Atlanta Jewish Times, XCIV No. 28, July 19, 2019

Page 1

NEXT WEEK: MACCABI GAMES

VOL. XCIV NO. 28 | 40 UNDER 40

JULY 19, 2019 | 16 TAMUZ 5779

40 UNDER 40


BH

The Chabad Centers of Georgia invite you to an evening of Unity & Inspiration The Chabad Centers of Georgia invite you to an evening of Unity & Inspiration

BH B”H

Celebrating the teachings & impact of Celebrating the teachings Rebbe, & impact of the Lubavitcher

theMenachem Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi M. schneerson of righteous Rabbi Menachem M.memory schneerson of righteous memory Keynote Address By:

Inspirational Address:

Address By: Dr.Keynote Joseph Telushkin

Inspirational Rabbi YisroelAddress: Goldstein Chabad of Poway RabbiDirector, Yisroel Goldstein

Times BestTelushkin Selling Author Dr.NYJoseph NY TimesFive Best Teachings Selling Author “The Rebbe: That Can Change Your Life Starting Today” “The Rebbe: Five Teachings That Can Change Your Life Starting Today”

“Transforming Darkness to Light” Director, Chabad of Poway “Transforming Darkness to Light”

Wednesday, July 24, 2019 | 21 Tammuz 5779 Wednesday, July 24, 2019 | 21 Tammuz Underwriters Reception 6:00pm 5779 Underwriters Reception 6:00pm

Program 7:00Pm Program 7:00Pm Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 $18 Advance Tickets | $25 Tickets at Door $18 Advance Tickets | $25Underwriters Tickets at Door $90 Preferred Seating | $500 Reception $90 Preferred Seating | $500 Underwriters Reception

RSVP at onepeopleoneheartatl.com RSVP at onepeopleoneheartatl.com

David & Eve Adler Josh Ahlzadeh David Leah Balgari David && Eve Adler Steve & Alyssa Barton Josh Ahlzadeh Kivi & Jordana Bernhard David Leah Balgari Evan Amy Barton Charles Steve && Alyssa Mike & Sara Carter Kivi & Jordana Bernhard Sam&Silver & Barbara Covnoy Evan Amy Charles Zachary Diamond Mike & Sara Carter Danit Drory Sam Silver & Barbara Covnoy Zachary Diamond Danit Drory 2 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Carol Epstein Barry Frankel Yitz Epstein & Chana Frankforter Carol GregFrankel & Jade Gaylis Barry Zalmy & Chaya Goldberg Yitz & Chana Frankforter Adrian M.Gaylis Grant Greg & Jade Ben Adler & Judith Hall Zalmy & Chaya Goldberg Edward Jaroslava Halper Adrian M.&Grant David && Emily Hoffman Ben Adler Judith Hall Steve Howard Edward & Jaroslava Halper David & Emily Hoffman Steve Howard

Event Committee Event Committee Abbie Ijams David & Tova Isaacs ScottIjams Italiaander Abbie Philip & Suzanne Katz David & Karlick Tova Isaacs Zalman & Sheina Kavka Scott Italiaander JaredKarlick & Hannah Kaye Katz Philip & Suzanne Mitchell & Amy Kaye Zalman & Sheina Kavka Jay & Judith Kessler Jared Hannah Kaye Allie Kiersten Mitchell & Amy Kaye Kevin & Claire King Jay & Judith Kessler Allie Kiersten Kevin & Claire King

Mitchell & Stacey Kopelman Mendy & Chanala Kornfeld David Lazan Mitchell & Stacey Kopelman Levi &&Sara Loebenstein Mendy Chanala Kornfeld MinaLazan Lubel David Adam Kaye & Megan Maziar Levi & Sara Loebenstein Aaron McCausland Mina Lubel Samantha Adam Kaye &Morton Megan Maziar Eyal McCausland & Aviva Postelnik Aaron Ian & Carol Ratner Samantha Morton Eyal & Aviva Postelnik Ian & Carol Ratner

Mendel & Adina Robbins Arn & Renee Rubinoff Don Seeman Debra Shaffer Seeman Mendel & Adina& Robbins Anthony Tracy Shapiro Arn & Renee& Rubinoff Dovi Snips & Debra Shaffer Seeman Don Seeman Gidon &&Simone Sobel Anthony Tracy Shapiro Jordan Suresky Dovi Snips David Sharon Westerman Gidon && Simone Sobel Kenneth Winkler Jordan Suresky David & Sharon Westerman Kenneth Winkler


Thank you for all of your support! From, Louis DeJoseph, M.D. BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

6085 Barfield Rd NE, Suite 100 | Atlanta, GA | 30328 Tel: 770.457.6303 | Fax: 770.457.2823 premierimage.com | www.facebook.com/picosmeticsurgery Twitter: @premierimageATL | Instagram: @PremierImageATL ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 3


4 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES


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 Sr. Staff Writer & Web Editor

EDDIE SAMUELS

eddie@atljewishtimes.com Contributor & Proofreader

LEAH R. HARRISON leah@atljewishtimes.com Editorial Intern

CHLOE LEVITAS

Contributors This Week BOB BAHR CHANA SHAPIRO FLORA ROSEFSKY JAN JABEN-EILON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE RABBI JOAB EICHENBERG-EILON

ADVERTISING

40 Under 40 and Fabulous It’s astonishing what can be achieved in four decades of life. Our 40 spotlighted men and women under 40 years old, otherwise known as Jewish Atlanta’s 2019 Top 40 Under 40, are civic leaders and nonprofit directors, rabbis and doctors, accomplished businesspeople and educators. These millennials actively promote social justice, human rights, community engagement and interfaith relations. Read about their successes, along with others in this week’s issue. For instance, former Atlanta mayor Sam Massell, approaching his 92nd birthday, shares his stories about the city during the height of the civil rights movement, and celebrating 85 years later this month, Bud Selig, the former commissioner of Major League Baseball, was in Atlanta last week with the release of his new book. In a somewhat-related release, we talk with the filmmaker of “The Spy Behind Home Plate,” about the secret life of Major League Baseball player Moe Berg.

The documentary opened last week in Midtown and runs through July 18. Another new release is the latest novel by AJT columnist Chana Shapiro and Meta Miller, former rebbetzin of Congregation Shearith Israel. They dish on the sequel to their inside-synagogue novel about a young, single rabbi and the drama he encounters at his new pulpit. These two authors sought and found a momentous achievement in retirement. Other women 50 and older seeking a similar middle-age transition have found camaraderie and support in The Transition Network in Atlanta. We speak with a few of these women and the Atlanta chapter founder about the group that helps to fill the void that can be left by retirement, empty nest or divorce. In local news, we offer an update on the latest legal battle by convicted murderer Hemy Neuman, a case that still rocks the Jewish community. We inform you about free BRCA cancer gene screenings and the most recent flap about new digital billboards across from The Temple.

THIS WEEK Shining a light on climate change, we take you to a forum in Midtown about the intersection of faith, science and environmental solutions. Our 40 Under 40 definitely know about efforts to improve the world. Next week we share the feats of other young achievers as Atlanta hosts the JCC Maccabi Games. ■

CONTENTS LOCAL NEWS ���������������������������������� 6 OPINION ������������������������������������������� 9 ISRAEL NEWS ������������������������������� 10 BUSINESS ��������������������������������������� 12 40 UNDER 40 ��������������������������������� 14 DINING �������������������������������������������� 30 ARTS ������������������������������������������������ 31 CALENDAR ������������������������������������� 36 COMMUNITY ��������������������������������� 38 BRAIN FOOD ���������������������������������� 45 OBITUARIES ���������������������������������� 46 CLOSING THOUGHTS ����������������� 48

Senior Account Manager

BRENDA GELFAND

brenda@atljewishtimes.com Senior Account Manager

MICHAL BONELL

michal@atljewishtimes.com Account Manager

SHERI OKUN

sheri@atljewishtimes.com

CREATIVE & MEDIA Creative & Media Designer

LILLI JENNISON

lilli@atljewishtimes.com

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Community Relations Director

JEN EVANS

jen@atljewishtimes.com Community Liaison

SONIA FIELD

sonia@atljewishtimes.com Interns

ELIANA WEISS CHARLOTTE MORRISON

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 WEEKLY BY SOUTHERN ISRAELITE, LLC © 2019 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 JULY 19, 2019 | 5


LOCAL NEWS Religion and Science: In Sync on Climate Change? By Flora Rosefsky Environmental activists who attended a climate change forum at The Selig Center auditorium of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta last month definitely walked the talk. Arriving at the June 25 event, “Faithful Climate Change Conversations: Public Forum on Faith, Science and Climate Solutions,” a man riding up on a bicycle told me he came from Decatur. I also noticed a parked Nissan Leaf covered with stickers. They included “Citizens’ Climate Lobby: Political will for a livable world,” “I Pray, I Act. I Vote for the Earth,” and “I love Solar: There has never been a solar spill!” The latter two are put out by the forum’s sponsor, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, a national faith-based environmental nonprofit. Georgia is one of 30 state affiliates. About 125 people who attended the forum last month represented a wide spectrum of the religious community. Including leaders of the religious and scientific communities, speakers revealed their hopes to help fulfill GIPL’s mission of connecting faith, community and our planet.

Photos by GIPL // GIPL event panelists: Kait Parker, Rev. Susan Hendershot, Rev. Gerald Durley, Kenneth Kimmell.

When registering, participants are invited to create a climate change-related prayer or other appropriate text in an art-ritual activity.

Rev. Susan Hendershot, an ordained minister and executive director of GIPLAtlanta, used a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: “Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control. Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals.” She said that “science tells us what is happening, where faith tells us why it matters.” Kenneth Kimmell is president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, the tagline of which is “Science for a Healthy

Planet and Safer World.” He asked those gathered, “Is nature telling us it’s time to change? Will we act in enough time?” Scientists said we have a couple of decades, he said. Kimmell spelled out affordable plans using current technology such as non-carbon wind and solar power or seeing a future with more electric cars. Georgia is ranked 10th in the nation for its solar power capacity and a company in Dalton, Ga., is building solar panels. When Kimmell stressed that it will take political will to have a “clean world

economy” with the same financial and political bipartisan commitment the United States had to put a man on the moon, a large image of that moment appeared on his PowerPoint screen. According to Kimmell, 2020 needs to be about climate change for both Democrats and Republicans, not just for the White House, but also the Senate and House of Representatives. He urged the audience to vote for local, state and federal leaders who promote energy efficient strategies while stressing the sense of urgency. By stepping out of the Paris Agreement and weakening the federal Environmental Protection Agency, he feels the United States is going backward. Kimmell asked how many would give 1 percent of their income for climate change solutions? Every hand went up. “Climate change is the single most compelling issue of our time,” said Myrtle Lewin, who is Ahavath Achim Synagogue’s “Greening Group” chair. “Our future is not already written,” Hendershot told the crowd. “The time is now. Find your place of power.” For more information about GIPL, go to www.gipl.org. ■

Transform your kitchen & bath into a beautiful and functional environment.

6555 Jimmy Carter Blvd.

770-441-1681 Norcross, GA

Major Home Renovations to Minor Refresh & Repair

www.ucigranite.com Visit our extensive gallery to choose your stone and cabinetry. Our design team will help you craft your vision. Granite | Marble | Quartz | Glass Shower Enclosures | Walk-in Showers | Cabinetry | Vanity Tops | Paint | Carpet | Tile Backsplash 6 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES


LOCAL NEWS

Hemy Neuman Murder Trial Resurfaces By Jan Jaben-Eilon

Neuman in his first trial. Calls to one of Neuman’s two new While the secular press – both local court-appointed attorneys were not reand national – are unemotionally re- turned, although Michael Tarleton, one counting the sensational and salacious of the new attorneys, was quoted by the facts of the Hemy Zvi Neuman case now Atlanta Journal Constitution as saying, that the Israeli-born convicted murderer “The fact that a previous jury found him has requested a new trial, Jewish Atlanta guilty but mentally ill acts as an acquittal of a completely guilty verdict.” He stated is cringing. Long-term friendships were severed that double jeopardy precludes a straight as members of the Jewish community guilty verdict. In any case, Neuwere called to testify man, now a resident of both for the prosecuAugusta State Medical tion and the defense in Prison, is not denying the 2012 trial. Threats the murder. and hate mail were For some in the sent to one of the atJewish community who torneys involved. Now had hoped the chapter unhealed wounds are was closed on this case, being ripped open once his request for a retrial again with the latest leis unwelcome news. gal maneuvers. “First of all, it was a For those new to Jewish man murdering the community or unanother Jewish man in familiar with the case, Hemy Zvi Neuman enters Dekalb front of his kid’s dayon November 18, 2010, courtroom during his motion for a new trial heard by Judge care,” attorney Esther Russell “Rusty” SneiGregory Adams on July 9, 2019. Panitch told the AJT. derman was shot and killed outside a Dunwoody preschool “Then sides were quickly taken” once dewhere he was taking his child. That was tails of the affair became public knowltrauma enough, but weeks later Hemy edge. “No one wants to relive this nightNeuman, the boss of Sneiderman’s wid- mare,” Panitch said, noting she was not ow, Andrea, was arrested for the murder. surprised by the reluctancy of others to Both Neuman and his now ex-wife Ariela be quoted for this story. Panitch, of The Panitch Law Group, Barkoni were well-established members of the community, the latter, a teacher was intimately involved in the case, having represented Neuat The Epstein School. man’s ex-wife in her The Sneidermans were divorce from him, and members of Congregathe family of the detion Or Hadash. ceased in a wrongful On March 15, 2012, death case against AnNeuman was found drea Sneiderman. guilty, but mentally ill, “It was a very painof malice murder and ful episode in the hisguilty of possession of tory of the Jewish coma firearm during community in Atlanta that mission of a felony. He broke long-term friendwas sentenced to life in ships,” said one promiprison without parole, nent Atlanta Jewish plus five years for the Esther Panitch says she doesn’t leader who didn’t want felony weapons charge. want to relive the case. to be named. “It divided Four years later, after a retrial of the case, he was again found the whole community.” Panitch recounts how she was targuilty — this time without acceptance of an insanity claim — and again sentenced geted by Andrea Sneiderman’s friends. “I was the only voice out there calling to life in prison without parole. Now he’s asking for another trial, attention to Andrea’s involvement. I was again claiming mental illness caused the target of hate,” she said. Community by his intense love for his victim’s wife, members sent a letter to The Epstein Andrea, who has since changed her last School, where her children were enname to Russell, her late husband’s first rolled, asking that the school remove her name. She was subsequently convicted of from the “educational community. I was perjury and obstruction of justice for her brought into the principal’s office and testimony about her relationship with told not to talk about the case. Once An-

Andrea Sneiderman, sentenced to five years in prison and granted parole in June 2014 for her involvement in the murder of her husband Russel “Rusty” Sneiderman by Hemy Neuman on November 18, 2010.

drea’s involvement came out, I received an apology” from the school. She did not hear from the main letter writer, although she eventually reconciled with some of the people named in the letter. “This was my life for two to three years. I was dealing with this at Kroger and at the JCC. It was incredibly stressful.” Even the week of her daughter’s bat mitzvah, Panitch and her

husband were called “the most horrible people in Dunwoody.” Panitch said she feels “no animosity to friends of Andrea.” Like many of those caught in the whirlwind of the highprofile drama, Panitch – who handles domestic violence and murder cases – says she’s gone on with her life. “I don’t want to relive it. This is not a show. It’s not a movie,” Panitch added. “It’s real life.” ■

Laura K. Schilling, J.D., CPA, Certified Financial Planner (CFPTR), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA®), is principal and founder of Financial Innovations, LLC and Laura K Schilling, Esq, CPA, CSA Estate Innovations, LLC. She is licensed to practice law in Georgia and Florida. As someone who is active in

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

the Jewish community I am so honored and touched to have been voted for and awarded this prestigious award.

Securities offered through Triad Advisors, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.

Laura K. Schilling

J.Dmark., CPA, CFPTM, CSA® Laura K. Schilling, J.D., CPA, Certified Financial Planner Financial Innovations, LLC (CFP®), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA®), principal andis Estate Innovations, LLC Peachtree DunwoodyK. Road, Suite F101 and founder of Financial Innovations, LLC6111and Laura Atlanta, GA 30328 Schilling, Esq, CPA, CSA, Estate Innovations, LLC. She Main 404-458-0065 is Laura@financialinnovations.biz licensed to practice law in Georgia and Florida. Laura has www.financialinnovations.biz been published in Forbes Magazine as well as Best Self Magazine.

Clients benefit from Laura’s legal, accounting, and financial planning expertise. This diverse background enables her to review a client’s financial situation from many different perspectives. Securities offered through Triad Advisors, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Financial Innovations, LLC. Financial Innovations, LLC is not affiliated with Triad Advisors, LLC.

Laura K. Schilling, J.D., CPA, CFP®, CSA® Financial Innovations, LLC and Estate Innovations, LLC

6111 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite F101 Atlanta, GA 30328 Main 404-458-0065 laura@financialinnovations.biz www.financialinnovations.biz ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 7


LOCAL NEWS

Intrigue, Romance and Shul Politics, Take Two By Roni Robbins When two women intimately close to the Atlanta rabbinate and synagogue life team up, certainly they know a bit about the insider world of shul politics and the private lives of the key players behind the daily operations of a religious institution. Enough for a second novel being released July 25 revolving around the inner workings of an Orthodox Chicago synagogue, its young new rabbi, his mentors, shul president, romantic dalliances, and an endearing cast of associated characters. Partnering on “The Rabbi’s in Trouble,” their sequel to the 2015 “Fruitfly Rabbi,” are Chana Shapiro, an AJT columnist, rebbetzin and former program director for Congregation Beth Jacob, and Meta Miller, former rebbetzin of Congregation Shearith Israel, among other roles. The pair, both educators, have been friends for some 30 years. “We know the synagogue ropes from different ends,” Shapiro said. Two or three times a week, they’d see each other at the gym, and the discussion began about filling their retirement with

8 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

(the letters of Fr-uan exceptional uni-t-fl-y are chemical dertaking. At first compounds), the they considered authors have been writing a children’s amused by readers’ book, but then they questions about zeroed in on other the real-life basis common ground – of the characters. the synagogue. “I’ve had at What develleast two rabbis in oped was a novel town say to me, ‘I that delves into the know who you drama, mystery, roMeta Miller and Chana Shapiro team wrote about.’ It’s mance, gossip and up on their sequel novel, “The Rabbi’s in not true,” Shapdubious entangleTrouble,” being released next week. iro said. “There ments that undoubtedly occur in a synagogue behind are personalities here and there.” But the authors contend there’s no basis in reality. closed doors. “It turns out it might remind people Or as Shapiro explained, “An unmarried young recent graduate who, by of things, but we were careful not to do a series of unexpected incidents, finds that,” Shapiro said. Still, Miller is pleased the characters himself in the middle of one thing after and scenes are relatable and realistic to another.” Shapiro furthered that protagonist readers. Their questions to the authors Rabbi Joshua Stein enters “a place where about what happened next to the charache’d be thrown into situations for which ters in “Fruitfly Rabbi” inspired them to write the sequel. he was not prepared.” Like the characters in the story itself, Since the release of “Fruitfly Rabbi,” which takes its name from the transfor- Shapiro and Miller squabbled in our inmation of Stein from scientist to rabbi terview about details and themes of the

book. Collaborating on a novel is not easy on a friendship, Miller said. “We argued; we fought.” They’d bat around whether a character would speak in a certain way, whether one should be meaner or funnier. “I know how quirky and bad people misbehave,” Shapiro admitted. “There are many possible liaisons” in the book. “We had to agree.” One aspect of the drama they agreed upon was the inclusion of food scenes. One of the characters owns a kosher restaurant. Determined to get it right, the pair rewrote both books four or five times before they self-published. “Then we just wanted to resolve all the puzzles,” Shapiro said, to which Miller added, “We had to tie up loose ends in some way.” In the end, they hope readers enjoy their second novel as much as the first. “We tried to write a book that’s so enjoyable,” Shapiro said. “I like to say it’s fun.” ■ Join the authors at their book launch and signing, along with cookies and conversation, at 7:30 p.m. July 25 at Tall Tales Bookstore in the Toco Hill Shopping Center, 2105 Lavista Road, Atlanta.


OPINION Letter to the editor:

I am writing on behalf of a friend who is in dire need of employment and hoping the readers of the AJT can help. To preserve her dignity, I will refer to her as “Chava” (Eve), because she could be any woman in this situation. Chava last worked for a Jewish day school in Atlanta, where we met. She held her administrative assistant position for over seven years until she lost the position last August due to budget cuts. Chava is a smart, personable, hard-working lady, who thought she would find a job quickly. She is also 64 years old, which has been a deal-breaker – unspoken, of course – these past 10 months. In the many jobs she has interviewed for, Chava has often been on the short list. Yes, we all know ageism is alive and well. But as I have watched Chava’s fruitless and discouraging journey these past nine months, it hit home in a very personal way. But not to worry, there are safety nets in our community, yes? Well, no. After the standard 13 weeks unemployment compensation, Chava asked for an extension. These used to be granted for up to a year. She was told no extension because unemployment is historically low in Georgia. Chava is without health insurance and applied for Medicaid. She was told ‘no,’ because her salary LAST YEAR was too high. At my suggestion, she contacted Jewish Family & Career Services about an emergency loan. But two co-signers are needed, not an option for her. These cruel ironies have been devastating for her. Chava is behind in her rent, and there is a frightening possibility that she could be homeless. Maimonides’ greatest level of tzedakah is helping someone find a job. I implore anyone reading this letter who has an administrative or similar position available, or knows of someone who can help, to contact me, and I will forward the information to Chava. My email is sheilariegel@hotmail.com; my home phone is 678-297-1225. The Atlanta Jewish community is generous and caring. Please help one of our own who does not know where else to turn. Sheila Riegel, Atlanta

Letter to the editor:

I am fortunate like all Atlanta Jewry and other Jewish communities in the South that I am able to read the Atlanta Jewish Times online. Therefore, in the June 28 issue, I was quite surprised that on the page opposite the Israeli achievements is a story “Violence in the Israeli Schools.” I could not fathom the purpose of the story. The facts, I assume, are correct, but why is this important to Atlanta Jewry? If the conclusion of the story was to “push the Atlanta Jewish Federation” to earmark funds donated and direct them to the problem of “violence in the Israeli schools,” then the story might have a purpose. Even that, I think not. Even though I do not agree with all that the prime minister and the government does, I have to tell you that I have been very proud of what Israelis, my brothers and sisters, have achieved just in June alone in athletics, in Israel actors and films honored at Monte Carlo. I know all about the level of violence in Israeli schools, but it is a subject for Israelis, unless you out there want to make aliyah and help. The AJT is a unique publication because it serves the ninth-largest Jewish community in the USA. I recall when Atlanta was 45th. Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Evangelicals and BDS supporters read the AJT. I don’t think the paper should whitewash Israel, but I do think that critical stories about activities in Israel which “you” cannot help to change is a form of Jewish self-hatred. Geffen is exaggerating, you may think, but I love Israel as much as I love Atlanta. Who does the AJT want to win points with? I find it difficult that so much space, when space is so tight, is devoted to this topic about Israel you chose to insert. I am a booster of the AJT, but I also I think that I should express my honesty about a story included. Rabbi David Geffen, Jerusalem

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.

KINDERGARTEN COMES TO MORAH CAROLS PLACE Lead by Morah Carla Hotz and Morah Naama Darzi Opening August 12th, 2019 We are excited to announce that Mrs. Carla Hotz will be joining the MCP family as the Kindergarten teacher for the 2019-20 school year along with Morah Naama Darzi. Carla has been a Kindergarten teacher in the Atlanta Jewish Community for over 20+ years and is well revered amongst her educational peers. Carla and I (Morah Carol) have sat on many early childhood boards and planned many programs together for the Atlanta Early Childhood Community. Carla is someone I respect and admire and I am thrilled beyond belief that she will now be joining MCP as she will be a huge asset to our already amazing staff. Along with Morah Carla will be our amazing Lemudie Kodesh teacher, Morah Naama Darzi. Morah Naama is a recent transplant from Israel and is also well respected amongst our staff and comes with her own expertise and experience in teaching Torah and Ivrit to her students both here in Atlanta and in Israel. We are more than thrilled to bring both Morah's and Kindergarten to MCP. Morah Carol's Place is located in the beautiful facility of Congregation Or VeShalom, 1681 North Druid Hills RD NE. We have scholarships and payment plan options available if needed. If you are still undecided about Kindergarten for your child please call Morah Carol at 617-275-3021 or email morahcarol@morahcarolsplace.com to set up a personal tour of our facility as well as discuss our Kindergarten curriculum. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 9


ISRAEL PRIDE

News From Our Jewish Home

Photo courtesy of REE // REE’s new

chassis for electric vehicles.

and restrict the ability of the automotive industry to realize the electric and autonomous reality they are striving for,” Daniel Barel, co-founder and CEO of REE, said in a statement. “Until now, the industry has operated by making incremental improvements on the traditional design of the automotive vehicle. At REE, we believe that in order to hasten the automotive revolution we need to reinvent the wheel – quite literally.”

Israeli REE Reinvents Wheel for Electric Cars

Imagine all the components of a car solely in the wheels? The Israeli startup REE has unveiled a new design and look for electric vehicles in which all of the classic components of the car — the motor, steering system, brakes and suspension — are no longer under the hood, but in the wheels. The vehicle framework, the chassis, is completely flat, like a skateboard, and as a result, more versatile. The shape also helps reduce weight, an essential component for the success of electric vehicles. This will eliminate the need for multiple platforms for different vehicles, resulting in “substantial savings,” as the design and validation of each platform traditionally costs manufacturers $20 billion, REE told The Times of Israel. “The concepts of the past are limited

Today in Israeli History July 19, 1940: Early Zionist leader Max Bodenheimer dies five years after immigrating to Jerusalem. Born in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1865, Bodenheimer published his first Zionist article, on the question of whether Russian Jews are a nation, in 1891. He attended the First Zionist Congress, became close to Theodor Herzl, and served as the first president of the Zionist Federation of Germany and as the first Jewish National Fund chairman. In the 1930s he aligned with Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s Revisionist Zionism.

Two Syrian and two Israeli police officers are stationed outside the armistice signing.

July 20, 1949: Israel signs an armistice with Syria, the last of four Arab nations to sign such agreements at the end of Israel’s War of Independence. Israel had already signed agreements 10 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Shoshanna Solomon/The Times of Israel // KamaTech’s Moshe Friedman, left,

partaking in happy hour at the Ampersand Haredi co-working space in Bnei Brak.

Challah and Happy Hour

Happy hour at one co-working space in Bnei Brak, outside of Tel Aviv, includes more than just wine, cheese and sandwiches. Ampersand, a co-working space on the 21st floor of the Bnei Brak high-rise, has a happy hour every Thursday. But at this happy hour, celebrating the end of

with Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan when it opened negotiations with Syria on April 5 under the U.N. mediation led by Ralph Bunche. The armistice does not set permanent borders or lead to peace talks but does create three demilitarized zones between the countries, as well as a buffer zone manned by U.N. peacekeepers. July 21, 1948: Responding to a request from the U.N. mediator in Israel for U.S. Marines to be stationed temporarily in Jerusalem to support a truce, Philip Jessup writes a seven-point memo to Secretary of State George Marshall on why the United States should say no. Jessup, the acting U.S. representative to the United Nations, argues among other points that the U.S. public would oppose such a use of the U.S. military, it would hurt U.S.Arab relations, and it would fuel Soviet propaganda against the United States. July 22, 1946: The militant Jewish organization Irgun bombs Jerusalem’s King David Hotel, the British administrative headquarters in Palestine, as part of a violent campaign to drive the British out of the Land of Israel. Despite warnings

the work week, there is piping hot cholent, a stew of beans and meat traditionally eaten on Shabbat, along with freshly baked challah, beer and cold drinks. Ampersand was set up last year by KamaTech, a nonprofit organization that tries to integrate Israel’s ultra-Orthodox population into the country’s booming high-tech industry. The co-working space caters to the needs of ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, entrepreneurs and tech workers by providing separate workspaces for women and men, a kosher kitchen, and a space for prayer. “The workspace initiative has been so successful,” Moshe Friedman, CEO of KamaTech, told The Times of Israel, that he is now planning to double its size by taking an additional floor above the original space. “Moreover, KamaTech has been getting requests from Orthodox communities in the U.S. to set up similar workspaces locally.”

Jerusalem’s Free Wi-Fi Faster Than Tel Aviv’s

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion announced that the municipality has introduced free wireless internet in the city center for residents and visitors. The internet operates at a speed 10 times faster than Tel Aviv’s Wi-Fi. “The deployment of a free wireless called in to the hotel and to the Palestine Post, the King David is not evacuated, and 91 people are killed, including 41 Arabs, 28 Britons and 17 Jews. David Ben-Gurion is among those who condemn the bombing.

A cab adorned with Likud posters drives through Tel Aviv on Election Day, July 23, 1984.

July 23, 1984: Israel holds the election for the 11th Knesset. The Labor Alignment, led by Shimon Peres, wins 44 seats, while the ruling Likud, led by Yitzhak Shamir, receives 41 seats in the 120-person parliament. Rather than try to form a coalition with some of the smaller parties, Labor and Likud agree to create a national unity government. Peres serves as prime minister for the first two years of the government, and Shamir takes over for the next two years. July 24, 1920: Bella Abzug, the first Jewish woman elected to Congress, is

internet in the city center places Jerusalem as the capital of Israel’s technological innovation, in line with the world’s smartest cities,” Lion said in a press release. “This tech infrastructure will enable internet access at top speeds for all, including the city’s residents, businesses, and millions of tourists.”

Photo by Abbi Berkovitz/Flash 90// Workers

check their phones while collecting trash at Mahane Yehuda market.

The system is designed to withstand heavy usage without collapse and has been installed at the Mahane Yehuda market and in the city center on Shammai, Hillel and Ben Yehuda streets and Kikar HaHatulot. Within a few months, access is expected to be available from Independence Park to Jaffa Street. ■ Compiled by AJT Staff born in the Bronx to Orthodox Jewish immigrant parents from Russia. A member of the Zionist youth group Hashomer Hatzir (The Young Guard), she gains valuable experience for her future career in politics by lecturing about Zionism at subway stops to raise money for Jewish settlement in Palestine. She serves three terms in the U.S. House after first being elected in 1970. July 25, 1973: Keren Leibovitch, considered Israel’s greatest Paralympian, is born in Hod Hasharon near Tel Aviv. Leibovitch does not swim competitively until after she is paralyzed from the waist down in an accident while training to be an Israel Defense Forces officer at age 18. A coach spots Leibovitch’s potential when she swims as part of her rehabilitation, and she goes on to win four gold medals, two silvers and a bronze in Paralympic swimming in 2000 and 2004. ■ Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (www.israeled.org), where you can find more details.


ISRAEL NEWS GILEE Continues to Enhance Public Safety

Delegates at Academy Fitness.

By Chloe Levitas Returning after an intensive two weeks of training in Israel are 13 Georgia police chiefs and command staff, two sheriffs, a Georgia Bureau of Investigation inspector and executives from the Georgia State Patrol, Stone Mountain Park and the Georgia Command College. The 21 delegates received public safety leadership training from Israel’s top police executives. The Georgia representatives visited Tel Aviv, Eilat, Haifa and Jerusalem as a part of the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange’s 27th annual peer-to-peer training program. GILEE is a research unit within Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. While in Israel, the representatives were shown best practices and the latest technologies in policing and public safety. “The delegates were able to work with Israeli police and learn about a phone app that allows police to track those who call Israel’s 100 number (equivalent to our 911) and give them directions if they are lost or can locate them to help them,” said Steve Heaton, executive director of GILEE and former chief of police in Georgia. The primary focus of the training, Heaton said, was on community policing, “a policy and a strategy aimed at achieving more effective and efficient crime control, reduced fear of crime, improved quality of life, improved police services and police legitimacy, through a proactive reliance on community resources that seeks to change crime-causing conditions.” Community policing assumes a need for greater accountability of police, a

Photos courtesy of GILEE// Delegates at Israel’s Supreme Court.

greater public share in decision-making and a greater concern for civil rights and liberties, according to Robbie Friedmann, a professor at GSU and GILEE’s founding director, who formulated the definition. He also led this year’s delegation. “A lot is packed into two weeks and the delegates start their day at seven in the morning and end at eight at night,” Heaton said. During the training, the delegates are constantly meeting with police, even during their down time there has to be a law enforcement connection. “Our GILEE delegates return with new ways of developing, collaborating on and using strategies to minimize the production of crime and terrorism,” Heaton said. “The technologies the Israeli police use in their logistics department are a variety of different applications and often our delegates bring back these technologies, depending if they can afford it or not [and] based on if specific counties in Georgia would be interested,” he said. “I believe GILEE offers one of the best leadership development training programs globally,” Donald De Lucca, a three-time police chief and past president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, wrote to GILEE about the experience. “The inside look and handson learning provides executives with a broader view of some of the best practices available to the police profession.” In fact, several U.S. and international professional policing associations and academic institutions have written this year in support of the many contributions GILEE has made to the field’s professional development. Israelis also have come to Georgia and learned about Georgia law in addition to being exposed to federal, state, county and municipal

laws. More than 770 public safety officials — most from Georgia — have participated in the GILEE program in Israel. Nearly 35,000 have attended additional GILEE trainings, briefings, seminars and workshops in Georgia and around the world. The program enhances public safety

Delegates at 9/11 memorial in Israel

by nurturing existing and new partnerships within and across public agencies and the private sector. GILEE has received multiple awards and honors, including the Special Service Award from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and the Georgia Governor’s Public Safety Award. ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 11


BUSINESS

Photo courtesy of Midtown Alliance // The Temple and Selig Enterprises are

among those who oppose digital LED advertising on Peachtree Street, across from the synagogue and adjacent to area businesses.

Billboards Glare at The Temple By Roni Robbins Opponents of new electronic billboards across from The Temple took their case to Fulton County Superior Court earlier this month. The Temple, also known by its former name, the Hebrew Benevolent Congregation, was among the parties filing a civil complaint July 3 against the city of Atlanta and its Board of Zoning Adjustment. Billboard opponents claim that “two oversized outdoor advertising signs, marketed by the sign owner as among ‘the world’s largest’” on a vacant building at 1655 Peachtree Street are illegal and were improperly issued. Permits granted in February for the signs allow them to be “enhanced and upgraded to digital (LED) changingmessage signs,” the complaint states. The building on which the signs are based, best-known for the giant peach on its roof visible from Interstate 85, has long featured advertising with moving or flipping signage. The new digital advertising would be larger and lighted like a large TV screen, said Mark Jacobson, ex12 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ecutive director of The Temple. If the billboards proceed as planned, they could shine bright lights into the classrooms of the historic Reform synagogue on Peachtree Street, Jacobson said. “The size and scope of the electronic billboard is very bright and can be seen from our building,” he said. “It’s not necessarily in keeping with the look and feel of the Midtown we have today. We want the neighborhood to reflect in a certain way and large neon signs are not necessarily [in keeping with] the Midtown businesses and neighborhood in which we live and operate.” The Board of Zoning Adjustment last month denied an appeal by The Temple, Selig Enterprises real estate company and another property owner, Hament Desai, the other party named in the July 3 complaint. Selig Enterprises didn’t want to comment on the issue. Midtown Alliance is leading the opposition. The 1960s building in contention has long been vacant, although there have been several redevelopment plans for the property. ■


BUSINESS

JScreen Tests for BRCA Gene By Chloe Levitas A new research initiative focused on screening Ashkenazi Jews for the BRCA cancer gene is being launched by JScreen, a national genetic screening program based at Emory University’s Department of Human Genetics. The research will screen for cancer risk in Atlanta Jews 25 and older from Ashkenazi (Eastern or Central European) Jewish descent. The study is conducted in partnership with Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, which also led research called the PEACH (Program for Evaluation of Ashkenazi Cancer Heritability) BRCA Study. The new research will provide free genetic screening for men and women with an Ashkenazi Jewish background who do not have a personal or close family history of BRCA-related cancers, but are at increased risk for carrying a BRCA mutation gene based on their ancestry. Anyone who tests positive for a BRCA mutation gene is at significant risk for developing certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers. Recently tested was Stacey Davis,

Having the BRCA gene is a leading indicator for cancer.

whose friend works for JScreen and recommended her to take the study. The results were upsetting. “I found out through my OB-GYN and I was completely shocked and cried, to say the least.” Finding out she had the BRCA mutation gene, her initial reaction was to immediately remove her reproductive organs and breasts. “I went into this process that everything needs to come out within six months, which was not realistic, and I started meeting with doctors and went to

breast specialists,” Davis said. “I had a total hysterectomy and a double mastectomy, and I actually feel okay. I joined a Facebook group and connected with a girl from Colorado that was going through a similar experience as mine, and that was amazing support.” In light of Davis’ experience, and knowing that Ashkenazi Jews are at increased risk for carrying the BRCA mutation gene, she now advocates for BRCA screening for women and men with Jewish background, regardless of their personal or family history of cancer. “At the screenings I knew almost everyone and told them that if you can get tested and it’s is free, why not?” Davis said. “This program is a profound opportunity to promote health and knowledge in our Atlanta community,” philanthropist and JScreen donor Bernie Marcus said in a press release. “There is an obvious need to make testing more accessible for this population, and I want to be a part of finding solutions to this challenge. When people have more information about their genetic risks, they can manage their health, live longer, and make the most informed decisions for

themselves and their families.” Eligible participants will provide a saliva sample for detailed testing of their BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and will receive their results from a certified genetic counselor by phone or secure video conference. Those who learn that they have a mutation will be provided with options for cancer risk-reduction and will be referred for appropriate follow-up care. There is no charge to participate in the study. Ashkenazi Jews are 10 times more likely than non-Jews to have a BRCA mutation. Despite this risk, insurers will only cover testing if someone has a personal or close family history of BRCArelated cancers. “We are thrilled to be launching this research initiative under the direction of medical oncologist Dr. Jane Meisel of Winship Cancer Institute,” Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, executive director of JScreen, said in the release. “We are hopeful that the results of this study will impact testing guidelines, making BRCA screening for this high-risk population more accessible and affordable.” ■ To learn more about the new testing, visit www.jscreen.org/brca.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 13


40 UNDER 40 Meet Jewish Atlanta’s 2019 40 Under 40 These are 20 women and 20 men helping make the Atlanta Jewish community a positive, prosperous and rewarding place to live. Members of the community submitted 84 nominations. To be eligible, a nominee had to be Jewish, at least 25 years old, and must not have turned 40 before July 12, 2019. The Atlanta Jewish Times judged the winning nominees on their success and achievements as active members of Jewish Atlanta. Ultimately, we went for an overall feeling that the winner makes Jewish Atlanta a better place. Aside from their impressive work resumes, their contributions to the Jewish community are unparalleled and their commitment to Jewish values are unmatched. Learn about these movers and shakers below and join the AJT in congratulating our 2019 40 Under 40.

Lily Brent, 35

A graduate of Oberlin College, Lily Brent began her career advocating for changes in criminal justice policy and practice with the nonprofit Family Justice. In 2010, she joined the JDC’s Jewish Service Corps and spent a year volunteering at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda. Brent’s experience providing psycho-social support to teenagers orphaned by the genocide led her to pursue masters’ degrees in social work and international affairs from Columbia University. Since then, she has focused on creating the conditions for youth to reach their full potential. Brent has counseled adolescents in public school, an outpatient psychiatric clinic, and a mentoring program for kids in foster care. She has worked on adolescent sexual/reproductive health and rights in Niger and Bangladesh with CARE, and on ensuring that women and youth can access the benefits of development in Benin, Mongolia and Nepal with the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Brent joined Repair the World as the founding director for their eighth community program in Atlanta in September 2018. She was drawn to the program because of its emphasis on creating relationships between the Jewish community and grassroots organizations addressing poverty

and inequity. “I was raised with a deep sense of responsibility for creating the world I want to live in. It’s both daunting and empowering,” Brent said. “Repair connects me to a Jewish community that will take action, small but relentless steps toward a society where we all care for each other.” She has met with more than 60 community organizations and piloted volunteer programs that meet the needs of local nonprofits while engaging the Jewish community on issues of housing, education and food justice. Brent spends time writing fiction with the Vicious Circle Writers Group, an Atlanta-based collective of writers of various experience levels, and organizing with the Fulton County Remembrance Coalition, a local partner of the Equal Justice Initiative.

Kelly Cohen, 37

Kelly Cohen is the director of JumpSpark, an innovation initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and a part of the Jewish Teen Education and Engagement Funder Collaborative. JumpSpark connects the community and collaborates to create more meaningful and defining moments for Jewish teens in Atlanta. Since its inception in 2017, Cohen has led JumpSpark to reach thousands of the Jewish community’s teens, parents of teens and Jewish educators through innovative programming and learning experiences. “It is because of defining moments I had as a teen that I have dedicated my life to the Jewish community,” Cohen said. “Now as an educator and parent in Atlanta, I love being part of our community’s efforts to prioritize our teens and to build a strong Jewish future.” Through JumpSpark Spark Grants, Cohen oversaw a $275,000 strategic investment in strengthening and growing the teen landscape in 2019. She has spent her career building meaningful, dynamic Jewish experiences for children, teens and adults. She has a wealth of experience working in camps, day schools, synagogues and Israel travel. Before JumpSpark, Cohen served as the lower school Judaic studies coordinator at The Davis Academy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Near Eastern and Judaic studies from Brandeis University, a master’s degree in Jewish education from Hebrew College and is a graduate of the Pardes Educators Program. Cohen was also recently named a Jewish Education Project Generation Now Fellow. She is also the creator of Parsha Storybook Project, an online resource for early childhood Torah literacy. She is passionate about creating opportunities for people to live and experience their Judaism and has dedicated her life to this work. She is married to Drew Cohen, director of music at The Weber School and URJ Camp Coleman, and has two children, Joss and Emmet.

Katherine Crosby, 27

As community programming manager, Katherine Crosby handles the guest programming coordination involved in both the annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and the organization’s additional year-round programming. She also leads the AJFF’s community engagement efforts, seeking to ensure that AJFF is finding appropriate partners for all festival-related and year-round events, while strategically working with diverse partners citywide. Crosby is passionate about connecting different communities through the arts, and consistently strives to find new ways to do so. From 2014 to 2017, she worked in New York at Creative Artists Agency, a top international talent agency, most recently as an agent trainee in the Alternative Television Department. Crosby graduated from Harvard University in 2014 with a concentration in psychology, a secondary field in dramatic arts, and a citation in Spanish, before beginning her professional career at CAA. She grew up in Sandy Springs and attended The Westminster Schools. Crosby and her now-husband returned to Georgia in the fall of 2017 and recently moved to Smyrna. “I felt instantly reconnected to the Jewish community upon my return to Georgia. Working with AJFF has allowed me to meet so many different individuals within Jewish Atlanta,” Crosby said. She sings with The Temple choir and is a member of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network’s Professional Development Committee. In her free time, Crosby enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring Atlanta’s rich cultural offerings. “Our community’s warm, compassionate and understanding spirit has consistently reminded me why I am so proud to call Atlanta home,” she said. 14 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES


Michelle Geppert, 39

40 UNDER 40

Atlanta native Michelle Geppert graduated from Emory University in 2002 with a degree in history, and then completed her Master of Arts in teaching in 2004 at East Tennessee State University, with a focus on secondary education. This fall will be the start of her 12th year at The Weber School. She was a full-time social studies teacher prior to becoming the director of Student Programming and Leadership in 2017. Geppert can still be found in the classroom teaching courses on world history and economics. In her role as director, she provides mission-driven educational and social programming that enhances academics, personal growth, and leadership of Weber School students. Successful programs include the all-school Shabbaton to Camp Ramah Darom, grade trips, and weekly student-led kehillot. She also serves as the faculty adviser to the Weber School’s Student Council, guiding student leaders to accomplishments such as being recognized as a National Student Council of Excellence. “My hopes for Jewish Atlanta reside in the nearly 550 students I have had the privilege of watching graduate from The Weber School,” Geppert said. “I hope that the short amount of time spent with us has made an impact and I continue to look forward to seeing their accomplishments. I know some day many of them will be given this same honor.” Her dedication to education also extends outside of The Weber School, where she serves on the School Governance Council for Manning Oaks Elementary School in Fulton County. The council is responsible for setting and monitoring the strategic direction of the school. Geppert lives in Alpharetta with her husband Jason and two daughters Mia, 9, and Lucie, 7.

Allison Hahn, 30

Allison Hahn is the assistant director of Advancement and Alumni Services for the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, where she plans and executes fundraising events to benefit cancer research. “I think that cancer affects everyone, whether its yourself, a family member, loved one or friend. I love working with people to fundraise for something that’s so prevalent in all our lives,” Hahn said. “Fundraising for it through events planning allows me to combine all my passions into one.” A native Atlantan, Hahn attended Walton High School and was an active and engaged member of BBYO. She left the South temporarily to earn her degree in sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Upon returning to Atlanta, Hahn worked in development at Jewish HomeLife Communities before joining the Winship team at Emory. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Atlanta Chapter and the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Atlanta, from which she received the 30 Under 30 Nonprofit Leader Award in 2018. Hahn participated in the LEADS program through the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, has hosted and attended many OneTable Shabbat dinners, and served on the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival’s film selection committee. “From attending events such as The Tasting and Havinagala to participating in meaningful programs such as LEADS and seeing movies at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, there is no shortage of happenings in the Atlanta Jewish community,” Hahn said. The Brookhaven resident loves to play tennis, bake, and travel.

Mazal Tov to Dr. Rachel Rothstein and Michelle Geppert on your 40 under 40 recognition!

Your Weber School colleagues, parents and students are very proud of your accomplishments! ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 15


40 UNDER 40 Liz Levy Karen, 37

Liz Levy Karen is a senior manager of professional education at Edwards Lifesciences, where she manages medical education initiatives for cardiothoracic surgeons. Previously, she worked at Medtronic, Given Imaging and the CDC. She earned her master’s degree in public health at Emory University and her bachelor’s degree in human biology at the University of Virginia. Karen has been an active volunteer and leader within the Jewish community, having served on various Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta committees for more than a decade, is an alumnus of the ADL Glass Leadership Initiative and served on the AJC’s ACCESS executive and steering committees. Karen’s family has a unique Jewish history in Georgia, one of which she is very proud. “As a descendent of the original 41 Jewish colonists whom General Oglethorpe welcomed to settle in the Georgia Colony in July 1733, Jewish continuity is very important to me,” she said. “My family set a wonderful example for me through their leadership in both the Savannah and Jewish communities, and I hope my daughter will continue this tradition.” Outside of the Jewish community, Karen partners with Be the Match to raise awareness of and register potential blood marrow donors in the national registry in memory of her close friend who passed away from leukemia. Karen and her husband, Dan, daughter and two dogs live in Brookhaven.

Julie Katz, 26

Mazel Tov Dr. Sarah!

Jeffrey and Judy Diamond and Family 16 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

A native Atlantan, Julie Katz serves as assistant director of American Jewish Committee’s Southeastern region. In her role, Julie creates and strengthens relationships between the Jewish community and political, diplomatic, faith and ethnic leaders in Atlanta. Julie is a frequent speaker on topics related to Jewish and Israel advocacy, addressing both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences. She works with AJC lay leaders to cultivate relationships with the black, Latino, Korean, Indian, Asian, Muslim and Christian communities, with the goal of educating diverse leaders about issues facing world Jewry, and helping the Jewish community understand the priorities of other faith and ethnic groups. “I’m constantly inspired by our AJC lay leaders, who understand that effective Jewish advocacy must include advocacy for all minorities,” Katz said. “As Jews, our well-being depends on active participation in pluralistic societies. Working with our friends in diverse communities gives everyone the best chance of success.” Julie also co-directs Leaders For Tomorrow, AJC’s leadership training program for high school students. LFT educates students about issues facing the global Jewish community, teaches the importance of relationship-building, and helps them become effective Jewish advocates. In addition to her local work, Julie plans and leads AJC Global’s high-profile Poland Exchange, which fights anti-Semitism in Europe. The exchange brings Polish business, political, academic and media leaders to the United States and provides an in-depth analysis of the issues facing world Jewry. In addition to her work at AJC, Katz serves on the University of Georgia Alumni Association’s community service committee and is a mentor to recent graduates. “As the daughter and granddaughter of Jewish Southerners, I grew up understanding the unique history of our community,” Katz said. “Being Jewish in the south is a culture all within itself, and I love seeing how our community fits into and thrives in Atlanta.”


Sarah Gard Lazarus, 35

40 UNDER 40

Sarah Gard Lazarus, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, is a pediatric emergency medicine physician who completed her residency and fellowship at Emory University. She is incredibly passionate about injury prevention and is a founding member of the Children’s Injury Prevention Program through Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta that provides a multidisciplinary approach to reduce childhood injury through evidence-based programs, research, education and community outreach. “As a native of Jewish Atlanta, working at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has always been one of my dreams, since I was 15 and a ‘volunteen’ at Scottish Rite,” she said. “I am so happy to make a meaningful impact on the children of Atlanta at a place that made such a difference in my life.” Through CHIPP, Lazarus serves as the head of the save babies task force, focusing on prevention of injuries in children younger than 1. She is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and its Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention. She has mentored medical and public health students in research promoting safe sleep and community outreach projects that promote safe infant care. “There are so many things that can happen to children that we cannot do anything about, but a lot of injuries don’t fall into that category,” Lazarus said. “We can’t prevent leukemia or diseases, but we can prevent drownings or injuries from motor vehicle collisions with proper protection.” She has presented at national conferences regarding safe sleep and serves on the Georgia child fatality review. Recently, she served as the content expert on water safety at CHOA, working to prevent drowning through a multi-faceted media and programmatic campaign, providing input on campaign billboards and website content and through media interviews. In addition to her volunteer and research interests, she works full-time in pediatric emergency rooms at CHOA and WellStar hospitals, and has worked at Camp Coleman as a family camp doctor and as a staff doctor for overnight camp. She lives in Dunwoody with her husband, Adam, a writer, and her 5-year-old twin boys, Aaron and Benjamin, where they are active members of Temple Sinai.

Maya Lemberg, 34

Maya Lemberg, an Atlanta-based psychotherapist, was born in Soviet Ukraine. At four years old, her parents chose to risk it all for a better life for their children in the United States. As refugees fleeing religious persecution, her parents dreamt of their children growing up with freedoms and opportunities they did not know. In 1990, Lemberg and her family were blessed to be given permission to come to the United States, moving directly to Atlanta. “They taught me courage,” Lemberg said. “They had the courage to uproot themselves from everything they’ve ever known, the language they speak and everyone they knew, for opportunity for all of us, and it has, of course, changed my life in a million ways.” As a child, she spent summers at Camp Barney Medintz, learning about her rich Jewish heritage, a privilege she did not have in the communist Soviet Union. Lemberg found her calling as a healer and helper, choosing to pursue a professional path in clinical psychology. Blending this knowledge with other practices such as yoga, expressive-arts therapy, bodyfocused healing modalities, writing, storytelling, movement and spiritual ritual, she is dedicated to guiding others on their road to authenticity. “This was my second career. I had a short-lived career in marketing and it wasn’t suited for me at all. I realized that I had a greater calling and never looked back,” Lemberg said. Her mission is to help people feel at home within their skin, integrating mind, heart, body and spirituality in her approach to wellness. Aside from running a fulltime private practice, Lemberg leads healing retreats and workshops, and has spent years volunteering in hospice, animal rescue groups, community gardens and environmental nonprofits. She loves working with Jewish clients in healing the generational and ancestral trauma that had been passed down. Knowing and honoring where we came from can be pivotal in finding true happiness and life fulfillment. Lemberg has a thriving private practice in Brookhaven, Emerge Psychotherapy and Healing, and lives with her fiancé in Sandy Springs.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 17


40 UNDER 40 Julia Levy, 36

Julia Levy is a communications officer at the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation who enjoys creating content, building community and making an impact. On evenings and weekends, she is a side project-preneur, which she discussed at TEDxEmory 2019. With her dad she co-founded Peach and Prosperity, a podcast sharing economic, cultural and historical stories around Atlanta. Every other month she hosts Founder Fridays, a live podcast Shabbat dinner series with OneTable. With her mom she recently launched Tradition Kitchens to transform kitchens into classrooms of Jewish learning, featuring locals with stories to share. Summer courses include noodle kugel, egg rolls and egg creams and more. “L’dor V’dor — from generation to generation — symbolizes a common Jewish goal, but, how are we passing on culinary lessons?” Levy asked. “I want to transform kitchens into classrooms to connect ages, cultures and neighborhoods. We empower home cooks and prominent chefs to teach family recipes with history.” The program is a recipient of a 2019 PROPEL Innovation Grant from Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and part of this year’s class of Jewish Atlanta Changemakers. With a passion for baking and giving, Levy co-founded National Muffin Day, a philanthropic food holiday helping people experiencing homelessness. In five years, it’s been celebrated by over 1,000 Muffin-teers in 35 cities, given away about 15,000 muffins and raised thousands of dollars. She volunteers as Field Trip Captain for CreativeMornings Atlanta, is a vice chair for the American Jewish Committee’s ACCESS Steering Committee and is a member of the Cornell Club of Atlanta. She enjoys attending The Temple’s The Well and Repair the World Atlanta events. Julia grew up in East Cobb and attended Walton High School. After living in New York City for more than a decade, she made her way back home to Atlanta.

Danniell Nadiv, 31

“Who is wise? One who learns from all.” These are the words that ring truest to Danniell Nadiv. Through her work with the disability community, interfaith dialogue and adult and family programming, Nadiv excels at establishing connections and building relationships. Earning a master’s degree in Near Eastern and Asian studies with a focus on Judaic studies, Danniell is committed to cultivating mindful immersive opportunities for individuals to explore their Jewish identity and build community. Born and raised in metro Detroit, Nadiv has also lived in Seattle where she helped people delve into their heritage through education and experiences, as the Jewish Life and Learning Professional at the Stroum Jewish Community Center. “I see the Atlanta Jewish community as somewhat of a mix between Seattle and Detroit,” Nadiv said. “It’s this combination of families that have been here for generations and newcomers, and I love how welcoming it is to people who are new.” She lives in Sandy Springs with her partner and young child and serves as the senior director of Jewish Journeys, Places, and Welcoming at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. “Since moving here in November people have already graciously invited me for Shabbat dinner or holiday celebrations at their homes. My hope is that my sense of community continues to strengthen here, and that Atlanta begins to feel like home.” Nadiv loves bold flavors, deep conversations, and anything with peanut butter and chocolate.

Kadja Ribeiro, 31

Kadja Ribeiro recently moved to Atlanta, leaving her home country of Brazil for the first time just a few years ago. With a master’s degree in finance, she describes herself as a geek by definition, but also a very outgoing person who loves to dance and read. Her personal goal is always to motivate others. She was born in the city of Belo Horizonte, which translates to “beautiful horizon,” and said that the Brazilian Jewish community is a unique one. “Almost everyone in Brazil is Catholic, so we’re treated very strangely, like we’re completely different from them in every way,” she said. “Because of that we’re very strongly united and family-focused.” Ribeiro works as a senior finance analyst at Thyssenkrupp Elevators. She first began working for the company in Brazil before taking on her current role in the U.S. in 2018. Ribeiro described her transition to life in the United States as a complicated and drawn out one. “I’m still learning because all this time I’ve been very focused on my work while getting settled here,” she said. “But I’m starting to learn how to integrate with the community here and going to more and more events.” As that self-described math geek, Ribeiro writes an equation on her office window each week with a fun solution. For example, a past favorite: (x) = |x| Avoid negativity.

18 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES


40 UNDER 40 Missy Rivner, 35

Missy Rivner is the middle school instructional leader at Atlanta Jewish Academy. She leads the middle school faculty in creating innovative educational experiences for students that are beginning to understand themselves as Jewish learners. She grew up in Lincolnton, Ga., as part of the only Jewish family in the county and attended the University of Georgia, where she was active in Hillel, Sigma Delta Tau, 4-H, and the orientation staff. “Being in places without many Jews made me appreciate my Jewishness and explore my identity a little more deeply because I was so different from the people around me,” She said. “That’s why I think it’s so important that we take opportunities to explore these identities early.” Following college, Rivner joined Teach for America, teaching high school special education in the Mississippi Delta and middle school language arts in Atlanta. She taught at The Davis Academy, and earned her master’s at Mercer University in Atlanta. Rivner graduated with her doctorate in instructional technology from Georgia State University. She has served on the Jewish Family and Career Services board as the Volunteers in Action chair and helped to organize Mitzvah Day for young professionals in the Jewish community. She lives in Toco Hills and is an active member of the Kehillat Ohr HaTorah (formerly Young Israel of Toco Hills) community. “We are fortunate to have many opportunities in Atlanta for formal and informal Jewish education for both children and adults. It is never too late to learn something new,” Rivner said. “As a community, we will continue to thrive as long as we continue to value Jewish education.” Rivner is married to her kindergarten sweetheart, Peter, and they have two boys, George, 4, and Dov, 1.

Raychel Robbins, 38

Raychel Robbins is a consultant specializing in religious and educational nonprofits who holds a master’s of education in leadership from Florida Atlantic University and certificates in nonprofit administration and change management. Originally from South Florida, Raychel has worked in fund and resource development for colleges and universities, national nonprofits, Hadassah and Teach for America, and for local organizations, Greenfield Hebrew Academy and JELF. She is a past president of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival, and for the past 18 months has been working with the festival on the leadership transition. Under her guidance, AJMF was awarded an Arts Innovation and Management grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Her other clients include: Congregation Beth Shalom, Creating Connected Communities, Sandy Springs Education Force and the Atlanta Israel Coalition. “In the 10-plus years since moving to Atlanta, it’s been my pleasure to work with so many wonderful Jewish organizations,” Robbins said. “I admit that I have a soft spot and a passion for helping out the ‘little guys’ and a lot of those smaller organizations aren’t very small anymore.” Raychel is also an active volunteer, serving on the Young Women’s Cabinet of the Hadassah national board and as a member of the Gwinnett County Animal Control Hearing Board. “I could not be prouder being both an active participant and catalyst for Jewish Atlanta,” Robbins said. “Seeing it grow and thrive, I am certain that the groundwork we lay today will ensure that the Jewish people and Israel are better off tomorrow than today.” She lives in Peachtree Corners with her husband, Peter Scourtis, stepchildren Killian, Nolan and Arden, and their Chihuahua-terrier mix, Gefilte Flash.

Rachel Rothstein, 37

Rachel Rothstein is the incoming dean of social studies at The Weber School, where she also teaches modern Jewish history, and is the director of the Senior Israel Poland Experience, a program she is redesigning to align with the Weber School’s Jewish history curriculum. In addition to teaching, she is an active scholar and is currently working on a book about the relationship between American Jews, Polish Jews, and American and Polish government officials since 1968. An alumna of Weber, Rothstein’s own experience studying abroad informed her pursuit of a doctorate in history at the University of Florida, where she completed her doctorate in 2015. She also holds bachelor’s degrees from the University of Georgia in political science and sociology and an Master of Arts in Jewish studies from Washington University in St. Louis. “After being away from Atlanta for 15 years, I was amazed at how much the Jewish community here had changed in such a short period of time,” Rothstein said. “There are so many new programs, organizations and events that cater to Jews of all ages and ways of identifying Jewishly.” With the continued growth of Jewish Atlanta on her mind, Rothstein hopes there will be more innovative and exciting Jewish initiatives, programs, activities and organizations in the future. “As I teach my students in our modern Jewish history course, the Jewish world is ever-changing, and Atlanta is no exception,” she said.

Molly Samuel, 37

Molly Samuel is a reporter at WABE, where she covers the environment. She tries to immerse listeners in stories about water, energy, wildlife, climate change, and conservation, bringing them to places they haven’t been and introducing them to ideas or voices they haven’t heard. She’s a member of NPR’s national collaborative energy and environment team, and her stories regularly air nationally on “Morning Edition,” “All Things Considered” and “Marketplace.” Samuel has won awards for her reporting on coal ash, crude oil, sea level rise and stargazing and has been a fellow with Middlebury Fellowships in Environmental Journalism, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and the Metcalf Institute, and a journalist-in-resident at the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center. “The Jewish traditions of curiosity, asking a lot of questions, and then asking some more, are pretty deeply ingrained in me,” Samuel said. “The same goes for tikkun olam, working towards a better world. Whatever that means to you, it makes sense to me as an environment reporter.” In addition to reporting, Samuel mentors young journalists at Vox Teen Communications in Atlanta (She was honored with the “Volunteer Superhero” award in 2017), at Next Generation Radio, and through the Society of Environmental Journalists mentorship program. Samuel grew up in Atlanta. She joined WABE in 2014, returning to Atlanta 14 years after moving away. She says it has been interesting being a reporter in the city where she grew up, running into people who know her or her big family either through synagogue, school, her siblings or her parents. She lives with her husband, two dogs, and a slowly expanding garden.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 19


40 UNDER 40 Rhianna Shemper, 38

Rhianna Shemper dreamed of a career in real estate since she was young. As a child, her family moved often, and she loved getting to see their new houses and exploring different cities. “I also saw firsthand the stress that comes with moving, and realized that it would be a great help to work with others through that,” she said. She received her bachelor’s degree in real estate from the University of Georgia, which provided a strong foundation in the fundamentals. She’s spent 16 years with Coldwell Banker. The first 10 were as a member of a top performing team before setting out on her own six years ago. “I feel truly comfortable being able to provide the best service for my clients,” Shemper said. “My focus is to provide exceptional customer service, which means always being well informed and educated about the areas I serve and being totally prepared so no detail is missed.” She takes immense pride in helping so many people find their dream homes, “whether they be first time homebuyers or savvy veterans.” The Jewish community has been particularly supportive throughout Shemper’s career, most recently helping her become the No. 1 agent in her office and No. 4 in the company for 2018. “It’s been equally amazing to help that community grow and thrive,” Shemper said. “In my mind there’s not a better place to raise a Jewish family.” This past year hers was among the founding families of the Jewish Kids Groups after-school program in Brookhaven. “It’s a wonderful organization that has already helped shape my children as Jews in just its first year,” she said. In addition to selling real estate, Shemper is vice preident of Jewish Networking Atlanta, and also mentors women going through infertility through the Jewish Fertility Foundation, which she says is very rewarding as she’s “able to help another woman during a time that is often filled with darkness and isolation.”

Alyssa Siegel, 38

Alyssa Siegel is the clinical director and owner of Path to Progress Speech Solutions. She leads her team of 16 speech-language pathologists in providing therapy, screenings and diagnostic evaluations to the pediatric population throughout Atlanta and the surrounding suburbs. “I always knew that I wanted to work with kids and help people,” Siegel said. “It brings the worlds of health care and education together in a way that was the perfect fit for me.” Siegel provides professional development workshops in preschools, daycares and private schools to help educators better identify students in need of speech and language intervention. Siegel’s professional passions are working with children with autism spectrum disorders, genetic/chromosomal syndromes, speech sound/ phonological disorders, and helping children find their voices with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices. Alyssa serves as the vice president of education on the Gesher L’Torah Board of Trustees. Since her election in 2017, she has provided guidance and feedback to both the GLT Preschool and the Pearl Sutton Religious School. As the Jewish population continues to grow in the Northern suburbs and families continue to search for outlets to connect to their Judaism, Siegel has found her roles with family programming and education to be both rewarding and enriching. Alyssa is a graduate of the University of Florida where she double majored in Communication Sciences & Disorders and linguistics, and minored in education. She completed her Master of Arts degree in speech language pathology at New York University. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a professional license and teaching certificate in Speech Language Pathology from the State of Georgia. “My ultimate goal is to give children the tools and strategies they need to find their own paths so that they can make progress and achieve,” she said. “In the same way, if we provide children with a strong foundation, they will find their own paths through their Jewish identities.” Alyssa lives in Alpharetta with her husband Matthew and two children, Ella and Brandon.

Congratulations Alyssa Siegel on receiving the 2019 40 Under 40 Award

Emma Stein, 33

We are proud and honored to have you in our Gesher L ’ Torah family. 20 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

A native Atlantan, Emma Stein was thrilled to move back in 2016. Having obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from Yeshiva University in New York, Stein was excited for the opportunity to begin her psychology career in the city where she grew up. “Having grown up in Atlanta, it’s been such a thrill to return and see the ways in which the Jewish community continues to grow, while maintaining such a warm and welcoming feel,” she said. After working at the Shepherd Center for a few years, she decided it was time to carve out a career in the area where her passion lies, psycho-oncology, the emotional care of those impacted by cancer. In late 2018, Stein opened a private practice devoted to providing psychological services to those living with cancer, cancer survivors, and family members (as well as those living with other medical problems). Stein had noticed the lack of psychosocial services available to Atlantans living with cancer and felt compelled to change this. Driven by her strong belief that care of the cancer patient must include not only state of the art medical care, but also high-quality emotional care, she built her practice with the needs of those living with illness in mind. She often collaborates with her patients’ medical providers to provide whole-person care, and has expertise in addressing the unique emotional concerns of those living


40 UNDER 40 with cancer. Her strong Jewish background and her own faith equip her to address the spiritual and existential concerns that so often come up for those living with cancer. In addition to her private practice work, Stein facilitates support groups for those living with cancer at Piedmont Cancer Wellness. Stein lives with her husband and two young children in Toco Hills, where she is a proud member of the Kehillat Ohr HaTorah (formerly Young Israel of Toco Hills) community. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family as they explore all that Atlanta has to offer.

Samantha Trief, 30

Rabbi Samantha “Sam” Shabman Trief was thrilled to join the Temple Sinai team in July 2016. She was ordained as a rabbi that same year from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. Born and raised in Scarsdale, N.Y., Rabbi Trief was excited to move South, and now feels incredibly lucky and blessed to call the Atlanta Jewish community her home. “I was surprised to find how similar Atlanta can be to New York. I was at the JF&CS The Tasting event a few weeks ago, and it was awesome to look around the room and feel connected to almost everyone in the community; it’s not too big and not too small.” Passionate about traveling and exploring the world, Trief spent much of her college and rabbinical school years traveling to remote places with her now-husband, Natan Trief, who is also a rabbi. “Sri Lanka was one of our favorite trips. We loved the food and the culture and surfing,” she said. “At the time I was a vegetarian — though, since moving to Atlanta, I now eat at Chick-fil-A – and it had amazing vegetarian food. Another favorite was Southeast Asia. … I love to travel anywhere that has amazing, unique cuisine, and I also love places with rich Jewish history.” Trief has been a proud member of the board of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Southeast region since she moved to Atlanta, and is a recent graduate of LEAD Atlanta, Leadership Atlanta’s program for new and emerging professionals.

Mazel Tov Rabbi Sam Trief for being honored in the Atlanta Jewish Times 40 under 40! We are proud of you! Love, Your Temple Sinai Family

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 21


40 UNDER 40 Jay Bland, 37

Growing up in Atlanta as an only child in a singleparent household never kept Jay Bland from the opportunities that his other Jewish friends had. He is the first male principal at Morris Brandon Elementary School in its nearly 80 years in existence and one of the youngest principals in the Atlanta Public School system. Bland’s mom worked hard as a school administrator, putting in long hours in a very stressful environment in order to send him to The Epstein School from kindergarten to seventh grade and then Yeshiva from

eighth to 10th grade. He also credits many lifelong friendships to his time at Camp Barney Medintz, where he spent 10 years as a camper and seven on staff. He added that those years helped him stay connected to his religion as he grew up. Bland graduated from the University of South Carolina with an undergrad degree in physical education, landing a job in the Atlanta Public Schools in 2005, the very school system his mom worked in for much of her career. “I always knew I was going to be in education. I did one semester of athletic training before switching and once I started student teaching, I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” Bland said. Throughout it all, he returned to school three times to earn a master’s, specialist and leadership certification from Georgia State University. Earning his Eagle Scout right before college, then teaching P.E. and health in middle school for 10 years, and coaching several successful soccer teams – school, club and varsity at the North Atlanta High School – gave Bland all the tools necessary to become a school-based leader. In 2015, he interviewed and was eventually awarded the assistant principal position at Morningside Elementary School, where he spent the next three years. “The process of becoming an assistant principal was a little more informal. Literally one day I was a P.E. teacher and the next I was an assistant principal,” Bland said. “The principal position was much more rigorous. You go through a five-hour interview with multiple people just to get in a pool where you can be a possible principal.” At the beginning of the 2018-19 school year, Bland was given the chance to lead Morris Brandon as its new principal. The school has more than 1,000 students, 120 employees and two buildings serving the North Buckhead area. Bland lives in Brookhaven with his wife Leslie and two sons, Liam and Avery.

Ben Cohen, 30

Ben Cohen is a doctor of chiropractic and the owner and founder of Excel Chiropractic in Sandy Springs. Two things that have always been central to Cohen are family and community. Cohen is a member of Temple Sinai, a Sandy Springs Rotarian, a Leadership Sandy Springs alumnus, and a past president of a Sandy Springs Business Networking chapter. When he is not in the office taking care of his patients from all around the city, Cohen is immersed in the community, participating in local events, and finding new ways and opportunities to help those in need. Just this past month, he and his wife, Abi, were blessed with their first child, Ella. Cohen said that since his daughter was born, he has a rejuvenated sense of Jewish tradition and will be sure to raise his daughter with a strong Jewish identity, the same way he was raised in Tallahassee, Fla. “My wife and I feel so fortunate to raise our daughter here in Atlanta. While we feel lucky to be in a Jewish Atlanta community that prides itself on diversity, it’s important to our family to uphold traditional Jewish values and practices in our home as well.”

22 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES


Elliot Coplin, 36

40 UNDER 40

Born and raised in Macon, Elliot Coplin and his family moved to Atlanta when he was 13 and were quickly immersed in the Jewish community in Sandy Springs. He is the regional vice president for Midland National Life Insurance Company and covers the state of Georgia, working with independent insurance advisors and financial planners to open opportunities for them and their clients for life insurance protection, living benefits planning and retirement income solutions. Through BBYO, school and sports programs, American Jewish Committee’s ACCESS young adults committee and a number of other local programs, Coplin made close Jewish friends after moving to Atlanta. “With such a thriving Jewish community here in Atlanta, the opportunities for social growth, business development and family enjoyment are more apparent than ever,” he said. “We are so lucky to live and work in this area.” He attended the University of Georgia, where he studied risk management and insurance and was in the fraternity AEPI, through which he

made lifelong friends. He and his wife Shelley live in Dunwoody and have an 8-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter. “We love the fact that we are so close to the Marcus Jewish Community Center for school, activities and summer camp,” Coplin said. “Our children have made such great friends there, and knowing our children are safe and comfortable at such an amazing Jewish facility is something that makes our family very proud.” The Coplins belong to Congregation B’nai Torah where they appreciate their fellow families, rabbis and the commitment to teaching children Jewish values and history. “What we are currently building as a community is a Jewish foundation that will pay huge dividends for the next generation,” Coplin said. “It is an amazing time to be a part of such a thriving Jewish community here in Atlanta and I am excited for the future of our children as they will have so many opportunities to succeed.”

Zachary Elfenbein, 28

Zachary “Zak” Elfenbein is originally from Miami, Fla., and has been an active member of the Jewish community ever since he attended preschool at the Dave and Mary Alper JCC in Miami. Participating in transformative experiences like JCC Day Camps, JCC Maccabi Games and Maccabi USA led Zak to his current career in the Jewish community. “It’s a tremendous amount of pride in having attended so many [Maccabi Games], 12 in my life,” Elfenbein said. This will be the time where I can say that I helped bring it to our city, alongside our amazing Maccabi games team and lay leaders.” Elfenbein also served on the coaching staff at the University of Florida, participating in multiple SEC championships and a Final Four showing. He moved to Atlanta in the fall of 2015 to work at the Marcus JCC, where he serves as the athletics and fitness director. He is dedicated to developing quality athletics programs that serve the entire Jewish community and inspiring every athlete at the MJCCA to be their best, both in their chosen sport and in their lives. In his spare time, Elfenbein loves to spend his time coaching competitive basketball. “Being raised as a proud Jewish athlete has given me the drive to create an inclusive, positive, and fun environment for all athletes to learn and fall in love with sports,” he said. “Teaching and motivating athletes in the Atlanta Jewish community is an opportunity I cherish and am thankful for.”

Elie Engler, 36

Whether educating his clients in their financial lives, mentoring new associates or serving the Jewish community in Atlanta, Elie Engler strives to have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the people he meets. Elie is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional and financial advisor at Ashford Advisors. His interactions with his clients are characterized by his determination to bring comfort and clarity to the sometimes-overwhelming area of personal finance. “These decisions can be scary, and I like to make it a little easier and less frightening for people who are often in difficult situations,” Engler said. Once his clients are educated and organized, Engler helps them implement strategies to reach their financial goals, recognizing that the decisions his clients make today will have a lasting impact on their financial future. The most important thing in Engler’s life is family. He and his wife, Elisheva, were married in 2008, and live in Sandy Springs with their daughters Bella and Hannah, son Coby and loving rescue dog, Badger. Elie and Elisheva have been involved in the Jewish Fertility Foundation since its founding in 2015 and serve on the board of directors; Elie serves as the board chair, and Elisheva as the secretary. They are also active members of Congregation B’nai Torah. “My wife and I have been involved in Jewish life ever since we were young. Over the last 13 years, we have been welcomed into the Atlanta Jewish community with open arms,” he said. “Our goal for Jewish Atlanta is to continue being an open-door community, helping all in need.”

We would like to congratulate Elliot Coplin on a well deserved nomination for Atlanta's Jewish Times 40 Under 40!

Elliot is an outstanding Regional VP with us at Midland who covers the Georgia Region and partners with Financial Advisors throughout the state to help them grow their Life Insurance revenue. His ability to assist advisors with Death Benefit Protection cases, Living Benefits needs analysis and Retirement Income planning for their clients makes Elliot a sought out partner in this industry. We are so lucky to have him on our team and he continues to grow the Georgia Region to new, higher levels. We are proud he is a member of the Midland family and are looking forward to seeing him and his family achieve and exceed their own goals! ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 23


Daniel Epstein THANK YOU for taking such good care of our Jewish Community. We are so proud of you!

40 UNDER 40 Daniel Epstein, 34

Daniel Epstein is a licensed psychotherapist and co-founder of The Blue Dove Foundation as well as the director of client care at The Berman Center. Originally from the Boca Raton area, Epstein always knew that he was interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. He received his mental health counseling degree from Nova Southeastern University. Epstein worked in crisis intervention for Broward County after his supervisor in graduate school suggested it might be a good fit. “We show up with law enforcement and de-escalate situations,” he said. “I really enjoyed being the zen or calm voice in a chaotic situation.” He moved to Atlanta in 2017, following a girl to whom he is now married. With his colleagues Alyza Berman Milrad, Justin Milrad and others, Daniel has been aggressively working to increase the availability and quality of mental health treatment and resources for the Atlanta Jewish community. “When I got to Atlanta, it was clear there was a lot of work to be done with mental health in the Jewish community, from the organizations down to family and individual levels, but the community sure did show up.” The Berman Center now offers Evolve, Atlanta’s only teen mental health intensive outpatient program, of which Epstein is very proud.

David Feldman, 33

Love, your Berman Center Family

24 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

An accomplished guitarist and music-lover with an entrepreneurial mindset, David Feldman graduated from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School with a unique dual degree in business and music. He has since dedicated himself to supporting and enriching Atlanta’s booming creative community. “Atlanta has an exceptionally collaborative and imaginative culture,” he says. “I love this community, and I love how Atlantans come together as partners in our city’s unfinished creation.” In 2012, he founded 3 Owl, a branding, web and content agency. With a team that includes some of Atlanta’s brightest creative professionals, the award-winning agency has helped build the brands and websites of major Atlanta-based organizations, including Mellow Mushroom, Mizuno USA, Emory University and Center Stage Atlanta. 3 Owl is also the branding and design partner for ATL Collective, a nonprofit Feldman helped grow to enrich Atlanta’s music community. The organization brings musicians together to perform live covers of classic albums at venues throughout Atlanta. “My dad’s inspiring leadership has been one of the driving forces behind my own entrepreneurship,” Feldman said of Dr. Gregory Feldman, founding principal at VitaLink Research. “His generosity, level-headedness, and his ability to see the big picture have been a constant inspiration.” Feldman is a frequent guest lecturer at the Goizueta Business School, The New School (Atlanta), and General Assembly. He lives with his wife Alisa and their two labradoodles in a Cabbagetown loft. “I grew up in a small town in South Carolina without a large Jewish population,” he says. “I have loved living in Atlanta and immersing myself in our vibrant, burgeoning Jewish community through amazing cultural events such as the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival.”


Brandon Goldberg, 34

40 UNDER 40

Brandon Goldberg is an enforcement attorney for the Federal Aviation Administration. He is a graduate of Cornell University and the Emory University School of Law. “I think like many lawyers, I was originally considering medicine, but as I was studying science and not enjoying it, I was watching 2004 presidential debates, and those political discussions really did interest me,” he said. Goldberg is also the co-chair of ACCESS in Atlanta, the AJC’s young professionals’ division. In this role, he leads an expansive group, engaging in dialogue with young professionals from various religious, ethnic, racial and international communities. He also represents Atlanta on the ACCESS Global Steering Committee. “I love being involved in the community. People tend to look at my calendar and are amazed. I don’t usually go home after work,” he joked. “I’m usually off to some meeting or event. That really is my passion and my hobby.” In addition to his service to ACCESS, Goldberg serves in leadership roles for numerous community organizations, including professional associations, political groups and alumni clubs. “Atlanta is a burgeoning global city, and it is important now more than ever for the Jewish community to participate in engagement, discussion and coordination with the greater Atlanta community to ensure our city’s legacy of civil rights continues to pave the way forward.”

Congratulations to Joseph Goldstein for the honor of his selection as one of the Atlanta Jewish Times 40 Under 40 2019

Joseph R. Goldstein, 25

Born and raised in Marietta as a member of Congregation Etz Chaim and Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Joseph Goldstein was active in USY in high school. He participated in both Hillel and Chabad while at the University of Georgia, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration and law degrees. While in college, Goldstein started a real estate company and bought and leased property. In the summer, he interned with Cobb County judges and the Cobb District Attorney’s Office. During law school, he had an externship working on the Senate Judiciary Committee through Sen. David Perdue’s office in Washington D.C. “It was a good experience that allowed me to see how politics works in Washington D.C.,” he said. “I’d always wanted to try and give back to my community, so local government seemed like a natural way to do that and seeing everything in D.C. firsthand just solidified that.” After sitting for the Georgia Bar Exam in July 2017, he qualified to run for the Marietta Ward 7 City Council seat. He passed the Bar, was admitted to practice law and won the election. Goldstein took office in January 2018 and continues to serve the City of Marietta. He is on the Information, Technology and Communications Federal Policy Committee with the National League of Cities, on Marietta’s Pension Board and the Georgia Association of Public Pension Trustees. He is also vice-chair of sports and social committee for the Kiwanis Club of Marietta, and volunteers on various charitable projects including Marietta Tree Keepers, a group that plants various trees, flowers and other flora. He works at his family’s commercial real estate business in Marietta. Still a member of Etz Chaim, Goldstein often participates in Young Adult events and mitzvah days through the synagogue.

on behalf of Goldstein's Inc. since 1912 in Marietta Georgia. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 25


40 UNDER 40 Chaim Aharon Green, 29

Rabbi Chaim Aharon Green oversees the Young Jewish Professionals at Chabad Intown in Virginia-Highland, steps away from Ponce City Market. He grew up in south Florida and received his Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from Florida State University in 2012 before moving to Brooklyn, N.Y., to pursue a career in film and television. “I grew up always loving film. The first movie I saw in theaters was either ‘The Lion King’ or ‘Judge Dredd,’” Green said. “It really was a childhood dream and I wanted to go bigger, so I went to New York, and it took me about a week to get on set.” Since 2016, Green has focused on his relationship with G-d, quickly gravitating toward Chabad-Lubavitch as the steering ship on his journey. Before landing in Atlanta, Rabbi Green studied at the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, NJ. While on the path from working in film and television to becoming a rabbi, Green explained that it was the result of a life-changing experience. “It was right as I was finishing work on the second season of ‘Daredevil.’ A buddy of mine called and asked if I wanted to go on Birthright,” he said. “I had intense experiences in Israel that really pushed me to develop my relationship with G-d.” His wife, Chava Green, is pursuing her doctorate in religious studies and women’s studies at Emory University, focusing on the Chasidic approach to femininity and the philosophical viewpoint of feminine energy. Her program is the reason why the couple moved to Atlanta and had the opportunity to work with Chabad Intown.

David Hoffman, 34

ADL’s Southeast Associate Regional Director David Hoffman was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Dallas. He attended college in New York City at List College, the joint program between Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, earning degrees in American studies and Bible. After teaching in New York’s public schools and working as a full-time educator at Central Synagogue, he earned master’s degrees in education and Jewish studies, and Hebrew and Judaic studies from New York University. He was the BBYO director at the MJCCA from 2013 to 2018. Hoffman also has taught high school students at The Temple in Atlanta since 2014. He staffed BBYO’s delegation of the International March of the Living in 2017, an experience that inspired him to do more to fight hate and led him to his first involvement with ADL. “When we did that march from Auschwitz to Birkenau on Yom HaShoah, I heard shofars blowing and it resonated deeply with me,” Hoffman said. “I saw someone blowing on a shofar and I asked if I could play it. To be able to blow the shofar in sight of the gates of Auschwitz really hit

me in my core.” In his current role, Hoffman oversees Words to Action, ADL’s educational program for recognizing and responding to anti-Semitism; the regional response to hate incidents; the International Affairs Committee; campus affairs, and he will be facilitating the Glass Leadership Institute, a yearlong young adult leadership program of which he is an alum. “I came here not knowing more than two people from college and a couple of family friends. One of the things that has inspired me most in Atlanta is the diversity of opportunities for Jewish experience.” Aside from the social justice causes that brought him to ADL in January 2018, Hoffman is passionate about music and nature, and can be found throughout the metro area at concerts, hiking and playing multiple musical instruments.

M. Adam Kaye Jr., 27

Adam Kaye is a real estate associate at BakerHostetler, focusing his practice on the acquisition, ground-up development, leasing and disposition of commercial real estate across a variety of asset classes. “My mom is an attorney and I’m unapologetically a mama’s boy, so that was definitely a factor in my decision to go into law,” Kaye said. “My dad and brother are in real estate, and also many friends work in real estate, but not on the legal side of it, so working in real estate provided an opportunity to work with

my friends down the road.” A graduate of GSU College of Law and the University of Georgia, he is a lifelong resident of Atlanta. “As someone who has lived in Atlanta my entire life, I enjoy being a part of such a vibrant and meaningful Jewish community,” he said. “As I continue to build a life and a family here, I aspire to be a strong piece of the foundation supporting the future of Jewish Atlanta for many years to come.” Kaye serves the Atlanta community in a variety of capacities, including as a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution and as a co-founder and member of the board of directors for The Blue Dove Foundation, which tries to combat the stigma of mental health and addiction. In his free time, Adam enjoys playing golf and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. He is engaged to Megan Sara Maziar and a 2020 wedding is expected.

26 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES


Dave Levin, 37

40 UNDER 40

Dave Levin is a digital marketing manager at UPS. He grew up in Chicago and New Jersey. He lived in Israel in 1995 and 1996 and estimates he’s visited the nation 13 times. “Israel is a very strong part of my identity,” Levin said. “It’s one of the underlying threads, both because I met my wife there and because it’s always been central to who I am.” Prior to moving to Atlanta he spent 14 years in Washington, D.C., where he attended undergraduate and graduate school at American University. While in Washington Levin was active in the Jewish community, having worked for AIPAC and participated in the ADL’s Glass Leadership Institute class of 2012. While pursuing his MBA, he took a friend to Israel in 2009 and met an Atlanta native, Felicia Levin, whom he married in 2015. “I had a fraternity brother who’d aged out of Birthright but still wanted to take a trip to Israel,” Levin said. “He had a half-sister who was living in the house where my now-wife was.” In Atlanta, he is involved with the AJC, serving as a steering committee member for two years and currently as a vice chair for the AJC ACCESS Board. “As a transplant to Atlanta, I was happy to see how active the Jewish community is,” Levin said. “I take personal responsibility to ensure that the Jewish community remains resilient, is fairly represented, and continues to thrive for future generations.” He lives in Brookhaven with his wife and daughter and loves to travel. Levin has visited five continents and hopes to check Antarctica and Australia off his list in the future. He also enjoys scuba diving and is an avid Atlanta United fan.

Jordan Ottenstein, 36

Rabbi Jordan Ottenstein is the senior rabbi of Congregation Dor Tamid. He has been instrumental in bringing young family programming and services to the congregation, helping to shape the education landscape of the community for all ages, creating an Empty Nesters social group, and working to connect the congregation to the broader Jewish and interfaith communities. Ottenstein, who is a founding member of the Johns Creek Interfaith Alliance; has worked to link CDT to The Cohen Home, where he leads monthly Shabbat worship; In the City Camp, which is opening a new location at Dor Tamid this summer; and churches and a mosque in Johns Creek. “I think it’s important that the Jewish community grow relationships not only with our own members, but also with our neighbors in the broader community in order to effectively be stewards of our traditions and participate in tikkun olam.” He previously served in various roles for congregations in Fort Worth and St. Louis and, as a student, served congregations and hospitals in several states, as well as correctional facilities in Texarkana and Southern Ohio. “I think throughout all my experiences, every interaction and every relationship that’s built has the potential for holiness,” Ottenstein said. Additionally, he was a member of the board of trustees of the Ohio Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and the board of the Jewish Education Agency in Fort Worth. He has been granted the title of Reform Jewish Educator by the Reform movement. Ottenstein earned his Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters in 2013 and was ordained a rabbi in 2014 by the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati. He served in many leadership roles among the student body on campus and was selected to attend the 2013 Emerging Religious Leaders Institute of the Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies. Ottenstein is married to Marni Phon, a certified pediatric nurse and RN. They are the proud parents of Noah and Kaden, as well as their goldendoodle, Keshet.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 27


40 UNDER 40 Shlomo Pill, 32

Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Pill is a senior lecturer at Emory Law School, and senior fellow and associate director of law and Judaism at Emory’s Center for the Study of Law and Religion, where his work focuses on Jewish and Islamic law, religious liberty and U.S. law for clergy and religious organizations. “Lots of rabbis have a legal mind because the Torah is a very legalistic tradition,” he said. “Being able to appreciate the ways in which the Jewish community interacts with American law is unique and enriching to both traditions, and it allows me to gain better insight into each using the other.” Drawing on his background as an attorney, rabbi and academic, Pill routinely lectures and consults on a wide range of issues pertaining to Judaism, the place of religion in American law, strategic risk and problem-solving, and Jewish-Muslim relations in the United States and abroad. “Having an American law background creates new opportunities for interfaith work, as a community representative with Muslim communities,” he said. “We often have American law and policy in common, and that can provide inroads toward a common purpose because religious communities often have similar policy goals.” Since moving to Atlanta seven years ago, Pill has been involved in a number of Jewish communal projects aimed at creating increased opportunities for Jewish engagement, including Chaya Mushka Children’s House elementary and middle school and the New Toco Shul, where he served as a member of the founding rabbinic board. More recently, Pill serves as a director of Congregation Kol Yisrael Atlanta, a new synagogue that joins Ashkenazi and Sephardi traditions under one roof while promoting deep engagement with other-focused Jewish learning, prayer and character development. Additionally, this fall Rabbi Pill will begin serving as rosh yeshivah of the College Beit Midrash of Atlanta, a new part-time yeshivah for Atlanta university students interested in continuing high-level Torah study in concert with their academic and career pursuits. Shlomo lives in Toco Hills with his wife, Tzivie, and three daughters, Arial, Minnie and Delphine.

Jacob Sabel, 34

Born out of a passion for community and values, Jacob Sabel was inspired to look deeper into his faith at an early age. In 2001 he participated in the JCC Maccabi Games, which helped him recognize the camaraderie, engagement and values represented in the Jewish community. Those games were the start of a 20-year journey of exploration. In that time, Sabel has worked to expand the Brookhaven Kollel and take advantage of personal growth through the MJCCA’s Erwin Zaban Leadership Development Program and the Atlanta Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Learning Engagement & Discovery Series. Today, he continues to support the role JCC Maccabi Games plays as Atlanta’s delegation head. “The fact that Atlanta has an opportunity to host the games again after 18 years is incredible,” he said. “It has the community rallying around the center and the teams and athletes in an amazing way.” In 2012, Sabel joined Heaven Hill Brands, based in Bardstown, Ky. Heaven Hill is the largest, independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier in the United States. He was recently promoted to a sales leadership role, drawn not only to the company’s portfolio, but also the chance to work for the third generation of the Shapira family. The company was founded in 1935 by the sons of Jewish immigrants that settled in Central Kentucky. Heaven Hill remains family-owned and fiercely independent, a rarity in today’s distilled spirits industry. “We live in a society that tends to be dominated by conglomerates, so the fact that after starting in 1935 the family still maintains this integrity, is very valuable,” Sabel said. “When you work for a family company, you really become a part of the family.” In 2018, Jacob received a Heaven Hill Corporate Value Award for his “Passionate Commitment to Excellence.” Currently living in Alpharetta with his wife Jennifer and two boys, Joby and Levi, Sabel embraces the opportunity to give back to his faith through the upcoming Maccabi Games.

Russ Shulkes, 39

Rabbi Russ Shulkes has been the executive director and campus chaplain at Hillels of Georgia since 2012. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, he received ordination, as well as Master of Arts in both religious education and comparative religion. Shulkes taught in Florida International University’s religion department for several years before beginning to work full-time for Hillel, first for three years in the U.K., and with Hillels of Georgia for the past eight. “In my experience, college is the first opportunity for students to form their own identity and decide for themselves what’s important and what isn’t,” Shulkes said. “These four years are the most fundamental time to help form lasting identities and we want to make sure people stay connected to Judaism going forward.” Shulkes sat on the executive board of the Atlanta Rabbinic Association for three years, and on Hillel International’s Talent Grant committee. He is a mentor for Hillel’s New Directors Mentoring Program, and is an educator for the Jewish Learning Fellowship. At Hillels of Georgia, Shulkes has more than doubled both the staff size and the annual budget during his tenure. He has expanded pluralistic Jewish education on campus and dramatically increased Jewish engagement. His support for Israel inspired him to create a BDS lecture series, and bring to campus The Florence Melton School Israel series, three Campus Israel Fellows from The Jewish Agency for Israel, the Onward Israel summer internship program, and Fact Finders Israel trips. He was awarded Ally of the Year by AIPAC in 2016. Shulkes believes passionately that “we must all concern ourselves with the future of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.” Therefore, he has devoted his professional career to helping Jewish students to more strongly identify with the Jewish people and its struggles. “I could not be prouder being both an active participant and catalyst for Jewish Atlanta,” he said. “Seeing it grow and thrive, I am certain that the groundwork we lay today will ensure that the Jewish people and Israel are better off tomorrow than today.” Shulkes lives in Toco Hills with his wife Esther and their four kids.

28 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES


Ilan Stern, 38

40 UNDER 40

Dr. Ilan Stern is a senior research scientist in the energy and sustainability group in Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems lab. He joined GTRI in 2012 after completing his doctorate in physics at Tulane University, specializing in thin film nano-fabrication and characterization. Before that, he received a Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University in physics and astrophysics. “For me, my passion is in energy systems — harvesting producing and storing. These are ways of making our society more sustainable and energy efficient. It can have a particularly profound effect in impoverished nations, where resources are so scarce.” Since arriving at GTRI, he has led a multi-million-dollar portfolio and has developed research thrusts in piezoelectric energy systems, as well as the development of graphene-based energy storage devices. Stern explained that piezoelectric energy is the conversion of mechanical to electric energy based on compression. “Think of it like a sponge filled with water,” he elaborated. “When you squeeze it, the water running out is the electrons or charge.” Stern has been the principal investigator of various projects funded by federal, state and industry entities, and has conducted extensive research in the fields of nano-material deposition, thin film technology, solid state physics, microelectronic fabrication, characterization, piezoelectric energy harvesting, and solar energy generation. Stern’s wife, Marsha, is a physician at Emory. The couple have two sons, Aiden, 3, and Zackary, 1. Stern is an avid basketball player and loves to travel with his family.

Yitzchok Tendler, 33

Rabbi Yitz Tendler was born in Jerusalem and raised in Baltimore, Md., before moving to Atlanta in 2011. He is executive director of Congregation Beth Jacob, the largest Orthodox synagogue in the region. In addition to his innovative synagogue work, he has played a central leadership role in various broader community initiatives, such as the Hurricane Irma Relief Effort, which housed and fed more than 1,500 Floridians for a week in 2017, and the annual Toco Hills Shabbat Block Party. He also conceived of Cookies for Israel, a project that assembled 117,000 cookies in the form of an enormous Israeli flag last year, breaking a Guinness World Record and raising funds for Israeli charities. “I think finding touchstones throughout the year that highlight shared values and interests can have a really positive yearlong impact,” Tendler said. He also helped found the Atlanta Israel Coalition in 2018. On the national stage, Tendler is a founder of a national organization for young Jews active in conservative politics, and frequently travels throughout the U.S., especially Washington, D.C., as well as leading trips to Israel. “Atlanta as a city has a great energy, bridging the past and future. This is also true of the Jewish community, which I hope will continue to grow and expand while also looking back and having a sense of reverence for those who came before us and what they undertook to get us to where we are today,” he said. He was recently named a senior fellow for Israel and Jewish affairs by the American Conservative Union, the nation’s oldest conservative organization. When not working, teaching, or watching his kids, you can find him rollerblading on the Atlanta BeltLine. He lives in Toco Hills with his wife Russy and children.

Brian Weiss, 35

Brian Weiss serves as president and general manager of television networks Justice Network and Quest, which were recently acquired by major broadcaster Tegna. Weiss moved to Atlanta in 2015 to help launch the networks with Cooper Holdings. He helped grow the networks’ distribution to 75 percent of the country on broadcast and cable, and both networks have seen substantial year-over-year revenue and profit growth under Weiss’s leadership. Previously, Weiss led business development and partnerships for The Washington Post. Weiss began his career at Bloomberg, first as a producer and later as an onair correspondent for Bloomberg Television, and he served in a business development and strategy role for Bloomberg Government. Since moving to Atlanta, Weiss has become heavily involved in Atlanta’s Jewish community. He is a member of The Temple’s Board of Trustees as well as chairman of the Leven Family Jewish Identity Institute. His efforts at The Temple focus on ensuring that young and interfaith members of the community have programming tailored to them. “After my wife’s conversion, I’ve become interconnected with the young interfaith population of Atlanta, which is growing rapidly and is still ‘figuring out’ what it means to be a Jewish family,” Weiss said. “My hope is that legacy Jewish institutions will continue to evolve to see these interfaith spouses as beneficial newcomers to the Jewish community. Blended families are our future!” Weiss recently participated in the ADL’s Glass Leadership Cohort on preventing hate, and currently serves on the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival’s Film Evaluation Committee. Weiss was a participant on Atlanta’s inaugural Honeymoon Israel trip, and continues to support the organization’s engagement and fundraising efforts. Weiss studied journalism at George Washington University and holds an MBA from GW, as well as a Master of Communications from Johns Hopkins University. He lives in Dunwoody with his wife Yang and their daughter Ellie.

Congratulations to our Executive Director Rabbi Yitzchok Tendler!

Your innovative leadership impacts the entire Atlanta Jewish community. May God give you the strength to continue your inspirational endeavors. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 29


DINING

Parson’s Alley provides a cute destination to entice diners to drive to Duluth.

Plates come loaded, then diners can take home leftovers in clever triangle-shaped boxes.

The Nacho Daddy menu has at least 12 options for vegans.

Nacho Daddy Serves Tex Mex Vegas Style By Marcia Caller Jaffe Las Vegas eatery Nacho Daddy opened its first in the Southeast at Parson’s Alley on Main Street in Duluth. The restaurant serves traditional Mexican American cuisine, including a variety of creative nachos and specialty cocktails for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Duluth is outside my normal “drive

30 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

circle,” but the extensive vegan menu and the burgeoning reputation of Parson’s Alley as a quaint, hip staycation destination served as a draw. Truth is, for Sunday supper, it was only a 22-minute drive from Sandy Springs to Parson’s Alley, a found brick, easy-parking streetscape à la a mini Underground Atlanta. In addition to 18 gourmet nachos, there are 14 margarita flavors and the

World Famous Scorpion Shot, complete with an actual scorpion (yikes!). The expansive menu features fresh ingredients (including traditional meats, which were not sampled) and made-from-scratch sauces, as well as vegetarian options, a full vegan menu and signature flaming dishes. General Manager Christopher Thompson stated that since the restaurant’s opening four months ago, “We have been well-received quickly because of the popularity of this neighborhood with not much competition, … especially in the healthy vegetarian and vegan cuisine, … plus we really did our market research.” The server explained that many of the dishes are Tex Mex flavored with cumin and garlic. Industry buzz is that Mexican is the most profitable cuisine because there are so few basic ingredients just done in different ways. The restaurant is known for its rooftop experience, but we stayed indoors in a comfy booth. Not exactly wild about all the widescreen TVs, we sat by the open, glassed-in kitchen, which was quite worth the show. The staff was happy to accommodate and waved as they prepped and lined the rows of heaping platters before the servers lifted them away. The top dish was the grilled fish taco with signature flour tortillas, shredded cabbage, serrano aioli, mango salsa, avocado lime salsita and cilantro. The mangos were a particularly flavorful accent. The spinach chips are so startlingly bright green that they provide a gourmet look, but we didn’t see much difference in taste compared with a regular corn chip. Other winners were vegan Fajita Salad with onion thyme vinaigrette, Vegan Chick’n Chimichanga and Vegan Chick’n Nachos. Some carry a $16.95 price point which is not especially modest for Mexican fare. The rice was tasty with a bit of kick,

Top: Reviewers' favorite grilled fish tacos with avocado lime salsita and fresh mango. Foreground: Vegan chick’n nachos on colorful spinach chips.

and the staff gladly subs the vegetarian black beans for the standard refried dish. The vegan dishes that had protein included “chick’n,” a soy based white “meat” that was basically substituted for the chicken dishes. The unusual part came with the vegan cheese and sour cream. Interestingly, Thompson said, “I worked at a state-of-the-art kosher kitchen at the Four Seasons in Vegas with a mashgiach and was instructed how to unwrap and identify kosher products. Here some of our vegan components, like the cheese (queso), come with a strictly kosher stamp. I appreciate this uniqueness.” Note of course, Nacho Daddy is not Atlanta Kosher Commission certified. A Mexican meal is not complete without a margarita. How ‘bout these exotic twists: Cadillac Margarita: Nacho Daddy’s Patron Anejo tequila, triple sec, housemade sweet and sour topped with Grand Marnier Pineapple Mint Margarita: Casamigos Reposado, pineapple juice, mint, house-made sweet and sour Mexican Candy: Casamigos Blanco, mango, schnapps and puree, fresh jalapenos, house-made sweet and sour, Tapatio with a Mexican seasoning salt rim. Cinnamon Fire-Rita … hmmm. Room for dessert? Try sharing Churro Sundae, a cinnamon sugar churro with chocolate, raspberry and caramel sauce served with ice cream that’s topped with whipped cream and cherries, or Deep Fried Ice Cream, vanilla bean ice cream coated with cinnamon sugar corn flakes, deep fried and topped with whipped cream. Served with chocolate and raspberry sauce with flour chips. Take an extra dose of Crestor on the ride home. ■


Good used lemon yellow and powder blue to accent the found brick. Before she remodeled the loft, it was decorated in a heavy hunting lodge style.

Chai Style Home

Good’s Poem in Casual Formality That face. You’ve seen her face, maybe a young ingéGood: First my grandmother was a sculptor and nue doe-eyed Natalie Wood? More accurately delivering created the bust by the window. Mom, Elaine Marinoff, our nightly news as anchor for more than a decade at Fox was a renegade as she painted large oils, some erotic 5 Atlanta. Now Cynthia Good is CEO of the largest digital (labeled “pornographic,” you decide) among others. Her platform for professional women, Little PINK Book. “Synergistic” and “Dance Series” and body movement In 2017, Dana Barrett wrote in Forbes magazine, figures I think were partly inspired when I started danc“Good has a gift for finding just the right niche and de- ing as a teenager. ciding when to turn … as she found this gap in an underMom was born to Ukrainian immigrant parents. She served market.” She’s referring to Good’s taught art at UCLA and later hightailed it to well-timed instinct to switch from a print Tribeca (New York), where she converted an magazine to a digital platform. An impresold factory into her studio and living space. sive group of businesses like Cox EnterShe had dozens of art shows and over 100 prises, UPS, The Coca-Cola Co., The Home group exhibitions in places like Chicago, Depot, and Southwest Airlines are her loyal Frankfurt, Boston and, of course, LACMA. sponsors. Good said, “Finally companies Later her work was influenced by world are willing to make changes versus just events like the attack on the World Trade changing the optics.” Center and the Valdez oil spill. Nestled in her unboxed “joy with a view” is a light-filled loft in Buckhead Marcia Jaffe: What appeals to you about a loft where she breaks the mold and casts new Caller Jaffe lifestyle? ones. When she’s not jet set entertaining or Good: I’ve done a lot of downsizing, … breathing in the natural light, she might be writing po- from a 5,000 square-foot two-acre house where I had etry and doing goat yoga. miniature horses to a nearby 2,600 square-foot loft, to Tour Good’s brick-laden loft one wall at a time. land here in 1,100 square feet. I also have a home, Villa Besame in Mexico, which means I am always moving Jaffe: Your late mother was an admired artist in around a lot of stuff in and out of storage and arrangNew York and Los Angeles. ing pieces artfully where I will enjoy them the most. I

Good enjoys the spectacular view from her Buckhead loft sipping coffee with Zuni, her Havanese.

would define my taste as “eclectic surrounded by art.” My friends describe it as “ferociously feminine.” When I first laid eyes on this unit, it was furnished as a man’s hunting lodge with wall TVs and dark leather. The exposed beams in the 14-foot ceilings and interior found brick still made it convincing as my “made to order do over.” The upstairs loft is for the kids when they visit and to house my office supplies. Seeing the sunrise here over Buckhead and the sunset setting in the West is so gorgeous that it’s ridiculously breathtaking. I enjoy sitting outside on the grass turf and tending to my herb garden. Jaffe: Who are some of the artists that you incorporated, other than Mom? Good: The central point over the fireplace is a first edition Picasso “tête de femme au béret,” a color lithograph print on Arches paper. Marc Chagall’s signed etching, “Samson and Delilah” (Bible Series 1958), is in the powder room. I love the square scarlet Basquiat painting “The Head” and collecting the hanging strands of Twine & Twig — necklaces from shells, African trade beads, horsehair tassels and shed antlers from around the world. Jaffe: What is unique about your furniture? ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 31


ARTS First edition Picasso “tête de femme au béret,” a color lithograph print on Arches paper, is the central focus over the fireplace.

The entrance foyer has a dramatic display of Mom Elaine Marinoff’s “Synergistic” and “Dance Series.” Marinoff was considered a renegade as she painted large erotic oils, among many others. On the left are two Marinoff paintings from her “9/11” series as she watched people fall or jump from the twin towers

Good: I consider myself a minimalist with splashes of color. With the lemon and blue … you can’t but feel happy. I did not use an interior designer. Most of these are pieces from other residences collected over the years. Some from West Elm (the desk), the high bar stools are Knoll, the office chair is Eames. This antique wood chair is seamless and has no bolts. The dog food bowl of my Havanese, Zuni, is Jonathan Adler, which matches the lamps. Zuni, by the way, means “feisty female” in Sanskrit. She loves watching my bird, Blue, probably the oldest canary alive today, in her antique bronze gilded cage. Her hue is hyacinth-like. The kitchen table is oblong French Provençal pew-

ter. The fabric that encompasses the 10-foot floor-toceiling, tie-back curtains was made by Lacefield Designs. Jaffe: You have some serious photographs. Which are special to you? Good: My favorite is “California Kiss” by Elliott Erwitt. Some I acquired from the Jackson [Fine Art] gallery: Christian Chaize’s “Praia Piquinia Beach, Portugal” and William Klein’s “[Hat+]Five Roses” (or maybe that is my favorite, can’t decide). Most spiritually treasured is Rob Brinson’s Series “On the Rocks” shot in Cabo San Lucas. Jaffe: You gained attention just a few months ago

Good felt that her mother’s body movement subjects (diptych, 75-by60 inches) were inspired by her own love of dance as a teenager. 32 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

(Below) Canary Blue is adjacent to the scarlet Basquiat painting “The Head.”

William Klein’s “Hat + Five Roses” is one of Good's favorites. The sculpture on right was created by her grandmother.


ARTS The master bedroom wall features this original photograph by Rob Brinson from his series “On the Rocks” shot in Cabo San Lucas. Note the woman at the bottom.

The antique wood chair is a one-of-a-kind shaker walnut with dovetail details constructed with no seams. Above it, photograph “Valencia, Spain,” 1952, by Elliott Erwitt, silver gelatin print signed in pencil on verso. Curtains are an original fabric by Lacefield Designs which can be untied to close off the space. Zuni enjoys lounging on her “princess” bed.

proudly walking across the stage at Beacon Theatre in Manhattan to receive your master’s degree in fine arts. How did that work? Good: New York University has a two-year MFA program in poetry, which has five residencies in Paris. The NYU campus is in the Latin Quarter. We studied with some of the planet’s most remarkable poets, including Robin Coste Lewis, Catherine Barnett, Nick Laird and Meghan O’Rourke. Writing poetry is something that I “need” to do. Telling these truths is not superficial. I must say (laughing) that getting mostly rejection letters from my anonymous poetry submissions to publica-

Marc Chagall’s signed etching, “Samson and Delilah” (Bible Series 1958).

tions can be hard to take. Jaffe: What’s next? Good: Little PINK Book’s 15th Anniversary Fall Empowerment Lunch “Crush Your Fears” Seminar will be at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia featuring powerful businesswomen. Jaffe: Last word. Good: My living space is masculine, feminine, strong and sophisticated, like parts of all of us. De-cluttering and getting rid of things we do not use creates serenity and is so freeing. ■

The north view of the kitchen features Christian Chaize’s “Praia Piquinia Beach, Portugal” above the French Provençal pewter table. Bar stools are by Knoll. Upstairs office/bedroom room (on top right). The chair is a vintage mid-century modern barrel chair recovered in fabric from India.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 33


ARTS

At 85, Selig Reflects on Baseball Legacy By Bob Bahr

worker and the kindest person I’ve ever met in my life. When I got out of school and after I was in the service, I told him I wanted to become a history professor. He said, ‘Do me a favor and give me one year in the business.’ Well, I did, and the rest is history. After 22 years as commissioner I teach today. “Baseball in American Society” is the name of the course, 1945 to the present. I teach at the University of Wisconsin, at Marquette Law School in Milwaukee and at Arizona State.

For 22 years, Bud Selig was the commissioner of baseball, a job that, arguably, made him one of the most influential figures in the history of the game. He is generally credited with the transformation of the sport into the economic success that it is today. The National Baseball Hall of Fame elected him to membership in 2017. His new book, “For the Good of the Game,” was published July 9. He appeared at A Page From the Book Festival July 11 at the Marcus JCC. We spoke to him last week as he prepares to celebrate his 85th birthday at the end of this month. AJT: Among your most significant accomplishments as commissioner was advancing baseball’s commitment to diversity. You created the annual Civil Rights Game, for instance. How much of that commitment grew out of your youth as a part of the Jewish community in Wisconsin? Selig: I was kind of a shy kid growing up but when I went to the University of Wisconsin in Madison and joined the Jewish fraternity there, Pi Lambda Phi. I learned a lot about the value of human

34 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Bud Selig’s new book is a look at his 22 years as commissioner of baseball.

relationships that helped me during the rest of my career. I became president of the fraternity my second year there.

Photo by Yael Nehushtai // Selig spoke July 11 at the Marcus JCC as part of it’s A Page From the Book Festival. He is pictured here, center, with Book Festival Co-Chairs Susie Hyman, left, and Deena Profis.

AJT: And how did this career in business evolve into this passion for baseball? Selig: I had a passion for it, even as a kid. I can remember when I was 2 or 3 years old my mother always had the game on the radio. I was a huge fan, more than a fan, and never dreaming that all this would happen. But the Braves left Milwaukee and I was just a young guy but we fought for 5 ½ years to make Milwaukee a major league town again, which taught me a lot about tenacity and patience.

We had a waiter in the house named Charlie Thomas who was a black footAJT: And do you think it helped or ball star, a fullback. He was fine and very smart and everybody loved him. I told hindered you being Jewish? Selig: When I came into baseball the him that he should pledge the fraternity. only Jewish person in management before He looked at me like I was nuts. me was Jerold HoffRemember, this berger, the owner in was 1955 and Emmett Baltimore. There were Till, a black young no Jews in the league teenager had just offices, none in the been brutally murcommissioner’s office, dered in Mississippi. none anywhere. Only But he [Thomas] two years later I beagreed, and so I took came commissioner it from there. We had of baseball. So that’s a a big meeting that tribute to baseball too. went on for four or five hours and I told AJT: Why do you them we’re not leavthink American Jews ing here until we get Bud Selig is generally credited have made such an this done. He became with the economic transformation enormous contribuour first black pledge. of American baseball. tion to this game? He went on later to Selig: Well they have, no question become superintendent of schools in Evanston, Ill., outside Chicago, and we about it. Take Hank Greenberg, Sandy Koufax, Al Rosen. Oh, my goodness. They maintained a warm friendship. have played a dramatic role and as a reAJT: When you graduated I believe sult, sociologically, as I said to you, baseyou wanted to be a history professor, but ball is a social institution. And I’m very happy that we’ve done what we’ve done. your father had other ideas. Selig: Yes, my father had an amaz- I don’t know that I know the answer to ing influence. He and my mother came to that, but I know that we have. ■ America as poor Jewish immigrants from “For the Good of The Game: The InRussia. He was a terrific salesman and eventually he owned a Ford dealership in side Story of the Surprising and Dramatic Milwaukee. Built it into the largest deal- Transformation of Major League Baseball” ership in Wisconsin. We were extremely by Bud Selig with Phil Rogers, was released close. He was a terrific salesman, a hard last week by HarperCollins Publishers.


ARTS

The Spy Behind Home Plate Examines Life of Moe Berg By Bob Bahr Aviva Kempner, whose work over the last 40 years has established her in the forefront of Jewish American film makers, has another winner with “The Spy Behind Home Plate.” The first full-length documentary that opened last week at the Midtown Art Cinema explores the fascinating and occasionally mysterious Major League Baseball player Morris “Moe” Berg and his role as an American spy during World War II. “He was brilliant. He was brave. He’s an American hero.” Kempner notes. “He’s Berg played for 15 years in the major a Jewish hero and I am just proud to tell leagues, mostly as a catcher. his story, which just goes to show how important immigrants and the children ball, which was never completed. Still, of immigrants were to the war effort in Kempner says, “I would have given an eye tooth to have met him. I wish I would World War II.” Berg, who was born to immigrant have had more footage of him talking.” There are interviews with former Jewish parents in the first years of the Central Intelligence 20th century, was an Agency Director exceptional student William Colby and who graduated from baseball great Dom Princeton University DiMaggio as well as with a degree in lanmembers of Berg’s guages and a passion family, who are no for baseball. He is longer alive. Nonesaid to have mastered theless the project a dozen foreign lanwas 2 ½ years in the guages and he used making. his command of lanKempner was guage to call signals also able to draw to the pitcher in Latin upon several exceland Sanskrit while at lent books about Princeton. He later Berg’s career and his received a law degree exploits that have from Columbia Unibeen published over versity, but he never the 40 years. After repracticed. tiring from baseball, His skill in lanBerg went to work in guages, his brilliant 1943 for the Office of mind and his abilStrategic Services or ity to blend in socially OSS, the forerunner, with his surroundings during World War II, made him excellent of what later evolved spy material. During “The Spy Behind Home Plate” is into the CIA. His basea trip to Japan by basein national theatrical release. ball card is the only ball all-stars in 1934 that included Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, one on display at CIA headquarters. Berg undertook dangerous missions he brought along a 16 mm film camera. While the all-stars were playing in the to Switzerland in 1944 to assassinate the provinces, he was in Tokyo, where he se- German scientist Werner Heisenberg, cretly shot film of the city’s shipyards, should he admit during a scientific premilitary installations and industrial com- sentation there, to working on the Nazi plexes from the roof of a seven-story hos- atomic bomb project. Berg never spoke pital. Some of those film shots made it into about his work, putting a finger to his lips when he was questioned. He even Kempner’s finely crafted movie. Although Berg died in 1972, “The Spy refused to accept a Medal of Freedom in Behind Home Plate” benefits from an un- 1946 for his exploits. Still, from what is known he was a usually large collection of interviews and archival film that had previously been fascinating character, a gentleman scholproduced for a film project about base- ar and a charming and erudite Jew with

Moe Berg had a brilliant mind and was proficient in many languages.

a photographic mind in an era when baseball players were rough and tumble characters who lived more by their wits and baseball prowess than by the game’s intellectual qualities. Nonetheless, Kempner says Jews might have been drawn to the game of baseball by its intellectuality. “It’s a game of strategy. There is a lot of cleverness, especially for the catchers and the pitchers, and Moe Berg wrote a

very interesting detailed analysis of the relationship for The Atlantic magazine in 1941 that’s become a classic today.” While Kempner has produced a thorough and well-told documentary presentation, Berg received feature film treatment last year when “The Catcher Was A Spy” starring Paul Rudd premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. It was based on a book of the same name by Nicholas Dawidoff. Kempner’s film, which was released in May, has been screened at a number of theaters, including the Midtown Art Cinema. It’s expected to be a big draw at Jewish film festivals in the coming year and is slated for a future release on DVD, with additional hours of documentary material that didn’t make it into the film. In recent years Kempner has also produced feature length films on the Jewish philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and the baseball great Hank Greenberg. “It’s really important for young people to know these stories. These are our heroes. That’s why I encourage parents to bring their children to see my films,” Kempner said ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 35


CALENDAR WEDNESDAY, JULY 31

Open Play Games – Marcus JCC, 5342

FRIDAY, JULY 19

JCC Dive into Shabbat Pool Party – Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, from 5 to 7 p.m. Celebrate Shabbat outside at the MJCCA’s pool and splash park with family and friends. Open swim and activities begin at 5 p.m., followed by Shabbat songs and blessings with Rabbi Brian Glusman at 6. Bring your own food and buy drinks at the snack bar. Free challah, grape juice and ice pops for children. Free and open to all. For more information, www.bit.ly/2Ygh0oz.

Rockin’ Shabbat – Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join CBS for its musical “Friday Night Alive Service.” Join Rabbi Mark Zimmerman, congregants and guests for a night of music, camaraderie and ruach. Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service will be followed by traditional Ma’ariv service for erev Shabbat after the Barchu. Free. For more information, www.bit. ly/2ZpCRKD.

JULY 22 – JULY 26

In the City Camp – Congregation Dor Tamid, 11165 Parsons Road, Johns Creek, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $295 per child per week. For more information, www.bit.ly/2WvH5hZ.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24

One People One Heart – Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, from 6 to 9 p.m. The Chabad Centers of Georgia invite you to an evening of unity and inspiration, “One People, One Heart,” celebrating the teachings and impact of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. $18 advance tickets, $25 at the door, $90 preferred seating, $500 underwriters’ reception. For more information, www.bit.ly/2Y9szhz.

THURSDAY, JULY 25

Babyccino – Alefbet Preschool, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Atlanta, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Babyccino chic meet for mod moms and their tots (babies – toddlers) led by the Alefbet Preschool’s Babies educator. Every Thursday in the Babies Room. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/30kViRZ. 36 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Balak Friday, July 19, 2019, light candles at 8:29 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019, Shabbat ends at 9:29 p.m. Pinchas Friday, July 26, 2019, light candles at 8:25 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2019, Shabbat ends at 9:23 p.m.

Brain Health Boot Camp – Jewish Family & Career Services, 4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, from 3 to 5 p.m. This can help maintain and enhance your memory and brain function. $25 per class. For more information, www.bit.ly/2Ob6bCB.

Sunset Sips: Webster – Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. This fivepiece band covers artists from The Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan to Neil Young and Phish. Their focus is on improvisational and inspirational live music, taking the audience on a musical journey, encouraging a fun and active experience. Included with general admission at a cost of $6 per child, $10 per adult, $7 for seniors 65 and up, $7 for students 13 to 18, and free for CNC members and kids 2 and younger. For tickets and more information, www. bit.ly/2xj8JUY.

ing plot. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2S7GIJR.

FRIDAY, JULY 26

Shabbat in the Park – Grant Park, Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. Shabbat in the Park is a casual, fun and family-friendly Friday evening potluck dinner held monthly in a local park. Featuring a Shabbat sing-along led by Rabbi Ari Kaiman. Enjoy a vegetarian-friendly meal, and an evening of socializing with Shearith Israel. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2IaIuGP.

SUNDAY, JULY 28

Babka and Bagels Open House at West Cobb Reform Synagogue – Congregation Ner Tamid, 1349 Old

JULY 29 – AUGUST 2

Tamid, 11165 Parsons Road, Johns Creek from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $295 per child per week. For more information, www.bit. ly/2WvH5hZ.

Tales Bookstore, 2105 Lavista Road, Atlanta, at 7:30 p.m. The authors will sign copies and talk about their new book, “The Rabbi’s in Trouble,” in which protagonist Rabbi Joshua Stein faces never-ending challenges and a bevy of unpredictable characters. The fact that the rabbi is young and unmarried adds to the twists and turns of the entertain-

Sweet Summer Series – Locations around Atlanta from 5 to 6:30 p.m. PJ Library’s Summer Series is back again, with a twist. Sweet Summer Series will run every Wednesday night for nine weeks at a local ice cream shop. Each week Sweet Summer Series will be held in a different location around Atlanta. For more information and locations, www.bit.ly/2Yq9ozA.

Torah Studies– Chabad Intown on the BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. This Torah Studies program brings the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of inspiring and engaging weekly classes. The lessons probe the depths of contemporary Torah thought, with a focus on issues surrounding spirituality, the human psyche, love, and relationships. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2ZBX7Zn.

Highway 41, Suite 220, Marietta, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about the religious school and synagogue. The religious school offers classes for pre-K through seventh grade, as well as b’nai mitzvah and confirmation programs. Synagogue activities include weekly Shabbat services, high holidays services, women’s group, youth group, mahjong and book club. For more information, www.bit.ly/32fQfD4.

In the City Camp – Congregation Dor

Join Chana Shapiro & Meta Miller’s “The Rabbi’s in Trouble” – Tall

Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open play tables are set up every week on MJCCA’s Main Street on Mondays and Wednesdays to enjoy popular strategy and skill games while making new friends. Free for members, $5 for the community. For more information, www.bit.ly/2H6mYRt.

MONDAY, JULY 29

Cafe Europa for Holocaust Survivors – Congregation Beth Jacob, 1855 Lavista Road, Atlanta, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cafe Europa is a monthly social gathering for Holocaust survivors at Congregation Beth Jacob held the last Monday of the month. This event includes entertainment or a speaker and a kosher catered lunch. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2MEdRxG.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

Reform Community Shabbat – Temple Kehillat Chaim, 1145 Green Street, Roswell, from 7 to 9 p.m. Join the rest of the Atlanta Reform Jewish community to celebrate Shabbat together this year at TKC. 7 p.m. is the pre-reception for guests and attendees, 7:15 p.m. learn new music, 7:30 p.m. worship service followed by oneg Shabbat. Come out and help host the Atlanta area Reform community. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2Y0ZS65.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

Blood Drive – Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. NW,


JULY 19-AUGUST 8

The Atlanta Israel Coalition congratulates our founding members Rabbi Yitzchok Tendler, Raychel Robbins and all the 40 under 40 Honorees.

Save the Date

JULY 28 – AUGUST 2

2019 JCC Maccabi Games – The Maccabi Games are returning to Atlanta for the first time in 18 years. Free. For everyone who wants to be a spectator, volunteer or host family, you must register, www.bit.ly/2MIj1sv. For questions and location, call or email Jody Miller at 678-812-4033 or jody.miller@atlantajcc.org.

Atlanta, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Every day blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. We schedule an appointment through the Red Cross. Free. For more information, www.aasynagogue.org.

MONDAY, AUGUST 5

Magical Mondays – William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For children ages six to 12 years old and their families. Do you want to learn some magic? This summer at the Breman, you’ll have your chance. Every week a staff member or a visiting guest magician will perform and teach magic that you can do using items you have around the house. By summer’s end you’ll be a regular Houdini. Free for members, regular admission for non-members. For more information, www.bit.ly/2FRA3yP.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6

Artists in the Wild – En Plein Air Art– Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135

Sunday, September 15th “Stopping Anti-Semitism, Anti-Zionism, Hate, and Intolerance” with Elan S. Carr, the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism AtlIsraelCo@gmail.com | www.facebook.com/AtlantaIsraelCoalition The Atlanta Israel Coalition is a gathering place for multi-faceted conversations that combat media bias, a connector to foster a spirit of cooperation amongst pro-Israel organizations, and a means in which to amplify our collective pro-Israel missions.

The SMART Place to Buy Diamonds! Willeo Road, Roswell, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Tuesday through August. The CNC partners with the Roswell Fine Arts Alliance to present local painters creating en plein air art focused on spring and summer blooms. Visit with the painters and observe them at work. Artist availability may be dependent on weather, so please call ahead to determine schedule. Included with general admission to the CNC. $6 per child, $10 per adult, $7 for seniors 65 and up, $7 for students ages 13 to 18, free for CNC members and children 2 and younger. For more information, www.bit.ly/2JnQXba.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

Hadassah Metulla 3rd Session – 1050 Crown Pointe Parkway, Dunwoody, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Greater Atlanta Hadassah Metulla will meet in Dunwoody for the third in a series of informal learning and discussion led by Dr. Milt Tambor. The topic is “Yiddish the Mother Language.” $5 per person. For questions and to RSVP, waltersanita@ charter.net.■

Haim Haviv Owner

Appraisals starting at $20

1820-C Independence Square Dunwoody, GA 30338 770-396-3456

Max Haviv

Graduate Gemologist Follow us online!

Repair Services Available Hours: M-Th 10-5:30 & F 10-5

www.hajewelry.com

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

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Calendar sponsored by the Atlanta Jewish Connector, an initiative of the AJT. In order to be considered for the print edition, please submit events two weeks in advance. Contact community relations director, Jen Evans, for more information at jen@atljewishtimes.com. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 37


COMMUNITY

These are among the Eclipse di Luna drinks we relished.

Jen Evans and Michal Bonell with managers of Eclipse di Luna.

Chuletas de Borrego, grilled lamb chops, was a table favorite.

“Driving Miss Daisy” runs through July 21 at Oglethorpe’s Conant Performing Arts Center.

Tasty Tapas and a Terrific Tale Happy hour was on our radar last Friday, and what better place to celebrate the start of the weekend than a hip, vibrant, locally-owned restaurant that’s conveniently located at the Perimeter? It’s no wonder Eclipse di Luna was voted “Best Tapas,” “Best Place to Take a Date” and “Top 50 Restaurants” by a collection of local pub-

lications. Their eclectic Latin decor, exotic cocktail options and diverse menu made us cha-cha. Greeted by lovely hosts, we were seated in the center of their energetic dining room among a diverse group of patrons ranging in age. Looking over the cocktail menu, we opted for a delicious Bacardi coconut mojito and a delightful Cape Codder. It’s summer

Jen Evans & Michal Bonell On the Town

Host Your MitzvaH or Wedding at the Wyndham Atlanta Galleria

Over 12,000 square feet of versatile event space, including 3 elegant ballrooms for any social event. A team of seasoned event planners are on hand to help you orchestrate a truly unforgettable event.

10% off

when mentioning you found us in the Jewish Times! Contact Dana Cates at dcates@wyndham.com Conveniently Located in Sandy Springs 6345 Powers Ferry Rd NW 770.790.1002 38 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

www.wyndhamatlantahotel.com

friends at Georgia Ensemble Theatre inafter all, friends! The menu was loaded with tempting vited us to enjoy its production of “Drivoptions. Our server offered us a succu- ing Miss Daisy,” a Pulitzer Prize winner lent assortment of tapas that was perfect for drama and a Broadway hit written by Atlanta playwright Alfred Uhry, at for us to sample and relish. Oglethorpe University’s Conant PerformThe tasty selection included: Ensalada de Sandia: watermelon, ing Arts Center. Set in Atlanta and spanning a quarheirloom tomato salad, avocado, balsamic reduction, feta cheese, red onions and ter century, from 1948 to 1973, the piece takes place before, during, and after the sunflower sprouts. Salmon a la Parilla: grilled salmon, civil rights movement. “Driving Miss Daisy” is the story of sauteed spinach and herbed butter Chuletas de Borrego: three grilled an unlikely friendship between two peolamb chops with a mint Moroccan sour ple who need each other. Daisy Werthan is an elderly Jewish widow who needs a cream sauce Coca de Vegetales: roasted squash, chauffeur and Hoke Colburn is a driver zucchini, eggplant, crushed tomato, sun- who needs an income. Miss Daisy is a flower sprouts and San Simon cheese on feisty and fiercely independent woman who resists being driven around and Hoke flat bread Queso Frito con Miel: fried goat is a quiet, gentle and witty African Americheese with caramelized onions and honey can man who was hired by Miss Daisy’s Coliflor Roztizada: roasted colorful son after she wrecks her car. The story cauliflower with agave-white balsamic unfolds over 25 years of friendship, loss, and whole grain mustard reduction, racial tension, and ultimately, love. This delightful one-act play starred toasted Marcona almonds and basil Primavera Arroz: sautéed basamati only three actors: Ellen McQueen as Daisy, rice, roasted crimini mushrooms, spin- Rob Cleveland as Hoke and William S. Murach, spring peas, patty pan squash, driz- phy as Boolie. We went into this play asking: How could these actors pull off these zled with smoked paprika chili oil considerable roles porEverything was trayed by Jessica Tandy, scrumptious and alMorgan Freeman and though we were full, Dan Aykroyd in the 1989 we had to have a bite of film? Their on-stage their assorted desserts. chemistry and superb We don’t want to tell acting, along with their you what to order, but perfect Southern acdon’t miss out on the cents, allowed them to Tres Leches. pull off these roles specEclipse di Luna tacularly! has happy hour 4 to 6 Desserts we sampled include We highly recomp.m. Monday through Tres Leches, top left. mend this production, Friday with half-off tapas and well drinks. They also feature which runs through July 21. “Cat on a Hot music and salsa dancing, so bring your Tin Roof” is the next play in season 27 at the GET, running from September 12-29. ■ appetite and your dancing shoes! For more information about “Driving Our night and our column wouldn’t Miss Daisy” and for upcoming performancbe complete without entertainment. Our es at GET, visit www.get.org.


COMMUNITY

Massell on Atlanta, Politics, Social Justice By Flora Rosefsky “‘Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.’ And Sam is the perfect example of this.” Citing the quote from activist Betty Friedan, Gail Solomon introduced former Atlanta mayor Sam Massell at “Sam’s Stories,” July 9 at Ahavath Achim Synagogue. Solomon is chair of AA’s Mature Active Adult Community, which cosponsored the program attended by more than 85 people with the synagogue’s Men’s Club. Approaching his 92nd birthday, Massell shared stories Photos by Helen Scherrer-Diamond // More than 85 people attended the “Sam’s Stories” event at AA. about his experiences growing up in Atlanta, business ventures, getting into went to court to appeal the decision. Al- ering over the traffic into and around politics, being elected as Atlanta’s only though they won the case and were able Atlanta and yelling, “If you want to get Jewish mayor and organizing the Buck- to have their applications reviewed, they out of this mess – vote yes – Sam Massell – Mayor.” were not appointed, Massell said. head Coalition. Later he became the founder and Because of that legal ruling, 15 of He was born at Piedmont Hospital in 1927 and grew up in Atlanta’s Druid Hills the 16 original committee members re- director of the Buckhead Coalition, a neighborhood. His careers included real signed. Massell found 12 more people. He position he has held for 30 years. He conestate, tourism and becoming the first changed the name, dropping the word tinues to go to work six days a week now, “white.” Not one to just talk about social leaving one day a week to spend time and only Jewish mayor of Atlanta. Massell recalled his first money- justice, Massell put his core beliefs about with his wife, Sandra Gordy Massell. “The Buckhead Coalition is limited to making venture, selling soda in his equality into concrete action. As mayor from 1970 to 1974, Mas- 100 CEOs by invitation, a good group of neighborhood. “I learned my work ethic at the age of 9 when I owned and oper- sell’s goal was to tap into the energy, ated Bud’s Place, a Coca-Cola wooden education and talent of many underrepresented minorities to work for the stand.” When his business grew, he put two city, not seeing skin color or gender as a stands together. “The DeKalb police told reason not to hire. He championed this me now I needed a business license.” Not philosophy by making strategic political having the money for the license, he shut appointments. “For 125 years, no woman was on the Atlanta Board of Aldermen.” the business down. The young entrepreneur would later As mayor, Massell appointed Panke Bradley, the first woman become a successon that body of ful Atlanta real esgovernment, which tate developer and became the Attourism company lanta City Council. owner. He gave Maynard Decades later, Jackson a job in his the same work office. When Masethic and knowing sell decided to run how to solve busifor a second term, ness problems by Jackson decided to finding better solurun for mayor as tions served him well. Jackson won, well. becoming the first He said most black mayor of Atof his success in lanta. politics was in the Massell wants “timing,” the ability his legacy to show to take advantage that Atlanta’s of opportunities. In Sam Massell’s book signing transfer from an the 1950s, the city with Gail Solomon. all-white political of Atlanta was run by an all-white executive committee for power structure was peaceful, unlike which members had to submit creden- some of the other cities in the South. tials to be approved and then appointed. He built good relations with businesses He remembered when two qualified Afri- and organizations. To help promote the can Americans applied to be on the com- passage of MARTA, for instance, Massell mittee. They were turned down, so they flew over the city in a helicopter, hov-

leaders doing service to the community.” Five members are Democrats, including Massell, who admitted “I am a liberal Democrat.” The other 95 are Republicans, but he said “We are not partisan. We work together to better the Buckhead community.” He stated that Buckhead is known today as an “address of choice” for new businesses and individuals, in part because of improving quality of life in the area’s 46 neighborhoods. For example, the Buckhead Coalition provided defibrillators for hotels, office buildings and churches. In his concluding remarks, Massell pointed to the audience, saying, “You all have stories to tell. Write them now to become a legacy for your families.” After Massell spoke, he led a Q&A with questions about such subjects as gentrification, zoning and Wieuca Road potholes. Some of the issues Massell spoke about are also contained in his 2017 book, “Play It Again, Sam: The Notable Life of Sam Massell, Atlanta’s First Minority Mayor,” by Charles McNair. At the event last week, he signed copies of the book, which is available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble. ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 39


COMMUNITY

Photos by Gail Collier-Glover // Gathering at Petite Violette,

a French restaurant, are: Alyse Pribish (bottom left), Eve Bogan, Deborah Derby, Emiko Yang, Lynne Chimiklis, Laura Greenberg, Rhoda Margolis.

Sorting food at the Atlanta Community Food Bank are Bonnie Cole and Sandy Rosenberg.

Photo courtesy of TTN//On a tour of the David J. Sencer CDC Museum are, front row: Peggy Bartolotta and Rhoda Margolis, back row: Cindy von Hohenleiten, Ann Broussard, Stephen Margolis, Lori Johnston, Ray Johnston and Mary Paguaga.

Navigating Middle-Age Transitions By Flora Rosefsky No longer needed, an alarm clock gets packed away, maybe given to a local nonprofit thrift shop. You wake up to retirement or to a life transition in what could be considered a new “gift of

time.” Perhaps newly divorced or becoming an empty nester whose daily familiar routines may no longer exist, where mornings that turn into evenings far too quickly seem emptier. That’s when women 50 and older might turn to a social support group such

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

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.

40 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

as The Transition Network, a nonsectar- love, provides much more than a payian and nonprofit national women’s or- check,” Margolis said. “There is a sense of purpose, a work family, structure and ganization. Rhoda Margolis, TTN Atlanta chap- new challenges. As I thought about reter’s founder, said that “A large part of my tirement, I knew I needed to find these 35-year career at Jewish Family & Career things somehow outside my world of Services was defined by creating commu- work. But how?” she wondered. “Additionally, anything you read nity. Now I have a wonderful new community of interesting women with whom I can about healthy aging stresses the importance of strong social dine, discuss books, connections, meansee movies, play mahingful activities, opjong, explore Atlanta, portunities for new attend lectures and learning, etc. When panel discussions, and I found TTN, which above all, become a was by lucky chance, member of a peer supI realized that others port group. This is an felt the same way. opportunity for me to This was a revelation talk about transitions as I had been feeling in my life and be part very alone, worried of that all-important about a void. Worksupportive social neting to start an Atlanta work.” chapter also gave me Small peer the wonderful gift of groups of women, meeting women from usually no more than a host of other pro12, who live near each Rhoda Margolis is the founder fessions, with whom other geographiof the TTN Atlanta chapter. I never would othercally, meet in private homes with potluck suppers and engage wise have crossed paths.” Many of the members happen to be in lively, intimate discussions. At the Decatur/Virginia Highlands Jewish, Margolis said. “I loved having a peer group of Roberta Grant, discussion career in the Jewish community. Now I topics included: “What’s on your bucket also treasure each day of my retirement.” Laura Greenberg retired at 65 aflist?” and “How do you feel about the friends you’ve made, kept and lost over ter being a social worker for the Gwinthe years?” TTN also offers special inter- nett County Public Schools, where she est groups, such as the Out and About worked for 36 years. At first she thought of working SIG. Members are encouraged to start new groups if a particular interest isn’t part-time, but decided instead “to retire on my terms.” While taking a class at represented. “Work, especially in a profession you the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at


COMMUNITY

Visiting the Atlanta Botanical Gardens are, back row: Julie Bolen, Susan McCarthy, Patti Schropp, Cindy von Hohenleiten, Sandy Rosenberg, front row: Rebecca Thompson and Alyse Pribish.

Emory University, geared for “seasoned adults who enjoy learning for fun,” she met Margolis. Through TTN, Greenberg shared similar life changes with others from active professional careers. Instead of days jam-packed with appointments, meetings and assessment evaluations, Greenberg attended films, discussed the latest TED Talk podcast and tried an ethnic restaurant with new friends. Gail Collier-Glover’s retirement from an information technology career, which included 20 years with the state of Georgia and a layoff from IBM, left her feeling “very disconnected.” Her Google search of “women over 50 networking” found TTN. Glover is now involved not only with peer groups and SIG, but she uses her IT expertise in marketing and communication for TTN. She attends events, takes photos, writes newsletter articles, and keeps the Facebook and TTN websites up to date. Retired after 30 years as a dental hygienist in 2002, Grant developed a second career as a certified residential interior designer working with high-end furniture sales. She retired again in 2018, going through both a transition in career and personal life after her divorce. “I always had a schedule, planned time, and a purpose, but it had ended.” After reading an Atlanta Journal Constitution article last year about TTN, she joined. Her “aha” moment came when she attended a workshop on feng shui, the Chinese practice of inspiring positive energy flow through the arrangement of living and working spaces. Re-creating herself, Grant now conducts feng shui workshops part-time. Whether in small peer or special interest groups, women in TTN often find the group fills a void, offering opportunities for learning and allowing them to develop long-lasting friendships. To learn more about TTN Atlanta chapter, contact atlantachapter@thetransitionnetwork.org. ■ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 41


COMMUNITY

Limmud Trains Young Leaders

42 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Nikki Berne

Trevor Dworetz

Rachel Moldovan

Shira Pollio

Eight Atlanta Jewish leaders are participating in a six-month Young Adult Development program of Limmud Atlanta + Southeast. They are native Atlantans, teachers, Moishe House residents, and an artist. The selective leadership training program for 22- to 30-year-olds includes exploring Atlanta’s Jewish community and involvement in LimmudFest at Ramah Darom Labor Day weekend. YADs connect with and learn from local Jewish professionals and community leaders. “We are looking to empower young adults to become the next generation of Jewish leaders,” said Gabrielle Adler, YAD program coordinator. Participants were selected based on recommendations by lay leaders and Jew-

ish communal professionals in Atlanta. LimmudFest Chair Yoni Kaplan noted that past YADs have become Limmud board members, leadership team members and festival chairs. “This talented cohort brings diverse skills to the Limmud community,” Kaplan said in a statement, “and Gabrielle is the perfect person to lead them through their experience.” The YAD leaders will join hundreds of Jews Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 for LimmudFest, a festival of Jewish thought, culture, life, learning and teaching. To register, www. limmudse.org. The eight members of the YAD cohort are: Nikki Berne, Trevor Dworetz, Rachel Moldovan, Shira Pollio, Diane Radloff, Adam Shavin, Joshua Toch and Isaac Wittenstein. ■

Diane Radloff

Adam Shavin

Joshua Toch

Isaac Wittenstein


COMMUNITY Meet the Press

Creativity Sprouts From Strong Female Roots

Lilli Jennison recently graduated from Kennesaw State University cum laude with a public relations degree.

By Roni Robbins In some ways, Lilli Jennison’s life and career aspirations have come full circle. The AJT’s creative and media designer was raised in Atlanta by strong women with artsy souls and solid work ethics. At the paper, she juggles a number of tasks, from designing advertising to placing editorial content aesthetically on our pages. And when she’s not at work, she’s developing videos, serving as a youth group advisor, selling on eBay, playing with her pets, reading and shopping. Staying busy was a philosophy she learned growing up. Jennison, 24, and her older sister, were raised by a single mom along with their grandmother and aunt. “My grandmother babysat us all the time. She was very creative. “She had breast cancer and instead of seeing it as debilitating, she sang and danced in the Northside Hospital hallways with the doctors and nurses.” While their mother worked, Lilli and her older sister – almost six years to the day – picked up artistry from their extended family. For instance, the family created and acted in its own version of classic fairy tales when Jennison was a toddler. She recalled one such film session. “My aunt had a video camera and we’d film shows. I was Snow White and my grandpa was the prince; my mom crawling on her knees played a dwarf, my grandma played the witch and my sister was the narrator.” Jennison knew she wanted to pursue a creative career. “I thought I wanted to do wedding planning and party planning.” She helped her sister with her wedding in 2015 and designed the invitations and programs. After taking a 2-D AP art class in high school, Jennison began college as an art major studying graphic design at Kennesaw State University. Convinced she needed a career with more options, she got an associate degree in psychology at Georgia Perimeter College, only to return to KSU to major in public relations with a specialty in graphic design. “I didn’t want to do PR, but major in PR and do graphic design.” Go figure. Either way, her heart was in art and design. In her senior year at KSU, she took a magazine class and interned at the AJT in the creative and media department. It was at that point that she fell in love with the news field. “I guess I always knew what I wanted to do, but just needed to wrap my mind around it.” In addition to her internship, she held several jobs during college connected with the arts, including work-

At 4, Lilli Jennison plays Snow White in a family take on the classic tale.

Channeling her grandfather, who served in the IDF, Jennison won a contest dressing the fastest in a soldier’s uniform.

ing at a Sandy Springs pottery shop and as an adviser for Congregation Etz Chaim’s youth department, a role she still holds during the school year. She also designs video montages for b’nai mitzvah and Etz Chaim holiday events. “I’ve always been connected to the Jewish community in some way,” Jennison said. She attended Sunday School at The Temple and later, The Davis Academy and The Weber School. At KSU she was on the boards of Chabad and Hillel. When she had the opportunity to go on Birthright Israel in 2015, Jennison saw it as a chance to connect with her grandfather, who died in 2008. He was a Holocaust survivor and served in the Israel Defense Forces. Perhaps it was that familial bond that somehow drove her to win a team-building challenge during Birthright

in which participants competed to see who was the fastest to dress in a soldier’s uniform. “There were three rounds and I went up against another girl,” Jennison recounted. “I like challenges.” For her, assembling the AJT each week gets her competitive juices flowing too. “It’s a challenge to put the puzzle pieces together. I love working to make something.” One of her favorite recent puzzles was fitting eight couples under a chuppah for our Summer Love & Simchas cover. She enjoys the collaborative work environment that allows her to brainstorm about designs with the editor and account managers. From her internship on, the AJT position has never really felt like work, she said. “It was something I view as fun.” A positive spirit, no doubt, she also inherited from her family. ■

Smile

MORE MORE REASONS REASONS TO TO We’ve expanded our

Beyond servicesyour withexpectations, new combining technology technology to treat sleep and artistry to create apnea and snoring. exceptional dentistry.

As a comprehensive dental office that goes above and beyond our speciality in Cosmetic Dentistry, our patients believe Dr. David Mastro is the right choice for all your family dentistry needs! When it comes to your smile and oral health, Dr. Mastro has a proven 30 year track record of providing quality cosmetic and family dental care for families in our local community and around the world.

Dr. David Mastro

Alluring

cosmetic & Family Dentistry

Implants and same-day, multiple unit crowns, veneers and bridges are available! All are personally fabricated by Dr. Mastro

See More of Dr. Mastro’s Makeovers at www.AlluringCosmeticDentistry.com Single appointment porcelain crowns and veneers available! 770-642-9900 | 800 Mansell Road | Roswell, GA ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 43


COMMUNITY

Jewish Joke of the Week

SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

B’nai Mitzvah Notices:

These simchas took place in Israel on June 15. Sarah Nicole Braunstein, daughter of Jessica Flax Braunstein and Glenn Braunstein. Courtney Reese Caplan, daughter of Amy Toshlik Caplan and Bradley Caplan. Lyla Addison Caplan, daughter of Amy Toshlik Caplan and Bradley Caplan. Zachary Ethan Danzig, son of Amy and David Danzig. Jack Regan Fishbein, son of Melissa and Daniel Fishbein. Phillip Fishbein, son of Melissa and Daniel Fishbein. Benjamin Ganz, son of Jodi and Adam Ganz. Levi Alexander Geller, son of Jennifer and Scott Geller. Levi David Glasner, son of Jaclyn and Roy Glasner.

Going for a Drive Sam was driving down the road when he was pulled over by a police officer. Walking up to his car, the officer said, “Your wife fell out the car five miles back.” Sam replied, “Thank goodness; I’d thought I’d gone deaf.”

Reina Marie Glasner, daughter of Jaclyn and Roy Glasner. Hadley Elizabeth Gunn, daughter of Becky and Aaron Gunn.

Joke provided by David Minkoff www.awordinyoureye.com

Jack Nathan Horrigan, son of Jenny and Ian Horrigan. Arabella Aoife Isaacs, daughter of Fiona and Scott Isaacs. Benjamin Clark Kaplan, son of Nicole and Paul Kaplan. Alex Paul Katz, son of Lisa and Edward Katz. Henry Robert Katz, son of Lisa and Edward Katz. Jolie Miriam Kessler, daughter of Valerie and Randy Kessler. Hannah Mayln Klein, daughter of Amy Birnbaum and Adam Klein. Elias Coltrane Kremer, son of Trudy and Douglas Kremer. Emilie Peyton Louie, daughter of Alison and Michael Louie. Meyrav Elaine Malino, daughter of Jill and Daniel Malino. Lillian Claire Margolis, daughter of Heather and Andrew Margolis. Jedidiah Samuel Roseman, son of Julie and Seth Roseman. Lila Anne Schwartz, daughter of Jennifer and Michael Schwartz. Grant Nathan Weinstein, son of Erin Steele and Richard Weinstein. Joie Beth Weiss, daughter of Julie and Eric Weiss. Zackary Loef Weiss, son of Julie and Eric Weiss. Joshua Spencer Wiener, son of Kimberly Handleman and Damon Wiener.

Have something to celebrate? Births, B’nai Mitzvah, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries, Special Birthdays and more ... Share it with your community with free AJT simcha announcements. Send info to submissions@atljewishtimes.com. 44 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Yiddish Word of the Week Álte zákhen

‫ – אלטע זאכען‬Junk

When I was growing up in Jerusalem, people lived very simply. Those who could find jobs often worked multiple jobs to feed their families. We did not feel poor. There were always even poorer people. The álte zákhen man personified this, roaming neighborhoods with a donkey-drawn cart, calling out: álte zákhen! álte shíkh! We did not know Yiddish, but we knew he would buy used clothes and household items for pennies and resell for a few pennies more. Álte zákhen means “old things” (= German ‘alte sachen’); álte shíkh ‫אלעט‬ ‫ שיך‬means “old shoes.” Originally, álte zákhen were older men with no other marketable skills from the Yiddish-speaking hayyeshúv hayyashán ‫הישוב הישן‬, “the old settlement,” that had lived in Jerusalem for ages or European Jewish refugees or survivors. When they were gone, the álte zákhen institution did not disappear. Immigration replenished the supply of old men with no marketable skills. Mostly Mizrahi (middle-eastern) men, who did not know a word of Yiddish, were making the rounds, calling out: álte zákhen! álte shíkh! After 1967, the new generation of álte zákhen men not only did not speak Yiddish but weren’t even Jewish – Arab men from East Jerusalem – but the battle cry prevailed: álte zákhen! álte shíkh!… The term álte zákhen is so engrained in the minds of those who grew up in the early decades of Israel, that it has taken on a life of its own. Besides labeling things you don’t want to keep as álte zákhen, it is used for anything old, outdated, out of fashion, superseded, shabby or irrelevant. For example: “Everybody is making family trees. I don’t get it. What’s the point of dealing with all those álte zákhen?” Rabbi Joab Eichenberg-Eilon, PhD, teaches Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic at the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies, eTeacher Group Ltd.


BRAIN FOOD

The Fasts and the Furious By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Medium 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

14

13 16

20

22

23

29

30

11

12

24

26

27

28

45

46

47

21 25

31

32

33

34

37

38

39

41

40 42

43

44

49

48 52 56

10

18

17

36

9

15

19

35

ACROSS

57

50

53

51

54 58

55 59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

1. 60's war zone, briefly 4. Eilat's shores are full of it 8. Coin toss call 13. Stat. for Syndergaard 14. Killer whale 15. Wheel rods 16. A fast is named after him 18. City it would be tricky to enter if you're Jewish 19. Med. school subject 20. Andean animal 22. Month with a fast on day 17 25. McKellen who played Magneto 26. NFL scores 29. Rehovot to Jerusalem dir. 30. Daughter or ancestor of King David 32. An order of the court 33. (Non-Jewish) wedding projectile 34. "Beautiful" girl's name in Israel 35. He was furious when the Jews rebelled against him and as a result 9 Av became a fast 40. Small hairs 41. Big name in headphones 42. Stark metal 43. Israel is situated along one 45. Email ending for many a charity 48. One of its letters stands for "optimization" 49. A soda...or what can be used to open a soda

21. Golf-course standard 23. City near Syracuse, New York 24. "Between Two Ferns" comic Galifianakis 27. Very fussy 28-Down 28. Headliner 31. "Cry ___ River" 32. Israeli app for getting around 33. Wreck completely 34. Hornet houses 35. Long-running CBS hit 36. Another name for Ireland 37. Oreos alternative 38. AKA in the WSJ 39. Rhinoplasty target DOWN 43. "East of Eden" protagonist 1. Annul 44. Followed 2. Rock concert venues 45. Measure of electric resistance 3. "___ Butterfly" that might be mistaken for adula4. San Juan sun tion? 5. Aster who directed "Hereditary" 46. Check again for typos and "Midsommar" 47. Some deck items 6. March Madness inits. 49. Destroyer of the Second Temple 7. Girl's name in Hebrew, English or with a furious temper (according to Spanish Shakespeare) 8. He was furious because a rela51. Writer Wolfe tive of 50-Across would not bow 53. "Times of Your Life" singer Paul down to him 54. Gregorius of the Yankees 9. CEO, e.g. 56. They can improve business 10. Major San Francisco tourist stop 57. Schmutz, perhaps 11. It's two before Feb. 59. Gershom, to Moses 12. 9-digit ID org. 60. Med. insurance group 17. Dough machine?

50. A fast is named after her 52. Sent via post 55. Israeli basketball great Casspi 56. Mossad worker 58. Assassin of 16-Across that was furious he didn't rule Judah 61. Star Wars Count 62. Kingdom given to Esau 63. Gadot of "Wonder Woman" 64. Sammy and family, of Cubs fame 65. Fred Flintstone's pet 66. Sheeran and Helms

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1

A

14

2

B

5

O W A

R

6

C

A

O

S

15

7

P

8

A

9

L

T

O

F

D

U

T

Y

A W A

I

T

R

I

N

C

E

O

M O U

S

S

E

E

L

L

E

I

K

E

R

A

S

P

26 28 34 38

44

45

G R

49

L 23

L

20

F

39

A

N

D

T

H

S

T

I

N

T

O

N

E

O N

D

E

N

57 60

Y

52

T

58

A

E

V

A

N

N

T

I

A

S

31 37

40

32

N

T

E

33

S

E

H

A

T

T

H

F

T

A

U

O

I

A

R

S

O M B

R

A

I

C

N O

T

E

A

S

A

T

53

47

E

50

L

48

S

E

E

P

U

R

R

42

43

59 62

C

I

S M O O

I

61

R

I

R

A

M

E

S

E

N

13

A

R O G G

N

I

R

T

S

12

E E

36

L

P

S

A

N

27

P

21

O

E

R O

E

F

25

11

H

19

L

T

30

U

46

24

S

16

A

29

E

41

R

51

35

18

10

T

A

22

T 54

D E

55

E

56

R

Wollner and the grandson of Penny and Harold Bowman and Rueven Wollner of Atlanta, and the late Elise Boorstin Wollner. Dr. Marvin Goldstein was recognized at a dinner hosted by Gov. Zell Miller as the only charter member of the United Service Organizations. The dinner commemorated USO service beginning in World War II, and the 50th anniversary of D-Day.

15 Years Ago// July 16, 2004 Marc Blattner was named Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s first Chief Operating Officer. Steve Selig took on a new chair position for United Jewish Communities. Twenty-seven-year-old Joshua Nelson, a black Jewish gospel singer, performed in Atlanta on July 21. He was accompanied by the choirs of Temple Beth Tikvah, Ebenezer Baptist Church and Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. 25 Years Ago// July 8, 1994 The bar mitzvah of Robert Micah Wollner of Marietta took place June 18 at Congregation Etz Chaim. Robert is the son of Leora and Herb

4

O M B

T

17

Remember When

3

Marc Blattner was the Federation’s first COO.

50 Years Ago// July 18, 1969 Representatives from the National Council of Jewish Women approached industrialists across multiple cities seeking to expand day care centers on factory premises to assist families in poverty. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Shemper of Hattiesburg, Miss., announced the engagement of their daughter, Evelyn Gail Shemper, to Dr. Paul Morgan Planer, the son of Mrs. Esther S. Planer of Atlanta and Sam W. Planer of Gastonia, N. C. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 45


OBITUARIES

Julius Barron 97, Marietta

Julius Barron, a registered pharmacist (RPh) of Boynton Beach, Fla., died peacefully July 8, 2019, in Marietta, at 97, with his family at his side. Julius was preceded in death by his first wife Esther Barron and son Ronald Barron. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Harriet Barron; daughter Gail (Dr. Robert) Riesenberg of Marietta; grandchildren Elisa Barron of Taos, N.M., Cary Barron of Woodstock, Alexander (Theresa) Barron of Davie, Fla., Samuel (Natalie) Riesenberg of New York, N.Y., Eric (Melissa) Riesenberg of Atlanta, Debra Riesenberg (Yuval Berkowitz) of Eilat, Israel; great-grandchildren Reid and Bryson Barron, Alexander, Lyla, Benjamin, and Eliana Riesenberg. Julius is also survived by step-sons Bill, Marty (Shelly), and Steven (Stephanie), grandchildren Jared (Lauren), Adam (Kate), Brandon (Alison), Garrett, Rebecca, Maggie and Sara; and great-grandsons Merick and Devon. Julius was born March 13, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Hyman and Celia Barron. A Devout Cleveland Indians fan, he served honorably in the U.S. Army Air Corps in support of World War II flying B-17s, B-24s, and B-29s. Julius notably served with the 20th Air Force, earning the rank of first lieutenant with 18 combat hours and totaling 1,182 flying hours, and served in Air Force Reserves until 1957. Post-war, Julius graduated from Rudolph H. Raabe College of Pharmacy in the class of 1949. Upon moving from Cleveland to Hollywood, Fla., in 1956, he opened his first of three drug stores. Julius retired at the age of 89 from Bethesda Hospital in Boynton Beach after 62 years as a pharmacist. Everyone who knew Julius had love and affection for the man who changed all our lives. He captured the hearts of all he met. He provided guidance and support in all aspects of life, and he believed each new day would be better than the ones of the past. We will miss his smile, his funny sense of humor and his strength. He was our hero.

The family would like to extend its gratitude to Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain in Marietta for its incredible hospice care. Funeral services were held July 11 at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel in Boynton Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Esther Barron Memorial Nursing Scholarship at Broward Community College, 111 East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

Hazel Friedlander 98, Atlanta

Hazel Friedlander passed away peacefully June 30, 2019, in Atlanta. She was 98. Hazel married Alfred Friedlander January 25, 1942. The couple celebrated their engagement at a party on Dec. 7, 1941, the day Pearl Harbor was bombed. Alfred went into the U.S. Army and Hazel accompanied him to Fort Dix, Fort Knox, Fort McClelland, Fort Polk and Fort Campbell, before he went overseas to Okinawa. Following the war, the couple lived in Elizabeth, N.J., and then Montclair, N.J., where Hazel advised students in the guidance office at Montclair State University. After Alfred died in 1993, Hazel moved to Atlanta to be close to her daughter and grandchildren. In Atlanta, she formed a cherished friendship with Marion Levy and they were close for many years before he died in 2014. Both Hazel and Marion were members of The Temple and she was active for many years on the program committee. Hazel was born to Irving and Sylvia Mandel on June 25, 1921, on the Lower East Side of New York. Her father came to America at the age of 16 with $50 in his pocket that he had saved from his earnings as a bellhop in a Vienna hotel. He sang in the Chicago Opera and performed in vaudeville before settling in Elizabeth, N.J., where he built a business selling fabric. She is survived by her daughter, Lois Bean, of Lilburn, and her husband Edward; son David Friedlander, of Louisville, Ky.; grandsons Aaron (Cara) Bean, Brian (Syndee) Bean, of Atlanta, and Daniel (Margaret) Bean of Alexandria, Va.; great-grandchildren Taylor and Emily; sisters Judy Marlin and Joan Cohen, of San Jose, Calif.; brother Gerald Mandel of San Diego, Calif.; and nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to express gratitude to Rabbi Peter Berg, Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus and Cantor Deborah Hartman, along with Rabbi David Spinrad, for the many kindnesses they showed Hazel.

Arline Gerwit 77, Cumming

Arline Gerwit, 77, of Cumming, Ga., died peacefully July 9, 2019. Survivors include her son Larry (Debby) Gerwit; daughters Mindy Gerwit and Stacey (Geoff) Wood; and grandchildren Grant and Abby Gerwit, and Max, Paige, and Ellie Mason. A graveside service was held July, 14, 2019, at Arlington Memorial Park. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Richard Gordon Holland 71, Atlanta

Our beloved Richard passed away June 21, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and following a brave battle with lung cancer. Richard was born July 3, 1947, and raised in Pawtucket, RI. He was the son of the now deceased Maj. Gen. Leonard Holland, longest serving adjutant general in Rhode Island, and wife Bernice. Richard followed in his father’s footsteps when he served proudly in the Army National Guard. Richard was also preceded in death by the untimely passing of his first wife Terry from cancer. In her memory, he was associated with the American Cancer Society, and received several awards based on his contributions. He met his loving wife Pamela in 1977, and she remained by his side from their first moment together. They were married in 1978, and Richard moved to Atlanta. He continued his distinguished career in real estate as he first sold residential and then commercial real estate. He then partnered with Harry Norman, president of Harry Norman Realtors, and together they developed three subdivisions in Dunwoody, Ga. Richard also went on to build two homes for his family. After several years, he fol46 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES


lowed his entrepreneurial spirit and established an executive recruiting firm, the Holland Legal Group, which he presided over as president and legal executive recruiter for more than 25 years. Throughout his 41 years in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs, he displayed a wide range of interests outside of his family, including a deep involvement with Temple Emanu-El, which included being president of the Brotherhood, a member of several committees, a participant in religious and social functions, and even the pitcher for its softball team. He was an avid fan of the Braves, Falcons, Thrashers and Hawks. He enjoyed traveling, concerts and attending sporting events. His world revolved around his family: son Scott (Darlene) Holland, daughter Traci (Marc) Loeser, and son Mark Holland; six grandchildren: Leah, Rebecca and Noah Holland, and Emma, Nathan and Sofia Loeser; brothers Glenn Holland and Ron (Arlene) Holland; nephews Ben and Max; and niece Rachael. He was a caring uncle and friend to many. Richard was a graduate of Suffolk University in Boston and Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta (now Georgia State University). He was a warm and loving man to all who knew him. Richard will be remembered for his integrity, his smile and laughter, his sense of humor and his devotion to his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society or to Temple Emanu-El, 1580 Spalding Drive, Atlanta, GA 30350.

Andre Kessler 79, Atlanta

On June 25, 2019, Andre John Kessler, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 79. Andre was born on March 8, 1940, in Bucharest, Romania, to Olga Kessler and Ladislas Grunfeld. He is survived by his wife, Marsha Tenenbaum Kessler; daughter, Gena Kessler (Rusty) Hindman; son, Laurence (Lindsay Burnett) Kessler; and four grandchildren, Samuel, 11, Benjamin, 8, Joseph and Jordyn, both 6. As a Holocaust survivor and child of Holocaust survivors, Andre and his mother survived by living in hiding in a tiny room for 16 months, escaped across several country borders and oceans, and after many tribulations arrived in Queens, N.Y. in 1951, when Andre was 11 years old. Andre spoke five languages, became a Navy Corpsman, graduated from and played basketball at New York University, and played two years of professional basketball. Andre then went to work for a textile company that brought him to Georgia, where he met Marsha. Together, they recently celebrated their 45th anniversary, in December 2018. Andre was a passionate proponent of Holocaust education, and in 1976 he began speaking at the Atlanta Jewish Federation, The Bremen Museum and countless schools across the state of Georgia. He was appointed to the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust by Gov. Roy Barnes and was instrumental in the creation of Kennesaw State University’s Anne Frank exhibit. In an interview in 2013, when asked why it was so important for him to speak about the Holocaust and his experience, Andre responded: “Even though the Holocaust is one of the most documented events in human history, 40 or 50 years from now it’s all going to be on tape, it’s all going to be on film. There aren’t going to be any living survivors around. It is important that it is not forgotten, and that is why I do what I do.” A funeral service was held at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah June 28, 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on Andre’s behalf to Congregation B’nai Torah or the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum.

OBITUARIES chi; son Mark (Lori) Palatchi; daughters, Vicky Oquendo and Estrella (Dean) Teilhaber; sister, Esther Barrocas; and sister-in-law, Rebecca Behar. She was blessed with eight grandchildren: Jared, Travis, Daniel, Michael, Erica, Gabby, Dylan and Raffi. She was a blessing to us all and all who came in contact with her are blessed by having met her. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. A graveside service was held July 5, 2019, at Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Anne Shafferman Rubin 75, Atlanta

Anne Shafferman Rubin, a longtime resident of the Atlanta area, passed away July 6, 2019, after a long illness, surrounded by her devoted family and friends. Born in 1944 in Atlanta and raised in Birmingham, Ala., Anne received a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the University of Georgia. She enjoyed a successful career as the owner of a legal secretary recruiting business and worked at her son Philip’s law firm, where she remained until her retirement. Anne enjoyed reading, going to movies and plays with her circle of beloved friends, and spending time with her family and seven grandchildren. She relished attending all of their school and sporting events and will be missed dearly by the community. She is survived by her brother Stanley Shafferman; sons, Kevin (Lori), Philip (Amy) and Jeremy (Mitzi); and her adored grandchildren Jake, Hayden, Spencer, Hailey, Alec, Zach and Beck brought her great joy. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, https://ocrahope.org. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999. ■

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.

Bienvenida Palatchi 93, Atlanta

Bienvenida Palatchi, 93, of Atlanta passed away July 2, 2019. Bienvenida’s heart was with her family. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her children, grandchildren and grand-dogs. She loved cooking, crocheting, shopping and going to the beach. She was a spiritual woman devoted to her faith. Survivors include her husband Isidoro PalatATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 47


The Sikh on the Bicycle My husband, Zvi, and I were bringing our grandson, Zellik, and his friend, Asher, to the High Museum of Art. We were about to turn onto Lavista Road when I glimpsed a remarkable sight moving along Lavista. But we were stopped by a red light. If we could make that turn quickly, the boys would Chana still be able to see what I saw! Shapiro Luckily, the light changed just in time for us to spot the vision moving slowly ahead of us. “Everybody, turn to your right,” I exclaimed. “There’s a Sikh, riding a bicycle. He’s that man in a turban, wearing green shorts, and he has a big American flag waving from a box on the back!” Happily, our passengers were able to get a good look at the fellow, someone completely unique in our neighborhood. In our car, we imagined scenarios involving the interesting flag-bearing fellow – it was July 3 – and I, ever the enriching family matriarch, told them everything I knew about Sikhism. (More about that later.)

48 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

One of the boys said, “I guess he can’t afford a car, but he should wear a helmet.” “Could a helmet fit over a turban?” the other boy asked. Later, we spent an hour at the museum viewing the Duncan Phillips art collection. My “teaching-moment” obsession kicked in, as with the Sikh on the bicycle, and I saw it as my duty – even though each work of art was accompanied by information – to tell the boys more about the artists. In the second room of the show, we, and everyone around us, were amused by a woman sashaying about, wearing an outrageously capacious yellow hat. She came up to us, pointing to Asher’s shoe. “I was about to tell him that his shoe was untied and he was going to trip, and then I twisted my ankle and I tripped myself. Can you imagine that?” Asher bent down to tie his shoe, and when the woman moved on, I activated my self-appointed role as in situ youth educator. “Did you see that amazing hat?

CLOSING THOUGHTS I’ll bet one of these artists would have loved to paint her. I know that I’ve seen a hat like that before, but I don’t know where.” Then, recalling the Sikh on the bicycle, I added, “Isn’t the world full of interesting people?” One of the boys responded, “Why would anybody spend money on a hat like that? She could have bought hats for a hundred poor people instead!” As we headed to a second show in a different building, I grabbed the opportunity to make a salient point. “Imagine Mr. Phillips acquiring such a collection, turning his home into a museum and sharing his personal possessions with the world!” One boy had this to say, “How could anyone spend millions of dollars for paintings when there were people without food or a place to live?” There were many possible responses to that, but I, the zealous pedagogue, didn’t offer them. That was a pretty good question. In fact, a great one. The second show, featuring the whimsical work of Maira Kalman, was a lot of fun, a perfect end to the afternoon. I couldn’t help wondering, however, if one day her art, books and furniture

would be in a multi-million-dollar collection. Later, Zvi and I talked about the Phillips masterworks and the ways rich people spend their money. Throughout our lives, Zvi and I benefitted from schools, research centers, museums, parks, symphonies and literature funded by the wealthiest members of society. Several museums, showcasing remarkable private collections, have opened in the last 25 years, and they continuously nourish the lives of thousands of people. Remember the Sikh on the bicycle and the woman in the huge, yellow hat? That evening, I discovered that half the Sikh facts I glibly gave the boys were wrong. Would it be educational overkill to now feed the boys the right information? And the attention-getting chapeau? I eventually recalled seeing its twin as a very costly “must have” in an elite magazine. However, that frivolous hat provided delightful free entertainment for a lot of art lovers. So now I, the teacher, ask myself a question: Is giving pleasure to millions the equivalent of giving soup to multitudes? Just asking. ■


ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 49


MARKETPLACE

COMPUTER

PIANIST

BEST OF BEST OF JEWISH JEWISH ATLANTA ATLANTA

CERTIFIED CAREGIVER

FAKAKTA COMPUTER? I’LL DRIVE TO YOU!

Private caregiver with excellent references seeking elderly care position in their home for their daily needs. Live in/out - own transportation - Good Cook. Excellent References. Call Naana 630-200-9592

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

B J AT

DESKTOP & LAPTOP REPAIR HOME/BUSINESS NETWORKING

10% OF PROFITS THR

PERFORMANCE UPGRADES 2019 WILL BE DONATE APPLE DEVICE SUPPORT

JEWISH CHARITIES.

VIRUS/SPYWARE REMOVAL

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES!

FOLLOW

:

10% OF PROFITS THROUGH 2019 WILL BE

DONATED TO JEWISH CHARITIES. Same Day Appointments • Reasonable Rates • All Services Guara

404.954.1004 • DAMON.CARP@GMAIL.COM

• Same Day Appointments • Reasonable Rates • • All Services Guaranteed •

COLLECTIBLES

THE DUSTY COIN, LLC

COMPUTER

• Coins • Bullion • Jewelry • Flatware

COMPUER HOUSE CALLS

“Shekels For Your Collectibles”

KEEPING THE JEWISH SOUTHEAST CONNECTED

404-263-2967

Voted #1 by Atlanta Jewish Community

Strict Confidentiality • References Upon Request

770-751-5706 www.HealthyComputer.com

As Seen On BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

You spoke. We listened. Check out your new Atlanta Jewish Times. Member: ANA, NGC & PCGS

It’s Time to Call for Help!

INSURANCE

WEDDING KEEPSAKE

TRAVEL

PROTECT THE THINGS YOU CHERISH THE MOST

The Wedding Napkin

Stephanie Holtz Your Local Agent

A beautiful keepsake for the Bride and Groom

Janet Galanti Designer

1954 Airport Road Suite 210, Chamblee, GA 30341 sholtz@farmersagent.com

SKYWAY TRAVEL INC. Serving Atlanta since 1990

LOWEST DISCOUNTED INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES!

TEL AVIV RT FROM $898 + Taxes

• Contact me for a free coverage review • Get the most value for your coverage • Insurance you can tailor to meet your needs

ALSO AVAILABLE AT LOW PRICES:

Call 470-246-4509 today!

• PARIS • AMSTERDAM • BARCELONA • LONDON • BUDAPEST • GENEVA • LISBON • MILAN • VIENNA • ZURICH • ROME • ATHENS • JOHANNESBURG • MOSCOW

For Home, Auto, Life and Business.

Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. Life Insurance by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3120 139th ave. SE, Ste. 300, Bellevue, WA 98005

Eleventh Series Jubilee Bonds ($25,000 minimum) for 10 Years %

3.36

50 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

RT from Atlanta other destinations available some restrictions apply

404-580-9276 • 770-396-5252 janetgalanti27@gmail.com

404 -252-2152

Eleventh Series Maccabee Bonds ($5,000 minimum) for 10 Years

Eighth Series Mazel Tov Bonds ($100 minimum) for 5 Years

Eighth Series eMitzvah Bonds ($36 minimum) for 5 Years

3.21%

3.22%

3.22%

(404) 817-3500 Atlanta@Israelbonds.com Development Corp. for Israel Member FINRA Valid through July 31, 2019


MARKETPLACE COLLEGE PREP

HOME

Stella Tarica Gordon

You Are Great. Together, let’s make sure your dream college knows it!

TUTOR

Tarica Tutoring Stellagordon835@gmail.com 678-592-3155 call or text

Mauri Artz College Admissions Coach & Test Tutor

I motivate students to write successful college essays. In the process of completing essays, we review essential writing skills for the application journey and beyond. Mauri@publictutoring.org | 440.668.0870

• Writing and reading comprehension • Certified in 5-12 grade English curriculum • ACT and SAT prep • College bound and grad school essays Serving students since 1986

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

F O R M O R E O F W H AT Y O U N E E D

A brAmson L Aw F irm www.AbramsonLawFirm.net Michael@AbramsonLawFirm.net 404-788-7539

• Small Business Legal Work - Entity Creation, Deal Formation, and Contract Drafting & Review • Personal Attorney for breach of contract including recovery of wages, loans or services • Specialty Business Law including Sports & Election Law

RESIDENTIAL CLEANING

404-255-0589

Atlanta Custom Closets Rick Moore www.closetpro.net

LAW FIRM

• Business & Personal Contract Attorney & Litigator

w w w. At l a n ta J e w i s hTi m e s .c o m

Closets, pantries, garages, offices and more!

HOME CARE

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

HOME

The Handyman Can • • • • • • •

Plumbing Electrical Sheetrock • Floors Tile • Framing • Kitchens Painting • Roofwork Concrete • Stained Glass Antique Door Restoration

as well as many other issues...

John Salvesen • 404-453-3438

thehandymancanatlanta@gmail.com HOME LOANS

Cleaning Services Earning Your Trust

Detailed Residential Cleaning 20+ Years of Experience 100% Satisfaction Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly, One Time Great References

FREE In-HOME ESTIMATES dustbgone375@hotmail.com

Mary: 404.454.2063 or 678.886.2718

SOUND FINANCIAL ADVICE PERSONALIZED FOR YOU. EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND COMMUNICATION. PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 16 YEARS.

Brian Krebs 404-786-4513 11380 Southbridge Pkwy., Suite 227 Alpharetta, GA 30022 NMLS # 62841 NMLS ID #1117369 Georgia Residential Mortgage License 40088

ASK ABOUT OUR EARNEST MONEY GUARANTEE. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JULY 19, 2019 | 51


52 | JULY 19, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.