Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCVIII NO. 10, May 31, 2022 by Atlanta Jewish Times

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VOL. XCVIII NO. 10

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CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE BOB BAHR CHANA SHAPIRO CHARLES HACKER DAVE SCHECHTER DAVID OSTROWSKY DEBBIE DIAMOND JAN JABEN-EILON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE RACHEL STEIN ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON SHAINDLE SCHMUCKLER SUSANNE KATZ KARLICK

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THIS WEEK Hats Off to Grads of 2022 As the flowers finally bloom, graduation season hits its full stride in Atlanta. We know you’re curious about all that’s happening, so the AJT has assembled all the graduation details — including ceremonies both private and public, middle and high school — in one convenient location. In these pages, we highlight some of this year’s outstanding students, valedictorians, award-winners, graduation speakers, honorary-degree recipients and others — including hometown media mogul Tyler Perry, who received an honorary degree from Emory University. We also bring you the story of a prizewinning play by recent Emory grad Drew Mindell that sets Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice” in the Theresienstadt concentration camp, the latest on violinist Itzhak Perlman’s return to Symphony Hall and the background on a lot of items related to the 1915 lynching of Leo Frank, which is currently being auctioned off in Jerusalem. As Americans react to the leaked Supreme Court brief that appears to overturn Roe vs. Wade, Jewish leaders and organizations have weighed in as well. As we report, thousands showed up to the Jewish Rally for

Abortion Justice, which took place in Washington on May 17, cosponsored by more than 150 Jewish organizations and synagogues. Our politics section has all the latest on the Georgia primaries, including how Jewish candidates fared. Two Jewish hopefuls will face off in state House district 51, where Democrat Esther Panitch won her primary contest, while Republican Peter Korman was unopposed. In state House district 50, another Jewish candidate, long-time Fulton County Republican official Betsy Kramer, faces a runoff against Narender Reddy. Republican Mitchell Kaye won a special election to represent district 45 until the General Assembly reconvenes in January. And Jewish Democrat Jeff Auerbach of Athens ran unopposed in the House district 121 primary, as did his Republican opponent in the general election, Marcus Wiedower. Jewish Democrat Mike Wilensky dropped out of the primary contest. In our next issue, the AJT brings you unique ideas for pampering papa on Father’s Day and the top real estate and professionals taking Atlanta by storm. We look forward to sharing your stories and learning what makes your dad special! ì

Cover image: Some of the Jewish graduates of 2022 featured in our tributes section.

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NEWS NCJW Rally Unites Jewish Pro-Choice Supporters By Jan Jaben-Eilon An increasing number of Jewish women are viewing the probability of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade — the landmark 1973 case that legalized access to abortion nationwide — as a threat to their religious rights. Jewish pro-choice efforts have greatly increased in urgency following the leak, in early May, of a draft of a Supreme Court opinion that would overturn the right to abortion. Jewish groups may take more significant steps in the following weeks or months, as more states limit access to abortion and the Supreme Court issues its final ruling in a landmark Mississippi case. “I think it is possible to challenge a state law on the question of freedom of religion,” said Laura Kurlander-Nagel, an attorney with the Atlanta-based Johnson Kurlander Legal Group. Kurlander-Nagel is also a cochair of the reproductive justice committee of the Atlanta section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) — the group that initiated the Jewish Rally for Abortion Justice in Washington, D.C., even before the leaked

6 | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

opinion by Justice Samuel Alito galvanized the pro-choice movement. In place of the hundreds of attendees expected to attend, thousands showed up to the May 17 rally from all over the country, as well as from Israel, where abortions are subsidized or free through the national health system, with few restrictions. The rally was cosponsored by more than 150 Jewish organizations A protester holds up a sign reading “Abortion Access is a Jewish Value” at a rally in front of the U.S. and synagogues and was Capitol Building organized by the National Council for Jewish Women, May 17. (Julia Gergely-JTA) addressed by rabbis from all major Jewish denominations as part of save a mother’s life. At a May 6 rally of Jewish faith, and thus violates the First AmendNCJW’s “Rabbis for Repro” initiative. That Voices for Justice and Reproductive Freedom ment’s protections of separation of church initiative includes a large group of American at The Temple, Rabbi Peter Berg said, “To be and state.” (https://www.atlantajewishtimes. clergy members who have pledged to speak clear, reproductive choice should have noth- com/abortion-is-a-religious-right/) Another Orthodox rabbi, up for reproductive justice within their con- ing to do with politics [and] Adam Starr of Ohr HaTorah, the religious right imposing gregations, including many Atlanta rabbis. told the AJT, “Judaism’s view their views on others; this is a As rabbis from every denomination on abortion is nuanced and deeply religious decision. Jewhave pointed out, Jewish law requires you to complex. As with most things ish tradition, for thousands in Judaism, there isn’t a single of years, has stated unequivoaccepted position as to what cally that the fetus is not conJudaism believes in all cirsidered a human being and cumstances. What is clear is has no juridical personality of that Judaism’s approach to its own.” “For too long, Jews have In a statement, the At- been ignored as part of the abortion does not fit neatly lanta Rabbinical Association conversation,” said Sheila into either the ‘pro-life’ or ‘proKatz, NCJW president. choice’ camp.” wrote: “As rabbinic leaders In a 2019 AJT article about a proposed representing the Greater Atlanta Jewish community, and members of the Atlanta law to limit access to abortion in Georgia, Rabbinical Association, we are deeply trou- Rabbi Jonathan Crane, the Raymond F. Schinbled by the possibility that reproductive free- azi Scholar of Bioethics and Jewish Thought doms in our country and our state could be at Emory University’s Center for Ethics, notdrastically curtailed with the overturning of ed that under Jewish law, after 40 days, “the fetus acquires some moral Roe v. Wade. While our differstatus, like that of a thigh. This ent streams of Judaism may does not mean, however, that differ in their parameters for it has the same moral status permitting abortion, we are as a full person. … Only when united in our understanding it has crowned do mother that a blanket denial of access and baby become moral to abortion would be in oppoequivalents. Once the baby is sition to Jewish values and etha separate entity it becomes a ics as reflected in the Bible and person.” (https://www.atlantarabbinic teachings.” Dr. Mimi Zieman pointed jewishtimes.com/jewish-lawThe ARA is headed by out that carrying a and-abortion/) Temple Beth Tikvah Rabbi Alpregnancy to term has a risk of death that can Crane also noted that exandria Shuval-Weiner, the be as high as 40 times “The Bible (Exodus 21:22) first female rabbi to lead the the risk associated with stipulates that inadvertently organization. early legal abortion. causing a miscarriage is not a Orthodox Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez, who participated in capital crime; it is neither murder nor tantaNCJW’s Repro Shabbat initiative, has writ- mount to murder. … Thought abortion is not ten that “any law that limits a person’s abil- criminalized in Judaism, it is not considered ity to access abortion or reproductive health a legitimate method of birth control either.” In the weeks following the leaked court serves limits their ability to practice their

NEWS A study conducted by the Pew Research opinion, several states — led by Oklahoma’s recent ban on abortion after fertilization — Center indicated that 83 percent of American have further restricted access to abortion, Jews believe that abortion should be legal in most or all cases, compared to 61 percent of even in cases of rape or incest. In an interview with the JTA, NCJW the total U.S. population. “It is a Jewish right and issue for a wompresident Sheila Katz said, “For too long, a small but loud group from the religious right an to obtain full maternal healthcare,” said has claimed the narrative on faith and abor- Kurlander-Nagel. Dr. Mimi Zieman, cochair of the reproductive justice tion. That narrative is simply committee of NCJW’s Atlanta not true. For too long, Jews branch and an OB-GYN, said have been ignored as part of Jewish values support aborthe conversation, and the only tion access for another reason. way we can counter a faith “It’s a matter of justice. It’s a narrative is with a faith narJewish value to stand up for rative.” the disenfranchised, the miAt the May 17 rally, Katz nority, young and low-income emphasized that “religious women. Treating people fairly freedom is meant to be a shield “I think it is possible to is a Jewish issue.” to protect people of minorchallenge a state law on the question of freedom That’s why NCJW reity faith communities, not a of religion,” said Laura cently announced its launch sword to discriminate against Kurlander-Nagel, an of the Jewish Fund for Aborus. The only way we can truly attorney with the Johnson tion Access, an initiative to have religious freedom in this Kurlander Legal Group. raise funds for the National country is if every person can make their own decisions for their body, Abortion Federation, which helps people get abortions, including funding for lodging and their life and their future.” Katz told the financial and business transportation to cross state lines if necesnews site Insider that the “notion that the Su- sary. Zieman pointed out that carrying a preme Court might dictate when life begins according to only one religious tradition is pregnancy to term comes with a risk of death that can be up to 40 times greater deeply problematic and concerning to us.”

than the risk associated with early legal for saving a woman’s life?” asked Kurlanderabortion. Pregnancy is associated with ad- Nagel. Both women also highlighted the threat ditional morbidities, such as diabetes, preeclampsia, blood clots, stroke, hypertension, to in-vitro fertilization (IVF), which involves hemorrhage, infection, preterm labor and a number of embryos being implanted, by postpartum depression. That’s one reason some versions of state abortion bans. “The why most major medical societies oppose ramifications of this decision are overanti-abortion laws. The American College of whelming,” said Kurlander-Nagel. The AJT contacted the Obstetricians and GynecoloJewish Fertility Network for its gists states, “Abortion care is opinion, but CEO and founder essential health care.” Elana Frank declined to comAccording to an NCJW ment. “As a non-advocacy orstatement, Georgia already ganization, we’re going to pass has one of the highest maon a comment and leave it to ternal mortality rates in the the professionals,” she wrote country and an abortion ban in an email. will likely increase maternal As a lawyer, Kurlandermorbidity and mortality, dis“Reproductive choice Nagel said that she is disturbed proportionally harming mishould have nothing to nority and lower-income peo- do with politics [and] the by the apparent trajectory of religious right imposing the U.S. Supreme Court. “This ple who already face higher their views on others,” can unravel decades of law,” risks. said The Temple’s she said. “It doesn’t make any Zieman said that new Rabbi Peter Berg. legal sense.” abortion bans will also imThe significance of the court’s abortion pact women in Georgia in several other ways. “Georgia already has a shortage of OB- opinion, Kurlander-Nagel said, “is different GYNs,” she said. “They will not want to stay than the gun rights movement. This is differand practice in this state” if the Georgia ban ent than anything other than the civil rights movement. That was a turning point in our against abortion becomes law. What doctor “would want to practice in country. This is a justice movement and we the state if they could be convicted of a felony need to protest by the millions.” ì

Mazel Tov to the Class of 2018! We wish you the best of luck in college and beyond.

MEMBERS OF EPSTEIN’S CLASS OF 2018 WERE ACCEPTED TO: American University Arizona State University Auburn University Baldwin Wallace University Ball State University Bard College Boston Conservatory Boston University Brandeis University Clark University Clemson University College of Charleston Duke University Emerson College Florida State University George Washington University Georgia Institute of Technology Indiana University

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Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Ithaca College James Madison University Kennesaw State University Montclair State University Muhlenberg College Oberlin College Ohio State University Pennsylvania State University Point Park University Reed College Rollins College Rutgers University Skidmore College Syracuse University Temple University Texas Christian University Texas State University

The Citadel Tulane University University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Colorado Boulder University of Connecticut University of Delaware University of Florida University of Florida Honors University of Georgia University of Georgia Honors University of Kansas University of Maryland University of Massachusetts University of Miami University of Michigan University of South Carolina University of Tampa

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Harvey Weinstein Whistle Blower Honored in Tel Aviv By Jan Jaben-Eilon Award-winning American journalist and author Jodi Kantor suggests a story about her would be timelier this coming fall, when a film depicting how she exposed Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein’s history of sexual misconduct is released. But Tel Aviv University chose to award Kantor an honorary degree at its recent Board of Governors meeting. The New York Times journalist was recognized for her article — and book of the same name — “She Said,” which helped launch the #MeToo movement that strove Tel Aviv University awarded honorary degrees to 11 individuals and an organization, to hold powerful men accountable all of whom have made an exceptionally positive impact on the world. for sexual abuse and manipulation. Kantor’s investigative work won her shape policies and change lives; her courageous exposé a Pulitzer Prize in 2018. Declining an interview in an email to the AJT, she of sexual harassment that gave rise to the worldwide #MeToo movement and transformed a generation; her wrote: “I am juggling multiple stories and kids.” The university said the honorary degree was in rec- numerous accolades as a celebrated writer; and her ognition of Kantor’s “pivotal contribution to civil and commitment to social justice rooted in Jewish and unicultural discourse as an investigative journalist and versal values.” Kantor was not alone in being honored by the uniauthor; her uncompromising determination to reveal hidden truths that spur national debate, shift attitudes, versity. Katalin Karikó, developer of the mRNA-based

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New York Times journalist and author Jodi Kantor received an honorary degree from Tel Aviv University for her contributions to the #MeToo movement.

vaccine platform for COVID-19 and other diseases, was awarded an honorary degree, alongside theoretical physicist Sir Michael Victor Berry; influential neurobiologist and geneticist Cornelia Bargmann; philanthropist and businessman James S. Gertler; Jewish history scholar Jehuda Reinharz; Bernd Huber, president of Munich’s Ludwig Maximilian University; philanthropist Solomon Lew; evolution expert Jurgen Renn and former Banks of England and Canada governor Mark J. Carney, who was awarded the George S. Wise medal. Additionally, Tel Aviv University named its sports center after Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams and awarded scholarships to two Olympic swimmers, Andi Murez, now a student in the New York Medical program at TAU’s Faculty of Medicine, and Shahar Rasman, an MBA student in the Recanati Program at the School of Management. The scholarships are intended to enable athletes to study for new careers after retiring from sports. The Iranian American Jewish Federation of New York was also awarded an honorary fellowship. All honors were presented by the university’s board chairwoman, Dafna Meitar-Nechmad, President Ariel Porat and Rector Mark Steif. “The honorees of this event are all driven by a deep social consciousness, whether in the areas of academia, business, civic service or philanthropy, and their contribution is boundless,” said Meitar-Nechmad. But it was Kantor’s honorary award that attracted the most attention at this year’s ceremony. The upcoming film, named after the book written by Kantor and fellow journalist Megan Twohey, will be released in the U.S. on Nov. 18. It stars Zoe Kazan, Carey Mulligan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Samantha Morton, Tom Pelphrey and Adam Shapiro. The book, which was published in 2019, described how the authors had unearthed evidence of Weinstein’s sexual misconduct, resulting in the bombshell New York Times article on Oct. 5, 2017. That article exposed significant allegations against the Hollywood producer, including three decades of sexual harassment of female employees at The Weinstein Co. and Miramax. Weinstein was eventually sentenced to 23 years in prison. ì

NCJW Atlanta Section is delighted to announce its 2022-23 slate of officers: OFFICERS Co-Presidents Sherry Frank and Stacey Hader Epstein

You are invited to our

ANNUAL MEETING & INSTALLATION

Co-Vice Presidents, Advocacy Susan Gordon and Mimi Zieman

A Conversation with Shirley and Sherry: Sisterhood and Future Political Challenges

Co-Vice Presidents, Community Service Adele Bedrick and Renee Videlefsky Vice President, Development Marcy Bass Vice President, Programming Ronnie van Gelder Secretary Libby Gozansky Treasurer Rachel Rosner

Sherry Frank

The Honorable Shirley Franklin

Tuesday, June 7, 2022 Noon-1:30 p.m.

Maggiano’s Little Italy in Buckhead Luncheon: $36.00. Advance registration required by Thursday, June 2, 2022 at www.ncjwatlanta.org/events.

Assistant Treasurer Jana Frank State Policy Advocate (SPA) Sue Tilis

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sandy Abrams Joyce Bihary Mindy Binderman Lily Brent Linda Davidson Sara Duke Susie Greenberg Rabbi Lauren Henderson Cathy Jacobson Benita Kornberg Kate Kratovil Marcy Louza Sheri Labovitz Lindy Miller Laura Kurlander-Nagel Lisa Rovinsky Beth Schafer Samantha Schoenbaum Gabby Spatt Rebecca Sokol Ellen Williams

With gratitude to our Board of Directors members who are completing their term: Ellen Banov • Elizabeth Langfelder • Wendy Lipshutz Jo Ann Rau • Merle Smith • Debbie Sumner • Lori Zelony

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Republican Mitchell Kaye took the oath of office on May 17, placing his hand on a chumash held by his wife, Amy, and grandsons Caleb and Ari Kaye. By Dave Schechter Nineteen years after his first stint in the Georgia House ended, Mitchell Kaye took the oath of office May 17 as the representative from district 45. Kaye raised his right hand and placed his left on a chumash (a Torah published in book form) held by his wife, Amy, and grandsons Caleb and Ari Kaye, as the oath was administered by Georgia Supreme Court Associate Justice John J. Ellington. Also present in the House chamber were fellow Cobb County Republican Reps. Sharon Cooper, Devan Seabaugh and Don Parsons. Kaye will represent district 45 until the General Assembly — which adjourned its 2022 session on April 5 — convenes in January 2023. The district covers sections of eastern Cobb County and Roswell in Fulton County. He is not seeking election to a full two-year term. Kaye, a Republican, won 57 percent of the vote in a May 3 non-partisan runoff to defeat Dustin McCormick in the contest to fill the remaining months in the term of Republican Matt Dollar, who resigned in

February to become deputy commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia. “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) that ‘you are not required to complete the task, yet you are not free to withdraw from it,’” Kaye recently told the AJT. Kaye, a member of Chabad of Cobb, represented House district 37 from 1993 to 2003 and is believed to have been the first Jewish Republican elected to the Georgia legislature. He is a financial and valuation analyst who has lived in East Cobb for more than 30 years. McCormick, a Democrat, is seeking a two-year term from district 45 and in November will face the winner of the May 24 Republican primary between Cooper, who currently represents district 44, and Carminthia Moore, a Cobb County Republican activist. ì

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Jewish Women Honor Friend with Blood Drive By Dave Schechter Friends of a woman being treated for a blood-related cancer have planned a threeday, Jewish-themed blood drive. Organizers of “The Big Give” want at least 613 people to donate blood June 8-10, that number drawn from the 613 commandments (or mitzvot) in the Torah. The blood drive will be held in Heritage Hall at Congregation Beth Jacob in Toco Hills. Donations will be taken from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 8 and 9 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 10. Reservations can be made at www.thebiggiveatlanta.com, though walk-ins will be welcomed. Donors must be 16-years or older or have permission from a parent or guardian. The organizers are friends of Bev Saltzman Lewyn, who has been receiving treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in her hometown of Houston and continues to commute to the hospital from her parents’ home there. When a national blood shortage impacted Lewyn’s ability to receive transfusions, the former CNN news research co-

ordinator publicized the problem — even doing a live interview with a Houston television station during chemotherapy infusion, with her phone balanced on the pole holding the intravenous drip. “It was horrifying to think that any patient there to get well couldn’t because of a shortage that wasn’t well publicized at all,” Lewyn, 54, told the AJT in March. There is a particular shortage of type O-negative blood (Lewyn’s type, found in 7 percent of the population), which is prized because it can be transfused into patients with other blood types. The blood drive is being coordinated with LiveSouth Community Blood Centers, a community blood bank serving 125 hospitals in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Jodi Wittenberg, one of the blood drive organizers, said, “Bev called out attention to this blood shortage, so her friends are answering. This was the best her friends could do to love her, support her, and honor her.” T-shirts made for the event read “everyone’s got a type” on the front and “BEV is our type” on the back. Lewyn knew nothing of the blood drive until the organizers sent her pictures

Organizers of “The Big Give” (left to right): Jodi Wittenberg, Elizabeth Schoen, Marcy Kalnitz, Ella Katz, Liraz Beldie, Yael Katz, Dawn Siegel, Ayla Cohen, and Terry Cohen.

Modeling “The Big Give” t-shirt (left to right): Siena Joel, Marci Joel, and Kayla Joel.

of themselves wearing the t-shirts. “I cried! And I was speechless! Just amazing,” she said by text from Houston. Lewyn and her husband, Marc, are members of Beth Jacob, Congregation Ohr HaTorah, the New Toco Shul, and Marc also attends Chabad of Toco Hills. Along with Toco Hills congregations, another backer is the Jewish Women’s Connection, an organization of which Lewyn was a co-founder. In addition to Wittenberg, the organizers include Pam Glinsky, Marci Joel, Marcy Kalnitz, Terry Cohen, Elizabeth Schoen, Donna Adler, Yael Katz and Dawn Siegel. Students from Atlanta Jewish Academy — Ella Katz, Ayla Cohen, Kayla Joel and Si-

ena Joel — will staff a childcare room with snacks and activities for parents donating. Lewyn said in March: “I would actually beg the Jewish community in Atlanta to give blood and publicize the need. It is critical to save the lives of cancer patients. Everyone has been touched by cancer. I would like to see public service campaigns better educate the public about this. I think more people would run to give if they knew cancer patients were being prevented from getting well because of the awful national blood shortage. And I would say to those whose blood type is O-negative, you are angels on earth. G-d gave you the ability to heal any human on the planet.” ì

Empowering the Future. One Student at a Time.

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Leo Frank Memorabilia Auctioned in Jerusalem By Dave Schechter

dons and Paroles rejected a pardon application filed after 85-year-old Alonzo Mann An auction house in Israel is seeking a told The Tennessean newspaper what he minimum bid of $5,000 for a collection of had witnessed while working at the factory two dozen items related to the lynching of on the day Phagan was murdered. The state board determined that “it is impossible to Leo Frank. The online auction, which began May decide conclusively the guilt or innocence 24 at the Kedem Auction House in Jerusa- of Frank.” Three years later, Schwartz and his lem, is anticipated to bring in some $8,000 colleagues made, in his words, “not a legal to $12,000. Atlantans familiar with memorabilia argument so much as a political or emoconnected to the Frank case said that, while tional plea.” In granting that application, not remarkable individually, the sale is the board said it acted “without attempting evidence of continued interest in the only to address the question of guilt or innocence and in recognition of known lynching of a the state’s failure to proJew in the United States. tect the person of Leo The items for sale M. Frank and thereby include a postcard preserve his opportuwith a photograph of nity for continued legal Frank’s body hanging appeal of his convicfrom a tree after he tion, and in recognition was lynched on Aug. 17, of the state’s failure to 1915, in what then was a bring his killers to juswoods in Marietta, near tice.” Freys Gin Road. NumerA memorial to Leo ous copies of the Frank lynching photograph “That these items are for sale indicates Frank was dedicated have sold over the years. that the lynching remains of continued September 2018 on a grassy strip on Roswell In 2012, one went for interest,” Rabbi Steve Lebow said. Road in Marietta, just $3,125 at an auction by Sotheby’s. And in 2009, Kedem sold one at south of Interstate 75. A memorial to lynching victims was erected nearby in Decemauction for $813. The auction house is also selling a ber 2018. Between 1880 and 1946, more than player piano roll featuring “The Ballad of 3,400 Black Americans were lynched, inMary Phagan,” a song about the 13-year-old cluding an estimated 570 in Georgia alone. One of the people instrumental in findgirl whom Frank was convicted of killing on April 26, 1913, in the downtown Atlanta ing a site for the Leo Frank memorial and pencil factory where he was a manager. ongoing efforts to fully clear Frank’s name The lyrics to the 1925 song are printed in the is Rabbi Steve Lebow, now rabbi emeritus of Temple Kol Emeth in margins. Marietta. “The lynching The lot includes of Leo Frank and the letters and legal memomurder of Mary Pharanda from the 1980s gan was, at one time, the that discuss efforts by greatest unsolved mysthe ADL to exonerate tery of Georgia history. Frank. Some were writBecause of its notoriety ten by the late attorney there will always be an Dale Schwartz, who interest in memorabilia died in August 2021 and of that awful crime. whose legacy included That said, the items years of efforts to clear which are currently for Frank’s name. Archivist Sandy Berman said that sale do not stand out as Frank was consignificant items related to the Leo remarkable in the study victed on Aug. 28, 1913, Frank case remain unaccounted for. of the Frank case,” Leband sentenced to death. After Gov. John Slaton commuted his sen- ow said. “There are hundreds of post cards, tence to life in prison, a cabal of Cobb Coun- and copies of cards, that display the lynchty men, calling themselves “The Knights of ing of Frank. The player piano version of Mary Phagan,” kidnapped the 31-year-old ‘Little Mary Phagan’ is an oddity, but does Frank from the state prison in Milledgeville. not necessarily represent a ‘valuable collectThe Jewish factory manager, who had mi- ible.’ The copies of letters of support for Leo grated south from New York to work, was Frank are just that — copies.” “That said, that these items are for sale hung from a tree. In 1983, the Georgia State Board of Par- indicates that the lynching remains of con-

Kedem Auction House in Jerusalem is auctioning a collection of two dozen items related to the 1915 lynching of Jewish factory manager Leo Frank, including a player piano roll featuring a song about the victim, Mary Phagan, and letters and legal memoranda from the ADL’s efforts to exonerate him. // (Credit: Kedem Auction House)

tinued interest,” Lebow added. Sandy Berman, who was an archivist at the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum for 28 years and now consults for the museum, concurred. “Nothing on that list is something that is unique or something that we, the Breman, doesn’t have. We probably have eight, 10 different views of the lynching,” some postcards and other original

prints, she said. Berman added that what would be significant, should the items ever turn up, are film footage believed to have been shot of Frank at the state prison in Milledgeville, the autopsy reports on Mary Phagan and the actual transcript of Frank’s trial, as opposed to the more condensed brief of evidence. ì

Jody Reichel

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jfcsatl.org Photo by Eric Bern ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 13

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Lipstadt Gives First Address as Special Envoy By Dave Schechter There was a certain symmetry to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., hosting Professor — now Ambassador — Deborah Lipstadt’s first address as the United States special envoy to combat and monitor antisemitism. Lipstadt was a consultant during planning for the USHMM and later served on its governing council. She was introduced — as “the right person at the right time” — by Atlanta native and Museum Chairman Stuart Eizenstat. In 1978, as senior domestic policy adviser to President Jimmy Carter, Eizenstat played a significant role in the formation of the commission that conceived the museum, visited by more than 47 million people since opening in 1993. Lipstadt was confirmed by the Senate on a voice vote on March 30, eight months after her nomination by President Joe Biden and delays forced by Republican senators irritated by her social media posts. The vote was called by Sen. Jon Ossoff, the first Jewish senator from the state

14 | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Ambassador Lipstadt and Museum Director Sara Bloomfield. // U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

of Georgia. Lipstadt delivered an overview of antisemitism not dissimilar from those she has given on other occasions. Now, though, as a representative of the U.S. government, her words carry a different weight than when she was the Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish and Holocaust Studies at Emory University, from which she is on leave. Lipstadt began with a lengthy satiri-

From left to right: Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, Peter Gorog, Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, Allan Holt, Sara Bloomfield. // U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

cal joke that she had been told in Moscow when there is an “imbalance” in such critiin 1972, on Rosh Hashanah, by two refuse- cism, an unwillingness “to see the wrong niks — Soviet Jews who had been denied of others … one is compelled to ask, what’s permission to immigrate to Israel. Shortly the basis for this imbalance?” Lipstadt gave a verbal nod to the presthereafter, she addressed today’s Russia and its invasion of Ukraine, a former So- ence of her predecessor, Elon Carr, who served as the special envoy viet republic. under former President Lipstadt declared herDonald Trump, and to the self “stupefied and, more Abraham Accords, agreeimportantly, outraged by ments reached during the the exploitation” of the Trump presidency that exHolocaust for what she panded relations between called “a coldblooded war Israel and Bahrain, Moof choice.” As examples rocco and the United Arab of “egregious Holocaust Emirates. The accords are distortion” she referenced “an important initial step in Russian President Vladinormalization of relations” mir Putin asserting that his between Israel and its Arab country is fighting Nazis in Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt. // U.S. Holocaust Muslim neighbors, she said, Ukraine and Russian ForMemorial Museum adding that the task now is eign Minister Sergei Lavrov claiming that Nazi leader Adolph Hitler to “forge partnership with those and other countries in the Middle East and to foster had “Jewish blood.” Such “soft core” Holocaust denial is interfaith dialogue.” Speaking of the rise of antisemitism “the rewriting of the facts to serve other ends … turning the victim into victimizer, in Europe and in parts of Latin America, Lipstadt said, “Jew-hatred, antisemitism, is or the perpetrator into a victim,” she said. Speaking of the world more broadly, a threat to the stability of all governments. Lipstadt said, “Antisemitism does not No government thrives when it harbors come from one end of the political spec- deep-seated antisemitism.” Though, by statute, Lipstadt’s portfotrum. It is ubiquitous and is espoused by people who agree on nothing else or, bet- lio is antisemitism outside of the United States, she said it cannot be divorced from ter put, disagree on everything else.” “Too many people, organizations and events in this country, noting that the man institutions do not take antisemitism seri- who held a rabbi and three worshippers ously,” she said, and too often “those who hostage in a Texas synagogue in January condemn it cannot bring themselves to was a British national who had been radifocus specifically on this particular preju- calized before coming to the U.S. “I resolve to fight this plague with evdice.” During a question-and-answer ses- ery fiber of my being,” Lipstadt said. A member of Congregation Ohr sion with Sara Bloomfield, the museum’s director, Lipstadt framed the issue in more HaTorah in Toco Hills, Lipstadt said that dire terms: “Some people still have a hard when she took her oath of office, she made certain that the phrase “so help me God” time taking it seriously, unless Jews die.” In her speech, Lipstadt said that the was included. “With the task facing me, I U.S. government affirms that “criticism of needed every bit of support I could musIsraeli policies is not antisemitism,” but ter.” ì

NEWS

Two Local Shuls Host Israeli Guest Lecturers By Jan Jaben-Eilon Two Atlanta Orthodox synagogues joined some 100 communities nationwide to host Torah scholars as part of World Mizrachi’s annual Israel360 program during the Hebrew month of Iyar. For a fifth year, World Mizrachi – the umbrella movement for religious Zionism – sent rabbis, educators and thought-leaders to synagogues as guest lecturers. “Our sages teach us that from Zion will come Torah, and as we look at our calendar, both at the period between Pesach and Shavuot in general, but also at the month of Iyar in specific, it only highlights Israel’s role as the center of the collective Jewish soul,” said World Mizrachi Chairman Rav Doron Perez. “As a result, we’ve taken the month of Iyar as an opportunity to further promote our common love for Israel and Torah through our Israel360 program. We hope that it will continue to grow and further provide opportunities to connect Jews around the world.” Rabbi Adam Starr at Ohr HaTorah said that when he saw the list of 70 possible lecturers, he knew exactly who he wanted to speak to his congregation. “I have been a

LIVE IT. LEARN IT.

Rabbi Adam Starr said he had long been a big fan of Rabbi David Stav.

Rabbi David Stav is cofounder and chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization in Israel.

American-born Rabbi Zev Leff was the guest lecturer at Beth Jacob Atlanta in May.

big fan of his,” said Starr, referring to Rabbi David Stav, chief rabbi of the city of Shoham in Israel. Stav is also the cofounder and chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, whose goal is to provide religious services and to create dialogue with the overall Israeli population. “We lucked out. He is a strong leader, a principled leader,” Starr said of Stav. “I’m appreciative of his message. He made the process of getting married in Israel” more efficient and acceptable to Jewish Israelis. “He saw a problem and he fixed it.” Many members of Ohr HaTorah were familiar with Stav, and Starr said that the

four lectures the rabbi gave in early May were well-received. At Beth Jacob Atlanta, Bronx-born Rabbi Zev Leff was the Israel360 guest lecturer. Leff was the rabbi of Young Israel of Greater Miami before making aliyah with his family in 1983. He has served for decades as the rabbi of Moshav Matityahu, a small religious community in central Israel. This year, with the goal of reinforcing the relationship between Israel and diaspora Jews, Israel360 was incorporated into Mizrachi’s Chodesh Iyar Initiative, which capitalizes on Israel’s national holidays

of Yom HaZikaron, Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim, as well as New York’s Israel Day parade. “Mizrachi’s Israel360 program is the most experiential way we can bring the flavor and excitement of Torat Eretz Yisrael to our religious Zionist communities around the United States during this season,” said Religious Zionists of America Executive Vice President Rabbi Ari Rockoff. Founded in 1902, Mizrachi has been the voice of the Orthodox movement in the World Zionist Organization for almost 120 years. It is based in Jerusalem, with branches across the globe. ì

congrats, CLASS OF 2022! ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 15

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FIDF Celebrates Courage at Annual Gala By Marcia Caller Jaffe On Monday, May 16, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) held their annual celebration at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North. The theme of the night was “courage.” “I attended my first FIDF event when (l to r): FIDF National Board Member and Chairman Emeritus IDF Lt. Opal shared a Karen Shulman, chair of the Dr. Raimie Tritt, member of Naftali Bennett, the Garry Sobel; Rabbi Steven Weil, FIDF CEO; IDF Lt. Hayley; video of a conversation FIDF Southeast States, with the FIDF Southeast States she had with her Tracy Seitz, a member of Board, with IDF Lt. Haley. 13th prime minister, Seth Baron, vice president, FIDF Eastern Region; IDF Lt. Opal; Major General (Res.) Nadav Padan, FIDF national director; great-grandmother, a the FIDF Southeast Board. was the speaker,” reRegina Broda; Shea Lerner. // Jon Marks Photography Holocaust survivor. called FIDF Southeast States Chair Karen Shulman. “I realized that I had found my calling as a road, even supplying a warm bathrobe,” he told the AJT. blue-hued Grand Ballroom. “I believe we can all agree The FIDF Eastern Region’s vice president, Seth Bar- that the world we face requires great courage,” Baron leader in FIDF. … Because of IDF soldiers, courage does not just live in Israel. It lives wherever we are, and we on, introduced Rabbi Steven Weil, FIDF National CEO told those assembled. “While some may think of courand the organization’s national director, Major General age as an aspiration, Israel’s soldiers have no choice but are all strengthened by their committed service.” Temple Sinai Rabbi Natan Trief shared that he was (Res.) Nadav Padan. Weil made the point that countries to be courageous. Courage is mandatory, it comes with a Lone Soldier from 2007-09, serving in Search and typically spend 2-3 percent of their GDP on defense, the territory. And it is required for us as well. This clarRescue as a home-front commander. “My wife, Rabbi compared to some 15 percent in Israel. “We give the IDF ity sets us apart. For we understand we are not one more cause supporting Israel; we are Israel. Without the IDF, Samantha Trief, also serves on the FIDF board. I re- education and the wings to build Israel,” he said. Following an Israeli-themed buffet catered by A there is no Israel. We personally support the brave men call many of the benefits the FIDF provided like helping with flights home, food stands set on the side of the Kosher Touch, some 300 attendees were seated in the and women who make the reality and future of Israel possible.” Renee Evans, an FIDF supporter, told the AJT, “We are lucky to be able to support the soldiers’ health and welfare. This is our greatest philanthropic investment.” Atlanta otolaryngologist Ramie Tritt was born in Israel and raised in Montreal, where he says his family experienced antisemitism. He related the time his father was asked in French “if he was Jewish,” to which he replied, “German.” Tritt shared the stage with IDF Lt. Haley, whose early experience was as a pro-Israeli activist. “In college, I had to deal with anti-Israeli sentiments,” she said. After graduating in 2020, she took a direct route to an officer’s course as a Lone Soldier and found herself in COVID isolation in an army facility where the FIDF outfitted her room with Netflix, video games and even her own Sukkah. Lt. Opal, an IDF welfare officer in the Artillery Corps, shared a video of her conversation with her great-grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, about multiple escapes from the Nazis, as well as the formal ceremony at which her great-grandmother presented her with the IDF officer pin. Lt. Opal spoke about the deeply Atlanta International School meaningful nature of her service and the FIDF’s Dignity Kayden Skeete Luisa Gonzalez Jacquorie Gray Mollenkamp Luly Ahmed Nico Cline program, which provides soldiers and their families Michael Slosberg Pauline Alibaksh Annabelle Cooley Josh Grand Ludovica Moroni Alexis Moscoso Louis Stalet Leona Anbari Maria Cornella Elias Griepentrog with essential items. Cricket Paine Nickolas Stuber Nora Anderson Lia Dadoun Louisa Hanson Ryn Daniel Ellie Isenberg Kyle Palsson Olivia Sussman Robert Anthony Garry Sobel, a member of the FIDF national board Krisztian Syposs Hannah Johnson Kenady Parks Liya Ashurov Sophia Davoudi Evan Theriot Mateo Bargagna Christina Davoudpour Josh Joseph Anthony Parrish and chairman emeritus of the Southeast States, delivChiara Peluzzo Ramaya Thomas Virignia Dean Cara Joyce Gioconda Barral-Secchi ered the final tribute to Israel’s history of courage. “ConSantiago Perella-Holfeld David Valkysers Elizabeth Barry Alex DeCross Sammie Kamran Eric Detlef Sophie Katsitadze Caitlin Prichett Eddie Valverde Daniel Bartlett sider the Entebbe raid, the most daring in history, then Vivi van Nostrand Cailin Dettingmeijer Alya Khoury Nicky Rea Lara Baykal Reva Read Landon Varah A.J. Bohanon Kavi Dodge Caitlin Kilinc going door to door in 2014 in Gaza to root out terrorists. Roland Kis Megan Reimer Mikhil Vats Jackson Boyd Rayan Elchami Noah Kristensen Patrick Richter Kayley Walker Reese Bradley Clara Enescu Victory is their only option. These soldiers have inherVictoria Erdman Alexis Lamar Gigi Rocha Tillman Washington Harris Britton Jordon Rolley Ryan Watkins William Ezell Carolyn Lee Jack Buchanan ent courage. Tonight, 35 Atlanta (Lone Soldiers) children Vedika Saboo Colette Whitney Selin Buyan Capucine Faessler Ford Lee Cassy Leung Artin Safarkhani Maya Williams Santiago Chapa Layla Felder are standing guard for us. The IDF is a melting pot, takNatalie Williams Filip Lucic Jasmin Sertel Rhys Chapman Cole Ferrari ing strides in gender education, experts in cyber techStella Wright Ledao Gavalda Elle Mazzawi Gaspard Seuge Aleyna Cirig-Beebe Layla Shamsid-Deen Dalyan Yet Lucie Gerebtzoff Harry Millington Josie Clark nology. Yes, courage lives here.” ì

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2022!

16 2022_AISAd_ATLJewishTimes_6.3x5.5_MAY.indd | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

5/26/22 3:54 PM

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Itzhak Perlman Shines at Atlanta Symphony Concert By Bob Bahr Violinist Itzhak Perlman, a favorite with Atlanta audiences, headlined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s annual Gala Concert in Symphony Hall on Saturday evening, May 21. The concert was highlighted by Perlman’s transcendent reading of Max Bruch’s Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, a standard in the violin repertoire from the Romantic era and one of the few works by the German composer that’s regularly performed. Itzhak Perlman’s appearance with the ASO came after In 2018, Perlman received the Atlanta Jewish Film two years of avoiding public performances because Festival’s Icon Award. // Vaughn Gittens/AJFF Sometimes described as the best 19th cenof the COVID pandemic. // Jeff Roffman/ASO tury example of a one-hit wonder, Bruch is best known to Jewish audiences for his performed on schedule, with Yoel Levi, Dinner fundraiser at the High Museum ASO. Opus No. 47, “Adagio on Hebrew Melodies the music director who did so much to following the concert, for which orchestra Perhaps Perlman was just preservfor Violoncello and Orchestra,” a Kol Nidre solidify the orchestra’s reputation from supporters had paid as much as $1,500 a ing his legendary store of energy. The composition sung in some congregations 1988 to 2000, and Pinchas Zuckerman plate. next morning the violinist was up early to filling in for Perlman. Until he resumed on the eve of Yom Kippur. The event raised funds for the orches- catch a flight back to New York, where he Over the years, Perlman has made touring earlier this year, Perlman had not tra’s education and community outreach was preparing for a May 23rd concert for the Concerto No. 1 his own. His Symphony performed in public since 2020. programs, but it honored outgoing board medical relief in Ukraine at Carnegie Hall. He was still cautious during his latest chair Janine Brown. Also honored was Forty-eight hours after he finished his conHall performance was distinguished by a delicate balance between the elegant and appearance. The violinist, who contracted Azira Hill, widow of Jesse Hill, a leader in cert in Atlanta, Perlman took the stage to the polio virus in Atlanta’s African American business and join a star-studded cast of performers that lyrical elements of the Israel in 1949 when political communities. Hill has been a long- included singer Michael Feinstein, classical early passages and he was four years time volunteer in the effort to develop Afri- violinist Midori, opera star Isabel Leonard the crisp and energetold, used a compact can American audiences and talent for the and NPR’s Chris Thile, among others. ì ic drama of the later scooter to zip across measures. Nicola Luithe stage before and sotti, the Italian conafter his perforductor who led the mance. symphony orchestra, Perlman also was so taken by the mandated that audibeauty of Perlman’s ence members show performance that he proof of vaccination spontaneously kissed or a negative COVID his hand at the conBUCKHEAD test within 48 hours clusion of the concert. The ASO Gala honored Azira Hill for of the performance. For those who her development work in the African There were no exwere not able to atAmerican community, including this 2013 ceptions. Those who tend the pricey conperformance for President Obama in the did not bring proof cert — some tickets White House. // Pete Souza/White House of vaccination were were selling for $400 — an EMI Classics recording that Perlman tested onsite by a health care technician. made 38 years ago, when he was 39, will Needless to say, both the orchestra and give listeners at home some idea of what the audience were required to be masked they missed. As late as last year, Perlman’s at all times. Two years before the pandemic beperformance with the late Bernard Haitink and Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw Orches- gan, Perlman charmed at a 2018 perfortra was still being applauded by Britain’s mance at the Sandy Springs Performance P R E M I E R LO C AT I O N  LU X U R Y A M E N I T I E S  S P E C TA C U L A R V I E W S Arts Center’s Byers Theater co-sponsored prestigious Gramophone magazine. In its 2021 review of all-time best re- by the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. He cordings of violin concertos, Gramophone received the festival’s Icon Award for his O F F E R E D AT $ 1 , 3 9 9 , 0 0 0 wrote that “sweetness and poetry charac- contributions to film the same year that T H E U LT I M AT E I N H I G H - R I S E C O N D O M I N I U M L I V I N G ! terize this likable performance by one of the AJFF screened “Yitzhak,” an intimate the fiddle’s greats.” If anything, Perlman’s and revealing American Masters/PBS PATTI JUNGER maturity and flawless technique have documentary. Associate Broker Perlman’s latest performance received only served to polish his masterful interTop Agent in the Company, 2010–2020 a standing ovation that brought him back pretation of the concerto. Over a Billion Dollars in Career Sales His return to the Symphony Hall to the stage three times to acknowledge the O 404.591.6522 M 404.849.1183 stage was, in part, an effort to make up applause. But there was no encore and no pattijunger@dorseyalston.com | pattijunger.com for his last-minute cancellation as soloist remarks before or after his performance of 100 W Paces Ferry Rd | Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404.352.2010 | dorseyalston.com for the ASO’s 70th anniversary concert the Bruch concerto. Neither did the violinInformation believed accurate but not warranted. Offer subject to prior sales, errors, omissions, changes and withdrawals without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity. in early March 2020. The concert was ist make an appearance at the ASO’s Gala

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JF&CS Tasting Toasts Independent Living Program

JF&CS Chief Marketing and Development Officer Amanda La Kier and board member Carly Tritt Siegel pose with JF&CS CEO Terri Bonoff (right).

By Marcia Caller Jaffe After a two-year break, the highly anticipated Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program gourmet tasting soiree took place on Thursday, May 12, at the spacious Stave Room on Armour Drive. Now in its 22nd year, the annual event benefits the Jewish Family & Career Services’ Independent Living Program, an individualized, nonsectarian support

Andy N. Siegel CPCU, CIC, AAI Sheldon Berch

Clients of the Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program had fun mingling and dining.

Shay Lavi’s Nur Kitchen offered three different food concepts. Assistant Alissa Fladell helped with the prep and display.

Honorary Chair Pearlann Horowitz (left) greets AJT Publisher Michael Morris, alongside her son, Jerry Horowitz, and Faith Goldberg.

initiative that enables people with disabilities to live as independently as possible. JF&CS CEO Terri Bonoff recalled that at the last tasting event, she had only just arrived in Atlanta and hadn’t yet officially assumed her new position. “I am so proud that we have come full circle here, interwoven in this powerful community, to be part of such an authentic and genuine event where the clients have

such a good time and are mingling here,” she said. Along with a selection of drinks, 19 restaurants, catering companies and their managers — including Aziza and Nur Kitchen — were on hand to greet some 500 tasters and explain their culinary concept. Art and fun experiences were available by silent auction to benefit the program. “We are thrilled to be here to thank these wonderful vendors, especially the first-time restaurants,” said Honorary Chair Pearlann Horowitz. “I am so grateful that so many support this cause. One of the reasons Jerry and I endowed this program was in consideration of our daughter, who has developmental disabilities. The umbrella organization supports these nonsectarian men and women you see here tonight. Important also is the new generation of caregivers (as many age out) who will be there to serve when the families can no longer care for their loved ones.” Vanessa Frank and Amy Lewis were also honorary chairs. JF&CS Chief Administrative Officer Keith Kirshner socialized with the partyclad clients, pointing out how a set of four typically experience independent living together in one house. Les Retter of High Roller Sushi laid out torched, sugar-encrusted salmon nigiri alongside a pineapple-flavored Hawaiian “crab” roll. “We are happy to support such a good cause,” Retter said. “We are catering a lot of sushi for home events, schools, mitzvahs, hotels and hospitals … and events for ‘making your own sushi.’” Nur Kitchen’s Shay Lavi and his assistant, Elissa Fladell, offered a dazzling display of three concepts: rows of “birthday pita” that brought back memories of Lavi’s childhood — when, instead of cake, his parties featured a bowl of hum-

mus with a pickle in the middle — succulent eggplant and onion flavored with sumac and spicy amba and matbucha (a Moroccan Jewish condiment consisting of stewed tomatoes and roasted peppers) on tomato butter and dill. In a whisper, Lavi told the Atlanta Jewish Times that he was, indeed, in the process of moving his highly touted Nur Kitchen across the street from its current location on Buford Highway, to be replaced with a beer and burger concept. Aziza, part of Tal Baum’s Olivia Restaurant Group, served a winning cured salmon tartare with pickled mustard seed. Restaurant guru David Abes was on hand with chef Nick Leahy of the recently launched The Usual, serving potato gnocchi with smoked ragout on micro-cabbage salad. Pricci’s charismatic chef Piero Premoli presented a classic “Roman Hebrew” dish, abbacchio alla giudia, consisting of roasted lamb loin, artichokes and fava beans. The first JF&CS tasting was held 22 years ago at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta, with Joan and Donald Brown hosting a low-key wine tasting for 130 guests. Their son, Mark Brown, who was in charge of libations, still works with distributors and vendors to provide a vast array of beverages in cans and by the glass. “When we started, the idea was to have it in our home,” Joan Brown laughed. “I’m glad Donald got the Hyatt to donate everything and host it there. It was grand and still is.” ì

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Hillel Annual Meeting Salutes Officers and Donors

(From left): Honoree Susan Caller, Major General (Ret.) Larry Taylor, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserves), Honoree Steven Caller.

Steve Selig, Linda Selig, Bob Wilensky and Mark Silberman were part of a strong Hillel board.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe On May 26, the Marcus Hillel Center on Emory University’s campus hosted the organization’s annual meeting. The full itinerary included a slate of new officers, presented by outgoing Board Chair Stacey Fisher, and recognition of philanthropists Harry Maziar and Susan and Steve Caller. Fisher spoke about what initially impelled her to join Hillel’s leadership, quoting Hillel’s famous dictum, “If not now, when?” “As a mother of four college-aged kids, none of whom actually went to Georgia colleges, this calling to participate is greater than oneself,” she said. Adam Strater, incoming Hillel Senior Jewish educator, delivered a d’var torah that connected the upcoming Shavuot holiday with the biblical Book of Ruth. “Both are about loving kindness and the rewards to those who teach,” he said. “Note that Ruth is among the most ‘human’ Books of the Bible, imparting kindness and relating Chesed as transformative in involving students.” Hillels of Georgia represents more than 5,000 students on 10 campuses. A video highlighted popular Hillel activities such as the Etgar Civil Rights tour, Israel Fest, Daffodil Dash and multiple trips to Israel. Other initiatives include climate grants, programs about antisemitism, online programs and partnering with Jewish Family and Career Services (JF&CS) on mental health. Alex Gandler, Israel’s Deputy Consul General to the Southeastern U.S., presented the Opher Aviran Award to Susan and Steven Caller, who had just flown in from Lexington, Ky. Aviran was acknowledged for his long-standing career as a diplomat, alongside previous award recipients Rabbi Peter Berg and Ken Stein. Caller, a graduate of Georgia Tech, was recognized for his “commitment to Israel and the Jewish people worldwide,” such as his service on behalf of the Jewish Federation’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, AIPAC, his local Federation, JCC and synagogue. Some of the highlights of Caller’s career included escorting Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and his wife, Elaine Chao, to Israel and their ardent support of the Hillel at Georgia Tech. “Sixty years ago, there was no Yiddishkeit on the Tech campus, and plenty of behind-the-scenes-antisemitism,” Caller recalled. “I’m very enthusiastic about where we are now, but less so about UGA,” he said, ribbing Tech’s longtime rival.

Outgoing Chair Stacey Fisher; Alex Gandler, Israel’s deputy consul general to the Southeastern U.S., presented the award to Steve and Susan Caller; Interim Hillel CEO Wayne Keil (far right).

Hillels of Georgia Interim CEO Wayne Keil presented three grants, sponsored by Sherry and Harry Maziar: the student grant went to Ben Lefkowitz, the professional grant to Elinoy Granot and the service grant to Norma Sanchez. Rising Emory senior Emma Rosenau spoke of her recent trip to the West Bank to meet with PLO representatives, then to Yad Vashem. Linda Selig, vice chair of development, praised the leadership of her daughter, Stacey Fisher, referring to the past two years as “the best and worst of times [through which] Stacey

Steve Oppenheimer, Harry Maziar and Sherry Maziar are longtime supporters of Hillels of Georgia.

guided [Hillel] to success, being calm, smart and forwardthinking.” Hillel Nominating Committee Chair Mark Silberman spoke of his own journey to leadership, with former Hillel CEO Michael Coles playing a central role. Senior Jewish educator Taylor Baruchel gave a stirring benediction, citing recent antisemitic trends on campus. “Israel matters, community matters … our work is not done,” she said. “Our students will return to us. Here they are heard and loved.” ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 19

POLITICS Primaries Almost Done, Georgia Prepares for Main Event By Dave Schechter With apologies to ring announcer Michael Buffer: “Let’s get ready to rumble!” In boxing terms, Georgia’s June 21 primary runoffs will complete the preliminary bouts. Top billing for the main event, the Nov. 8 general election, will go to the contests for governor and U.S. senator. Further down the card, though, will be a state House race unique in that it features two Jewish candidates, in a state where Jews make up 1.2 percent of the population. Untold millions of dollars will be wagered (er, donated) by supporters of general election candidates and untold millions of dollars will be spent on various forms of advertising. As this piece was written, precincts Perdue and warned that Walker’s chances would be hurt if Kemp and counties statewide were the gubernatorial had reported vote totals, nominee. but some provisional Kemp and fellow Reand absentee ballots republicans Secretary of mained to be tallied. State Brad RaffenspergIncumbent Repuber and Attorney General lican Gov. Brian Kemp, Chris Carr turned back having vanquished a primary challenge by Incumbent Republican Gov. Brian primary challengers endorsed by Trump and former Sen. David PerKemp can focus on a November rematch with Democrat Stacey who supported disprovdue, will seek to retain Abrams, whom he narrowly en allegations of fraud his title in a rematch defeated back in 2018. in the 2020 election vicwith Democrat Stacey tory in Georgia by PresiAbrams, whom he nardent Joe Biden. rowly defeated in 2018. Raffensperger, If the margin between whose office administers them again is tight, the elections, will face the presence of Libertarian winner of a Democratic Shane Hazel on the balrunoff between current lot could push the guberstate Rep. Bee Nguyen natorial contest to a Dec. and former state Rep. 6 runoff. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, as Incumbent DemoIncumbent Democratic Sen. well as Libertarian cancratic Sen. Raphael Raphael Warnock, the senior Warnock, the senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church didate Ted Metz. in Atlanta, opponent will be Carr will face Dempastor at Ebenezer BapHerschel Walker, the former ocratic state Sen. Jen tist Church in Atlanta, University of Georgia football star. Jordan, winner of the is seeking a full six-year Democratic primary, term after serving the and Libertarian Martin final two years in the Cowen in November. term of the late RepubliAs this piece was can Sen. Johnny Isakson. written, a runoff reWarnock’s Republican mained possible in the opponent will be HerRepublican contest for schel Walker, the former the lieutenant governor. University of Georgia State Sen. Burton Jones football star. The Libheld 50.07 percent of ertarian candidate in Secretary of State Brad the vote, a hair over the November will be Chase Raffensperger majority needed to avoid Oliver. President Donald Trump endorsed a runoff against fellow state Sen. Butch 20 | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Georgia State Capitol

Miller, who received 31.12 percent. Geor- Johnson-Green or Jessica Allison Fore. In the 14th district, controgia law requires that the winversial Republican incumbent ner receive a majority of the Marjorie Taylor Greene will vote. On the Democratic side, seek re-election against DemoKwanzaa Hall and Charlie Baicrat Marcus Flowers. ley emerged from a nine-candiDr. Charles Lutin, who is date field to claim runoff spots. Jewish, assessed his own finish, Libertarian Ryan Graham also as fifth out of six candidates will be on the November ballot. in the 14th district RepubliRepublicans currently Attorney General can primary, as “dismal.” In a hold eight of the 14 seats in Chris Carr newsletter, Lutin said: “In retGeorgia’s congressional delrospect, I think that the camegation and see a ninth within paign was built on an erronereach after the legally required ous premise, that Democratic redistricting after the 2020 and Independent voters would Census by the Republican-convote for me in large numbers trolled General Assembly. The because any Democratic can6th district was redrawn to be didate has such a difficult elecRepublican-friendly, causing toral path to victory.” current Democratic Rep. Lucy Two Jewish candidates McBath to jump into the 7th face-off in state House district district Democratic primary, Democratic Rep. 51, where Democrat Esther where she defeated incumLucy McBath Panitch won her primary conbent Democratic Rep. Carotest, while Republican Peter lyn Bourdeaux. In the general Korman was unopposed. election, McBath will face the In state House district winner of a Republican runoff 50, another Jewish candidate, between Michael Corbin and long-time Fulton County ReMark Gonsalves. The 6th dispublican official Betsy Kramer trict Republican nominee will faces a runoff against Narenbe settled in a runoff between der Reddy. The winner will Rich McCormick and Jake Evoppose current Democratic ans, with the winner facing state Sen. Michelle Au, whose Democrat Bob Christian in the Republican Senate seat was eliminated in general election. incumbent Marjorie Crowded fields led to run- Taylor Greene will redistricting. Jewish Democrat Jeff Auoffs for both Republicans and seek re-election erbach of Athens ran unopagainst Democrat Democrats in the 10th district. Marcus Flowers. posed in the House district 121 In the Republican runoff, Mike Collins will face former Democrat Ver- primary, as did his Republican opponent non Jones, who was endorsed by Trump. in the general election, Marcus WiedowThe Democratic nominee will be Tabitha er.

POLITICS

CONNECT WITH REAL Democrat Esther Panitch won her primary contest, while Republican Peter Korman was unopposed.

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Fulton County Republican official Betsy Kramer faces a runoff against Narender Reddy.

In House district 45, Republican Mitchell Kaye, who won a special election in May to represent the district until the General Assembly reconvenes in January, is not seeking a full two-year term.

Much of the redrawn House district 80 has been in district 79, represented for the last two terms by Jewish Democrat Mike Wilensky, who dropped out of the primary contest. The general election in that district will pit Democrat Long Tran against Republican Brian Anderson. In House district 45, Republican Mitchell Kaye, who won a special election in May to represent the district until the General Assembly reconvenes in January, is not seeking a full two-year term. Democrat Dustin McCormick, whom Kaye defeated in the special election runoff, ran unopposed and will face Republican state Rep. Sharon Cooper in the general election. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 21

June 26-29

American Jewish Press Association 2022 Annual Conference

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center 100 CNN Center NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Columnist, publisher, editor, or student, this conference program offers something for everyone.

Bret Stephens

Monday: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. 41st Annual AJPA Simon Rockower Awards & Reception

Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist, editor, and columnist The New york Times

Keynote Speaker Monday, June 27 2022

Tuesday: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. National Center for Civil and Human Rights Tour

Breakfast 8 a.m., Sessions Throughout the Day Include:

• Local Newspapers: Looking Back at How we Survived • Five Takeaways for Dwindling Resources • Investing in Your Paper...Investing in Your Organization • Show & Tell • Unfit to Print: What is Within and What is Beyond the Bounds of Legitimate News Reporting in Jewish Journalism? Tuesday, June 28 2022

Breakfast 8 a.m., Sessions Throughout the Day Include:

• How do we Define Antisemitism Today? • Local Newspapers: Print: How the Landscape is Changing? • Talk is Not Cheap: Let’s Brainstorm Story Ideas • Growing and Monetizing your Digital Audience • Digital Newsroom: Upping the Online Ante • Covering the Jewish Vote in the Midterms • The Changing Face of Judaism: Human Rights and Jewish Identity Wednesday, June 29 2022

Breakfast 8 a.m., Sessions until 12:30 p.m. Include:

• Design-do, Mini-publishing, and Other Takeaways from the Jewish Journalism Fellowship Tuesday: 8:00 p.m. to 12m Networking Social Brought to You by Michael A. Morris Owner & Publisher at the Atlanta Jewish Times

• Israel Session

Bonuses Brought to You by Your Event Co-Chair: Complementry Tickets to the - VIP Atlanta Braves Experience - Zoo Atlanta - College Football Hall of Fame

Kaylene Ladinsky Editor & Managing Publisher Atlanta Jewish Times

Guest Speakers Include:

Craig Burke

Marni Davis

Chief Officer Mid-Atlantic Media

Associate Professor of History Georgia State University

Steve Levene

Adam Mandell

Founder Springs Publishing

David Rubinger

Market President and Publisher Atlanta Business Chronicle

Jesse Ferris, PhD

Ellen Futterman

Chris Macrae

Allison PadillaGoodman

Vice President Israel Democracy Institute

VP of Sales Cleveland Jewish Publication Company

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Criminal Branch of FBI Atlanta

Jill Savitt

Betsy Schmidt

President and CEO National Center for Civil and Human Rights

CEO St. Louis Jewish Light

Editor in Chief St. Louis Jewish Light

Vice President, Southern Division Anti-Defamation League

Anat Sultan-Dadon

Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast

Lonny Goldsmith

Joanne Heyman Founder & CEO Heyman Partners

Managing Editor Cleveland Jewish Publication Company

Jordan Palmer

Alison Pure-Slovin Midwest Director Simon Wiesenthal Center

Paul Root Wolpe

Research Chair in Jewish Bioethics; Director Emory University Center for Ethics

Jonathan S. Tobin

Janis L. Ware

David Wilensky

Editor/Director of Communications TC Jewfolk

Chief Digital Content Officer St. Louis Jewish Light

Editor in Chief Jewish News Syndicate

Publisher The Atlanta Voice

Bob Jacob

Digital Editor J. The Jewish News of Northern California

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ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME Israeli Company Delivers Water-From-Air Generators to Syria

The honorary doctorate recipients with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz and Rector Prof. Chaim Hames. // Dani Machlis/BGU

Eight Extraordinary Individuals Honored by Ben-Gurion University Eight talented individuals received honorary doctorates from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev on May 17. They include one author, one CEO, three philanthropists, one rabbi, one scientist and one university chancellor from five different countries: Sylvan Adams, Israel; Rabbi Denise L. Eger, USA; David Grossman, Israel; Timotheus Höttges, Germany; Cyndi and Max Mintzberg, Canada; Prof. Louise Richardson, United Kingdom and Prof. Nahum Sonenberg, Canada and Israel.

Today in Israeli History

A 1665 portrait, used as an illustration in the 1906 Jewish Encyclopedia, shows Shabbetai Zevi before his forced conversion to Islam.

May 31, 1665: Scholar Shabbetai Zevi declares himself the Messiah after meeting with a mystic, Nathan of Gaza, who reinforces Zevi’s delusions. Arrested by Ottoman officials in 1666, Zevi converts to Islam to avoid execution. June 1, 1967: Seeking government unity as war approaches, Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol appoints Moshe Dayan to serve as the defense minister, gaining his military experience and his ties to David Ben-Gurion. June 2, 1980: The Jewish Underground carries out its first terrorist operation, placing bombs on the cars of West Bank Palestinians. The mayor of Nablus loses both legs, and the mayor of Ramallah loses one leg. June 3, 1974: After defeating Shimon Peres for the Labor Party leadership, Yitzhak Rabin succeeds Golda Meir to become Israel’s fifth prime minister when he presents his coalition government to the Knesset. 24 | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

“Our university proudly bears the name of David Ben-Gurion,” said Ben-Gurion University President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz, “and we strive daily to meet the standards set by this great man, to adhere to his values, and to realize his vision. We, who aspire to hold up his values, believe that anything is possible, and work with determination and vision to create a new reality. “We bestow this honor upon individuals who exemplify the characteristics that we wish to hold up as inspiration to our students, and as role models for our own community of scientists, scholars and supporters; individuals for whom excellence is not a buzz-word, but rather, an innate value,” Chamovitz continued. June 4, 1899: Ya’akov Hazan, a socialist member of Israel’s first seven Knessets, is born in Russia. He urges a pro-Soviet policy and calls the Soviet Union the Jewish people’s second homeland but shifts in the early 1950s. June 5, 1967: Israel launches a pre-emptive strike on the Egyptian air force at 8:15 a.m., destroying 204 aircraft within an hour. Ground troops roll into the Sinai, and the SixDay War quickly pulls in Jordan and Syria.

A pedestrian bridge at Tel Aviv University features the university’s logo. // By Dr. Avishai Teicher, PikiWiki Israel

June 6, 1956: The Tel Aviv School of Law and Economics merges with the Municipal Institute of Natural Sciences and Humanities to form Tel Aviv University, which soon adds the Academic Institute of Jewish Studies. June 7, 1930: Magen David Adom (Red Shield or Star of David), Israel’s Red Cross affiliate since 1950, is born as the emergency medical service for the Jewish community of Palestine after the Arab riots of 1929.

Israeli company Watergen has provided its innovative Water-from-Air Generator to the camp for displaced Syrians in Raqqa province. Israel and Syria do not maintain diplomatic ties. Four million internally displaced Syrians live in northern Syria and suffer from lack of access to clean water, a stable electric grid, healthcare and education. Raqqa suffered severe damage to its infrastructure as a result of Syria’s civil war. This, coupled with extreme weather conditions, has drastically reduced the supply of clean drinking water in the province. Watergen’s generators offer a clean and secure alternative to the unsafe wells that residents were forced to use until now. Millions of Syrians face insufficient access to safe water that has increased food insecurity. According to a 2021 U.N. Security Council report, Syrians in the north and northeastern regions remain unable to reliably access safe water for reasons both environmental and man-made. The company had partnered with the Multifaith Alliance for Syrian Refugees (MFA) to deliver the generator in a complicated operation.

June 8, 1971: The first El Al flight using a Boeing 747 jumbo jet departs Lod for London and New York. The flight carries 400 passengers. The plane, nicknamed “The Flying Elephant,” had arrived June 2 from London. June 9, 1967: After an aerial assault, Israeli troops launch a high-casualty ground offensive into the Syrian-controlled Golan Heights on the Six-Day War’s fifth day and gain control of the mountains before a ceasefire.

Jewish Agency official Frederick Kisch is shown shortly before his death as a British army officer in North Africa in 1943. // Courtesy of Bet Hatfutsot archive

June 10, 1930: Frederick Kisch, the head of the Jewish Agency’s political department, records in his diary that almost all Arab leaders acknowledge they failed by refusing to participate in British talks about Palestine’s future. June 11, 2013: Google agrees to pay roughly $1 billion for the Israeli-based socialmapping service Waze, which developed from a program called FreeMap Israel. The appeal is Waze’s technology, not its user base.

Israeli company Watergen has partnered with the Multifaith Alliance for Syrian Refugees to provide its innovative Waterfrom-Air Generator to the camp for displaced people in Raqqa province. // Credit: MFA

The new technology makes it possible to produce clean, fresh drinking water from moisture in the air without having to connect to a water source — a unique solution for countries where there is insufficient access to potable water. Watergen devices use a standard connection to electrical grids or solar panels and can produce up to 6,000 liters of drinking water per day. June 12, 2014: Three Israelis, ages 16 to 19, are abducted while hitchhiking near Alon Shvut in the West Bank and are shot dead. The two attackers are believed to be Hamas members. The bodies are found 18 days later.

Yizhar Harari represented the Progressive Party in the first Knesset. // By Teddy Brauner, Israeli Government Press Office

June 13, 1950: The Knesset adopts the Harari Resolution, sponsored by Yizhar Harari, which says Israel will adopt a series of Basic Laws instead of crafting a single constitution as promised in the Declaration of Independence. June 14, 2009: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lays out his vision for a two-state Israeli-Palestinian solution. It includes a demilitarized Palestinian state and no Palestinian refugee return to the State of Israel. Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.

ISRAEL NEWS Pew Study Finds Age Gap in View of Israel-Palestine By Jan Jaben-Eilon The latest results of the Pew Research American Trends Panel, a survey conducted in March, showed a widening generational gap in how American adults view the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, the two governments and a future solution to the conflict. While Americans continue to espouse more positive feelings toward Israelis and their government than toward Palestinians and their leadership, the gaps are much more profound among the older generation than Older Americans show more support for the two-state solution, while the younger generation among Americans under age 30. The latter say they don’t know what the best outcome would be, according to the Pew study. view the Palestinians at least as warmly (60 percent “very” or “somewhat favorable”) as Israeli military. And the recent signing of majority said that they had heard of BDS. Of the Israelis (56 percent), while rating the Pal- the Abraham Accords between Israel and those, most said that they opposed it. BDS has been a focus of the Israeli govestinian administration as favorably (35 per- several of its Middle Eastern Arab neighbors has sown doubt about the final status of the ernment’s diplomatic outreach, which has cent) as the Israeli government (34 percent). resulted in several U.S. states, including GeorThe growing difference in how younger conflict. This is reflected in the Pew survey, gia, passing anti-BDS laws. and older Americans perceive the conflict And, although the wider American elecdoes not come as a surprise to Eli Sperling, which found “no clear consensus among who just completed his second year of post- Americans about the best possible outcome torate may be unfamiliar with BDS, Sperling doctorate work at Duke University and is of the conflict between Israel and the Pales- said “it’s a big deal on college campuses, and tinians.” About one-third of the not just in the United States. It’s a phenomabout to become the Israel Inpublic says splitting the land enon we see globally.” stitute Teaching Fellow at the into two countries — a version University of Georgia in Athens. of the “two-state solution” long In the fall, he will teach a course backed by U.S. diplomacy — on Israeli politics, as well as one would be best (35 percent). But on diplomacy in the Israeli-Palroughly a quarter (27 percent) estinian conflict. would prefer to see a single state Sperling points out that BDS is “a big deal on emerge, in most cases with a the older generation grew up college campuses, government comprised jointly during pre-1967 Israel, when the and not just in the of Israelis and Palestinians. And small and developing country United States. It’s a more than a third of U.S. adults was an underdog, isolated by phenomenon we see (37 percent) say they are not the Arab boycott. In those days, globally,” said Eli Sperling, who will sure about the best outcome. Israel had the image of a more teach two courses on This is particularly true of socialist country, exemplified Israel at the University the younger generation. “Older by collectivist kibbutzim. It was of Georgia this fall. Americans are more inclined an era dominated by Leon Uris’s book “Exodus” and the movie adaptation than younger ones to say that a two-state solution would be the best possible outcome of starring Paul Newman. The older generation also remembers the conflict, while adults under 30 are more the optimism of the peace process of the likely than their elders to say they aren’t sure 1990s, which led to the belief that a two-state what’s best.” Sperling said he was glad that the sursolution was possible — with Israel and Palestine as democratic and peaceful neighbors. vey asked a question about the Boycott, DiContrast this impression of Israel with vestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement that of the younger generation, which grew against Israel. Perhaps surprisingly for the up with no such optimism. The Intifada of American Jewish community, relatively few the early 2000s, with its massive death toll Americans are familiar with this movement. among both Israelis and Palestinians, fol- More than 80 percent say they have heard lowed by conflicts in Gaza every few years, “not much” or “nothing at all” about BDS. Just five percent of U.S. adults report having formed the views of the younger generation. “Israel changed so much since my heard at least “some” information about BDS, dad was born in 1950,” observed Sperling. including two percent who strongly support “There’s a generational shift in views of Is- it. Adults under 30 are slightly more likely rael’s precariousness.” The apparent clarity of the older genera- than older Americans to say they support the tion has been clouded by confusion among movement. That contrasts sharply with a 2020 Pew younger Americans, who view the Palestinians as underdogs outmatched by the mighty study of Jewish Americans, in which a slim

Pew research shows only five percent of Americans support the BDS movement.

Other results of the Pew survey indicate that Republicans are more likely than Democrats to show more support for the Israelis than for the Palestinians and that 70 percent of white evangelicals believe that G-d gave the land of the modern State of Israel to the Jewish people. That is more than twice the number of American Jews who responded likewise to a similar question in Pew’s 2020 survey, and about the same proportion as Americans overall. ì

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SPORTS Sommer Lifts IU Rugby to Collegiate Championship Like most college freshmen in America, Evan Sommer didn’t know much about rugby. This past winter, the lifelong MariDavid Ostrowsky etta resident, who excelled at soccer, cross country, track and wrestling at Walton High, was looking for a way to continue his athletic career while pursuing his undergraduate degree at the Indiana University. Sommer hadn’t been recruited to play on the varsity teams for any of the aforementioned sports. And, though a Big 10 school such as Indiana certainly offered intramurals galore, he was hoping to find something a little more competitive. That’s when the 19-year-old started perusing the school’s website for club sports — a happy medium between ubercompetitive varsity competition and laidback intramural activities. Indeed, there were club teams for soccer and wrestling,

but Sommer wanted to try his hand at the grueling, unforgiving sport of rugby. He had already sustained a litany of debilitating injuries at Walton — including a fractured skull and two fractured shins — while also undergoing major knee surgery, so he wasn’t easily deterred by the physical toll rugby promised to exact on his body. Rather, the most daunting challenge of the sport was navigating a novel set of complex rules. Now, nearly a half-year later, Sommer acknowledges, when asked to reflect on the early days of his rookie rugby season — one that began with preseason workouts in early December — while just having finished finals, that “it was definitely a struggle to catch up.” It was a struggle because the IU rugby team already had many veteran players, including several recruits — one of whom was on the U.S. junior national team. And most of the team had competed in the fall season (fall rugby consists of 15-player teams while the spring season involves 7-player squads). But head coach David Fee, along with captain Will Chevalier, recognized Sommer’s innate

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athleticism and intuitive mind, realizing that the freshman could be an asset for years to come. It took just a week of practice before Sommer, as he describes it, “fell in love with the sport,” which he describes as a combination of wrestling, soccer and football — the latter of which his parents had always discouraged him from pursuing. But rugby, Sommer reasoned, is less likely to cause significant injuries, as opponents are constantly in close proximity to one another and not ramming into each other from yards out at full speed, as they do in football. With his parents fully on board — and his skills improving by the day — Sommer emerged as a key cog in Indiana’s club rugby machine, which blasted through Big 10 opponents, finishing 17-1 en route to earning berths in national tournaments in Atlanta and New Orleans this month. While Sommer readily admits that his rookie campaign was not particularly glamorous, he takes great pride in his now-proven track record of rising to the challenge. “Luckily, I managed to stay healthy throughout most of the season,” says Sommer, who roomed with Weber grad Jake Powers, son of MJCCA Director Jared Powers. “I tried very hard to do a lot of injury prevention in order to stay healthy. I know I’m pretty athletic. I’ve never done a sport like that.” Alas, his luck ran out in the final contest of the regular season at Ohio State, one that accounted for Indiana’s lone loss. It was during this season-ending tourney in Columbus that Sommer, who was having a banner day, scoring two tries (rugby’s version of a touchdown), left the field feeling a tweak in his groin and abductors. In the days ahead, he tried to resume practicing with the help of a steady dose of Advil and physical therapy, but to no avail. The school’s medical staff ultimately diagnosed him with a grade-2 groin pull and abductor strain, which made it quite apparent that he would be shelved for the national postseason tournaments. “It’s very frustrating to not play on the team, especially back home in Atlanta,” says Sommer, who minors in Hebrew — he’s also minoring in exercise science while majoring in finance — and was an active member of Chabad in Bloomington, particularly during Passover and some Shabbat evenings. “I was going to get friends and family to come out and support [us]. Still excited to go to the tournament and support the team, take them out to a cool restaurant and show

While he never played rugby before attending Indiana University, it didn’t take long for Marietta’s Evan Sommer to become passionate about the sport.

them the city of Atlanta. From Indiana, they don’t have a lot of Southerners. For most people in Indiana, they haven’t met a lot of people from Georgia. Pretty funny to me.” Recent injuries notwithstanding — Sommer is still limping but hopes that, with a steady dose of PT and orthopedic care, to resume training in a few weeks for the fall season, when he will play the “scrum half” on IU’s 15-man team — the rugby experience has only enhanced a terrific start to his college career. “I would definitely say I had a great first year at Indiana,” says Sommer, who hopes to do his junior-year study abroad in Israel, where his mother, Lora, an Atlanta-based PR executive, grew up. “The town of Bloomington is a great college town. I like the Kelley business program [Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business]. I can see myself succeeding there and developing my business career.” As for his promising club rugby career — not to mention the potential for the sport to become more mainstream on college campuses — Sommer remains similarly buoyant, in no small part because former Indiana University rugby player Mark Cuban, otherwise known as the principal owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has recently provided significant financial support to the fledgling program as it establishes itself on the national stage. “I play on one of the best programs in the country,” Sommer says. “Tribute to my teammates for making it so great. I have loved being part of the rugby team with the guys and the sport itself.” But, he says, “I definitely still have quite a bit of learning to do.” ì

OPINION ‘Refuge’ A Story of Hate and Redemption Over the past 40-plus years, tens of thousands of refugees from dozens of countries have begun new lives in America in Clarkston, Dave Schechter Georgia, often From Where I Sit referred to as “the most diverse square mile in the United States” and “the Ellis Island of the South.” Heval Kelli, a Kurdish Muslim whose family fled Syrian oppression, arrived as an 18-year-old, two weeks after 9/11. He found work washing dishes at a restaurant a block from the Emory University Hospital. After graduating from Georgia State University and the Morehouse School of Medicine, Dr. Heval Kelli completed his residency and a cardiology fellowship — at the Emory University Hospital. He now practices at the Northside Hospital Cardiovascular Institute. His wife, Dr. Kazeen Abdullah, a Kurdish refugee who came to America as an 8-year-old, is also a cardiologist. Chris Buckley is a heavily tattooed veteran who lives in LaFayette, Georgia, 110 miles northwest of Clarkston, with his wife, Melissa, and their son and daughter. Buckley learned to hate during a rough childhood and adolescence in in Cleveland, Ohio. He traces his loathing of Muslims to 9/11 and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan during 13 years in the Army. Buckley left the military after breaking his back in a Humvee accident. Hate drove him to become a Grand Nighthawk of the Georgia White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and physical pain led to abuse of opioids, cocaine, mushrooms, and methamphetamine. The story of how Kelli met Buckley and the friendship that developed runs through the documentary “Refuge,” awarded “Best Georgia Feature” and the audience award for best feature at the recent Atlanta Film Festival. A week-long screening of the film, now eligible for Oscar consideration as a documentary feature, is planned at the Plaza Theater in Atlanta. “Refuge” was directed and produced by Atlantans Erin Levin Bernhardt and Din Blankenship, both 2007 graduates of the University of Virginia. The impetus for the film was the August 2017 “Unite the Right” rally, in Charlottesville, Virginia. One lasting image from that weekend was the nighttime march through the UVA campus by hundreds of mostly khaki- and

polo shirt-clad men, carrying lighted torches, and chanting “Jews will not replace us” and “white lives matter.” Another was video of an avowed neo-Nazi driving a car into people walking away from the downtown area where bigots of various stripes had clashed with counterdemonstrators. One woman was killed, and dozens of people were injured. Bernhardt and Blankenship originally intended to focus on Clarkston’s refugee population. “I wanted to make a film about the opposite of hate and Clarkston was the perfect example of that,” a city where refugees from homelands “literally at war with each other choose deliberately to live with each other,” Bernhardt said. Bernhardt, whose family has a sixgeneration history at the Ahavath Achim Synagogue, said, “I think that anything that counters hate should be considered Jewish.” The message of the Holocaust may be “never again,” she said, “yet here we are, letting things happen again, and again, and again.” Six months into work on the film — initially titled “Clarkston: Mother of Exiles” — Kelli invited the filmmakers along on his first visit to Buckley. The narrative changed, as Clarkston and its immigrant population became the backdrop for a story about the power of interaction with the “other.” Two women also feature in “Refuge.” One is Melissa Buckley, whose resolve set her husband and their family on a different path. Bernhardt calls her “the real hero of the story.” The other is Amina Osman, a beloved 92-year-old survivor of a massacre in her native Somalia, known as “Mama Amina” and the “mother of Clarkston.” Bernhardt served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Madagascar and worked for three years as a writer and producer at CNN, before producing her first independent documentary “IMBA Means Sing,” about the African Children’s Choir. After Charlottesville, she left her job as engagement director at the Points of Light Foundation and began work on the project that became “Refuge.” A year was lost to COVID before the film was finished last November. Bernhardt now works as a digital content producer for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Torah tells the Jewish people at least 36 times that they are to welcome and care for the stranger. “Refuge” is 75 compelling minutes that should resonate with the Jewish community, particularly at a time of proliferating expressions of hate. Synagogues, schools, or other groups interested in arranging a screening can go to refugemovie.com and click on the contact link. ì

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TempleSinaiPreschoolATL TeamTSPS ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 27

OPINION

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

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

Letter to the editor,

The May 11th Rabbinic “Statement on Reproductive Freedom” is confusing. Are the Rabbis saying that Supreme Court Justices should be applying Jewish law in interpreting the US constitution or that we should not accept a Supreme Court ruling that is contrary to Jewish Law? Perhaps these Rabbis are experts on US constitutional law and are saying that a ruling overturning Roe is a mistaken interpretation of the Constitution. Most likely, their message is simply that they are personally pro-choice and would prefer that the Supreme Court members come up with a legal rationale to support Roe. In that regard, their opinion carries no more weight or moral authority than anyone else’s no matter how much they wrap their opinion up with some Jewishspeak. Like the Rabbis, I am “pro-choice” and generally satisfied with the structure put in place post-Roe. The Torah is, however, silent on the issue of abortion and subsequent rabbinical rulings and interpretations are across the spectrum. Our constitution was not interpreted as providing a right to abortion for 180+ years prior to 1973’s Roe decision and today few legal scholars try to defend the decision as constitutionally supported. I have watched for years in frustration as many of our Rabbis lower themselves from the lofty and universal messages of the Torah into the messy day-to-day business of opining on divisive political topics where they have no particular expertise or perspective beyond the average member of the Jewish community. The Rabbis Statement on abortion is another sad example. John Markson, Atlanta

As was announced recently in an email from Rabbi Sollish, he and Leah and family will be leaving the Intown Jewish Academy and the Intown community. Rabbi Ari and I have built a wonderful relationship and friendship these past 16 years and I am personally saddened by his departure. I’m sure you join Dena and I in wishing Rabbi Ari and Leah Sollish and family, continued success in their future endeavors, nachas from their children and good health. I want to reassure y’all that Chabad Intown’s commitment to the community is strong and unwavering. The foundation of the Intown Jewish Academy that Rabbi Sollish has built from the ground up, is strong and solid! It will be the base that we will continue to build upon in the coming months and years. We already have begun a process of looking for a new Rabbi and Rebbetzin to head up the IJA, and while no one is replaceable, we are confident that new talent will bring a new flavor and will ensure continued success. This past Chanukah/January, Chabad Intown completed 25 years of service to the Atlanta Jewish Community. Much has been accomplished during these years. As we embark on the next quarter century, exciting things are happening including hiring of new staff, a rebuild of the Intown Jewish Preschool and more. You have been a part of the amazing growth of this community and for that I say thank you! For your participation, your financial support and your commitment to a strong Jewish future. Together we will move forward. Chazak! To Rabbi Ari and Leah Sollish, I say, THANK YOU! Thank you for your dedication to Torah teaching, your commitment to your students, your humor that always made it fun to be around you, and personally for helping me be a better leader. My wishes to you and Leah for success in your future endeavors wherever they may take you. You’ll always have a home at Chabad Intown and if your journey continues in the Atlanta area, we will welcome you often as a teacher, educator and source of inspiration. With all my love, Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman, Atlanta

Congratulations to Our Newest Alumni!

Xavier Agostino Samuel Alkire Carly Appel Laura Arenth Eddi Aronson Matthew Aronson Will Aronson Madison Auchincloss RJ Austin Jeremy Avellaneda William Baker Kargil Behl Nile Bennett Jude Black Edward Blaha George Blaha Justin Bowick Samuel Bready Sam Brooks Caroline Brown Jake Buffenbarger Nikki Byrne Allie Campbell John Catherman Thea Chastain Benjamin Chern

Reese Cleveland Katherine Cochran Catherine Crawford Austin Culpepper Maryam Dandashly Eleanor DuPree McLean Eagleson Megan Eghtedari Claire Farinella Sydney Faux Leah Favero Juan Figueroa Sammy Finkelstein Marielle Frooman Jayden Gasque Hannah Genser Kathleen Glass Marissa Goodman Marissa Govic Kate Grabowski Walker Greene Maddie Hale Buck Hall Megan Hardesty Amalia Haviv Grace Heineman Julia Holmes Sam Howe Clare Hsu Gabby Hudson Kate Jonas Emma Jones

Deuce Jordan Gabriel Kadoori Courtney Kahn Rebecca Kann Cole Kaplan Alex Karamanolis Giana Karamanolis Margo Kaye Emma Killian Taylor Knowlton Henry Leusink Alexandra Litvak Michael Lynch Robert Mallis Asata Manigault Patrick Marr Mackenzie Martin Emma Stewart Maske Alex Mathias Jonathan Merlin Mollie Meyerowitz Sydney Middleton Raina Moseley Morgan Neill Greyson O’Berry Victor Ovalle-Mares Maggie Pope Shania Porter Pranavh Pradeep Holland Proctor Jeffrey Ramos Paul Ramseur

Josh Reed Hunter Rocker Anna Rosenbloum Cameron Saini Ben Schiffer Grant Shaw Ben Shelton Jack Siegenthaler Allison Silverboard Meghna Singha Makenzy Sloan Henry Smith Lauren Smith Pierce Smith Alexander Spinelli Matthew Steiger Jason Tapper Shalizeh Thobani Grant Thompson Lewis Todd Saanika Tolmare Connor Vance Ryan Varma Norah Wagoner Jack Warren Thomas Wells Harper White Jordan White Jayla Wideman Dillon Williams Jae Williams Jaxon Willoughby

www.paceacademy.org 28 | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Letter to the editor, I tuned into The Talk the other day. The hot button issue that afternoon? Should Kim Kardashian have worn Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress to the Met Gala this year, or was that wrong? Friends, there are bigger moral issues in society today, but not according to the CBS moguls of mediocrity who produce this show. According to a consensus of our betters, Marilyn’s dress is like the parchment of the Declaration of Independence . . . untouchable. Forget world hunger, climate change, NATO expansion, Ukraine contraction, price inflation, intelligence deflation, the rise of monarchy, and the evaporation of democracy. The 1% class is determined to dumb down Americans to the status of Roman plebeians, so we are as subservient to their wishes as common slaves. But if “the dress” issue doesn’t float your boat, maybe a new summer TV show will. Who is not looking forward to hot newbie bodies finding love in the jungle without talking to each other? Now that’s some fire, brah. Almost as hot as best friend celebrities parading onto the stage of Ellen’s final few shows with praises more inflated than meat prices. I, for one, am not looking forward to America’s final days, which will follow not long after Ellen’s. Kimball Shinkoskey, Woods Cross, Utah

OPINION Letter to the editor, We, members of the Atlanta Jewish Community, support the nomination of Nancy Abudu to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals On December 23, President Biden nominated Nancy Abudu to serve as a judge on the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. Ms. Abudu is an exceptional nominee for a prestigious position on the Eleventh Circuit both because of her impressive personal background and her careerlong commitment to civil rights and ensuring justice for all. Born to immigrant parents from Ghana, Abudu would be the first Black woman to sit on the Eleventh Circuit and the first person of color from Georgia. Abudu’s legal qualifications are without question. She has devoted the majority of her legal career to working in the public interest, first as a staff attorney for the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and then at the ACLU Voting Right’s Project as Staff Attorney and Senior Staff Counsel, at the ACLU of Florida as Legal Director, and finally at the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as Deputy Legal Director. Throughout her career, Abudu has focused on advancing voting rights, including establishing the Voting Rights Practice Group at SPLC. In her various public interest roles, Abudu has championed voting rights issues such as enfranchising convicted felons who have served their sentences and protecting the voting rights of persons with disabilities. Abudu has also worked to protect reproductive rights and the rights of the LGBT community as well as the constitutional rights of the criminally accused. Abudu’s legal work in general warrants the support of the Jewish community because she encompasses the concept of tikkun olam (improving the world) and the direction from the Torah that “Justice, justice shall you pursue.” However, Abudu has worked specifically on behalf of the Jewish community to protect the freedom of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment. In Newmark v. Collier Co. Sheriff’s Office, Abudu and the ACLU of Florida brought a federal lawsuit against the Collier County Sheriff’s Office on behalf of Benjamin Newmark, an employee who was repeatedly discriminated against for observing the tenets of his Hasidic Jewish faith. The lawsuit alleged that Newmark’s superiors would frequently make fun of his attire, schedule him to work on Shabbat, and try to pressure him into eating pork and other prohibited foods even though they were aware that his faith required him to obey the laws of kashrut. Newmark also alleged that his Jewish faith played a role in his demotion within the Sheriff’s Office. Abudu’s personal and professional background enable her to understand how the law impacts the most vulnerable members of our community, and how state action can either intentionally or inadvertently result in discrimination or deprive citizens of their constitutional rights. In this regard, Abudu’s life experiences are relevant to her position and would inform her legal analysis as an appellate judge. As Jews, we are instructed by the Torah to “appoint magistrates and officials for your tribes . . . and they shall govern the people with due justice.” (Deuteronomy 16:18) We are confident that Nancy Abudu would ensure due justice if given the opportunity to serve on the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Signed: Michael Baumrind Lois Frank Abbie Fuksman Brandon Cory Goldberg Graham Goldberg Michael Jacobs Harold Kirtz Andrew Lewis Esther Panitch - The Panitch Law Group Scott Rafshoon Victoria Raggs - Atlanta Jews of Color Council Michael Rosenzweig - Jewish Democratic Council of America Mamie Dayan Vogel Matthew Weiss

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 29

Brody Alterman Epstein School

Walton High School

Love the life you live. Live the life you love!

Congrats and GO DAWGS!!

XOXO, Mom, Dad, Zach & Alex

XO, Mom, Dad, Alex & Brody

Zachary Alterman Walton High School

Mazel tov to our first grandson! We are so proud of you and love you very much! Go Dawgs!!!

Love, Nancy and Robbie (Nana&Grandpa) 30 | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Zachary Alterman

Adam Arkin

Riverwood International Charter High School Congratulations Adam… So proud of you! Next stop Indiana University!

Mom, Dad & Ross

Sagiv Avigal

Aidan Colker The Epstein School

Mazel tov Sagiv! We are so proud of you! Best wishes for your next adventure !

We are so proud of you and all that you accomplished at your time at Epstein!

Ima, Aba, Nofar, Lipaz, Eliad and Alma.

Mom, Dad, and Ella

The Epstein School

Hollis Coker Kennesaw State University Hollis, you are a light in our lives! Mazel Tov on your success! Xoxoxox

Mom, Dad, Sydney, Bradley & Mark

Briana Cole

Rivertrail Middle School Briana - We are so proud of the young lady you have become.

Love - Mommy, Daddy, Ethan, Sasha, and the Kitties!

Ethan Cole

Northview High School

Aharon Eidex and Ruby Jacobs Georgia State University

Mazel tov to Aharon Eidex and Ruby Jacobs, who both graduated from GA State University with Bachelors of Science in Biological Science, with great honors and distinction in major. Love, Your Very Proud Families

Abbie Marissa Frankel

Georgia College and State University Doesn’t get any better than Summa Cum Laude! So proud of you! Can’t wait to see what you conquer next. We love you so much! Mom and Dad, Sue Sue and Pop Pop

Daniel Steven Frankel

Georgia College and State University

We are so proud of you. Good Luck at the College of Charleston!

We are so proud of everything you have accomplished! Can’t wait to see what the world holds for you. We love you so much!

Love - Mom, Dad, Sasha, Briana, and the kitties

Mom and Dad, Sue Sue and Pop Pop ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 31

Carolyn Friedman Columbia University

Shoshana Katz

Johns Creek High School Mazel tov! You make us proud everyday! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!

We are unbelievably proud of you. We know you will change the world! Love You! Julie Zweig & David Friedman (Mom and Dad), and family

Zoe Pearl Gordon

We love you so much! Love, Mom, Dad, Daniel, Isaac, Beau & Virginia

Zac Kershteyn - Epstein

The Davis Academy Mazel Tov, Zoe! We are very proud of you! Next up, The Weber School!

Congratulations on your graduation Zac! We are all so very proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad and Levi

Love, Mom, Dad, Sylvie & Grandparents

Matthew Grant The Epstein School

Mazel tov, Matthew! We are so proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad, Sari and Naomi

Elana Katz

Mount Vernon School Mazel Tov, Elana! Your sound judgement and sense of self-respect will guide you to success at the University of Alabama.

Love, Mom and Dad 32 | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Katelyn Ketover

Dunwoody High School You are my sunshine! Go Dawgs! Nancy Myerson-mom

Alon Kirshenbaum Dunwoody High School

We are thrilled for your next adventure in college. Make good friends, memories and decisions! Love, Mom, Dad, Chen, Idan & Oren

Marion Kogon The Epstein School

Shayna Leibowitz The Weber School We are so proud of you! Off to your next adventure at UMD!

Marion, Mazel tov! We are so proud of you and we love you so much! All our love, The Kogon 6

Maman, Daddy, Daniel & Beny

Amanda Kraun

Ezra Mahle

Mercer University - Georgia Baptist College of Nursing Congratulations on achieving your nursing degree. We know the babies at Children’s Healthcare are going to be in good, loving hands!

Dunwoody High School May the coming years be filled with the discovery of the world, & more importantly, yourself.

Love, Mom, Dad, Sam & Caleb

Love, Mom, Dad, Lindsay and Spike

Scott Landau

Wheeler High School Congratulations Scott! We’re very proud of the mensch you’ve become

Leslie, David and Rachel Landau

Beny Leibowitz The Epstein School

Jeremy Marks Saint Francis High School Mazel Tov! As an overachiever, you have always set your goals high. We are proud of the person you have become and look forward to your continued perseverance towards your goals. We are PROUD, so PROUD; and excited be be part of the Gator Family community.

Mom and Dad

Zachary J. Maslia University of Georgia

We are so proud of you! Can’t wait to see what you accomplish at Weber!

Mazal Tov Zach on earning your Masters of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication with emphasis on Emerging Media. We are so very proud of you!!

Maman, Daddy, Shayna & Daniel

Love, Mom and Dad ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 33

Matthew McCullough The Weber School

Stand up straight and watch out for bears. Mom

Georgia Rice Midtown High School Congratulations and best of luck in Israel on Nativ. We love you. Susan Berlin and Jeff Rice

Josh Nover - Milton High School This is a very proud moment for Grandma and me. Good luck in future endeavors Fred & Phoebe Nover

Amy Nowitz - The Epstein School Amy,

Sophie Rice

Midtown High School Mazel Tov! Best of luck next year at The Ohio State! We love you!

Susan Berlin and Jeff Rice

Hannah Ripans

Appalachian State University

We can’t believe your journey at The Epstein School has ended. A new beginning at Weber awaits you. We love you and are so proud of you. We are excited to see what you will accomplish at high school.

Your family is so proud of you! Oh the places you’ll go!

Love, Mom, Dad, Jade, and Emma

With love from all of us

Rachel Ribner Georgia Tech Rachel, your entire family is so very thrilled to witness your graduation today! Lots of love from Bubbie and Papa! 34 | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Elisa Rosenthal - The Weber School Your life is your story. Write well and edit often We love you!

Mom, Dad and Sam

Benjamin Seidel Riverwood International Charter High School

Brody Weiss Midtown High School

Congratulations Ben! We are so proud of you and love you so much!

Congratulations, Brody! We love you!

Mom, Dad, Lily, Vivi, and Bernadette

Mama, Papa, and Nathan

Zoe Siegel

Hailey Weiss The Weber School

Zoe, we are so proud of you. Spread your wings and fly!

Congratulations on your graduation and here’s to your next adventure! We are so very proud of you!

Riverwood International Charter School

Mazel Tov!

Love, Mom, Dad, Josh, Gram, and Gramps

Mom, Dad, and Zack

Tyler Silberman The Epstein School

Ariel Yitzchaki Mercer University

Mazel Tov, we cant wait to see you flourish in High school - We love you

Dear Arieli, We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments. We love you more!

Greg, Cindy, Lexi and Jamie Silberman

Ima, Aba, Roni and Lee

Hannah Throne The Epstein School

Bailey Ziglin Madisonville Elementary School

Keep lighting up this world with your smile and kindness. We are proud of you!

Great kindergarten year! Looking forward to 1st grade in Dunwoody!

Love, Mom, Dad & Jonah

Gram and Granddaddy ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 35

GRADUATION Weber School Graduation Returns to Ferst Center For the first time since the pandemic began, The Weber School resumed holding its graduation at the Ferst Center at Georgia Tech. Families Robbie Garber who had come to watch their students graduate barely had time to sit before they were on their feet again, giving two separate standing ovations on the entrance of the teachers and the graduating class of 2022. Graduating student Anna Bauman led the crowd in singing the national anthem, and her fellow graduate, Rachel Binderman, led the singing of “Hatikvah” alongside faculty member Adna Muliawan. The head of the school, Rabbi Ed Harwitz, began by recognizing important members of the Weber community: board members, alumni, parents, current students and, in honor of the upcoming Memorial Day, all past and current members of the U.S. military and IDF. He also recognized Nicole Brite, the teacher responsible for organizing the graduation this year, to resounding applause. Principal Shlaina Van Dyke then stood to recognize the faculty and staff, specifically three retiring this year: Dr. Kalpana Kini, Cheryl Myrbo and Bonita Shelton. Each received a standing ovation from the audience, and the announcement of Shelton’s retirement was met with audible gasps.

36 | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Graduating students Aaron Bock and Kira Birzack gave the D’var Torah. Birzack also introduced the salutatorian and her “best friend,” Molly Fisher. The two shared a hug before Fisher took the podium. Fisher tied together her experiences throughout her time at the school in terms of intelligence, heart and courage. She made sure to thank her AP Language teacher, Corinne Skott, who helped her entire class get 4s and 5s on the AP exam. Valedictorian Danny Kobrinsky’s speech focused mainly on the people who had helped him along the way, starting with his family. He referenced his dad’s two favorite sayings: “Work hard, but make room for fun” and “the door to opportunity is marked ‘push.’” He also made sure to thank his Weber family, in particular, teachers Melinda Goodwin, Pablo Colombini and Charlie McQuade. McQuade was also the faculty speaker for the night. After being introduced by and hugging his TA, Isaac Lambert (“I don’t hug just anyone, this is a privilege”), he began his speech with a joke about his slight Scottish accent, telling the crowd to turn on Google translate. While his speech filled the auditorium with laughter as he took jabs at his students and himself, he also took a moment to focus on something he found deeply important. “Ninety-nine percent of conversations are about your own happiness,” he said, “that’s a low goal.” McQuade encouraged students to instead find purpose in their lives. He told them that while motivation may go up and down, their purpose would always be

The Weber School’s 2022 graduating class.

Aaron Bock (left) and Kira Berzack (right) give the D’var Torah.

Psychology and history teacher Charlie McQuade addresses the graduating class.

there. “My purpose as a teacher,” he said, “is you” — at which point the audience stood up and erupted in applause. The night was also marked by two spectacular musical performances. Class of ’22 members Joshua Forman, Naomi Kuropatwa, Isaac Lambert, Hayley Lieberman and Matthew McCullough played and sang a beautiful rendition of “Shir Hamaalot,” while Liana Bernstein and Miriam Burmenko, ac-

companied by Drew Cohen, performed “Uf Gozal” (“Fly Fledgling”), as per graduation tradition. Associate Head of School Paul Ginburg presented graduates with their diplomas, announcing both the English and Hebrew names of each student. Rabbi Harwitz then closed the ceremony with the school’s traditional siyum, telling the students: “You are now true teachers, and teachers of truth.” ì

GRADUATION

Epstein Celebrates New and Old Graduates

Aidan Colker and Abbey Deckelbaum, graduates of the Epstein class of 2022, were the dual recipients of the Epstein Eagle Award.

Naomi Brager leads the crowd in singing “Hatikvah.”

By Robbie Garber

contributions JFGA had made to Epstein and its students, which, through the On the evening of March 24, a mod- combination of the annual fund, an addiest crowd of parents and family members tional fund for COVID-19-related prepafiltered into the Byers Theater in the San- rations and the ALEF fund scholarships, dy Springs Performing Arts Center to cel- totaled over $1.2 million. Rabbi Joshua Heller, father of graduebrate the Epstein School Class of 2022. Shortly after the audience was settled, ating eighth-grader Ezra Heller, could not be at the ceremony the eighth-grade graduates in person, but sent a preentered, walking down to recorded video of his retheir seats to Green Day’s marks instead. Focusing “Time of Your Life.” on Parshat Bechukotai, he The ceremony began noted that the students had with renditions of “The been, for the past couple Star-Spangled Banner” years, in their own sort of and “Hatikvah,” both sung exile — from school and by Naomi Brager, and confrom normal life. Rather tinued with remarks from than dwelling on the negathe school’s staff and comtives, the rabbi made this a munity members, most point of optimism for the of whom had come to see Principal Susanna Ames students: “Exile is always their children or grand(right) hugs graduate temporary. You always get children graduate. Amy Nowitz (left). to go home.” Jake Shulman’s father, Judah Becker, president of the stuMatt, who is the president of the board of trustees, set the tone with a reflection on dent Knesset, started off his speech in the importance of the Epstein community, Hebrew before switching to English. telling the students, “The Epstein School Becker spoke of his excitement in getting back together with his friends, and how you love, just know: it loves you back.” The head of school, David Abusch- he hoped to hold onto those friendships Magder, encouraged students to search for many years to come. As students took the stage to receive for their passion in life, and to “find a way to make a tangible mark on the their diplomas screens played video footworld.” He also took a moment to rec- age of their reflections on their time at ognize the families of those graduating, Epstein. Each student received complisome of whom had been at the school for ments from their eighth-grade advisor over two decades. Several parents in the (Robbie Medwed, Debbie Levine or Laura audience had graduated from Epstein Bidlack), a diploma from Abusch-Magdecades before and now watched their der, and a hug from their principal, Susanna Ames. children do the same. The night culminated in a video Marty Kogon, former chairman of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, montage of the students’ years at Epprefaced his speech with the fact that stein, as well as a final call to action his granddaughter, Marion, would be from Abusch-Magder: “Take your skills embarrassed to be called out in front of and commit to making the world a bether classmates, so he would not, in fact, ter place, like the generations of Epstein be doing that. He described the monetary grads before you,” he said. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 37

GRADUATION

Atlanta Jewish Academy Class of 2022 By Chana Shapiro On Wednesday, May 25, 21 seniors graduated from Atlanta Jewish Academy. Highlights of the ceremony included speeches by the valedictorian and salutatorian, as well as divrei Torah by Yered Wittenberg and Leah Houben, two graduating seniors who are also co-presidents of the school’s Student Council. Joel Rojek, Atlanta Jewish Academy’s general studies instructional leader, characterized the class of 2022 as “lively and fun-loving. They enjoyed spending time together and could often be found in study groups, playing games and shooting baskets together. They have formed strong bonds, and their energetic spirit enlivened the high school,” he told the AJT. Senior student leaders in Student Council planned activities such as leading Community Time every week, dedicated to strengthening the learning community through games, discussions and guest speakers. They arranged for an ice cream truck and shaved ice truck to provide refreshing treats. The senior boys who run the Meat Club catered BBQ lunches for the rest of the high school. Recently, the senior boys and high school faculty joined forces to compete against 9th-11th grade students in a game of kickball. It was a close match, but the senior and faculty team won in the final inning. Student-led clubs for the class of 2022 included: Meat Club, Coding Club, Crazy Craft Club, Weightlifting Club and Israel Advocacy Club. The AJA Class of 2022: Aviva Mishli, Daliya Wallenstein,

The Atlanta Jewish Academy Class of 2022.

(L to r): Seniors Leah Houben, Ella Goldstein, Sivan Livnat, Kiki Starr in this year’s Chagiga production, an annual performed original musical written, directed, stage-crafted and performed by AJA girls.

Dalya Silverman, Daniel Bland, Daniel Gadelov, Elaina Leubitz, Ella Goldstein, Elliot Sokol, Joshua Asherian, Leah Houben, Margalit Lytton, Micah Mann, Miriam Bergman, Miriam Lynn, Nina Flusbarg, Noah Kalnitz, Rachel Seeman, Samuel Fogelson, Sivan Livnat, Yakira Starr, Yered Wittenberg. ì Members of the AJA Meat Club prepare lunch.

Class Honors:

Valedictorian: Daliya Wallenstein Salutatorian: Micah Feit Mann Sandra Cohen Math Award: Mollie Glazer Spirit of Humanities Award: 12th grade: Leah Houben; 11th grade: Ayla Cohen; 10th grade: Yossi Jakubo Special Humanities Award: Josh Asherian Spirit of STEM Award: 12th grade: Sam Fogelson; 11th grade: Toviah Barnwell; 10th grade: Goldie Teyf STAR Student: Micah Feit Mann STAR Teacher: Dave Byron Student Council Students of the Year: Ayla Cohen, Donny Frances Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Catherine Brand AJC Cup: Ella Goldstein Yale Book Award: Adam Berkowitz Yeshiva U. Torah Umada Book Award: Jemima Schoen Columbia Book Award: Sam Kutner Harvard Book Award: Doran Levin Hatmada Society Induction: Ella Goldstein, Kiki Starr, Yered Wittenberg Hebrew Department Award: 12th grade: Miriam Bregman, Margalit Lytton; 11th grade: Gavriella Bader, Jordan Steinberg; 10th grade: Asher Lytton, Hadara Seeman Jag Award: Noah Kalnitz Judaic Studies Award: 12th grade: Sam Fogelson, Kiki Starr; 11th grade: Eli Cohen, Jordan Steinberg; 10th grade: Zellik Shapiro, Leora Frank Middot Award: Oliver Mason, Kayla Minsk Quiet Hero Award: Margalit Lytton Performing Arts Award: Moshe Eidex, Kiki Starr 38 | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

GRADUATION

Davis Academy Class of 2022 By Susanne Katz Karlick On Thursday, May 26, The Davis Academy sent off its eighth-grade class of 2022 with a graduation ceremony at the Lower School Theater. Three Davis graduates spoke to the Atlanta Jewish Times about their best school memories, what they think about the future and where they are heading after high school. Scott Silverman I went to Davis because my older brother, Frankie, went there and he liked it. My parents and my brother all enjoyed his years there. Next year, I look forward to joining my brother at Weber High School. The teachers are special and unique at Davis. They were always there for me, encouraging me to strive to do my best and to succeed. Thursday morning reflection with Ms. Stein was a meaningful experience for me. Ms. Stein made it special because she used it as an opportunity for us to learn something

new, de-stress before a test, say something we’re grateful for and other interesting topics. Playing in a band with my friends, at the Davis Middle School talent shows, is another experience I’ll never forget. Mr. Michek’s music program is cool because he taught a lot of people how to play different musical instruments, many whom had never played before. The world is not at a great point right now, but we’re working towards improving it. My hope for the future is that we can live in a world with less poverty, hatred and violence. Moncie Cranman I was looking forward to going to Davis, especially because my friend, Rafa, and his sister were going there. One of my first memorable or aha moments happened when I attended my first grade in Kabbalat Shabbat. It was such a wonderful feeling, and you could see that everyone cared about each other. What a great moment when I realized that none of us was out there on their own!

And in Jerusalem, at the Western Wall, I could see, with my own eyes, what it means to be Jewish. Next year, I will attend Riverwood High School. Lauren Amato Things seem a little chaotic in my life right now but transitioning to high school will be a learning curve for all of us. I will be attending North Springs High School. It will be different. I am excited and a little anxious. Overnight trips made me realize how special my bond is with friends. Waterfalls on one of the trips, a retreat at Camp Ramah in north Georgia, was really special and fun and a great memory. The Davis class trip to Israel was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. I have fantastic memories from my education at Davis that I know will always be a part of who I am. Graduating is a big achievement, and I worked hard over many years to get here. ì

Graduates included: Lauren Amato Benjamin Barkan Blake Cohen Moncie Cranman Alanna Diamond Alex Dunowitz Sharla Dunowitz Joshua Eichenholz Peyton Frank Sadie Ganz Alina Gluzman Jack Goldstein Devin Golivesky Zoe Gordon Joshua Greenberg Ari Iroff Adam Jacobson Nina Joshua Josh Kaplan Sophie Katz Drew Kaufman Max Kaufman Joshua Layton Dylan Lichstrahl Daryn Mand Annie Marcus

Mason Maslia Abbi Meyer Ari Milrud Aubrey Nelms Gavin Nelson Ava Peck Ethan Peck Levi Perlstein Henry Reizenson Ryan Retter Layla Rothberg Rafael Saitowitz Tahel Shantzer Aaron Shenk Scott Silverman Avery Slipakoff Andrew Smolen Danny Sobel Jamie Steuer Gabrielle Swartz Tyler Swartz Mason Toporek Jordan Ulin Harris Unell Ava Wilensky

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 39

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2022 Graduation Wrap-up

TDSA will hold its graduation for girls on June 7.

Temima class of 2022.

TDSA will hold its graduation for boys on June 8.

Eighth-Grade By Robert Garber Graduation season is in full swing in Atlanta! From Jewish academies to public high schools, the AJT has compiled all the information you need in one convenient location. Read on for a round up of schools' graduations not already covered in this issue.

Jewish High School

Temima, the Richard & Jean Katz High School for Girls Temima is dual accredited through the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and AdvancED. Their 2022 class includes 16 graduates.

Temima Class of 2022: Estee Bolnick Nechama Bornstein Shoshana Cohen Sara Deutsch Hana Ellenoff Riva Goldwasser Yocheved Halpern Laelle Hertzberg Oriya Khalili Shaina McGhee Naomi Nir Rivka Nir Tehilla Oami Rivka Perez Gittel Rodbell Laya Senior

Torah Day School of Atlanta Torah Day School of Atlanta will hold graduation ceremonies for its 2022 class, which consists of 43 students, over the course of two days. The TDSA graduation for girls will be held on June 7, while the graduation for boys will be held the following day, June 8. Speeches will be given by each of the students during graduation, as well as the Head of the School, Rabbi Meir Cohen and Board President Miriam Cann. Chaya Mushka Children’s House On June 2, Chaya Mushka Children’s House will hold graduation ceremonies for their eighth-grade class. Seven students will graduate in front of their friends and family during the ceremony, to be held at Congregation Beth Tefillah. Principal Leah Sollish, who will deliver remarks at the graduation, reflected on the students’ education over their 8+ years at the school: “Education is the experience of character building, through which a person becomes a mensch. This is

CMCH Graduating Class of 2022. From left to right, front to back: Hod Heart, Yonaton Pechenik, Tovia Blanks, Ariyeh-Leib Bari, Ephraim Estrin, Menachem Farkas and Dovid Gurary.

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GRADUATION the education that we have endeavored to impart to you at CMCH.” Executive Director Rabbi Isser New, who will also be speaking at the ceremony, wished the students well as they move on to the next stage of their lives. “We know that your time at CMCH has prepared you well for this next stage spiritually, academically and socially. We all look forward to hearing about your success in the future, and hope that you come back often to share them with us."

Public High School

Cobb County Schools Graduation ceremonies for Cobb seniors began May 23 and continued through May 28 at the Kennesaw State University Convocation Center. The events were livestreamed for anyone who could not attend in-person. Gwinnet County Schools Graduation ceremonies for Gwinnet seniors began May 23 and continued through May 30 at the Gas South Arena. Fulton County Schools Graduation ceremonies for Fulton seniors began May 18 and continued through May 26 at the Gas South Arena, the Gateway Arena and the Ameris Bank Amphitheater. DeKalb County Schools Graduation ceremonies for DeKalb seniors began May 13 and continued through May 21 at James R. Hallford Stadium in Clarkston. Atlanta Public Schools Graduation ceremonies for Atlanta seniors began May 24 and continued through May 27 at Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion. ì

Mazel Tov Class of 2022!

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Tyler Perry's Honorary Degree at Emory Graduation E m o r y University capped a busy season of graduation programs with a new commitment to help students finish their education debt-free. Bob Bahr E m o r y President Gregory Fenves described the new program in a letter to the Emory community on May 19. Beginning this fall, he wrote, student aid loans for undergraduates from the U.S. would be replaced by outright grants from the university and from scholarships. Fenves, who is the son of a Holocaust survivor, described the change as a way to support what he called “Emory’s purpose … to empower bold possibilities” without the heavy burden of financial debt. “This is a profound investment in the future of our students, and it will reduce debt and help pave the way for their lives after graduation.” Fenves acknowledged that 2022 was “a year like no other,” in which graduates

achieved “a long-held dream in the face of unimaginable challenges.” As if to underscore the notion that great things can be accomplished despite personal adversity, Emory chose Atlanta media mogul Tyler Perry to give the commencement speech. Perry suffered abuse during his childhood and turbulent adolescence, emerging from those years determined to be a writer, even after leaving home and living, for a time, in his car. Madea, an outspoken African American matriarch character created and played by Perry, paved the way for a wildly successful acting, directing and producing career. “I know how long it takes to build a dream,” he told the graduating class of 5,000 students. Perry said that it took seven years of persistent work before he achieved any measure of success and that the graduates should be prepared to do the same. “Your dreams will call for that kind of commitment,” Perry said. “It took an insane work ethic for me to get here. It took time and commitment and sacrificing.” The production company he launched now owns nearly 400 acres of what was once the Army’s Fort McPherson in Southwest

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Atlanta media mogul Tyler Perry, who spoke at Emory’s commencement, was awarded an honorary doctorate.

Emory graduated some 5,000 students in 2022.

Commencement coincided with Hillel at Emory’s first Birthright Israel cohort since 2020.

Atlanta, where Perry has built over a dozen sound stages and nearly a dozen-and-a-half sets on the backlot. Over a nearly 30-year career, he has produced 17 successful feature films, 20 stage plays, 7 television series and a New York Times bestseller. The 52-year-old entrepreneur, whose net worth is estimated at over $800 million, was presented with an honorary doctorate. Danielle Kerker Goldstein, who graduated from Emory Law School with the highest-grade point average in her class, was voted Most Outstanding Student. In March, she finished editing the latest issue of the Emory Law Journal just before the birth of her first child. At the law school commencement, which fell on Mother’s Day, she told her graduating class that despite her achievements, the most important thing for her were relationships. “What matters most to me are the people around me: my daughter. My husband. My grandfather, in the stands today, who escaped Auschwitz and survived the Holocaust, cancer and now COVID. My parents, my siblings, my friends. And the kind strangers who sent messages of encouragement and support.” The new student aid program, which was first approved in January, began in 2007 as a way to help low- and middle-income fam-

ilies with undergraduate tuition and room and board costs, which total almost $72,000 a year. The university now provides over $350 million in grants for undergraduates, graduates and professional students. Students also receive another $24 million in scholarships and grants from the state and federal governments. Ravi Bellamkonda, Emory provost and executive vice-president for academic affairs, described the new program as part of the university’s commitment to student success. “This is just one way Emory is striving for the special Emory experience to be accessible to all students, independent of their socioeconomic status.” Emory’s Jewish community, which is estimated at nearly 2,000 students, is represented by a Jewish chaplain employed by the university. Students enjoy a flourishing Hillel program housed in spacious quarters just off campus and an ambitious Chabad program. While Emory was announcing its new student aid program, some of the Jewish students who would number among its first beneficiaries were already in Israel. Because of pandemic cancellations, these students were on the first Emory Birthright trip to Israel since March 2020. Another 15,000 are expected in Israel later this summer for the ten day, all-expense paid trip. ì

GRADUATION

Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael's National Honor Society Students By Chana Shapiro On May 9, Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael (YOY) inducted six members into their National Honor Society chapter for the 2021-22 school year. The students all have a 3.8 GPA or higher, are leaders in their school, participate in extracurricular activities and perform community service throughout the year. These standout students have mastered a double curriculum of Judaic and secular studies, with some seniors jointly enrolled in classes at Georgia State University while meeting the NHS standards for their high school work. The NHS induction ceremony took place during the school day, with the faculty and high school student body present. “The National Honor Society induction gives our school the opportunity to recognize and nurture characteristics that Judaism values,” explained YOY General Studies Principal David Jaffe. “Honoring the NHS inductees as a school event inspires the younger students to become worthy of membership in the NHS.” In 2011, YOY went through a thorough accreditation process in order to qualify as a chapter of the National Honor Society. The national standards encompass academic scholarship, school and community service, leadership in setting the tone of the school and admirable character, which is evident both within and outside the classroom. Students are selected for NHS

This year’s NHS inductees, left to right: Yehoshua Cohen (a member since his junior year), Shalom Dovid Schulgasser, Aaron Blanks, Moshe Yehuda Golding, Avi Tanenbaum, Aron Pitocchelli and Donny Grossblatt.

membership by the YOY faculty. According to its website, The National Honor Society of Secondary Schools was established in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to recognize and encourage scholastically outstanding high school students. Its founders modeled the organization after Phi Beta Kappa, the under-

graduate collegiate honor society. Today’s NHS is more than an academic honor roll. The 1997 revised NHS constitution requires potential members to have an enthusiasm for scholarship, a desire to serve others, leadership qualities and an exemplary character. Every NHS school has its own chapter and unique selection procedure. ì

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Zalik Foundation Gifts $19 Million to The Weber School A new $19 million grant from The Zalik Foundation will allow The Weber School to hire and retain staff and enrich the curriculum, all while building new facilities, including an athletic complex and performing arts center — the first major campus expansion since the school Debbie Diamond relocated to Sandy Springs. According to school administrators, the funds will enable Weber to fully realize its mission as a modern Jewish high school, as well as support the needs of its growing student body. The school also intends to build what it calls two new “Centers of Excellence,” The Israel and Global Education Academy and the Music and Performing Arts Academy. The two centers will join the school’s Sports Science and Management Academy and the Daniel Zalik Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering and Design (DZA), which has become a hub of innovation and collaboration for Weber students and faculty since it was established in 2018. Rabbi Ed Harwitz, Weber’s head of school, anticipates the additional centers will create a robust, creative educational culture available only on their campus. “The generous grant from The Zalik Foundation will provide the necessary assets for Weber to realize its vision more fully by establishing these two new

The Zalik Foundation’s principals, Helen and David Zalik.

Rabbi Ed Harwitz, head of school at Weber.

academies during the 2022-2023 academic year,” he told the AJT. The new Music and Performing Arts Academy will come with a state-of-the-art performing arts center, including a fully outfitted theater and rehearsal space, as well as studios for dance and recording music. With the expanded space, Weber plans to host large classes and symposiums, guest speakers and student programs, serving as a resource for the Atlanta Jewish community. “We are inspired by The Weber School’s vision for creating Jewish leaders whose mission is to better our society,” said Helen and David Zalik of The Zalik Foun-

Mazel Tov, Class of 2022!

‫בס״ד‬

Daliya Wallenstein, Valedictorian Micah Feit Mann, Salutatorian Joshua Asherian Daniel Bland Miriam Bregman Nina Flusburg Samuel Fogelson Daniel Gadelov Ella Goldstein Leah Houben Noah Kalnitz Eliana Leubitz

Sivan Livnat Miriam Lynn Margalit Lytton Aviya Mishli Racheli Seeman Dalya Silverman Elliot Sokol Yakira Starr Yered Wittenberg

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Weber plans to expand its signature Spanish immersion programs in Spain and Cuba as part of the new Israel and Global Education Academy.

dation. “Under the incredible leadership of Ed Harwitz, Weber is a unique place where Jewish teens from different backgrounds come together as one community. Investing in a growing world class school with a strong leadership team and dedicated board to further enhance the school was a no brainer.” The Israel and Global Education Academy will be designed to expand Weber’s current global travel education programs: the Abe Besser Israel-Poland Experience and Spanish Immersion programs in Spain and Cuba. The Zalik grant will support additional study and travel within the U.S. and abroad, while providing service scholarships to ensure broad participation among the student body. A challenge grant for a new campaign will fund the construction of a new athletic complex. Plans call for a large gym with a full basketball court and two additional practice gym spaces. The layout will allow for multiple practices and games for different Weber athletic teams. With the significantly expanded space and seating for 550 spectators, the school will be able to host larger-scale regional competitions. Three locker rooms will be added to accommodate the home team and visiting athletes. Enhanced fitness, conditioning and weightlifting facilities are also part of the projected plan, as are improvements to the current athletic program. A new outdoor track and field facilities are in the works, as well as eco-friendly lighting for baseball, soccer and flag football. “We are deeply honored by this generous and visionary grant from The Zalik Foundation,” said Rabbi Harwitz. “The faculty and staff at Weber enthusiastically embrace this unique opportunity to advance our mission in new and ambitious ways, preparing students who are deeply committed to serving the Jewish community and the broader world.” “This extraordinary investment in Weber speaks volumes to the confidence in our leadership and educational professionals while it also honors the legacy of Felicia and Joe Weber,” said Billy Medof, president of the school’s board of trustees. “We are incredibly grateful to The Zalik Foundation for this generous grant. It will allow Weber to serve a growing and increasingly diverse student population and position Weber to serve as a resource that will benefit the Jewish community for decades to come.” ì

GRADUATION

A Garden Teaches Torah at Toco Hills Congregation Though it is only about 21,000 square feet, or just under .05 acres, the GrowTorah garden at Congregation Ohr HaTorah speaks volJan Jaben-Eilon umes to its 270 families and the wider Jewish community. “The real impetus behind the garden was COVID,” said Miriam Seidman, the synagogue’s director of experiential Jewish education. “Rabbi [Adam] Starr has a vision for the congregation and the space to be like a Jewish summer camp, both with a vibrant setting indoors and outdoors. We call it our ‘happy Jewish space.’” After the initial pandemic shutdown in early 2020, the congregation’s youth started meeting outside that June. Seidman, who moved to Atlanta the previous August, suggested borrowing a con-

cept from New Jersey-based GrowTorah, which develops experiential and environmental Torah education programs for Jewish institutions, primarily schools. Seidman and Starr say that their congregation is the first to partner with GrowTorah. Seidman credits the generosity of Morris and Gabby Cohen, whose daughter, Maya Hazel Cohen, died unexpectedly when she was a few months old. Today the garden is flourishing with apple, fig and pomegranate trees, herbs such as basil, chives, mint and parsley, as well as cucumbers, snap peas, peppers, tomatoes and cantaloupe, said Seidman. The congregation’s younger members are taught how to work the garden, taste from the garden, harvest and say the correct blessings for each type of produce. “Everything is a Torah lesson,” she adds. The children are taught to donate some of the harvest, while some is left for the poor and homeless. Members of the wider Jewish community are invited to sample the garden’s bounty. Since this Jewish year of 5782 is the year of Shmita, or sabbatical year, when agricultural

Though it’s only about 21,000 square feet, Congregation Ohr HaTorah’s GrowTorah garden is teeming with herbs, vegetables, fruit trees and Torah lessons.

land in Israel is left to rest, Ohr HaTorah has also set aside part of its garden to teach its members about this Torah mandate. With the Atlanta Jewish Academy bus stop nearby, disembarking school children wander through the garden every school day. “We’re getting families to visit from Virginia Highlands and Brookhaven who are picking up their children,” said Seidman.

The garden is only one part of the congregation’s outdoor space. There’s also a playground that has been upgraded and a wooded park area with a clearing for benches, said Seidman, who has bigger plans for the future. She really likes the camp idea. “We want the synagogue to be a community center, both on Shabbat and during the week. It can be a place for the Jewish people from Toco Hills to meet,” she said. ì

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Epstein Class Trip was a Lifetime in the Making For the eighth-grade class at The Epstein School, the world just got a little smaller. The Jewish world, in particular. Thirty-two Sasha Heller eighth-graders and their coordinators recently returned from their trip, having immersed themselves in the culture, history and cuisine of Israel. Judson Siegel, 14, gained wisdom from his experiences and insight into local Israeli religious practices. “Not everyone in Israel is very religious,” Siegel said. “It was interesting to see the difference in observance in Jerusalem versus other places, like Tel Aviv. This was surprising, as I expected that everywhere we went people would be very religious.” For Epstein Middle School Principal and trip coordinator Susanna Ames, the primary concern was to provide a safe and meaningful experience for the students while also overcoming the challenges of international travel during a global pandemic. “Given the current COVID situation, being able to take our eighth-grade Israel trip was not a forgone conclusion,” Ames told the Atlanta Jewish Times, adding that this year’s class trip required more logistical gymnastics than previous years had. “We had to jump through many more hoops than in years past before we even got off the ground in Atlanta or began touring in Israel,” she said. For Ames, the highlight of the trip was seeing how engaged, involved and cohesive the unit remained throughout the trip. “Every single one of them was eager to have new experiences,” she said. “No one shied away from anything unknown. They dove in, took stock of the situation or experience and reflected.” Students soaked up Israeli history, architecture and street food; through that enrichment process, the group dynamics evolved and lifetime friendships were solidified. “New bonds were formed and stronger connections emerged within the group because of all of the shared experiences,” Ames said. She thanked the parents of the eighth graders for their trust and commitment throughout the school year and during 46 | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The group is shown singing with Israeli Defense Force soldiers at the Kotel for kabbalat Shabbat.

Tefillah atop Masada on Yom HaShoah.

A group of eighth-grade girls from Epstein praying at the Wailing Wall.

Epstein student, Hannah Throne, reading the Megillah HaAtzmaut in the World Zionist Organization’s Yom HaAtzmaut ceremony.

the time that the Epstein students were abroad. Other trip itinerary highlights included cruising around the Kinneret; offroading in the Golan Heights; exploring the water tunnels in the City of David; visiting a variety of local synagogues in Jerusalem; doing tefillah at the Kotel; floating in the Dead Sea and sparking passionate and lively discussions about egalitarian Judaism in Israel. While in Jerusalem, the eighthgraders encountered a bar mitzvah and jumped right in, singing Hebrew songs and dancing down the street with the rest of the celebrators. Ames said that while visiting the water tunnels, the students sang in the dark and had everyone turn off their flashlights so they could navigate the pitch-black surroundings as a unit. “These seemingly small moments

Epstein School’s eighth grade class is pictured with their madrichim at the Tayelet overlooking Jerusalem.

were incredibly poignant for me as I knew that these were the moments they’d remember,” Ames said. “In Israel, making totally new memories with the people they’ve shared a million experiences with before.” For Devin Sonenshine, 13, the excursion to the Dead Sea will stand out as one of the trip’s more memorable experiences. “One lasting memory that I will cherish is when our whole grade went into the Dead Sea together and put mud on ourselves,” Sonenshine said. For a small group of seven students — including Siegel and a teacher — the two-week itinerary just wasn’t enough. They were forced to stay behind in Israel for a third week, as they had tested positive for COVID. The group spent the week of what they dubbed “Epstein’s Covid Extension Trip” waiting out the end of quarantine,

then further explored Tel Aviv, went to the beach, participated in a graffiti tour and visited the Carmel shul. “Even though we weren’t able to go home with our class, we had fun swimming, eating meals together, hanging out and watching movies in our Airbnb in Tel Aviv,” Seigel said. The full list of students who participated include: Ezra Adler, Brody Alterman, Sagiv Avigal, Judah Becker, Naomi Brager, Daniel Cohen, Kfir Cohen, Aidan Colker, Abbey Deckelbaum, Graham Gingold, Graham Goodhart, Matthew Grant, Heather Grant, Ezra Heller, Jesse Kaiser, Marion Kogon, Beny Leibowitz, Caleb Lyss-Lewis, Brianna Lyss-Lewis, Amy Nowitz, Ari Oshins, Solomon Raggs, Brock Rodgers, Davis Seitz, Jake Shulman, Judson Siegel, Tyler Silberman, Devin Sonenshine, Hannah Throne, Ryan Tritt, Alexander Tyryshkin and Leah Woolfson. ì

GRADUATION

Fun Summer Remedies For Restless Kids On the run or in the sun, kids just want to have fun. And what better season than summer to capture their curiosity? Here are Robyn Spizman some awardGerson winning, terrific toys and age-appropriate ideas that encompass art activities and imagination starters. From walking dinosaurs to toys that go splash, these creativity boosters are sure to help your little ones make the most of summer. Summertime Fun — Located in Buckhead, Learning Express is open for summertime fun for all ages. Find a match for kids of any age. Games for the entire family include Zingo, CLACK and Crocodile Dentist. Magna Tiles — magnetic tiles that come in a variety of themes — offer hours of limitless play. And Melissa & Doug’s Explorer sets with the new Let’s Pretend to Garden set to interest kids in nature. Complimentary gift wrap and mailing options available. www.learningepxress. com/buckhead Walking Dino Kit — Kids 6 and up will love building these dinosaurs made of wooden pieces that pop together like a puzzle. No tools or glue required to build your prehistoric beast right at home. Clap your hands (or let out your own fierce cry) as you watch your completed dinosaur walk. www.uncommongoods.com Kiwi Crates — Kiwi Crates are unique educational and curiosity builders. The contents of the crates encourage kids with engaging hands-on projects and activities. Check out their Domino Machine (ages 9+) and Jumping Robot (ages 9+). Another great travel-friendly crate is the Monster Mix & Match Art Pack (ages 5+), perfect for on-the-go trips this summer. www.kiwicrates.com Explore the Senses — Sensory boxes are a huge hit from Young, Wild and Friedman. Check out their selection of customized boxes, which come in a variety of themes. Hours of creative exploration and fun! www.youngwildandfriedman.com

Princess For a Day — Tiaras and crowns are easily put together with no mess or stress with stickered jewels in all shapes and colors. Kids 3 and up will enjoy creating an instant well-fitting tiara for the perfect tea party. It’s mess-free, fun and easy crafting. Super Smalls has partnered with Mia’s Miracles to donate one Crown Kit for every one that is purchased. www.supersmalls.com Wearable, Do-It-Yourself Safety Gear — This line of safety gear (including helmets, pads and now a beginner skateboard) lets kids design their own protective pads with the help of dry-erase pens. Draw, wipe off and draw again! Making safety fun encourages kids to wear their gear without having to remind them. www.wipeout.com

Fömilator — The Fömilator foam blaster blasts streams of foam for messfree fun in the backyard. Also check out the Fömalanche. With a press of a button, this portable machine makes piles of light, airy foam to run through and toss in the air. www.target.com Birding For Babies — Get your binoculars ready! “Birding for Babies” is a new board book for young readers that will get them flapping their wings about the fascinating world of birds. Instill curiosity in young ones about the world around us and the winged creatures that inhabit it, while teaching them about colors and numbers. www.penguinrandomhouse.com

Wash-Off Nail Polish — Gift your little ones a make-believe beauty parlor with sparkly oops-free nail polish — sans toxic chemicals, of course. Taking off the polish is a piece of cake with soap and water. www.uncommongoods.com Goodbanana.com — Check out the fun backyard splash pads and bubble machines from Good Banana. Kids will love the Wibbly Wobbly Dinosaur, Flamingo sprinklers and more. www.goodbanana.com Tee Turtle Unstable Unicorns — Unstable Unicorns is a strategic card game and one of Kickstarter’s top 100 most-backed projects of all time, having sold over a million copies worldwide. www.amazon.com ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 47

GRADUATION

Stones of Remembrance Beautiful People For all the beautiful people out there, that have been slaughtered under Hitler’s horrible reign, You are remembered. For all the names, not the numbers. For all the lives that were lost. You will never be forgotten. On and on until the world collapses, You will always be in our hearts. For all the times you have shown us our true value. For all the hardships you have gone through. For all the things that you didn’t deserve to happen. You. Are. Extraordinary. For the times you heard little birds singing out their hearts on your windowsill. For all the times you admired the sunset out in the distance. For all the times you felt warm breezes brushing against your chin, as you danced in the wind. You are beautiful people. Zara F. Westminster School students commemorating their Stones of Remembrance.

By Charles Hacker The Stones of Remembrance Project is an annual activity that memorializes the one and a half million children who were killed in the Holocaust. Students from public or private elementary, middle, and high schools are invited to participate. They are given an actual child’s first and last name, the date and place of birth, and the date and place of death. They write this information on a specially prepared stone and decorate it as they like. The stone then becomes a unique memorial to that child’s life. Students are encouraged to write a short essay on their participation in the project. The stones are then either displayed as a Holocaust memorial on their school grounds, or each student can take their stone home and place it in a special location in their yard. Here are some of the essays that were written this year by Atlanta Public School fifth grade students from Morningside Elementary School under the guidance of Mr. Taylor Hatcher, fifth grade teacher. Others can be found on the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum Website. All of these essays were written by 5th grade students at Morningside Elementary School. The teacher explained that for safety purposes, students could only provide their first name and last name initial: The Holocaust is one of the worst experiences in human history. One guy committing mass murder with no one to stop him. Killing millions of people and children, multiples at a time. Children as young as one years old were being killed with no mercy. How terrible! But there are some things that are helpful: we can learn about how horrific it really was and make sure it doesn’t happen again, and even honor the people that died. That is what the Stones of Remembrance Project is doing. It is very kind to bring these people back to life through memories. Making these stones makes me feel like I am helping them have a life they never had a chance to live. It restores my faith in humanity. Dylan S. The Holocaust was an awful, horrid period in time when Jewish children and adults were murdered for no reason at all. When I first learned about it, I was completely shocked at what I was hearing. I wanted to go back in time and somehow stop the Holocaust from ever happening. I wanted to erase history. I think my opinion on this subject is worldwide and shared by many people. My opinion is that everyone that died during the Holocaust should get a second chance at life, and that no one, not a single life that was lost during this time, deserved to die. What we are doing is a good act of kindness and a way to bring awareness of people that died during this time. I think this is a great way to remember people as well as doing a small colorful activity. I cannot emphasize how much compassion I have for the Jewish people. I know this activity will help honor some of these millions of people, at least a little bit. Devon C.

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It means a lot for us to create these stones for the children who died in the Holocaust. It’s actually really sad to make these stones because lots of children died at really young ages. They didn’t get to live their full lives. I hate the Holocaust because it treated Jewish people like they were garbage and like their lives did not matter. I’m really glad I get to remember and celebrate these little kids’ small amount of life in a great way. Abby J. Laszlo Mazanzker was only the age of one when he was killed in the Holocaust along with many others. Many of my classmates have gotten young children for their remembrance stones. Most were the age of one or two. I find it horrifying that anyone could do anything so inhumane to others because of their race or religion. I hope that nothing in the history of the Earth ever happens like this again. In school we learn about this and to not let this repeat itself. Such a scale of racism is never okay; any scale of racism is never okay. I feel the Nazis had no good reason to kill anyone. Laszlo Mazanzker was an innocent toddler who had barely any time in this world. His life came to an end almost as soon as it started. While Laszlo was alive, all he got to see were the horrors of the Holocaust and didn’t get to have any of the joy of even being alive. Laszlo could have been a famous person one day, but the Nazis took away all of his freedoms so that all that was left was a sad lonely child who got nothing. How could they have done this to anyone? Along with Laszlo were many other very young children. Laszlo should be remembered since when he was alive, he was known as a number to the Nazis. To me, Laszlo is a young, remembered child who had a purpose to live. Nate W. When you look back at the Holocaust, you think about all the Jews that died. You think Students selecting keepsake Stones of Remembrance.

GRADUATION

Stones of Remembrance left at the Holocaust Memorial at Greenwood Cemetery.

Marist School students working on their outdoor display of the Stones of Remembrance.

Marist School students working on memorializing their Stones of Remembrance

of people died in the Holocaust. The millions of people that died were innocent and were being blamed. The person that I put on my stone did not deserve to die at such a young age of four. At the age of four, you are supposed to be learning to ride a bike, not worry about being hunted down by the Nazis. Marley W.

Display of Stones of Remembrance

Stones of Remembrance, candles lit by Holocaust survivors, and sunflowers honoring Ukraine displayed on the crypt at the Holocaust Memorial at Greenwood Cemetery.

about how some people were born in concentration camps. You think about how you would act if you were in the Holocaust. What would happen? Would you survive? What the Holocaust means to me is that innocent children died. Innocent people died. Jews died. They had no reason to die. It wasn’t their fault they were Jewish. It makes people really mad at how this happened. A lot of innocent children who were just born lost their lives for no reason. No reason at all. Just like the child I got, Maya Pampushka. She was only one year old. She died for no reason. Hadley H.

Eleven million people. Six million of those people were Jews. One and one half million of those people were children. I have learned a lot about the Holocaust. So many died because of the way they act, the way they look, or the way they pray. Why does it matter? The Nazis took innocent people and slaughtered them. The Nazis didn’t care if they had a family or had a life at all. They just killed. When I learned about this, I didn’t have much perspective. Now I can picture these peoples’ families that were lost, their identities robbed, their lives destroyed. And no one knew! After VE day, they freed the people that were still alive. Thousands of dead bodies had been hidden from the public. Reporters took pictures of tons of scrawny survivors, thousands of carcasses. Worst of all, a camera couldn’t catch the lives destroyed and the hopes crushed into one tiny ball what was discarded forever. We need to care! Annika G.

Marist School students proudly displaying their Stones of Remembrance on campus.

I think the Holocaust was a horrible thing. It caused the death of so many innocent people with families just because they celebrated a different religion. It is, in my opinion, one of the very worst things humanity has done. So many little kids, so many innocent lives were lost just because one horrible, horrible person decided they did not belong on Earth. It was inexcusable, a sin, a sin. Life is a pretty simple objective, with simple rules. In my mind, if you go against every one of those rules, you get the Holocaust, a manifestation of hate; the dark side of humanity. I think this project is a good thing to give an identify back to some of the unfortunate lives that were lost. Archer M. I think that the Holocaust was a very sad time, and I think that it is a great idea to color stones as a remembrance of the kids that died. But what I noticed is that we only made stones for the children. I wish that we could have done it for the adults too. I know the kids are always the ones who should come first and that they didn’t get to live as long as the adults. But I feel like we aren’t remembering everyone. I feel that if the adults could see that we were remembering the children, they would be proud, but I also feel that they would have wanted to be remembered too. I feel that we are doing our best and that we should keep up the good work. Maddie J. After writing on these stones, I feel sad. It makes me super sad to think that millions ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 49

ARTS Emory Grad’s Play Stages Shakespeare During the Shoah By Bob Bahr Theresienstadt, the Nazi concentration camp established in the town of Terezín, was unique. Built in 1941, it was used to detain Jews from Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia — many of whom had been prominent in the arts. Nazi propagandists described Theresienstadt as a “spa town” to which the artists, actors and musicians could “retire” after being shipped from their respective countries. To perpetuate the murderous fiction, the Nazis allowed a limited set of cultural activities. There was even a Freizeitgestaltung, or Office of Leisure Time Activities that encouraged concerts, theater performances and visual arts. Among these were some 50 performances staged during the three-and-a-halfyears of the camp’s operation. It was this aspect of Theresienstadt’s history that fascinated Drew Mindell, an Emory playwriting major who graduated with honors on May 9. Mindell spent several months in the university’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience doing research on the Holocaust

Mindell’s play examines the profoundly difficult choices faced by the Jewish prisoners of the Theresienstadt.

Drew Mindell, who graduated from Emory University this year, wrote a prizewinning play about the Jews of Theresienstadt.

The Small Fortress Cemetery memorial at Theresienstadt concentration camp. Fewer than 1,600 Jew inmates of the camp survived. // Elan Kawesch/Times of Israel

and theater history. What would have been the experience of a group of incarcerated actors, he wondered, rehearsing not just a lighthearted drama or skit but one of the most notorious portrayals of a Jewish character in history, Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of

Venice?” What would such a rehearsal have meant in a place that owed its existence, under the Nazis, to the extermination of the Jews? How, in effect, does one respond when art so closely shadows life? “What is left for them? I think that’s the question. I think that’s what they spend the play trying to find,” Mindell said. “When all of these things that allowed us to create our culture and our lives and even the normal things that we do are taken from us, what do you do?” His play, “The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare (or at least our best approximation of it),” is about precisely this. It depicts a group of actors as they prepare for a performance of the English stage classic and grapple with their feelings in the face of death and the loss of all that once meant so much to them. While there is no record of the play ever having been performed or even contemplated at Theresienstadt, there was an active theater program there. Mindell believes it was all part of the desperate search to maintain an everyday connection to human life. “You haven’t lost your humanity as long as you are able to create something and as long as you are able to reach another person, you have what makes you human.” According to Mindell’s research, there were cabaret skits, a puppet theater, even theatrical revues at the camp. Even plays like “The Human Voice” by Jean Cocteau were staged under the watchful eye of Nazi censorship. According to Mindell, the production was less about the performance and more of a cry for life. “It’s very easy to be so caught up in all that is bad there that it doesn’t feel like anything good is going to come again. And when you feel like that is when you need to keep going.”

When the Nazis took over Terezín, they expelled the 8,000 Czechs living there and began transporting what would amount to some 140,000 people, mostly Jews, to their death at various camps, including Auschwitz. The most dramatic moment in the history of the camp, though, took place not onstage but during a visit from representatives of the International Red Cross and Danish Red Cross in June of 1944. King Christian of Denmark wanted to ensure that Jewish deportees from his country weren’t being abused and that rumors of mass murder were false. To prepare for the charade, the SS, which ran the camp, created a six-month beautification program, roping in the Council of Jewish Elders, as they called those who helped them administer the camp, to create a veneer of normalcy. Just a month prior to the Red Cross visit, 7,500 prisoners were murdered “to alleviate crowding” in the camp. After the one-day inspection, the three-man delegation reported that the “residents” were being treated well. Their report confirmed that some the best dramatic actors, it turned out, were the Nazi officers who ran the camp. The Nazis even shot a propaganda film and, when it was completed, shipped the “cast members” to death camps, where they were murdered. Of the many thousands of Jews who passed through Theresienstadt, only 1,574 survived the war, according to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Mindell’s play, which was performed at Emory in February 2021, won the David L. Shelton Award for a full-length regional work — an honor bestowed by the American College Theater Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington. The play also garnered an honorable mention in the National Jewish Playwriting Contest in 2021. ì

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50 | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Chai Style Art

Artist Anita Arliss peeks through a temple door from her master bedroom to the upstairs hallway. On the left is a portrait of an obscure movie star she found at a flea market. To the far right is one of Arliss’s first paintings, “BAM.” // Photography Credit: Howard Mendel

Inside Anita Arliss’s Artsy Bungalow

Marcia Caller Jaffe

Anita Arliss is known for hyperrealist paintings that often combine external and invented realities through a layering of multiple media, from intimate portraits to fleeting images of spontaneous

events. “I employ my skills in photography, digital manipulation, large-format inkjet print, canvas, oil paint and acrylic,” the artist explained. “Highly saturated colors, brokenup shapes and dispersed light describe confident figures. I don’t work from sketches; my paintings are not planned. My images mix figuration and abstraction.” Arliss lives in a Virginia Highland bun-

galow, surrounded by her own work and sentimental pieces she’s collected. She works in a small home studio and a larger West End studio that serves as her daily workspace. If you’ve been to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, you’ve likely walked over Arliss’s large glass tile mosaic, which is permanently installed in the floor of Concourse B. Read on to learn about her wide-ranging taste, famous mentors and how she managed to turn the airport into her canvas. Jaffe: Describe your process. Arliss: I paint with shape, color and light to create imagery that combines old and new ideas. I explore the multiplicities and notions of “real” in contemporary painting. My recent landscape painting, “Pastoral,” could illustrate a viewer seeing euphoria, deception or both. Jaffe: How does your New York background influence your work?

Arliss: Diversity is intrinsic to New York, and I interacted with a wide range of different people. I was an artist in Manhattan in the ’70s, when the art scene was exploding. I went to the Art Students League as a child and Music and Art High School. Then I earned my BA and MA in Fine Arts at Manhattan’s Hunter College, and followed up with two years at Studio and Forum of Stage Design in the West Village. Growing up, I spent a great deal of time looking at art museums and galleries in Manhattan. I studied with or worked for many well-known artists (Robert Morris, Balanchine) film directors (Robert Redford) and designers (Bill Groom) in New York. All of this certainly influenced me. Jaffe: Describe your home. Arliss: It’s a 1930 Craftsman Bungalow. Art is all around, and I sometimes rotate it. Walls represent years of collecting. Works by Cindy Sherman, Palmer Hayden, Gilbert & George, Mike and Doug Starn, Paris flea

market finds, an art deco burl walnut armoire, Currier and Ives, Alberto Casais, Teresa Bramlette Reeves. E.K. Huckaby, Hopi Indian crafts, and folk art fills the gamut. I do like old things. One unique thing we have is a Presidential Proclamation from Bill Clinton, to whom our son wrote to request a national “Children’s Day,” comparable to the traditional Mother’s and Father’s Day holidays. And Clinton complied! Jaffe: Your airport mosaic is a masterpiece. How did you score that? Arliss: I was among a long list of artists invited by Fulton County Public Arts Program to submit a proposal for the concourse center point at Hartsfield-Jackson in 2004, and then invited back to submit more drawings and blueprints. After I was shortlisted, I made a site-specific design with materials, colors and images for the 21-ft. mosaic proposal. I was thrilled that it was chosen by the committee. It took more than four years ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 51

CHAI STYLE

Arliss was chosen from a long list of artists to design a mosaic for the center point of Concourse B in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport. Travelers walk over her 2009 glass tile installation, “Propulsion.”

until my design was a reality on Concourse B, because of budget and committee clearance phases. When all was approved, I flew to the mosaic fabricator in Italy and was with the technicians at the airport installation.

Above: This light-filled booth was created in 1930 with leftover wood from the floor’s construction. The wallpaper is Ralph Lauren’s “Americana.” On the wall is a Proclamation signed by President Clinton, based on Arliss’s son Ian’s request. Below: The dining room features an 1890 amber alabaster glass light fixture over a distressed salt wood table. Arliss’s digitally pixelated paintings “Alan” and “Ian” flank “Planed 2007” by Gilbert & George.

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Jaffe: Does your art speak to your social statements? Arliss: Basically, as an artist, I have to engage and say something about the social injustices, ecological concerns and political issues that are dehumanizing, like racism, gun violence, domestic abuse, terrorism, climate change, dictators, genocide and more. Having an artistic sensibility means that I am in-

nately political. I may not be able to change anything, but at least I can make a difference in some way. Jaffe: Which of your pieces are most dear to you? Arliss: The portraits are the best category for using all my art knowledge and capability. I also greatly enjoy painting them. My commissioned portrait paintings start at $5,000. They’re the culmination of all of my artistic interests over time. Jaffe: As a child, were you immersed in art? This brilliant blue, black and yellow painting of a pig by OXXO hangs above an African mask from a Paris flea market (circa 1950) and a mahogany Martha Washington sewing table .

CHAI STYLE Arliss: My father would laugh when remembering me, at age four, with palette, paper and paintbrush in my hand, declaring to him my future was to be an artist. I began private art lessons at the age of 10 and continued to be immersed in art my entire life. Jaffe: What do you consider to be your intrinsic talent? Arliss: I can look, see, understand and communicate a possible shared experience; even if it may be idiosyncratic, someone can connect. Jaffe: How does the Atlanta art community position your work? Arliss: There’s a lot of opportunity here for artists, and our community is very supportive of one another. I feel my work is highly respected here. I moved here because my husband, author Alan Axelrod, accepted a position at Ted Turner’s publishing company in Atlanta. Our son was just 7 when we moved; and he loved to spend time outdoors and in nature, so it was a good fit. I was ready to move, too, after years of painting full-time as a movie and television scenic artist, and we agreed it would be just great if I could concentrate on my own work. Our pup, Pearly, provides a lot of fun here, too. Jaffe: If you could wake up and have one piece of art in your home, what would it be? Arliss: “A Bar at the Folies-Bergère,” by Édouard Manet (1882). Who wouldn’t want that? ì

Above: Arliss’s West End Studio features natural light and a concrete floor. Below: Arliss’s interpretation of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and her partner, Diego Rivera, in “The Daughter” (inkjet print).

The Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn commissioned Anita to paint this portrait of their beloved Chair, Dr. Stephan Kamholz, who died of COVID while working at the hospital.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 53

CALENDAR

MAY 31 - JUNE 14 siderations that serve as the engine of Jewish civil law. Fee $99 (textbook included). Zoom option available. Visit https://bit.ly/3EpAzRh for more information.

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.

TUESDAY, MAY 31 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-stress and engaging way of learning. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3sr94RP.

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 key legal issues and fundamental ethical con-

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 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 indepth look at the Book of Leviticus. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3srZsGj.

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

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

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.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3 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

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.

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

54 | MAY 31, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

and/or significant others of those struggling with addiction. Visit https:// bit.ly/3B5bABf for more information.

Hadassah Metulla Skincare for Health & Beauty — 2 to 3 p.m. Join via Zoom to learn about Skincare for Health & Beauty with Dr. Eileen Niren. The event is free and open to the community. Visit https://bit.ly/3N4LMtF for more information.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Torah Reading: Bamidbar Friday, June 3, 2022 (Sivan 4 5782) light candles at 8:27 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022, (Sivan 5, 5782) light Holiday Candles after 9:28 p.m. Torah Reading: Naso Friday, June 10, 2022, (Sivan 11, 5782) light candles at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022, (Sivan 12, 5782) Shabbat ends at 9:32 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4 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.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5

Tikkun Leil Shavuot, An Evening of Learning — 8 to 10:30 p.m. Explore relationships in the Torah and Talmud through chavurah (partner study.) Visit https://bit.ly/3wsnYJH for information.

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.

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Intown Shavuot Ice Cream Party — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come hear the 10 commandments and enjoy ice cream! For more information, see https://bit. ly/3N1KaRs. Chag Hamayim Shavuot Water Festival — 1 to 3 p.m. Join Etz Chaim for water activities, putt-putt golf, outdoor games, bubbles and more! Kick off the Summer with a splash while honoring a Jewish tradition. Visit https://bit. ly/3vPokuN for more information.

TUESDAY, JUNE 7 Hadassah Ketura Challah Baking for the Soul — 7 p.m. Learn how to make challah for Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat with Sheli Feldman and Jodi Frankel. $5. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3svMbNX.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10 Tot Shabbat — 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Join Dor Tamid for Tot Shabbat. RSVP required. See https://bit.ly/3v73qr1 for more details. 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.

Your Metro Atlanta real estate expert Janis Zagoria

Kelsey Barocas 678-310-3169

Peggy Feldman 404-310-0895

BarocasFeldman@gmail.com

Amy Barocas 404-790-0913

THE ATLANTA PERIMETER OFFICE 4848 Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30338 770-394-2131 Office Harry Norman.com

M 404.245.3628 O 404.668.6621

janis.zagoria@compass.com City lights team is a team of real estate licensees affiliated with compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MAY 31, 2022 | 55

SATURDAY, JUNE 11

TUESDAY, JUNE 14

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.

Global Connections: America’s Immigration Debate — 4 to 5 p.m. Robert Siegel (former Senior Host of NPR’s All Things Considered for 31 years) interviews Doris Meissner (Migration Policy Institute), Dr. Norman Ornstein (American Enterprise Institute), Carola Suárez-Orozco (Director, Immigration Initiative at Harvard) and Julia Preston (The Marshall Project). Register for free. See https://bit.ly/3loaPw9.

SUNDAY, JUNE 12 Shabbat Learners’ Service — 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. On the second Shabbat of each month, tap into the spirit of Shabbat at Intown Jewish Academy for an interactive service. You’ll enjoy engaging discussion, inspirational stories, moving prayer and intelligent commentary in a warm and friendly setting. Participants are invited to join the Main Service for Musaf, followed by a Kiddush luncheon. For more details, visit https://bit.ly/34N3xwG.

GLT Mah Jong! — 1 to 3 p.m. You do not need to be a member of Congregation Gesher L’Torah to join. Please visit https://bit.ly/3kyHbnm for more information.

MONDAY, JUNE 13

Needlework is an international organization devoted to needlework traditions through the sharing of handcrafted items for both Jewish ritual and everyday cultural use. Members range from novice to experienced quilters, crocheters, fiber artists, weavers, knitters, needlepointers, beaders, cross-stitchers and more. For more details, visit https://bit.ly/3HIxGMk.

Judaic Needlework Meetings — 7 to 9 p.m. The Pomegranate Guild of Judaic

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

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