Atlanta Jewish Times, Vol. XCII No. 9, March 3, 2017

MUSIC FESTIVAL PREVIEW, PAGES 15-26 GLOBAL TRADITION

Israeli Idan Raichel brings a unique international sound to City Winery. Page 17

BEASTIE SHOW

Israeli hip-hoppers organized

by ATL Collective re-create “Licensed to Ill.” Page 18

HERE AND THERE

Festival artists are taking the show on the road to other Southern cities. Page 22

Atlanta VOL. XCII NO. 9

WWW.ATLANTAJEWISHTIMES.COM

Community Honors Power of Inclusion

By Sarah Moosazadeh sarah@atljewishtimes.com “Federation is thrilled to have so many local partners here. … It is a testament to how dedicated this community is to becoming more inclusive and welcoming to everyone,” Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta President and CEO Eric Robbins said at the third annual Power of One reception Sunday, Feb. 26.

The Selig Center ceremony honored 25 people who were recognized by their Jewish Atlanta organizations for demonstrating exceptional kindness in making people with special needs feel welcome.

Federation and the Jewish Abilities Alliance, formed in 2013, presented the ceremony as the closing event of Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month.

JAA committee chairs Ina Enoch and Sheryl Arno, joined by vice chair Adam Pomeranz, have spearheaded opportunities for inclusion across the community.

“Ina’s ability to look at the big picture encourages those on the committees that she serves to continually achieve success,” said Federation Chairman Joel Marks, who presented a vase to Enoch in appreciation for her work with JAA. The JAA Training Fund, which helps community leaders and professionals participate in educational opportunities geared toward inclusion, is being renamed the Ina Enoch

Photo by Sarah Moosazadeh

Graphic recorder/artist Brittany Curry creates a mural during the Power of One ceremony by converting the evening’s words into images. (See a list of honorees and more photos at www.atlantajewishtimes.com.)

Community Disabilities Training Fund.

Marks announced that Enoch will step down from the JAA committee and join Federation’s executive board in June.

The ceremony also featured the first Robyn Berger Emerging Leader Award, presented by Arno and Eric Berger to Emily Shapiro from Camp Barney Medintz.

The award recognizes someone who is passionate about promoting inclusion among younger community members.

Shapiro began as a staffer in training at Camp Barney at 14 and knew she wanted to work with campers with special needs. She is a regular at the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s SOAR Program and soon will receive a master’s in

Subscribe, Support, Sustain Support the AJT and Subscribe Today.

1-year subscription for home delivery of the Atlanta Jewish Times: $65 in Georgia, $89 outside of state, delivery by U.S. mail.

To subscribe, go to www.atlantajewishtimes.com/subscription.

For more information, please call 404-883-2130.

social work and organizational behavior with an emphasis in disability studies.

“Camp directors strive to make connections and an impact on every child they spend time with. … In turn, campers profoundly impact us and help us become better at what we do. What a joy to have been able to watch Emily create inclusive communities both inside and outside of camp,” said Michael Drucker, the operations director for Camp Barney.

“We are looking forward to our continued collaborative efforts to ensure our Jewish community is one that embraces all people,” Robbins said. “There is no power of change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” ■

INSIDE Calendar ��������������������������������������� 4 Candle Lighting �������������������������� 4 Israel News �����������������������������������6 Opinion �����������������������������������������8 Education ����������������������������������� 30 Business ��������������������������������������32 Obituaries �����������������������������������35 Purim �������������������������������������������38 Crossword �����������������������������������39

MARCH 3, 2017 | 5 ADAR 5777

NFTY Vet Leads Teen Initiative

The five-year, $4.2 million Atlanta Jewish Teen Initiative has hired its founding director, Hope Chernak.

“We’ve found an ideal person to launch AJTI,” Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta President and CEO Eric Robbins said. The initiative is a partnership of Federation, the Marcus Jewish Community Center and the Atlanta Rabbinical Association. It is funded through a $2.1 million, five-year grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation, plus a matching amount being raised locally.

The goal is to substantially boost Jewish engagement among high-schoolers in metro Atlanta by offering them multiple pathways to ignite their personal interests and passions through a Jewish lens.

Chernak starts April 19; the initiative should begin its public work in the fall.

“Hope is a powerhouse in Jewish formal and informal education who came up through the ranks,” said Amanda Abrams, the chief program and innovation officer at the Marcus JCC. Chernak grew up in Orlando, spent eight summers at Camp Coleman and worked under Rabbi Alvin Sugarman at The Temple in her first full-time job.

The past 10 years she led youth, informal education and Israel programs at Temple Shaaray Tefila in New York. She previously directed the Reform NFTY youth group and was the Union for Reform Judaism’s director of youth regions.

“The Atlanta community has put tremendous thought, planning and support into this bold and immersive teen program,” Chernak said. “I look forward to partnering with youth professionals, educators and clergy members to advance teen engagement in a thriving Jewish community I already love.” ■

2

MARCH 3 â–ª 2017

MA TOVU

Parenting Responses

Nurture Marriage, Kids

Your children are fortunate to have such a caring father.

As a veteran parent, I contend that the answer lies within the poignant question at the end of your letter: “Do I nurture my marriage or my children?”

Your answer is to do both.

It is beneficial for yourself and the children that you nurture your marriage. As you mentioned, spousal conflict will create a pernicious atmosphere for children.

You clearly feel that your wife’s authoritarian discipline is unhealthy, even harmful. So pick your battles.

If your wife doles out an occasional sharp reaction, swallow it. Your child is resilient and will benefit more from two parents getting along. Perhaps you can be the Band-Aid at a later point, when Shelly isn’t around. You don’t want her to feel you’re taking on the role of Mr. Kind and leaving the hard stuff in her court.

Perhaps your conversation with your son would look like this: “Mommy screamed at me,” Adam sniffs, “and it wasn’t my fault. She hates me. She’s always so mean.”

“You felt that what happened wasn’t your fault, and you got punished for no reason,” you reply. “That’s rough. I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah.”

That might be all Adam needs.

If this type of thing happens too frequently and you feel Adam’s wellbeing is at stake, speak up.

“Shelly,” you can say, “we have two very different parenting styles. From what I’ve read and learned, children in this generation need a soft touch. I know you love our children and want the very best for them. Would you be willing to go with me to speak to a professional so we can get some guidance? I think it would be best for both of us to be on the same page, and it would mean so much to me.”

My sense is that Shelly, your “warm, insightful partner,” would agree.

Wishing you much success in growing your garden, — Dovid Z.

Sit and Schmooze

I am happy that you have a viable marriage and care enough to maintain and sustain it. These days, that seems to be the first thing to go: The moment people encounter rough waters, the marriage is tossed overboard.

I am not insinuating that every divorce results from a lack of concert-

Shared Spirit Moderated By Rachel Stein rachels83@gmail.com

ed effort. However, in our disposable society, it does seem a little too easy to throw in the towel. But let us save that discussion for another letter.

What should a dad do when his parenting techniques run contrary to those of his spouse? I recommend sitting down with Shelly and having an honest discussion.

“Shelly, you and I have very different parenting styles, so I have a plan.

The next time an incident happens, can we discuss it before reacting?”

That way, you and Shelly can have a plan and avoid potential conflict. You can have a meeting on the best way to handle the situation, and who knows?

Maybe you’ll even agree on the same method. It’s always best not to react in the heat of the moment, so this can be a good takeaway for all parents: Walk away, think, breathe, and come back when you can react calmly.

Another option: Divide and conquer. In other words, consider taking turns. Sometimes you will handle the situation, and sometimes it can be tossed into Shelly’s court.

Shelly might be relieved to have this choice so that she doesn’t have to come up with a disciplinary measure.

It is possible that, deep down, Shelly is disappointed in herself for her harshness but isn’t sure how to change. An ingrained habit, especially one handed down from her parents, is challenging to overturn. So you might give her a gift she has been waiting for.

Kudos to you for being a supportive and superlative husband and father. Wishing you both much joy from your beautiful family.

— Ellen W. Have a dilemma? Let our readers help. Email rachels83@gmail.com; iden­ tifying details will remain confidential.

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Recap: Two parents, two vastly different childrearing methods. Mom is tough and authoritarian. Dad favors a gentler approach and wonders how to balance his obligations toward his wife and his children.

3

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

CALENDAR Atlanta

THROUGH MARCH 12

PUBLISHER

MICHAEL A. MORRIS

michael@atljewishtimes.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER KAYLENE LADINSKY

kaylene@atljewishtimes.com

ADVERTISING

Senior Account Manager

BRENDA GELFAND

brenda@atljewishtimes.com Senior Account Manager

MICHAL BONELL

michal@atljewishtimes.com Account Manager

JENNIFER WOLPERT

jennifer@atljewishtimes.com

EDITORIAL Editor

MICHAEL JACOBS

mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com Associate Editor

DAVID R. COHEN

david@atljewishtimes.com Staff Writer

SARAH MOOSAZADEH sarah@atljewishtimes.com

Contributors This Week JOHN EAVES • SKYE ESTROFF YONI GLATT JORDAN GORFINKEL ELI GRAY RACHEL FAYNE GRUSKIN LEAH R. HARRISON VICKI LEOPOLD • KEVIN MADIGAN TOVA NORMAN • DAVE SCHECHTER COLE SEIDNER • AL SHAMS CHANA SHAPIRO • KEN STEIN RACHEL STEIN PATRICE WORTHY

CREATIVE SERVICES Creative Design

DARA DRAWDY

CIRCULATION

Circulation Coordinator

ELIZABETH FRIEDLY

efriedly@atljewishtimes.com

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

Italian dinner. YJP invites people in their 20s and 30s for a service and meal at 6:30 p.m. at Chabad Intown, 928 Ponce de Leon Ave., Midtown. Admission is $20; www.yjpatlanta.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

Hunger Walk/Run. Various Jewish organizations have teams participating in the Atlanta Community Food Bank fundraiser at Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive, downtown. On-site registration and entertainment begin at noon; the walk and run start at 2 p.m.

Registration is $25 to walk and $35 to run in advance and $5 more at the gate; www.hungerwalkrun.org.

Bearing Witness. Holocaust survivor Murray Lynn tells his story at 2 p.m. at the Breman Museum, 1440 Spring St., Midtown. Free; thebreman.org.

Ella Fitzgerald concert. The Cultural Arts Series at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave., Buckhead, presents guest vocalist Carmen Bradford performing Fitzgerald music at 3 p.m. Free (donation requested to the AA Cultural Arts Fund); 404-3555222 or ivanmillender@earthlink.net.

Kollel tribute. The Atlanta Scholars Kollel honors Abe Levine with its Tribute to Jewish Learning Award at 7:15 p.m. at the Westin Buckhead, 3391 Peachtree Road. Admission is $54; www.atlantakollel.org or 404-321-4085.

MONDAY, MARCH 6

Terumah Friday, March 3, light candles at 6:18 p.m.

Saturday, March 4, Shabbat ends at 7:14 p.m.

Tetzaveh Friday, March 10, light candles at 6:24 p.m.

Saturday, March 11, Shabbat ends at 7:19 p.m.

Greater Atlanta, with co-sponsor American Jewish Committee, hosts Israel Action Network Deputy Director Max Chamovitz for a discussion on boycott, divestment and sanctions at 7:45 a.m. at the Selig Center, 1440 Spring St., Midtown. Free; jewishatlanta.org/ service-dialogue-security-series.

Women’s leadership. Rabba Devorah Evron draws on biblical and contemporary examples to discuss why more men than women hold leadership positions at a Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta event at noon at the Selig Center, 1440 Spring St., Midtown. Free; jwfatlanta­.org/events.

Chevra Kadisha dinner. The annual 7th of Adar gathering of the Atlanta-area Chevra Kadisha to mark the yahrzeit of Moses and discuss the funeral societies’ work, with guest speaker Rabbi Dov Foxbrunner, starts at 6:30 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Torah, 700 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs. Free to Chevra Kadisha members and their spouses; fredglus@comcast.net.

Kabbalah class. Intown Jewish Academy, 928 Ponce de Leon Ave., Midtown, starts a weekly, four-session class on “Going Kabbalistic: Inside the Mysteries of Life” from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Tuition is $36; www.intownjewishacademy.org/ goingkabbalistic.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

Olympic speaker. Riverwood Inter-

BDS update. The Jewish Federation of

The Atlanta Jewish Times is printed in Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. The opinions expressed in the Atlanta Jewish Times do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper. Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta, Ga.

25 Years Ago Feb. 28, 1992 ■ While the Atlanta Jewish community has struggled to meet the needs of Jews arriving from the former Soviet Union at the rate of 50 a month, Brookhaven Baptist Church drew 57 former Soviet Jews to a recent session offering English instruction, a Havdalah service and a meal.

But the Havdalah service substituted parts of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount for the traditional prayers, and Bible study presented the argument that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah.

■ The bar mitzvah of Benjamin Joseph Needle of Marietta, son of Karen and Hank Needle, will take place at 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, March 7, at Etz Chaim Synagogue.

■ Joan and Wayne Aronson of Atlanta announce the birth of their daughter Lindsey Michelle on Feb. 6.

THE ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES (ISSN# 0892-33451) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY SOUTHERN ISRAELITE, LLC 270 Carpenter Drive, Suite 320, Atlanta, GA 30328 © 2017 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES Printed by Walton Press Inc. MEMBER Conexx: America Israel Business Connector American Jewish Press Association Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce Please send all photos, stories and editorial content to: submissions@atljewishtimes.com

national Charter School, 5900 Raider Drive, Sandy Springs, hosts 1968 Olympian Tommie Smith as a benefit for the high school’s track program at 7 p.m.

Admission is $10; 470-535-9665.

Kabbalah course. Rabbi Ephraim Silverman leads a three-week course on “Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World” at 8 p.m. at Chabad of Cobb, 4450 Lower Roswell Road, East Cobb.

The cost is $25; www.chabadofcobb. com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

Stem cell ethics. Rabbi Jeffery Feinstein of Kehillat HaShem speaks about stem cell research to Hadassah Greater Atlanta’s Metulla Group at 1 p.m. at the Alpharetta Public Library, 10 Park Plaza. Free; sharyn209@yahoo.com or 678-443-2961 (Sharyn Lazarnick).

Infertility support. Wo/Men Infertility Support & Help holds its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. at MACoM, 700-A Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs. Free; RSVP@JewishFertilityFoundation.org or 404-275-9678 (Lynn Goldman).

“Why Be Jewish?” Federation CEO Eric Robbins and author Ruth Andrew Ellenson discuss the book by Edgar Bronfman in a Marcus JCC Page From the Book Festival event at 7:30 p.m. at the Selig Center, 1440 Spring St., Midtown.

Free; bit.ly/2miuVr4.

Jewish security. Attend the 7:30 p.m.

Send items for the calendar to submissions@atljewishtimes.com.

Find more events at atlantajewishtimes.com/events-calendar.

CONTACT INFORMATION GENERAL OFFICE 404.883.2130 KAYLENE@ATLJEWISHTIMES.COM

POSTMASTER send address changes to The Atlanta Jewish Times 270 Carpenter Drive Suite 320, Atlanta Ga 30328.

Established 1925 as The Southern Israelite Phone: (404) 883-2130 www.atlantajewishtimes.com

4

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

“The Temple Bombing.” The worldpremiere show based on Melissa Fay Greene’s book appears at the Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St., Midtown.

Tickets start at $10; alliancetheatre. org/production/the-temple-bombing.

Remember When

50 Years Ago March 3, 1967 ■ Three major faiths — Catholic, Jewish and Protestant — for the first time have joined to support a measure before the Georgia legislature. The legislation would make it a felony to deface or desecrate any place of worship. The bill has passed the House, where one of its sponsors is Rep. Elliott Levitas of DeKalb County, and is pending before the Senate. Levitas said many such desecrative acts have occurred in the Atlanta area recently.

■ Israeli Foreign Minister Abba Eban said in London that Israel would like the four major world powers — the United States, Britain, France and the Soviet Union — to support the principle of no territorial change in the Middle East.

■ Mr. and Mrs. Morton Harold Srochi of Atlanta announce the engagement of their daughter, Darriel Ann Srochi, to Ronald Barry Gerson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gerson of Columbus.

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

CALENDAR showing of “The Temple Bombing” at the Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St., Midtown, then stay for a discussion with Federation’s security director, Cathal Lucy. Show tickets are $10 to $65; alliancetheatre.org. Register for the discussion at jewishatlanta.org/ service-dialogue-security-series.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

Sushi, sake and spirituality. Jumpstart your Shabbat with the monthly Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6 p.m. at Chabad of Cobb, 4450 Lower Roswell Road, East Cobb. Free; 678-7734173 (Yaacov Gothard) or 770-565-4412 (Chabad of Cobb).

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

Atlanta History Center tour. Hadassah Greater Atlanta’s Metulla Group takes a guided tour of the center at 130 W. Paces Ferry Road, Buckhead, at 10 a.m.

Tickets are $13; sandyecharlop@gmail. com or 678-443-2961 (Sandye Charlop).

Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave., Midtown. Tickets are $10 each or $15 per couple; www.facebook.com/ events/715274135309331.

Fiesta Forever. Intown Jewish Preschool’s annual big event fundraiser is at 6:30 p.m. at Congregation Shearith Israel, 1180 University Drive, Morningside. Tickets are $30, plus optional raffle tickets; www.eventbrite.com/e/ the-big-event-tickets-31065672262.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 Club-K. Prodezra raps at The Kehilla in Sandy Springs, 5075 Roswell Road, at 9:30 p.m. Free; thekehilla.org/club-k.

TUESDAY, APRIL 4 Film screening. Jewish Women’s Fund

of Atlanta and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival show “Brave Miss World,” about the abduction and rape of Israeli beauty queen Linor Abargil in Italy in

1998, and hold a panel discussion and dessert reception at 7 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive, Sandy Springs.

Tickets are $18; jwfatlanta.org/events.

Does your landlord owe you money? Did your landlord not return all of your security deposit?

You may be able to recover the amount taken from you or more. We are actively seeking tenants who have had their security deposits taken by landlords in Georgia.

Please call The Offices of Shimshon Wexler, P.C. at (678) 699-1938, 315 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Ste 250, Decatur, GA 30030.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

Frankly Speaking. NCJW Atlanta holds its monthly women’s discussion group on current events with Sherry Frank from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 6303 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. Beverages and dessert provided. Free; RSVP by March 15 to christineh@ncjwatlanta.org.

MACoM celebration. Rabbis Joshua Heller and Alvin Sugarman are honored at a benefit for the Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah, at 7 p.m. at the Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St., downtown. Tickets are $200 (RSVP by March 3); atlantamikvah.org or 404-964-3688.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17

Book discussion. The On the Same Page book club of Hadassah Greater Atlanta’s Metulla Group talks about Marie Benedict’s “The Other Einstein” at 1:30 p.m. in Sandy Springs. Contact Barbara Shoulberg at brsgolf1@bellsouth.net or 770-948-2443 for details.

Passover 101. InterfaithFamily/Atlanta’s Rabbi Malka Packer and Reuben Haller lead a workshop on the basics of a Passover seder over dinner at 6 p.m. at Industrious on the eighth floor of

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

Chevra Kadisha training. David Zinner, the executive director of the National Chevra Kadisha Society, discusses the history of Chevra Kadisha and ritual washing at a training session at 2 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 1580 Spalding Drive, Sandy Springs. Free; malberhasky@templeemanuelatlanta. com.

5

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

ISRAEL NEWS

Israel Pride: Good News From Our Jewish Home Cooperating against cancer. Researchers from Israeli and Palestinian hospitals found risk factors for B-cell nonHodgkin’s lymphoma. Studying 823 patients from both communities, plus a similar number of healthy people, they found genetic, environmental, lifestyle and medical links.

Enabling Arab children to hear. Michal Kaufmann of Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital performed cochlear implant surgery on 16 deaf and mute Palestinian children to enable them to hear for the first time in their lives. She performed six of the operations in one month.

Bacterial naps and antibiotics. Biophysicists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have found that bacteria go dormant to prevent being killed by antibiotics. This process also helps the bacteria develop faster resistance and suggests an effort to target dormant bacteria with separate treatments.

Inclusive court. The justices chosen recently to serve on Israel’s Supreme Court include George Kara, a Christian Arab, who replaces Christian Arab Salim Joubran, retiring after serving since 2003. Also, Yael Vilner is the first Orthodox Jewish woman to receive a permanent seat on the Supreme Court.

Praise (sort of) from Arab journalists. Egyptian journalists writing for the newspapers al-Mizri, al-Yom and al-Aharam said Israel’s successes in invention and science are an embarrassment to the entire Arab world.

Another shrimp on the Bibi. The first visit by a serving Israeli prime minister to Australia was notable for the warm welcome Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Jewish community gave to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Both heads of government and 2,000 guests attended services at Sydney’s Central Synagogue. Direct flights between the

countries are being planned.

WiFi in the Old City. Jerusalem is installing free WiFi in all four quarters of the Old City to benefit tourists, merchants and residents. A pilot program near the Jaffa Gate and the Christian Quarter will be expanded, adding to existing free WiFi in the German Colony and Ben Yehuda Street.

Pocket-size flying camera. The ultimate in smartphone photo capture, Israel’s SELFLY is a $100, pocket-size, remote camera for your phone that you send into the air to capture aerial photos. It reached its $125,000 crowdfunding goal in just five days and now is close to raising half a million dollars.

Big crowd for OurCrowd. OurCrowd, an equity crowdfunding platform, hosted Israel’s largest investment event at Jerusalem’s International Conference Center. More than 6,000 people from 82 countries attended, including entrepreneurs, investors and representatives of 200 multinational companies.

Chinese rolling ahead. Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. will open a research and development facility in Israel to work on such advanced motor vehicle technologies as electrical propulsion, automated propulsion, data networks and car sharing.

Gourmet food for 8 shekels. Israel’s only Michelin-starred chef, Moshik Roth, is opening his gourmet sandwich chain EIGHT all over Israel. Every item on the menu is 8 shekels ($2.17). Sandwich fillings include corned beef, duck and ribeye. Other menu items include entrecote steak and vegetable omelet.

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Largest aliyah fair. Nefesh B’Nefesh held its annual Israel Aliyah Mega Event on Feb. 26 in Manhattan. Some 1,500 potential olim attended. Nefesh B’Nefesh also held an Atlanta event Feb. 27 at Congregation Beth Jacob.

6

Five-star luxury in a lifeguard tower. A lifeguard tower on Tel Aviv’s Frishman Beach is being converted into a fivestar hotel. The winner of a photo competition will be flown to Tel Aviv for a four-night break, including one night at the hotel with a personal butler. Afterward, the hotel reverts to a lifeguard station for the summer season.

Compiled courtesy of verygoodnewsisrael. blogspot.com and other sources.

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

March 3, 1939: The Mufti of Jerusalem, who has enormous power, chooses nonengagement with the British, who control Palestine, and rejects a majority-Arab Palestinian state. He does not accept any Jewish presence in Palestine and later opts to work with the Nazis during World War II. March 4, 1987: Jonathan Pollard, convicted of spying for Israel, is sentenced to life in prison for espionage, setting off decades of Jewish communal appeals for a pardon or commutation of his sentence. He is released in 2015.

March 5, 1891: William Blackstone, a Methodist lay leader and real estate investor, petitions President Benjamin Harrison to support the creation of “a home for these wandering millions of Israel.” The Blackstone Memorial is the name of the signed petition.

March 6, 1948: Clark Clifford, a top adviser to President Harry Truman, stands against the State Department and for the United States not wavering from the partition resolution the United Nations passed in November 1947, calling for the division of Palestine into Arab and Jewish states.

March 7, 1977: Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and President Jimmy Carter meet in Washington for the first time. The Carter administration has already established that negotiating a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict is a foreign policy priority.

March 8, 1969: Egyptian forces launch a major offensive against Israeli positions on the eastern banks of the Suez Canal, starting the War of Attrition, Egyptian soldiers which lasts until Auparticipate in gust 1970. an offensive March 9, 1914: against Israeli Arthur Ruppin, the forces in 1969, head of the Palestine launching the War of Attrition.

Office of the World Zionist Organization, purchases the estate of Sir John Gray Hill on Mount Scopus in Jerusalem for the purpose of building a university, which becomes the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Today in Israeli History

7

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

OPINION

Who Says Sovereign Rights Have Limitations?

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Placing Jewish destiny into Jewish hands is the reason Zionism emerged at the end of the 19th century. Acquiring political power to promote Jewish security is how a Jewish state was created. Using accumulated political and military attributes has sustained Jewish sovereignty. Deciding when to exercise sovereignty has been a hard-fought prerogative.

In May and June 1967, after Israelis heard Arab leaders say, “Our goal is clear: to wipe Israel off the face of the map; we shall, G-d willing, meet in Tel Aviv and Haifa” and “If Israel embarks on an aggression against Syria or Egypt … our basic objective will be to destroy Israel,” and seeing Egypt fill Sinai with Egyptian soldiers and blockade access to Israel’s southern port of Eilat, the Israeli government chose to exercise its sovereign right of self-defense.

Israel chose to apply a doctrine of pre-emption: “Do unto others before they do unto you.” It fit ideologically with a broader Israeli policy of “never

8

again” — that is, putting Jews into a state of affairs where their security and existence would be dependent on

Guest Column

By Ken Stein

others.

Israel had asked the United States and Great Britain to arrange for an international flotilla to break Egypt’s blockade of Israel’s southern port, but waiting more than two weeks meant losing the initiative of surprise against the Arab states if war came.

On June 3, 1967, U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk told American ambassadors in the Middle East: “The holy war psychology of the Arab world is matched by an apocalyptic psychology within Israel. Israel may make a decision that it must resort to force to protect its vital interests. You should not assume that the United States can order Israel not to fight for what it

considers to be its most vital interests.”

Two days later, Israel did. And in six days Israel unexpectedly increased its size fivefold; it gained Sinai, East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. In choosing the time and place for the war, Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol said on June 12, “we are entitled to determine what true and vital interests of our country are and how they shall be secured.”

Several times thereafter, Israel chose to apply a doctrine of pre-emption again: • In June 1981, Israeli forces attacked and destroyed the Iraqi reactor.

• In August 2005, the Sharon government withdrew unilaterally from the Gaza Strip.

• In September 2007, Israel secretly destroyed a Syrian military facility thought to be a nuclear site.

In exercising sovereign rights, Israel chose to protect its citizens. Israel used its sovereign prerogative to relinquish land it gained in war — Sinai — to obtain a negotiated agreement: the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty.

Question: Do the international community, the European Union, the United Nations, and Jews and non-Jews worldwide have the right to tell the government of Israel how much of what lands in the West Bank, Golan Heights or East Jerusalem to relinquish and when?

The answer may depend on whether one classifies the June 1967 war as a defensive act or an aggressive action. Fifty years ago, Secretary of State Dean Rusk said Israel had vital interests to protect.

What seems evident today is that staunch advocates of BDS — that is, those who want to apply boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel — are opposed not only to Israel’s retention of territories gained in the June 1967 war, but also to Israel’s outright sovereignty. Period. ■ Ken Stein is the president of the Center for Israel Education, the director of the Emory Institute for the Study of Modern Israel, and an Emory professor of Middle Eastern history, political science and Israel studies.

OPINION

Letter To The Editor I don’t know where to begin about all the drama-rama in this country during the presidential election and afterward. I haven’t seen so much uproar and mean-spiritedness in a long time.

Here’s the deal: Two people ran to be the 45th president of the United States. Only one person can win, and one person did win, fair and square.

The people who didn’t vote for Donald J. Trump and who don’t like him can’t seem to accept the outcome.

Beating people up who voted for Trump, accosting people on airplanes, throwing bricks through windows, setting cars on fire and throwing bricks at the police are unacceptable behaviors, no matter your political views.

It’s too much when celebrities threaten to blow up the White House and call politicians Nazis and when a female comedian who makes jokes about the Holocaust suggests a coup.

Peaceful protests are OK if a lot of people seem to have a lot of free time on their hands. Shouting vulgarities is not acceptable, and causing a lot of extra chaos at major airports doesn’t solve any problems.

Certainly not all Muslims are terrorists, but it seems that all terrorists are Muslims. Think about that.

Despite what a lot of people think, I don’t believe that President Trump is against any group of people. He is trying to do what our past presidents haven’t been able to accomplish: Stop as much terrorism as he can.

Maybe his first attempt was a little disorganized, but it will get better if people give him a chance.

The Democrats would be so much better off working with the president instead of against him.

Trump may not be the perfect man, but my husband and I think he could be one of the best presidents this country has had in a while.

The press has vilified him and his family from Day 1. Maybe Steve Bannon could have been a bit politer when telling the press to shut up, but he was trying to get his message across.

I had the same thought recently as Rabbi Mark Kunis expressed (“Time for Trump to End the Circus,” Feb. 10): How great is it to have a religious Jewish family in the White House?

I hope this country comes together soon and leaves all the unnecessary hysteria behind.

— Regina A. Kamor, Decatur

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

He’s Our President

9

OPINION

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

Our View

Ugly Times

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Adar is supposed to be a period of wacky fun, highlighted by Purim in the middle of the month. But the surge of anti-Semitic actions, not just sentiments, across America has us feeling far from festive.

It’s scary to realize that so far we’ve been lucky in Atlanta. We’ve only had one incident in 2017 that has violated the sanctity and assumed safety of our core communal spaces: one hoax bomb threat against the Marcus Jewish Community Center on Jan. 9.

The well-trained, well-prepared JCC staff even managed to avoid evacuating the Dunwoody building and upsetting the preschoolers and others there.

If only that one threat were all we had to worry about. Instead, 73 Jewish community centers and day schools in 30 states and one Canadian province have received similar bomb threats in five clusters of calls as of Feb. 27. The harassment targets have included the JCCs in Charlotte, New Orleans, Nashville (twice) and Birmingham (three times).

The Anti-Defamation League is one of the main sources for advice and expertise in dealing with antiSemitism and threats of violence; the ADL’s national headquarters in New York received a threatening call Feb. 22, as did its San Francisco office Feb. 27.

Then there are the cemeteries. More than 150 headstones were damaged or destroyed by vandals in a Jewish cemetery outside St. Louis during the third weekend of February. More than 100 headstones were toppled at a Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia the following weekend.

We don’t know who’s behind any of this ugliness. No one has been charged, nor is anyone likely to be. The person or group making those seemingly random threatening phone calls is probably sophisticated enough to avoid detection, while cemeteries always lack meaningful security because such vandalism, though nasty, doesn’t endanger any lives.

The lack of arrests is sure to embolden more haters to act out, and the danger is that someone will take the next step from taunts and threats to deadly violence. It nearly happened in mid-February when a South Carolina man with a history of anti-Semitism, an unhealthy interest in a Conservative synagogue and a fondness for Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof was caught by the FBI while trying to buy a gun.

It’s unavoidable in these hyperpartisan times that people will view what’s happening through a political lens, and criticism of President Donald Trump is fair. He at least flirted with the forces of hate, and by the time he disowned those forces and decried anti-Semitism, it was too late. The evil genie was long gone from the bottle.

There’s also an element of self-fulfilling prophecy in play here: People spent so much time hammering home the false message last year that Trump embraced hate that the anti-Semites believed it and, regardless of what the president said or did, they accepted that he was with them.

We’d like to see right and left learn a few lessons about the power of words and the danger of extreme rhetoric, but that’s not the priority now when we as a community are under attack. We need to stand together and embrace our allies to demonstrate that 10 this is our America, and we’re not going anywhere. ■

Cartoon by Yaakov Kirschen, Dry Bones

High Cost of Trump-Era Politics From the time Donald Trump announced he put everything he had into a business converting would nominate Tom Price for health and human gasoline-powered vehicles to run on natural gas. services secretary, we During Democrat Ron knew national politics Slotin’s kickoff event at would make the election Hudson Grille in Sandy Editor’s Notebook to fill Price’s congressional Springs on Saturday night, seat extra-special.

Feb. 18, his campaign manBy Michael Jacobs After all, the voting ager said it would take at mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com April 18 represents one of least $500,000 to run a sucthe first chances in the nacessful race. Presumably, tion for people to respond that total didn’t include the at the ballot box to the start of the Trump adminisextra cash needed for the inevitable runoff June 20 tration, and it comes in a congressional district, the between the top two vote-getters, regardless of party 6th, with a 40-year history of electing conservative (all 18 candidates are on the same ballot).

Republicans, going back to Newt Gingrich. Despite Ossoff, Abroms and Slotin — 17 percent of the that history, and despite Price’s easy re-election in candidates — are Jewish. While that Jewish involveNovember, it’s also a district that nearly backed Hillment might be reflective of the makeup of the 6th ary Clinton over Trump for president.

District, which sweeps through some of metro That combination of factors guaranteed naAtlanta’s most Jewish areas — including East Cobb, tional interest, which in turn guaranteed big money Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Alpharetta being spent to try to flip the seat to the Democrats or and Johns Creek — it’s still unusual in Georgia. As to preserve its Republican status. we’ve written, our state has few Jewish legislators We’ve just begun to talk to the 18 candidates who could jump into the race to try to follow in — 11 Republicans, five Democrats and two indethe footsteps of Elliott Levitas, who represented an pendents — who each paid $5,220 to appear on Atlanta-area district in Congress from 1975 to 1985. the ballot, but it’s already clear that this will be an As a 6th District resident, I don’t know whether expensive election. any of these three will be my next congressman. I Democrat Jon Ossoff has benefited from the don’t know whether I’ll vote for one of them. But I early endorsement of Rep. John Lewis, which led to wouldn’t be embarrassed to be represented by any of the progressive website Daily Kos raising money for them — in part because, like me, all three are Southhim online. Ossoff said in an interview Wednesday, ern Jews by birth and upbringing.

Feb. 22, that he already had more than $1.8 million in Look for profiles of 6th District candidates to donations, as well as more than 5,000 volunteers (a start running March 17. I can’t promise we’ll go in total that topped 6,000 by the time he went door to depth on all 18 of them, but I’m hopeful that we’ll door to meet potential voters in the district Feb. 25). give you the information you need if you’re voting Republican David Abroms said in an interview April 18 or if you’re an interested observer outside Feb. 22 that he has committed $250,000 of his own the 6th. And with our new website, the whole commoney to his campaign — this from a man who munity can use those forthcoming articles to talk a few years ago subsisted on cheese-and-ketchup about the merits of the candidates and the needs of sandwiches while living with a cousin so he could the district, the state and the nation. ■

OPINION

Food Pantry Stretches Jewish Safety Net “I think it is greater than the number of people who come to get the food,” Maslia said.

Accepting food carries a greater stigma than other forms of assistance.

Some recipients have trouble looking in the eye those providing

From Where I Sit

By Dave Schechter dschechter@atljewishtimes.com

the food. “I find it more in the Jewish community than the non-Jewish community,” Maslia said. “Almost always they say, ‘I never thought this would happen to me. I never thought I would be in this situation. I’m the one who gives to other people. I’m the one who makes the donations. I’m the one who gives back.’ ” JF&CS receives food from individuals (one woman donated a dozen boxes of cereal she bought on sale), from congregations, from Helping Feed Atlanta (a weekly delivery of produce donated by Costco and others) and through Operation Isaiah. The barrels filled during the High Holidays go to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which last year allowed JF&CS to cull the kosher items. In a pinch, JF&CS will buy from the food bank and from Publix and Kroger. The Giving Garden behind the JF&CS building has yielded its own bounty of vegetables.

The pantry’s financial benefactors include the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, the Hunger Walk/ Run, the Atlanta Hunger Relief Fund and at least one generous individual who wishes to remain anonymous.

Grocery gift cards have been contributed by various congregations and the Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta.

The pantry does not provide meat, poultry or fish, nor dairy products, for reasons of cost and to avoid spoilage.

Maslia said its greatest needs — and all donations are appreciated — are for canned tuna, canned soup, Publix-brand boxed macaroni and cheese (which is kosher), sauce to cover a supply of pasta, and jelly to spread with the peanut butter.

But, please, Maslia said, no matzah meal, a popular post-Passover donation of little use if people cannot afford eggs and oil to mix with it. ■

GRAND OPENING IN SANDY SPRINGS! Atlanta’s Most Authentic Italian Cuisine

½ Off Special ½ Off any Entrée or Pizza

Excluding Alcohol • One Per Person • Dine In Only • Exp. 4/30/17

111 Glenridge Point Parkway Sandy Springs Near Hospitals

404-565-0369 Dine-In Restaurant w/Freshly Made Pasta, New York Style Pizza & Full Bar

Corporate & Business Delivery Available

www.vinnysatlanta.com

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

As you plan for next month’s Passover seder, consider the following.

The communal safety net that supports Atlanta Jews facing “food insecurity” (a government euphemism for hunger) consists of racks of metal shelves and a couple of refrigerators housed in two closet-size rooms at Jewish Family & Career Services.

The shelves of the JF&CS food pantry are stocked with cans, bags, boxes, jars and other packages — all kosher. Fresh fruits and vegetables — luxury items, of a sort — are kept cool.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank estimates that in its 29-county region, 16 percent of the people, and nearly 25 percent of the children, lack adequate food, often for financial reasons. While there are no statistics on hunger in the Jewish community, experience tells JF&CS staff that the numbers likely mirror the general population.

Though hunger is nondenominational, “if we weren’t kosher, there are people who could not come to us,” said Amy Maslia, who manages the intake process for the myriad of services provided by JF&CS. Food assistance allows JF&CS clients to stretch their financial resources. The agency assists by making one-time payments to landlords and utility companies.

“I have food. I run out of money for rent, mortgage and utilities,” Maslia said. “We have never had to turn anybody down” at the pantry.

The more food on its shelves, the more people JF&CS can feed. A renovation is enlarging the pantry’s quarters — a good thing, as the numbers needing assistance continue to increase.

In fiscal 2010, JF&CS distributed 5,261 pounds of food.

In fiscal 2015, JF&CS distributed 17,300 pounds of food to 385 households, feeding an estimated 1,180 people, among them 175 age 65 or older and 458 age 18 or younger.

Last year, some 22,000 pounds of food went to 750 households, feeding about 2,200 people, including 350 seniors and 740 children.

JF&CS works beyond the Jewish community. On learning that only one-third of pantry clients are Jewish, you might conclude that hunger is less of a problem for Jews locally.

11

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

OPINION

A Personal Bridge Between Blacks and Jews I am an oddity: I am both AfricanAmerican and Jewish.

This dual identity has shaped my life and worldview. Even though the African-American community and the Jewish community have had some historical collaborations, such as those during the civil rights movement, these two groups don’t mesh as well as they should. In the past, I have been reluctant to share my story for fear of acceptance, but today I talk openly with confidence and without hesitation.

My grandfather, Cecil Reginald Eaves, converted to Judaism after immigrating to America from Jamaica in 1913. He passed his faith to my father, John Henry Eaves Sr., who in turn passed it on to me.

I grew up in the South during a period when it was incredibly unusual for a person of color to be Jewish. During my childhood, I was comfortable being a member of a congregation mostly composed of African-Americans, and I felt accepted.

Yet at school I was always different from my friends. I didn’t celebrate Christmas, have a tree in my home or put lights outside my house. And I couldn’t go out on dates with my friends on Friday nights because my family observed the Sabbath as the day of rest.

My Jewish faith affected me in

other ways too. Like many Southerners, I have always loved football. In high school, I was so proud to make the school team as a cornerback, and I practiced every day. My teammates would say, “Eaves! You’re crazy!” because, of course, I could not play on Friday nights.

But twice a season there was a

Guest Column

By John Eaves

Saturday night game, and that made it all worth it.

I remember one Friday afternoon during my senior year, the coaches came to my house hoping to persuade my dad to let me play. I waited upstairs, and when they left after only 10 minutes, I asked, “Can I please play, Dad?” He only said, “Get ready for Shabbat service.”

My football-playing days are now long behind me, and I proudly serve our community as the chairman of Fulton County.

My desire to give back to the community was instilled by my Jewish faith, which has a call of service to others. Many biblical leaders and prophets were called and accepted the obligation to help and repair the

world. As a Jew, I feel that same obligation.

These days, I often reflect on my religion and race. In February, I attended a screening of “Keep Quiet” as part of the famed Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. This film is a documentary about an anti-Semitic political leader in Hungary who is shocked to learn that his maternal grandmother is Jewish, making him Jewish as well.

As I watched the film, I was once again struck by the horrors of the Holocaust. But, surprisingly, it was not my Jewish identity but my AfricanAmerican one that connected most deeply to the film.

I am part of a racial group that has experienced oppression and discrimination but through it all persevered. I am also part of a religious lineage that has equally experienced oppression and discrimination but through it all persevered. In that movie, I felt the struggles AfricanAmericans have endured throughout our American history.

Today, I am a member of The Temple, the location of the 1958 civil rights bombing. Rabbi Jacob Roths­ child was an outspoken advocate against bigotry and prejudice, and he and the synagogue developed a partnership and friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I am proud of the deliberate steps I see today’s Temple leaders taking to reach out to

diverse communities.

I, too, reach out to many. My dual identity has inspired me to strive to be the common denominator, the bridge builder between my race and all religions. That is why I started the Interfaith Council within Fulton County.

I have embraced a religion that is nontraditional for someone of African descent, and that experience has allowed me to be open-minded and realize there is something good in all faiths. They all acknowledge a superior being and encourage brotherhood and sisterhood.

Yes, I am an oddity, but through that rareness, I have learned to take the best of each world and bring them together. I am determined to foster understanding and compassion between unlikely friends and allies.

To all my brothers and sisters who struggle with a sense of otherness: Whether it is racial, religious, gender, sexual orientation or otherwise, know that your otherness makes you special.

You have something unique to give back to your community.

Through sharing our perspectives and working together with common purpose, we can fulfill our obligation to humanity. ■ John Eaves is the chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

He recently announced that he is run­ ning for mayor of Atlanta.

YouTube Star Must Answer for Anti-Semitism

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

PewDiePie accused The Wall Street Journal of a personal attack.

In case you don’t spend all day online, PewDiePie is the No. 1 YouTuber, period, with a few side projects and even a TV show, so it’s not too surprising that a paper like The Wall Street Journal would know who he is.

The Journal cataloged several videos of Felix Kjellberg, PewDiePie’s real name, being antiSemitic, including instances of him using images of Hitler as a punch line and paying two men to hold up a sign that reads “Death to All Jews.”

Disney has dropped Kjellberg and YouTube has moved him from the preferred section since the article came out. But, as Philip DeFranco says, this is not the end of PewDiePie. It only draws attention to the YouTuber, and 12 his fan base is too large for this to af-

fect him in any way, shape or form.

Kjellberg isn’t happy, and other known YouTubers, such as DeFranco

Guest Column

By Cole Seidner

and Markiplier, Mark Fishbach, have come out in defense of Kjellberg in the unending chant of “It’s just a joke, guys, chill.”

DeFranco has posted two videos on his news channel in defense of PewDiePie, continuing his belief that it was just a joke and that PewDiePie isn’t going down.

Fishbach’s response was to ask everyone to respect each other, but that sentiment did not seem to include respecting any Jewish viewer who

might be offended by a Swedish man using Jewish deaths as a joke or, as PewDiePie put it, “a funny meme.”

His respect seemed to be reserved for “those that you hate” and, of course, PewDiePie. If it’s just a joke, what is the problem?

For one thing, it’s not funny. For another, PewDiePie’s audience contains a great many teenagers. These young viewers won’t think critically about “a funny meme.” Because it is phrased as a joke, it’s OK to say, and that is the end of their thinking.

I can’t express the heartbreak I feel when I see these professionals, including DeFranco, who has claimed to always look at things from both sides, take a staunch attitude and protect only Kjellberg. They have raised their armies — with their multimillion subscribers, it is an army — to protect a man who said the response to his

“Death to All Jews” sign was “nothing but insanity.”

I can’t express the heartbreak I feel when I imagine a Jewish teenager, excited to watch his favorite YouTuber, only to find that person paying a man to dress up as Jesus and say, “Hitler did nothing wrong.”

I can’t express the pain of watching DeFranco, who has promised to always see things from a nonbiased point of view and to later bring out his opinions, post a seven-minute video defending Kjellberg.

Kjellberg does not need the protection. It is clear he can get away with anything, any joke and any action; it is clear he will not be held accountable.

But the rest of us do need the protection, especially the 14-year-old viewers who have just been taught that getting angry over a meme asking an entire minority group to die is just people overreacting. ■

Religious Liberty Redux

The latest effort to enact religious liberty legislation in Georgia faced interfaith opposition at a Capitol news conference organized by the Faith in Public Life coalition Thursday, Feb. 23.

“The Bible tells us to lift up the downtrodden. It doesn’t matter whether they are Christian, Jewish or Samaritan or haven’t found their faith at all,” Congregation B’nai Torah Rabbi Joshua Heller said. “The Bible tells us to feed the hungry; it doesn’t matter whether they are straight or gay. The Bible tells us to care for the orphan and the widow. It doesn’t say ‘except for those people.’ ” He and other clergy members were speaking out against Senate Bill 233, introduced by Sen. Marty Harbin (RTyrone). That measure would add the text of the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act to the Georgia Code.

It’s simpler than the extensive legislation Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed last year. But critics say the goal is similar: to legalize discrimination against LGBT people.

“We have the right to believe what we want about G-d, faith and religion, and we have the right to act on those beliefs — unless those actions harm others,” said Andrea Young, the executive director of the ACLU of Georgia.

Deal has made it clear that he will not sign S.B. 233, which has not moved past the committee level.

AJFF Encores March 5

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival has scheduled five features and two shorts for its Day of Encores on Sunday, March 5, at the Georgia Theatre Co. Merchants Walk Cinema in East Cobb.

The day starts with “Aida’s Journey,” the winner of the jury prize for best documentary feature, at 11 a.m.

At 12:45 p.m., the audience award winner for best short, Oscar-nominated documentary “Joe’s Violin,” and the jury prize winner for best short, “The Last Blintz,” are shown together.

“Fanny’s Journey,” which the jury and the festival audiences chose as the best narrative film, screens at 2:10 p.m.

Another film recognized by audiences and the jury, “The Freedom to Marry,” shows at 4:10 p.m. The documentary about the struggle to legalize same-sex marriage won the audience award for best documentary feature and the jury’s Human Rights Prize.

At 6:05 p.m., the rock music documentary “Bang! The Bert Berns Story” is being shown, and “Harmonia,” a modern Israeli retelling of the story of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar, closes the day with a screening at 8:05 p.m.

Tickets are $13 for each show and

are available by visiting ajff.org or by calling 678-701-6104.

8 on 32nd District Ballot

Residents of Georgia’s 32nd Senate District will cast only two votes in the special election April 18, but they’ll have 26 candidates to sort through.

After 11 Republicans, five Democrats and two independents filed to run for the 6th Congressional District seat vacated by Roswell Republican Tom Price when he became U.S. health and human services secretary, eight others jumped into the 32nd District race in East Cobb and western Sandy Springs by the deadline Friday, Feb. 24.

Five are Republicans: consultant Hamilton Matthew Beck, railroad conductor and lobbyist Matt Campbell, neuroradiologist and financial adviser Roy Daniels, orthopedic surgeon Kay Kirkpatrick and tax lawyer Gus Makris.

Three are Democrats: TV director Exton Howard, family law lawyer Christine Triebsch and pediatrician Bob Wiskind.

Republican Judson Hill resigned the Senate seat to run for Congress.

New Ark in Brookhaven

The Chabad Israeli Center dedicated its new aron kodesh (holy ark) Sunday, Feb. 5, with more than 50 congregants and friends.

Michael and Etti Alon, joined by family from Florida, Maryland and Israel, were honored for giving the money for the ark. The center’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Mendy Gurary, said the Alons aren’t wealthy but “saw what was important and made this possible.”

The ark is the centerpiece of the renovation of the building at 4276 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road in Brookhaven since the Chabad Israeli Center bought it in late 2015. The center aims to be a focal point for the estimated 15,000 Israelis in metro Atlanta.

The Alons dedicated the ark in honor of their four daughters, each of whom spoke briefly at the ceremony about a different characteristic of their parents. Lawyer Scott Kaplan said the Alons epitomize the three pillars of Jewish living: Torah study, prayer and acts of lovingkindness.

Etti and Michael Alon stand with the ark they paid for at the Chabad Israeli Center.

Congregation Or Hadash Welcomes:

MORDECHAI ROSENSTEIN Artist-in-Residence • March 15-19, 2017

World renowned Jewish artist Mordecai Rosenstein will be sharing his talents with the community through an interactive weekend of art and community building. This weekend will be an incredible opportunity to learn and collaborate with him. It will also offer a unique opportunity to create your own personal artwork with the artist. This will be an amazing experience to spend time with Mordecai and to have our children learn and experience art through his lens. Not only will you be exposed to a Master of the Hebrew Alphabet, but you will be to view and purchase his beautiful works of art all weekend.

Wednesday, March 15 4:45 pm-6:30 pm You are the artist! Painting event for all 3rd-7th grade students (RSVP, no charge) Thursday, March 16 10:00 am-12:00 pm Paint with Mordechai to create a work of art for COH 7:00 pm Dessert reception and presentation: Famous people who own Mordechai’s work (RSVP, no charge) Friday, March 17 10:00 am-1:00 pm Paint with Mordechai to create a work of art for COH 6:00 pm Wine and cheese gallery tour of Mordechai’s work (RSVP, no charge) 6:30 pm Drash during Services, Mordechai’s Journey as an Artist; Oneg with Mordechai (RSVP, no charge) saTurday, March 18 9:15 am-1:00 pm D’var during Services, The Torah Paints the Picture; Kiddush with Mordechai (RSVP, No charge) 8:00 pm Havdalah, Pinot and Painting: Create your own work of art (RSVP, $18 non-member fee to cover art supplies) sunday, March 19 9:15 am-10:15 am Minyan with nosh with Mordechai (RSVP, no charge)

RSVP by March 10 @ bit.ly/air.mordechai Mordechai Rosenstein is bringing his art which will be available for purchase during his visit with us.

Shabbat-friendly purchasing.

Congregation Or Hadash 7460 Trowbridge Rd, Sandy Springs

www.or-hadash.org

404.250.3338

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

LOCAL NEWS

13

Frankly Speaking with Sherry Frank!

NCJW Atlanta is excited to continue our women's discussion group for our members and friends. Moderated by noted Atlanta advocate extraordinaire Sherry Frank, this monthly luncheon meeting focuses on current events through a Jewish lens. Bring your lunch; we’ll provide beverages and dessert. Mark your calendars with the upcoming dates for our discussion series:

Thursday, March 16 Thursday, April 13 Thursday, May 18

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

The series will be held from noon – 1:30 pm each day at the NCJW Atlanta office at 6303 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Please RSVP by the day before each meeting to christineh@ncjwatlanta.org.

Visit our website at www.ncjwatlanta.org.

14

LOCAL NEWS

Mansbach Bringing Change to Community

By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com Jodi Lox Mansbach’s priority in her new job as the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s chief impact officer isn’t to develop measures of the effectiveness of Federation’s programs, but to figure out what the community needs.

From there, she Jodi Mansbach can help figure out how to meet those needs to have the greatest impact.

“It’s really putting the community first,” said Mansbach, who started Feb. 22 at Federation.

“Jodi is a bold and innovative thinker with unique strengths in planning, marketing and nonprofit business,” Federation President and CEO Eric Robbins said when Mansbach’s hiring was announced. “I deeply believe we will all be invigorated and energized by her leadership.”

Mansbach, a New Jersey native, and her husband, Ross, a lawyer from Durham, N.C., moved to Atlanta 20 years ago as a compromise location. “I love it,” she said. “It really does have the best of both worlds in most cases.”

The Mansbachs have one son at Amherst and another at Grady High. In between is a daughter who’s bound for Brown next fall.

Mansbach most recently helped the city of Atlanta launch a pop-up urban design center. Before that, she served as the vice president for development and sustainability of Ponce City Market developer Jamestown.

Just as important, she and Robbins worked together on bringing Limmud to Atlanta and the Southeast more than a decade ago. That effort earned them Federation’s Mary and Max London People Power Award in June 2015, before they knew they’d have the opportunity to transform Federation.

“Eric sees Limmud and the way volunteers work together and the way community comes together at Limmud as a wonderful model for what could be in our community,” Mansbach said.

Robbins’ leadership since September is one reason Mansbach took the job. Another is the chance to apply her knowledge as an urban planner and a developer to solve the challenges of the diverse Atlanta Jewish communi-

ty, which she said usually operates as many communities.

“I’ve always had a passion for this,” Mansbach said about Jewish communal work in general and Federation in particular. “This is where I’ve been spending a lot of my volunteer time.

I’m very impressed with the staff here.”

Mansbach also looks forward to adapting innovations introduced by new organizations around the country.

She has been exposed to Jewish communal creativity through her involvement with Limmud, her time as a Wexner Heritage Fellow, and her position on the board of Repair the World, which she said excels at engaging the millennial generation by making service a meaningful part of Jewish life.

She has learned as an urban planner not to try to cut and paste a program from somewhere else because every community is different, but good ideas can be customized for Atlanta.

“It’s about being entrepreneurial and taking risks,” Mansbach said, explaining that while it’s important to ask people what they want, sometimes you must recognize additional needs and trust that if you build it, they will come. That’s what Jamestown achieved in the Old Fourth Ward, she said.

Like Robbins, she’s interested in assessing the use of space and how to make Jewish places feel more inclusive, energetic and interactive.

“For years we focused on physical space,” then attention turned to programs and initiatives that were less about location, Mansbach said. “But I come from a background and a belief that place matters. … Whether that’s a permanent space or a nonpermanent space, it matters.”

She liked an example provided by Melissa Miller, Federation’s events and public relations manager: 55 Federation staffers took a bus tour of Atlanta Jewish Music Festival locations with Executive Director Russell Gottschalk, who said what had been just a bus was transformed into a place of Jewish learning when they climbed aboard.

Transformation is crucial for a change agent like Mansbach. That’s why her job starts by working on Robbins’ “transformational plan” for Federation and the community.

The plan will address questions such as “What is our shared community, and what is Federation’s role?”

Mansbach said. “That will drive a lot of what comes next, including impact.” ■

Globally recognized Israeli artists covering the Beastie Boys, Afro-Cuban Jewish jazz and an assortment of Purim celebrations designed to appeal to all ages are just a few of the events in store for attendees of the eighth annual Atlanta Jewish Music Festival March 2-19. Read all about AJMF8 in this special pullout section.

MARCH 3 â–Ş 2017

AJMF8 Preview

15

Bigger, Better, NOW! Check out the new and improved

www.atlantajewishtimes.com We have partnered with Times of Israel and other Jewish sites around the world and our online community is now a hub for all your news.

MARCH 3 â–Ş 2017

Keeping Jewish Atlanta and the Southeast Connected!

16

Let us know what you think by emailing david@atljewishtimes.com or call 404-883-2130.

ATLANTA JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL 8

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

Raichel Continues AJMF’s International Tradition Idan Raichel is one of the most celebrated Israeli artists and has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages. Although he considers his music Israeli, global audiences have rendered him an international icon who continues to break barriers through his unique style of music.

When Atlanta Jewish Music Festival Executive Director Russell Gottschalk learned that Raichel would be performing at City Winery Atlanta on March 17, he contacted Jewish owners Ed Greer and Michael Dorf to schedule Raichel in the program. “Idan came at an opportune time for us, and we knew he would be a great addition to the festival,” Gottschalk said. “The festival has grown a lot, and we’re always thinking of how we can produce events and who they are presented by.”

This isn’t the first time the AJMF has partnered with another organization or institution to promote an event.

In 2016 the AJMF worked with the Kehilla in Sandy Springs to support the congregation’s fundraising efforts. The program drew over 500 attendees.

“There are certain opportunities that you just have to pursue,” Gottschalk said.

Raichel has performed with globally recognized artists such as Alicia Keys, India.Arie and Dave Matthews.

His background in music began at age 9 when he started playing the accordion. It wasn’t the coolest instrument, Raichel said, but it gave him an introduction to Israeli folk music and planted the foundation for his music career.

He later took up jazz piano and, after entering a band during his service in the army, began playing classical music.

Raichel’s Israeli background and combination of musical influences soon led him to start the Idan Raichel Project, a series of concerts in conjunction with various international artists.

Israel has become renowned for its variety of music genres and artists, but what sets the performers apart is their attachment to their homeland.

“It’s a miracle we are coming from Israel and can play our music as Israeli music around the world, especially when we get an invitation from a promoter outside our beloved country. I am always excited to hear how many people are eager to attend the concert,” Raichel said.

“Music opens so many doors for

Raichel Project was the first to elevate minority voices to Israel’s main street radio. We lifted Palestinian voices in the music arena and integrated artists from Ethiopia. Our mission is to open the ears and hearts of radio DJs across the world so we Photo by Toni Delong and Gabriella from Teev Events Israeli Idan Raichel brings his international may continue to have a sound to City Winery Atlanta on March 17. positive impact.”

Along with Israeli young artists who wish to express their hip-hop artists Axum, Peled and Sagol voice and come forward within the 59, Raichel continues the Atlanta Jewmusic industry,” he said. “This is particularly true for minorities. The Idan ish Music Festival’s tradition of featur-

ing globally known international artists as headliners in the spring festival, after A-WA in 2016 and Yael Deckelbaum and Diwan Saz in 2015.

Raichel is one of many artists at this year’s AJMF who will help break borders by exposing audience members to a cultural experience unlike any other. “I would like my music to unite people,” he said. “I am very honored to play in any festival but especially one at which I can represent my roots. It’s important to hear international artists because they represent the soundtrack of their country of origin. If people remember this concert as Israeli, that would be the greatest honor for me.” ■

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

By Sarah Moosazadeh sarah@atljewishtimes.com

17

ATLANTA JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL 8

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

Licensed to Isra-Ill

AJMF partners with ATL Collective for Beastie Boys revival

By Rachel Fayne Gruskin For the first time, the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival will partner with local album-cover live music series ATL Collective to re-create the classic Beastie Boys album “Licensed to Ill.” On Saturday, March 18, at the Buckhead Theatre, the partnership will produce a show that covers the entire album and features Israeli hip-hop artists Axum, Peled and Sagol 59, as well as a live band, to mimic the authenticity of the original album’s sound.

The 18-day festival is in its eighth installment and may experience its largest turnout yet this year, said Russell Gottschalk, the festival’s founder and executive director.

Events are scheduled for various locations throughout metro Atlanta and include an acoustic Shabbat, an international night and the Hunger Walk/Run. But the partnership of AJMF and

ATL Collective is expected to be one of the biggest draws of the festival.

ATL Collective was born out of a desire to connect eclectic music scenes across Atlanta and introduce new artists to fans of classic works in an effort to honor and relive the music.

The music that is covered is typically no less than 20 years old, and shows are produced on a monthly baProduced by a partnership between the AJMF and ATL Collective, Israeli hip-hop artists Axum, Peled and Sagol 59 will perform at the Buckhead Theatre on March 18. sis.

Although each show elements at play. Besides Israeli hip- on currently with timelessness,” Dalfeatures different musicians in an ar- hop artists Axum, Peled and Sagol 59, ton said. “We want people to feel like ray of genres, ATL Collective co-found- all three of the Beastie Boys (Michael they’re discovering their new favorite er Micah Dalton aimed to do some- “Mike D” Diamond, Adam “Ad-Rock” Atlanta artist while singing their old thing different and innovative in this Horovitz and Adam “MCA” Yauch) are favorite songs.” first partnership with AJMF. Jewish.

The concert will be among the last The decision to relive “Licensed to The show will be a rare opportu- events of the festival.

Ill” was born out of the desire to fea- nity for Beastie Boys fans to hear old Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 ture at least one Jewish artist and put favorites with a unique Atlanta twist. at the door. They can be purchased on on a one-of-a-kind show with different “We work to mix what’s going the AJMF site (atlantajmf­.org). ■

No Sleep Till Tel Aviv

By Rachel Fayne Gruskin

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

The Atlanta Jewish Music Festival will host Israeli hip-hop artists Axum, Peled and Sagol 59 as they cover the Beastie Boys’ classic album “Licensed to Ill” on March 18 at the Buckhead Theatre. ATL Collective is teaming up with the AJMF to produce the performance.

Ahead of the show, we caught up with Peled and Sagol 59 to discuss everything from Arab collaborations to pre-show spoilers.

Q: How did you become involved with ATL Collective and the AJMF? Sagol 59: Last year I performed in Atlanta with my Hebrew Grateful Dead project, called the Promised Land.

That’s when I hooked up with Russell Gottschalk and Drew Cohen, and they kindly invited me to this year’s AJMF to show another side of my career — that of a hip-hop emcee. I’ve had quite a long career as a rapper — something like 17 years so far — and I have performed several times in the U.S. and Europe. I also toured the U.S. when I was signed to Jewish New York-based record label JDub Records.

Q: Where is your home base?

Peled: We’re in Tel Aviv, and we 18 made a small tour and vacation out of

Israeli hip-hop artists Sagol 59 (left) and Peled have been heavily influenced by the Beastie Boys and say they are excited to see the AJMF crowd in Atlanta.

the trip.

Sagol 59: I’m coming especially for the show, and I’m continuing to do more shows on the East Coast during March.

Q: Planning anything special for the performance?

Sagol 59: I will be doing songs spanning my entire career. A few of them got some serious airplay here in the last decade, stretching as far back as 2003. I will also probably do some joint freestyles with the other performers.

Q: How long have you been performing?

Peled: I’ve been working as a solo artist for five years now, and I just released my second album this year, “Hakol Alay,” which translates to “Everything Is on Me.” I was happy to see it landed two songs in the local main charts so far.

Sagol 59: I started recording professionally around 1998, and my first album was the first-ever album of an Israeli solo emcee. I’ve released seven albums so far, plus many other projects and collaborations with Israeli as well as foreign artists. Apart from the hiphop albums, I also released a blues album and a Hebrew-language Grateful Dead tribute with singer-songwriter Ami Yares.

Q: How big of a Beastie Boys fan are you?

Peled: Actually, Beastie Boys were the reason I started listening to hiphop in the first place. I was listening to them even before I understood it fully.

When I was younger, I was mostly into rock, and that scene was much stronger back then. When I first listened to Beastie Boys and how they had their own mash-up and style, it made me

want to be a rapper and reinvent myself as they had back then.

Sagol 59: The Beastie Boys’ “Licensed to Ill” was one of the first rap records I owned, and I have many fond memories every time I listen to it. I had it on cassette tape when it first dropped.

I was also lucky to see them live in Tel Aviv in 1995. They are definitely one of my favorite hip-hop groups of all time.

Q: Anything else people should know?

Peled: I’m thankful and excited for the invite and very much waiting to see the Atlanta crowd live. I also wish to invite the local crowd to check me out on YouTube. Even if you don’t speak Hebrew, I believe music speaks louder than words.

Sagol 59: I believe that music is a wonderful platform and a great means of connection between people. I frequently collaborate with Arab and Palestinian artists as a way to establish dialogue and collaboration between people who are considered conflicted and often portrayed as rivals in the media. I try to use hip-hop with a lot of respect for the culture and as a musical medium that can reach just about anybody, regardless of race, gender, age, creed, belief, nationality or skin color.

I hope this will come through when we rock the stage in Atlanta! ■

ATLANTA JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL 8

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

Musical Journey to Canada, Ukraine, Cuba and Back The opening night of the eighth Atlanta Jewish Music Festival on March 2 will present trumpeter and composer David Buchbinder and his Odessa/Havana project, featuring his principal collaborator, Cuban pianist Hilario Duran, along with a six-piece band of top-notch jazz players.

“I like to think of it as Toronto music: It’s the most diverse city in the world,” Buchbinder said on the phone from Canada. “What it means is that artists at the foreground of this stuff have been creating new sounds out of the raw material of different cultures.

So I’m rooted in Jewish music but also open to many others (such as) jazz, which is kind of a yeast for raising new collaborations.”

Buchbinder and Duran started working together in 2007 when they recorded the first, self-titled “Odessa/ Havana” album. In 2008 they won World Group of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

The band released another record, “Walk to the Sea,” in 2013, receiving a Juno Award for world music album and a glowing review in All About Jazz: “It’s a spot-on world music venture that stylizes indigenous concepts and applications from Spain, amid Jewish folk, Arabic and Afro-Cuban structural components, woven into a majestic concoction of radiant jazz-centric fare,” Glenn Astarita wrote.

“I do enjoy a temporary bump of warmth and validation from a nomination or award, and considering how challenging the life of an independent musician and artist can be, it’s nice to have some recognition,” Buchbinder said. “But that generally fades pretty quickly as the glow resolves itself into the question of ‘Now what?’ and ‘How am I going to get everything done that’s in front of me?’ Mostly, awards and their impact may be measured by how much they help me to do the work, to take it further than the time before, to create opportunities.”

When he’s not working, Buchbinder listens to jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan, Beethoven string quartets, James Brown, Leonard Cohen, klezmer clarinetist Dave Tarras, Frank Zappa and Cuban piano master Chucho Valdes, among others. He describes Duran as “a great Cuban pianist and composer who is also very open to the world. It was my inspiration to do this, but it was really both our compositions that

Eight-piece Afro-Cuban jazz outfit Odessa/Havana opens AJMF8 on March 2 at City Winery Atlanta.

created a unique sound, and it’s clearly drawing on the historical connection between Afro-Cuban and Jewish mu-

sic.”

The idea to do this project goes back 20 years, Buchbinder said. “I had

already been playing Afro-Cuban music before I got into Jewish stuff in a big way.” He thought the two styles were connected in some way but could not figure out why.

“I was sort of experimenting with it until I met him (Duran). After that, I could then explore it in a more authentic way.”

As to what AJMF attendees can expect, he said, “I always like potential audiences to know that our music manages to be both quite original and specific (as opposed to stylistically generic), to be composers’ music, but at the same time to have a kind of inevitability and accessibility.” ■

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

By Kevin Madigan kmadigan@atljewishtimes.com

19

ATLANTA JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL 8

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

Meet the Featured Artists Sarah Aroeste

By David R. Cohen david@atljewishtimes.com

Get to know a few of the featured artists of the eighth Atlanta Jewish Music Festival, which will see 20 events over 18 days at venues across the city.

David Buchbinder’s Odessa/Havana

Performing: March 2 at City Winery Atlanta Sounds like: Spicy Cuban-andklezmer-inspired jazz Why you should go: Toronto-based jazz outfit Odessa/Havana, led by trumpeter and composer David Buchbinder, brings a blend of dance-happy world music to City Winery Atlanta on March 2 to kick off AJMF8. Attend the performance to witness a melodic trip from Eastern Europe to the Caribbean and back, with musical stops everywhere from Canada to Israel.

Yotam Silberstein Quartet

Performing: March 5 at a private residence in Dunwoody Sounds like: Pat Martino with a side of hummus Why you should go: New York-based Israeli jazz guitarist Yotam Silberstein is one of NYC’s most in-demand jazz artists, and his jazz chops have been called “exquisitely old school while bursting with joyful exuberance.” Silberstein continues the AJMF tradition of hosting elite Israeli jazz musicians after AJMF7 opened with jazz flutist Hadar Noiberg. Check out his house concert in Dunwoody if you’re a fan of quiet, smooth and complex virtuoso jazz guitar.

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Nick Edelstein

20

Performing: March 9 at Eddie’s Attic Sounds like: Stevie Ray Vaughanstein Why you should go: Winner of the 2017 AJMF songwriting commission contest, Nick Edelstein is one of the few local artists featured at AJMF8.

A multi-instrumentalist and composer, Edelstein is also one of the top blues guitarists in Atlanta and performed at AJMF2 in 2010 with his band Nick & The Grooves. Catch his performance during AJMF International Night at Eddie’s Attic with Sarah Aroeste and Foad Naraghi for hot guitar licks and unique world music sounds.

Performing: March 9, 11 and 12 at various venues Sounds like: Feminist Ladino rock Why you should go: Manhattan-based musician Sarah Aroeste is performing five times at AJMF8, so there are plenty of chances to catch her blend of JudeoSpanish rock. Attend one of her performances to hear a modern take on Ladino music, a form of Judaismo language that originated in the late 14th century.

Noah Aronson

Performing: March 17 at The Temple Sounds like: Maccabeats go electric Why you should go: Performing on the final Friday of AJMF8, Noah Aronson’s catchy and upbeat Judaic music is the perfect remedy for a long week at work or school. Attend Aronson’s performance for a spiritually uplifting Shabbat worship service to kick off your weekend.

Idan Raichel

Performing: March 17 at City Winery Atlanta Sounds like: Electronicassisted Israeli folk rock Why you should go: Idan Raichel is one of the most popular musicians in Israel and has a dedicated global following.

Catch his performance at City Winery Atlanta for a cerebral take on Israeli music over a tall glass of Pinot Noir at one of Atlanta’s premier concert venues.

Axum, Peled, Sagol 59

Performing: March 18 at Buckhead Theatre Sounds like: Homegrown Israeli hip-hop Why you should go: Sagol 59 is known at the “godfather of Israeli hip-hop.”

Axum is an in-your-face dance hall hip-hop duo from the mean streets of Netanya.

Peled’s heavy beats and quick rhymes will get you up on your feet and dancing.

Don’t miss three of the best Israeli hip-hop acts covering the Beastie Boys’ “Licensed to Ill,” one of the most iconic hip-hop albums of all time. Attend this concert if you’re a fan of Israeli hip-hop or the Beastie Boys or if you just like drinking cheap beer and hearing Hebrew words like shalat rhymed with hummus and salat.

ATLANTA JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL 8

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

18 Days of Jewish Music The Atlanta Community Food Bank raises awareness for hunger relief with a 5K walk/run.

Noon. Open to All. 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

Atlanta Lovers of Music House Concert featuring Yotam Silberstein Quartet Israeli guitarist brings his signature style of improvisation and melody to AJMF. 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 advance, $30 door. Open to All. Private Dunwoody residence (address provided after purchase)

Opening Night featuring Odessa/Havana Hailing from Toronto, Odessa/ Havana will take audiences on a cultural journey of Jewish melodies and Cuban rhythms led by award winning trumpeter David Buchbinder. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15-$36. 21+.

City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Ave., Midtown

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

The Well featuring Rabbi David Spinrad and Sammy Rosenbaum Let the spirit of Judaism touch your soul during the Well. Rabbi Spinrad of The Temple takes his monthly service to City Winery for AJMF8. 7:30 p.m.

Free. Open to young adults.

City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Ave., Midtown

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Sefardic Musical Journeys Join Atlanta-based jazz pianist David Marcus and an international ensemble on a musical odyssey through Sephardic lands. 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 advance, $20 door. Open to all.

Congregation Beth Haverim, 2074 LaVista Road, Toco Hills Young Adult Purim Party Join the Marcus JCC and the AJMF for the Young Adult Purim Party. Admission includes six beer tastings. 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 advance, $20 door. 21+.

Orpheus Brewing, 1440 Dutch Valley Place, Midtown

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

ACFB Hunger Walk/Run featuring AJMF All-Stars

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

International Night featuring Nick Edelstein, Foad Naraghi and Sarah Aroeste AJMF songwriting commission winner Nick Edelstein performs with international artists Foad Naraghi and Sarah Aroeste. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 door. 18+.

Eddie’s Attic, 515 N. McDonough St., Decatur

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

Acoustic Shabbat featuring Rabbi Brian Glusman and Drew Cohen Join Rabbi Glusman as he leads a special AJMF Shabbat service.

7 p.m. Free. Open to all. Crema Espresso Gourmet, 2458 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Ahavath Achim Purim Shpiel featuring MarlaTov Cocktails Free. 18+.

600 Peachtree Battle Ave., Buckhead

Bet Haverim’s Intergenerational Purim Celebration 6 p.m. Free. Open to all.

Congregation Bet Haverim, 2074 LaVista Road, Toco Hills Beth Tikvah’s Mel Brooksthemed Purim Shpiel Beth Tikvah reformatted music from Mel Brooks movies for a night of shtick and fun. Maariv 7:30 p.m. Shpiel/Megillah reading 8 p.m. Free. 18+.

Temple Beth Tikvah, 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell Beth Shalom’s Megillah and Tequila featuring Chaverim Join Congregation Beth Shalom for Goza Tequila and costumes.

Megillah reading 7:30 p.m.

Music, tequila and dancing 8:30 p.m. 18+.

Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody Ladino Shabbat Jam featuring Sarah Aroeste Sarah Aroeste closes out Shabbat with her unique sound accompanied by local musicians. Service 7:30 p.m.

Oneg after. Free. Open to all.

Congregation Or Hadash, 7460 Trowbridge Road, Sandy Springs

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

Purim Family Concert featuring Sarah Aroeste AMJF and the Marcus JCC host a Purim celebration for kids. 10 a.m. Free. Open to all.

Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody Teen Battle of the Bands

High-schoolers compete in a battle of the bands. 4:30 p.m. $5 per person, $18 per family.

Open to all.

Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody Temple Sinai’s Shushan Adult Purim Celebration Enjoy dinner and a musical featuring lyrics adapted from “Chicago.” Dinner 6 p.m. Shpiel 7:15 p.m. $20. 18+.

Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive, Sandy Springs

FRIDAY MARCH 17

Shabbat Worship Service featuring Noah Aronson Noah Aronson leads Shabbat services with his soulful acoustic inspirations. 6 p.m. Free.

Open to all.

The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., Midtown Idan Raichel Experience the music of one of Israel’s most popular rock stars. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets $48-$75. 21+.

City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Ave., Midtown

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

ATL Collective Presents Licensed to Ill Israeli rappers Axum, Peled, and Sagol 59 cover the Beastie Boys’ “Licensed to Ill” album live. Tickets are $20 advance, $25 door. 18+.

Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road, Buckhead

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

Molly Blank Jewish Concert Series Theatrical Outfit presents “Baby That Is Rock ’n’ Roll,” music from 1956 to 1966. $18 with code AJMF2. Open to all.

Breman Museum, 1440 Spring 21 St., Midtown MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

The eighth edition of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival features 20 events over 18 days and includes local, national and international artists performing at venues across the city. For tickets visit atlantajmf.org.

ATLANTA JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL 8

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

Photo courtesy of Dror-Forshee Photography

Sarah Aroeste is scheduled for five performances during AJMF8.

Lost Language of AJMF8

Noah Aronson (above) will perform in Augusta, and Marla Feeney of the MarlaTov Cocktails will perform in Brunswick as part of AJMF’s artist exchange.

Sarah Aroeste brings Ladino to Atlanta

By Sarah Moosazadeh sarah@atljewishtimes.com

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Sarah Aroeste is passionate about two things: loving Ladino music and sharing her culture with others. But that passion is not the only reason she was picked to perform five times at the eighth Atlanta Jewish Music Festival.

“Aroeste brings so much to this year’s festival, including her diverse cultural perspective,” AJMF Executive Director Russell Gottschalk said.

Aroeste’s life revolved around music throughout high school and college, where she trained in classical opera.

However, it was not until she moved to Israel that her interest in Ladino music grew, thanks in part to her music coach, who shared her Sephardic background.

Upon returning to the United States, Aroeste continued to perform classical music while integrating Ladino music each performance. The outcome was a success. “I had people come up to me and say that was their favorite part of the performance,” Aroeste said.

That’s when she realized Ladino music, not opera, was her true calling and decided to pursue it as a full-time career.

Ladino is a form of Judaea-Spanish or Judaismo language that originated in Spain. After the Spanish kicked out the Jewish inhabitants late in the 15th century, they immigrated to the Ottoman Empire, and Ladino became frozen in time.

Aroeste receives her inspiration from various music genres, including Israeli. “I really like Israeli music because the artists understand how to navigate between their ethnicity and music. However, I was also brought up on American music, rock ’n’ roll, contemporary, electronica, jazz and pop,” Aroeste said. She is proud of her iden22 tity and attributes her passion for La-

dino music to her ethnic background.

“Ladino contains a beautiful language and music, and I have been very fortunate to express myself through it for the past 15 years,” she said.

Her concerts incorporate entertainment and education as she informs audience members about her Sephardic background. “You don’t go into Ladino to become rich, but I love Ladino music and sharing it with people.

Music crosses so many borders, and Ladino is no exception. It is multifaceted, and the language and themes are universal,” Aroeste said. “Ladino is not dead, and the Jewish community can do so much to preserve it. After all, you can’t understand Jewish history without Sephardic culture.”

Aroeste is glad to be in this year’s AJMF. She will perform at International Night, the Ladino Shabbat Jam, the Ladino musical Purim party and a Purim family concert and at Epstein for a private event connecting children to Ladino and Sephardic music.

There are countless artists participating in this year’s AJMF, and each one is sure to entertain.

Gottschalk said that planning the AJMF is detailed. “We have so many talented artists we would like to invite but have limited slots. In programming Aroeste, we wanted to take full advantage of all she had to offer.”

Aroeste was a natural for Gottschalk to select because of her international background and recently released children’s album.

Aroeste enjoys working with Jewish and non-Jewish audiences and applauds Gottschalk for booking her for the AJMF. “It allows various community members to gain exposure to so many different cultures and promotes the importance of Jewish diversity for everyone.” ■

Artist Exchange Brings AJMF to More Ga. Cities

By Rachel Fayne Gruskin After launching a regional busing program at last year’s spring fest, the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival will tweak the program to bring artists to more communities instead of the other way around.

Rather than stick with the model of busing fans in from cities like Birmingham and Savannah to see Jewish music, the AJMF will now work with Atlanta artists to send them to the other communities.

Festival Executive Director Russell Gottschalk realized that perhaps other Southern communities weren’t familiar with the AJMF, and because the festival didn’t have a powerful brand awareness in those cities yet, the events weren’t as big as they could be.

The impact would likely be greater if, rather than bring people to events, the AJMF brought events to those people. So after festival organizers worked with several nearby cities, Augusta and Brunswick were selected to host Jewish talent.

Visiting artist Noah Aronson will partner with Congregation Adas Yeshurun in Augusta for a Havdalah show on March 18, and Atlanta’s MarlaTov Cocktails, featuring Marla Feeney, will perform at Brunswick’s Jewish Food and Culture Festival on March 19.

If this year is a success, Gottschalk said, the festival will try to expand to other cities.

“We’re thrilled to connect visiting and local Jewish musicians to nearby Southern communities,” he said.

“Though we exist to support and energize Jewish Atlanta, AJMF is committed to enabling like-minded peers throughout the region.”

Gottschalk is already thinking ahead to what the festival could do for other communities in 2018. He’s hopeful that after this year, enough people will have an awareness of the AJMF that they’ll travel to Atlanta to experience the festival for themselves.

“The power of Jewish music transcends,” Gottschalk said, “and we just wish to inspire all communities with it.” ■

23

MARCH 3 â–ª 2017

ATLANTA JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL 8

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

A Purim Party for All Ages

By Patrice Worthy It’s Purim party time, and the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival has partnered with six congregations to celebrate the holiday.

The idea to host separate parties at various synagogues came from the success of last year’s Purim party hosted by the AJMF. This year was different, though, because Purim falls on a Saturday night, and Russell Gottschalk, the executive director of the festival, didn’t want to pull congregants away from traditional Purim festivities.

“We wanted to do a Purim-themed party and incorporate the festival into small events as a way to support the community,” he said. “We wanted to elevate and incorporate shuls doing live music during Megillah readings.”

The synagogue events include Ahavath Achim’s Purim shpiel featuring the MarlaTov Cocktails, Bet Haverim’s intergenerational Purim celebration, Or Hadash’s Ladino musical Purim featuring Sarah Aroeste, Temple Sinai’s adults-only Purim shpiel featuring adapted lyrics from “Chicago,” Beth

Shalom’s Megillah and Tequila, and Beth Tikvah’s Mel Brooks-themed Purim shpiel. Each party will have a Megillah reading, snacks and music.

Beth Tikvah also will have a Havdalah ceremony before the festivities. Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner said the congregation always has a festive Erev Purim and this year wanted to do something special.

“They’ve taken songs from different Mel Brooks movies and reformatted them for Purim. They have songs from ‘High Anxiety,’ ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘Young Frankenstein.’ … They’re funny,” Rabbi Shuval-Weiner said.

“We’ve determined it will be an over-21 celebration.”

Rabbi Shuval-Weiner said festive activities are a way for the congregation to get young adults to join in for the Megillah reading.

There will also be mocktails for those who don’t drink alcohol.

Though the Megillah reading is festive without live music, Congregation Beth Shalom is going all out for the holiday. Goza Tequila sponsors the congregation’s Purim party, and there

Sarah Aroeste will perform at two Purim parties during AJMF8, one aimed at an older crowd March 11 at Congregation Or Hadash and another for families the next morning at the Marcus JCC.

will be live music and snacks.

“We’re a fun bunch,” Executive Director Loli Gross. “I hope we have at least 100 people. The idea came from our youth director, who was throwing around ideas of Megillahs and margaritas.”

Beth Shalom is encouraging everyone to come dressed as a Purim character or a favorite sports figure. There will be margarita mix and orange juice, and Jacob Gluck, one of the founders of Goza Tequila, will be in attendance to talk about the brand.

Many of the parties hosted in conjunction with the AJMF are adult-only to get more young people involved.

The Marcus Jewish Community Center is hosting a young-adult Purim party at Orpheus Brewing. After the success of last year’s Purim party

at Terminal West, Gottschalk said the Marcus JCC wanted to host a party of its own.

“Last year they bought a few hundred tickets, and this year they wanted to create something for young adults,” Gottschalk said. “It’s perfect because Orpheus Brewing is owned by a Jewish Atlantan.”

The AJMF will have representatives at each party and encourage people to tweet or post to Instagram using #AJMF8 or #JewishATL. For those who would like to attend a more kid-friendly function, Sarah Aroeste will perform during a Purim family concert at the Marcus JCC on the morning of March 12. The event is free and open to the public. ■ • View the AJT’s full Purim calendar on Page 38.

Songwriting Contest’s Surprise Win

By Kevin Madigan kmadigan@atljewishtimes.com

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Outside on a February afternoon in Decatur, sun ablaze, a raucous gathering of musicians, a good two dozen of them, blasted through a set of tunes, to the delight of a full crowd.

The ensuing cacophony was provided by an impromptu amalgamation of two Atlanta bands, the Seed & Feed Marching Abominable and Black Sheep Ensemble.

In the midst of all the carousing was trombonist Nick Edelstein, a member of the latter group and winner of this year’s Atlanta Jewish Music Festival songwriting contest.

“I call them a street punk band: It’s all brass and percussion, but there’s a violin player who started recently,” Edelstein said in a phone interview a couple of days before the show. “There are two belly dancers. … It’s sort of like a Tim Burton circus band with Balkan and Eastern European influences.”

Edelstein has worked with Nigerian vocalist Nneka Obata, the Moody Jews and Israeli hip-hop duo Axum. He plays cornetto in early music group Lauda Musicam and runs the Judaic 24 Mosaic songwriting camp for kids.

But it’s his band Nick & The Grooves that will appear at Eddie’s Attic on Thursday, March 9, as part of the AJMF International Night.

“We’re playing an hour from 7:30 to 8:30,” he said. “There’s one song we’re planning to do that was released on our EP a few years ago. The rest of them are going to be new material. I’m going to be playing guitar and Moog synth — a minimoog — and I’ll be playing electric oud. There’s a chance I might take out the cornetto for one song, but I haven’t decided yet. We’ve got trumpet, sax, bass and drums.”

Edelstein entered the AJMF contest for songwriters not expecting to win the $1,800 prize. “I’ve been songwriting for a long time and hadn’t entered any contests. It’s sort of nice to get a pat on the back. I certainly wasn’t expecting it, and I wasn’t arrogant enough to think I was going to win it. I know there are a lot of other great Jewish musicians in town who probably submitted for it, so yeah, I was pleasantly surprised when they called me up.”

After taking piano lessons since the age of 4, Edelstein began creating his own music as a freshman in high school.

“I started with some classical piec-

A talented guitarist, Nick Edelstein also plays a variety of other instruments including trombone in local street punk band the Black Sheep Ensemble.

es, and that’s when I really started getting into writing and composing,” he said. “I didn’t really start writing nonclassical music until I was in college at UGA. I was in a band at the time that was really into progressive and experimental rock. At that point, I probably had maybe a dozen or so songs that I had jotted down in high school but hadn’t hashed out. I finished them and ended up with an album’s worth of decent material.”

Those dozen or so songs eventually became Edelstein’s first solo album release, “Ripple,” in 2006.

The Judaic Mosaic program is Edelstein’s way of passing on what he has learned along the way.

“I saw a grant opportunity from the Schusterman Foundation, and it inspired me to see what I could do to contribute to the community,” he said.

“I had been teaching for 15 years, so I combined my talents into this summer camp. It’s renewed my desire to continue as a songwriter and explore what new possibilities can come, instead of just playing the same old songs over and over.”

He said his students continue to amaze him. “You put them all together in a room, and they come up with something totally unique. It’s really exciting every summer to see what they do. I guide them along, but it’s totally them.” ■

ATLANTA JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL 8

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

Molly Blank Concert Explores Rock ’n’ Roll Era

By Sarah Moosazadeh sarah@atljewishtimes.com

The 2017 Molly Blank Concert Series will honor the rock ’n’ roll of the 1950s and 1960s on March 19 at the Breman Museum.

ans in a series of songs paying homage to the artists of the era.

The performance will also include a glimpse into the careers of Jewish artists Bob Dylan, Carole King and Neil Sedaka to further increase awareness about Jewish artists and their role in the nation’s music industry.

“What most people don’t know is that a lot of African-American artists and songwriters really liked Leiber and Stoller’s music and were shocked when they found out they were Jewish,

yet they continued to collaborate with them, composing countless songs and hits such as ‘Stand by Me,’ ” said David Schendowich of the Breman Museum.

“We are excited to promote the event and to partner with the AJMF and Theatrical Outfit.”

The performance is produced by Theatrical Outfit and Adam Koplan, who is heavily involved in the local music scene.

The Breman also held full-fledged conversations with AJMF Executive

Director Russell Gottschalk to further promote the event. “Russell was very helpful for us and is a great promoter,” Schendowich said.

“I am happy to serve as marketing partner in staging the Molly Blank Concert Series in its fourth season at the Breman Museum,” Gottschalk said.

The concert is sure to captivate audiences of all ages and raise awareness about a critical era in music, important to the Jewish community and the nation’s history.” ■

Do you live in Sandy Springs, Chastain, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Atlanta?

Central to all, this gem in Sandy Springs has you covered.

Incredibly low prices and an amazing selection on all beer, wine and spirits.

THE NEWEST AND MOST HIGHLY RATED SOUGHT AFTER BOTTLE SHOP!

Wine, Spirits & Beer

• Very competitive pricing • Huge diverse selection of Bourbons, Scotch, Tequila and more.

• Expansive wine department from collectible to daily drinkers • Phenomenal service and knowledgeable staff • Clean, safe, and fun shopping experience

4600 Roswell Road Suite D-110 Atlanta, GA 30342

404-843-1050 LOCATED NEXT TO SPROUTS IN THE GATEWAY SHOPPING CENTER

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

During the 1950s and ’60s, the music industry birthed a new genre of music known as rock ’n’ roll. The style quickly became popular and paved the way for artists such as Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Buddy Holly and eventually the Beatles.

Many of the artists composed and wrote their own music, but others relied on writers who provided the edge they needed to attain stardom.

Among the most famous writers were Jewish artists Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Together the two composed a slew of hits, including “Hound Dog,” “Yackety Yak” and “Jailhouse Rock.”

To honor and celebrate the their accomplishments, the Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, AJMF and Theatrical Outfit have teamed up to promote “Baby That Is Rock ’n’ Roll” at 5 p.m.

Sunday, March 19, at the museum.

The performance will include seven accomplished local musicians as well as talented musical theater veter-

25

ATLANTA JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL 8

Ahavath Achim

600 Peachtree Battle Ave. Buckhead

Buckhead Theatre 3110 Roswell Road Buckhead

Congregation Bet Haverim 2074 LaVista Road Toco Hills

Congregation Beth Shalom

5303 Winters Chapel Road Dunwoody

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

Venues and Tickets Congregation Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road Roswell

City Winery Atlanta

650 North Ave., Suite 201 Midtown

Crema Espresso Gourmet

2458 Mount Vernon Road Dunwoody

Dunwoody Nature Center 5343 Roberts Drive Dunwoody

Eddie’s Attic

The Temple

Marcus Jewish Community Center

Temple Sinai

515 N. McDonough St. Decatur

5342 Tilly Mill Road Dunwoody

Congregation Or Hadash 7460 Trowbridge Road Sandy Springs

Orpheus Brewing

1589 Peachtree St. Midtown

5645 Dupree Drive Sandy Springs

William Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum 1440 Spring St. Midtown

1440 Dutch Valley Place Midtown

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Tickets for the eighth Atlanta Jewish Music Festival can be purchased at atlantajmf.org.

26

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

LOCAL NEWS

MACoM Hopes to Refresh Pool of Support

By Tova Norman The Atlanta Jewish community will have the opportunity Thursday, March 16, to support and learn about the Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah while honoring the two rabbis largely responsible for making it a reality: Alvin Sugarman and Joshua Heller.

“The evening will be a chance to celebrate what we have accomplished,” said Rabbi Heller, the senior rabbi at Congregation B’nai Torah. “I think even many of those who are coming don’t have the full picture of what an incredible place MACoM is and will have the opportunity to learn more.”

MACoM, which opened in November 2015, is an independent nonprofit open to the entire Atlanta Jewish community. The collaborative and inclusive nature of the project inspired many to get involved with it.

“The reason I supported the mikvah is because it’s a community mikvah,” said benefactor Mike Leven, who will serve as the master of ceremonies at the March 16 event at the Georgia Aquarium, where he is the CEO. “MACoM is one of only a handful of community mikvot in the country,” said Janet Lavine, the incoming president of The Temple, who is co-chairing the event. “It promotes the concept of spiritual renewal and purification in a much broader way than is usually associated with a mikvah.”

“Now we have a place that anybody can go to, in any way that they believe, and even for some who don’t,” Leven said of MACoM. Because the Jewish community today is “incredibly divided,” he added, the mikvah is even more important.

“Anything today that helps to unify the Jewish people is important for Jewish continuity.”

Leven credits Rabbis Heller and Sugarman for bringing that unity to Atlanta through MACoM. “They are two rabbis who represent the best of what the community has to offer in terms of unifying the Jewish world.”

Barbara LeNoble, the executive director of MACoM, said those two men were pivotal in bringing the Jewish community together through the mikvah.

“Without Rabbis Alvin M. Sugarman and Joshua Heller, there would be no mikvah,” she said. “What they did together is just incredible. The two of them had a shared vision and mission, and that mission was to create a com-

Rabbi Joshua Heller, one of the two honorees March 16, hangs the MACoM mezuzah at the opening ceremony in November 2015.

(From left) Mike, Rob and Michelle Leven cut the ribbon on the mikvah facility in November 2015. Mike Leven will emcee the Mitzvah for the Mikvah event.

Rabbi Alvin Sugarman, one of the March 16 honorees, speaks at the MACoM groundbreaking in May 2015.

munity mikvah that would attract Jews from a variety of spectrums.”

It’s a vision they still share.

“It is genuinely a true Jewish communal effort and a place for the Jewish community to grow and learn and participate,” said Rabbi Sugarman, who has emeritus status at The Temple.

“I don’t think you will find any other project or activity in Atlanta that has so many different rabbis and congregations and individuals involved,” said Rabbi Heller, who heads the Atlanta Rabbinical Association.

That is why they wanted to make MACoM independent of any congregation, even though it was built on B’nai Torah ground and replaced that congregation’s mikvah.

“For this really to be everything that it could be, it couldn’t be one shul owning it. It had to be that anyone who wanted to felt like they could have a share in it,” Rabbi Heller said. “I wanted this to be something where many different Jews and many different synagogues could come together and share together, in a way that they could never have done on their own.”

Both rabbis expressed nothing but admiration for each other and for the role the other played in making MACoM a reality.

“It’s very meaningful to me to be

honored with Rabbi Sugarman, who was a mentor, a partner and a cheerleader,” Rabbi Heller said.

Rabbi Sugarman said Rabbi Heller was integral in creating MACoM. “This would not be a reality without his absolute commitment,” Rabbi Sugarman said. “He’s the one that has done the work and has never given up.

He’s been absolutely terrific. … I cannot say enough praise for Josh Heller for his work in general, but specifically for his absolute dedication to the success of MACoM.” Planners and supporters hope the Mitzvah for the Mikvah event will help ensure the facility’s continued success beyond raising money to pay off any debt from the construction and building costs and honoring Rabbis Sugarman and Heller.

“Hopefully, attendees will acknowledge the two individuals who worked tirelessly to create MACoM here in Atlanta, they will see that MACoM is indeed an important community resource for Jews in Atlanta of all denominations, and they will see the broader role of mikvah as an ancient tradition that can elevate and enhance the spirituality of key life changes in our present day,” Lavine said.

During the event, attendees will hear from four people who have used

the mikvah for different purposes.

LeNoble hopes those presentations will inspire others and “open them up to the possibility of what the mikvah can be to themselves and to their families.”

People go to MACoM for many reasons, both traditional and nontraditional, Rabbi Sugarman said: the final step in a conversion process, the beginning or ending of chemotherapy, major life changes such as divorce or the death of a spouse, before weddings, and more.

“Someone who is Reform, Conservative and Orthodox can each come and use that space in a way that is meaningful to them,” Rabbi Heller said.

“It is used by over 20 congregations as a central resource for over 100 people a year converting to Judaism.”

LeNoble sees firsthand the impact of a dip in the mikvah. She said people often come in rushed and stressed and leave calm and smiling.

“No one has left that isn’t just transformed and very positive. I think that’s something that I’ve enjoyed seeing,” LeNoble said. “It’s not so much about religion, but more about the spiritual transformation that can happen from doing this. … It’s an incredibly powerful way to ignite one’s foundation in life, and the benefits can last for a while.”

MACoM’s biggest impact lies ahead, Rabbi Heller said. “Every month, new people are learning the meaning of mikvah as a Jewish spiritual practice and finding ways to make it part of their own approach to Judaism, whether through traditional or innovative uses.”

Rabbi Sugarman remembers growing up at The Temple when no one had a bar or bat mitzvah celebration.

He remembers being an assistant rabbi at The Temple’s first bar mitzvah. Now b’nai mitzvah services at The Temple are “the norm.”

That is what he hopes MACoM does for mikvah.

“I hope that it’s part of the normal cycle of Jewish life that many, many, many families simply accept,” Rabbi Sugarman said. “That it becomes just a norm.” ■ What: Mitzvah for the Mikvah Where: Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St., downtown

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Community mikvah takes the plunge on its first honor dinner

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16 Tickets: $200; atlantamikvah.org or 404-549-9679

27

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

LOCAL NEWS

B’nai Israel Bolsters Holocaust Torah

By Vicki Leopold

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

When Congregation B’nai Israel began a fundraiser in January and invited congregants to “tie one on,” congregants were perplexed. What did the Reform synagogue expect them to do?

While the expression “tie one on” usually involves imbibing alcohol, at CBI it meant something different — something respectful and essential.

Congregation B’nai Israel, located in eastern Fayetteville, is charged with the care and use of a Holocaust Torah, one of the 1,564 Torah scrolls that were rescued during the war. This care requires that the Torah scroll be rolled from one end to the other twice a year and read on several occasions.

Last summer, during one of the carefully orchestrated rollouts, something went askew. Susan Burden, CBI’s cantorial soloist, said the top of one of the aytz chayim (rollers) attached to the holy scroll rolled off and went down the bimah and then down the stairs.

The rollers, which had been attached in the 1990s, needed to be replaced and thus the Torah scroll honored.

Tie one on meant carefully and respectfully sewing on new rollers.

CBI purchased beautiful rollers and began fundraising for the cost.

Within weeks, the Reform congregation of 60 families had raised $10,000.

Donations earned the givers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stitch the Torah scroll to the aytz chayim.

Twelve stitchers were needed.

The ceremonial stitching occurred Saturday, Feb. 11, after a Havdalah service. Congregants, some with spouses and other family, walked onto the bimah to add the required stitches.

One donor offered the opportunity for the recent b’nai mitzvah to participate. All six young adults showed up to do stitches.

One donor paid more than $4,000 to do the first stitch.

Burden explained the importance of the event to those present and shared instructions on how to do the attachment.

Special scissors and kosher sinew thread were required. Gold-plated scissors were purchased because no metal that can be used for weapons may touch the Torah. The stitching was done by careful congregants, some of whom held their breath while others’ 28 hands were shaking.

Congregation B’nai Israel has new rollers for its Holocaust Torah.

Taking their turn at the stitching are members of the Charyton family: (from left) Sophia, Melanie, Claudia, Hector and Thomas.

Angie and Ralph Ellis add a stitch.

Those present said it was an incredible experience that made them feel a part of the history of the Holocaust Torah. Some attendees were amazed that ordinary Jewish people were allowed to perform the attachment.

CBI’s Holocaust Torah comes from a small town, Sobeslav, in what is now the Czech Republic. Jews settled there in the 16th century but were ousted in 1606 and moved to neighboring towns.

In 1848 Jews were again allowed to live in the village. It was a small but thriving community with a synagogue that housed two Torahs.

In November 1942, all the Jews were deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp and from there to Auschwitz to be killed. The only Holocaust survivors from Sobeslav were the two Torahs and two residents. One of the Torahs is on permanent loan to Congregation B’nai Israel, and the other is with Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, Mass.

The synagogue in Sobeslav was used after the war for storage until it was torn down in 1959, according to Florence Shumacher’s article about the Temple Beth Shalom Holocaust Torah in November 2015. ■

Photos by Eli Gray

It’s Called S-N-O-W

The Congregation Beth Jacob men’s club took a ski trip into the North Carolina for the second consecutive year on Sunday, Jan. 29, taking advantage of the week between the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl for a day trip into a rarely seen phenomenon this winter in Atlanta: cold weather. More than 40 people left Beth Jacob before dawn for a day on the slopes of the Cataloochee Ski Area. ■

Children’s Deaths Unite Moms Across Cultures

By Patrice Worthy An Israeli-Palestinian movement of mothers who have lost sons to the conflict is connecting with American mothers whose sons have been killed to form a united front against gun violence.

Israeli Robi Damelin founded Parents Circle Families Forum, an organization for bereaved Palestinian and Israeli families, after a Palestinian sniper killer her son David. She was angry, but she’s trying to channel that energy to do good.

“Right now is the most important time to use your voice for change,” she said. “You have to talk to people you don’t like or agree with; if not, they only become more radical.”

Damelin brings together other mothers who have lost sons to gun violence and hate.

She recently spoke about PCFF at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights with Lucia McBath, the mother of Jordan Davis, the 17-yearold killed in Florida by Michael Dunn in 2012 for playing loud music at a gas station.

Damelin decided to reach out to McBath after seeing the black mothers who appeared onstage at the 2016 Democratic National Convention because gun violence, including police shootings, killed their children.

McBath said it was time to connect with other mothers.

“I could feel it in my spirit: Gun violence — bereaved mothers, fathers and families — is a global crisis,” she said. “We want to change gun laws to make safer spaces for our families, but peace and reconciliation are our next steps.”

McBath described in detail the events that led to her son’s death. She said she forgave Dunn, who was convicted of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree attempted murder.

“Michael Dunn is in prison for the rest of his life without parole. He will never be able to experience the love of his family. His family will forever suffer,” McBath said.

“I asked the Lord, ‘Why did this happen to my child?’ But I stopped asking why and asked, ‘Who am I? And now what am I going to do with this?’ ” she said. “I knew I was being called to do something beyond myself and Jordan.”

You can pass gun laws and even end a holy war, Damelin said, but first you need a process of reconciliation.

She said being pro-Israel or proPalestinian only feeds the perceived hatred between Muslims and Jews. She forgave the man who killed her son after going through a lengthy process to understand that forgiveness means giving up revenge and pursuing peace instead.

“We have to be about the business of preserving each other’s lives,” Damelin said. “If you know about Israel and Palestine, there’s a cutoff, and we do not know each other. I imagine it’s the same thing here in America. You don’t know each other. You’re not at war, but sometimes I wonder if you are.”

When mothers who have lost children come to the Parents Circle, there’s a bonding, she said. Listening to one another’s stories humanizes everyone.

Damelin said it’s crucial to give Palestinian mothers space for healing because they have few outlets.

“First they describe what happened in detail, and then they say their child’s name. This is when you start to humanize them,” Damelin said. “We have the same pain but disagree with each other’s national narrative.”

To address the dissonance, the Parents Circle uses education about the Holocaust and about the conflicting views of Israel’s establishment in 1948.

“For Palestinians, 1948 is the nakh­ ba, or catastrophe, and for Israel it marks our independence,” Damelin said. “We’re talking about the same date. You don’t become MLK at the end, but recognizing how a person sees history is a big tool for ending conflict.”

Her organization holds an Alternate Veterans Day for Israeli and Palestinian families to honor their fallen soldiers together. When it began, it drew 200 people; now it gets more than 5,000.

Willa Shallit, who is on the board of American Friends of the Parents Circle Families Forum, said she became involved because PCFF’s approach rises above the media, politics and hate.

“Someone who has lost their child is the ultimate authority. Out of every approach to peace in the region, I feel this approach is the most powerful,” Shallit said.

“If we try to solve the problem with the same system that created it, we’re never going to solve the issue. We have to come from outside the box.” ■

Proudly serving our community since 1964

Andy N. Siegel CPCU, CIC, AAI Adele Siegel Glasser, AAI Sheldon Berch

Proudly Offering:

www.siegelinsurance.com

2987 Clairmont Road, Suite 425 • Atlanta, GA 30329 Phone: (404) 633-6332 • Toll Free: (888) 275-0553

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

LOCAL NEWS

29

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

EDUCATION

Pro-Israel Students Soldier On at UGA

By Rebecca McCarthy

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

A few minutes into a public lecture by two Israeli soldiers at the University of Georgia, a young man in the back of the room hurried to the front, yelling, “In 2014, Israel killed more than 500 Palestinian children!”

He distributed photocopied pages and left, escorted by a police officer.

One by one, 15 or so other students stood up, denounced Israel and walked out, leaving photocopied pictures of dead children in their wake.

The soldiers, Marc and Ilan, asked the protesters to stay and talk, but they just shouted slogans and kept going.

They are involved with Students for Justice in Palestine at UGA, a group that shows up at most pro-Israel campus events to disrupt them.

“Anyone else?” asked Marc, scanning the audience for another protester, and the remaining 75 people broke into relieved laughter. The talk Tuesday night, Feb. 21, continued.

The soldiers’ appearance was sponsored by StandWithUs, a nonprofit, pro-Israel education group. The two men, whose last names were withheld for security reasons, are spending two weeks touring Southeastern colleges, high schools, Jewish community centers and ROTC units in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Five pairs of other soldiers are touring other parts of the country.

“We want the soldiers to provide a direct line of communication with the students,” said Jeremy Lichtig, the program director at UGA Hillel. “They come and bring their stories. It’s a learning tool.”

A native of Russia, Marc told the UGA students he immigrated to Israel with his family when he was 5 and joined the Israel Defense Forces after high school. In his military training, he found “before you can learn to shoot guns and hop over things, you have to learn to be a good human being” and keep human rights a priority.

Through his service, he met Palestinian families, students and officials and learned that most Palestinians want to have peace, to be able to support their families, to come home from work and eat dinner with everyone.

He became a medic.

On assignment with others to arrest a Palestinian terrorist, Marc was stationed in a parked ambulance, 30 ready should anything happen to one

Scholars Kollel to Honor Longtime Supporter

By Sarah Moosazadeh sarah@atljewishtimes.com

Photo courtesy of Dawgs for Israel

Israeli soldiers Ilan and Marc (in the red shirts in front) pose with most of the students who attended their StandWithUs talk Feb. 21.

of his team members. In the middle of the night, he saw a terrible car wreck 100 yards away involving two families.

He weighed his options: Leave his post or help the injured people?

“You can’t see someone suffering without doing something,” he said, so he contacted his commanding officer and told him he was leaving his post for a while. He stayed with the families and cared for them until another ambulance arrived.

A native of Venezuela with a grandmother who was a Holocaust survivor, Ilan said he immigrated to Israel when he was 20. As a member of the IDF, he was in the Humanitarian and Civil Affairs Unit, working on projects with Palestinians to improve the lives of families. He was charged with managing social media for Palestinians, even though he didn’t know Arabic.

He said someone posted on social media in Arabic about a terrorist attack set to occur in Jerusalem. His coworkers and he followed up on the tip and prevented the attack.

He praised the poster for putting his own life at risk to save so many others. Afterward, Ilan said, he decided to learn Arabic.

“I wanted to hear what the soldiers had to say,” said Marietta native and UGA freshman Avi Lyons, 19. He is on the Dawgs for Israel board. “I traveled to Israel last year, and it was fantastic.”

The planned protest wasn’t a surprise for Israeli Neta Kanny, a UGA Israeli fellow and a StandWithUs Emerson fellow. SJP protested a similar event last year, she said, “but they didn’t realize that this year the game had changed,” with the number of people wanting to hear the soldiers vastly outnumbering the protesters.

The UGA campus was the only one Marc and Ilan visited with organized opposition, Kanny said, and the only one at which event organizers had to pay to have a police officer present. ■

When the Atlanta Scholars Kollel launched 30 years ago, Abe Levine was the first point of local contact.

He located three homes for the organization and has continued to support it philanthropically and through Jewish education. Levine is regularly invited as a guest lecturer at college campuses and believes that supporting Israel is rooted in a person’s connection to Judaism.

“Support for Israel comes from various approaches. It may derive from monetary contributions, such as gifts toward FIDF or AIPAC, but it may also be spiritual. ASK helps keep the flow of people coming and going in different stages of Judaism and stands as a mecca for Jews,” said Levine, a Congregation Beth Jacob member and the chief financial officer of Adams Outdoor, which creates billboards.

The kollel will present its Tribute to Jewish Learning Award to Levine at an event Sunday, March 5. The award goes to leaders who have dedicated themselves to Jewish education and inclusion within the community and have stood out in community philanthropy.

“The award highlights people who can contribute to the organization, but it’s also our way of expressing our appreciation for their continued support,” said Rabbi David Silverman, the kollel’s dean.

Past honorees include Los Angeles Dodgers President Stan Kasten, former Home Depot CEO Bernie Marcus and Georgia Aquarium CEO Mike Leven.

The first award was presented to Elie Wiesel in 2005.

Rabbi Silverman views the kollel as a Jewish think tank. “We study Talmud in the morning and then diffuse ourselves into the community. Everyone plays a significant role. Whether it’s providing lectures or lunch-andlearns on high school and college campuses, we have a mission to serve the community.”

The March 5 event is one of the major fundraising initiatives the Atlanta Scholars Kollel uses every year to support a budget of $1.6 million to promote Jewish learning.

Levine is an avid supporter of the kollel and has studied with Rabbi Michoel Lipschutz the past 25 years. He also participated in ASK’s learning sa-

Above: Abe Levine is the 2017 recipient of the Tribute to Jewish Learning Award from the Atlanta Scholars Kollel.

Below: The kollel has 16 rabbis dedicated to teaching Jewish education throughout the community.

fari to Israel five years ago.

“Levine’s involvement in learning, being engaged and commitment to Torah study personify what the award symbolizes,” Rabbi Silverman said. His personal Jewish growth reflects ASK’s encouragement of Jewish learning and highlights his inspiration in the community.

Levine said he is honored to receive the Tribute to Jewish Learning Award. “Perhaps I am receiving the award because they deem me as a leader in the community, both philanthropic and spiritual, but I am also a big supporter of ASK and have gotten to know a lot of very good people,” he said. “The individuals who teach at ASK could be doing anything and are all successful, but they have never lost track of what is meaningful to them.”

Levine enjoys associating with people who share his enthusiasm about Jewish learning. “ASK’s mission heavily resonates with me because it is close to my own core values and allows me to express my genuine appreciation for Israel and Judaism,” he said. “It is important to support ASK because that’s what binds the Jewish community, encourages support for Israel and provides a foundation for future generations.” ■ Who: Abe Levine What: Atlanta Scholars Kollel Tribute to Jewish Learning Award Where: Westin Buckhead, 3391 Peachtree Road When: 6 (sponsor reception) and 7:15 p.m. (main event) Sunday, March 5 Register: www.atlantakollel.org/ support_jul.php

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

EDUCATION

Day Schools Are Part of a Broad Inclusion Effort The following letter is a response to a column written by Anne Kelman Den­ neen in the Feb. 24 issue about her unsuc­ cessful efforts to gain admission for her special-needs son at the same Jewish day school his two older sisters attended.

As leaders in the Atlanta Jewish day school community, we add our collective voices to the conversation initiated by the publishing of the personal story of a local family titled “Day Schools, Special Needs and Morality” in the Feb. 24 Jewish Times.

Our hearts go out to this family and the many others in our community who face such difficult challenges. As educators and caring Jewish communal leaders, we share a desire to serve all those in need in our community.

At the same time, we also recognize that every child is unique and will follow an individual growth trajectory.

While each school has its own mission and offers a range of services that support diverse learning styles and needs, no one school can be ideal for every child.

We have a professional responsi-

bility to ensure that we strive to meet the needs of as many Jewish children as possible in our community and at the same time to acknowledge when other schools or programs may be better able to serve a particular child’s needs and help that child reach his or her potential.

It is a challenging balance between our desire to stretch to serve more children and our moral and professional obligation to admit when what is best for the student is beyond our current capacity.

The dialogue around inclusion in the Jewish community is ongoing on the local and national levels.

Here in Atlanta, we are working with leadership across our diverse Jewish community, led by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, to explore greater opportunities to meet the needs of those with disabilities and their families.

In addition to the day school environment, this includes each aspect of Jewish life: religious schools, preschools, synagogues, day camps, overnight camps, young adult programs,

athletics, the arts and more.

While each school, synagogue, organization and agency may currently serve those with disabilities and learning challenges in its own way, we are committed to continuing our work together with collective energy to expand and improve on these opportunities.

Community challenges require community conversations, and we are all dedicated to being engaged in that

discussion. ■ This letter was submitted by Rabbi Ari Leubitz, head of school, Atlanta Jewish Academy; Rabbi Michoel Druin, head of school, Chaya Mushka Children’s House; Amy Shafron, head of school, the Davis Academy; David Abusch-Magder, head of school, the Epstein School; and Rabbi Elimelech Gottlieb, head of school, Torah Day School of Atlanta.

We offer freshly baked cinnamon rolls, cookies and brownies.

Call to place your catering order today. www.cinnaholic.com Vegan/Kosher Pareve Bakery Edgewood Retail District 1230 Caroline Street • Little Five Points UNDER SUPERVISION OF THE ATLANTA KASHRUTH COMMISSION

404-343-0805

Weber Picks Top 2

The Weber School has announced that Becky Arbiv is the valedictorian and Becca Simonoff is the salutatorian for the Class of 2017.

Both have been athletes as well as academic standouts at Weber. Arbiv is the top high school pole vaulter in Georgia, if not the nation, and has signed to compete for Duke next year.

A House committee has advanced one of three proposals to increase the state income tax credit for donations to student scholarship organizations.

SSOs, such as the ALEF Fund, pass the donations on to private schools, including Jewish day schools and preschools, to be used as scholarships for students. Donors get a 100 percent credit on their Georgia income taxes.

An amended version of House Bill 217 has been sent to the full House for a vote. The scaled-back bill would raise the cap on the tax credit from $58 million to $65 million for 2018, then increase it 10 percent per year until it reached $100 million.

All applications received in the first 10 days of the submission period would be treated the same. Now, all the available money is more than accounted for on the first day.

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Tax Credit Bill Gains

31

BUSINESS

Entrepreneurial Oasis

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Come see us at Ticknors Men’s Clothiers, Atlanta’s newest spot for high end casual, sportswear, and quality men’s tailored.

32

Located on the upper level (next to Mayor’s jewelers) Ticknors carries finer brands such as Robert Graham, Bugatchi, Tommy Bahama, and Coppley clothing.

Ticknors Men’s Clothier • Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE #2012A

Atlanta, GA 30326-1222 (404) 946-5808

In January, AIPAC, Temple Sinai and Congregation B’nai Torah held a program during which approximately 60 people were informed of the technological revolution in Israel and AIPAC’s efforts to be of assistance.

Daniel Frankenstein, co-founder and managing partner of JANVEST Capital Partners, explained why little Israel has had such success.

Frankenstein, a San Francisco Bay Area resident, and Brian Rosenzweig, an Atlanta resident and JANVEST co-founder, met in college. Both lived and worked in Israel and have a good appreciation of the Israeli business environment.

Seven years ago, they combined their insight and experience to form a U.S.-based venture capital fund that invests in early-stage Israeli startups.

The result is JANVEST, which: • Manages $25 million.

• Closed two partnerships and is funding a third.

• Has offices in San Francisco, Atlanta and Israel, two U.S. board members, two Israeli board members, and several prominent Israeli advisers.

The investments primarily are in the following industry groups: • Cybersecurity.

• Data analytics.

• Internet of things.

• Business intelligence.

Frankenstein outlined the five factors that account for Israel’s success: Military Service Most Israelis serve in the Israel Defense Forces, but only 10 percent regularly deal with weapons. Most focus on research and development.

Women serve with men in the IDF. Studies show that countries that treat women as equals are more likely to be innovative and creative.

The IDF gathers people at the height of their creativity and places them in an environment where all are respected and treated fairly. Women speak with men and privates talk to generals. Few barriers impede ideas.

Technology developed for weapon systems often is commercialized.

Higher Education Israel has one of the world’s best university systems. After serving in the IDF and gaining maturity, Israelis enter the university with a high sense of purpose. Half of Israel’s universities are in the top tier in the world, according to The Economist.

Availability of Capital Significant capital from a variety of sources is available for startups. The success of venture capital startups has led more capital to flow into the country. Success begets success. In 2016, Israel raised $4.8 billion for venture capital purposes, almost as much as the European Union.

Business Sense

By Al Shams

Government Support Israel allocates 4.5 percent of its GDP annually for research and development, one of the highest allocations of any country. The money typically is spent in the following manner: • The Office of the Chief Scientist (now the Israel Innovation Authority) offers low-cost, nondilutive risk capital to deserving startups.

• The university system receives funding for a variety of projects.

• Venture capital incubators also get government funds.

Tolerance for Risk In a country that faces daily threats to its existence, financial risks and business failure are not seen as dire consequences. Worse things than losing money can affect you in Israel.

In many countries, financial failure is career-ending. In Israel, it is just another bump on the road to success.

CEOs of large, public Israeli companies do not earn the huge incomes of their U.S. counterparts, so the path to personal wealth involves the creation of economic value outside a big company.

Jews over the centuries have promoted good will, understanding and tolerance through trade. Initially, the benefits of trade were perceived to be economic, but the byproducts of trade became the most significant benefits.

I have long believed that good, honest and mutually beneficial commerce breaks down barriers and promotes tolerance. Some of Israel’s former enemies have become trading partners and have benefited from Israel’s advances in technology. ■ Al Shams is a Sandy Springs resi­ dent, a former CPA and an investment professional with over 36 years’ experi­ ence.

BUSINESS Legislation that would authorize casino gambling in Georgia won’t pass the General Assembly this year, state Sen. Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta) told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday, Feb. 27.

Beach doesn’t have the votes to get Senate Bill 79 out of committee.

This was the second consecutive year that lobbyists for casino companies descended on the Georgia Capitol with talk of investing $1 billion or more into a destination-type casino resort and raising hundreds of millions of dollars for college scholarships and other state programs.

Even if casino legislation had passed this year, the required constitutional amendment wouldn’t have appeared on the ballot until 2018.

ESOP Groups Tap Swerdlin

Joanne Swerdlin, the executive vice president of Swerdlin & Co., has been elected to the board of directors of the National Center for Employee Ownership and selected as a trustee for the ESOP Association’s Employee Ownership Foundation.

“I am honored to be selected as a board member and trustee of these important organizations in the ESOP Joanne industry,” Swerdlin Swerdlin said. “Swerdlin & Co. has served ESOP companies and their participants for more than 30 years, and we continue to promote the benefits of employee ownership.”

NCEO Executive Director Loren Rodgers said Swerdlin is a “national leader” on employee stock ownership plans. “Her depth and breadth of knowledge and her up-close experience with ESOP companies will directly improve many of the NCEO projects I’m most excited about.”

The NCEO is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide practical resources and objective information about employee ownership to businesses, employees and the public.

“We look forward to Joanne’s help,” said Michael Keeling, the president of the Employee Ownership Foundation. “Her guidance and advice will be valued by the board of trustees.”

Swerdlin & Co., based in Atlanta and with an office in Holliston, Mass., is one of the nation’s largest privately owned actuarial and third-party administration firms that do not sell financial products or provide investment advice. Founded in 1980, the firm has more than 80 employees.

Loventhal Certified For Retirement Income

Bill Loventhal, a financial adviser with Northwestern Mutual, has earned the Retirement Income Certified Professional designation from the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pa. Candidates for the RICP designation must complete at least three college-level courses and pass a series of two-hour exams. They must also have three years of experience, meet stringent ethics requirements and participate in the college’s continuing education program.

The RICP curriculum is the most complete program available to professional financial advisers looking to help their clients create sustainable reBill Loventhal tirement income.

Loventhal has represented Northwestern Mutual in Atlanta for more than 45 years.

He serves on the Atlanta Advisory Council for Israel Bonds, is a past national board member of ARZA, and has served on the board of Temple Sinai.

Your GO TO Specialists for all YOUR REAL ESTATE Needs RE/MAX AROUND ATLANTA David Shapiro Jon Shapiro DShapiro@remax.net JonShapiro@mindspring.com 404-252-7500 404-845-3065 404-845-3050 www.jonshapiro.com

Wheelchair Ramps YES!

YOU CAN RENT YOUR WHEELCHAIR RAMP! • Low Cost • Rent or Buy • Free Home Evaluations • Installed in Hours/Days • Home Modification

Now Offering Acorn Stairlifts & Portable Showers!

Georgia’s #1 Leading Ramp Company for 9 Years!

Joanne Bradley, Owner

404-617-6486 • 770-316-8030 www.amramp.com

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Still No Casinos in Georgia

33

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

ARTS

Davidow Off to See ‘Wizard’ for Her Habima Finale

By Patrice Worthy

Jerry’s Habima Theatre is the major fundraiser each year for the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s Blonder special needs department, but for Susie Davidow, the Blonder executive director, Habima is about much more than making money.

This month’s performance of “The Wizard of Oz” is significant because it will be the last one Davidow sees before she retires after 16 years.

“When we first began doing the theater, the actors needed guides and people carrying scenes with them,” Davidow said. “Now they carry everything on their own. It has really evolved into a group of talented young men and women.”

Habima will perform “Oz” seven times, beginning Thursday, March 9.

Each actor and actress went through auditions and committed to a long rehearsal process to prepare for the show, which is a little over an hour long.

Davidow said the process of putting on a musical correlates with the mission of the special needs department.

Jerry’s Habima Theatre co-chairs Mona Shuman (left) and Rachel Fox Weitz flank Blonder Executive Director Susie Davidow.

“The Wizard of Oz” will have seven performances from March 9 to 19.

Now in its 24th year, Habima Theatre combines adult participants in Blonder programs with local professional actors to perform a musical each year. It’s the only theater company in Georgia in which actors with special needs work under professional direction.

“It’s good for social interaction, and a lot of friendships are made. It

THE SONENSHINE TEAM Atlanta’s Favorite Real Estate Team

DEBBIE SONENSHINE STAR NEWMAN KATIE GALLOW Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Internationally Certified Negotiator, Luxury, New Homes and Corporate Relocation Specialist #1 Sales Associate in Sandy Springs Office Voted Favorite Jewish Realtor in AJT, Best of Jewish Atlanta

#2 Team Coldwell Banker Atlanta

Debbie Sells Houses!

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Most House For The Money In Spalding Woods!

Sandy Springs $475,000

• Floor Plan Great for Entertaining Big and Small • Gigantic Master w/ Sitting Room, His/Hers Family Gatherings Closets, King Size Bath & Full Office • Dining Room Seats 20+ • Terrace Level With In-Law Apt, Full 2nd Kitchen, Gym, Playroom, & More!

• 4 Bedrooms/3 Full Baths/2 Half Baths • Basketball Court, Fenced Yard & Newer Deck • Huge Eat-in Kitchen Opens to Family Room • Oversized Garage Holds 3 Cars

direct 404.250.5311 office 404.252.4908

Debbie@SonenshineTeam.com | www.SonenshineTeam.com

34

©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Operated By a Subsidiary of NRT LLC.

teaches them coping skills, and on a skill-set level they’re learning how to be in theaters,” Davidow said. “They have to have comedic timing and remember dance steps. They nail it every time.”

She’s passionate about the process and how Habima affects the participants. Davidow spent years working with special needs children in an educational setting, and when she became the executive director of the program, her warmth and enthusiasm were beneficial.

She has a knack for relationship building that Marcus JCC CEO Jared Powers said gives her longevity.

“She’s been a part of their lives for a long time. She’s watched some of them go through some incredible challenges,” Powers said. “I’ve heard Susie say it puts a spotlight on their abilities.

When they’re at Habima, they’re an actor, they’re onstage performing, and you see someone’s ability to sing, recite lines or dance.”

As the executive director, Davidow has hands-on communication with family members and dedicates her time to developing a program that engages people with special needs. Participants go out to dinner once a month and bowling every Monday.

Davidow attends some of the activities and makes sure others are staffed and well planned. She is proud of Habima because it’s a culmination of the work put in by people with spe-

cial needs. The actors use all the skills they’ve acquired, and Davidow finds it rewarding to watch it all play out.

“They become self-confident,” she said. “There was a kid who came in, and he mumbled, and now he walks in, holds his head up high and speaks clearly.”

The encouragement the actors receive is important to their success. It gives them motivation to work hard and stay committed. For many of the actors, participation in Habima is also an exercise in autonomy, which is one of the essential lessons in the program.

“There’s a commitment. There are long rehearsals, and many of them have jobs, so they have to ask for time off from their professional jobs and come to Habima and do what’s required of them,” Davidow said.

The process makes Habima special. During Davidow’s tenure as executive director, Habima and the special needs program have expanded.

Saba Silverstein, Habima’s founder, said that when she launched the first play, only a few parents were willing to try putting their children in normal situations.

Now the program is a more wellrounded way for those with special needs to learn and grow.

“Susie helped make the trip to Israel happen,” Silverstein said. “People came to her with ideas, and she listened. Now we have committees and subcommittees, and that’s all Susie.

There are special cooking classes, and they also learn about personal hygiene.

Susie has done nothing but the program every year. She’s just been great.”

Habima Theatre went from having volunteers to paid staff. It even hires actors form the Alliance Theatre.

The entire crew is composed of professionals, including the director, stage manager, choreographer, lighting person and sound person.

Davidow smiled as she recounted Habima Theatre’s achievements.

“They won a Suzi Bass Award in 2007, and we have people come back year after year,” Davidow said. “You can’t describe it until you experience it. I tell it to everyone, and if you see it, you’ll know what I mean.” ■

What: “The Wizard of Oz” Who: Jerry’s Habima Theatre Where: Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9 and 16; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11 and 18; 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, March 12; and 1 p.m. Sunday, March 19 Tickets: $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under for JCC members, $35 and $15 for others; www.atlantajcc.org/boxoffice or 678-812-4002

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

OBITUARIES

Helen ‘Doddie’ Altman 97, Atlanta

Helen “Doddie” Altman (nee Horwitz) died peacefully at her home in Atlanta on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, at the age of 97.

She is survived by a brother, Lionel Horwitz of Brooklyn, N.Y.; three sons, Neil, Robert and James Altman; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Altman, and her brothers, William and Theodore Horwitz.

Doddie was born on Oct. 1, 1919, to Jennie Solosky and Nathan Horwitz in Virginia, Minn. She grew up in Duluth, Minn., where she attended Duluth Central High School and the University of Minnesota. She married Milton on May 21, 1942, and raised their three children in St. Paul, Minn., where she lived until 1998, when she moved to Atlanta.

Doddie worked at various jobs as an adult, beginning with support for the war effort during World War II in Washington, D.C. She most enjoyed her years as a personal fashion consultant, a talent that she brought to her adoring relationship with her granddaughters.

Her greatest passion, though, was her love of family and friends. To the very end she provided unwavering support and love to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and to the many friends with whom she communicated and visited regularly. During good times and bad she could be counted on for her insight, loyalty and devotion.

Interment will be next to Milton, the love of her life, at Mount Zion Cemetery in St. Paul on Sunday, March 5, and a memorial will be held in Atlanta on March 12. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Alexander Z. Granot 91, Norcross

Alexander Z. Granot, son of Shai and Bronia Zamoscinski, was born Feb. 23, 1926, in Warsaw, Poland. He lived a full life before passing on his 91st birthday.

Alex ran away from home at 13 years old to escape the Nazi regime. He snuck into Russia, where he met up with his two older brothers, Edward and Boris. At 17 he was recruited into the Polish army’s officer school through the end of World War II in 1945.

After the war, while in Italy with his brothers, he was recruited by the Israeli army to serve as an officer in the War of Independence of 1948. He continued to serve in the Israeli army until 1956. He met his future wife of 56 years in 1959 in Israel and married July 4, 1960, to start their new life together in the United States.

Alex was a small-business owner and real estate investor. He and Jaffa have one son, Dan Granot, who was born in 1965.

Alex is survived by his wife, Jaffa; his son, Dan; a daughter-in-law, Wendy; and three granddaughters, Hannah, Ava and Olivia.

Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. Graveside services were held Sunday, Feb. 26, at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Loren Lapidus officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, the-temple.org. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Death Notices

Sylvia Alpert, 92, of Pembroke Pines, Fla., mother of Temple Sinai member Lori Simon and Barry Alpert and sister of Peggy Levine, on Feb. 6.

Jeffrey Brown, 50, of Milton, husband of Deanne and father of Izabelle, on Feb. 19.

Betty Rose Caldwell, 88, of Marietta, mother of Martin Buchman, Morris Buchman, Lendy Fedors and Patrick Caldwell, on Feb. 1.

Beth Cohn of Atlanta, daughter of Barbb and Larry Grand and sister of Mindy Hamer and Amy Levin, on Feb. 16.

Alan Gould, 91, of Atlanta, Temple Sinai member, husband of Mimi Herman Gould, and father of David Gould, Katie Currie and Jenny Gould, on Feb. 5.

Eleanor Katz of Roswell on Feb. 18.

Rabbi Leonard Lifshen, 75, of Falls Church, Va., former spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Shalom and husband of Faith Lifshen, on Feb. 14.

Arlene Lyons, 87, of Nashville, Tenn., wife of Kenneth Lyons and mother of Temple Sinai member Gilbert Lyons, on Feb. 6.

Oren Manning, 79, of Miami, husband of Barbara, on Feb. 13.

Elaine “Bubbles” Marcus, 90, of Atlanta, mother of Ted and Jessie, on Feb. 13.

Claire Perlin of Roswell on Feb. 20.

Gayle Preiser, 79, of Longboat Key, Fla., mother of Temple Sinai member Cathy Zeewy and Larry Preiser and wife of Alvin Preiser, on Feb. 16.

Neil Saunders of Atlanta on Feb. 4.

Romesa Sheppard, 87, of Chesterfield, Va., mother of Congregation Beth Shalom member Laura Davis, on Feb. 22.

Elizabeth Shuman, 48, of Atlanta, daughter of Jim and Janet Shuman and Becky and Dan Peace and sister of Michael Shuman, Britt Peace, Stuart Pheil and Adrienne Quigley, on Feb. 13.

A. Fred Stewart, 77, of Hoschton, father of Deborah Abel and Kenneth Stewart, on Feb. 17.

Boris Tulchinsky of Atlanta on Feb. 16.

Sarah Varon of Atlanta, Congregation Or VeShalom member and mother of Rochelle Notrica, on Feb. 10.

Paula Weberman, 73, of West Bloomfield, Mich., mother of Brett Silverman, Kirsten Mekelburg, Meggin Rosner and Alisa Weberman, on Feb. 15.

Mollie Picon Mollie Perlin Picon of Atlanta, a native and longtime resident of Richmond, Va., died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Picon, and her parents, Robert and Mary Perlin.

Mollie was a kind, compassionate and loving daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She led a full and productive life and set an example for all.

Surviving are her daughter, Doreen Picon Hartman; a granddaughter, Mara Grosswald; a grandson and his wife, Jay and Alison Pottlitzer; and three greatgrandchildren whom she absolutely adored, Molly, Mark and Anna.

Graveside services were conducted Thursday, Feb. 16, at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Michael Bernstein officiating. Arrangements by H.M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, Sandy Springs.

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Atlanta

35

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

MARKETPLACE

FINANCIAL SERVICES

GENERATOR SERVICES

COMPUTER SERVICES

COMPUER HOUSE CALLS

Also Lending in Florida & Southeastern States When it comes to finding your perfect home, it’s important to have options. The same is true when Whenitit comes comes to finding perfect home, it’s When findingyour your perfect deciding on yourtomortgage.

That’s why wehome, offer important to have options.

The same is true iswhen it’s important to have options.

The same a wide variety of mortgage options to fit yourtrue deciding on youronmortgage.

That’s why we offer when deciding your mortgage.

That’s why particular needs: a wide varietyvariety of mortgage options options to fit yourto fit we offer a wide of mortgage yourparticular particular needs: • Purchases andneeds: Refinances • Purchases and Refinances Conventional, & VA • Purchases andFHA, Refinances •• Conventional, FHA, & VA Jumbo Loans with no Conventional, & PMI VA •• Jumbo Loans FHA, with no PMI 100% Financing Financing for Doctors •• 100% Jumbo Loans with no PMI for Doctors

Voted #1 by Atlanta Jewish Community

770-751-5706 www.HealthyComputer.com

• • • • • • •

• 100% Financing for Doctors

Jay Givarz Jay Givarz

Senior Mortgage Banker

678-522-2343 jay.givarz@lionbank.com 678-522-2343 jay.givarz@lionbank.com NMLS# 203728 NMLS# 203728

fakakta computer?

770-251-9765

24/7 Power Protection Hands Free Operation | Professional Installation

I’ll drive to you! → Desktop & Laptop Repair → Home/Business Networking → Performance Upgrades → Apple Device Support → Virus/Spyware Removal

GENERATORS 24/7 POWER PROTECTION

RECOVERY RESOURCES

SPA SERVICES

10 OFF $

Fast Appointment Scheduling Reasonable Rates All Services Guaranteed

with this ad

404-954-1004

Pain relief Improved sleep Improves acne Reduces headaches

Paper Mill MASSAGE & MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

36

404.660.6762 | www.gotoswan.com Open 7 days a week 10:00am - 9:30 pm Sunday Open at 12:00

3.81

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

3.66

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

damon.carp@gmail.com CARPET SERVICES Carpet Restretch Specialist Call David for Quote • 404-217-5547

SPA

255 Village Parkway Ste 420 • Marietta

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

As Seen On

It’s Time to Call for Help!

Generator Sales & Service, Inc. www.perkinselectric.com

Senior Mortgage Banker

PC, MAC, iPhone/iPad Service Home & Commercial Service Virus/Malware Removal Laptop Screen Repair Data Recovery/Forensics Wireless Corporate Networks We beat competitor pricing!

3.38%

CAREGIVER Caring hands and loving heart in the comforts of your own home. Dependable/honest. Excellent References.

Please call 678-427-4135

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

3.38%

(404) 817-3500 Atlanta@Israelbonds.com Development Corp. for Israel Member FINRA Effective through February 28, 2017

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

MARKETPLACE PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

LIVING ASSISTANCE SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

SIDING I WINDOWS I PAINTING STUCCO I ROOFING I GUTTERS Locally Owned, Nationally Known.

• Meal Preparation

• Light Housekeeping

• Errands

• Bathing Assistance

• Assistance with Mobility • Alzheimer/Dementia Care

500 PACKAGE SPECIAL $

Just mention you saw our ad in the Jewish Times!

410-804-6408

richard@rmbstudiosllc.com www.rmbstudios.zenfolio.com

VIDEO SERVICES

• Friendly Companionship • Up to 24 Hour Care • Respite Care for Families • Medication Reminders

www.visitingangels.com

Each Visiting Angels agency is independently owned and operated.

800-365-4189

770-203-0002 • SuperiorPRO.com For Great Discounts Visit SuperiorPRO.com/Offers

SENIOR SERVICES

YARD SERVICES

MAD BEAVERS

FULL SERVICE TREE REMOVAL & PRUNING • 24 Hour Storm Response • References available • Full liability & workers comp insurance

Contact Bo (404) 550-2535 madbeaversllc@yahoo.com

PLAY PAN? Play Pan? Mondays 12:00- 4:00 in the Atlanta Area Call Judi for details – (706) 461-1602

FOLLOW THE ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES ONLINE.

HOME SERVICES

HZ Solutions

HOME INSPECTIONS

• Home Inspections for single family homes • Full service for Rental Companies: - Turnscope checklist - Home Ready for Rental Inspection - Move-in Walks with tenant - Move-out Walks with or without tenant

Max 404.483.1606 max@hzsolutionsinc.com

Visit our website www.AtlantaJewishTimes.com for More of What You Need.

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Certified arborist services Crane services • Free estimates

37

PURIM

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

Three-Cornering The Market on Flavor

38

As you may remember from your last celebrations of Purim (whether in 5776 or back in Hebrew school), it is customary to send food to family and friends. This typically includes dried fruits and such ready-to-eat snacks as candies, chocolate and, if you’re lucky, hamantaschen.

It is a mitzvah to send these baskets of goodies to the special people in your life. It’s also a tradition to have a large meal in commemoration of the holiday and serve — you guessed it — hamantaschen for dessert.

While the holiday sections of stores are covered in bright green for St. Patrick’s Day and pastels for Easter, it’s time for Jewish Atlanta to prep for Purim. Average shoppers won’t be as overwhelmed with Queen Esther costumes as they are with leprechaun and bunny getups, but the savvy food shopper can navigate to a handful of restaurants with homemade hamantaschen.

Purim slides under the retail radar, but the stores baking up our traditional triangular cookie are all top notch and Taste of Atlanta approved.

Pre-order or stop in for one, a dozen or more at these three restaurants: • Goldbergs, www.goldbergbagel. com (Buckhead, West Paces, Dunwoody, East Cobb, Toco Hills and Alpharetta). My guilty pleasure at Goldbergs is ending a meal with a chocolate hamantasch. This ordering habit has become a yearlong ritual. I just can’t brunch without treating myself.

The dough is similar to a shortbread, and the bite isn’t too crumbly.

Goldbergs uses a semisweet chocolate, so your palate isn’t overwhelmed with lip-puckering sweetness. They bake these treats all year long, so when Purim comes, the recipe is perfected. Order online, on the phone or in store.

• The General Muir, www. thegeneralmuir­ .com (Emory Point).

This essential delicatessen and James Beard Award semifinalist is serving up hamantaschen for the seventh consecutive year. From March 1 to 12, taste fig and poppy, apricot and pistachio, and wine-poached prune treats. Keep your eyes and ears open because more varieties may be added to the list.

I love the ambience of this restaurant, and the service could not be more spectacular, so I prefer to order my hamantaschen in store. I’ve been told the to-go packing is supercute, so don’t let

my habit deter you from picking up an order instead.

If you want to ensure availability, The General Muir is taking pre-orders over the phone, or you can email shelley@thegeneralmuir.com.

The Food Scene

By Skye Estroff

Getting Crazy for Purim Purim starts Saturday night, March 11, and ends the evening of March 12. Here are some of your options for celebrating the holiday. (See our Atlanta Jewish Music Festival pullout section for more parties.)

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

Purim parade. Congregation Beth Jacob’s 26th annual parade starts at 11 a.m. at the Toco Hill Shopping Center and ends at Beth Jacob, 1855 LaVista Road, with a carnival. Carnival admission and parade participation are free.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

Ponies and more. Anshi, 1324 N. Highland Ave., Morningside, with Jewish Kids Groups, holds a pre-Purim program with pony rides, cotton candy, face painting and more from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Free; www.anshisfard.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Photos courtesy of The General Muir

The General Muir’s hamantaschen are a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Family Megillah reading. Chabad Intown, 928 Ponce de Leon Ave., Midtown, offers a festive reading and hamantaschen at 7:45 p.m. Free; www. chabadintown.org.

YJP party. People in their 20s and 30s are invited to Amer Bar in Inman Park, 299 N. Highland Ave., for live jazz and a cash bar at 9:45 p.m. and a Megillah reading at 11. Free; www.yjpatlanta. org/events/yjp-purim-party.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

• Kosher Gourmet, www.kgatl. com (Briarcliff). If you’re indecisive when ordering food, Kosher Gourmet is where you should go to select hamantaschen. The kosher-certified restaurant and catering company is baking up six flavors to choose from: cherry, apricot, strawberry, prune, poppy, and, last but certainly not least, chocolate.

This Briarcliff brick-and-mortar sells its hamantaschen for just under a dollar each (99 cents, to be exact). Call to place your order, or stop in to choose your fresh-baked hamantaschen by hand.

Remember, Kosher Gourmet is closed on Shabbat, so make the trek Sunday through Friday. ■ Skye Estroff is the marketing and media manager for Atlanta’s largest food festival, Taste of Atlanta (tasteofatlanta. com). She is an Atlanta native, a Univer­ sity of Georgia grad and an expert in At­ lanta’s best food.

Celebration. Congregation Or VeShalom, 1681 N. Druid Hills Road, Brookhaven, reads the Megillah at an 8:30 a.m. service, then has pizza and a spiel for kids at 11. Free to all in costume; www. orveshalom.org or 404-633-1737.

Purim Palooza. Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive, Sandy Springs, holds a block party celebration for toddlers through sixth-graders from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. after family and sensory-sensitive Megillah readings at 9:30 a.m. Carnival admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the door for children 6 and older and $15 in advance or $20 at the door for ages 2 to 5; templesinaiatlanta.org.

Emoji Purim. Chabad Intown, 928 Ponce de Leon Ave., Midtown, celebrates at 10 a.m. with brunch, a Megillah reading, and an emoji costume contest, photo booth, desserts and face painting. Admission is $10; www. chabadintown.org/purim.

Family carnival. Chabad of North Fulton, 10180 Jones Bridge Road, Johns

Creek, offers entertainment, food and the Megillah at 11 a.m. Admission is $5; www.chabadnf.org or 770-410-9000.

Pirate party. Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, holds a carnival with a pirate and mermaid theme from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission, including all games and lunch, is $12 until March 8, then $15; bethshalomatlanta.org.

Carnival and silent auction. Congregation Ner Tamid, 1349 Old Highway 41, Suite 220, Marietta, reads the Megillah at 11:30 a.m., then holds a carnival from 12:15 to 2 p.m. Free; 678-264-8575 or events@mynertamid.org.

Purim ExtravaganzAA. Ahavath Achim, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave., Buckhead, presents food trucks at 11:30 a.m., a traditional Megillah reading at 12:15 p.m., a Mardi Gras Megillah reading at 12:30, and celebrations from 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free; aasynagogue.org.

Purim in Persia. Netzach Israel and New Toco Shul hold a carnival from 3 to 5 p.m. and a festive meal at 5 at Torah Day School, 1985 LaVista Road, Toco Hills. Free for the carnival. The meal is $15 for adults, $8 for ages 4 to 12, and free under 4; www.netzachisrael.org.

PurimCon. The Kehilla in Sandy Springs, 5075 Roswell Road, reads the Megillah at 3:30 p.m., followed by a comic-themed party until 6:30. Free; www.facebook.com/ events/1289579324441821.

Purim in Israel. Chabad of Peachtree City, 632 Dogwood Trail, Tyrone, celebrates at 4 p.m. with the Megillah, a buffet and prizes for all children in costumes. Prices are $10 for children, $15 for adults or $50 per family by March 5, then $5 more per person; www.chabadsouthside.com or 678-595-0199.

Purim in the Jungle. Chabad of Cobb, 4450 Lower Roswell Road, East Cobb, offers dinner under a jungle canopy and animal crafts with the Megillah at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per person or $36 per family until March 6, then $15 and $46; www.chabadofcobb.com.

Adult party. Chabad of North Fulton, 10180 Jones Bridge Road, Johns Creek, holds a Roaring Twenties party with comedy, an open wine bar and a buffet at 7 p.m. Admission is $25; www. chabadnf.org or 770-410-9000.

One Thing at Lunch Leads to Another I hadn’t seen my friend Marlene in a long time, and it had been even longer since I’d seen her daughter, Erica. We finally made a date.

We decided to meet at Marlene’s house for lunch, more comfortable and intimate than a restaurant. I wanted to pick up kosher sandwiches, but the discussion about who preferred what became so complicated that I offered to bring all the components, and we’d make our own combinations. Starting with turkey breast and rolls, we could customize to our hearts’ content.

Just to be sure we didn’t lack anything essential, I called Marlene from the store.

“Tomatoes, lettuce, coleslaw?” I asked.

“I have everything here,” Marlene assured me.

“Pickles, olives, onions, peppers?”

I asked again.

“No problem. Just get the food and drive here already.”

The table was set, and, sure enough, Marlene had prepared a gorgeous plate of cut-up vegetables that would fulfill the desires of the most demanding sandwich eaters. I hadn’t thought about condiments.

“Do you have mustard?” I asked respectfully. Some of us like mustard; is that a crime?

“Mustard? I don’t think so,” Erica got up to explore but could find only a packet of Chinese mustard.

I tasted a tiny sample and immediately grabbed water. “That’s OK,” I coughed. “Forget the mustard. Who needs mustard?”

“We do have mayonnaise,” Marlene offered. She put a jar of mayo on the table.

We resumed eating and had a lot of fun catching up with each other’s lives. Just before we cleared the table and got ready for Marlene’s famous dessert of baked apples, she brought a beautiful Kiddish cup to the table.

I’d heard about that family heirloom before. It had been put away for ages and was so tarnished that, no matter what she tried, she couldn’t remove the dark oxidation that had totally dulled the silver.

To clear room for the dessert and to properly display the cup, Marlene slid the mayonnaise in my direction.

I know Marlene, and she’s not one to

beat around the bush, so I assumed that I was expected to react to the juxtaposition of cup and jar.

I went to the counter, tore off a couple of pieces of paper toweling, then sat down to polish the cup with the mayonnaise.

CROSSWORD 2

3

4

14

5

21

25

33

34

“What’re you doing?’ Marlene asked. That’s when I realized that the cup-jar combo was unintentional.

But was it a coincidence? Of course not. I was meant to polish with the mayo, which was brought out only because I’d asked for mustard. I rubbed away.

I wouldn’t describe the experience as exciting, but I have to say that on a scale of 1 to 10, it was hovering near 8.

And let me just say Marlene was very happy she had invited me to lunch. By the time I took a break to eat dessert, the Kiddish cup was much improved, but it would take still more polishing.

It was time to turn the project over, and Marlene was ready to assume responsibility. We knew that eventually the cup would shine like new.

I was feeling rather proud of myself when I noticed that Erica had a look on her face that my grandchildren get when they solve hard math problems. She went upstairs and came back down with a tube of toothpaste.

“You’re not the only Heloise around here,” she said with a laugh.

“The mayo reminded me of something.” She squeezed toothpaste onto paper towels and began to polish.

Marlene and I watched the tarnish disappear.

“I’m glad she’s using the toothpaste I bought for a dollar,” she mused.

We chatted a bit longer, then I got ready to leave. As they walked me to the door, the three of us glanced back at the kitchen table where a centerpiece of mayonnaise jar, toothpaste tube, crumpled paper towels and heirloom silver Kiddish cup were grouped, Dali-like. The surrealists understood these things.

We Jews have our own explanation for serendipity: beshert. ■

49

10

11

12

13

45

46

66

67

23 27

28

31 35

39

32 36

37

40

41

43 50

51

55

44 52

53

56

58 61

22

26 30

48

9

19

18

29

54

8 16

20

47

7

15

17

24

6

42

By Chana Shapiro cshapiro@atljewishtimes.com

“City of Stars”

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

1

38

Chana’s Corner

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

57

59 62

63

60 64

65

68

69

70

71

72

73

ACROSS 1. Word before Aviv 4. Brooks and Torme 8. Synagogue leaders 14. Judge Lance who heard from Robert Shapiro in the O.J. trial 15. “The Time Machine” race (or “my G-d” in Aramaic) 16. Holocaust survivor/ celebrity psychologist born Karola Siegel 17. Superboy’s girlfriend cocreated by Bill Finger 19. Perfect throw from Manning or Fiedler 20. Miracle-___ (it might be used on Tu B’Shevat) 21. Rival of Lauer’s “Today Show,” familiarly 23. Cartoon girl who teaches Stitch about Elvis 24. Father of Rachel and Leah 26. Asserts a right to, like the Jews to Jerusalem 29. “Achi” 31. The first lady?

32. (Asian) language spoken in the least anti-Semitic country 33. The Baba ___ (Rabbi Israel Abuhatzeira) 34. Movie org. that lists “Schindler’s List” as the alltime eighth greatest 36. Need for Nachman?

38. The Sea of Galilee is Israel’s ___ 42. Har ___ (Jerusalem neighborhood) 43. What honey can never do, apparently 44. JCC alternative 47. Mel Brooks ___ Kaminsky 50. Dead Sea spa item 52. Like the trees in the Golan compared with the Negev 54. Where Cuban’s Mavericks have spent most of the season 57. More like Esau than Jacob 58. Actress Fanning in

53-Down’s “Super 8” 59. “Jethro was happy about all the good that the Lord had done ___ Israel” (Exodus 18:9) 60. “Goosebumps” author’s initials 61. Features of Mount Scopus botanical gardens 64. Big winner at this year’s Oscars — or a hint to 17-, 26-, 38- and 54-Across 68. Last name of music star Beck 69. Difference between amar and ammar 70. Stat for Braun or Kinsler 71. Jewish village 72. Israel’s 6 and 20: Abbr.

73. ___ Vashem

2015 WS 25. “Eureka!” or “Bivadai!”

27. Skinny (like Gal Gadot) 28. Wrestling star John who once hosted 63-Down 30. Tote overflowing with Chanukah gelt, e.g.

35. ___air (El Al alternative) 37. 2012 Sam Mendes “Bond” flick 39. Like when a 66-Down team plays Maccabi Tel Aviv, usually 40. Like Israel of other religions 41. Shaliach 45. ___lo Green, former cojudge with Adam Levine 46. Landing listing at TLV 47. Hebrew counterparts of the letter A DOWN 48. Jewish bride 1. Brad Garrett sitcom “___ 49. Like this clue Death” 51. ___ Yomi (daily Talmudic 2. Posting at TLV airport study) 3. Big hit for Hank Greenberg 53. Director J.J. 4. (Richard) Melzer’s “Law 55. On shpilkes and Order: SVU” co-star 56. Black for tefillin or white Christopher for tzitzit strings 5. Letters that make Ari into 62. Letter before yud a girl’s name (var.)

63. Lorne Michaels’ skit 6. Methuselah sure had one comedy show, for short 7. Ess or samech in Greek 65. Marvel great Stan 8. 72-Across, essentially 66. Casspi’s league 9. Jean who was the abba 67. Completed (an IDF of Dada assignment) 10. Flat fish that’s kosher (and rhymes with krill) 11. Jewish law rather than LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION cremation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 S U L K J A F A R P R O D 12. Home 14 15 16 A T A H E V A D E L E V Y of the Great 17 18 19 M O Z A M B I Q U E O V E N Roman 20 21 22 23 S P I N E S M S S E R A Synagogue, to 24 25 26 27 28 29 locals O I L N W A B E L A R U S 30 31 32 33 34 13. Rabbi N A Y S E L F S O R E S T 35 36 37 38 Carlebach or E M P I R E G E N E S 39 40 Riskin S W I T Z E R L A N D 41 42 43 18. Peninsula D A V I S A R I A N A 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 near Israel E V E N S O E N S S N I T 51 52 22. “Ken,” to a B E L G I U M 53S T 54U 55U S H 56 57 58 59 60 pirate T N T S T A N M A T R I 61 62 63 64 65 24. What A Z E R B A I J A N O G E E Wilpon’s Mets 66R E S T 67G A B E S 68D O E G 69 70 71 won before E R O D E A B L Y S S T S 39 making the MARCH 3 ▪ 2017

CLOSING THOUGHTS

40

MARCH 3 â–ª 2017