Atlanta Jewish Times, XCIV No. 25, June 21, 2019 by Atlanta Jewish Times

NEXT WEEK: SUMMER LOVE & SIMCHA CELEBRATIONS

VOL. XCIV NO. 25 | REAL ESTATE

JUNE 21, 2019 | 18 SIVAN 5779

Real Estate and Relocating in Jewish Atlanta

ABORTION

SMALL TOWN JEWS WHAT JEWISH LAW SAYS ABOUT TERMINATING A PREGNANCY.

ALBANY TEMPLE STRUGGLES TO STAY OPEN.

YITH PARTS WAYS YOUNG ISRAEL OF TOCO HILLS VOTES TO LEAVE NATIONAL COUNCIL.

2 | JUNE 21, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

PUBLISHER

MICHAEL A. MORRIS

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MANAGING PUBLISHER & INTERIM EDITOR KAYLENE LADINSKY

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CHLOE LEVITAS Contributors This Week ALLEN H. LIPIS BOB BAHR CHUCK BERK DAVE SCHECHTER JAN JABEN-EILON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE MARTINE TARTOUR RABBI JOAB EICHENBERG-EILON RACHEL STEIN

All the Right Moves If real estate is all about location, it won’t matter where you go in Atlanta, there are plenty of Jewish real estate agents and property managers to make sure you find the sweet spot for your home or office. We have it all mapped out for you in our Real Estate and Relocating issue when it comes to scouting your next site or understanding the market. From commercial real estate to multi-family homes, and from new municipal building projects to hotel development, we spotlight the movers and shakers in the industry. Let’s start with our cover, a proposed new cultural center near City Springs, which would include the relocated Anne Frank exhibit, currently just down the road in Sandy Springs. There’s a father-son team from New Jersey that sees the promise of the Atlanta market and has developed new projects here for small to mid-size condos and townhomes in upscale neighborhoods.

We also feature the Jewish head of a Buckhead hotel group who oversees properties in the Southeast and Midwest, including well-known brands: Homewood Suites, Hyatt Place, Hilton and Marriott Courtyard. Our latest Small-Town Jews article about dwindling Jewish populations is a congregation in Albany, in south Georgia. And we start a new occasional feature about transplants, Coming From Foreign Lands, written by French American Martine Tartour. The first installment is her personal story and that of an émigré from Kyiv, Ukraine. In local news, we bring you the latest in the divide between Young Israel of Toco Hills and its parent organization, the National Council of Young Israel. The modern Orthodox Toco Hills synagogue voted to break from the national movement as a result of political differences. Also in the news, we provide the Jewish view on abortion, the subject of the highly contentious new Georgia “heartbeat bill.”

THIS WEEK Certainly there’s enough info in this issue to help you pinpoint your comfort zone on any number of issues and to keep you heading in the right direction. Just in time to bust a move for our summer love and simcha edition next week. ■ COVER PHOTO: A rendering of the proposed Sandy Springs Cultural Center provided by the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust.

CONTENTS LOCAL NEWS �� 4 ISRAEL NEWS �� 8 OPINION �� 10 REAL ESTATE �� 12 CALENDAR �� 26 COMMUNITY �� 28 BRAIN FOOD �� 31 OBITUARIES �� 32 CLOSING THOUGHTS �� 33

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LOCAL NEWS Jewish Law and Abortion By Dave Schechter Abortion is a “third rail” issue, one so highly charged that it is broached only with caution. The allusion is to the electrified rail on a train line, the one stepped on at the risk of life. That voltage increased in Georgia on May 7, when Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation referred to by its supporters as the “heartbeat bill.” The Georgia law, scheduled to take effect January 2020, would ban abortion after a doctor detects a heartbeat, usually around six weeks into pregnancy. Georgia previously banned abortions after 20 weeks. The new law makes exceptions “to avert the death of the pregnant woman or avert serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman. No such condition shall be deemed to exist if it is based on a diagnosis or claim of a mental or emotional condition of the pregnant woman.” Georgia also would make exceptions if the pregnancy is determined to be “medically futile,” or in cases of rape and/or incest — in the latter instances, if the pregnancy is not beyond 20 weeks and a police report has been filed. Challenges to Georgia’s law and similar measures passed in other states will face challenges in federal courts, potentially reaching the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1973, SCOTUS ruled in Roe v. Wade that a woman’s right to an abortion was protected by a “right to privacy” under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. The court said that states could regulate abortion “at approximately the end of the first trimester,” but in a 1992 case replaced that standard with “fetal viability,” defined as the ability to live

4 | JUNE 21, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

outside the womb. Jewish law – halacha, in Hebrew, meaning to walk a path – differs from Georgia law on the issue of personhood and the circumstances under which abortion is permitted, though both make an exception if the life of the mother is endangered. “Jewish law is not clear or unequivocal as to whether a fetus is ever a person and whether abortion could ever be murder,” according to an article co-authored by Rabbi and Emory University law professor Michael Broyde. The greater priority is the health and welfare of the mother. “Jewish law sees the fetus during the first 40 days of gestation as ‘simply water’ and during the rest of gestation ‘like the thigh of its mother.’ It does not become a full human being until birth, specifically, until the head emerges from the vaginal canal or, if a breach birth, when ‘the majority of the body’ or the shoulders emerge,”

said Rabbi Analia Bortz, co-founder of state interest to protect ‘the independent Congregation Or Hadash. Bortz is also a essence of the second life’ as an ‘object medical doctor with post-doctorate stud- of state protection’ from abortion; and It shall be the policy of the State of Georgia ies in bioethics. Jewish law applies the interpreta- to recognize unborn children as natural tion of ancient texts to present-day cir- persons who qualify for state income tax cumstances. The new Georgia abortion deductions and state population based law cites advances in modern medicine determinations.” Rabbi Jonathan Crane is the Rayas supporting the state’s right to restrict abortion, even if potentially in conflict mond F. Schinazi Scholar of Bioethics and Jewish Thought at Emory Universiwith federal law. Georgia House Bill 481, the “Liv- ty’s Center for Ethics. Crane is also an asing Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) sociate professor of medicine in Emory’s Act,” reads: “Modern medical science, not School of Medicine and an associate professor of religion in available decades Emory College. ago, demonstrates After 40 days, that early infants “the fetus acquires in the womb are some moral status, a class of living, like that of a thigh,” distinct human beCrane said. “This ings that, among does not mean, other individual however, that it has human traits, have the same moral statheir own distinct tus as a full person. blood types, disFor example, were a tinct organ systems, thigh gangrenous, distinct central it can be amputated nervous systems, so to save the life unique fingerprints, of the person. That unique genetic is, a (substantial) characteristics, and reason must exist at approximately to justify excising six weeks gestationRabbi Jonathan Crane said Jewish it. For thousands al age, detectable law doesn’t believe termination of a of years, Judaism human heartbeats; pregnancy is termination of a person. has held the posifrom earliest development, unborn children need only nour- tion that if a pregnancy beyond the first ishment and a safe environment to grow trimester threatens the life of the mother, permission is granted to terminate to full adulthood . . .” Based on that determination, the it to save the mother’s life. Even when a law states: “It shall be the policy of the fetus is emerging from the birth canal, State of Georgia to recognize the pres- if its head has not yet crowned and the ence of a fetal heartbeat as the point of mother’s life is in danger, it is permissible ‘fetal viability,’ creating a compelling to excise the baby so to save the mother.

LOCAL NEWS Only when it has crowned do mother and with the risk of death in the U.S. being baby become moral equivalents. Once higher than any other developed country, the baby is a separate entity it becomes a and has increased by 26 percent in recent years, instead of deperson.” creasing, and with Broyde outthe risk being three lined varying perto four times greatspectives on the er for non-Hispanic personhood issue. black women.” “There are really That is not to four views. One is say that Judaism that the fetus is a gives carte blanche person all the time. to abortions. The second is that “It should be the fetus is a person stressed that terafter 40 days. The mination of a pregthird is that the fenancy is not termitus is a person after nation of a person,” viability. The fourth Crane said. “The is that a fetus is a Bible (Exodus 21:22) person at the time stipulates that inof birth,” he said advertently causing from Israel, where Rabbi Michael Broyde said Jewish law a miscarriage is not he is a Fulbright isn’t clear on whether a fetus is a person a capital crime; it is Senior Fellow and and whether abortion could be murder. neither murder nor on sabbatical at Hetantamount to murder. … Though aborbrew University in Jerusalem. Unlike Jewish law, the Georgia stat- tion is not criminalized in Judaism, it is ute does not consider psychological and not considered a legitimate method of emotional distress experienced by the birth control either.” Bortz said, “Nevertheless, abortion mother as legitimate reasons to sanction is generally prohibited, not as an act of an abortion. “Modern streams of Judaism take murder – for the fetus is not a human very seriously both the physical and psy- being, and murder only applies to huchical well-being of pregnant women. man beings – but as an act of self-injury. This is demonstrated by the many reso- As Jews, our bodies belong to G-d, not lutions by rabbinic organizations and ourselves, and we have a fiduciary repieces by Jewish bioethicists that say sponsibility to avoid danger to our bodthat rape and incest are legitimate rea- ies and to take positive steps to take care of them.” sons to terminate a The concept pregnancy. Forcing in Jewish law of a a woman to gestate rodef, a “pursuer” and give birth to a intending to murchild begun by rape der another person, or incest imposes dates to back some immeasurable psy2,000 years, to the chical distress. Entime of the Sanhesuring a woman’s drin, and was the mental well-being subject of interpreholds true for othtation by the 12th er pregnancies as century C.E. Torah well,” Crane said. scholar and physiGeorgia’s rate cian Moses Maiof maternal mormonides. As Jewish tality ranks at or law does not accord near the highest in personhood to an the country. “Jewish unborn child, a felaw supports savRabbi Analia Bortz said abortion is generally tus that endangers ing peoples’ lives. It prohibited in Jewish law as self-injury. the mother’s life is is well documented that in societies where abortion is crimi- treated as a rodef, permitting an abortion. “However, if the mother’s life or nalized, more women die,” said Dr. Mimi Zieman, an obstetrician-gynecologist, health is at stake, then an abortion is rewho previously was the director of fam- quired,” Bortz said. “If the woman’s life ily planning at the Emory School of Med- is at risk, ... she may choose not to accept the risk and abort the fetus, who does not icine and Grady Memorial Hospital. “Pregnancy puts a woman’s life at have the status of a full human life.” “Some rabbis would also permit an risk. Maternal mortality is a real issue

abortion if the child is going to suffer law that permits abortion, even at a late from a lethal genetic disease or would stage, when the mother’s life is at risk.” be otherwise severely malformed,” she Agudath Israel wrote that it “opposes initiatives that would said. make abortion Broyde and unlawful even in Rabbi Gidon Rothsituations where stein, Rosh Kollel termination of of the Yeshiva Unipregnancy is manversity Community dated by religious Kollel, on Long Islaw.” land, N.Y., co-auThe Pew Rethored an article on search Center’s the relationship be2014 religious landtween secular and scape study found religious law. It was that of 847 Jewish published in a Febrespondents, 83 ruary edition of The percent said that Jewish Link, a newsabortion should be paper serving por“legal in all/most tions of New York cases” and 15 perand Connecticut. cent said abortion “Of course, we Dr. Mimi Zieman said Jewish law should be “illegal in recognize an overall supports saving lives and pregnancy all/most cases.” Jewish opposition puts a woman’s life at risk. After the govto casual abortion. We do need to care about fetuses, recog- ernors of Georgia and Alabama signed nize their humanity (potential or realized) “heartbeat bill” laws, numerous publiand hope for as few unneeded abortions cations compared those measures with as possible. But we also recognize that the abortion laws in Israel, where the proreal-world complications, which drive the cedure is subsidized or free through the decision to have an abortion, can range national health system and, as of 2014, at from maternal physical and mental health no cost to women ages 18 to 33. A healthy to terrible fetal illness, or impending fetal married Israeli woman, age 18 to 40, death to a host of other factors which hal- seeking an abortion, must appear before achists themselves would respect as quite a review panel, which the Israeli press possibly justifying an abortion,” Broyde reports approves more than 90 percent of requests. The reasons under which an and Rothstein wrote. When New York state’s abortion law abortion may be sought include cases of earlier this year was amended to per- rape, incest and adultery; if the fetus has mit greater access to abortions after 24 a serious mental or physical defect; and weeks, the Rabbinical Council of Ameri- not only risks to the mother’s physical ca and Agudath Israel of America, which health, but also impacts on her mental represent large segments of the Ortho- and emotional well-being. Orthodox andox community, objected to the change, ti-abortion organizations in Israel have which RCA termed “abortion on de- opposed the relatively liberal laws, except mand.” Yet, both RCA and Agudath sup- for those cases in which the mother’s life ported, in RCA’s words, “the part of the is endangered. ■

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Where Service is Still in Style ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 21, 2019 | 5

LOCAL NEWS

The Jews of Kippenheim being rounded up by the Nazis in 1938.

Rabbi Leo Baeck, the leader of the Jews of Nazi Germany in 1933, said “the history of German Jewry had come to an end.”

New Holocaust Book Puts Village Under the Microscope By Bob Bahr

In his book, Dobbs makes clear, often in heart-wrenching terms, that the During the 1930s, German Jews at- Jews of Kippenheim had to contend with tempting to flee Nazi Germany had a dif- American consular officials who did ficult time finding a safe haven. Many their best to make Jewish immigration to of them escaped to neighboring coun- America difficult or impossible for many tries, only to be swept up in the German who were looking for a refuge. Using the actual letters, memoirs, takeover of much of Eastern and Western Europe during World War II. Only family photographs, visa documents and oral histoabout 95,000 of ries of the Jewish the more than residents of Kip500,000 German penheim, Dobbs Jews were forpersonalizes tunate enough what for many to escape to the was a frustrating United States. and ultimately For many of the tragic quest for rest, those years an American were desperate. visa that would A new book, guarantee their “The Unwanted: survival. America, AusHe quotes chwitz and a the well-known Village In BeAmerican jourtween,” looks at nalist Dorothy how the Jews in Thompson, who one small village witnessed firston the edge of hand what Jews Germany's Black in Europe had to Forest dealt with endure to escape. survival. The It was a time, she author, the dissaid, “where the tinguished jourdifference benalist Michael “On The Eve” describes the challenges from tween living and Dobbs, describes within and from without prior to World War II. dying meant gethow difficult it was for the 115 Jewish residents of Kip- ting a stamp on a piece of paper.” There were numerous reasons why penheim to find a safe haven, particuso few Jews were allowed in. Among them larly in America. Stopping in Atlanta on a national was the rise in anti-Semitism in America book tour, Dobbs told an audience at the in the 1930s, the feeling that America Atlanta History Center on June 4 that should not become involved in Europe's “the alternative to a U.S. visa was often problems and the reluctance by Presithe death camp. Undoubtedly, thousands dent Franklin Roosevelt to make Jewish could have been saved if there had been a immigration a political issue. But perhaps the most important more liberal interpretation of the immireason, Dobbs told his History Center gration laws.” 6 | JUNE 21, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

audience, was the issue of national se- only in Germany but over much of the European continent, for which they were curity. “After the fall of France in 1940, ill-prepared. Wasserstein comments in his book, it was feared Germany was trying to send agents, fifth columnists to the U.S. “The cultural glue that had long bound There could be infiltrators; that was the Jews together was losing its cohesive reason why it was necessary to strictly power.” In addition, Jews felt essentially vet all refugees coming to the United without allies. Despite their attempts States.” at persuasion, The book political organiwas published zation, violent with the support resistance and of the United prayer, nothing States Holocaust worked. Memorial Mu“They might seum in Washbe captains of ington, where their souls,” WasDobbs now serstein says of works. It was the Jews of prewritten in conWorld War II Eujunction with a rope, “but they major exhibit, were not masters “Americans and of their fate. … The Holocaust,” Wholly defensewhich opened less, largely last year. The friendless, and exhibit tells the more and more story of how hopeless, the EuAmerica learned ropean Jews, on about the fate the eve of their of Europe’s Jews destruction, but was in many waited for their cases hostile or barbarians.” indifferent to it. Michael Dobbs’ new book tells how the Jews The Dobbs Dobbs’ book in one German village faced the Holocaust. book explores complements, in many respects a stunning and com- that sense of despair and hopelessness in prehensive work published several years great detail and with considerable power ago, in 2012, by Bernard Wasserstein, a in one tiny corner of Europe and comrenowned scholar of modern European pares it to the inability of America to act decisively. Jewish history. “I focused on what happened The book, “On The Eve: The Jews of Europe Before the Second World War” through the experience of a group of peotakes a hard and unsparing look at the ple and integrated their stories with the difficulties faced by European Jews at the rather abstract political debate that was time. He maintains that they were forced happening in Washington. My job was to to confront a virulent anti-Semitism, not put a human face on that debate.” ■

LOCAL NEWS

Young Israel of Toco Hills Votes to Part Ways By Dave Schechter The decision by Young Israel of Toco Hills to leave the national Young Israel movement ended months of acrimony punctuated by social media posts and demands for an apology. The decision was announced June 12 in a letter to the congregation from Rabbi Adam Starr and synagogue president Marc Sokol. “At this time, we are pleased to assume our shul’s Hebrew name, Kehillat Ohr Hatorah, which reflects our mission of spreading the light and beauty of the Torah to all who wish to learn and grow with us, a mission that has resonated in Atlanta and beyond. After deliberation and through an open and inclusive process, our members have decided to no longer affiliate with the National Council of Young Israel due to our organizations not being a strong fit for one another. We are proud to be a Modern Orthodox kehilla kedosha [“holy community”] and will continue to affiliate with the Orthodox Union, the largest Orthodox synagogue organization in the country. We wish the National Council of Young Israel the best as they continue to serve Klal Yisrael,” the letter read. A committee within the congregation favored disaffiliation and recommended a vote by the membership. The synagogue board required that at least 67 percent of eligible member units vote and that at least 67 percent of those voting approve of that action. In the end, the participation rate was 80 percent and more than 93 percent of those voting favored disaffiliation. The synagogue’s leadership informed the president of NCYI on June 11 of the vote and “our desire to move forward in a measured, responsible manner over the next couple of months. They were receptive to our request and share our desire to keep this amicable. Our leadership and the National Council leadership wished each other well and agreed to cooperate on the transition,” Starr and Sokol said jointly in response to questions from the Atlanta Jewish Times. Starr and Sokol declined to speak about the events that led up to the decision. “We have no interest in talking about the past. Our proudly diverse, inclusive, dynamic and growing Modern Orthodox congregation is now focused on our bright future,” they said. As of June 13, NCYI had not responded to an AJT request for comment. Holocaust historian and Emory University professor Deborah Lipstadt, whose resignation from YITH to disassociate herself from the national movement brought national attention to the dispute, told the AJT June 12 that she was “delighted to have already rejoined,” having done so “as soon as I heard results of vote.” The dispute began Feb. 25, when NCYI president Farley Weiss endorsed Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bringing into his electoral coalition a party formed by followers of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane, whose ultra-nationalist Kach party was banned in Israel for incitement to racism. In a March 1 letter, 22 Young Israel synagogues asked the NCYI “to immediately cease making all political pronouncements,” suggesting that the issue was long-standing. Emotional buttons were pushed by a March 4 Twit-

Young Israel of Toco Hills is now Kehillat Ohr Hatorah after leaving the National Young Israel movement.

ter post from Yechezkel Moskowitz, then president of NCYI’s advocacy division (but who is no longer on its board): “Everyone of the Rabbis on this list from reconstructionist lover @RabbiStarrYITH to tree hugger Barry Kornblau should be ashamed of themselves joining with liberal progressive groups like @IfNotNowOrg in attacking @NCYIYoungIsrael for defending Israels democracy. #NotMyJudaism” The “reconstructionist lover” remark referred to a gathering Nov. 2 last year, on the first Shabbat after the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Members of YITH and Congregation Bet Haverim met in

the street between their synagogues for prayers, psalms and songs led by Starr and Rabbi Joshua Lesser of CBH, a Reconstructionist congregation. Starr rebuked Moskowitz March 5 on Facebook: “This is not just an ad hominem attack on me (and Rabbi Barry Kornblau for his tree hugging) but by extension it’s an attack on my Shul and community,” as well as the other YI synagogues that signed the letter. Starr also apologized to Lesser. Kornblau, the rabbi of Young Israel Congregation of Hollis Hills-Windsor Park in Queens, N.Y., posted a photo of himself hugging a tree. Young Israel of Toco Hills then demanded an apology for Moskowitz’s comments from the leadership of NCYI and created a committee to study the synagogue’s future affiliation with the movement. In response to YITH leaving the movement, Moskowitz told the AJT, “My personal reaction is that I think it’s good for both parties. I wish the community well in its future endeavors and service of Hashem. But what this makes abundantly clear to me is that the 22 rabbis who signed against NCYI, many did so not because they were upset with the leadership of the NCYI not consulting them, but because of their right-leaning philosophy - which for whatever reason [they] felt hurts the name of the movement. That’s their right, it’s a free country.” According to its website, NCYI serves 135 synagogues in the United States, Canada, Israel and elsewhere. That number is now 134. ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 21, 2019 | 7

ISRAEL PRIDE

News From Our Jewish Home Antidepressants Linked to Dementia?

A study led by researchers at the University of Haifa with more than 71,000 elderly Israelis suggests people over the age of 60 who use antidepressants may have as much as four times the risk of developing dementia as those who don’t. While 2.6 percent of those who did not take antidepressants developed dementia during the period, among those who did take the drugs the figure soared to 11 percent, researchers said. Experts in the UK disagree with the Israeli researchers and believe “not that depression itself or antidepressant drugs lead to dementia, but that depression is one of dementia’s earliest symptoms.” “There is no evidence that antidepressants cause dementia. There is an association as people with dementia are more likely to be depressed and therefore more likely to be on antidepressants,” said professor Wendy Burn, president of the UK’s Royal College of Psychiatrists. Still, 407 patients who took the drug in the study developed dementia during the course of the experiment. Of those who did not take the drug, 1,769 devel-

Today in Israeli History

Eliahu Eilat presents a Torah to President Harry S. Truman on Oct. 26, 1949.

June 21, 1990: Eliahu Eilat, who won President Harry Truman’s U.S. recognition of Israel in May 1948 and served as Israel’s first ambassador to the United States, dies in Jerusalem at age 86. Born Eliahu Epstein in Ukraine in 1903, he was drawn to Zionism as a university student and was jailed by Soviet authorities for Zionist activities. He made aliyah in 1924. He became Israel’s ambassador to the United Kingdom in 1952 and served as the president of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem from 1962 to 1968. June 22, 1939: Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Ada Yonath is born into an Orthodox Jewish family in Jerusalem. She receives a secular education, then, after her military service, studies at Hebrew 8 | JUNE 21, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

oped dementia during the study.

Technion-Israel Institute of Technology //

Medical glue gun developed by researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.

Medical Glue Replaces Stitches in Major Injuries

Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have created a glue gun to put the human body back together when severely injured in a less-intrusive way than pins or stitches. “The medical glue that the researchers have developed is a two-in-one,” said professor Boaz Mizrahi, head of Technion’s biomaterials laboratory. “It replaces both stitches and the sealant and is good for both external and internal injuries.

University, the Weizmann Institute and MIT before teaching chemistry at Weizmann beginning in 1970. She studies ribosomes, which manufacture proteins in cells, and in 2000 determines the threedimensional structure of two ribosomal subunits. She shares the 2009 Nobel for chemistry with two others for that work. June 23, 2011: Orna Barbivai is officially promoted to major general, becoming the first woman to hold the secondhighest rank in the Israel Defense Forces. The 30-year IDF veteran and mother of three heads the Personnel Directorate. Defense Minister Ehud Barak announced the appointment four weeks earlier, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the promotion “a big step for Israeli society” that “sends a message to nations worldwide.” June 24, 2007: The Israel Baseball League launches with a 9-1 win by the Modi’in Miracle over the Petach Tikvah Pioneers in front of more than 3,000 fans at Yarkon Field in Petach Tikvah. The six-team professional league features players recruited from the United States and Latin America, has former U.S. diplomat Dan Kurtzer as commissioner, and

“Melting the glue and smearing it on the damaged tissue is performed with a hot-glue gun. The gun warms the glue to just above body temperature so as not to cause a burn. After the glue is applied, it quickly hardens, then decomposes within a few weeks. The adhesive is also suitable for use on tissue inside the body, and it is four times as strong as existing adhesives used for this purpose. Researchers believe the new concept will lead to the development of devices that will reduce the use of stitches, staples and pins, speed up the healing process and reduce scarring, The Times of Israel said.

Tech Industry Welcomes New Auto Innovation Lab

Among the world’s leading automotive alliances, Renault and Nissan kicked off an open innovation lab in Tel Aviv June 10. They will work together with Israeli startups to test their technologies on the biggest trends in the automotive industry. The lab is called the Alliance Innovation Lab Tel Aviv. The alliance is between Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, although

includes Jewish former major-leaguers Ron Blomberg, Art Shamsky and Ken Holtzman as managers. But the league struggles for fans and finances and folds after one season.

Noam Shalit holds a photo of his missing son, Gilad, whom Gaza militants abducted June 25, 2006.

June 25, 2006: Palestinian militants entering Israel through a tunnel from Gaza disable a tank patrolling the border, kill two soldiers and capture a third, Gilad Shalit. Hamas offers information about Shalit’s whereabouts if Israel releases Palestinian prisoners, but the government refuses to negotiate. Shalit remains a captive for more than five years without access by the Red Cross before his release Oct. 18, 2011, in exchange for 1,027 Palestinians, many of whom had murdered Israelis.

Niv Kantor/The Times of Israel // Officials

from the Israel Innovation Authority, Tel Aviv government and the new Alliance Innovation Lab Tel Aviv cut the ribbon at the opening of the lab.

it will be run by Renault and Nissan. The lab will “focus on collaborating with startups focused on sensors for autonomous driving, cybersecurity and big data, as well as any startup that believes it has a game-changing technology for the industry,” alliance heads told The Times of Israel. “With Israel as a global innovation hub, particularly with automotive technology, this new lab is a natural next step for us and will allow the Alliance to leverage the strengths of Israel’s startup ecosystem,” said Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi, Alliance executive vice president of engineering. ■

June 26, 1944: The Republican National Convention in Chicago follows the lead of its presidential nominee, New York Gov. Thomas Dewey, and for the first time in its platform offers support for the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine. Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, who heads the American Zionist Emergency Council, delivers the invocation at the convention and calls for the Democrats to likewise endorse Zionism. The Democratic National Convention in July does back unlimited Jewish immigration to Palestine and, ultimately, a Jewish state. June 27, 1967: After capturing the roughly 2.3 square miles known as East Jerusalem from Jordan during the war in early June, Israel annexes that area and some surrounding West Bank land — a total of 27 square miles — into an expanded, unified Jerusalem municipality with protected access to all holy sites. Israel offers the residents of the annexed areas the option of becoming citizens, but most decline. ■ Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (www.israeled.org), where you can find more details.

ISRAEL NEWS

Pride participants hold posters while they march.

Pride-goers under a rainbow chuppah.

Two people wearing rainbow colors embrace at the parade.

Police officers regulate security at the pride parade.

Arrests, Protests and More Security at Pride Parade Jerusalemites, Israelis and foreigners chanted for equality and held vibrant posters advocating LGBTQ rights at 18th annual Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance. This year’s turnout was originally expected to be 30,000 people but it was much lower than in the past. An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 marched from Liberty Bell Park to Independence Park, with more than 2,000 police officers securing the event. This year’s march had a special meaning because it was the first pride parade of the year in Israel, effectively setting other pride events across the country in motion. Also, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York, a crucial struggle for LGBTQ rights in the United States and across the world. Four years ago, Shira Banki was brutally stabbed to death at the march by Orthodox extremist Yishai Schlissel, who also injured many others. Security has been regularly tight around the march since Banki’s death. Now, pride participants are required to wear entry bracelets as a new crowd control initiative. At the march, 52 people were arrested or detained for attempting to disturb the event and parade. Police surrounded the route and for the first time, asked those joining the march who seemed suspicious to provide identification before being allowed to enter. One suspect was arrested with a knife and another with pepper spray. Banki’s father, Uri, was at the march and told reporters he was there to show support for the event’s message. “We are marching today in memory of Shira and also to support tolerance in Israel,” he said. “Tolerance is something that is easy

for us to demand from others and much harder to sustain ourselves.” Despite the seriousness of the security, the atmosphere in the park was cheerful, with colorful flags waving in the air, upbeat music and food. Multiple organizations distributed free rainbow gear and informational brochures. Many pride participants chanted “Bibi, Bibi, wake up” and “We are here to stay,” which was as much political as pride-related. A demonstration against the march was held nearby by the rightwing extremist Lehav organization. Police outnumbered the 150 or so protesters three to one. However, a group of religious LGBTQ Jews danced around in circles along with songs playing about the Messiah. “We need freedom, the freedom to be who we are. Equality is needed for everyone, specifically in Jerusalem,” said Eitan Ginzburg, who was elected mayor of Ra’anana in 2018, the first openly gay person to serve as mayor in Israel. Also attending the march was the recently appointed interim justice minister, Amir Ohana, the first openly gay cabinet member in the country’s history. Ohana’s presence was not received well by other pride-goers. Participants booed and chanted “embarrassment” at him as he marched the event. “As a liberal who believes wholeheartedly in freedom of expression, I told the same group of protesters protesting against me, neither ultra-Orthodox nor religious, that it was important that they came there. I just hope that this did not overshadow the main message that should emerge from this event. It does not matter whether you are religious, secular, rightist, leftist, LGBT or not - the

message is a message of tolerance,” Ohana said. “It’s important to understand that the march is a way for us to demonstrate that we have the right to march freely and happily in the street, but also every day in the streets of Jerusalem,” said Ofer Erez, the executive director of the Jeru-

salem Open House, which organizes the parade every year. Luckily, this year there were no violent incidents and pride participants could march freely and peacefully down the streets of Jerusalem. ■ Compiled by AJT Staff

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 21, 2019 | 9

OPINION Teens Journey to Find Their Voice On the last day of June, tracting congregations and the wheels on the bus will other groups from throughgo round and round and 27 out the country. teenagers will set off from “A lot of the kids who Atlanta on the 17th ediare signed up, I hear from tion of the Etgar 36 bus trip the parents: I want them to across America. get this, knowing full well Along the way, they will that they don’t believe in it, engage in an activity that that they don’t do it. But they in today’s polarized, echo want their kids to learn this chamber environment in- Dave skill,” Planer said over coffee terests too few of their el- Schechter in Decatur. ders: Listening to opposing From Where I Sit These are post-9/11 chilviewpoints on controversial dren, ages 14 to 18. Most, but issues and asking questions with the in- not all, are Jewish. They come from 14 tention of learning, rather than gaining states; a handful are from Atlanta. the upper hand in an argument. [Full disclosure: Our oldest son rode Etgar is the creation of Billy Planer, the bus 11 years ago.] who grew up at Ahavath Achim SynaBy the time the trip ends Aug. 4 in gogue, and has three decades of experi- Washington, D.C. – they fly from San ence managing youth programs. “36,” he Francisco to Chicago and the bus rolls explained, comes from the “double chai” east – the teens will have engaged in disof being both Jewish and American, and cussions about a couple dozen headline“of realizing that our lives are connected making issues. They will have heard to other people.” from the director of Pro-Life Texas and In the past year, more than 2,400 from Planned Parenthood, from a gun people have traveled with Etgar, which rights lobbyist and from the parent of a also runs weekend civil rights history child slain at Columbine High School in trips out of Atlanta through the South, at- Colorado, from an opponent of marriage

equality and from members of an LGBTQ synagogue. They will have visited the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was slain; Dealey Plaza in Dallas, where John F. Kennedy was assassinated; the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City bombed in 1995; Grant Park in Chicago, site of the 1968 Democratic Convention riots; Kent State University, where Ohio National Guard troops killed four students in 1970, and the 9/11 ground-zero site in New York City. They will have pictures from Graceland, the Grand Canyon, the Las Vegas Strip, the California coast, Zion National Park in Utah, and the monuments and memorials in the nation’s capital. The itinerary is arranged so that on Friday nights, they will attend a Shabbat service, sampling American Jewry’s major denominations. On the trip, “We’ll talk more about Jewish cultural and Jewish historical connections to America,” than religious beliefs, Planer said. The night before each day’s encounter, Planer and his staff will hold a “framing discussion” about the issue to be discussed.

“We need to shift what we view success looking like in a discussion. In America, we often think success is that somebody changes their mind to what you think,” rather than as an opportunity to learn what lies behind another person’s opinion, he said. The teens find the give-and-take valuable, particularly when they disagree with the speaker, as that helps them hone how they present their own beliefs. Beyond the parents who place their children in Planer’s care, he hears from liberals who object to his giving their ideological foes a platform and from conservatives who think that just raising certain issues slants the Etgar program. The three-week portion from Atlanta to San Francisco costs $5,800, and the full five weeks, through D.C., $7,800, covering all expenses, including travel, hotels, and meals, though scholarship funds are available. When the trip is over, “For the kids it is a boost of confidence and empowerment, that their voice matters and that they can have a voice and need to use it. The kids grow into adulthood realizing the need to be aware and engaged.” ■

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We invite members of the community to nominate those they believe are Jewish Atlanta’s rising leaders in business, philanthropy, education, religion, community action and are under the age of 40. A nominee must be Jewish, at least 25 years old and must not have turned 40 before July 12, 2019. You can nominate yourself, a client, friend, peer, or boss; anyone who meets the criteria. Nominees are judged on their business success and their achievements as active members of Jewish Atlanta.

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OPINION

GA Supports our Community In the 2019 legislative session, the Georgia legislature took significant and unprecedented bipartisan action to show support for Israel and the Jewish community. Sandy Springs state Rep. Deborah Silcox with co-sponsor Reps. Sharon Cooper, Michele Henson, Chuck Efstration and Mike Chuck Wilensky sponsored House Berk Resolution 466: “Commending the State of Israel and condemning anti-Semitism in all its forms.” It is heartwarming to have elected officials from both sides of the aisle who understand, appreciate and support Israel and are sensitive to the growing threat of anti-Semitism. A text of the resolution is printed below. We should also thank Gov. Brian Kemp. During his campaign for governor he promised that he’d support the state treasurer if he determined that it was smart to own Israel Bonds as a portion of the state’s portfolio. In April, the State of Georgia made a $15 million Israel Bond investment, its largest investment ever, and now has $35 million of Israel Bonds in the state’s portfolio. Those of you reading this article and all Georgia supporters of Israel should reach out to these elected officials and thank them for their efforts on behalf of Israel and the Jewish community. House Resolution 466 By: Reps. Silcox of the 52nd, Cooper of the 43rd, Henson of the 86th, Efstration of the 104th, and Wilensky of the 79th A RESOLUTION 1. Commending the State of Israel and condemning anti-Semitism in all its forms; and for other purposes. 2. WHEREAS, there has been a disturbing increase in anti-Semitism worldwide, nationally, and locally where Jewish populations are facing increased levels of hatred; and 3. WHEREAS, prejudice against Jews as a national, ethnic, religious, or racial group has no place in Georgia or in the United States of America; and 4. WHEREAS, anti-Semitism is a challenge to the basic principles of tolerance, pluralism, and democracy and the shared values that bind Americans together; and 5. WHEREAS, the United States and Israel have a long relationship and close alliance, each attempting to support the interests of the other; and

6. WHEREAS, the State of Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, is the greatest friend and ally of the United States in that region; and 7. WHEREAS, the State of Georgia is proud to be home to the Consulate General of Israel in Atlanta and reaffirms our esteem for the Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States; and 8. WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities, including synagogues, schools, cemeteries, and other institutions; and 9. WHEREAS, it is in the foreign policy interest of the United States to continue to emphasize the importance of combating anti-Semitism in our bilateral and multilateral relations, including with the United Nations, European Union institutions, Arab League, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; and 10. WHEREAS, it is important to the national security interest of the United States to maintain strong bipartisan support for Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, all attempts to delegitimize and deny Israel’s right to exist must be denounced and rejected; and 11. WHEREAS, it is in the national security interest of the United States to oppose restrictive trade practices or boycotts fostered or imposed by any foreign country against other countries friendly to the United States or against any United States person. 12. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body oppose all forms of racism and hatred, including anti-Semitism; oppose attempts to deny the legitimacy of Israel as a sovereign state; commend Israel for its cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States and with the State of Georgia; and support Israel in its legal, historical, moral, and Godgiven right of self-governance and selfdefense. 13. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, the Honorable Consul General, and the Georgia congressional delegation. ■ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 21, 2019 | 11

REAL ESTATE

Blueprint and rendering of the proposed new cultural center adjacent to City Springs.

Sandy Springs to Vote on New Anne Frank Exhibit By Jan Jaben-Eilon In the next few weeks, the Sandy Springs City Council is expected to vote on a proposal to procure property and help build a new cultural center that will house the “Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945” exhibit, which will relocate from its current space in the Parkside

12 | JUNE 21, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Shopping Center on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. The Georgia Commission on the Holocaust will also move to the center, which will become the new home for the Sandy Springs Chamber of Commerce and the city’s hospitality board. “We are working on the final stages of the design and cost estimates,” Sandy

Springs Mayor Rusty Paul told the AJT. motivated her,” said Levine, who added “We are still refining the details. It’s a that the commission is a nonpartisan, tough construction environment. There secular state agency. They will be responis a shortage of construction workers sible for fundraising for the approxiand the tariffs on steel” are raising the mately 7,000 square feet of the proposed building that will house the commission projected costs. According to Chuck Berk, secretary offices and the Frank exhibit. “The day of the Georgia Commission on the Ho- after it passes, we will start working on locaust, the city is hoping to purchase the exhibit.” Berk envisions six steps to the new land adjacent to City Springs on which a 20,000-square-foot-plus building will Anne Frank exhibit – to be an educabe constructed. The Commission signed tional experience. The first step will proa memorandum of understanding with vide the “big picture” of what led up to the Holocaust. The Sandy Springs that second step will spells out “what offer an updated each party is reexhibit on Anne sponsible for and Frank, who would the costs involved,” have celebrated her Berk said. 90th birthday this The 2018 Geormonth. The third gia legislature step will display passed a resolution visual histories of to create a Georgia Georgians in the Holocaust MemoriHolocaust, includal. “We determined ing survivors and that we’d like to liberators. combine it with the Taking a page Anne Frank exhibfrom the U.S. Holoit,” he said. caust Museum in “We raised Washington, D.C., money to bring the Gary P. Alexander helped bring the the fourth step in Anne Frank exhibit Anne Frank in the World exhibit the exhibit will to Sandy Springs, to Sandy Springs in 2009. show chronologiand we hope to keep it here,” said Gary P. Alexander, a Sandy cally what newspapers and magazines Springs resident who was instrumental reported as the Holocaust unfolded. “Part in moving the exhibit at the urging of the of that are the surveys that were concity’s first mayor, Eva Galambos, whose ducted during that time, with the actual questions and answers,” Berk said. For family fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s. Berk, Alexander and Sally N. Levine, example, people were asked whether executive director of the Georgia Com- they approved or disapproved of the Nazi mission on the Holocaust, all emphasized treatment of Jews in Germany. Ninetyhow important it was for Galambos to four percent disapproved. But when they locate the Anne Frank exhibit in Sandy were asked whether they wanted to do Springs. “This was something that really anything about it, the answer was a re-

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The Anne Frank in the World exhibit has been located in the Parkside Shopping Center on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs.

sounding “no.” They also responded that tor recently told Levine that there is new the United States should not allow more growth on the tree “and we are on the list to get a cutting.” Jews into the country. Alexander, who will be visiting the As Berk noted, the survey was conAnne Frank House in Amsterdam with ducted in November 1938, when unemhis wife in a few ployment in this weeks, said he sees country was still over the Sandy Springs 20 percent. exhibit as a voice The fifth step in for the “1 1/2 million the memorial will be children killed in the artifacts, while the Holocaust who can’t sixth step will talk speak. We use Anne about current genoFrank’s voice to educides in the world cate and teach.” and what actions Berk and Alexshould be taken. ander have spoken to Levine has alboth Jewish and nonready been in touch Jewish clergy in the with the executive city, all of whom supdirector of the Anne port the new cultural Frank House in Amcenter. sterdam which has “I grew up in Birupdated its exhibit mingham,” said Mayin the last few years, or Paul. “I know what part of which will be hate looks like. I think available to the new The Georgia Commission on the it’s very important to Sandy Springs locaHolocaust is working with the city of teach the lessons” of tion, Berk said. Sandy Springs to move the exhibit. the Holocaust. “Hate Readers of Anne and evil have real and serious conseFrank’s diary recall how the young teen’s quences. I would be very disappointed if only experience with the outside world we didn’t do this project.” He said he beduring the two years she hid from the lieves the proposal will pass, but support Nazis along with her family and other for it is not unanimous. “It’s important Jews, was the chestnut tree outside the for residents of Sandy Springs to let their attic window. Several years ago, when council people know what they feel. The the tree appeared to be dying, 10 saplings community should let us know that they were sent around the world, Levine said. The Amsterdam museum executive direc- want this.” ■

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A rendering of The Dunhill in Sandy Springs near Costco and MARTA. The Luwisches feel that Atlanta has plenty of room for residential growth.

An example of the interior of The Dunhill.

A rendering of Parkside Estates detached townhomes near the Roswell Library.

Trends Pointed South for Father-Son Developers By Marcia Caller Jaffe Hank Luwisch, managing principal of Norso Companies, weighed the future multi-family residential opportunities in his home state of New Jersey against those in Atlanta and concluded, “Many people are leaving New Jersey for the Sunbelt. Even large corporations like the Mercedes-Benz headquarters left us

for Sandy Springs. Positive trends are all pointing South.” Enter son Adam, also a principal at Norso, who with his 10 years of experience on the corporate and finance side, wanted to join the family business, and is in the process of moving to Atlanta to manage the new projects here. Adam, a graduate of George Washington University, said, “We are bullish

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on Atlanta. We can see the growth just mid-range price points for small to midby observing the traffic. That, plus the size condos and townhomes in upscale more scientific method of doing detailed neighborhoods. Their Johns Creek projfeasibility studies. The banks really like ect with 49 townhomes sold out within a year at a modest that and respect starting price of our knowledge of $275,000. comps and analyConcurrently ses like the number under construcof days units stay tion is Parkside on the market. In Estates in Roswell, our way of thinka detached 45-unit ing, the supply here townhome develis low against a opment off Holhealthy demand.” comb Bridge Road Hank was in the $400,000 to born in Tel Aviv $600,000 range. and immigrated to ”It’s a very cool loNew York at age 6 cation as we are to watch his hardwell positioned laboring father near the Roswell Li“work his butt off” brary and Arts Censtarting a machine ter complex.” shop. After serving Adam is foin the U.S. Navy, cused on The DunHank packed in 40 hill on Peachtree years of self-made Dunwoody Road, real estate experiAdam Luwisch, left, brings experience from ence in develop- the finance side to dad Hank in front of The where we met at the construction ment, acquisitions, Dunhill five-story condo in Sandy Springs. site. This winter, 19 brokerage and management. He owns several affiliated condo units will hit the market starting real estate companies (commercial and at $400,000. “With a five-minute drive to residential) in New York and New Jer- Costco or a 10-minute walk to the MARsey, in addition to Georgia. Experience TA station in the other direction, we exin navigating zoning and environmental pect to see an easy sell out to a mixture regulations and working with all levels of of demographics.” The Dunhill will have municipal governments came in handy two- and three-bedroom flats, covered in sewer and road approval in the new parking, a fitness center, coffee station, and sparkling covered pool, and will aim Roswell development. When it comes to who is boss, Hank to retain an intimate feel where “you said, “We are both bosses. We are a team might get to know 18 other neighbors,” who collaborates. Adam is smart and ca- Adam said. “We will have a boutique feel pable of bringing his own great ideas to in a private, gated community. Bottom line: Here the people are great, and the the table.” Their formula here so far has been opportunities are plentiful.” ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 21, 2019 | 15

REAL ESTATE

Peachtree Hotel Group’s SpringHill Suites in Navarre Beach, Fla.

Peachtree Hotel Group’s Hampton Inn & Suites in Jekyll Island.

Greg Friedman oversees such properties as Marriott Courtyard.

Investing Up and Down the Hotel Equity Stack By Marcia Caller Jaffe Most of us want easy check in and clean rooms for hotel accommodations, but it’s quite a complicated business behind the scenes with all those moving parts. Think of financing, construction, property management, debt, responsibility to the investors, architects and engineers, to name a few. Peachtree Hotel Group’s Greg Friedman is a mastermind entrepreneur who keeps all the issues in check. High atop the One Alliance Center in Buckhead, he is running a finely-tuned, multifaceted 85-person enterprise focused on investing, operating, developing and financing premium branded hotel properties across the U.S. The sleek office looks like a movie set with millennials interacting in huge conference rooms and rows of analysts in front of screens running numbers. As intense as they come, Friedman is laserfocused on his 100 hotel investments, deal structure, acquisition, risk and lending, as well as the guest experience. Over the past 10 years, he has done more than $1.5 billion in deals. Originally from Fayette, Ala., he moved to Dallas with an eye on medical school after receiving his biology degree from the University of Texas, Austin. Instead he went to work for GMAC Commercial Mortgage Corporation’s hospitality finance group. Spring-boarding from this, Friedman’s own empire now sweeps through the Carolinas, Arizona, Texas, Georgia and Alabama, with flagships like Homewood Suites, Hyatt Place, Hilton and Marriott Courtyard. When asked where his own talent lies, he muses, “Early on, I learned to

16 | JUNE 21, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The Hampton Inn & Suites in Jekyll Island is among the properties in Peachtree Hotel Group’s portfolio.

make thoughtful decisions, not to move too quickly, how to listen to sound advice and understand my impact on relationships. … These days I have to find good locations in submarkets, understand what is driving demand and what is sustainable.” By that he means acquiring hotels in college towns or cities like

A dynamic Friedman leads Peachtree Hotel Group with his expertise in finance and the hospitality industry.

Houston with big medical centers. “My goal is to protect investments. A huge success factor is not overspending on the buy side. … Thus my specific expertise is putting deals together, finding capital partners, and being financially savvy.” He is strong on Atlanta because of its great history with lodging. “There is new ex-

citement here: the Mercedes[-Benz] Stadium, SunTrust Park, State Farm, and downtown and midtown are super hot.” Given where we are in the current economic cycle, a defensively-thinking Friedman said, “We are protecting ourselves by investing more on the debt versus the equity side. We are focused on the brands with the best retail distribution channels like Marriott and Hilton.” This year alone he expects to acquire another 13 hotel properties and make 35 debt investments. Friedman, who owns up to being a workaholic, likes to vacation with family surfside in places such as Baha Mar in the Bahamas and Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico, throwing in Italy for good measure. He has a suburban lifestyle on weekdays in East Cobb alternating to a Buckhead condo on weekends. “My children like to be able to walk to the mall, restaurants and movies.” When asked what advice he would give to a younger version of himself, he said, “I wish I had read ‘Originals’ by Adam Grant, who researched how we can all think more originally and improve the chances of innovating successfully. In the book Grant examines youth and birth order in the entrepreneurial world. The oldest child thinks more conservatively. That’s why younger baseball players are more willing to steal bases. The younger ones just make decisions differently and are more ‘street smart.’” I know Freidman is indeed both young and “street smart” because I met him serendipitously in the lobby of a hotel where his proud Jewish mother pulled me aside with the clue, “Ask my son how he owned his first hotel at 29.” If anyone knows the spreadsheet, she does. ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 21, 2019 | 17

REAL ESTATE

Homes Away From Home: Jewish Atlantans Talk Airbnb By Eddie Samuels Among the trendier topics in real estate in 2019 is renting, and in particular, listing sites like Airbnb, which allow homeowners to list their home for shortand longer-term guests. Airbnb statistics from 2018 show that Georgia hosts earned $158 million, while welcoming about 1.1 million guests into their homes. Two Jewish Atlantans spoke to the AJT about their experiences renting their homes on Airbnb. Terri Jacobson, along with her husband Eric, has been listing her home on the site since February. In fact, the idea played a role in their home search, as they left their previous home in East Cobb. “When we were looking for houses, we were looking for that ideal house where we could live in part of a house and rent out the other part,” she said. “We found the perfect situation where we live on the top level of our bungalow, and the Airbnb is a separate entrance and it’s on the bottom level.” The location also seems to have been a perfect fit for Airbnb appeal, splitting the difference between downtown and

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Airbnb lets owners list rooms and homes for short- and long-term rentals.

the airport. “We have been booked since February, every single weekend,” she said. Sandy Bailey, on the other hand, started with Airbnb following her son’s suggestion. “He has stayed in Airbnbs all over the world and suggested it because I live one mile from the Braves stadium,” she explained. “My interest in people are big parts of why I did it.” Unlike Jacobson, Bailey’s entrance for guests is not separate. “Every friend that I have thinks I’m crazy, but I trust people and I’ve never

some ideas,” she said. “There are also Facebook groups for hosts, and I think that’s a great way to get started. I found my cleaners that way.” As for more observant members of the Jewish community who have specific needs regarding kashrut or Shabbat, Airbnb’s Head of Trust & Safety Communications Ben Breit offered a few suggestions. “If you jump on the platform, you can see that we have dozens of ‘filters’ The Jacobsons' guest entrance is through to whittle down your search, and one is the sliding doors on the back porch. for homes that have a kitchen,” he said. had a problem,” Bailey said. “Each of the “From there, our messaging tool allows 10 couples that have been here have been prospective guests to talk to hosts in advance of booking and get their questions nicer than the last.” Given the location, many of her answered (such as the particulars of the guests are seeing a game or an event at kitchen and silverware, etc.)” Chrental.com is another resource for SunTrust Park, and Bailey likes to offer those looking for short-term accommodathem a little extra help. “They usually come about five or six tions that fit their religious needs. While o’clock, and I run them up to the stadium it does not currently feature listings in Atand then they usually walk home, and it’s lanta it can be a resource for those travelabout a 25-minute walk,” she said. “It’s ing, and account manager Eli Chaim said convenient and people don’t have to pay that those wanting to list their home can reach out. for $20 parking.” “Jewish community members who While the appeal of meeting new people is certainly at the core of the expe- are looking to travel can get a home withrience for Bailey, Jacobson explained that in a close proximity to synagogues, have keeping her home separate from her list- kosher catered food or a host who would be sensitive towards your needs, including was very important. “It was extremely important to keep ing kashering the kitchen,” Chaim said. While there is some uncertainty it separate. We stay in Airbnbs all the time and we don’t mind staying in some- regarding the future of short-term rentbody’s house, but if someone can find als in Georgia, particularly as legislators a separate place, I’m going to prefer it,” both in state and city governments grapJacobson said. “They’re in my house, but ple with licensing questions, Jacobson exthey’re separate from us if that makes plained that regulations may or may not affect her. any sense.” “It would depend Jacobson noted for us on what the cost that most of the work and the requirements entailed getting the are. If they’re just dodownstairs unit ready ing it to make money, for guests, which inwhich they might be, volved getting furnithen the intentions are ture and appliances, not good,” she said. “If and figuring out how it’s to license so that to balance the workthe city knows you’re load. operating and to make “I didn’t want to sure you pay taxes, and be the one cleaning the are above-board, then place, so we do charge a Terri Jacobson with her husband, Eric. it’s legitimate.” cleaning fee, which we As for Bailey, she noted that while the don’t make any money on,” she said. “My work involves doing the laundry, all the host experience isn’t necessarily for everytowels and all the sheets, and doing the one, she has really enjoyed her experience dishes. It’s a couple hours a week, not too welcoming guests into her home. “I definitely recommend it if you much, but it’s totally worth it.” In terms of advice and lessons don’t mind having strangers in your learned from her experience, Jacobson house,” she said. “I was slightly anxious at first, but you get a picture and a bio so offered a few tips for first-time hosts. “I would start by talking to people they’re not really strangers when they who host already, so that you can get walk in.” ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 21, 2019 | 19

REAL ESTATE

Granot Touts Commercial Firm’s Variety By Marcia Caller Jaffe Dan Granot is one of two principals in a boutique commercial real estate firm run in much the same way he became a championship tennis player – with grit, charm and fair play. “We have our hands in a lot of things on both sides of the coin: tenants looking to move, landlords, retail investment, purchasing buildings with investors, office, medical and industrial sectors. Doing it this way provides balance.” Partner Alan Joel, also a native Atlantan, attended the Westminster School. His particular focus has been investments downtown like the first two floors of the Healey Building and 10 Park Place in the heart of Georgia State University, housing divisions of Grady and Fulton County health systems. Joel said, “Dan and I were both college athletes. I was swimming, while he was playing tennis.” At Joel & Granot Commercial Real Estate, 13 folks work in their recently renovated state-of-the-art open-spaced modern building off Northside Drive.

Dan Granot says the commercial real estate market in Atlanta is strong in 2019, and it progressively outperforms each previous year.

“We operate with a strong, lean team,” Granot said. “Anyone here who is salaried wears multiple hats. That leaves our

super team of agents who expertly cover the city. Some work in teams. Speaking of ‘lean,’ our ping pong table doubles as a

conference room expansion. We operate here as one big family.” Of his blood relatives, Granot’s parents married in Israel before immigrating to Atlanta in 1960 to follow family. During the Holocaust, Mom at age 2 was sent to live with a Catholic family who had six other children. Dad literally escaped the Warsaw Ghetto at age 14, hopping trains and crisscrossing fields to locate an older brother in Russia. Settling in Israel, he served in the Israel Defense Forces. In Atlanta they were in the sundry and grocery business. “They would go into a center like the original Colony Square, open and build up a store, then sell it, and move on to another,” Granot recalled. “That showed me a comfort with real estate and understanding at the ground level.” Interestingly, both parents were avid tennis players – mom still is one – who instilled the love of the game in their son. When asked about the derivation of his surname, he revealed that his father’s moniker in Poland was “Zamoscinski,” not exactly close to Granot. After Briarcliff High School and a

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brief stint at the University of Georgia, Granot transferred to the University of Arkansas on a scholarship to play tennis. “I was tuned into Nick Bollettieri (famous tennis instructor) who funneled me there, so I knew many of their staff and players. Post-college, I was considering a sales career. …What does that mean? Insurance? Hmmm … I could always go back to law school.” After earning his wings at various commercial real estate firms, Richards Bowers & Co., Insignia, and Avantis Real Estate (which imploded), and a few years on his own, he merged with Joel in 2010.

His recent “best deals” were Levolor Blinds in central Perimeter with 43,000 square feet and the old Kroger building at Brookwood Place, a Selig Enterprises shopping center, where he put in high tech firm FullStory in 50,000 square feet. One of his longstanding professional relationships has been with the Weissman law firm. Another key to his success: being a native Atlantan, he has a “solid Rolodex.” So far, 2019 has outperformed 2018, which outperformed 2017 – all a pleasant surprise, Granot said. “I am still optimis-

tic about the Atlanta commercial real estate market. Looking at metrics like employment, there is nothing to point to things going south … other than the historic trends that bull markets don’t last forever. … My talent lies in that I am both a ‘people person’ and competitive, but overall want every transaction to be ‘win win.’ I have no interest in beating an opponent into submission, and I eschew a scorched earth approach.” Except maybe in pickleball. Granot recently parlayed his tennis acumen into pickleball. He competed in

the U.S. singles professional pickleball tournament but injured his foot and navigates in a boot. “This tendon injury has really been ‘a bear.’ I’ll be back to compete in both singles and doubles at the professional level.” Seeing that he was “handicapped,” though, I immediately challenged him to a ping-pong match, where we ran each other around mercilessly. It’s that stamina that keeps Granot and Joel going strong in the commercial real estate market in Atlanta. ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 21, 2019 | 21

REAL ESTATE

Albany Temple Is Trying to Keep Its Lights On By Jan Jaben-Eilon Mike Tilson, an Army veteran and former policeman in Albany, Ga., has a “strategic planning background which allows me to see the big picture.” As president of Temple B’Nai Israel, that’s a useful skill set. The more than 100-year-old congregation had as many as 150 member units in 1962. Today, there are 39 family units, Tilson said. And with the death of three old-timers last year, “our ability to rebuild is challenging.” That led Tilson to surf the internet earlier this year, looking for information to help him write a policy for the struggling congregation. “I stumbled on an article about the Jewish Community Legacy Project, and being a curious kind of guy, I did a search and said, ‘Wow, these folks might be able to help us sustain ourselves.’ Our focus is sustainment if we can.” In April, Temple B’Nai Israel signed a letter of engagement with the Atlantabased JCLP. “Noah Levine [of JCLP] has already brought us many ideas to help us sustain ourselves, but we’re still at the beginning stages,” Tilson told the AJT.

22 | JUNE 21, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Temple B'Nai Israel in Albany faces challenging times.

Janie Friedman Bitterman and her husband Bruce have both served Temple B’Nai Israel in Albany.

“We’re going to have to do something different in order to sustain, but we must be realistic and plan in the event of us having to close.” Questions that the congregation must ask itself include: “What does it mean for us to be a congregation and what would it take for us to close? Is it just reducing expenses and, if so, how? Or, if we must do more fundraising, how would we do that?” These are not simple questions for a Jewish community that started in the 1840s with a handful of Jewish immigrants. A small synagogue was built in 1882, followed by a larger one 14 years

later. By the 1930s, Jewish retail business flourished downtown. But a tornado in February 1940 destroyed the businesses and the synagogue, forcing the congregation to rebuild once again. The Jewish population mushroomed in the 1950s and 1960s, topping out at about 525 in 1968. But as with many Jewish communities in small towns, lack of economic opportunities forced the younger generations to move away, weakening the ability to sustain thriving congregations. That’s where JCLP enters the picture. Launched a few years ago by former head of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta David Sarnat, JCLP assists small Jewish communities in preparing for whatever future awaits them and helps ensure that their legacies reflect the aspects of Jewish life that were important to them. Of 80 congregations that JCLP has worked with so far, 19 have closed their doors, while 14 have a legacy plan in place but remain open, and another 47 have plans in progress but also remain open. JCLP is in preliminary discussions with another 22 synagogues in small towns. The president of Congregation Emanuel in Statesville, N.C., Beverly Maurice, views the legacy plan her congregation created with JCLP’s help as a “form of life insurance for the synagogue. We’re not expecting to close in the near future, but it’s like life or health insurance; you hope you never need it.” Statesville native and fellow congregant Wendy (Gordon) Pike pointed out that Congregation Emanuel has experienced rebirths before and hopes to again. And that’s always the hope for congregations that work with either Sarnat or Levine. That hope extends way beyond current and active members of congregations in small towns. “I think it’s a really good idea to work with JCLP,” said Barbi Fisher, vice president of B’Nai Israel. In 1995, the Temple sold its building to a bank and built a new synagogue on stunning wooded acres in 1999. “We have

beautiful stained-glass windows. We don’t want the Temple to close; we just need helpful hints on how to maintain it,” said Fisher, who has lived her entire life in Albany. Many Jews from Albany can retrace their family’s history back to greatgrandparents who moved to the southwest Georgia town. Even more point out the close relationship with Atlanta. The connections are strong whether they were born in Atlanta, like Janie Bitterman, who then moved to Albany in 1973, or Fisher, whose three sons now live in Atlanta, or Marsha Mathis in Roswell, whose siblings live in Albany, or Helene Kraselsky, who just moved to Cumming from Albany. And those connections remain strong in the younger generations. Brian Fink, who lives in Alpharetta, still vacations with friends he made in the Reform youth group, NFTY, when he was growing up in Albany. “I still go home for the High Holidays,” he reports, referring to Albany. For some born in Albany, the possibility that the Temple could close is a devastating thought. “In my heart, I don’t see it able to survive,” said Debbie Mulford, a member of Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell. “It’s a scary thought.” But Tilson hasn’t given up. In April, he attended a meeting that the Union for Reform Judaism held for new congregational presidents in Peachtree City. “I learned a lot and talked to those who have walked in our shoes. I was quite pleased to talk to people who have already worked with JCLP. It was perfectly timed for us as we are trying to figure out how to continue. We’re trying to hang on. For me, it was an excellent experience and will help our Temple in the long run.” JCLP’s chair, Michael Z. Kaye, did not grow up in a small town himself, but “it’s always been intriguing to me.” He points out that three of JCLP’s board members were initially clients. They include Sam Bernstine, whose congregation in New Castle, Pa., has since closed, Marcia Storch of Olean, N.Y., whose congregation is still open, and Ann Tettlebaum of Jefferson City, Mo., whose congregation also remains open. “These are voices of people who went through [the process] firsthand.” When JCLP was first launched, some congregations were hesitant to work with the organization. “But we say that this doesn’t mean you’re going to turn the lights off,” Kaye said. And that’s certainly what Tilson and other Jews in Albany are hoping. ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 21, 2019 | 23

REAL ESTATE Coming From Foreign Lands

For French Jews, Religion Ranks Above Nationality I even saw valet parking in front of the synagogue on a Sabbath. Unthinkable in France! I like this way of living Judaism in Atlanta, much more relaxed, more fun, less subject to the religious laws and the rigor of traditions.

By Martine Tartour When I arrived in Atlanta two years ago to join my fiancé, an American orchestra conductor I met in Paris, I only had the phone number of one other person, a friend’s cousin. I had been deputy editor of a French magazine and my fiancé and I decided to live in Atlanta, where he was working. Today, I continue to freelance for various publications and lecture at the Alliance Française. I return periodically to France to visit my three children attending college there. As a French Jew in America, I felt it was more important for me to integrate into the Atlanta Jewish community rather than the Atlanta French community. I remembered Golda Meir’s reply to Henry Kissinger when he said to her: “Golda, you must remember that first I am an American; second I am Secretary of State, and third I am a Jew.” She replied: “Henry, you forgot that in Israel we read from right to left.” That’s exactly how I felt. Here, in America, you are first an American, then a Jew. In France, like Golda Meir, we think in the other direction: we are first and foremost Jewish. Being French is very important, but it will always be our Jewishness that prevails when it comes to taking a stand. What I notice in common between being Jewish in Paris and being Jewish in Atlanta is, first of all, the need to bond together. There are many Jews here in Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Dunwoody and East Cobb. In Paris, there are many large Jewish communities in the 16th, 17th and 19th arrondissements. In both countries, we take pride in our religious affiliation. But we are living our Judaism in different ways.

24 | JUNE 21, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Martine Tartour found Jewish practices less restrictive in America than France.

Sephardic Influence First of all, most of the Jewish community in France is of Sephardic origin and follow the Sephardic tradition. Those Jews, for the most part, came to France in the 1960s from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. I was born in Tunisia and arrived in the suburb of Paris in 1972. The North African Jews replaced the Ashkenazi Jews, who had previously been the predominant Jewish population before the Shoah. Emigration, assimilation and mixed marriages reduced their population further. In less than a generation, Sephardic Jews have succeeded in establishing themselves in French society. They have become renowned doctors, famous lawyers, successful actors, political advisors.

The Sephardic people brought with them their joie de vivre (joy of life) and their exuberance. Some bar mitzvahs are legendary, such as the one that brought together for an afternoon all the players of Paris Saint-Germain, the most famous French soccer team, for a game with guests. Imagine in the U.S. having the New England Patriots come to your bar mitzvah to scrimmage with your guests! In Atlanta, when I talk with others about Sephardic Judaism, it’s rare that they know exactly what I’m talking about. The rites, songs and traditions are not the same. On Rosh Hashanah, our tray is filled with things like garlic, squash, figs, sesame and fish heads. A friend from Atlanta was amazed to see how Rosh Hashanah was celebrated by a Tunisian Jewish family. This recent Sephardic immigration is largely traditional in practices. There are few Reform synagogues in Paris. To marry in one of these traditional synagogues, a non-Jewish person must convert. The conversions are very long, more than five years, and very restrictive. There are only three female rabbis in all of France. Synagogues remain just places of worship, with little in the way of community life. This is definitely not the case here. In Atlanta, everyone has a synagogue with reading groups, Sunday associations, organized trips and community engagement. In Reform synagogues here, the rabbi shakes everyone’s hand – including women – and speaks into the microphone on Yom Kippur day, less restrictive practices than in France.

Israel Connection It’s amazing to me that in the United States, 59 percent of American Jews – six in 10 – have never been to Israel, according to recent surveys by the American Jewish Committee. The excuses include it being too far away or too dangerous. The attachment of French Jews to Israel is enormous. In France, only 35 percent have never been to Israel. This is especially true when more and more Jews are asking themselves the same question today: Do they have a future in France? This sort of question would never be asked by an American Jew. Obviously, the rise in hatred and anti-Semitism in Europe is the main reason why more and more French Jews choose to pack their bags. Some go to live in Quebec, Los Angeles or San Francisco, but especially to Israel. Despite a drop in aliyah in recent years, 2,600 French Jews moved to Israel last year. Anti-Semitism Is it more dangerous in France than Atlanta? First, we need to ask ourselves, “Is it dangerous to be Jewish in Atlanta?” The answer is yes, when you consider the recent killings of American Jews in their synagogues by madmen with assault rifles. Atlantans are still mindful of The Temple bombing in 1958 for which none of the accused perpetrators were ever convicted. But does that mean we enter a synagogue with fear in our bellies? Life goes on. Jews have had this strength, always and everywhere. The only difference is that anti-Semitic violence here is the action of extremist white-supremacist groups, while in France it is the action of certain Muslim groups, which are probably more present on a daily basis. It is advisable not to wear a yarmulke on the Metro, but it is not fear. It is just a reasonable precaution, that’s all. In any case, on both sides, I find this constant: When faced with an event, a political decision, or even a princely marriage, the Jew from Paris or Atlanta asks him or herself the same question: Is this good for us? ■ France has the largest Jewish community in Europe, about 500,000 people, or less than 1 percent of the French population.

REAL ESTATE Coming From Foreign Lands

Ukrainian Flees Anti-Semitism for U.S. Freedom By Martine Tartour

During the last four years, the Ukrainian Jewish community has lost its vigor.”

Three years ago, Sergei Panasiuk and his wife fled Kyiv in the Ukraine with their toddler to escape anti-Semitic violence. With a master’s degree in business, Panasiuk left behind a successful job with Nestle and settled for unskilled manual labor in the manufacturing industry in Atlanta, but he’s now an IT manager at the company, Innovative Metals. Read what he has to say about practicing Judaism here, differences in weather and other adjustments he’s had to make. Jewish Life “We were fleeing a country which had gone crazy and where you feared for your life if you were Jewish. I arrived in Atlanta three years ago with my wife and my 1-year-old son. I immediately went to the synagogue. In Ukraine, I had never seen a Reform synagogue, a synagogue where men and women sit together, let alone a synagogue with a female rabbi. Kyiv, the capital, has four synagogues – all four Orthodox.” That wasn’t the biggest shocker about America. “Winter in Ukraine can be brutal. In Atlanta, it was quite mild when we arrived at the end of autumn.” Violent Anti-Semitism “A year before, in February 2014, I had supported the Maidan protests at the celebrated Independence Square. I marched with a raised fist against [Viktor] Yanukovych, the president at that time, with all those who believed that the country was finally going to be free from corruption. But we Jews quickly understood that this was not going to be good for us. Little by little the Maidan revolutionaries began to celebrate Nazi collaborators such as Stepan Bandera, Roman Shukhevych and others, as true patriots. This glorification of the Nazis was going to lead to resurgence in antiSemitism very fast. When I saw ‘death to the Jews’ written on the walls, Nazi flags, Nazi clothes, Nazi attacks to the people and businesses with full support by the Ukrainian government, I understood that it was all going to happen again. “When my wife Liubov told me that people were drawing swastikas at Babi Yar, the infamous ravine where 33,000 Jews had been assassinated in 1941, I was afraid for my family. I came from a provincial town, Krivoy Rog. I am an orphan; my parents died when I was 7 years old.

Progress in Ukraine Still, there are improvements. “We sometimes see amazing things in Ukraine! In 2010, a billionaire oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, the country’s third-wealthiest man, built in Dnipro the largest Jewish complex in the world! Synagogue, museum, kosher restaurants, hotels. But … the Jews having been banned from the universities during the Soviet era or only allowed by quotas, the community has very few Jewish doctors and lawyers as contrasted with Atlanta. On the other hand, the political world is populated by nonpracticing Jews, and this is the case for the new President [Volodymr] Zelenskiy, a former Jewish comedian!”

After experiencing anti-Semitism in the Ukraine, Sergei Panasiuk appreciates the religious freedom he has found in America.

Succeeding in Kyiv was a difficult challenge for me, but I had succeeded there. I had a good job at Nestlé, and we owned our own house, so I still resisted the call of my uncle who lives in Atlanta, until the day, wearing a yarmulke, I was attacked by a group of neo-Nazis. They had one of their multiple headquarters on the ground floor of a building near my home. They made the Heil Hilter salute to greet each other, shot from the guns; they worshiped the souvenir of the worst Ukrainian collaborators, murderers of so many Jews. And until now, nobody, but nobody stops them. Because of my injuries, I had to go to a hospital. When I Ieft, I filed a complaint and produced evidence to the police and prosecutor office, who nonetheless belittled the seriousness of the attack. When I threatened to bring the matter before the Court of Human Rights in The Hague, the prosecutor responded by threatening me, telling me that the attackers were true patriots. To top it all off, the government officials were going to denounce me as a ‘subversive element.’ This was too unjust and too dangerous. I took refuge for a while at my grandmother’s house in Krivoy Rog, but I wanted to protect my family first. When I realized that we couldn’t raise a child in fear, we left overnight for Atlanta.

know what it is like not to be able to speak, to be afraid of arrest or to be beaten like I was. I have tried sometimes to tell my story and each time I get the same reaction: This is not possible! Here we have the renowned First Amendment, which allows anybody to speak his mind. There is freedom to be Jewish as you wish, praying on Shabbat with a guitar if you want or celebrating your bar mitzvah with a gospel group. In Ukraine, we may perhaps have a longer history, but we are in decline. There, quite often it is the community that pays for the bar mitzvah if it can’t be celebrated in groups to reduce the cost. Because of lack of rabbis in Ukraine, most of them come from the United States or Israel and are from the Hasidic tradition.

Future in Atlanta “I left a pleasant life and a successful career in Ukraine for America I knew absolutely nothing about, to become an unskilled manual worker. I had never worked with my hands before, so I just manufactured metal panels for a year. During the three years, I expected that the situation in Ukraine will change and we will be able to come back home. But everything became worse. Currently, I hope to obtain political asylum status. Right now, I just have the right to work. But Atlanta has proved to me that the U.S. supports and protects honest, hardworking people. I moved up in rank. Better yet, it’s my boss who finances my English classes at night. My wife works at the King David Academy as a programmer. We have a house in Tucker, a newly born child, and when I look at my family, my wife smiling, I feel happy.” ■

Freedom It’s the main difference between living in the U.S. and the Ukraine, which has the fourth-largest Jewish community in Europe. “When you live here, you do not ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 21, 2019 | 25

CALENDAR Sweet Summer Series – Locations

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Behaalotecha Friday, June 21, 2019, light candles at 8:34 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2019, Shabbat ends at 9:36 p.m. Shlach Friday, June 28, 2019, light candles at 8:34 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2019, Shabbat ends at 9:36 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

Shabbat Swim-A-Long – Post Oak Recreation Association Pool, 2515 Tritt Springs Trace NE, Marietta, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join Congregation Etz Chaim for Shabbat songs, blessings, pizza, snacks and swimming. $5 per family. RSVP, www.bit.ly/2I6pLw0.

with general admission to the CNC. $6 per child ages 3-12, $10 per adult, $7 for seniors 65 and older, $7 for students ages 13 to 18, free for CNC members and children 2 and younger. For more information, www.bit.ly/2JnQXba.

Monday of the month. It includes entertainment or a speaker and a kosher catered lunch. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2MEdRxG.

The Leo Frank Case Tour – Marietta

Bayning on the BeltLine – Chabad Intown on the BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Join Chabad for live music, soup and challah prior to the start of Shabbat. Open bar with cocktails for adults and mocktails for the kids. Walk the Atlanta BeltLine with your loved ones and friends to usher in the Shabbat in a naturally relaxed state. Free. For more information, www.chabadintown.org.

Museum of History, 1 Depot Street, Marietta, from 2 to 4 p.m. Join Historic Jewish Atlanta Tours at the Marietta Museum of History for a special lecture on the Leo Frank case by legal expert Van Pearlberg. Free for William Breman Jewish Heritage History Museum members, $10 for nonmembers. For more information, www.bit. ly/2E8niii.

SUNDAY, JUNE 23 & 30

Kabbalah and Coffee – Chabad Intown on the BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Discuss, explore and journey through the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. This ongoing class probes the esoteric through a unique program of English text-based study. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. Free. For more information, www.chabadintown.org.

Artists in the Wild – En Plein Air Art– Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 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 dependent on weather, so please call ahead to determine schedule. Included 26 | JUNE 21, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

MONDAY, JUNE 24

Magical Mondays – William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For children ages 6 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 nonmembers. For more information, www.bit.ly/2FRA3yP.

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

around Atlanta from 5 to 6:30 p.m. PJ Library’s Summer Series is back 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.

Addiction is Not a Laughing Matter – Chabad Intown on the BeltLine, 730

TUESDAY, JUNE 25

Estate Planning for Holocaust Survivors – Jewish Family & Career Services, 4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This legal aid clinic will provide simple wills and power of attorney documents at no cost. Though this is a sensitive topic, the process gives you control to make decisions about your healthcare and estate in the future. These documents help to ensure your wishes are respected and make it easier for loved ones to make the right decisions for you. Free. To schedule an appointment, call 770-677-9318 and leave your name and number.

Cantorial Concert – The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cantorial concert presented by the members of the American Conference of Cantors and Guild of Temple Musicians. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2R33eTA.

Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 7 to 9 p.m. For the entire recovery community and anyone who wants to have a good laugh in support of recovery, you’re invited to enjoy Benji Lovitt’s hilarious stand-up comedy show, as seen in countries around the world. Free, donations appreciated. For more information, www.chabadintown.org/ addiction.

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 their Alefbet Preschool’s Babies educator. Every Thursday in the Babies Room. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/30kViRZ.

THURSDAY, JUNE 27

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, $200 per semester. For more information, www.bit. ly/2Ob6bCB.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26

Open Play Games – Marcus JCC, 5342 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.

Songs of the Inspired Soul – Chabad Intown on the BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 6 to 9 p.m. An evening marking the 25th yahrzeit

JUNE 21-JULY 14 of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory. The story of the Rebbe’s monumental lifework, shared through film and music. Featuring a live performance by BellaNota String Quartet. $18 per person. For more information, www.bit.ly/2I56ZEZ.

for your entertainment pleasure. $12 per person. For more information, www.thebreman.org.

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.

The SMART Place to Buy Diamonds! WEDNESDAY, JULY 10

TUESDAY, JULY 2

Anti-Semitsim : The History of Antisemistism – Chabad Intown on the BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 8 to 9:30 p.m, Tuesdays, July 2-16. A new three-part series from the Intown Jewish Academy. We are experiencing an increase in antiSemitic incidents in the United States and around the world. Join us for a timely look at the roots of hate, and what we can do about it. $36 for the course. For more information, www. bit.ly/31qqrUn.

Author Talks: Jedwin Smith, I am Israel – Heritage Sandy Springs, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come for an author talk with award winning author, Jedwin Smith. Free. Refreshments provided. For more information, www.bit. ly/2I5xKsY.

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SUNDAY, JULY 7

Kickball & Bagel Brunch – Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. Join The Sixth Point for a light brunch and a game of kickball. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2Zcla0I.

SATURDAY, JULY 13

Peter Yarrow, Live in Concert – Temple Beth David, 1885 McGee Road SW, Snellville, from 8 to 10 p.m. Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, will perform live in concert, with a share of the proceeds going to Operation Respect. $18 per adult, $9 for children younger than 13, and VIP rows $36 each. For more information, www.bit. ly/TBD-Peter2019.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

A Curious Afternoon of Magic with Joe M. Turner – William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, from 2 to 4 p.m. The city’s top magical entertainers deliver an afternoon of exciting mysteries for the eyes and mind. The Atlanta magic clubs have not produced a combined show in years, but to celebrate Houdini at The Breman, they are joining forces

Movie, Kosher Wine Tasting and Hors d'oeuvres – Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, 5 to 9 p.m. Join CBS for an entertaining movie that tells how Napa Valley became one of the greatest wine regions in the world. Following the movie taste a variety of kosher wines available for purchase. $10 per person. To register and for more information, www.bit.ly/2ZfwLwf. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 21, 2019 | 27

COMMUNITY

Taste of Atlanta and Food That Rocks founder Dale DeSena poses in front of a BMW-sponsored car.

The Select general manager Dave Green, left, serves up the hospitality with chefs Matt Rainey and LeToya Witherspoon.

Jewish Sandy Springs police officer Craig Manne has been on the force for over five years.

Debbie and Andy Bauman, who is a Sandy Springs city councilman, celebrate their first Food That Rocks because they were in the middle of moving during last year’s event.

location which offers some Jewish-oriented menu items and has many Jewish patrons. At the event, they served smoked trout tater tots, which were recently featured in Nation’s Restaurant News. Chef Bruce said, “We want people to see how innovative and creative we are at Bogartz. Folks just can’t resist our pineapple upside-down bread pudding with spiced rum sauce,” as the long line to sample it verified. General manager of The Select, Dave Green, was on hand with Chef Matt Rainey and LeToya Witherspoon serving splashing passion fruit cocktails and strawberry champagne shooters. Green

said, “Hey, we won best restaurant last year when we had not yet opened.” My healthy favorites were Israeli conceived Kale Me Crazy with fresh juices, avocado toast, quinoa bowls and kale salad. Flower Child served its famous sweet potato mushroom grain bowl with demi chocolate mousse cups. Newcomer Casi Cielo owner Juan Henao proffered a wonderful cubed raw tuna with mango. On the side were fresh orange slices topped with grasshoppers (that many eschewed). Outgoing Sandy Springs Society president Sue Winner said, “I think it’s wonderful to see all this culture and activity right here in the middle of our city!” ■

Food and Fun Were Rocking By Marcia Caller Jaffe Food That Rocks returned to the City Green at City Springs June 8 with a hungry throng of 1,800. A salute to the community’s bustling dining scene, this was the fourth annual gathering. Dale Gordon DeSena is the founder and CEO of Taste of Atlanta, which produces Food That Rocks. She said, “Tonight is absolutely great! Great food, great crowd, and great weather.” The latter referred to last year’s lighteningthreatened event and the fact that Saturday there were sheets of predicted torrential rain that miraculously subsided

an hour before start time. Food That Rocks brought together community and entertainment for Sandy Springs-based charities Community Assistance Center, Ian’s Friends Foundation and Second Helpings Atlanta. Sandy Springs City Councilman Andy Bauman remarked, “I am delighted to see so many unfamiliar and diverse faces in the crowd this year.” Sandy Springs police officer Craig Manne, who is Jewish, was on duty circling among the displays. A total of 25 vendors were on display. Bogartz Food Artz chefs Bruce Bogartz and Terri Hitzig were first-time participants and are doing well in their Sandy Springs

Prass Moves from Interim to Director of Weinberg Center By Eddie Samuels While the difference between an interim and permanent position may be as simple as a single word, Rabbi Joseph Prass, recently named the director of the Weinberg Center for Holocaust Education, is taking that in stride. After beginning his stint as interim director in April 2017, Prass is transitioning into a more permanent role at the head of one of the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum’s most iconic attractions. “Nothing and everything have changed,” he said. “Really the exciting part about being named the director is about being able to move forward in charting a course with regard to how the museum will handle Holocaust education in our community, our state and our region in the future.” While much remains the same, that doesn’t change Prass’ feelings of pride over his recent change. “Now, it’s official and we’re moving forward with some new projects,” he said. “To have the confidence of the board behind me is a tremendous honor.” 28 | JUNE 21, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Rabbi Joseph Prass is the new, permanent director of the Weinberg Center for Holocaust Education at the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum.

Rabbi Prass at a “Bearing Witness” program alongside Holocaust survivor George Rishfeld.

In terms of his accomplishments so far, Prass cited three of which he is most proud. “First, we’ve revamped how we’re training our docents, and how they can teach in ways that meet our students’ needs,” he said. “The second is our Summer Institute on Teaching the Holocaust.” Prass was also pleased with the diversity of groups that attend the Weinberg Center’s programming. “They range from BBYO retreats, college classes, … and even military bases. Our Bearing Witness program has grown each year to over 350 people attending

these programs, taking tours and hearing a survivor,” he said. The summer institute was a fourday event for educators, from June 3-6, which provided teachers with personal, face-to-face interactions with survivors, participation in seminars and lessons from Holocaust educators. With that glimpse at the past, Prass is also looking toward the future, which can present unique challenges and opportunities given the subject matter. “We need to continue to adapt and keep up with the times,” he said. “As our first-generation survivors are becoming

older and no longer able to speak, we need to think about how we teach the lessons of the Holocaust in a personal way.” Part of that adaptation can be through who is telling the story, and other aspects are achieved through transitioning to more modern technologies. “We train our second generation — that is, children of survivors — in how to tell their parents’ stories in a way that is most easily understood and internalized by the listener,” Prass said. “In some cases, we’re able to take excerpts from oral histories recorded from survivors and intersperse that with their stories.” For example, Prass noted that a son could tell his mother’s story in part, but then pause and say, “let Mom tell you exactly what that was like for her,” pressing a button to play a video recording. The challenges of Holocaust education aren’t limited to age and technology, Prass said. “We want to make this information as engaging and visual as possible to fit the needs we see,” he said. “As anti-Semitism and ignorance about the Holocaust continues to rise in our community, we are so glad we can tell these stories.” ■

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Henry Gabriel Williams, son of Hannah and Joel Williams of Marietta, was called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah May 25, 2019 at Temple Kehillat Chaim. Henry is a rising eighth-grader at Hightower Trail Middle School and enjoys playing baseball, online gaming with his friends, and spending time with his dog, Baby Doe. He also participates in the Eitanim program and will be participating in the Eitanim Hackathon program in Los Angeles later this summer. Henry previously attended Camp Ramah and is currently active in TKC’s Junior Youth Group. For his mitzvah project, Henry organized a blood drive at TKC. He was inspired by his great-grandfather, Al I. Smith, who was a lifelong super donor with the Jewish War Veterans Post 112. It was important to Henry that his project fulfilled a need, not a want, and he also was inspired to work with the Red Cross because of its work with survivors of natural disasters. Henry looks forward to continuing to bring blood drives to TKC in the future, as he said in his bar mitzvah d’var Torah, “I don’t want this to be a one and done and run.” Henry is the grandson of Donna Smith Aranson and Peter Aranson (z”l) of Sandy Springs; Mary Lynn Ryland (z”l) of Atlanta; and Thomas Williams (z”l) of Richmond, Va.

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Engagement Announcement Maziar – Kaye

Amy Sue and Neal Maziar of Atlanta and Amy and Mitchell Kaye of Marietta announce the engagement of their children. Megan Sara Maziar is the granddaughter of Cookie and Dr. Milton “Butch” Frank, III of Atlanta and Sherry and Harry Maziar of Atlanta. Mitchell “Adam” Kaye Jr. is the grandson of Lynda Lind of St. Pete Beach, Fla., and the late Donald Lind, and Ellen Mae Kaye of Roslyn Heights, N.Y. and the late Elliott Kaye. Megan graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in advertising. She is the manager of digital customer acquisition at Turner Classic Movies. Adam graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and from Georgia State University College of Law. He is an associate with the law firm BakerHostetler specializing in commercial real estate. A 2020 wedding is planned. ■

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COMMUNITY OY VEY! HAVE I GOT A PROBLEM... eryone else is do Dear Rachel, ild insists, “But ev ch a en t wh pu y do pl nt a parent sim What does a pare ber the days when em m to Re . s re em su se es t pr ese days ing it”? Talk abou children want th , “No”? Everything id sa d of primary conan e n ar w s do a foot eds and feeling ne eir th d an n, sio ith our new methengender a discus olesome adults w wh e or l m r, tte be ting more disrespectfu cern. Are we crea and adults seem ds ki y an ry m ra e, po m em . To cont ods? I’m not sure , but this is what in times gone by an th s ou n. rte tio ou ra sc and di rrect for our gene d s and insists is co a movie theater an society advocate my issue. There is to rn tu on re to g ill w in d ates go But I digress an school class altern y daughter’s high m e er th places are in wh Bo ley 1. al g: g in bowlin s with her go ue iss l ra te. ve se ve I ha d and inappropria Saturday nights. they watch are lew s ow k, sh e un dr Th , 2. . gh od are often hi a bad neighborho es is sketchy; they ac pl th bo to es go 3. The crowd that sI sit down and di . th or bo id Shelly to go? Do rb fo I le Do ab ? on do as I re towards a So, what should d hope she’ll steer an r he ith w ns co cuss the pros and e doesn’t? n? But what if sh ow r he on n io decis Signed, Confused

Jewish Joke of the Week

Dear Confused, Mr. Everyone Else is indeed a mighty foe. It’s hard to be the odd one out, even for adults, so it makes it that much more challenging for children. Think of the following: everyone in your social milieu dresses in designer clothing, sends their kids to expensive overnight camps, and is in the process of remodeling their homes. Are you able to withstand that type of pressure? If so, I applaud you because it’s intensely difficult to stand out. Even if you can withstand that type of pressure, imagine a different scenario: You are sitting with a group that is earnestly discussing an agenda, and the majority strongly advocates one view. Are you able to withstand the pressure and express your honest opinion if you disagree? I recommend talking to Shelly and explaining your reservations. If you honestly feel that her attendance on Saturday nights poses a safety risk either to her physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing, I feel you don’t have a choice but to tell her she can’t go. However, there is a big difference between an authoritarian “No!” and a loving “No.” And if Shelly feels understood and validated, that can go a long way towards keeping your relationship intact. However, with kids, especially teens, you never know and can’t judge yourself by the results that play out. You can do everything right and she may still stomp off and slam the door to her room. But if you can look in the mirror and feel certain that you handled the situation appropriately, then you’ve done your best; you can’t do more than that. Can you contact a few of her peers’ parents who are of a similar mindset? If they are also opposed to these outings, maybe you can put your heads together and come up with a Plan B that will appeal to the kids and be more amenable to you. Would they enjoy pizza and viewing a rented movie (that you and the other parents approve)? How about ice cream and an interactive game? Night swimming, anyone? Raising children has become progressively more challenging. But when you keep the ultimate goal in sight – the emergence of a thoughtful, productive, loving person who will try to make the world a better place – then you’ll step forward with sensitivity, loving compassion and confidence. You offer your child the gift of a parent who cares with a full heart and wants nothing more than to see her succeed in her life’s journey. Best of luck, Rachel Atlanta Jewish Times Advice Column Got a problem? Email Rachel Stein at oyvey@atljewishtimes. com, describing your problem in 250 words or less. We want to hear from you and get helpful suggestions for your situation at the same time!

The Impossible Wish U.N. Ambassador Goldberg was on holiday. He was walking along a beach one morning when he stumbled upon an old lamp. He picked it up and rubbed it and a genie appeared. Goldberg asked if he got three wishes, to which the genie responded, “Nope, not these days. I’m only giving out one wish. So ... what’ll it be?” Goldberg didn’t hesitate. “See this map? I want Israel and the Palestinians to stop fighting with each other and start loving each other instead.” The genie looked at the map and exclaimed, “Are you crazy??? These people have been at war for years! I’m good, but I’m not that good. I don’t think it can be done. So, make another wish.” Goldberg thought for a minute and said, “You know, for some minor reason, a lot of people are beginning not to trust me. It would be terrific if you would make everyone trust me more. That’s my wish.” The genie thought for a minute and said, “Hmmmmm. Let me see that map again ...” Joke provided by David Minkoff www.awordinyoureye.com 30 | JUNE 21, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Yiddish Word of the Week bubbeleh Term of endearment, especially for a young[er] person: “Did you finish your dinner, Bubbeleh?” Sometimes with a slightly patronizing undertone: “Let me show you how it’s done, Bubbeleh.” Uncertain derivation; some possibilities: 1. Hebrew ‫ּבּובה‬ ָ bubbah, “doll,” with the Yiddish diminutive suffix -le, bubbale, “little doll.” While the Hebrew word is relatively recent (late 19th /early 20th century), it may have ancient origins in the Latin pupa, “doll,” like the French poupée, “doll.” 2. Yiddish ‫ בובע‬bubbe or ‫ ָבאבע‬bobbe, “grandma,” with the Yiddish diminutive suffix -le, bubbele, “little granny,” or the way a grandmother addresses a grandchild. 3. German Bub, “boy,” with the Yiddish diminutive suffix -le, bubbele, “little boy/child.” Rabbi Joab Eichenberg-Eilon, PhD, teaches Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic at the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies, eTeacher Group Ltd.

BRAIN FOOD

Going Looney 1

14 17

32 34

30 33

43 47

20 23

your phone 50. End to para or poly 1. iPhone carrier, initially 51. 1973 Court decision alias 4. Unlikely clothes for Bezos 52. Israeli juice chain 8. Goes in head first 54. Bezos's river? 14. Chief Rabbi of Israel 56. Jew who voiced 17, 27, 34, & 15. False god 43-Across 16. Life is one 59. River that Vienna and Budapest 17. He could be served at a seder, are on but hopefully not served at a seder? 60. Kind of statue 19. "Transformers" brand 61. Barbecue leftover 20. Bashful 62. Catches 21. Coffee 63. Coloring 22. A year in Brazil 64. NFL goals 23. "Blue Chips" star 25. Sacred name at Camden Yards 26. Put one's foot down? DOWN 27. The impatient might want him to 1. European high point lead a High Holiday service? 2. "The Way," to the Chinese 31. @@@ 3. Terrapins 32. ESPN commentator, familiarly 4. Made steak with Jake, perhaps 33. They make a scene 5. Jewish frat 34. He might counteract besamim? 6. There's one on this page 37. Kind of Torah 7. Droop 39. Bit of land 8. "Peanuts" cartoonist 40. "Children ___ Lesser God" 9. Be ahead 43. Satan in Hobart? 10. Taxing abbreviation? 47. When trains are due: Abbr. 11. The Talmud is full of them 48. B'way buy 12. Deeply serious 49. A Silver one might pop up on 13. John B of song

ACROSS

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

18. Toy with a tail 21. Peace Nobelist Nelson 23. Org. concerned about leaks 24. Back (out) 25. Chills 26. BBQ plate side 28. Trap to shut? 29. 2009 AL Cy Young winner Zack 30. Kind of bandage 34. Make like Mahomes 35. Lumber tree 36. What the confident use for puzzles 37. Former Empire 38. City just north of Tel Aviv 40. Do too much on stage 41. Needled tree 42. ___-rock 44. Makes amends 45. Do a little of this, a little of that 46. It has two lameds in its name 47. "Gadzooks!" 51. The High Priest wore one 52. More than modify 53. Mr. Musk 55. Cozbi's father, in the Bible 56. Harvard Univ. neighbor 57. Nomination 58. Letterman's letters, once

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1

M O

N O M A

S W

D O N

27 33

A 40

A M S

I 29

24 26

C O

E W O R

G R

R O N

U N

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M A

O R

E M

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H W O R M

51 57 60

Bodenstein, Brad Ellerin, Robyn Epstein, Michelle Fendrick, Danielle Friedman, Dana Gelfand, Jodi Green, Andrew Hirsckorn, Eric Horovitz, Brian Katzowitz, Oren Kleinberger, David La Vine, Jaimi Lucca, Jennifer Mellman, Melissa Mitchell, Kimberly Monitz, Mark Needle, Lauri Rainbow, David Roth, Sara Seidman, Sheryl Shectman, Rory Simonds, Brian Stark, Abby Steinfeld, Rachel Wasserman, Julie Weiss and Erin Ziff.

15 Years Ago // June 25, 2004 ■ Neil Sandler was set to become Ahavath Achim Synagogue’s new senior rabbi July 5. He followed in the footsteps of Arnold Goodman, who served for two decades, and the legendary Harry S. Epstein, who served for 54 years. ■ Yeshiva University brought its annual Summer Torah Seminars to Atlanta June 28. A variety of classes, lectures and one-on-one learning opportunities were offered to Atlantans interested in integrating Torah into their everyday lives.

50 Years Ago // June 20, 1969 ■ Miss Stephanie M. Reder of Albany, N.Y., became the bride of Francis Lewis Carter of Augusta June 15 at Temple Beth Emeth. Rabbi Alvin S. Roth officiated. The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin Reder of Delmar, N.Y. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Carter of Augusta.

25 Years Ago // June 17, 1994

■ Congregation Etz Chaim’s Hebrew School graduating class was: Justin Adler, Rachel Avren, Jason Birnbaum, Rachel

■ The Atlanta Jewish Federation’s incoming president, David Minkin, spoke at the annual meeting. Arnold Rubenstein, campaign chairman, announced $13,250,000 in pledges to the annual campaign and $2,950,000 for Operation Exodus.

Remember When

Sam Massell is believed to be Atlanta’s first Jewish mayoral candidate. (William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum)

■ Vice Mayor Sam Massell announced he entered the race for mayor of Atlanta. As far as can be determined, this was the first time in Atlanta’s history that a Jewish candidate ran for the post. Massell served as the city’s number two official for eight years.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 21, 2019 | 31

OBITUARIES

Meyer Leib Frankel 91, Atlanta

Meyer Leib Frankel (Meir Lev ben Moshe, Ha Kohen) passed away June 7, 2019, after a brief illness. Meyer Leib, as he was known by his closest friends, was a native Atlantan who was born October 13, 1927. He was the son of Mack and Pearl Kessler Frankel, the latter also a native Atlantan, both of blessed memory. He was also predeceased by his wife of nearly 58 years, Evelyn Tendrich Frankel, and his daughterin-law Judy Romm Frankel, both of blessed memory. He is survived by his son Baron (Barry) Jay Frankel and his daughter, Shelly Gail Frankel (Joseph) Forer; and grandchildren, Harris Mac Frankel and Rebecca (Daniel) Novick, both of Dallas, Texas, Justin (Morgan) Forer of Philadelphia, Pa., and Frankie (Ronald) Linsky of Tampa, Fla. Meyer is also survived by his six great-grandchildren, Emerie Belle and Rhen Chaite Linsky, Sterling Eloise and Sutton Juniper Forer, and Miles Parker and Julia Rose Novick. In addition, he is survived by his sister Freida L. (Max) Shaffer of Atlanta and by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews in Atlanta and around the country. Meyer was a graduate of Boys High in Atlanta and Emory University. He served in the U.S. Army (101st Weather Group) during World War II. He was known as one of the preeminent independent grocers in Atlanta during the ‘50s and ‘60s and later became an executive in mechanical contracting and construction. Meyer was also an accomplished obedience trainer of dogs; published genealogist; and bridge player, among other hobbies. He actively supported various candidates for public office during the ‘60s and ‘70s. Meyer was interred at Arlington Memorial Park June 7 with Rabbi Ephraim Silverman officiating. In lieu of flowers, Meyer’s family requests that donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Chabad of Cobb (www.chabadofcobb. com), where Meyer was a member, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999. ■

‫זיכרונה‬ ‫לברכה‬

Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact Managing Publisher Kaylene Ladinsky at kaylene@atljewishtimes.com or 404-883-2130, ext. 100, for details about submission, rates and payments. Death notices, which provide basic details, are free and run as space is available; send submissions to editor@atljewishtimes.com. 32 | JUNE 21, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Strategic Planning In consulting for businesses and also for young adults, we often are asked about planning for the future, called strategic planning. For very large companies, it is important for top management to obtain the plans for each of their divisions to coordinate the overall direction of the company.

Projecting where you want to go in the future, often three to five years for a large company, requires an ability to understand who you are and then commit to a future direction. Even after determining an end game, the really big issue is how to get there. For a Allen H. company, it could be a new Lipis product, increased profits, a new location, or all of them. The basic approach to The Bottom Line The bigger the company, the any future strategy has to more complex the plan, but regardless, deal with three questions: the implementation plan requires dedi1. Where are we today? cation with an ongoing focus. It is never 2. Where do we want to go? 3. How do we get from where we are easy, but it is an excellent way to reach success, however you define it. today to where we want to go? In discussion with Rabbi Russ ShulEach question is not easy to answer, kes, executive director of Hillels of Georincluding where we are today. It often gia, who deals with college kids, he pointed takes a lot of analysis to understand the out that strategic planning can and often present situation and a courageous hon- should be applied to 18-year-olds and oldesty to admit what the strengths and er, in or not in college, who do not know weaknesses are. This is true for any busi- what they want to do. Many young adults in their 20s don’t think much beyond ness, and for a person.

CLOSING THOUGHTS their immediate future when they should be thinking strategically for the next three to five years. They would be much better off in staking out a career if they could define where they want to be at the end of the next five years, and then proceed to do whatever it takes to get there. Although a five-year plan is important, circumstances do change and so the plan must change. I have found that the plan can change every year or even sooner. The new plan merely replaces the old one and you move on. The point is that you always have a direction, even if the direction changes. In my own case, I changed majors in college, discovered that I didn’t want to do what I studied in getting my Master of Science degree, and took 10 years after college to find my life’s work. And for my own company, we always had a strategic plan, but it changed each year as our consulting business grew. I never could stay with the same plan for very long. There were new ideas that came along, and customers had needs that we did not anticipate, but which we could fulfill. My

young staff would suggest a new idea and if it had a positive feel, we often tried to make it work. We had to be open to new ways of working to remain competitive. For a young adult, it is useful to have a strategic plan (the longer the better), but recognize that it will change. Over a five-year period, failures will occur. The focus should be not on the failure but on the experience that failure teaches. For a young adult, failures can be ways of understanding what the new direction needs to be. You don’t go down paths that fail. Failures are not there for self-criticism and regret, but for recommitment and learning. In the end, it is the parents and grandparents and no one else who can, together with a young adult, establish and help implement the strategic plan. No one else usually will care enough or have the resources to stay committed to the plan for the time it takes to succeed. ■ The bottom line: If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 21, 2019 | 33

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Ask about our move in specials today! 404-445-7777

Coming Soon~Amenities: • Indoor Saltwater Pool • Hydrotherapy Pool • Farm to Table Restaurants • Wine Cellar and Tasting Room • Full Service Spa • Pet Spa • Fitness Center with Steam Room • Exclusive Concierge Services • 18 + Floor Plans • Cottage Homes available in Acworth and Woodstock • Assisted Living & Memory Care Residences available • Private Balcony & Porches • Covered Parking • Tesla Car Services and Valet Parking • Personal Relocation Manager

www.holbrooklife.com Schedule Your Tour Today! 404-445-7777 Acworth, GA opening late Summer 2019 • Decatur, GA opening July 2019 • Woodstock, GA opening Fall 2020 36 | JUNE 21, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES