Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCIX NO. 10, May 31, 2023

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CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE

ALLEN H. LIPIS

BOB BAHR

CHANA SHAPIRO

DAVID OSTROWSKY

JAN JABEN-EILON

MARCIA CALLER JAFFE

ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON

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JBC Luncheons Come Back to Honor ‘40 Under 40’

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

On May 11, the Atlanta Jewish Times hosted a luncheon at City Springs to formally recognize the 40 Jewish Atlantans, all under 40 years old, who are making a significant impact in the Atlanta Jewish community.

The winners, who were first announced in the Nov. 22, 2022 edition of the AJT, were selected based on their successes and achievements. AJT Publisher Michael Morris began the luncheon with a special welcome in lieu of past year’s pandemic pause.

He said, “Here in this room is the next generation of leaders who will take on this mantle -- hopefully sooner rather than later.”

He closed by sending get-well wishes to AJT columnist Dave Schechter, who is recovering from a medical incident, which Schechter described in detail in his most recent column entitled, “My Heart Attack Has a Nickname.”

The lunch was sponsored by Brad Young on behalf of Israel Bonds. He related that the power of leadership comes with responsibility which dovetails in the support of Israel. He said, “We can follow in our parents’ footsteps. Bonds are an investment, not a donation. Keep them in mind for simcha gifts or a double mitzvah by donating.”

AJT Managing Publisher and Editor Kaylene Ladinsky called each recipient to the podium to receive his/her award. She also invited Rabbi Isser New, Rabbi Daniel Dorsch, Ethan Fialkow, Ben Halpern, Jessica Katz, and Hannah Zale to remain on stage for a panel discussion.

First up was Ladinsky’s query, “Starting out as leaders, what was your biggest challenge?”

Halpern spoke of the big shoes left to fill by community leaders like Irwin Zaban, Arthur Blank and Bernie Marcus, vis -a-vis his own commitment to give back. Dorsch shared credit with his large supporting cast, congregants and community members making it a pleasure to step up to the plate.

Katz explained that her role, “Raising funds, especially during the pandemic for the Jewish Family and Career Services, reinforced my choice to be a Jewish community professional.”

She also noted that as a leader for Birthright Israel trips, she inspired others, including Zale.

Next up, Ladinsky elicited remarks on how things have changed post-COVID.

Fialkow noted that he now thinks differently, and the Jewish community is now closer because of alternative forms of communication.

He stated, “I had never even heard of Zoom. And now it’s weird to not use it.”

Dorsch compared COVID to the shofar blast, saying, “In a way, shattering, but revealing a new level of creativity… two years ago, we couldn’t have even had this luncheon…every milestone now reminds, sustains us.”

Zale noted that quality, not quantity, and “how it feels when you are there” is what counts. “Somehow, I am weirdly grateful, beautiful things happened, partnerships came together.”

Halpern used the half-empty, half-

full glass analogy and said, “We used our resilience and learned to constantly pivot.” He also spoke of his recent trip with Honeymoon Israel increasing his passion (for Judaism).

Ladinsky then prompted the audience to ask a question, to which one audience member asked the panel what specific challenges the Jewish community faces today.

Dorsch spoke of the Jewish population explosion from around 30,000 during the Summer Olympics to 120,000 now, in just 30 years. He said, “Do we have the infrastructure to connect at all ages and stages? And there are some Jews who don’t want to be found. There has to be multiple entry points…be on a swim

team or reading the AJT…and do we have the money to run it all?”

Rabbi New had similar thoughts, adding, “Apathy could be the biggest challenge. In the old days, it was just the Federation, now, this has to be redefined.”

Ladinsky closed the meeting by relating that the Atlanta Jewish Times relies on everyone to advocate for our community, by letting her know about local events and great stories. She announced the Jewish Breakfast Club would resume reconvening quarterly from 11:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Always a fitting time for a breakfast club!

To see video of the panel discussion, visit the Atlanta Jewish Times’ page on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@atlantajewishtimes. ì

The AJT’s “40 Under 40” luncheon included a panel discussion featuring award winners (from left) Rabbi Isser New, Ethan Fialkow, Jessica Katz, Rabbi Daniel Dorsch, Hannah Zale and Ben Halpern

Rabbi Sam Blustin accepts his award.

40 Under 40 winners each received an award.

Adam Cohen accepts his award.

Cary Daniel Blumenfeld accepts his award.

Jared Kaye accepts his award.

Kayla Heering accepts her award.

Matthew Oppenheimer accepts his award.

Nir Levy accepts his award.

Lori Zeligman accepts her award.

Michael S. Wilensky accepts his award.

The Temple Welcomes New Executive Director

By Bob Bahr

For the first time in 46 years, The Temple, Atlanta’s Reform congregation in Midtown, has a new executive director. The Temple’s new administration head is Jeremy Perlin, who comes with extensive experience in the non-profit world. Most recently, he was executive director of Temple Sholom in Chicago.

Perlin, takes over from Mark Jacobson, who began work at the large Reform congregation just a few years out of college and built an administrative team that was remarkable for its stability. That is also something that has been reflected in the work of the clergy there. Since 1895, when Rabbi David Marx began a 50-year career there, The Temple has, effectively, had only four rabbis serving it.

That result of such a long history of effective leadership on the both the administrative and religious sides of the congregation has made a strong impression on Perlin.

“I just keep telling people I’ve been blown away by just, really with every-

thing. From the moment I started interviewing, the warmth, the welcoming, the amount of time and devotion contributed. What everyone here at The Temple gives in terms of their performance every

day is, in my experience, really unparalleled.”

Much like The Temple, the Chicago congregation where Perlin was executive director is a large, mostly urban commu-

nity that has a long history of leadership in the Reform movement. Its founding, like the Atlanta temple, dates back to the late 1860s and its present building, along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive, was complet-

The Temple’s new executive director, Jeremy Perlin (left) has run in 16 marathons of at least 26 miles each.

Jeremy Perlin (left) succeeds Mark Jacobson who served The Temple for 46 years.

ed in 1932, only a year after The Temple’s building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was dedicated.

The new executive director brings to his new job a history of accomplishment in the non-profit world. After completing law school, he worked for several organizations that represented the intersection of law and education. He eventually become head of legal affairs and human resources at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, where he helped manage the Reform seminary’s four campuses in the United States and in Israel. In Chicago, he ran the administrative side of a congregation which is roughly the size of The Temple’s 2,000 member-families.

His stay in Chicago, particularly during the last several years, was marked by the considerable difficulties created by COVID-19. Most religious communities, both Jewish and non-Jewish, he points out, have struggled to overcome significant challenges.

“The pandemic was a game changer for everybody. And so, congregations have had to reinvent themselves,” Perlin says. “They have had to, I think, make really difficult decisions about where resources and, in most cases, limited resources, are used. They have had to learn how to allocate those differently to respond to the needs of our communities. And then also to, to continue to think ahead about how this is going to continue to evolve.”

The effects of the pandemic have been felt across the Jewish community in America. Numerous institutions have merged or disappeared as communal life has been impacted by the isolation that was created by social distancing and quarantines.

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There have been nearly 100 million COVID cases reported in the United States and more than 1 million people have died in this country from the disease over the last three years. As he takes up his new job, Perlin believes that the pandemic may have helped to quickly transform how Jewish religious communities work.

“I think, at the very beginning of the pandemic, people probably thought, oh, well, in the sense we’re going to go online now and then we’re going to revert to who we are, who we were or what we were. And it became very clear that, no, we will really have to fundamentally change the way that we’ve done business, the way we’ve engaged with our community from what we did, you know,, three years ago. It’s come at a kind of warp speed in terms of thinking about how we’ve had to change and what that might look like going forward.”

But Perlin feels he is more than up for the task. For 12 years, he ran a successful training center for long distance runners. He’s completed 16 marathons of 26 miles each and he’s finished a couple of ultramarathons, which are 50-mile races. In South Africa, he did a 56-mile course. With the strong team he’s inherited at The Temple, Perlin sees no reason that the new challenge he’s just undertaken won’t be just as successful as all that running.

“One of the things that’s really been gratifying in my first few weeks here is just seeing how excited people are about being back together and doing things together again. Clearly, people are looking for that community. It’s incredible to be here now.”

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Chabad’s Five-Year Program of Youth Learning

By Chana Shapiro

Chabad provides many opportunities for Jews of all ages to acquire Jewish knowledge, and “Chidon Sefer HaMitzvot’s” program of self-directed study, for fourth through eighth graders, currently has more than 6,000 students participating, from 40 countries on six continents. The program is commonly known by participants simply as Chidon, which means “quiz” or “contest” in Hebrew.

Yaffa Antopolsky and Menucha Sharfstein, eighth-grade students in Chaya Mushka Middle School, completed the rigorous five-year challenge to learn the Biblical sources, details, and practical uses of all of Judaism’s 613 mitzvot. Five years ago, when the girls were in fourth grade, they began to study, not in a class in school, but on their own, and they were recently among a group honored in New York.

Learning the details of all 613 Torah directives is not easy; however, Antopolsky and Sharfstein enjoyed the challenge. Antopolsky remarks, “The Chidon program is a perfect way to learn all the

mitzvot and actually have fun doing it!”

The 613 mitzvot contain both positive and negative commandments and

can be divided into the laws governing a person’s relationship with G-d, like not worshiping idols of other religions, and

the laws governing a person’s relationship with other people, like staying away from troublemakers.

Yaffa Antopolsky and Menucha Sharfstein studied all 613 mitzvot and were invited to a mitzvot knowledge contest held at Symphony Hall in Newark.

Yaffa Antopolsky and Menucha Sharfstein

Participants explore increasingly complex material with online lessons and five books that progress each year, with different commandments to be studied. Each book is divided into units. In a single unit, participants study one or more related mitzvot and learn their Biblical sources and everyday applications.

One chapter of the first book cites the general mitzvah to “Love all Jews as much as you love yourself,” which includes specific mitzvot to welcome guests, celebrate joyfully with a bride and groom, bury the deceased, comfort mourners, and visit the sick. Every year, the learning advances to match students’ growing maturity, and the pages of each illustrated book have sidebars with related fun facts and anecdotes about Jewish sages. Study guides help participants review each book’s contents, and an online test covers that year’s material; mastery of content in every grade is a prerequisite for moving to the next grade level.

Younger siblings in both families are involved in the Chidon program. Shira Sharfstein, Menucha’s mother, notes, “Kids have an incredible drive for competition, especially when it’s fun! Enter the International Chidon Competition and kids have just that, while gaining a vast amount of Jewish knowledge! Studying the mitzvot in Hebrew and English and knowing all the intricate details for practical life application puts real power in kids’ hands and gets kids busy with something interesting and productive.”

After successfully completing five years of study, 2023 participants were invited to Chabad headquarters in New

York, where they enjoyed fun activities and received a commemorative hoodie. Girls who scored above 80 percent on tests from all five books received a medal and plaque. Prizes were also awarded for subject mastery to students in the lower grades. This year, a ceremony and mitzvot-knowledge contest was held at New Jersey’s Newark Symphony Hall, where graduates of the program were honored. The event featured a live band and popular Chabad singers. Teams and individuals vied amicably in increasingly challenging competition rounds, demonstrating their knowledge, and understanding of the 613 mitzvot.

Esther Antopolsky, Yaffa’s mother, states, “The kids who participated in the Chidon program have gained an enhanced understanding of the mitzvot and developed important time management and study skills to prepare for the yearly Chidon tests. Significantly, they’re filled with pride in their accomplishments, and we’re proud of them. There have been so many occasions where we have had a discussion at the dinner table or they were introduced to a new subject in school, and they say, ‘I know about that; I learned it in Chidon!’”

Menucha Sharfstein summed up the experience, “It was challenging, but worth it in the end, because we feel like we accomplished something important.”

Note: How do we come up with 613 mitzvot? Divine directives appear throughout the Torah and comprise 613 mitzvot, according to Jewish scholars, and were codified by 12th century sage, Rabbi Moses Maimonides. ì

Yaffa Antopolsky and Menucha Sharfstein studied all 613 Torah directives.

Hillel Welcomes New Director and Board

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Celebrating 20 years on May 18, Hillels of Georgia ushered in new officers, board members, awards, and CEO Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, who will officially assume his role this July.

In the annual event reception, Sernovitz spoke of his childhood growing up in a very Jewish Philadelphia (he attended the same high school as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but at a different time) compared to his experience later encountering antisemitism where he “was asked about his horns.”

Later he minored in Jewish studies and got connected to Hillel. Sernovitz later received his Master’s in education, then spent time in Israel where he was “shaken to the core being a few feet away from a bombed falafel stand and understanding what Israelis have to deal with.”

Looking toward assuming his new role, he quoted Atlanta Food Bank CEO Bill Bolling, who said, “We’re all overwhelmed with opportunity…as there is no reason that Hillels of Georgia cannot be the gold standard of the multi campus model.”

Later, inside The Temple sanctuary, Wayne Keil, interim Hillel CEO, introduced Michael Coles, a Hillel veteran who has consistently stepped up to the plate to lead. Coles, as a past board chair, stepped away to raise the important funds for the new world-class, 10,000-square-foot facility at the University of Georgia in a former bookstore building.

Coles, new incoming board chair, praised the selection of Sernovitz, who, from his clergy role at Temple Kol Emeth, “saw how to reach beyond Cobb County having just graduated from Leadership Atlanta.”

Coles later relayed his own history of overcoming obstacles, cancer, a serious motorcycle accident, a tough childhood, by leaning on the strength of 5,000 years of Jewish heritage.

Two students, Emma M. (Georgia Institute of Technology) and Stephen Sulimani (Kennesaw State University, transferring to UGA) provided reflections on how their lives have been affected by Hillel. The former, a Jew by choice, gave an emotional invocation and noted that Hillel enhanced her vision of collective identity where she could be “accepted as herself.”

Keil gave an energetic recount of his year in review as he watched students grow and learn. He was “at the tip of the spear” with the on-campus rise of anti-

semitic incidences - one at KSU where a professor described Passover as “barbaric and brutal.”

The case was initially dismissed as “free speech.” Keil said, “Without hesitation, we sat down with administrators turning the challenge into a success…the professor is no longer employed there.”

He quantified the growing numbers of total Jewish engagements on campus,

Passover meals, Birthright trips “went through the roof,” ending in his own commitment to sprint to the finish line. Weil was praised for his work in getting the new UGA building on schedule analogous to the miracle of Chanukah stretching oil to last eight days.

KSU student Sulimani reflected that, upon his arrival on campus as “a scared 17-year-old,” he found friends at

Hillel. UGA campus director Jeremy Lichtig boasted of the Athens’ campus Hillel group growth to 60 students, and his ability to solidify AEPhi, SDT, and AEPi all working together and committed, hosting Shabbats, including various deans, and raising $5,000 for tzedakah through a basketball game.

Immediate past board chair Stacey Fisher presented the Opher Aviran Award

Larry Stevens, Wayne Keil, Michael Coles, and Billy Bowman are a mighty part of the incoming Hillel Board.

Incoming Hillel CEO Rabbi Larry Sernovitz poses with two new board members, Nicole Armstrong and Ted Jenkins

Campus directors Jeremy Lichtig and Valerie Chambers were praised for their impactful campus development.

to Lisa and Seth Greenberg based on their vision and support of Israel which aligns with the eponymous Israeli ambassador. They were recognized for their work at Congregation B’nai Torah and service on various boards and councils. Overlapping their past, Stacey and Lisa originally bonded over a six-week stay in Israel.

The Harry and Sherry Maziar Student Leadership Award ($1,000 grant) was presented to Jonathan Nooriel, who was in Israel that evening. The Profes-

sional Leadership Award went to Valerie Chambers for her work on the Kennesaw State University campus, where she “grew six student Shabbat dinners to now 40.” Chambers spoke of the overall growth of KSU to around 44,000 students, with the 600 to 1,000-strong Jewish student population “ready to explode."

Coles closed the meeting with special thanks to the Marcus Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and other important sponsors. ì

Students Stephen Sulimani and Emma M. gave reflections on their positive experiences with Hillel.

In The Temple sanctuary, Seth and Lisa Greenberg (center) accepted the Opher Aviran Award from Stacey Fisher (far right) as Wayne Keil and Michael Coles look on from the left.

CIE Hosts Webinar on Israel’s Civil Society

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

As part of its year-long focus on Israel for its 75th birthday, the Center for Israel Education held an hour live webinar, May 7, to discuss not only the country’s unlikely birth and survival, but also its current viability.

Former Israeli Diaspora Minister Nachman Shai stated it simply: “Israel is a miracle. The very fact it survived so many years, it’s a miracle.” Fellow panelist, Bar Ilan University professor Jonathan Rynhold, similarly proclaimed, “Israel’s achievements are off the charts.”

Shai, born in Jerusalem, and Rynhold, an immigrant from the U.K., both noted the accomplishments of the country in response to a question from moderator Ken Stein, founder of the Center for Israel Education, who focused the seminar on Israel’s civil society which has sparked weekly protests in several cities.

Stein suggested three possible factors behind the current unrest among Israel’s population: the country’s prime

minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, his government’s proposed overhaul of the judicial system, and the civil society’s speculation about other legislation the current coalition might propose. “What has caused these four months of very high volume of Israel engagement against the coalition?” he asked.

Both panelists had the same answer. “Netanyahu is trying to save himself,” said Shai, noting that the prime minister “might end up in jail” if he is convicted of the several charges of corruption that he is on trial for. Shai suggested that Netanyahu’s ongoing trial “takes a lot of his time and attention” which is not healthy for the country’s security.

Rynhold stated that “without the Netanyahu court case, none of this could be happening. He has a large amount of personal responsibility for this mess.”

However, both panelists saw the positive side of the protests that have brought hundreds of thousands of Israelis into the streets weekly since January. Netanyahu “never expected this reaction,” which Shai called a rebirth of Isra-

el and rebirth of Zionism. “People realize they can’t take [it] for granted. Now the dream of many is to have a constitution. The protests are inspiring,” said Shai who noted that he has addressed the crowds of protesters weekly in various cities. “People are walking proudly with Israeli flags. Now, the flag is everyone’s. This is a source of pride and excitement.”

Rynhold admitted that when the protests began, he was “profoundly worried” how they would unfold. But he pointed to the “very positive energy” in the crowds that have included grandmothers and granddaughters. “These are the people who are protecting the borders and paying taxes.”

In addition to the legal precariousness of the prime minister, Rynhold said another underlying cause of the protests is the divide between the religious community and the secular Israelis, which he said has been growing for decades.

“In recent years, the image of the legal system somehow belonging to the left and seculars who sit in coffee houses in Tel Aviv,” and supposedly are trying to take the vote away from the right-wing is a “dangerous myth.”

But the different perspectives of the two sides have led to a vacuum of trust, he contended.

Stein noted that during the recent conferences of major American Jewish organizations that were held in Israel in honor of the country’s 75th birthday,

Israeli protesters in some cases pleaded with the Diaspora Jews to help them defeat the judicial overhaul legislation. He asked his panelists for their view of the role of Diaspora Jews.

When Shai served as Diaspora Minister under the previous government, he tried to promote more conversation between the two largest Jewish communities. “Israel is the state of the Jewish people,” he said, so “they should express their opinions.” He noted that many participants attending the conferences did actively support and participate in the demonstrations.

Rynhold, however, suggested that while Diaspora Jews should be considered when Israel is figuring out its values as a Jewish state on issues such as who can pray at the Western Wall, but when it comes to politics or the question of peace with its neighbors, that should be left to the Israelis.

“There’s a difference between engagement and politics. Engagement is showing you care.”

Neither panelist chose to predict the outcome of the current conflict between Israelis. But Rynhold said that he is most troubled over what will happen in the next few months when the issue is settled.

“Both sides will blame the other when negotiations fail,” he said, adding that he believes the “damage won’t be easy to fix.” ì

Ken Stein (upper left) posed questions to Nachman Shai (upper right) and Jonathan Rynhold (bottom) during a webinar on Israel’s civil society.

Ahlers & Ogletree Opens New Location

By Robyn Spizman Gerson

Leading auction gallery, Ahlers and Ogletree, has grown exponentially over the past decade and is proud to announce their recent relocation to the popular Upper Westside design district. Their exciting new building is located at 1788 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, which is a highly popular shopping, dining, and retail destination.

Well-known locally, nationally, and internationally, Ahlers & Ogletree’s everexpanding services have earned them the reputation as one of the leading auction houses in Georgia, which inspired their updated need to expand their company. They moved from their former location on Miami Circle in Buckhead to the Upper West Side, joining Atlanta’s design area. Conveniently located near The Works, the gallery will serve as their corporate office, host live auctions, and provide warehousing needs for upcoming auctions, previews, and sales.

CEO and co-founder of Ahlers & Ogletree, Robert Ahlers, along with his

wife, Christy, who oversees Peachtree Battle Estate Sales and Liquidations, their estate sales division, commented,

“We are privileged to have acquired a 20,000-square-foot building in Atlanta’s burgeoning art and design district. We look forward to the public joining us at our grand opening preview night on Tuesday, June 13, to enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres and view what is included in our new location’s ‘premier auction’ to follow on June 15-17.”

Ahlers & Ogletree’s grand opening three-day auction will be open to the public. The first two days of the sale will include modern, mid-century art and design, Asian arts, spectacular jewelry, and other collectibles and sought-after treasures. The third day will consist of items from a North Carolina estate, designed by noted architect William Roy Wallace, and will feature a thoughtfully curated array of designer furniture, decorative arts, rugs, clocks, books, and more. A&O is pleased to offer more than 200 lots pulled directly from the halls of this important North Carolina home, along

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with a spectacular collection of art and antiques over this exciting multiple-day auction.

In keeping with A&O’s long-standing reputation as a sought-after auction resource for private and rare collections, their highly successful past auctions have included such notable collections as those of Robert Woodruff, Emory Schwall, Joel Katz, Marjorie Knowles, the late governor’s wife, Betty Sanders, amongst many others. Realized prices from these estates can be viewed on their website.

As a global company with many thousands of followers, Ahlers & Ogletree has auctioned items from all over the world, including those acquired by museums, and items salvaged from the Carpathia, the famous ship that sank in 1918. Over the years, they’ve auctioned exquisite porcelains, historical collect-

ibles, priceless jewels from Cartier, Tiffany, Patek Philippe, to Bentleys, Rolls Royces, portraits of presidents, Louis Vuitton, Daum, Lalique, rare works of arts and more. The ever-changing and evolving nature of their monthly auctions offers valuable objects of works of art and rarities, providing opportunities otherwise not easily accessible.

Ahlers & Ogletree’s stunning new location and home promises to be a fabulous addition to the interior design landscape and exciting world of live auctions. Visit www.AandOauctions.com to join their mailing list, register and view their June auction catalog. Ahlers & Ogletree is now accepting consignments for upcoming auction seasons. Call 404.869.2478 or email consign@aandoauctions.com The gallery is located at 1788 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd N.W., Atlanta, Ga. 30318. ì

The leading auction gallery, Ahlers & Ogletree, has relocated to the Upper Westside design district.

Gefen Wins 2023 Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature

The Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature, in association with the National Library of Israel, is pleased to announce that

Today in Israeli History

ISRAEL PRIDE

TODAY IN ISRAELI HISTORY

Iddo Gefen, author of “Jerusalem Beach” (Astra House), is the winner of the 2023 Sami Rohr Prize for fiction. Daniella Zamir is honored as the book’s translator and the first Translation Winner in the history of the Prize. The $100,000 purse will be split 75/25 between Gefen and Zamir.

“Jerusalem Beach” is a rich collection of stories enhanced by Gefen’s experience as a neurocognitive researcher. Reflecting on dreams, memory, decision making and character, his work is an original and inspiring meditation on what it means to be human.

After receiving notification of his win, Gefen said, “It is an incredible honor to be the recipient of the Sami Rohr Prize. I am filled with gratitude for being considered alongside such talented writers, and to be a part of a cultural community that has such a profound impact on Jewish literature.”

“Our family is delighted to honor Iddo Gefen and Daniella Zamir, together with Max Gross, Mikolaj Grynberg, Anna Solomon and Sean Gaspar Bye,” said George Rohr. “Their books embody the spirit of the Sami Rohr Prize by reflecting the depth and breadth of the Jewish experience, and we look forward to their continued contribution to Jewish literature, culture and community.”

June 3, 1977: President Jimmy Carter’s national security adviser, Zbigniew Brzezinski, redefines U.S. positions on U.N. Security Council Resolution 242, supporting a Palestinian homeland and Israeli territorial withdrawal.

June 4, 1985: Bar Refaeli, a model known for her business investments and her romantic life with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, is born in Hod Hasharon. She is the first Israeli in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue.

Majority of Israelis Support Birthright Israel Organization

An overwhelming majority of Israelis believe that the Birthright Israel organization, also known as Taglit, is the most influential entity affecting the relationship between Diaspora Jews and Israel.

Birthright Israel brings young Jews from all over the world on a 10-day free tour in Israel. According to its website, it seeks to strengthen Jewish identity, Jewish community, and connection with Israel by offering a free trip to Israel for young Jewish adults.

The new survey shows that 70 percent of Israelis believe it has become the most important organization in the bond between Jews in Israel and outside of it. Another finding from the survey shows that 88 percent of Israelis think that strengthening the ties

June 8, 1898: The Orthodox Union forms in New York as an organization for traditional Jewish congregations in the United States and declares that “restoration to Zion is the legitimate aspiration of scattered Israel.”

with young Jews in the Diaspora is critical for Israel’s overall strength.

“To ensure that Israel will remain strong, independent, with support from the global community, we must strengthen and cultivate the relationship with Diaspora Jewry,” Birthright Israel’s CEO, Gidi Mark, said in a statement.

“While there is an alarming increase in antisemitic and anti-Zionist sentiment around the world, and especially in the United States, a new survey found that the vast majority of Israelis think that strengthening the relationship with young Jews in the world is essential to strengthen the state of Israel, for strategic and security reasons – no less,” the organization noted in a press release.

Immigrants from Tripoli, Libya, finger-paint at a school in Be’er Sheva in 1956. // By Fritz Cohen, Israeli Government Press Office

May 31, 1936: National Religious Party politician Zevulun Hammer, elected eight times to the Knesset beginning in 1969, is born in Haifa. His Cabinet posts include welfare, religious affairs, and education and culture.

June 1, 1941: Two days of anti-Jewish riots known as the Farhud break out in Baghdad, Iraq, during Shavuot. The violence kills 180 Jews, wounds more than 240 others, destroys 100 Jewish houses and damages more than 500 businesses.

June 2, 1948: The United States lays out three Middle East assumptions in a memo to the United Nations: Israel will continue to exist; an Arab state also will exist in Palestine; and both sides have an interest in cordial relations.

June 5, 1952: Hadassah breaks ground on the Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center at Ein Kerem to replace its medical campus on Mount Scopus, which is in the Jordanian-occupied section of Jerusalem.

A Jewish grave is visible among the rows of the soldiers buried at the American Cemetery at Normandy.

June 6, 1944: U.S. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower orders the largest amphibious assault in history, sending Allied troops onto the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, as the ground war to liberate France from the Nazis begins.

June 7, 1981: Eight Israeli F-16s fly a 2,000-mile round trip to bomb Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor. Operation Opera destroys the French-built reactor, which Israel fears is meant to develop weapons.

A.D. Gordon eventually settled in Degania. // Central Zionist Archives

June 9, 1856: Aharon David (A.D.) Gordon is born in Ukraine. He moves to Ottoman Palestine in 1903 and becomes a farmworker. A proponent of Jews working the land, he is a founder of the Hapoel Hatzair labor movement.

June 10, 1964: The 81-mile National Water Carrier begins pulling water out of the Sea of Galilee for drinking and agriculture. The system of pipes, canals, tunnels, reservoirs and pumping stations can carry 19 million gallons per hour.

June 11, 1945: Eliyahu Golomb, who organized Jewish defenses in pre-state Palestine, dies at 52. A native of Belarus, he helped found the Haganah in 1920 and developed responses to rising Arab violence in the 1930s.

June 12, 1948: A mob attacks the Jewish Quarter in Tripoli, Libya, while North African Arabs are passing through on their way to fight against Israel’s independence. In the resulting two days of riots, 14 Jews are killed.

June 13, 1947: Elyakim Rubinstein is born in Tel Aviv. He participates in Egyptian peace talks in the 1970s, chairs the delegation to the Madrid peace conference and to Jordanian peace talks, and serves on the Supreme Court from 2004 to 2017.

June 14, 1985: Two Lebanese men hijack TWA Flight 847 between Athens and Rome and force the 727 to fly to Beirut. The terrorists kill a U.S. Navy diver and separate out suspected Jewish hostages.

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

Author Iddo Gefen

Zevulun Hammer (right) shakes hands with his replacement as education minister, Yitzhak Navon, on Sept. 16, 1984. // By Chanania Herman, Israeli Government Press Office

Compiled by AJT Staff

Taglit-Birthright Israel participants // Photo Courtesy of Taglit-Birthright Israel

Israeli Researchers Target Ovarian Cancer

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

The executive director of the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance is excited about the latest research coming out of Israel that indicates a new potential treatment for aggressive and metastatic cancers resistant to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

“For years, Israel has been on the leading edge” of ovarian cancer research, said Doug Barron, who has headed GOCA since 2010. “This sounds promising.”

He is referring to the recent research published in the peer reviewed Science Advances journal by Professor Dan Peer of the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research at Tel Aviv University. The research was based on the desire to battle uncontrolled cell division, which is the basis of cancerous tumors. The scientists aimed at metastasized ovarian cancer cells with lipid nanoparticles containing RNA for silencing a specific protein which is produced by a genetically unstable mutation resistant to both chemotherapy and immunotherapy in the tissues of ovarian cancer.

Barron said this is significant because “it’s not the initial diagnosis of ovarian cancer that women are dying from. It’s the reoccurrences,” which metastasize to other areas of the body. “If you can’t catch ovarian cancer early, but you can keep it from coming back, that’s a fantastic opportunity.”

According to the research, the protein was “silenced,” meaning that it stopped the growth of cell division in ovarian cancer cells, while normal control cells were not impacted. In the research, there was an 80 percent survival rate in mice. Peer has estimated that this technology will be available for human trials in two to three years.

“This is positive that they are so close to going to human trials,” said Barron.

Unlike many cancers, there is no screening test for early detection of ovarian cancer, so the cancers aren’t usually diagnosed until late stage, making it harder to treat and to save the women’s lives. For 20 years, Barron noted, the

statistics haven’t changed. Women diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer have about a 30 percent chance of living five years. If caught at earlier stages, the women have a 93 percent survival rate.

“It’s mind-boggling,” said Barron, whose mother-in-law was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2001 and after two reoccurrences, died in 2007.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most frequent causes of mortality in women, with more than 200,000 deaths recorded in 2020. In Georgia, 650 women are diagnosed each year, with about 375 deaths, based on national ovarian cancer statistics.

Worldwide, ovarian can cer affects one in every 78 females. It is the fifth deadli est malignancy in women. However, the risk of diagnosis increases for Ashkenazi Jewish women because there’s a higher prevalence of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations among that population, mak ing it more likely they will de velop the disease. In the gener al population, the BRCA defect carrier rate is 1 in 500. Among Ashkenazi Jews, the carrier rate is one in 40. BRCA genetic defects are passed down in families. A woman with the BRCA1 mutation has an esti mated 39 to 46 percent risk of developing ovarian cancer by age 70.

Barron said his organization is pushing for genetic testing for women. If they learn

they have genetic mutations that could lead to ovarian, as well as breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers, their doctors can perhaps diagnose it at an earlier stage.

After diagnosis, women generally

undergo surgery, followed by chemotherapy with platinum/taxane drugs. Although 60 to 80 percent of patients initially respond to chemotherapy, 80 to 85 percent will develop chemo-resistance. That means scientists are constantly searching for new therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer.

Recent reports on drug shortages point out that this includes platinum drugs used to target ovarian cancer. The American Cancer Society recently warned that delays in treatment caused by the shortages could result in worse outcomes for the patients.

Barron said that this raises all kinds of questions like, how will the drug be rationed? Who will they be distributed to? Are women putting off treatment that could ultimately result in their deaths? He acknowledged that he has not heard of any of these cases, but he is concerned. The chemo drugs that are scarce are not backup drugs but are used as the initial treatment for women with ovarian cancer, as well as some other cancers. ì

Professor Dan Peer, of the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research at Tel Aviv University, published an article about his new research in Science Advances, a peerreviewed publication.

Doug Barron, executive director of the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance, is excited about the new research coming out of Israel.

Jewish Slugger Mervis Debuts for Chicago Cubs

May 5, 2023, goes down as a landmark day in the annals of Jewish sports history. On this Shabbat, for the first time since Sept. 25, 1966, when Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, of the Los Angeles Dodgers, went up against Ken Holtzman of the Chicago Cubs, two Jewish starting pitchers (Max Fried and Baltimore Orioles righty Dean Kremer) squared off. While the evening turned out to be a forgettable one for Atlanta’s ace -- in his last start before hitting the IL, Fried surrendered five earned runs in six innings while also uncharacteristically making a pair of errors -- it was nevertheless a momentous occasion for Jewish baseball fans worldwide.

David Ostrowsky

It also wasn’t the only one on Cinco de Mayo 2023. Hours before the FriedKremer pitching duel unfolded at Truist Park, first baseman Matt Mervis, who represented Team Israel during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, made his highly awaited Major League debut for the Chicago Cubs. Of the considerable number of Jewish minor league prospects anxiously awaiting their call-up, Mervis looms as perhaps the most promising. After clubbing 36 homers and driving in 119 runs in the minors last summer, and then getting off to a scorching start this spring for the Iowa Cubs, Chicago’s Triple-A affiliate with whom he finished last season, the 25-year-old slugger knew the big moment was coming any day.

“This [Major League Baseball] is all I’ve wanted to do for pretty much my whole life,” said Mervis during his introductory press conference in the bowels of Wrigley Field hours before seeing his first big-league action. “This is always where I’ve expected myself. I don’t know how to describe it really. Kind of blacked out for a minute. Had to think of who to call.”

It would be his mother, Ellen, who had to quickly make travel arrangements to get to the Windy City on time. Along with Matt’s father, Jeffrey, she was killing time at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport, waiting to board a flight to Columbus, Ohio, to attend Matt’s next minor league game when the memorable call came. Minutes later, mom and dad were frantically making last-minute weekend plans for Chicago.

“I don’t think she believed me for a second,” recalled Mervis during his first press conference as a member of the storied Cubs franchise. “I think she started crying right away. It was hard for me to hold back emotions. There have been some lows. College was not easy for me the first couple years. She’s been my goto when things aren’t going great, so she definitely deserved the first call. It was hard to hear her get emotional and not get emotional myself.”

Mervis’ undergrad years at Duke University were aggravating in the sense that the coaching staff tried to nudge him toward giving up his first-base mitt and focusing exclusively on pitching—just as his high school coaches had previously done. But even after posting pedestrian offensive numbers early on in college, Mervis remained undeterred in his goal of being a big-league positional player.

So, it’s a legitimate question -- how did he get past high school and college coaches trying to coax him to focus on the mound, and not the batter’s box?

“Because I trusted that I knew better

than them,” explained Mervis, who finally came into his own as a hitter in the venerable Cape Cod Baseball League during the pre-pandemic summer prior to his senior year. “I could tell when I got on the mound that I had a good arm, but I threw like a third baseman. I didn’t have great off-speed pitches. And every once in a while, I would take a swing in-game and I would say, ‘If I can just do that over and over again.’ Like I know what I can do as a hitter. Just the conviction in myself that I would develop into a better player than I was at that time and all I needed was some reps.”

On the postcard afternoon of May 5th in Chicago’s North Side, one in which his replica jerseys were already stocked on the shelves of Wrigley Field souvenir stores, Mervis, who was called up to supplant struggling veteran Eric Hosmer, cracked an eighth-inning RBI single off Miami Marlins reliever Tanner Scott in his final at-bat of the afternoon to finish 1-for-4 at the plate in his MLB debut, which the Cubs won 4-1.

It wasn’t always the case that the Cubs organization and its rabid fan base

were banking on a Mervis call-up. Until last year, he was actually not on many people’s radar screens. In the crazy summer of 2020, when the MLB draft was limited to five rounds, Mervis was not drafted coming out of Duke. While Mervis was atop the Cubs’ wish list of unsigned prospects in 2020, few saw this rapid ascension coming—particularly given his struggles for Class A Myrtle Beach in 2021.

“It’s remarkable to start out in HighA a year ago and just to go level to level,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, a Wesleyan University grad who also happens to represent the Jewish community, said to the press about Mervis’ surprising rise to the big leagues. “He really dominated in every level and just kept producing the same numbers no matter where he went. Each year is different, so sometimes a guy is locked in for a given year and winter comes and he’s not quite the same the next year. For him to go back to Iowa again, obviously against better competition than in September, and do this again is really impressive.”

Without even a full season at Triple-A Iowa under his belt, the Cubs viewed Matt Mervis as a player who can have an immediate impact at the big-league level // Photo Courtesy of Chicago Cubs

Many around baseball see similarities between Cubs rookie first baseman Matt Mervis and Anthony Rizzo, the franchise’s erstwhile first baseman who helped the team secure a World Series title in 2016 // Photo Courtesy of Chicago Cubs

NBA Star Sabonis Preps for Jewish Conversion

By David Ostrowsky

Going into this NBA season, there were two Jewish players on the minds of basketball junkies: Washington Wizards forward and Israeli native, Deni Avdija, and Ryan Turell, the Yeshiva-turned-G League prospect for the Detroit Pistons who could potentially become the first Orthodox Jew to crack an NBA roster. By season’s end, there would be a third: Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis, whose legendary father, Arvydas, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011 following an illustrious career overseas.

Earlier this spring, as the younger Sabonis, one of the league’s most efficient scorers and skilled rebounders, was guiding the Kings to their first playoff berth since 2006, ending the longest postseason drought in NBA history, it was revealed that the threetime All-Star, known league-wide as much for his versatility as his fearlessness, was concurrently in the process of converting to Judaism. The process started a couple years ago, during the throes of the pandemic, when Domantas’ wife, Shashana, a lifelong devout member of the Jewish community, introduced her husband to Rabbi Erez Sherman, of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, the day school of which she was a graduate. Ever since, Sherman, a Conservative rabbi who has contacts throughout the NBA and hosts the podcast, “Rabbi on the Sidelines,” has conducted Zoom sessions with Sabonis to see the still-in-the-works, understandably drawn-out process through.

“It’s not like NBA players can exactly go to 18 weekly classes with all the crazy time changes in the NBA schedule,” Rabbi Erez Sherman noted when speaking to the Atlanta Jewish Times. “I’ll get a call, ‘hey, it’s an off-day—can we learn some Torah?’”

On the evening of Jan. 13, following his team’s 25-point win over the Houston Rockets in which he posted a triple-double, Sabonis, anticipating the upcoming off-day, did indeed text Sherman about setting up his next tutorial.

“When you have a gigantic platform in sports that’s all-consuming, obviously, to take on this spiritual transformation—it’s a big commitment,” added Sherman, who has yet to meet Sabonis in person, but anticipates doing so in the near future. “When you’re just interviewed by Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal and you go off the air and then you’re like, ‘let me text the rabbi to learn about Judaism,’ that shows commitment. There are people in our synagogues, we can’t even get them in the door more than once a year. Honestly, he’s a role model on and off the court, a serious learner who internalizes knowledge.”

While pacing the NBA in rebounds (12.3 per game) and averaging a healthy 19.1 points per contest in his second season with Sacramento, Sabonis wholeheartedly embraced the Judaic traditions and the Jewish community of his new hometown. He has forged a close bond with Rabbi Mendy Cohen of Chabad of Sacramento, who recited the Megillah for him on Purim following the Kings game that evening. Likewise, Sabonis attended Chabad of Sacramento’s Purim party, and, in December, he sponsored a Sufganiyot giveaway at a Kings home game. And although the travel demands intrinsic to being an NBA player often infringe upon Shabbat customs, the young couple, who were married by a Reform rabbi in August 2021 and have a year-old son named Tiger, make it a point to do festive Friday night dinners whenever possible as well as Passover seders.

While Sabonis’ conversion to Judaism has been a fairly seamless process, the same can’t be said for his team’s long-awaited re-entry to the NBA playoffs. As has been the case for several teams this spring, the Kings’ postseason showing didn’t live up to the lofty expectations set forth in the regular season, one in which they finished with their best record (48-34) since George W. Bush was in office. After jumping out to a 2-0 lead against the defending champion Golden State Warriors in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, Sabonis, who previously played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, and the rest of the upstart Kings were eliminated after dropping four of the series’ final five games.

For many basketball fans, the lasting memory of the seven-game quarterfinals was a frightening one as Sabonis, who ended up averaging 16.4 points and 11 rebounds per game in the series, played with a thumb in need of surgical repair. In the fourth quarter of Game 2 at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center, Sabonis, upon slipping and falling under his own basket, grabbed at Golden State forward Draymond Green’s right leg; after eluding his opponent’s grasp, Green stomped on the chest of Sabonis, who stayed down on the court for a few minutes before undergoing X-rays on his sternum that came back negative. (Sabonis was called for a technical foul for yanking Green’s leg and Green was given a flagrant-2 foul that prompted an automatic ejection and, ultimately, a Game 3 suspension.)

While it was an ugly incident, it didn’t escalate into a full-fledged on-court fracas and the bad blood didn’t spill over to the series’ later games. And as for Sabonis personally, he made Rabbi Sherman, among many others, proud with his comments on

the TNT postgame interview that evening: “We’re both fighting for the rebound. We fell on each other. Stuff happens. It’s basketball. We’ve got to move on to the next play.”

Now, with the summer off-season looming, Domantas is moving on to his next endeavor – the completion of his Judaic conversion.

“Even as a basketball player, he [Doman-

tas] is going to be living his life with that serious message that he’s learning,” Sherman remarked about the 26-year-old LithuanianAmerican, who, following his conversion, could stand as one of the greatest Jewish basketball players of all-time, right up there with the likes of Dolph Schayes. “He’s just going to live his life according to the morals and values that he already had.” ì

While the 2022-23 Sacramento Kings were busy making history this NBA season, Domantas Sabonis was undergoing a spiritual transformation.

GRADUATION

Blinken's Jewish Family Discussed at GT Graduation

By Bob Bahr

Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked this year’s graduating class at Georgia Tech Institute of Technology to bring more of their own personal experiences to the relationships they will form in the years ahead.

Blinken told of how he was first inspired as a young person by hearing the experiences of his own family members as they spoke around the dinner table. Blinken shared how he first saw America as a beacon of hope as he listened to stories of how his grandfather, Meir Blinken. a Yiddish writer, had sought refuge in the United States after escaping the pogroms against the Jews of Russia over a hundred years ago.

Blinken’s stepfather, Samuel Pisar, was a Holocaust survivor who survived three concentration camps before being liberated by U.S. servicemen. He wrote an award-winning memoir about those experiences and has a program at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel named after him. Blinken told the graduates that the memory of those

experiences still guides him.

“When I meet with refugees – whether they’re Ukrainians uprooted by Russia’s brutal invasion, or Nicaraguans who escaped their country’s repressive regime, or the Syrian and Afghan employees that I met earlier today working here in Atlanta at the Refuge Coffee Shop, I see my own family in their shoes. These meetings are also a chance to hear directly from the men, the women, the children whose fates are too often decided without their voices, in air-conditioned conference rooms, in policy memos, in spreadsheets.”

In an earlier interview with Jewish Insider, Blinken told about how Pisar had first encountered his concentration camp liberators, led by a tank with the fivepointed white star of the U.S. Army.

“And he got to the tank, the hatch opened up, and a large African American G.I. stared down at him,” Blinken related.

“And he got down on his knees and he said the only three words that he knew in English, that his mother had taught him before the war: ‘God bless America.’ And at that point, the G.I. lifted him into the tank, into freedom, into America. That’s the sto-

ry that I grew up with — about what our country is and what it represents.”

Blinken admonished the graduates to

connect with those around them, which the American journalist Edward R. Murrow has said takes place, most critically, in

Secretary of State Antony Blinken was the commencement speaker at Georgia Tech’s graduation ceremony.

the few feet that separate us when we meet one another.

“The more layers there are between us and the people whose lives are affected by our actions – whether those layers are screens or miles or ideological bubbles –the easier it is to stop seeing the connections that we can only make in those last three feet, and the easier it is to start seeing people as numbers or statistics – the other –rather than as fellow human beings.”

Early in his career, as a recent law school graduate, he related that he worked for nearly two years for a large law firm and then joined a film production company. Still, he felt being pulled toward a job that would connect him to all the changes that he saw occurring in the world at that time. He saw apartheid coming to an end, there were peace talks between Israel and Palestinians, newly independent nations were developing, and he wanted to be involved. He signed on as a low-level assistant in the State Department and he’s been involved in foreign policy issues ever since.

“From day one, I was hooked.  Diplomacy felt urgent, challenging, directly connected to improving people’s lives. It was a way to serve my country, which I badly wanted to do. I felt grateful every morning walking into work. I still do.”

Blinken’s two-day visit to Atlanta included a stop at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a brief meeting with the city’s mayor and a visit Atlanta’s Morehouse and Spelman Colleges.

In January, the Secretary of State traveled to Israel to meet with officials there and in the Palestinian territories. He has been faced with the delicate task of maintaining the important American alliance with Israel, while addressing American concerns over the expansion of settlements on the West Bank and the controversial proposals by Israel’s government to make fundamental changes in the nation’s democratic institutions.

On Sunday, May 21, the State Department slammed a visit by Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, for his visit to the Temple Mount, which is the site of the prominent Al-Aqsat Muslim mosque. A spokesperson cautioned Israel against using the site for political purposes.

Later, in June, Blinken is expected to attend a meeting in Morocco of the foreign ministers of Israel, the United States, Morocco, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. They will hold the second meeting of what is called the Negev Forum, after last year’s historic gathering in Sde Boker, in southern Israel.

Reportedly, there have been attempts in recent months to expand the participation in the meetings as a way of including other nations that might have an interest in creating further diplomatic contacts with Israel. ì

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Israel in January.

Education Tech Company Addresses Teacher Burnout

By Fran M. Putney

Six hundred hours. According to entrepreneur Ian Cohen, that’s how much extra time special education teachers spend annually doing administrative tasks outside of the classroom. Helping those educators reclaim personal time and end the burnout which causes them to leave the profession are the issues his company, TARA Education Technologies, seeks to solve.

“We know teachers are overworked, but no one is doing anything about it. Everyone thinks it’s primarily a political problem,” says Cohen, 33, who grew up in Pittsburgh and was himself a classroom teacher for two years after graduating from Emory University and working in the Teach For America program. Cohen has also done policy work and founded an education non-profit.

AJT interviewed Cohen in October 2020 not long after he began his company that has developed a software suite especially designed for educators. As Cohen explained, other professionals

benefit from specialized tech tools. For example, sales and marketing professionals use SalesForce, and designers use Canva; but teachers have been forced to patch together spreadsheets and Microsoft Word or Google docs in order to stay organized and track student progress.

TARA fills this gap for teachers. In developing the TARA product, Cohen did his research, interviewing about 100 teachers to fully understand their unmet needs and then dedicating himself to learning the technology side. Equipped with an array of productivity tools, TARA allows teachers to quickly add student progress updates, track and share data and create visuals such as graphs. These digital tools give critical feedback on a teacher’s instructional method and, in turn, encourage best practices, resulting in a win for both teachers and their students.

Recently, TARA got a big boost by being selected as one of just 10 companies, out of a pool of 400 applicants, for a 2023 Techstars accelerator program, in partnership with Cox Enterprises, specifically

Mazel Tov to the Class of 2019!

MEMBERS OF EPSTEIN’S CLASS OF 2019 WERE ACCEPTED TO:

Auburn University

Baylor College

Brandeis University

Case Western Reserve University

Chapman University

Clemson University

College of Charleston

Duke University

Elon University

Emory University

Florida State University

Furman University

Georgetown University

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

Harvard University

Indiana University

Ithaca College

Miami University of Ohio

Michigan State University

North Carolina State University

Northeastern University

The Ohio State University

Ohio University

Pennsylvania State University

Purdue University

Quinnipiac University

Rollins College

Rutgers University

Savannah College of Art & Design

St. Andrews University

Stony Brook University

Towson University

Tulane University

University of Alabama

University of Arizona

University of California Berkeley

University of California San Diego

focused on for-profit companies making a positive impact on underrepresented groups, underserved communities and environmental sustainability.

From January through April, Cohen

and his business partner, Laura Jackson, participated in workshops, received mentoring, coaching sessions and networking opportunities, and were even given workspace in Techstars’ offices at Ponce

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Connecticut

University of New England

University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of Georgia Honors

University of Glasgow

University of New Hampshire

University of Hartford

University of Illinois

University of Kansas

University of Kentucky

University of Maryland

University of Massachusetts

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of Minnesota

University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

University of Missouri (Mizzou)

University of Oregon

University of Pittsburgh

University of South Carolina

University of Tennessee

University of Texas

University of Vermont

University of Wisconsin

Vanderbilt University

Virginia Tech

Wofford College

Ian Cohen has started TARA Education Technologies, aimed at providing teachers and education professionals with resources that could help ease their workload.

We wish you the best of luck in college and beyond.

City Market. They also received funding from the program, which culminated on Demo Day, April 13, with a chance to deliver a five-minute pitch in front of investors and other entrepreneurs.

“It was a huge honor to even be considered for the program,” said Cohen, adding that Demo Day was a phenomenal experience with a great turnout.

Tim Dorr, managing director of Techstars Atlanta, told the AJT: “Ian’s background as a teacher gave him a perfect founder-market fit. A business like TARA is only going to succeed with deep knowledge of the education system. Combine that with his incredible passion for making a difference and unstoppable drive to build an amazing company, it became an obvious choice to bring Ian and TARA into the program.”

TARA is primarily focused on special education teachers who have what Cohen calls “an outsized administrative burden.” Not only must they perform regular teacher tasks, but they also have a host of legal and instructional obligations, amounting to roughly four to five additional hours per day, forcing teachers to complete this work via overtime in the evening at home, adding up to hundreds of extra hours each year.

Cohen cited an Education Week survey that asked teachers what school and district leaders could do to keep them from leaving. After higher compensation, 43 percent said if the administrative burden could be reduced, that would

be enough to keep them around. “That’s what TARA does,” said Cohen. “It focuses on reducing the workload by half with our tools.”

Now TARA is adding AI (artificial intelligence) features that will further increase efficiency by speeding up regular tasks like creating quizzes, lessons, worksheets and even enabling the teacher to customize curriculum, such as creating a writing prompt for a student with autism. Cohen says this high-quality AI assistant will be aligned to state standards and will save educators an enormous amount of time.

Cohen is excited about his company’s growth and the impact his tools can have on the education industry. In a recent point of pride, he says TARA has just signed on the Atlanta metro region of KIPP, the country’s largest public charter school network.

Additionally, Cohen is dedicated to not only seeking support and investment for his own company, but for invigorating the education technology space in Atlanta.

“Education is the foundation of any city, and it’s a massive industry, but there’s not much support or ecosystem for folks like ourselves in [Atlanta] right now, despite increased activity and capital for tech companies and startups. We’re trying to get people in this region to see the opportunity and the impact –that’s why it was so great to get Cox on board. Techstars really gives us a stamp of approval in a sense.” ì

The 78 members of the Class of 2023 will continue their education at 50 different colleges and universities across 24 states and the District of Columbia.

Davis Academy Graduating Class of 2023

Atlanta Jewish Academy Graduating Class of 2023

Ethan Barr

Joshua Beldick

Ashtyn Bens

Davis Berman

Olivia Berss

Dylan Brody

Jordan Clayman

Carly Coffey

Blake Cohen

Jenna Cohen

Zanden Cohen

Alyssa Collins

Joshua Cooper

Lily Drits

Sierra Frank

Tyler Goldstein

Amelia Gordon

Dillon Graiser

Scott Hopkins

Sarah Jannett

Jared Katz

Jagger Kaye

Romi Kurgan

Leah Laufer

Lawrence Levine

Molly Levy

Ethan Lipman

Alexis Miller

Aidan Mokotoff

Emmitt Moss

Dillon Pinsker

Jackson Powers

Marisa Ragghianti

Allie Rainbow

Juliet Ratner

Remy Rosenberg

Benjamin Rosenbloom

Falyn Schermer

Eli Schilling

Hailey Schleicher

Jacob Shedrow

Emily Shmalo

Lucy Silberman

Addison Spiegelman

Evie Stern

Maya Stern

Jake Tessler

Jolie Thaler

Janey Wenner

Jeremy Wolf

Noa Zilber

On May 24, the Atlanta Jewish Academy recognized its graduating class of 2023 with a commencement ceremony. The graduates have been accepted into several major universities, including, but not limited to: Johns Hopkins University, Emory University, University of Michigan, Rutgers University, University of Georgia, and more than a dozen higher education yeshivot and seminaries. Congratulations to the AJA graduating class of 2023!

Tovia Barnwell

Adam Berkowitz

Ayla Cohen

Eli Cohen

Ezra Feen

Daniel Frances

Sam Kutner

Aviva Leubitz

Doran Levin

Ethan Rolnick

Jemima Schoen

Miriam Sirota

Rebecca Solon

Jordan Steinberg

Gabriel Teller

Valedictorian: Sam Kutner

Salutatorians: Jemima Schoen and Rebecca Solon

Temima Graduating Class of 2023

Bas-Sheva Alterman

Talia Bakhshi

Leila Cann

Rachel Djouraeva

Ayala Esral

Tzipora Estreicher

Tova Gerchikov

Chana Miriam Haller

Kira Lessnick

Shira Lewis

Leah Linder

Eleanor Pearlman

Shira Reeds

Meira Spotts

Tali Wolf

The Davis Academy will honor its graduating class of 2023 with a commencement ceremony on June 1. The class of 2023 graduates are:

Temima, The Richard & Jean Katz High School for Girls, recognized their graduating class of 2023 with a commencement ceremony on June 15. This year’s graduates are:

Weber School Graduating Class of 2023

Torah Day School Graduating Class of 2023

The Weber School celebrated its graduating class of 2023 with a commencement ceremony on May 25 at City Springs Byers Theatre. The graduates are as follows:

Amelia Mae Heller

Shira Herscovici

Jolie Maya Intro

Jordan Aaron Joel

Dov Milton Karlin

Zachary Alan Katz

Jonathan Drew Kuttner

Jamie Victoria Leaf

Samuel William Lebowitz

Benjamin Arieh Lefkovits

Ilana Bethany Levenberg

Lilly Jessica Levy

Maya Ethel Lewis

Ryan Jacob Lips

Shira Leah Lynn

Emily Lauren Mand

Jacob Isaac Mark

Jaclyn Abbey Marx

Joshua Moshe Medwed

Ava Gabrielle Moradi

Leah Judith Moradi

Miriam Lana Nadler

Rebecca Kate Nathan

Hershel Robert Nemer

Carmi Jack Nemhauser

Aviv Natan Newman

Jackson Miles Nozick

Caleb Ouanounou

Joshua Aaron Pearlstein

Emma Rose Price

Miriam Rivkah Raggs

Joshua Michel Retter

Matan Richman

Noah Rosenberg

Emma Rose Rothberg

Alec Hudson Rubin

Joshua Isaac Schulman

Barri Cecilia Seitz

Irene Sara Sharon

Dawson Grant Sherman

Mick Gabriel Shrubstok

Gil Levi Slomka

Jake Ellis Sucan

Connor Jacob Swislow

Kiera Nicole Swislow

Lia Grace Toporek

Gavin Harrison Ulin

Isadora Shayna Wachter

Kinneret Weismark

Elliott Ryan Wetstone

Torah Day School of Atlanta will celebrate its graduating class with a pair of commencement ceremonies. The eighth-grade boys will graduate on June 12 and the eighth-grade girls on June 13.

Meir Cohen

Eliyahu Czuper

Shimon Eidex

Avraham Gerchikov

Yoel Goldberg

Aryeh Leib Graiser

Yosef Greenbaum

Anssel Hertzberg

Meir Isaacs

Yaakov Joel

Eliezer Kaplan

Yedidya Khalili

Motty Levin

Dovi Lipszyc

Yaakov Neiditch

Nadav Onona

Bension Pinkhasov

Aryeh Rabin

Zev Rodbell

Eliezer Shlomo Schwarzmer

Akiva Senior

Shmuel Shuster

Eliezer Tanenbaum

Avraham Wasserman

Aviel Zavulunov

Esther Alterman

Atara Bains

Aliza Bogart

Shayna Fischer

Shira Frank

Batsheva Friedman

Bracha Gopin

Basya leah Gross

Daniela Sivan Hachamoff

Tehilla Kerzner

Miriam Raizel Lipshutz

Rena Pollock

Eliyah Sadeh

Brach Pia Shkarofsky

Batya Silverman

Shulamis Tendler

Avigayil Weiden

Chaya Mushka Children’s House Graduating Class of 2023

Chaya Mushka Children’s House will recognize its graduating class of 2023 with a commencement ceremony on June 1. The eighth-grade graduates are:

Eliana Azulay

Menucha Sharfstein

Mushka Charytan

Yaffa Antopolsky

Chana New

Sima Lokshin

Batsheva Chazanow

Luba Lipskier

Noam Kessler

Yehuda Siegelman

Matan Fleishman

Sholom Sollish

Judah Balazs

Mazel Tov Class of 2023

Love mom, dad and Sloane

Xander Bowen

The Howard School

We are so very proud of you! You did it!!

Love, Mom, Dad & Adler

Atlanta Jewish Academy

Wow! Totally Awesome! Sooo proud of you every day and especially today!!!

Love always, your family (Casa Cohen)

Audrey Fried

Indiana University Bloomington

Congratulation on your Masters in Speech and Language Pathology. So Proud of You!!!

Love, Mom, Dad, and Perry

Danielle Gioia

Florida State University

We are beyond proud of you sweet Danielle! Good luck at Grad School!

We love you! Love, Mom, Dad & Matthew

Benjamin Bruck

University of Georgia

Congratulations, Ben! We are so proud of you!

Stevee Friedrich

Weber School So proud of you! Now go and be great!

We love you! Mom, Dad & Bradley

Matthew

We are so proud of you Sasha!

Northview High School

We are super proud of Matthew and how far he has come! Keep dreaming BIG!

We Love you! Love, Mom, Dad & Danielle

Eli Yom Tov Cohen

Sasha Cole Northview High School

Mommy, Grinch, Ethan, Briana, and the Kitties

Gioia

Mimi and Daddy Moe

Max Greene Mount Pisgah Christian School

Mazel Tov Max!!! We are so proud of you. You will do great things at The University of South Carolina!

With Love, Mom, Dad, and Senator

Aaron Jackson North Atlanta High School

Mazel Tov, Aaron! Good Luck at KSU!

Love, Mom, Dad & Izzy

Seth Kaminsky North Springs High School

Mazel tov, Seth! Enjoy your freshman year at FSU in Valencia, Spain!

Love, Mom, Nanny and Daisy

Doran Levin

Atlanta Jewish Academy High School

Congratulations on reaching this milestone! We can’t wait to see how far you go!

With all our love, Daddy & Falynn, Mommy, Aidyn, and Noa

Emma Hurwitz Johns Creek High School

Congratulations, Emma! We love you and are so proud of you. Roll Hens!

With loveMom, Dad, Katie, & Bailey

Sara Jacobs Johns Creek High School

Congratulations Sara! We are all so proud of you! You are going to Rock The Univeristy of Illnois Chicago.

Mommy, Daddy Meredith and Cal

Dori Kossman - Atlanta Academy

We’re very proud of you on your graduation and always! All our love, Poppy & Mimi

Ryan Lips The Weber

School

Mazel Tov on your graduation. We can’t wait to see all the great things you do!

Ryan Jacob Lips

Caleb Mahle Dunwoody High School

May your curiosity, commitment, and hard work make the world a better place. Mazel tov!

Love, Mom, Dad, Sam & Ezra

Sam Mahle Georgia Tech

Grateful to see the world through your eyes. May your next journey be as amazing.

Love, Mom, Dad, Ezra & Caleb

Congratulations, Jacob! Your creativity, curiosity, and compassion will continue to make your dreams come true!

From first year, Israel, to last as president of Chabad, now Medical University of South Carolina, you exceed

M a z e l T o v C l a s s o f 2 0 2 3 !

Do you know an incoming college student? Introduce them to their Jewish home away from home!

www.HillelsofGeorgia.org | info@hillelsofgeorgia.org

Jacob Mark The Weber School

Lena Robbins University of Georgia

Hailey

The Howard School

We are so proud of the amazing person you are!-so hardworking and thoughtful!

Mom, Sarah, Lily & Breaker

We are so proud of you. We can’t wait to see what your future holds.

Mom, Dad and Evan

We are so proud of you. We can’t wait to see what your future holds.

Love Mom, Dad and Evan

Mazel Tov! We are so very proud of you!! Wahoowa!!!

Mom, Dad, Marissa, and Cody

Mazal Tov, Barri! We are so proud of you! Hook ‘em!

Mom, Dad, Davis & Juneau

CONGRATS on an amazing MS journey! We are so proud, and love you so much!

Love,

Rosenberg

Isabella Rubin

Milton High School

Jessica Rubin Milton High School

Genna Schwarz University of Virginia

Barri Seitz - The Weber School

Mama, Dad, and Hannah

Jacob Shedrow Davis Academy

Gabrielle Martina Turem Kennesaw State University

A quite, intelligent fighter who stands on her own. With respect and love

your Grandfather

Claire Ullman

Alpharetta High School

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. - E.R.

We always believe in YOU!

Your incredibly proud family

Gavin Ulin The Weber School

We are so proud of you and wishing you great success at UGA!

Love from Mom, Dad, & Jordan

Isadora Wachter The Weber School

Mazel Tov! You did it - and we’re proud of you!

Mom, Dad, Ike and Abe

Summer 2023

STYLE

Jewish Atlanta ’ s Stylish Simchas and Celebrations

Spillerman Hits Home Run with Baseball-Themed Party

By Sasha Heller

Jesse Spillerman knocked it out of the park with his baseball-themed bar mitzvah celebration held over the weekend of March 25.

The bar mitzvah service was conducted at The Temple in Midtown under the supervision of Rabbi Loren Lapidus and Cantor Deborah Hartman.

However, the real highlight, as most would assume, was the lavish shindig that followed.

“I loved all of it…the Friday night dinner and the brunch, but, of course, the party was a blast and we had so much fun,” Jesse said. “I loved that my camp friends flew in from Florida to celebrate with me as well as many other family and friends coming from as far away as Amsterdam.”

Other special guests included Jesse’s closest friends since pre-school, who ushered his service, and a group of best friends from Blue Star sleepaway camp, which Jesse refers to as his “happy place.”

Jesse added that his favorite parts also included the grand entrance to his bar mitzvah party, dancing the Horah, and “just jumping around and dancing with friends.”

Jesse also shared about the lasting memories he will have from the weekend’s festivities.

“After all my years of Hebrew school, I was happy to finally become a bar mitz-

vah and to make my family proud and, of course, the party was amazing.”

Jesse is the son of Ilyssa Klein and Chad Spillerman. Ilyssa is an account manager with the Atlanta Jewish Times and Chad is a global account director with AT&T Business.

“We were so proud of Jesse’s dedication to learning his Torah portion and how beautifully he did,” Ilyssa said. “We loved spending time with all of our family and friends for the entire weekend. During the party, Jesse’s jumping and energetic entrance into the party was epic and had us all laughing and cheering. What I will remember most about the party is seeing Jesse’s energy, enthusiasm, and pure joy… not only while he was lifted in the chair but while dancing and jumping around with his friends.”

As an avid baseball fan, Jesse said choosing a theme for the party was a breeze.

“I love playing baseball but, also, I’m a big [Atlanta] Braves fan and I love going to games and even to spring training. I also wanted it to be colorful and for everything to glow.”

Mom, Ilyssa, also discussed Jesse’s plans for the party’s theme.

“Marci Miller did such a spectacular job and seeing the room for the first time just blew me away,” Ilyssa said. “It was like walking into a fantasy land. Everything was colorful and neon, the room just glowed.

The centerpieces were spectacular…tall, glowing neon, all baseball with his graffiti logo tied in. There wasn’t a detail missed, even the servers had on graffiti ties.”

Event décor included: place cards that were fashioned into baseball cards –each table card featured a photo of Jesse, at various ages, playing baseball; centerpieces featuring Lucite boxes with glowing baseball equipment; neon bats and balls as well as graffiti-laced bats; the kids bar was glowing, the adult bar sported a grass wall behind it with a neon “Jesse” sign hanging; the couches were black with neon pillows featuring Jesse’s name logo along with other graffiti pillows; and so much more glowing goodness.

As they frolicked, the kids dined on Caesar salad, pizza in mini-pizza boxes, sliders, chicken fingers and fries, all served on metal trays featuring Jessie’s logo.

The adults enjoyed several dining options, including: a Mediterranean salmon station served with fingerling potatoes, vegetable skewers, hummus, and pita; an Asian station with take-out containers of sesame chicken with fried rice, Mongolian beef with fried rice, and egg rolls; and a “warm-it-up” bowl station with grilled chicken, quinoa, beets, avocado, and various veggies.

Dessert featured baseball cakepops, baseball pretzels with a little, flat white chocolate baseball disk attached, white chocolate-covered Oreos, again, designed

as baseballs. Shot glass desserts included key lime pie, banana pudding, chocolate mousse, and strawberry shortcake, as well as an ice cream bar.

The weekend, however, wasn’t all about fun and games at the party as Jesse had to study his tuchus off to prepare for his Torah portion.

“The biggest challenge would be learning the Torah portion, but it wasn’t as challenging as I initially thought it would be. I had an incredible tutor, Keith Nash, from The Temple, and I practiced every day…and my father helped me with it.”

For Ilyssa, a proud mom, Jesse’s performance at the service provided moments that she will cherish forever.

“The service was warm, emotional and so special,” she said. “Though he was nervous for the service leading up to the bar mitzvah, he was relaxed, read flawlessly and just did an incredible job. We were so proud of him,” adding that Jesse wore his father’s tallit while Chad wore the tallit of his father, who had passed.

For his mitzvah project, because of his love of baseball, Jesse volunteered for Christopher League, which is a baseball league run by the Northside Youth Organization for children with special needs. Jesse said volunteering with Christopher League made him feel “really good to assist the kids and to help them experience the same joy he feels when he plays the game.” ì

The event decor glowed to match the highs of the evening. // Steven Dewberry

1 2 3 4

1. Jesse and his friends dance to the beat.

2. Emme Spillerman, Ilyssa Klein, Jesse Spillerman, and Chad Spillerman at Jesse’s bar mitzvah party.

3. The party gathers to raise Jesse as part of the dancing.

4. The table décor featured vibrant, colorful graffiti art, per Jesse’s request.

5. The kids surrounded Jesse and help.

Event Vendors

Party Planner & Decor: Marci Miller, The Perfect Party

Photographer: Steven Dewberry

Photo Booth: Button It UP

Caterer: Zest

DJ: Espuete (Daniel)

Videographer: Q&U Videography

Logo: Jennifer Leitman

Graffiti Artist: Next Level Airbrush

Hair: Raina from Bristle and Bride

Make-up: Theresa Stone

Mother’s Dress: from Susan Lee

Invitations: Robin Zusmann of Paper Matters

Celebrate in Sandy Springs

Life is filled with moments that become lasting memories, and there’s no better place for a memorable simcha than Sandy Springs.

Let us be the full service connection between you and your event. With over 20 hotels and nearly 3000 rooms, we can provide customized and complimentary assistance to make sure you find the perfect hotel for your guests, as well as recommendations for venues, catering and more.

Contact us today to start planning! 770-206-1447

hospitality@sandyspringsga.org

VisitSandySprings.org

Jesse and Emme sharing a loving moment.

It was all fun and games at the party for the kids.

Frommer Offers Travel Advice for Simchas & Vacations

By Bob Bahr

Long before the internet changed virtually everything about planning for a vacation or a simcha trip, there were Arthur Frommer’s paperback guides to budget travel. His original guide, which came out in the 1950s, was “Europe on $5 a Day,” and its subsequent editions and other money-saving editions made him a millionaire many times over before he sold off the business to Simon & Schuster.

In July, he’ll be 94 and staying closer to home in Manhattan. His daughter, Pauline, has become the public face of the company. It’s once again a familyowned corporation with a full list of travel books. There’s new ones out on London, Italy and Greece, and on June 13, there is an updated guide to Israel. The previous edition was seven years old.

Pauline Frommer has successfully transitioned the Frommer brand into the online age. She publishes a website filled with smart, no-nonsense advice and puts together a regularly scheduled podcast,

A Star-Studded Simcha Starts Here

Book the “Celebrate Like a Star” package and elevate your event with a Red Carpet arrival experience, 360 Degree Photo Booth, Exclusive VIP Area, Signature Mocktail and Sparkling Cider Toast.

Make your graduation party, bar or bat mitzvah memorable with:

• Chic Indoor Event Venues for Up to 300

• Open Air Terraces & Soaring Rooftop Patios

• Crave-worthy Kosher Style Menus

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• Ideal Location in the Heart of Buckhead

Keep the party going and make it a sleep over! Guest room blocks are available for events held here or nearby in Buckhead.

Start planning your event today. Email sales@hotelcolee.com to inquire about availability, package and room block rates.

3377 Peachtree Road Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia 30326 678 500 3100 | hotelcolee.com

Pauline Frommer believes that, for the best resort hotel rates, you should book well in advance.

both of which frequently offer the results of the company’s travel research.

She advised that those who are planning a family simcha event or personal travel may be surprised to find that hotel rates, which began to rise from their lows during the pandemic are, according to Pauline Frommer’s research, now rising faster than inflation.

“Partially, more expensive hotel rooms have to do with hotels that are understaffed, which is allowing them to accept less guests, but then raise prices. That means that, if you’re trying to save on hotels, one of the best ways to do so right now is to do a booking well in advance, but make sure it’s refundable and then look at the prices in the week before you’re going. That’s when we’ve found prices are often lowest. For resort travel, a recent study using AI that looked at millions of bookings found that if you’re going to a resort destination like the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexico, you will pay less if you book it three months in advance. You won’t find much difference for rates at a particular hotel when you Google them.”

She continued, “Every hotel on the planet right now has contracts with Expedia, Orbitz, Booking.com, Hotels.com, and the like. And those contracts say that they cannot give significantly preferred discounts publicly to one entity. They have to give it to all of them. Basically, they can’t give a really good discount to Booking.com if they don’t give it to Expedia.com, too. If you want to

save more you may want to buy a membership to a travel club, like RoomSteals.com, which is not bound by the restrictions that the Expedia-like sites are bound to. However you book, when you check in, always use a regular credit card, not a debit card. You’ll find it is a more convenient way to handle the extra charges such as the deposit many hotels require.

“For airline fares, we looked at a recent study by the Airline Reporting Corporation. In analyzing 40 million fare transactions, they found that people who booked on Sunday statistically saved more than those who book on other days of the week. They also found that booking between 20 and 35 days in advance will give the best prices on a domestic ticket. For international fares in 2022, they said it was best for six months out. This year, I think it’s going to be closer to the window for domestic travel, 28 to 35 days. Starting your tour or your flight on Wednesday is also the best way to save money.”

Pauline Frommer continued, “The best site for finding good fares is Skyscanner. It’s the best performer on price. The decade-old Czech site, Kiwi, is our next choice. It offers not only prices that are almost as good as Skyscanner but offers more flexibility. It did, however, catch some bad reviews for lackluster customer service. Rounding out our top three is Hopper, the travel app, which found the best or near best price on a par with the top two sites, save for a few flubs on last minute longhaul flights. There’s no website version.

“In conclusion, I would say that you up your chances of having a really, really rewarding trip by preparing for it in advance. You’re going to be more thoughtful, and richer, when you come prepared for travel.” ì

A new Frommer’s Travel Guide to Israel is out June.

Books are still an important part of Pauline Frommer’s family business.

Caterer with South African Flair

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Does burnt Basque cheesecake sound intriguing? Ask Mandy Fisher Krost, owner of Mandilicious Catering, who has an innate connection to food.

She said, “I come from a family of eaters and food lovers. Growing up in Johannesburg, breakfast was my mom’s holiday, and it literally could have passed for a catered feast.”

Krost and her husband immigrated to Atlanta in 1998, and since 2005, breakfast has also become her holiday. After perfecting her bulke (traditional Jewish South African cinnamon roll) recipe, she became more intrigued with the setup and decor of food.

She explained, “People eat with their eyes.” She is known for her exquisite presentation display of fruits (the more tropical and exotic, the better) mingled with desserts, bagels on spindles, and even the artistic way she rolls lox.

Her back story begins in 2014, when the North Fulton community suf-

fered the loss of beloved 37-year-old Rebbetzin Rashi Minkowicz (OBM), and an international movement was started, “Mitzvah for Rashi.” Krost became involved with the Kiddush Committee at Chabad of North Fulton in Alpharetta. She was part of a group of women who gathered each Shabbos to prepare food for the healing community.

She recalled, “These ladies played an integral part in my path to elevated catering. In 2019, I catered my first event, a graduation party. Things took off quickly and I had contracts and deposits coming in at an astounding rate.” Then, in March 2020, the pandemic hit, and production came to a halt with only dabbling in cooking from home. Once shuls started opening up again for communal gatherings, she got back on track with calls for catering.

In addition to Saturday Kiddush, Krost prepares Shabbat dinners, graduation parties, Brit Milah, Sunday out of towner’s brunch, but not night weddings. From her home, she is not certified as kosher, but she can cook out of kosher

synagogue kitchens.

She said, “I wouldn’t have gotten this far without Rabbi Hirshy and Rabbi Gedalya from my Chabad. Their generosity allowed me to use the Chabad kitchens - the walk-in refrigerator, freezer, the Restaurant Depot card, all invaluable to my business.”

Each menu is individually designed and priced per head. Her certified kosher menus can be meat or dairy: using kosher meat, kosher dairy and Chalov Yisroel. If needed, she works with a mashgiach who checks all products, oversees the cooking, washing and inspection, the sealing up of all tableware so as to maintain integrity for the next event. She caters for non-kosher food out of her home.

In addition to outrageous fruit, she serves loads of cupcakes, small sweets, and extra-large chocolate chip cookie brittle.

Her most popular meat items are crispy chicken schnitzel, roasted leg of lamb, brisket with South African chutney and caramelized onions. A meat Kiddush menu consists of cold cut platters

served alongside mustard, pickles, and rye bread. A popular accompaniment is her super special scallion potato salad. Her dishes are often served with sprigs of fresh herbs.

Other South African delights are cinnamon bulkes, crustless asparagus tart and tuna lasagna. She stated, “Chabad loves my kugels, a sweet dairy lokshen (noodle) kugel, as well as a parve noodle kugel with applesauce - it’s delicious! I think clients feel my love of food and of feeding others from my buffet presentations and food décor.”

Krost shops at Costco, Restaurant Depot, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. She elaborated, “I’m very particular about what I want, and I’ll travel to get it.”

Krost’s advice to home entertainers, “Plan a simple menu ahead of time using recipes with only a few ingredients. If you can buy something that’s as good as you can make it, then save the time and buy it!”

Call (404) 667-9069 for more information about Mandilicious. ì

An Israeli felafel bar is always a hit.

Mandilicious uses colorful and ripe heirloom tomatoes and fresh produce.

Highly Requested Kiddush Items:

• Tuna salad (with secret mayonnaise and seasoning and chopped pickles)

• Mandilicious signature green salad

• Sesame noodle salad

Some popular hot items:

• Panko-crusted mac ‘n cheese

• Decadent French toast casserole

Above:

Bottom Left:

Bottom Right:

Custom Chocolates are Oh So Sweet

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Luca Chocolaterie Aline Katz Rod, head chef and owner, grew up in a family where the sweetest memories were made around a table full of amazing food.

She said, “We were never great cooks or bakers – my mom can barely boil water – but I grew up getting to know the world and its cultures through the food.”

Out of her Sandy Springs home, she handmakes incredible confections for some top-tier clients. Currently, her consistent best sellers are the Giant Carrot Cake Bar and Gummy Bear cake. Then, there’s white chocolate raspberry cheesecake, truffle boxes, and Nostalgia Bars, designed to bring fans back to the “good ole days.”

Katz Rod started her business in Israel

in 2016 as a food blog. In 2018, after graduating as a professional cook, she opened another business in Herzlia. Eventually, she reopened in Atlanta just before the COVID lockdown. She insisted on keeping it open during the pandemic and is glad she made that decision.

Everything is prepared from her home kitchen while watching over two children, ages one and four. She stated, “More often than I wish, I work. I work under the cottage law, so I’m not allowed to have professional machinery. Everything I use is available for any home cook out there!”

Interestingly, Katz Rod is a former economist who worked on the trading floor for many years. Cooking was the way she found stress release. She said, “It was a hobby that became my métier.”

In terms of special events, she remarked, “Every event is special! A small simple cake to celebrate a baby’s first year, a naked cake to be cut together by the newly engaged couple, bonbons made with your brand’s colors to thank your collaborators for a great year doing business together. More than being part of big famous events, my goal is to be a sweet part of my customers’ sweetest days!”

Asked if she had a base formula, she stated, “Every product is designed together with the client and every element – from ingredients to packaging – are thought out to be unique and meaningful for the occasion.”

To get the right design and formula, she does her own pattern sketching, often with hours of trial and error. For choco-

late, she uses polycarbonate molds, and her latest acquisition is a cocoa butter creamer. Cakes take anywhere from two to 10 hours to complete. Chocolates take at least five days from start to finish. In addition to weddings and mitzvahs, her unique business orders were for Bulleit (bourbon) and Bugatti exotic cars. She catered an unusual bachelorette party with an outrageous themed design “SAME P*NIS FOREVER.”

Examples of Luca Chocolaterie’s prices include:

• Giant Carrot Bar -- $38

• The Small Brigadeiro box -- $12

• Raspberry Cheesecake -- $50 Jewish-themed goodies include chocolate-covered matzot, sufganyiot, and Rosh Hashanah honey-themed items. She uses Haribo gummy bears. Her kitchen is not

Aline Katz Rod in her first kitchen

Melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate raspberry cheesecake

kosher, but most of her products are kosher, and she will accommodate changes on brands to make them kosher for a specific project. All tools are used exclusively for work.

Cakes last for about five days and chocolates are formulated to last from eight to 12 weeks, depending on the filling. Katz Rod does her own delivery and setup with her four-year-old “helping” with the tapes and ribbons.

Katz Rod has a passion for sharing

her trade, especially when it comes to educating children about cooking. She noted, “Children are so smart and talented! My kid’s classes start at $60, and I offer packages for groups and birthday parties. I can either travel to their place or they can come to mine.”

Like many thriving cottage industries, her projects are found through word of mouth from satisfied customers and social media. For more information, call Luca Chocolaterie at (470) 985-6356. ì

Best seller -- giant heart filled with Brigadeiro, a Brazilian dessert

Katz Rod made these blue and white confections for a bris.

Handmade gummy bear cake is a top seller.

Aline Katz Rod is known for her imaginative nostalgia bars.

Lavender apricot bonbons for a corporate event

Ash’s Over-the-Top Confections

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

As Atlanta’s “candy bar queen,” Jessica Ash’s passion is creating incredible, personalized, and upscale treats in wildly creative settings and displays.

Ash stated, “My work is always the signature finale of any great event, the one thing that guests remember and continue to talk about! When you think about a party, usually your focus is on the basics, the music, décor, venue, invitations, and food, but everyone knows the best part of any event are the desserts and sweets! I make personalized candy bars that match and blend with any theme creating a complete ‘WOW’ factor to surprise guests!”

Ash’s journey began in Mexico City where she was brought up in a family who owned a large restaurant chain where she learned the importance of second-tonone customer service. They also owned candy stores similar to Dylan’s. (Note that the New York-based Dylan’s is owned by designer Ralph Lauren’s daughter, Dylan, who boasts more than 7,000 candy bars and candy-related gifts in various airports and cities like Honolulu, LA, Chicago and

more).

After completing her studies in marketing in Mexico, Ash worked for the Israeli Embassy in their economic department for 10 years where she was responsible for organizing events for elite officials and foreign dignitaries.

She also was involved with product launches and added, “It was a very exciting time, and I was part of the signature of the Israeli/Mexican free trade agreement. Among some of the large events that I led was the introduction of the Gotex Israeli swimsuit presentation to potential Mexican store purchasers.”

Twenty-two years ago, Ash fell in love with Atlanta and the Jewish community and relocated here. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, she decided to pursue her dream of leveraging her unique skills and creativity by helping families plan small gatherings like baby showers where her treats were introduced, gained traction and popularity.

She knew she wanted to expand to larger events a la her experience at the Israeli Embassy. Ash said, “Because of my relationships in the community, I had the

opportunity to create an over-the-top candy bar for a large bar mitzvah with over 300 guests. It was held at the [Georgia] Aquarium with an ocean theme.”

She created a series of personalized treats that matched the colors and party theme and made over 1,000 treats. The host, bar mitzvah boy, and guests were thrilled and immediately booked her for their daughter’s bat mitzvah four years later.

Her concept is uniqueness and evolves with each event. She constantly incorporates new items (like Rice Krispie treat Nike shoes) and connects with customers to understand individual needs and ensure their candy bar display will be unforgettable. Her most extensive event was her own son’s bar mitzvah where she created a unique candy bar around his party theme of video games and technology. From start to finish, she started with the invitation design, a chocolate X-Box controller (with the invitation inside). Then, she created more than 2,000 treats and an over-the-top candy bar presentation. The candy bar featured personalized chocolate-covered Oreos, Rice Krispie treats, gummy kabobs, chocolate-shaped teddy bears, chocolate-covered strawberries,

cereal bars, and cake-sicles, among others.

She recalled, “It was the perfect end to the night as it was revealed to our guests after dinner, and they were ready for sweet treats. The kids were given pull bags that they filled with their favorite treats and candies! I still receive compliments about this candy bar from guests.”

For another recent bar mitzvah, she collaborated with the party decorator to engineer a concession stand with all personalized candy that looked like the entrance to a basketball stadium. She exclaimed, “The candy bar was a total hit so that even their New York family was raving about [it].”

She concluded, “Planning an event takes time and considerable effort; and I love to work closely with my customers to make their experience worry-free, trusting that I will create the perfect candy bar for their event. My candy bars are the sweetest way to end your party.”

Find Ash Sweet Creations on Facebook to view her configurations of paw prints, skulls, coco bombs, pumpkins, baseball memorabilia, gender reveals, graduation bars, bears, footballs and more. ì

This kitty cat bat mitzvah was purr-fect.

The Nike candy shoes are made of Rice Krispies treats. Jessica Ash did this “Color my world” theme for a bar mitzvah . Balloons top this Candy Land display.

Ash’s Neon Extravaganza with initials.

Left: Jessica Ash got her experience entertaining for large scale events by working at the Israeli Embassy in Mexico City.

Right: Play Bold in neon is for a video game-themed bar mitzvah.

This tongue-and-cheek “Filip’s Arena” concession stand was for a local bar mitzvah.

Doyenne Howard Shares ‘Paper Tales’

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

After 50-plus years in the fine paper business, Jackie Howard is known for expert advice and depth in understanding the role of fine paper in life’s celebrations and dayto-day use.

At 13, Jackie’s mother, Joy, took her to J.P. Stevens downtown for her birthday gift where she chose monogrammed dye and engraved “thank you” notes. She recalled, “From that time on, I was aware of fine stationery and paper. At 18, our family went to Europe, where mom and I carried our engraving dyes. In Switzerland, I ordered engraved stationery again using my old dye.”

Howard was later off to NYC for New

York’s Stationery Show to set up accounts with engravers and printers. She then designed a line of stationery produced in Germany. From there, she designed a line of stationery for Crane, sold nationwide to fine stores.

On her kitchen table, she learned about advertising, graphic design, pressing type and committed to her “forever love of stationery.”

In 1986, she opened her first store in Buckhead: Paces Papers by Jackie. During the 1996 Summer Olympics, she moved to her current location at 110 East Andrews. This past February, she celebrated 50 years in the biz.

She stated, “The bulk of our business

is designing and printing wedding invitations. We often design and print the bride and groom’s entire portfolio - save the date, wedding invitation, rehearsal dinner invitation, program, menu, place cards, thank you notes. We create one-of-a-kind, customprinted invitations for life’s milestones, from birth to passing. We are currently working on an 85th birthday celebration for a longtime client where we created his 70th, 75th and 80th invitations.”

Howard thinks outside-the-box with exceptional creativity: elegant menus with mouth-watering wording for at-home entertaining, custom design powder room guest towels, personal “life crests” to commemorate special occasions, place card hold-

ers making the table memorable. “Save the Date” cards remain popular. Howard created a snow globe with a picture of the honoree. Another “Save the Date” was embedded in a world globe that rotated using solar power.

Howard sells a huge gift collection with curated items and an extensive collection of greeting cards for every occasion, including an “inappropriate” section. Clients often come to Jackie for etiquette advice. Howard replied to “good manners” questions here as a self-professed “Southern, old-fashioned, reformed Jew.”

Paces Papers, Inc., by Jackie Howard is located at 110 East Andrews. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. 404-231-1111. ì

Above: Bat mitzvah invitation printed on red acrylic with added rhinestones, a Jackie Howard touch.

Below: VIP Save the Date (Daniel) printed on metal. Acrylic invitation with white printing.

Above: Jackie Howard designed this rehearsal dinner invitation: twocolor printing on silver metallic paper with silver handmade linings.

Below: Custom wedding invitation suite. Hand-drawn motifs, handmade envelope liners and bellyband.

Above: Jackie Howard uses decades of experience in fine paper and etiquette to advise clients.

Below: Custom-designed engraved wedding program.

Jackie’s Pearls of Wisdom

Determining quality: “I believe in hand feel and paper stock thickness. Some European-made papers, either handmade or machine-made, have a deckle edge which is a mark of finely made paper. In 2019, I traveled to Prague to visit the factory of my favorite companies, Bohemia Paper, which carries the most gorgeous handmade, cotton fiber paper with a beautiful texture and weave. It is exquisite visually and in your hand.”

Modern technology: “During COVID, we faced challenges due to the supply chain slow down. We purchased a high-tech, high-end digital printer which was a game changer to now print in-house, allowing faster turn-around time.”

Blended families (with parents having several marriages on both sides): Include the names of the parents with their newer spouses, resulting in less hurt feelings with the peoples’ names on the invitation. Also, Howard’s not opposed to the bride and groom issuing their own invitations, doing the reply envelope back to the bride’s mother and spouse.

Interfaith couples and geography: Howard determines if both sets of parents are Jewish and if the bride and groom are both Southern or if the bride is Southern and the groom is from the Northeast. In a traditional Southern invitation, the invitation is issued by the bride’s parents mentioning the daughter’s and groom’s name, with no mention of the groom’s parents. In a wedding where the groom’s parents are from the Northeast, she advises the bride that if they leave off the groom’s parents, they will take it as a slight. In their tradition, the invitation includes “son of.”

Observant Jews: Howard offers a blessing on the page in the upper right-hand corner… Hebrew characters Bet Hay. Jackie added, “If it is more important to one of the families to have a Bet Hey, it should be included. As a visual person, I feel it’s a beautiful, decorative touch.”

Weekend wedding itinerary/agenda…times, dress code, location for all weekend events.

Sisters’ Creative Events Create Synergy

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Jenna Means and Brittany Moskowitz, nee Barnett, are a one-stop shop for details in creating a fully cohesive event from start to finish. As the Barnett Crafted team, Moskowitz handles marketing, and Means balances finances. They both do client management and design, which often means that clients get two design options -- one from each.

Means said, “When we were younger and first started dabbling in graphic design, we would have themed photo-editingcompetitions for silly things, like images and quotes from ‘Harry Potter’ movies. It’s infinitely special that we now get to do that as our actual jobs.”

Now, it’s all about baby namings,

weddings, birthdays and even family reunions. Evaluating trends, Moskowitz said, “We are seeing a return to big weddings and events post-pandemic. I think people really missed these during COVID and are excited to gather with friends and family again. We are also seeing a trend in nontraditional design -- with funky and fun colors, shapes, and designs. Another trend that we love seeing is the thoughtfulness behind personal details -- and this is where we thrive. We want our products to be one-of-a-kind, specific to the people and event being celebrated.”

Thinking outside the box for a book club, they created some coasters with quotes from the book that month, shot glasses, large canvas for signs/seating charts/welcome. Signage in general is their

forte.

Moskowitz said, “It’s a fun challenge to turn something so simple, like needing to direct someone to where the bathroom is at your venue, into something pretty and cohesive to the event.”

For weddings, they provide save the date, the invitation suite, details like table numbers, welcome and seating chart signs, escort cards, menus, signature drink signs, koozies, cups, coasters, programs, and finally, the thank you notes and holiday cards to wrap it all up.

For a family reunion, they started with a simple invite and schedule, and brainstormed a theme of “Celebrating Our Roots,” incorporating an old photo of parents, and drew the tree with the family members branching out. The simple ver-

sion of that tree was used on invitations, and the intricate version was applied with all the names on acrylic cups and tote bags for the weekend.

In terms of cost, Barnett Crafted revealed these stats for budgeting:

• Single item: ~$200

• Invitation suite: ~$2,000

• Full event details: ~$3,500

• Party goods only: ~$750

Moskowitz concluded, “My favorite thing about our business is how we are constantly evolving, dreaming up new ideas and getting inspired by our clients and their needs. When we plan our own events or when people ask us for something we’ve never done before, we figure it out and add it to our offerings. We love a challenge…this week we figured out how

Jenna Means and Brittany Moskowitz feel that having young families gives them an advantage to design baby namings and birthday parties.

to do place cards on paper airplanes…we love thinking creatively…based on our client’s story and event -- what cool thing can we do to make it different and unique? And we love a theme…we just added bibs to our offerings because a one-year-old obviously needs a bib that matches his party for the cake smash.”

Barnett Crafted’s best advice for entertaining includes communication, allowing ample time, and organizing a “to-do” list.

“Have fun and ask, ‘how can I make this event feel like me or the honoree?’ And something will always go wrong. Always. Don’t sweat it, your guests will probably not notice if something is missing or didn’t go how you envisioned it. Depending on the event, their timelines range from a month to a few months. They can do rush orders but work best with time to “mull over the details and allow the creativity to flow.”

For more information, contact hi@ barnettcrafted.com. ì

Top left: This venue postcard is one of Moskowitz’s favorite creations as it explains the client’s sprawling venue.

Top right: This custom-made tree was for a family reunion as a particularly favorite project.

Right: Barnett Crafted’s version of a wedding head table place card.

Bottom right: A colorful birthday design for a young boy.

Bottom left: Signs are one of Barnett Crafted’s fortes.

Left: Three years apart, sisters Jenna Means and Brittany Moskowitz have been designing together for their whole lives.

Rabbi Lesser Offers Alternate Wedding Services

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Rabbi Josh Lesser announced the formation of Weddings by Josh with his personal touch of officiating for Jewish, interfaith, and LGBTQ+ couples locally or at destinations.

With more than 23 years (now emeritus) as senior rabbi of Congregation Bet Haverim, he has been a catalyst for creativity and innovation - like pioneering LGBTQ+ Torah commentary, “Torah Queeries,” and being selected as one of the 100 Most Influential LGBTQ+ Clergy by the Huffington Post.

He said, “I welcome couples from all walks of life who want joyful and meaningful ceremonies. I work with those who are seeking a rabbi. At this time in our community, it remains essential that people feel embraced, celebrated, and supported. Too many interfaith couples still feel rebuffed and rejected. Weddings by Josh serves as a beacon to ensure that

people know their love has a home in the Jewish community.”

Rabbi Lesser meets three to five times with couples to plan their weddings, plus often with family and the wedding planner to collaborate.

He added, “If couples want counseling, we set a package and, depending on the need, the cost varies. My cost for weddings is within the range of what other local rabbis charge; though, I’m on the higher end because I invest a great deal of time ensuring a personal touch. I believe in going the extra mile to ensure a smooth, connected, and joyful experience.”

Last year, he facilitated over 20 weddings because of the COVID backlog.

“During COVID, I stepped in for colleagues who had contracted the virus just days before the wedding. I immediately jumped to assure the couple that they were in caring hands. The groom’s mother remarked, ‘It was incredible; you made everyone feel welcome and as if

you knew the couple from the start.’”

He also welcomes simpler ceremonies like elopements and vow renewals. For venues, Lesser takes advantage of the state’s beauty on farms and vineyards across North and West Georgia. Dahlonega, Piedmont Park, Cator Woolford Gardens at the Frazer Center, and industrial spaces in West Midtown, just to name a few. His favorite site was St Lucia, but he has also officiated weddings in Cozumel, Honolulu, Miami, Houston, San Diego, Joshua Tree National Park, and Asheville.

Recently, he worked with an interfaith couple where one was Ashkenazi Jewish and the other was Persian. The bride of Persian descent wanted some secular Persian traditions inspired by Islam. He found intersecting values and rituals that enhanced the wedding and honored the couple and their guests. He worked with the bride’s father in leading these rituals.

Bottom line, “Everyone deserves a

rabbi who is a great fit for them.,” said Rabbi Lesser.

Read on to learn more about Rabbi Lesser’s services:

AJT: In a previous AJT interview, you estimated that in any population, 10 to 12 percent would fall in the LGBTQ+ category. The Georgia 2022 (Jewish Virtual Survey) estimate of Jewish residents is 141,000; thus, can we extrapolate to 14,000 now?

Lesser: Hard to calculate because we don’t all identify the same way. Atlanta remains the capital of the Gay South, and thus, many LGBT Jews and their loved ones live here. Our Jewish community is making a robust effort to welcome gay, bisexual, and lesbian Jews. We must continue to expand this work to ensure that nonbinary and transgender Jews feel included and seen as essential to our community. When I recently helped a family create a Hebrew naming ceremony for

This was a special union between a pair of grooms. Note Rabbi Josh Lesser’s beautiful rainbow tallit.

their transgender child, the affirmation and healing were apparent, as was their love of Jewish tradition.

AJT: What is some wisdom you share with interfaith couples?

Lesser: I turn to the partner of another faith and say, “Thank you for loving someone Jewish. We are a small and beautiful community–and we’re also complex and dynamic, even confusing. So by committing to your Jew-

ish partner, you’re part of this wonderful people.” No one should feel that they are deficient because of who they love. I want to ensure that their union is celebrated and supported. This sets a path for future engagement and participation.”

AJT: What percent of LBGTQ+ unions are both Jewish?

Lesser: I don’t know except that I read the average is slightly lower than the straight average. ì

Above: Rabbi Josh Lesser officiated at this flower laden, samesex marriage in Hawaii.

Left: Lesser also performs traditional weddings.

Below: Rabbi Josh Lesser officiated the Maslia wedding.

Sandy Springs Resident, at 90, Celebrates Bat Mitzvah

Bunny Maron, a 90-year-old resident of Sunrise at Huntcliff Summit in Sandy Springs, celebrated her bat mitzvah on May 12. The event took place during the weekly Friday night Shabbat service at the independent living facility.

Maron, who grew up in Brooklyn, said that she accompanied her grandfather as a child to Orthodox worship services, but she received little instruction in Judaism, “He would point to the Hebrew words in the prayer book, as he davvened but he never told me what they meant. There was no way I could have had a bat mitzvah.”

About 100 residents of the Sandy Springs facility, including a number of non-Jewish residents, filled the community room for the ceremony. Maron has been a regular participant in the Huntcliff Summit’s numerous Jewish living programs which includes a weekly Shabbat observance.

She was presented with a bat mitzvah certificate by Bob Bahr, who has been responsible for leading and programming many of the community’s religious obser-

vances.

“It is never too late to stand up in front of family, friends and the commu-

nity,” he said, “and speak about a commitment to Jewish ideals.”

Three other bat mitzvahs of senior

residents of Huntcliff Summit are planned over the next several months. ì

Compiled by AJT Staff

Bunny Maron delivered her bat mitzvah message at Sunrise of Huntcliff Summit.

Simcha Announcements

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

Engagement Announcements

Sidoti – Fisher

Zach Fisher and Arianna Sidoti recently got engaged in March in Paris, France. Fisher surprised Sidoti while she was on a girl’s trip with her mom in Paris, and the couple continued on to Spain for a longer vacation.

Fisher is the son of Stacey and David Fisher, of Atlanta, and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, before graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently a management consultant with EY-Parthenon.

Sidoti is the daughter of Robin and Anthony Sidoti, New Yorkers currently living in The Hague, Netherlands. Arianna grew up between Padova, Italy, and Englewood Cliffs, N.J. She graduates from the Medical College of Georgia this month and the couple is moving to New York City for Arianna’s general surgery residency at Weill-Cornell.

The two first met while visiting friends in Nashville and have been dating for almost 4½ years.

Eisenberg – Thomas

Cara Eisenberg and Erin Thomas live in Denver, Colo., and celebrated their engagement in Atlanta recently with friends and family. Eisenberg and Thomas moved to Denver seven years ago, with Eisenberg moving from Atlanta and Thomas from California. Both were seeking a new and exciting chapter in their lives.

Sugar Eisenberg, Cara’s mother, shared her joy and love for both girls.

“Both girls make each other happy and a better person. They love to travel the world and they have been to quite a few countries together, including Mexico, Italy, Holland, England, Spain, Portugal, and many islands.”

The girls are crazy about trips and travel.

“We both love travel more than anything else,” Eisenberg explained. “It’s where we prefer to save and spend our money. We love trying new food and splurging at a Michelin star restaurant. We spend our days exploring and playing cards at wineries and laughing lots. Our favorite trip was 10 days in Lake Como with no plans and beautiful views and delicious food. We can’t wait to go to Asia and New Zealand/Australia for our honeymoon!”

The couple then described how their relationship started.

“We met on Bumble, a dating app, at the peak of the pandemic in May 2020. Our first few dates were via Zoom!”

Thomas continued, “We knew that marriage was in our future and went wedding ring shopping together so that we could each help to pick out the perfect stone for one another. We got engaged in Maine in July 2022.”

Thomas proposed first on Peak’s Island where Eisenberg spent most of her summers growing up. Eisenberg popped the question a few days later in Acadia National Park.

“Both families joined us in Maine the next day to celebrate!”

They then shared their wedding plans.

“We are planning an intimate wedding in Sayulita, Mexico, with our closest friends and family for New Year’s Eve, 12/31/2024.”

Nadia Bilchik and her husband, Steve Kesler, hosted the engagement celebration at their home.

“It is so expensive to host a celebration at a venue, and it is such a pleasure to open our home for our good friends in our mini-event facility.”

Cara Eisenberg, Erin Thomas and Sugar Eisenberg celebrate.

Seidman - Levy

Susan and Robert Levy, of Peachtree Corners, Ga., announce the engagement of their son, Benjamin Levy, to Stefanie Seidman, daughter of Karen and Rick Seidman, of Charleston, S.C.

Ben is the grandson of the late Helen and Izak Weingarten and Violette and Elie Levy. Stefanie is the granddaughter of Barbara Epstein, of Boca Raton, Fla., and the late Stanley Seidman and Helen and Stanley Slavin, all of Long Island, N.Y.

Ben attended the University of Georgia and completed his undergraduate degrees in 2010 before continuing on to the University of Georgia School of Law where he obtained his Juris Doctorate in 2013. He practices law as a personal injury trial attorney in Atlanta.

Stefanie received her Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University in 2015 and her doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Georgia in 2019. Stefanie is a veterinarian at VCA Midtown animal hospital.

A surprise proposal took place in late March in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in front of both sets of parents, as well as Stefanie’s sister and brother-in-law, Nicki and Gill Biesold.

Ben proposed on the beach while the whole family was on a rooftop bar looking down and cheering right after she said “yes.”

A spring 2024 wedding is planned in Charleston and Manny and Cappy, their two shelties, are ecstatic that their humans are getting married!

DINING Zakia: Modern and Classic

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Touted as modern Lebanese cuisine, Zakia has history. Run by chef Ian Winslade, and the brother team of Jonathan and Ryan Akly, who also own Mission+Market, and Tre Vele, Zakia is actually named for the Akly brothers’ grandmother who inspired many of the menu items with old family recipes.

Dishes include hot and cold mezzes, classic, chargrilling, kabobs, fresh seafood, shareable sizes, all expected in Eastern Mediterranean fare. Sporting its own pita oven, Zakia delights guests with expanded, puffed-up pitas that look like they were injected with billows from oven heat. With over 200 seats, the main dining area features an open kitchen and a bar/lounge. Towards the entrance is a row of intimate, round fabric enveloped settings; and an upstairs private room for 10 to 60 is visible.

Gushing and gasping over the interior design is warranted. We sat on canary/ honey gold banquette sofas, secured in elaborate black frames. Other areas had lush teal chairs; and then there’s the indoor/outdoor conservatory with vertical cascades of the palest hues of hanging flowers, not real, but real enough to seal the atmosphere. At the main entrance courtyard is outdoor dining.

An extensive drink menu is sure to raise interest. Arak, a traditional Lebanese licorice flavored liqueur, is made from brandy-infused with anise, served mixed with water and over ice, pairs well with mezze; Massaya, $14 a glass, $150 a bottle; and Razzout, $17 a glass and $170 a bottle are for those seeking adventure. The table favorite cocktail was Ruby Jewels with strawberry-infused vodka, Earl Grey, sake, and lemon. Use the imagination for thematic cocktails like Spice Market with Cocchi Americano, Cities of Salt with chili sumac tequila, Meadows of Gold with apple demerara, and One Thousand and One Nights with black walnut bitters and bourbon.

Table favorites mezze were the roasted beet salad with arugula, roasted walnuts, whipped feta, puffed freekeh (an ancient dish of rubbed green durum wheat -- nutty and chewy at the same time), and ginger syrup. Pause to admire the feta tinting the beets to a lighter bubble gum pink. The Fattoush salad ($12) was fresh and shareable containing tomato, mint, radish, romaine, and pita chips in sumac vinaigrette and parsley. The spice roasted cauliflower was lapped up most especially because of its sauce of

lemon tahini and Za’atar chermoula.

Not quite full, we went for the grilled Norwegian salmon with herb salad ($29), two substantial pieces singed to perfection. As a side entrée, the vegetable skewers went along tenderly. For dessert, not all baklava is created equal. This one, served in the round, celebrated its nutty, flaky sweetness. Our server was calculatedly paced, assessing what was needed and didn’t hover. I mistakenly ordered a rosé which I thought was sparkling,

and she replaced it immediately without pointing out my error.

Some enticing lunch menu items: felafel sandwich ($16), vegetable skewers, branzino, and, especially intriguing, Anson Mills grain bowl ($17) with blue barley, farro verde, and fava beans, roasted mushrooms, snap peas, kale, and cashew cream. Crispy Brussels sprouts in date molasses ($9) is a winner.

Bottom line: Zakia is an exotic jewel in Buckhead’s crown and especially so

because of its location in a multi-family property with drive-up ease, old family recipes, and a stunning interior. Zakia is in the Modera Prominence complex on the corner of Piedmont and Lenox roads at 3699 Lenox Road. Parking is accessible on one level below. Tickets are validated if asked. Valet is also available.

Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Dinner is served seven days a week. For more information, call (404) 205-5762. ì

The branzino was jumping from the sea, ever so lightly seasoned.

The indoor (outdoor feeling) conservatory has romantic flowers extending from the ceiling. The beet salad was a table favorite.

The Fattoush salad was fresh and shareable.

The Zakia interior shows the upstairs private space and an oval of an Akly relative who passed on family recipes.

The Zakia entrance shares a courtyard with other dining concepts.

Mazel Tov!

Congratulations to our community graduates and their families.

Graduation season is here, and many parents and grandparents are looking for gifts: we have a perfect one for you! It’s our Young Philanthropist Fund. This fund serves as a “charitable bank account” and is designed to kickstart a meaningful philanthropic journey with a relatively small investment. Gift your grad this meaningful investment while teaching them the value and habit of donating to causes they care about.

To learn more about how the Atlanta Jewish Foundation can help you create a Young Philanthropist Fund, email us at foundation@jewishatlanta.org or call 404.870.1614.

ARTS & CULTURE

Modern Yenta’s Jewish Matchmaking on Netflix

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Netflix content originators came out of the gate with yet another binge-cringeworthy series that shines a light on the Jewish community. Just after taking a deep breath from streaming “Rough Diamonds” and “My Unorthodox Life,” along comes “Jewish Matchmaking” lightening the mood, even to the point of being zany.

From boastful to genuine, those seeking love are outshone by Aleeza Ben Shalom, the “modern” matchmaker. With an omnipresent hearty laugh, she makes the process comfortable as she writes notes capturing the characteristics each one seeks.

Fans are polarized, as an inquiry on Facebook’s Jewish Women of Atlanta was replete with comments: Debbie Sasson said, “I liked the ‘Jewish Matchmaking’ series because it showed the diversity of people who identify as Jewish. My favorite line was when Aleeza, who’s Orthodox, said, ‘There’s 15 million Jews in the world, and there’s about 15 million ways to be Jewish.’”

Judy Hopmeier Eichel shaded, “It was so bad, I stopped watching! They were the most entitled young adults who are too picky. It’s a horrible representation of young Jewish people.”

The candidates cast a wide swath, including an exquisite Orthodox wom-

an who eschews her match because he doesn’t pray three times a day. Then, there’s the 40-plus blonde who wants “immediate” sexual chemistry, and the 24-year-old Italian Israeli who doesn’t like gals with curly hair. Another older Israeli in L.A., living with his parents, is focused on being able to eat bacon. All through the process, Aleeza keeps her good humor and digs deeper for more matches. Kissing each door mezuzah and calling out “dating baggage,” of which there is no shortage, she explains customs like observant couples not touching before marriage.

The series features a local connection in Season 7 with Atlantan Hope Chernack, who had a date with a 50-plus eclectic dude from Chicago who had a wardrobe consultation to appear slimmer before their date. Chernack, who previously worked at Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta, changed careers after the show’s taping to work as a project manager for an IT company. Last April, she saw a casting call in a Jewish Singles Facebook group for those wanting to find love through a matchmaker.

She said, “I took out my phone and answered questions about what I was looking for, my dating journey, and photos. Later, I got a call from a casting agent for a Skype interview where I felt like I was talking to a girlfriend about the struggles of dating and my perfect match. I had no idea that I would be cast for this!”

Then came background checks, final interviews and, on June 1 she flew to Chicago for the date. The show was released on Netflix on May 3. Chernak, in her 40s, remains in touch with Aleeza for just the right guy and is still looking for a family

oriented, active partner with whom to share life experiences like hiking.

She recalled, “The main reason I put myself out there is I’ve been on the same merry-go-round as many Jewish women these days. The apps allow meeting people quickly, though the eligible men…are either not ready to date (why be on there?), too bitter, or only looking for something casual. The days of meeting someone at a bar/activity outside of work or having friends set you up seem to be gone.”

Other JWOA comments came from Cantor Debbi Ballard, who stated, “As a recruiter in my past life, I noted that Aleeza really encourages her candidates with great advice. She is deeply spiritual and nonjudgmental.”

Shosh Nissimov mentioned, “I found it incredibly eye-opening as a Jewish woman who didn’t feel comfortable using the Shidduh route. It was incredible how diverse her clients were and how she was yet so willing to help.”

Judith Allen gave a thumbs down, and said, “I didn’t find it at all entertaining. I wouldn’t watch the second season… I found the ‘Indian Matchmaking’ show more captivating. “

Susan Proctor added, “The clients were very superficial and had false expectations of marriage. And yikes! Asking how many kids a person wants on a first date? Not good.”

Bottom line: Yes, the series is binge worthy…but it’s missing an update at the end listing the results of all this work, most likely because none of these matches lasted, not made in Himmel (Yiddish heaven).

Aleeza’s best advice, “Date until you hate, don’t judge on the first date.” ì

Hope Chernack, formerly employed at Temple Kol Emeth, is now an IT project manager.

Atlantan Hope Chernack appeared in Season 7 of “Jewish Matchmaking” after

screening and a Zoom interview.

Chai Style Home

Art Mavens Choose Light and Airy

Art of Georgia. Andrew is an artist and has written two books on art and creativity. Even our dog is named for an artist –Calder. So, it’s a big part of who we are.”

Marcia Caller Jaffe

Janice and Andrew Dietz created a space on the BeltLine where the elements of beauty, function, glamour, and restraint not only work together, but enhance each other. It’s a showcase for the art and creativity that they value so highly.

Janice’s parents, Lenore and Burt Gold, art collectors, imprinted Atlanta and her with a love of the contemporary. Andrew’s father, Phil Dietz was a gifted artist who worked in New York’s publishing fields and, upon retiring to Atlanta, became a key part of ArtPaper’s magazine staff. A love of the visual arts was infused in both Janice and Andrew from an early age.

Janice stated, “We collect 20th century modern and contemporary art, photography, and folk art. We’ve been involved with Atlanta’s art organizations, big and small. from the Woodruff [Arts Center] and High [Museum of Art] to the Atlanta College of Art and the Museum of Contemporary

Janice, an interior designer with The Consulting House, gutted the couple’s fourlevel townhouse and served as both the designer and the general contractor. The light, airy space is animated with works by modern masters like Calder, Dubuffet, and Nevelson and whimsical folk-art, like a collection of ceramic sculptures of antique beer cans or an antique carousel horse. Andrew said, “Living in a home whose character is enhanced by warm, inviting, comfortable, yet sophisticated design with uplifting art is a recipe for joy and serenity.”

Meander on the BeltLine to this “city” sanctuary.

Marcia: You have a second home. How do the two align?

Andrew: They’re as different as city and country. In Cashiers, we purchased land on which Janice designed and built a family mountain home. It’s set in a box canyon overlooking a lake in the woods. In Atlanta, we moved last year from a 1932 Buckhead home into this existing fourstory townhome overlooking the BeltLine near Inman Park. Janice renovated every

aspect, transforming it from builder-grade into a designer-grade property.

Marcia: Style runs in your family. Share how your parents, Lenore and Burt Gold, impacted you and the Atlanta art landscape.

Janice: My parents were avid art collectors and philanthropists. Beginning in the 1970s, many Atlantans clung tightly to traditional, representative art, they were helping to bring much more challenging modern and contemporary art here. The High Museum now holds a large portion of their collection, along with a gallery named in their honor. My father had a great design eye and sense of color. My mother was a visionary and a voracious collector. Beyond art, she collected ceramic birds, woven baskets, snuff boxes and Olympic pins starting with the 1972 Munich Games. She was once quoted that she would “rather buy art than eat.” I can’t go quite that far, but her passion and willingness to take creative risks live on in me. It’s part of why I studied architecture and design at Cornell and started and run my own design firm. Both my parents instilled in me an appreciation for design details.

Marcia: What are some of the impor-

tant details in your Atlanta home?

Janice: We made special use of reclaimed wood which brings in both texture and warmth in walls and ceiling beams. We took down walls in several areas to open the space and created new shelving, cabinetry, and seating nooks in others. We resurfaced and lightened the hardwoods and created a herringbone pattern for the foyer flooring. A herringbone pattern of glass tiles also surrounds the fireplace. The dining room has a farmhouse-style, reclaimed wood table that’s been faux finished. We installed sliding barn doors in select rooms and replaced the entrance to my ground floor office with metal framed, glass doors. I could go on, but suffice it to say that there’s nothing in the townhome that hasn’t been touched in some way.

Marcia: And art? How would you categorize the focus of your collection?

Andrew: We favor artists that are expressive (not just intellectual) playful, nonobvious, provocative and those that are just great visual composers and storytellers. Alexander Calder is a great example of a vibrant, positive creative spirit. So is Lonnie Holley. Those are just two of many that we love.

Marcia: How did you two great minds

Andrew and Janice Dietz relax in their living room in front of “Three Lemons and Egg,” by Donald Sultan, and a Louise Nevelson painted wood sculpture // Photos by Howard Mendel

This oil painting of Provincetown is by Hans Hoffman (1937).

meet?

Janice: Andrew and I first met in Chicago O’Hare Airport while in town for the NEOCON design conference. I was working with Stratton Industries (now part of Shaw Industries), a leading commercial carpet manufacturer. Andrew was working with Interior Design magazine. We bumped into each other while waiting for a flight back to Atlanta. It turned out that we lived in the same apartment complex and that our parents had already met one another. The serendipity was too much to ignore.

Marcia: Your hands are in many cool projects.

Andrew: My “day job” is running a marketing firm. I like to keep my creative juices flowing even when not for commercial reasons. Some of it’s pretty “out there.” My first book, “The Last Folk Hero,” tracked the stories of the art collector, Bill Arnett,

Above: The photograph of Times Square in the guest bedroom was shot by Andrew Moore prior to 9/11.

Left: A sand-cast, glass colored sculpture with metals, powdered glass and ceramic is by American sculptor and visual artist, Lynda Benglis.

Below: The couple’s dining room has an antique pine table, iron light fixture by Low Country Originals and a 1953 Alexander Calder gouache and ink on paper.

Right: The kitchen area has a collection of ceramic corn top beer cans by artist Liz Crain displayed on reclaimed shelves. Note the table’s stacked sphere base.

CHAI STYLE

and two of the contemporary outsider artists he championed: Lonnie Holley and Thornton Dial -- all meant to celebrate the power and passion of artists who can’t help but create despite their circumstances. Underneath, it raises the questions of what’s art, what isn’t and who has the right to say. It’s also about the fuzzy line between actual and alleged exploitation of artists. As part of that, I collaborated with an artist and filmmaker to create a mockumentary about a new type of outsider-art using trees as artists.

“Follow the Meander” is my most recent book. It’s about non-linear (“meandering”) thinking and its role in creative work and living. That’s led to a public environmental art project with a leading conceptual artist where we’re creating river-based, time-keeping devices, in part, calibrated to the physical meander of the river itself -- to reconnect Atlantans to the underappreciated waterways that flow here. ì

The sitting area off the kitchen has natural hide ottomans and a reclaimed wood ceiling.

Above:  Janice and Andrew Dietz enjoy an easy access BeltLine view with their maltipoo, “Calder.”

Below: The Dietz’s upstairs rec room utilizes Janice’s vision of the warmth of wood with an American-carved, 19th century wood leaping carousel horse, along with a 1933 ink on paper Alexander Calder and an extensive box collection.

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

Torah Study with Rabbi Dorsch -10 a.m. Join Congregation Etz Chaim for our weekly study session in the Hammer-Tritt Social Hall. Get more information at https://bit. ly/45kiCk4.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

North Fulton Master Gardeners proudly present the Celebration Garden Tour – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The North Fulton Master Gardeners (NFMG) will host our inaugural Celebration Garden Tour. “Every Step, A New Delight” is what you will find on this garden tour. Five home gardens of master gardeners in the Sandy Springs area will be on display for the Celebration Garden Tour ticket holders. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3ocDXvk.

SUNDAY, JUNE 4

MONDAY, JUNE 5

Shavuot Water Festival – 12 to 2 p.m. Join Congregation Etz Chaim for their Water Festival. There will be water activities, putt-putt golf, outdoor games, bubbles and more! Kick off the Summer with a splash while honoring our Jewish Tradition. Register at https://bit. ly/3BFVQp8.

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta Year-End Showcase – 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta invites the community to our first annual Year-End Showcase. Join us for a festive breakfast and jam-packed program. Register at https://bit.ly/3BJXfLs.

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

Kabbalat Panim and Kabbalat Shabbat - 5:45 p.m. Once a month Congregation Dor Tamid will gather for a Kabbalat Panim, an Oneg Shabbat before services. Then we'll move into the sanctuary to welcome Shabbat together. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3Zt9YvN.

Kabbalah and Coffee - 10 to 11 a.m. Discuss, explore, and journey through the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. This ongoing class from Intown Jewish Academy probes the esoteric through a unique program of English text-based study. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. Find out more at https:// bit.ly/3V3sfiE.

Find more events and submit items for our online and print calendars at: www.atlantajewishconnector.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 6

Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Dorsch - 12 to 1 p.m. Join Congregation Etz Chaim for a monthly class on Tuesdays with the rabbi on a variety of topics and enjoy some pizza. Learn how to register at https://bit. ly/3FU00g6.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7

Brain Health Bootcamp - 1 to 3 p.m. If you are recognizing symptoms of cognitive changes or have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, our fun and social class with JF&CS can help you strengthen your mind and body to stay sharp, especially during these times. To sign up visit https://bit. ly/3tPwMs3.

Challah Bakes - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Connect with old traditions and create your own new memories monthly at GLT challah bakes! Learn how or teach others!! RSVP at https://bit. ly/3i6RMIy.

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 Diana Cole for more information at Diana@atljewishtimes.com.

Annual Summer Soiree - 7 to 10 p.m. Brookhaven’s Kolleh Annual Summer Soiree Come hang out with friends at our biggest event of the year! Register at https://bit. ly/3BOiTOB.

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

SOJOURN’s Drawing from the Well -12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to experience the magic of inclusive community during Drawing from the Well. Drawing from the Well is SOJOURN’s inclusive weekly meetup for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3ZrKEXi.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Torah Reading: Naso

Friday, June 2: Sivan 13, 5783 Light Candles at 8:25 PM

Saturday, June 3: Sivan 14, 5783 Shabbat Ends 9:27 PM

Torah Reading: Behaalotecha

Friday, June 9: Sivan 20, 5783 Light Candles at 8:29 PM

Saturday, June 10: Sivan 21, 5783 Shabbat Ends 9:31 PM

661 HAMMOND DRIVE

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Offered at $749,900

Escape to the tranquility and elegance of this stunning one-level home, nestled in the heart of Sandy Springs.

Kabbalah Café - 10 to 11:30 a.m. Fuel up your week with the transformative teachings of Kabbalah as you enjoy a gourmet hot breakfast and coffee bar. You’ll study textbased spiritual wisdom that gives you practical guidance to living a healthy and empowered life with Torah Center Atlanta. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3Ak2BfX.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

Historic Westside Gardens – Volunteer Day – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Farm Crew supports our local growers by volunteering at gardens and farms around Atlanta. Projects may include harvesting produce, planting, weeding, and hoop house construction. Please wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, bring water, sunscreen and bug-spray. Find out more with Repair the World by visiting http:// bit.ly/3K9Kyyt.

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

Israel ParaSport Center NextGen Pickleball Event - 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Israel ParaSport Center is a multi-generational community consisting of individuals with disabilities and their families who come from all backgrounds. Join us at the MJCCA for great food, drinks, and lots of fun. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3MIfvvb.

Beth Jacob Annual Dinner of Honor

– 6 to 9 p.m. Celebrating 80 years! Join us as we pay tribute to the founders of our Shul, the Rabbis who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of our community, volunteers and staff. Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/45fgIRR.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14

Yoga and Meditation - 7 to 9 p.m. Join Congregation Gesher L’Torah for Yoga and Meditation. Ages 13+. Please bring your own mat if you have! Register at https://bit. ly/3WE3wkH.

THURSDAY, JUNE 15

Knit and Crochet Group - 1 to 3 p.m. Join Dor Tamid and crochet and knit beanies for premature babies from home. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3VY3R1j.

ROBIN BLASS, REALTOR® 404-403-6561 C | 770-394-2131 O Robin.Blass@HarryNorman.com

The Atlanta Perimeter office |

Dunwoody

Amaretto Cheesecake Bites

This cheesecake is a Shavuos treat that my mother prepared each and every year. To this day my siblings and I all make many dairy delicacies —but none of us retired this confection from the lineup. It’s just divine.

Ingredients

Crumb Layer

12 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed

1/3 cup ground almonds

1/3 cup sugar

3/4 cup (1 and 1/2 sticks) butter, melted

Cake Layer

3 (8-oz./225-g.) bricks cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons flour

1/3 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup amaretto

1 teaspoon Gefen Vanilla Extract

5 eggs, room temperature

Glaze

16 ounces (450 grams) sour cream

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon Gefen Vanilla Extract

1 tablespoon amaretto

Directions

For the Crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). Grease two 12-cup mini cheesecake pans with removable bottoms (use Norpro) or prepare 16 muffin cups with liners for slightly larger mini cheesecakes.

2. Combine all crumb ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.

3. Spoon one teaspoon of crumbs into the bottom of each muffin cavity and smooth out.

4. Bake five minutes on the middle rack of the oven. Remove from area and cool.

For the Cheese Batter

1. Place cream cheese and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat until combined.

2. Add in flour, heavy cream, amaretto, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.

3. Add eggs one at a time, beating till incorporated

Assemble and Bake

1. Place one heaping tablespoon of batter over each baked crust.

2. Bake 15 minutes until cheesecakes are set.

3. Mix glaze ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Spoon over each cheesecake.

4. Return to oven and bake an additional five minutes. Cheesecake should be set, though centers may be slightly wobbly.

5. Chill completely before serving.

Source: www.kosher.com

Recipe by Rivky Kleiman

Photography: Hudi Greenberger

Styling: Janine Kalesis

The Performance

Moshe telephoned his wife, Sadie.

“Sadie, darling, I’ve got some good news. You know that Andrew Lloyd Weber musical you’ve always wanted to see?”

“Yes,” replied Sadie.

“Well, I’ve just bought two tickets to see it.”

“Oh, Moshe, that’s marvelous. I’ll start dressing immediately.”

“Sadie, that’s just what I wanted to hear you say. The tickets are for tomorrow night’s performance.”

YIDDISH WORD

Gesuntaholic

n. Someone who is obsessed with the state of their health 24/7.

“So, today, Simon is seeing Dr. Patel for a third opinion about his hemorrhoids. He’s a regular gesuntaholic.”

From the Yiddish gesunt, meaning “good health.”

Way to Pray

By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com

Difficulty Level: Challenging

ACROSS

1. One of the twelve minor prophets (Var.)

6. Son of Donald

10. “By yesterday!” letters

14. There were often good ones coming from the Temple

15. Popular asian soup

16. Part of Israel’s flag

17. Capital of Bulgaria

18. Jewish Ghostbuster

19. Capital of Azerbaijan

20. 1,000-year Eur. realm

21. ___ fool (be silly)

23. Crossed the Kineret, perhaps

25. Fermi of physics

27. When the Torah is usually not read

30. Part of NCAA (Abbr.)

31. Notable Tesla

34. Echad, in 62-Across

35. Pirate ship weapon

37. Aviating anti-Semite, for short 39. Capital of Morocco

42. Calls out, on Twitter

43. Capital of Japan

Some say this was the name of

Whoever

Mr. Met, e.g.

___Vista,

search

22. NY neighbor

24. It can be earned or inherited

26. Like some Peruvian ruins

27. Throat tissue that might be an issue

28. Serving Murray

29. Ma of music

32. “Sort of”

33. Whichever city in this puzzle you might be in, you face its direction when praying

36. Shlomo or Shlomzion might have worn them

38. Little bits

39. Nadal, to fans

40. Up one, to Nadal

DOWN

1. One of the Trei Asar

2. Wears

3. Errand boys

4. Great Rabbi The ___

5. Actual first name of 4-Down

6. It’s the Torah truth

7. Capital of Latvia

8. “Metric” prefix

9. State Department employee

10. He’s in the 18th year of his four year term

11. One is rarely seen in the Yeshiva League

12. Arctic bird

41. He supposedly never sinned

46. Many join JCCs for them

49. Uses JWed or JSwipe, so to speak

51. Not easily found

52. Become more lenient

53. Had a bite, perhaps?

55. In need of seasoning

57. Tree with a namesake ski destination

59. Capital of South Sudan

60. Like a great deal of Torah, once

62. Kind of toss

63. Awful Amin

65. Hurray, the Spanish way

67. Indie rock genre

Esther Bigel 94, Atlanta

Everyone Esther Bigel met quickly learned she was all heart.

When she passed on May 13, 2023, at age 94, the world lost her unique brand of compassion and understanding.

Esther was born in 1928 in Toronto to the late Dena and Raphael Naiman. The youngest of five children, she moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1951. There, she met and married the love of her life, Mendy Bigel. After his untimely death, she raised their children on her own.

In addition to her family, Esther was known for her lifelong love of children, who gravitated toward her everywhere she went. She most recently worked as a lunch monitor at East Side Elementary School, where she spent 20 years making lunchtime special for thousands of children. Upon her retirement, the school named the lunchroom in her honor, so her kindness and gentleness would always be remembered.

Beyond her close-knit community at work, Esther had a plethora of friends from Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta, Ga. A devout Jew, Esther was never far from her preferred seat in shul, which she attended weekly for as long as she could. She was also known for her fluency in Yiddish, deep love of chocolate babkas, and sincere enjoyment of every Shabbat and holiday.

Determined and independent, Esther never learned how to drive, and enjoyed long walks to all her favorite stores. But throughout her life, nothing was more important to Esther than her family. She was a loving, supportive, and caring mother and grandmother anyone would be lucky to have.

Esther is survived by her children, Mitchell (Joanne) and Penney (Jeremy), her grandchildren, Michael, Kelly (Jonathan), and Michelle, and many family members and friends with whom she had close and loving relationships and who will miss her dearly. Contributions to Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway NE, Marietta, GA 30068. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

Darlyne Schoenberg Gilmartin

93, Atlanta

Darlyne Schoenberg (Fagin) Gilmartin, 93, of Atlanta, died May 3, 2023. She was born in St. Joseph, Mo. Darlyne attended the University of Oklahoma, and lived in Oklahoma City for many years where she was president of the PTA for her children’s elementary school, was an active member of Temple B’Nai Israel’s Sisterhood and Oklahoma City’s Hadassah and began her business career. She moved to Atlanta with her family in the late 1960s, where she worked as an office manager for several companies, ultimately serving as office manager for Official Products, Inc. for 19 years before retiring. She also coached Weight Watcher classes for many years.

Darlyne married David Gilmartin in Atlanta and found happiness in their 29-year marriage until his death in 2019. In retirement, Darlyne and Dave moved to The Villages in Florida, where they lived for 12 years before returning to Atlanta. Darlyne was also preceded in death by her son, Randy Fagin, her brother, Ronald Schoenberg, and her ex-husband, Irvin Fagin. She is survived by her daughters, Karen (Thomas) White, of Atlanta, and Sharna (Andrew) Sloan, of Charlotte, N.C.; her stepchildren, Kevin (Melissa) Gilmartin, of Atlanta, and Kelly Gilmartin, of Florida; her grandchildren, Liane (Metin) Ozcan, Allison (Darrell) Holmes, Brittany (Blake) Swofford, and Mallory (Patrick) Chappell; great-grandchildren, Laila and Ella Ozcan, Shai Holmes, Sloan Swofford, and Ensley and Hayes Chappell; her brother, Irving (Ann) Schoenberg, three nephews, a niece, and five great-nieces; and the children and grandchildren of Kevin Gilmartin, Kelly Gilmartin, and deceased stepdaughter, Carol Gilmartin.

Darlyne enjoyed playing bridge and mahjong and socializing with her many friends. Most of all, she loved her family, whose health and well-being were of utmost importance to her. She cooked for and hosted innumerable holiday dinners and plied her family with her excellent versions of matzah ball soup, brisket, blintzes, cheesecake, rugelach, and other Ashkenazi Jewish favorites.

Special thanks to Darlyne’s many wonderful caregivers, including Marvin Mitchell, Ayana Joseph, CeCe Vanholten, Rashanda Miller, and Sherique Gaines, as well as the many caring staff at Sunrise at Huntcliff Summit II, including Addillia Abraham, Deverell Gumbs, Aretha Athanaze, and Catherine Banda, who made her last years the best they could be.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jewish Family & Career Services in support of youth and teen mental health through the Horwitz-Zusman Child & Family Center, 4549 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30338, jfcsatl.org/Gilmartin, or to the charity of your choosing. Interment occurred on May 5, at Crest Lawn Memorial Park, followed by a memorial service at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

David Greenwald 69, Marietta

David Greenwald, 69, of Marietta, Ga., passed away on May 2, 2023, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by family. He was born on Dec. 14, 1953, to Morris and Geraldine Greenwald in Wilmington, Del. David graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1975 and achieved his master’s degree in toxicology from the University of Miami. A dedicated physician, he began his medical education at Des Moines Osteopathic Medical School. He completed his residency in emergency medicine and practiced emergency medicine for many years. Later in his career, he completed a residency in occupational medicine and obtained his Master of Public Health in epidemiology at Emory University. He then practiced occupational medicine. Upon retiring from the practice of medicine, David was devoted to a life of service, participating in various charitable organizations including Temple Sinai’s Second Helpings program. David loved traveling, coffee, cars, electronics, reading, the Atlanta Braves, and, most of all, his family. A devoted husband and father, David is survived by his wife, Lori, daughters, Morgan and Lindsay, son, Corey, dog, Sammy, and granddog, Gigi. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999.

Jaqueline Rose Wolf 84, Atlanta

In Loving Memory of Jaqueline Rose Wolf, “Jackie”:

Jackie, a gentle, beloved, and cherished presence, departed from this world on May 9, 2023. She was a beacon of light and love that will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born on Nov. 21, 1938, Jackie was a native Atlantan. Jackie found happiness in all things whether she was spending time with her two children, five grandchildren, playing in her two mahjong groups, painting, visiting the High Museum, and attending the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Dave Wolf Jr.; and her mother and father, Gertrude and Sidney Rose. She is survived by her two children, Andi Morse and Jeff Wolf, son-in-law, Gordon Morse, daughter-in-law, Toni Wolf, her grandchildren, Madeline Morse, Carly Morse, Jessica Arbiser, Ethan Arbiser, and Alexander Wolf, her brother, Richard Rose, and her sister-in-law, Joan Rose.

Jackie leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience that will continue to inspire and guide us. May her memory be a blessing and may we all live our lives with the same kindness, grace, and love that she bestowed upon us.

There was a private burial followed by a memorial service on Friday, May 12, at The Temple. Shiva was observed at The Temple directly following the memorial service.

Donations can be made to The William Breman Jewish Home or the Weinstein Hospice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

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

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Peeler Road Suite A

On May 3, I published my latest book called “101 Inspiring Stories.” A book of inspirational stories is useful for a variety of reasons. Some speak to the leadership that has made a difference in their own life and in the lives of others. Other stories are about how a person changed for the better or took on a commitment to achieve a difficult task and succeeded. All of them are amazing stories.

Here are a number of the short stories that are in the book. They were given at a luncheon by Ruth and David Goldstein.

Allen: I began with my own story. I was 16 years old in Brooklyn when it was quite cold in December. My friend, Bernie Sandagorsky, asked me to go fishing with him on one of the many party boats at Sheepshead Bay. I had gone fishing many

times during the summer with my father, so I knew how to fish and enjoyed it, but I had never gone fishing in the middle of the winter.

I approached my father to gain his permission, and when he heard what I wanted to do, he told me that it was not a good idea. Still, I persisted and argued that it was not expensive, it was safe, and I was going with a friend my age that he knew. My father then said, “Look, I will let you go to teach you a lesson you will not forget. You will be miserable on the boat. The water will be rough, the fishing line will be freezing, you will get seasick, you will not catch any fish, and you will find yourself in the hold of the ship nauseous most of the time, surrounded by old men playing cards and smoking cigars. Do you still want to go?” When I said, “Yes,” my father agreed. Everything that my father told me would happen actually did happen. I got seasick, ended up in the hold of the ship, caught no fish and had a totally miserable time. That event taught me to listen to people who are more experienced and know what they are talking about. It was a lesson that taught me to listen and follow people

who have expertise, and during my career I worked hard to become a good listener.

Barbara Fisher: Barbara told a story about the time she was very young, perhaps 9 years old, and went swimming in the ocean. She was alone in the water, and while a decent swimmer for her age, she got caught in a whirlpool that prevented her from getting back to the shore. She struggled and struggled to get away from the swirling water, but it wasn’t easy. Barbara started praying to G-d to save her, and she said she kept those prayers going at the same time that she tried to remove herself away from the whirlpool. Finally, with great effort, she managed to get away from the swirling water and reached the shore. At that point, Barbara said, “This is the first time I believed in prayer and in G-d, and I have been praying to Him ever since.”

Robin Saul: Robin shared a story about her grandfather and her father that has inspired her all of her life. Her grandfather came to the U.S. and established a store in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The store did extremely well, and eventually,

her father joined in running the store. During those years when Robin was growing up, she saw her grandfather provide food and money to poor people in the neighborhood, even though her grandfather was not a rich man. Her grandfather could not say no to people in need, and constantly helped them whenever they asked for help, and even when they didn’t ask, but it was clear that they needed help.

Eventually, her family moved to Florida, and her father took control of the store there, but the practice that her grandfather had of helping poor people continued with her father. She saw that time and again her father would provide food or money to people in need, and that practice has taught her to do the same for others.

These stories are examples of how fathers had a positive impact on their children, which indicates how important parents are in teaching their children how to act. And for the other story, it is clear that in times of trouble we turn to G-d for help, and having found that some of our troubles can be overcome we realize that we must speak to G-d regularly in good times and in bad times. G-d is our Father, too. ì

Allen H. Lipis

The Bottom Line

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1-bedroom unit overlooking ocean in a gated community with pool and walkway to beach. Sleeps 4 adults plus bunks that could be used by 2 small children.

YEAR-ROUND SHORT-TERM RENTAL

1-bedroom unit overlooking ocean in a gated community with pool and walkway to beach. Sleeps 4 adults and 2 children. Watch dolphins at play, freighters, pelicans and fishing boats. Prices vary. Contact Oceanfront Cottage Rentals at 912 786 4004 or www.oceanfrontcottage.com/listings/218-bay-breezes

Watch dolphins at play, freighters, pelicans and fishing boats. Prices vary.

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University of Glasgow

University of Kansas*

University of Kentucky

University of Maryland (College Park)

University of Massachusetts (Amherst)

University of Massachusetts (Boston)

University of Massachusetts (Lowell)

University of Miami*

University of Michigan

University of Missouri (Columbia)

University of New England

University of New Hampshire (Main Campus)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Georgia*

University of Oregon

University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)

University of Richmond

University of South Carolina

University of Southern California*

University of St Andrews

University of Vermont

University of Wisconsin (Madison)*

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

and State University

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

GAP YEAR & OTHER PROGRAMS

Israel Defense Forces*

Aardvark Israel*

Hevruta Gap-Year Program*

Young Judaea Year Course*

*DENOTES MATRICULATION

WEBER STUDENTS WILL MATRICULATE TO 22 DIFFERENT STATES AND 38 DIFFERENT COLLEGES!