Israel Bonds honors Gov. Deal for strengthening ties to Israel, including $10 million in bonds. Page 4
NAZI SECRET
MACoM, Atlanta’s first pluralistic community mikvah, is set for a grand opening Nov. 15. Page 14
All Get To Bear Witness
Allegations of misconduct mean that LaVista Hills’ failure to win a referendum on cityhood might not be the final word. Page 13
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he Breman Jewish Heritage Museum’s popular Bearing Witness speaker series returns for 2015-16 on Sunday, Nov. 15, and again, thanks to a grant from the Sara Giles Moore Foundation, admission is free. The Sara Giles Moore Foundation, which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Atlanta area and is based just a few blocks from the Breman in Midtown, also made admission free in 2014-15. The Breman, inside the Selig Center at 1440 Spring St., learned of the renewed grant in early November. Six Holocaust survivors are scheduled during the series, with each session taking place on a Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. The first speaker is Eva Friedlander on Nov. 15. A Hungarian Jew, she survived World War II by dying her hair and pretending to be a Christian in Budapest. The others in the series: • Norbert Friedman, Poland, Dec. 13. • Paula Gris, Romania, Jan. 17. • Mariella Crea of France, Feb. 21. • Henry Birnbrey, Germany, March 20. • Hershel Greenblat, Ukraine, April 17. Tours of the Breman Holocaust Gallery are available from noon to 2 p.m. the day of each program. For more, visit thebreman.org, or call 678-222-3700. ■
BUY ONLINE
Jennifer Teege confronts the monster in her family closet: the “Schindler’s List” commandant. Page 21
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REAL DEAL
Peace Hope Gives Way To Despair Fear By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
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Every Two Years
As she has done at each Union for Reform Judaism Biennial for more than a decade, Beth Shafer performs Jewish music at the URJ Biennial in Orlando on Thursday night, Nov. 5. Shafer, whom Temple Sinai will install as the Bunzl Family cantorial chair at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, was one of several Atlantans influencing the biennial. Stories, Page 23
CONSERVATION
The Conservative movement gathers for its biennial in Chicago amid big questions over its size, its policies and its future. Page 24
INSIDE
Israel 3
Book Festival
20
Remember When 5
National News
22
Calendar 8
Home 26
Candle Lighting
8
Obituaries 29
Opinion 9
Crossword 30
Education 19
Marketplace 31
he United States likely will focus on avoiding despair rather than achieving comprehensive IsraeliPalestinian peace for the final 14 months of the Obama administration, Ambassador Dan Shapiro said Sunday, Nov. 8, in Washington at the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America. Shapiro, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, spoke three days after the administration acknowledged not expecting a peace deal under President Barack Obama. Obama is unwilling to devote much more time to peace efforts, and Shapiro said no trust exists between Palestinian and Israeli leaders. Plus, the Palestinian Authority is in limbo until the succession to President Mahmoud Abbas, in the 11th year of his four-year term, is arranged. The current wave of Palestinian terrorism is as much about frustration with Abbas as Israel, said Laura Blumenfeld, a Middle East analyst at Johns Hopkins who was part of the State Department’s peacemaking team in 2013-14. She called the current U.S. approach “cryo-diplomacy”: freezing the situation so it’s no worse for the next president. The goal, Shapiro said, is to avoid further decay in the Israeli-Palestinian relationship. Israelis and Palestinians must figure out what steps they can take to rebuild trust on the ground, he said. “The most dangerous outcome is despair and the conclusion that there will never be a two-state solution,” he said. ■ Netanyahu thrills GA, Page 22
BEARING WITNESS
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NOVEMBER 13 â–Ş 2015
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Guided tours of the Holocaust Gallery from Noon-2 PM Seating is limited - Please arrive early FREE PARKING
TheBreman.org 1440 Spring Street (18th Street) Atlanta, GA 30309 (678) 222-3700
ISRAEL NEWS
Israel Pride: Good News From Our Jewish Home
The world’s sixth-healthiest country. Israel is the sixth-healthiest country in the world and is the only Middle Eastern country in the Top 10, according to recent world health rankings issued by media outlet Bloomberg. Singapore was first, followed by Italy, Australia, Switzerland and Japan. The United Kingdom was 21st; the United States was 33rd. Blood donations from IDF. Israel Defense Forces soldiers donated 68,500 units of blood last year, 25 percent of the blood contributed to Magen David Adom. While handing out certificates, MDA blood services director Eilat Shinar said, “You officers and soldiers are an example for pure and significant giving.” Jordanian emergency landing in Tel Aviv. A Royal Jordanian Airbus 320 flying from Dubai to Amman made an emergency landing at Ben Gurion Airport on Tuesday, Nov. 3, because of poor weather and low fuel. The United Arab Emirates has no diplomatic relations with Israel. Airport staff gave passengers snacks while they waited to take off. Help for Romanian fire victims. Specialist Israeli doctors are in Romania to help treat some of the 140 victims of burns sustained in a Bucharest nightclub fire that killed at least 27 people. The Israeli team brought a product called NexoBrid, which replaces surgery in severe burn cases. Game-changer for Tel Aviv and Berlin. The cities of Tel Aviv and Berlin have launched a startup exchange program. They will offer free co-working spaces, advice on visas, regulations and legal issues, and one-on-one mentoring assistance for interested businesses. High-tech kindergarten. Israel’s first science kindergarten has opened in Beersheva, equipped with advanced computer equipment, Lego sets to develop motor skills, robotics, and activities to stimulate interest in space.
Subjects that the 5-year-olds will learn include physics, astronomy and math. Nano Bible donated to Smithsonian. Peretz Lavie, the president of the Technion, has presented the world’s smallest Bible to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Technion scientists engraved the Nano Bible’s 1.2 million letters on a gold-plated silicon chip the size of a sugar grain. The best bar in the Middle East (again). The Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar on Tel Aviv’s HaYarkon Street won the title of best bar in the Middle East and Africa for the second year in a row, beating out Zuma in Dubai. Also, Tel Aviv’s Tasting Room won the Middle East and Africa bar category at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. The best hotel in the Middle East. Jerusalem’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel took the top spot in the Middle East and seventh place worldwide in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Pianist of the century. At 28, RussianGerman pianist Igor Levit has been described as the pianist of the century. He won BBC Music Magazine and Royal Philharmonic Society awards in 2014. He was just in Israel for five concerts in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra. Simply Red headed to Tel Aviv. Simply Red last performed in Israel in 1992 in front of 50,000 fans. The rock group is returning June 14 to perform at the Menora Mivtachim (formerly Nokia) Arena in Tel Aviv as part of 30th anniversary celebrations. Egypt’s first vote for Israel. Israel’s nearly unanimous approval to join the U.N. Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space recently included the support of Egypt. It was the first time that Egypt voted in favor of Israel at the United Nations. IDF used plasma to save terrorist. Israeli army medics used revolutionary (and expensive) battlefield plasma to save the life of a Palestinian Arab who had just stabbed a border policeman. The Arab had been shot and had already lost a lot of blood. Compiled courtesy of verygoodnewsisrael. blogspot.com and other news sources.
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Early warning for secondary cancer. An assistant professor at the Technion, Daphne Weihs, has developed a biomechanical method for the early detection of metastatic cancer. The method also can identify where the cancer has spread and enable early treatment.
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ISRAEL NEWS
Buckhead Crowd Celebrates Bonds, Deal By Marcia Caller Jaffe mjaffe@atljewishtimes.com
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he InterContinental Buckhead was buzzing with A-listers who offered over $5.36 million in Israel Bonds pledges Tuesday night, Nov. 3, while honoring Gov. Nathan Deal. The honoree was brief but razorsharp in his acceptance of the honor and his explanation for why his faith in doing business with Israel is so strong. Brad Young, the Southeast executive director of Israel Bonds, admired the crowd of 250 who gathered to extol Deal’s merits. “Governor Deal is being recognized for his staunch support of Georgia’s investment in Israel, making it one of 23 states that have Israel Bonds in their portfolio,” Young said. “Under his tenure, Georgia holds $10 million in Israel Bonds, the most they have held since legislation was passed allowing the state to purchase them. The investment indicates that the relationship between Georgia and Israel goes beyond joint exploration of emerging technol-
Photo by Jon Marks Atlanta Israel Bonds Chairman Chuck Berk leads the cheers for Gov. Nathan Deal at the Israel Bonds dinner Nov. 3.
ogy, trade and tourism to include being a direct stakeholder in the country and its well-being.” Chuck Berk, the Atlanta chairman of Israel Bonds, set the tone: “Under the governor’s leadership, the connection between Georgia and Israel has gotten demonstratively stronger. In 2014, Georgia’s exports to Israel totaled $250.8 million, a 59.6 percent increase over 2013, and Georgia’s imports from Israel totaled more than $432.1 million, a 15.75 percent increase from 2013, making Georgia Israel’s 21st-largest import market in the world.” Berk contrasted Israel’s rock-solid economy with others. “As countries
like Greece struggle to repay their debt, Israel Bonds have never missed a payment on a single issue since 1951.” On a personal level, Berk stressed the practicality of bonds as gifts and the importance of renewing the bonds upon expiration, as he does. Deal praised his relationship with Attorney General Sam Olens, the state’s highest-ranking Jewish elected official ever, joking, “But that doesn’t mean I will approve everything in his budget.” Deal said that supporting Israel is “just the right thing to do as one of our strongest allies and trading partners. The relationship is mutual.” Having led trade missions to Israel as recently as last year, Deal boasted about the success of Caesarstone, a revolutionary Israeli manufacturer of luxury quartz surfaces (counter tops) that settled in Richmond Hill. He then announced the company’s expansion, adding 130 jobs. Deal lightheartedly mentioned that Israel Bonds are often rated AAA, higher than Georgia’s. “Bonds in the longer term are the best route for ma-
FIDF Expert: Deal Makes World Unsafe By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
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he reality of the Iran nuclear deal is a world in which the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism has many additional billions of dollars to spend on its own military and to funnel to its proxies in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria and elsewhere. Avi Jorisch, the founder of the Red Cell Intelligence Group who formerly tracked terrorists and their finances for the State and Defense departments, tried to paint a realistic if grim picture of that world during a Friends of Israel Defense Forces briefing at Congregation Etz Chaim on Tuesday night, Nov. 3. “This man’s life is going to be made much more difficult,” Jorisch said about the event’s other featured speaker, IDF Lt. Roi Levy, a Special Forces paratrooper. Estimates vary of the exact amount of money Iran will receive when foreign-held assets are unfrozen under its agreement not to develop nuclear weapons for at least the next Tenth Series Jubilee Bonds ($25,000 minimum) for 10 Years
decade. President Barack Obama has used a figure below $50 billion, while critics of the deal have used numbers between $150 and $200 bilAvi Jorisch lion. Jorisch talked about $100 billion to $150 billion going to Iran early next year, plus additional billions continuing to flow into Iran as it is cleared to sell oil on the international market. He said the deal gives businesses cover to engage in commerce with Iran, thus producing an even greater windfall for the government in Tehran. Even if Iran does spend most of the money to rebuild its shattered economy, it will divert at least some of the cash to Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis in Yemen and other groups that support Iran’s international adventures. Those activities include Iranian troops assisting government forces in Syria. An increase to $2 billion a year for Hezbollah, for instance, would more
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than double its current $750 million in annual aid from Iran. Without being specific, Levy said his commanders are training their troops to be ready for any scenario involving an attack from any direction. But Jorisch said Israel can handle the conventional threat posed by Iran. A bigger problem in the long term, he said, is nuclear proliferation. The nuclear deal acknowledges that Iran has a right to enrich fissile material, something the United States and its allies had long opposed under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. If Iran has the right to enrich nuclear material, there’s no basis to stop other Middle Eastern countries from asserting the same right. Soon enough, Jorisch said, Saudi Arabia, the Arab Gulf emirates, Egypt and Turkey will launch their own nuclear efforts, creating a nuclear arms race in one of the least stable regions in the world. “Does this agreement sound like it will make the world a safer place?” he said. He called the situation “a nightmare.”
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Above: Photo by Jon Marks The 250 people turning out in support of the governor and Israel Bonds include (from left) David and Cheryl Miller, Louis Cohan, and Lisa and Sam Olens. Below: Photo by Marcia Caller Jaffe Rose Haber (left), Ed Goldberg and Renae Goldberg join the celebration and the bond sales.
jor improvements: Quality bonds are what count.” Deal closed his comments to yet another standing ovation. ■
He said he understands the arguments in the deal’s favor, including extending Iran’s timeline to get a nuclear weapon and establishing a monitoring system with improved intelligence. But “10 years is the blink of an eye,” Jorisch said. Still, Jorisch said, the state of Israel and the IDF are “beacons of hope.” “Israel by its sheer existence is making the world a better place,” he said. Asked about the possibility of Iran scuttling the deal, Jorisch said it’s highly unlikely. More likely is that we’ll see an Iranian Embassy in Washington within a few years. ■
Safety in Israel
Rabbi Shalom Lewis, just back from a trip to Israel, reassured the crowd at the FIDF event that the Israel Defense Forces and other security forces are doing a good job in countering the seemingly random series of terrorist knife and car attacks by Palestinians. Rabbi Lewis praised the “thin green line” for standing between civility and violence. “It’s a wonderful feeling of safety and security.” (404) 817-3500 Atlanta@Israelbonds.com Development Corp. for Israel Member FINRA Effective through November 14, 2015
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10 Years Ago Nov. 11, 2005 ■ Legendary Soviet refusenik Natan Sharansky emphasized the unity of all Jews, regardless of their political stances, during a speech to more than 400 people at The Temple that was part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s centennial observance. Sharansky has embodied opposition to the Gaza disengagement since his resignation from Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s Cabinet in May. ■ Amir and Dani Oren of Marietta announce the birth of a daughter, Tamar Shira, on May 12, 2005. She weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces and was 21 inches long.
25 Years Ago Nov. 16, 1990 ■ The Atlanta Scholars Kollel this week sent out a letter to 500 recent immigrants from the Soviet Union to warn them about proselytizing by messianic Jews through the deceptive use of Hebrew and Jewish symbols. Jewish Family Services paid for the mailing, which Rabbi Michoel Lipschutz said came in response to a messianic bulletin announcing recruitment efforts among Soviet Jews in Atlanta. The Jewish Federation hired ASK to acculturate Soviet Jews. 50 Years Ago Nov. 12, 1965 ■ Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Kurtz of Atlanta announce the engagement of their daughter, Diane Sue Kurtz, to Daniel Jules Jacobs, son of Dr. and Mrs. Morris Jacobs of Atlanta.
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Contributors This Week RABBI RUTH ABUSCH-MAGDER SETH C. BERMAN YONI GLATT R.M. GROSSBLATT LEAH R. HARRISON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE KEVIN MADIGAN TIFFANY PARKS LOGAN RITCHIE DAVE SCHECHTER TERRY SEGAL RACHEL STEIN
concert production Book by Alfred Urhy. Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. Directed by Harrison Long. Music direction by Judith Cole.
Department of Theatre and Performance Studies Presents Nov. 19, 2015 | 7:30 p.m. | The Strand Theatre | $5-$20 | Marietta, GA ticketing.kennesaw.edu Nov. 22, 2015 | 4 p.m. | The Temple | Atlanta, GA Free with Registration: paradetemple.eventbrite.com Alfred Uhry’s Tony-award winning musical, “Parade,” recounts the events that culminated in the 1915 lynching of Leo Frank, the Jewish manager of a pencil factory who was accused of murdering Mary Phagan, a 13-year-old employee. One hundred years later, we commemorate these tragic events with performances at Marietta’s historic Strand Theatre and at The Temple in Atlanta. Uhry (Driving Miss Daisy) and composer Jason Robert Brown (Bridges of Madison County) bring this painful chapter in Southern history to life.
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Diamant To Help Launch Community Mikvah
By Suzi Brozman sbrozman@atljewishtimes.com known as the nita Diamant, best Tent,” is comauthor of “The Red two public ing to Atlanta to make appearances this month. Boston Girl,” Her latest book, “The her visit Feb. 23 to the will be the focus of Center. But Marcus Jewish Community will help local orgathe night before she a new project, an allnizers plunge into at Congregation denominations mikvah Springs. B’nai Torah in Sandy of reimaginDiamant’s discussion age will be free ing ritual for the modern at The Temple in and open to the public the Metro Atlanta Midtown to launch (MACoM) into the Community Mikvah Atlanta. consciousness of Jewish nonprofit MACoM is an independent construction of the that plans to start in May and finish community mikvah The project will before the High Holidays. of the existing faciliinvolve a renovation has the support of ties at B’nai Torah and synagogues and other more than a dozen organizations. diverse supMACoM’s board reflects rabbis and repreport, including three Conservative and sentatives of Reform, Judaism. Orthodox streams of the model Diamant helped establish nal community for a nondenominatio 10 years at Boston’s Education 27 mikvah the past Waters). Mayyim Hayyim (Living Obituaries 28 to the idea of a “People responded and beautiful, Simchas 29 place that was welcoming and sad, a way to for happy occasions Sports 29 Diamant said. mark life’s changes,” thoughts on the Crossword 30 See more about her ■ mikvah on Page 6. 31 modern Marketplace
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LOCAL NEWS
Birthright, Fisher Put Atlanta on Center Stage By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
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he big donors behind Birthright Israel are gathering in Atlanta, but the man securing Birthright’s long-term financial stability already is here on a permanent basis. David Fisher, the executive director of the Birthright Israel Foundation, and his family moved this summer to Atlanta, the hometown of his wife, Stacey. While two of their children are in college, one is a junior at Pace Academy (she moved down here early to finish her sophomore year), and another is a sixth-grader at the Epstein School. They have joined Congregation B’nai Torah. Fisher said he had been traveling a lot in his three years leading the Birthright foundation, which is based in New York, and Stacey suggested that after 23 years in Cincinnati, his hometown, they should move to Atlanta. “It was a long conversation for both of us and our kids,” Fisher said. “It’s good for them and Stacey and good for me. … It’s a new chapter for all of us.”
That new chapter came after Fisher turned a page in his career. He was ready for a change from his gifting business after his father’s death about five years ago, and he wanted to do something connecting young people with Israel. “It struck me as probably the single most important thing we can do to ensure a connection to Israel for the future and the future vibrancy of the Jewish community,” said Fisher, who had experience working with youths going back to his days running the family’s summer camp for boys when he was 21. “I took a right turn in my career,” he said. “I’ve had a reasonable amount of business success. I’ve never felt this fulfilled and inspired.” Birthright is 15 years old and has brought more than 500,000 18- to 26-year-olds, including 6,500 from the Atlanta area, to Israel on free 10-day trips. The organization has become an established part of the Jewish community, and Fisher noted that Jews turning 18 and becoming eligible for the trip are too young to remember a world without Birthright. “It’s a question of getting more
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mega-donors. Birthright had 32,000 donors last year, Fisher said. New givers each year include grandparents, parents and trip participants. The donor development effort includes the Birthright Israel National Gathering (for those who give at least $10,000 a year to the foundation), which after three years in Las Vegas is being held in Atlanta on Sunday and Monday, Nov. 15 and 16. Speakers will include Bronfman, Birthright alumni, Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus, and Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer. Fisher said Vegas is a draw for some people, but it’s good to change things every few years so people keep coming. Whether Atlanta will be a oneyear stop or something more will be determined after the gathering, which he said will be an opportunity for the chairman of the Birthright Atlanta Council, Doug Ross, and the Floridabased Southeast director, Carole-Ann Levine, to show off what they’ve accomplished in building the lay leadership and a donor of base of $25 million in the area. ■
Atlanta Birthright Head Joins National Board
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and more young people to feel positive and prideful about being Jewish,” he said. Birthright is taking almost 45,000 young Jewish adults to Israel this year, more than in 2014, and Cincinnati native David Fisher is now Fisher said one an Atlanta resident. of the keys is that the participants themselves are making the choice to go to Israel, something they didn’t get to do if they celebrated b’nai mitzvah or went on family or day school trips there. “The program has been very deliberate in trying to not rest on any of its laurels,” Fisher said. “We’re working hard at being relevant to today’s 20-year-old.” The innovations and changes in trip content, education, extensions and niche offerings mirror the efforts to deepen the donor base for Birthright beyond founders Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt and other
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tlantan Doug Ross ship, professional team has been appointand participants,” said ed to the Birthright David Fisher, the presiIsrael Foundation board dent of the Birthright of directors. Israel Foundation. Ross brings a hisFisher said he hopes tory of Jewish communal that Ross’ passion and leadership and passion dedication to the profor Birthright Israel to the gram and its participosition after serving as pants “will inspire our the chairman of the Birthgreater community right Israel Atlanta Leadto become involved in ership Council since 2012. the important work we Ross has led the effort do.” to increase support for the Doug Ross Ross, a 1978 graduBirthright Israel Foundaate of the University of tion in Atlanta and has grown the Lead- North Carolina-Chapel Hill, is a finanership Council to 43 active members. cial adviser with Morgan Stanley. He Ross’ involvement with Jewish and his wife of 34 years, Robyn, have communal organizations includes ser- two sons, Stephen and Jacob. vice as a campaign volunteer for the “I believe that many of tomorrow’s Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta dynamic community leaders will come since 1985 and as chairman of the At- from the ranks of passionate, educated lanta AIPAC campaign since 2012. He Birthright Israel alumni,” Ross said. first connected with Birthright Israel “By supporting Birthright Israel Founafter his son Jacob participated in 2010. dation, the Atlanta Jewish community “Doug’s extensive experience as a is investing in its own future, and I am lay leader in the Jewish community will proud to serve on its board of direcbe a tremendous asset to our leader- tors.” ■
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CALENDAR CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES
Parshah Toledot Friday, Nov. 13, light candles at 5:17 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, Shabbat ends at 6:14 p.m. Parshah Vayetze Friday, Nov. 20, light candles at 5:14 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, Shabbat ends at 6:11 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOV. 12
Holistic medicine and fertility. The Wo/Men’s Infertility Support Havurah discusses the benefits of yoga with Caren Cohen and acupuncture with Michelle Moody at 7 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive, Sandy Springs. Free; www.wishatlanta.org.
FRIDAY, NOV. 13
Moroccan Shabbat dinner. Chabad of North Fulton, 10180 Jones Bridge Road, Johns Creek, features Moroccan cuisine at a special Shabbat meal. Services are at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30. Dinner is $25 for adults, $15 for children 3 and older; www.chabadnf.org, admin@ chabadnf.org or 770-410-9000. Shabbat 180. To celebrate 18 years of Chabad Intown, YJP (Young Jewish Professionals), Midtown Atlanta, brings together 180 young Jewish professionals to mingle and enjoy an open bar, a buffet and Shabbat spirit at the Trolley Barn, 963 Edgewood Ave., Inman Park. Happy hour starts at 6:30 p.m.; dinner is at 8:15. Tickets are $30; www.yjpmidtownatlanta.com or 404-931-6449.
SATURDAY, NOV. 14
Ramah Shabbat. Congregation Shearith Israel, 1180 University Drive, Morningside, recognizes campers and staff members from Camp Ramah Darom and hears from the camp director, Geoff Menkowitz, during services at 9 a.m. Free; shearithisrael.com.
SUNDAY, NOV. 15
NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
School open house. Atlanta Jewish Academy, 5200 Northland Drive, Sandy Springs, holds a family open house with breakfast, children’s activities, and the chance to meet school leaders and teachers from 10 a.m. to noon. Attendance includes free admission to the fall festival. Free; RSVP to bcook@ atljewishacademy.org or 678-298-5377.
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Fun run and carnival. Atlanta Jewish Academy holds its first fun run, at 10:30 a.m., and fall festival, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Sandy Springs campus, 5200 Northland Drive. Entry in the run, including a T-shirt, is $12. A wristband for unlimited carnival games and rides
is $10; www.atljewishacademy.org. Bearing Witness lecture. Hungarian Holocaust survivor Eva Friedlander speaks at 2 p.m. at the Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring St., Midtown. Free with museum admission; thebreman.org. Music and mischief. Capitol City Opera presents “Merry Mozart” at 4 p.m. at Congregation Shearith Israel, 1180 University Drive, Morningside. Tickets are $5; shearithisrael.com or 404-8731743. Chanukah bazaar. Congregation Beth Jacob, 1855 LaVista Road, Toco Hills, holds its Shop & Shmooze Bazaar at 7:30 p.m. A $10 donation is suggested for admittance; www.bethjacobatlanta. org.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18
Gourmet night. Alex Idov and the Kennesaw State Leven School of Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality seniors present Kosh Atlanta, a five-course kosher dinner, at 6:30 p.m. at Chabad of Cobb, 4450 Lower Roswell Road, East Cobb. Tickets are $50; uc.kennesaw. edu/levenschool/events.php.
THURSDAY, NOV. 19
Ecumenical Thanksgiving service. “Teach Your Children Well About Other Religions” is the theme of the annual interfaith service at Temple Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Road, East Cobb, at 7 p.m. Nonperishable food is being collected for MUST Ministries. Free; www. kolemeth.net or 770-973-3533. Sipping and shopping. Jewish Moms of Atlanta holds its first night of kosher food, drink and Chanukah gift buying at 7 p.m. at the Weber School, 6751 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. Admission is $5; bit.ly/20G5XBC. Leo Frank musical. Kennesaw State University presents a concert-style staging of Alfred Uhry’s musical “Parade” at 7:30 p.m. at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta. Tickets are $20; arts.kennesaw.edu/theatre/currentseason.php.
Send items for the calendar to submissions@atljewishtimes.com. Find more events at atlantajewishtimes.com/events-calendar.
OPINION
Adrift in a Raging Sea brother, who had turned ultra-Orthodox and broken the family’s collective heart. Dad must be scared that the same thing will happen between us. But it won’t! Why should a taste of Judaism destroy our relationship? Now that he had an idea of what was lurking beneath Dad’s resistance, Jeff’s anger eased, and he could almost
Shared Spirit By Rachel Stein rachels83@gmail.com
see the thick, black storm clouds dissipating and the waves bowing their foamy crests and receding. Maybe he should go down and see if they could talk and work things out. But what if there’s another shouting match? I’ll call Rabbi Hillel and see if he can guide me. “Jeff, nice to hear from you!” Listening to Jeff’s report of the conversation, Rabbi Hillel replied: “There is probably a way for you to earn college credits while you’re in Israel. I’ll look into that and get back to you. But above all, when you have your conversation, remember to be calm and respectful. You had a great insight about what could be bothering your father, but there’s another issue to consider. Parents devote their lives to providing for their children. And when they see their children veering off onto a different path, it can hurt and make them feel unappreciated, as if they were deficient. If you try really hard to show that you appreciate everything they’ve done for you and reassure them of your love, that can also ease their pain and open the door to effective communication.” OK, Jeff, you can do this. Talk to them. Have a meeting of minds. But what if they get angry again? Jeff shuddered — how he hated confrontation. Would they forbid him to go ahead with his plans? Would he, could he ignore them? What repercussions would that cause? With his heart pounding, Jeff slowly made his way downstairs, trying to brace himself. “Mom? Dad?” he ventured. “Can we talk?” ■ What is the best way for Jeff to have this significant conversation with his parents? Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please email your replies by Nov. 18 for inclusion in the next column. I look forward to hearing from you!
Join us for the formal installation of Beth Schafer as a member of our clergy and our Bunzl Family Cantorial Chair. It promises to be a very special Shabbat service and weekend of celebration!
Installation of Beth Schafer
Temple Sinai’s Bunzl Family Cantorial Chair Friday, November 20
Kabbalat Panim, 5:45 pm Installation ritual during Shabbat services, 6:30 pm Shabbat dinner following service Dinner is complimentary. Reservations are required. A $5/person suggested donation to the Cultural Arts Special Fund to foster increased music programming is requested. Please RSVP online at templesinaiatlanta.org by calling the Sinai office at 404.252.3073.
Saturday, November 21
Torah Study, 9:00 am Led by a mentor of Beth’s, Rabbi Jack Romberg of Temple Israel in Tallahassee, Florida. Tot Shabbat, 10:00 am Join us on the Temple Sinai playground for this special Tot Shabbat led by a mentor of Beth’s & Jewish composer, Rabbi Joe Black, who will be our Artist-in-Residence. Concert featuring Rabbi Joe Black, 8:00 pm Don’t miss this intimate concert with Jewish recording artist Rabbi Joe Black at Crema Espresso Gourmet, 2458 Mount Vernon Rd, Dunwoody. The event is free. There will be food and beverages available for purchase. Please RSVP online at templesinaiatlanta.org or by calling the Sinai office at 404.252.3073.
5645 Dupree Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30327 www.templesinaiatlanta.org
NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
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liding through tranquil waters, the small boat bobbed gently, carried along by the blue-green waves. With shocking suddenness, the sapphire sky grew dark, and the waves became larger and more threatening. Tossed by a raging sea, a boy peered out with worried eyes, erupting in poignant prayer. Would he make it safely back to shore? Strumming his guitar, Jeff sang in his deep baritone, his song the story of this boy stranded in the ocean when a sudden storm hit. As the melody swelled, Jeff’s voice caught, and he was struck by a realization. I’m that boy! I was floating along life’s waters serenely when suddenly the weather grew dark and ominous, catching me in a maelstrom. And now, he wondered, as his voice rose for the crescendo, will I be thrown a lifeline before it’s too late? Replaying the last conversation with his father, Jeff cringed. His rabbi had warned him to tread carefully. But don’t they want me to discover my Jewish roots? Is it so terrible to study in Israel for a year before starting college? We’ve always been close. Yeah, we’ve had our moments, but I thought I could always talk to Mom and Dad about anything. Well, not anymore. His lips formed a tight line as anger coursed through his being. He just doesn’t want to understand me. And Mom’s probably going to back him up; she always does. I’ll just do what I have to do, with or without their support. Somehow I’ll manage. I have some money saved up; maybe I can find work in Israel. He remembered his dad sharing how disappointed his parents were when he decided to become an accountant instead of a lawyer. They had harbored the dream that he would take over the family firm. How could he throw all that away? Jeff could see the pain flickering in Dad’s eyes as he reminisced about his parents’ crushed dreams. “In the end, they came around,” he told Jeff, a sad smile playing on his lips. “Ultimately parents want their child to follow his heart and feel fulfilled. But it wasn’t easy for them.” So why is Dad going the same route? Shouldn’t he understand better than anyone how vital it is to back his son? Sweeping his hand over the guitar strings, Jeff let his thoughts wander until he had a flash of understanding. He remembered hearing about his estranged Uncle Martin, Dad’s younger
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OPINION
Our View
Lonely Jews
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NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
ne is the loneliest number, but somehow it’s even lonelier when the one is a Jew who feels cut off from our community, from our faith, from our G-d. We are, after all, a communal people, from the basic requirement to have 10 of us together for proper prayer to the way we come together in celebration and sadness to the covenant we as a people have with our Creator. Even the Lone Soldiers who travel from Atlanta and Jewish communities around the world to serve with the Israel Defense Forces are never truly alone because we, through Friends of the IDF and other organizations, ensure that they are not isolated. Solo Judaism is an oxymoron. So it was surprising that a recurring theme of the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America this past week was the lonely Jew. Actress Debra Messing talked about how lonely she was as the only Jew in her school during a childhood that featured repeated anti-Semitic incidents. TV journalist David Gregory expressed understandable loneliness when he spoke to the General Assembly two days after his father died. Sheryl Arno and Ina Enoch of Atlanta’s Jewish Abilities Alliance and fellow Federation leaders from New Jersey, Detroit, and Washington, D.C., talked about the loneliness not only of children and adults with special needs, but also of their isolated parents. Mark Wilf of JFNA’s Fund for Holocaust Survivors shared his shock and anger that a quarter of Holocaust survivors in the United States live in poverty. Fortunately, the Jewish community itself has offered the solution in each case. The Fund for Holocaust Survivors is raising $45 million to help survivors live in dignity and is getting a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that could be worth an additional $20 million. Programs such as Jewish Family & Career Services’ Cafe Europa also are fighting survivors’ loneliness by connecting them to one another. The Jewish Abilities Alliance in Atlanta and a variety of other inclusion programs, from a bakery and cafe staffed by special needs workers in the D.C. area to baby-sitting training for teens in New Jersey, are ensuring families find the services they need and the welcome they want. Gregory, whose grief over his father’s death was worsened by the knowledge that his son’s bar mitzvah celebration was only days away, chose to go ahead with his speech at the GA’s opening plenary Nov. 8. Although he nearly broke down at several moments, he found solace in sharing his grief and his love for his father with more than 1,000 fellow Jews. Messing explained her continuing struggles to practice her Judaism as a TV actress but told of the joy she found when she went to college at Brandeis and graduate school at New York University and found herself surrounded by Jews and Jewish life. In short, the cure for what ails us so often is immersion within the Jewish community — in many cases a dip into Israel itself. We need one another, and we must always be on the lookout for fellow Jews who need a helping hand to find their way back to the 10 community and away from loneliness. ■
AJT
Hodayot, Atlanta Grow Together
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he AJT told you this summer about ORT A meeting at the home of Hilly and Gerry Atlanta’s support of the work of World ORT Panovka excited Gorin not just because of the Kadima Mada’s Hodayot Youth Village in the enthusiasm of longtime ORT supporters such as the Galilee, which serves 200 Israeli seventh- to 10thPanovkas, but also because of the involvement of graders from troubled homes. Now we can update the next generation — those who are one more step you on the Atlanta-funded renovations. removed from immigrant ancestors who may have Avital Gorin, the chief development officer of benefited from ORT education or training someWorld ORT’s affiliate in Israel, was in town for a where in their journey. couple of days with CEO Avi That next genGanon. Gorin carved out a few eration asks tough, minutes to talk about improvespecific questions Editor’s Notebook ments at Hodayot. (It helps that about programs and By Michael Jacobs ORT Atlanta Regional Director the return on investmjacobs@atljewishtimes.com Jay Tenenbaum’s office is five ment of donations to steps from mine.) ORT, which is eager Gorin showed a video of the to explain how a first completed project-- a bland, decrepit student nongovernmental organization that got its start by cafeteria converted into a vibrant social hall — an helping peasant Jews escape poverty in 19th-century important place for the boarding school. Russia is playing a crucial role with Russian Jews Much more will be done by May, when World and others caught in poverty in 21st-century Israel. ORT will hold its conference in Israel and bring Gorin said she only recently learned of her own participants to Hodayot for a visit. family connection to ORT after two years of workImprovements to the dining hall, for example, ing for World ORT Kadima Mada. Her parents, both are being paid for by the Phyllis and Joe Cohen Foun- Holocaust survivors, got ORT training in displaced dation. At the insistence of Phyllis, Gorin said, the persons camps after WWII so that they were ready hall will include a new stage so that ceremonies can to contribute to Israel when they arrived in 1951. be conducted there. While the improvements continue at Hodayot, The family of Johnny and Leslie Benator is ORT is looking for ways to strengthen the bonds behind a science lab being installed as part of Hofor yet another generation. One idea, Gorin said, is dayot’s effort to bridge the gaps between its students a pen-pal program in Hebrew between students at and the rest of Israeli society. Gorin said education Atlanta’s day schools and those at the youth village. in science and technology is the key. Both the Americans and the Israelis would gain Four renovated classrooms are going to be confidence and ability in a language that belongs to amazing, Gorin said. Instead of rows, students will them even if it isn’t their native tongue. sit in clusters to facilitate group collaboration. Regardless of whether you are ready to become Just as important, the Hodayot overhaul and the an ORT donor, you can help Hodayot simply by Atlanta fundraising supporting it are enhancing the buying things at the online ORTBuy auction (www. connections between two Jewish communities. Gorin biddingforgood.com/ORTBuy), which is live until said the relationship, in which one American Jewish Nov. 15. Get some Chanukah shopping done and do a community supports one ORT school, is unique. mitzvah for Israeli children at the same time. ■
Anti-Defamation League Community of Respect Thursday, November 19, 2015 2015 Community of Respect Briefing and Dessert Reception The Other Side of the Picket Line: A Story of Heartbreak, Redemption and Hope Megan Phelps-Roper Former Member of the Westboro Baptist Church
Extremism in our Backyard: How Law Enforcement Responds J. Britt Johnson Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta
Off-the-record briefings followed by Q and A
Presenting the 2015 Abe Goldstein Human Relations Award to Sam Massell The Temple – Schwartz Goldstein Hall 1589 Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30309
$36 couvert per person Register Online at: www.adl.org/ATLCommunityBriefing For more information or to purchase seats by phone please call 404-262-3470
NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
6:30-7:00 PM Registration 7:00-8:00 PM Program 8:00-8:30 PM Dessert Reception
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OPINION
Counting in This World
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t 9 a.m. Tuesday, the phone starting ringing. I read “American Grant” on the caller ID. My daughter, a first-year nursing student at Emory, is applying for grants, so I picked it up. “Hello … hello,” I said, but nobody answered. Again the phone rang with the same ID, and again no answer. Maybe the American Grant committee had good news for us, I thought. But when I called back, a recording announced, “This is not a working number.” When the phone rang again, I didn’t intend to pick it up, but I saw that the ID was a 404 number. So I lifted the receiver and heard an unusual message: “Our county precinct records show that you may not have voted yet.” It was Nov. 3, voting day in Toco Hills, Lakeside and the surrounding area to decide whether LaVista Hills should be incorporated as a new city. Obviously those who had fought for it, holding meetings, sending out emails and urging everyone to vote, were try-
ing their best to get their message out. How they knew that I hadn’t voted yet, I had no idea. Was my vote so important? I definitely intended to vote, but I had a busy day ahead: a luncheon with two dear friends, an appointment at Temima High School, another one at Torah Day and a class at night. Some-
Guest Column By R.M. Grossblatt
how I would get to the polls, but I had a big surprise once I got there. At Broadway Cafe, Faye Esral, Estelle Feldman and I were eating warm, cheesy entrees and catching up on happenings in Israel, where Estelle and her husband, Rabbi Emanuel Feldman, rabbi emeritus of Congregation Beth Jacob, reside. She told us how everyone is cautious on the streets of Israel because of the random attacks on individuals by terrorists. Thank-
2015 Ecumenical Thanksgiving Celebration Thursday Nov 19 7pm Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road Marietta GA 30062 Teach Your Children Well About Other Religions Kick off your Thanksgiving Season with this Inspirational evening of moving remarks, patriotism, humor—and a nosh.
NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
18 Congregations of different faiths join as one.
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‘friend’ Ecumenical Thanksgiving Celebration on Facebook, live tweet #manyfaiths Streaming live at http://bit.ly/14TKI6N Please bring non-perishable food items for Must Ministries More information at 770-973-3533
fully, some of those attacks are being thwarted — but not all. Then Faye and I started talking about that day’s election — a much lighter topic but on our minds. Perry Brickman, working on his computer behind us (because his Internet conPhoto by Kevin Madigan nection was down at home), LaVista Hills advocates will have to wait — at least for an investigation. turned around and joined our conversation on the pros not the one I came for. When I looked and cons of incorporation. at the map, I saw that my apartment Faye shared that her husband, on Briarvista Way was definitely Abe, thought a new city would mean inside the proposed city, but Stephens new taxes. Drive, where I lived for 36 years and Perry nodded and then asked, moved from three years ago, wasn’t. “Would you pay extra to get better I told the polling agent that my security?” address, the one on my license, was in “I would,” I answered, knowing the proposed area. He took my license that we need increased policing in our and waved it across a machine. “You’re neighborhood. registered on Stephens Drive,” he told Lunch was over, and I drove to my me. I had changed the address on my first appointment at 2:45 and my seclicense but not on my voter registraond at 3:30. Around 4:30, I walked into tion. the precinct, signed my name and adSo another attendant, listening dress, showed my driver’s license, and as everyone else was in that room, was handed the yellow voting card. handed me a new form. I changed my Pushing the plastic card into the address, but it was too late for this slot, I always get this patriotic feeling election. I walked out of the polling of pride in our democratic system. place with my head down. This time was no exception. I could Although it was my fault, I have sung, “G-d bless America, land couldn’t vote for cityhood. After all the that I love.” hype in the past year, that was disapThankfully, I didn’t, but my pointing. adrenaline was flowing. Here was the When I got home, I retrieved five chance to vote on a new city called calls from voice mail urging me to LaVista Hills and get the benefits that vote. Two of them came from Ameriwould come with it. can Grant — yes, unfortunately, it I knew that the ballot had only wasn’t a grant for my daughter for coltwo questions: one a bill on ethics and lege. The others came from “Advisor,” the other on incorporation. After I announcing, “You have only until 7 punched the computer in favor of the p.m. to vote at your regular precinct.” bill, I was directed to cast my ballot. At 7 p.m., before attending class, How could that be? I never voted I started writing this article, realizing for incorporation. that those on Stephens Drive and I clicked back to the previous page other streets nearby were not only left to see if I missed the question about out of voting, but also were left out of LaVista Hills, but it wasn’t there. the boundaries that hold our com“What happened to the question munity together. And even though I’m on cityhood?” I called out, probably no longer living on Stephens Drive, I too loudly, coming from a voting intended to fight for its inclusion once booth. we became LaVista Hills. An attendant giving out the votAt midnight I finished the article ing cards pointed to a map on the wall and clicked on the news. Over 13,000 and said, “You’re probably not in the people voted in our area; half were for and half against incorporation. district to vote on it.” “Yes, I am,” I protested. “Now what Those against it won by 136 votes, a small number. We weren’t going to be should I do?” LaVista Hills. Now I understood why I “Cast your ballot, then look at the received so many phone calls that day. map,” he said. G-d bless America, Israel and the In the middle of voting, I had no rest of world because we all count choice. So I cast my ballot on the one more than we think. ■ question I answered — important but
LaVista Hills Loses; State Starts Investigation By Kevin Madigan kmadigan@atljewishtimes.com
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narrow loss Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the LaVista Hills cityhood referendum appears to have squashed residents’ hopes of creating their own city in DeKalb County. The effort failed by 136 votes, less than 1 percent of the 13,714 cast, with 40 percent of eligible voters participating. But it’s not over yet. Secretary of State Brian Kemp asked for help from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation after reports of possible election fraud emerged right after the vote. DeKalb Elections Supervisor Leonard Piazza alleged that some voters were barred from polling places and that voter material wasn’t secured correctly after the discovery of a loose voting machine memory card. Piazza’s own actions, however, have been called into question, and he has been suspended. “Some questions were raised by an employee of the DeKalb registration office — that there were irregularities, there was unsecured media, data — and he apparently was then put on administrative leave for questioning the integrity of the election,” LaVista Hills Alliance leader Mary Kay Woodworth told the AJT. “The SOS and GBI are on it now,” she said. “I don’t think they would have launched an investigation unless they had some serious concerns, and at this point you’ve just got to let them do their work and see what happens. There’s no point in speculating about anything
until the facts are out. It could be that the election has to be thrown out, or it could be left as it was Tuesday night.” LaVista Hills would have included most of the heavily Orthodox Jewish neighborhood of Toco Hills. Cityhood supporter Josh Kahn also trusts the GBI and the secretary of state to do their jobs, but he said he is troubled by DeKalb’s reaction to the whistle-blower in the elections office. “Who knows what happens next?” he said. “Assuming the vote is certified, what the community will do afterwards is very up in the air right now; everyone needs a chance to regroup and reorient.” The DeKalb elections board certified the referendum results Friday, Nov. 6, deciding that they were valid and accurate. “We have confidence in the veracity of it, and everything has been checked and rechecked,” Samuel Tillman, the chairman of the DeKalb Board of Registrations and Elections, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Clearly there is more to hear there,” longtime Toco Hills resident Stephen Filreis said. “The vote was so close that there is too little consensus to make a successful city out of it. It’s not worth a fight for something that 50 percent of the people don’t want.” Woodworth said she has received numerous calls from supporters asking her what they should do next. “My answer is there’s nothing to do at this point. All I can say is ‘Don’t throw your signs out,’ but I’m not promising anything.” ■
Digging In So Daffodil Project Blooms
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roject manager Michael Weinroth mobilized his industrious committee Tuesday, Nov. 3, to build a living memorial to the children who perished in the Holocaust by planting 3,600 daffodil bulbs in Sandy Springs’ Hammond Park as part of Am Yisrael Chai’s Daffodil Project. Prestige Enterprises Landscaping provided help, and the city of Sandy Springs donated the land. Weinroth raised the money to build the garden. The shape and color of the daffodils represent the yellow stars Jews were forced to wear under the Nazis. Am Yisrael Chai aims to plant 1.5 million daffodils worldwide in memory of the 1.5 million children killed during the Holocaust. “Our committee got serious about marketing, PR, fundraising and logistics to launch this garden in conjunction with Am Yisrael Chai’s worldwide project, which is notably enhanced by the city of Sandy Springs’ willingness to maintain it.” The public is invited at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, to attend the free dedication ceremony. Enter on the Hammond Drive side of the park. — Marcia Caller Jaffe
HOW MUCH LIFE INSURANCE IS THE RIGHT AMOUNT FOR ME?
That is a question that people ask me all the time. So, I present two scenarios: Scenario 1. If you had a machine that legally made money for you at exactly the same rate that you earn money, month after month, year after year.... but you could not work at all... for how much should you insure that machine? Make some guesses before reading a technical response at the bottom. Scenario 2. Yesterday, while you were on your way home, a drunk driver plowed into you and killed you. Your spouse, if you were happily wed, is heartbroken and has not yet begun to figure out how to make ends meet without your income. When the dust settles, for how much should your family sue the other driver and/or the insurance company? Again, make some guesses. But, more importantly, how would a judge resolve an amount? One technical response to No. 1 could be: The amount of money it would take to yield your annual income for your remaining life expectancy.... or, the present day value of your future earnings. YOU ARE THE MACHINE!! How much are you insured for? A response to No. 2: Your family would shoot for the sky... millions. However, suppose the judge said “What value did the deceased place on his/her own life? In other words, how much life insurance did he/she carry to protect the family.” What value have you placed on your own life? How long will your policy last? Is your policy likely to die before you do? If so, you need to do something about it....NOW!!
Call, Text or e-mail 404-725-4841 Mayer Smith CLU ChFC LUTCF
smithmayerruthg@bellsouth.net
NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
LOCAL NEWS
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www.atlantajewishtimes.com
LOCAL NEWS
A Mikvah for All
Opening ceremony set for Nov. 15 By Logan C. Ritchie lritchie@atljewishtimes.com
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n Genesis 1:9, G-d commands, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered into a single place.” Now the Jewish community has one place it can gather for a spiritual encounter with those waters. The Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah, known as MACoM, is opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday, Nov. 15, in Sandy Springs, providing a place for Jews to heal, connect and perform ritual immersion. The new facility, on the grounds of Congregation B’nai Torah, is the brainchild of Rabbi Joshua Heller of B’nai Torah and Rabbi Alvin Sugarman of The Temple. B’nai Torah housed a mikvah for years, but it was outdated and no longer served the community. When the synagogue started a renovation, leaders decided it was time to spin off the mikvah. MACoM and B’nai Torah are now separate institutions, but the Conservative congregation is one of more than
I can’t relocate to NEW YORK, so how can I become a RABBI or CANTOR?
You can do it at AJR.
a dozen synagogues and other institutions that are partners in the mikvah. MACoM was built and is maintained according to strict halachic standards. It was planned by a top mikvah expert, Rabbi Yaacov Love of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah in New York. The mikvah broke ground in May and kicked off an intense fundraising campaign. The cost of construction is approximately $750,000. Funding has come from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, the Marcus Foundation, Georgia Aquarium CEO Mike Leven and his family, the mikvah partners, and private donors. MACoM wants to raise an additional $200,000. Executive Director Abby Horowitz said MACoM — Hebrew for “place” as well as an acronym — is where all streams of the Jewish community can gather. “It is rare to have a ritual space shared by all Jews,” she said. The mikvah offers immersion for rituals, including conversion to Judaism, and for contemporary reasons, such as recovery from illness.
AJR’s flexible scheduling allows for full-time or part-time study. Stay overnight, return home after class.
“We see it as expanding ritual. Suddenly the mikvah may seem like a viable and attractive option, particularly for those who were incongruous with strict Jewish law,” MACoM Executive Director Abby Horowitz said. Horowitz Anita Diamant, author of “The Red Tent” and founding president of Mayyim Hayyim: Living Waters, a community mikvah in suburban Boston, visited MACoM in February to promote and consult on the project. In return, Horowitz flew to Boston in August. “It reaffirmed that not only is this idea possible, it is possible to be amazing. It impressed us how great an impact it had in Boston,” Horowitz said. “We could envision how to progress several years down the road. Our vision was affirmed.” Like a big sister, Mayyim Hayyim helped MACoM leaders plan the number of towels to purchase and how long each immersion should last. Tracie Bernstein of Congregation Gesher L’Torah in Alpharetta trained MACoM’s 18 volunteer guides — men and women. Horowitz stressed the mikvah’s open arms. Handicap-accessible entrances to all rooms and a hydraulic lift assist the physically challenged. The LGBTQ community and same-sex couples are welcome. “Historically, this ritual was more prevalent in a certain segment of the
ORDAINING RABBIS AND CANTORS FOR ALL JEWISH COMMUNITIES 28 WELLS AVENUE, YONKERS, NY WWW.AJRSEM.ORG
For more information, please contact
Cantor Lisa Klinger-Kantor at 914-709-0900 x14
The King’s Singers
NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
Sunday, November 22, 2015 • 3:00 PM
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Clayton State University
www.SpiveyHall.org
Kings Singers AJT Ad.indd 1
10/7/2015 2:09:03 PM
Above: The community mikvah has taken shape over six months of construction. Below: Immersion in the mikvah is open to any Jew for just about any reason.
Jewish community, but we are opening the door to all community members for access to ritual,” she said. Rabbis involved in the project have been proactive about making contact with the Orthodox community, though certain people will never visit the facility, Horowitz said. “We are building the mikvah for everyone and want to make the message clear: We have faith and hope that this will be a true community resource.” ■ What: MACoM ribbon cutting Where: The grounds of Congregation B’nai Torah, 700 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs When: 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15 Cost: Free; www.atlantamikvah.org
Taking a Dip Here are a few basics about MACoM. Who may go to the mikvah? Any Jew, regardless of gender identity or age, may visit MACoM. Why visit the mikvah? Jews are commanded to immerse in three ways, called Niddah: • At the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle, she immerses; she then may reunite with her partner. • The mikvah immersion is the final act in converting to Judaism. • A bride immerses in preparation for her wedding. May I visit the mikvah for other reasons? Absolutely, Executive Director Abby Horowitz said. “It is customary in some communities to go before Shabbat or certain holidays. Women in their ninth month of pregnancy also like to visit.” Contemporary occasions, such as becoming a bar or bat mitzvah, and nonreligious events, such as turning 40, ending a relationship or dealing with an illness, are reasons to immerse. The mikvah provides a way for people to put life experiences in a Jewish context. What if I’m not very religious? MACoM welcomes all Jews, regardless of religiosity. For some, the visit is spiritual; for some, it fulfills a custom. Your mikvah guide will help shape your experience and carry out your wishes. What does it cost? The suggested donation varies, depending on the reason for your visit. A monthly pass is $36. Other life events are priced between $72 and $180. But cost should not stop your visit, Horowitz said.
www.atlantajewishtimes.com
LOCAL NEWS
Wolpe Uncorks Bottle on Genetic Ethical Dilemmas
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r. Paul Root Wolpe kicked off Shearith Israel’s Scholars and Authors Series October 28 with a lecture on “Jews and Genes: A Troubled History, a Challenging Future.” After more than 20 years in the departments of psychiatry, sociology and medical ethics at the University of Pennsylvania, Wolpe is an Emory University professor of bioethics, the Raymond F. Schinazi distinguished research chair in Jewish education, and the director of the Center for Ethics. He is a bioethicist for JScreen. As a sociologist, he offered his definition of Jews as “a religiously and culturally defined collective with a core membership that has a common ancestry.” He said Jews have a strong Founder’s Effect, which is when “a group descends from a small core of ancestors.” Wolpe said a “genetic bottleneck” around 1400 resulted in all who are genetically Ashkenazi descending from only 20,000 Jews. He said the Cohen Haplotype (gene) can be traced through the males of all generations, and a variety of genetic markers define Jewish males but are “remarkably absent in non-Jews.” Because so much research has been done on Ashkenazi Jews, however, we just may know more about potential problems and carrier status than in the general population, Wolpe said. Wolpe said he dislikes the term “Jewish genetic diseases” but acknowledges that it is probably appropriate to describe the 19 diseases Ashkenazi Jews have at higher rates than other Jews. Jewish genetic testing is getting simpler and much more common. There are now more than 3,000 tests for over 1,000 diseases and conditions. The simple swab submitted for JScreen’s preconception testing can find 80 genetic diseases, and “it won’t be that long before you’ll just get genetic tests for everything,if you want,” Wolpe said. There will be “a genetic test for every known disease that has a genetic component.” Wolpe advocates preconception genetic testing for anyone thinking about reproducing. “You know someone who is getting married?” he said. “Ninety-nine dollars — buy them as a gift, the JScreen genetic test.” He said the awareness from the tests will let couples consider their options and “will help eliminate a lot of diseases from the Jewish community.
Why Jewish preconception testing? ...We (Ashkenazi Jews) have a 43 percent higher incidence of genetic disease than the general population — 43 percent to 24, so we have nearly twice as many carriers on average.” There are ethical issues with preimplantation selection, in which donated sperm and extracted eggs are mixed to produce embryos that are tested, he said. Only the ones that are free of the specific disease or are not carriers are implanted, even though they could susceptible to a host of other problems not covered by the screening. Far more genetic counselors are needed to help people understand the
options and implications of genetic findings, Wolpe said. False paternity results are another ethical challenge from increased genetic testing. “Now we are able to actually intervene at many different levels, and pretty soon we’ll be able to actually genetically engineer,” he said, citing “genius sperm” as an example. And what happens when we start being able to test for adult-onset diseases? What choices will be made, and what ethical dilemmas will arise? What about conceiving one child to be a bone marrow donor for another? What if we found a gene for obesity or alcoholism? ■
Photo by Leah R. Harrison Paul Root Wolpe discusses the ethical questions raised by genetic testing.
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WITH BUCKHEAD LIFE’S Kyle Waide (right), the president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, joins the 2015 Operation Isaiah chairwoman, Nancy Canter Weiner, and Mark Weiner at Ahavath Achim’s Operation Isaiah food collection shortly before Yom Kippur. AA contributed 60,139 pounds of food to this year’s drive.
Drive for 1 Million
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he High Holiday Operation Isaiah food drive could pass 1 million pounds of food collected next year after celebrating its 25th anniversary by bringing in 88,139 pounds of food at synagogues from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur this year. The food goes to the Atlanta Community Food Bank and should provide 73,449 meals to people in need. The food drive, launched by Ahavath Achim Synagogue in 1990 to follow the prophet Isaiah’s prescription to “share your bread with the hungry,” has collected 908,474 pounds of food in total over the years. “We as the Jewish community recognized that we choose to observe the command to fast, whereas there are people who are fasting every day without that choice because they do not have food to eat,” said Nancy Canter Weiner, the 2015 Operation Isaiah chairwoman. “The idea of Operation Isaiah was born to help others put food on their table when we do not have food on ours.” This year’s amount included 60,139 pounds collected at AA alone. ■
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emple Kol Emeth’s award-winning ecumenical Thanksgiving service returns for the 11th year with the theme “Teach Your Children Well About Other Religions.” Eighteen faith communities will come together as one for the service at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Road, East Cobb. The Reform congregation will be joined by Muslims, Baha’is, Sikhs, Unitarians Catholics, Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Methodists and others. Kol Emeth expects 800 people to attend the service, which received Cobb County’s first Creating Community Award in 2011. In addition to prayers, music, religious leaders’ remarks and food, the service will highlight the Interfaith Children’s Movement as an interfaith success story. ICM brings people together across religious lines to improve the well-being of children in eight areas: poverty; education; healthcare; juvenile justice; child care and child protection; parental nurture; child advocacy in public policy; and immigration. ICM Coordinator Pamela Perkins Carn will be on the bimah to represent the organization. Admission is free, but Kol Emeth will collect donations of nonperishable food for MUST Ministries and donations of money for the Kol Emeth Sisterhood’s Give a Gobble Thanksgiving program. The service will be streamed live online at bit.ly/14TKI6N and will be livetweeted with the hashtag #manyfaiths. For more information, call 770-973-3533. Ahavath Achim Synagogue also is holding an interfaith pre-Thanksgiving service. The Conservative congregation at 600 Peachtree Battle Ave., Buckhead, is working with New Hope AME Church, Northside Baptist Church, Northside United Methodist Church, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and Trinity Presbyterian Church on the service, set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25. ■
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AJA Launches Fun-Raiser on the Loop, a half-mile course around the school. It’s not a race; there are no timers. The PTSA promises friends to run with, a little exercise, and minions blowing bubbles and handing out bananas to runners. The carnival features megaslides, a ride called Turbo Tubs, hamster balls, a five-game carnival carousel, SkeeBall, a green-screen activity, face painting and prizes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food from pizza and pretzels to macaroni-and-cheese balls and veggie cups with dip will be sold, along with traditional carnival fare. Vendors include Cotton Cravings, Dolce Catering, Edible Arrangements, and For All Occasions & More Catering. “All of us on the fun run committee — Romi Elkounovitch, Rachael Engler, Amy Rosenberg and I — put in many, many hours to bring it together,” Schorvitz said. “But with this fun run and fall festival, we’re not just fundraising. We’re giving everyone a great time and really getting to know our AJA families and neighbors. And this is more fun than cookie dough.” ■
Davis’ ‘Dream’
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he Davis Academy Middle School attended the world premiere of Atlanta playwright Pearl Cleage’s “Tell Me My Dream” at the Alliance Theatre in Midtown on Friday, Nov. 6. Set in Atlanta, the play time-travels between 1910 and now as characters from both periods explore the impact of historical events on their lives, respond to personal loss, explore their potential as human beings, and ask what responsibility they have to help shape their world. Cleage wrote the play for a middle school audience, and the theater was packed with students from schools across Atlanta. After the performance, the Davis group gathered for a special panel discussion that included Sherry Frank, the former executive director of the American Jewish Committee’s Southeast Region; the Rev. Gerald Durley, the senior pastor of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, who marched with and carries on the work of Martin Luther King Jr.; and Christopher Moses, the Alliance’s director of education and associate artistic director. These community activists inspired Davis students and faculty with stories of finding the strength to make the world a better place and challenged them to
Ultimately, it’s your experience that matters. To be sure, we’re proud of our 27 years of experience in senior living. But, to us, what really matters is your experience at our communities. We do everything with that idea clearly in mind. So, go ahead, enjoy yourself with great social opportunities and amenities. Savor fine dining every day. And feel assured that assisted living services are always available if needed. We invite you to experience The Piedmont for yourself at a complimentary lunch and tour. Please call 404.496.5492 to schedule.
You’re Invited • Thursday, Nov 19th • 11:30 Sherry Frank addresses the Davis Academy students on a panel with the Rev. Gerald Durley, Christopher Moses and Rabbi Micah Lapidus.
figure out how to do the same. Durley’s personal stories of confronting and overcoming racism, as well as the moment when he looked out at the Davis Academy student body and expressed an overwhelming feeling of hope, were highlights. Students spent the afternoon in small breakout sessions that offered creative ways for them to express their thoughts, feelings and questions. “Rather than losing steam after such a heavy series of interactions, our students continued to pick up momentum throughout the day. I’m sure that Shabbat dinner table discussions provided yet another opportunity to share the day’s learning,” said Rabbi Micah Lapidus, Davis’ director of Jewish and Hebrew studies. Lapidus added: “‘Tell Me My Dream’ was not our first trip to the Alliance Theatre, and it surely will not be our last.” ■
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tlanta Jewish Academy parents are accustomed to seeing certain fundraisers each year: the cookie dough sale, the wrapping paper sale, the chocolate sale. AJA students sold their wares to the parents of children at other schools, as their own parents bought what those kids were selling. Everyone ended up with a lot of wrapping paper. But this year AJA’s PTSA decided to put more fun into fundraising. “What can we do that will be a real community activity? Something that will bring our Upper School and Lower School families together as well as inviting in the greater community?” said Jocelyn Schorvitz, a parent on the fundraising committee. The answer: Follow the Loop, AJA’s first fun run and fall festival. On Sunday, Nov. 15, rain or shine, AJA will hold a family-friendly day of fun at the Northland Drive campus in Sandy Springs. Parking is at High Point Elementary School. Check-in is at 10 a.m. for the fun run, which takes place from 10:30 to 11
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BOOK FESTIVAL
www.atlantajewishtimes.com
A Rock Star Sweating in the Background By David R. Cohen david@atljewishtimes.com
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founding member of 1960s rock outfit Blood, Sweat & Tears, Steve Katz is the owner of three gold records, one platinum record and three Grammys. The influential Jewish guitarist performed at the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock, and he has sold close to 29 million records. Despite his sterling résumé, Katz spent his entire career at the edge of the spotlight, never becoming a solo star. As a result, his memoir, “Blood, Sweat, and My Rock ’n’ Roll Years,” is an authentic and personal look into the counterculture and folk/rock scene of the 1960s. Katz will present a mix of stories and songs at the Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center on November 18. AJT: What was your inspiration for sitting down and writing this book? Katz: Being 70 years old, I think all of us that went through the ’60s in rock are writing books now. My friends and relatives all told me to write a book
because I have all these great stories. I did meet some amazing people and did some amazing things so I thought maybe it’s time to write something. AJT: As you Steve Katz says say in the book, he regrets letting you’ve played at Blood Sweat and Tears move in a Woodstock, and jazz direction. you have so many accomplishments in music, but your neighbors don’t even know who you are. Katz: When you’re part of a band of eight or nine people, the good part about it is that you can be sort of anonymous. The bad part is that you’re not really considered a solo celebrity. To me, actually, there’s no bad part about it. The band was the star in those days. AJT: Is that how you always envisioned it would be? Katz: I always looked at it like I was on the outside looking in. I would
Teddy’s Bear of an Error By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
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NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
tlantan Harry Lembeck is big admirer of Theodore Roosevelt, to the point of serving as vice president of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, so the retired lawyer isn’t the person you’d expect to write a book on one of the Mount Rushmore president’s biggest mistakes. “I felt like I was being called as a witness for the prosecution almost against my father,” Lembeck said in an interview about his appearance at the Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center, where he and fellow Atlanta historian Robert Weintraub will share a program Nov. 19. But when Roosevelt made a mistake, “he made a great mistake.” The case on trial is the Brownsville incident. Just before midnight Aug. 13, 1906, gunfire erupted in the Rio Grande town of Brownsville, Texas, near Fort Brown, starting in Cowen Alley, named for a Jewish family who lived close to the fort and had a party that night. The father was out getting more beer, but the rest of the family and some of their guests dived under tables 20 when the shooting started. No one was
AJT
hurt at the Cowen house. But one man was killed in town, and another was wounded. There was a wide belief that the culprits were black soldiers from Fort Brown, but it wasn’t clear Seeing a photo of Joseph Foraker’s which ones or former house how many. Memin a book at the bers of the Black Smithsonian launched Harry Battalion refused Lembeck on the to talk, so three eight-year effort months after the to write about the shooting, Roos- Brownsville incident. evelt discharged the entire battalion “without honor.” Roosevelt’s first mistake was kicking the whole unit out of the Army without a trial in a case confusing enough that even a grand jury in Texas in 1906 never indicted anyone, Lembeck said. The president insisted he didn’t punish them: No one served jail time or lost rank or pay, and the discharge without honor was not the same as a dishonorable discharge. “But you have to try them,” Lembeck said. “You can’t just say they’re
think, “Wow, this is really strange what’s happening” — the fact that I just got off the phone with Martin Luther King or Tennessee Williams. I never looked at it as anything but fun. AJT: I noticed that your book is filled with Jewish terminology and language. I think the words schlepping and minyan were used multiple times. What’s your Jewish background like, and were you always using those kind of words? Katz: Oh, no, those were words that I grew up with. These were terms that my parents used all the time. AJT: What’s your favorite story that you got into the book? Katz: There’s so many that I think are very funny. The first Lou Reed album that I produced, “Rock ’n’ Roll Animal,” the fact that I ran out of an applause track and we used John Denver’s from one of his concerts is very funny. Also, when we took Lou to the Anne Frank house, as sick as that is, it was a funny experience. AJT: Once you finally had a hit reguilty. That’s why people were angry.” That denial of a trial was Roosevelt’s first mistake, Lembeck said. The second was doubling down on the decision and trying to destroy anyone who challenged him. No one challenged him more than a fellow Republican who was a senator from North Dakota, Joseph Foraker. Foraker (whose name for the moment is on an Alaska mountain near what was Mount McKinley but has reverted to Denali) had no connection to the Black Battalion and initially believed the soldiers were guilty, but he was willing to sacrifice his political career for due process. “Foraker turns out to be the hero,” Lembeck said. He was a Civil War veteran who never got over what he saw of black suffering in the South and as a result had a passion for racial equality and racial justice. The senator did come to believe that the soldiers were innocent, but his quest on their behalf began before that. (A twist is that Lembeck found evidence that at least one of the soldiers eventually admitted everything.) A racially tinged story of injustice remains relevant in modern America and carries echoes of the history of American lynchings and European pogroms. Lembeck said that when Jewish people urged Roosevelt to respond in
cord in 1968 with Blood, Sweat & Tears, how did your life change? Katz: Well, it went from low rent to high mortgage payments (laughs). I lost a lot of friends because I was having hit records at a time when commercialism and materialism were frowned upon. On one hand I had success, but on the other hand I’m losing my friends because it’s not cool to have a hit single. AJT: If you could go back, is there anything you would do differently? Katz: Yeah, I would probably get rid of a few people in the band who took us in a jazz direction. That was never really where I wanted to go and was ultimately the downfall of the band. Al Kooper and I started the group as a rock ’n’ roll band with horns. If I could change anything in my career, I probably would have pushed at that rock ’n’ roll part of Blood, Sweat& Tears more. ■ Blood, Sweat, and My Rock ’n’ Roll Years: Is Steve Katz a Rock Star? By Steve Katz Lyons Press, 244 pages, $26.95 At the festival Nov. 18
some way to Russia’s anti-Jewish pogroms, the president pointed to lynchings in the South as a similar but more immediate, closer-to-home problem. The Brownsville case also is important because it marked a shift in black activism, Lembeck said. Booker T. Washington had set a tone of accommodation and acceptance for blacks as they gradually earned their rights, but rival W.E.B. Du Bois rejected anything other than immediate full rights. Du Bois gained ascendance after Brownsville, Lembeck said, and his confrontational approach took the black community on the path to Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement. ■
Taking on Theodore Roosevelt By Harry Lembeck Prometheus Books, 544 pages, $27 At the festival Nov. 19
BOOK FESTIVAL
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The Monster Hiding in the Family Tree Jennifer Teege sees good from sharing dark secret
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or most of her young life, Jennifer Teege felt as if an invisible weight were anchored to her soul. She didn’t know why. After all, she was one of the lucky orphans at the Salberg House Orphanage in Munich. At age 7, she was adopted by the Sieber family, who changed her name from Jennifer Goeth to Jennifer Sieber and loved her unconditionally. But at 38 she learned the dark family secret that had weighed on her. The revelation sent her on a journey of selfdiscovery and healing, not only for herself, but also for the people who were haunted by a toxic remnant from her bloodline. “I was in the library and came across a bright-red book cover. The subtitle of the book read “The Life Story of Monika Goeth, Daughter of the Concentration Camp Commander of Schindler’s List.” I knew the name and the picture was that of my biological mother. My knees buckled,” Teege said. Teege had seen “Schindler’s List.” She cringed when she saw Amon Goeth, the Nazi commander of the Plaszow concentration camp, take delight in murdering innocent Jews. The implications of her connection to the monster were even worse because she knew her birth resulted from a union between German Monika Goeth and a Nigerian father. “I felt as if my life was a lie and that I was betrayed. Why didn’t my biological mother tell me?” Teege said. “I had to find out for myself about the truth of what happened. I started visiting these places where the murders happened. I went to Poland to visit the villa in Plaszow where Amon Goeth shot prisoners from the balcony. I talked to survivors of his reign of terror,” she said. “It was a significant act when Jennifer Teege went to the actual place where all of the events happened,” said Peggy Freedman, past president and founding member of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Georgia. “As a society, we don’t understand how space and time interact. When you are standing in a place that is across time with someone who is your ancestor, whether it’s external or internal, you’re acknowledging the past in a way that is very meaningful and powerful.” After years of gathering information from countless conversations and visits, Teege had to decide whether to
share her secret with the rest of the world. In 2014, her book, “Amon,” was published in Germany. Translated into English as “My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me,” the book came out this year in the United States. It is an honest, raw portrayal of her feelings toward her distant mother, her doting grandmother, her adopted family and Amon Goeth. “After writing the book, my life changed. I have discovered that I have an ease with people because they see how open my heart is about my life,” Teege said. She quit her advertising job of 15 years because her book was having a healing effect on society. She was invited to speak to audiences around the world. “When I go to Israel and America and all over the world, people are really fascinated with the story. A lot of audience members are Holocaust survivors or their descendents. They see that I am nothing like the Nazi ideal image. They have hope when they see me because although we look similar, I am nothing like Amon Goeth. I reject everything he stood for,” Teege said. Teege’s personal journey has made her a strong advocate of people aggressively investigating their heritage. “Adoptees like Teege are really interesting to genealogists because instead of tracing two parents, they can trace four parents, so genealogists get excited when they get to work with adopted people. There is more interest,” Freedman said. Almost every week Jeremy Katz, the director of the Breman Museum’s Cuba Family Archives for Southern Jewish History, assists people tracing their family roots. “Genealogists, as well as everyday people, come into the Breman archives all of the time to search through diaries, minutes, scrapbooks, synagogue records and photographs. It is fascinating to see the excitement on a person’s face when an unexpected historical detail is discovered,” Katz said. He said there can be lifesaving advantages to seeking the past. “Death certificates and oral histories can tell a lot about the health of past family members. People may discover that several past family members suffered from a particular illness, and that knowledge may prompt someone to be more alert about his health or medical issues in general.”
Teege was able to trace her biological grandmother’s depression, which helped her understand her bouts of depression in her early life. Not everybody has been a fan of her heritage-seeking mission, Teege said. The Internet is full of hate. “It is not easy when you start speaking the truth about the past, especially when it was infamous.” Nevertheless, she believes that driving toward the truth trumps everything else. “I am my own person. I am not just the granddaughter of Amon Goeth. I don’t believe that people can inherit guilt,” Teege said. “Responsibility and guilt are two different terms. Everybody has a responsibility to make society a better place, and that is what I believe am doing.” Teege has often thought about what it would be like if she met her grandfather. Her book title provides her answer. “I would not talk to him, but I would listen. It’s a basic rule of diplomacy. Only if you listen also to your
enemies can you learn and change things,” Teege said. Before her book discussion Nov. 19, the Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center at 5 p.m. will screen “Inheritance,” a documentary about Teege’s mother and Helen Jonas-Rosenzweig, one of Amon Goeth’s maids. As for Teege, “I will write another book. I have been inspired by so many survivors’ stories, but enough time needs to pass.” ■
My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me By Jennifer Teege The Experiment, 240 pages, $24.95 At the festival Nov. 19
NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
By Tiffany Parks
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www.atlantajewishtimes.com
NATIONAL NEWS
Netanyahu: Israel, U.S. Remain Best Friends By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
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he close, vital friendship of Israel and the United States has survived a year of public, often angry disagreements, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told more than 2,000 people gathered in Washington for the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America. “No matter what disagreements come between Israel and the United States, Israel has no better friend than America, and America has no better friend than Israel,” Netanyahu said Tuesday, Nov. 10, receiving one of several standing ovations. A day after he had his first meeting with President Barack Obama in more than a year, the Israeli leader praised the American for his commitment to Israel’s security and its quantitative edge in military hardware “so that Israel can defend itself by itself” against all foreseeable enemies. Much of their meeting was about a new 10-year memorandum of understanding on security cooperation and possibly increased U.S. military assistance to Israel. They agreed that a U.S.
delegation will visit Israel in December to talk about the agreement. Netanyahu had been expected to ask for an increase from $3 billion to $5 billion a year in military aid, but Dan Shapiro, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, said during a briefing Sunday night, Nov. 8, that it’s premature to discuss specific numbers. Shapiro said Israel and the United States are working on upgrades to the Iron Dome anti-missile system and will bring the David’s Sling system online next year, and Israel is considering increasing its order for 33 F-35s to 50 or 75. No other Middle East nation is allowed to have the F-35. Any change in the amount of aid also must take into account the budget constraints on both sides, Shapiro said. Netanyahu said his good meeting at the White House included the recognition that whatever their disagreements about the deal the United States and other world powers signed with Iran regarding its nuclear program, Israel and America must work together to ensure that Iran complies with its commitments, curtails its regional aggressions and cuts its support for glob-
John Ford Samuel Fuller George Stevens
Through November 20, 2015 Hollywood directors John Ford, George Stevens, and Samuel Fuller created American cinema classics, but their most important contribution to history was their work in the U.S. Armed Forces and Secret Services. NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
An exhibition by the Mémorial de la Shoah, Paris, France.
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AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/Filming
By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
George Stevens and his crew, France, 1944 © Courtesy of the Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Beverly Hills, CA
from Hollywood to Nuremberg
speech targeting Israel and Jews. “We must speak out against the slander of the Jewish people and the Jewish state. We can and must fight lies, and the only way you fight lies is by speaking the truth,” he said. He acknowledged that Israel is not perfect but said it is the victim of a triple standard: one for dictatorships; one for all other democracies; and one for the world’s only Jewish state. “Treat Israel fairly. Treat Israel decently,” he said. Speaking almost two months into an outbreak of personal Palestinian terrorist attacks on Israelis, Netanyahu repeated his commitment to a peace agreement that establishes two states for two peoples, but not a deal that creates a second state intending to conquer Israel or flood it with the descendants of Palestinian refugees. “The reason there isn’t peace between Israel and the Palestinians is the persistent refusal of the Palestinians to recognize the Jewish state in any boundaries,” he said, adding that when a Palestinian leader emerges who will recognize Israel as a Jewish nation, there will be peace. ■
Herzog Urges Closer Jewish Partnership
Atlanta History Center
filming
al terrorism. U.S. support for Israel is indispensable, Netanyahu said, but so is Israeli assistance to the United States. Netanyahu also focused on the strength of ties between the U.S. and Israeli Jewish communities, which have been strained by the Iran deal, and the role of religious parties in the current Netanyahu government, which controls only 61 of the 120 Knesset seats. Netanyahu responded to concerns about Jewish pluralism in Israel: “I will always ensure that all Jews can feel at home in Israel: Reform Jews, Conservative Jews, Orthodox Jews, all Jews.” He backed that statement up with promised actions: the creation of a roundtable led by his Cabinet secretary to address concerns of different streams of Judaism, the opening of talks between the government and the Jewish Agency to strengthen Progressive Judaism within Israel; and the completion of arrangements for pluralistic worship at the Western Wall. Netanyahu praised the partnership between Israel and North American Jews in building a strong Jewish future in the face of violence and hate
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sraeli opposition leader Isaac Herzog made the case Monday, Nov. 9, that Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians is driving a wedge between Israeli Jews and American Jews. “We cannot lie,” he told the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America in Washington. “We cannot say that everything is perfect and everything looks good between the two major Jewish communities in the world.” In the prelude to laying out his vision for Israel, Herzog noted that he was speaking close to two important anniversaries in the history of the nation: the 20th anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and the 40th anniversary of the U.N. resolution equating Zionism with racism, which Herzog’s father, Chaim, tore up in the middle of the U.N. assembly. Herzog presented a three-element vision of Israel: • Jewish because that’s the gist of
Photo by Michael Jacobs Labor Party leader Isaac Herzog says Israel needs U.S. Jewish involvement to decide how to lead the Jewish people through the next 50 years.
our being after thousands of years of praying for next year in Jerusalem. • Democratic because there cannot be a Jewish state that is not democratic. • Peace-seeking because only the pursuit of peace will enable Israel to remain Democratic and Jewish. Herzog said his vision requires that Israelis fight xenophobia and racism at home and stand up for pluralism so that every Jew may practice Judaism as he or she wishes. ■
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Getting Down to Business Atlantans Jam at Biennial Temple’s Amsler shares leadership keys By David R. Cohen david@atljewishtimes.com
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he URJ Biennial was the epicenter of contemporary Jewish music in the United States for a few
ow should congregations change their governance structure as their membership
grows? That was the question at the center of a Union for Reform Judaism Biennial workshop featuring The Temple’s president, Jonathan Amsler, as one of four panelists Thursday, Nov. 5. The workshop focused on the different types of governance models large congregations can use to become more efficient and promote deeper engagement. “Governance is always a problem in large congregations,” said Amsler, whose congregation is Atlanta’s largest. “We live in an ever-changing world, and it’s a problem that all synagogues have had. How do you get a board that’s traditionally slow to be fast?” Amsler was joined on the panel by Connell Saltzman of Temple Emanuel in Denver, Kathy Weinman of Temple Israel in Boston and Greg Yawitz of Congregation Shaare Emeth in St. Louis. The foursome discussed methods
Photo by David R. Cohen The Temple’s Jonathan Amsler (left) joins Kathy Weinman, Greg Yawitz and Connell Saltzman (speaking) on a panel discussing governance of large congregations Nov. 5.
each has employed to make congregations more efficient. Temple Emanuel implemented a faster board review process. Temple Israel, which has 1,400 families, shrank its board from 100 members to 20. Amsler said The Temple took all the committees that ran programs and turned them into self-governing groups. “We now have more engaged board members so they actually have specific roles,” he said. “More importantly, we took all of our committees and put them into portfolios which manage themselves. It’s no longer pushing everything down. The groups operate by themselves.” ■
Gathering Serves Youth NFTY advisers converge at biennial By David R. Cohen david@atljewishtimes.com
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he Union for Reform Judaism Biennial in Orlando placed a heavy emphasis on youth engagement with a full slate of workshops, meetings and a Youth Social Action Symposium designed to explore ways to engage the next generation of Jews. In his address at the Thursday evening plenary session Nov. 5, URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs spoke extensively about the importance of engaging youths through the rabbinic concept of tikkun olam and told the crowd that “millennials more than anything want to make a difference.” Three Atlanta-area advisers for NFTY youth groups, Bryan Kellert, Ezra Flom and Molly Okun, were there to hear Jacobs’ speech and spent the weekend learning, networking and exploring new ways to get Jewish teens excited about Judaism. Kellert, the youth engagement adviser at Temple Emanu-El, attended his first biennial with a delegation from his Sandy Springs congregation that
included Rabbi Scott Colbert and Executive Director Mark Flaxer. He was joined by close friends Flom, the youth director of Temple Kol Emeth, and Okun, Temple Sinai’s youth director. The trio gave their thoughts on the URJ Biennial and their congregations back in Atlanta. “Millennials and this new age group, they want a sense of responsibility and they want to know what they do matters. When we are creating programs for our teen group, we want to make sure we are doing it with the intention that they are going to get something out of it,” Kellert said. “It’s been incredibly inspiring to be here. A big takeaway for me is that we are all on the same team. When you have 5,000 Jews in one place, it’s just an incredibly empowering feeling,” Flom said. “Mostly what I’ve gotten out of this biennial is how Temple Sinai is already ahead of the curve,” Okun said. “We are already practicing the things that people are talking about doing. It’s really nice and reaffirming the incredible things that I get to be a part of.” ■
days. Each plenary session began and ended with a featured artist, and more than 30 Jewish acts performed in some capacity at some point Nov. 4 to 8. Much of the action took place on the Jewish Rock Radio stage at the Kikar Biennial Town Square, which offered a constant stream of musicians Wednesday through Friday. Elsewhere, music could be heard echoing throughout the conference as attendees jammed and showcased their personal brands of Jewish music. Amid the shuffle, two Atlanta musicians featured prominently: Sammy Rosenbaum, who performed at the Jewish Rock Radio stage Friday morning; and Temple Sinai Bunzl Family Cantorial Chair Beth Schafer, who performed multiple times. Schafer helped close the biennial’s Thursday evening plenary with a rousing rendition of “This Little Light of Mine” and “If I Had a Hammer” with
Sammy Rosenbaum performs on the Jewish Rock Radio stage with Marcy Morris.
Julie Silver, Peri Smilow and Michelle Citrin after Rabbi Rick Jacobs gave his Union for Reform Judaism presidential address. Later that night, Shafer, Smilow, Silver and Citrin played to a large crowd in a performance focusing on their personal Jewish journeys through music titled “Fourtelling: Journeys, Stories and Songs.” Rosenbaum, who recently released his debut album, “We Are the Ones,” performed a 30-minute set with Coleen Dieker, Max Jared, Jay Rapaport and Marcy Morris. ■
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Searching for a Solid Center
Shrinking Conservative movement seeks the way forward at its biennial By Dave Schechter dschechter@atljewishtimes.com
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he leaders of Conservative Judaism can be excused a fondness for the oft-misquoted Mark Twain line “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” Critics question whether Conservative Judaism “represents the vital, radiant center of Jewish life in North America,” as proclaimed on the website of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Those at the heart of the movement reject suggestions of its doom. “There have been many times in recent history where the death knell sounded for one movement or another,” said Rabbi Shalom Lewis of Congregation Etz Chaim in East Cobb. “It’s reflective of the culture in which we live and the world in which we live,” Rabbi Lewis said. Extremes “are the most attractive … easy to embrace. … The politics of the right and left are ascendant, and that leaves the center weakened. In religion we see the same thing, a polarization, an attraction of those on the right and those on the left, which weakens the center.” “Shape the Center” is the name United Synagogue has given its biennial Nov. 13 to 17 in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg, Ill. Some 1,000 people, including at least a dozen from Atlanta, are expected. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Conservative movement claimed the center between Orthodox and Reform, creating a space to remain faithful to Jewish law and tradition in a rapidly modernizing America. The big three now share the landscape with smaller denominations such as Reconstructionist (founded by
a prominent Conservative scholar) and growing numbers of unaffiliated Jews. “The convention is a platform to celebrate our successes and set the stage for the Rabbi work that needs Steven Wernick to happen in the future,” said Rabbi Steven Wernick, United Synagogue’s executive vice president and CEO since 2010. That work includes a discussion of how the denomination identifies itself and whether change is warranted on such sensitive issues as patrilineal descent and intermarriage. The center to be shaped at the biennial is shrinking. Conservative Judaism represented 38 percent of Jewish households in 1990 but only 18 percent in the 2013 Pew Research Center study of American Jews. Reform holds the largest share, at 35 percent, with 10 percent Orthodox, 6 percent belonging to other denominations and 30 percent reporting no affiliation, according to the Pew study. The number of USCJ-affiliated congregations has declined from 850 in 1985 to some 650 today, including six in the Atlanta area. Rabbi Wernick acknowledged the “shrinkage” but declined to discuss numbers. “The measurement is not how many congregations but how many Jews we’re impacting,” he said, making a distinction between United Synagogue as a denomination and Conservative Judaism as a movement. He cited the children attending Camp Ramah from families not af-
filiated with Conservative Judaism and mentioned “independent minyanim” in several cities — congregations that are not dues-paying members of United Synagogue but are led by rabbis educated at Conservative seminaries, such as Congregation Or Hadash. The center also is graying. The average age for adults in the Conservative movement is 55, compared with 54 for Reform and 40 for Orthodox. The Pew study found that among adults ages 40 to 59, Orthodox Jews reported having, on average, 4.1 children, compared with 1.8 for Conservative Jews and 1.7 for Reform Jews. The number of the movement’s Solomon Schechter day schools, including the Epstein School in Sandy Springs, has declined from 63 to 39 in the past 15-plus years, while enrollment has declined from about 17,560 in 1993 to about 9,700 last year. Rabbi Joshua Heller of B’nai Torah believes that Conservative Judaism needs to focus its efforts well before the years of marriage and child-rearing. “In order to have a long-term future, the movement needs to figure out how to build and maintain relationships with young Jews as they head off to college. Engaging millennials would be much easier to accomplish if we had not lost touch with them from the time they graduated high school,” Rabbi Heller said. The biennial includes sessions about increasing engagement with teens, students and millennials. Critics say the center appears less than fully committed. While Conservative clergy are observant, the Pew survey found that only 31 percent of Conservative Jews kept a kosher home in 2012, 34 percent
lighted Sabbath candles, 76 percent fasted during all or part of Yom Kippur, and 80 percent attended a Passover seder. Rabbi Lewis described the message in OrthoRabbi doxy as “This is Shalom Lewis halachah (Jewish law), and this is what you do. You don’t question; you follow.” Reform offers its adherents “spiritual autonomy to make whatever choices they want” without halachah “hovering over them as anything more than a suggestion,” Rabbi Lewis said. In Conservative Judaism, “things are not simplistic,” he said. “People flee to the left and the right because it’s easier there. The middle requires thought.” “Too often we don’t really solidify the personal commitment that comes in the relationship of being Jews, and I think that in Conservative Judaism we have maintained that aspect,” said Margo Gold, an Atlantan who is the international president of United Synagogue, which has affiliated congregations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Cuba. The center’s finances have suffered. United Synagogue has reduced a deficit reported to be in the range of $3 million to $5 million by selling its Manhattan headquarters and laying off staff. “I inherited a system that was disintegrating,” Rabbi Wernick said. “We’re doing the work, and we’re making improvements, and some of it is slow, and some of it goes faster than others.”
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Gold said United Synagogue is putting several million dollars from the proceeds of the sale of the headquarters into a foundation to support its work well into the future. The center’s self-identification is on the agenda. “The way by which American Jews construct identity and meaning is not the way our parents and grandparents did it,” Rabbi Wernick said. An “idea lab” session at the biennial will consider the movement’s tagline — “a movement of tradition and change,” which dates to the 1950s — and perhaps the USCJ name itself. “Conservative is too often misconstrued to mean right-wing politics. … The language has gotten away from some of the dynamism of what that has meant,” Rabbi Wernick said. A new name, “by which we can articulate our core values and core beliefs,” is worth discussion, he said. Gold, who has served as the president of two Conservative congregations, is less concerned about linguistic shorthand. “Those who are Conservative Jews don’t fit into a tagline,” she said. “There are many things that speak to them and bring Jewish meaning in their lives. You can’t condense something that’s that big and that personal into those kind of words.” “It is important for us as Conservative Jews to be proud of who we are and what our message is,” Rabbi Lewis said. “This context is critical. We should not define ourselves as diluted Orthodox Jews or as ‘traditional’ Reform Jews.” Tradition will be challenged at the biennial. The program lists a session called “Intermarriage: Conservative Congregations at a Crossroads.” Over the past decade, 58 percent of all Jews marrying (and 71 percent of non-Orthodox) have wed a non-Jewish spouse. Conservative Judaism adheres to Jewish law, by which Jewish identification comes from the mother. A child born to a non-Jewish mother and a Jewish father is not considered Jewish without conversion. Conservative rabbis are barred from performing interfaith marriages, whether between a Jew and gentile or between a Jew and a Jew through patrilineal descent. The rabbis may not even attend such weddings as guests. Conservative rabbis may officiate at same-sex weddings of two Jews, though such unions are not accorded the same status of kiddushin, or sanctification, as those involving a man and a woman. “As a movement that is considered
to be a pragmatic, rational center, by definition you are constantly challenging regular assumptions and working to find solutions to the problems of your day,” Rabbi Wernick said. “In the issue of how we welcome and address the issue of patrilineal Jews, there is room for a creative, halachic and ceremonial solution,” he said without discussing specifics. Rabbi Lewis looked to the future. “What will happen here is that a new wave of rabbis will have different allegiances to halachah and commitments to what is, what was and what should be,” he said. “As the Conservative movement moves on and some of the more traditional elements, myself included, kind of move out to the pastures of retirement, it will open the way for the next generation to figure out what they are going to do.” Any change on patrilineal descent would come from the movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, whose voting members are rabbis named by the Rabbinical Assembly, the Jewish Theological Seminary and United Synagogue. The Rabbinical Assembly would decide on any change on officiating at intermarriages. Changes regarding patrilineal descent and intermarriage could make Conservative Judaism more attractive to those drawn to Reform Judaism but not without further blurring the lines between them. “These are very, very big issues, complex issues. With a change in either, it will become more difficult, to nigh on impossible, to distinguish between our two movements because the differences will not be seen as particularly different,” Rabbi Sandler said. “Conservative congregations have to be recognizably more traditional than Reform congregations,” he said, citing as an example the amount of Hebrew used in services. “From a public standpoint, we do need to maintain some distinction.” The Atlantans believe that Conservative Judaism can retain — or regain — its “vital and radiant” status. “Conservative Judaism rested on its laurels and assumed that life would always be the same,” Rabbi Lewis said. “The demographics have caught up with us. … We should come to terms with what we are and who we are and recognize that the glory days are perhaps behind us, but we should not give up the quest to create, publicize and promote the center as an extremely legitimate place to be in Judaism.” ■
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A Brilliant Take on Frank Lloyd Wright
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he Brill home in East Cobb is an artistic refuge created with style from the heart. Yaron, an Israeli who stopped in Atlanta “on the way to Alaska with a pair of jeans, two quarters and no English,” built a company specializing in commercial interior contracting. Robin, the vice president of fundraising for Congregation Etz Chaim and an avid volunteer at the Epstein School and Jewish Family & Career Services, wanted an open home with plenty of room for entertaining. “We love clean lines and don’t like a lot of clutter, but we aren’t so orderly in the overall scheme of things,” Robin said. “We basically designed and built this home ourselves.” Yaron added: “We like a variety of traditional and sentimental things … meaningful to us. We love finding a great piece of art in Israel or while traveling and incorporating family pieces throughout the house, like my creative sister’s own metal menorah sculpture.” The bottom line is this house works. It is highly stylized and collected with subtlety and a whisper of color and craft.
NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
Jaffe: What was your vision in constructing this house? Brill: My husband and I collaborated and literally drew the layout on cocktail napkins at a restaurant. We wanted a California modern style with Israeli flavor and a dash of Florida, where I am from. It took over a year to build, and we had to negotiate with the neighbors, who were initially reluctant to accept the modern roofline. The front door is solid copper shipped from California. It’s a true mélange.
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Jaffe: The stone is so Frank Lloyd Wright. Was he your inspiration for the natural elements? Brill: Yes. We used the stacked stone on the interior to flow with the exterior — even outside by the pool — then African slate, cement and faux painting to tie it all together. The concrete floors are stained and abstract — see where olive, tan and rust come together? We had the teak table made in Israel (with a hidden drawer for kippot). The lighting theme throughout is an interpretation of discarded water cups from Venetian glass workers in Italy.
Jaffe: I love the openness of the kitchen. How do you use it? Brill: Yaron is amazing in the kitchen, and we both love to entertain. His chicken kabobs are legendary, as is his Israeli repertoire: baba ghanoush, hummus and salads galore. Every Friday family and friends are here for Shabbat. … We really do love to have a full house. Yaron built the pizza oven
Chai-Style Homes By Marcia Caller Jaffe mjaffe@atljewishtimes.com
near the pool; our three sons love having their friends over for homemade pizza. The cabinets are cherrywood, and the “Eat, Eat, Eat” sign is in homage to our Jewish roots. Jaffe: The salon/great room has much culture, history and simplicity. Brill: The fireplace is centered on Yaron’s great-grandfather’s toolbox from Poland. The glass collection is Kosta Boda, the furniture Mitchell Gold, the table Isamu Noguchi. The petrified wood was a find at PierceMartin. The collection of drawings from Israeli artist Menashe Kadishman was a wedding gift from my sister. A few things are from the Scott Antique Market. We like to mix it up. I treasure this Agam glass hologram, which is juxtaposed by the incoming light. Jaffe: The cozy TV room/den houses some very well put-together children’s work. Brill: All three of our sons went to the Epstein School, and you can really
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see the evolution of their individual art, like the egg crate family as we added JoJo, our goldendoodle. Note the corner with the Mid-Century lamp next to Yaron’s grandfather’s mixedmedia creation depicting workers in the fields in Hadera, where his family resides in Israel, using small pieces of felt and real sand and straw. Jaffe: How would you describe your taste in art? Brill: No formulas, but we both have the same taste. When we love something, we both love it instantaneously. We especially like acquiring art through charity and bought this Penley of Marilyn Monroe at an Epstein auction. The Peter Max is his self-portrait. We know when we see it. Yaron’s most favorite pieces came from his trips to Cuba. He even went to the artist José Fuster’s home. He also loves the movie “Pulp Fiction” and has an iconic painting from the movie by Marco Toro. My favorite is the entrance’s facing duo of Israeli artist Sara Tandet-Ron. Local artist Susan Roberts’ diptych “Tectonic Shift” is a real attention-grabber as well. This oil
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was a gift from a patient at New York’s Bellevue Hospital to my father. Across from it is a toilet paper original oil by Morris Katz — the Guinness world record holder for world’s fastest painter! Jaffe: Toilet paper painting? You seem to have a penchant for commodes and unusual bathrooms. Brill: Well, there are four men in the house! The most fun toilet is this stainless-steel one from the California penitentiary system. Our rock ’n’ roll bathroom is focused around the Jeremy Deller art piece “What Would Neil Young Do?” The lower-level bath sink is a sloping cement-and-glass basin, and our master has a full standing Las Vegas-style shower. Jaffe: Coming downstairs is magically overwhelming. It’s like a reversed loft with exposed beams. Brill: This central wood beam anchors the house and was set by Yaron himself when we built. The ceiling is completely exposed: air ducts, conduit and all. The wine cellar and cigar room separate the “cigar/man cave” side of the basement from the game
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and fitness rooms, where we’ve hung old family photographs and our collection of cast-signed Broadway show posters. There are some fun, iconic things down here: framed sheets of money; 1940s pinup girl napkins flanking the bar; Atlanta’s own Dr. Scott Shulman’s original shellacked Lazy Susan of Albert Einstein; and Captain America by Steve Kaufman, Andy Warhol’s former assistant and protégé, also signed by Stan Lee of Marvel Comics. Jaffe: Yes, Wright would be proud. And the two separate yards are lovely. Brill: We strove to have a livable space with meaningful tchotchkes and plenty of room for family and friends. As Frank Lloyd Wright said: “I could do without the necessities of life if I had the luxuries.” ■
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Photos by Duane Stork
A. “Red Stripe” by Woody Cornwell is adjacent to local artist Susan Roberts’ “Tectonic Shift.” B. The man cave on the lower level features Steve Penley’s “Marilyn Monroe” under the exposed ceiling duct system. C. The front entrance features a copper door from California and art by Israeli Sara TandetRon under Venetian lighting created from discarded workmen’s cups. D. Robin Brill and goldendoodle JoJo enjoy furniture by Mitchell Gold and Isamu Noguchi in front of the Israeli Menashe Kadishman’s animal painting. E. Peter Max self-portrait. F. The TV room/den features art by the Brills’ three sons, including evolving egg crate art created at the Epstein School. G. Goldendoodle JoJo stretches by the pool’s commercial-grade pizza oven. H. The cherrywood kitchen serves up an “Eat, Eat, Eat” sign and a cracked-egg sculpture. I. A teak dining table imported from Israel highlights the stacked stone interior. J. The sculpture “Matilda” by Judie Jacobs stands inside a faux iron trough by Kass Wilson.
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LOCAL NEWS
Retreat Connects Rabbis Across Denominations By Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder
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ost congregants know that Atlanta’s Jewish community benefits from the strength of its rabbinic leadership, but less obvious from the pews is how much rabbis benefit from their connections with one another. So with the intensity of the High Holidays fading, more than 20 rabbis headed The Atlanta rabbis and the Hartman to the woods for the Atlanta Rabscholars gather for a retreat photo. binical Association retreat Oct. to the broader world, the connection 25 to 27 at Camp Ramah Darom. The ARA’s members come together of the individual to people who are throughout the year, but usually don’t “other” in any way, and the setting of priorities among the many needs that have time to connect on a deeper level. “The retreat provided a rare op- demand attention. Discussion ranged broadly withportunity for us to connect with one another across denominational and or- in the theme. In one session, scholar ganizational lines,” Rabbi Loren Filson Noam Zion brought the focus to the Jewish obligations to ecology and the Lapidus of The Temple said. Rabbi Adam Starr of Young Israel environment, while scholar Rani Jaeof Toco Hills said the rabbis’ opportuni- ger, an Israeli of Bulgarian origins, ty to spend time together strengthens shared the story of how Bulgarian the Jewish community. “Real friend- Christians, both everyday people and ships are formed across denomina- leaders, worked against the Nazis to tional lines over our shared love for save the Jewish population. “We were thrilled to learn with Torah and the Jewish people. We come to better understand one another and such a diverse and talented group of Atlanta rabbis,” Rabbi Berkun said. our respective communities.” The rabbis were inspired by the “It was our hope that this program of presence of scholars from the Shalom study in a pluralistic framework would Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, which foster a vibrant exchange of ideas and specializes in bringing people together build a community of leaders who can from across the spectrum of Jewish life work collaboratively to transform Jewish life in Atlanta. Throughout the reto study Jewish texts. “Rabbis today fulfill so many roles treat, we were gratified to see the rabsimultaneously: spiritual leader, com- bis foster a deep sense of community.” Study with Hartman scholars in Jemunity leader, counselor, teacher, administrator, fundraiser,” said Rabbi rusalem will continue online throughLauren Berkun, the director of rab- out the year to build on the momentum binic and synagogue programs for the from the retreat. The rabbis also took advantage of Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. “With so many capacities to the opportunity together to consider fill, rabbis often neglect their own on- ways in which their collegial relationgoing development and have limited ships could be brought to the commuopportunity for mutually beneficial nity as a whole. There was easy agreement on the desire to support Israel, interaction with rabbinic colleagues.” The rabbis delved into the study and the rabbis are planning a Jewish of tikkun olam, a topic of theological learning event to build connections and programmatic concern to many across the community much the way modern Jews. While the term is used the rabbis did during the retreat. Congregation B’nai Torah Rabbi today to refer to repairing the world, the rabbis explored the ways in which Josh Heller, the president of the ARA, ancient Jewish sources saw the concept said, “We are grateful to the Marcus and how modern Jewish scholars have Foundation for investing in the rabbis of Atlanta and their professional develwrestled with the meaning. Questions for consideration in- opment, and we are excited to continue cluded many with tangible effects on to strengthen our professional comthe way rabbis do their work in com- munity and Jewish communities we munity, such as the Jewish relationship serve.” ■
7/27/15 11:44 AM
OBITUARIES
Milton Israel Light 93, Atlanta
Milton “Mickey” Israel Light, May 17, 1922, to Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015, our dad, a World War II veteran from the greatest generation ever, has passed away peacefully at his home with his children by his side. A Philadelphia native who made his home in Atlanta over 70 years ago, Mickey was a past Jewish War Veterans commander for Post 112, where he remained highly active in his later years by helping other veterans less fortunate. You could always find him selling poppies at Kroger every Veterans Day. Mickey was a lifelong Shriner and member of the Legion of Honor. A self-made entrepreneur, he was known as the founder of Grampa’s Cookies along with several other businesses in downtown Atlanta. Mickey was a member of Congregation Or VeShalom for over 70 years. Mickey was preceded in death by his loving wife of 41 years, Louise, as well as his three sisters, Dorothy Teitelbaum, Ruth Galanti and Sylvia Galanti. He is survived by his four children, Janet Brooks (Jonathan), William “Billy” Light (Lynn), Nancy Dickinson (John), and Mark Light (Lisa); seven grandchildren, Michelle Brooks, Lindsey Kuniansky (Michael), Andrew Light (Molly), Robert Brooks, Lauren Light, Megan Light, and Mikki Dickinson; three great-grandchildren, Max and Austin Kuniansky and Levi Light; longtime lovely lady Betty Roistacher; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. A special shout-out to Dad’s poker buddies for a weekly game that lasted well over 50 years! As Milton would tell you, “Life goes on!” Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 8, at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla officiating. Please make donations to Congregation Or VeShalom, 1681 N. Druid Hills Road, Atlanta, GA 30319; Jewish War Veterans Post 112; or the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
www.atlantajewishtimes.com tary School and at the Paideia School. Family mattered most to Elinor, and she always enjoyed being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. She was liked, respected and admired by all who knew her. Elinor was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine and Herman Heyman, and her husband of 60 years, Charles Wittenstein. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, David and Lee Wittenstein of Bethesda, Md., Robert and Susan Wittenstein of Dunwoody, and Ruth and Gary Musicante of Silver Spring, Md.; six grandchildren, Rebecca Wittenstein Silverman (Ken), Daniel Musicante (Kate), Jonathan Musicante (Lelanie), and Eric, Greg and Adam Wittenstein; one great-grandchild, Hannah Silverman; and a brother, Arthur Heyman. Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. Graveside services were held Sunday, Nov. 8, at Crest Lawn Memorial Park with Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus of The Temple officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the National Council of Jewish Women, Atlanta Section. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Death Notices
Steve Gelobter of Roswell, a Temple Kol Emeth member, husband of Lidia Gelobter, and father of Evan Gelobter, Dylan Gelobter and Giselle Gelobter, on Nov. 1. Jack Goldstein, 96, of Atlanta, husband of Sylvia Goldstein and father of Dianne Peikin, Michael Goldstein and Nancy Ely, on Nov. 7. Betty Hazan of Hoschton, sister of Phyllis Bowens, on Nov. 4. Lidiya Kopelev, 80, of Roswell, mother of Igor Kopelev and Dmitry Kopelev, on Nov. 1. Wendy Morton of Sandy Springs on Oct. 28. Robert Zucker of Decatur on Nov. 2.
Margaret Ann Shulman 85, Atlanta
Margaret Ann Kaufmann Shulman, age 85, a native of Atlanta and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, died Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. She was a lifelong member of The Temple. She graduated with a degree from Agnes Scott College in mathematics and had a brief career at the Federal Reserve Bank. She married Stanford Shulman in 1959, and three children quickly followed. She was a devoted wife and mother who always had a smile and a kind word. Margaret Ann traveled to all seven continents with her husband, was an accomplished photographer, and became a life master bridge player. Margaret Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Rebekah and Bertram Kaufmann, and her husband of 54 years, Stanford Shulman. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Rick Hellman of Swarthmore, Pa.; daughter and son-in-law Gail and Stephan Frank of Roswell; daughter and son-in-law Denise and Edward Stein of Atlanta; and grandchildren Rachel, Justin, Zachary, Sierra, Liam and Noah. Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund or to Agnes Scott College. A graveside service was held Sunday, Nov. 8, at Crest Lawn Memorial Park with Rabbi David Spinrad of The Temple officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Elinor Heyman Wittenstein Elinor Heyman Wittenstein, a native of Atlanta and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015, at age 85. She attended Druid Hills High School and NAPS (The Westminster School). At age 16 she enrolled in Smith College, where she received a B.A. in U.S. government. After graduation she moved to New York City, where she met Charles Wittenstein of Brooklyn, N.Y. They were married at The Temple in July 1952 and made their home in Atlanta. Elinor was active in the Atlanta Jewish community and worked at the Atlanta Section of the National Council of Jewish Woman for a decade. She was involved in her children’s lives and regularly volunteered in the PTA at Fernbank Elemen-
NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
85, Atlanta
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CLOSING THOUGHTS OBITUARIES – MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING
To Sleep, Perchance to Dream
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NOVEMBER 13 ▪ 2015
osh Chodesh Kislev begins at sundown Wednesday, Nov. 11. Kislev’s Zodiac sign is Sagittarius. The Hebrew letter is samech, tribe Benjamin, sense sleep, and controlling organ belly. We look for divine sparks to light the dark nights this month. It’s a time of contrast. Cheshvan was about the floodwaters; Kislev is about the rainbow that follows. There is brightness from the Festival of Lights but also the darkness of winter, with its sleepy hibernation and decreased light from the sun. Kislev is often referred to as the Month of Miracles, but it’s also a month of dreams and dreamers. The Torah portions of Kislev contain most of the dreams mentioned in the entire Torah. The Book of Genesis has 10 detailed dreams by seven dreamers. Our task is to feel peaceful and trusting of HaShem to allow us, like babies, to curl up and dream in a deeply relaxed state. However, we must also awaken to be a light in the world rather than stay asleep, lethargic, apathetic or complacent. Sagittarius in Hebrew is Keshet, or rainbow, and is represented by the archer, who is half-man, half-horse. Each of us possesses the aspects of every sign. Sagittarians are goodhearted, justice- and peace-seeking intellectuals who are creative and lively, often forging their own paths. They’re known for speaking their truth, which may be considered blunt or hurtful by some. The energy of the Maccabees mirrors the Sagittarian soul. There are two Hebrew letters that rule each month, their frequencies enabling us to achieve spiritual abundance. Sagittarius, ruled by the letter samech, is associated with trust and supporting the fallen. Kislev’s planet, Jupiter, a symbol of bliss and good fortune, has gimel as its letter, representing those willing to share with others who are less fortunate. The tribe is Benjamin, the 12th son of Jacob and the only one born in the Promised Land. Joy and sorrow coexisted as the world received Benjamin but had to release his mother, Rachel, as she died in childbirth. Benjamin grew, like the archer, to be gifted in the art of using a bow. Sleep is the sense this month, 30 achieved when we feel safe in HaSh-
AJT
em’s watching over us. Often, dreams inspire us. The etymology of the word “inspiration” is “immediate influence of G-d or a god.” It’s inhaling or breathing in spirit. When we sleep, G-d breathes into us.
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CROSSWORD “No Last Name”
By Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Manageable
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Dr. Terry Segal tsegal@atljewishtimes.com
Psychologically, dreams represent unresolved issues with which the unconscious mind wrestles. Sometimes we’re given a new perspective, insight, or warnings of danger or impending doom. When we have an important decision to make, we say that we need to sleep on it. In dreams we can fly, leap to rooftops and read the thoughts of others. When we awaken, it’s as if we have gone back to sleep, appearing to be less than we were in the dream. During Kislev, we must relax into the darkness, dream, but awaken into the light, move into action and expand ourselves toward our purpose. The controlling organ is the belly, which can reference the stomach, large intestine (yang, or masculine energy organs) or the womb (feminine). In Maslow’s theory of hierarchy, which stretches from physiological needs to self-actualization, the basic hunger in the belly must be met before loftier ideals of becoming moral, creative, spontaneous, and for the self and others can be realized. But we don’t need to eat a Thanksgiving meal to be full. We can learn to feel satiated and content with whatever we have. As it is written in Pirkei Avot, “Who is rich? He who is satisfied with his lot.” Whether with food or wisdom, we have the responsibility to feed others when we feed ourselves. Staying in the dark is isolating, but when we become the light, we can feed the world. Meditation focus: Go into the darkness, be still, and dream your dreams. Get clear on the vision of who you are and what you are here to do. Then emerge as a candle flame and bringer of light. What are your gifts that you can shine outward to create miracles in the world? ■
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Alecia Moore 33. He directed Ford in “Witness” 34. “I’m ___ you!” (“I’m no yutz!”) 35. She often starred with Brooks 37. Bet ___ (courts) 38. Magneto might fight DOWN one 1. Dreidels 2. Biblical measurement 41. Like a shyster 3. “Those who remain ___ 42. One about to eat bread, perhaps to G-d,” Daniel 12:12 43. Puts in a kever 4. Need a refuah 5. Patron of Gloria Allred 44. Kind of necklace 6. Villain who has a treat discussed in the Talmud 45. He wrongfully accused named after him 7. Solomon’s throne was Israel of executing Ahmad Manasra fashioned from it 46. Jerusalem office space 8. Abraham coins? option 9. Kosher Chevy? 47. Tool that might be used 10. Miri Ben-Ari’s a to make a shtender spokeswoman for this 48. Post-Rosh Hashanah company 11. Father of 44-Across, in target 49. Say “Li’l Abner,” say Exodus 50. Challah items 12. City with over 13 million people and fewer 53. The most famous gentile than 1,000 Jews 54. Lou of rock 13. Eppes follower 18. “___ Yisrael HaShem” 55. Auto pioneer who wasn’t an anti-Semite 23. Lamp that doesn’t 58. Biblical book with a lot provide much light on of bummers Shabbat 24. Move like honey LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 25. Indian A M E N E C H O J A S O N dish, similar M A Y O A R O D A L O N E to what Jacob A Y E S R U E D C E A S E sold Esau H I D E A N D S E E K R E D 26. Demolish, B E E R N S S T Y in Golders M O T H E R D O I Green I L I A D S I M O N S A Y S 27. Director F I L L T A S E R E L A T Roth, and F O L L O W T H E N E I L A others S N O L E A D E R B I N E T A G E T 30. Dan to R N A H O T P O T A T O E S Gad A L A N A L I N T O R A L 31. Passover A N N E M E R E N A V E L no-no D W A R F S E A R B O L D 32. Pink ___ 60. Some chatter 61. Many a piece on Israel 62. Prophets 63. The Sacrifice of Isaac, e.g. 64. They might be moved into the sukkah
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AJT 31
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