun, engaging, and non-sensational ways.”

A New York native, Levene knew he had “ink in his blood” and a passion for publishing, writing and business management when he headed out of Ivy League The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a Master of Business Administration. Exciting posts such as running Asian operations for The Wall Street Journal living in Hong Kong led him to become assistant publisher (as part of Barron’s/Dow Jones & Company) in the mid-'80s.

In 1996, post-Olympics, he was re-

Hawkins & Clover // New publisher Keith Pepper says his goal is to have a relevant and profitable company that covers the stories that are meaningful to the community and to do it in fun, engaging, and non-sensational ways.

Founder of Springs Publishing/ Reporter Newspapers, Steve Levene found the right buyer in Keith Pepper.

Here Levene visits (pre-pandemic) the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

cruited by the Maryland Berger family, who bought the then Southern Israelite, to transition to the Atlanta Jewish Times

as publisher. He recalls, “I was living in Princeton, New Jersey, and Atlanta looked like a nice Jewish community within a nice community. Backing up, in the 1970s, I found publishing enticing – writing, pasting, waxing, photography – having worked on my high school and college newspapers.”

By 2005, Levene was vice president of Renaissance Media, which had a string of other Jewish papers, such as in Detroit and Baltimore, in addition to Atlanta. “I had the itch {to own} in 2005 and was intrigued with Sandy Spring’s new successful cityhood. From my kitchen table, I put it all together and started the Buckhead and Sandy Springs Reporter Newspapers.”

He formed a small group of investors, later added Brookhaven, Dunwoody editions, plus Atlanta Intown, added in 2013, and Atlanta Senior Life, added in 2016. “We never looked back.

We were consistently profitable, meeting trends like online publishing head on.” The papers started biweekly and were always free. In 2019, they went to monthly and home mailing.

As Levene sailed into his late 60s, he began to look for a new, younger, owner.

He mused, “There has got to be someone out there who has roots here, who wants to keep this going. I had 10 loyal employees to whom I was connected. I turned 70 in summer of 2020, and even this pandemic year ended with a profit.

Yes, this industry is tough, but there is a

Shopping around for insurance? Don’t.

During this difficult time, please know that Siegel Insurance is working remotely to continue to serve the needs of our clients.

PERSONAL – COMMERCIAL – LIFE – HEALTH – DISABILITY – LONG TERM CARE Serving our community’s needs for over 50 years

www.siegelinsurance.com 2987 Clairmont Road, Suite 425 • Atlanta, GA 30329 Phone: (404) 633-6332 • Toll Free: (888) 275-0553 Andy N. Siegel CPCU, CIC, AAI • Sheldon Berch 12 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

role for a hyper local paper.”

Levene said that he didn’t list the paper for sale in an official way but spoke privately through friends who might know the right buyer. “I had no sense of urgency, just a good fit.”

Bringing his own vision on top of the already solid business model, Pepper assumed ownership from Levene, along with their great rapport and shared life experiences. Pepper said, “The first change I am making is ‘no change.’

Levene left a profitable business with a solid team.” Pepper further intends to lean into his panoply of expertise and strengths in operations, recruiting, fine tuning databases, motivating teams, marketing, and realizing advertising potential by further engaging readers with more modernized digital and social media emphasis and a freshened website. The print product will remain their main flagship.

Pepper has found excitement in the positive outpouring from the community, including media luminaries and local CEOs, about his role in the new venture.

He was born at Northside Hospital, became a bar mitzvah at The Temple, graduated from Riverwood High School, then Henry W. Grady College of Journalism.

While in school he was involved in media, working for WSB Radio, first as an intern, then producing Braves and Georgia sports shows, and ultimately becoming a producer of Atlanta’s Morning News in the mid-'90s.

A year in Israel found him working as a counselor and interested in the mental health field, which led to his Master of Social Work from Smith College. Then, after working at an Israeli tech startup and in New York City for 20 years, he was ready to come back to Atlanta in 2019 and live on the Atlanta BeltLine, “smack in the middle” of his Intown publication and suited to the Midtown vibe. “Coming from Manhattan, I am used to eating out seven nights a week. Pre-pandemic I was happiest eating at a bar with my laptop. I still remain tied to Sandy Springs and Dunwoody through family and dear friends.”

Long-term, Pepper, a top ranked jogger, eschews the vision of being a media mogul with grand expansion plans. “After all, Georgia these days IS the center of the world, with dynamic and influential neighborhoods. I intend to engage culturally, civically and corporately and have fun doing it.” ì

Skillful Artistry, Extraordinary Outcomes Transform your appearance through surgical and non-surgical techniques.

Whether you’re searching for a top notch facial plastic surgeon, for injectable fillers, Botox, nose reshaping, mini face lift or other facial procedures, Dr. Abramson has the experience and cosmetic artistry to enhance your natural beauty!

Dr. Peter Abramson is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in facial cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. By combining the latest surgical techniques as well as a compassionate, professional demeanor, Dr. Abramson ensures that each of his patients achieve their individual goals.

The Abramson Facial Plastic Surgery & Rejuvenation Center isn’t strictly for cosmetic surgery.

They also offer complete medical spa services. Dr. Abramson’s aesthetician, Lina Valiukaite, has been with Abramson Plastic Surgery Center for over 15 years. She offers a wide variety of skincare and aesthetic procedures aimed to make you look and feel beautiful, without surgery.

facialplasticsatlanta.com | (404) 297-1789

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 13

NEWS

Film Features Jewish Atlanta's Pandemic Response

By Marcia Caller Jaffe As normalcy was jolted in spring of 2020, young filmmakers Jacob Ross, Adam Hirsch and Gabby Spatt went into “action” on a documentary scheduled to be released soon.

“Our upcoming film ‘Atlanta: A City Too Busy to Wait,’ documents how the Atlanta Jewish community responded to the complex challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis with unprecedented generosity, creativity, selflessness and collaboration,” Ross said. “This film is dedicated to Atlanta’s remarkable Jewish community and highlights the resilience, optimism and can-do approach of its many organizations, professionals, lay leaders and individuals.”

Ross, 31, who grew up in Atlanta, became a bar mitzvah at Congregation Beth Tefillah, attended the Woodward Academy and American University, majoring in music and business. His first film was “Beneath the Helmet," a documentary about Israeli paratroopers. More recently, he directed a short film with current business partner and longtime Atlantan Adam

14 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Jacob Ross at Congregation Or Hadash filming the “Punims in the Pews” high holiday initiative.

Hirsch, “No Pork on the Fork,” which premiered at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival last year, received awards and is being shown around the world.

The current film, “Atlanta: The City Too Busy to Wait,” evolved in March as the pandemic began. Spatt, one of the film’s producers and director of the Blue Dove Foundation, reached out to Hirsch about documenting the pandemic story, and specifically about how it was affecting the Jewish community.

Hirsch and Ross had initially planned

Ross at Congregation Beth Jacob for its weekly Shabbat greetings, driving around the neighborhoods and wishing their congregants “Shabbat Shalom.” Ross and Hirsch took on this second project.

to make a documentary about the history of the Atlanta Jewish community. When the idea of focusing on the present day in the midst of the pandemic surfaced, they knew that took priority. They were also fortunate to receive a generous Propel grant from the Innovation Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

While music was Ross’ first love, he found that filmmaking gave a similar creative outlet, along with a practical way to make a living. After moving back from Israel after five years, he decided that he

would spend some evaluation time back in his hometown. Fortunately, Atlanta had developed into a huge hub for filmmaking, and he was able to establish connections. After three years, he recognized that Atlanta was a wonderful place not only for his line of work, but also because of the warm Jewish community, and decided to stay.

The more recent backstory: Hirsch and Ross met a few years after his move back from Israel. Their first real collaboration began at the AJFF opening night,

NEWS

Living Your Best Life At

The first day of officially shooting the documentary with a full film crew at In the City Camp, July 22.

when they made a promise to have a film their holy spaces online, entrepreneurs of their own in the next festival. A year emerging with new ideas, and Jewish values of chesed, tzelater in 2020, they dakah and gemilut premiered “No hasadim [kindness, Pork on the Fork” charity and loving and have been kindness] being film partners ever called on to sustain since. Ross says, the community,” “Adam is extremeRoss said. ly personable and “Another an expert intergreat example, we viewer, and I focus learned that the on the production Kosher Food Panand post-productry at JF&CS has tion.” really stepped up Samples of to the challenge of the movie’s stothe pandemic. Last rylines: for the year, they gave out high holiday sec17,000 pounds of tion, they secured food and this year, perspectives from Ross shooting at The Weber School. they have already the varied Jewish denominations. They also interviewed given out over 250,000 pounds of food.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former U.S. We were able to get a tour of the pantry ambassador Andrew Young and Israel and learn how they have been providing for the commuConsul General nity in this time of Anat Sultan-Daneed. don, in addition “This has been to featuring the a time where this Federation, Jewish community has Family & Career truly risen up to Services, Jewish help out and care Interest Free Loan for each other. Evof Atlanta, In the ery organization City Camps, Camp we filmed or spoke Barney Medintz, to has shown how and Ipsum Diagmuch they were nostics, which willing to work does COVID testand help other oring. The film, ganizations that which runs about they might not 45 minutes, will have helped in the most likely be a past. It truly felt virtual experience.

Filming Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms like a community “We’ve seen Jewish organizations reinventing their and that we are all in this together. Egos programming, synagogues recreating were left at the door.” ì

Active Adult Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care Why we are the healthiest place to live in Atlanta!

UV Lighting throughout all common areas Negative Ion Emission Full Building Water Filtration System Balconies and Porches for Fresh Air and Sunlight Fresh Farm to Table Food Full Service Spa, including Salt Water Pool HydroWorx pool used for rehab injuries and reduces inflammation Large campus to walk Indoors and Outdoor The Healthy Climate UV light emits ultraviolet energy that has been proven effective in reducing microbial life form (viruses, bacteria, yeasts and molds) in the air. The Negative Ion Emissions lifts mood and kills mold, bacteria and viruses as well as reducing allergens in the air. Some metropolitan water systems have been tested with up to 50+ micro drug residues in the water. That is why we install a full building water filtration system to deliver the best water possible.

Schedule Your Tour Now! 678-492-7271 1882 Clairmont Road Decatur, GA 30033 www.holbrooklife.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 15

BUSINESS Jewish Members of Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board Rabbi Joshua Lesser, Philip Rafshoon and Jason Feldman are members of Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ new LGBTQ advisory board. The new board recently met digitally to discuss its goals for 2021.

Bottoms created the board along with the city’s first director of LGBTQ Affairs, Malik Brown, to build on her administration’s equity agenda and commitment to making City Hall more open and inclusive, according to a recent press release.

Atlanta is among only a handful of cities in the country to establish a fulltime position that advises the mayor and senior city officials, the release stated.

“Since taking office, our Administration has prioritized the well-being and advancement of Atlanta’s large and diverse LGBTQ community and municipal LGBTQ affairs,” Bottoms said. By creating the LGBTQ Affairs position and “continuing the work of the Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, we are creating institutional

Logo for the new Atlanta city LGBTQ advisory board and city seal of Atlanta.

support for LGBTQ Atlantans.”

The advisory board is composed of citywide LGBTQ civic leaders, influencers and advocates. New members of the board represent many of the diverse

voices in Atlanta’s LGBTQ community, including trans and non-binary people, LGBTQ people of color, healthcare professionals, straight allies, Jewish residents, and more, the release said.

JIFLA Begins Young Rabbi Jake Releases New Professional Advisory Council Video, CD Jewish Interest Free Loan of Atlanta plans to launch a Young Professional Advisory Council this month composed of Jewish leaders and advocates from across metro Atlanta committed to the Jewish values of tzedakah, advocacy and supporting the community at large. The council will help JIFLA connect with young professionals throughout the city and advise on programming, resources and advocacy ideas to help people learn more about JIFLA and ensure those in need receive the proper financial support.

JIFLA helps fellow Jews maintain financial stability in challenging times by providing interest-free loans to those in need. These loans – funded entirely through community donations which continually recycle to others – help applicants alleviate financial burdens such as medical bills, car repairs, tax burdens, fertility treatments, and even Israel Gap year programs.

As a result of COVID-19, JIFLA has

A total of 190 boxed brunches were assembled for virtual attendees of JIFLA’s 10 Year Virtual Celebration to enjoy during the event.

doubled its requests for loans from community members in financial crises.

In response, JIFLA quickly developed a unique COVID Financial Impact Loan to assist with monetary challenges associated with the pandemic and related to loss of income.

In October, JIFLA held a Virtual 10 Year Celebration and raised $103,000 to help provide Atlanta Jews with ongoing financial security.

“Rabbi Jake” Czuper came out with a music video for his first single, “Smile,” off the new album "Hashem is Awesome.”

The music video has more than a 1,000 views on social media, and features Atlantans such as Rabbi Daniel and Bluma Estriecher, Aaron Hartman and “tons of amazing kids,” Rabbi Jake told the AJT. The video was directed by Meira Merlis, senior writer/producer at Warner Media. “My goal with the video is to spread as much light and smiles as possible in these trying times.” Some of the lyrics include: "Be a big light, shine your light."

In the recent past, Rabbi Jake appeared in virtual concerts, including Israel, Montreal, Brooklyn, Pennsylvania and Maryland. He had a rolling concert on wheels for over 500 families over Sukkot in Toco Hills, social-distanced Chanukah concerts, a community concert in Dunwoody, a birthday party and virtual concert for the Allentown, Pa., Jewish community.

The rabbi’s new album is online and

Rabbi Jake’s new album cover

in stores and features the Atlanta Jewish Boys Choir on two tracks. The choir was featured at Dr. Eva Schloss's event at Georgia Tech last year and at the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival.

You can view Rabbi Jake’s latest music video on YouTube, https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XpN8h_ mU9A&feature=youtu.be

Sweet and Instant Delivery Atlanta-based Revolution Gelato, which has a Jewish founder, and Sublime Doughnuts announced their products are available for instant delivery to customers’ doors through the goPuff platform.

As delivery has become increasingly important to public health, local businesses needed to find ways to connect with their customers and keep their doors open during COVID. In 2015, Jared Olkin, who is Jewish, launched Revolution Gelato. He took his love and passion for ice cream and crafted it to fit into his new plant-based lifestyle. The latest innovation is a firstto-market novelty that recently won 16 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

the NEXTY award for best new dessert: hand-held mini gelato pies.

“It’s always been a challenge to ship frozen desserts quickly and costeffectively,” Olkin said. “Getting it to customers’ doors in 30 minutes is unheard of ... this partnership is a gelato-lover’s dream!”

The co-founders of Philadelphiabased goPuff, Yakir Gola and Rafael Ilishayev, are also Jewish.

BUSINESS

The Nest Cafe Wins

Pearlman Recognized by Atlanta Lions Club

By Terry Segal Jordan Segal, owner of The Nest Cafe in downtown Alpharetta, was determined to remain open to feed the community that celebrates its success. Not only has it remained open during the pandemic, but it also has thrived.

Due to its success, the cafe is opening a second location this year with plans for multiple locations in the future. It was recently voted Neighborhood Favorite 2020

by Nextdoor and Best of 2020 Winner by My Alpharetta Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Alpharetta-Milton Patch, a neighborhood information website for news and events, recently asked the community for nominations of local businesses that have done outstanding work in 2020. The Nest Cafe has been nominated.

One patron wrote: “The food is always delicious. The staff go out of their way to make each visit a great experience. The outdoor patio seating is so nice during the warm days, and the indoor seating feels cozy during the winter and colder months/days.”

During the lockdown, when many restaurants were closing their doors, Segal stayed open and maintained his staff.

This required him to switch the way he was doing business from indoor-outdoor seating to curbside and delivery only.

There was a fast-thinking adjustment period. He had tucked free beignets into each order to add a touch of sweetness to the lives of his customers. Also, his baristas, who added surprise notes of encouragement in the delivery bags, have now been told by returning customers how meaningful that was at a time of uncertainty and isolation.

Marilyn Pearlman is recognized by Scott Rogers, president of the Atlanta Lions Club.

Jordan Segal, owner of The Nest Cafe, was able to keep his business open and even win awards and expand during the pandemic.

The cafe currently offers dine-in and outdoor seating, curbside pickup, and no-contact delivery service.

“We are so fortunate to be surrounded and supported by an incredible staff who has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure the betterment of the business as well as each other, individually,” he said. “We owe our continued success to the Alpharetta community and we are thankful for the opportunity to satisfy and delight them for years to come.”

Tennis Bracelet 2cttw $1400

Mon-Fri 10-5 | Sat 11-4 1820 Independence Square # C, Dunwoody, GA 30338 (770) 396-3456 | www.hajewelry.com

Stud Earrings 1cttw $989 2cwtt $3890

volved with numerous nonprofit organizations: Jewish, international, health and medical, women’s, canine causes and hospitality. Her desire to connect these organizations with businesses who could help them convinced her in 2001 to change her company name.

Currently Pearlman is a board member of the Atlanta Lions Club and Women’s Health First, as well as serving as an active member of the Atlanta Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Connex (Israel Business Connector).

Take the Trauma Out of the Process

Atlanta Divorce Mediation Services Call 678-985-8858 To set up your FREE 30 MINUTE CONSULTATION 5825 Glenridge Dr. Bldg. 3, Ste. 101C Atlanta, GA 30328

The Perfect Place to Buy Diamonds Appraisals & Repair Services Available We Buy Diamonds & Gold

Marilyn Pearlman, president and CEO of Atlanta Cause Marketing & Public Relations, last month received the prestigious President’s Award from Scott Rogers, president of the Atlanta Lions Club, founded 100 years ago and believed the oldest in Georgia. She was recognized for her assistance in programming and publicity.

Considered one of the longest running public relations firms in Atlanta, the firm started as Pearlman Associates in the late 1970s. Pearlman has been in-

Dr. Jeri Breiner Mediator

www.AtlantaDivorceMediationServices.com

M en ti on Th is Ad to G et $5 0 O ff Pu rc ha se s O f $5 00 or M or e

Max Haviv

Graduate Gemologist

Haim Haviv

Dr. Breiner, a Neutral Mediator, provides both parties with the tools needed to execute an equitable divorce agreement unique to their family’s circumstances.

After hundreds of mediations, the goal remains the same: to help spouses avoid the pitfalls, trauma, and expense of litigating their divorce in court.

Dr. Breiner is a Clinical Psychologist and a registered Divorce Mediator with the State of Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution.

Owner

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 17

ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME the surgery to give the highest level of accuracy.

The surgery was described as “innovative” by Galilee Medical Center director professor Masad Barhoum. After the surgery and recovery time, doctors saw a significant improvement of the women’s conditions, with huge improvements in their abilities to walk independently, along with their general leg functioning.

The robotic knee replacement surgery offered renewed mobility for two women in their legs.

Doctors Perform First Robotic Knee Replacement

Doctors at the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya have successfully performed robotic surgery for joint knee replacement on two women, giving them renewed mobility. The women, ages 60 and 68, were suffering from advanced cartilage erosion. This was reported as the first time in northern Israel that a robot helped guide the surgery.

Dr. Inal Bathish, an orthopedic specialist in the field, explained that the use of a robot helps assist with human error; it allows the knee joint to be optimally prepared for surgery and helps improve

Today in Israeli History 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 under Nazi occupation.

Jan. 16, 1948: All 35 Haganah soldiers in a convoy bringing supplies to the blockaded Gush Etzion settlements are killed in a day of fighting with Arab troops. Nearby British troops do not intervene.

Jan. 17, 1986: Spain becomes the last Western European nation to open diplomatic relations with Israel. Establishing ties with Israel is a condition for Spain to gain admission to the precursor to the European Union.

Jan. 18, 1991: The morning after U.S.led allied forces launch airstrikes on Iraq at the start of the Persian Gulf War, eight Iraqi Scud missiles hit Israel in the predawn hours. Seven people are wounded.

Jan. 19, 2010: Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, a senior Hamas military commander and 18 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

mony,” is being displayed in Tel Aviv near the city’s center, while in the past it was displayed at the Eretz Israel Museum, according to The Times of Israel.

The exhibition dates back to 2003, but this year it helps to focus on how photojournalists have documented the unusual year. With photographs covering sports to schooling, the exhibition helps to showcase how life in Israel has been impacted by the coronavirus.

With so much going on in Israel over the past year, from multiple elections and protests to shutdowns due to the pandemic, the project is helping photographers document the eventful past 12 months.

40 Olim From Georgia Make Aliyah Vered Sadot’s photo “ZOOMING” is part of the “Local Testimony” photo exhibit that opened last month and runs through January.

Photo Exhibit Lets Artists Explore 2020

A local photo exhibition in Tel Aviv running through the end of the month is allowing hundreds of local photographers to exhibit their art and showcase the past year. The exhibition, “Local Testi-

Despite a challenging and tumultuous 2020, 40 people from Georgia decided to make aliyah and move to Israel with Nefesh B’Nefesh over the past year. The Georgia natives were among the 3,168 individuals who moved to the Jewish homeland from North America in 2020 – 2,625 since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, according to NBN. Due to the dedicated, tireless efforts of NBN and its partners in navigating a

dent Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah earns 43 seats.

the founder of its Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, is killed in his hotel room shortly after his arrival in Dubai. The Mossad is blamed.

Jan. 20, 1942: Nazis convened by Gestapo head Reinhard Heydrich at a villa in the Berlin suburb of Wannsee draft the plans for the “Final Solution” for European Jewry: forced labor and slaughter by the millions.

Jan. 21, 1968: Mapai, the dominant political party during Israel’s first two decades, joins with two smaller left-leaning parties, Ahdut Ha’avoda and Rafi, to form the Labor Party at a conference chaired by Golda Meir.

Jan. 22, 1979: Ali Hassan Salameh, the chief of operations for Black September, is killed by a Mossad car bomb in Beirut in revenge for the killings of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches at the Munich Olympics in 1972.

Jan. 23, 1950: The Knesset votes 60-2 to declare Jerusalem the capital of Israel. The left-wing Mapam and the right-wing Herut abstain. Two Communists vote no because they prefer an international status for Jerusalem.

complex year for aliyah amid a global pandemic, the organization succeeded in assisting nearly 90 percent of the total number of Olim that arrived in 2019, NBN reported last week.

Since last January, NBN Olim have most often hailed from New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, Ontario, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Among other interesting statistics, 811 families moved to Israel, along with 1,032 singles and 332 retirees. There were 61 doctors and a total of 198 medical professionals who arrived in Israel in the last year, most joining the frontlines in Israel’s fight against the coronavirus, and 390 young men and women who stepped off the plane to serve Israel as lone soldiers, NBN stated in its release.

NBN also saw a 126 percent increase in interest in aliyah with 6,704 aliyah applications compared to 3,035 applications in 2019.

Founded in 2002, NBN, in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and Jewish National Fund-USA, has assisted in easing the aliyah process for over 65,000 Olim since its inception.

Jan. 27, 2001: Peace talks in Taba, Egypt, conclude after a week of progress under the Clinton Parameters. But the initiative dies after Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak loses an election to Ariel Sharon 10 days later.

Technion photo // Dan Shechtman’s work “eventually forced scientists to reconsider their conception of the very nature of matter,” according to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Jan. 24, 1941: Dan Shechtman is born in Tel Aviv. He discovers that some crystals grow without a repeating pattern. His findings on “quasicrystals” win him Israel’s 10th Nobel Prize, in chemistry, in 2011.

Jan. 28, 1996: About 10,000 Ethiopian Jews demonstrate outside Prime Minister Shimon Peres’ office to protest the government’s discarding blood donated by Ethiopian Israelis for fear of spreading HIV. Jan. 29, 2004: Israel frees more than 430 Arab prisoners to win the release of an Israeli businessman abducted in Dubai in October 2000 and the bodies of three Israeli soldiers captured and killed by Hezbollah.

Jan. 25, 1904: Two days after meeting with Italy’s King Victor Emanuel III, Theodor Herzl discusses Zionism with Pope Pius X, who says, “We cannot prevent the Jews from going to Jerusalem, but we could never sanction it.”

Jan. 30, 1933: German Zionist Recha Freier founds the Committee for the Assistance of Jewish Youth, later renamed Youth Aliyah, on the day Adolf Hitler is appointed the chancellor of Germany.

Jan. 26, 2006: Hamas wins 76 of the 132 seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council during elections in which 77% of eligible voters cast ballots. Palestinian Authority Presi-

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

ISRAEL NEWS Israel Ranks Highest in COVID-19 Vaccination Rate

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

According to David Chinitz, professor of health policy management in the School Worldwide, Israel is being heralded as of Public Health of the Hebrew Universitythe leader in getting its citizens vaccinated Hadassah Faculty of Medicine, “The health against COVID-19. Per capita, the country plans contract for service provision from beats every other nation, hands down, in physicians, hospitals and other providers vaccinating millions of Israelis in the first in a manner similar to U.S. managed care few weeks of the vaccine’s availability there, plans, especially HMOs.” Writing in Tablet according to the Our World in Data online magazine, Chinitz also noted that citizens publication. may move their membership between plans Israeli media reports that the country every year without limitation. is seen as a test case for the vaccine manu“While the percentage of the population facturers because if it works to beat the vi- switching health plans is low (between 1 perrus there, other nations will be eager to buy cent and 2 percent per year), the health plans the life-saving antidote to a pandemic that work hard to keep their members and attract has killed millions around the world and new ones,” Chinitz said. He added that the crushed economies everywhere. competition is only over quality of service As of Jan. 9, about 2 million Israelis had because Israel’s health indicators, such as life been vaccinated against COVID-19, amount- expectancy and infant mortality, are among ing to some 16 percent of its population. The the best in the world. country is vaccinating 150,000 people every Heiman believes that the United States’ day – including Shabbat – and Prime Minis- national leadership failed, relying on the ter Benjamin Netanyahu has called for daily states that did not have the leadership nor vaccinations of 175,000 by mid-January. the resources to put their vaccination plans Netanyahu was the first Israeli to be vacci- into effect. “Georgia, like all states, had to nated Dec. 19. put together a vaccination plan in October,” Certainly, the population size of the which allowed reasonable planning time, country helps. Israel’s 9.2 million citizens Heiman said. “But it doesn’t appear much are even less than Georgia’s 10.6 million, happened between putting it on paper and let alone the U.S. population administering the plan.” of 331 million. But, according When asked if he had to Atlanta Dr. Harry Heiman, read the plan, Heiman reIsrael’s successful vaccination sponded that he had read the program is primarily due to “first, second and third verits universal healthcare syssions.” tem. Moreover, “Israel knows The plan, he said, calls what it means to put policy in for vaccinating under existing place at a national level and infrastructures such as pharroll it out,” said Heiman, clinimacies and providers. Pharcal associate professor in the macies such as Walgreens “Israel knows what it means to put policy in Department of Health Policy and CVS were to vaccinate the place at a national level & Behavioral Sciences in the priority populations in elderly and roll it out,” said Dr. School of Public Health at institutions, but they don’t Harry Heiman, clinical Georgia State University. associate professor in the have the staff.

According to Israel’s School of Public Health at Until the last COVID re1995 National Health Insur- Georgia State University. lief legislation passed by Conance Law, the country’s entire population gress at the end of 2020, the states weren’t is entitled to comprehensive health cover- given adequate resources to vaccinate their age, ensuring that no citizen could be de- populations, Heiman said. Yet, that should nied coverage on the basis of lack of funds. not have totally affected Georgia’s response Each person chooses to become a member to the vaccination demand, he added. “Georof one of four kupat cholim, or sick funds. gia has a rainy-day fund for emergencies In American terms, these are government and economic downturns, and I can’t imagfunded health maintenance organizations, ine a more appropriate use of that fund” or HMOs. than for the vaccination roll-out.

Each of the four Israeli healthcare pro“My hope is that the incoming Biden viders – Clalit, Maccabi, Leumit and Meuhe- administration, based on the team I’ve seen, det – are required to provide a standard bas- will be more responsive and we will have ket of medical services. Citizens pay a health more consistent messaging coming from tax of about 5 percent of their income to the federal government.” help pay for the costs. Based on each kupat He also hopes that the Centers for Discholim’s share of the population, it receives ease Control and Prevention in Atlanta will a per capita payment from the government be “allowed to do its job, which has been difto cover those costs. ficult,” adding that “it will take a long time to

Comparative statistics on vaccination progress, according to Our World in Data.

regain its reputation and public trust.”

Biden’s nominee to head the CDC is Rochelle Walensky, currently the chief of infectious diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. According to Biden’s announcement of her nomination, Walensky, who is Jewish, is a leading expert

on virus testing and treatment and has been on the frontlines of Massachusetts’ pandemic response.

While Israel continues its vaccination program, it is also experiencing high daily COVID new case numbers, despite the country being locked down a third time due to the pandemic. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 19

OPINION Waiting Out Winter in America More than three decades living in this more temperate clime has convinced me that winter is best remembered nostalgically.

Dave Schechter Growing From Where I Sit up north of Chicago, there were days when I trudged to school through deep snow, wearing black rubber boots with metal buckles, and nights when I shoveled the driveway from the garage to the street, turned around, and shoveled my way back.

In college, the deeper the Iowa snow, the greater the effort students made to get to class. A few years later, in my first job, I reported on a community that straddled the Mississippi River. One January morning, my car disappeared beneath the drifts outside my apartment. The newspaper dispatched a pickup truck with tire chains to ferry me to work. I spent three days in the newsroom, writing hundreds of inches of copy printed (pre-internet) in newspapers that were delivered days late.

In all of our years in Atlanta, only one storm has met my Midwest standards for a blizzard, featuring hours of snow blowing horizontally. That was in March 1993, three days after our middle child was born, on the same day that we moved into the house we’ve occupied for his nearly 28 years. (We had joked about those trains heading toward each other on the same track.) The blizzard knocked out electricity, with a newborn present and the streets impassable. The neighbors, whom we had not met, were away. I looted their wood pile, apologizing a few days later when introductions were made.

That storm was more the exception than the rule. By and large, winter in Atlanta is a tease.

Friends and family up North laugh when a forecast of snow or ice down South comes with video of shoppers clearing grocery shelves. They chuckled at “Snowmaggedon” in 2014, when 2-plus inches of snow, a coating of ice, and an illtimed, nearly simultaneous mass exodus from workplaces turned the interstates into parking lots and forced thousands to seek shelter for the evening.

Given the year just ended, from which barely anyone emerged unscathed in some fashion, we deserve an 20 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

easy winter.

This household certainly could use a break. Too much time is being spent keeping track of oncological appointments. The other day a friend wished me the patience of Job, which sent me to read about the biblical character who challenged the divine and endured – without losing his faith – retribution from the almighty, until being restored to a life with a measure of happiness and reward.

In a different way, and at the hands of humans, America’s faith in itself has been tested. After repeated collisions with a careening vehicle, the good news is that the guardrails that protect our democracy bent but did not break, though certain sections need repair and reinforcement.

When delivering the annual stateof-the-union address, presidents traditionally — but not always — proclaim that the state of the union is “strong.”

Post-Watergate and three months before the last Americans were airlifted out of Vietnam, President Gerald Ford in 1975 pronounced that “the state of the union is not good.” In 1983, President Ronald Reagan declared, “the state of the Union is strong, but the economy is troubled.”

With the trials of the past year in mind, I note these words from President George H.W. Bush in 1991: “And the state of our Union is the union of each of us, one to the other, the sum of our friendships, marriages, families and communities.”

During the pandemic linked to the deaths of more than 360,000 of their fellow citizens, Americans have looked to their government, often in dismay. In response, they have focused inward, to care for their friendships, marriages, families and communities. If there are positives to be taken from this period, this certainly is one.

Fifty years ago, a fictional character offered simple words that were taken as complex wisdom. “As long as the roots are not severed, all is well. And all will be well in the garden . . . if you love your garden, you don’t mind working in it, and waiting. Then in the proper season you will surely see it flourish,” Chauncey Gardiner said in “Being There,” Jerzy Kosinski’s 1970 novel.

America’s roots are not severed, but there is work to be done in the nation’s garden. In the proper season, hopefully all will be well.

But for now, winter is upon us. ì

OPINION

Publisher's Note H a p py New Year, the elections are finally over.

This was a great line to begin with on Jan.5. By Jan. 6, it became clear that the drama Michael A. Morris will still take Publisher some time to wind down.

Notwithstanding a little “poking of the bear,” I do not think our democracy has been shaken to the core. At least no more so than any of the other deadly protestturned-riot over the past four years, beginning with the riot perpetrated on our current vacating president’s inauguration. (History speaks volumes).

In any case, my wish for this new year is to get back to work, back to school, back to normal relations with my friends, and no divisive conversation at every turn. I also wish our incoming president much success, as I have hoped

for every incoming president. Their success is my success.

I am proud of the Atlanta Jewish Times and the people that create our paper. Politics and COVID-19 have definitely taken its toll on us as an institution as well as on us individually. Your 96-yearold paper has been tested yet again over this last year. We have had readers cancel their subscription because we leaned too far left and because we leaned too far right. How we could do both, at the same time, is a mystery to me unless it is due to reader interpretation. We have had people cancel their subscription because we accepted an advertisement from the Democratic party and because three people, at the same time, sent in a Letter to the Editor representing the Republican party. We also had subscribers cancel because they mistakenly thought that the advertisement or the letters represented an endorsement by the AJT. Alas, I wish we had as many new subscribers join when they read something they liked as often as one cancels when they hear an opinion they do not agree with.

In the end, I am proud to say, we upheld journalistic integrity. We did not endorse a candidate. When possible, we ran competing columns right next to each other. We gave every candidate an opportunity to respond. And, I believe, most of our readers appreciated a balanced debate within our pages. Doing so, however, did test us. I want to congratulate our team of employees and freelance writers, led by Kaylene Ladinsky, for handling each of these situations with professionalism. As you can imagine, with just nine employees, we had three opinions for each candidate and our own divisive discussions.

What I have learned is that our community still needs and wants newspapers. People still crave an open discussion. Some people may need a little refresher on what the difference is between an opinion piece and an article.

But, when looking at mainstream newspapers that often blur those lines, I can see how confusion has crept into the fray. One thing is critical, please do not fault us for running advertisements, even

political ones. Advertising accounts for over 80 percent of our revenue. We could not publish a paper with subscriptions alone, unfortunately. Therefore, it is in thanks, rather than condemnation, to our advertisers that the AJT is published on a regular basis.

Cheers to a new year with less politics, less divisiveness, less COVID-19 and more music for our ears. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 21

OPINION

A Reflection on Last Week: Where Do We Go Now? Although it has been some time since I last stood at (now) Truist Park for the national anthem that precedes a Braves ball Rabbi Neil Sandler game, I vividly remember my Guest Contributor usual action/reaction. I focus on the American flag just past the outfield, and I well up with pride.

Strange, perhaps, yet moments like this one evoke pride and gratitude in me.

The words, “The greatest democracy in the world” invariably come to mind. After last week’s desecration of one of our nation’s “holiest” buildings, the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., I have grave doubts.

Now, as the pain resulting from what we witnessed begins to lessen, it is time to ask, “And now what?” We ought not direct that question solely to those who serve our country. The answers will only be lasting if we also direct the question to ourselves.

When we do so, I think our rabbinic tradition will provide us with healing and hopeful guidance.

Here is a well-known Mishnah found in Pirkei Avot 5:17: Every argument that is [for the sake of] heaven’s name, it is destined to endure.

But if it is not [for the sake of] heaven’s name – it is not destined to endure. What [is an example of an argument for the sake of] heaven’s name? The argument of Hillel and Shammai. What [is an example of an argument not for the sake of] heaven’s name? The argument of Korach and his followers.

What is the difference between the arguments of Hillel and Shammai that are worthy/for the sake of heaven and those of Korach and his followers that are not worthy/not for the sake of heaven? Rabbi Menachem Meiri’s commentary in the 13th century is instructive: In (the Hillel/Shammai) debates, one of them would render a decision and the other would argue against it, out of a desire to discover the truth, not out of cantankerousness or a wish to prevail over his fellow.

An argument not for the sake of Heaven was that of Korach and his company, for they came to undermine Moses, … out of envy and contentiousness and ambition for victory.

The Talmud itself reinforces Rabbi Meiri’s view. Hillel and Shammai had strong disagreements, yet they respected each 22 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

other, and their students even loved each other. But Korach and those who joined him in rebellion? They acted only on their own interests and rejected Moses’s leadership because of their “ambition for victory.”

I hear our Talmudic and medieval rabbis speaking to us and our leaders today.

These are among the things I hear them saying: 1. When we turn toward the other, especially one in which we might be tempted to recognize an enemy, we ought to strive instead to recognize the reflection of God that stands before us.

2. In speaking with people, especially with those with whom we disagree, we should not strive to show how ridiculous we think this individual’s argument is or to prevail over him/her. Instead, we ought to seek to listen and share. We ought to share our truth and listen to the other person’s truth if it is different than our own.

3. We ought to strive to foster understanding amid disagreement and to constantly reflect respect for each other as we interact.

4. We ought to conduct ourselves in a way when, even amid the expression of strong disagreement, we do nothing to knowingly harm others or act in ways that will create a barrier between us now and in the future.

Finally, the Mishnah in Pirkei Avot and Rabbi Meiri’s reinforcement of it set up a dichotomy between those whose words and intentions are for the sake of heaven and those whose words and intentions are otherwise. But most of us, along with our leaders, have some Hillel/Shammai in us, and some Korach. Our task and the demand we ought to make of our leaders is to give expression to the “heavenly” side. We should pay attention to the “unheavenly” qualities in us and alter them. Similarly, we must take note of these potentially harmful qualities when our leaders express them and let them know we expect and, even, demand better of them.

As we continue to confront challenging times in the life of our country, I pray that those who serve us will act to restore the confidence and pride we take in “the greatest democracy in the world.” And I pray that our own actions and interactions, especially with those we share strong disagreement, will always reflect the wisdom of Hillel and Shammai, interactions that are “for the sake of heaven” and worthy of God’s presence. ì Rabbi Neil Sandler is the former senior rabbi of Ahavath Achim Synagogue.

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

Letter to the editor,

I would like to draw your attention to a historic event happening in our community next week in relation to the Boy Scouts of America.

In February 2019, the BSA changed their name to Scouts BSA and opened its doors to girls. At that time, Troop 432, chartered with Roswell United Methodist Church was established as the first (and only) BSA Troop for Girls in Roswell. What started with six girls has grown to over 20 in less than two years.

On Jan. 11, Zoe Rosenberg with Troop 432 became the very first girl in the history of Roswell to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. This is truly a historic event and worthy of recognition. This is not only a testament to the advancement of women in our society but also that of the City of Roswell and the Greater Atlanta Jewish community.

Last year, Zoe was afforded an opportunity to study for a semester in Jerusalem.

It was there that she really delved into her faith. Her Eagle project was completed at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell and was focused on spirituality. Also, every essay written for college has had her faith as her main theme. She has also decided to dedicate her post-secondary education to international affairs in order to pursue a career that will allow her to use her faith to do good in the world. It has truly been an amazing transition.

Tony Rosenberg, Troop 432, Roswell

Letter to the editor,

Character Matters The spectacle of Donald Trump encouraging and goading his supporters to break into the Capitol to overturn his election defeat should not have been a surprise to any of us. For all of his adult life, Donald Trump has exhibited a lack of character or a moral compass.

Every one of us, with eyes open, knew stories of how he cheated his employees, his customers and the subcontractors he hired for his real estate projects. We knew of his history of racism and sexism.

Nevertheless, this is the person we chose to have the most important job in the world.

Along the way, the people in leadership positions in our country have been willing accommodaters, adamant that the “policies” that Trump promoted (his tax policy, his anti-regulation policy, his pro-Israel and anti-China policy) were more important than his “bad behavior.”

Over the past four years I have been told, “oh, he’s just a buffoon,” “you can’t take him too seriously,” and more of the same.

And with each daily example of his lack of a moral compass and lack of character, too many of our leaders chose to close their eyes, giving Trump the room and the confidence to grow his power to the point of truly challenging our democracy. This is how demagogues are created and mobs empowered.

The disaster in Washington was not Trump’s failure – it was to be expected of him. It is the failure of our political, business and community leaders who failed to speak up, who believed that policies are more important than character and moral leadership.

David Krischer, Atlanta

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

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

Letter to the editor,

History will be kind to Jimmy Carter After watching the wonderful documentary “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President,” it is a sobering reminder of how special this man is. Within 50 years or maybe much less, Jimmy Carter will be celebrated as the equivalent of a Protestant/evangelical saint. History will recognize his genuine accomplishment of delicately balancing the imperatives of faith with public policy. In time, we will realize that the tenor of our present partisan comments is simply a symptom of a passing affliction of hyperpolarized acrimony.

Events will surely arise that will cause many more of us to behave like adults. In time, many more of us also will honor real human progress rather than ingrained biases and cherished political ideologies.

Gary Carter, Homer, Alaska

Letter to the editor,

Act with the burden of Americans who wants to preserve a strong America.

Today, let us each think and act as individual American citizens. Let us act with the burden of Americans on both sides of the aisle who want to preserve a strong America. Please e-mail and call your congressman and senators today.

We must condemn the words and actions of Jan. 6 as 100 percent wrong! Beginning at 11 a.m. a) our president’s words undermined the validity of our electoral and constitutional processes b) his words instigated mob action, c) this mob acted to seize our nation’s Capitol d) this mob’s actions disrupted Congress’ fulfillment of its constitutional mandate of ratifying presidential election results.

Thank God our democracy survived a challenge from within instigated by our president. Thank law enforcement, which was able to restore order. Thank God Congress was able to reconvene, in a largely bipartisan manner with greater respect and decorum than we have seen in some while, fulfill its constitutional charge to ratify the results of the Nov. 3 election.

Ask your member to cosign the Jan. 6 “Letter to Vice President Pence ‘’ originating in the Judiciary Committee. This letter needs bipartisan sponsorship and cosponsors.

The letter seeks to invoke the “The Twenty-fifth Amendment (Amendment XXV) to the United States Constitution which says that if the President becomes unable to do his job, the Vice President becomes the President. This can happen for just a little while, if the President is just sick or disabled for a short time.”

Clearly our president is delusional, mentally unstable and possibly traitorous.

Section 4 provides: “Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.”

ACT your conscience.

Steve Oppenheimer, Atlanta

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 23

OPINION Letter to the editor,

2020/2021 elections post-mortem With closely successive elections now mercifully past, many Jewish Georgians may well be thinking “Shehecheyanu” or more heartfeltly, “Baruch Sheptarani.” Our media market includes two “swing” congressional districts, with heavily contested races. Mid-summer on, there were nonstop dueling ads for both contests, one still unresolved. TV stations were the big winners. What a monumental waste of money and airtime! Paying for your contests were massive infusions of out-of-state cash, augmented by national party demonic dunning for dollars from small contributors.

During the Cold War, the U.S. and the Soviet Union were able to negotiate a Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty (SALT). Now that Georgia has set the country’s course for the next two years, it could perhaps forge a model pact for the nation: a Georgia Election Limits Truce (GELT) between the two major parties, with or without the force of law, to mitigate such electorate abuse.

National 2020 vote fiascoes should never be repeated. Elections must not only be free and fair, but universally perceived as such. Proven essential safeguards against fraud need be reinstituted and consistently applied. Absentee ballots should be the exception, not the rule. Results should be available close to the close of Election Day polls. Though parties typically jockey for electoral advantage, the uncontestable legitimacy of elections being a national imperative, embrace of such common-sense measures ought never be a partisan issue.

Richard D. Wilkins, Syracuse, N.Y.

24 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Letter to the editor,

Pastor Warnock and Israel The well-known pastor Raphael Warnock is a black liberation theology advocate whose embrace of Rev. Jeremiah Wright – G-d Damn America, America deserved 9/11, blame them Jews, Jesus was a Palestinian, Israel is an apartheid state…” and his support for America’s No. 1 anti-Semite, Louis Farrakhan – puts him well outside the pale for election to the U.S. Senate.

Pastor Warnock’s convenient pre-election conversion to “I Support Israel” is reminiscent of similar anti-BDS [Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions] promises by [Congresswoman] Ilhan Omar to the Minneapolis Jewish community. But once in Congress, Omar’s true face reappeared: support for Israel is from “the Benjamins ($100 bills) baby;” “dual loyalty;” pro BDS. (Unpleasant memory: Obama wooed the Jewish community in 2008, but his hostility to Israel immediately resurfaced once elected.)

Until his election driven turnabout, Pastor Warnock’s sermons and endorsements demonized Israel: Nazis, South Africa, racism, oppression, cut off military aid … and as recently as May 2018, “we saw the government of Israel shoot down unarmed Palestinian sisters and brothers like birds of prey …”

Samuel Bahn, New York

OPINION Letter to the editor,

Herd Mentality The failed right-wing Trump regime’s unofficial policy all along in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic was the so-called public health strategy of herd immunity. This pathetic policy of complete surrender to the coronavirus is a direct result of the racist Republican Party’s malign neglect and “herd mentality,” as deranged Donald Trump himself said.

Delusional Donald has made it perfectly clear over the course of this conservative-caused catastrophe that he wants, in his own words, a “herd developed” solution to this crisis of his own making. Over 350,000 Americans are dead, most of whom didn’t have to die! Donald Trump is directly to blame for this genocidal crime against humanity, not to mention his countless crimes against the Constitution.

Being voted out of office in a landslide is insufficient punishment for Vladimir Putin’s puppet. Traitor Trump deserves to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law upon the end of his pathological presidency on Jan. 20. No presidential pardon is going to save the Trump Crime Family from state civil and criminal prosecutions, which is why the state of New York will have the final word on the fate of these farcical fascists and their bogus business empire.

Jake Pickering, Arcata, Calif.

Letter to the editor,

In 2021 as ever, selective outrage will be the rule.

Regarding Jews, try suggesting that members of this particular marginalized group suffer trans-generational trauma as a result of the worst genocidal racist violence in living memory, and demand that allowances be made for that.

See what response you elicit. In 2021 as ever, selective outrage will be the rule.

Jewish lives don’t matter.

Julia Lutch, Davis, Calif.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 25

HEALTH & WELLNESS What Medical Experts Wish We Knew

By Robyn Spizman Gerson Healthcare workers are deserving of the Nobel Prize. Our frontline heroes risk their lives to care for us and our loved ones. They listen for a living and dispense knowledge. We turned the tables to spotlight their profession and asked some dedicated doctors and nurses what they wish patients knew. These insights are practical prescriptions for managing your health. Some of those tips include using technology wisely, keeping personal medical records and understanding that sanitary compliance is still a priority during the pandemic.

Practice COVID hygiene Adrienne Clark is a nurse and owner of Qualified Quacks, a primary care concierge practice experienced in COVID-testing. “We stress to patients how much mask compliance and excellent hand hygiene can protect them. We en- Use technology wisely Dr. Eva Arkin, a gynecologist at courage clients to get tested with a reliable PCR test prior to visiting elderly rel- Premier Care for Women, evaluated the atives or any at risk family/friends. And communication gap. “Technology has we also remind people that while they made sharing and retrieving informamay believe they belong to a small ‘pod tion much faster, which has helped pathat is social distancing’ it’s rare that tient care. However, many physicians people have the same definition, which are caught in the web of typing through a template, and means their pod clinical time with is larger than patients is often they realize,” minimized.

Clark said.

“There are “We remind advances with efeveryone to be ficacy of electronextra vigilant, ic prescriptions and anytime as well, but there you’re around are downfalls someone who is with making sure unmasked, that the pharmacy is their highest actually receives risk of exposure. the prescription.

If they don’t Be sure to update dwell in the same your pharmacy household, they number if it has should still be changed. Many wearing masks. insurance comWhen walking panies do not people breathe cover the most more heavily, specific and best and if one were medications for to be [test] posithe patient,” Artive, the spread kin said. can easily surSurgeon Evan Feldman advises patients “Additionpass 6 feet. Also, to be medically organized. ally, it also helps when people actually are 6 feet apart, they tend to have to have patients know that most of us to raise their voice to be heard, and that practice according to our board certificaalso carries a higher chance of infec- tion guidelines. There has been a trend for some patients to believe solely in the tion.”

26 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Dr. Eva Arkin encourages an understanding of how the prescription system works.

review prior to the visit (believe it or not they still come as CDs).

“In fact, it is always preferable to provide your records to your doctor several days before your appointment so that he or she can review them and can be prepared to make your visit as worthKeep your own medical files Surgeon Evan Feldman focused on while as possible. Don’t assume that when you request medical records. one physician’s of“I wish patients fice to send your knew how disrecords to another jointed and disorphysician’s office, ganized medical that it will acturecords are in the ally happen.”

American healthDr. Jim Braude, care system. Even an internal mediif you had a CAT cine specialist who scan or lab work lives part time in done right down Paris, agreed pathe street, I, as tients should stay your treating surorganized. “Regardgeon, may or may ing medication not have readily management, avoid available access bringing a huge bag to it. Therefore, as of medicine bottles. a patient, it is viInstead, bring a list tal to be a central of all medicines repository for all and supplements of your personal you’re taking, their healthcare infordosage and fremation,” said Feldquency of use,” said man, a colon and Braude, who was in rectal surgeon at Dr. Jim Braude believes patients should private practice in Piedmont Atlanta make yearly exams more efficient.

Atlanta for 30 years Hospital.

“I advise all patients to create a followed by three years as a staff physician binder and keep their medical records at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. organized. They should request hard cop- He also taught Emory University Medical ies of radiologic studies for physicians to School students and is a volunteer staff doc‘Google’ information highway or other sources not supported by the physician ‘college’ to which we belong, and this misinformation has been more difficult to convey.”

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Adrienne Clark suggests ways to practice COVID-safe hygiene.

many times over.”

Retired doctor Jeffrey H. Korotkin agreed patients should recognize a doctor’s commitment to the profession.

Along with a Master of Business AdminPut yourself in doctor’s shoes “As primary care docs, it’s really istration degree, Korotkin has training in impossible for us to be an expert at ev- obstetrics and gynecology with emphasis erything,” Braude said. “Depending on on perinatology.

“It is hard to understand what it is our interest or training, we are strong in certain areas and weaker in others (and like to dedicate your life’s work to serving others at the more likely to reexpense of your fer). Don’t expect family. There were vast knowledge many times duron all subjects. ing my career I “Also, if callwas out for dinner ing your doctor with my wife and after hours, I can children that I remember on had to leave them busy winter weekalone to rush to ends getting as the hospital for many as 150 pages an emergency. My while covering children would for my partners. then ask me what If possible, don’t it was for, deliverpage your doctor ing a baby, treatafter hours uning someone for less it’s something high blood presthat is urgent and sure or a life-andcouldn’t be handeath situation. dled during reguIt wasn’t easy for lar office hours,” them or my wife, he continued. but it was what I “And lastly, wanted to do and be nice to the loved,” he recalled. staff.

Everyone Retired doctor Jeffrey Korotkin “So, I would appreciates this, encourages patients to be more like patients to and you will find considerate of healthcare workers. understand that it will bounce back to you with expressions of kindness when your physician is helping you, yes, and concern. Little things like addressing that’s their job, but to appreciate healththem by their names and thanking them care workers as it’s really a challenging eases their day and will pay back to you career, especially at this time.” ì tor at Mercy Care clinics, where he treats the underserved while also helping patients with complicated medical diagnoses.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 27

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Men Who Bake Challah

Plastic wrapped challot are ready to distribute from Jeff Weener’s kitchen.

By Flora Rosefsky It’s Friday morning, a typical day for a group of men from across metro Jewish Atlanta and cities around the country and world who set aside time to bake challah. According to several of those interviewed by the AJT, using hands to knead, mix and braid the dough brings about a tactile way to reduce feeling stressed in today’s fast-paced culture of 24/7 social me-

Jeff Weener’s batch of six traditional challot are perfectly baked.

dia, where hearing ringing phones to alert one to incoming text messages often demand instant responses. During the pandemic, when more men who might have enjoyed baking in the past are now working from home, a private Facebook group “Guys who bake challah” has become an integral part of the well-being for the 100-plus members.

The guys share recipes and techniques from fellow members, watch YouTube presentations, come up with

Sleep issues?

Have a partner who snores?

Tired of your CPAP? We can help.

Schedule a free consultation today!

(770) 394-4310 sleepbetterga.com/request-an-appointment 28 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

creative variations and often provide their challot to others outside of their homes.

A large menorah challah baked by Steven Baruch was perfect for a Chanukah Shabbat.

His challot recipes only use highquality healthy ingredients such as natural eggs, organic virgin oil, and King Arthur brand flour. For those glutenfree like himself, Weener also makes challah using oat flour in the right proportions to count for Hamotzi.

Challot by Jeff Weener await pickups on the baker’s home porch every Friday afternoon.

Challah giving When Facebook group founder Jeff Weener bakes his 12 to 15 challot in two kitchen ovens in his Toco Hills neighborhood, his son Kobi told the AJT, “you can smell the challah aroma from the street.”

In a phone interview, Jeff Weener, who is Camp Ramah Darom’s director of business operations and a member of Congregation Ohr HaTorah, told the AJT how a favorite tradition during COVID is making challot to support charities such as Repair the World Atlanta.

By word of mouth or through referrals, neighbors and others contact him for Shabbat challah orders through social media or email. One can request plain, sesame or everything challot.

Orders get picked up on Friday afternoons on his home porch. Customers leave monetary donations in envelopes in a designated box; the entire proceeds go directly to charity. If it’s a gift for someone who lives nearby, Weener will deliver it.

Noah Pawliger bakes a stuffed sweet challah with a streusel topping for Rosh Hashanah.

Art and flavor One’s mouth may start watering when anticipating the taste of Atlantan Noah Pawliger’s challah posted on Facebook during the Jewish New Year holidays. The pictured challah was filled with apples, raisins, figs, apricots cooked in brown sugar, bourbon, a little margarine, and vanilla, with streusel topping. “There is a very spiritual element to baking challah and it’s an important mitzvah,” he told the AJT through Facebook Messenger.

A few artful challahs made by the Facebook group guys include the portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Freddie Feldman of Skokie, Ill.; the Thanksgiv-

HEALTH & WELLNESS

FB group member Freddie Feldman shows his RBG challah.

ing chall’urkey by Marc Aaron Melzer of Teaneck, N.J.; and the Chanukah menorah by San Francisco’s Steven Baruch.

Kobi Weener, who bakes traditional challot, says he thinks a challah becomes a challah when being braided. “This is when the spirit of Shabbat comes into the bread and your personality shows,” he said.

photo courtesy of Ramah Darom // Jeff

Weener is co-administrator of the FB group ‘Guys who bake challah’.

Baking advice In a Facebook group post, one member asked how to get the best egg wash. Another wondered why his challah braiding was so uneven and parts of the challah were too spaced apart.

Turned out he had to add 50 percent more time for the proofing (rising of the dough) and then added more flour to the braids.

Nathaniel Lack of Milton, asked Weener why canned pumpkin was listed in his published challah recipe instead of the more expensive saffron, which he had used for its yellow color and aroma. Weener added pumpkin to the dough mixture after reading the ingredient on a Publix challah’s packaging 20 years ago.

Lack says his best challah Facebook group advice was to weigh his flour, instead of measuring it. One time he followed a member’s video exactly.

Despite the mess that ensued, “the challah was wonderful and worth the effort,” he said.

ily likes store bought challah. The taste and texture of home baked challah is second to none.”

A family activity Jeremy Shulman, whose grandmother used to work for Bernie the Baker in Toco Hills, grew up in an observant Atlanta Jewish household. He now replicates the challah’s aroma from childhood memories in his Dunwoody home when his four children join him to make about 12 challahs every four to six weeks, which he says is a great family activity. They eat two challot each Shabbat and often give challot to their friends and neighbors. Shulman said in a Facebook post, “Nobody in my fam-

Invitation only The “Guys who bake challah” Facebook group is private, so you have to ask to join. Co-administrators are Jeff Weener and his son Kobi, who lives in New Jersey. Although primarily a group founded for “men only,” there are a few female members. In a phone interview, Jeff Weener said creating this Facebook group gives “men a space to have their challah experiences be front and center.”

He wants people to invite their friends, saying it’s a collaboration, with members asking questions or offering advice. ì

Jeremy Shulman makes multiple challot as a family activity.

Nephrology Consultants of Georgia Proud To Support Atlanta Jewish Times

Serving The Community For Over 40 Years We specialize in the treatment of many kidney disorders including Hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease, Kidney Stones, Dialysis, Transplantation, Electrolytes Disorders, Glomerulonephritis, Edema

• David Bahrami,M.D. • Sheldon Shore,M.D. • Edrea Jones,M.D. • Jobira WoldeMichael,M.D. • Kamyar Madani,M.D. • David Yoo,M.D. • Azeem Khan,M.D. • Sushma Reddycherla, M.D.

Atlanta • Camp Creek • Fayette • Newnan • Conyers (404)352-3300 • www.ncgpc.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 29

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Therapist Puts New Face on Alcoholism

By Marcia Caller Jaffe No one intends to develop problems with alcohol, foods, sugar, anger, overspending, or gambling, according to therapist Laura Temin. “It happens innocently, without any intention to hurt oneself or become out of control,” explained Temin, a licensed marriage therapist, psychotherapist, clinical/medical hypnotherapist in practice for 23 years in Roswell. Her new book, “Wake Up! Accidental Hypnosis is Ruining Your Life,” is available at the end of the month.

“Since the onset of COVID, alcohol use skyrocketed as a coping mechanism. Everyone’s looking for relief. People drink for relaxation, to calm nerves, to sleep, as a ritual, to escape boredom, depression, a past event, or a present problem. They drink socially and as a reward. It easily becomes a habit. People believe drinking relaxes us, but it’s really just dulling the brain and our ability to analyze and process information. Ultimately it causes us to zone out and not care,” she said.

Temin specializes in helping clients with goals, habits, relationships, weight, alcohol and sleep.

For diagnostic purposes, clinicians categorize symptoms and label conditions to help people resolve problems. Despite good intentions, labels can breed judgment, which further debilitates people, she said.

Quantity guidelines are traditionally used to identify how much alcohol consumption creates a problem. Temin believes personal information such as age, medi-

cations, food intake, body mass, brain function, mental and physical health influence how much a person can safely drink.

When someone has an alcohol problem, Temin wants to understand, “How does the drink help them”?

People move towards pleasure and away from pain.

Even if drinking is causing pain (hangover, fogginess, weight, family/work problems) drinking is their best solution in that moment, she said.

“In my experience, the reason alcohol treatment has such low success is because we’re addressing the symptoms rather than the problem.” She elaborated, “There are many effective ways to help people with alcohol abuse. Adhering to the ‘one size fits all approach’ is minimally effective. Instead, let’s address the whole person: brain, body, gut, emotions as well as the root cause. And let’s meet people with the compassion we want ourselves. In truth, everyone wants to be healthy and live productive, fulfilling lives. We all need help in one front or another,” she continued.

“Many who develop a habit of drinking become physiologically dependent (addicted) to alcohol. When that person seeks help, to drink less or stop, they’re embarrassed. They’ve hidden their problem because they know they’ll be judged. They’ve already attempted to fix it themselves, unsuccessfully. Few people tell their physician how much they drink; and not all physicians have protocols to help people safely detox.”

Temin explained that many people who drink too Roswell therapist Laura Temin said that to properly treat alcoholism, the root cause needs to be addressed along with the symptoms.

much don’t consider themselves “alcoholic” because they’re functioning, holding high-level jobs and being productive at home. Alcohol abuse isn’t a character flaw, and alcohol dependence naturally results over time with daily drinking, she said. Cutting back or stopping “cold turkey” might cause withdrawals, which can be dangerous for the heart. People need the right resources to detoxify safely, said Temin, who worked in a Wellstar hospital emergency room for nine years.

It helped solidify her understanding of the mind-body connection and the importance of working as a team.

While Alcoholics Anonymous works for many, it may not always be a good fit. It is a stable support group, but may not be sufficient for addressing root cause, she said.

“Changing our habits begins with a conscious decision. But staying motivated and on track is difficult when we’re fighting cravings, upsets, the past and emotions. Upsets weaken our willpower and eat away at our determination. Clinical hypnotherapy is a gentle and effective way to strengthen a person’s resolve and build inner strength. It calms the mind and uplifts the spirit, making people more resilient in difficult times.”

Because hypnosis is a natural state, Temin believes we are accidentally hypnotized into many problems and don’t realize it. She explains the concept and how to help yourself in her new book to be released later this month. ì Temin, who runs Achievement Strategies, Inc., is available in person and by Zoom, www.LauraTemin.com.

30 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 31

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Is There a Jewish Link to Cancer?

By Robyn Spizman Gerson

optimize prevention,” Meisel said.

“We have a study ongoing as a collaboAs 2021 arrives, the cancer world ration between Emory and JScreen called continues to remain hopeful for break- PEACH (Program for the Evaluation of Ashthroughs. The good news is improved kenazi Jewish Cancer Heritability) BRCA, outcomes are on the rise. Considering looking at the value of genetic testing for that some cancers, such as breast and BRCA1 and BRCA2 for Ashkenazi Jews who do not have a family history ovarian, have a Jewish of cancer. The goal of this genetic predisposition, a study is to learn more about few Jewish Atlanta cancer the BRCA mutation rate for experts from Emory Unipeople with Ashkenazi Jewversity’s Winship Cancer ish ancestry and to optiInstitute shed light on inmize outcomes by learning novative advancements the best ways to tie patients and new treatments in in with the right preventatheir fields. tive care and treatments,” “Breast cancer risk she continued. is higher among Jew“We have learned a ish women, and this ingreat deal in recent years creased risk is largely due about risk reduction in to the higher prevalence Dr. Jonathon Cohen patients with BRCA mutaof BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene is Winship’s director tions – both for those who mutations in Ashkenazi of lymphoma clinical have been diagnosed with Jews,” according to Dr. trials research. cancer and for those who Jane Lowe Meisel, an oncologist and associate professor of hema- carry a gene mutation but have not develtology and medical oncology at Winship. oped a malignancy.”

Dr. Jonathon Cohen is director of “To the best of our knowledge, mutations in the BRCA genes are present lymphoma clinical trials research at in about 1 in 400 people in the general Winship. “Some cancers tend to run in American population, but in about 1 in Jewish families, however with blood 40 Ashkenazi Jewish men and women. It cancers, this doesn’t appear to be quite as relevant, although we is estimated that about 8 know that a family history to 10 percent of Ashkenazi of blood cancers like lymJewish women diagnosed phoma can increase a pawith breast cancer in the tient’s likelihood of develUnited States have a muoping one. For lymphoma, tation in one of these two there is no specific genetic genes. Women with a muscreen or testing that we tation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 recommend for family have about a 70 percent members of affected pachance of developing tients. It is important that breast cancer over a lifepatients are aware of their time, and on average, tend family history so that they to be diagnosed at younger can discuss this with their ages than breast cancer Dr. Jonathan Kaufman is primary care physician at patients who are not muinterim division director a yearly physical exam.” tation carriers.” of Winship’s Department Cohen discussed Meisel recommends of Hematology and treatment options. “The “all Ashkenazi Jewish Medical Oncology. management of lymphowomen with a family history of breast cancer to be proactive mas continues to evolve with new adabout considering genetic testing for vances coming each year, and 2020 was BRCA1 and BRCA2, because knowledge no exception. While traditional chemois power. If you do not carry a mutation therapy is still incorporated into the it doesn’t mean you will never get breast treatment for some patients, others can cancer, but it means your risk depends on be managed with oral targeted agents [for other things, too, such as certain lifestyle example, a daily pill] that control their disease for many years. Others are candifactors and family history, of course.

“If you are found to have a mutation dates for a new form of immunotherapyin BRCA1 or BRCA2, you have a higher based treatment, including chimeric anrisk of cancer, but you can also get tigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, which utilize plugged in with all the right protocols to the patient’s own T-cells to attack their 32 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Dr. Jane Meisel is an oncologist and associate professor of hematology and medical oncology at Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute.

cancer. This type of therapy is available plasma cell. Outcomes for patients have now for patients with relapsed aggres- improved dramatically over the past 20 sive non-Hodgkin lymphoma as well as years primarily due to new effective and some forms of leukemia, and it is being safer therapies. We haven’t found a cure investigated in other cancer subtypes,” yet, but with technology getting better, a cure for myeloma is in our future.” he said.

Whether you have a family history, “At our most recent national meeting of the American Society of Hematol- Jewish genetic link or a non-related canogy, there was one study reported which cer, it’s still a family affair, according to Katie Simon, a Winidentified outstanding ship physician assistant. outcomes for patients with “My role is to manage the low grade non-Hodgkin medical side of illness lymphoma as well. Our and instill confidence in team has been involved my patients by addresswith the clinical developing their needs and makment of these therapies ing them feel safe in their and we have the expertise treatments. Family plays to manage patients both in a large role in cancer care. the setting of clinical trials And I’m using family in a plus those patients who are broader sense – it involves receiving the treatment.” community and friends – Dr. Jonathan L. your chosen family.”

Kaufman, an associate Katie Simon, a physician Cohen looks toward professor and interim assistant, helps support the future. “I think it is division director in Winthe cancer patient and becoming increasingly ship’s Department of Hefamily experience. clear in 2021 that there matology and Medical Oncology, focuses on patient care and are so many ways to treat and diagnose research in myeloma and other plasma patients, ranging from new immunocell disorders. He explained, “Multiple therapies to close observation. I expect myeloma is the second most common the drumbeat of progress will continue blood cancer after lymphoma. Myeloma in 2021 just as it has this year,” he said.

“Patients should continue to be is cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells reside in the bone marrow and their nor- participants in their care, ask questions mal job is to make antibodies to help pre- about new therapies and clinical trials, vent and fight infection. We don’t know and recognize that the relationship they why plasma cells turn into cancer, but have with their oncologist will likely be we know that it is rarely hereditary. The a long one with a number of turns along cause is likely related to environmental the way as together you manage this disfactors and random events within the ease.” ì

Breast Cancer Basics: Third In A Four-Part Series

When You Need A Breast Biopsy; Dr. Barry Roseman Offers Health Advice

By Dr. Barry Roseman

ADVERTISEMENT - Paid for by Advanced Breast Care

In this article, the third in a series about breast cancer, we focus on breast biopsies.

To begin with, let me define the word biopsy. A breast biopsy is the removal of tissue from the breast of a woman (or man) to be examined for the presence of a disease – most commonly to determine if breast cancer is present.

What would lead a physician to recommend a biopsy? Typically, a biopsy is done because of new or “suspicious” findings on breast imaging studies such as a mammogram, breast ultrasound or breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. Occasionally new breast lumps are found on a breast exam, and while the next step to determine the nature of such lumps is to perform breast imaging, this may also lead to recommendations for a biopsy.

Dr. Barry Roseman

a small needle is inserted through the skin that removes fragments of breast tissue. Lymph nodes can be sampled under ultrasound guidance in a similar fashion.

Mammogram-guided biopsies are typically done in a breast center, and MRI guided biopsies are even more elaborate, as they need to be done by a team while you are in the MRI scanner.

Biopsies are “image guided,” that is, performed with diagnostic radiology imaging to ensure that the tissue being removed corresponds to the radiologic abnormality. We want to see the abnormal finding while doing the biopsy, to be sure that we are sampling the precise area in question.

Ultrasound biopsies can be performed in the office. After using a small amount of local anesthetic in the skin,

locate the site that was biopsied. Think of it as similar to leaving cookie crumbs, as a trail back to the original location.

biopsies are rarely done now for breast disease, as we prefer to avoid doing an operation just to diagnose a problem.

The tissue samples removed are immediately sent to a pathology lab where they are studied, and a report is created to describe the appearance of the tissue under the microscope and establish the final diagnosis. When breast cancer is present, additional stains are used to determine details of the tumor biology, that is, what factors are contributing to tumor growth and what treatments will be appropriate and effective.

However, sometimes surgery is required to obtain enough tissue to make a firm pathology diagnosis. In this case, a surgeon takes you to a sterile operating room, administers local or general anesthesia, makes an incision in the skin, then completely removes the abnormal mass or radiologic abnormality.

When the results are benign, you can be safely monitored or observed. When breast cancer is found, additional surgery is often necessary to definitively remove the tumor, and sometimes sample lymph nodes.

Typically, the biopsy results will be conclusive. The pathologists are experienced enough that they will not miss cancer, nor call something cancer by mistake. The only thing to keep in mind is that a negative biopsy does not completely rule out cancer. Think of it this way: you reach in your purse and cannot find your credit card. Does that mean it is not there? Probably, but if you empty the purse out completely and look in every nook and cranny, and still don’t find it – now you’re sure.

A breast ultrasound can be used to guide the biopsy.

If there is a breast lump or mass present, it is commonly visible with ultrasound, and in this case, ultrasound can be used to guide the biopsy. If the finding is only seen on a mammogram or MRI scan, then that same imaging device is used to “guide” the exact biopsy location.

Ultrasound Guided Biopsy. A small needle is placed into the suspicious area seen on Ultrasound

Tissue is studied under the microscope to establish the final diagnosis.

For several reasons, a very small titanium biopsy “clip” or “marker” is typically left at the site of the biopsy. This identifies the site on future imaging so that radiologists will know that a biopsy was done, and to ensure that the correct area was sampled. The clips are also useful if there is additional surgery, to precisely

The same goes with sampling breast tissue. The larger the sample without cancer, the surer we can be, but without removing the entire abnormality surgically we can never be 100 percent sure.

Which leads to the subject of a surgical biopsy. In the past, before the development of sophisticated mammogram and ultrasound imaging, this was the only way to do a biopsy, Open surgical

If a Breast Biopsy is recommended for you, do not worry, just have it done.

Biopsies today can be simple procedures with mild to little pain, and you always need to know what is going on in your breasts (and your body). Remember that the earlier Breast Cancer is diagnosed, the less treatment will be necessary, and the better the outcome will be!

My next and final article will deal with breast cancer treatment.

If you have questions or wish to contact me, please call or email me and I will be happy to respond.

Dr. Barry Roseman Advanced Breast Care / Surgical Oncology of North Georgia, Inc www.advanced-breastcare.com 404-841-6262 barry.roseman@gmail.com Paid Content by Advanced Breast Care ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 33

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Female Urologist is Rarity in Georgia

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Joan Hader was born and raised in Atlanta and went to the University of Georgia, then onto the Medical College of Georgia. After a six-year residency at the University of Maryland Medical System, she settled back home into private practice. Since she was 12, she developed a fascination with medicine watching “Medical Center” with Chad Everett.

“I knew I wanted to be a doc. During summers, I was a recovery room nurse’s assistant, then gave allergy shots. I went straight through school and spent most of my time studying rather than working. “ Urology 28 years ago was certainly a male dominated field, and women were only 1 percent of urologists. She decided in med school that she wanted to be a surgeon, and when she rotated in urology, she truly liked it. But when her attending teaching professor at the Augusta VA Medical Center made the comment to her that “women don’t go into urology,” she decided to challenge herself and prove them wrong.

“What no one seemed to mention or realize was the extent of urology issues in women. I was the second female urologist in Atlanta in 1993. Overall, female urologists comprise approximately 8 to 10 percent of all urologists in the U.S.” Hader treats both men and women at a ratio of 40 to 60 percent. Many men actually seek out female doctors because of their nurturing nature and ability to listen, she said. When men make appointments, they usually know they’re seeing a woman.

She performs vasectomies, penile prosthesis and treats erectile dysfunction. She has an amiable chairside manner and notes that men prefer her smaller fingers, which could result in less invasive situations. While men often suffer from a weak stream, which can be relaxed by Flomax, women more commonly complain of overactive bladder or incontinence with a “gotta go” feeling, Hader explained.

The most prevalent female conditions she treats are urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections and kid-

ney stones. “Prostate cancer and kidney cancer have slowly increased related to people living longer but are mostly curable. Bladder cancer has declined some. I see no drastic increases in any GU [genitourinary] cancers.”

Seeing drug remedies on TV commercials for frequency and or urgency feelings, Hader defines normal voiding in a 24-hour period as about eight times, which varies with fluid intake. Getting up in the middle of the night should be zero to one time, depending on fluid intake and length of sleep. Also, the older, the more frequent. More women are likely to be treated with meds for frequency/urgency Dr. Joan Hader is an Atlanta native who treats than men. both men and women. She challenged herself She cautions, “Some during training when her attending physician foods can irritate the bladder, said, “Women don’t go into urology.” causing frequency/urgency (alcohol, acidic foods). They don’t physi- only with respect to incontinence and cally injure the bladder, just cause the pelvic prolapse. Urogynecologists are not symptoms. Cranberry is shown in some urologists or vice versa. Prolapse can be studies to help prevent UTI’s in some handled by either specialty as both diswomen. It works by preventing bacteria ciplines have physicians who specialize from adhering to the bladder wall and in that.” Prolapse occurs when pelvic multiplying. Soft drinks can irritate the floor muscles and ligaments stretch and bladder. The dark color of soda/cola and weaken and are no longer able to provide some teas have oxalate that can cause enough support for the uterus.

Female sexual dysfunction can by stones in people who have a propensity handled by either specialist, but usually by to form kidney stones.”

She recommends Kegel exercises, a gynecologist unless the urologist specialpelvic floor muscle training for bladder izes in that. Hysterectomies would fall in control, as long as they are done regu- the gynecology column, she said. ì larly. They could improve 50 percent of Dr. Joan Hader is part of Urology Spemilder symptoms, but cure less than 20 cialists of Atlanta associated with Saint Jopercent of problems, Hader said.

“Urology overlaps with gynecology seph’s and Northside hospitals.

From the New York Times Bestselling author of THE PARIS ARCHITECT:

A new novel of Jewish historical fiction

The life of Prince Markhov of the Russian Imperial Court of Nicholas & Alexandra is changed when he witnesses the aftermath of the 1903 Easter Sunday pogrom in Kishinev.

He is shocked by the brutality the Jews & peasants must endure in Russia. Does he stand by or fight injustice?

THE FABERGÉ SECRET straddles two totally different worlds – the splendor of the last Tsar's Court and the cruelty of the Pale of Settlement where all Jews in Russia were forced to live. It is also a story that most of you have a personal connection to – many of your family came to America from the Pale or Poland to escape pogroms and Tsarist oppression.

You’ll enjoy a man discover a sense of humanity. www.charlesbelfoure.com

Available in bookstores & ebook 34 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The Lowdown I Bet You Didn’t Know …

Steven Wertheim

Atlanta is chock-full of interesting movers and shakers, some bent on creativity, living the good life, and in this case, devoting decades to helping others. Lean in to hear some of the off the-cuff-remarks about what makes orthopedist Steve Wertheim tick.

Dr Steven Wertheim is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. He has been in practice for 33 years and has performed more than 12,000 surgeries.

Wertheim was one of just 21 orthopedic surgeons internationally recognized by the Arthroscopy Association of North America as a Distinguished Arthroscopy Leader and fellow. He was listed in Atlanta magazine as a top doctor for many years. He also has served as a team physician for many professional, college and high school teams and athletes as well as an Olympic physician and a physician for the U.S. Maccabi teams in Israel and South America.

Wertheim served as president of Resurgens Orthopaedics for 20 years, leading the growth of the practice from seven physicians to more than 100. Resurgens now has 21 offices and over 1000 employees.

He got his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University and did his orthopedic surgery residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland and a fellowship in sports medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He then served as an assistant professor of orthopedics at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was awarded the Jesse Nicholson teaching award.

Wertheim has served in leadership positions in AIPAC, Congregation Or Hadash and Maccabi USA. He has been married to Melinda for 39 years and has three daughters and six grandchildren.

Find out how “the doc” is a tennis and golf ace.

If I had not become a physician, I would have been a …

A tennis coach. I led a disadvantaged youth tennis team to a city championship.

I’m reading “A Time for Mercy” by John Grisham. I enjoy mysteries by Dan Silva, Harlan Coben and James Patterson.

Exotic vacations Safaris in Kenya and South Africa. Biking in Vietnam, Cambodia and Israel.

If I had one more talent Be able to play piano and sing on key.

I was star struck meeting Shimon Peres. An incredible visionary who lived his life for his country.

My children would say You’re too old for climbing on swing sets with grandkids, crawling on the ground after them, and trying to ski and weightlift with us …

Most unusual feat Playing golf, I shot two holes in one on the same day!

Guilty pleasure: Rich, fancy meals with a nice California cabernet like Scarecrow.

What’s your take on today’s political climate?

I’m very involved in political fundraising for candidates who support a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, and have a personal relationship with congressmen and senators on both sides of the aisle. I wish people would listen to what candidates actually say and vote instead of just labeling them by political party or what they hear on Twitter or Facebook.

Health advice for 2021 To live a healthy lifestyle: exercise, eat healthy, watch your weight and get enough sleep.

Reported by Marcia Caller Jaffe ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 35

ART ‘Shtisel’ Coming Back Stronger Than Ever

By Bob Bahr Chasidic Jews have come a long way in the popular imagination since they were portrayed almost 30 years ago in the Hollywood film flop, “A Stranger Among Us.” The film, which can still be streamed online, got a dismal 22 percent approval rating on the Rotten Tomatoes film review site. Actress Melanie Griffith stars in the crime drama as a hard-boiled gentile cop who goes undercover in New York’s Chasidic community to thwart a diamond heist. She was given the Razzie Award for the year’s worst performance and Tracy Pollan, her co-star, won Worst Supporting Actress.

One line from the script by Robert J. Avrech, who is an observant Jew, seemed to summarize his view of this lamentable peek into the world of the ultra-Orthodox. He wrote, “These people are a freaking embarrassment.”

Fast forward to 2021 and American audiences are eagerly awaiting the promised arrival on Netflix of the third season

of “Shtisel,” the family comedy drama set among the ultra-Orthodox community of Geula in Jerusalem. The series, which first premiered in 2013, is expected to be back on Netflix in the spring.

It has won 16 Israeli Ophirs, which is that country’s version of the Emmys and now boasts a devoted audience of viewers in 31 countries.

Although it is set in Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community, its creators are quick to deny the series is primarily about religion.

Yonatan Indursky, who grew up as an ultra-Orthodox Yeshiva student in Israel, admits that when the series was first pitched to the Yes satellite TV channel in Israel, he and his partner Ori Elon, who attended a yeshiva in Efrat, maintained that there was not one religious character in the series. He told an online audience of the New Israel Fund that that “isn’t a big lie.”

Indursky said, “I truly believe that this is not a series about ultra-Orthodox people, but this is a series that deals with human beings. And the story deals with

LEXX HOMECARE AGENCY personnel has been providing quality home care since 2001, so be assured will send quality professionals to your home.

We understand that most seniors would want to stay in their homes for as long as possible.

LEXX Home Care allows you to do this!

Our State background checks and fingerprinting assure you that LEXX HOMECARE is sending trusted, dependable and reliable caregivers.

We love caring for seniors, and “Our Personal Touch Makes The Difference.”

Phone: 770-755-1600 Fax: 770-755-1601 www.lexxcares.com 36 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Since 2018, Netflix has broadcast the daily challenges of the Shtisel family.

conflicts that are not necessarily related religiously committed people are. He to the ultra-Orthodox way of life. And I said he came to realize this one day after think these conflicts can be understood he had left the religious community and and identified with by everyone. And this was studying at the Spiegel Film School in Israel. is what we were trying to do.”

“Suddenly I understood how secular Indeed, there is little in the series to suggest the deep animosity that is said people look at the ultra-Orthodox in Israel. I think this is not to exist between hatred and this is most Israelis who not alienation. We are liberal in their simply do not see approach to Jewish them. I think that life and the strict was the moment conformity of this that gave birth to religious commu‘Shtisel.’” nity.

The success Over the past of “Shtisel,” with year there have audiences that see been repeated themselves in the clashes between trials and travails the government of the characters in in Israel and the the series, is undeleadership of the Series creator Yonatan Indursky niable. ultra-Orthodox or maintains that the series is not The first epiHaredi commuprimarily about religious life. sode of the new seanity. Government orders to close religious schools and to son was previewed at a highly successminimize the number of participants in ful fundraiser at New York’s prestigious community gatherings have frequently Streicker Center at Temple Emanu-El been ignored. A disproportionate num- Dec. 17, three days before the series preber of the religious community in Israel miered in Israel.

A benefit screening was also schedand in America have been stricken by the uled for a modern Orthodox high school COVID virus and have died.

Indursky, who was once a student at in Chicago and later this month, Bnei the prestigious Ponevezh Yeshiva in Jeru- Akiva, the international Religious Zionsalem, said that he is “trying to separate ist youth group in Los Angeles, will get a our characters from what he believes are sneak preview of the series.

If “Shtisel” can bring us closer to the ‘bad connotations’ of the ultra-observant life. Although the characters are a genuine recognition of the singular deeply constrained by the discipline of and diverse elements in the Jewish comcommunity relations, the patriarch of the munity, the Israeli producer of “Shtisel” Shtisel family, Reb Shulem, his daughter believes it could be a major accomplishGitty and his youngest son Akiva wrestle, ment.

“What I’m actually looking for in on many levels, with the universal hardmy filmmaking is to place a spotlight ships of everyday human life.

The show’s co-creator Indursky at- on a person and to remind us that every tributes the hostility that separates the person is unique, that there is no man or secular world and the religious one to a woman that is like that or will there ever lack of understanding about who these be.” ì

ART

Hope for Theaters

By Tiffany Parks

reputation. It has over 200 artist members, offering playwriting classes, seminars and Across America, theaters big and small writing scholarships. One of the popular have shut their doors due to COVID-19. events is Monday Night Critique Sessions, The future of the theater scene seems which gives playwrights the opportunity bleak. But two arts organizations, the Alli- to have their plays read aloud and critiqued ance for Jewish Theatre and Working Title by professional actors, playwrights and draPlaywrights, have been maturgs. bursting at the seams with In 1979, the Alliance new members during the for Jewish Theatre began pandemic. as a global arts organizaHank Kimmel, board tion comprised of theaters president of the two orand theater artists to creganizations, is energizing ate, present and preserve them through an infusion traditional and non-traof faith values, diversity ditional theater about the and hope.

Jewish experience. To date, “To be honest, when the Chicago-based AJT has I moved to Atlanta from over 200 participating artNew York during the 90s ists and theaters.

Hank Kimmel is board I thought it was the end of “We just had our first president of the Alliance for Jewish Theatre and the my theater activities. But it virtual conference this Working Title Playwrights. was really the beginning of year, and we had our highthem.” est attendance to date,” Kimmel said. AJT’s In 2000, WTP unofficially started conference had award-winning speakers when Kimmel and a group of five people and playwrights including Mara Isaacs, began meeting at various places, including Snehal Desai and Anna Ziegler. There were the Emory University campus, to read and playwriting workshops, forums and anticritique each other’s plays. racism training.

Meanwhile, Kimmel was still trying to The most important missions of both gain a footing in his new hometown. organizations are equity, diversity and in“As I got more imclusion. Kimmel confirms mersed in Atlanta life, I that Amber Bradshaw, the joined The Temple. I had managing artistic director never been affiliated with of WTP, has been instrua synagogue or with orgamental in implementing nized religion, but discovits inclusive community. ering my Judaism helped “We can’t dismantle me have a much deeper racism if we can’t talk connection to the theater,” about it in a space that Kimmel said. gives us permission to For 14 years, Kimmel speak our truth. It is my was the membership chair personal mission to make at The Temple, which has sure we are always provida long history of activism ing that space for artists,” dating back to the times Bradshaw said. of Rabbi Jacob Rothschild AJT’s first paid artisand his friendship with tic director was Jeremy Jeremy Aluma was the Martin Luther King, Jr. Aluma. He said he believes Alliance for Jewish Theatre’s “I learned so much that the pandemic caused first paid artistic director. about running an effecthe Jewish community to tive nonprofit through just actively working view diversity in a different way. in the synagogue and meeting great people “This pandemic has made Jews quesand through believing in the tzedakah. All tion their own identities. My grandparents of it has made me a compassionate leader.” were from Baghdad. They had to escape One of the main tenets of tzedakah when they started murdering Jews there. is service to the community, and Kimmel But I never see any plays about Middle Eastsees the arts organizations he helps lead as ern Jews. We need to start telling more stoservice communities in that members have ries about Jews from diverse places.” access to the resources that help them craft Kimmel echoes those sentiments powerful stories about life that resonate about diversity. with the broader community.

“When people from diverse backAs a local arts organization, WTP grounds collaborate and tell their stories, has gained momentum and built a strong it can be transformative. When stories be-

come personalized, it leads to actions. A lot of white people told me that they didn’t realize how much black people were going through until they heard some of the stories at WTP’s community forums,” Kimmel said.

He is proud that WTP and AJT have continued to be creative havens during these tumultuous times.

“People are craving to create and connect with each other. We’ve especially seen a diversity of younger people.”

In addition to being board president, Kimmel is a lawyer, and has written more than 40 plays with productions in theaters across America. He calls himself a theater maker instead of a playwright because of the many talents he has developed such as producing, dramaturgy and writing.

His plays are steeped in humor because he believes it is the best way to deal with the ironies and misdirections in life. Part of his writing success, he said, is that he doesn’t waste an opportunity to write.

“I write whenever I can. I cram writing in every part of my life. If I have time in between court proceedings, I’ll write.”

Last month, the Jewish Repertory Theatre produced filmed staged readings of

One of the Working Title Playwrights’ public readings.

Kimmel’s Holiday Shorts. Also, the Quarantine Players organization is producing Kimmel’s Jewish stories collections. Some of the titles include “The Day Santa Ignored Us” and “The Music Man Goes Yiddish.”

Looking to the future, Kimmel said he believes COVID will go away and the people involved in WTP and AJT will emerge from the pandemic better writers, collaborators and friends and will change the community with unforgettable stories. ì Kimmel lives in Atlanta with his wife Barbara (who is also a writer) and their three children.

For more information www.hankkimmel. com, https://workingtitleplaywrights.com/, https://alljewishtheatre.org/.

THE SONENSHINE TEAM

Atlanta’s Favorite Real Estate Team

DEBBIE SONENSHINE Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Internationally, Certified Negotiator, Luxury, New Homes and Corporate Relocation Specialist Voted Favorite Jewish Realtor in AJT, Best of Jewish Atlanta

Debbie Sells Houses!

#1 Coldwell Banker Team in State

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

JUST SOLD in the LAST FEW WEEKS!

NOW IS THE TIME TO SELL! Give Us a Call! direct 404.250.5311 | office 404.252.4908 Follow Us On Facebook

Debbie@SonenshineTeam.com | www.SonenshineTeam.com ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Operated By a Subsidiary of NRT LLC.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 37

ART

David Broza Creates Music for Changing Times

The 25th anniversary “Not Yet Christmas Show” was a virtual performance from New York that was seen in Atlanta.

By Bob Bahr While live musical performances took a big hit last year, Israeli born singer and songwriter David Broza has found ways to continue to make music despite the impact of the pandemic.

Just before the year-end holidays he celebrated the 25th anniversary of his “Not Exactly Christmas Show” from the new City Winery in New York to a virtual net-

work of six other City Wineries, including one in Atlanta.

Performance stages in another eight locations across the country also sold tickets to the concert, which attracted several thousand enthusiastic fans of Broza’s Israeli-accented international approach to contemporary music.

Although the concert was marketed in specific cities, anyone, anywhere with an internet connection, could buy a ticket.

A Fascinating Read!

Available on Amazon and Kindle 38 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Broza likes the idea that he can maintain a certain sense of intimacy in a virtual performance, even if the audience is far-flung.

“Every one of the people watching wherever they are, whether in Colombia, whether in Atlanta, whether in Texas, in Israel, Korea, or Malaysia, is connected. I don’t even know where my audience is, but each and every person who watches feels that he’s the only person in the room.”

The livestreaming of performances, he feels, also makes it easier for performers to relax and create a different kind of chemistry that would not be possible if there was a large audience in front of them.

“It’s a lot harder to create that sense of theater because everybody gets intimidated when there are so many people there.

My musicians are, after all, shy people at the end of the day. And in a virtual performance there’s nothing to be shy about.

They don’t even know who’s watching. You know, they see a camera, two cameras, fine.

They are not aware of it. And so it makes it a very unique performance, super entertaining and riveting and light, you know, for everybody.”

During the three-hour performance Broza sang and played nonstop with a group of back-up musicians and dancers from Spain and Latin America.

The infectious, free-wheeling energy of the concert didn’t seem to faze the 65-year-old Broza who reveled in the high level of musicianship and improvisation during the lengthy set.

“It’s just fun to be able to explore this.

Can we actually catch everybody like this on their phones and computers, on their screens, in their homes? They buy a $10 ticket. They can have their family members with them – six, seven, eight – to be all watching for the same price.”

That was just the latest effort by someone who has long been one of Israel’s most popular musicians. His popularity is in

Broza’s latest CD is his first featuring only instrumentals.

part a tribute to being a performer who seems to have a genuine knack of incorporating diverse cultural influences and innovative approaches in his work.

Heading into the new year, he has his first purely instrumental album, a CD that pays homage to the influence of nuevo flamenco and the work of some of the genre’s greatest guitarists. It was produced by Grammy award-winner Javier Limon at his studio in Madrid, Spain, where Broza lived with his parents as a teen.

With last year’s thaw in diplomatic relations between Israel and several nations in the Arab world, he saw the opportunity to explore the idea that music can bridge differences and animosities. He produced a virtual concert of his music, performed in Israel’s Negev desert, to promote the idea that music can be a bridge to a more peaceful world.

“A few weeks ago, we went to King Solomon’s mines in the Negev Desert in southern Israel along with Jerusalem’s East West Orchestra. It’s a phenomenal orchestra that’s made up of Jews from North Africa, some Arabs from Israel, and a string section of Russian emigres and young Indian musicians. And we played my music dressed up in Middle Eastern and North African sound. We did livestreaming to the Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the entire Middle East. And it was a blast. It was unreal. It was fantastic.”

Whether in Israel or America, Broza is enthusiastic about the possibilities that are emerging in a world that is still very much in crisis. Music, whether it is performed virtually or in person, he believes, has the power to produce change.

“It’s a no-brainer. It’s just compassion, just bringing down that level of animosity and fear, bringing it down to the level where we can talk to strangers and become best friends, believe it or not, especially if there’s bread to be broken or in a song to be sung.

There’s no question in my mind.” ì

Nakato Merits its Legend Status

DINING

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Any restaurant that approaches 50 years in Atlanta deserves the “legend” label. Nakato is anchored on Cheshire Bridge Road, which has had its mysteries. On the one side, easy access to I-85, gentrification, a stone’s throw from established Ansley Mall and new mid-rises, “moms and pops.” The north end is rippled with strip clubs akin to a red-light district.

For destination dining, family owned Nakato delights with a very complex, layered and satisfying menu upholding Japanese traditions of artful design and fresh seafood.

Founded in 1972 by Tetsuko Nakato, the restaurant is now run by granddaughChef Nakato flies in fresh fish daily, which the chefs cut for sashimi and sushi. ter Sachi Nakato Takahara who continues the tradition of Omotenashi, “service from berjack with Japanese olive dressing. the bottom of the heart with honesty and cod), and Sizzling Hot Pots are long-time Illuminati Roll: Inside – yellow tail and no pretense.” In terms of the neighborhood classic Japanese favorites. “ salmon, outside – spicy tuna, avocado, kaiand Nakato’s participation in local Jewish ware sprouts and sesame seeds. events, she said, “In the 1960s, Morning- What we experienced: Spinach Goma: boiled spinach chilled The sushi at Nakato drives home that side and Briarcliff were highly populated in sesame dressing. with Jews. My roommate in Boston was there is a notable difference in art and qualOr consider sitting at the Hibachi TepJewish and was a part of the Atlanta Jewish ity, packed in layers, colors and flavors. panyaki: An abundance of food for $18, Samurai ($20): InFilm Festival and got us inamuse (accent over the e) soup, salad, grilled side – yellow tail, chives, volved. We saw quite a bit avocado, outside – salmon of film festival attendees, spicy tuna, micro greens especially when they were tempura flakes. A celebraheld at the Tara just down tion in itself. the street. Then we have Kiss of Death ($16): regulars that come in from Inside is tuna, masago, Dallas, Ga., Stone Mouncaviar, sriracha, scallions, tain, Woodstock and even sesame oil., outside -- spicy further.” tempura flakes.

Brings to In terms of the mind the song “The Windpandemic, Nakato has mills of Your Mind” from implemented new safety the “The Thomas Crown Many pandemic modifications protocols: taking guest’s Affair:” “like a circle in a were made to the interior temperatures, plexiglass of the dining room. spiral, like a wheel within dividers within each Hibaa wheel.” chi table, separating tables in the Garden Tuna Tar Tar ($20): cubed tuna “round” Dining Room, and adding a “grey zone” in with chives, fried onions, avocado and sesabetween the dining room and kitchen to me oil topped with mango. avoid any contact between the two. There Sake Harami: Salmon belly – as clean were months that they were only open for as it gets, melt in your mouth. to-go orders and did several out-of-the-box Nasu Dengaku ($8): Grilled eggplant concepts such as Zoom Dinner Parties. rounds in sweet rich miso.

Currently they are back up to 80 perJapanese mushrooms ($11): Sautéed cent of staff at 50 employees. The night we with spinach soy sauce and butter. picked up on Sunday, there was a bustle of Agedashi Tofu ($8): two silken slices in cars on the lower level getting orders as well very light batter, simple is best here. as the interior guests.

Steam Grilled Sea Bass ($20): in kobu Sachi said, “Our guests love knowseaweed broth. ing that we fly all of our fish in from Japan Gindara ($20): Miso marinated grilled whole and our sushi chefs break them down black cod. in-house to create the freshest sushi! They actually check our social media pages (@ nakatorestaurant) for that. As for our rolls, What to order next time: Soba bowl: choice of buckwheat or our Illuminati and Kiss of Death rolls are ingreen tea noodles with grated yam. credibly popular as is our classic Spicy Tuna Kanpachi Carpaccio: thinly sliced amRoll. Our Gindera (miso marinated black

Kiss of Death $16: inside is tuna, masago, caviar, sriracha, scallions, sesame oil, outside – spicy tempura flakes. Brings to mind the song “The Windmills of Your Mind” from the “The Thomas Crown Affair:” “like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel.”

tofu and vegetables, rice (or choice of protein with price variation).

Desserts like Manhattan cheesecake might be good and gooey, but might as well go all the way with the experience and opt for Sasamochi, green tea rice cake with sweet red bean filling in a warmed bamboo leaf.

Nakato is tried and true, deserving of its popularity and authenticity over decades. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 39

CALENDAR THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 Etz Chaim Rosh Chodesh Minyan – 7 to 12 p.m. Everyone is welcome at this women-led morning minyan service held in support of Women of the Wall, which is fighting for equal prayer rights for women in Israel. Join virtually at https://bit. ly/3bdOcGR.

Instagram Live with JFF – 12 p.m.

Join Instagram Live with Jewish Fertility Foundation. Register at http:// bit.ly/3hXLyGc. Broadway Backstage – 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Presented by the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, instructor James Sokol will sneak you in the stage door to go “backstage” on Broadway! Meet special guest theater professionals who bring unique expertise, experiences and insights to the discussion with live behind-the-scenes visits, photos and video clips. Register at http:// bit.ly/3bmmfg0.

Federation Innovation Pitch Night - 7 to 9 p.m. Organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

JANUARY 14-26 Featuring a range of Propel grantees, this (likely virtual) Federation Innovation Pitch night will provide an opportunity for our community’s visionary changemakers to connect with a wider audience and receive valuable philanthropic support. For more Information, http://bit.ly/3599r8V. Erica Katz, The Boys’ Club: A Novel – 8 p.m. Presented by the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, the book follows the story of Alex Vogel. In the firm’s most profitable and competitive division, mergers and acquisitions, she works around the clock. She knows the corporate world isn’t black and white, and that to reach the top means playing by different rules. But who made those rules?

And what if the system is rigged so that women can’t win, anyway?

Register at http://bit.ly/399syRp.

Cub Club: Raising Little Leaders – 10 a.m. Honor MLK Day with Club Cub as we come together for an uplifting storytime about perseverance and a hands-on service activity to commemorate the day. Organized by The Davis Academy, this is a virtual community program for all families with children 3 to 5 years old.

Register at http://bit.ly/39c6RQG.

Shabbat Canvas MLK Weekend Kickoff - From 5 to 8 p.m. Join OneTable in partnership with the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and The Temple for an interactive virtual art gathering to explore how art unites us. Register at http://bit. ly/3oseN6H.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 Lisa Lillien, Hungry Girl Fast & Easy – 8 p.m. The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta presents this Zoom Webinar Live Cooking Demo and Q & A with a VIP Meet ‘n Greet at 7 p.m. for guests who purchase the book.

To kick off the new year, Lillien shares her fastest and easiest recipes for meals and snacks in “Hungry Girl Fast & Easy: All-Natural Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less.”

Each recipe calls for just a few

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

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

ta Cruz (the Jewish Quarter), and modern Seville. Register at http:// bit.ly/3s3NmlQ.

MONDAY, JANUARY 18

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15

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

40 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

simple, everyday ingredients. Register at http://bit.ly/38kPrSu.

Brain Health Bootcamp - 1 to 3 p.m.

If you are recognizing symptoms of cognitive changes or have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, our fun and social class can help you strengthen your mind and body to stay sharp, especially during these times. The class will combine gentle physical exercise, including yoga and exercises to help reduce stress and anxiety, along with a full hour of brain exercises done in a non-stress and engaging way of learning. To sign up, contact Georgia Gunter at 770-677-9421.

Sensational Seville – 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Set off on a virtual tour of the capital and largest city of the region of Andalusia, Seville, in a program presented by the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Discover an array of fascinating and stunning facets of this sensational, yet quaint Spanish city through sessions that will discuss: a historical overview and the Alcazar, the Cathedral and Giralda, the Barrio San-

The Judaism & Wealth Series - 8 to 9 p.m. Intown Jewish Academy presents The Judaism & Wealth Series, which teaches Judaism’s approach to the economic dilemmas we encounter in our personal and professional lives. This new series reveals a sensitive, fair, and unshakable economic paradigm grounded in 3,000 years of Jewish tradition and experience—an ancient yet fresh spin on how we view the ethics of money. Join us to discover a divine system of economics that solves some of the greatest modern economic dilemmas. For more information and to register, https://bit. ly/2LvD8dk.

Rosh Chodesh Society: Code to Joy – 8 to 9 p.m. Intown Jewish Academy presents a seven-part monthly online series for women with Dena Schusterman and Leah Sollish.

What is the secret to happiness?

Jewish thought has long emphasized the importance of living with joy. But how? And can you really choose to be happy? This course goes beneath the surface to find

answers. Course login information given upon registration, https://bit. ly/2KTIcYl.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19 Considering A Divorce Virtual Webinar: Child Custody - 7 to 8 p.m.

The attorneys at Atlanta Divorce Law Group are offering support and advice to people considering a divorce. The virtual webinars will cover various topics including what steps you should take leading up to divorce. Learn more and join, http:// bit.ly/2XoAOYk. Atlanta Infertility Support Group – 7:30 p.m. Join Jewish Fertility Foundation for a virtual infertility support group. Open to all women experiencing medical infertility.

Register at http://bit.ly/3s7JXmc.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 Cook By the Book – 10 a.m. The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta presents a program to nurture our minds, bodies and dinner tables as we discover a variety of cuisine and cultures. In the comfort of your home, cook along with us as we explore modern and classic Jewish cookbooks. Each week we will “browse” a different cookbook and experience new approachable recipes. The week before each class you will receive the recipes and list of ingredients to cook along. Register at https://bit.ly/2XuvfHv. Broadway Backstage – 4 p.m. Presented by the Marcus Jewish Community Center, instructor James Sokol will sneak you in the stage door to go “backstage” on Broadway.

Meet special guest theater professionals who bring unique expertise, experiences and insights to the discussion with live behind-the-scenes visits, photos and video clips. Register at http://bit.ly/3bmmfg0

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Va’eira Friday, January 15, 2021, light candles at 5:34 p.m.

Saturday, January 16, 2021 Shabbat ends at 6:33 p.m.

Bo Friday, January 22, 2021 light candles at 5:41 p.m.

Saturday, January 23, 2021 Shabbat ends at 6:39 p.m.

three centuries with master Tanya teacher Rabbi Ari Sollish presented by the Intown Jewish Academy.

More information at https://bit. ly/2MGGxq1.

Optimizing Gross Motor Development – 8 p.m. Organized by The Davis Academy, parents are invited to join Brittany Zis, physical therapist and founder of Mother and Baby Wellness Collective, to learn about birth to 24 months gross motor skills and expected age ranges for children to achieve these milestones. Participants will also learn how to use purposeful play to promote gross motor development and gain an understanding of when a physical therapy consultation may be warranted. Parents will leave with tools to feel empowered to promote their child’s development.

Register at http://bit.ly/3nxE0eD.

Parenting a Toddler During a Pandemic Workshop – 8 p.m. We’ll explore ways to both identify and compassionately meet the needs of not only your toddler, but also yourself during these trying times.

Presented by Nourishing the Soul Workshops and supported by 18Doors Atlanta, PJ Library and Jewish Fertility Foundation. To register, https://bit.ly/2LD4XAw.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22

Think Different – 8 to 9 p.m. Study the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last

Spousal Caregiver Support Group – 1:30-3 p.m. If you are a spousal caregiver to an older adult, this group is for you. Facilitated by Kathryn Kopp, Aviv Older Adult clinician at Jewish Family and Career Services Atlanta, this group is free but donations are appreciated, https://jfcsatl.org/howyoucanhelp. Reach out

to Kathryn to discuss joining the group at 678-389-5327 or kkop@jfcsatl.org http://bit.ly/3hFAmxY.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24 Let’s Grow Together. Tu B’shvat Celebration – 10 to 10:30 a.m. Did you know that Tu B’shvat is the Jewish holiday that celebrates the new year of the trees? Organized by The Davis Academy, join Mini Cub and PJ Library families as we celebrate with an interactive story-time followed by a hands-on sensory experience where Cubs will create edible art inspired by nature’s shapes, textures, and colors. This is a virtual community program welcoming all families with children ages birth to 2. Register at https://bit.ly/39ejPgH. Tu B’Shevat 5K or 1 mile – 12 to 3 p.m.

Come Celebrate Tu B’Shevat with Congregation Beth Shalom. Be with nature and join us for the post-race activities that include a bonfire, music and falafel food truck. Event day registration opens at 11 am. Free Beth Shalom Beanie with every registration. All kids must register and be accompanied by an adult to participate or receive free beanie, $25 per adult. Free for kids under 16. To register, visit http://bit.ly/3okXVP3.

Am Yisrael Chai Annual Holocaust Remembrance Event: Miracles and Memories – 7 to 8:30 p.m. In commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Am Yisrael Chai presents a powerful event: Holocaust survivor speaker Stephen Jacobs (Stefan Jakubowicz) was imprisoned at Buchenwald at the tender age of 5. He survived and

became a prominent architect. He designed the Holocaust memorial at the “little camp” at Buchenwald, where he was imprisoned, and also recently designed the Holocaust memorial in Tirana, Albania. Register at https://bit.ly/35adXUn.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26 Jews and Blacks in the Civil Rights Era – 7 to 8 p.m. Join Congregation Etz Chaim and learn with founder and director of Etgar 36, Billy Planer, and explore the reality of the relationship between Jewish and Black communities during the Civil Rights era. Register at http://bit. ly/2X9lkaj.

Journey of the Soul – 8 – 9 p.m. A heartening new six-part series with Rabbi Ari Sollish of Intown Jewish Academy. A perspective on life that begins before birth and lasts well after a person’s passing. It’s a journey we all take, and it’s yours to explore this winter. Sign up and be a part of a journey of a lifetime. Register at https://bit.ly/3bmRPtO.

Ongoing: Chabad.org Presents Jewish Kids Activities Online – Jewish art projects, videos, games, activities and more.

For more information, www.bit. ly/2UgUFId.

MJCCA Fitness – MJCCA is open. See the group exercise classes at www. atlantajcc.org/reopen.

MJCCA Book Festival – In Your Living Room Live, click to view MJCCA’s upcoming Book Festival virtual events, www.bit.ly/3bk1mi7.

BBYO – Tune in to BBYO On Demand, a new virtual experience for teens worldwide. Enjoy amazing programming and global events. Some of the sessions will even be led by our very own Greater Atlanta Region BBYO members. For more information, www.bit.ly/2QFlCD2.

MJCCA Blonder Department for Special Needs – Please stay tuned to ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 41

the Blonder Family Department for Special Needs Facebook group for daily activities, chats, workouts and more. For more information, www. bit.ly/2Jmpl4x.

PJ Library – PJ Library is bringing fun, crafts, stories, Q&As, scavenger hunts, food demos and so much more. To join in and for more information, www.bit.ly/2WzFFqh. Repair the World – Repair the World welcomes you to sign up for its programming. Join from the comfort of your home for a discussion on compassionate care for ourselves and our community. For more information, www.bit.ly/2xhUsv5.

Virtual Hillel Connections – If you’re looking for community, connection and meaningful learning opportunities or if you’re just bored and need a distraction during coronavirus cancellations, you’ve come to the right place. Hillel has virtual meetups and online gatherings that bring you together with Jewish and Jew-ish students from around the world in realtime. For more information, www. bit.ly/3af7wjA. Please send Virtual Classes & Events to diana@atljewishtimes.com.

Community Services: Anti-Defamation League – The Coronavirus Surfaces Fear, Stereotypes and Scapegoating: A blog post from ADL to help provide accurate information, explore emotions and, most importantly, play a role in reducing stereotyping and scapegoating. To read more, www.bit.ly/3dp5a3t.

Atlanta Community Food Bank Text for Help SMS Function –The ACFB’s mission to provide nutritious food to the people who need it has reached a major milestone to42 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

at regular times through Zoom.

They are counting participants in these Zoom services as part of a minyan, allowing members to recite full prayer services including Mourner’s Kaddish. To participate via phone, dial 929-205-6099 and then enter the meeting code 404 873 1743. To be a part of services, visit the Zoom link, www.bit. ly/2wnFWlD.

ward access to food for all. The Text for Help is ‘findfood’ (no space). Responses will include a list of three different nearby pantries and their contact information. For more information, www.acfb.org.

Israeli American Council – IAC @ Home brings you the most innovative content online while helping build a national community with Israel at heart. With activities for kids, teens, young professionals and adults, you can stay connected to Hebrew, Israeli and Jewish heritage, online activism and to one another. IAC @Home lets you enjoy a coast-to-coast community right from your own home. For more information, www.israeliamerican. org/home.

JF&CS - Emergency Financial Assistance – JF&CS is here to provide emergency aid for individuals and families. Please call 770-677-9389 to get assistance. For more information, www.bit.ly/2wo5qzj.

JF&CS - Telehealth Counseling Services – Now offering telehealth options via phone or video conference for current and new clients to help our community during this crisis.

For more information about our therapy services or to make a telehealth appointment, email us at therapy@jfcsatl.org or call 770-6779474.

JF&CS - Telehealth Older Adult Services – Aviv Older Adult staff are there to help provide resources, care plans and support for you and your family. Call AgeWell at 1-866-AGEWELL (1-866-243-9355) to find out how they can help. For more information, www.bit.ly/2wo5qzj.

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Resources – The unsettling, fast-moving and unpredictable world of life with COVID-19 is upon us. As we’re all discovering, a worldwide pandemic disrupts everyone on an unprecedented scale.

For updates and more information, www.bit.ly/3ahrNVM. Please send Community Service Opportunities to diana@atljewishtimes.com.

Synagogue Livestreaming Services:

Temple Beth David — Kabbalat Shabbat services every Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat morning service and Torah Study every Saturday at 11 a.m. on our YouTube channel, (https:// www.youtube.com/channel/UC2GcbAI_HdLRSG5hhpi_8Cw).

Ahavath Achim Synagogue – Shabbat Evening Services at 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. To watch and for more information, www.bit.ly/38dS4Ed.

Temple Beth Tikvah Livestreaming Services – Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays at 10 a.m. To join on Facebook, www.facebook.com/TempleBethTikvah/ or www.bit.ly/2ZlCvrr.

Congregation Beth Shalom’s Virtual Services – Erev Shabbat, Fridays at 6:30 p.m., Shabbat service, Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Zoom minyan Sunday at 9:30 a.m. For more information, www.bit.ly/3gY0mUK. Congregation Etz Chaim – Erev Shabbat Musical, Fridays at 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. Join in for weekly livestream Shabbat services. To join, www.bit. ly/3gWL02s.

Temple Kol Emeth Services – Shabbat services on Fridays at 8 p.m.

View our services on www.kolemeth.net or www.facebook.com/ Temple Kol Emeth-Marietta, GA. Temple Sinai Livestream Services – Temple Sinai has live Shabbat services on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. For more information and to view services, www. bit.ly/2BXRfTF.

Congregation Or Hadash – Shabbat Services Friday at 6:30 p.m. Saturday morning services at 9:15 a.m.

Minyan Sunday and Tuesday mornings. To participate and get Zoom link, www.or-hadash.org.

Congregation Shearith Israel – Daily and Shabbat services will continue

The Temple Livestreaming Services – Find live streaming services here, www.the-temple.org.

Please send Synagogue and Temple Streaming Services to diana@ atljewishtimes.com.

Check the Atlanta Jewish Connector for updates: www.atlantajewishconnector.com.

COMMUNITY SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

Birth Announcement Avielle Wohl

Michelle and Dr. Ethan Wohl of Augusta, Ga., announce the birth of their daughter, Avielle, Nov. 23, 2020.

Grandparents are Dr. Hilton and Janet Kupshik of Atlanta and Lisa and Barry Wohl of Charlotte, N.C. Avielle is named in memory of Michelle’s grandmother, Alice Caplan.

Bar Mitzvah Cameron Louie, son of Alison and Michael Louie, of The Temple, on Dec. 12.

SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

Have something to celebrate?

Share your simchas with the

Wedding Announcement Wertheimer-Kozin

Mindy R. Wertheimer and Ira Katz announce the wedding of their daughter Leanna Wertheimer Katz to Elliott Davin Kozin on Nov. 1, 2020. Elliott is the son of Denise Davin and Allen Kozin of New York City.

Leanna is the granddaughter of Reine Katz of Floral Park, N.Y., and the late Harold Katz, and the late Claire and Benjamin Wertheimer.

The couple met in November 2012 at a Combined Jewish Philanthropies health care brunch at the Boston Park Plaza. They literally met “on line,” waiting to register for the event. They began dating shortly after meeting.

The couple was married at The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia. Rabbi Steven Rein officiated with just the immediate family present. A livestream ceremony was provided to family and friends. The couple had planned a traditional wedding but had to change course because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Leanna attended The Epstein School and graduated from The Weber School. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor of science in brain, behavior and cognitive science and earned both a master of science in occupational therapy and doctorate of occupational therapy from Boston University. Her focus as an occupational therapist is on neuro-rehabilitation, following brain injury and spinal cord injury. She is affiliated with both Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children. Leanna is an adjunct faculty member in the Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences occupational therapy program at Boston University.

Elliott graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor of arts in history and received his medical doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He completed his otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residency and otology/neurotology fellowship at Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School, where he also is an otologist/neurotologist.

Births, B’nai Mitzvah, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries, Special Birthdays and more ...

Share your news with the community with free AJT simcha announcements.

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

COMMUNITY

Parade Honors Long-Time Federation Employee

By Anna Levy Brenda Hamilton, believed the first African American employee at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, retired last month after 34 years of service to the community. When she retired Dec 31, Hamilton was considered the longest-serving Federation professional and she qualified as a Silver Circle donor, which means she has given to the Federation for more than 25 years.

To celebrate her retirement, the Federation threw Hamilton a drive-thru parade Dec 19. Marcie Beskind, Federation’s chief financial officer and chief administrative officer, recalls the fun day.

“The drive-thru parade included current and former employees, board members, many community members and her family members. We set up a throne for Brenda and gave her a sash and tiara to wear. Lines of cars drove through for an hour to stop, wave and give her cards to express how much she meant to them. At the end of the event, she had a giant cartload of flowers and gifts, and she was on

44 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Brenda Hamilton with her Federation coworkers at the annual Federation retreat at Camp Ramah in 2018.

cloud nine.”

Beskind added that while many people stayed in their cars, some could not resist jumping out of their cars to go thank Brenda up closer.

In a parting email to the Federa-

Hamilton wearing her sash and crown. A parade was thrown in her honor when she retired after 34 years of service to the Federation.

“She was the friendly voice you got to tion on her last day, Hamilton wrote: “It has been an incredible 34 years working hear whenever you called the Federation,” through a lot of changes, and working Beskind said. “I loved hearing her answer with such an amazing team. I am glad that the phones in her warm and cheerful I experienced the opportunity of working voice all day long.”

Beskind said that Hamilton took her with a diverse team, which I loved.”

Ligi George, one of Hamilton’s fellow role at the Federation very seriously and employees, recalled her experiences with went above and beyond to help others Hamilton. “What struck from the minute that worked there. She mentioned that Hamilton worked I met Brenda was her with several Federawealth of knowledge tion employees who and how much she had intellectual and leads with her heart. physical disabilities Her life has truly over the years in the been in the service of mailroom and other others professionally areas. and personally. She “Hamilton nuris simply an institutured, supported tion and will be so and showed patience deeply missed.” with these employRegarding her ees, and helped them former role at the understand the imFederation, Hamilportance of what ton is the person who they were doing for “makes things hapthe community,” pen,” Beskind said.

Hamilton stands next to Federation CEO Beskind said.

During her tenure as Eric Robbins after her drive-thru parade.

Federation CEO office services associate, she took on a variety of community Eric Robbins said of Hamilton, “Brenda is and administrative tasks to help the Fed- caring, informs great relationships, and eration. Hamilton oversaw the mailroom, she would be great at my job.”

Eliot Arnovitz, a former Federation kept the office supplies room stocked, placed inventory orders, and helped ten- board member, echoes this sentiment, reants with their mail. Another key part of counting a time Hamilton worked in the her role pre-COVID was to help commu- mailroom with an employee who had cenity organizations reserve and organize rebral palsy. “Brenda gave him a new lease meetings in the Federation’s conference on life,” Arnovitz said. “Instead of sitting in a residential home, he looked forward rooms and auditorium.

Beyond the technical responsibilities to coming to work. Brenda was instruof her role, Hamilton also happily provid- mental in his success and happiness at ed a warm and friendly face to anybody being around people and making a difference.” ì who encountered the Federation.

Keeping Jewish Atlanta Connected

A PodcAst brought to you by the AtlAntA Jewish times A PodcAst brought to you by the AtlAntA Jewish times

listen to Jewish time cast Pod

reAl estAte during coVid-19

A Jewish PersPectiVe on Protests And the PAndemic

Jill sAVitt tAlks About ciVil And globAl humAn rights

where moms do the mAtchmAking

Zooming into the high holidAys with nAdiA bilchik

Jewish time: imPAct of Politics And coVid-19 on us All

AtlAntAJewishtimes.com/toPic/Jewish-time-PodcAst

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 45

COMMUNITY

6-Year-Old Gives Back After Cancer Compiled by AJT Staff When Erin Frykman was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at just 4 years old, parents Nathalia and David didn’t know what it would mean for their daughter. Two years later, Erin is cancer free.

She and her family decided to “pay it forward” by partnering with a company started by another Jewish cancer patient, North Carolina-based Resilience Gives.

Last year, Erin and 49 other pediatric cancer survivors donated just over 5,800 pairs of socks to children’s hospitals around the country through Resilience Gives’ Socks with Stories: Paying It Forward Initiative.

The Frykmans recently visited Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to make their donation, part of a larger effort to support children with pediatric cancer while sharing stories of resilience.

Each year, an estimated 15,780 children between the ages of birth and 19 are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. And although survival rates have increased to 80 percent of children living five years or more, according to the American Cancer Society, advocates like the Frykman family aren’t satis-

46 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Resilience Gives co-owners Andee Wallace and Jake Teitelbaum show off socks distributed to children’s hospitals as part of a Paying it Forward effort.

fied with one in five children dying.

“We saw Erin become much happier and actually interact with children who are going through the same hard times as her,” said mom Nathalia. “Showing these other kids that they’re not alone is really important.”

Plus the socks kept her feet warm when she was going through treatment,

Jake Teitelbaum started Resilience Gives because he was frustrated with what he believed were poorly made, drab hospital socks.

Participants in Resilience Gives’ Paying it Forward Initiative donated over 5,800 pairs of socks to children’s hospitals last year.

Nathalia told the AJT. “She said she was very verse reaction to her medicine and had to sad her shoes wouldn’t fit when she had to be monitored for liver failure. Two months stay at the hospital, because of the IV fluids later, Erin’s treatment ended.

Erin’s struggle with pediatric cancer and steroids.” She liked the colorful sock deled her and her family signs and they made to partner with Resilher smile during a difience Gives, founded ficult experience, her

by Jewish cancer pamom said. “She gets tient Jake Teitelbaum, really upset talking who was frustrated about what she went with what he believed through, but she had were poorly made, a great time donating drab hospital socks. the socks.”

The company works Erin’s story is with children who one of resilience. She are battling cancer spent more than two to design fun, nonyears in the hospital slip socks inspired by battling her leuketheir stories of resilmia. Chemotherapy ience. For every pair of treatments were exErin Frykman battled leukemia socks sold, a pair is doceptionally difficult for more than two years before nated to a child in the and she was often deciding to “pay it forward” to other hospital. ì nauseous and bedridpediatric patients like herself. den during treatment.

For more information, www.resilience.

In June, on what was supposed to be Erin’s last day of chemotherapy, she had an ad- gives.

COMMUNITY

JWFA Wants to Capture Women’s COVID Stories

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

Everyone has a story.”

The project to collect these humanThink of a time capsule containing interest stories is being led by members of only the reported experiJWFA’s pilot class of ACT ences of Atlanta Jewish (Agents of Change Training). women and girls during Now in its second year with the life-changing coronaa new cohort, ACT was devirus in 2020. signed to give Atlanta’s JewThat’s essentially ish women the tools to use what the Atlanta Jewish their voices to effect change, Women’s Fund imagined to get involved in causes when it launched its 2020 about which they are pasVision project to collect sionate, and to make a difessays from the Atlanta ference.

Jewish female commuInitially, ACT included nity, capturing those exinteractive seminars led by periences – good and bad, leaders, activists and influ“Everyone has a story,” but definitely challenging. encers. “As the pandemic noted Dina Fuchs Beresin, JWFA program manager.

The plan is to publish the became more a part of life, resulting anthology next summer to reflect we switched to webinars,” Beresin said. “As “the year that was.” women, we’re always fearful of being judged, “I think back to my journalism days,” but we are building community through tellsaid Dina Fuchs Beresin, JWFA program ing our stories, and we’re connecting through manager, recalling a previous career that sharing. This project captures what we’re all included working as a producer for both hungering for – community.”

CNN and The Oprah Winfrey Show, as well Initially, the idea was to include the auas writing for Atlanta Magazine and the thors’ names, “but we changed gears to make Atlanta Jewish Times. “It’s just story telling. it anonymous so that the fear of judgment

goes away and the narrative stands out,” original member of ACT and now a JWFA she said. She pointed out that the pandemic, trustee, said, “This project was a natural in some cases, has upended marriages or extension of what we explored through the Agents of Change Training. employment – stories the From a Jewish standpoint, authors may not be ready there have been moments to share. “At every stage of of intense challenge in life, women have a story to 2020 that may have shaken share,” Beresin said. our faith, and other experiAlthough the plan is to ences where Judaism may publish the stories in book have anchored us and proform, it is still unclear how vided respite and solace. many of the submissions This project is about sharwill be chosen, how many ing and elevating women’s books will be printed and voices while remembering how they will be distributthat we are always coned. “It could even lead to a nected to one another in a series of webinars,” Beresin According to Rabba Melissadeeper way than we think. said.

Scholten Gutierrez, “There is “JWFA is known for little in the world stronger than There is little in the world its grant-making, but we Jewish women, united together.” stronger than Jewish womare more than that. This project will make en, united together.”

The project is open to all self-identifythat evident. We want to reach out to the broader community, to the Russian commu- ing Jewish women and girls in the metro nity, to the Israeli community, to the LGBTQ Atlanta area. Essays, ranging in length from community,” she added. “We want to bring 500 to 1,500 words, can be submitted online voices to the forefront, not just the typical through Jan. 31. Details and submission guidelines are available at https://jwfatlanvoices we’re used to hearing.”

Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez, an ta.org/2020vision/. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 47

COMMUNITY

Am Yisrael Chai Highlights Survival

By Jan Jaben-Eilon Stephen Jacobs had the misfortune of being born Jewish, in Lodz, Poland, in June 1939. Nazi Germany invaded his country just months later. On the other hand, he had the phenomenal fortune of surviving several ghettos and Buchenwald concentration camp and, along with all of his immediate family, survived the Holocaust.

Years later, after immigrating with his family to the United States and becoming a world-renown architect, he designed the Holocaust memorial at the “little camp” in Buchenwald. More recently, he designed the Holocaust memorial in Tirana, Albania, a Muslim country that saved more than 2,000 Jews despite being occupied by the Nazis.

Jacobs will relate his story during Am Yisrael Chai’s “Miracles and Memories” annual event Jan. 24, this year online via Zoom.

Participants will be greeted by Albanian President Ilir Meta, while the d’var Torah will be shared by Rabbi Jacob Schacter, the son of the first Jewish chaplain to enter Buchenwald after its liberation by the U.S. Army on April 11, 1945. Rabbi Herschel Schacter, whose obituary was printed on

48 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Photo Credit SBJG // Am Yisrael Chai’s “Miracles and Memories” annual event on Zoom is

7 p.m. Jan. 24. RSVP is required, although it is open to the public.

the front page of The New York Times in March 2013, was instrumental in saving the lives of Jacobs and his family and several hundred other Jews by arranging a transport to Switzerland after the war.

As a child, Jacobs didn’t know of Schacter’s key role in his survival. It was only at the groundbreaking of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in 1995, which

they both attended, that Jacobs learned how further than any other country.”

He is also proud of designing the AlSchacter negotiated with the Swiss to allow the train containing mostly children to en- banian memorial. “It’s a unique story. The ter the country. “He threatened to call the Albanians had a peasant code that said if a international press,” Jacobs told the AJT as stranger comes into your house, you must take care of him. They saved every single he related his story.

Even before the children’s transport Jew, and not only Albanian Jews, also Greek took Jacobs and his family to a displaced and Macedonian Jews. I didn’t have a personal relationpersons camp ship to this, but in Switzerland, the story is exhis survival as tremely impora child in Buchtant.” enwald could be For Am Yisconsidered mirael Chai, havraculous. “There ing an online was an active event provided a u ndergrou nd unique opportuin Buchenwald nity to broaden who decided the program, that while they explained Dr. couldn’t save Andrea Videlefeveryone, they sky, founder of could save the Photo by Alexander Severin // Architect Stephen Jacobs The Daffodil 1,100 children. I remembered that he “had papers that said I was 16 Project. There was hidden. You even though I was only 4” while in Buchenwald. will be links on couldn’t be there unless you were 16. If you didn’t work, you the website that allow participants to get didn’t eat. I had papers that said I was 16 more in-depth information about Jacobs, even though I was only 4. My brother and Schacter and the Albanian story, she said.

I were given work assignments in the shoe “There will also be a link to a recent forum department because those workers weren’t on anti-Semitism in the Balkans.”

In addition to the Albanian president, required to stand in the daily morning and night countings. We were two little boys, opening the Zoom program will be the honand we knew that if Germans came into the orary consul general of Albania and Israel shop, we knew to say that we were 16. I have Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon, along with Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul. too many memories.”

In previous years, the program was Although Jacobs didn’t hesitate to design the memorial at Buchenwald when held in the Sandy Springs Performing Arts he was asked, he stated, “I wouldn’t take Center and often sold out. This year there any money for it. There are certain things won’t be that limitation, Videlefsky noted. you don’t do for money,” said the architect As in the past, the event will honor Atlanta’s whose firm is based in New York City. “It Holocaust survivors, this year with a video gave me the opportunity to deal with issues candle lighting. “So many have died this I had never dealt with. I have come to grips year, but we still have a large survivor comwith Germany. As a culture, they have gone munity.” ì

COMMUNITY

Disney Collector Lives in ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’

By Chana Shapiro Gail Solomon is a dedicated community worker who volunteered at Grady Hospital’s newborn intensive care unit and the March of Dimes’ Better Infant Births and served as the first woman chairman of the March of Dimes metro Atlanta chapter. She ushered at the Fox Theatre for years and has volunteered at the Georgia Aquarium for a decade.

Solomon chairs a quarterly blood drive at Congregation Ahavath Achim, where she also started Mature Active Adult Community for women and men aged 65 and older.

Belle joins the iconic Disney character in Solomon’s PEZ collection

Solomon appreciated Disney’s tallest character, Goofy, as the tall shamash in the center.

This Disney canister set makes baking more fun.

Solomon purchased Guidelines-Atlanta and started American Sightseeing Atlanta, which became what is believed to be Atlanta’s top daily tour company.

She sat on the executive committee of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and The Carter Center Board of Councilors. Later, she became executive services manager at the Georgia Dome, then worked for Sam Massell as administrative assistant until he retired as president of the Buckhead Coalition. She presently loves her role as premium seating hostess in the Mercedes-Benz Club at the new stadium.

played throughout her home, including subgroups of Mickey-and-Minnie items, clothing, and family Disney marathon medals.

The Solomon family visited Disney World many times and Solomon and her husband brought their first two grandchildren on a family Disney cruise. “It was our most bonding family trip. I got my first Disney snow globe, Cinderella, on a trip to Disney World, and my large collection of Disney snow globes are some of my favorite and most unusual possessions. Over the years I have created a red-walled all-Disney kitchen, with a Mickey Mouse paper towel holder, canister set, linens, chandelier, toaster, clock, waffle maker, utensils, dinnerware, even sponges. On the wall are valuable Disneythemed, numbered plates, some of them musical.”

with a Mickey Mouse check, he insisted on gifting me with the necklace. He said, ‘You really do love the mouse!’

Pristine five-section nesting sets like these of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Mickey ensemble are hard to find.

“My late husband knew how much I adore Disney, and he surprised me with a trip to Disney World to welcome the new millennium. In Epcot, we added our picture to the Leave a Legacy wall, which has pictures of guests who visited the park on New Year’s Eve 1999,” she said.

Solomon’s favorite Disney kitchen item is this Mickey Mouse paper towel holder.

Meanwhile, Solomon assembled an extensive entertaining, and often nosThis collection contains limited, signed talgia-inducing collection of objects that plates and a few musical ones. feature Mickey Mouse and other iconic Disney characters.

Solomon’s grandchildren call her Solomon became a Disney fan as a their Disney Grandma. When she finds child in Texas, watching the something unique made by original Mickey Mouse Club Disney, it is displayed in its and classic Disney movies, in“rightful home,” examples cluding “Snow White and the being the set of PEZ Disney Seven Dwarfs,” “Cinderella,” characters, a Mickey evening and “Pinocchio.” bag, complete Disney charAfter moving to Atlanta acter Beanie Baby collection, in the mid-1960s, she joined rare snow globes and several an investment club, and Chanukah menorot, plus a when the stocks were diChanukah snow globe. vided at the end of the year, Occasionally, Solomon’s she succeeded in acquiring Disney devotion has been the Disney stock. She soon rewarded. She elaborates: “I became a collector. Solowas at a pearl jewelry show This large, whimsical mon jokes, “I wanted to and found a necklace featursnow globe features support Disney however ing Mickey Mouse’s face with Dumbo, the flying I could, so that my stock pearls hanging from it. I told elephant. would grow!” It’s a lathe seller how excited I was bor of love, with Disney objects dis- to find the necklace. When I paid him

Mickey and Minnie share dessert, sitting in heart-shaped chairs.

“I was with my marathon-runner daughter Caren at her first Disney Marathon; soon after that my son Danny joined her, and Caren’s young children subsequently participated in the kids’ races. My favorite ride at Disney World is It’s a Small World, the message of which is so important today. Externally, people may look different and have different beliefs, but we are very much alike inside. I think Disney World is the happiest place on earth, and it is my favorite vacation spot. One day, I hope to spend a summer there as a greeter in the Magic Kingdom.” ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 49

KEEPING IT KOSHER

JEWISH JOKE

The Mechanic A mechanic was removing a cylinder-head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted his cardiologist Dr. Simon Goldstein in his shop. Dr. Goldstein was there waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage, “Hey Doc, want to take a look at this?”

Easy Vegetable Soup Cooking and Prep: 1½ hours Servings: 12 Preference: Pareve Difficulty: Easy Diet: Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, vegan, lowfat.

2 onions, diced 2 stalks celery, sliced Oil for sautéing 1 large parsnip 1 pound carrots 1 zucchini, unpeeled 1 handful barley (optional) 1/4 to 1/3 cup split peas (optional) 1 small can mushrooms 1 tablespoon salt Water, to cover Sauté onions and celery in a little oil in 6-quart pot. Add whole parsnip, carrots and zucchini. Add barley, split peas, can of drained mushrooms, salt, and enough water to fill pot ¾ full. Bring to a boil and cook about 1 1/2 hours or until carrots are soft.

Remove carrots from pot and set aside. Using a hand blender, blend vegetables in pot until smooth or desired consistency. Slice carrots into thin rounds, return to pot, and simmer an additional 10 minutes.

Source: Dining In cookbook of the Ladies Auxiliary of Yeshiva Masoras Avos in Lakewood, N.J. Photography and Styling: Chavi Feldman

50 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Goldstein, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, “So Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, repair any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new.”

“So how come I make such a small salary and you get the really big bucks? You and I are doing basically the same work!”

Dr. Goldstein paused, smiled and leaned over, then whispered to the mechanic, ‘’Try doing it with the engine running.”

Source: Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center

YIDDISH SLANG OF THE MONTH Tsu Sakh Disorder n. Anxiety caused by too-muchness, whether it is too much stuff in the house, too many responsibilities, or too many people coming for dinner.

“Rachel says she is beside herself with tsu sakh disorder, but her husband says that’s impossible because the house is so full of tchotchkes (small collectible objects) that there’s no room beside herself.” From the Yiddish tsu sakh, meaning too much.

Yiddish Slang provided by Daniel Klein from his book “Schmegoogle: Yiddish Words for Modern Times.”

BRAIN FOOD

Vowelization

ACROSS

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

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

14

13 16 20

22

23

18 21 24

27 29

31 35

38

25

32

33

36

37

39

41

26

28

30

34

12

15

17

19

11

40

42

43

45

46 51

44

47

48

52

49

50

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

1. What most people do when reading Torah 6. Say, in Israel 10. Kind of shot 13. "___ is Born" 14. Spy that's an animal 15. Sever 16. Some kiddush options 18. It's much bigger than the Risk board makes it look: Abbr.

19. Plural of is 20. Word with "while," old-style 21. Horowitz who goes under-cover to make short videos 22. Eavesdropping org.

23. Great Torah sage that was a gladiator in his youth 27. ID info., in the U.S. 28. ___ Academic College (in northern Israel) 29. Samurai's sash 31. Spelling whose first name is actually Victoria 33. Need for most cars 34. Israel's 4th largest city 38. QB's try 39. "A" Bronte sister 40. "___ Einai" 41. Words before "radio", for a streaming network

11. State with Cajun 10-Down 12. Downs' opposite 17. Small, brown bird 21. Letters for those with stage names 24. Many Midrashim, e.g.

25. Colo. neighbor 26. "___ Pinafore" 27. Dina to Levi, for short 29. Traditional (Jewish) ideology 30. Handy for snacking 31. SpikeTV, formerly 32. Bull cry 35. "Attention!", to Shakespeare 36. Aware of, as a scam 37. Ending for "cash" or "front" 38. Basic need 42. "I see" sounds 43. Himalayan of 24-Down 44. Singer Morissette 46. Fine cotton thread 47. "The Parent Trap" actress Lindsay 48. Exhibit faintness 49. Disraeli currency worth much more than Israeli currency 50. On shpilkes 54. ___ Al Ghul ("Batman Begins" villain) 55. Eve, once 56. Find a purpose for 57. Vilna Gaon, with "The"

43. Pirate's exclamation 45. VIP in many a beit midrash 48. Hot-tub spot 51. Start to please...and yet not?

52. Minimal bit 53. Made like David in battle (almost always) 54. "Frasier" role 55. Like one eager to get home and eat after Yom Kippur 58. Body spray option 59. Fisher who married Cohen 60. Does some smoothing over 61. "Danny and the Dinosaur" author Hoff 62. "I have ___ a stranger in a strange land" (Ex 2:22) 63. Annie's dog

DOWN

1. It's a wrap 2. Asian leaders that often were not friendly to Jews 3. On the ocean 4. "Not interested" 5. Household appliances 6. Not as it should be 7. One of 13, some years 8. Craft item 9. Low-___ image 10. Pink birds

LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION 1

J

13

O

16

E

2

3

F

A

R

R

A

R

19

24 32

C

B

A

A

B

E M

S

A

C

H

R

A

A

N

N O

A

L

T

E

L

I

S

A

22

I

S

D

A

V

I

57

T

37

33

H

41 45

D

48

A

53

38

49

46

I

O

A

Y

P

U

L

S

A

C

A

L

I

P

H

B

H

U

T

A

N

T

18

8

N

9

I

O N

10

T

11

E

E

L

I

T

E

R

A

T

E

S

S

O N

23

N

27

S

34

Y

28

U

35

S

39 42

S

B

47

50

N

F

C

S

I

T

I

E

N

E

I

G N

R

S

54 58 62 65

S

12

D

A M E

I

21

M O R O C B

H

64

26

S

T

61

U

15

I

Z

S

7

S

R

17 20

U

52

6

T

T

51

E R

R O

44

25 Years Ago//January 12, 1996 ì Ahavath Achim Synagogue held its third annual Festival of Israeli Culture & Art. The two-day event featured a virtual tour of Israel, Ron Eliran’s Atlanta Premier Concert, a raffle for two free tickets to Israel, art contests and programming for children, among other festivities.

A

5

A

C

40

15 Years Ago//January 13, 2006 ì Riverwood High School junior Joe Alterman wrote an essay on his condition, obsessive compulsive disorder, and what he has done to overcome it. The essay was submitted to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and won the Best Op-Ed Feature Award from the Association of Opinion Page Editors. ì Atlanta chef Hilly Blondheim was featured on a Food Network TV show. The show, “Unwrapped,” goes behind the scenes in kitchens and manufacturing facilities. Blondheim featured her gourmet hot chocolate in a jar, crème brulee kit and gourmet chocolate chip cookie mix.

25

B

14

R

36

Remember when

4

O C

29

D

30

A

S

31

N

O M A R

I

S

I

G

A

43

C O 55

V

59

56

E

60

E

L

R

A M

B

D

63 66

K

S

ì Various groups in Atlanta’s Jewish community made plans to honor the late Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday through interfaith services and teach-ins. During a Shabbat meal at The Temple, more than 150 people stood in a circle, lit candles, and sang songs of peace. In addition, the Atlanta Black-Jewish Coalition scheduled teaching on King’s philosophies of nonviolence and unity at The Epstein School.

Joe Alterman won a special award for the essay he wrote about learning to manage his obsessive- compulsive disorder.

50 Years Ago//January 15, 1971 ì Israeli artist Ira Arbitman premiered her work at the Zaban Gallery of the Atlanta Jewish Community Center. Arbitman studied under well-known artists such as Colm-Biala and Miron Sima, and has taught painting, woodwork, batik and mosaic work to a variety of audiences. ì The Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary in Atlanta rallied together to help the family of a World War II veteran in need. The father, who is the veteran, suffered a stroke seven years ago and was unable to work.

The mother was also too sick to work, and the daughter was confined to a wheelchair with cerebral palsy. The JWV donated over 75 cans of vegetables, soups, meats and fruits, along with an 18-pound turkey. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 51

OBITUARIES

Evelyn P. Baron

Isidoro Palatchi

Evelyn P. Baron, 76, of Atlanta passed away Jan. 4, 2021. Evelyn was born in Uruguay and was the daughter of Holocaust survivors. She earned her master’s in Spanish language and culture from Universidad de Salamanca, Spain. Evelyn shared her love for children teaching English as a Second Language in the Atlanta Public School System. She enjoyed traveling, playing piano, painting and listening to music.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Albert Baron, his daughter, Barbara Baron, and her first late husband Carlos Platschek.

She is survived by her son Daniel Platschek. Evelyn also leaves behind other family members and many close friends that were like family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Anti-Defamation League or the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. A graveside funeral was held Jan. 6 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, with Rabbi Peter Berg officiating. Due to COVID-19, the funeral was limited to immediate family. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Isidoro Palatchi, 94, of Atlanta, passed away Dec. 25, 2020. Isidoro was a pillar of strength. Bringing his young family to the Unites States as a Cuban immigrant in 1960, he was a man of great strength and courage, working tirelessly to support his family. Isidoro was a teacher, artist, mentor and best friend to many. Known as “Sid” by many, his vibrant personality and brilliant smile made it easy to be his friend. He was a man devoted to his faith and instilled those beliefs into his children.

He is survived by his son Mark Palatchi(Lori); daughters Vicky Oquendo and Estrella Teilhaber(Dean); and sister Rebecca Behar.

He was blessed with eight grandchildren Jared, Travis, Daniel, Michael, Erica, Gabby, Dylan and Raffi and a great granddaughter Addison. He was a blessing to us all and all who came in contact with him are blessed by having met him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A graveside service was held for immediate family Dec. 27 at Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

76, Atlanta

Judy Kagan Bressler 85, New Orleans

Judy Kagan Bressler, 85, died Dec. 20, 2020. She was born in Wilno, Poland, in 1935 and immigrated with her parents to New Orleans at age 2 to escape Nazi occupation. She was the eldest daughter of Oscar and Ida Zerlin Kagan, of blessed memory.

Raised in Uptown New Orleans, she attended Isidore Newman School and Newcomb College. She married Stanley Bressler in 1956, and they were married 56 years until his death in 2012. Judy and Stanley lived most of their lives in New Orleans, except for eight years after Katrina, when they were in Atlanta. Judy was a devoted full-time Mom and served as den mother for the Cub Scout pack. After her kids were raised, she joined Stanley in the real estate business at Stan Weber and then Prudential.

Judy was predeceased by her husband, parents and sister Suzanne Wexler (Nathan).

Judy is survived by her brother Bobby (Mary) of Harahan, La.; two sons Richard (Mindi), of Atlanta, and Lee (Tamie) of New Orleans; four grandchildren Daniel (Dallas, Texas), Erin (Hyannis, Mass.), Rachel (Memphis, Tenn.) and Adam (New Orleans); a niece and four nephews.

A funeral service was held Dec. 23 at a private graveside ceremony. The funeral was streamed live. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Sinai in New Orleans or the Weinstein Hospice in Atlanta, www.weinsteinhospice.org.

Joyce Wender Harris 89, Atlanta

Joyce Wender Harris, 89, an Atlanta native, passed away Jan. 3, 2021, from complications of COVID-19.

She married the love of her life Henry in 1953. An executive with Lockheed, he was transferred to Vancouver, British Columbia in 1976, and to Los Angeles in 1979. Joyce made good friends wherever she went, returning to her lifetime friends in Atlanta after Henry died. She worked in the cosmetics department of Wender & Roberts Drugs store for many years both before she left Atlanta and after she returned.

Joyce loved family and friends, animals, shopping and most of all, chocolate. She never missed a birthday or anniversary, always marking the event with a card.

She was predeceased by her parents Jennye and Julius Wender; brother Marvin Wender; and husband Henry Sear Harris.

She is survived by four children Jan (Allen Rabinowitz), Toby (Ronnie Shure), Amy (Edward Saunders) and Jess (Judi Harris); grandchildren Joseph Rabinowitz (fiancée Adrienne Bianchi), Leah Tyson, Julia Shure (Michael Stephen-McRae), Jaime Shure, Scott Saunders (fiancée Alicia Rogers), Daniel Saunders, Lauren and Aliza Harris; two great grandchildren Tyler Tyson and Kayley Israel; and lots of nieces, nephews and cousins.

We thank the many patient and loving caregivers she has had over the years, especially those at Hammond Glen and recent caregivers assisting her during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The William Breman Jewish Home, Atlanta Humane Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

52 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

94, Atlanta

Natalie Robinson 94, Atlanta

Natalie Levison Robinson peacefully passed away Dec. 31, 2020 in Atlanta. She was born April 21, 1926, in Bristol, Va., lived her adult life in Knoxville and was a lifetime member of Heska Amuna Synagogue. Natalie was a charming Southern Jewish lady with a compassion for others. She had an optimistic attitude and a beautiful spirit, which led her to be a positive influence on those around her. She was interesting and interested. Most of all, she was full of grace and humbleness.

Natalie grew up in Atlanta, spent time in Wisconsin and New York, but migrated to Knoxville, where her parents owned a ladies dress shop, The Sterling House. She developed a lasting passion for fashion and was always dressed “to the nines.”

She married Mitchell Robinson on April 15, 1951. Mitchell was the owner of Modern Supply Company and Natalie embraced the spousal support role for the family business. She was an unequaled hostess, often welcoming new community members, students and other visitors to her home.

Natalie chaired the synagogue’s Sisterhood Bazaar for many years. She also volunteered for the Bijou Theatre board, delivered Mobile Meals, supported the Hillel effort of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville campus, was a life member of Hadassah and participated in the Knoxville Jewish Alliance Archives committee. She loved to travel and her life with Mitchell took her around the world, including many Modern Supply customer trips, to exotic places.

She loved to read and was a longtime member of a book club.

Natalie was preceded in death by her parents Hyman and Ella Levison, husband Mitchell L. Robinson and brother F. Gilbert Levison. She is survived by brother S. Jarvin Levison of Atlanta; daughter and son-in-law Rabbi Rayzel Raphael (Simcha Raphael) of Philadelphia; sons and daughters-in-law A.J. Robinson (Dr. Nicole Ellerine) of Atlanta, and Pace (Karen) Robinson of Knoxville; grandchildren Eli and Asher Robinson of New York City, Yigdal and Hallel Raphael of Philadelphia, Micaela, Ethan and Nathaniel Robinson of Atlanta; sister-in-law Fay Gluck of Atlanta; and a host of family and friends.

A graveside service was held Jan. 1 at the New Jewish Cemetery in Knoxville. Memorial donations in her honor may be made to Heska Amuna Synagogue Building Fund, 3811 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tenn. 37919, University of Tennessee Judaic Studies, 501 McClung Tower, Knoxville, Tenn. 37996; Knox County Mobile Meals, 2247 Western Ave., Knoxville, Tenn. 37921, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

‫זיכרונה לברכה‬

OBITUARIES

Carolyn Ruth (Himber) Rose 94, Atlanta

Carolyn Ruth (Himber) Rose, 94 passed away Jan. 2, 2021. She was born in Newark, N.J., raised in Wilmington, Del., and moved to Atlanta in 1948 with her late husband, Doran. Together they raised two children Elaine (Marc) Platt of Boca Raton, Fla., and Marc and Carol Rose of Alpharetta; four grandchildren Aimee, Hillary, Michael and Dena; and six great grandchildren Colin, Hannah, Lia, Evan, Reid and Aidan. Over the years she was an active member of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, the Progressive Club, and The Standard Club. She wishes to especially thank her beloved companion, friend and caregiver Sharon Jordan Suso.

A funeral service was held Jan. 3 at Arlington Memorial Park. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 404-451-4999.

Roslyn Herzog Schloss 92, Atlanta

Roslyn Herzog Schloss, 92, passed away Dec. 23, 2020, succumbing to COVID-19. Roslyn was born Nov. 19, 1928, in New York, N.Y., to Celia and Louis Herzog.

She married Lou Schloss in 1960. Roz and Lou met at a community dance where they had an immediate connection. They enjoyed ice skating, date nights and spending time with their families. She and Lou married on her birthday and she made being a homemaker, wife and mother her priority. She and Lou loved to entertain in their West Orange, N.J., home. They enjoyed a neighborhood swim club, where she played cards and Scrabble; they never missed a Chinese New Year Party; and they enjoyed social activities with other couples.

At home, she loved to cook. Many of the family’s most treasured memories of Roz involve cooking. Food was her language of the heart. She loved to bake with her grandchildren and to prepare dishes with ingredients fresh from Lou’s garden.

She loved to play the piano, bargain-hunt at estate sales for treasured art and watch “Jeopardy.” After her children entered school, she worked as an administrative assistant, but always required the family to be home for dinner. Her observance of Judaism was evident on Friday nights, where she always lit the candles and served a traditional Shabbat dinner. She was a life member of the National Council of Jewish Women. She made sure that her children attended Hebrew School. Later in her life, she visited Israel for her granddaughter Rebecca’s bat mitzvah, climbing Masada at age 78.

In 2002 she retired with Lou to Delray Beach, Fla. There she enjoyed a typical south Florida lifestyle, exercising daily and socializing with new friends. She eventually moved to memory care there, where Lou continued to care and visit her daily. In 2014 they moved to Atlanta, where she lived in memory care at Huntcliff Summit senior living. Lou lives there, as well, in independent living, and was able to continue his daily visits until the beginning of the pandemic. She will be sorely missed.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Lou Schloss; her two children Michael Schloss (Nancy Leduc) of Windham, N.H., and Caryn Hanrahan (Andy Siegel) of Atlanta; six grandchildren Rebecca and Sarah Hanrahan, Hannah and Jonah Siegel, Carrie Pecoraro (Joey Pecoraro) and Locke Schloss; and her great-grandchild Matthew Alicata. Arrangements

by Dressler’s Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 53

OBITUARIES

Elizabeth Sherman

Craig Codon White

Elizabeth Sherman passed away peacefully with her family by her side Dec. 18, 2020. She was 104 years young, and was born and raised in Columbus, Ga. Growing up during the Great Depression, hard work and family values were especially important to her. She dedicated her life to her family, as well as to serving the Jewish community. Elizabeth found herself as a single Mom of two after the untimely death of her husband. She provided for her children with determination and grace. She was a moral compass and guiding light to all who knew her, acting as a beacon of reason and hope. She worked with devotion and purpose for over 60 years at Jewish nonprofit agencies, finally retiring at the age of 92. While she loved her work, her true happiness was found spending time with her family. Elizabeth’s memory is a blessing, and she will be deeply missed by those who survive her: children Jerry Sherman (Sheila) and Barbara Mendel (Ed), her five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

If you wish to honor Elizabeth’s legacy, please consider memorial contributions to either PJ Library or Friends of Disabled Adults and Children. Checks can be mailed to PJ Library, Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt St., Suite 100, Agawam, Mass. 01001 or to FODAC, 4900 Lewis Road, Tucker, Ga. 30083. To donate online, https://pjlibrary.org/donate or www.fodac. org. Please designate “In Memory of Elizabeth Sherman.” Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Craig Codon White, 66, of Atlanta, passed away on Dec. 31, 2020, at his home, surrounded by three women he loved deeply. Craig was born July 31, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, the oldest of four children to Ronald and Helayne White. The family moved back to sunny California, in part because of Craig’s chronic asthma, living in the San Fernando Valley and later, Ojai.

He attended the University of California-Berkeley during the university’s prime in the 1970s. A self-described hippie, the identity he held throughout his life, Craig majored in biology, intent on becoming a doctor. He attended medical school at Emory University and made the city his home for over 40 years, though he proudly carried two driver’s licenses — Georgia and California, long expired — to honor his Golden State roots.

During medical school, Craig battled testicular cancer — twice — experiences that led him to work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Carter Center following graduation. In the early 1980s, he had the bold idea to open Innovations, a contemporary furniture store in Midtown, and assembled a staff of misfits that seemed to fit, many of them struck by AIDS, the epidemic of the time. He created a home for these wonderful individuals and protected them as family is supposed to.

In July 2000, Craig was diagnosed with a brain tumor, a new challenge that affected his future in extraordinary ways. His life turned in a new direction, one that freed him to pursue his desires: reading on the beaches of the Turks and Caicos; visiting his family in Ojai; skiing and hiking in Mammoth Lakes. Still, his home and his friends in Atlanta were where he belonged.

Craig survived the death of his father, Ron, and leaves behind a number of people who remember a man who enjoyed nature, music, and food — prepared his way — and played pranks on the unsuspecting any chance he got.

He is survived by his mother; brother David (Victoria) of Seattle; sisters Dana of Ojai and Lori (Carrie) of Ventura, Calif.; and niece Mattie. Most importantly, Craig had the love, support, and kindness from his assistant, Sandy Pfohl, for over 20 years. She shared her generous spirit with those who knew Craig and guided the family through many difficult days.

Sandy and the White family would like to extend a special thanks to Craig’s caregivers: Jane Mensah, Sam Hammonds and Brenda Mitchell. And finally, to Rachel Hill, thank you for the gentle care you showed Craig these past two years. Your presence during his final days proved a great comfort to all. Donations in loving memory of Craig may be made to Yosemite National Park Conservancy, Save the Redwoods (Calif.), or a charity of your choice.

104, Atlanta

Michael (Mike) Tuckman 76, Johns Creek

Michael (Mike) Tuckman, 76, of Johns Creek, passed away Dec. 21, 2020. Mike graduated from Georgia Tech and was a member of AEPi and ROTC. Upon graduation, he entered the Navy and was an officer on nuclear submarines prior to joining Duke Power, where he remained for 30 years. His final position before retirement was executive vice president of nuclear generation. Mike was a vital contributor in the nuclear power industry, serving on the boards of many organizations and testifying before congressional committees in advancement of the nuclear power industry. Mike also served on the Georgia Tech School of Mechanical Engineering advisory board.

After retirement and returning to Atlanta, Mike became a proud member of the North Atlanta Men’s Club, where he was a regular at many activities. He and his wife were also members of Temple Emanu-El. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Marilyn; children Rachel Sanford (Byron) and Ari Tuckman (Stephanie); and five granddaughters Aliyah, Maya, Hannah, Olivia and Zoe. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Jerry Maziar (Judy) and his sister-in-law Elaine Siegel, as well as many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Temple Emanu-El, or a charity of your choice. Funeral took place on Jan. 5, 2021, at Georgia National Cemetery.

Cheryl Gerson Tuttle 77, Marblehead, Mass.

Cheryl Gerson Tuttle, 77, died Jan. 3, 2021, from lymphoma. She grew up in Columbus, Ga., graduated from Boston University, and had a long career in special education. She was a teacher in Salem, Mass.; a special education chairperson for the elementary schools in Winthrop, Mass., and Marblehead, Mass.; and a school psychologist for the Cooke School in New York City. She is the author and co-author of seven books written for parents and teenagers.

She was predeceased by her husband of 31 years Gerald Allan Tuttle and her parents Frances and David Gerson. She is survived by her beloved husband of 13 years, Henry Frommer of New York City; her siblings Esther and Michael Levine of Atlanta, Edwin and Robyn Gerson of Atlanta, and Lynne and Bob Pollack of Wellington, Fla.; her children and stepchildren Matthew and Jarah Tuttle of Greenwich, Conn., Ross Tuttle and Darcy Miro of Brooklyn, N.Y., David Frommer and Carla Fenves of West Point, N.Y., and Kate and Peretz Cik of Stamford, Conn.; 13 grandchildren Cameron, Jared and Braden Tuttle, Lucien and Matteo Weiss, Judah Tuttle and Wren Frances Miro, Aaron, Talia and Eliana Frommer, and Ezra, Ilana and Benjamin Cik; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A private service was held at Waterside Cemetery in Marblehead, Mass., Jan. 7. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Marblehead Arts Association, New York Foundation for the Arts, or the charity of your choice.

54 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

66, Atlanta

OBITUARIES

Ann Moscow Young 84, Jacksonville, Fla.

Ann Moscow Young died Dec. 19, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla., at the age of 84 (non-COVID related).

Ann Moscow was born in 1936 in Atlanta to Harry and Sara Moscow (née Goodman). She had one brother, Joel (Lynne).

Ann met Donald Young in Atlanta when she was 15. She attended the University of Georgia before marrying Don in 1957 when she was 20 years old. They had a loving marriage of 63 years. Ann and Don moved to Jacksonville in 1964 where they raised their three sons and became active members in the community.

Ann was a passionate volunteer for countless organizations and was so generous of her time and energy. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Ann was at her happiest with a full house. She loved surrounding herself with people and was the consummate hostess. She was creative, loved gardening, and was particularly skilled at organizing festive events and designing flower arrangements.

Ann loved children and taught pre-K at the Jacksonville Jewish Center for 28 years. Her kindness, compassion and generosity were evident to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband Don; three sons Neil, Gregg, and Todd (Lori); and two grandchildren Alexander and Isabelle.

Ann was laid to rest in a private service in Beaufort, S.C. A virtual memorial shiva service was held in Ann’s honor.

Tributes in loving memory of Ann may be made to the Young Foundation at the historic Beth Israel Congregation, P.O. Box 328, Beaufort, S.C. 29901, or to Jewish Family & Community Services of Jacksonville, Fla.

Death Notices

Paul Freeman, 71, died Jan. 7, 2021. He is survived by wife Viki; children Liann Freeman, Adam (Jennifer) Freeman, and Staci (Jack) Spangler; grandchildren Lila, Brady and Chase Baron, and Hadley, Bryce and Dylan Freeman; sisters Laurie (Bob) Gidlow and Melanie (Ricky) Fine; nieces and nephew Mindy (Greg) Rudisill and children Sophia and Andon Chernow, Hillary (Craig) Levy and children Allison and Suzanne Levy, Rachel Fine, and Steven Fine.

A funeral service was held Jan. 10 at Arlington Memorial Park. Due to ongoing health and safety precautions, the graveside service was restricted to family members only.

Sharon Price, 88, who served 18 years as a Temple Sinai receptionist, died Jan. 9, 2021.

88. Sharon is survived by children Marvin (Andi) Price, Elliot (Bonnie) Price, David Price, Lisa Price (John Beasley), and Carol Price; nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

A funeral service took place Jan. 10 at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. The graveside service was limited to family members. Shiva minyan was held Jan. 11.

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

Keeping Jewish Atlanta Connected for over 95 years Our website has surged to over 270,000 views per month.

Someone is going to take advantage of this traffic, why shouldn’t it be you?

We offer many opportunities to engage with Jewish Atlanta TYPES OF ADVERTISING AVAILABLE ONLINE MARKETING Reach over 150,000 web visitors every month

• Web Banners • Tile Ads • Advertorials • On Air Podcast Commercials

SOCIAL MEDIA Engage with Jewish Atlanta through blogs, announcements, events and posts:

• AtlantaJewishConnector.com • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter

EMAIL MARKETING Reach over 8,000 eblast recipients

every week, directly into their inbox.

PRINT Over 150,000 monthly print

readers. AJT offers a variety of ad sizes to meet your needs and community promotion budget.

A PRICE FOR EVERY BUDGET! • Web ads starting at $150 per week

• Social Media starting at $30 per week • Eblast ads starting at $125 per blast • Print – starting at $220 per ad

Visit Our Website Today

atlantajewishtimes.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 55

CLOSING THOUGHTS My Friend’s True Tall Tale I got an excited call from Susie, a high school classmate who started Zooming with our old friends.

She heard from Helen, who Chana Shapiro worked on the school newspaper with us. I sometimes think about Helen during basketball season because a basketball player was the reason Helen put our close friendship to the test. Helen was fixated on a problem, which was based on her self- image, and she solicited my help. Remember, we were teenagers.

I had gone on two mediocre dates with Bob, who was a member of the varsity basketball team, while Helen obsessed over him. She asked me to stop seeing him because, in her eyes, I had the power to affect her destiny. If Bob asked for another date with me, Helen wanted me to refuse.

Then she would be free to launch a Bobfocused campaign. To underscore her

request, Helen divulged her true motive to Susie and me, and I agreed to support her. Bob and I weren’t an item, and I didn’t expect that we would ever become one. I admit that Susie and I thought Helen was crazy, but I was her friend.

It had nothing to do with sports; Helen cared nothing about basketball. That girl didn’t know a foul from a free throw, and the fact that Bob was a varsity team athlete was merely incidental. She didn’t even have a crush on him. No, it wasn’t a matter of the heart; rather, it was a matter of the height.

Helen, to her constant frustration, was exactly 5 feet tall. Her mother was 4-foot-10, her father 5-foot-1, and her older brother, the tall one in the family, claimed to be 5-foot-5. She was popular and brainy and she “came from money,” as my mother would say. There were lots of great guys who wanted to go out with her, yet she consistently rebuffed all suitors who weren’t at least a foot taller than she was.

Helen wasn’t thinking of herself.

She was strategizing to create the genetic possibility of offspring who could reach dishes above the first shelf and whose feet

would always touch the floor when they were seated. Because any boyfriend was a potential permanent mate, Helen was single-minded in her dating choices, and anyone under 6 feet tall need not apply.

Bob, one of four towering brothers and sisters, was 6-foot-2. Helen needed a tall husband with heavy-duty DNA. With me out of the Bob picture and our friendship intact, Helen devised a three-step strategy. First, she started showing up in the gym for afterschool basketball practice, where she smiled at Bob, while learning about the game. Second, for the school paper, she offered to interview and photograph the basketball players. When she got to Bob, she asked fawning questions and took lots of pictures. Third, she had the photos enlarged and presented copies to him. He believed the intended message that Helen worshipped him, and Bob was captivated by her devotion. He became the proud recipient of teasing from teammates, who were jealous that their less devoted girlfriends seldom came to watch them practice.

Helen began to appreciate Bob’s

TOGETHER THROUGH FILM

56 | JANUARY 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

equanimity and sense of humor, which was clearly displayed on the court, and their relationship deepened. They became an easily recognizable couple. The school paper did a two-page spread of our senior prom, and their picture showed Helen (high heels, high hairdo) gazing raptly upwards and tuxedoed (extra-long) Bob bending lovingly toward her as they danced. After graduation, Helen and Bob went to different universities, but stayed together; they married when Bob broke into sports broadcasting for a local station.

Helen heard about Susie’s high school alumni Zoom meetings and joined. Susie told her that she and I are still in touch, and when Helen shared a brief history of her happily married life with Bob, she purposely included this data: They have one daughter of “average height” (whatever that means to Helen) and two grandchildren. What about them? Susie asked.

“They’re not seriously into sports, but they totally take after Bob’s family,” Helen answered meaningfully, then added, “Ask Chana if she remembers everything that happened.” You bet I do! ì

Here to help find meaning and purposeHere through community, to help find meaning and to help uncover the deep possibilities purpose through community,

within Jewishthe identity. to helpour uncover deep possibilities within our Jewish identity.

Explore the possibilites at JewishAtlanta.org Explore the possibilites at JewishAtlanta.org ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JANUARY 15, 2021 | 57

MARKETPLACE

don’t miss our uPcoming issues A PodcAst brought to you by the AtlAntA Jewish times

educAtion & cAmP And

biz, reAl estAte And ProfessionAls

AJff

sPring simchA

educAtion & cAmP

home & gArden/ PAssover reciPes

to Advertise cAll: 404-883-2130

COMPUTER

FAKAKTA COMPUTER BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

DESKTOP & LAPTOP REPAIR HOME/BUSINESS NETWORKING

COMPUTER

COMPUER HOUSE CALLS

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

HOME

STANLEY PAVING

Asphalt Paving, Patching & Seal Coating

Voted #1 by Atlanta Jewish Community

10% OF PROFITS THROUGH

770-527-3533

PERFORMANCE UPGRADES2019 WILL BE DONATED TO APPLE DEVICE SUPPORT

JEWISH CHARITIES.

VIRUS/SPYWARE REMOVAL

404.954.1004

www.HealthyComputer.com

As Seen On

Same DayDAMON.CARP@GMAIL.COM Appointments • Reasonable Rates • All Services Guaranteed

10% OF PROFITS THROUGH 2020 WILL BE DONATED TO JEWISH CHARITIES.

• Same Day Appointments • Reasonable Rates • All Services Guaranteed

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

Specializing in driveways & small parking lots Family Owned & Operated since 1969

CALL NOW FOR 10% OFF SPECIAL

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

JOB

It’s Time to Call for Help!

770.962.7125 770.480.1698 cell

HOME

COLLECTIBLES

THE DUSTY COIN

“Shekels For Your Collectibles”

Capital Supplies is looking for an enthusiastic sales person to hire for an account manager position.

Must have food service experience, sales or kitchen background.

Salary plus commission.

Please send your resumes to Lance@capitalsuppliesinc.com or call 404-454-6684.

Closets, pantries, garages, offices and more!

404-255-0589

Atlanta Custom Closets Rick Moore www.closetpro.net

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

• Coins • Gold • Jewelry • Sterling •

404-263-2967 Strict Confidentiality • References Upon Request Member: ANA, NGC, PCGS & PMG

MARKETPLACE ADVERTISE WITH THE

FLORIDA TIMESHARE FOR SALE Weeks 51 & 52 (last 2 weeks of the year) at HOLLYWOOD BEACH TOWER in HOLLYWOOD, FL. We are asking just $250 to purchase both weeks & they are yours.

There is an annual maintenance fee for each week. Steps to the beach. Great restaurants & shopping. Call or text Laura…443-794-3837.

404-883-2130

Development Corp. for Israel | 404-817-3500 Eleventh Series Jubilee Bonds 2.04% Eleventh Series Maccabee Bonds 1.90% Eighth Series Mazel Tov Bonds 1.90% Eighth Series eMitzvah Bonds 1.90%

AUTO Everyone Knows Someone Who Loves Their SUBARU

AUTO

BBUUYY •• TT RR AA DDEE • • SSAAL EL E

A AUTO UTO P PAINT AINT & B BODY ODY W WORK ORK

Winner of Salesman of the Year Award for 3 consecutive years

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

WIRELESS

Check out our reviews on

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

678-271-7373 v_cleaning@hotmail.com www.vcleaning.net

PHOTOGRAPHY

COMPUTER

For all life’s special moments, choose Cutting Edge Images, Inc. to make them picture perfect!

Welcome to Mensch Wireless! Nationwide Cellular with Shomer Shabbat abilities just for the Jewish community! www.menschwireless.com 866-866-7240

We Never Miss a Spot At V Cleaning, we provide you with expert cleaning, warm customer service, and excellent attention to detail.

Serving clients around the Atlanta, Georgia area, you get to take advantage

cell: 678-665-1024 dealership: 770-419-9800 ext. 312 rkurland@subaruofkennesaw.com www.subaruofkennesaw.com

We Buy Cars, Trucks, Vans & ATV’s WWW.BDAUTOSHOP.COM

HOME

(770) 715-8695

Website: www.ceimagesinc.com