NEXT ISSUE: GRADUATION
VOL. XCVIII NO. 9
Senior Living
MAY 15, 2022 | 14 IYAR 5782
Marcus National Blood Service Center is Unveiled
LEADING THE WAY
Voted Cobb County’s Best Assisted Living & Retirement Communities 4 Years in a Row “We’re honored that both Sterling Estates Communities have been recognized as ‘Best of Cobb’ for Retirement Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care again in 2022. I’m proud to say that it’s the 4th year in a row we’ve won these awards and an awesome tribute to our staff members. We’ve been serving seniors in greater Atlanta for over 25+ years now...we invite you to come and experience what sets us apart.” Marshall Gill, COO & Partner, Sterling Estates Senior Living Communities
“What I’ve learned is that all communities talk about wellness and socialization... but they don't have the that Sterling Estates has. No one can match what Sterling provides for their residents. My parents are thriving at Sterling Estates... Bet yours will too." ~ Susan S.
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PUBLISHER MICHAEL A. MORRIS michael@atljewishtimes.com
MANAGING PUBLISHER & EDITOR KAYLENE LADINSKY kaylene@atljewishtimes.com Business Manager
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FRAN PUTNEY
CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE ALLEN H. LIPIS BOB BAHR CHANA SHAPIRO DAVE SCHECHTER DAVID OSTROWSKY DEBBIE DIAMOND JAN JABEN-EILON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON
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BRENDA GELFAND
THIS WEEK Nothing But a Number Life doesn’t stop at 60, or 70, or even at 100 — especially not these days. Just ask abstract painter Richard Harris, who, at 70, is having as much fun as ever, or Atlanta spa queen Sydell Harris, who, at 95, is fit and fabulous and still younger than the Queen of England. Both are profiled in the pages of our Senior Living section, along with the members of the Atlanta Cracker Fantasy Baseball League — one of the earliest fantasy sports leagues in America — which was founded in 1982 and still thrives today, some 40 years later. (And whose youngest member, until recently, was 68-year-old retired actuary Joey Moskowitz.) Feeling like a full-fledged member of the community, however, is a whole other ballgame. Seniors often struggle to feel accepted. That’s why Dayle Friedman, interim rabbi at Congregation Bet Haverim, has worked to make senior members of the congregation feel that they have an important role to play. The rabbi, who has devoted much of the last 40 years to working with seniors, is the founding member of Hiddur: The Center for Aging and Judaism at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia. “I think we have a big challenge, which is to tap the talents of people who are growing older. You know, as a society, we can’t think that people are done when they maybe leave a full-time working life at 65 or 70,” she says.
Then there are the caregivers. Nancy Kaufman launched Supporting Our Aging Relatives (SOAR) Facebook group in 2017 after struggling to arrange care for her mother. The group is a safe place for caregivers, where some 2,400 users can get help with information or access to everything from bed rails and regular BINGO games to tips on recovering from hip surgery, estate planning resources and hospice care. When it comes to senior care, there are still other options. We profile Ann Broussard and Gal Fonseca, who were matched through a program called HomeShare ATL and have lived together for more than four months, becoming fast friends. The housing initiative connects homeowners who have a spare bedroom and bathroom with compatible adults seeking an affordable place to live. “Sharing my home is working out well,” Broussard said. “Gal is very helpful and easy to live with. She does most of the food shopping and she likes to cook.” Enjoy the Senior Living section and don’t miss our story on new research suggesting that psychedelics can help to ease some of the issues associated with aging, including but not limited to Alzheimer’s. And stay tuned for our next issues, the Best of Jewish Atlanta and our annual Graduation issue! ì
Cover Photo: The Marcus National Blood Services Center in Ramla was dedicated on May 2, with top Israeli officials present.
CONTENTS NEWS ���������������������������������������������� 6 BUSINESS ������������������������������������ 20 ISRAEL �����������������������������������������22 SPORTS ��������������������������������������� 26 POLITICS �������������������������������������28 OPINION ��������������������������������������36 WHAT'S JEWISH ABOUT ����������� 39 SENIOR LIVING ��������������������������������40 ARTS & CULTURE ����������������������� 50 CALENDAR ���������������������������������� 52 COMMUNITY �������������������������������� 56 THE LOWDOWN �������������������������� 59 KEEPING IT KOSHER ����������������� 60 BRAIN FOOD �������������������������������� 61 OBITUARIES �������������������������������� 62 CLOSING THOUGHTS ���������������� 68 MARKETPLACE �������������������������� 70
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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 5
NEWS State Holocaust Program Honors Georgians at Capitol By Fran M. Putney After a pandemic-forced hiatus of two years, the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust returned to the Georgia State Capitol House of Representatives for an in-person Days of Remembrance program Friday morning, April 29. The annual event, which coincides with Yom HaShoah, is the official state Holocaust remembrance observance. This year’s theme, “Promise of America,” poignantly focused on what it meant to survive the horrors of the Holocaust and World War II and find a new life grounded in freedom in America. Georgia Commission on the Holocaust Executive Director Sally Levine elaborated in her welcome address: “Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. We are a nation bound by our shared values of freedom, liberty and equality. Throughout our history, the United States has become the home of people fleeing oppression and striving for a better life for themselves, their families and future generations. Their efforts have helped shape and define the country we know today. Their contributions help preserve our legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity.” The program opened with videorecorded greetings from Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp, who emphasized the importance of observing the memory of the Holocaust. Georgia State Attorney General Chris Carr read the official state Days of Remembrance Proclamation in person, followed by remarks from Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Two teachers were presented with the Distinguished Educator Award for advancing Holocaust education and promoting citizenship among their students. Gordon Mathis of the Galloway School received the 2020 award since the inperson program was canceled that year. Dr. Eddie Bennett, executive director of the Georgia Council for the Social Studies, received the honor for 2022. Eighteen members of the international Consular Corps based in Atlanta participated in the candle lighting ceremony portion of the program honoring all Holocaust victims and survivors, including eight Georgia Holocaust survivors and two Georgia World War II liberators. The consuls represented 13 nations: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Switzerland 6 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
The Lovejoy High School Junior ROTC performed the Presentation of Colors, with Commissioner of Veterans Service Patricia Ross leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul read the narrative of the late Judge Aaron Cohn, who was among the liberators of the Ebensee concentration camp in Austria.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger delivered remarks, saying that “never again” should be more than a slogan.
Sally Levine, Georgia Commission on the Holocaust executive director, welcomed attendees to the official state Holocaust remembrance observance at the State Capitol House Chambers.
Emory University President Gregory Fenves told a compelling story about how his father, Steven Fenves, who is now nearly 91 years old, survived the Holocaust and became an American citizen. // Photo courtesy of Emory University
and the United Kingdom. GCH Board members, Georgia legislators and other officials read the bios and personal statements of each of this year’s 10 honorees, who were: Manuela Bornstein (France); sisters Regine Dollman Rosenfelder and Suzan Dollman Tibor (Belgium), along with their cousin Lucy Rosenblith Carson (Belgium); Hershel Greenblat (Ukraine); Robert Ratonyi (Hungary); George Rishfeld (Poland); and Ben Walker (Romania). 98-year-old honoree Hibby Margol (along with his late twin brother, Howard) was with the U.S. Army unit that liberated the Dachau concentration camp in Germany. Also honored posthumously was Judge Aaron
Cohn, who served under General George Patton, and was among those who liberated the Ebensee concentration camp — a subcamp of the Mauthausen concentration camp — in Austria. In her remarks, Israel Consul General to the Southeast U.S. Anat SultanDadon emphasized the rising threat of antisemitism. Citing a recent Anti-Defamation League report showing that, in 2021, antisemitic incidents reached the highest level in the United States since the ADL began tracking such data back in 1979, she said: “This must concern us all. Our moral obligation is not only to remember, but to take a clear stand in the face of any expression of hate. His-
tory has taught us the grave danger of not taking a clear moral stand, of not actively working to combat ignorance and hatred.” The program’s keynote speaker, introduced by GCH board member and Atlanta Jewish Times Publisher Michael Morris, was Emory University President Gregory Fenves, who shared his own family’s compelling Holocaust history. Fenves’s father, Steven Fenves, was not yet a teenager when Nazi-aligned Hungarian authorities occupied his Yugoslavian town and stripped Jewish residents of all rights. In 1944, when Steven was 13, the family was deported to Auschwitz. He beat the odds of survival at the
NEWS
Members from the international Consular Corps lit candles honoring Holocaust victims, rescuers, liberators and survivors.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr read the official state proclamation for Holocaust Days of Remembrance.
infamous death camp by translating for the Nazis, using the German he learned from his childhood governess. Four months later, with the help of the Polish resistance, Steven was smuggled aboard a train car that took him to a subcamp of Buchenwald concentration camp, where he was among 300 slave laborers forced to manufacture German aircraft. Camp inmates fought back by sabotaging the wiring in the wings of the planes so that
they would crash upon landing. “Even with the life being worked out of them, they resisted,” said Fenves. As Allied forces closed in, the Nazis attempted to erase their crimes and Steven barely survived a 65-mile death march to the main Buchenwald camp, where he was liberated by American troops. In 1950, he and his remaining family members emigrated to the United States, where Steven served in the U.S.
The 2022 Holocaust survivor and liberator honorees in attendance: (left to right) Manuela Bornstein, Hershel Greenblat, Hibby Margol, Robert Ratonyi, Ben Walker, Lucy Carson, Regine Rosenfelder and Suzan Tibor.
Army and later became a distinguished professor of engineering. “Even as a university president, with my dad nearly 91 years old, he’s still the one opinion, the one voice, the person I look up to and listen to more than ever,” said Fenves. “Being here with you today, telling his story so others can understand and learn, so that the atrocities of the Holocaust — and the hatred that made it possible — does not take hold again. That
is the best way I can honor him.” The program concluded with the “Hymn of the Jewish Partisans” sung by the Atlanta Young Singers. This inspiring Yiddish ballad, traditionally sung at Holocaust memorial programs, refers to the courage of the Jewish resistance fighters. For more information, including a link to the entire video recorded program, visit www.holocaust.georgia.gov. ì
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NEWS
JWFA Event Stars CDC Head Rochelle Walensky By Marcia Caller Jaffe
advice first from her supportive husband, then from her rabbi. “Can I do this job? Can I rise to the ocCDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, casion?” she recalled thinking before ultiarguably the most sought-after healthcare mately choosing to accept the challenge. speaker of the past two years, appeared at Her rabbi’s inspiration, originally from The Temple on April 27. Walensky was in Rabbi Simcha Bunim (as related by Martin conversation with CNN Senior Medical Buber in his “Tales of the Hasidim”), was Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen on behalf about having two pockets: “Every person of Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta, an orshould have two pockets,” the rabbi says. ganization that works to expand opportu“In one pocket should be a piece of paper nities for Jewish women and girls. saying: ‘I am only dust and ashes.’ When JWFA, which is celebrating its ten-year one is feeling too proud, reach into this anniversary this year, has grown rapidly pocket and take out this paper and read from 33 women to 167 trustees investing it. In the other pocket should be a piece of more than $1.6 million in 57 partner orgapaper saying: ‘For my sake was the world nizations locally, nationally and in Israel. It created.’ When one is feeling disheartened advocates for women’s issues ranging from and lowly, reach into this pocket and take economic equality and empowerment, viothis paper out and read it.” lence prevention, leadership development Walensky spoke about agency, saying and education. CNN correspondent Elizabeth Cohen praised Dr. Walensky’s graciousness and intelligence. that on a plane, for example, one has no “What I like about JWFA is that we Top-level Ignite sponsor Ilene Engel, scribed the organization as the only one in control over who is around. That’s why she make our own decisions to advocate for things we care about,” JWFA trustee Amy who founded JWFA along with Sara Zaban Atlanta solely focused on social change for does wear a mask in flight. She especially lamented the toll the Arogeti told the AJT. Trustee Merle Hoch Franco and Carol Zaban Cooper, welcomed Jewish women and girls. pandemic has taken “We are making agreed. “I gave myself the gift of belonging the group with her expressions of gratitude on healthcare workers. to JWFA, where we get to decide where the for staff and supporters. JWFA Chair Linda a difference in this “Don’t forget the work Davis warmed up the audience. She de- generation and in genmoney goes,” she said. that the CDC is doing erations to come, one behind the scenes: prewoman at a time,” she venting 63 outbreaks said. that could have been Executive Direcmuch worse, treating tor Rachel Wasserman kids, all extraordinary appeared by video (in a work,” Walensky said. pre-recorded message) “The message is: we and in person. She have to address the critoutlined the issues the Debbie Neese (left) and Luci ical infrastructure of organization has faced Sunshine cheerfully showed up in the public health work and the positive strides the same jacket to support JWFA. force, down 60,000 it has made now that it is better able to anticipate and respond. jobs, being on top of monitoring and linkDr. Amanda Cooper Cohn, a JWFA trustee ing data and issues like racial inequality.” In response to Cohen’s question about and CDC staff member whose mother, gender inequality in Carol Zaban Cooper, comedicine, Walensky founded the JWFA, exsaid that her class at plained her connection Johns Hopkins Medito Walensky as one of cal School was split mentorship. “She demevenly between men onstrated that a strong and women, “but in the Jewish identity can PRESENTED BY higher echelons, like coexist in the medical the division chief area, profession,” she said. there were very few feFor the main male heads.” event, Elizabeth Cohen, Walensky emphawho is well known for Trustees Amy Arogeti (right) and HOSTED AT sized that she is comher coverage of 9/11 Merle Hoch (left) flank Rabba mitted to a balanced and Hurricane Katrina, Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez. life, sitting down to joked about joining SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY The Temple, initially, “to meet nice, single dinner with family, “even if sometimes it’s Jewish men,” per her father’s suggestion. 9 p.m. We can enjoy that time.” Cohen and Walensky joshed about The conversation between the CNN corth May 25 , Wednesday 2:00 - 3:00 respondent and the CDC director flowed the former’s daughters meeting the latter’s nd R.S.V.P. by May 22 to reserve your spot! smoothly, marked by Walensky’s humility sons. 770.650.8200 x 205 or RHowell@VillaPalazzo.com A box of kosher scones greeted guests and intelligence. Walensky explained how, 1260 Hightower Trail, Sandy Springs GA 30350 | VillaPalazzo.com when offered the CDC position, she sought at the exit. ì
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NEWS
Goldbergs Bagel Empire Celebrates Golden Anniversary By Daniel Elkind On May 10, a gold-dusted bagel arrived at the Atlanta Jewish Times office. In the white box, along with the golden bagel and golden cream cheese, was a golden cheese spreader commemorating the golden anniversary of Goldbergs — one of the city’s longest-lived eateries and, at 50 years young, a beloved Atlanta bagel institution and New York-style deli. What began as a walk-up deli concept on Roswell Road back in 1972 has not only stood the test of time but grown into a bagel empire that now includes sit-down dining, catering, retail products — including frozen foods and take-home meals — as well as a food truck. Not long ago, it beat out 27 larger companies to provide inflight meals for major airlines and sky clubs, preparing over 1 million meals each month. Goldbergs created this special golden To try and grasp the scale of the bagel in honor of their golden anniversary, Goldbergs operation, imagine running celebrating 50 years as an Atlanta institution. through one ton of cream cheese, 2,000 lbs. of smoked salmon and 5,000 lbs. of in the direction of Goldberg & Son, where corned beef per week, not to mention roll- they discovered bagels as tasty as the ones they had eaten as children in ing and baking 15,000 bagels Johannesburg. With Saxe’s every day. Stacked on top of background in accounting one another, that’s more than and Aaron’s expertise in food enough to tower over Atlanta’s service, they have formed an tallest skyscraper, the Bank of enduring partnership that has America Plaza, which is only lasted decades. 6,138 bagels tall! “We are thrilled to celHoward Aaron and ebrate the 50th anniversary Wayne Saxe, the current ownof Goldbergs with our neighers, took over from the shop’s When the hands-on bors and visitors in the greater founder in 1993 and vastly pair first took over, expanded the offerings from Aaron was baking and metro Atlanta area and highlight the big milestone with six bagel varieties to 21. Both Saxe was in charge of the register and some golden delights,” said Saxe and Aaron immigrated customer service. Saxe, president and CEO of to the U.S. from South Africa at an early age. Longing for the comforting, Goldbergs Group, the parent company of heimishe cooking of their Jewish grand- Goldbergs Fine Foods. “When Howard and mothers back home, they searched all over I purchased the flagship Goldbergs in 1993, Atlanta in vain until friends pointed them just the two of us and a few employees were
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Wayne Saxe and Howard Aaron, who emigrated to Atlanta from South Africa, bought the bagel shop from the original owners in 1993.
Goldbergs operates nine locations, including one at the Battery in the Atlanta Braves Stadium, which serves special Braves-themed bagel.
First Goldberg location opened in 1972
running the shop. Howard was baking, serving Keto and gluten-free options in adand I was taking care of the register and dition to the beloved staples. If you’re not in the mood customer service. We have for bagels, try the Po’ Boys, come a long way since then which haven’t changed since and are incredibly honored to 1972, either. Each Goldberg’s continue to serve the commulocation prepares three or nity with our quality food and four dozen of these famous service.” sandwiches every morning, What hasn’t changed carefully layering the salami, over the years is the traditionpastrami, corned beef, turkey, al recipe. Using an Old-World Swiss cheese and pickles on method, the hand-rolled ba“We have come a long homemade bread. gels are boiled, then left to way since then and With ambitious new barest on redwood boards be- are incredibly honored gel startups launching every fore being placed in the oven to continue to serve the community with few months, there’s no time to at 500 degrees to rotate until our quality food and rest one’s laurels, so to speak. browned and crispy. service,” Saxe said. But, if the last six years atop Today, Goldbergs operates nine locations, including three in the the AJT’s Best of Bagel category is any inAtlanta International Airport and one at dication, in 2022, Goldbergs is in a league the Battery in the Atlanta Braves Stadium, of its own. ì
★ Re-elect ★
CHIEF JUDGE INNOVATIVE ★ EXPERIENCED ★ LEADERSHIP
Awards
✭ 2021, “The Thomas J. Charron Public Service Award” ✭ 2021, “Distinguished Judicial Service Award” recipient from the State Bar of Georgia’s Young Lawyer’s Division ✭ 2021, GACDL “President’s Award” recipient for helping to modernize courts with technology in an effort to keep people safe during the pandemic. ✭ 2020, “Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service” recipient ✭ 2020, “Thomas A. Slaughter Award” recipient for service helping people with disabilities break down barriers to employment and gain independence. ✭ 2018, “President’s Award” for his work with the Bench and Bar Committee by past Cobb Bar President, Judge Kimberly Childs ✭ 2014, Daily Report’s “On The Rise” award recipient honoring the top 40 lawyers in Georgia under the age of 40 ✭ 2013, Cobb Life Magazine’s “Top 20 under 40” publication ✭ 2009-2011, Georgia Super Lawyers “Rising Star” recipient
✭ 2009, “Greatest Trial Victory of the Year” Award recipient ✭ 2006, Recipient of the Cobb Bar Association’s “Ross Adams Award”
Legal Affiliations and Memberships ✭ Presiding Judge, Cobb County Veteran’s Court ✭ Chairman, Standing Committee on Judicial Workload Assessment ✭ Chairman, Technology Committee of COVID-19 Taskforce ✭ Member, Charles Longstreet Weltner Family Law Inn of Court ✭ Chairman, Cobb Bar Association’s Bench & Bar Committee ✭ Former President and Member, Cobb Bar Association’s Criminal Law Section ✭ Former Vice-President, Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers ✭ Former President, Cobb Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section ✭ Former Member, Cobb County Bar Association’s Board of Trustees ✭ Member, Marietta Lawyers Club ✭ Member, Atlanta Lawyers Club
“I enthusiastically endorse Chief Judge Rob Leonard’s re-election campaign. As former Chairman of the Cobb County Commission and former Attorney General for the State of Georgia, I know, respect and support Rob Leonard. He is a leader with integrity who finds a way to make sure that everyone receives a fair hearing. I urge all of Cobb County to re-elect Chief Judge Rob Leonard.” - SAM OLENS
Re-Elect Chief Judge Rob Leonard This Tuesday, May 24, 2022 www.judgeleonard.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 11
NEWS
Former Atlanta Rabbi’s Sex Charge “A Sad Story” By Dave Schechter A former Atlanta rabbi has left his pulpit at a suburban Cleveland synagogue following his arrest for allegedly soliciting sex from a minor. Rabbi Stephen Weiss, who served as an assistant rabbi at Ahavath Achim Synagogue from July 1990 to June 1997, had been the senior rabbi at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, in Pepper Pike, Ohio, since 2001. Weiss, 60, was arrested April 18 by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children task force. He allegedly communicated on a social networking app with an undercover investigator posing as a 15-yearold boy and then traveled to a location in Newburgh Heights, Ohio, to meet what he thought was a teenager. Weiss was charged with one count of attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, one count of importuning and one count of possessing criminal tools. The Cleveland Jewish News reported: “According to the prosecutor’s office, the vehicle he was driving was searched and law enforcement officers found a box of condoms and two bottles of lubricant.” The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office said that Weiss’s case will be presented to a grand jury. He was released April 19 after posting $50,000 bond and was required to wear a GPS location monitoring device. If convicted, the maximum sentence would be 3.5 years in prison. B’nai Jeshurun suspended Weiss immediately following his arrest. His lawyer told CJN that his client resigned shortly
Rabbi Stephen Weiss, 60, was arrested April 18 by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children task force for allegedly soliciting sex from a minor. Weiss served as an assistant rabbi at Atlanta’s Ahavath Achim Synagogue from July 1990 to June 1997.
thereafter. “Regardless of the evidence or whether Rabbi Weiss is guilty of anything, his remaining in his position would cause further disruption and pain to his community,” attorney Michael Goldberg said. Several people connected to Weiss during his time at Ahavath Achim declined to comment for this article. “I was on the AA board and he was an admired rabbi. There were no concerns about him personally that I was aware of,” said Sherry Frank, who was an Ahavath Achim board member during his tenure. “This is a sad story.” In a statement to the AJT, Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal, the current senior rabbi at Ahavath Achim, said: “We are extremely upset and disappointed by this news
For the past year, Maggie has been educating her community about the role of the commission and advocating for issues important to North Fulton. She has organized residents to support Fulton elections and fight back claims of election fraud. Democrat for Fulton County Commission District 1 Vote Early May 2nd - 20th visit maggie4fulton.com/vote for election info Election day: May 24, 2022 12 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
and are processing many emotions. I have opened my door to congregants who have sought an opportunity to share their feelings of disappointment and hurt. Up to this point, everyone has expressed dismay over the situation and feelings of betrayal of a meaningful relationship they had in the 1990s when Rabbi Weiss was at Ahavath Achim. To date, nobody has shared any experience which would engage the authorities or other victim advocacy or care groups. We will, of course, be here to help anyone in processing their emotions and in dealing with their pain during this very difficult time.” B’nai Jeshurun President Rebekah Dorman told CJN in an April 27 statement: “During this very challenging time, with
(acting senior) Rabbi (Hal) Rudin-Luria’s spiritual leadership, we have begun the healing process. We are caring for and supporting each other as we travel this path together. The outpouring of support that I, along with other synagogue leaders, have received from our members is truly heartwarming and demonstrates the strength and commitment of our synagogue community that will see us through to a brighter future.” An April 19 letter to B’nai Jeshurun members from Dorman and Rabbi Hal Rudin-Luria, who has assumed the responsibilities of senior rabbi, included: “We are unaware of any other alleged criminal incidents involving Rabbi Weiss. … Our synagogue has been strong and vibrant for 156 years and faced many challenges along the way. We will continue on in that tradition as a synagogue family that supports and cares for each other in challenging times.” Weiss graduated in 1985 from the University of California at Los Angeles and that year also received a bachelor’s degree in Jewish and western civilization from the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. He was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York in 1990. After leaving Ahavath Achim, Weiss worked for four years at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, Mich., before joining B’nai Jeshurun. Weiss was suspended April 25 by the Rabbinical Assembly, the international Conservative/Masorti movement’s rabbinic body. ì
NEWS
Breman Auxiliary Luncheon Springs Forward By Marcia Caller Jaffe May 2 fell on a grand, sunny day in celebration of 180 women (and a few men) who came to Temple Sinai to celebrate the Auxiliary of The William Breman Jewish Home Annual Spring Luncheon. The purpose of the luncheon was to introduce the group’s new officers and recognize past excellence. Special Events cochair Cheryl Schwartz spoke on behalf of committee members Elyssa Kramer, Michelle Michelman, Emily Tanenbaum and Elizabeth Glass when she said, “After two years of not meeting in person, today our Auxiliary is thrilled to spring forward, actually blossoming in anticipation of a new season and in recognizing Jody Goldstein as a Woman of Valor.” Goldstein, the outgoing cochair, spoke of the challenges of the past two pandemic years. “Our mandate was to keep the residents and staff safe,” she said. Cochair Kirsten Jacobson spoke of the “fabulousness” of the new fresh faces and officers, noting that Goldstein’s own flower photography was used in the collateral material. Later, Jacobson received a handcrafted Frabel glass gavel in honor of her own leadership. Shirley Bernes and Robyn Tanenbaum were announced as the new incoming cochairs. Jeffrey Gopen, the new CEO and president of Jewish HomeLife, told the AJT, “This is my first annual lunch, and I am thrilled to become part of this history, as well as to create new moments along the way.” Later, Gopen addressed the crowd, explaining how his experience in Boston taught him the “ins and outs of the business” and acknowledged that he had big shoes to fill in light of Harley Tabak’s retirement. Immediate Past Chair and Chair of Nominating Committee Lori Lewis introduced the new board, starting with the 2022-23 slate, then the general board, with terms ending in 2025. Always gracious, philanthropist Stephen Berman, was declared the longest serving male Auxiliary member and said the Hamotzi blessing with his granddaughter Blakely Fair, a student at Davis Academy. Director of Recreational Therapy Consuela “Cici” McMullen, an eleven-year veteran staff member at The William Breman Jewish Home, accepted the Neshama Award to a standing ovation after sharing the origins of her passion to serve this senior community. Finally, Bonnie Kwatnez toasted Goldstein as a Woman of Valor. “[During COVID], Jody did not stand in the shadows and hide. She raised an additional $100,000
Longtime members Melinda Wertheim, Linda Cytron, Margo Edlin and Shelly Cooper praised the Auxiliary for its important work.
(Clockwise) Blakely Fair, Lila Berman Fair, Candy and Steve Berman were seated with Jeffrey Gopen, new CEO of Jewish HomeLife.
during her first year as cochair and had the foresight to reinvest that and started our own Endowment Fund,” she said. Accepting the honor, an emotional Goldstein spoke of her grandmother and mother, who were both residents of the WBJH. “Jewish HomeLife allows this community to make relationships. My mother died of COVID in the ‘home’ during quarantine. I could not be by her side as she took her last breath; but I knew her caregivers, and was comforted by the fact that she did not die alone. On a lighter note, she was happy there and especially liked the chandeliers,” she said. Lifetime Auxiliary member Margo Edlin told the AJT, “The organization does wonderful things for the elderly, plus it’s nice here today to be among people we like so much.” A Kosher Touch catering served orange gazpacho before bringing out a bountiful lunch plate with quinoa, hummus, grilled eggplant, cauliflower and grilled chicken breast, followed by mini
Outgoing cochair Jody Goldstein was given the Woman of Valor Award.
Melissa Schwartz won the coveted “On the Go” Louis Vuitton handbag prize.
The Special Events Committee — Elyssa Kramer, Cheryl Schwartz, Emily Tanenbaum, Elizabeth Glass and Michelle Michelman — welcomed guests.
strawberry trifle. Four hundred door raffle tickets were sold in hopes of winning the ebony “On the Go” Louis Vuitton handbag prize.
The lucky winner was Melissa Kaplan, who exclaimed, “I didn’t expect to win. I only bought the ticket to support the organization!” ì
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 13
NEWS
AJC Celebrates Advocates Elise Eplan and A.J. Robinson By Marcia Caller Jaffe On May 5, the American Jewish Committee presented their 2022 Distinguished Advocate Award to Elise Eplan and A.J. Robinson at the Woodruff Arts Center. Eplan is the founder of The Eplan Group, a consulting firm that advises philanthropic and nonprofit organizations, and was the founding president of Hands On Atlanta, a community service organization that places over 30,000 volunteers annually. She now serves as an associate director of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, is a trustee of The Paideia School and a board member of the Jewish Home Foundation. Robinson is president of Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID). He manages the overall strategic functions of CAP and ADID, two groups committed to making the Atlanta community — and, specifically, the city’s downtown — more livable, vital and diverse. Before joining CAP, Robinson was president of Portman Holdings, where he managed all aspects of the firm’s real estate development and property management processes, including assets such as SunTrust Plaza, AmericasMart, Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, Westin Charlotte, Westin Warsaw and Shanghai Centre. Event Cochair Kent Alexander greeted the crowd inside Symphony Hall and recognized diplomats from the Netherlands, Argentina and Israel in addition to local city council members. Robinson’s three children and Eplan’s two children each spoke about their parents’ inspiration in molding them to be good citizens and Jews, from celebrating Shabbat, golf games and positive work ethic to role modeling. Past AJC President Ilene Engel subbed in for Craig Kaufman, AJC regional president, who was on the mend. Engel spoke of AJC’s impact globally, nationally and locally, especially when it comes to helping refugees cross the UkrainianPolish border and evacuating Ukrainians to Israel. Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Falcons' owner and philanthropist Arthur Blank introduced the night’s honorees. Blank ribbed Franklin for leaving potholes in the city’s streets and spoke of his friendship with the Walton family (Walmart) and their mutual understanding of the importance of philanthropy. “Thanks to [Home Depot] stock, my mother left an estate of $20 million in a 14 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
A.J. Robinson and Elise Eplan received the prestigious 2022 Distinguished Advocate Award at The Woodruff Arts Center.
AJC CEO Dov Wilker, flanked by Veronica Toscano (left) and Maria Franco (right).
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival’s Kenny Blank chats with Tomer Zvulun of the Atlanta Opera.
Rev. Bogdan Maruszak, who delivered the closing comments, posed with Simone Wilker.
Maddie Cook spoke on behalf of ACCESS, the AJC’s young professional division, and posed with former AJC President Ilene Engle.
foundation which gave away $40 million and has $60 million left,” he said. Eplan was credited with managing funds for foundations and families, as well as for learning from her father, Leon, to make sure that everybody had a voice. She quoted the late Chief Rabbi of the UK, Lord Jonathan Sacks, on the importance of “finding G-d in community,” recalling that she entered AJC through ACCESS, their young professional division. “Our board members have the youngest average thanks to Dov’s efforts,” she said. Robinson was labeled “Able John” for his vision of making Downtown Atlanta the heart and soul of the city. “I knew I was receiving an award but thought that, since I have been attending AJC events for 40 years, it would be an ‘attendance trophy,’” he quipped. AJC CEO Dov Wilker interviewed the honorees in a modern, seated format, punctuated with comments from other speakers. ACCESS Cochair Maddie Cook and Eli Medoff of Leaders for Tomorrow spoke about the dynamism AJC offers future generations. Cook elaborated on the goal of educating young citizens of the world though Black/Jewish Coalition projects and leadership retreats. Medoff, a Weber School student, spoke of his visit to a village in Spain where it was his role
to speak to the mayor in Spanish about antisemitism. Robinson noted that “there is tremendous competition for young minds today” and these kinds of “touchy feely” projects work well. He spoke of his roots in Tennessee — “not exactly a hotbed of Jewish life” — where antisemitism was more individual as opposed to today’s rapid spread of disinformation. Robert Peterson (Black/Jewish Project Alum) spoke about his mother, who was one of the victims of the 2021 Atlanta spa shootings, and how his AJC peers provided solace at that difficult time. Israel’s Consul General to the Southeast, Anat Sultan-Dadon, invoked news of the day’s tragedy: the murder of three Israeli citizens. “We will not be broken or deterred,” she said. “The AJC is a willing partner in this new era of Middle East politics with the Abraham Accords.” Robinson recalled that he was 12 on his first trip to Israel and that “now, 25-30 trips later, Israel’s sophistication is impressive to Jews and non-Jews.” “We must reinforce our Jewish identity, candles in the window during Chanukah, Purim, customs we should share,” he added. “Celebrating Judaism is different for everybody,” Eplan said. “But we all agree
that we need to be the light among the nations.” The closing benediction was provided by Rev. Bogdan Maruszak of the St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Clad in a flowing black cassock, he explained that war has no winners and contrasted Ukrainian struggles in gulags to the terrors of antisemitism. “Israel celebrated 75 years and I wish them 750 more,” he said. “Ukraine is only 10. We need weapons, knowledge and money to stop this war. I am Polish and, in 1939, it started in Poland and could have been stopped early. We need more than sanctions. Diplomacy is over.” After a minute of silence, the crowd filed out of Symphony Hall. Earlier in the evening, Andrea Young, daughter of former Mayor and Ambassador Andrew Young — and current executive director of the ACLU — told the AJT, “We have worked with Wilker and the AJC on several efforts through the Black/ Jewish Coalition. It’s so important that we bring together our collective experiences. And serving on boards with A.J. is one of the reasons we located the Center for Civil and Human Rights downtown.” A Kosher Touch provided a magnificent feast in the Woodruff lobby with extensive food stations representing Israel, South Africa, Asia and the South. ì
NEWS
Federation’s Women Celebrate Leadership Past and Future
Three Plasker sisters came as a tribute to their late mother, Susan Arnovitz Plasker: Dara Grant, Jessica Sacks and Shauna Grosswald.
Women’s Division leaders: (from left) Deborah Jacobs, Tamar Stern, Robyn Sysler and Carey Guggenheim.
By Marcia Caller Jaffe Tuesday, May 3 was the perfect occasion for an Israeli-themed salute to philanthropy, falling as it did between Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom HaShoah. Jane Butler and Vicky Sloan, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Women’s Philanthropy luncheon event chairs, welcomed the crowd of 65 to Atlanta Jewish Academy in Sandy Springs. Noa Ben Shimol, a 19-year-old Israeli Shinshin (a young ambassador taking a gap year abroad prior to military service) spoke of her current year in Atlanta before she joins the IDF in September. Like the other 150 Shinshinim in the U.S. — eight of whom are in Atlanta — Shimol works at Chabad, summer camp and the Jewish day schools. As an Israeli who has also lived in Singapore and London, she spoke of the emotional “conflict” of balancing Jewishness and Israeli loyalties. “It depends on the day, but I’d say I’m 51 percent Israeli, it’s a feeling,” Shimol said. “I’ve shared this question with my students: what if the U.S. went to war with Israel?” Tamar Stern, the incoming chair for 2023, introduced outgoing president Robyn Sysler, who, in Stern’s words, “lived and breathed the Federation.” Sysler was proud to announce that only $212,000 was needed by June 30 to reach the fundraising goal of $14 million. “There are people who watch, those who make and those who ask what happened,” she said. “Our women here make things happen!” Invoking Sokal, a Ukrainian village where a Righteous Gentile woman sheltered Jews for two years during the Holocaust, Sys-
ler said that the Jewish Federation of Atlanta had raised $1.6 million of the $50 million U.S. total that was donated for food, supplies, shelter and transportation. “You can imagine their horror at having to be uprooted again,” she said of Holocaust survivors in Ukraine, many of whom are now in their 90s. Sysler was enthusiastic about the incoming leadership, describing Stern as a “bad ass.” Deborah Jacobs was announced as campaign chair and Carey Guggenheim as campaign vice chair. Lori Peljovich, Marcy Bass, Jessica Sacks and Amy Arogeti were recognized for their work with Project Dignity, having raised $100,000 for personal hygiene products for women in need. Michelle Simon was acknowledged for her longstanding work on inclusivity for those with disabilities. Caterer Eli Brafman served an over-thetop, Israeli-themed gourmet meal during the program break, along with a cooking demonstration on how to prepare elaborate eggplant boats topped with pomegranates, za’atar and labneh. He gave special tips on how to score an eggplant “like a mango for your kids,” the benefits of using a steak knife, how to cut a tomato properly and to always opt for Persian or English cucumbers. Later, Brafman gave each guest some recipe cards with the “boats” done three different ways. Each table had a bounty of appetizers of fattoush salad, olives, salatim and eggplant carpaccio, followed by a colorful honey harissa seabass over carrot puree couscous and fennel slaw. Dessert was pistachio baklava over mint ice cream. According to several guests, Brafman “outdid even himself.” Throughout the room, gold Lion of Ju-
Event Chairs Jane Butler and Vicky Sloan welcomed the group of 65 to the luncheon.
Michelle Simon was recognized for her work on inclusivity for those with disabilities.
EB Catering prepared an Israelithemed feast for each table.
Eli Brafman performed a live demonstration alongside Atlanta Jewish Academy’s Susan Gordon Moray.
dah pins showed the top levels of women’s donations, including Genesis, Pomegranate and Forever Lion. Federation CEO Eric Robbins delivered
the closing comments. In April 2023, the Atlanta Federation will host its 75th anniversary mission to Israel, the first since 2014. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 15
NEWS
Epstein School Celebrates Nurses at Zoo Atlanta By Sasha Heller Look out Marvel and DC Comics — The Epstein School has a pair of superheroes of their own in school nurses Joyce Tritt and Jessica Blatt. While there may not be an extended cinematic universe around them, Tritt and Blatt were honored on May 1 at the school’s annual gala, “Superheroes in Scrubs,” at Zoo Atlanta. Held in the spacious Savanna Hall, the gala featured a lineup of kosher dining options, provided by Proof of the Pudding, for the first time by Zoo Atlanta as it debuted its kosher kitchen. Guests were encouraged to congregate on the outdoor mezzanine overlooking the Savanna exhibit, where they were treated to a pair of majestic elephants slowly strolling through the containment area, munching on bamboo. The featured guests both shared their appreciation for the school and its community for the lavish, outsized celebration in their honor. “We are both overwhelmed by the support we’ve had from our school that
Guests mingled before the program began in the Savannah Hall at Zoo Atlanta. To see video highlights from The Epstein School's Gala check out the online version at atlantajewishtimes.com
has gotten us through COVID [so far] … and helped us maneuver through the pandemic,” Tritt said. Blatt said that their roles as Epstein nurses during quarantine extended far beyond abiding by the Hippocratic Oath. “We would have done this anyway because we love our jobs and we love being nurses,” Blatt said, “but we are also highly invested in Epstein.”
The nurses then described what a typical work week was like for them during lockdown and in the early stages of COVID. “We would work, basically, the entire weekend,” Tritt said. Blatt added that they had to stay in contact with community members seven days per week in case someone had tested positive for COVID.
Head of School Dr. David AbuschMagder spoke at The Epstein School’s gala at Zoo Atlanta.
“And then, every single Sunday at, like, 8 a.m., we would meet in our jammies on Zoom with Dr. D [Dr. David Abusch-Magder, Head of School] and the principals and whoever else,” Blatt said. “We would work all day. We basically abandoned our families for two years,” she said with a sly smile, adding that, though they felt horrible about that fact, it allowed them to keep all of their chil-
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Epstein School nurses (from left) Jessica Blatt and Joyce Tritt were honored for their service to the school during the COVID pandemic.
A majestic elephant strolls through the savannah exhibit while munching on bamboo.
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The Epstein School Gala, “Superheroes in Scrubs,” included a silent auction, featuring artwork, sports memorabilia, swag baskets and much more.
dren in school and on track. Blatt noted that, between herself and Tritt, they have a family member currently enrolled in nearly every single grade at Epstein, skipping only the second grade. “I mapped it out one day,” Blatt said, laughing, adding that the superheroes share personal history as well. “Joyce was my school nurse when I was in school,” Blatt said, smiling and hugging her fellow heroine in scrubs. David Welsher, associate head of school and elementary school principal, also spoke about the impact that Tritt and Blatt have made on the Epstein extended family of students, teachers, professionals and community members-at-large. “Every year we pick someone who has really impacted what we do at The Epstein School,” Welsher said. “This year, during a pandemic, the best two people we could think of were [nurses] Jess Blatt and Joyce Tritt.”
Welsher commended Tritt and Blatt for the roles they played during the pandemic — serving on the front lines, staying up to date on ever-changing federal guidelines and mandates, all while traversing the daily hazards of our social distancing paradigm. Speaking of the zoo’s new kosher kitchen, President and CEO Raymond B. King said, “We recognized the need for Atlantans to have an exciting new venue with the built-in capacity to execute large scale, high-end kosher events.” The high-end and beautifully lit offerings made for an inspiring, memorable evening for the Atlanta Jewish community. “It is great to celebrate those who have one-on-one contact with the staff, teachers and, most importantly, the students,” Welsher said. “And making sure that our Epstein community remained safe as we went through the pandemic.” ì
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NEWS
Hillel Honors 2022 Heroes
Costumed heroes greeted guests at the Epicurean Hotel in Midtown Atlanta. // photos courtesy of Marcia Caller Jaffe
By Marcia Caller Jaffe On April 26, after two years of virtual celebrations, Hillels of Georgia welcomed 200 guests to the 2022 Hillel Heroes event at the Epicurean Hotel in Midtown Atlanta. The annual event celebrates the achievements of Hillels of Georgia and honors those who have made a difference in the lives of Jewish students on campus. Sanford Orkin, who received the prestigious Billi and Bernie Marcus Visionary Award for his commitment to Hillel, accepted his award virtually. Orkin joined Dr. Catherine Lewis, faculty advisor to Hillel at Kennesaw State University; Josh Pastner, head coach of the Georgia Tech men’s basketball team and Hillel advocate; Dr. Raymond Schinazi, Emory University professor and Hillels
of Georgia philanthropist; and Teddy Lambert, a student leader at Georgia Tech Hillel. The reception began in the hotel’s flower-laden courtyard with food, cocktails and a musical performance by Chai Tunes, Emory University’s Jewish acapella group. The hotel’s developer and partner, Steve Selig, who, along with Jay Davis, was the event’s honorary cochair, told the Atlanta Jewish Times, “This has become a popular gathering place with all the indoor/outdoor space adjoining the office space and condos. We were going for the ‘wow’ factor!” As the event moved indoors, video testimonials extolled Hillel as “a home away from home” and emphasized the importance of the new Hillel building in Athens at the University of Georgia. Hillels of Georgia CEO Elliot B. Karp spoke
In the reception courtyard, Rabbi Ilan Schwartz, Linda Selig, Linda Silberman, Bob Wilensky and Hillels of Georgia CEO Elliot Karp enjoyed the spring outdoor setting.
of his pride in raising $615,000 of the $660,000 goal for the capital campaign to date. Ben Lefkowitz, a senior at Emory and a National Hillel Student Cabinet board member, said, “I have felt incredible support from this community. These past four years have been an amazing experience.” Emory Hillel Executive Director Rabbi Ilan Schwartz echoed the sentiment. “We are proud to celebrate Hillel’s opportunity to provide meaningful Jewish experiences for students across the state,” he said. With journalist Greg Bluestein serving as master of ceremonies, each Hillel Hero received their award with a video introduction by community leaders including Norman Radow, Steve Oppenheimer and Jay Ganz. The acceptances were also in video format, but the recipi-
ents later went onstage to receive their awards. Schinazi related how his family had escaped Egypt, rescued 100 Sefer Torot and his beloved “home” along the way at the Hillel in London. “As a proud Jew, I love seeing Hillel, on the various campuses I have represented, influence the maturation of 18 to 23-year-olds,” said Pastner. “Hillel is pretty darn cool and not to be taken for granted.” Hillel Hero Catherine Lewis has curated more than 40 exhibitions around the U.S., including a permanent one at The Temple. “From the moment I came to KSU, I was bathed in support,” she said. In his message, Radow had referred to her earlier as an eshet chayil, or a woman of valor in the Book of Proverbs. Student winner Teddy Lambert is
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Sanford Orkin joined by video to explain how Hillel gives Jews opportunities to mingle.
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Award-winning coach Josh Pastner and journalist Greg Bluestein recreate their AJT cover shot from the Feb. 15 Professionals issue.
the Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM) fellow and community manager at Georgia Tech, where he led the effort to develop affordable technology solutions to challenges faced by community members living with disabilities. For the evening’s top award, honorary cochairs Steve Selig and Jay Davis extolled the depth of Orkin’s commitment to charity in multiple ways: Jewish day schools, cancer and tropical diseases research, the MJCC, as well as endowing the Rabbinical Chair at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, currently held by Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal, who spoke earlier in the evening. “We have done a lot of big ‘asks,’ but this one, for seven figures [for the new facility in Athens] was a little scary. Turned
out nothing was easier, as Sanford was so gracious,” Selig and Davis said. Clad in a lively purple, Orkin, who sold Orkin Pest Control to Rollins, Inc. in 1964, spoke via video about his 66-year marriage to his late wife, Barbara. Since selling the company, Orkin has been a full-time investor, focusing on real estate and business. “Way back then, I always felt that there was a void for Jewish people to mingle,” he said. “Hillel answers that question. … And I have always been inspired by Bernie Marcus, making this a true honor.” Orkin’s granddaughter, Julie Loftis, accepted the award in person on Orkin’s behalf. “Papa, you are a great role model!” she said. ì
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Sanford Orkin, real estate investor Catherine Lewis, faculty advisor to Hillel at Kennesaw State University Josh Pastner, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Men’s Basketball head coach and Hillel advocate Raymond Schinazi, Emory University professor and Hillels of Georgia philanthropist Teddy Lambert, Georgia Tech Hillel student leader ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 19
BUSINESS Shepherd Center Gets $50M Blank Foundation Grant Shepherd Center has announced a $50 million capital grant from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. The gift will allow the neurorehabilitation hospital to double its family housing capacity, enabling more families and caregivers to be close by as their loved ones participate in rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. The grant will support the construction of a new family housing building to be named in Arthur M. Blank’s honor, located at 1860 Peachtree Road in Atlanta. The expansion will add approximately 160 housing units. Construction will begin this fall. “Arthur has always believed in the importance of our family-centered approach to rehabilitative care,” said Alana Shepherd, cofounder and chairman of the center’s board. “With the Foundation’s generous support of our programs like recreation therapy and the SHARE Military Initiative, he has allowed countless patients to pursue what is possible. With this investment in our family housing program, Shepherd can help restore the lives of even more who seek our care from around the world.” Currently, the center provides up to 30
days of housing to families of newly injured rehabilitation patients if both the family and patient live more than 60 miles from the hospital. With the average length of stay for patients at Shepherd Center at approximately 60 days, and more than 50 percent of patients and families coming to Shepherd from outside the state of Georgia, this crucial grant from the Blank Family Foundation will expand the number of family housing units, enabling families and caregivers to stay the entire time they are needed. Blank, a long-time donor to the center, brings a deep understanding of the tremendous value and life-changing effects of care beyond traditional clinical and rehabilitation services. He has provided significant support over the years to Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military Initiative, a program that delivers world-class treatment at no cost to veterans, service members and first responders with traumatic brain injuries. SHARE clients and families also rely on the family housing units during their treatment at Shepherd Center. “My family and I are honored to support Shepherd Center and their promise to care for the whole family in times of such
difficulty,” said Blank. “I’m filled with deep respect and pride that Alana and her team have remained an organization that is focused on family. Having seen the benefits firsthand of loved ones working alongside patients during recovery, I know it is a clinical imperative. It is my hope this new facility will ease their burdens in some small way so they can focus on helping their loved ones heal.” The grant is a direct extension of Blank’s belief that patients can live more fulfilling lives when their hearts and minds are cared for alongside their illnesses and injuries, and continues the Foundation’s charitable support of Atlanta institutions, including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Spelman College, Atlanta Humane Society, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Atlanta BeltLine, among many others. For more than two decades, the Blank Family Foundation has supported the center’s donor-funded programs like recreation therapy, which are vital to Shepherd’s industry-leading patient outcomes. From navigating airports to scuba diving and water sports to gardening, music, art and learning selfadvocacy, Shepherd has the most extensive recreation therapy program in the nation,
Shepherd Center
empowering patients to embrace life fully and re-engage in their communities after they graduate. “Throughout Shepherd’s more than 46 years of experience, we’ve consistently witnessed how integral families are in the rehabilitation process,” said Shepherd Center CEO Sarah Morrison. “With the expansion of our housing program, we will reduce the financial and emotional burden on our patients’ families so they can focus on learning how to support their loved ones and each other through rehabilitation and as they return to their communities.”
Lipski Joins Federation of Greater Chattanooga
Diane Lidz Wins 2022 Avodah Award
Lorraine (Lorri) Lipski has joined the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga as Director of Social Services. With a background in case management, Lipski has worked for the Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System, Maple Valley Food Bank and Emergency Services and Sound Mental Health in Tennessee and Washington, respectively. Lipski has also worked with at-risk youth and adolescents in North Carolina and Mississippi. With offices at the Jewish Cultural Center, the Jewish Federation’s Social Services Department provides case management, delivered meals, transportation and additional support services primarily to seniors and families after individuals receive a Care Plan. The Jewish Cultural Center, funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, offers programs, classes and exhibits, social services and a preschool — all rooted in Jewish values. The facility enables the Jewish community to raise its visibility, foster relationships and strengthen its identity in the Chattanooga area. For more information about the
On April 30, Temple Kol Emeth honored Diane Lidz of SJC Ventures with the 2022 Avodah Award for Community Service on behalf of her tireless dedication to Temple Kol Emeth (TKE) and the community during the Travel the World with Avodah gala. Lidz has been a Kol Emeth member since 1985 and has served as a pro bono legal consultant for the congregation since 2006. During her tenure, she has counseled every past president and senior administrator of the temple on a wide range of issues. She previously led negotiations with the Jewish Community Center to bring their preschool to the Temple Kol Emeth location and has worked to protect the congregation’s interests as she guided it through negotiations for contract renewals. Lidz was also a member of the rabbinic search committee that brought Rabbi Sernovitz to TKE. Earlier this year, Lidz joined SJC Ventures as the firm’s general counsel and senior vice president. In her role there, she manages outside counsel, leads transaction closings and manages litigation and loan reporting, among other duties. “Diane has been a part of our commu-
20 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
Lorraine (Lorri) Lipski
Jewish Federation and its offerings, visit www.jewishchattanooga.com. The Jewish Cultural Center is located at 5461 North Terrace, the Center and its programs are open to everyone regardless of religious affiliation.
(Left to right): Karin Miehl, Brad Miehl and Diane Lidz at the Travel the World with Avodah gala.
nity since almost its founding,” said Jodi Roberts, president of Temple Kol Emeth. “She has made a tremendous impact on the life of this community and Temple Kol Emeth, and we are very grateful for her continuing contributions.” The gala was held at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Cumberland Mall and included hors d’oeuvres, dinner, music, an awards ceremony, raffle and live auction. Lidz, Brad Miehl and Karin Miehl were presented with the award for their community service efforts. SJC Ventures was a sponsor for the event. Compiled by AJT Staff
BUSINESS
Lynching Memorial in Marietta Repaired By Dave Schechter The memorial to lynching victims, adjacent to the Leo Frank memorial on Roswell Road near Interstate 75 in Marietta, has been repaired and reinstalled. The memorial had been forcibly toppled in February, detaching the engraved black granite slab from the steel pins and pedestal to which it was attached. No one has been charged in connection with the vandalism. The lynching marker reads: In respectful memory of the thousands across America, denied justice by lynching: Victims of hatred, prejudice and ignorance. Between 1880-1946, ~570 Georgians were lynched. ADL Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation Rabbi Steven Lebow, Temple Kol Emeth The memorial — 36 inches tall, 14 inches wide at its base and six inches in depth — was installed in December 2018,
A memorial to lynching victims in Marietta, adjacent to the Leo Frank memorial, has been repaired and reinstalled.
The memorial was forcibly toppled in February, detaching the engraved black granite slab from the steel pins and pedestal to which it was attached.
three months after the rededication of the Leo Frank memorial. The Frank marker had been removed four years earlier by the Georgia Department of Transportation because of road construction. It consists of a metal plaque on a pole
anchored in a grassy area carved out by the GDOT. Frank, a Jewish factory superintendent, was lynched on Aug. 17, 1915, in a long since built-over woods along what now is Freys Gin Road. Frank was con-
victed in 1913 of murder in the death of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, who worked at the Atlanta pencil factory where he was the manager. Cobb County residents, angered by Gov. John Slaton’s commutation of the death sentence, kidnapped Frank from the state prison in Milledgeville, drove him to the woods and hanged him from a tree. Frank’s is the only known lynching of a Jew in the United States. By some estimates, as many as 95 percent of the lynching victims in Georgia were African Americans. The memorial uses the “~” figure because the number of documented lynchings may be incomplete. A small piece of damage remains visible on the lynching memorial’s upper right corner. The benefactor of the repairs, Jerry Klinger, a 74-year-old retired financial services executive from Rockville, Md. — and founder of the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation — also funded the memorial’s creation and installation. JASHP has placed historic markers at more than 110 locations in the United States alone and others in a half dozen countries.
Netanyahu Book Wins a Pulitzer Prize
Nothing Compares. Allow me to find you a home that inspires you every day. The Netanyahus: An Account of a Minor and Ultimately Even Negligible Episode in the History of a Very Famous Family,’ by Joshua Cohen. (Courtesy)
American author Joshua Cohen, 41, based the novel on a real-life visit by Benzion Netanyahu,
The Pulitzer Prize for fiction for 2022, which was announced on Monday, May 9, went to Joshua Cohen for The Netanyahus: An Account of a Minor and Even Negligible Episode in the History of a Very Famous Family.” Last month it also won the National Jewish Book Award for fiction In his review in October of 2021 Bob Bahr included the book in his “Year of Choices for Jewish Book Lovers.” He described it as a “hilarious book” that is
“The story of a fictionalized visit —based on real events — by Benzion Netanyahu, the father of the future prime minister, and his family in pursuit of a job at a small college in upstate New York in the late 1950s. Too bad Groucho and his loony Marx Brothers weren’t around to option this satirical look at Jewish life. It would have made a fine Duck Soup.”
“A NAME FRIENDS RECOMMEND”
Compiled by AJT Staff ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 21
ISRAEL PRIDE
NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME
George (center) with Oscar and Walter at their family reunion at the Western Wall. // Photo credit: United Hatzalah
Holocaust Survivors and LongLost Family Members Reunite Walter and Oscar Blau, a pair of brothers from Israel, were sure they were the only ones in their family who had survived the Holocaust and World War II. To their surprise, they discovered that they have an entire family living in the United States — family about whom they knew nothing until very recently, and with whom they were reunited for the first time in Jerusalem in April. The story of the family reunion began with a determined granddaughter who embarked on a journey to find her family members and ended with a heartfelt and exhilarating reunion in which long-lost relatives Walter Blau, 92, Oscar Blau, 88, and George Weiss, 79, shared a bar mitzvah at the West-
Today in Israeli History May 15, 1947: At Britain’s request, the United Nations establishes its Special Committee on Palestine, which four months later recommends the partition of Mandatory Palestine into Jewish and Arab states with a special international zone around Jerusalem. The original map included in the SykesPicot Agreement assigns Area A to France and Area B to Britain, with the yellow area to be an international zone.
May 16, 1916: Britain’s Mark Sykes and France’s Charles Georges Picot complete the secret Sykes-Picot Agreement to divide the former Ottoman territories in the Middle East after World War I. Palestine falls under British control. May 17, 1948: Hoping to gain a socialist ally in the Middle East despite opposing Zionism at home, the Soviet Union announces its recognition of Israel. The Soviets help Israel obtain arms through intermediaries, especially Czechoslovakia. May 18, 1965: Syria hangs Israeli spy Eli Cohen in a public square in Damascus. Co22 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
ern Wall. Weiss was a complete stranger to the other two men until about a year ago. Today, for all intents and purposes, he is their closest relative. The trio’s story began during World War II, when Walter and Oscar Blau, then aged 10 and 6, fled with their families from Austria and were sent to an orphanage in Belgium. They stayed there for as long as the fires of Europe stayed burning. At the end of the war, they looked for family members who may have survived, but unfortunately found no one. The two brothers later immigrated to Israel and built their own families. For decades, they believed themselves to be the sole remaining survivors of their family. Meanwhile, in the U.S., lived three cousins who had managed to flee Austria prior to the onset of the war. They too thought that they were the last remaining relatives who had survived. When Oscar and Walter’s first cousin, Robert, died in 1993, he left behind an intriguing box of pictures and letters to his granddaughter, Suzanne. In some of the pictures were relatives that Suzanne did not recognize. She decided to investigate and began a journey to find out what happened to the family left behind during the Holocaust. Over the course of the next 25 years, Suzanne searched for survivors. She hired German translators to decipher the letters and searched for her family in various datahen, who had infiltrated the highest levels of Syrian society and government as businessman Kamel Amin Thaabet, was arrested in January. May 19, 1950: Two planes carrying 175 Jews leave Iraq for Israel via Cyprus at the start of Operation Ezra and Nehemiah, also known as Operation Ali Baba, which brings nearly 120,000 of Iraq’s 135,000 Jews to Israel by January 1952. May 20, 1948: The U.N. Security Council makes Count Folke Bernadotte, a Swedish diplomat, the mediator for peace efforts during Israel’s War of Independence. He arranges a truce in June but is assassinated in September.
A 200-shekel note depicts Zalman Shazar, Israel’s third president.
May 21, 1963: Zalman Shazar, a writer of the Declaration of Independence and a former Knesset member for Mapai, is elected Israel’s third president, succeeding Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, who died in office a month earlier. May 22, 1975: Responding to President
bases and archives in Europe — as well as in Israel — until she finally found a clue and the initial connection was made. President and Founder of United Hatzalah, Eli Beer, attended the bar mitzvah at the Western Wall and led the ceremony. “I want to thank you for everything you have done for ‘United Hatzalah’ for so many years, for supporting Israel, and for supporting our lifesaving efforts now, during your life-changing reunion,” he told George. “It’s unbelievable that this is the first time that you are with your whole family and that you have chosen to share it with us. We are incredibly appreciative, and I must say how joyous and beautiful this occasion truly is.”
Young American-Jewish Women Outperform All Others Academically A new study shows that young women with a Jewish upbringing are 23 percentage points more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree than non-Jewish young women of similar socioeconomic status. Jewish women also attend more selective universities than women from other religions in the United States, according to the study. Published in the American Sociological Review, “From Bat Mitzvah to the Bar: Religious Habitus, Self-Concept and Women’s Gerald Ford’s decision to reassess support of Israel amid its resistance to Sinai talks, 76 U.S. senators sign a letter urging Ford to resume economic aid and restore full arms shipments. May 23, 1420: Archduke Albert V issues the Wiener Gesera (Viennese Decree), ordering all Austrian Jews to be imprisoned and their possessions to be confiscated, amid religious fanaticism sweeping through the region. Soldiers from the Arab Legion man a gun atop the Latrun fortress in 1948.
May 24, 1948: Inexperienced Israeli soldiers attack the Jordanian-held hilltop fortress at Latrun to relieve the siege of Jerusalem. Using outdated tactics without air support, the assault fails, and about 75 Israelis are killed. May 25, 1991: Using brief permission from a new Ethiopian government, Operation Solomon flies more than 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel in 36 hours, almost twice as many as escaped during Operations Moses and Joshua in 1984 and 1985. May 26, 1924: Congress passes the 1924 Immigration Act, which restricts immigration
Teenage girls from the Atlanta Jewish community // Photo courtesy of Jumpshark
Educational Outcomes” also shows that girls with two Jewish parents have even higher educational attainment than girls with one Jewish parent do. In addition, Jewish girls do better academically than Jewish boys, with 81 percent graduating from a four-year college, compared to just 61 percent of Jewish boys. According to the study, these higher achievements by Jewish girls are explained by their articulation of “self-concepts marked by elite career goals and an eagerness to have new experiences. Consequently, their quest for self-concept congruence entails elaborate plans for elite higher education and graduate school.” In other words, girls with Jewish parents think a lot about who they are and what they want to do. They set high professional goals for themselves and start planning early to achieve them, beginning with Advanced Placement classes and participating in extracurricular activities and internships in high school. Unlike other female adolescents, who may view college as a means of self-improvement, Jewish young women see it as a platform for creating human capital investment.
based on the makeup of the U.S. population in 1890. Most Jewish newcomers are blocked, leading more Jews to choose Palestine. May 27, 1973: Chaim-David Halevi, who in 1964 became the youngest member of Israel’s Chief Rabbinate Council, is elected the Sephardi chief rabbi of Tel Aviv-Jaffa. His important rulings include allowing women to study Talmud. May 28, 1999: The Israeli submarine Dakar, which disappeared with 69 sailors en route from England to Israel in January 1968, is discovered between Crete and Cyprus almost 9,800 feet deep in the Mediterranean Sea. May 29, 1979: Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan tells the Knesset about the events that culminated in Israel’s peace treaty with Egypt. He expresses optimism that the threeyear process to achieve normalization between Israel and Egypt will succeed. May 30, 1972: Contracted by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, three Japanese Red Army terrorists kill 26 people at the Lod airport. Two terrorists die in the attack; the third is captured, tried and convicted. Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.
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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 23
ISRAEL NEWS Marcus National Blood Center Dedicated in Israel By Jan Jaben-Eilon On May 2, Israel dedicated its new state-of-the-art blood bank center in Ramla, with top Israeli government officials present to herald the six-floor facility that will process and safely store nearly all of Israel’s blood donations for both civilians and members of the Israel Defense Forces. The new center took four years, $135 million and 11,000 tons of steel to complete. It also required $35 million, donated by Billi and Bernie Marcus, who were represented at the dedication by sons Fred Marcus and Michael Morris, publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times. The facility, which is scheduled to open in the summer, has been named the Marcus National Blood Services Center. It will be operated by Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s emergency medical and bloodservices organization. “My brother Fred and I were proud to represent Billi and Bernie at this dedication,” said Morris a day after the event. “I think Fred did a great job at sharing how spiritually uplifting this gift is to our family while I mentioned how important it was that we pass along our connection and affinity to Israel, our homeland, as he did with us.” Bernie and Billi Marcus tuned in to the dedication ceremony from a watch party in Boca Raton, Fla., along with 70 other guests, all of whom contributed funds to the blood bank, according to Bernie Marcus. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there. When it’s operational, it will be a great trip for us,” he said. Another watch party was organized in Cleveland, Ohio. Marcus recalled learning years ago that the current blood bank center, dedicated almost exactly 35 years ago at Tel HaShomer, had to move its operations into bomb shelters when rockets launched from Gaza targeted the Tel Aviv area. The new facility “doubles Israel’s blood capacity and it will be protected from missiles,” biological and chemical warfare and earthquakes, Marcus said. “And it’s not just Jewish blood, it’s Muslim blood and Christian blood.” Marcus donated the funds in two installments. In 2016, he contributed $25 million; then, last December, the Marcus Foundation announced a $10 million matching grant to ensure the center’s completion. Marcus told the AJT that it wasn’t a hard sell. “We had a medical director who made a trip to Israel and came back and told me how terrifying it 24 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
Bernie and Billi Marcus at the Boca Raton watch party.
Bernie and Billi Marcus’ sons Michael A. Morris and Fred Marcus receive honor on their behalf, for being the main donor in building the Marcus National Blood Service Center that spans 48,000m2, and is built to withstand earthquakes, missiles and more. Three of the building’s six floors are built underground. // AFMD
would have been if a bomb hit” the blood center. “We were pre-sold. We knew it was necessary.” He added that donating to the blood bank is more meaningful than donating to a museum. “It has functional meaning.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Minister of Health Nitzan Horowitz all spoke at the ceremony. The State of Israel actually provided the land for the new blood bank, which was designed to have three of its six floors underground. Speaking alternately in Hebrew and English, Herzog said that every 17 seconds, someone in Israel needs blood. “Human blood has no substitute. Blood is life; it is the liquid
Three stories of the Marcus National Blood Services Center were built underground in Ramla. // photo courtesy of American Friends of Magen David Adom
The building, named in honor of Bernie and Billi Marcus, spans 48,000m2 and is built to withstand earthquakes, missiles and more. Three of the building’s six floors are built underground. // AFMD
of life,” he said. Herzog also mentioned that he had made a personal call to Marcus the day before the dedication to thank him. Ramla Mayor Michael Vidal spoke about the new center’s enormous impact on his city, prompting a lot of new development in the area. Marcus compared it to the Georgia Aquarium, which he helped to develop, and its impact on downtown Atlanta. “The area around it was revitalized,” he noted. Eilat Shinar, MDA’s deputy director general and director of its blood services division, spoke about the organization’s 375 employees, including hematologists, phlebotomists and lab technicians who will all benefit from the new center. “Lo-
gistically, it will reduce the number of plasma freezers we now have sitting in hallways in Tel HaShomer, as plasma will be stored in the huge, minus-30 degrees Centigrade monitored cold rooms. And our safety-testing processes, which are now performed in three cramped laboratories, will be performed in one large, open space, modern mega-lab, integrating the processes on an automated monitored line.” A recorded video provided a visual tour of the facility while performances by Tararam and light shows entertained the audience for the evening event. According to American Friends of Magen David Adom CEO Catherine Reed, “The construction of MDA’s Mar-
ISRAEL NEWS
Fred Marcus, Eilat Shinar, Magen David Adom’s deputy director general and director of its blood services division, and AJT Publisher Michael Morris.
cus National Blood Services Center was a dream for more than 20 years. We are overcome with pride, awe and tremendous relief that the dream is fulfilled. And you, Billi and Bernie, were among the first to understand its vital and strategic importance to the people of Israel. Your foresight and generosity led the way in obtaining significant donations
Live entertainment included performances by Tararam.
(Left to right) Ramla Mayor Michael Vidal, Fred’s daughter Chana Marcus, Fred Marcus, President Isaac Herzog, Michael Morris, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Minister of Health Nitzan Horowitz.
from more than 600 Americans and others around the world to protect Israel’s blood supplies — the country’s lifeline in times of war and peace.” In addition to the Marcus family, major donations were made by: Adelson Family Foundation The Bloomberg Philanthropies Donna Calcaterra
Kurt and Susan Charm Schwartz Crown Family Philanthropies The Deshe, Diamond and Saul Shottenstein families The Donner and Sznajer families Judy Fleischer Barbara and Dr. Bruce Ribner The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies
Marcus said contributions to such projects are “nothing new to me or my family. I was blessed to be part of the Home Depot story. We will continue doing this,” he said, pointing out that the couple has pledged to give 90 percent of its wealth to such projects. “Since leaving Home Depot, I am devoting my life to philanthropy.” ì
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SPORTS How Gia Cohen Became GA Tech’s Tennis Ace When the Georgia Tech women’s tennis team signed Gia Cohen to a National Letter of Intent back in November 2018, head coach Rodney Harmon was feeling both relieved and excited. Relieved, because Harmon, a longtime USTA coach and former tennis pro who David Ostrowsky reached the quarterfinals of the 1982 U.S. Open, knew that Cohen was an elite ball striker with superb hand-eye coordination and that a passel of top D-I programs — chief among them Clemson and Auburn — were pining for her commitment. Excited, because Harmon could envision what the future held for Cohen, who was graduating from the prestigious IMG Academy early at age 17. “We are excited Gia will be joining our program,” he said at the time. “She has an aggressive style of play which fits in very well with our coaching philosophy.” It seems safe to say that the veteran tennis instructor knew what he was talking about. Cohen, a 5’7” senior who hails from Bradenton, Fla. — and had her bat mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El in Sarasota — has had an impressive run for the Yellow Jackets, beginning with her debut season in spring 2019, when she posted a 16-10 singles record. She followed up a solid rookie campaign, one that culminated with a vic-
26 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
tory over Ohio State’s Danielle Wolf to catapult Georgia Tech over the Buckeyes in the opening round of the NCAA tourney — with an even better showing as a sophomore. During the pre-pandemic firsthalf (fall 2019), Cohen reeled off a 5-3 singles mark before compiling a 14-9 singles record in what turned out to be a truncated spring 2020 season. After the fall 2020 slate of matches was canned, Cohen returned to action in early 2021 by partnering with Ava Hrastar in doubles action to go 8-8. Knocking off NC State’s Jaeda Daniel and Adriana Reami in a tiebreak, the duo of Cohen/Hrastar rose as high as No. 16 in national rankings en route to earning an atComing out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., Gia Cohen was large bid to the NCAA Championone of the country’s top-ranked prospects. Over the past several ships doubles draw. This past season years at Georgia Tech, she has lived up to that top billing. — Cohen’s final hurrah in Atlanta — has been arguably her best: while playing with an assortment of partners, she has gone Cohen, who grew up in a highly competitive household 14-9 in doubles action to help Georgia Tech earn yet an- with four younger brothers. “There were some fantastic other NCAA tournament berth. wins and also some tough losses, but that comes with “When I reflect on my tennis career at Georgia Tech, the sport. I’m truly grateful to have had the opportunity there were a ton of ups and downs and I’m proud of the to compete at Georgia Tech.” way I was able to navigate my time on The Flats,” says Undoubtedly, the school has been grateful to have Cohen onboard these last few years. Perhaps her two greatest intangibles — being a consummate teammate and staying cool during high-stakes moments — have endeared her to the coaching staff. “She has been an incredible teammate and has looked out for her teammates whenever they needed her,” raves Harmon. “She has always been there for them. And the second thing is that under pressure, Gia has performed really well for us and closed out some big matches.” While it’s not so easy to pinpoint one particular highlight from Cohen’s soon-to-be-ending collegiate career, Harmon thinks back to last year, when she helped carry the Yellow Jackets at ITA National Team Indoors. Georgia Tech was down an injured player and Cohen rose to the occasion by going 2-1 in singles and 3-0 doubles, all of which happened against top-tier competition. When asked to put her time at Georgia Tech into perspective, Cohen does not think back to her many personal feats — fairly ironic considering that tennis is, after all, an individual sport. “What I found most fulfilling is just coming to practice every day with an amazing group of teammates and great coaches that all want to help each other day in and day out,” says Cohen, who looks forward to extending her tennis career after graduating this spring. “As student-athletes, we are fortunate to be surrounded by staff, from coaches to support staff, that help you reach your potential and prepare us for the next step. I cannot thank everyone enough that played a role in my time at Georgia Tech. “On top of that, match days with my teammates all cheering and rooting for each other, as well as the fans all wanting us to succeed, it doesn’t get any better than that.” ì
SPORTS
‘Foxy’ Norris Trophy-Winner Heats Up the Ice By David Ostrowsky Adam Fox doesn’t mind being known as the “Jewish athlete from Long Island.” In fact, the New York Rangers third-year defenseman, who hails from Jericho, N.Y., embraces the title. As he told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) back in February, “If a young Jewish kid sees me play in the NHL, and maybe it prompts him to get into hockey … I think things like that, and seeing different types of people play the sport, are important.” Indeed, thanks to Fox’s rapid ascent to stardom, there could be quite a few young Jewish kids on Long Island gravitating toward hockey in the coming years. Last season, Fox became the first NHL player since Bobby Orr to win the Norris Trophy in his second season. While the Orr comparisons may be a bit premature, the 24-year-old, better known as “Foxy” inside the Rangers’ dressing room, is one of the league’s most scintillating young skaters, not to mention the first Jewish NHL player to win a major individual award. “He [Fox] is an unbelievable player,”
says teammate Barclay Goodrow. “He controls the game. His hockey IQ is out of this world. He makes plays on the ice that half of us couldn’t even see from the bench. He’s a special player and I’m glad he’s on our team.” While hesitant to heap gushing praise on any individual player, New York head coach Gerard Gallant does acknowledge that Fox “makes great plays, he’s talented, he’s a great power play guy, he does it all for us.” Fox, who grew up attending synagogue and had his hockey-themed bar mitzvah at Jericho Jewish Center — a Conservative synagogue on Long Island — always dreamt of starring at Madison Square Garden for the Broadway Blueshirts. Coming into his own as an elite player for the Atlantic Youth Hockey League’s Long Island Gulls, Fox regularly made the 30-mile trip into the city with his father and grandfather to see the Rangers play, the latter of whom had seen Hy Buller, a standout Jewish defenseman, hold down the blue line for New York back in the 1950s. Initially, though, it appeared that
New York Rangers third-year defenseman Adam Fox followed up his Norris Trophy-winning sophomore season by tallying over 70 points this winter.
the affable and polite Long Island native was headed outside the Big Apple. After the Calgary Flames selected Fox as the 66th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, he matriculated at Harvard, where he ended up playing three years while majoring in psychology (he later took online courses to graduate). In 2018, after being unable to come to contract terms with Fox, the Flames traded his NHL playing rights to the Carolina Hurricanes. Less than a year later, Carolina found itself in
the same contractual impasse and dealt Fox to the Rangers, who this fall inked him to a seven-year, $66.5 million extension — the largest in league history for a defenseman transitioning from an entrylevel contract. And now, this spring, Fox, who back in February was named an All-Star for the first time and is once again in Norris Trophy contention, appears primed to help the Rangers win their first Cup since June ’94. ì
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POLITICS Political Storm Clouds Return to Georgia
The Georgia State Capitol
By Dave Schechter Two years ago, Georgia was in the eye of a national political hurricane. Those winds are swirling around the state again in 2022 and the forecast includes another deluge of political advertising. The May 24 primary — and any necessary runoffs on June 21 — will set the stage for the Nov. 8 general election. The size of the fields in several races suggests that runoffs are possible, if not probable. If you already are registered to vote and want an absentee ballot, the deadline to apply is May 13. The voter registration deadline was April 25. Georgia does not same day voter registration. Early voting began May 2 and ends May 20. On Election Day, polls open at 7 a.m. and are scheduled to close at 7 p.m. Jews make up about 1.2 percent of Georgia’s population. According to the Public Religion Research Institute’s 2020 report on American religious belief, DeKalb and Fulton counties are 2 percent Jewish and Gwinnett, Cobb, and Cherokee counties 1 percent each. But because Jews tend to vote at higher rates than most other groups, their votes are sought after, particularly in congressional and local races in areas with significant Jewish populations. The Georgia races likely to receive the most national attention are the Republican primaries for U.S. senator, gov28 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
ernor, secretary of state, and the Democratic primary in the 7th congressional district. Former President Donald Trump may not be on the ballot, but he has made endorsements in nearly 140 races, from U.S. Senate and House races to statewide contests. In Georgia, Trump has endorsed candidates in the Republican contests for the U.S. Senate (Herschel Walker), governor (David Perdue), secretary of state (Jody Hice), attorney general (John Gordon), 10th congressional district (Vernon Jones), and insurance commissioner (Patrick Witt). In an Atlanta Journal-Constitution survey of 886 likely Republican voters, conducted April 10-12 by the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs, Trump received a 77.4 favorable rating. In the same poll, 36.4 percent said a Trump endorsement would make no difference in their vote, while 44.9 percent said that his endorsement would make them somewhat, or much more likely to vote for a candidate, and 15 percent saying it would make them somewhat or much less likely to do so. The election will be a large-scale test of Georgia’s new voting law, which thus far has withstood court challenges. The new rules were enacted by the Republican-dominated General Assembly amid disproven claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election and despite two recounts in which President
U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker
Gubernatorial candidate David Perdue
A draft map of Georgia’s 14 congressional districts was released by Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan Monday, Sept. 27, 2021. // Photo credit: Georgia Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office
Joe Biden defeated incumbent Trump in Georgia by 12,000 votes. The most controversial aspects Georgia’s new voting law include the requirement of a state-recognized identification card for absentee voting, preventing provisional ballots from being cast in the wrong precinct before 5 p.m. on Election Day, limiting absentee drop boxes, and a ban on providing water or other refresh-
ments to people waiting in line to vote. A federal judge has dismissed challenges to the congressional and legislative districts redrawn after the 2020 Census. Democrats and advocacy groups complained that redistricting was intended to lessen the influence of minority voters, particularly African Americans. At present, Republicans hold eight
POLITICS
Secretary of State candidate Jody Hice
Attorney General candidate John Gordon
10th congressional district candidate Vernon Jones
Insurance commissioner Patrick Witt
of the 14 seats in Georgia’s congressional delegation. The legally-required redistricting after the 2020 Census — overseen by the Republican-controlled General Assembly -— gave Republicans hope of gaining a ninth seat. The 6th district, represented by Democrat Lucy McBath,
was redrawn to increase Republican chances, while the 7th district was redrawn to enhance Democratic strength. McBath responded by jumping into the the 7th district race, already represented by Democratic incumbent Carolyn Bourdeaux.
There are 7.7 million registered voters on the state’s roll, 11 percent more than four years ago. Analysis by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution found the voter roll racial breakdown to be 52 percent white (down from 54 percent four years earlier) and 30 percent Black, with
Hispanic, Asian and other a combined 8 percent, and 9 percent unknown. The percentages of Hispanics and AsianAmericans registered to vote continue to increase but lag behind both group’s increasing segment of the state’s overall population. ì
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POLITICS
Red Light or Blue Light in 6th and 7th Districts By Dave Schechter The political fate of the 6th and 7th congressional districts were tied together in the post-2020 Census redistricting. Republicans were feeling blue about losing the 6th district seat —- formerly held by Newt Gingrich, Johnny Isakson, Tom Price, and Karen Handel —- until losing in 2018 to Democrat Lucy McBath. Redistricting has them seeing the possibility of red again. The Republicanmajority General Assembly created a more GOP – friendly 6th, comprised of northeast Cobb County, northern Fulton County, northwest Gwinnett County, and all of Forsyth and Dawson counties. At the same time, a brighter blue streak runs through the 7th district, which takes in most of Gwinnett County, which has trended Democratic in recent years, as well as a slice of eastern Fulton County. The redrawn lines prompted McBath to jump into the 7th district Democratic primary against incumbent Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux and state Rep. Donna McLeod. Just as McBath flipped the 6th
Democrat Lucy McBath opted to enter the 7th district race after the 6th was redrawn.
Incumbent Democrat Carolyn Bourdeaux is being challenged in the 7th district by current 6th district congresswoman Lucy McBath.
State Rep. Donna McLeod is challenging current U.S. Reps. Carolyn Bourdeaux and Lucy McBath in the 7th district.
blue in 2018, Bourdeaux did the same in the 7th in 2020.
Already concerned about maintaining its slim majority in the U.S. House, this race ensures that one current Democratic congresswoman will not be returning. “I don’t see this as dividing the party, but I do see the extreme partisan gerrymandering of GA-6, which is what forced McBath to run in GA-7, as quite problematic. Both McBath and Bourdeaux are outstanding and effective representatives, and it’s a shame that partisan gerrymandering by Republicans will force one of them to leave Congress,” said Michael Rosenzweig, an Atlantan and a member of the Jewish Democratic Council of America national board. Bourdeaux told public radio station WABE, “If the shoe were on the other foot, it would not have crossed my mind in a million years to go over to the 6th and run against her.” McBath told WABE that the move “was about my work to honor my son,” 17-year-old Jordan Davis, who was shot to death in 2012 outside a Florida convenience store by a man angered at the volume of music coming from a car the teen was in. “To keep that promise to my son and my family and my community, I have just refused to let Brian Kemp and the NRA gun lobby, and the Republican Party decide who represents our communities in Georgia,” she said. “I’ve had many people say to me, ’I think you’re
making the right decision. It’s a difficult decision, of course, but I think it’s the right decision.’” As of March 31, McBath had reported cash on hand of nearly $2.8 million and Bourdeaux had $2.1 million. The race has also attracted outside political action committees with Protect Our Future PAC spending $1.9 million thus far and Everytown for Gun Safety Victory Fund $508,000, both to the benefit of McBath. The Republican ballot in the 7th district will list Michael Corbin, a telecommunications manager; businessman Mark Gonsalves, educator Lisa McCoy, security consultant Yg Nyghtstorm, and former state Rep. and Sen. Mary West. McBath’s departure from the 6th district drew nine Republican hopefuls to a primary that the party expects will determine the district’s next House member: attorney Jake Evans, small business owner Byron Gatewood, former state Rep. Megan Hanson, small business owner Blake Harbin, Dr. Rich McCormick (whom Bourdeaux defeated in 2020), entrepreneur Paulette Smith, former teacher and small business owner Mallory Staples, conservative activist Suzy Voyles, and small business owner Eugene Yu. Bob Christian, who has worked in restaurant management, and Wayne White, who has worked for international aid organizations, are the Democratic candidates. ì
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POLITICS
No Love Lost in GOP Gubernatorial Race By Dave Schechter
A Landmark Communications Incumbent Republican Gov. Brian survey of 660 likeKemp no doubt would like to look past the ly Republican votRepublican primary and concentrate on a ers in mid-April Kemp November rematch with Democrat Stacey showed with a 55.9 perAbrams. Polls suggest that Kemp could win a cent job approval majority of the primary vote and avoid a rating. Kemp can June runoff with former Sen. David Per- campaign on pay raises for state emdue. In November, the GOP primary win- ployees and teachner will face former state House minor- ers and having ity leader Abrams, who has no primary signed in March opposition, and Libertarian Shane Hazel. an income tax reKemp defeated Abrams in 2018 by a mar- fund drawing on $1.1 billion in state gin of 50.2 percent to 48.8 percent. A survey of 886 likely Republican vot- surplus funds. Tax ers, conducted April 10 by the School of refunds were exDavid Perdue and Brian Kemp // Photo illustration by Salon/Getty Images Public and International Affairs Survey pected to be sent Research Center at the University of Geor- out in late Aprilgia, showed Kemp with 53.3 percent and early May, ahead of the primary. Kemp’s campaign jumped on reports on hand. Perdue 26.8 percent. Kandiss Taylor, CathTake Back Georgia was reported to be The AJC reported that Kemp’s cam- spending $2 million on ads beginning in erine Davis and Tom Williams registered that, during a March talk show, Perdue said: “It’s disgusting to me as a private citizen to paign planned a $4.2 million television airing in April, touting Trump’s endorselow single-digit support. Former President Donald Trump has see the governor throwing our taxpayer ad blitz before the primary, backed up by ment of Perdue. Trump’s political action endorsed Perdue, faulting Kemp — whom money as giveaways to teachers, in terms a $5 million ad buy from the Republican committee also was reported to be putting he calls a RINO (Republican in Name of pay raises to taxpayers in terms of a one- Governors Association. A group called $500,000 toward backing Perdue. ì Only) — for not intervening and reversing time deal, in terms of a gas tax reduction.” The state ended fiscal 2021 with a $3.7 the results of the state’s 2020 presidential balloting, something Kemp has said he billion surplus, supported by $4.9 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds from the lacked the authority to do. Perdue similarly blames Kemp, in American Rescue Plan that the Democrattheir April 24 debate calling that vote controlled Congress passed on party-line votes and the state’s “rigged and stolen,” derecovery from the ecospite a lack of evidence nomic downturn during and recounts that mainthe pandemic, the latter tained nearly a 12,000 evident in a 13.5 percent vote gap between Trump increase in revenues in and Joe Biden. 2021 from 2020. Perdue also blamed Perdue has proKemp for his own loss posed eliminating the to Democratic Sen. Jon state income tax, which Ossoff in a January 2021 brings in $14 billion. runoff. “The only reason Perdue also opposes the I’m not in the United States Senate is because Former President Donald Trump state’s as-yet unspecified tax breaks for the Rivian you caved in and gave the elections to Stacey [Abrams] and the lib- electric vehicle plant to be built in Walton and Morgan counties, touted as being a $5 eral Democrats in 2020,” Perdue said. Kemp replied, “Weak leaders blame billion investment that will bring 7,500 everybody else for their own loss instead jobs to the state. During a March rally in Rutledge, Ga., of themselves.” Speaking at a March 26 rally in Com- Perdue pointed a verbal finger at Jewish fimerce, the former president warned that nancier George Soros, a frequent target of Whether you are interested in buying “Trump voters will not go out and vote for conservatives, whose hedge fund reportor selling, let us put our 41 years of edly owns $2 billion in Rivian stock. “We Brian Kemp.” experience to Work for you! The Atlanta Journal Constitution re- can grow the economy without selling out ported that Trump later told a conserva- and giving our tax dollars to people like tive talk show: “It’s a real close race. David George Soros,” he said. ROBIN BLASS + LAUREN BLASS SOLOMON REALTOR® | (C) 404-403-6561 or (C) 770-789-4464 As of February, Perdue reported raisis a good man. I hope he’s going to win it. Robin.Blass@HarryNorman.com | Lauren.Blass@HarryNorman.com | www.RobinBlass.com ing nearly $1.15 million and had $871,000 Maybe we’ll have to do another rally. But cash on hand. As of Jan. 31, Kemp reported it’s a shame. It’s a shame. Not easy to beat The Atlanta Perimeter Office | 4848 Ashford Dunwoody Road | Dunwoody, GA 30338 The above information is believed accurate, but is not warranted. This offer subject to errors, omissions, prior sale and withdrawals without notice. If your home is currently listed, this is not intended as a solicitation raising $19.3 million and had $12.7 million a sitting governor. Just remember that.”
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POLITICS
Early Polls Have Walker Running to Primary Victory By Dave Schechter Polls are to elections what the early betting line is to a football game, the best available guess on the outcome. The polls leading up to the May 24 Republican primary for U.S. Senate suggest that former University of Georgia running back Herschel Walker will defeat his opponents by several touchdowns. Walker’s lack of government experience, documented business problems, mental health challenges (which he has spoken about), along with several controversial pronouncements, may be fodder for his opponents but appear not to disturb the party faithful. To use another football metaphor, Walker’s primary opponents have found him no easier to tackle than the defenses he ran through when Georgia won a national title in 1980. They complain that he holds few public events, is not clear on what policies he supports, and has side-stepped pre-election debates. Walker has the backing of former President Donald Trump (who owned the football team where Walker began his professional career). At a March 27 rally in Commerce, Trump not only warned that his supporters would not support Gov. Brian Kemp in a general election, but that Walker’s candidacy would suffer if Kemp, rather than David Perdue, were the Republican gubernatorial nominee. “You know what, if Kemp wins, I think Herschel Walker is going to be very seriously and negatively impacted, because Republicans that happen to like Donald Trump — MAGA Republicans — are not going to go and vote for this guy Kemp,” Trump said. In an April 20 interview with WDUN, Walker veered from Trump’s election claims. “I don’t know if there were problems with the 2020 election,” he said.
A survey of 886 likely Republican voters, conducted April 10 by the School of Public and International Affairs Survey Research Center at the University of Georgia., showed Walker with 65.9 percent and his nearest rival, Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, with 6.7 percent, with 22.9 percent undecided. A Landmark Communications poll of 660 likely Republican votformer University of Georgia running back Herschel Walker ers, conducted in April, showed that Walker’s support grew with the age of the respondents, from 51.7 percent among 18- to 30-year-olds up to 73.6 percent among those 65 and older. On his mental health issues, Walker told WDUN: “Mental health is like anything, you can go out and get it taken care of … that’s one of the reasons I am more qualified. I can get knocked down, get up and still succeed.” Without naming Walker specifically, Black’s campaign website says: “This election is too important for an experiment. Trusted experience is the key.” The other Republicans vying for the nomination, and showing lesser support in polls, are former state Rep. Josh Clark, Air Force Academy graduate and businessman Kelvin King, Brig. Gen. (ret.), former Navy Air Force Academy graduate and Seal Latham Sadler, and Brig. Gen. (ret.) Jonabusinessman Kelvin King than McColumn. The primary winner will face incumbent Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, a primary challenge from Tamara Johnsonwhose victory in a January 2021 runoff Shealey, who finished sixth in the November against then-incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler, 2020 all-comers primary that led to Warnock earned him the final two years in the term defeating incumbent Republican Sen. Kelly of the late Sen. Johnny Isakson. Warnock Loeffler in a January 2021 runoff. now is seeking a full six-year term. He faces The November general election will play a major role in determining control of the Senate, currently divided 50-50 (with two unaffiliated senators caucusing with the Democrats), with Vice President Kamala Harris holding the tie-breaking vote. Politico reported that the Senate Majority Political Action Committee directed by Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer of New York had reserved $25 million for spending in Georgia and that the Senate Leadership Fund connected with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky had set aside $37 million for Georgia. Walker has considerably more money to spend than his primary opponents. As of March 31, Walker reported contributions exceeding $14.3 million and $7.4 million cash on hand. By comparison, Sadler reported having nearly $1.9 million cash on hand,
Former state Rep. Josh Clark
Former Navy Seal Latham Sadler
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404-883-2130 32 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
Brig. Gen. (ret.) Jonathan McColumn
King $1.3 million, Black $791,500, and Clark $126,700. No figure was reported for McColumn. Still, Walker’s treasure chest cash was dwarfed by Warnock’s, who, as of March 31, reported raising $62.4 million and had $25.5 million cash on hand. ì
POLITICS
Back to Future for Mitchell Kaye
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Former Republican Rep. Mitchell Kaye
Dy Dave Schechter Former state Rep. Mitchell Kaye will again be state Rep. Mitchell Kaye, if only for eight months. Based on unofficial results, Kaye won the May 3 runoff to fill the remaining months in the House district 45 term of Republican Matt Dollar, who resigned in February to become deputy commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia. Kaye won 56.7 percent of the runoff vote to defeat Dustin McCormick and told the AJT that he was “humbled and overwhelmed by the magnitude of the victory.” Kaye and McCormick advanced to the runoff as the leading vote-getters in an April 5 non-partisan, all-comers primary, in which none of four candidates received a majority. Kaye, a member of Chabad of Cobb, will hold the 45th district seat until the General Assembly - which adjourned its 2022 session on April 5 — convenes in January 2023. “There is important work that’s done outside the 40-day legislative session, fleshing out important public
policy issues for the next session and beyond, in addition to crucial constituent services. Although I may not participate in any legislative session, unless a special session is called, I am reminded from Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers) ‘you are not required to complete the task, yet you are not free to withdraw from it,’” he said. The Cobb County Republican represented House district 37 from 1993-2003. Kaye, a financial and valuation analyst who has lived in East Cobb for more than 30 years, is believed to have been the first Jewish Republican elected to the Georgia legislature. During the campaign, Kaye said that, in addition to ensuring constituent services, “it is important that this seat remain Republican.” Kaye previously said that he would not seek a full twoyear term. McCormick, a Democrat, is seeking a two-year term and in November will face the winner of the May 24 Republican primary between state Rep. Sharon Cooper, who currently represents district 44, and Carminthia Moore, a Cobb County Republican activist.ì
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POLITICS
Congress Races in Metro Atlanta By Dave Schechter Outside of the 6th and 7th districts [covered in a separate article] other congressional primaries in metro Atlanta will set the field for the November general election. In the 4th congressional district, eight-term incumbent Democrat Rep. Hank Johnson has no primary opponent. Two Republicans, Jonathan Chavez and Surrea Ivy, qualified to seek their party’s nomination to challenge Johnson. The 4th covers most of DeKalb County, all of Rockdale County, and a portion of Newton County. In the 5th congressional district, first-term incumbent Democrat Rep. Nikema Williams, who also is the state Democratic party chair, faces two primary challengers, Charlotte MacBagito and former state Rep. Valencia Stovall. The lone Republican, Christian Zimm, will face the Democratic primary winner
Georgia state Capitol
in a heavily Democrat district. The 5th includes central Fulton County, southeast
DeKalb County, and a slice of northeast Clayton County.
In the 9th district, which covers 13 counties in northeast Georgia, plus the northeast corner of Gwinnett County, first-term Republican Rep. Andrew Clyde faces primary challenges from Michael Boggus, J. Gregory Howard, John London, and Ben Souther. Democratic candidate Michael Ford has no primary challenger. In the 11th district, four-term incumbent Republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk has no primary opposition and will face Democrat Antonio Daza in November. The 11th includes sections of Cobb and Cherokee counties, as well as all of Bartow and Pickens counties. In the 13th district, 10-term Democrat incumbent David Scott faces primary challenges from Mark Baker, Shastity Driscoll, and Vincent Fort. Republicans qualified for the primary ballot were Caesar Gonzales, Dominika Hawkins, and Calina Plotky. The district takes in sections of Cobb, Douglas, Fulton, Clayton, Fayette, and Henry counties. ì
Maintaining a Jewish Voice in the Legislature By Dave Schechter Mike Wilensky’s announcement that he would not seek re-election to the state House raised the possibility that there would be no Jewish voice in Georgia’s legislature. Wilensky, a Democrat who represented the primarily Dunwoody 79th district for two terms, has been the lone Jewish member in the 2021-22 legislative sessions. He previously told the AJT that he would seek a third term, but Jan. 31 announced otherwise. Now, however, at least three other
Jewish Atlantans are seeking seats in the state House: Republican Betsy Kramer in the 50th district, along with Democrat Esther Panitch and Republican Peter Korman in the 51st. In the 50th district, long-time Fulton County Republican Party official Kramer is joined on the primary ballot by Narender Reddy and Jill Trammell. The winner will face Democrat Michelle Au, whose state Senate seat was a victim of redistricting. In the 51st district, incumbent Democratic Rep. Josh McLaurin is seeking a seat in the state Senate. Panitch, an at-
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34 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
Democrat Esther Panitch
Republican Betsy Kramer
torney, will face Erendira Brumley in the Democratic primary. Korman, an information technology executive, has no primary opponent. Should Panitch win the Democratic primary and face Korman in the general election, that would ensure the presence of at least one Jewish legislator when the General Assembly reconvenes next January. There are 236 seats in the General Assembly, 180 in the House and 56 in the Senate. An estimated 130,000 Jews make up about 1.2 percent of the population of Georgia. One Jew makes up 0.4 percent of
the legislature. Asked in October 2020 why a Jewish voice in the General Assembly was needed, Wilensky said: “It is important that our legislature represents the diversity of Georgia’s population, including race, religion, and ethnicity. The Jewish community reflects different views politically and about almost all issues. People of all backgrounds bring different perspectives, due to experiencing life through their own lens, and it is important to have different voices on how our state should move forward.” ì
POLITICS
Greene Touts Re-election Challengers “Nothing at All” By Dave Schechter
of challengers “excites the mainstream The Jewish population of the 14th media and the Washdistrict is small, but the re-election bid ington, D.C., bubble, by first-term Republican congresswom- because they’re like: an Marjorie Taylor Greene has attracted ‘Oh, people are runJewish interest in metro Atlanta and be- ning against Marjorie Taylor Greene; maybe yond. Greene’s controversial statements we can get rid of her.’ (some adjudged to be antisemitic) and But honestly, it’s really actions have garnered her consider- nothing at all.” Strahan told ably more attention than normally accrues to a first-term member. One Axios: “There are too month after she was sworn in, some of many serious issues those statements and social media posts at stake to not have a prompted the Democratic-controlled serious representative House to strip Greene of her committee who’s here to serve, assignments, an act that seemed only to not just be a social media celebrity.” energize her. Lutin, who is JewIn an April interview with Axios, Greene, who has been endorsed by for- ish, has called Greene mer President Donald Trump, said: “I “an unacceptable persay the things that people care about son serving in public office in any capacity.” and say at home.” As of March 31, The Republican Jewish Coalition has continued to distance itself from Greene reported raising nearly $8.4 milGreene, endorsing one of her five pri- lion and had $3 million cash on hand, mary challengers, health care executive compared with some $158,000 cash Jennifer Strahan. In 2020, the RJC took on hand reported by Strahan. Flowers the unusual step of endorsing Greene’s topped the Democrats, reporting $7 milprimary runoff opponent and then not lion raised and $1.9 million available. RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks supporting her in the general election. told Jewish Insider The lone synaon March 29: “If gogue in the disyou are a consertrict is Rodef Shavative Republican lom Congregation who cares about in Rome, a Reform the issues facing congregation with America, if you are 15-20 families, a Trump conservaserved by rabbis in tive in that district, Atlanta. you will get someRedistrictbody in [like] Jening after the 2020 nifer Strahan who Census made one shares those views notable change without all the bagto the reliably Regage that comes publican district, with Marjorie Tayadding a racially RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks lor Greene.” diverse portion of “Jennifer is a terrific candidate and southwest Cobb County that formerly was part of the 13th district, represented she’s the strongest one running against Marjorie Taylor Greene,” Brooks told by Democratic Rep. David Scott. Of Greene’s primary challengers in Jewish Insider, describing Strahan as “a her bid for re-election, Strahan trailed true conservative who doesn’t traffic in by 30 percentage points in a poll con- antisemitic conspiracy theories, doesn’t ducted in January. Further behind were speak to white nationalist organizations Eric Cunningham, James Haygood, Dr. and doesn’t applaud and cheer on” Russian President Vladimir Putin. Charles Lutin, and Seth Synstelien. Secretary of State Brad RaffensOn the Democratic side, Marcus perger ruled May 6 that Greene would Flowers, Wendy Davis, and Holly Mcremain on the ballot, after state Judge Cormack are seeking their party’s nomiCharles Beaudrot denied a challenge nation. based on her alleged participation in the Greene told Axios that the presence
Left: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R., Ga.) Right: Jennifer Strahan // Jennifer Strahan for Congress/Image via Facebook
Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on Capitol Hill. Beaudrot ruled that “challengers have produced insufficient evidence to show
that Rep. Greene ‘engaged’ in that insurrection after she took the oath of office on January 3, 2021.” ì
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OPINION The Poet was Right: Time is a Jet Plane I was inspecting the backyard crops when I stopped to take in my surroundings; not just the greenery, but also the call and reDave Schechter sponse by variFrom Where I Sit ous species of birds and the voices of the neighbors’ children playing outside, while trying to ignore the whine from the highway a mile away and the roar of engines of jets that fly from a general aviation field. In that moment — and it was no longer than a moment — anxieties, worries, and mental to-do lists receded. Then, all too quickly, the elastic of time snapped back, and life’s pressing issues came hurtling to the fore. A line from a Bob Dylan song came to mind: “Time is a jet plane; it moves too fast.” When you’re young, the years pass slowly. As you age, they roll by quicker. It just depends where you are on the timeline. We recently attended a party for a husband and wife celebrating their 60th birthdays and their 30th wedding anniversary. One after another, guests took turns at a microphone feting the couple, a common refrain being wonderment at the number of years since they first met. At picnic tables decorated for the evening, parents showed off pictures of children, now grown and making their way in the world; children who, just yesterday were our own children’s classmates. Back at home, as the Sisyphean quest to clean up my office continues, I have found photographs randomly stuffed into boxes, tucked into drawers, and stacked on shelves. In several instances, rather than tossing them out, I mailed them to the people in those pictures. I’ve had little or no contact with most of them for some years but thought that they might value these reminders of their younger selves. The photos dating back to high school and college I apparently purloined from the offices of school newspapers I worked on. I have no recollection how others came into my possession. During the pandemic, I re-established contact with a few friends, picking up with relative ease from where our conversations lapsed years earlier. After
filling in the broad outlines of the intervening time, we shared condolences on the passing of parents we remembered meeting and spoke with gratitude about those still with us. We updated each other on work and personal projects, and our children, spouses and partners. We discussed the health challenges that, to varying degrees, have circumscribed our lives, but which also have reinforced the importance of focusing on the present. We’re not old, but we’re not young, and our perspectives on time have changed. I hear it in my conversations with a reporter in another city, a young man I’ve mentored for several months as part of a journalism institute for early career professionals. I’ve tried to pass along hard-earned lessons about balancing work and life, the kind of knowledge that comes from recognizing where you are now and looking back at the road traveled to get there. If I’d known then what I know how, I’ve more than once said to him ruefully. Back in the garden, when that moment passed, I resumed my inspection and stretched the hose to water the crops. The tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in the garden box are coming along nicely, likewise with the single rows of blackberry canes, blueberry bushes, and raspberry vines elsewhere in the yard. The kiwi vines that claimed possession of the basketball stanchion and backboard continue to defy efforts to control their spread. The plum tree in the middle of the back yard — a gift last summer from the woman whose birthday/anniversary party I mentioned earlier — has nearly doubled in height. The sapling was a condolence gift following the death of my father-in-law. The tiny persimmon we planted in the front yard, which looked so forlorn during the winter months, is showing leaves where we feared there would be none. After a couple of disappointing years growing sunflowers, this year that space at the back of the driveway and in front of the house has been given over to planting elephant ears. There are photographs of me sitting among elephant ears that grew alongside the side of a house I lived in as a little boy. Our small plants are a reminder of my connection to that child. The poet was right: Time is a jet plane; it moves too fast. So, when they happen, hold onto those moments, however fleeting. ì
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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 37
OPINION
Rabbinic Statement on Reproductive Freedom: SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT
Have something to celebrate? Share your simchas with us!
Friday, May 7, 2022 As rabbinic leaders representing the Greater Atlanta Jewish community, and members of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association, we are deeply troubled by the possibility that reproductive freedoms in our country and our state could be drastically curtailed with the overturning of Roe V. Wade. While our different streams of Judaism may differ in their parameters for permitting abortion, we are united in our understanding that a blanket denial of access to abortion would be in opposition to Jewish values and ethics as reflected in the Bible and rabbinic teachings. Both collectively and as individual rabbis, we commit to offering our full support to any who would be adversely affected by the limiting of reproductive freedoms or access to abortion, and to fostering opportunities to bring the teachings of our tradition to bear on this critical issue. (Organizational affiliations provided for identification purposes only)
Births, B’nai Mitzvah, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries, Special Birthdays and more ... Share your news with the community with free AJT simcha announcements. Send info to submissions@atljewishtimes.com submissions@atljewishtimes.com..
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Rabbi Spike Anderson, Temple Emanu-El Atlanta Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar, Temple Beth Israel, Macon Rabbi Judith Beiner, Jewish Family and Career Services, Sandy Springs Rabbi Peter Berg, The Temple Rabbi Michael Bernstein, Congregation Gesher L’Torah, Alpharetta Rabbi Sam Blustin, Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Atlanta Rabbi Lauren Cohn, Marietta Rabbi Jonathan Crane, Decatur Rabbi Dan Dorsch, Congregation Etz Chaim, Marietta Rabbi Dayle Friedman, Atlanta, Congregation Beit Haverim Rabbi Pamela Jay Gottfried, Rabbi Brian Glusman, Marcus Jewish Communtiy Center of Atlanta Rabbi Josh Hearshen, Brookhaven, Congregation Or VeShalom Rabbi Joshua Heller, Congregation B’nai Torah, Sandy Springs Rabbi Lauren Henderson, Congregation Or Hadash, Sandy Springs Rabbi Jason Holtz, Temple Kehillat Chaim, Roswell Rabbi Ari Kaiman, Congregation Shearith Israel, Atlanta Rabbi Claudio Kaiser-Blueth, Sandy Springs, Congregation B’nai Torah Rabbi Hillel Konigsburg, Congregation B’nai Torah, Sandy Springs Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus The Temple Rabbi Bradley Levenberg, Temple Sinai, Sandy Springs Rabbi Shalom Lewis, Marietta Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller, Temple Emanu-El, Sandy Springs Rabbi Elana Perry, Atlanta Rabbi Jordan Ottenstein, Congregation Dor Tamid, Johns Creek Rabbi Ariel Root Wolpe, Decatur Ma’alot Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal, Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Atlanta Rabbi Neil Sandler, Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Atlanta Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez Rabbi Ilan Schwartz, Atlanta Rabbi Ron Segal, Temple Sinai, Sandy Springs Rabbi Rick Shapiro, Smyrna Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, Temple Kol Emeth, Marietta Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner, Temple Beth Tikvah, Roswell (President, Atlanta Rabbinical Association) Rabbi Alvin Sugarman, The Temple Rabbi Natan Trief, Sandy Springs Rabbi Samantha Trief, Sandy Springs, Temple Sinai Rabbi Mark Zimmerman, Congregation Beth Shalom, Atlanta ì Provided by Atlanta Rabinical Assoiation
What's Jewish About...
Designer Jonathan Adler? Adler?
Jonathan Adler is an internationally renowned potter, designer and author. Known for his vibrant, dynamic interiors, he also lives by his motto: “If your heirs won’t fight over it, we won’t make it.”
Jonathan, tell us about your family and growing up Jewish. Oy vey, not sure where to begin! I didn’t have a typical Jewish upbringing. I am from a small farm town in southern New Jersey that was very remote (3 hours from New York City, 1 hour from a highway!) and very poor. My great grandparents moved there to escape the pogroms and became egg farmers. The town was settled by Baron de Hirsch in Garton Road as part of a charitable program to help Jewish refugees. The first thing they did was to build a one-room shul in the middle of a field, the Garton Road Shul, which is still there today. My grandfather became a lawyer, a judge and my dad was a precociously smart guy who went to the University of Chicago with a group of Jewish intellectuals like Mike Nichols, Elaine May and Susan Sontag. Then law school and back to his hometown with my poor, unsuspecting mother in tow. She was a Wellesley girl working at Vogue. They met, married and embarked on a total Green Acres lifestyle. We were hilariously out of place. Did you have a bar mitzvah and, if so, what was your favorite memory? Of course, I had a bar mitzvah and the theme, or lack thereof, is one of the greatest regrets of my life. I was bar mitzvah’d in 1979 and, ever the trend hunter, I gleaned that the preppy craze was on the horizon and opted for a very subdued and preppy bar mitzvah. I chose chic over fun and that’s not a good thing to do. Where did you go to college, learn your trade, etc.? I fell in love with pottery at summer camp when I was 12 and that was pretty much it. Love at first sight. I went to Brown for college and took pottery classes at RISD and am mostly just self-taught. I’m an accidental entrepreneur. I never thought a career as a potter was feasible, so I tried to work in the movie biz after college. My unemployment continued, as did my passion for pottery, and my parents threatened to stop paying my bills (of course they were right!). I called up Barneys, got an order and built a small business. I’ve been at it now for almost 30 years and I’ve kinda just figured it out. No plans, zero business acumen, no nothing. As a popular designer and artist, how do you describe your style? Modern American Glamour? My work is modern in that I strive to create pieces and spaces that feel new and fresh and original. I work in an American idiom in that my work usually has an optimistic vibe, which is what America is all about to me — and grounded in an American design tradition — and last and most, GLAMOUR. I would say that glamour is about swagger. It’s about being confident and bold and a little sexy and, most of all, memorable. So, yeah, Modern American Glamour. C’est moi! Tell us about your Judaica items and what they mean to you and your collection. What inspired you to create those? Judaica was a must. I make mezuzahs and seder plates and menorahs and am always trying to expand my Judaica offerings. Judaica needs to be functional but can be very expressive and abstract. I am particularly smitten with the organic modernism of Reform synagogue architecture and I have done several collections of pots and furniture inspired by the vibe of postwar Reform synagogues (though I was raised Conservative). What’s your best piece of business advice to anyone who wants to succeed in a creative business? Your own time is the most affordable and available resource you have so be prepared to work tirelessly. What is your all-time favorite Jewish food? The best Chanukah gift you received? As a kid I absolutely loved sautéed chicken liver and I hadn’t had it in years and thought to myself one day, “I need to make chicken liver.” I always imagined it was a priceless delicacy. But I got to the supermarket and discovered that chicken liver costs about 37 cents. But my god do I love it. As for Chanukah gifts, I always give my mother a new piece of pottery every year. The poor thing is forced to live like a hoarder. What’s something most people don’t know about you? I am a stone-cold Philadelphia Eagles fan. My motto was always, “one before I die,” so the day the Eagles finally won the Super Bowl in 2018 might have been the happiest day of my life. Find Adler online at www.jonathanadler.com and on social media @ jonathanadler. By Robyn Spizman Gerson Photograph: Courtesy of Jonathan Adler
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 39
SENIOR LIVING A Psychedelic Head Trip May Be in Your Medical Future By Bob Bahr If you have ever wondered whether psychedelics could help with your chronic medication-resistant depression, the Emory University School of Medicine is looking for you. The director of the medical school’s Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Dr. Boadie W. Dunlop, is currently running a scientific study on the effects of psilocybin, one of the hallucinogenic compounds found in certain mushrooms. If you’re approved for Dunlop’s study, you’ll receive your psilocybin dose in a psychiatrically supervised eight-hour session that is likely to produce an extended series of hallucinations, or what used to be called a “head trip.” You’ll also have weeks of free follow-up psychiatric appointments and compensated for your time. Follow-up treatments are said to be critically important for those taking psilocybin because they help to integrate the experience and can alter a patient’s mood for months or longer after the session has been completed.
The experimental use of the hallucinogenic drug is being explored in a wide range of conditions.
Though it is now being used in scientific studies, psilocybin remains classified
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as a Schedule 1 drug by the federal Food and Drug Administration, which means that it is considered to have “a high potential for abuse” and “no currently accepted medical treatment use.” That has not prevented psilocybin- and psilocin-containing mushrooms from finding newfound respect in some of the most prestigious medical institutions in America. In 2020, voters in Oregon voted to legalize its medical use. Part of the reason for this shift in favor of psilocybin from both doctors and the general public is the confirmation, through informal and scientific research, that it and compounds like it may play an important role in treating medical conditions that have so far resisted successful treatment. Much of the work to restore the good name of these powerful drugs has come from Rick Doblin, a Jewish medical activist who has a PhD in psychology. Doblin’s Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has raised tens of millions of dollars to test the medical effects of psychedelics. His work echoes the pioneering research by Swiss scientist Albert Hoffman in the 1930s, as well as the writings of Aldous Huxley, the British novelist and social thinker who wrote “The Doors of Perception.” In an interview with the California Health Report, Doblin was quick to defend psychedelics as misunderstood substances. “Psychedelics don’t produce a psychedelic experience,” Doblin argues.
“They produce a human experience that is brought to the surface by psychedelics.” That was much the same conclusion to which the bestselling author and journalist Michael Pollan came in his 2018 book “How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression and Transcendence.” Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Pollan claimed that what the hippies learned in the 1960s without the benefit of clinical trials may not have been that far from the truth. “… Studies imaging the brains of people on psychedelics have opened a new window onto the study of consciousness, as well as the nature of the self and spiritual experience. The hoary ‘60s platitude that psychedelics would help unlock the secrets of consciousness may turn out not to be so preposterous after all,” Pollan wrote. For seniors who often contend with deep psychological issues related to aging, psilocybin Pollan wrote, may be particularly useful in helping to overcome anxiety, alleviate depression and reduce social isolation. For more serious medical conditions, the use of psilocybin has helped terminal cancer patients cope with anxiety and brought them a greater sense of peace. There is even some suggestion that psilocybin may be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University believe that psychedelics have the ability to change not only brain
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Medical activist and psychologist Rick Doblin believes that medical psilocybin will one day be used routinely.
Psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, may be particularly useful for treating seniors.
function but the very structure of the brain. Based on the success of trial in animals, scientists at Emory believe that they may be able to change the way that billions of neurons in the brain communicate with one another. Clinical trials of psilocybin are set to
begin soon on patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s to determine whether what’s called the adaptive neuroplasticity of the brain can be altered by psilocybin to improve the way the brain processes memories. Doblin envisions a time in the nottoo-distant future when psilocybin in
very small quantities — often called microdoses — will be commonly available. These microdoses would be too small to create hallucinations but large enough to regularly boost our mood and self-esteem when they are needed. Doblin told the Times of Israel that he thinks we are on the verge of a sea change in our at-
titude toward the use of such substances. “There’s just such decades and decades and decades of propaganda and fear,” he said. “And how do you overcome that? That’s where medicalization comes in. If you can show that the benefits outweigh the risks, it causes people to start thinking.” ì
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Call 770.677.9435 or visit jfcsatl.org/homeshareatl ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 41
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HomeShareATL Showcases Match Made in East Cobb By Chana Shapiro
process,” Broussard says. “Sharing my home is working out well. HomeShare ATL is a housing initiative that connects Gal is very helpful and easy to live homeowners who have a spare bedroom and bathroom with with. She does most of the food compatible adults seeking an affordable place to live. The pro- shopping and she likes to cook. gram, which serves Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett coun- Even though she often has differties, recently announced a match between homeowner Ann ent food choices from mine, she Broussard and home-seeker Gal Fonseca, who have lived to- accommodates me and also cooks what I want to eat. Overall, it’s nice gether for more than four months and have become friends. Broussard, who is in her mid-70s, lives in East Cobb in a to have someone compatible living large home she has owned for 15 years. When her husband in the house with me.” Gal Fonseca, who is the activipassed away seven years ago, she considered downsizing or moving away, as others in her situation had done, but she ty director at the Jewish Tower, was didn’t want to move to Florida or New York — where her chil- looking for companionship, an afdren live — and decided to remain in her comfortable home. fordable place to live and wanted Without regular meaningful human interaction, Brous- to be of service to an older adult. sard became lonely and bored. “East Cobb is a great place for She first heard about home-sharHomeowner Ann Broussard felt HomeShare ATL matched Broussard with families with children who attend the excellent schools,” she ing years ago in an NPR report. lonely in her East Cobb home after Gal Fonseca, who also felt isolated by the her husband passed away. pandemic and wanted to stay in East Cobb. “I owned a townhome, and notes, “but I don’t fall into that category. I’m not involved in my neighborhood and don’t belong to a synagogue with its the idea of sharing my home didn’t built-in social connections.” Broussard searched in vain for apply at the time,” she says. “But after a few years living alone, bered the NPR segment on home-sharing, then I went online volunteer opportunities, but found that many had disap- I felt isolated and missed having someone around to share to learn that JF&CS was part of the National HomeSharing peared due to COVID restrictions. When she contacted Jewish meals, conversation and laughter, and go places with. At the program. I immediately contacted Jean Cohen, whom I knew Family and Career Services (JF&CS) in her volunteer options end of 2020 I sold my townhome, quit my job and moved when she worked for NORC (Naturally-Occurring Residensearch, HomeShare ATL was suggested as a possible antidote in with my brother and sister-in-law. My plan was to travel tial Communities) and it felt like the universe had something to her sense of isolation. “I was tired of being alone,” she says. and spend time with my family in Brazil, but COVID hit and meaningful in store for me. Jean and I kept in touch during “Jean Cohen, who runs the HomeShare program, I couldn’t travel. I kept thinking of a new living arrangement the interview period, when probable HomeShare matches worked hard to identify the right match for me. The thor- that would provide me with a comfortable home, compan- are identified. ough screening took a few months, but I trusted Jean and the ionship and a chance to be helpful to someone else. I remem“I was hoping for a home where I felt warmth, safety and a sense of belonging. I wanted to share not only meals but friendship and mutual support. I also wanted to stay in East Cobb, close to my work and close to my brother and sister-inlaw. With Ann, I live in a gorgeous, comfortable home, with a fully furnished bedroom and access to her entire house. As a bonus, Ann has an adorable dog, Coco! Ann and I share our love for the outdoors, taking walks, yoga, theater, movies and dinner conversations.” So far, it has been smooth sailing. “Everything is workJEWISH COMMUNITY ing out better than I expected,” Fonseca summarizes. “While Ann and I have very different personalities and backgrounds, we respect each other and are grateful for the support we get from one another. I am a spiritual person by nature, and Ann is skeptical about mindfulness and spirituality; she believes in science. Our sense of longing for companionship and friendship has given us both the opportunity to melt our differences LONGWOOD PARK DOGWOOD PAVVILIAN into personal growth and friendship. I am very blessed to 20 PEARL NIX PARKWAY have found HomeShare, Jean and Ann.” GAINESVILLE GA 30501 “HomeShare ATL offers the opportunity for older adults to maintain independence and stay in their own homes,” Cohen explains. “Reducing loneliness improves well-being, especially mental health. Our goal is to build relationships while - $10 BBQ | MUSIC | MEET & GREET ADULT creating affordable housing opportunities for both parties.” EARLY BIRD (MAY 16) - $7 WARM & INVITING ATMOSPHERE CHILDREN: $5 The program stresses individual safety and performs a comprehensive background screening of all parties. The only charge for participation is a one-time application fee of $35 to support the background screening. Rents are determined and collected by the homeowners. The program is available to anyone 21 or older, and at least one party must be at least A Project Or contact us: 60 years old. Typically, the senior is the home-provider, but seof niors can also be home-seekers, and two older adults can be Call: 770-906-4970 successfully well-matched. E-mail: Info@Jewishhall.com Learn more about HomeShare ATL at jfcsatl.org/homewww.JewishHall.com shareatl or call 770-677-9435. ì B"H
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40 Years Later, Fantasy Baseball League Still Cracking By Marcia Caller Jaffe The Atlanta Cracker Fantasy Baseball League, founded in 1982 by oncologist Gerald Goldklang, attorney Bob Goldstucker and dentist Dennis Jaffe, still thrives today, some 40 years later. It turns out that those who can’t play professional sports can still trade, trash and cajole each other for the best team configurations using a complicated virtual matrix of calculations. On April 10, many of the League’s original “owners” met at the Belle de Jour Hair Salon in Sandy Springs (run by Goldklang’s wife, Andrea) to roast and rib each other with stats, pizza and good cheer. Such an emphasis is placed on meeting attendance that owner Phil Meeks flew in from Tel Aviv to attend. “Rotisserie” baseball was invented in 1980 by author Dan Okrent and developed with his baseball-minded friends who met at the Manhattan restaurant La Rotisserie Française, forming the core of the first rotisserie league. The Atlanta Cracker League purports to be one of the
44 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
The 40th annual ACL meeting was held at the Belle de Jour salon. Front row: (left) Gerry Goldklang, Commissioner Joey Moskowitz, (right) Dennis Jaffe. Second row: Phil Meeks and (far right) Richard Goldstucker.
oldest running fantasy sports leagues in the country. Many changes have been implemented along the way, like the addition of numbers “genius” and retired actuary Joey Moskowitz, now an AFLAC board member. Dennis Jaffe, ex-commissioner, still holds that honorary title. Passing the
day-to-day responsibilities on to “younger blood,” the 68-year-old Moskowitz has a better grasp of technology. The “commish” has broad powers and responsibilities, like ensuring that rosters are “legal” and trades are fair, without any friendto-friend favors. “Like, I will get you a better job if you trade me Acuña for some bum,” Moskowitz explains. Originally, stats were tabulated once every three weeks using USA Today and a spreadsheet. Teams were unaware of the standings until they were snail-mailed. The league moved to a third-party automated stat service in 1990. With the expansion of the internet, they employed an online stat service (CBS Sports 2005) that provided instantaneous statistics with every “at bat.” Roster moves to replace or sub for injured players can be made daily. A winner is determined based on head-to-head stats. Teams then have winloss records. The ACL has stuck with the Rotisserie format, with stats based on batting average, stolen bases, home runs, RBIs and, for pitchers, ERAs, strikeouts, wins, saves and WHIP —the average number of walks and hits allowed by the pitcher per inning. Team rosters are filled by an annual auction. Players are brought up for bid and each team has $50 to spend on 22 players. Spending too much for one player can cause a deficit later. Spending too little might result in not getting good players. “A lot of research is required to make sure you have the requisite knowledge to bid wisely,” Goldklang said. The League’s team names are a spirited reflection of the enthusiasm of the participants. Moskowitz’s team, “the Maulers,” harkens to his Georgia Tech ZBT days and the StatoMatic league’s “Manischewitz Maulers.”
In 1989, dentist Dennis Jaffe had bright orange t-shirts made for all the owners of the Atlanta Cracker Fantasy Baseball League.
“Manischewitz was a nickname given me by older brothers,” Moskowitz said, “I retained the Maulers.” It may sound bland compared to some of the others: Barking Pumpkins, Flying Burritos, Jaffe’s “Broad Street Incisors,” or Goldklang’s “Chemos” and Goldstucker’s the “Nodules.” Goldklang, who is known for his competitiveness, admitted that “with most of the members being attorneys and judges, there are not infrequent clashes that the commissioner has to handle. All past commissioners have a personality leading to fair decisions despite team owners bickering.” Moskowitz concurs. “A lot of lawyers in the league results in some shenanigans.” Goldklang said that “over the years, team owners have called MLB’s offices for inside info. All and all, we’re friendly, with regular interactions. The formal trade meeting is at someone’s house the night of the All-Star game and the winner hosts a celebration party with the World Series game on TV. As we have 10 teams and limit ourselves to National League players, it makes things more competitive and there are no teams filled with superstars.” Goldstucker brought in his 38-yearold son, Richard, who is also an attorney, to co-own the team and carry the torch. “Richard and I have shared an interest in baseball since he was a child, during his playing days, through high school and the Braves’ great run in the nineties,” Goldstucker recalled. “It was natural to own our rotisserie team together as a shared endeavor, not as father and son, but as peers. I can speak for both of us when I say that our joint management during the baseball season is the highlight of each year. We interact and speak of our team daily. How could a father ask for more?” ì
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 45
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Painting at 70 M i n d boggling, colorful, precise — these are some of the adjectives that often come up when describing Richard Harris’s Marcia abstract art. Caller Jaffe Harris, who is approaching his 70th birthday, would be the first to say that art doesn’t have to be elitist, but rather, as in his case, freewheeling and often richly patterned. “Art need not be pompous or highbrow. Some think there needs to be an element of suffering in the layers of success. Don’t you think Picasso had more fun than Van Gogh? No one has to get beat up along the way to succeed. That’s just not me,” Harris said. He got a late start on his art journey because, as a child with Attention Deficit Disorder, he was not drawn to “painting between the lines.” Instead, he recalls being fascinated by Jackson Pollock’s liberated style. “I was introverted and couldn’t draw in a conventional sense,” he explained. “Later on, in business, I very much enjoyed working with architects and designers and was adept at selecting colors and patterns. Much of the art in the spas, I created. I was known for placing a ‘justso’ piece of my modern art at the end of a long hallway. And I found art as a respite from the business world.” Harris does his best work late at night. He may start with a simple idea, then play with a few colors in his mind’s eye. Sometimes he gets into a meditative state in order to see the paintings inside his head. A Harris painting breathes and expands as the viewer moves around to view it. Some might see chaos, action and geometry; then there’s the term “op art,” with its transposition of patterns and scale. “I give myself permission to seek balance,” Harris said. “I’m not one to seek inspiration from nature. I can’t always explain the ‘serendipity-ness’ of it all. I can get inspired by going to the Michael Carlos Museum, seeing antiquities from Asia or Africa or the Caribbean. Mankind is connected to art every day.” Previously represented by Mason Murer Fine Art in Atlanta, Harris’s work was recently on display at the Mobile Museum of Art in Mobile, Ala. A native New Yorker, he takes inspiration from 46 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
“Circles of Joy” (Ink, acrylic and watercolor on paper, 14”x11”).
“Untitled: Fanned Line Abstraction #4” (Acrylic on canvas, 60”x48”).
“Untitled: Line Abstraction #1” (Acrylic on 54”x46” wood panel.) Part of the permanent collection of the Mobile Museum of Art, Mobile, Ala.
Painter Richard Harris is known for his mesmerizing patterned abstract art. “Lightness Over Darkness” (Acrylic on 16”x20” panel).
abstract midcentury artists like Mark Rothko, Frank Stella and Willem de Kooning. “Atlanta resides in a realistic world,” Harris says, contrasting Southern tastes with other markets. “LA, Miami and New York City have a more dominant abstract atmosphere. Atlanta does have an openness and vibrancy and has ultimately
been a gracious atmosphere for me. “The bottom line is art doesn’t exist in a vacuum. ‘Good’ art can go over a couch. It’s that simple. I’m just not limited to one style. An artistic outlook can exist in gardening, music, just using the right side of the brain. I have no pretensions. Art can be in potholders or aprons.” That lack of pretension suits Harris,
who is known for not titling his work. He doesn’t feel the inclination to go back and name something after he’s painted it. He, does, however, accept commissions and art supplies. “Oh, I’m a freak for art supplies. My friends, art professors and the like, we all talk about art supplies. I never have enough art supplies!” ì
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SOAR Facebook Group Soars in Membership By Marcia Caller Jaffe When Nancy Kaufman’s mother became a senior, Kaufman struggled to navigate the system and arrange for her medical care. Out of her frustration came the Supporting Our Aging Relatives (SOAR) Facebook group, launched in 2017. Kaufman’s original vision was to provide a safe place for caregivers, where they could benefit from compassion, knowledge and guidance before a crisis arose. “My sister and I wanted to prevent others from being ‘hit on the head’ like we were,” she recalled, “thrown into murky waters without a roadmap, struggling in various directions from financial, daily living, estate planning, finding aides. There are no words to describe how overwhelming it was and [how it] continues to encompass our lives.” Initially, Kaufman posted her idea in the hugely popular Jewish Moms of Atlanta (JMOA) Facebook group, where moderators deemed the term “aging” too all-encompassing. Kaufman decided to launch her own page. SOAR began with approximately 250 JMOA members and now has over 2,400, the majority of whom reside in Atlanta. Just this week, SOAR featured conversations about bed rails, finding regular BINGO games, peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines, how to donate a lifelong collection, tips on recovering from hip surgery and the effects of Daylight Savings Time on dementia. Other popular topics include educational aging events, companions, geriatric care managers, estate planning resources, rehab centers, assisted living facilities, needing or donating supplies, referrals and hospice care. Happy thoughts? No, but usually useful. “I am rewarded almost daily when I see a post of someone struggling and, within minutes, others step forward with guidance,” Kaufman reflected. “Finding caregivers is very stressful, and this page has connected so many people in need with people in need of work: a win-win on both sides.” Prior to launching SOAR, Kaufman reached out to AVIV Elder Care of JFCS, Berman Commons, the Breman Home, Temple Sinai and the Cohen Home to identify needs. As the senior demographic has received more attention, membership in SOAR has soared. Recent stats show the page has seen a 29 percent increase in activity and that some 94 percent of users are women. To join, users must have an aged
Nancy Kaufman enjoys time with sister Sally Rand and mom Alice Lewinson.
member of the family. Direct solicitation or advertising is not allowed, but referrals are encouraged. Judgmental comments are discouraged. Running the group is far from easy. As a moderator, Kaufman reviews membership requests and posts, sometimes several hundred a day. “I used to operate on a three-strikes policy, but I have now changed to a ‘zero tolerance’ for solicitation due to fielding so many complaints,” she said. “Also, it breaks my heart to hit the decline button. Some unknowingly break rules because they apply through a friend instead of on the page itself. I frequently post when I have declined requests as a ‘no,’ which typically means ‘try again’ by going directly to the page to request access. There is also a feature if someone prefers to post anonymously. Parties can elect to utilize the direct message PM feature on Facebook to connect.” SOAR’s membership rules include “be kind and courteous to anyone who posts” and “should you choose to hire someone from a recommendation, conduct your own background checks and ask for references.” Those who work in elder care in any capacity are asked to disclose their affiliations. Of her personal journey, Kaufman said, “One thing I learned is tikkun olam — how beautiful people are to each other. Even though I don’t wish this road on anyone, it’s comforting to know I don’t walk alone in my struggles. There are just some really tough days, and it’s nice to feel the compassion of others.”
Under Kaufman’s oversight, SOAR’s Facebook page has grown to 2,413 members.
“SOAR is filled with members who are mensches … people donating used walkers, wheelchairs, medicals supplies, furniture to those in need. The Hebrew
term for gratitude is ‘hakarat ha’tov.’ SOAR has and will continue to thrive on the compassion and good that so many of us have to offer towards each other.” ì
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Bet Haverim Rabbi Advocates Conscious Aging By Bob Bahr
proach to Growing Older” by Rabbi Zalman Schachter, who later added the word As Rabbi Dayle Friedman completes Shalomi to his name. The word, derived her year as interim rabbi of Congregation from the Hebrew term for peace, was said Bet Haverim, she takes a moment to reflect to stem from his devotion to working for on all that she’s done to make older mem- peace in both its social and personal dibers of the congregation feel that they have mensions. In the book, first published when an important role to play. The rabbi, who has devoted much of the last 40 years to Schachter was in the process of reflecting writing about and working with seniors, on his own aging process, the rabbi deis the founding member of Hiddur: The fined his conception of elders as “wisdomCenter for Aging and Judaism at the Recon- keepers” and “pioneers in consciousness structionist Rabbinical College near Phila- who practice contemplative arts from our delphia, Penn. She feels that synagogues, in spiritual traditions to open up greater inparticular, can help seniors recognize their telligence for their late-life vocation.” Schachter, who was ordained in the value to the community. “I think we have a big challenge, tradition of Lubavitch Hasidism and bewhich is to tap the talents of people who came an early emissary for the Chabad are growing older. You know, as a society, movement, later left to become a profeswe can’t think that people are done when sor of comparative religion. He wrote exthey maybe leave a full-time working life at tensively about the need to refashion Jew65 or 70. We need to encourage individuals, ish religious teachings to reflect changing times. His final break with as they age, to see that there the Chabad movement are more chapters to be came in 1962, after using written in their lives,” FriedLSD to enlarge the dimenman said. sions of his spiritual experiDuring the past year, ence. Over 30 years later, he the rabbi has worked to inadvocated a project of inner tegrate the contribution of growth that emphasized seniors into the everyday the use of meditation, jourlife of the synagogue, feanal writing and making an turing them in Shabbat and inventory of personal chalholiday observances and lenges in order to come to creating more networking terms with our mortality. opportunities. Friedman Rabbi Zalman SchachterSchachter founded also put together a seminar Shalomi is credited with the resurgence of interest ALEPH: Alliance for Jewto encourage what some in conscious aging. ish Renewal, which inihave called conscious aging. While there has long been an interest tially sponsored his eldering seminars, in making the aging process a more spiri- as well as a number of other innovative tual endeavor, the organized movement approaches to Jewish practice. Friedman, to do so got a substantial boost in the who first met Schachter when she began mid-1990s with the publication of “From her chaplaincy work at the Philadelphia Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Revolutionary Ap- Geriatric Center, has since written four
Conscious aging is a group process that helps individuals come to terms with their mortality.
books on the subject of aging. She has to be very personally rewarding. “Years ago, when I first began workworked with seniors in her congregation on LaVista Road to, as she put it, “look ing with this process, it really helped me back in order to change forward,” to com- frame and reframe and recontextualize what has been a very difficult personal plete the unfinished business in our lives. “Whether it’s relationships or it’s experience. It’s really given me a differpieces of brokenness or it’s dreams that ent window to view some of the mistakes I had made in life and to you didn’t get to pursue, we step forward into the future need to be able to look at with a lighter heart.” that. We need to do whatFriedman is planning ever kind of healing work to take some time off to and forgiveness work and write and reflect on the past then listen for what calls us year and to search for what to the next chapter of life.” comes next in her life as she Carrying Rabbi Friedwinds up her year at Bet man’s efforts forward at the Haverim and moves back to synagogue is Elizabeth Coher home in Philadelphia. hen, a longtime congregant, “I spent the first part of who is presently facilitating a series of sage-ing sessions Congregation Bet Haverim’s my career working directly with very old, sick people. there. Cohen, who practices Interim Rabbi Dayle what she teaches, became a Friedman has devoted most And then I spent the next of her professional life to part of my career talking spiritual director two years exploring the aging process. and writing and teaching. ago, at the age of 76. She is working with a group of older adults as part And here I am, becoming a congregationof her mentoring program she is complet- al rabbi later in my life and completing ing. Cohen, who first met Schachter in the this new challenge, which I have loved. So, 1980s, when the rabbi was first exploring his I think I have discovered that I have more ideas on growing older, has found the work acts in me than I thought I did.” ì
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SENIOR LIVING
Sydell Harris Dishes on Being Fit and Fabulous at 95 By Marcia Caller Jaffe Queen Elizabeth, the Queen of England, recently turned 96. Meanwhile, in Atlanta, spa queen Sydell Harris turned 95 and hopped in her Cadillac to address the residents of Somerby Senior Community on April 21. Arguably the most senior woman in the room, Harris told of her journey from New York to Atlanta to found the most glamorous and recognized full-service eponymous spa chain, Spa Sydell. For 29 years, the Sydell brand anchored shopping neighborhoods from Gwinnett to Cobb Counties and some in between, like the flagship store on West Paces Ferry at Peachtree Road. Convinced that beauty comes from within, Harris told of her pledge to give back and revel in gratitude for positive things. “I volunteered at Camp Sunshine and met a mother who had lost a child to cancer,” she recalled. “That mother expressed that she was most grateful for the 16 years she had with that daughter. From that moment on, I internalized how blessed we are to be here, happy to
take care of ourselves and others and to concentrate on thinking good thoughts.” Dressed in jeweled black flats and a pumpkin orange jacket over an ebony ensemble, Sydell captivated the audience with her posture and stage presence, never referring to notes. She related that her older sister was turning 99 and that she shares with her many of the same positive values. Harris explained the importance of activities and beauty routines to be your “best self” by showing up and being engaged. “When we do for others, it comes back to us,” she counseled. “Volunteering at the Shepherd Spinal Center, I was guided to approach a depressed patient hiding under the bed covers. I said, ‘I’m here to do your makeup and give you a little massage.’ Afterwards. I handed her a mirror to see the results, and her whole demeanor brightened.” She also emphasized the importance of mental and physical stimulation. “I can still touch my toes, but even if you are not able to get out of the chair, you can move your shoulders, punch with your hands and wiggle your arms,” she
said. “Hands at this age are very important. Even with bits of arthritis, you must continue to bend the fingers in a repetitive clawing motion to be able to open bottle caps and the like.” Harris likes to watch cooking shows, try new recipes, sew, and read to keep her mind sharp and nimble, reminding the audience that she once made her own wedding dress over 70 years ago. Sydell noted that, after her 70th anniversary party, her late husband and Sydell cofounder, Arthur, went downhill physically. “Learning how to live alone, with no one to talk to was hard,” she recalled. “Yes, I was hurt and sad to lose Arthur. But, on the positive side, I have pictures of him all around the house, and I’ve made peace with the fact that we had so many decades together.” When asked to what she attributes her success, Harris said, “I was good at giving advice and sharing ideas with others. Some are too jealous to do that. Not me. If I have a good doctor or service person, I am the first to spread it all around, as well as provide helpful ideas to improve the lives of others.”
Atlanta spa queen Sydell Harris recently turned 95 and shared her tips for aging gracefully with the residents of Somerby Senior Community.
The key to aging gracefully, she said, is “the obvious: eating fruits and veggies, never going to sleep with makeup on, using sunblock and creams. Learn something new every day. Even though it’s not so good, I do watch the news. And moisturize, even it means spraying yourself with water, especially while traveling on a plane.” ì
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ARTS & CULTURE Carole King's Trouble Accepting Her Musical Life Story By Bob Bahr “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which opens at the Fox Theater on May 20, almost didn’t happen. The show, which chronicles the spectacular success of the legendary singer and songwriter during the 1950s and '60s was conceived after her own book about her life was published in 2012. Two previous attempts to tell her story on Broadway had gone nowhere and, according to the producer of the Broadway musical, Paul Blake, King had little interest in a third attempt. “She was very much against any show about her life. She just didn’t want it. She’s a very private person and she just didn’t want it on the stage. She wrote a book and that’s it. The publishers who owned the songs she wrote felt there was a show there, and they wanted me to just go ahead and make the show. I said, ‘but, you know, she’s not in favor of it,’ but they said, ‘just go ahead.’” Blake credits a strong storyline by Doug McGrath for much of the success of the show. In his narrative, McGrath weaves together 25 of King’s best known and highly infectious melodies. The production follows the young King — born Carol Joan Klein, to Jewish parents — who leaves her home in Brooklyn at the age of 16. She goes off to Manhattan, determined, against her mother’s wishes, to be a successful songwriter. She meets a young lyricist with similar ambitions, Gerry Goffin, and they soon click romantically and professionally. Although they marry and have a family, their relationship is a troubled one. In reality, Goffin and King were married in 1959 and wrote a string of hits,
J
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” tells the story of King’s early career and her first marriage, to Gerry Goffin.
“Beautiful” recreates over two dozen of Carole King’s biggest hits.
but his relentless womanizing, combined with his serious psychological problems and substance abuse issues, doomed the marriage. In the mid-1960s, Goffin fathered a child with a member of one of the singing groups they wrote for, but it was not until 1968 that the couple ultimately divorced. Goffin and King reunited briefly in 1990 when both were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In “Beautiful,” their relationship forms the backdrop to King’s early ca-
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Carole King and her first husband, Gerry Goffin, were briefly reunited in 1990 when they were both voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
reer, when she wrote a string of iconic tunes for a wide range of artists, from African American doo-wop groups to singers that made up the so-called British Invasion of the 1960s. Blake said King attended a run-through of the new show before it debuted, but left after watching only the first half. “We thought when she left without saying anything that, well, we’re dead now. Another show about her that she’s going to turn down. It turned out she didn’t come back because, at the end of the first act, something very dramatic happens in her life and she didn’t want to sit there and relive it again.” “Beautiful” eventually got King’s ok, and she even suggested the title, named after one of her more delicate melodies. It was a simple title and, as it turned out, a great way to characterize the way audiences around the world have described the show. It ran for over 2,400 performances on Broadway and a London production played for over two years in the West End before touring the UK. There were successful performances in Australia and Japan, two Tony awards and a Grammy for best musical theater album. But the most important accolade came from the subject of the show herself. King was a no-show on opening night and, because of the memories the
The show won two Tony Awards and a Grammy and ran for over 2,400 performances on Broadway.
show stirred in her, resisted going to see it for three months. Then, she finally showed up, alone and in disguise, wearing glasses and a wig and speaking to no one. The producer, Paul Blake, was there as well. “She just fell in love with it. I mean, nobody knew she was there. But she went onstage at the end, and everyone went nuts. The cast started crying. We had a photographer there and when that went out in the world, it became a huge, huge hit. And she’s been a great ambassador for the show ever since.” She even made peace with the scenes in the show that initially caused her so much personal discomfort. King, who has been married four times and divorced four times, has developed a certain perspective on her life during the years since “Beautiful” first debuted in 2014. Shortly before the show closed its five-year run on Broadway, she told Gayle King of CBS News that all of the personal drama recounted in “Beautiful” is, for her, now in the past. “I have so much love in my life that I don’t need a man to have love in my life. I have love in my life for many men and many women, friends and family. And I now feel that I belong to the world and to myself and to what people refer to as how they understand God.” ì
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CALENDAR
MAY 15-30
SUNDAY, MAY 15 Kabbalah & Coffee — 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Weekly Study Series with Rabbi Ari Sollish. Discuss, explore, and journey through the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3LP4o11. RenewalFest: Celebrating the Power of Us — 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bring the family and enjoy a day of fun and food at Congregation Etz Chaim. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3rXHFHL.
AIC Israel Tour Info and Q&A Session — 2 to 3:15 p.m. Join Cheryl Dorchinsky, executive director of the Atlanta Israel Coalition, and tour guide David Sussman for a Zoom webinar to learn the exciting details about a trip to Israel with the optional Petra/Eilat extension. Visit https://bit.ly/37LyWld to get the Zoom link.
presents an empowering evening on the Torah’s roadmap for environmentally responsible living. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3vszhCo.
Jennifer Weiner, “The Summer Place: A Novel” — 7 to 8 p.m. Book Festival of the MJCCA presents Girls’ Night Out with Jennifer Weiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of eighteen books. In conversation with Holly Firfer, director of programming for REACH-TV. It is an in-person event. $15 for Community Ticket. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3KoHM5l. Intown Jewish Academy’s Book Club — 8 to 9:30 p.m. A monthly discussion group for fans of great Jewish writing, led by Ariela Rich. This meeting will discuss “Like Dreamers” by Yossi Klein Halevi. Visit https://bit.ly/3sW4D1K for more information.
FIDF Atlanta Celebration — 6 to 9 p.m. You are invited to join the celebration, featuring an exceptional lineup of inspiring soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3Ltibd2.
Monday Night Parsha — Join this new class on Zoom by Rabbi Hertz on the weekly Parsha. For more information, see https://bit.ly/34TeGvR.
MONDAY, MAY 16 An Evening Celebrating the Magic of Etz Chaim — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join Etz Chaim for an evening honoring Reba and Bob Bachrach and Cheryl and David Miller with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and entertainment. Visit https:// bit.ly/3MyZoNu for more information.
TBT Golf Tournament — 10 a.m. Shotgun start. The Temple Beth Tikvah Golf Tournament will be held at the Brookfield Country Club. $135 per person or $500 for foursome. Includes breakfast, driving range, 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, silent auction and prizes. Visit https://bit.ly/3xYP1P2 for details.
Peachy Parsha — 12 to 1 p.m. A weekly Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Ari Sollish. Visit https://bit.ly/3rD86mh for more information.
Find more events and submit items for our online and print calendars at:
www.atlantajewishconnector.com
Calendar sponsored by the Atlanta Jewish Connector, an initiative of the AJT. In order to be considered for the print edition, please submit events three to four weeks in advance. Contact Administrative Coordinator Kyra Goldman for more information at Kyra@atljewishtimes.com. 52 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
Jewish Wisdom to Heal the Earth — 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Intown Jewish Academy, in partnership with the Jewish Climate Action Network of Georgia and Georgia Interfaith Power and Light,
TUESDAY, MAY 17 Paint the Town 2022: Alpharetta Plein Air — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artists of all media from around the country are invited to participate in a 5-day event to paint the beautiful outdoor locations around the charming southern city of Alpharetta. Residents and visitors are also invited to see the artists in action. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3w12Jyj.
Virtual Infertility Support Group — 7 to 8:15 p.m. Join Jewish Fertility Foundation for a FREE virtual support group, open to any woman currently experiencing infertility. Must RSVP 12 hours prior to event to receive the private Zoom link and password. See https://bit.ly/3HGWHHw for details.
Brain Health Bootcamp — 1 to 3 p.m. New virtual Brain Health Bootcamp every Tuesday will combine gentle physical exercise — including yoga and exercises to help reduce stress and anxiety — along with a full hour of brain exercises, done in a non-stressful and engaging way of learning. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3sr94RP.
SATURDAY, MAY 21 CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES
Israel: An Uncomplicated Guide to a Complicated Nation — 7 to 8:30 p.m. This will be the second of a two-class series taught at Etz Chaim by JNF’s Israel Programs Admissions director of Atlanta, Marnie Nadolne, Psy.D. Also accessible by Zoom, the class is designed to give you a deeper knowledge of the story of Israel and tools for responding to anti-Zionist challenges. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3OgC0G8.
Beyond Right — 8 to 9:30 p.m. Join Rabbi Ari Sollish on a thrilling six-part journey every Tuesday evening, May 10 through June 14 (or a second option every Thursday 12 to 1:15 p.m., May 12 through June 16), to examine the key legal issues and fundamental ethical considerations that serve as the engine of Jewish civil law. Fee $99 (textbook included). Zoom option available. Visit https://bit.ly/3EpAzRh for more information.
Torah Reading: Behar Friday, May 20, (Iyar 19, 5782) light candles at 8:18 p.m. Saturday, May 21, (Iyar 20, 5782) Shabbat ends at 9:19 p.m. Torah Reading: Bechukotai Friday, May 27, (Iyar 26, 5782) light candles at 8:23 p.m. Saturday, May 28, (Iyar 27, 5782) Shabbat ends at 9:24 p.m.
premature babies from home. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/34Ru9wp.
Sunset Baby — 8 to 9:30 p.m. A play from MacArthur Genius Grant-recipient Dominique Morisseau, one of the most acclaimed playwrights in America today. For details, visit https://bit. ly/3DUgFh4.
Lag B’Omer BBQ and Fire ShowChabad of North Fulton is hosting a free party with BBQ, music, hotdogs and a warm inviting atmosphere. For more information visit https://bit. ly/3whLcSn.
THURSDAY, MAY 19
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 Significant Others of Addicts Support Group — 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Join Sally Anderson, MS, LPC for a free weekly support group for spouses, partners and/or significant others of those struggling with addiction. Visit https:// bit.ly/3B5bABf for more information.
Bonfire Bash — 4 to 7 p.m. Join Or VeShalom for a special Lag B’Omer event with inflatables, lawn games, a dunk tank and dinner. Suggested donation $5 per person or $20 per family. Please RSVP. Visit https://bit.ly/38LjJkc for more information.
Lag B’Omer Evening of Celebration: 79th Anniversary Event — 6:30 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a celebration at Congregation Beth Jacob that will ignite your imagination with an immersive culinary experience by Pizza Biza, along with fire and musical entertainment. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3y4H2jz.
FRIDAY, MAY 20 Knit and Crochet Group — 1 to 3 p.m. Join Dor Tamid on Zoom to socialize and crochet and knit beanies for
Temple Beth Tikvah Friday Night Services — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join services online or in person. Visit https://bit. ly/35XKJeJ for more information.
Nurture in Nature Shabbat with Hannah Zale- 6:30 to 8 p.m. A special spavibe shabbat at Wills Park with acoustic guitar music, hand drums for all to play and cucumber water! Enjoy some meditation and movement and connect with the traditional Shabbat prayers in a new was. For more information visit https://bit.ly/37wxZNq.
Stay and Play: Shabbat Morning Babysitting — 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. While you attend Shabbat services at Congregation Etz Chaim, your kids can go to Stay and Play with their friends! Visit https://bit.ly/3jkbRYM for more information.
Temple Beth Tikvah Saturday Services — 10 to 11:30 a.m. Join services online or in person. Visit https://bit. ly/3BbaS5n for more information.
SUNDAY, MAY 22 GLT Mah Jong! — 1 to 3 p.m. You do not need to be a member to join Congregation Gesher L’Torah. Please visit https://bit.ly/3kyHbnm for more information.
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 53
Chabad Enrichment Center GroundBreaking Ceremony — 2 to 3 p.m. A special ground-breaking ceremony for the new Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett will be held at the corner of Spalding Dr. and Crooked Creek Dr. in Peachtree Corners. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3OU3SQU.
MJCAA Book Festival Presents Jonathan Greenblatt — 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Jonathan Greenblatt, author of “It Could Happen Here: Why America is Tipping from Hate to the Unthinkable — and How We Can Stop It,” will be in conversation with Jill Savitt, CEO of the National Center for Civil & Human Rights at this in-person event. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3vy8Db9.
Think Different — 8 to 9 p.m. Study the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries with master Tanya teacher Rabbi Ari Sollish. Visit https://bit. ly/3gExbXC for more information.
SATURDAY, MAY 28
Jewish Spirituality and Mysticism — 8 p.m. A weekly class on Jewish spirituality, mysticism and how to apply it to your personal growth in a meaningful way, taught by Rabby Hirshy. Visit https://bit.ly/3suZDkg for more information.
SUNDAY, MAY 29
Tot Shabbat and Kiddush Lunch — 11 a.m. Join an interactive Tot Shabbat and sing, play and engage in fun activities, followed by a wonderful Shabbat Kiddush lunch together. See https:// bit.ly/3rBWd03 for details.
MONDAY, MAY 23 Leadership & Mentorship Symposium + Networking Event — 6 to 9 p.m. The Jewish Business Network will present an opportunity for networking, a buffet dinner and a program and fireside chat with accomplished media and digital advertising executives Julie Saxon and Brent Herd at Chabad Intown. Must RSVP. Visit https://bit. ly/3s5GB4O for details.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 Torah Study — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join Rabbi Jordan each Wednesday either on Zoom or in-person at Congregation Dor Tamid and continue an in-depth look at the Book Leviticus. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3srZsGj.
THURSDAY, MAY 26 TUESDAY, MAY 24 Uncoupling: A Divorced and Separated Support Group — 5:30 to 7 p.m. A bimonthly group providing support and resources and a safe place to process and share experiences related to divorce and separation. Open to men and women of mixed ages. Visit https://bit.ly/3y96TH9 for more information.
54 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
How to Raise a Mensch — 8 to 9 p.m. A four-week series for caregivers of children 0-5 years. Join Rebecca StapelWax and authors A.K. Neer, Rabbi Malka Packer-Monroe, Amy Price and Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez for a practical discussion on how to raise children to be mensches (good people), with a focus on justice, equality, diversity and inclusion. $54. For details, visit https://bit.ly/3M3sHaL.
Jewish Insights Series — 8 to 9 p.m. A weekly Zoom with discussion on a pertinent topic from the Torah’s weekly portion. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3699PaI.
FRIDAY, MAY 27 SOJOURN’s Drawing from the Well — 12 to 1 p.m. An inclusive weekly meetup for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3gxpDWP.
Ohr HaTorah Hachnasat Sifrei Torah — 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m Join OHT in rejoicing in the completion of two new Torah scrolls. Visit https://bit. ly/38Imxym for more information.
MONDAY, MAY 30 Alpharetta’s Memorial Day Tribute — 9 to 10:30 a.m. The City of Alpharetta and the Rotary Club of Alpharetta will host a program which will include an invocation, national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance with Lt. Col Jeff Davis USMC (Retired) as the keynote speaker. Visit https://bit.ly/3LCzOXL for more information.
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COMMUNITY Neranenah Honors Jewish Music Industry Heroes By Bob Bahr Neranenah, Atlanta’s Jewish music festival, celebrated the career of jazz impresario Norman Granz with a stellar concert Thursday evening, April 28. The concert, which had been postponed several times because of the pandemic, brought together famed Jewish jazz pianist Benny Green, renowned drummer Jeff Hamilton and veteran bass player John Clayton. Both Clayton and Hamilton worked with Granz, who died in 2001, during the later years of his career. Over a long career that began in the mid-1940s, Granz promoted concerts all over the world for many of the greatest names in jazz, including Count Basie, Stan Getz, Lester Young, Billie Holiday and Roy Eldridge. Beginning in 1944, he began organizing formal concerts he called Jazz at the Philharmonic and, in a few years, was producing some of the first commercial recordings of the concerts for the newly invented long playing (LP) vinyl record. The recordings and concerts are largely credited with revolutionizing the way jazz was heard and appreciated in the postwar years. In 1949, Granz brought Oscar Peterson, the great jazz pianist who was then a 24-year-old Canadian, to the United States for his first concert. For the next 50 years, he recorded the legendary musician and served as his personal manager. Peterson’s daughter, Céline, introduced the program with Green, who was her father’s prodigy, in a prerecorded video. The concert, she emphasized, was in appreciation of Granz’s considerable legacy. “He never took for granted the power that he worked so hard to build when it came to championing the music that he loved and believed in and the people who made it,” she said. For nearly a half-century, Granz personally managed the career of the immortal jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald and created the Verve record label to record her and many of the other stars he promoted during the 1950s. The recordings Fitzgerald made in 1956 of the music of Cole Porter, for example, were a smash hit, as were her recorded performances with trumpeter and sometime-vocalist Louis Armstrong. These records quickly established Verve as an important leader in the jazz world. The Granz concert was put together by Joe Alterman, executive director of Neranenah and a nationally known jazz
56 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
Joe Alterman, the executive director of Neranenah, introduced the Chess concert. // Credit: Jason Born
Norman Granz was Ella Fitzgerald’s personal manager for nearly 50 years.
Phil Chess with blues musicians Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Bo Diddley.
pianist in his own right. Alterman has focused on creating programming that recognizes the important contributions to American popular music made by Jewish musicians, composers and other creative figures. That’s been his goal, Alterman later pointed out in an interview, right from the beginning, four years ago, when he took over the leadership of the music festival. “I remember even my first year, I said, ‘I don’t want to just highlight a musician because they happen to be Jewish.’ I want to highlight, in this case, important Jewish figures in American music because their Jewish stories are fascinating. They’re really important to the history of American music, and world culture.” Granz not only broadened and popularized the appreciation of jazz by U.S. audiences but was also a pioneer in promoting concerts that helped desegregate American music. One of the first was a
Joe Alterman joined Benny Green at the piano for a rousing finale to the Granz concert. // Credit: Stephanie Heath
The ATL Collective honored the Chess brothers, Phil and Leonard, during a performance in Sandy Springs. // Credit: Jason Born
New York nightclub performance by Billie Holiday sometime in the 1940s. Granz insisted that the audience be racially integrated, a rarity for the time. Throughout his career, in fact, he refused to promote any performance that was not open to all. In her opening remarks, Céline Peterson mentioned this as being one of Granz’s greatest accomplishments. “He truly believed that it was his responsibility to keep the musicians that worked with him safe and keep them working amidst some of the most unimaginable circumstances at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. I grew up hearing stories of touring on the road and some of the troubles that were completely unimaginable. He didn’t just talk the talk when it came to equality and justice, he walked the walk,” she said. The Granz program was part of a Neranenah historical music doubleheader that began on Sunday, April 23 at the
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. The ATL Collective presented a concert about a pair of music pioneers, Phil and Leonard Chess, who were Polish Jewish immigrant brothers in the Chicago music scene. In the 1950s and ‘60s, their record label, Chess Records, was the first to record and promote the music of African American performers like Etta James, Chuck Berry, Ramsey Lewis, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Ahmad Jamal and many others. Alterman is gratified by the support he’s received for both performances and hopes to offer much more of the same. “Both of these shows are representative of exactly what I’m going for, exactly what I want to continue doing,” he said. “I’m encouraged by how much people are enjoying the concerts and actually finding them not just good concerts, but actually meaningful experiences. I want to do more of that.” ì
COMMUNITY
Delivering Love — One Lasagna at a Time In a world where strings and red tape seem to be attached to just about everything, Lasagna Love is offering up kindness — no questions Debbie Diamond asked — one lasagna at a time. Here in Atlanta, the local chapter of the international organization has been delivering lasagnas to individuals and families dealing with illness, financial stress, emotional issues or trying times for the past two years. Lasagna Love hopes to deliver even more “love and kindness” throughout Atlanta in the form of hearty, complimentary meals for seniors, said Lynn Hirsch, the organization’s global outreach director and a member of its statewide leadership team. Hirsch is also a volunteer lasagna chef, regularly delivering meals throughout metro Atlanta. The chefs currently deliver to many residents of the Jewish Tower, as well as to seniors in One Good Deed, which is part of the Jewish Family and Career Services’ Aviv program. According to Hirsch, the group would like to expand their outreach efforts by targeting additional Jewish senior programs, senior facilities and independent living residences. “Seeing the faces of our residents who have not had a homemade meal in months is priceless; there is so much joy in this project. Seeing the excitement and dedication the volunteers have is even better,” said Lee Pratt, executive director of the Jewish and Zaban Towers. “Lasagna Love is the perfect name for this project! There are few foods that are more comforting than a homemade lasagna. The local hub has been flexible and worked with the different needs of our community including kosher, vegan and Passover lasagna. Baking selflessly with so much kindness is proof that food continues to be a powerful way to bring all people together,” she added. Hirsch found out about Lasagna Love while watching a segment on NBC’s “Today” show during the pandemic. She had always cooked and baked and was looking for a new outlet to focus her energy as she embarked upon a new phase of her own life as a senior. When Hirsch heard about the organization and its mission, she knew she had found her next big project. She contacted the organization and, as the saying goes, the rest is history.
Single serving-sized lasagnas enable One Good Deed senior recipients to freeze extra pans for future meals.
Lasagna Love Global Outreach Director and Alpharetta chef Lynn Hirsch prepares lasagna in her kitchen.
The lasagnas come in all shapes and sizes, just like the individuals and families fed by the organization.
Through the hard work of the Georgia leadership team, there are currently 275 active volunteer chefs in Georgia, with 190 located in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area. The chefs are matched with recipients who can specify any dietary requirements. To date, 4,139 lasagnas have been delivered throughout metro Atlanta since August 2020, with 18,626 individuals served. For the entire state of Georgia, 5,217 lasagnas have been delivered, impacting 23,463 individuals. Teachers, healthcare professionals and first responders are also frequent recipients of lasagna deliveries. Each nominee is contacted by the lasagna chef assigned to them and a convenient delivery time is set. Due to COVID concerns, all deliveries are contact-free. As important as the meals are, the love and kindness that come with them are just as significant to the recipients. “Food insecurity is an important issue, but just as pressing is the need for people to know they can ask for help and receive it with a dose of kindness,” said Hirsch. One Good Deed is a program that matches volunteers 21 and older with seniors who live independently but could benefit from friendly companionship and support. One Good Deed seniors have been grateful for the multiple lasagnas prepared and delivered by Lasagna Love volunteers. According to Laura Marcus, program coordinator of One Good Deed, “Our seniors have embraced the smallersized portions and freeze the extra pans for meals throughout the month. Lasagna Love is wonderful and truly a gift of love in Atlanta. You cannot imagine the joy the volunteers bring to so many people all across the city. From midtown to Alpharetta, and from Marietta to Tucker, their impact is felt far and wide,” said Marcus. Lasagna Love began at the start of the pandemic, when founder Rhiannon Menn, who lived in San Diego at the time, was looking for a way to help mothers
in her community. She and her toddler started making and delivering meals to families in the neighborhood who were struggling — whether that struggle was financial, emotional or simply a feeling of being overwhelmed. Since that time, what started as one mom and her child helping others has grown into an international movement that aims to impact communities by connecting neighbors through gestures of kindness and support. Currently, more than 200,000 lasagnas have been deliv-
ered across the United States, Canada and Australia, touching the lives of 850,000 individuals. Some 30,000 volunteers are dedicated to baking and delivering the lasagnas. Their work has helped to address the unprecedented rise in food insecurity, especially during the pandemic. The mission is straightforward: feed families, spread kindness and strengthen communities, while eliminating the stigma often associated with asking for help. To request a lasagna or to volunteer, please visit www.lasagnalove.org. ì
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COMMUNITY
It’s Always Teatime in Norcross
Marlene Bercovitch drinks from one of the many teacups in her collection.
Circus teapot
Telephone booth teapot
A teapot composed of many small teapots.
Shabbat table teapot
Artistically decorated teapot from New Zealand
with a matching saucer. And there would be a pastry like mandelbrot (Jewish-style biscotti) to go with it.” Today, when one joins Bercovitch for tea in her Atlanta home, the pastry she offers is always homemade and delicious. For decades, she and her late husband, Ed Bercovitch, owned Elegant Essen, a popular kosher catering business, which opened in Atlanta in 1990. Their vehicle had “Essen” (meaning “eat” in Yiddish) on its license plate, a wink to those who are Yiddish-alert and whose curiosity would be easily piqued. Bercovitch and Ed had a hard time adapting to America’s coffee culture. In Montreal, “Come over for tea” is a home invitation for friendship and conversation. “‘No tea bags!’ Bercovitch declares, “‘and no Styrofoam cups!’” Her collection of dozens of teapots — ranging from collectible, traditional-style antiques to more contemporary iterations — began with a wedding gift from her mother; it is a highly-decorated English bone china Crown Derby tea set. Today, Bercovitch’s collection spans countries and decades, including figurative teapots, amusing teapots, whimsical teapots and artistically intriguing ones. Her favorite is a tea
kettle with moving parts. The large metal circus-themed vessel is designed with an outer ring of animals that march around the main ewer when the water boils inside, a perfect combination of purpose and play. The teapot collection is on display in Bercovitch’s living room, dining room and kitchen — rooms furnished with finely crafted wooden and wrought iron Mexican furniture. The juxtaposition of sturdy furniture and delicate ceramic teapots creates a real-life dynamic, a yin/ yang ambiance. While each piece of furniture was selected by the Bercovitches, most of the teapots came as gifts. Notable among the trove are a diminutive gold-and-blue enamel teapot brought by neighbors from Paris. The same neighbors brought back a red telephone booth teapot from London. The Bercovitches “dogsat” for them while the neighbors traveled, and it wasn’t hard to decide the proper thankyou gifts. A set of glass shelves holds unusual teapots. One is a gift from friends who traveled to New Zealand. Then there’s the black bear cub sitting on a Canadian teapot’s spout and a sizeable teapot com-
posed of many tiny teapots, given by a relative. A blue garden chair, holding garden tools, has a cleverly incorporated handle and spout, as does a ceramic Shabbat table teapot with the table fully set. An umbrella belonging to the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland becomes the teapot handle. Although Bercovitch is the recipient of so many gift teapots, once, when visiting a client on a catering job, she spotted a sleek, faux leopard-skin purse teapot. She bought it. Bercovitch reminisces fondly on the tea-related customs of her native Montreal. Not only was the tea set an integral part of socialization, but, over time, every hostess acquired a collection of teacups, saucers and dessert plates. The goal wasn’t to own a matched set of cups, but rather that each cup be unique, hand-decorated (some quite lavishly) and well-sized, unlike the small teacups one sees today. Bercovitch still has many of her original artistic tea cups, and it’s easy to imagine the pleasure of drinking freshly-brewed tea from any one of them. Do you have an interesting collection? Tell Chana about it: shapirochana@ gmail.com. ì
By Chana Shapiro To spend an afternoon with Marlene Bercovitch in her art-filled home is to visit with a gracious hostess in her international salon. The walls display personally meaningful paintings, objects, posters and photographs. Cabinets and shelves hold memorabilia and gifts from family, friends and travels. “We never wanted pictures or knickknacks one could buy in a store,” Bercovitch explains. “Everything in our home is a reminder of special places, people and experiences we’ve had.” An oversized program from a bullfight in Mexico, a large photograph of a Native Alaskan woman with her baby and a framed 100-pound sugar bag from Bercovitch’s father’s business share wall space with an exuberant poster from the famous Night in San Antonio Fiesta, along with an enlarged photograph of a mime who posed for Bercovitch in Old Montreal. The Bercovitch home is a physical family biography, with every piece of furniture and decorative detail a marker of a significant person or event. Bercovitch’s formative and newlywed years were spent in Montreal. A visitor learns about the Montreal tea customs she admires, out of which grew her large collection of teapots. “When I invited you to come for tea [in Montreal],” she explains, “I meant any day, any time. The brewed tea would be poured from a pot that is constructed with an inner strainer which holds loose tea leaves, thereby separating them from the boiling water when the tea is poured. You would drink your tea from a pretty, decently sized cup 58 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
The Lowdown I Bet You Didn’t Know …
Steve and Candy Berman When Steve and Candy Berman got married, they made a deal: He would go to Israel with her, and she would go to a Notre Dame game with him. Steve grew up in Indiana, while Candy hails from Alabama. Candy hated Notre Dame, as the football team had beaten Alabama for the National Championship twice, but wanted to return to Israel, so, the deal was made. Forty-seven years later, the pair is passionate about Notre Dame football and gets pleasure from their philanthropy. Berman Commons, the Jewish HomeLife’s assisted living facility, is named for Steve and his work on behalf of the aged. Steve, a CPA, has been practicing for 50 years in tax, estate and charitable planning. Candy, an event consultant, has facilitated fundraising events that have raised some $100 million. Read on to learn about how they became community leaders and their penchant for silly hats and fashionable shoes.
Jaffe: Which of you is the silliest? Steve: We don’t take ourselves too seriously and aren’t above making fools of ourselves. For every special occasion, Candy writes parodies. She sings them in front of many folks. Her voice is terrible. Candy: Steve collects silly hats and has duffel bags filled with them. Some of our kids like it when he puts one on, others are embarrassed. He puts them on regularly in public. I try to ignore it … hoping it will go away. Jaffe: Others don’t know … Steve: Candy’s shoes. We can never leave town without Candy coming back with at least one pair of new shoes. She built a larger closet to accommodate them. Candy: Steve supports so many causes. If he receives an envelope with a nickel, he donates a miniscule amount to that cause. He attends every event where he knows the honoree or chairs it. He believes strongly in showing up. Jaffe: Whom do you credit for influencing you? Steve: When I first moved to Atlanta, I knew nothing about volunteerism. Then I represented many of the “architects” of our Jewish community, Meyer Balser, Milton Weinstein, Bill Breman and Erwin Zaban. They mentored me and taught me the value of giving back. Candy: Betty Ann Jacobson. It was really hard to break into the Jewish community when I first moved here. She believed in involving new people and included us as part of her family. Jaffe: Which issues are important to you? Steve: Our endowments reflect the issues that impassion us … like career growth for staff at Jewish HomeLife, leadership development at the American Jewish Committee and Temple Sinai, teacher enhancement at Galloway School and a scholarship to encourage the matriculation of Jewish students at Notre Dame. Candy: We began our marriage with Steve supporting the issues facing older adults, while I was interested in younger adults. Now that we have aged, we’re both invested in Jewish HomeLife and creating understanding between the Jewish community and the greater community. I am also passionate about organizations that address the socio-economic inequities. Jaffe: My guilty pleasure … Steve: Buying a smoothie for a special price every Friday. Candy: Going to Costco and getting the samples. Jaffe: My partner is better than me at … Steve: Adapting to the computer age. Candy: Patience! I have no patience. He attends functions and never wants to leave. Jaffe: Our next exotic vacay will be … Candy: Japan. We’ve been trying to get there for two years, but the pandemic … Steve: Scotland. I attended the University of Glasgow my junior year in college and am looking forward to visiting the university this summer. Jaffe: The Jewish community is important to me because … Candy: It’s in my blood. If we don’t take care of it ourselves, no one else will. I also believe that we shape the entire community, modeling how we take care of our own. Steve: It provides spirituality, meaning and purpose.
Reported by Marcia Caller Jaffe
Photo credit: Chuck Robertson.
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 59
KEEPING IT KOSHER
JEWISH JOKE
Cinnamon Bun Hamentaschen Cooking and Prep: 1.5 h Serves: 24 Preference: Dairy Difficulty: Medium Diet: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Cuisines: Ashkenazi Category: Desserts, Baking
Ingredients Dough 3/4 cup sugar 2/3 cup butter, at room temperature 1 egg + 1 egg yolk 1/4 cup milk 1 teaspoon Gefen Vanilla Extract 2 and 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon Haddar Baking Powder 1 tablespoon Gefen Cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling 4 ounces (whipped) cream cheese About 1 and 1/2 cups icing sugar 1/2 teaspoon Gefen Vanilla Extract
For Assembly 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1/2 tablespoon Gefen Cinnamon Prepare the Hamentaschen 1. Cream butter and sugar until well combined. Whisk in eggs, milk and vanilla. 2. Combine flour, baking powder, cornstarch and salt. Mix together with wet ingredients until dough forms. 3. Form into a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about an hour. 4. In the meantime, mix together ingredients for filling (easier to use the whipped cream cheese). 5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 6. Roll out dough to a quarter-inch thick. 7. Combine cinnamon and brown sugar and sprinkle over dough, patting it down with your hands. 8. Use a two-and-a-half- to three-inch cookie cutter to cut dough into circles. Place about one teaspoon of filling in each circle, folding (or pinching) to form triangle shaped cookies. 9. Bake for 14–15 minutes. For the icing on top: Once hamentaschen have cooled, I took the remaining filling and mixed in a drop of cinnamon, then put it in a ziptop bag and piped it on top. Recipe By Erin Grunstein Source: www.kosher.com 60 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
Words Avrahom was reading an article out loud to his wife. “Did you know that women use about 30,000 words a day, whereas men only use 15,000 words?” Sadie replies, “The reason has to be because a woman has to say everything twice.” Avrahom turns to her and says, “What?”
YIDDISH WORD Schmendrink n. A ludicrous, super-sweet cocktail. Think of a mix of ginger liqueur and raspberry-lime sorbet. “That’s Carl’s fifth schmendrink of the night. Boy, he’s going to feel that in the morning.” From the Yiddish word “schmendrick,” meaning a fool.
From Schmegoogle by Daniel Klein
BRAIN FOOD
Reading Material
ACROSS
By: Yoni Glatt, Koshercrosswords@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Easy 1
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1. *Like one who has had too much Elite coffee 6. Make like a baby 9. *Methusaleh had the longest one 13. Branch for Sukkot 14. Color shade 15. Problems 16. *Joseph when he was sold into slavery, e.g. 18. + 19. Did some quilting, say 20. It flew at Mach 2 21. Kind of Mitzvah 24. Dina, to Levi (for short) 25. Prepares challah dough 28. Surgeon’s subj. 30. *Many an American Jew 32. Strictly forbidden 34. 1983 Randy Newman song with the lyric “Looks like another perfect day” 35. *”B’tayavon” alternative 38. Really irk 40. Itinerary: Abbr. 43. *Jewish relatives 46. Make 47. Fireplace receptacle 48. ___ Chaim 50. Airport scanners, briefly
51. Egy. and Syr., once 52. Destroyer of the Second Temple 54. Cronies 56. What the starred clues in this puzzle all are 60. Israeli truth 61. Bro 62. “Victory was not mine” 63. *Chatzos, Tzais, etc.... e.g. 64. One might be dipped in a mikvah 65. *Shekels, e.g.
DOWN
1. “...and the bush ___ not consumed” (Ex. 3:2) 2. Rage 3. Title for a chassidic leader 4. Nights before 5. Natives of Copenhagen 6. It’s a no-no with meat, for kosher keepers 7. Regretted 8. Japan’s capital? 9. Empty promise 10. “___ as a no” 11. Seasonal sickness 12. Start or end of seasonal sickness? 17. Esau, for one 20. Haughty sorts
21. Counterpart of 21-Across 22. Kind of Santa winds 23. Father of Akiva Shtisel 25. “American Sniper” subject Chris ___ 26. ___ Boca Vista 27. Madrid matron: Abbr. 29. Colgate, for one 31. Reddi-___ (brand of dessert topping) 33. Equal to, with “with” 36. What some work on at the beach 37. Chest muscle, for short 38. Grp. with a staff in its symbol 39. U.S. troops 41. Destinations for EMTs 42. Test for genes 44. Og’s was significant 45. “Boy!” or “girl!” lead-in 49. Currency in “Chad Gadya” 52. Shell food 53. Grain locale 54. Many kids ask their parents for (at least) one 55. End of many a riddle 56. Israel’s has changed several times since 1948 57. Frenchman’s denial 58. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem dir. 59. Oink joint
“Shabbat Connection” SOLUTION 1
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13
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16 19
FOLLOW
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H
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34
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A 38
W H
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O L
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46 48
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A M
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30 32
6
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43 47
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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 61
OBITUARIES
Burton Hyman Gershon
Avery Fierman
Burton Hyman Gershon, 101, of Dunwoody, passed away peacefully in his sleep, in hospice care, May 7. Born in Atlanta, July 12, 1920, he lived his life in the Atlanta area. He graduated Boy’s High in 1938. In 1942, upon graduating from UGA with a business degree, Burton enlisted in the Navy, Officer Training in Chicago, for the WWII war effort and served in the South Pacific. After the war, he and his bride, Muriel, a Chicago native, settled in his hometown. Burton worked as an accountant and became a CPA in 1950, working as such until his retirement in 2014. He loved golf and played well into his 90s, still shooting many games into the 80s. Burton was preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Muriel Gershon; parents, Rebecca and Oscar Gershon; sister, Francis Gershon Groont, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; sister, Judy Gershon Smith, Atlanta, Ga.; brother, Charles Gershon, Atlanta; brother, Sylvan Gershon, Atlanta. Survived by sister, Marian Gershon Radwin of Birmingham, Ala.; son, Jeff Gershon of Atlanta; daughter, Cathy Gershon of Atlanta; grandson, Andrew Gershon of New York City and many cousins, great cousins and dear friends. A graveside service was held on Tuesday, May 10, at Greenwood Cemetery. Donations to local “feed the hungry” programs or charity of your choice. No flowers please. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Avery Fierman, beloved child of Anne and Stuart Fierman, passed away on May 6. From the earliest age, Avery was a captivating child. He was clever and enchanting, always engaging others in his imaginative worlds. He attended The Galloway School, and later the Atlanta International School, excelling in the rigorous IB program. He was a creative and talented writer who taught himself how to play guitar and loved writing songs. He was an aspiring filmmaker who created elaborate movies from the first time he had access to a camera. Additionally, Avery was a kind spirit. He was a true friend, the kind you could rely on in times of need, the kind who would stand up for you when you needed it most. He was thoughtful and generous to a fault, loved by all who knew him. Avery is survived by his loving parents, Anne and Stuart Fierman, his brother, Reis Fierman, his grandparents, Jean Hyman, Bobby and Chu Chi Fierman, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. The burial will be private, followed by a memorial service open to all family and friends at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, May 10 at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree Street. Shiva to follow at the home of Anne and Stuart Fierman, 2529 Westminster Heath NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327. Say not in grief, “he is no more,” but live in thankfulness that he was — Hebrew Proverb. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
16, Atlanta
Photo: Joan Marcus
101, Dunwoody
On Sale Now I May 20 – 22 I The Fox Theatre I FoxTheatre.org/Beautiful 62 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
40TH ANNIVERSARY
OBITUARIES
Pauline Carmin Kaplan 92, Atlanta
Pauline (“Polly”) Carmin Kaplan said herself that she lived a wonderful life, and by all accounts she did. She died on Saturday, May 7, at 92 years old. Born to George and Bertha Carmin on November 23, 1929, in the Bronx, following her sister, Muriel, whom she affectionately called Mimi, she had a typical New York childhood, with visits to Coney Island, until her father’s job at the American Cigar Company required their relocation to Lancaster, Penn., in the heart of Amish country, at the tender age of 6. She was an exceptionally bright child, skipping almost two grades and remained sharp until the end, finishing the New York Times crossword puzzle daily. At the top of her high school class, she graduated from Penn State University. By her account, she had many male admirers, and it is true that she was quite the looker. With her keen wit, she continually reminded her two children and spouses, her six grandchildren and even her eight great-grandchildren that they were smart because of her, and they all totally agreed. Her family was the ultimate joy in her life, and she was as devoted to them as they were to her. Polly never missed an event, seeing all her grandchildren graduate from graduate school, marry, while attending each and every birthday of the loving legacy of four generations. She shared an exceptionally close bond with each member of the family, leaving us with memories we will always cherish. Upon opening the door for Elijah at a community seder in Lancaster, Marvin Kaplan entered the room in his Navy whites and made quite the impression. As was typical of his direct but soft-spoken nature, he unceremoniously proposed to her shortly thereafter, and they relocated to Atlanta, where she spent the rest of her life. Atlanta soon became her home, with a vibrant social life of bridge, canasta and participation in the Jewish community. Marvin opened his own dental practice, spending over 50 years at his office in a little white house at the corner of Virginia and North Highland Avenues in the heart of Virginia Highlands, where Polly kept the books. They had two sons, Lawrence (“Larry”) and Alan. True to her smart genes, Larry and Alan both became successful doctors. Although Marvin was an exceptional hard worker, he made time for vacations and they traveled the world together as members of a traveling club. After Marvin’s death, Polly moved from the Druid Hills home they shared to Piedmont in Buckhead. Polly was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Kaplan, her sister, Muriel Carmin Schwarzman and her parents, George and Bertha Carmin. She is survived by her sons, Larry (Leah) Kaplan, Alan (Barbara) Kaplan and her grandchildren, Jacob (Deborah) Kaplan, Benjamin (Ariella) Kaplan, Hannah (David) Kaplan Friedman, Molly (Adam) Weinberg, Jonathan (Julie) Kaplan and Danielle (Samuel) Kaplan Wesley. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Patton and Madeleine Kaplan, Hallie, Annie and Max Weinberg, Evelyn and Ezra Kaplan and Sadie Kaplan. Graveside services were held on May 8 at Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta. If you’re so inclined, please make donations in her memory to Marcus Center for Autism, the Jewish National Fund, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
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www.DresslerJewishFunerals.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 63
OBITUARIES
Paul Mandé
Leslie Elise Parker
Paul Mandé, a devoted family man and standout musician with a passion for serving his community, passed away peacefully on May 3 at the age of 74. Paul was known for his engaging personality, his love for storytelling and his dedication to family, friends and the organizations he so passionately served. His commitment to his many causes was surpassed only by his love for his wife, Audrey, his three children and their spouses and his four beloved grandchildren. Paul was born in Mamaroneck, N.Y., and raised in Miami, where he attended Coral Gables High School and honed his skills on the clarinet. He later attended Georgia Tech on a full academic scholarship, where he was president of the Georgia Tech Band and a proud member of Phi Epsilon Pi. After earning a physics degree in 1969, Paul embarked on a career in engineering before beginning his own company, Cherry Systems, which specialized in data recovery. Later, he branched out into an emerging new cybersecurity realm by launching Discovery Computers and Forensics. Inspired by his experience on Georgia Tech’s campus, Paul was an executive trustee for Zeta Beta Tau’s House Corporation for more than 15 years, and a generation of graduates still remember him fondly. His passion for Judaism ran deep. He was a proud member of Temple Emanu-El and, later, Chabad of East Cobb. For much of his life, Paul could often be found on nights or weekends in friendly competition on the tennis court, speeding through choppy waters on his boat at Lake Arrowhead or playing clarinet and saxophone for the Modernaires Big Band and other large audiences. His passion for music was a constant throughout his life and he relished the chance to play music in shows at the Marcus Jewish Community Center, his Dixieland group and the Cobb New Horizons Band. In addition to bringing joy to his many audiences through music, he served for years on various committees for the Willow Point Homeowners Association and more recently took on a role as a patient and family adviser for Emory Healthcare. He never missed a chance to volunteer his time when he felt he could make a difference in people’s lives. Paul is survived by his wife of 28 years, Audrey, whom he loved dearly, and his children and their families: Chris and Marion Mandé, Craig and Pam Marbach and Sheryl and Greg Bluestein; and four grandchildren: Noah Marbach, Claire Marbach, Nicole Bluestein and Brooke Bluestein. He’s also survived by his sister, Fran Pollack, and his niece, Michele Gust. He was predeceased by his former wife, Debbie Mandé, and his parents, Sally and Pierre Mandé. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Winship Cancer Institute https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/support-winship/give/ or Chabad of Cobb chabadofcobb.com.
Leslie Elise Parker passed away on April 28. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Rabbi Daniel Greyber; daughter and soon to be son-in-law, Abby Tatum and Van Little; her sister, Annice Parker; and grandchildren Alon, Benjamin and Ranon Greyber and Chase Tatum. Leslie was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., and had a charmed childhood on Missionary Ridge, living next door to aunts, uncles and cousins. Her parents, Alex and Pauline Parker, were childhood sweethearts who called each other “Sweetie.” The family, which by then included her younger sister Annice, moved to Atlanta when Leslie was 12 years old. Leslie attended Northside High School and, later, the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. She was a middle school special ed teacher for several years. Leslie married Tommy May and they had two daughters, Jennifer and Abigail. She studied to become a paralegal when her children were young and was very well respected as a corporate paralegal at several top law firms in Atlanta throughout her career. Leslie was also married to James Pepper (z”l) and, most recently, Rabbi Stephen Listfield. Leslie especially loved ballet, dogs, doughnuts, gardening and all kinds of Mediterranean food. She loved murder mysteries, Christmas movies, Queen, “The Wizard of Oz” and anything British. She had a strong sense of ethics and always wanted to be remembered as a person of high moral standards. Leslie had already survived cancer in 2007 before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Fla., or Sharsheret. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-4514999.
74, Marietta
64 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
74, Atlanta
Richard David Spiegel 73, Atlanta
Richard David Spiegel, 73, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away on April 15. Richard grew up in Miami, Fla., attended the University of Miami and was a jeweler for most of his career. He was a big Braves and Miami Dolphins fan and enjoyed painting, arts and crafts and spending time with family. Richard is predeceased by Leah and Leonard Spiegel from Savannah, Ga. He is survived by Marsha, his wife, Aaron and Joanne Haimovitz, his stepchildren and Avi, Jonah, Ezra, Kelsey and Madison, his grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the Weinstein Hospice in lieu of flowers. The funeral was held on April 18 at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Colbert officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999.
OBITUARIES
Sara Gross Tauber
Estelle Weinstein
Sara Gross Tauber, age 79, died peacefully on April 13. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Allison and Dan Fellner of Atlanta; daughter and son-in-law, Stacy and Brian Krapf of Savannah, Ga.; grandchildren: Madeline and Eli Fellner, Max Krapf; and sister, Paula Vernon of Columbia, S.C. Sara was a native of Columbia, S.C. She loved to dance as a teen in Myrtle Beach, as an adult at Johnny’s Hideaway and, in recent years, during happy hours at the Solana of East Cobb. Sara loved to cook for her friends and family. She hosted huge Thanksgiving gatherings that were treasured by all who attended and made chocolate chip cookies by the ton to share with others. She enjoyed knitting, particularly when she made scarves and blankets to give to those in need. She was resourceful, smart and driven and built a successful career that she really enjoyed. Sara was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend, and will be sorely missed. Special thanks for the care provided by Weinstein Hospice, Solana of East Cobb and her personal caregivers: Jocelyn, Fatoumata and Jazz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz. org) or another charity of your choice. Sign the online guestbook at www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com. Funeral services were held April 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Highway NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta, 770-451-4999.
Estelle Weinstein, 93, died peacefully, surrounded by family, Wednesday, April 27. Estelle, or Stella as she was known, was born on November 7, 1928, in New York. She attended and graduated from New York University. In 1959, she moved to El Paso, Texas, with her husband, David, and their young family. After obtaining a master’s degree in education at the University of Texas at El Paso, she was a remedial reading teacher for 10 years. She was an avid tennis player, an accomplished bridge player and had a joyous zest for life. For the past 19 years, Estelle enjoyed life in Atlanta — the first six of which she shared with David. Afterwards, she became a part of the Huntcliff communities. Stella is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Larry Feldman of Atlanta, Ga., and Rachel and Bruce Frohlich of Philadelphia, Penn. She is further survived by her three grandchildren, Nathan and Alec Feldman and Max Frohlich. She was preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Ned (10) and Ira (7) Weinstein. A memorial service was held Sunday, May 1, at Temple Sinai on Dupree Drive. Her family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations are sent to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF.org). Sign online guest book: Dresslerjewishfunerals.com. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.
79, Atlanta
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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 15, 2022 | 65
OBITUARIES
Marty Wolfe 95, Roswell
Were it fiction, these words would reflect concluding thoughts after the final chapter of a literary work of art. They summarize the story of the leading man in this tale, Martin William Wolfe, 95, who, after finishing his time with us, has joined his beloved Naomi to resume their love affair. To have known him was to have known Rick Blain, Atticus Finch, Rhett Butler and the old man and the sea, all of whom would have longed to be compared to him. Marty was born February 25, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York, to Harry and Pauline Wolfe, second-generation immigrants from the Russia-Poland region of Eastern Europe. He was the spoiled baby boy of the family, adored by his sisters Helma Wolfe Tauber, who predeceased him, and Gerry Wolfe Goldner, who survives him at 102. Known as “Zeendee” (Yiddish for my boy) to his mother, he was a precocious kid who played stickball in the street, basketball and handball at the park, and had the only dog in the neighborhood, Teddy, with a charge account at the corner candy store. After his bar mitzvah in 1940, Marty’s concern turned to the turmoil of World War II in Europe and Asia. At 16, with the consent of his father, Marty joined the Navy so as “not to miss the war.” He served in the Atlantic as a quartermaster aboard an Admiral’s flag ship, “among other boats,” and earned his membership in the Greatest Generation. Upon honorable discharge from the Navy, Marty, ever the adventurer, decided to attend the University of Georgia in a state he had never been to before. He began classes in the fall of 1947 at the Savannah branch on the U.S. Army Air Base there. After the first semester in Savannah, Marty transferred to the UGA campus in Athens. His major was business administration, to which he took an immediate liking and graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi in two-and-a-half years. It was during his first year in Athens, however, when, according to him, “the most
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fortuitous event in his life occurred.” Marty met Naomi Saye and it was love at first sight. He marveled at everything about her. He delighted in her presence and encouraged all she did with a smile, the gleam in his eye and ice cream whenever they could share some together. She was Princess Buttercup to his Wesley, and whatever she asked of him was always greeted with “as you wish.” Naomi felt the same about Marty in every way, and they were married in a small synagogue in Athens on March 11, 1950. Shortly thereafter, they left Athens for Ocean Avenue in Brooklyn, N.Y. Upon his return, Marty, his dad and brothers-in-law, Lenny Tauber and Harold Goldner, formed a business together in Manhattan called Harry H. Wolfe and Sons. It was a coffee roasting and packing business created years before the Starbucks craze. They eventually became the largest “trade roasting” operation in the country. In 1951, Marty was called back into the Navy for the Korean Conflict, shortly after the birth of their daughter Rhonda Beth on February 27, 1951. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, again, Marty returned to Naomi and Rhonda, had two more children, Larry David (May 1953) and Mark Reed (January 1955) and bought a home in Westbury, on Long Island. In 1960, as if Horace Greeley was speaking to him directly, Marty decided to go west and seek his fortune there. He packed the family up in his 1959 Dodge Custom Royal sedan and set out on his next adventure to California. His time there was another success, this time as a restaurateur, because he was a master at dealing with people and delighted at being with them. In 1964, he began a career with Marion Laboratories in pharmaceutical sales, and quickly became the West Coast Sales Advisor. Marion transferred the family from California to Stamford, Conn., in the summer of 1968, where Marty became the East Coast Sales Advisor. Years later, Marty returned to the coffee business with Harry H. Wolfe and Sons, where he stayed until his retirement at age 55 in 1982. After traveling to Israel, China, Vietnam, Africa and Europe, and enjoying retirement for what seemed like a weekend, Marty and Naomi moved to North Carolina in 1983. There, he bought a ranch with 750 head of Santa Gertrudis beef cattle. Having been born, as he put it, “100 years too late,” Marty had always wanted to be a cowboy and had the pleasure of working the ranch for 18 months. Again, ahead of his time, his herd was raised antibiotic-free and was entirely grass-fed. In 1984, Marty and Naomi moved to Atlanta, where they built a home and lived until Naomi left us in October 2021. Over their 72 years together, Marty and Naomi had the pleasure of welcoming seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren into their lives. Marty loved his children with all of his heart, and he loved their spouses, Jeff Nachamkin, Patterson Wolfe and Rosalie Wolfe just as much, enjoying them with the same pride as if they were his own. Marty is not lost to us because he touched the hearts of too many to ever be forgotten. Instead, the family takes comfort in knowing that he is off to his next adventure and in remembering what he always said when he departed: “Until we meet again, Adios.” The memorial service for Marty Wolfe took place on April 28 at Northside Chapel, 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, Ga. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project. Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact Editor and Managing Publisher Kaylene Ladinsky at kaylene@atljewishtimes.com or 404-883-2130, ext. 100, for details about submission, rates and payments. Death notices, which provide basic details, are free and run as space is available; send submissions to editor@atljewishtimes.com.
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CLOSING THOUGHTS A Death in the Family A week ago, my niece called to tell me that her father died in New York City. He was my brother-in-law, Marvin Rosengart, my sisAllen H. Lipis ter’s husband. The Bottom Line I had a general view that I would make every effort to attend only simcha celebrations, and I didn’t think I had to attend funerals when they were a long distance away. I could attend a funeral on Zoom or skip it, but in this case, it was different. I knew Marvin across the 59 years of their marriage. He was a brother to me. I had to support my sister and the family. My daughter, Pamela, came with me and we decided to stay for the entire shiva week. We wanted to be a part of the grieving process, to talk about Marvin’s life to elevate ourselves along with the rest of the family. Marvin had lived a long, successful
68 | MAY 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
life and died at age 92.5 after a gradual deterioration of his physical condition. The family knew that the end was coming and they could prepare for it; there was no surprise. Marvin was an entrepreneur. His older brother taught him to be a diamond setter. What is the secret for a successful career? Focus! Pick a business career and focus on it. People will pay for expertise, whatever the subject. Learn everything you can about that subject to be as good as you can. Marvin did just that and became one of the best diamond setters in Manhattan. As a result, he was never without work. In trying to summarize Marvin’s life, the most important thing was that he cared deeply about his family, and he focused on making a living for them. Work was a very important aspect of his life. He worked without a break until he retired at about 85 years old. I don’t want to minimize his work. For Marvin, it provided financial security, something he constantly worried about. He took his money and invested it in the stock market. He made his own investment decisions because he trusted his
own judgment. Work also provided social connections for him; it allowed him to improve his skills to become one of the best. His work contributed to society. He often saw the expensive diamond necklaces he finished displayed in magazines and on the necks of women, along with the expensive diamond rings that he set. Throughout the week, I had a chance to know more intimately many of my relatives, as well as my sister’s friends and her children. At a wedding, a bar mitzvah or a bat mitzvah, the crowd is big, the music is loud and conversation is difficult. It is difficult to talk, and the focus is on the party and the celebration. However, at a shiva, the focus is on the deceased, on that person’s life and achievement. You hear about what was important in his or her life, and it helps to put your own life in perspective. Here’s what Marvin taught me: • Love unconditionally. He never stayed angry or upset for very long. He was a sweet and gentle man. • In business and in life, trust is everything. Marvin was often trusted with
extremely valuable diamonds. The entire industry operates on a high level of trust. • Your word is your bond. Marvin made it a priority to meet the time schedule of his customers, as well as his family’s needs. • Get up early and you will get a lot done. Marvin was usually at work by 5-6 a.m. • When you speak, be sure what you say is important. Marvin did not say much, but when he did, you listened and considered his opinion carefully. • Working alone means you are always in charge. With no disagreement in his business decisions, he slept well at night. The Jewish way of grieving is the price you pay for the positive relationship you had with the person you are grieving over. Whatever pain you feel about the loss is lessened by realizing the privilege you had in knowing the deceased person. The loss of a loved one is painful and emotional, but the benefits of knowing such a person provide the bottom line: Use what you learn from someone you admire to elevate yourself. ì
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