Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCVIII NO. 12, June 30, 2022 by Atlanta Jewish Times

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THIS WEEK On the Road Again Whether abroad or at home, by land or by sea, Atlantans are beating the summer heat with travel itineraries you’ll wish you came up with yourself. In this issue, you will find a passport to a world of adventure. From the pristine beaches and blue waters off Florida’s renowned Route 30 to the stylish tours organized by Peter and Lauren Rubin of Sandy Springs travel agency About Going Places, we have travel ideas for every kind of traveler. Meet Terri Abadi, who grew up in South Africa and now brings visitors on unforgettable safari expeditions with her Atlanta-based safari company, Iconic Africa. Or travel the foodie destinations of America with culinary enthusiast Skye Estroff, host of the new series “Foodie Road Trip.” For something closer to home, try Wilmington, N.C., which has a storied Jewish history and plenty to see, including the places where “Matlock” and “Dawson’s Creek” were filmed. Before you go, why not dot all your

i’s and cross your t’s by making a stop at Dr. Mitchell Blass’s travel clinic? Dr. Blass and his team prepare travelers for all kinds of journeys, from cruises to places where immunizations are recommended. One place you won’t need shots to travel to is the new immersive Picasso exhibit at Pullman Yards, or the Illuminarium’s “O’Keeffe: One Hundred Flowers,” featuring the paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe. You won’t need them at Blue Man Group’s next show, either, coming to the Fox Theatre on July 8. In addition to all the travel content, we bring you community news and political updates, including the latest on the primaries, Israel’s government woes, leadership changes at the Tam Jewish Institute and the story of Rep. Todd Jones’s Jewish roots. So, get ready to go on an adventure with the AJT! No need to pack your bags, though; this is one journey that you can make from the comfort of your living room. ì

Cover image: Our travel issue features the WaterColor Beach Club, located in Florida’s 30A, which offers visitors spectacular vistas, beachfront pools and all the amenities.

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NEWS Rep. Todd Jones Honors His Jewish Roots By Dave Schechter Todd Jones is clear when asked about his religious identification. “I don’t want to be judged by one hour of every week, where I sit,” said the Republican state representative from Forsyth County. “I want to be judged on seven days a week, 24 hours a day, so I work as hard as I can with the ethos that both sets of grandparents gave me.” By traditional Jewish law, which relies on matrilineal descent, Jones is Jewish. His mother, Gail Kaplan, is descended from Jewish immigrants who came to the United States from Russia in the 1910s. His late father, Walter, was Presbyterian. Jones used the term “bi-religious” in an interview, later adding, “That is just a phraseology, but I do consider myself of both faiths.” Throughout the 2021-22 legislative term, state Rep. Mike Wilensky was referred to in these pages as “the only Jewish member of the General Assembly.” The Dunwoody Democrat knew of several House members with Jewish branches on

their family trees, but he was unaware of Jones’s background. When informed, Wilensky said, “Learning that he is halfJewish is exciting. He is an extremely intelligent, kind and hard-working state representative.” Jones’s story began in the 1950s, when the Kaplans of Connecticut and the Joneses of New Jersey moved to south Florida. There, Walter Jones, who had enlisted in the Marine Corps, met and married Gail Kaplan. Todd was born in August 1967. Walter served two tours of combat duty in Vietnam before being stationed on Okinawa in Japan. Todd and his mother lived in Marine Corps communities at Camp LeJeune, N.C., and Quantico, Va., and spent a great deal of time with both sets of grandparents in south Florida. Jones said that when he was born the families disagreed over whether he should be raised Jewish or Christian. It was decided that the boy would experience both traditions. That meant spending Jewish holidays, such as Passover and Chanukah — as well as the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur — with the

Forsyth County Republican state representative Todd Jones (right) with Rabbi Levi Mentz.

Kaplans and Christian holidays with his father’s parents. “As I got older, 10, 11, 12, I started to ask. When you’re that young you’re still inquisitive,” Jones said. “I asked, for instance, why I wasn’t baptized, why wasn’t I a bar mitzvah.” Jones was told that the decision made within the family was, in essence, that “We’re going to raise him to be a good person.” Looking back, he said, “I loved both my sets of grandparents. I think they raised

me to really just do the right thing, whether Christian or Jewish, just do the right thing.” Jones met his wife, Tracey, in middle school. “What started out as this annoying boy I debated against in 7th grade (he was in 8th ... he thought his grade ruled the school!), somehow just a few years later morphed into this amazing guy I began dating in high school,” she wrote on the website of Rustic Trace, her arts and crafts company. At the beach one day, Tracey asked

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Managing Director/Investments Portfolio Manager – Solutions Program Sarasota direct: (941) 329-6286 Atlanta direct: (404) 231-6535 (678) 575-1399 cell | broching@stifel.com www.brochinwealthmanagement.com Todd and Tracey Jones discussed their son’s condition on WXIA-TV.

“As I was growing up, I would never Todd about his religious upbringing. She was, he said, unfazed by his explanation. see a government entity, no matter what The couple, both University of Florida intentions it had, that could function as graduates, married in 1993 and are the par- well as a community. A community can ents of three adult sons and a daughter in transcend anything a government can do,” Jones said. high school. Mental health reform is one issue, Jones has a close relationship with Congregation Beth Israel, in Cumming, though, where Todd and Tracey Jones have Ga., which was established by Chabad personal experience in how government of Forsyth and Rabbi Levi Mentz. When can assist the community. Just this year, the General Assembly plans to build a synagogue and community center were announced in February took up sweeping legislation that included 2020, Jones told the gathering that the proj- mental health parity, which requires inect was “what we want in Forsyth County surance companies to treat medical and for decades to come.” Tracey, who attends mental health coverage equally. Tracey tesBrowns Bridge Church in Cumming, also tified before the House Health and Human Services Committee, has engaged with the tearfully telling lawmakBeth Israel community. ers: “I never imagined I Mentz calls Jones a would be standing here “dear friend” and “a very, today advocating for very, very early founding the passage of a menmember” of Beth Israel. tal health bill. I know “Something that both of there’s no other place us connected about is I should be than right that we, the synagogue’s here for my son, Justin.” ideology, Chabad ideoloJustin Jones was an gy, is very much aligned outstanding student and with the way Todd Jones Rep. Todd Jones speaking on the debater in high school sees things and sees the floor of the Georgia House. before his mental health world,” Mentz said. It is not enough, Mentz elaborated, for deteriorated. It took five years for him to Jews to see themselves as private citizens. get a diagnosis of Schizoaffective disorder “Rather, we have a responsibility to be good and anosognosia, a condition in which public ambassadors,” to make sure that not patients are unaware or unable to underonly are personal needs met but “we have a stand their psychiatric condition. Finding responsibility to make sure that our area and an effective treatment plan took another three years and visits to 20 different facilithe people around us are bettered,” he said. Professionally, Jones is a technology ties in four states. “I’m angry that it has taken more than executive, a lawyer who assists companies on what are called triple bottom line con- eight years for Justin to get the necessary cerns: social, environmental and financial and appropriate mental health care for his diagnosis,” Tracey testified. impacts. “We pay the premium payments, they Jones has represented House District 25 — comprised of southeast Forsyth should provide the care,’’ she said of insurCounty and, after redistricting, also a piece ance companies that limited the length of of northern Fulton County — since Janu- her son’s facility stays. “Families and their ary 2017. He is seeking a fourth term in No- loved ones with mental illness will never have to endure and follow the difficult and vember’s general election. Jones, whose politically formative frustrating path that our son and family years were during the presidency of Ron- have had to endure.” Todd, a co-sponsor of the legislation, ald Reagan, said his priorities are less hot-button social issues than economic called his wife’s testimony “magnificent.” development, education, healthcare and The bill was signed into law in April by Gov. Brian Kemp. ì transportation.

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NEWS

Is the Jewish ‘Golden Age’ Over?

Professor Pamela Nadell of American University and journalist Bret Stephens of the New York Times debated the future of Jewish life in America at the American Jewish Committee’s Global Forum in New York City.

By Bob Bahr On June 14, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) closed out its annual three-day Global Forum with a provocative debate about the future of Jewish life in America. The debate, titled “The Great Debate,” brought together two influential observers of Jewish life in America to respond to the question: “Is the Golden Age of American Jewish Life Over?” Taking an optimistic view was Pamela Nadell, a distinguished professor of Jewish

Studies at American University in Washington, D.C., and a former president of the Association of Jewish Studies. She maintained that the so-called “Golden Age” that began an upward trajectory for American Jews following World War II would continue. The fact that this debate took place before more than a thousand members of the American Jewish Committee who attended the conference at Congregation Emanu-El in New York City may be one indication of that vitality. Responding to Nadell was Bret Ste-

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The American Jewish Committee’s “The Great Debate” brought together two influential observers of Jewish life in America to respond to the question, “Is the Golden Age of American Jewish Life Over?”

phens, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for the New York Times and editor of SAPIR: A Journal of Jewish Conversations, published by the conservative Maimonides Fund. A self-proclaimed pessimist by nature, Stephens argued that the Jewish community in America was on the “edge of a precipice” that could be “facing decline or even collapse.” At this moment, he argued, Jews are contending with a time not entirely unlike Germany in the 1920s, when life for those caught in the crosshairs of extremism was beginning to sour and where public debate became increasingly divorced from reality. Stephens is an influential conservative opinion maker who was the keynote speaker at the American Jewish Press Association convention in Atlanta this week. At the AJC, he described the history of the contemporary Jewish diaspora as “darkness at noon.” “Today in America, we live in a land in which seemingly sane people think that 9/11 was an inside job, that Barack Obama was born in Kenya. That the election of 2020 was stolen from the incumbent president. When people will believe anything about anything. They will believe anything about the Jews. And that is what worries me today,” Stephens said. According to Professor Nadell, however, the answer to all the bad ideas currently in circulation is the continued development of good ideas by Jewish writers and thinkers. She pointed to what she described as the continued influence of a new generation of Jewish intellectuals and “the flowering of Jewish studies” on university campuses. She pointed to the fact that in the last 75 years we’ve gone from a handful of scholars specializing in the examination of Jewish life to a community of 1,800 specialists teaching Jewish studies across the country and beyond. “They don’t teach only Jewish students,” Nadell pointed out, “and this is a sign of the flourishing of our golden age. And it is not diminishing.” Nevertheless, it is these students and

what he describes as the decline in their Jewish identity and subsequent lack of commitment to the state of Israel that troubles Stephens. “For millions of secular-minded American Jews, Israel was the glue,” he said. “Israel was the cause. Zionism was an effective and powerful and emotionally satisfying substitute for religious observance that many people found themselves leaving behind. It also says something about the nature of American Jewish emotional connections that at the height of last year’s war, so many young American Jews were eagerly signing letters denouncing Israeli behavior.” Last November, for example, the New York Times published a lengthy examination, “Inside the Unravelling of American Zionism,” by Marc Tracy, who had once worked for the Jewish-interest magazine Tablet. Among other developments, the article mentioned an open letter signed by 93 rabbinical students in five different U.S. cities that compared the plight of Palestinians to discrimination against Black Americans and urged American Jews to rethink their support for American military aid to Israel. But, for Nadell, disagreements like these are less a cause for concern than a sign of strength. “Decades ago, I said that the American Jewish community, in terms of its identity, was in deep trouble because it was hanging its hat on two events external to the United States: the Holocaust and Israel. And we couldn’t sustain a community that way,” she recalled. At least one early Zionist thought that Israel would become the “spiritual center” that all the communities of the Jewish diaspora would circle around, Nadell said, but that was never going to work. “Anyone who knows anything about the way in which ethnic communities change and develop and shape their ethnicities over time knows that you can’t do that from an impetus from outside. It’s got to come from within.” ì

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NEWS

Miriam Udel Named Director of Tam Jewish Institute By Bob Bahr Miriam Udel, an associate professor of Yiddish Language, Literature and Culture at Emory University, has been named the new director of the school’s Tam Institute for Jewish Studies. Udel, who began teaching at Emory in 2007, won the 2017 National Jewish Book Award in Modern Jewish Thought and Experience for her book “Never Better: The Modern Jewish Picaresque.” Emory Professor Miriam Udel is taking over leadership of the Tam Institute for Jewish Studies. Udel takes over the institute She won a National Jewish Book award in 2017 for following an extensive reorgani“Never Better: The Modern Jewish Picaresque.” zation overseen by Eric Goldstein, a professor of Jewish Studies at described by Goldstein “as a major step Emory who has run the Tam Inforward.” Udel sees the hiring of Entis and stitute for the last 10 years. Last September, Goldstein brought other administrative changes as helping Paul Entis on to become the institute's to invigorate the institute’s mission. “Restructuring the administrative first-ever administrative lead staff director. Entis is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of leadership of the institute was part of a Emory with over two decades of experi- number of structural changes Eric Goldence in administration, programming stein made to reflect the somewhat difand fundraising in the Jewish and secular ferent role that we have as an institute,” nonprofit world. His appointment was she told the AJT. “We are embedded in

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Udel will be taking over from Eric Goldstein, a professor of Jewish Studies at Emory who has run the Institute for the last 10 years.

both the educational landscape at Emory and the community landscape in Atlanta. It really goes to the heart of a lot. What we have now is an executive director who is the operational visionary, who partners with the faculty leadership. Paul Entis is a very, very skilled administrator who really has the human touch, and he is a thought partner for us in actually getting things done, in operationalizing the vision we have for the Institute.” The Tam Institute brings together 19 Emory faculty members in seven academic departments, as well as representatives from the Emory Law School and Emory Candler School of Theology. It is the largest Jewish studies program in the South. The institute also sponsors a number of important events for the Atlanta community, including the Tenenbaum Family Lecture Series in Jewish Studies each spring and the Rabbi Jacob Rothschild Memorial Lecture in the fall. Because of its unique role, the institute is also often seen as an important intermediary in the increasingly contentious atmosphere between Jewish and nonJewish students on campus. Emory has had its share of antisemitic incidents in recent years, but Udel believes the Tam Institute’s role is in helping to defuse tensions. “That is a really important question,” she says. “And the simple answer to it is that the single best response to antisemitism is really robust, well-informed knowledge of Judaism and Jewishness. So, the role, the special role that we play as an academic unit for Jewish Studies is teaching students and modeling for students what it means to have a deeply informed, critical engagement with the questions that define Jewish life right now and have defined Jewish life for millennia.” Udel comes armed with considerable experience in navigating controversial questions, not only on campus, but

Each spring, the Tam Institute sponsors the Tenenbaum Family Lecture Series in Jewish Studies, featuring a visiting scholar.

in American Jewish life as well. She is a member of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, which describes itself as an advocate “for expanding women’s rights and opportunities within the framework of halacha to build a vibrant and equitable Orthodox community.” She has also received ordination as a Darshanit (the female form of darshan, meaning expounder of scripture) in 2019 from Yeshivat Maharat in New York City. Just two years before, in 2017, the Orthodox Union unanimously affirmed that women could not serve in any of the roles reserved for Orthodox Jewish clergy. The ruling, in effect, rejected Yeshivat Maharat’s Kollel Executive Ordination Track for women. Nonetheless, Udel sees her ordination as complementary to her work as a scholar. “At the time that I was choosing a career, there was no professional pathway open for women in the Orthodox world to become clergy,” she recalled. “As I was starting to write my scholarly books and do my teaching and develop my scholarly career as a student of modern Jewish literature, new horizons were opening up for women within the Orthodox world and there was a convergence coming, where I was invited to apply for a new program at Yeshivat Maharat that was designed to offer women with the underlying extra skills the opportunity to train as clergy in the midst of an already flourishing career. And I thought this was made for me because I knew that it would afford me an opportunity for integration of both my scholarly interest and my interest in the study of Torah.” Udel is set to take over leadership from Eric Goldstein on Aug. 1. Goldstein is planning to spend a sabbatical year finishing a book about Jewish immigrant culture in America before returning to teaching at Emory in 2023. ì

NEWS

We Kame, Kibbitzed and Konnected By Marcia Caller Jaffe The only thing more sizzling than the record high temps on Tuesday, June 21, was Kibbitz & Konnect, Ray Alyssa Rothman’s premier social event for Atlanta singles at bar(n) in Dunwoody Village. Rothman, who had been planning the event for months, utilizing social media and other outlets, pronounced it “a smashing success.” “The kickoff event exceeded my expectations, with over 160 people attending,” she told the AJT. “It was great seeing connections being made, with people traveling from as far as Birmingham. Hopefully more people at future events will come from Chattanooga, Greenville, Nashville and other southeast cities.” During the event, singles ranging in age from the 20s-30s to the 40s-60s sought out potential partners who caught their eye and maybe just emitted a spark. “I would like to meet a woman who has a ‘Jewish head,’ is family oriented, fun, normal, with no drama,” said dentist Lior Raphael, 38. Divorcee Arona Elk, 46, who is a mobility therapist for the visually impaired, said, “I’d like to meet someone who is fun, friendly and into having a relationship.” Stephen Jaffe (no relation), who is in the recycling business and has a side hustle as a songwriter, drove in from Birmingham for the event. Sporting a tie-dyed kippah, he described himself as “happy-go-lucky.” When it comes to his bashert, the 63-year-old says, “I’ll know it when I see it. I’m seeking that certain spark.” Jaffe professed his love of Torah, mentioning his involvement in Chabad and said that he was open to meeting interesting people. Josh Lehrer, a 28-year-old nurse practitioner and Emory grad who is originally from New Jersey, said, “I’ve lived in four major cities. If I meet someone here, maybe I will stay put in Atlanta.” Baltimore native Paula Jontiff, 34, an area executive at Nordstrom, came with her friend, Carla Hockenberry, who is also 34 and a therapist. Jontiff said she was looking for “a really nice guy who gets along well with others.” “Intelligence is very important to me,” Hockenberry added. Sales executive Josh Rittman, 42, was in search of “an amazing Jewish woman.” He admitted that his ex-wife was on the other side of the patio, also networking. Elliot, a 37-year-old funeral director

This chalkboard greeted singles at the Kibbitz & Konnect event at the bar(n) in Dunwoody Village. // Credit: Jon Marks Photography

Ray Rothman and Beth Freedman organize programs on behalf of Jewish singles. // Credit: Jon Marks Photography

Carla and Paula, both 34. Paula is seeking “a really nice guy who gets along well with others.”

The crowd made the most of a sweltering evening. // Credit: Jon Marks Photography

in Lawrenceville, is divorced and co-parenting two young children. Over the last year, he said, he had spent time browsing dating apps. At the singles event, his approach was to stand along the side to see who made contact with his piercing blue eyes. Evan Blitzer, a 31-year-old customer service rep, was “just open to making new friends.” Beth Freedman, a matchmaker and dating coach who started the JuLuv website with Jenna Shulman in 2014, helped Rothman along the way and also checked in attendees. “I’m married now, raising a family and have always seen the need for Jewish singles’ platforms,” Freedman said. “Ray

is very timely here, coming out of COVID, where people have not been meeting so much face to face. Tonight we are all happy to be out.” Freedman, who has a degree in counseling and says she’s had 10 marriage matches so far, says that “Sometimes people screw up being their best self before they even meet the person. Things are often misread. We arrange the dates and sometimes have to urge men to follow up, as they can be bad at that. Dates can be ‘one-and-done’ or long-term.” Following the first singles’ gathering, events will split into two groups, one for the younger singles and one for the older. But Rothman envisions more than

Elliot and Arona were looking for fun and friendly connections.

just social networking: sign-ups for theater, musical concerts, dining, dancing and Shabbat dinners with other Jewish singles. The next event for the 40s-60s will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 9 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Ecco in Buckhead. The 20s-30s crowd is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, Sept. 13 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Hudson Grille in Sandy Springs. “I truly feel that Kibbitz & Konnect can benefit the Atlanta Jewish community and help to build Jewish continuity,” Rothman added. To sign up for the mailing list and future events, visit www.kibbitzkonnect. org. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 30, 2022 | 11

NEWS

Ossoff Cautions White House About Pentagon Plan By Dave Schechter Less than a month before President Joe Biden is to visit Israel and the West Bank, a Pentagon plan to downgrade the U.S. military’s security liaison with the Palestinian Authority has met with bipartisan objections in the Senate, led by Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff and South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham. Sens. Ossoff and Graham wrote on June 17 to the Biden administration, urging that the post of U.S. Security Coordinator remain with a three-star general and not be reassigned to a colonel. Their letter was signed by 32 other senators: 20 Democrats — including Georgia’s Raphael Warnock — and 12 Republicans. “Given continued regional volatility, steadfast high-level U.S. leadership and engagement to support peace and stability in Israel and the West Bank remain in the national security interest of the United States,” the letter said. “The European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Poland and others count on the USSC to provide this leadership.

On June 17, Sens. Jon Ossoff and Lindsey Graham wrote to the Biden administration, urging that the post of U.S. Security Coordinator not be reassigned to a colonel. The post was created in 2005 to improve the Palestinian security services after the second intifada.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed his concerns to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides has conveyed similar objections to the Pentagon.

The letter was signed by 32 other senators: 20 Democrats — including Georgia’s Raphael Warnock — and 12 Republicans.

Downgrading this position would undermine critical security programs and degrade communications between Israelis and Palestinians, which the USSC facilitates. Such a downgrade would also risk fracturing the U.S.- led international coalition committed to strengthening security and stability in Israel and the West Bank.” Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is tasked with implementing a reduction in the number of

generals and admirals, as called for by the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “We understand Congress has required the Department to reduce the aggregate number of flag and general officers, and this requirement may have driven consideration of this change,” wrote Ossoff and Graham. “Nevertheless, we urge you not to downgrade this position at a time when U.S. leadership in the region is critical, and we stand ready to work with you to amend the law as necessary to support this vital policy objective.” As part of the NDAA, the military liaisons in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also would be downgraded to lower ranks. The subject may come up when Biden visits Israel and the West Bank, and then Saudi Arabia, during a July 13-16 trip. The U.S. security coordinator post was created in 2005 to improve the Palestinian security services after the second intifada. Axios reported that Secretary of State Antony Blinken has conveyed his concerns to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and that U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides has conveyed similar objections to the Pentagon. “At a time when Israelis, Palestinians and many Arab states are all looking for signs that the U.S. remains committed to the region, downgrading the USSC and other regional military attachés makes little sense,” the publication was told by former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, who currently serves as a distinguished fellow in the Atlantic Council’s Middle East programs. This was the second recent letter from Ossoff and a Republican colleague to the Biden administration on an issue related to Israel and the Palestinians. On June 6, Ossoff and Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney wrote to Blinken, insisting

that the Biden administration “ensure a full and transparent investigation is completed and that justice is served” in the death of an American journalist in the West Bank in May. In that letter, Ossoff and Romney declared themselves “deeply disturbed” by the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, a reporter for Al Jazeera. On May 11, Abu Akleh, a 51-year-old native of East Jerusalem, was killed when she was struck in the head by a bullet as she stood with other journalists covering an Israel Defense Forces raid at a refugee camp in the city of Jenin. At the time of her death, Abu Akleh was wearing a helmet and a blue armored vest that read, “Press.” Israel rejected the Palestinian Authority’s assertion that Abu Akleh was targeted by IDF troops and called on the PA to release the bullet that killed Abu Akleh for an independent examination. The PA has refused, saying that it does not trust Israel. Israeli news organizations reported that an interim report issued by Israel posited two scenarios: one in which indiscriminate fire by Palestinian gunmen in the direction of IDF vehicles struck Abu Akleh, and another in which a shot fired in return by an Israeli sniper struck the reporter. The Times of Israel reported June 17 that IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi “had ordered the team investigating the incidents of May 11 to be enlarged ‘in order to deepen the study of documentary evidence from that night.’” Ossoff also raised the issue during a 40-minute call on June 23 with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh. A statement related by Ossoff’s office said that he “requested information regarding the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to investigate Ms. Akleh’s death and reiterated his desire that all parties ensure a full, transparent and unbiased investigation is completed.” ì

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NEWS

A Juneteenth Kabbalat Shabbat By Robert Garber Over 40 people braved the stormy weather Friday night, June 17, to attend a special Kabbalat Shabbat service at the Distillery of Modern Art in Chamblee, while around 200 more tuned in online. The event was co-hosted by the Atlanta Jews of Color Council (AJOCC) and Kol HaPanim (All Faces), and sponsored by Reconstructing Judaism; Jewish Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), powered by the Federation of North America; The Weber School; Bend the Arc Jewish Action Atlanta; The Global Purpose Approach; The MACoM Community Mikvah; Rise Up and The Black Jewish Liberation Collective. The Shabbat event was largely the brainchild of Rabbi Sandra Lawson, who in 2020 founded Kol HaPanim, an inclusive and diverse Jewish community based in North Carolina, where Jews of color could be seen as community and spiritual leaders. They began hosting monthly Kabbalat Shabbat services online in March 2021, and Rabbi Lawson began looking for a place to hold an in-person

From left to right: Dr. Koach Baruch Frazier, Rabbi Joshua Lesser and Rabbi Sandra Lawson lead the crowd in song. // Credit: Dedra Walker from EmoryRose Photography

Victoria Raggs (second from the left, top row) poses with Reagan Jennings (far right) and several other event attendees. // Photo Credit: Dedra Walker from EmoryRose Photography

event led by Jews of color in early 2022. She spoke with an old friend of hers, Rabbi Joshua Lesser, formerly of Congregation Bet Haverim, who told her, “You have to talk to Victoria” Raggs, founder of the AJOCC. And the two began organizing the night’s event. “She [Lawson] really wanted to give rabbis of color/rabbinical students of col-

or an opportunity to be seen and heard,” said Raggs. In this case, the rabbinical student in question was Dr. Koach Baruch Frazier, the current rabbinical intern at Kol HaPanim. That night, as everyone settled in, Rabbi Lawson and Frazier began to sing “Eyes Set on Freedom” to invite everyone into the service. After Miriam Raggs, Victoria Raggs’s daughter, led the Shechehiyanu prayer to recognize the unique importance of the event and Rabbi Veronica Shay Israel lit the candles, the evening continued with prayers and songs, as Lawson strummed the guitar and Frazier played drums. The crowd, which had started off joining in rather quietly, was singing loudly and exuberantly with them by the end. Rabbi Lesser made a brief statement, welcoming the blessings of Shabbat, but recognizing Juneteenth as “a blessing not fully achieved.” He then led the crowd in a moment of silence. Frazier gave a D’var Torah, comparing Juneteenth to the jubilee year, when all slaves in Israel are to be freed, and to Pesach Sheni, the second Pesach for those who were, for whatever reason, unable to celebrate the first. He noted that, for the Black residents of Galveston, Texas, the celebration was no less exuberant, though it took far, far too long to come. “You too,” he said, “must make time to mark your freedom from bondage.” The rabbis concluded the service with a special Mourner’s Kaddish for Black lives (although those wishing to say the traditional Mourners’ Kaddish were encouraged to do so). The traditional prayers over the wine and challah were said and the crowd stood to converse, but the importance of what they’d just participated in was not lost on anyone.

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From left to right: Reagan Jennings, Dr. Frazier, Rabbi Lawson and Victoria Raggs. // Credit: Dedra Walker from EmoryRose Photography

Miriam Raggs (center) leads the crowd in the Shechehiyanu prayer, while her mom, Victoria Raggs (left) and Rabbi Sandra Lawson (right) look on. // Photo Credit: Dedra Walker from EmoryRose Photography

Rabbi Lawson explained how much it meant for a lot of Jews of color, who often face discrimination both outside and within the Jewish community, to be able to have a community and a place, whether physical or virtual, to gather and to be seen — a large part of the reason she founded Kol HaPanim in the first place. Frazier, who will begin leading Kol HaPanim’s services in the coming months, also noted the importance of bringing the most vulnerable people to the center. “In Bamidbar, when the people Israel traveled, the Levites, who traveled in the center, could own no land or wealth. The most vulnerable people were in the middle. Not the margins. The center,” he said. It’s a sentiment with which Raggs also agrees. “LGBTQ, disabled, Black Jews, anyone who has felt historically excluded, it’s time to bring those people in,” she said. “Juneteenth is a Jewish holiday, it is an American holiday, because, as human beings, until all of us are free, none of us are.” ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 30, 2022 | 15

POLITICS Runoffs Set Field for November General Election

Rep. Bee Nguyen, who received 77 percent of the vote, won the Democratic runoff against former state Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler.

By Dave Schechter On the day Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger testified before a U.S. House committee about efforts by former Republican President Donald Trump to reverse the state’s 2020 presidential vote, Democrats chose his opponent for the Nov. 8 general election. Polls had been closed only minutes Tuesday night when news services declared state Rep. Bee Nguyen, who received 77 percent of the vote, the winner of the Democratic runoff against former state Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler. Nguyen had been endorsed by Stacey Abrams, who will be the Democrats’ standard bearer in November against incumbent Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. She is the first Vietnam-

The Republican runoff in State House District 50, between Betsy Kramer, who is Jewish, and Narender Reddy was too close to call.

In the 7th congressional district, Mark Gonsalves won 70 percent of the vote against Michael Corbin.

ese American in the General Assembly and is bidding to become the first Asian American elected statewide in Georgia. The vote totals on the secretary of state’s website showed 100 percent of the counties and precincts reporting, but the results were unofficial and may not have included absentee and provisional ballots. One race still too close to call Wednesday afternoon was the Republican runoff in State House District 50. The latest available vote totals in the Johns Creek district showed Betsy Kramer, a longtime Fulton County Republican Party official, who is Jewish, with 923 votes and her opponent, businessman Narender Reddy, with 935. The winner will face Democratic state Sen. Michelle Au in the Nov. 8 general election.

Abrams also endorsed attorney Charlie Bailey, who won 63 percent of the vote against former Atlanta councilman Kwanza Hall in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. Bailey will face state Sen. Burton Jones, who narrowly won the May 24 Republican primary, and Libertarian Ryan Graham. Current Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan opted not to seek re-election. In the acrimonious Republican runoff in the 6th congressional district, emergency room physician Rich McCormick won 66 percent of the vote against attorney Jake Evans, who had been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. McCormick will face Democrat Bob Christian in the Nov. 8 general election. Republicans also chose Mark Gonsalves to oppose Rep. Lucy Mc-

Rep. Lucy McBath, who currently represents the 6th district in Congress, won the 7th district Democratic primary over incumbent Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux.

In the 10th congressional district, Republican Mike Collins, son of the late Republican congressman Mac Collins, received 74 percent of the vote against Trump-endorsed former Democrat Vernon Jones.

Bath in the 7th congressional district. Gonsalves won 70 percent of the vote

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POLITICS

In the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, Charlie Bailey won 63 percent of the vote against former Atlanta councilman Kwanza Hall.

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In the 6th congressional district, Rich McCormick won 66 percent of the vote against attorney Jake Evans, who had been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

against Michael Corbin. McBath, who currently represents the 6th district in Congress, won the 7th district Democratic primary over incumbent Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux. McBath entered the 7th district race after the Republican-controlled General Assembly made the 6th more friendly to Republicans in the post-2020 Census redistricting. The same redistricting buoyed Democratic chances of holding the 7th district, which Bourdeaux flipped to blue in 2020. In the 10th congressional district Republican runoff, Mike Collins, a trucking executive and the son of the late Republican congressman Mac Collins, received 74 percent of the vote against Trump-endorsed former Democrat Vernon Jones. In November, Collins will face Tabitha JohnsonGreen, who won 64 percent of the vote against Jessica Allison Fore in the Democratic primary. ì

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ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME Israeli Researchers Find Olive Trees Were First Domesticated 7,000 years ago

A joint study by researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University unraveled the earliest evidence for domestication of a fruit tree. The researchers analyzed remnants of charcoal from the Chalcolithic site of Tel Zaf in the Jordan Valley and determined that they came from olive trees. Since the olive did not grow naturally in the Jordan Valley, this means that the inhabitants planted the tree intentionally about 7,000 years ago. The groundbreaking study was led by Dr. Dafna Langgut of the Jacob M. Alkow Department of Archaeology & Ancient Near Eastern Cultures and the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History at Tel Aviv University. The charcoal remnants were found in the archaeological excavation directed by Prof. Yosef Garfinkel of the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University. The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports from the publishers of Nature. Langgut said, “I am the head of the Laboratory of Archaeobotany & Ancient Environments, which specializes in microscopic identification of plant remains. Trees, even when burned down to charcoal, can be identified by their anatomic structure. Wood was the ‘plastic’ of the ancient world. It was used for construction, for making tools and furniture, and as a source of energy. That’s why

Today in Israeli History

June 30, 2012: Israel’s seventh prime minister, Yitzhak Shamir, dies at 96. Born in Poland during World War I, he made aliyah in 1935. He joined the Irgun, then the Stern Gang. He was first elected to the Knesset in 1973. July 1, 1973: Col. Yosef “Joe” Alon, an Israeli military attache, is fatally shot in his driveway in Chevy Chase, Maryland. A Palestinian broadcast calls the unsolved slaying revenge for a terrorist’s killing two days earlier. Yossi Benayoun plays for Chelsea during the 2010-11 season.

July 2, 2010: Midfielder Yossi Benayoun leaves Liverpool for fellow English Premier League club Chelsea. The 30-year-old Dimona native, a soccer pro since age 16, is a veteran of the top Israeli and Spanish leagues. July 3, 1904: Theodor Herzl, considered the father of modern Zionism, dies of cardiac sclerosis at age 44 in Austria, seven years after organizing the First Zionist Congress. His body is reburied on Mount Herzl in 1949. 18 | JUNE 30, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Researchers in Israel found the earliest evidence for the cultivation of olive and fig trees at Tel Zaf some 7,000 years ago. // Credit: Prof. Yosef Garfinkel

identifying tree remnants found at archaeological sites, such as charcoal from hearths, is a key to understanding what kinds of trees grew in the natural environment at the time, and when humans began to cultivate fruit trees.” In her lab, Langgut identified the charcoal from Tel Zaf as belonging to olive and fig trees. “Olive trees grow in the wild in the land of Israel, but they do not grow in the Jordan Valley,” she says. “This means that someone brought them there intentionally – took the knowledge and the plant itself to a place that is outside its natural habitat. In archaeobotany, this is considered indisputable proof of domestication, which means that we have here the earliest evidence of the olive’s domestication anywhere in the world. I also identified many remnants of young fig branches. The fig tree did grow naturally in the Jordan Valley, but its branches had little value as either firewood or raw materials for tools or furniture, so people had no reason to gather large quantities and bring them to the village. Apparently, these fig branches resulted from pruning, a method still used today to increase the yield of fruit trees.” July 4, 1976: Israeli commandos rescue more than 100 hostages held at the international airport in Entebbe, Uganda, by Palestinian and German terrorists who hijacked an Air France flight June 27. Three hostages are killed. July 5, 1979: Israel National Opera Company founder and star Edis De Philippe dies at age 67. A New York native and renowned singer in prewar Europe, she made aliyah in 1945 and opened the company in 1947.

A memorial near Jerusalem honors the 16 people killed in the Bus 405 terrorist attack.

July 6, 1989: A Palestinian Islamic Jihad member seizes the No. 405 bus near a ravine outside Jerusalem and steers it over a cliff. Sixteen people are killed. The terrorist survives and is released in a prisoner exchange in 2011. July 7, 1969: U.N. Secretary-General U Thant says he is considering withdrawing the 96 U.N. observers from the Suez Canal zone because of “open warfare” there. U.N. soldiers came under fire 26 times in June.

Israeli Digital Health On Brink of Solving U.S. Baby Formula Crisis

With the infant formula shortage rate across the U.S. spiking at 74 percent and supermarket shelves perpetually emptied of all brands of infant formula, parents nationwide are panicking that their babies will lack vital nutrition. In a massive effort to alleviate the shortage, the FDA issued an emergency guidance to enable the import of infant formulas produced abroad to the United States, and MyOr, an Israeli health-tech company, is rising to the challenge to supply American infants with their basic needs. What should I do if I run out of baby formula? When will the formula shortage end? Millions of parents across the U.S. are in a state of panic, repeating this question as the ongoing infant formula shortage worsens. What started with challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened in recent weeks after the massive infant formula recall, with 74 percent of baby formula supplies already out of stock. Families and hospitals are desperate for solutions to feed their infants and provide for their fundamental nutritional needs. Infants and especially preemies with specific nutritional needs, such as allergies or colic, are left with few options for proper nutrition. Supermarket shelves are empty; and when refilled, are immediately depleted again due to the panic buying which has spiraled out of control. July 8, 1958: Tzipi Livni is born in Tel Aviv to two veterans of the Irgun. She is first elected to the Knesset in 1999 with Likud. She leads Kadima in winning the most Knesset seats in the 2009 election but can’t form a government. July 9, 1959: Riots break out in the Haifa neighborhood of Wadi Salib, whose immigrant residents suffer from poverty and discrimination, after police shoot Yaakov Elkarif while trying to arrest him for being drunk and disorderly. July 10, 1895: Nahum Goldmann, a founder of the World Jewish Congress, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the Claims Conference for Holocaust survivors, is born in Lithuania. The 1927 earthquake caused extensive damage in cities such as Jericho, Jerusalem and Nablus, as well as Salt in Transjordan.

July 11, 1927: A major earthquake kills 300 to 500 people in Jerusalem, Jericho, Nablus and other cities. Although it is known as the Jericho earthquake, later research con-

MyOr, an Israeli health-tech company, says it is ready to meet the overwhelming demand for baby formula in the U.S.

“As a mother who returned to the workforce just last week after six weeks of maternity leave, words cannot explain the anxiety involved when formula is in such short supply,” says Monica Klein, a mother in New York. “For the government to say that things will even out is only true as far the companies are concerned. For my son and millions of other babies, every day without proper nutrition during infancy has significant negative, long-term implications. The situation is very stressful and many of my peer parents are deeply concerned.” Responding to the crisis, the FDA issued an emergency guidance to help alleviate the shortage and enable the import and distribution of infant formulas produced abroad in the United States. MyOr, an Israeli health-tech company with a subsidiary company in Mexico called AlphaCare, has submitted the required documentation to the FDA to import the formula they produce right over the Mexican-US border to retailers in the US, offering a practical, immediate response to alleviate the shortage. cludes that the epicenter is 30 miles away near the Dead Sea. July 12, 1938: Chaim Weizmann writes to Malcolm MacDonald, a British Cabinet member, to complain about the government’s shift to a pro-Arab policy since the Peel Commission’s call for Palestine’s partition in 1937.

A 2009 Israeli stamp honors Ehud Manor.

July 13, 1941: Singer-songwriter and TV and radio host Ehud Manor is born in Binyamina. He composes about 1,200 songs and translates 600 others into Hebrew. He also translates musicals and Shakespearean plays. July 14, 1555: Pope Paul IV issues an antiJewish decree, Cum Nimis Absurdum, under which Jews living under papal rule in Italy are subject to humiliations and restrictions. The Jews of Rome are forced into a ghetto. Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.

Israelis Face Fifth Election in October By Jan Jaben-Eilon

25. If no member of the country’s parliament — the Knesset — is able to pull together a majority of 120 Atlantans may be tired members after that elecof voting in primaries and tion, Lapid will remain runoffs for school boards, acting prime minister judgeships and local and until someone does so. federal seats. But imagine After the first three elechaving to vote five times in tions, starting in April three-and-a-half years for 2019, no Knesset mempresidents, senators and ber was able to form a members of the House of government. It was only Representatives. after Bennett and Lapid That is precisely what is cobbled together a coabout to happen in Israel. Israel Democracy Institute Just one year and one President Yohanan Plesner alition of eight parties, stretching from right week after the current says that “long-overdue Israeli government was electoral and constitutional to left and including an reforms” are required. Arab Islamist party, that sworn in last June following a fourth set of national elections, it is Israel was able to form a functioning now in the process of being dissolved, if government. That unusual coalition government nothing unexpected occurs, that is — a was always thought to be shaky because perennial possibility in Israeli politics. of the parties’ disparate After several required perspectives. But they were votes during the last week bound together out of a deof June, Prime Minister sire to end former Prime Naftali Bennett is expected Minister Benjamin Netanto hand over the reins of yahu’s hold on power. power to his alternative Polls immediately prime minister, Yair Lapid, following the move to diswho will retain his posiperse the government and tion as Foreign Minister, to go to elections indicatas settled during last year’s ed, however, that Netancoalition agreement. The yahu may, just may, return two politicians had agreed The prime minister to power after the fall electo take turns as prime min“took the approach that tion, despite being a defenister, although Bennett made the most sense for him,” according to dant in a criminal trial for headed a much smaller Dov Wilker, regional fraud and bribery. party than Lapid. In the director of the American “This opens the door last couple of months, Jewish Committee. for Netanyahu, although I both members of Bennett’s party and other coalition members had don’t know how wide yet,” said Eli Spereither pulled out of the government or ling. “He’s relying on past frameworks threatened to pull out, leaving the coali- for sowing divisiveness” that have the “potential for endearing him to the relition without a necessary majority. According to American Jewish Com- gious right and even the secular right.” Sperling, who will be mittee Regional Director teaching two courses on Dov Wilker, “Bennett had Israel at the University of two choices: to wait for Georgia in the fall semesthe final collapse of his coter, noted that the upcomalition, or to ‘control’ the ing election is a “fascinatpolitical disaster and aning time for students.” nounce elections. He took UGA’s School of Public the approach that made and International Affairs the most sense for him and recently won a three-year for Lapid.” Wilker, who grant from the Israel Inis a citizen of both Israel stitute to support courses and the U.S., noted that Prime Minister Naftali and programming on modthis move positions Lapid Bennett called for his government, which was ern Israel. as “the caretaker prime sworn into office only a The Israel Democminister [for] as long as” it year ago, to be dissolved. racy Institute in Jerusatakes another government lem noted that, since 1996, Israel has to be formed. Elections are tentatively set for Oct. led the world in frequency of elections.

ISRAEL NEWS

Between 1996 and 2022, Israel has held ment undoubtedly played an important an election every 2.40 years, more fre- role by passing a budget and moving forward with other imporquently than Greece (2.53), tant legislation, this ongoSpain (2.96), Canada (3.04), ing crisis will not come to the United Kingdom (3.77) an end until Israel’s leadand Italy (4.38). According ers put their political difto the IDI, Israel had been ferences aside and enact in seventh place until April long-overdue electoral and 2019, when the current cyconstitutional reforms,” he cle of elections began. added. “The decision by Prime On a positive note, Minister Bennett to disPlesner said that it is “imperse the Knesset and head portant to note that while to a fifth election in just “This opens the door for this government was one three years is a clear indi[Benjamin] Netanyahu, of Israel’s shortest to hold cation that Israel’s worst although I don’t know office, it played an historipolitical crisis did not end how wide yet,” said UGA’s Eli Sperling, who will be cal role by including an when this government was teaching two courses on Arab party in the coalition sworn into office, but rathIsrael at the University of er merely receded only to Georgia in the fall semester. and in the decisions made by the national leaderreturn when this coalition failed to find a way to continue moving ship, and therefore paving the way for forward,” said IDI President Yohanan the possibility of more inclusion by the Arab minority in the political process Plesner. “While the Bennett-Lapid govern- and Israeli society as a whole.” ì

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SPORTS Mercedes-Benz Stadium to Host World Cup 2026 Arthur Blank built it and, in 2026, they will come. Soccer fans from around the world will flock to Atlanta, to the David Ostrowsky Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as part of the quadrennial global pilgrimage to the men’s World Cup finals. Atlanta was one of 11 U.S. cities — along with two in Canada and three in Mexico — announced June 16 as World Cup venues by the sport’s international governing body, FIFA (the Federation Internationale de Football Association). Along with Atlanta, the U.S. cities were New York/New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay area and Seattle. In Canada, Toronto and Vancouver were selected; in Mexico, the venues were Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara. This is what Blank had envisioned from the time that the Mercedes-Benz Stadium was conceived, said documentary filmmaker David Lewis. “In 2016, when I started ‘Rising Up’ — my film about the stadium and the West Side — Arthur Blank said repeatedly that the stadium was designed so that it could meet FIFA specifications,” Lewis recalled. “That meant building a stadium with a wider pitch than either an MLS or NFL team needed. There was no World Cup on the horizon, Atlanta United didn’t exist and the stadium location was nothing but a field of dirt, but he was thinking ahead and thinking big just in case a World Cup came to the U.S.” FIFA has yet to announce which games will be played in which cities, but speculation has included Atlanta hosting a semifinal match and perhaps earlyround play. Four years out, Jewish soccer fans in Atlanta already are bursting with anticipation. “Excited is an understatement,” Abby Shiffman said. “I am thoroughly ecstatic. I cannot wait to be as involved as possible in helping with whatever the Atlanta committee will allow me to do.” Shiffman is a leader of The Faction, one of the primary Atlanta United FC supporters groups. “We are hoping that FIFA and the 20 | JUNE 30, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Arthur Blank was “thinking ahead and thinking big” when planning the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, said “Rising Up” director David Lewis. // Photos courtesy of David Lewis Productions

Atlanta Sports Council (ASC) will utilize our Atlanta United supporters groups to assist, however we can, in making the games that are played here in Atlanta the best environment for everyone coming in from all over the world and making it the most successful World Cup,” said Shiffman, who played soccer on her high school team, on a college club team (before there were women’s intercollegiate teams) and, after having children, stopped only because of leg surgeries. Information about tickets may not be available for another couple of years. The lowest-priced tickets for first-round group stage games at the 2022 men’s World Cup, being played Nov. 21 to Dec. 18 in Qatar, for example, run from $70 to $216. Tickets for the final run from $594 to $1,579. Ticket prices for the 2026 Cup likely will be significantly higher. Atlanta had been among the cities favored to be selected. Atlanta United, also owned by Blank, leads Major League Soccer in attendance, this season averaging about 46,000 a game, some 10,000 more than the next closest team. A FIFA delegation attended an Atlanta United game last September. In a news release from the ASC, which coordinated Atlanta’s successful bid, Blank said: “This is an incredible opportunity for the city of Atlanta to continue to show the world what we have to offer. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Atlanta World Cup Bid Committee, especially the Atlanta Sports

Council, Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau and our AMBSE [Arthur M. Blank Sports Entertainment] leadership team, for their diligent work over the past few years that has led us to today’s announcement. There is still more work to be done, and I look forward to working with our public and private partners, FIFA and our local community to bring these spectacular global games to Atlanta.” The playing surface at the MercedesBenz Stadium is artificial turf. Per FIFA regulations, a grass field will be installed in advance of the World Cup. The stadium’s field measures 115 yards in length and 75 yards in width (105 meters by 68 meters), easily meeting FIFA’s requirements. The downtown Atlanta stadium, which cost $1.6 billion to construct and opened in August 2017, features a camera lens-like retractable roof. The seating capacity is about 72,000 when all three tiers are in use and can reach 73,000-plus when standing room is included. FIFA requires that stadiums accommodate 80,000 for a championship final and 60,000 for a semifinal. For a city that constantly seeks to burnish its reputation as an international destination, hosting the World Cup is a notable credential. During the 2017-18 bidding process to select the host nations, the Boston Consulting Group estimated a net benefit to Atlanta of $415 million were it to be a venue, according to the ASC. Each match

“The greatest trophy, the greatest sport being played in the greatest city — what’s not to love?” asked Shiffman’s son, Aaron.

held in Atlanta would generate global media exposure estimated at $4.6 million. Not immediately available was an estimate of how much the city and other entities would spend in support of FIFA as a host city. It also is possible that the World Cup’s international media center could be located in Atlanta. Fox Sports and Telemundo hold the U.S. broadcast rights for the 2026 World Cup telecasts in English and Spanish, respectively. The men’s World Cup generates a global television audience numbering in the hundreds of millions. “It’s the most watched sporting event in the world,” said Aaron Shiffman, 24, echoing his mother’s enthusiasm. “I’m excited to see the biggest stage in the world be in the city I grew up in. The greatest trophy, the greatest sport being played in the greatest city — what’s not to love?” Shiffman’s soccer resume includes multiple years as a member of Team Atlanta, competing in the national JCC Maccabi Games, as well as playing on high school and college teams. Whereas this year’s World Cup will have a field of 32 national teams, the 2026 finals will feature 48 teams. The number of games will increase from 64 this year to 80 in 2026 (60 in the U.S. and 10 each in Mexico and Canada). Traditionally, the host nation qualifies automatically. The expectation is that the U.S., Mexico and Canada will be included in the expanded

SPORTS

Abby Shiffman, a leader of the Faction, hopes that Atlanta United supporters groups will be tapped by organizers of the World Cup games.

field, though FIFA has yet to make an official announcement. To date, the largest international soccer event held locally was the men’s and women’s competition during the

Lewis on the roof of Mercedes-Benz Stadium during its construction. // Photos courtesy of David Lewis Productions

1996 Olympics, with Sanford Stadium at the University of Georgia hosting the semifinals, bronze medal match and the championship match. In the first Olympics to include women’s soccer, the U.S.

won the gold medal, while Nigeria won the men’s gold medal. The first men’s World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930. The last men’s World Cup held in the United States was in

1994. Mexico hosted in 1970 and 1986. Canada will debut as a host in 2026. The last women’s World Cup in the U.S. was in 1999, when Sanford Stadium hosted a semifinal match. ì

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SPORTS

For Ross Siblings, Maccabiah Games are Family Affair By David Ostrowsky Talk about having good athletic genes. Three of the four Ross siblings of Sandy Springs will be representing Maccabi USA in this summer’s World Maccabiah Games in Israel: Kayla, a rising senior on Boston University’s women’s soccer team; Alex, a 23-year-old golfer and Davidson alum with serious PGA aspirations and Owen, a soon-to-be senior at Pace Academy who is getting recruited by a passel of D-I schools to be their next goaltender. And yet, according to little brother Owen, it is 23-year-old Julia, Alex’s twin — the one not competing in Israel — who may be the most talented of all the Rosses. “She [Julia]’s arguably more athletic than all three of us,” Owen is quick to point out about his older sibling, who had a brilliant career at Pace, lettering in three sports (cross-country, basketball and track & field) every year, before starting at Georgetown University, from which she graduated last spring.

Owen Ross had emerged as one of the top high school goalies in the country and is primed to be a key contributor to the U18 boy’s soccer team at this summer’s Maccabiah Games.

That three athletes from the same household will be competing on the global stage is, in and of itself, remarkable. Un-

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doubtedly, the selections are well-deserved. Alex is one of the country’s elite amateur golfers. In 2019, he garnered national recognition when he fired a 15-under 57 in the third round of the Dogwood Invitational at Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta — a mark that tied the record for the lowest score in a competitive round in golf history. He just finished up his fifth-year senior transfer season at USC — where he’s also pursuing his master’s in communication management — and hopes that the Maccabi golfing experience will provide further opportunities to showcase his considerable talents and take him one step closer to joining the PGA tour. “That [being a professional golfer] really has been his [Alex’s] dream for his entire life as far as I can remember,” says Owen. “Whenever he’s home, whenever he’s anywhere, he always has to have the golf clubs. I am really excited to see what he can do.” Of course, the World Maccabiah Games transcends athletics. For the overwhelming majority of the athletes, the first week leading up to the competition — “Israel Connect,” whereby participants tour the Holy Land — is nearly just as meaningful, if not more so, than the actual games themselves. Especially when one has never been to Israel to tour the holy sites and splash in the Dead Sea, which is the case for Alex, Kayla and Owen. “It’s my first time in Israel,” says Alex, “so I’m excited to see all the people, all the sites, but also to compete and try to bring home some hardware.” Kayla expressed a similar sentiment.

“I’m really excited to go to Israel,” she said. “I think a lot of people speak so highly of their experiences going to Israel. I think it makes it even more special to be able to play soccer, which is obviously something I love to do. I really can’t wait for the whole experience. “Being a Jewish athlete is such a unique experience because I feel like there are so many pockets of Jewish athletes that I have connected with now, both in Atlanta and at BU.” Due to the pandemic, Kayla — like her golfing brother, Alex — has the same opportunity to take advantage of an extra year of eligibility, which, for her, would mean playing beyond her upcoming senior year in Boston. It’s certainly an enticing option, considering that she has gone from playing sparingly during her freshman year to appearing in all 20 games of her junior campaign, which included 17 starts. “It’s been an interesting couple years for everybody, but especially for people in college,” acknowledges Kayla, a two-time Pace Academy MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, who was voted the most improved player for the Terriers last fall. Just like college sports, the Maccabiah Games, unquestionably the world’s largest Jewish athletic competition, haven’t been spared the pandemic-induced chaos of rescheduling and postponements. In all likelihood, the Ross siblings, who have previously participated in the JCC Maccabi Games — an annual competition for teenagers, held stateside — would have been competing in Israel for the first time last year, had it not been

SPORTS

Kayla Ross of Sandy Springs looks forward to holding down the backline for the Women’s Open Soccer Team in this year’s Maccabiah Games.

for unforeseeable circumstances. (Occurring every four years, the Maccabiah Games were last held in July 2017.) “Sports have always been a big part of my and my siblings’ lives,” says Alex.

“Our parents always stressed academics, so that was something that was always in the forefront. It’s been sometimes challenging to put a lot of time into both things, but definitely worth it. So, to have

all of us excel in athletics and be able to represent our country — and especially Jews in the U.S. — it means a lot.” To make the experience even more meaningful, accompanying Alex, Kayla

and Owen to Israel next month will be proud parents Peter and Stephanie and older sister Julia, who, after all, may be the best natural athlete of the exceptionally talented family. ì

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BUSINESS Fogelman Properties Acquires Venue at Carrollton By Robert Garber Fogelman Properties, one of the largest privately-owned multifamily housing companies in the nation, recently completed their acquisition of a new property in Carrollton, Ga., marking their fifteenth acquisition with joint partner Thackery. The partners are rebranding the acquisition, formerly known as “Renew at Carrollton,” to “Venue at Carrollton,” which is in line with current plans to renovate unit interiors, the pool, clubhouse and amenity areas. The 111-unit apartment community contains one, two and threebedroom apartments ranging from 900 to 1,200 square feet, with monthly rental rates starting at $1,075. “The property is in an ideal location, with downtown Carrollton, Tanner Medical Center and the University of West Georgia all less than two miles away,”

Fogelman Properties has partnered with Thackery on the newly renamed “Venue at Carrollton” project, located at 598 South Park Street in Carrollton, Ga.

says Mike Aiken, SVP of Investments at Fogelman. “This Atlanta submarket remains one of our strongest and we look forward to further expanding our footprint in the area.”

Mark Fogelman, president and son of Fogelman founder Avron Fogelman, echoed that sentiment, on the strength of the Atlanta market at large. “Atlanta continues to be a very strong performer

for Fogelman, due to tremendous local job growth and housing demand,” he said. “Additionally, the city experienced meaningful economic benefit during the COVID-19 pandemic, as our properties saw tremendous in-migration of customers moving from more dense and expensive parts of the country to the Southeast, particularly Atlanta.” While Fogelman Properties is based in Memphis, where Mark Fogelman serves on the board of the local Jewish Federation, Atlanta — where the company has operated for over 40 years — is now its largest market. With this latest acquisition, the company now manages 96 multifamily communities across the Southeast and Sun Belt regions, with an asset value exceeding $5 billion. Fogelman and its investment partners aim to acquire $300 million+ in multifamily assets in 2022.

Brothers-in-Law Launch Kosher Pizza Pop-Up By Chana Shapiro Last summer, brothers-in-law Jon Farazmand and Shimmy Afrah made pizza for a backyard party at Shimmy’s house, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the process, from start to finish. They had so much fun and received so many subsequent requests for their product, that they ended up acquiring portable ovens that can produce homemade pies in short order. “What’s not to love about pizza?” asks Farazmand, a natural entrepreneur and cheerleader who also owns a landscaping business and a home cleaning company; partner Shimmy is a builder. “And now, with the ability to make great tasting stone-baked-style pies in just minutes, it was a no-brainer to share our passion with the public.” Though it may appear a play on Italy, the pair named their pop-up business Pizzaly, meaning “my pizza” in Hebrew. Growing up in Toco Hills in the 1980s and 1990s, kids would often stop by the local kosher pizza shop, which changed hands every few years, to grab a quick slice. That was exactly the kind of experience that Farazmand and Afrah wanted to bring back to the community. Having tweaked their ingredients, improved their prep and set-up system and baking process, Farazmand declared, “We’ve got it down pat, and have been able to serve over 1,000 pies to the public over the

24 | JUNE 30, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Brothers-in-law Shimmy Afrah and Jon Farazmand wanted to recreate the kosher pizza of their youth.

Oven-baked Pizzaly pizza pies are ready to go.

Cheesy garlic breadsticks.

past few months since we started after the worst of COVID. We’ve been lucky to work with Rabbi Adam Starr and his team at Ohr HaTorah to do a few pop-up pizza parties outdoors on the synagogue patio.” Pizzaly currently operates three portable pizza ovens, though the number of ovens depends on the event and setup circumstances. Each oven makes one pie at a time. Depending on the number of ovens required for the job and the number of hired team members working, Pizzaly can make anywhere from 35 to 100 pies per hour. Setup and prep requires about 30 minutes, including the time it takes

the ovens to heat up to the correct temperature, between 700 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Each pizza takes about three minutes to cook from start to finish. This includes about 90 seconds in the oven. (Oh, and Pizzaly recently started making cheesy garlic bread sticks, too!) Pizzaly is also bringing back the famous Pizza Palace ranch sauce. Many Atlantans will remember Wall Street Pizza’s famous “ranch,” which Pizza Palace later began to offer as well. The dipping sauce recipe was carefully guarded, but eventually the word got out. Founded on Farazmand and Afra’s

love for fresh pizza with a stone-baked oven taste, Pizzaly offers hot and fresh pies and slices using exclusively chalav yisrael kosher products. All Pizzaly pizzas come as 10” personal pies, typically sliced into 6-8 slices. A plain cheese pie runs $10, while pizzas with toppings (mushrooms and olives) are $12. Pizzaly has made pizzas for synagogues, college events, birthdays and other festive occasions. To book an event or to locate Pizzaly’s next pop-up, check social media, email them at hi@pizzalyatlanta.com or visit their website at PizzalyAtlanta.com.

THE ATL ANTA JEWISH FEDERATION IS DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR GIVING SPIRIT, WHICH HAS HELPED SO MANY FIND RESILIENCE, COURAGE, AND COMMUNIT Y IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES. THE PASSOVER STORY GROWS IN MEANING AS EACH GENERATION ADDS ITS OWN MODERN STORIES. HAPPY PASSOVER!

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 30, 2022 | 25

Is your pet the next cover star of AJT’s 2022 Pet Issue? Submit your pet’s photo & a brief description to WIN*

We’ll publish a gallery of Jewish Atlanta’s most photogenic pets on-line. Twenty of editor's choice best high res photos received will get published in the July 15th issue's Special Pet Section. Be sure to include your pet’s name, your name and where you live. If we find just the right pet, it could wind up on the cover.

Nominations due July 5 by 5 PM

www.atlantajewishtimes.com/pets-contest-2022

26 | JUNE 30, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

OPINION An Answer, Perhaps, to a Question Asked Years Ago A question I asked more than three decades ago has become relevant today. President Joe Biden’s midJuly trip to Israel and the West Dave Schechter Bank, and then From Where I Sit to Saudi Arabia, has fueled speculation about the potential for formal relations between the two countries. “The rumors about talks regarding Saudi Arabia are not unfounded,” Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid told reporters. [If, as anticipated, Israel’s government dissolves the Knesset, Lapid will serve as interim prime minister until a new government is formed, after elections expected in October.] On Aug. 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, sparking fears that Saddam Hussein would move next against Saudi Arabia, which possessed the world’s largest oil reserves. Within days, the United States began a massive deployment of troops, airplanes, ships, and military material to the Kingdom. American news organizations deployed correspondents, producers, camera crews, and satellite technicians. CNN had one of the larger contingents working out of the Dhahran International Hotel, adjacent to a sprawling Saudi air base. The hotel hosted some 350 members of the international media, who taxed the kitchen’s room service capabilities and laid electrical cable throughout the building. Islam is the state religion of the Saudi Arabia, which surely knew that the American news corps would include Jews. Given that the entry forms included religious identity, they probably had a good idea how many Jews, save for those who listed themselves as Quakers or some other presumably less problematic designation. The number was more than sufficient for a minyan, leading to jokes about holding a Chanukah party. No such event was held. I arrived a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, doing relief duty for one of the network’s most experienced field producers, who would return to Saudi Arabia with the new year. My role was to coordinate the work of correspondents and camera crews, which meant seeking permission from the Saudis to travel within the country and from the U.S. military’s Joint Information Bureau to cover the buildup of forces. I also traveled to Qatar for the Gulf Cooperation Council meeting, a gathering of potentates and foreign minis-

ters, who condemned Saddam Hussein and reiterated that Middle East peace was contingent on Israel withdrawing from Palestinian territories. I would like to have stayed to cover what the media assembled in Saudi Arabia knew was coming, but in the first week of January 1991, I returned to my duties on the national desk in Atlanta and a reunion with my wife and three-month-old daughter, who had stayed with my in-laws in Florida while I was away. The Gulf War began the evening of Jan. 16, as CNN reported live from Baghdad. Which brings me to the question mentioned at the beginning of this column. Because of its international reach — search online for “the CNN effect” — the Kingdom paid the network extra attention. A likable, up-and-coming Saudi diplomat, educated at a university in Washington, D.C., had been assigned as our primary liaison. He was not from the royal fami-ly but was well connected. One of the last events I attended was a private birthday party at the home of the German hotelier. We enjoyed food, non-alcoholic beverages, and cigars. Taking advantage of an opportunity for one-on-one conversation, I asked the young diplomat whether he could envision his nation establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. Without giving short shrift to the Palestinian issue — and the Saudis were angered by Palestinian support for Iraq — he saw no reason why not, not in the near term, but perhaps in the future. It made sense, he said, given that Israel and Saudi Arabia were two of the most educated and technologically advanced nations in the region (never mind differences in the structure of their societies). The party continued, with mirth and merriment, and I consigned that conversation to a mental file folder. Which is where I retrieved it when the White House announced the upcoming trip. Israel is, again, in the throes of political turmoil and remains wary of U.S. intentions regarding a return to the Iran nuclear deal. Candidate Biden labeled Saudi Arabia a “pariah” for its human rights record, but now he needs the Kingdom’s help to ease inflation by moderating the price of oil. Even as issues between Israel and the Palestinians appear no less intractable today, the Abraham Accords have seen Israel establish formal ties with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco. The addition of Saudi Arabia would signal an even more sizable shift in the region’s political dynamics. ì

OPINION

Can the Jewish Community Contribute to the Gun Debate? The controversy over gun rights and responsibilities is one that the Jewish community must take seriously. The recent examples Harold Kirtz of Buffalo and Guest Contributor Uvalde, not to mention Pittsburgh and Poway, call for us to express our serious concerns to our state and federal legislators. An initial comment concerns a recent famous Supreme Court case involving guns, District of Columbia v. Heller, in which Justice Scalia, writing the majority opinion for the Court, said “nothing in our opinion should be taken to cast doubt on … laws imposing conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of arms.” Even Justice Scalia recognized that there can be limits on guns. Guns, of course, are not mentioned

anywhere in the Torah or the Talmud, because guns did not exist in any form until the 1300s. However, there are laws in the Torah and Talmud that do apply to the issue of gun safety and violence. Relevant laws include those having to do with the sanctity of life, the ox that gored, the open pit, the stumbling block, and others. By examining these, we find that the Torah and Jewish law do have something to say to us on guns. The Torah addresses the sanctity of life in many places, in particular in Deuteronomy 4:9: “Take utmost care and watch yourselves scrupulously.” And in the Shuchan Aruch, the authoritative Code of Jewish Law, states that the Deuteronomy verse is a positive commandment to remove and destroy anything that poses a possible danger to life. (Choshen Mishpat 427:8) The goring ox and the open pit laws are found in Exodus 21:29-36. That section starts with an ox that habitually gores and “its owner, although warned, has failed to guard it.” The open pit

deals with someone digging a hole in the ground and leaving it uncovered, leading to the death or injury of someone. These verses deal with instances of carelessness that lead to harm. Commentator Rabbi Shammai Engelmayer states that the ox that gores represents anything we own that we either suspect or know can cause injury to people or property. And the open pit represents any public hazard we create, such as in modern times parking in a crosswalk, which forces people to go outside the crosswalk to cross the street or forcing cars into the opposite lane of traffic by double-parking on a busy twolane street. Together, the ox and the pit are relevant to the gun control debate. Guns can injure and kill, and the owners know that. They are no different from the owner of the ox who is forewarned. Pointing a gun at any person for other than self-defense is creating an unacceptable risk of injury or death. Purchasing high-capacity magazines, semi-automatic assault rifles, and bump

stocks are creating an unacceptable risk to the sanctity of human life. None of those are needed for legitimate hunting or self-defense. Another verse, “You shall not . . . place a stumbling block before the blind” (Leviticus 19:14), relates to the sale of guns to those who are incapable of appropriate use of the guns, such as allowing 18-year-olds to purchase or use assault weapons. They are blind to the danger since their young minds are not fully capable of rational thought where danger is concerned. We members of the Jewish community can lend much to the debate over gun safety. We must all speak out over the rights and responsibilities associated with owning guns. Our state and federal legislators must hear our voices and govern according to the good sense that is embedded in our ancient tradition, a tradition much older than the introduction of guns to society. ì Harold Kirtz is President of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 30, 2022 | 27

OPINION

Letters to the Editor The AJT welcomes your letters. If you would like your letter to be published, please write 200 words or less, include your name, phone number and email, and send it to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

Disclamer to our readers: This section of the newspaper is a forum for our community to share thoughts, concerns and opinions as open letters to the community or directly to the newspaper. As a letter to the editor, we proof for spelling and grammatical errors only. We do not edit nor vet the information the letter contains. The individual signing the letter is accountable for what they share.

Letter to the editor,

It’s been obvious for a while that Israel needs electoral reform. Three elections in very short period of time failed to produce a single party that came within twenty seats of having a majority of the Knesset’s 120 seats, requiring parties to cobble together coalitions of several small parties, leaving each coalition in constant danger of losing its ability to govern if even one party withdrew its support. Jan Jaben-Eilon’s article illustrates how this situation can have a very real effect on the lives of Israeli citizens and I hope that the political parties will consider that fact as they face the probability of new elections. The main reason I’m writing is to point out how common misperceptions complicate Israeli governance. Jaben-Eilon tells us that the Green Line represents Israel’s internationally recognized borders. The fact is that it marks the position of troops when the 1949 armistice ended the Arab-initiated violence known as Israel’s War of Independence. In 1949, Arab states insisted that the line did not denote Israel’s borders. Only after 1967 did Arab states and the Palestine Liberation Organization (forerunner of the Palestinian Authority) decide that the Green Line was a boundary that Israel was not allowed to cross, even as she defended her people from intended genocide by countries that, prior to 1967, occupied land that the Palestinians today claim they want for a state of their own. I also wonder why Jaben-Eilon thought it necessary to point out that Israeli settlements beyond the Green Line are considered illegal under international law. As mentioned above, Israel liberated Gaza and “The West Bank” from Egyptian and Jordanian occupation in a defensive war. The Arab League rejected Israel’s 1968 offer to withdraw from liberated land in exchange for recognition and peace. In 1993, Israel and the Palestinians signed the Oslo Accords. Since then, all Palestinians in Gaza and 95% of Palestinians in Judea and Samaria have been living under the administration of leaders of their own choosing. Those leaders have refused to negotiate on Final Status talks (envisioned by Oslo to have been completed by 2005). Why should Jews be kept from building communities on land of religious and historic importance to them (and of strategic importance to Israel) because Israel’s enemies have chosen violence over negotiation? Toby F. Block, Atlanta

If there was any doubt that “Jewish Voice for Peace”(JVP) is one of the most antisemitic organizations in existence, there should be no doubt now. Not only did Rabbi Marvin Hier and Rabbi Abraham Cooper in December 2021 declare JVP one of the most antisemitic organizations on earth; not only in May 2022 did ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt declare JVP among those organizations, along with CAIR and SJP, who “independently and unapologetically regularly denigrate and dehumanize Jews”; now in June 2022 JVP has issued a cartoon portraying the infamous Jew hating blood libel by having Jewish soldiers drinking the blood of Palestinian Arabs. At this point there can be no doubt there is not an iota of difference between the Jew hatred of JVP and the Jew hatred of Joseph Goebbels and Heinrich Himmler. Richard Sherman, Margate, Fla.

28 | JUNE 30, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

OPINION Letter to the editor,

Letter to the editor,

Your mention that giant pandas can only be viewed in four U. S. zoos in your Father’s Day issue is mistaken. Giant pandas left the San Diego Zoo in 2019, meaning giant pandas are now on view in only 3 U. S. zoos. Zoo Atlanta, the National Zoo in DC and the Memphis Zoo are where giant pandas are on exhibit. Joni Pelta, Atlanta

I was wondering if the AJT offers its readers perspectives of the often differences between the religious beliefs and the secular thought. The recent LGBTQ parade in Tel Aviv is another example of how the religious view is in contrast to the secular world. Like many Jews who are rediscovering their heritage, I am just not sure why there should be a cover up or any censorship of Torah Judaism. It seems antisemitic for a publication for Jewish people to have anathema about our heritage. I think your readers should know that there are definitely both viewpoints. Diana C. Zinn, Atlanta

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HEALTH & WELLNESS Prayer for Healing Inspires Blue Dove Publication By Bob Bahr The Blue Dove Foundation, an Atlantabased nonprofit that focuses on mental health education and awareness through a Jewish perspective, has published “Mi Sheberach for Mental Health: Cultivating Mental Wellness with the Jewish Prayer for Healing,” a resource that emphasizes prayer as a way of coping with a full range of psychological issues. Launched in May for Mental Health Awareness Month, the 72-page publication adapts the “Mi Sheberach” prayer — a plea for healing that is now a part of the regular Shabbat service — to such contemporary concerns as anxiety, stress, substance abuse, depression, suicide and the psychological health of children. As the publication notes, the original prayer was a general one, “recited only on Mondays and Thursdays, never on Shabbat.” It was only in the twelfth century that “Mi Sheberach” began to be said “for individuals for a variety of reasons, including illness.” “Mi Sheberach for Mental Health,” which was heavily influenced by the COVID

The publication adapts the prayer for healing to such contemporary concerns as anxiety, stress, substance abuse, depression, suicide and the psychological health of children.

pandemic’s negative effect on community mental health issues, was inspired by Rabbi Brad Levenberg of Temple Sinai. As Levenberg told an audience at a recent online program to discuss the publication, the healing prayer in Judaism has its roots in the Torah portion Baha’alotcha, found in the eighth chapter of the Book of Numbers. In that section, Moses’s brother and sister are stricken by G-d with tzaraat, a skin disease, for slandering the Israelite leader. Moses’s response is a simple and direct request to the Divine Presence for a refuah shleymah,

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a complete healing. It is that plea, Levenberg noted, that forms the basis for today’s “Mi Sheberach” prayer. “We often translate it as the prayer for “Mi Sheberach for Mental Health: healing, but ‘Mi Sheberach’ just means ‘who Cultivating Mental Wellness with the is the one that blesses,’” he said. “What are we Jewish Prayer for Healing,” published by The Blue Dove Foundation in May, being blessed with? What are we asking for? aims to address the mental health That really begins to form the basis of sort of impacts of the COVID pandemic. an understanding that there are a lot of versions of the ‘Mi Sheberach’ prayers out there, every person lost to the pandemic there are at least two children and at least four granda lot that are really beautiful.” The Foundation partnered with sup- children impacted by the loss. Atlanta therapist Nancy Kriseman, who porters and professionals from the mental health community to create their own ver- has been a licensed clinical social worker sion of the prayer. Gabby Spatt, the organi- for over 35 years, contributed a prayer for those experiencing grief. In it, zation’s founder and executive she made particular mention director, considers the publicaof those who are mourning the tion an important resource. loss of a troubled relationship. “We worked to create this She shared the prayer during publication as a gift to the coma worship service at Congregamunity, as a way to connect tion Bet Haverim and was unothers who are struggling, who prepared for the response. are looking for healing, who “I was just blown away at are looking for opportunities to learn how Judaism and prayer Rabbi Brad Levenberg how many people reached out could connect,” she told the AJT. of Temple Sinai worked to me afterward and wanted with the Blue Dove copies of it and [said] that they “So that has brought this incredible opportunity to bring people Foundation to produce found it very powerful and the publication. meaningful,” she recalled. “And together.” Spatt sees this as particularly vital dur- people also made comments about really aping the first half of this year, as the physical preciating where I did talk about people who impact of the COVID pandemic begins to re- had more of a difficult relationship because cede and people become more clearly aware that’s not something we want to really talk a whole lot about.” of the impact it has had on mental hygiene. Levenberg says that, from his experiIn February, the highly respected British Medical Journal (BMJ) published a study ence at his own congregation, he often finds of 154,000 COVID patients at the U.S. Depart- prayer to be a powerful source of comfort for ment of Veterans Affairs that found that this those who are otherwise unable to express population was 39 percent more likely to the mental issues they are confronting. Achave cases of clinical depression, 35 percent cording to the rabbi, the “Mi Sheberach” more likely to be treated for anxiety, 38 per- prayer of healing offers an important startcent more likely to have stress and adjust- ing point. “I have walked past the sanctuary or the ment disorders and 41 percent more likely to suffer from sleeping problems than those chapel at Temple Sinai and seen somebody sitting alone in silence,” he explained. “And who were virus-free. The loss of close friends and relatives to I could tell that their heart was speaking the virus has also created some serious issues words that their mouths could never fashion. related to grief for survivors, as well. Accord- In the words of the ‘Mi Sheberach,’ their exing to research at Penn State University, for periences can be given a prayerful setting.” ì

HEALTH & WELLNESS

A New Care Model to Prevent Heart Attack, Stroke and Diabetes

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Jason Reingold, MD interview with Sanjay Gupta, MD on CNN.

Georgia Cardiovascular and Primary Care Team: Bobby Khan, MD, Ph.D, Jason Reingold, MD, Syed Rahman, MD and Saravanan Kuppuswamy MD, ABOIM.

This quarterly series examines new paradigms in preventive cardiology to empower our community and mitigate the development of cardiovascular disease and subsequent complications. Despite advances in medical research, technology, new drugs and increased healthcare spending, millions of patients continue to suffer and die from heart attacks and strokes. A great amount of research has been done to identify the disconnect between an increase in personal and government spending on healthcare and poor patient outcomes. A large quantity of evidence has pointed out that our current system of fragmented, episodic and reactive care — in place of proactive, preventive care — is a major contributor to these substandard outcomes. Although our healthcare system has been focused for decades on treatment rather than prevention, there is currently a shift toward putting greater emphasis on prevention. Mildly elevated blood pressure, being slightly overweight, high triglyceride and cholesterol levels and sporadic bouts of high blood sugar may seem insignificant compared to diagnosed diseases such as hypertension, obesity or diabetes. However, these overlapping conditions could be the most important warning signs for a heart attack or a stroke. This spectrum of abnormalities is now called Cardiometabolic Disease (CMD). Identifying and treating these con-

ditions with proven therapies and empowering patients with the right tools are very important in lowering future risk. Despite the availability of dedicated primary care, specialty physicians and world-renowned healthcare facilities, rates of Cardiometabolic Disease continue to increase at a frightening rate in our community. Even more pressing, this increase is happening during an age of unprecedented medical advancement. Unfortunately, the current healthcare system is designed to be episodic and reactive rather than proactive and is not tailored to the challenges and complexities of treating cardiometabolic diseases. A newer model of care that has been validated by research is of imminent need. This newer model of care can only be achieved with a care team that can work together, communicate well, use current technology and continuously engage and monitor their patients before conditions worsen or a heart attack occurs. If treatment plans are not producing intended results, this team can identify this early on and direct patients to appropriate care to prevent further complications. The Cardiometabolic Clinic at Georgia Cardiovascular Care exemplifies a novel paradigm in comprehensive and preventive cardiovascular risk reduction. By partnering with a patient’s existing primary and specialty physicians, we support them to achieve optimal health and wellness with

Jason, Reingold, MD holding heart model passed down from his father who also was a physician.

less medication, when possible. Our multidisciplinary team identifies patients at risk for heart attack, diabetes and stroke through cost-effective, office-based diagnostic testing. Our clinic offers a one-stop destination for Echocardiograms (heart ultrasound), traditional, nuclear and echo stress tests, Vascular studies, Holter and event monitors and ambulatory BP monitors to diagnose and manage common heart, vascular and metabolic conditions. Through shared decision-making, the patient leaves equipped with a plan that is personalized and tailored to fit their needs. When appropriate, patients can be provided with monitoring devices such as connected blood pressure monitors, weighing scales, glucometer and supplies and a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen depending on their medical condition. This technology enables our team to monitor your health on a regular basis, in between the office visits. Remote monitoring of blood pressure, weights and glucose levels allow us to adjust medications to optimize efficacy and reduce the risk of side effects on an ongoing basis. The tremendous value of these services has already been recognized by Medicare and commercial payers, such that the costs to patients may be free or limited to a copay, depending on the insurance provider. These services can also be provided at a discounted selfpay rate for patients with commercial high deductible plans. Our clinic employs a continuity-of-

Consultation with Jason Reingold, MD. using digital technology.

care model as opposed to more traditional episodic care. Frequent encounters with our care team and heal coaches enhance nutritional, exercise, behavioral and medication counseling. Our clinic also takes part in multiple clinical trials and gives patients an opportunity to participate if they are looking to try emerging therapies. To learn more about the comprehensive approaches to reducing your cardiometabolic risk and preventing heart attack, stroke and diabetes, please contact us at: (404) 296-1130 or by email at: info@georgiacardiovascular.com. Our board-certified cardiovascular specialists, Drs. Jason Reingold, Bobby Khan and Saravanan Kuppuswamy, lead the Cardiometabolic Clinic at Georgia Cardiovascular Care and also provide expert consultations and diagnostic testing for heart and vascular disease.

Paid Content by LifeHope ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 30, 2022 | 31

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Travel Clinic Aims to Make Globetrotting Safer

Marcia Caller Jaffe

For those who’ve felt cooped up over the pandemic and are ready to hit the road, Dr. Mitchell Blass offers special travel guidance through his clinic, World Travel Care,

LLC. Founded in 2005, the Blass clinic provides the most up-to-date international health advice and recommended travel vaccines. The office is located adjacent to, and works in concert with, Georgia Infectious Diseases, a full-service infectious diseases specialty clinic in the Northside/ St. Joseph’s area. “International travel dropped to nearly nonexistent during the early part of the pandemic, and has been slow to return to normal,” Blass told the AJT. “Travel to regions of the world that require

Dr. Mitchell Blass and his associate, Dr. Lindsay Morrison, prepare world travelers for a safe journey.

pre-travel medical consultation are currently approximately 15 percent of what they were in 2018.” In terms of getting back on the road

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and in the air, “safest” is relative, Blass says, but he would lean toward most of Europe while avoiding nations embattled in geopolitical conflict, recent natural disasters, or active outbreaks of certain viruses like Ebola. He says that traveling to Israel is “for the most part medically safe, and a great experience for Jews and nonJews alike. The countries with the most stringent quarantine efforts currently are China and Australia.” While most insurance companies do not cover expenses related to elective leisure travel, many see the need to get it right up front. Typically, a traveler will provide Blass with a background of their health history, a review of the destinations planned and specific activities. Then comes the plan regarding vaccinepreventable illness, malaria prevention, traveler’s diarrhea and other matters that may be specific to a particular itinerary (altitude sickness in the case of travelers to Mount Everest base camp, for example). “Even the experts have had a difficult time predicting the coronavirus,” Blass said. “At the present time, I am hopeful that in the next several months, we will all feel more comfortable in our understanding of the future of COVID disease moving forward.” Blass throws out scary names like malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid, leptospirosis, but says that “the illness most likely to interfere with the enjoyment of an adventurous trip, such as a safari, is the mundane problem — traveler’s diarrhea.” The doctor is cautious when asked about recommending a fourth booster

shot. “Always remember never say ‘always or never,’” Blass says. “There are too many variables to make blanket recommendations such as this. More needs to be known about the efficacy of booster vaccinations, potential unintended side effects and the impact of natural immunity.” “In general, children should be vaccinated against the standard childhood illnesses, such as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, pertussis, etc. and, if appropriate, certain travel-related vaccines that would not usually be part of their childhood series,” Blass adds. As part of his service, patients can keep in touch with the clinic while overseas. In the consultation phase, the clinic provides travelers with the contact information for U.S. embassies and, when possible, local hospitals. There is a 30-page fact sheet by country, including every possible data point, such as the percentage of vaccinated people in the population. Cruises are popular and present a unique dilemma: tight quarters and the potential of getting stuck at sea. “Outbreaks are common on cruises,” Blass says, “including, but not limited to, foodborne illness such as Norwalk virus, and a variety of respiratory illnesses, including Legionnaires’ disease. That being said, personally, I have been on cruises.” Thorough handwashing is still the best bet for preventing infection, Blass says, and hand sanitizers are very easy to come by, inexpensive and quite effective. He is not inclined to advocate the general use of masks and gloves. “If there is an outbreak of a specific illness that requires such a degree of caution, like an outbreak of viral hemorrhagic fever, just do not travel there,” he advised. ì

World Travel Care is located at 5763 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. and offers vaccines against the following: Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Influenza Japanese encephalitis Measles, mumps, and rubella Meningitis Pneumococcal Pneumonia Polio Rabies Shingles Tetanus and diphtheria Typhoid fever

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TRAVEL The Pristine Beaches of Florida’s 30A Await You By Robyn Spizman Gerson Beachgoers looking for a Florida destination have gravitated to the beachside communities along State Road 30A. This well-known highway is the route to a well-known assortment of vacation destinations, often collectively termed “30A.” A fairly-straight-shot drive from Atlanta makes it easy to reach the beach resorts that line this unassuming stretch of road, just 24 miles long, which is the gateway to a host of family-focused destinations. You’ll know you have arrived at the Gulf Coast of Florida when you are met with nature’s beauty, palm trees, blue waters and, hopefully, sunny skies. As you continue traveling, the beachside towns offer up their powdery-white fine sand and clear, blue-cerulean water. Strung together, these cozy beach towns seem to fit together like a puzzle, each with its own feel, thriving with beachgoers and families with kids in tow. Based on the location you book, you can explore nearby areas like Rosemary Beach, Santa Rosa

The WaterColor Beach Club offers three beachfront pools. // Courtesy of WaterColor Inn & Resort

Beach, Grayton Beach, Seaside, the WaterColor Inn & Resort and more. Throw in chic Alys Beach and you’ll have multiple choices to pick from. Part of the charm when visiting

essentials. there are plenty of grothe Southern Coast is driving from one What would happen if your deathWhile occurred while you were trave town to the next, exploring what each cery stores and markets around, there’s What if death at yourfor seasonal residence? just no substitute stocking up ahead has to offer. As we headed down 30A to occurred our family vacation, we filled up the car of time. Many &mes the death of a loved one occurs while they Once you canvas the restaurants, with an ample supply of food, snacks and

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TRAVEL

Al fresco dining options are available for guests of WaterColor Inn & Resort and guests staying in the WaterColor community. // Courtesy of WaterColor Inn & Resort

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Ed Gerson relaxes poolside with grandsons Jordan, Scott and Jack.

nearby venues and unique shops, you can sort out the style that fits your wish list. For the 30A location you select, first visit their websites and do your homework. Talk to friends. Favorite ice cream parlor? Takeout restaurants? Check out what’s happening at Seaside’s The HUB, a green lawn area surrounded by food trucks, walk-up eateries, snow cones and fun. It definitely helps to eat dinner early, since many of the surrounding restaurants do not take reservations. For house renters, be sure to carefully review the amenities included, whether you have ocean or pool access and if the community is a walkable one — the more inclusive areas tend to have bike paths — or if an electric cart is needed. Additional costs add up quickly, so check the fine details. Making reservations ahead of time for extras such as electric carts, bicycles, beach chairs and umbrellas is a good idea. One popular destination in the WaterColor community is The WaterColor Inn. According to David Demarest, director of communications and PR for St. Joe Hospitality, “WaterColor Inn has long been the centerpiece of 30A, and this summer we’re unveiling new multi-room family suites to make it easier for extended family groups to stay with us and enjoy all the amenities that come with a stay at the inn — including bike rentals, kayak and canoe rentals and access to 10 pools and

six restaurants on-site. There are certain amenities, like WaterColor Beach Club, that are exclusive to guests staying in homes in the WaterColor neighborhood or guests of WaterColor Inn.” Demarest says that one of his favorite things about staying along 30A, and in WaterColor in particular, is the pristine beaches, where no high-rise construction is allowed. “The landscape and the neighborhood are walkable and bike-friendly, and that also happens to be naturally beautiful. In fact, about 40 percent of all of land in South Walton is set aside for preservation — the WaterColor Inn itself shares a border with the 2,000-acre Grayton Beach State Park, which was recently named the #1 beach in America. We share the same beach,” he added. As far as vacationing along 30A, most everyone I consulted seemed to have a different suggestion; the one thing they all had in common was an opinion. The key to figuring out the best lodging solution is to ask for recommendations from those who have already been. With a little help from friends or family, you’re bound to figure out the right match. Or, as the saying goes, you can always try, try again next year. The beach towns of 30A are prepared to show you and your crew a very good time, but plan ahead and arrive prepared. Do your homework, then “let it go” and get ready for some fun in the sun. ì

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TRAVEL

The Art of Luxury Travel By Marcia Caller Jaffe In the world of travel, “luxury” is defined by elevated experiences, top-tier amenities and unprecedented vistas with a minimum of vexations. After spending years in the Navy, the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan and then 15 years in the food and beverage industry, Peter Rubin was prepared to join his wife, Lauren, in her Sandy Springs travel agency, About Going Places. Lauren, who left her job as an editor at Fox 5 Atlanta, has now traveled to 46 countries and five continents. Together, sometimes with their three children, the Rubins love to indulge their wanderlust, satisfying their thirst for knowledge and sharing unforgettable trip ideas with their clients. “This is tough, as it’s an individual experience and expectation,” Rubin says when asked just how he defines luxury travel. “Our job is to define that for each client, then meet or exceed these expectations. We have luxury clients who are very experiential — they want PhD-level

Peter and Lauren Rubin visited lush Giverny, France.

guides. Others want the highest level of service and accommodations and aren’t as ‘destination-specific.’ Do they want a private experience or a small group of like-minded people to travel with? Do they want local/authentic accommodations or more traditional places? ‘Barefoot luxury’ has become more prevalent,

which is ‘high-touch’ service, well suited accommodations and cuisine in a relaxed environment.” The Rubins said that they were busy throughout the pandemic. “Our bookings looked very strong, but the problem has been the ability to actually get clients to the destinations,” Rubin said. “As the

world is opening back up, our clients are traveling now more than ever.” Peter waits for destinations to open up before confirming a trip for a client. Some clients were interested in visiting Australia, but had to wait until the borders opened to leisure travel. Currently, the Rubins say, buzz is

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TRAVEL

The Rubins delight in unusual experiences such as skeet shooting.

The Rubins enjoy gourmet dining and local cuisine. Peter is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan.

swarming about destinations such as Dubai, Zurich, Singapore and Reykjavik. Peter imagines unusual potential destinations, such as an expedition to the remote Svalbard Islands. There are East and South African experiences, Morocco, Europe, South America (Galapagos, Peru, Chile) and more. “Some of this may be exotic to some and just another vacation to another,” Rubin notes. When it comes to the U.S., “there are many wonderful resorts that people don’t have on their radar here, like luxury lodges, ranches, farms, coastal, vineyards, glamping, experiential, lakeside, adventure and the wellness arena that’s in a category all on its own.” What about luxury travel with kids in tow? “Absolutely, we have a lot of repeat family and multi-gen clients,” Rubin says. “There is a ton of luxury/high-touch family specific product out there. From traditional luxury to expedition, experiential, river cruise, yacht, multi-sport, fun and sun and more.” The recent rash of hiccups in airline service has thrown a bit of a wrench into things. Rubin calls this the most impactful issue in the leisure travel industry. “Beyond any COVID restrictions are the ever-changing and cancelled flights and extra-long layovers,” he lamented. “This can take away the joy of anticipation of travel and provide uncertainty. We’re trying to stick with traditionally

more consistent carriers, such as Delta. We have clients heading to Ecuador and put them on Delta versus American. Their in-country logistics are slightly more complicated, but we felt it was worth it due to potential issues with the flights.” Rubin also recommends hiring a professional tour guide. “When you are in a group tour you get information that’s a fantastic overview,” he says. “With a private guide, you get all of that, plus what specifically appeals to you. Are you an architecture enthusiast, culinarian, modern art lover, shopper? Do you need to stop by the bathroom? Grab a gift for the kids? Private guides factor all of these into the experience to suit your needs.” When it comes to their own travel experiences, the Rubins honeymooned in the South of France. They recall it as one of their favorite trips. Staying at the Four Seasons Terre Blanche, in the southern part of Provence, they rented a six-speed convertible. “We dined like royalty,” Rubin recalled fondly, “wandered adorable Riviera towns, hiked along the coast — all at our own pace.” In July, the Rubins are off to Italy to celebrate milestone birthdays in Capri, the Amalfi coast, Tuscany and Lake Como. About Going Places is located at 6047 Sandy Springs Circle. (404)-2561131. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 30, 2022 | 37

TRAVEL

Abadi’s Iconic Africa Tours Go Wild By Marcia Caller Jaffe Terri Abadi spent her childhood in Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, where she developed a love of wildlife, wild spaces and “her people.” In 2013, she launched Atlanta-based safari tour company Iconic Africa, specializing in planning tours for adventurous and curious travelers. A top choice on most bucket lists, the South Africa safaris elicit remarks such as “life changing” and “intensely spiritual” from Abadi’s travelers. “I feel the closest to God when I’m in wild places,” the Iconic Africa director told the AJT. “Nature, with its wealth of diversity and unfathomable complexity, is a gift from God and where I feel most spiritual. When I’m out in the African wilds, I often ponder God’s acts of creation and see incomparable genius. Waking up to the sounds of the wild, the vivid colors of the African sunrise, sounds of

the coucal at dawn, the roar of a lion reverberating through the night … I breathe in the crisp air and smell the wild sage as we drive out of camp; the cool morning wind on my face makes me count my lucky stars that I get to do this so often.” Leaving South Africa in the 1990s to be near her brothers in Atlanta, Abadi partnered in 2014 with an old friend, John Holley, who now runs her South Africa office, to turn a traditional travel agency into a superior online travel platform showcasing African destinations representative of her values: most importantly, an authentic commitment to wilderness conservation. Iconic Africa has teams in South Africa, Kenya and the U.S. staffed by African-born travel experts who are committed to being close at hand on each step of the journey. Beyond sightseeing, the company maintains philanthropic goals focused on facilitating positive change for Africans in Africa,

Below: Iconic Africa travelers enjoy the sight of lions cavorting in the water.

38 | JUNE 30, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Above: Terri Abadi founded Iconic Africa in 2013. She has an unbridled love for her native country and its wildlife. // Credit: James Tyrrell

TRAVEL

Above: A mother and two cubs get out of the wet grass at Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa following a short rainstorm. Below: A young male elephant was testing scents to detect the tourists at Abu Camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

while creating a seamless and unforgettable experience for their clients. Abadi does not chaperone every trip, but does take three to four tours herself every year, usually with extended family, in June. “It’s important for agents to know the areas to which they send clients, so I make sure I have experience with every destination included on an itinerary,” she said. “While I do not personally go on each tour, I curate each trip for the particular client from start to finish.” Each trip is completely customized, from multi-generational family

trips, once-in-a-lifetime honeymoons or conservation-driven trips. To make the ordinary truly extraordinary, Abadi probes the desires and expectations of each client ahead of time. Iconic Africa includes boutique elements with customized packages that fit every budget from standard tours to totally private, ultraluxurious expeditions. When it comes to safety, Abadi says, “All our tours are completely safe, and we are always in the loop, making sure our travelers’ safety is paramount.” Yes, kosher accommodations are

available. Iconic offers fully Beth Dinapproved hotels and lodges. At remote safari lodges and destinations, they offer various solutions, from flying in prepared kosher meals to preparing fresh kosher-friendly food on site, or even arranging private chefs to reside on hand. Being South African, Terri favors the Greater Kruger area, particularly the Sabi Sand Reserve, where game viewing is most incredible. “There are so many wonderful lodges in Africa, each with its own brand of magic,” she recalled. “From panoramas over the Great Rift Valley, to

glamping in style in the Botswanan desert, every landscape awakens the soul!” One of Abadi’s unmissable sights is leopard viewing in Londolozi Game Reserve. “The leopard viewing is surreal!” she exclaims. “I have seen more than my fair share of these beautiful cats there over the years and have even watched some grow from tiny cubs to having multiple litters of their own.” Abadi is a member of Congregation B’nai Torah and has four children. Her other passions include yoga, reading and photography. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 30, 2022 | 39

TRAVEL

Atlanta’s Skye Estroff Embarks on ‘Foodie Road Trip’ By Marcia Caller Jaffe “Foodie Road Trip,” a new television show from Picture Perfect Productions that tells unique stories of small-town restaurants and the people behind them, is now available to stream on a variety of networks. Hosted by local food expert Skye Estroff, the six-episode first season unfolds across Georgia towns with personal significance, from Vidalia, where Estroff’s great-grandparents settled after coming to the U.S., to Alpharetta, where she was raised, and Tybee Island, where she spent her summers. In each episode, Estroff offers viewers a rare glimpse of the featured town and restaurant, speaks with locals, dines at their favorite haunts and gets insider perspectives. She also shares what makes each small business unique and connects with people from all walks of life. In “Rest Stop Recipes,” Estroff tells stories of seafood institutions and sweet shops. Alongside guests like Atlanta media maven Mara Davis, Estroff shows viewers how to make unique food and drinks at home: lemonade sangria, roasted sweet and sa-

Skye Estroff, in yellow, is the star of “Foodie Road Trip,” a new travel series in which she eats her way across Georgia. Here she poses with Rialto Italian Bistro’s Team in Vidalia, Ga. // Photo Courtesy of Foodie Road Trip

vory pecans and baked turnip fries, to name just a few. Raised in the peach state, Estroff began her career by earning a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the University of Georgia. After college, she began working for local food and media companies, in-

cluding Atlanta Eats and Taste of Atlanta, before founding Skye Estroff, LLC, a foodfocused social media company. She’s taken her knowhow to the airwaves, as a local food enthusiast for Fox 5 Atlanta, CBS46 and Star 94.1 FM, and used it to write for the Atlanta Journal-Constitu-

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tion and the Atlanta Business Chronicle. She teamed up with Emmy Award-winning photographer Willie Giles to launch Picture Perfect Productions. “I was raised in Alpharetta, which happens to be one of the towns we featured in season 1 of ‘Foodie Road Trip,’”

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Life has never been so good at

Active Adult Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care Estroff (left) with “Rest Stop Recipes” guest Erica Key. // Photo Courtesy of Foodie Road Trip

Estroff told the AJT. “This is definitely dating myself, but when I grew up, the restaurant staples were: Chick-fil-A, Taco Mac, Waffle House and Outback Steakhouse. I was always searching for unique food experiences because I was blown away when I infrequently had them! My grandparents lived in Dunwoody and were very influential in fueling my food curiosity. They would take me to locally owned Chinese restaurants, cute cafes and iconic spots like La Grotta, Pricci and Nikolai’s Roof. By the time I was bat mitzvah-ed — in 2005, at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell — I had been hoarding cookbooks from the library and experimenting in the kitchen as much as I could.” As a youth, Estroff says that she was drawn to culinary television personalities like Rachael Ray and Sara Moulton. Along the way, she took inspiration from Anthony Bourdain’s openness to cultures and Martha Stewart’s clean-cut recipes and nonchalant personality, then added Jaime Oliver’s approach to teaching children healthy, sustainable food skills and even a dash of Guy Fieri’s bold personality. In terms of her own culinary skills, Estroff says, “I can work my way around most recipes and am especially good in the brunch, baked goods, soup, salad, tailgate and casserole departments. The only exception is last Passover, when I added purple carrots to my matzah ball soup, turned the whole soup purple and was so distracted by the color that I forgot to add salt. But if I make my Caramelized Vidalia Onion Dip with Kale that we featured in ‘Foodie Road Trip’ ... you better come quick, because it will be gone in 60 seconds!” Estroff’s cookbook recommendations include “Back in the Day Bakery” by Cheryl Day and “Zahav” by Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook. Her favorite, though, is the compilation of family recipes by her aunt, Anita Estroff, some of which are featured on the show. “Foodie Road Trip” is now streaming

We welcome our newest Chef Mihoko Obunai

Estroff with North Beach Grill’s owner George Spriggs on Tybee Island, Ga. // Photo Courtesy of Foodie Road Trip

on Redbox, Plex, Amazon (via Docurama), iFood.tv, Vizio’s Fork and Flight channel and TheMovieDB. ì

Featured restaurants: Vidalia Benton Lee’s Steakhouse Big Al’s Country Market Bill’s Donuts Downtown Bistro Rialto Italian Restaurant Tybee Island Huc-a-poos North Beach Grill Salt Island Savannah Praline Company Stingray’s Alpharetta Farm to Ladle Lapeer Steak & Seafood Poke Burri South Main Kitchen Truck & Tap

Mihoko has been featured in various publications such as Bon Appetit Magazine, Atlanta Magazine, AJC and Food & Wine Magazine, and was invited to cook at James Beard House in New York City. Our residents enjoy amazing food, lifestyle activities daily, full-service spa, local excursions and so much more! Schedule Your Tour Now! 404-496-6794

1882 Clairmont Road Decatur, GA 30033 www.holbrooklife.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 30, 2022 | 41

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Wilmington’s Storied Jewish History

Wilmington has one of the country’s largest collections of historic neighborhoods.

Temple of Israel was built in 1876 as the first synagogue in North Carolina. // Credit: Temple of Israel

By Bob Bahr Walking along the streets of downtown Wilmington, N.C., built along the banks of the Cape Fear River, is like taking a step back in time. The 100-square block district is just one of eight historic areas in this city of slightly more than 100,000. A visit to Wilmington is not unlike a journey to Charleston and Georgia’s own riverfront city, Savannah, its better-known neighbors to the south. The historic charm of this coastal Atlantic community is part of what attracted Debbie Smith to relocate here from southern California with her late husband some eight years ago. What she found in Wilmington was a rapidly growing group of Jewish retirees like herself who were attracted to the city’s warmth and openness. “I had no idea of the influx of people that were retiring and coming from the Northeast. And not only Northeast, but even some from the Midwest and, like myself, from much farther away. I was really surprised. There were so many new folks who wanted to connect and be part of a community that it was very easy to meet people,” she told the AJT. Before Smith knew it, she was volunteering at the Wilmington Jewish Film Festival, which had been kickstarted by a local philanthropist and Jewish film buff just a year prior to her arrival. Today, Smith and her committee of 42 | JUNE 30, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Thalian Hall in Wilmington, N.C., is the home of the Wilmington Jewish Film Festival. // Credit: David Mc Bride Photography

volunteers put together a well-attended weeklong festival of films, not unlike the larger event that takes place in Atlanta. (I had the pleasure of hosting the opening in April.) Like the Atlanta festival, about a quarter of those attending are not Jewish.

The festival takes over the old Thalian Hall, a large theater that was built almost 175 years ago and has been transformed into a major cultural venue. Significantly, support for the film festival comes from the entire community. It is what impressed Rabbi James

Apple when he became a volunteer chaplain for the Wilmington Police and came to know the local mayor and sheriff on a first-name basis. “Jews have been a part of the history of this city as far back as the Civil War,” he said. “They have had two Jewish may-

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SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

Have something to celebrate? Share your simchas with us! Temple of Israel is one of the oldest synagogues in continuous use in the U.S. // Credit: Temple of Israel

The riverwalk along the Cape Fear River is a popular attraction.

ors here during the 1970s and '80s and there’s no antisemitism that I’m aware of. Jews have played an important role here.” The local Reform congregation, Temple of Israel, is a symbol of that relationship. This tall, stately structure, built in what is known as a Moorish Revival style, was dedicated in 1876 as the first synagogue in North Carolina. The local newspaper at the time was said to have helped raise funds to build it and a local Presbyterian minister spoke at the dedication. The building has been in continuous use ever since and is one of the oldest synagogues in the country. Rabbi Apple, who served the congregation for seven-and-a-half years, sees the building, with its old wooden pews and large, original windows of French stained glass, as a genuine sanctuary. “It isn’t fancy,” the rabbi says. “But as you sit in those pews there is a sense of peace and quiet in that space. There is a sense of history.” It was this very real sense of history that helped give Wilmington a new lease on life, beginning in the 1980s. The famous Hollywood film producer Dino De

Laurentiis was scouting locations for an adaptation of a Stephen King novel and needed a Southern plantation for much of the filming. Just outside Wilmington, he found what he was looking for, and his experience inspired a plan to build a series of large motion-picture sound stages that now constitute an important part of the economic life of the city. The TV classic “Matlock” was largely filmed here, as was the popular series “Dawson’s Creek.” Last year, the state brought in productions valued at over $400 million. The studios in Wilmington are said to be fully booked, and it’s not unusual to find film crews shooting on the streets surrounding the Thalian Theater while the Jewish Film Festival is screening the year’s offerings. And that’s just one aspect of a thriving cultural scene. At the Cameron Art Museum, until October, there’s a spectacular exhibit of costumes from the HBO series “Treme” by a Wilmington native. The featured attraction next month at a concert on the riverfront is singer Josh Groban. And in September, the City Ballet of Kyiv, from war-ravaged Ukraine, is set to tour the city. ì

Births, B’nai Mitzvah, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries, Special Birthdays and more ... Share your news with the community with free AJT simcha announcements. Send info to submissions@atljewishtimes.com submissions@atljewishtimes.com..

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 30, 2022 | 43

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A Contemporary Jewish Center Comes to Cabo San Lucas By Ursula Blumenthal Cabo San Lucas in Baja, Mexico, is a piece of paradise on this earth. It is known for its gorgeous beaches, competitive fishing, snorkeling and water sports. Its lavish golf courses are surrounded by majestic cactus and splendid, blooming, flamboyant flowers. Its stunning sunrises and sunsets and perfect climate make this place so majestic, as well as a great place to escape the cold winters. Unfortunately, observant Jews had been reluctant to visit, as they were unsure if the beachside destination had any places of worship or if they would be able to find a kosher meal. Fortunately, my husband and I had heard about the new Jewish Center in downtown Cabo San Lucas. We both decided to embark on this adventure and to attend the inauguration of the Jewish Center on the first night of Chanukah, last November. Plans for the center began 13 years ago, when a young Chabad rabbi, Benny Hershcovich, and his wife Sonia arrived in Cabo from cold Montreal, Canada. The couple had intended to establish a Jewish presence in Cabo. However, this expanding community had no synagogue and prayers were either held in a room inside a shopping center or in the rabbi’s apartment. The rabbi and his family were determined to make Cabo a destination for Jews from all over the world, but they were really struggling. Dr. Raymond Schinazi, a professor at Emory University who specializes in infectious diseases, had spent nearly three decades vacationing in Cabo. When he met Rabbi Benny, he was drawn to his positive energy, tremendous care, healing heart, sincere enthusiasm and endless devotion. Schinazi decided that this young rabbi and his family needed a formal Jewish center to accommodate the local Mexican Jewish community, in addition to American and Israeli tourists. The doctor was convinced that if he built the center the Jews would come! He also understood that numbers alone do not determine the strength of a community. Soon, land was found and construction began in February 2018. Today, the majestic center houses a synagogue, a mikvah, two restaurants, four guest rooms for tourists who are Shabbat-observant, as well as the rabbi’s quarters. The building is conservatively modern but has a very warm and inviting ambience. This tremendous work of art provides a spiritual anchor to the community. It meets the needs of all who wish to come 44 | JUNE 30, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Cabo San Lucas in Baja, California, is known for its gorgeous beaches, competitive fishing, snorkeling and water sports. But, until the Eliyahu HaNavi Jewish Center opened last November, there were no resources for observant Jewish visitors.

Dr. Raymond Schinazi, a professor at Emory University who specializes in infectious diseases, had spent nearly three decades vacationing in Cabo and wanted to make the center a reality.

and pray, to wed, to celebrate bat and bar mitzvahs. It is a true Jewish center, with elegant modern facilities (https://www. jewishcabo.org/). The center is named Eliyahu HaNavi in honor of the synagogue in Alexandria, Egypt, which Dr. Schinazi and his family attended until being uprooted by the Nasser regime in 1964. In addition, the Center embodies the doctor’s Italian and

The center is strategically located near the Cabo San Lucas marina where cruise liners large and small arrive.

Egyptian heritage. The ark (Aron Kodesh) was a copy of the one in Alexandria, the floors of the synagogue are similar to the one in Florence, in white, pink and black marble with a symmetrical Medici design. The men and women are seated separately. Hebrew quotations visible from the women’s side read, “From Zion shall go forth Torah, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem;” on the men’s side, “They

shall make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell among them.” A partly transparent cupola with a central Magen David allows light to shine into the synagogue. The walnut seats are hand-carved. The architecture is stunning; the building is white with arches all around. The inner courtyard is decorated with four orange trees, a Moorish fountain and a large, modern open space.

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The mayor of Cabo San Lucas, other local dignitaries and friends from all over the world attended the ceremony. Rabbi Chaim Kassorla, who is the Schinazis’ rabbi in Atlanta, spoke a few words, as did Rabbi David Blumenthal, a retired professor of Judaic studies at Emory University.

The atmosphere is breathtaking day and night. In addition, the upper level contains a large open space for ceremonies. This is where the beautiful opening ceremony took place. On this holy night the sky was dark, the stars were shining and the lights added to the uniqueness of the space. This major contribution by the Schinazi family was strategically located near the Cabo San Lucas marina where cruise liners large and small arrive. As Jews disembark, they are stunned to see this amazing center in the middle of town.

The Schinazi family wanted to give back to their beloved Cabo and to support the mission of Rabbi Benny to help everyone in the community, Jews as well as nonJews. The ceremony, limited to 200 people, was very meaningful for this small Jewish community. They were amazed to see their dream come true. Various speakers shared the history of Jewish Cabo from its humble beginnings to the present. The mayor of Cabo San Lucas, other local dignitaries and friends from all over

the world were also present. Rabbi Chaim Kassorla, who is the Schinazis’ rabbi in Atlanta, spoke a few words, as did Rabbi David Blumenthal, a retired professor of Judaic studies at Emory University (and also my husband). This was followed by formal remarks from Rabina Sonia, who does everything behind the scenes, including Shabbat dinners, classes for children and preparing young women for the mikveh ritual prior to their wedding. Rabbi Benny spoke lovingly and kindly of Cabo, Dr. Schinazi and Chanukah.

For us, nothing could have been more moving than being present for a moment in Jewish history. We witnessed how the past — Alexandria, Egypt; Florence, Italy; and Atlanta, Ga. — connected to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. All of those who were present will never forget the impact this exceptional inauguration had on the first night of Chanukah. Now, visitors from Atlanta and elsewhere are assured not only of a lovely vacation spot, but also of the availability of Jewish services, kosher food and warm hospitality. ì

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Illuminarium Blooms with New Georgia O’Keeffe Show

Visitors enjoy an immersive journey of color, texture and scent through the floral paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe, often known as the “Mother of American Modernism.”

By Marcia Caller Jaffe The Illuminarium was awash in light and color for the premiere of "O’Keeffe: One Hundred Flowers," an immersive journey of color, texture and scent through the floral paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe, often known as the “Mother of American Modernism.” Inspired by her best-selling art book, the show brings the beauty of her work to life by amplifying them on an unprecedented scale that places viewers directly into living paintings. The floral stills are synced with a powerful all-female soundtrack, creating a multisensory artistic vision. “Georgia O’Keeffe is one of the most admired Modernist painters and a celebrated icon for her crusade in creating a space for female artists,” said Illuminarium Experiences CEO Alan Greenberg. “Here we feel the living-and-breathing virtual gardens of her most acclaimed pieces. It’s not just an art experience, it’s an emotional experience. Seeing her work blown up 22 feet high, paired with a soundtrack from a dozen iconic musical artists, is so powerful. O’Keeffe changed the world of art like few before her, and this comes through in '100 Flowers.'” Adult guests wanting to enjoy the show with a drink and without children running around led to the launch of Illuminarium After Dark, which features an interactive bar where visitors can have a drink at the bottom of the ocean one minute, and Tokyo or a crystal cavern the next. Ever the master visionary, Green46 | JUNE 30, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

berg has bold plans for the future. Later this summer, the Illuminarium will debut SPACE, which takes viewers to the moon and beyond. Just like Neil Armstrong did in 1969, ticket holders will leave their footprint on the moon via the Illuminarium interactivity platform. Illuminarium Las Vegas just opened with a celebration that included over 800 guests. “We have really high hopes in bringing Illuminarium to one of the entertainment capitals of the world,” Greenberg said. “We have a great location at AREA 15, a new experiential entertainment development about five to seven minutes off the strip.” The projection rooms at Illuminarium Las Vegas will be the same size as the ones in Atlanta, but the food and beverage and retail offerings in Vegas will be more extensive. The next two openings are slated for Chicago and Miami, in that order. Leases are signed and the team is deep into the design phases. “We also have our eye on Dallas and Washington, D.C.,” Greenberg says enthusiastically. “We are finally able to get on an airplane again to explore international opportunities. In the past month, we have visited the UAE and Australia. Today I am on my way to Barcelona. Lots of potential around the world!” “It’s important for us to realize that we are very much a start-up trying to decipher and maximize our opportunities,” Greenberg adds. “We’re energized by all we have to offer great cities worldwide, but also cognizant that we still have much to learn and prove.” ì

CEO Alan Greenberg chats with Brad Siegel, CEO of Brand New World Studios, at the grand opening of "O’Keefe: 100 Flowers."

Fans Andy Bibliowicz and Sandy Bailey enjoy the flowers in the background.

The virtual flower displays are accompanied by all-female music. The full impact of the surrounding motion and dancing colors is similar to virtual reality, without having to wear cumbersome glasses.

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Entertainment Visionary Pumps Up Pullman Events By Marcia Caller Jaffe Following the successful Van Gogh immersive experience at Pullman Yards, local impresario Adam Rosenfelt is rolling out a multifaceted summer schedule in the historic Kirkwood district near the Beltline. “Our Van Gogh ticket sales were the largest in the country at 450,000,” Rosenfelt said ten months after the premiere. “We are well on our way to becoming a regional cultural touchstone.” In the near future, Pullman Yards is expecting to add a science gallery, virtual football and performances by the Atlanta Opera and the Summer Pullman Pops symphony orchestra. In conjunction with Emory University, Pullman Yards was chosen to house the permanent Science Gallery Museum, making it the eighth internationally and only the second in the U.S. “We will be their long-term home and complement our civic mindedness, since it will be free to the public and teach science through art,” Rosenfelt said. The virtual Fan Controlled Football (FCF) with NFT avatars is an interactive program with real Hall of Fame All-star players in which physical and digital worlds collide. “This is really cool in that players are able to really have input into the fan controlled game … starting with the draft, choosing the team name, having input into team governance, logo and calling plays in real time,” Rosenfelt explained. “Everyone can be a Ballerz (a basketball-inspired NFT).” Others include Boki, Knights of Degen, Bored Ape FC, Beasts and Kingpins. The Symphony Pullman Pops lineups are a tribute to contemporary musical greatness: Billy Joel, the Beatles, Hollywood, Aretha Franklin and Motown, all backed by a 45-piece orchestra outdoors. (Prices start at $45.) An “Open Air Pass” is $191 per person for all five shows, starting June 22 through September 5. There are also pre-shows included for those desiring a longer experience. In March, “Imagine Picasso” replaced the popular Van Gogh immersive experience. The Spanish artist, who died in 1973, is considered to be the father of modern art. At Pullman Yards, more than 200 of his works — some even from private collections and museums — are shown on scenographic surfaces, projected from floor to ceiling in a hands-free environment. (Tickets start at $31.50.) Children under five are admitted free,

For the very first time, the Atlanta Opera will perform at Pullman Yards, beginning with “Cabaret.”

“Imagine Picasso” is the new immersive experience at Adam Rosenfelt’s Pullman Yards. The artist’s greatest works are shown on scenographic surfaces, projected from floor to ceiling in a hands-free environment.

Pullman Pops tribute performances will take place on an outdoor stage backed up by a 45-piece orchestra.

and there is a scavenger hunt for kids 5-12 with a prize for the winner. But Rosenfelt felt the “real feather in his cap” was that the Atlanta Opera chose his venue for their Come as You Are Festival. Pullman Yards will be a bold and unexpected location to close out their opera season, which begins with the musical “Cabaret” (June 2). “As One” (starts June 9), about a transgender woman coming of age, features two singers and a string quartet. On June 18, tenor, Roswell, Ga., resident and self-described “redneck opera zinger” Jay Hunter Morris performs in a

matinee, “An Afternoon with Jay Hunter Morris.” Food vendors are on site and some events offer pre-ordered packages for wine and food. Rosenfelt, a resident of Candler Park, grew up in New York City, graduated Cornell University and headed to Los Angeles at 22. As a producer, he has made movies with Matt Damon, Kevin Costner and Ryan Reynolds. As head of Atomic Entertainment, he and his wife, Maureen Meulen — also a producer — researched several states before landing on Atlanta, due to the city’s history with civil rights,

Visitors are immersed in over 200 of Picasso’s works — some from private collections and museums.

as a train yard and the tax advantages. “I am proud of our progress here, considering we are independent and not a donor or metropolitan-backed venue like the World Congress Center,” he told the AJT. “Folks are ready to get back out there and have a good time. We have made our footprint by taking on meaningful programs in the arts and entertainment world — and now science.” Located at 225 Rogers St., Pullman Yards uses Parking Mobile nearby, but encourages ride sharing and public transportation. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 30, 2022 | 47

ARTS Blue Man Group Basks in the Simple and Sublime

Success has come with finding new and unexpected ways to impress audiences with light, sound and pantomime. // Credit: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

By Bob Bahr Blue Man Group arrives in Atlanta on Friday night, July 8, for a weekend of four performances at The Fox Theatre. Over the past 35 years, the trio of bald- and blue-headed performers have delighted and astonished audiences around the world with an artful blend of raucous music and mesmerizing mime. The men in blue have often made music from the most basic props, including oversized boxes of Captain Crunch cereal or a collection of PVC plumbing tubes. In the PBS documentary “Inside the Tube,” Matt Goldman, the trio’s lone Jewish member, discussed the group’s approach to entertainment and comedy. In it, he described how the group first discovered that the tubes, which came from a local hardware store, could become part of the show. “We love melody. And so the challenge was how do we, as percussionists, get melody out of our drums? And that’s when we got the idea to play pipes of different lengths. And we started talking to each other through the tubes and then started hitting them and noticing that they had a different tone and different note. We sort of just went from there,” Goldman recalled. The group, which began in 1987 as a satiric, performance-art production in a small theater on New York’s Lower East Side, has since evolved into a major show business enterprise that brings in well over $100 million a year. Throughout its long tenure, the show has established permanent companies in Chicago, Boston, New York and in at least two 48 | JUNE 30, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

large hotels in Las Vegas, finding offbeat and unique ways to entertain without ever speaking a word. In the early days, the trio is said to have been partly inspired by a famous six-part series of televised conversations between Joseph Campbell, the mythologist and storyteller, and television journalist Bill Moyers. The series explored what ancient myths can tell us about everyday life. Goldman says that the group learned some valuable lessons from the series. “I think the one thing Joseph Campbell always seemed to say was that the stories have to get told in new ways for each generation. And I think that really encouraged us to think how can we create a new form? How can we create something that we haven’t seen before? Let’s be relentless in the pursuit of trying to find imagery that we just haven’t seen anywhere.” The group found ways to wring laughs from the audience with something as simple as opening a Twinkie wrapper. In another of the group’s classic routines, two Blue Men on one side of the stage are cheered on as they throw marshmallows across the stage to another, who catches each in his mouth. As Phil Stanton, one of the group’s founders, describes it in the documentary, success has been based, in part, on finding new and unexpected ways to delight audiences. “What the group has taught us is not to be afraid to break the rules and twist things around a little bit. It’s fun to find creativity in these weird places, whether it’s catching marshmallows and gumballs or making music out of plumbing pipes or making music

Blue Man Group has evolved into a worldwide production company with revenues of over $100 million a year. // Credit: Lindsay Best

One of Blue Man Group’s signature routines involves plumbing pipes.

out of a breakfast cereal,” he said. Blue Man Group productions have debuted at sea, on a luxury cruise ship for five years, as well as in touring companies all over the world, much like the Blue Man Group Speechless Tour that is coming to The Fox. In an act where pantomime reigns and no one speaks, the performances are not limited by language or even, in most cases, cultural norms. There have been as many as 60 simultaneous performances in various theaters, arenas and hotel venues, all of them effectively replicating the collective Blue Man persona of ordinary characters performing extraordinary feats while covered in blue grease paint. Goldman sold his shares in the company nine years ago to GE Capital, an investment

firm that was part of the famous consumer products conglomerate. In 2017, his two partners sold their interest in the group to Cirque du Soleil, which has also found worldwide success by following a similar philosophy of presenting spectacular entertainment. In 2009, the original trio founded an independent private school in Manhattan for students as young as two that continues through the primary and middle grades. It seeks to incorporate, in a formal education setting, many of the lessons that the three learned in their 30-year show business career. In Atlanta, the production is offering $30 student rush discounted tickets for each performance at the Fox, available to anyone who shows up with a valid student ID beginning two hours before the show. ì

Chai Style Art

Randy Kessler holds his Shih Tzu-bichon mix, Lily, in front of his Toco Hills home. // Photo Credit: Howard Mendel

Randy Kessler’s Bird’s-Eye View of Atlanta You may know Randy Kessler as a media consultant who appears on major networks to comment on the latest high-profile divorce cases. Marcia But you may Caller Jaffe not know that, for the past 30 years, Kessler has surrounded himself with colorful art and fantastic sports memorabilia. Upon entering his office, we were escorted into the “paparazzi entrance,” where Kessler hints about top-echelon entertainers and sports figures he has represented and who, too, have walked this hidden path. “I can’t disclose details, but I was involved (one side or another)

with Dominique Wilkins, Usher, Michael Jordan, Cardi B,” the New Orleans native says. When it comes to his process of selecting art, Kessler says, “It’s like the former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart said about pornography: ‘I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced ... but I know it when I see it. ...’” From Dr. Seuss to Peter Max, a tour of Kessler’s perch above the city is a lighthearted affair punctuated by comments on the serious subject of domestic law. Jaffe: Contrast your home and what we see at the office. Kessler: The office downtown is 15,000 square feet on two levels. Our Toco Hills house has 5,700 square feet in a transitional style with open spaces and earth tones. I especially like the wide-open kitchen and terraced basement. I loved

the house when I saw it and as a sign it was meant to be, the address was the same as my birthday. Many of our pieces are by artists who are from, or who were raised in, Israel. I actually painted a few pieces, but since my wife says they look juvenile, I keep them at our beach home. Our trees get visits from falcons and hawks — not the sports kind. Home art is more furniture and “wife-influenced.” Being an artist, a graphic designer and former magazine creative director, she gets to decide all things art. Even the light fixtures and furniture are as much art as what hangs on the walls. Jaffe: You have a lively, upbeat vibe in the office. Kessler: I would describe my taste as: Modern. Colorful. Simple. Abstract. Agam and Picasso are some of my favorites. David Schluss, an Israeli artist, takes inspiration from Jaffa’s historic churches,

temples and monasteries. He now operates out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where his work is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, as well as the Tefen Open Museum in Israel. Agam and Picasso are well known also for their use of shapes and color. I bought a nice Agam in Israel. Years later, a client saw it, and had two Agams he wanted me to have. Now all three hang perfectly side by side. I have horizontal works by Romero Britto built into wide spaces. Britto is a Brazilian, now operating out of Miami, known for his cubism, pop art and graffiti expressing hope, dreams and happiness. In the lobby, we have his “Alive” and our interior stairway has “Hug.” Perhaps my favorite lesser-known artist is Hawaiian ‘MJ’ Villanueva, whom I met at a festival and fell in love with his work. I have over ten of his pieces. He maintains residency here and in Pearl City, Hawaii. His style represents fusion of ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 30, 2022 | 49

CHAI STYLE

The office lobby features this Romero Britto piece, “LOVE,” in just the right space.

the aquatic with spatial universes.

Above: An avid sport fan and collector, Kessler’s famous clients shower him with memorabilia. Below: With artwork always in the background, Kessler is frequently seen on the phone counseling clients.

Jaffe: How did you go about collecting what’s in here? Kessler: Early on in my career, I attended fundraising art auctions. When I saw colorful artwork I liked, I bought it. As we expanded, I would keep a placeholder in my mind for it. I traveled often for the American Bar Association when I chaired the Family Law Section and found art on a trip, like our Dr. Seuss piece, “My Petunia Can Lick Your Geranium.” The gallery owner explained that Dr. Seuss had actually seen two women bickering over

whose plant was nicer; and I realized it was a perfect piece for our settlement conference room, where people make similar, dumb arguments. There’s also a Dr. Seuss book, “Don’t Be a Yak,” in which he forces the city to build around him in a spirit of non-compromise. Not good. Jaffe: You are known for advising clients to settle and stay out of court, versus being confrontational. Kessler: We have a settlement conference room. More dramatically, we have a courtroom that can be employed for real trials with judges. In a mock format, I

To motivate clients to be reasonable, the main conference room features the Dr. Seuss piece “My Petunia Can Lick Your Geranium” next to the book “Don’t be a Yak.”

50 | JUNE 30, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CHAI STYLE may ask a client to take the stand and be subjected to my questioning, where they realize that airing their grievances is not worth a few thousand settlement dollars. Jaffe: There’s “wall art” then there’s the “real art.” Kessler: I love seeing bright, colorful art at work, yet the office is 36 stories high with floor-to-ceiling windows. So my favorite art is the amazing view of metro Atlanta, Centennial Park, Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, the Stadiums, The Capitol, the airport, the Blue Ridge Mountains, looking out over the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Georgia Aquarium. Especially on some days, half of the sky is dark and cloudy, while the other half has sunshine. When I work long hours, the sunrises and the sunsets are breathtaking. Jaffe: You are an avid sports fan and collector. Kessler: Matt Ryan’s jersey overlooks the Mercedes-Benz Stadium just for spite (I’m a Saints fan, and his jersey looks out at what could’ve been, for Falcon’s fans, a place that led them to a championship). I went to the Super Bowl and was rooting for them. In addition to what’s on display, we have closets full of autographs on championship balls and helmets given by clients. The basketball signed by the entire “Hawks 60” win team was a surprise gift.

Above: Kessler’s inner sanctum features this “Vase of Flowers” by Peter Max. Below: Kessler in the mock courtroom that serves in preparation for trials.

Jaffe: Last word? Kessler: We may be running out of space for art, but we aren’t running out of divorces. ì

This mixed media piece by “MJ” Villanueva is among Kessler’s favorites.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 30, 2022 | 51

CALENDAR

JUNE 30 - JULY 13 https://bit.ly/3suZDkg for more information.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30 Knit and Crochet Group — 1 to 3 p.m. Join Dor Tamid on Zoom to socialize and crochet and knit beanies for premature babies from home. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/34Ru9wp.

Jewish Insights Series — 8 to 9 p.m. A weekly Zoom with discussion on a pertinent topic from the Torah’s weekly portion. For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/3699PaI.

Dive Into Shabbat at the MJCCA! — 5 to 7 p.m. Celebrate Shabbat at the JCC. Open swim and activities at 5 p.m., followed by songs and blessings with Rabbi G at 6 p.m. Bring your own food and purchase drinks from the snack bar. Open to all! For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3LA21xz.

SATURDAY, JULY 2 Temple Beth Tikvah Saturday Services — 10 to 11:30 a.m. Join services online or in person. Visit https://bit.ly/3BbaS5n for more information.

SUNDAY, JULY 3 Kabbalah & Coffee — 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Weekly Study Series with Rabbi Ari Sollish. Discuss, explore and journey through the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/3LP4o11.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 1 Jewish Spirituality and Mysticism — 8 p.m. A weekly class on Jewish spirituality, mysticism and how to apply it to your personal growth in a meaningful way, taught by Rabby Hirshy. Visit

SOJOURN’s Drawing from the Well — 12 to 1 p.m. An inclusive weekly meetup for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3gxpDWP

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

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CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Torah Reading: Korach Friday, July 1 (Tammuz 2 5782) light candles at 8:34 p.m. Saturday, July 2 (Tammuz 3, 5782) Shabbat ends at 9:36 p.m. Torah Reading: Chukat Friday, July 8 (Tammuz 9, 5782) light candles at 8:33 p.m. Saturday, July 9 (Tammuz 10, 5782) Shabbat ends at 9:34 p.m.

MONDAY, JULY 4 Stars & Stripes at City Springs — 4 to 10:30 p.m. Join the celebration on the City Green at City Springs. The lawn opens at 4 p.m., food trucks at 6 p.m., and 80's tribute band Electric Avenue at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Visit https://bit.ly/3tF1rJ3 for more details.

FRIDAY, JULY 8

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6

TUESDAY, JULY 5 Brain Health Bootcamp — 1 to 3 p.m. New virtual Brain Health Bootcamp every Tuesday will

Temple Beth Tikvah Friday Night Services — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join services online or in person. Visit https://bit.ly/35XKJeJ for more information.

combine gentle physical exercise, including yoga and exercises to help reduce stress and anxiety, along with a full hour of brain exercises done in a non-stress and engaging way of learning. For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/3sr94RP.

Torah Study — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join Rabbi Jordan each Wednesday, either on Zoom or in-person at Congregation Dor Tamid, and continue an in-depth look at the Book of Leviticus. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3srZsGj.

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

SATURDAY, JULY 9 Shabbat Learners’ Service — 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. On the second Shabbat of each month, tap into the spirit of Shabbat at Intown Jewish Academy for an interactive service. You’ll enjoy engaging discussion, inspirational stories,

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Cost is $35 a session. To register, see https://bit.ly/3b95YwV.

moving prayer and intelligent commentary in a warm and friendly setting. Participants are invited to join the Main Service for Musaf, followed by a Kiddush luncheon. For more details, visit https://bit.ly/34N3xwG.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13

SUNDAY, JULY 10 Fund the Future Dinner — 6 p.m Be a guest of Or VeShalom while the leadership team presents the OVS plan for the years ahead and how you can be part of making those dreams a reality. Registration closes July 5. For details, visit https://bit.ly/3OmXWyP.

MONDAY, JULY 11

TUESDAY, JULY 12

In Your Time — 12 to 1:30 p.m. This is a group for female-identified singles in their late twenties to mid-thirties. The focus will be on developing an acceptance practice and learning how to embrace where we are in life, learning to challenge cultural, societal, familial narratives and negative core beliefs that induce shame, fear, self-doubt and self-sabotage and constructing an internal compass based on personal needs and values to support value-based living.

Uncoupling: A Divorced and Separated Support Group — 5:30 to 7 p.m. A bi-monthly group providing support and resources, and a safe place to process and share experiences related to divorce and separation. Open to men and women of mixed ages. For more information visit https://bit. ly/3JuE3Da/.

OVS at Atlanta United — 7:30 p.m. Join OVS for a fun night out at an Atlanta United home soccer game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a discounted group rate of $25 a person. Registration closes June 30. Visit https://bit.ly/3b2JU6X for details.

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