Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. 99 NO. 21, November 15, 2024

Most Beloved Philanthropist

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Beside every great man is a great woman, and Billi, you have contributed and participated in your husband's philanthropic efforts as well as your own. We appreciate you and we are here to support you throughout this time of mourning and loss.

The 2024 Forbes 400 Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy went to Bernie Marcus, chairman of The Marcus Foundation and retired co-founder, chairman, and CEO of The Home Depot; and Billi Marcus, a member of the board of directors of The Marcus Foundation.

Our condolences and hearts go out to the Marcus and Morris Families for your loss. Jewish Atlanta is here to support you through this difficult time.

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CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE

ALLEN H. LIPIS

BOB BAHR

RABBI CHAIM NEIDITCH

CHANA SHAPIRO

DAVE SCHECHTER

DAVID OSTROWSKY

DEBBIE DIAMOND

MARCIA CALLER JAFFE

ROBBIE GARBER

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Cover Photo: Remembering Bernie Marcus, our most beloved philanthropist patriarch for Israel, the Jewish Community and Atlanta

TRIBUTE TO BERNIE MARCUS

Bernie Marcus Leaves Lasting Legacy of Giving

By Dave Schechter

Bernie Marcus, the multi-billionaire co-founder of The Home Depot whose philanthropy extended beyond the Jewish community and the city of Atlanta, including to Israel, died Nov. 4 at his home in Boca Raton, Fla.

Born May 12, 1929, he was 95 years old.

A statement released by The Home Depot said: “The entire Home Depot family is deeply saddened by the death of our co-founder Bernie Marcus. We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Bernie. He was a master merchant and a retail visionary. But even more importantly, he valued our associates, customers and communities above all. He’s left us with an invaluable legacy and the backbone of our company: our values.”

The Marcus Foundation, Inc. has been the primary vehicle through which Marcus and his wife of 50 years, Billi, have given $2 billion to more than 400 nonprofits over three decades. Their priorities have been Jewish causes, healthcare and medical research, children and youth development, free enterprise and veterans’ services, and community support.

Marcus started life with little but learned the lessons of philanthropy at a young age. The child of Russian Jewish immigrants grew up on the fourth floor of a tenement in a tough neighborhood in Newark, N.J. His father was a carpenter, “strong as an ox, a great craftsman but a terrible businessman,” Marcus told Philanthropy magazine in 2012.

“We lived in a tenement,” he told the magazine. “We had no money. Five cents was a major issue in our lives.” Marcus recalled that a nickel for ice cream was a special treat, though his mother would sometimes say, “We can’t have the ice cream today, we’re planting a tree in Israel instead,” and the nickel would be sent off, if not to Israel, then to one charitable cause or another. I grew up knowing that this is what you do. It’s bred into me.”

Marcus had hoped to become a doctor, but the eventual cost of medical school was prohibitive. He earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Rutgers University and worked as a pharmacist before entering the discount store business.

After serving as president of O’Dell’s, a manufacturing conglomerate, Marcus became chairman and president of

Handy Dan Home Improvement Centers, from 1972 to 1978.

It was there that he met Arthur Blank. Marcus and Blank were fired from Handy Dan in 1978. They then worked with investment banker Ken Langone to secure financing to create The Home Depot.

The first two Home Depot stores opened June 22, 1979, in the Atlanta area. The company has grown to more than 2,300 stores and employs more than 50,000 people.

Marcus served as Home Depot CEO from 1978 to 1997 and then as board chair before retiring in 2002.

Forbes estimated Marcus’ current net worth to be $11 billion, while the Bloomberg Billionaire Index put his current net worth at $7.43 billion.

Those figures are a far cry from Marcus’ upbringing.

“My parents, an immigrant couple struggling to make ends meet in Newark, taught me that generosity was a universal imperative no matter one’s station in

life. You gave – if not from your wallet then your time and talent. It’s why I was serving on boards of nonprofits when I couldn’t find two nickels to rub together,” he told the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2019.

Marcus began to expand his reach when the life of a young Home Depot employee was saved by the City of Hope cancer center. “I went to [City of Hope] and said, ‘I want to join your board.’ I had never done anything with philanthropy before … and I didn’t have any money, but I worked diligently on that board,” Marcus said in a 2013 interview with The Bridgespan Group, an adviser on philanthropic issues.

In that interview Marcus said, “We came to Atlanta broke — broke! If the Home Depot didn’t make it, I was going to go into bankruptcy. We decided that we wanted to do something for the state of Georgia. We remembered the people that came and saved our lives.”

At the time of his 90th birthday, in 2019, friends and admirers pledged $90

billion to benefit four Atlanta-centered projects.

“None of the four – the Georgia Aquarium, the Grady Health System’s Marcus Stroke & Neuroscience Center, the Marcus Autism Center, and the SHARE Military Initiative at the Shepherd Center – would exist without Marcus,” Mike Leven, Marcus’ friend and then chair and CEO of the Georgia Aquarium, said at the time.

The Aquarium opened in 2005. Marcus, who provided an initial $250 million to fund construction, said that his favorite display was the whale shark, while his wife favored the beluga whales.

The Autism Center treats more than 5,500 children annually.

Marcus was among those partnering with actor Gary Sinise to launch the Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network to treat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and substance abuse.

The Marcus Foundation’s donations to the Shepherd Center help pay for the

Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot died at age 95.

TRIBUTE TO BERNIE MARCUS

housing, transportation, and costs for military personnel being treated there for brain or spinal injuries.

In October 2024, the Marcus Foundation announced plans to provide $25.9 million in underwrite research funding in a new surgical technique to improve survival rates for stroke patients. “Breakthroughs like this new approach for the deadliest form of stroke and others made by the stellar team at the Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center will save and change lives around the world for decades,” Marcus said.

Bernie and Billi Marcus have been members of The Temple since arriving in Atlanta for more than four decades.

He told Philanthropy magazine: “I’m proud of the fact that I’m Jewish and what happened with the Holocaust is not going to happen again if I can do anything about it.”

In Israel, Marcus donated $25 million to aid construction of the Marcus National Blood Services Center, the world’s first underground blood processing, testing, storage, and distribution facility. The grant was the largest-ever benefiting Magen David Adom, Israel’s national ambulance, blood-services and disaster-relief agency.

Marcus told the AJT in 2018: “Having it in a safe and secure underground facility protects the blood transfusion supply from harm during missile attacks and earthquakes, ensuring availability of the blood Israelis need, when they need it.”

He also co-founded the Israel Democracy Institute, which bills itself as “an independent center of research and

action dedicated to strengthening the foundations of Israeli democracy.”

Further proving their commitment to charity, Bernie and Billi Marcus were early signatories to The Giving Pledge, in which many of the world’s wealthiest people have pledged to donate their riches to philanthropies. The initiative was created by Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his then-wife, Melinda.

In a 2010 letter to Buffett, Marcus said that “it has always been my belief that leaving enormous wealth for our children does nothing to stimulate their ability to make it on their own.

“To make quarterly profits is one thing, but changing just one life is so much better … I hope you convince many others to enhance their own lives by sharing with others in a smart and business-like way. It truly is the secret to longevity of their health and state of mind,” Marcus said.

Marcus also was a major donor to conservative political causes (where Blank donated to Democrats). Forbes reported in August that Marcus donated more than $5 million in 2016 to political action committees supporting Donald Trump and $10 million in 2020. The magazine reported that Marcus and his wife had contributed $2.7 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign.

In addition to his wife, Billi, Marcus is survived by a son, Fred, of Atlanta; a stepson, Michael Morris, of Atlanta, who is owner of the Atlanta Jewish Times; and several grandchildren. A daughter, Susanne, predeceased her father. ì

IN MEMORIAM

Bernie Marcus

THE UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

mourns the passing of Museum Founder Bernie Marcus. An exceptional philanthropist and very generous supporter of the Museum, Bernie was committed to ensuring that Holocaust scholarship would grow and thrive and that new generations would learn the history and lessons of the Holocaust. His son, Fred, and stepson, Michael Morris, have both served on the Museum’s presidentially appointed governing council. The Museum sends heartfelt condolences to Bernie’s wife, Billi, Fred, Michael, and the entire Marcus Family.

Stuart E. Eizenstat, Council Chairman

Allan M. Holt, Council Vice Chairman

Sara J. Bloomfield, Museum Director

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Bernie and Billi Marcus

TRIBUTE TO BERNIE MARCUS

In Memory of Bernie Marcus

By Rabbi Chaim Neiditch

I first met Bernie Marcus in 2010 when I was invited to his office to discuss the future of the Jewish community. Not wanting to assume that this prominent leader would recognize me, I introduced myself. “Hi, I’m Chaim Neiditch,” I said, reaching out to shake his hand. Bernie glanced at his own name tag, gave a small shrug, and responded, “I guess I’m Bernie,” before shaking my hand with a warm, disarming smile and a twinkle in his eye. At this meeting, and each subsequent meeting, I was deeply moved by Bernie’s passion for securing the Jewish future and his insightful, strategic thinking about how to strengthen the Jewish community. Bernie’s respect for others and their work left a lasting impression on me. I now realize that his humility was an essential part of who he was, influencing how he approached both philanthropy and mentorship.

In 2012, I was selected by Bernie and the executives from the Marcus Foundation to participate in a year-long cohort that culminated in my participation as

a contestant in the Jewish Federation’s “Shark Tank” event. Little did I know that this experience would not only shape

Birthright Israel

my work with Jewish teens but also pave the way for a mentorship and partnership that would transform Jewish life in Atlanta. Bernie Marcus was one of the three judges, and he helped select me as the winner of the inaugural “Shark Tank” competition.

Bernie Marcus Bernie Marcus

a visionary philanthropist whose unwavering dedication to the Jewish people and the State of Israel has left an enduring legacy. His extraordinary generosity to Birthright Israel for over two decades has strengthened our community and inspired countless young people. mourns the loss of

May his memory be a blessing, and his legacy continue to be a source of pride and resilience for all.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Marcus family and the team at The Marcus Foundation, Inc. during this difficult time.

Winning “Shark Tank” was one of the highlights of my career. However, the most meaningful part of that evening wasn’t just winning; it was the belief Bernie had in me and his confidence in my potential to impact and shape the Jewish future. His endorsement sent ripples through the legacy Jewish organizations and brought newfound respect for my work in the community. Jewish Student Union (JSU) had already established strong grassroots, and Bernie’s support elevated us and showcased his unwavering passion for supporting our mission.

Bernie continued to be a staunch supporter of JSU and our mission to reach Jewish teens in public and private schools, helping teens connect with their Jewish heritage. His backing has been instrumental in our work, allowing us to engage thousands of Jewish teens across Atlanta. Through his support, we’ve created opportunities that ensure our youth can develop pride in their identity, connect with their heritage, and find meaningful community.

Bernie’s passion and generosity have been nothing short of transformative.

Thanks to him, JSU has grown beyond anything I could have envisioned. We’ve expanded programs, provided mentorship, and given these young people a place to belong and grow. Bernie’s belief in the potential of each young Jewish soul and his dedication to uplifting his community have allowed us to accomplish more than we ever could have imagined. His guidance, both in wisdom and in action, has encouraged us to keep raising the bar and reaching higher.

His commitment extends beyond financial support. Bernie has taken an active interest in our work and in the teens themselves. He’s been there, not just as a donor, but as a true partner in building a strong Jewish future in Atlanta. Bernie’s passion for the Jewish people is as inspiring as his success. His guidance and dedication have been invaluable to me and to JSU, and we are forever grateful for his vision and love for our community.

Bernie’s support for JSU has enabled us to impact lives at a profound level, sparking a commitment in these teens that they carry forward into adulthood. The legacy he’s building goes beyond today; it’s about empowering the next generation and ensuring that Jewish identity and pride are cherished and celebrated for years to come. On behalf of the entire Atlanta Jewish community, thank you, Bernie, for your vision, your generosity, and your unyielding support.

Rabbi Chaim Neiditch credits Bernie Marcus with helping Jewish Student Union grow to heights the rabbi never thought possible.

Bernie Marcus provided Jewish Student Union and Rabbi Chaim Neiditch with a tremendous amount of support.

Dear Bernie,

Thank you for your friendship, mentorship, and support, over thirty-five years. You created knowingly and unknowingly your legacy. It, is, as you planned, developed, and managed with your family, friends, employees, and apostles, I believe is your second greatest and largest part of my life.

Billi, Thank you.

Michael, Thank you, Fred, Thank you, And Home Depot, Thank you,

Joe

Shira & Joseph Lipsey III, Joseph Lipsey IV, Louise Isabella Lipsey, Lipsey Mountain Spring Water, Composite Analysis Group, Inc, Lipsey Trailer Rental, Lipsey Logistics Worldwide, Lipsey Trucking, Safer Logistics, Safer Trucking, Lipsey’s Guns, Mega Millions Music and our family charities.

1929 - 2024

Bernie Marcus z"l

Community Tributes to Bernie Marcus

Donald J. Trump

I just learned of the passing of legendary entrepreneur and political genius Bernie Marcus. He was my supporter from the beginning and was always there when I needed help or advice. He strongly endorsed me for this election, as well as my other runs, and I will never forget him for that. He was an extraordinary man and I look forward to powerfully honoring him in the future. Warmest condolences to his wonderful family, and all of his many friends!

- Donald J. Trump, President-Elect of the United States

Donna Hyland

Bernie Marcus was a remarkable man. He will be remembered for many things, for building one of the world’s great companies, but most for his charitable giving that has benefitted millions of people. Bernie never forgot his very humble beginnings and teachings of giving from his mother. He was a tremendous friend to Children’s and loved our mission. I am thankful that I knew this great man. Our thoughts are with Bernie’s wife, Billi, the entire Marcus Family and the Marcus Foundation.

- Donna Hyland, CEO of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

RootOne and our 15,000+ alumni join countless individuals and organizations in mourning the loss of Bernie Marcus, a deeply committed philanthropist and pillar of the Jewish community. We send our deepest condolences to Bernie’s beloved wife, Billi, and their children, grandchildren and extended family on his passing.

We do not take lightly the privilege and responsibility to carry on his legacy. We will do everything in our power to ensure its strength and endurance for generations to come.

TRIBUTE TO BERNIE MARCUS

Arthur Blank

I am heartbroken at the passing of my dearest friend, Bernie Marcus. Today, I’ve lost a father-figure, mentor, brother and business and life partner. While this loss is profoundly painful, I am grateful for the close to 60 years we spent together, navigating challenges and celebrating successes, and I am honored to have been part of Bernie’s remarkable life.

Bernie’s impact extends far beyond the aisles of our stores; his philanthropic efforts touched countless lives and communities. He believed in the power of giving back and dedicated himself to making a difference in the world. His commitment to innovation, integrity and service was an inspiration to anyone who knew him, including me. His passion for improving people’s lives drove his generosity, and it was part of his DNA leading The Home Depot and continued through his life and will continue beyond his passing. Beyond Bernie’s professional success, Bernie’s devotion to his beautiful family was equally admirable.

On behalf of my entire family and our family of businesses, I send my deepest condolences to his dear wife and my friend, Billi Marcus, and their beautiful family. We join the city of Atlanta, the nation of The Home Depot associates and those that have had the distinct honor of knowing Bernie in mourning the loss of a leader, entrepreneur, philanthropist, humanitarian and friend.

Bernie’s tremendous commitment to so many causes will live on, as will the immeasurable impact on countless individuals and families who have been blessed by his giving heart. I will forever carry his memory and influence on my life with me.

- Arthur Blank, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival mourns the passing of Bernie Marcus, a philanthropist, steadfast pillar of our community, and visionary business leader. Through the Marcus Foundation, Bernie’s far-reaching generosity touched countless lives—from uplifting Jewish life (including AJFF) and advancing healthcare, to championing free enterprise and nurturing the wellbeing of children and communities. His legacy in these core areas, where his values and ideals flourished, will inspire generations to come. Our thoughts are with the Marcus family as we honor a life dedicated to building a better, stronger world. He will be deeply missed.

- Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

We honor the memory of Bernie Marcus with awe-inspired gratitude.

On behalf of JF&CS and the thousands of people we have served over the years, we appreciate the generous and visionary support that Bernie has provided.

MAY HIS MEMORY BE A BLESSING.

o u , B e r n i e , f o r b e i n g a n

e n d u r i n g f o r c e f o r g o o d .

A c t s o f k i n d n e s s n e v e r d i e

T h e y l i n g e r i n t h e m e m o r y ,

g i v i n g l i f e t o o t h e r a c t s i n r e t u r n

- T h e R a b b i S

TRIBUTE TO BERNIE MARCUS

Andres Spokoiny

Dear Friends and partners,

We at the Jewish Funders Network mourn the passing of Bernard (Bernie) Marcus, a visionary philanthropist and co-founder of The Home Depot, who dedicated his life to transforming lives through his profound generosity. A long-time JFN member and supporter, Bernie’s commitment to health, education, Jewish causes, and veterans’ initiatives left an indelible mark on communities worldwide. His philanthropic legacy, rooted in the values of resilience, community support, and giving back, reflects the core principles that guided both The Home Depot and The Marcus Foundation.

Born to immigrant parents in Newark, New Jersey, Bernie’s life story is one of extraordinary perseverance and innovation. With The Marcus Foundation, he championed Jewish and Israeli causes, advanced medical research, and supported veterans. We join with all who were inspired by his dedication to a better world, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his memory serve as a lasting blessing and inspiration to us all.

- Andres Spokoiny, President & CEO, Jewish Funders Network

The Breman

StandWithUs

StandWithUs mourns the loss of Bernie Marcus, a visionary business leader, philanthropist and Zionist. Deeply committed to strengthening the Jewish community in America, he supported Israel and fought antisemitism. He supported the work of StandWithUs, empowering the next generation to be proud of their identity and support Israel. May his memory forever be a blessing and may his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion.

- StandWithUs

We are heartbroken by the passing of Bernie Marcus at the age of 95. His legacy of humility, generosity, and deep commitment to both the Jewish and Atlanta communities will live on. Bernie’s vision helped shape countless lives, from his support of Israel and Jewish education to his transformative impact on Atlanta through various initiatives. He prioritized people, relationships, and compassion over everything, leaving behind a lasting example for us all. Baruch Dayan Emet – May his memory be a blessing.

- The Breman

“When

“Why open an aquarium? Because everybody loves an aquarium. Whoever you are, you’re going to love an aquarium. ”

-Bernie Marcus Founder & Benefactor, on Georgia Aquarium

Thank you, Bernie Marcus.

Hillels of Georgia

Yesterday, the Jewish community lost an incredible advocate and philanthropist. Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot, was a champion of Isreali and Jewish causes, especially Georgia. Hillels of Georgia is deeply grateful for the generosity Bernie and his family shared with us. From helping to build the Marcus Hillel Center at Emory and the Orkin Hillel Center at UGA, located on the Marcus Campus, to being the first recipient and namesake of the Billi & Bernie Marcus Visionary award in 2018 – Bernie’s impact lives on in the lives of students inspired to live vibrant Jewish lives and strengthen their connection to Isreal. May his memory be a blessing.

- Hillels of Georgia

Chris Clark

Bernie Marcus was a visionary leader in Georgia history. As a co-founder of The Home Depot, he revolutionized the retail industry, making the company’s orange apron an iconic corporate symbol. Bernie’s impact went beyond business; his generous contributions to organizations like the Georgia Aquarium, Grady Hospital, Georgia Tech, and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta have made Georgia a better place to live. His philanthropic legacy continues through the Marcus Foundation. The Georgia business community honors Bernie for his dedication to our state, championing free enterprise, and enriching the associates of The Home Depot. Our thoughts are with Bill, the Marcus family, and all who were touched by Bernie.

- Chris Clark, Georgia Chamber President & CEO

We deeply mourn the passing of our dear friend and supporter

His extraordinary philanthropy, visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to Israel and the Jewish people, and leadership by example have shaped his legacy forever.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. May his memory be a blessing for the family and the Jewish people.

1929 — 2024

Magen David Adom in Israel and American Friends of Magen David Adom mourn the passing of Bernard ‘Bernie” Marcus, an inspirational philanthropist and businessman whose contributions to Magen David Adom will be remembered forever. His support of MDA has saved countless lives, and his generosity supported the establishment of the Marcus National Blood Services Center, the world’s first underground blood bank. Our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Billi, and to his entire family. May they be comforted by his memory and by the powerful legacy he leaves.

Magen David Adom in Israel

Rabbi Avraham Manela, Chairman of MDA Executive Board

Eli Bin, Director-General

American Friends of Magen David Adom

Mark Lebow, Chairman of the Board

Catherine Reed, Chief Executive Officer

MagenDavidAdom.org

Jared Powers

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (Marcus JCC) mourns the loss of Bernie Marcus, a visionary philanthropist, devoted community leader, and beloved friend to our agency and the entire Jewish community. Bernie’s enduring generosity and unwavering philanthropic support to the Marcus JCC transformed our organization in ways beyond measure, ensuring that our agency remained innovative, vibrant, inclusive, and a safe hub for Jewish life. His tremendous philanthropy shaped the Marcus JCC’s past and present and has inspired countless individuals and future generations to celebrate their Jewish values and connect with each other. His legacy lives on in the spaces he helped create, the lives he impacted, and the community he strengthened. We are deeply grateful for his lifetime of leadership and philanthropic investments, both to our organization and our greater community. His generosity and extraordinary vision no doubt impacted hundreds of thousands of people served by the Marcus JCC over the decades. The entire Jewish community in Atlanta is better for having Bernie Marcus as its champion and role model.

- Jared Powers, CEO of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, on behalf of the Marcus JCC

Bernie Marcus

May 12, 1929 - November 4, 2024

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus, a visionary Hillel supporter and philanthropist, who was devoted to the Jewish community in the United States, Israel, and on college and university campuses.

Bernie generously supported dozens of Jewish causes, including Hillel, where he leaves a lasting legacy. His impact on the lives of countless Jewish college students and Hillel professionals will resonate from generation to generation.

During this time of mourning, we are sharing our love and prayers with Bernie’s wife, Billi, the entire Marcus family, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and being inspired by Bernie. May his memory always be a blessing and a comfort.

Israel Democracy Institute

The Israel Democracy Institute mourns the loss of its founder and International Chair, Bernard (Bernie) Marcus of blessed memory. Bernie Marcus was a giant of American business and philanthropy. His extraordinary dedication to the future of the Jewish people and the State of Israel was motivated by a concern that both were increasingly in jeopardy. The “Who Is a Jew” crisis of the 1980s convinced him that the primary threat to Israel’s survival and prosperity was internal. It was this insight that drove Mr. Marcus, while still CEO of The Home Depot, to join Secretary George Shultz (OBM) and Dr. Arye Carmon and establish an institute devoted to strengthening the institutions of Israeli democracy.

- Israel Democracy Institute

With heartfelt sadness we mourn the passing of our dear friend and ardent supporter

BERNIE MARCUS z ” l

A philanthropist whose extraordinary generosity and visionary leadership enabled thousands of Jewish individuals and families make Israel their home. His unparalleled commitment to the Jewish community and the State of Israel has left an indelible mark for generations to come. Our deepest condolences to Billi, Fred and Michael, and extended families, who continue to carry his passion for tzedakah and his profound love for Israel.

May his memory be a source of strength and blessing.

Tony Gelbart & Rabbi Yehoshua Fass Co-Founders, Nefesh B’Nefesh

Thank You, Bernie

On behalf of the Ahavath Achim Synagogue family, we thank you for what you have done over the many years to support our Jewish and greater Atlanta communities. Your support for the state of Israel sets the example and is an inspiration to all of us. Our world is a richer place for you having been a part of it. Wishing your family long life.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) mourns the loss of Bernie Marcus z”l, a visionary leader and prominent philanthropist that made him a pillar of the Atlanta community. We are deeply grateful we were able to recognize his generosity and impact with AJC Atlanta’s National Human Relations Award in 1989. His impact as a champion for both Atlanta and Israel will continue for generations through the countless institutions he established and supported.

Thank you Bernie for inspiring generosity and resilience. May your memory be for a blessing.

Bernie Marcus (R) presents Frank Blake with the 2014 National Human Relations Award.

Bernie Marcus cared deeply about the Jewish Future.

I WAS HONORED TO CALL BERNIE MARCUS A FRIEND AND A MENTOR. HE WAS A MAN WHO LED BY EXAMPLE, AND NEVER WAVERED IN HIS DEDICATION TO THE JEWISH PEOPLE.

BACK WHEN THE JEWISH FUTURE PROMISE WAS JUST A CONCEPT, BERNIE WAS THE ONE ENCOURAGING ME TO TURN AN IDEA INTO ACTION. HE THEN BECAME THE 54TH PROMISER OF A MOVEMENT NOW 80,000-PLUS STRONG.

BERNIE MARCUS SHOULD NOT ONLY BE MOURNED FOR WHO HE WAS, BUT THANKED FOR ALL HE DID AND THE LEGACY HE LEAVES FOR JEWISH AND NON-JEWISH PEOPLE ALIKE IN GEORGIA, THE NATION, AND THE WORLD. WE CAN HONOR BERNIE BY CHAMPIONING THE JEWISH VALUES, CULTURE, AND TRADITIONS HE HELD SO DEAR.

MAY HIS MEMORY BE A BLESSING.

MIKE LEVEN FOUNDER, JEWISH FUTURE PROMISE

Make your Promise today

In Memory of Bernie Marcus & In Honor of Michael Morris & the Entire Marcus Family Who Will Carry Forth their Patriarch’s Vision for the Well-Being of Israel, the Jewish People, and All Those in Need.

The Crown of a Good Name supersedes them all Pirkei Avos 4:13

Torah Day School of Atlanta honors the memory and the legacy of Bernie Marcus z”l

With gratitude for all he has done for generations of children at Torah Day School of Atlanta, for Israel, the Jewish people, the city of Atlanta, and humanity

May Bernie’s virtues and values continue to be a source of light and inspiration for his family, community, and the world

The Torah Day School of Atlanta Family

In Memory of Bernie Marcus

1929-2024

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (Marcus JCC) mourns the loss of Bernie Marcus, a visionary philanthropist, devoted community leader, and beloved friend to our agency and the entire Jewish community.

Bernie's enduring generosity and unwavering philanthropic support to the Marcus JCC transformed our organization in ways beyond measure, ensuring that our agency remained innovative, vibrant, inclusive, and a safe hub for Jewish life.

His tremendous philanthropy shaped the Marcus JCC’s past and present and has inspired countless individuals and future generations to celebrate their Jewish values and connect with each other. His legacy lives on in the spaces he helped create, in the lives he impacted, and the community he strengthened. We are deeply grateful for his lifetime of leadership and philanthropic investments, both to our organization and our greater community. His generosity and extraordinary vision no doubt impacted hundreds of thousands of people served by the Marcus JCC over the decades.

The entire Jewish community in Atlanta is better for having Bernie Marcus as its champion and role model.

The Board of Directors, Trustees, and Staff of the Marcus JCC of Atlanta

THE

WEBER SCHOOL PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BERNIE

A true Gadol Hador, Bernie was a giant and an icon in business and philanthropy, and a man of vision and action who made a lasting, immeasurable impact on the North American Jewish community, the land and people of Israel and the lives of so many through the fields of science, medicine, and education. The entire Weber School community will forever be grateful for the love, support, and trust of Bernie Marcus and The Marcus Foundation.

May the life and legacy of Bernie Marcus be remembered for a blessing.

MARCUS z"l.

R EME MB E RIN G B E R NIE M AR CU S

1 9 29 - 202 4

“If we take care of our associates, they’ll take care of our customers, and the rest will take care of itself.”

It is with heavy hearts that we mark the passing of Bernie Marcus. Bernie’s unwavering dedication and visionary philanthropy has left an indelible mark on lives across the Piedmont Healthcare system.

Bernie Marcus has long been an investor and leading architect in Atlanta’s future. His name is synonymous with the kind of generosity and foresight that drives innovation and turns dreams into reality. Decades ago, Bernie set his sights on Piedmont to build upon one of his lifelong passions—changing the lives of patients and their families. From the moment he stepped foot on our campus, one thing was clear—Bernie Marcus believed in building better.

When Bernie and the Piedmont leadership team first met, doctors, nurses, and staff had been working tirelessly to meet the needs of every patient across the state of Georgia. All the while, Piedmont had been developing a dream to create world-class cardiology programming in an environment specifically designed for the comfort of patients and their families. In 2012, Bernie decided to bring this dream to fruition by making his first $20 million grant through the Marcus Foundation to establish the Marcus Heart Valve Center. A focal point for patients with heart valve problems and physicians pursuing the latest advancements in cardiology, this Center established Piedmont as the premier provider for cardiac care in the state of Georgia and beyond.

After the success of the Center became evident, Bernie made another transformative gift of $75 million to build a clinical space commensurate with the level of care the Piedmont heart valve team was now able to provide—the Marcus Heart and Vascular Center. “The new facility will enable Piedmont to achieve goals that would only have remained in dreams,” Bernie remarked at the time. “I look forward to the positive impact these changes will have on the future in this great community.”

Years later, Bernie’s impact is now reality. Our patients are healthier and happier than ever—all thanks to Bernie’s generous spirit, steadfast resolve, and pioneering attitude. In this time of remembrance, we are more committed now than ever to build a better future for Georgians and their families. Bernie’s legacy will truly live on in the health—and hearts—of the Piedmont community for generations to come.

REMEMBERING BERNIE MARCUS

1929 - 2024

Bernie Marcus was a visionary entrepreneur whose impact on retail and philanthropy will endure for years to come. His legacy of innovation and kindness will never be forgotten.

“The greatest thing you can do is help people.”

In loving memory of Bernie Marcus

Bernie Marcus leaves behind a legacy of generosity, vision, and unwavering dedication to his community. Bernie’s life was defined by his passion for helping others, shaping both his business and philanthropic endeavors.

His support of Jewish life, from RootOne and PJ Library to Hillel and the Atlanta Jewish Camp Initiative, enriched countless lives. Bernie’s contributions to Atlanta, including the Georgia Aquarium and healthcare, have left an indelible mark. His memory will continue to inspire us all.

Baruch Dayan Emet – May his memory be a blessing.

Bernie Marcus was a man of vision, generosity, and service who had a profound impact here in Georgia — and our family was blessed to know him. As we mourn his passing, may we all continue to pray for his family, celebrate his life, and honor the legacy that he leaves behind.

The Kemp Family

Remembering Bernie

Through the lives of our students, their connection to Judaism, and their love of Israel, your memory lives on.

Thank you for your belief in the Hillel movement and your impact on generations of Jewish leaders.

“College is the first time children are away from their families. They’re away from the support system they had, and it’s important for them to have a place to go. Someplace that could be like their home away from home. The Hillels actually serve that purpose.”

- Bernie Marcus

Paid for by Georgians First Leadership Committee

Atlanta Jewish Times expresses our condolences and gratitude for Bernie Marcus' and The Marcus Foundation's continuous generosity and ambassadorship of our newspaper and community institution.

Bernie Marcus z"l May 12, 1929 - November 4, 2024

Our Most Beloved Philanthropist Patriarch for Israel, the Jewish Community and Atlanta

Panitch Remains Only Jewish Legislator in Georgia

By Dave Schechter

Esther Panitch had expressed hope that she would have Jewish colleagues when the General Assembly reconvenes in January, but the election left the Fulton County Democrat as the lone Jewish voice in the state legislature.

Panitch won election to a second term in the state House from District 51, receiving 58 percent of the vote to defeat Republican challenger Derek Keith Gettman. "Thank you to the good people of my district for re-electing me to the Georgia State House!! I look forward to serving y’all another term!," she posted on X (formerly Twitter), late on election night Nov. 5.

Five other Jewish candidates — four Democrats and a Republican — lost their bids for House seats.

Vote totals are unofficial until certified by the state. Nov. 12 was the deadline for counties to report their counts to the state. Nov. 22 is the deadline for certification by the secretary of state.

Georgians cast nearly 5.29 million votes in this year's election, a turnout of 72.7 per-

cent by active registered voters — a record and a significant increase from the 2020 turnout of 66.2 percent. More than 4 million votes were cast before Election Day and another 1.2 million-plus on Election Day.

Republican former President Donald Trump defeated Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in Georgia by more than 117,000 votes, restoring the state's "red" sta-

tus. Trump's loss to President Joe Biden in 2020, plus U.S. Senate victories by Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, had led to suggestions that Georgia had become "purple."

Republicans maintained their trifecta under the Gold Dome, holding the governor's office as well as majorities in the state House and Senate. Unofficial results

showed Republicans winning 33 of 56 Senate seats — the same number they held in the 2024 session. On the House side, Republicans won 99 of 180 seats and the Democrats 78 — with three races too close to call. In those, Democrats were leading in two and Republicans in one. If those results hold, Democrats would have gained two seats more than they held last session.

An election worker removes a ballot from an envelope to count and inspect the pages on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024 // Photo Credit: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Times of Israel

A person wears a kippah with the words “Trump 47 Jewish Leadership” during the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisc., on July 18, 2024 // Photo Credit: Jim Watson/AFP/Times of Israel

An estimated 1.3 percent of the state’s population is Jewish. A single Jewish legislator accounts for 0.04 percent of the General Assembly. Panitch will remain that single legislator. "Once again, I will need support from the Jewish community to ensure our voice is heard," she told the AJT on Nov. 6.

In the other state House races with losing Jewish candidates:

District 24: Democrat Randye Dugan won 32 percent of the vote in her effort to unseat Republican incumbent Carter Barrett.

District 45: Democrat Eric Castater received 42 percent of the vote in his bid to unseat Republican incumbent Rep. Sharon Cooper.

District 47: Democrat Debra Shigley received 38 percent of the vote in her race against Republican incumbent Rep. Jan Jones, the second-ranking Republican in the House.

District 53: Democrat Susie Greenberg received 48 percent of the vote, losing by fewer than 1,400 votes out of nearly 35,000 cast, in her bid to unseat Republican incumbent Rep. Deborah Silcox. In a Facebook post, Greenberg said she was "disappointed" that "Despite our best efforts, we fell short of achieving our campaign for Georgia House District 53."

District 86: Republican challenger Barry Zisholtz received 20 percent of the vote in his loss to Democratic incumbent Rep. Imani Barnes. "We as Jews need to get more involved, and be sure we know what is going on under the Golden Dome, and who is representing us. I admit, over the years I did not pay attention to local politics, but that all changed at the end of February 2024," Zisholtz wrote on Facebook. "We met all of our goals and increased Republican votes in DeKalb County 2.6%. And although we lost our battle, which we were told we had no chance, our team helped us win the war."

Republican incumbent Rep. Todd Jones, who does not identify as Jewish

though his mother is Jewish, won re-election in District 25, received 61 percent of the vote to defeat Democratic challenger Elaine Padgett.

As expected, there were no upsets in races for the U.S. House of Representatives, where Republicans will maintain their 9 to 5 advantage over Democrats in Georgia's delegation. As of Nov. 8, control of the U.S. House remained unsettled, as about two dozen races nationwide had yet to be called and neither party could claim a majority of at least 218 seats in the 435-seat House.

Trump fell short of a pre-election boast that he might win as much as 40 percent of the Jewish vote nationally. The National Election Pool, which produces exit polls for several news organizations, reported that 79 percent of the Jewish vote went to Harris and 21 percent to Trump, while another analysis, based on Associated Press data, gave Harris 66 percent of the Jewish vote and Trump 34 percent. Exit polls also showed overwhelming support for Trump in the Orthodox community.

By comparison, Trump received an estimated 24 percent of the Jewish vote in 2016 and 30 percent in 2020. The highwater marks for Republicans over the past century are President Dwight Eisenhower with 40 percent in 1956 and Ronald Reagan with 39 percent in 1980.

As the 2024 election cycle ends, the 2026 campaign begins, highlighted in Georgia by races for governor and the U.S. Senate.

In the former, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp will have served two terms and cannot seek re-election. Republicans face the prospect of a contested primary, with Lt. Gov. Burton Jones among those eager to succeed Kemp.

Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is Jewish, is up for re-election in 2026 and Republicans may line up for the opportunity to return that seat to Republican hands.

Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock faces re-election in 2028. ì

Mark and Suzan Lopatin gather with other supporters of Democratic presidential nominee

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in a Sukkot before going door to door to canvass Jewish voters, Oct. 20, 2024 // Photo Credit: AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson/Times of Israel

‘Light Up Dunwoody’ to Feature Memorial Menorah

By Robbie Garber

Light Up Dunwoody, the holiday event organized by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, is raising money for a new menorah, which will be dedicated in memory of Rose Ida Lubin.

“As we were in the process of working on it and looking at the menorah we were going to get, the idea came up to do it in honor of Rose,” said DHA board member Jeanie Posner. “We did not know at the time that Rose was born during Chanukah, so then it really became important.”

Rose was born on the third night of Chanukah in 2002 (5763), and often celebrated her birthday with the holiday.

“Many times, I could not make her English birthday, and I was always like ‘we’ll celebrate your birthday this year on your Hebrew birthday,’” said her mother, Robin Lubin. “We did that more than we probably celebrated her English birthday.”

“A lot of meaning behind that holiday is something that Rose cherished in her life,” her father, David Lubin, said.

“She lived her life by going out there, and wearing her Judaism on her sleeve, and never being embarrassed of who she was, and being a Jew. It was something that

she made sure everyone knew who she was, and was unwilling to not be Jewish in order to fit in.”

Her mother shared a story of Rose

doing just that, after getting a short translation assignment in Latin class, and realizing it was about King Antiochus from the Greek and Roman perspective.

Hadassah Greater Atlanta presents the Myrtle Wreath Award its most distinguished honor to

Rose Lubin (second from the left, front row) celebrating Chanukah with her mother’s side of the family in 2021.

“She went and found the Chanukah story, and wrote it out in English, and then translated it into Latin. The whole entire story,” Robin Lubin said. “And she asked, ‘can you please read this to the class?’ And she ends up reading the Chanukah story to her class. Everybody was just sort of ‘wow.’ It was a little tiny paragraph, she could’ve been done with it, like everyone else, but she ended up translating it to Hebrew also, because she was curious. She said, ‘I wonder if Hebrew has meaning in the words that English and Latin can’t have.’ So, she translated the whole thing into Hebrew to see if there was some sort of underlying meaning to the words and the story.”

This will not be the first year the Lubin family has participated in Light Up Dunwoody.

“Last year, the Chabad’s Zalmy Goldberg invited us for part of the lighting one night, which was in memory of Rose.”

That year, the previous menorah couldn’t be retrieved from storage, and they were only able to have a menorah because Goldberg lent his to the DHA. This year, thanks to the efforts of Facebook groups Jewish Moms of Atlanta and Jewish Women of Atlanta, the fundraising has already reached around $5,000 of its $6,500 goal, and plans are being made to purchase a 13-foot menorah and a plaque dedicating it to Rose Lubin, as well as to make a small fund for any longterm repairs and other costs.

“The important thing is letting people know, it is the $18 and the $36,” said

Posner. “Yes, it’s great when we get a donation of a hundred or more, but it’s also nice to know that it’s the community that’s doing this, and that’s been very touching – that we’ve had so much support.”

The entire menorah will be lit starting on the opening ceremony on Nov. 17, and then each branch will be lit individually during the holiday itself at the end of December.

“I think there’s gonna be more people lighting the menorah this year than last. Last year, just a huge amount of people who had never lit before started lighting,” Robin Lubin said. “I think they’re all gonna be lighting again, and even more people will be lighting this year – I hope.”

“Of course, the war is still going on in Israel, so it’s as if that Chanukah story is kind of existing right now, for many who feel like they maybe have to not display their Jewishness. So, I think just the whole idea of having a menorah that’s going to represent somebody who was so proud and was like a Maccabee. And she actually was awarded an Eternal Maccabee Award last year from JIFLA, and so it just … is a perfect representation of being proud, being willing to give your life for the Jewish nation, to protect all of us so that we can continue to be able to live our lives Jewishly, and to be Jewish in this world.”

If you wish to donate, you can do so at gaicares.org or by Venmo (@jeannieposner, write “Menorah” on the “What’s this for?” line). ì

An example of the menorah that the DHA intends to purchase. The plaque to be attached to it will read, “A community gift in loving memory of Rose Ida Lubin (2002-2023) – A Dunwoody Hero.”

Hyland Receives American Jewish Committee Award

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Approximately 580 attendees filled the Whitley Hotel Ballroom on Oct. 30 to salute Donna Hyland, president and CEO of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). Special mention was made that the Israel-Hamas war had reached day No. 390 at that point.

Dov Wilker, AJC Atlanta regional director, proclaimed that the timing is one of challenge and hope. “Today, the will of the Jewish people together lends hope … hope for us to use our voice and not forget the hostages and those who have lost so much … Druze, Muslims, Christians. Hope that next year will be a different story. Thanks for standing in solidarity with us.”

Belinda Morris, AJC Atlanta president, kicked off the program acknowledging Hyland and CHOA on a personal note in raising her own children using the hospital when needed. She reported that $870,000 was raised that night in tribute to Hyland.

She explained that “AJC is dedicated

to providing a better life for all, not just Jewish people.”

The Rev Dr. Richard Kannwischer, senior pastor of Peachtree Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation, describing his family trip to Israel and that “the

At Atlanta Hearing Associates, we are committed to helping and guiding our patients on their Hearing Health Journey. Armed with the latest hearing technology, we

followers of Jesus stand with Israel. Our congregation prays for the peace and security of Israel.”

Next, Keith Evans, president of the Westminster Schools, shared his trip to Israel with a cohort of inquisitive school

leaders, visiting a kibbutz near Gaza. He said, “Some say ‘It’s complicated.’ I say, ‘it’s not complicated,” referring to having to choose right from wrong.

Sheri and Steve Labovitz, Honorary Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 25th anniver-

CHOA’s Michelle Poplar, research nurse, and Jonathan Poplar, pediatric pulmonologist, pose with CHOA CIO Jeremy Meller

Belinda Morris, AJC Atlanta president, reported that $870,000 was raised that night.

sary chairs, emphasized the important role that the festival’s films play in cre ating dialogue, noting the event date in February 2025.

Santiago Marquez, CEO of the Latin American Association, was up next stat ing that they were among the first to make a pro-Israel statement post-Oct. 7, demanding release of the hostages.

Next, Wilker’s main comments were stirring and on point. He noted in facing challenges that there is a cross section of people who hate Jews, not just actions on college campuses. He remarked, “My kids, 9,12 are somewhat sheltered, but those in high school and college are not so lucky … it has psychological impact," adding that featured guest Hyland also provides hope and strength through CHOA.

Jonathan Goldman, founder and managing partner of Genesis Capital, shared how serving six years on the CHOA board came about through Doug Hertz. About Hyland, he spoke of her core tenant of enhancing the wellbeing of people. “CHOA is the largest in the U.S. with 14,000 employees, including the Marcus Autism Center which treats 1.1 million patients a year. This all starts at the top with Donna.”

CHOA recently opened the North Druid Hills, 70-acre campus which in cluded the Arthur Blank Children’s Hos pital that came in ahead of schedule and under budget.

Hertz, who officially hired Hyland as

Steve Labovitz and Steve Selig flank

Art Festival Brings Color, Vibrancy to Pullman Yards

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Miami’s Art Basel now shares the Southern stage with the Atlanta Art Fair, the first weekend in October.  Art doyenne and consultant Fay Gold, a self-proclaimed art “junkie,” who has previously exhibited in fairs from New York to Seattle to London and Madrid, said, “Here in Atlanta’s Fair, the selection of the over 60 participating galleries were of the highest quality. Although on a smaller scale than Art Basel, having a commercial art fair in Atlanta of this stature was a long overdue break for the city.”

Gold filled out the Atlanta Art Fair application online in August 2024, requesting the largest booth size available in the best location. AMP Art Market Productions, the organizer, complied by ensuring that the process ran smoothly and delivered on details like booth configuration, lighting and electrical outlet placement, public relations and insurance.

Gold said, “The four days were exhilarating. It felt like a great reunion of collectors, artists, curators, designers

and former employees from the past 40 years. One client commented, ‘We bought a piece from you 35 years ago, and we still love it!’ There was a sense of excitement

and positive energy in the air.”

More than 3,500 people attended the opening night on Thursday, Oct. 3, and crowds remained steady throughout the

four days. Gold’s booth was continuously busy with enthusiastic questions and feedback.

Gold reported that sales were “ro-

Fay Gold and artist Marlene Rose met with collector Alison Rand.

Atlanta Art Fair exhibitors Robin Bernat, Ames Gold Fisher, and Fay Gold greeted thousands of art lovers.

bust” and exceeded expectations by saying, “They started out slowly but built over the course of the fair, and we have also made several after the fair sales.

Amy Rader, Marlene Rose and Lucy Cookson were our artists. Rose (previously featured in the Atlanta Jewish Times) is the only artist in the country using the sand cast glass technique. Rader’s combination of surrealism, collage, crushed stones and LED lighting, puts her narrative in a unique category that holds up to any blue-chip artist today.”

The price range of pieces in Gold’s booth was $2,400 to $18,000. Sold pieces were either delivered or shipped postfair. Several pieces were also commissioned.

Exhibitor Robin Bernat (featured in the Atlanta Jewish Times’ Chai Style Art 10/28/2021) was on hand as Poem 88 Gallery. Along with Brendan Carroll, Susan Seydel Cofer, and Elizabeth Porcel, she displayed works from the estate of Phyllis Alterman Franco, having previously co-authored a 305-page coffee table book about Franco’s work.

Bernat described her art fair experience, saying, “We were really pleased to participate in the fair. Tens of thousands of new eyes saw the works by talented Atlanta artists … the fair helped propel our community onto the national arts scene

which is desperately needed. On balance, it was a very positive experience. We hope in the next iteration of the fair, a broader collector base from around the Southeast and elsewhere will see what Atlanta has to offer. With more qualified buyers … comes more success. The entire week was jam packed with activities and exhibitions … that hasn’t ever occurred previously.”

Artsy fan Francine Lowe stated, “I travel to Art Basel in Miami Beach every year … Atlanta has really done an amazing job in this first art fair. It was like a mini–Art Basel. Hopefully, it will continue to grow in Atlanta’s emerging arts arena. It was really spectacular for any art lover to experience.”

Gold concluded, “The Atlanta Art Fair allowed Atlanta to turn a corner as a visual and cultural arts destination. We now can compete with the major fairs in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.”

Daughter Ames Fisher remarked, “I was not initially in favor of Fay taking the risk of making a big investment in the art fair’s inaugural year. Fay was not to be denied, and her instincts were correct in taking the leap. The art fair knocked it out of the park. I loved every minute.”

The art fair will be held again at Pullman Yards in 2025.  ì

Amy Rader is one of Fay’s star picks.

The Breman Launches Jewish Storytelling Festival

By Sasha Heller

Everyone gather ‘round and perk up those ears.

The Atlanta Jewish Storytelling Festival, organized by The Breman, is set for Nov. 16-17 and will feature a series of guest authors and special events.

The festival will celebrate the art of Jewish storytelling and include discussions about the art form’s historical significance with the goal of fostering cultural awareness within the Jewish community and beyond.

“It’s only natural that The Breman build on our longstanding tradition of gathering and showcasing community stories, and create a live, in-person festival to celebrate storytelling,” said festival organizer and storyteller Audrey Galex. “This festival is a celebration of the art and craft of our shared heritage, as well as our diversity, symbolically, celebrated under one roof. The Breman has long wanted to host a storytelling [program], and it was, in part, the poignancy of the stories told as part of the ‘History with

Chutzpah’ exhibit that provided the spark that lit the fire for moving forward with a festival.”

So why Jewish storytelling? What is the cultural significance?

“It’s been said that the shortest distance between two people is a story -- stories build and deepen connections, and help people understand each other,” Galex said. “Jewish culture is rich with stories - whether  midrash — stories that expand on and interpret Biblical text— or our personal, family, and community stories of celebration, sacrifice, and resiliency. Our stories give us a sense of identity and belonging. They connect us with the past and are gifts to the future. Plus, names, dates, history, and Jewish values and moral teachings are easier to digest and remember in story form.”

Galex continued about preserving the art of Jewish storytelling and its impact on the Jewish community.

“Our stories celebrate the varied perspectives and experiences within the Jewish community. They spark imagination, inspire and challenge us, and connect

Author Noa Baum displays her newest work, “How the Birds Became Friends.”

with our emotions. Bringing the community together to celebrate our shared storytelling tradition offers a memorable way to promote unity, while celebrating the diversity of the Jewish experience.”

Storyteller Audrey Galex will lead the Story Schmooze event from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Nov. 17.

Tickets to the Atlanta Jewish Storytelling Festival cost $12 to $54. For more information, visit https://thebreman. org/events/atlanta-jewish-storytellingfestival/

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Atlanta Jewish Storytelling Festival November 16-17, 2024

Starting Saturday Night:

Enjoy a captivating evening with Noa Baum, an internationally acclaimed storyteller. Known for her humorous and heartfelt performances, Baum shares Jewish folktales and personal stories that reflect Jewish history and values. Starting Saturday night and continuing through Sunday, this festival is for anyone and everyone who loves a good story, a bit of humor, and learning something new.

NOV 16 | SATURDAY NIGHT

6:00 – 7:00 pm

VIP Reception

The festival begins with a VIP reception where we’ll gather to meet, share stories, and enjoy light bites and beverages. It’s the perfect way to kick off a weekend of captivating tales and memorable moments.

7:00 – 8:00 pm

A Taste of the Garden of Eden

Personal and traditional stories connect in unexpected ways. With delightful drama and daring, internationally acclaimed and award-winning storyteller, Noa Baum, shares gems from her rich Jewish Israeli heritage and trove of family stories. Appropriate for ages 13+.

8:00 – 8:30 pm

Book Signing

Noa’s books will be available for purchase on both Saturday and Sunday.

“How the Birds Became Friends” – A delightful take on this Burmese folktale about the power of kindness

“A Land Twice Promised” – this compelling memoir demonstrates the transformative power of art and challenges each reader to take the first step toward peace.

NOV 17 | SUNDAY

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

How the Birds Became Friends –Children’s Storytime

Award-winning storyteller Noa Baum performs an adaptation of this Burmese folktale, “How the Birds Became Friends.” Rooted in her Jewish heritage and focusing on timeless universal values, Noa engages her audience in an interactive conversation about the choices we make to bring more healing and peace into the world. Followed by snacks and craft time. Appropriate for ages 3–8 with an adult. FREE – Registration required

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Story Schmooze

Get a taste for storytelling! Share

NEWS

stories, memories, and anecdotes in a casual and creative setting. Led by storyteller Audrey Galex. Appropriate for adults, teens and tweens

1:00 – 3:00 pm

Hidden Treasures: Your Story is a Gift – Storytelling Workshop

Discover how a memory can be shaped into a story and become a gift worth passing on. We all have a story to tell. Storytelling is central to the heart of the Jewish storytelling tradition and at the heart of human experience, nourishing the deepest roots of heart and mind. Noa guides participants in a fun and interactive process to identify and discover how a memory can be shaped into a story. All are welcome. No experience needed. Appropriate for adults and teens 16+. Workshop limited to 40 participants.

2:00 -3:00 pm

Olio – An Assortment of Jewish Stories

Local Jewish storytellers deliver heartwarming and humorous tales to make you oooh, aaah, and oy vey in one afternoon. Appropriate for adults and teens

3:00 – 4:00 pm

Storytelling at the Breman: Discover New Stories

Explore the Breman Museum’s four galleries and uncover stories that span generations and cultures. This self-guided experience encourages you to delve into history, art, and culture at your own pace. Each gallery offers the chance to discover new narratives, connections, and perspectives, making this a perfect opportunity to engage with history in a personal and meaningful way. Enjoy the freedom to explore and let the stories unfold as you immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of heritage and storytelling.

4:00 -5:00 pm

Story Cabaret

Holy Moly: Rabbinic Riffs, Legendary Laughs and Torah Tales with a Twist. Nothing is sacred when local rabbis recount absurd moments from on and off the pulpit. Appropriate for adults and teens

5:00 -6:00pm

Spark! An Open Mic Event

Come just to listen OR take a chance to take the stage and share your 5-minute personal story of “Chutzpah” – guts, courage or perseverance. Appropriate for adults and teens ì

Exhibit Features Clothing from Holocaust Survivors

By Robyn Spizman Gerson

A meaningful exhibit has opened in Washington, D.C. called “Sewn in America: Making – Meaning – Memory.” The exhibit explores the history of sewing in America from the 1700s to today through a variety of textiles including pictorial embroideries, quilts, and garments. Held at the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Museum in Washington, D.C. the exhibit includes two story cloths created by Holocaust survivor Esther Nisenthal Krinitz, who used fabric and intricate stitches to tell her daughters the story of the family she loved and lost.

Krinitz passed away in 2001 at age 74, and her daughters formed a non-profit called Art of Remembrance two years later to honor and showcase her fabric art, which wasn’t art to Krinitz at all, but rather a cathartic way of processing her loss, stitch by literal stitch. Esther’s two story cloths featured in the DAR exhibit are “Coming to America” and “We Fled Across the Fields.” One of the pieces shares Esther’s arrival in America

in front of the Statue of Liberty and the other is a haunting memory of a labor camp she (and her sister) witnessed in her village.

One of Esther’s daughters, Bernice Steinhardt, who lives in Washington, shared the impact of how her mother used needle art to thread together her

personal story of war, loss and perseverance as an immigrant. “My mother was a completely self-taught artist and we’re so lucky she depicted her journey through

In the tradition of her mother, Esther’s daughter, Bernice Steinhardt (left), teaching at a story cloth workshop at the DAR Museum // Photo Credit: DAR Museum

Holocaust survivors Esther and Max Krinitz at their wedding in a displaced persons camp in Germany.

her beautiful needlework,” Steinhardt said. “Her art was personal—she created it just for her daughters—but she would be so happy to know that her art works, including her memories the family she lost and the war she experienced, are inspiring others to share their own stories in their own ways today.”

Steinhardt shared, “I grew up with my mother’s stories when I was very young, essentially, they were adventure stories of how my mother saved herself and her sister. As I got older, I came to appreciate just how deep this story was in the way she was processing her loss and the loss of her family and remembering them. She never stopped thinking of them. Every day, she thought of her mother, but it wasn’t until she was in her 50’s and wanted my sister and me to see what her home was like. She was a gifted storyteller and a talented seamstress, sewer, knitter, and crocheter, and turned to fabric, needle and thread creating two pictures of her childhood home with one for me and one for my sister.

“Ten years later, she decided to go back to these memory pictures and created a collection of 36 images. Over the past decades, the pieces have traveled all over the country including The Breman in Atlanta, the Smithsonian, the Colum-

bus Museum of Art and the Houston Holocaust Museum among others. The entire exhibit of Esther’s work with 36 narrative pieces can also be seen at The American Visionary Art Museum (www. artandremembrance.org) in Baltimore, Md., through 2030.”

She added, “I’m incredibly proud that my mother found a way to share her memories in an enduring way and she was able to develop a talent that she didn’t know she had in a form of expres sion that is unique. She left this as a lega cy for me, my sister and our children and I will always be incredibly grateful that she was able to create this and pass it on. I only regret she didn’t live long enough to see the impact it has had on the world at-large beyond her immediate family.”

In addition to Esther’s story cloths, “Sewn in America” features more than 100 objects from wooden spools and sil ver thimbles from the 18 ries to the 21st century. The DAR Museum, located in the NSDAR Headquarters, col lects, preserves, and interprets objects used and created in American homes

“Sewn in America: Making – Meaning –Memory” will be on display through De cember 2024. Museum admission is free. For more information, please visit www. dar.org. ì

Story cloth created by Esther Krinitz entitled “Coming to America” // Photo Credit: DAR Museum

Women for Israel Serve Exciting Culinary Experience

Recently, philanthropic “wonder women” united at Congregation Or Hadash in Sandy Springs for Jewish National Fund-USA’s “Friends, Food, and Feeding

the Heart & Soul of Israel,” where community members received an authentic Israeli culinary experience while learning how the organization is turning the Negev Des-

ert into an agricultural oasis.

Co-chaired by Justine Cohen and Dalit Gal, the special Sukkot event, thrown by the organization’s Women for Israel group, featured a live cooking demonstration from Chef Shai Lavi. The owner of “Let’s Eat!” and “The Third Space,” Lavi’s Mediterranean cuisine evoked the vibrant flavors and memories of Israel while celebrating

Additionally, in keeping with the culinary theme, local lay leaders discussed the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT), a Jewish National Fund-USA supported program in Israel’s south that provides professional agricultural training to students from developing countries in Asia and Africa, empowering thousands of people to create a better future for themselves and their home communities while providing high-quality jobs to the residents of the Central

“Many of these countries do not have diplomatic relations with Israel and their people are shocked to discover a thriving nation that has made the desert bloom,” said Atlanta Women for Israel Co-chair Natasha Lebowitz. “AICAT empowers students with new skills and creates over 1,000 goodwill ambassadors each year. They return home as advocates for Israel—a true testament

Jewish National Fund-USA’s Women for Israel is a dynamic group of female philanthropists who share a passion for building a prosperous future for the land of Israel and its people. To learn more, visit jnf.org/women. For more information about Jewish National FundUSA or to learn about upcoming events in Atlanta, visit jnf.org or contact Nicole Flom at NFlom@jnf.org or 404-

(From left) Susan Levin, Mira Bergen, Lori Shapiro, Rachel Finglass

(From left) Event co-chair Dalit Gal, Chef Shai Lavi, and Noam Gal Newman // All photos by: Arnold Abelman

(From left) Jill Asrael, Samantha Weidenbaum, Barbara Kaplan, and Danielle Kaplan Wesley

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JELF Announces Million-Dollar Endowment Fund

Judith Alembik, and her son, Gary, have partnered with Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF) to create the $1 million Judith and Aaron Alembik Endowment Fund, which was established to honor the late Aaron Alembik’s memory.

When it comes to improving the lives of young people through education, Gary Alembik has had a front row seat in a masterclass taught by his parents, Judith and the late Aaron Alembik. Aaron was a French-born Holocaust survivor who moved to Columbus, Ga., after the war. Aaron attended Georgetown University, where he lived at the Hillel house while working to pay tuition.

After graduating from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service and earning his law degree from George Washington School of Law, Aaron practiced in Portsmouth, Va., before moving to Atlanta. There, he married Judith, worked as an associate at Arnall, Golden Gregory, and later founded his own firm specializing in commercial real estate. With Aaron’s encouragement, Judith pursued a law degree while raising their sons, Marc and Gary. After graduating, she joined Aaron in forming Alembik and Alembik, a firm specializing in family law and commercial real estate.

Judith and Aaron firmly believed that a quality education was the cornerstone of a successful and fulfilling life. They devoted themselves to providing their children with the best education, helping them realize their fullest potential. Today, their son Marc is an OB/GYN in Northern Virginia, while Gary, an attorney, maintains a family law mediation and arbitration practice in Atlanta.

This generous endowment will enable JELF to bridge the gap between what

the children of clergy need for school and what JELF is able to provide. “Today more than ever, rabbis and cantors are essential leaders of our Jewish communities,” explained Gary Alembik. “Through this initiative, we will honor the contributions of these clergy members by ensuring that JELF meets the soaring costs of education for their children. By partnering with one of the Southeast’s oldest continuous nonprofit organizations, this commitment will have an enduring impact on students for many generations to come.”

“We are grateful to the Alembik family for their confidence in JELF and are thrilled to be able to help the children of Jewish clergy through their generosity,” stated JELF CEO Jenna Shulman. “As the cost of education rises, JELF will continue exploring creative collaborations to help us meet an ever-increasing demand.”

For nearly 150 years, JELF and its predecessor organizations have been meeting critical needs of Jewish communities throughout Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia (excluding metro DC).

As JELF board chair Emily Sauerteig explains, “In 2024, the organization will provide $2.1 million in interest-free loans to Jewish students. However, as college costs rise, we are not able to keep up with current applicants’ demonstrated need, so fundraising remains a top priority.”

JELF’s next application window for student loans opens on Jan. 1, 2025. To learn more about JELF and this new endowment, please visit www.JELF.org/ clergy. ì

Compiled by AJT Staff

Gary and Judith Alembik display a plaque recognizing the $1 million Judith and Aaron Alembik Endowment Fund.

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Rosenthal was a World War II ‘Master of the Air’

By Bob Bahr

Among the young World War II heroes of Steven Spielberg’s ambitious Apple TV series, “Masters of the Air,” is the legendary Robert “Rosie” Rosenthal. Although more than half a million Jews served in America’s armed forces, few had a more distinguished career than Rosenthal.

He was only 24 when he enlisted in the Air Force on the same day as the United States entered the Second World War on Dec. 8, 1941. Growing up in Brooklyn during the 1930s, he had seen an America riven by a strong, homegrown, antisemitic Nazi movement, particularly in and around New York City. In a career that spanned the entire war, Rosenthal was motivated by a strong desire to carry the battle against fascism directly to the heartland of Hitler’s Germany.

Earlier this summer, the World War II Roundtable, an Atlanta historical group, presented a discussion of the “Master of the Air” series. Leading the discussion was Jeff Johnson, the group’s president at the time, who was particularly impressed by the modesty of those, like Rosenberg, who survived.

“They were not narcissistic. They were humble,” Johnson believes. “Yes, they did heroic things, but they would always give credit, credit to the guys that never came home. And that makes them a bigger hero in my mind because they possess a quality that we don’t see currently in America, where we’re much more narcissistic these days.”

Rosenberg first appears in the fourth episode of the nine-part series. In September of 1943, he became part the 418th bomber squadron of the Eighth Air Force’s 100th Bombardment Group, known as the “Bloody Hundredth.” Flying on bomber runs was so dangerous and deadly that those lucky enough to survive 25 missions were given the opportunity to be shipped back home. Many, often, didn’t live long enough to successfully complete half that number.

Just one month after arriving in Europe, Rosenberg proved his skill in combat by bringing his plane safely home after a mission over Munster, Germany. His was the only plane of the 13 that started out. In the bombing run, he lost two engines, the plane’s intercom and oxygen systems didn’t work and there was a large hole in one wing. After he landed, an unexploded cannon round was found

in one of the plane’s gas tanks.

Despite all the danger, Rosenthal took particular pride in one direct hit. It leveled the courtroom of the notorious Nazi judge, Roland Freiser, in Berlin. The judge had attended the infamous Wannsee Conference that approved plans for the Nazi’s Final Solution for the Jews of Europe.

Johnson believes the success of the Masters of the Air is, in part, due to the nostalgia for a time when American heroism paid off.

“I think that we as Americans, we hold on to World War II because that was the big one, and we won the big one. And it’s something to celebrate,” Johnson says. “It’s kind of like we’re No. 1 because we won World War II. It’s easy to romanticize and glorify that, particularly in contrast to what’s happened in the 80 years since when we stopped winning

wars. But that one victory we hold on to.”

Before the war’s end, Rosenberg flew 52 missions, mostly over occupied France and Germany, on missions that could stretch as long as nine hours.

The heroism that comes through so strongly in this series, earns it a place besides Spielberg’s other monumental histories of the war, “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific.”

The heroism shown is compounded, Johnson points out, by what these men had to endure physically. They had to fly at high altitudes in unpressurized planes where the outside temperature could drop to 50 below zero or more. “Master of the Air,” with its strong production values and seamlessly integrated special effects, captures the heroism as well as the horror of combat in the sky at 30,000 feet.

In his 52 missions, Rosenthal was

shot down three times, but he evaded crippling injury and was never captured by the Nazis. He was, however, captured by the Soviet Union after a crash landing, but they patched him up and shipped him back to England.

Rosenthal earned 16 important medals, including the Distinguished Service Cross from America, the Distinguished Flying Cross from the British government, and the Croix de Guerre from the French.

He was a Lieutenant Colonel commanding the 100th Bombardment Group at the war’s end. He then served as a lawyer at the Nuremberg Trial of Nazi war criminals, where he participated in the interrogation of Hermann Göring, who had commanded the Nazi Air Force.

In 2005, Rosenthal was inducted into the Jewish-American Hall of Fame, He died the following year, at the age of 89. ì

Rosenthal plays a prominent role in “Masters of The Air,” streaming on Apple TV.

Lt. Col. Robert Rosenthal was a highly decorated World War II hero.

One of the B-17 bombers that Rosenthal flew was called “Rosie’s Riveters.”

Proptech Startup Raises $100M Despite Ongoing War

DoorLoop, an Israeli-founded startup that developed an online software platform for managing rental properties, said that it secured $100 million in fresh funding to quadruple its workforce in Tel Aviv

Today in Israeli History

Nov. 15, 1942: Conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim, who moves to Israel in the early 1950s, is born in Buenos Aires. In 1999 he co-founds the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which combines Israelis and Palestinians each summer.

1973. // IDF

Nov. 16, 1924: Haim Bar-Lev is born in Austria. He leads the rapid conquest of Sinai in the 1956 war. He rises to IDF chief of staff in 1968 and oversees the construction of the Suez defenses known as the Bar-Lev Line.

Nov. 17, 2012: Leah Gottlieb, known as the queen of Israeli fashion, dies at 94 at her Tel Aviv home. A native of Hungary and Holocaust survivor, she was the co-founder and chief designer of swimsuit manufacturer Gottex.

Nov. 18, 1958: A reservoir for Jerusalem opens at Bayit Vegan, completing a project that began in 1955 to promote economic development and to prevent a repeat of the water shortage experienced during the War of Independence.

ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME

and expand its research and development operations in the country.

The startup, which has offices in Miami and Tel Aviv, did not disclose details of its valuation, but according to reports in the Hebrew press it is estimated to be worth around $500 million. The Series B financing round, led by U.S. investment fund JMI Equity, takes the startup’s total funding raised to date to $130 million.

With the new funding, DoorLoop seeks to invest in product development and tap into the tech talent pool in Israel. The startup has plans to embark on a hiring spree to bolster the headcount of its Tel Aviv R&D center from 50 to 200 full-time employees over the next 18 months. The startup said it is hiring for a range of positions to strengthen its customer-centric platform, including developers, product managers, QA engineers, data and business analysts, and marketing and finance experts.

Compiled by AJT Staff

Nov. 19, 1957: Ofra Haza is born in Tel Aviv to parents from Yemen. She is named Israel’s Singer of the Year annually from 1980 to 1983, finishes second at the 1983 Eurovision and voices Moses’ mother in “The Prince of Egypt.”

Egyptian President Anwar Sadat speaks to the Knesset about peace Nov. 20, 1977. //

By Ya’acov Sa’ar, Israeli Government Press Office, CC BY-SA 3.0

Nov. 20, 1977: “I come to you today on solid ground, to shape a new life, to establish peace,” Egyptian President Anwar Sadat tells the Knesset a day after arriving in Israel for the historic visit that leads to a peace treaty.

Nov. 21, 1880: Joseph Trumpeldor is born in Russia. He loses an arm while fighting in the Russo-Japanese War. He helps organize the Zion Mule Corps in World War I. In 1919, he is killed defending a Jewish settlement from Arab attack.

Nov. 22, 1967: The U.N. Security Council adopts Resolution 242, enshrining the principle of trading land for peace. Drafted in English, the resolution says Israel should withdraw from “territories,” not “the territories,” captured in war.

British Airways Suspends All Israel Flights Until March 2025

British Airways announced that it is suspending its flights to Tel Aviv until the end of March next year, amid heightened fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and as tensions rise in the Middle East.

“This will give greater certainty to our customers who we’re contacting to advise

Nov. 23, 1584: In the midst of strengthening the Muslim nature of his empire, Ottoman Sultan Murad III orders an investigation into the increase from three to 32 synagogues in Safed, where only seven mosques operate.

Nov. 24, 2006: Benny Sela, convicted of 14 sexual assaults in Tel Aviv, escapes on his way from prison in Beersheba to a hearing in Tel Aviv and flees to northern Israel. Subject to a national manhunt, he is captured Dec. 8.

Nov. 25, 1938: Kibbutz Kfar Ruppin, named for Arthur Ruppin, is founded in the Beit Shean Valley as part of the “Tower and Stockade” movement, which uses prefab materials for rapid construction of defensible settlements.

Nov. 26, 2013: An aortic aneurysm kills singer/songwriter Arik Einstein at 74 in Tel Aviv. Einstein blended folk and rock music across about 50 albums and was a driving force in the development of Israeli rock.

them of their options, including a full refund,” a spokesperson for British Airways said in an emailed statement.

The UK flag carrier joins an array of foreign airlines that have recently extended their flight cancellations to Israel. Wizz Air recently nixed all its flights to and from Israel until Jan. 15 and Delta Airlines said it was extending its cancellation of all routes to Israel through at least the end of March.

Compiled by AJT Staff

Nov. 27, 2007: A one-day conference in Annapolis, Maryland, produces a joint statement from Ehud Olmert, Mahmoud Abbas and George W. Bush committing to direct negotiations on final-status issues toward a two-state solution.

Nov. 28, 1961: After a two-year ban on Jewish emigration from Morocco, Israel launches Operation Yachin to help Moroccans make aliyah via France or Italy. By the operation’s end in 1964, more than 97,000 Jews leave Morocco.

Nov. 29, 1947: On a vote of 33-13 with 10 abstentions, the U.N. General Assembly passes Resolution 181, which calls for the partition of Palestine into separate Arab and Jewish states linked by an economic union.

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

A British Airways flight taking off from Ben Gurion International Airport, Sept. 3, 2014 // Photo Credit: Moshe Shai/Flash90/Times of Israel

The team at proptech startup DoorLoop // Photo Credit: Pazit Assolin/Times of Israel

Haim Bar-Lev (left) and an Egyptian general meet in the Sinai under U.N. auspices Oct. 24,

The Abuhav Synagogue was built in Safed in the late 15th century. // By Yoav Dothan, public domain

(From left) Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, U.S. President George W. Bush and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas address the Annapolis conference Nov. 27, 2007. // By Gin Kai, U.S. Navy

ISRAEL

Sharp Drop Recorded in Reservist Response Rate

By TOI and Agencies

There has been a significant decline in the rate of reserve soldiers showing up for duty in recent weeks compared to the start of the war, The Times of Israel reported this week.

At the start of the war, the Israel Defense Forces reported that more than 100 percent of reservists called up for duty had shown up — nearly 300,000 reservists in total, marking the largest-ever callup of reservists in Israel’s history.

In some units, the turnout rate reached 150 percent, with many reservists showing up for duty despite not receiving formal orders. However, in recent weeks, the turnout rate in the reservist units currently fighting in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip has varied between 75 percent and 85 percent, according to defense sources.

The decline has been attributed by senior officers to burnout among reservists after fighting for over a year of war, along with them being away from their families for extended periods, losing jobs, or missing academic studies.

It has also been attributed to resentment over the failure of the country to draft masses of the ultra-Orthodox community, while the national religious and secular communities serve at high rates.

The IDF has been seeking to expand its ranks and lengthen the mandatory military service time to relieve the reservists from extended duty, as many of them have already been serving for most of the war and are expected to be called up for more than 100 days of duty next year as well.

The ongoing war in Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led terrorists rampaged through southern communities, slaughtering 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. The hostilities on the northern border began shortly afterward and ramped up significantly in recent months.

The military has said that it currently requires some 10,000 new soldiers — mostly combat troops — but can only accommodate the enlistment of an additional 3,000 ultra-Orthodox this year, due to their specific needs. This group is in addition to some 1,800 Haredi soldiers who are already drafted annually.

The dispute over the ultra-Orthodox community serving in the military is one of the most contentious in Israel, with decades of governmental and judicial attempts to settle the issue never achieving a stable resolution. The Haredi religious and political leadership fiercely resists any effort to draft its community’s young men.

Many ultra-Orthodox Jews say that military service is incompatible with their way of life, and fear that those who enlist will be secularized.

Israelis who do serve, however, say the decades-long arrangement of mass exemptions unfairly burdens them, a sentiment that has intensified since the Oct. 7 onslaught and the ensuing war, in which more than 780 soldiers have been killed and some 300,000 citizens called up to reserve duty.

This past year, 63,000 Haredi males were listed as eligible for military service. ì

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Ultra-Orthodox Israelis protest against mandatory military service, outside IDF Recruitment Center in Jerusalem, Oct. 31, 2024 // Photo Credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90/Times of Israel

Kasten, Friedman Celebrate Dodgers’ Championship

David Ostrowsky

There was a time, not terribly long ago, when the Brooklyn Dodgers, later to be transplanted to Los Angeles, frequently participated in the World Series. It was the mid-1900s and the Dodgers, whose pitching staff was anchored by Jewish Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, were extraordinarily popular in Brooklyn, a borough with an immense Jewish population, perhaps even more so than the dynastic crosstown Yankees.

It was, in fact, the heyday of the fabled franchise . . . until, apparently, this decade, in which the LA Dodgers have won two of the past five World Series, including this year’s Fall Classic over the Yanks, prompting President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman to remark, “My ultimate, big-picture goal is that, when we are done, that we’re able to look back and say, ‘That was the golden era of Dodger baseball.’”

Throughout the early part of his run as President of Baseball Ops, Friedman was often gun-shy about dishing out massive contracts to splashy free agents, even though he had vast financial resources at his disposal courtesy of the Guggenheim Partners ownership group. That all changed this past December when the Dodgers’ front office, which includes longtime Atlanta multi-sport executive Stan Kasten – a member of the Jewish community who was front and center of the World Series trophy presentation at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 30 -- went on an unprecedented billion-dollar-plus spending spree, greenlighting the free-agent signings of the once-in-a-lifetime talent that is Shohei Ohtani and his fellow Japanese countryman, pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Of course, there is no guarantee that shelling out bigtime dollars to free agents in December will translate to October success. But it did for this year’s Dodgers as the Friedman-led LA front office pulled the right strings to fine-tune an already stacked roster as the club’s injury-riddled season played out, positioning the Dodgers for a sustainable 2024 postseason run – and likely for future Octobers to come.

“I think it’s just how cohesive and collaborative we are as a group,” Friedman told the media before Game 1 of the World Series, which the Dodgers cap-

tured in five games for their first championship in a non-truncated season since 1988. “We’re not afraid to make mistakes. We make plenty of them, but collectively learn from it. And it’s something that we are very mindful. We’ve seen larger revenue teams in the past that have had a run of success and then fallen off a cliff and taken years and years to build back.

“We have worked very hard at the art of how to balance the now and the future to put us in position to have a chance to win a World Series every year. That’s our goal, and that is our focus obviously right now and in each year. I think it’s just how cohesive all the various departments and people are together that’s enabled that or helped in that.”

For all the talk of cohesion and collaboration that were hallmarks of this year’s world champions, the Dodgers instantly became a global sensation last winter when Friedman brokered a deal to land Ohtani for 10 years at $700 million; less than a year later, it is rather apparent that the Dodgers’ investment,

while perhaps considered outlandish at the time, has proven to be justifiable.

With Ohtani in Dodger Blue (next year he potentially will be pitching in addition to hitting), an already extremely deep-pocketed Los Angeles franchise drew close to four million fans into Dodger Stadium this season, coming in at an MLB-best 3,941,251 (48,657 per game), while pacing Major League Baseball in road attendance (36,253 per game). A report in USA Today stated that the outfield wall of Dodger Stadium was slated to generate $6.5 million in advertising revenue this year, after bringing in $500,000 in 2023. All told, the ballclub was estimated to have generated more than $30 million in new revenue in 2024, tops among U.S. professional sports teams this year.

“We have always been, I think, the most popular team in Asia,” Kasten told Sports Business Journal last month. “But now it’s reached a whole other level, in a way we could not have predicted. I can’t walk to any part of my stadium on any

day that I don’t run into a tour group. It’s been an amazing thing. As I have said from the start, and MLB will confirm: The combination of our profile and Shohei’s profile is really baseball putting its best foot forward. It’s good for baseball domestically, and really good for baseball internationally as well.”

With a core of big-name veterans, which includes, of course, former Braves great and 2024 World Series MVP Freddie Freeman, nicely complemented by more unheralded players Friedman has acquired, the Dodgers loom as a perennial title contender for the balance of the 2020s, perhaps ushering in a “golden era” for the franchise. At the very least, irrespective of how the winter months play out – LA will surely be in the mix for one of the Jewish free agents (Max Fried, Alex Bregman, Joc Pederson) – it’s hard to imagine that for next year’s presumably far healthier Atlanta Braves team, the road to the 2025 World Series won’t go through Los Angeles. ì

With team president Stan Kasten looking on behind him, LA Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, celebrates the team’s second World Series title this decade // Photo Credit: LA Dodgers social media

Kraft’s Foundation Releases Antisemitism Report

By David Ostrowsky

By any measure, the numbers are sobering.

Earlier this fall, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS), the nonprofit organization established by New England Patriots principal owner Robert Kraft dedicated to suppressing antisemitism and all forms of bigotry, revealed its inaugural research and data report. Grounded in studies of hundreds of millions of social media posts, websites, blogs, and forums, the organization’s inaugural published report, “Stand Up to Jewish Hate: The US Antisemitism Landscape Survey,” indicated that 21 percent of U.S. adults believed Jews are at least somewhat a threat to the unity of American society, up from 12 percent one year earlier; in addition, compared to the macro trend of 25 percent of all American adults being classified as Haters or Leaning Haters, 32 percent of those aged 18-32 years old are now classified in this category --  a notable 13-point increase from a year ago. All told, it seems abundantly clear that the trend of heightened antisemitism in America has accelerated over the past 12 months, particularly among those who identify as Millennials and Gen Zers.

“This inaugural FCAS report highlights the disturbing trends in attitudes about Jewish hate and all hate that we are seeing take place across our nation,” noted Kraft in an FCAS press release issued back in September. “Hate is out of control in our country, and I have never seen anything like this in my lifetime. Understanding what is driving this increase in Jewish hate and the decline we are seeing in allies who are willing to stand up against it, is critical to our ongoing mission to combat all hate.”

Long before he assumed control of one of the most successful franchises in NFL history, Kraft, 83, grew up in a very religious Jewish household in Brookline, Mass. Since soaring to great heights in corporate America, Kraft has made dozens of trips to Israel where he has championed American football and in 2019 was awarded the Genesis Prize for his unflagging commitment to Jewish philanthropic causes.

During his subsequent acceptance speech in Jerusalem on June 20, 2019, Kraft announced the establishment of his foundation to combat antisemitism, one in which he helped kick-start with a $25 million donation. In the half-decade since its inception, as the need for coun-

tering antisemitism has only intensified, FCAS unveiled an omnichannel nationwide campaign, #StandUpToJewishHate, which aired a commercial during last year’s Super Bowl featuring MLK speechwriter Clarence Jones and branded the blue square as a global symbol of solidarity against antisemitism.

Even though millions of Americans may be consuming the message, the previously mentioned numbers make it clear that millions more need to be further enlightened.

“This new report provides a crucial snapshot of the growing challenge of antisemitism and hate in America,” acknowledged Tara Levine, who was hired as President of FCAS in summer 2023 after serving as President of Mayfield Advisory, in which she partnered with consumer packaging goods businesses to successfully navigate growth inflection points. “The trends are troubling, but they also serve as a powerful reminder of why we must intensify our efforts and reach those sitting on the sidelines to ensure they stand up against hate in every form.”

Because Kraft is such a towering figure in the NFL – the New England Patriots have already won six Super Bowls this century and are one of the most highlyvalued franchises – sports are deeply ingrained in the fabric of FCAS. One of the core functions of FCAS is steering unengaged Americans (i.e. “those sitting on the sidelines”) toward active allyship and the foundation – in conjunction with all

of the major sports league commissioners – has recently rolled out the ”Timeout Against Hate” campaign, headlined by celebrity athletes and coaches, to encourage people to take a stand. The campaign, which has been promoted across TV, social media, billboards, and podcasts, has already generated more than two billion impressions in its full-fledged effort to counter the evils inherent in many social media outlets.

“We’ve made history uniting major North American sports leagues in ways no other organization has before for this particular cause,” added Levine, when speaking to the AJT. “The role that social media is playing cannot be overstated and that is one of the reasons that we are increasing our work at FCAS focused on reaching unengaged Americans online –through messaging that creates empathy and understanding. Social media is a digital landscape younger generations have grown up with that others haven’t.

“Many other recent studies have shown that younger people are more conflict averse. They now turn to social media to process a lot of their own beliefs in what is felt as a private and safer place. If not used carefully, younger folks can get swept up in social media’s polarizing effects. It’s an ecosystem where people can easily find communities that share their same points of view and shut the dissenting opinions out through algorithms and curated feeds.”

While the frequently nationally televised “Timeout Against Hate” campaign

is a cornerstone of FCAS, the foundation has initiated many programs whereby Americans can convene in person to foster empathy and address unconscious biases head-on, one of the most notable being the Unity Dinner series. In partnership with UNCF and Hillel, such dinners have galvanized Black and Jewish college students across the country as well as hundreds of guests, local leaders, and students from HBCUs (17 schools total) and predominantly white institutions. Some participating Atlanta schools include Agnes Scott College, Clark Atlanta University, Emory University, Georgia Tech Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, Oglethorpe University, and Spelman College.

All told, merely a half-decade in, FCAS has made great strides in harnessing the clout of major broadcast networks and the multifaceted world of social media to raise awareness of its signature mission.

“Robert Kraft founded FCAS in 2019 because he saw hate rising in America and, to him, it felt like Germany in the 1930s,” Levine shared. “As someone who has the unique ability to “see around corners,” he knew he needed to intervene to ensure that America didn’t become Germany in the 1940s. FCAS and fighting Jewish hate and all hate is Robert Kraft’s passion, and he is a part of everything we do at the organization and is an incredible champion for this work.” ì

Tara Levine, who became president of FCAS a year ago, spoke to the Atlanta Jewish Times earlier this month about the organization’s plans to further its mission of enlightening Americans about the dangers of antisemitism // Photo Credit: FCAS

Eight Years Later, Sitting Shiva Again

Dave Schechter From Where I Sit

Eight years ago this week, my column was titled, “Sitting Shiva for an Election Loss.”

“Their grief was palpable,” I wrote. “The unexpected manner in which the deceased passed left them confused, angry, and scared. They consoled one another, shed tears, and gave quivering voice to their anxieties and fears.”

The 71 percent of Jewish voters that backed Hillary Clinton “were sitting a sort of shiva, mourning the death of an ideal, their vision of America,” I continued. “The wailing and lamentations of those stricken began in the dark hours before dawn the morning after Election Day and continued throughout that day and into the days that followed.”

As for President-elect Donald Trump, “Accession to the highest office in the land by a man they regarded with such contempt could scarcely be believed.”

Fast forward eight years and, depending on your exit poll of choice, somewhere in the range of 66 to 79 percent of Jewish voters nationally cast ballots for Kamala Harris (though Trump received strong support in Orthodox communities). I could, with relatively minor edits, write the same column, as Trump has defeated the second woman to be her party's presidential standard bearer.

Nearly identical emotions were present in the phone calls, texts, and emails I received on the Wednesday that followed Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and in the days after.

The most striking came from a woman long active in Jewish communal work in Atlanta. “So many feelings today,” she texted. “I feel as if I ought to rip my shirt and pin a piece of black cloth to it.”

Members of an Atlanta congregation received an email that said: “The Presidentelect of our United States espoused views and promoted narratives during the campaign . . . that run directly counter to the values of our community. Many of us wake with the question –- will we and our loved ones really be OK? And what do we tell our kids, each other, ourselves?”

The election has only exacerbated the political and cultural divides in this country. Assessing reactions in the week since, both sides appear to have written off the other as being worthy of consideration as fellow citizens.

Rabbi Joshua Heller of Congregation B’nai Torah framed the election around the Torah portion Lech Lecha and the relationship between Avram (not yet known as Abraham)

and Lot, which fractures as “a dispute among their shepherds leads to the conclusion that ‘this land is not big enough for the both of us.’” They part ways, headed in opposite directions. “It is not hard to draw the analogy to the current moment, as we have come to the end of a contentious fight over who will be our shepherds,” Heller wrote. “There are those who, even now, base their ideology on ‘if you go left, I will go right.’ What matters to them is not whether the path is objectively best, but that it is the opposite of the path chosen by one’s opponent. Each might say that they are on the true path and the others are divergent.”

A few weeks before the election, Edward Lindsey, a Republican and former Georgia House majority whip, who previously served on the state election board, offered a prescription. “It begins with all of us,” Lindsey told an audience at The Temple. “We don’t spend enough time moving outside of our comfort zone. You’ve got to get used to talking to people you don’t agree with. Go back to those friends you’ve written off.”

Strictly my observation, of course, but many of Harris’ Jewish supporters appear to have little interest, at least for now, in having the tough conversations, among themselves or with Trump’s Jewish supporters — some of whom, it must be said, are gloating and exploring the meaning of the German word Schadenfreude.

While we’re on the subject, a few other post-election thoughts:

Georgia remains “red.” Joe Biden’s 2020 victory over Trump — the first Democratic win in Georgia since Bill Clinton in 1992 — and the U.S. Senate victories of Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock gave rise to talk that Georgia had gone “purple,” even trending toward “blue.” I didn’t see it then and I don’t see it now. Those 2020 victories were a veneer. Republicans have held the governor’s office and the state Senate since 2003 and the state House since 2005. If one of those changes, then maybe you can take out a purple crayon.

Only 22 of the 56 seats in the state Senate were contested, the uncontested split fairly evenly between Democrats and Republicans. Just half of the 180 House seats were contested, the remainder likewise evenly divided. Representative government requires more competition — for the good of the citizens of Georgia, as well as the two parties.

Dozens of countries have had women as their head of state. After 248 years, the United States is overdue for a spot on that list. That is not a partisan comment. Women should have the same opportunity as men to succeed or fail in the Oval Office.

More than 72 percent of active registered voters in the state cast ballots. Whatever your opinion of the outcome, that is a good thing. ì

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KIDS CLUB KIT

Letters to the Editor

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

Letter to the Editor,

Why health care is a Jewish issue and why the Inflation Reduction Act is a Tzedakah based health care system.

The famous line “justice, justice, shall you pursue” is a call for us to live a life filled with tzedakah. Our Atlanta Jewish community’s long and deep involvement in social justice issues is a testament to our commitment to this principle. However, across denominational lines, drawn from text, pursuing justice goes beyond our judicial system, it also calls for the right to equal access to basic healthcare -- especially for our aging population.

That is why I’m thrilled to celebrate the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, which reduces healthcare costs, especially for our seniors. Medicare now has the authority to negotiate lower prices for the costliest drugs, including medications that treat conditions like diabetes, heart failure, blood clots, and autoimmune disorders. The law also caps monthly insulin costs at $35 for people with Medicare, provides free recommended vaccines, and penalizes drug companies that increase prices faster than inflation. Starting next year, seniors’ drug costs will be capped at $2,000 annually. Previously, there was no limit on what they had to pay. The Inflation Reduction Act also lowered premium costs for people who buy coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Together, these policies are saving people like me thousands of dollars on health care costs, giving us much-needed breathing room in our budgets.

In all my years working with Blue Cross, Hospital Corporations and large physician groups did I think I’d witness such a significant shift in healthcare and prescription drug pricing.

Not only did Republicans voted unanimously against the Inflation Reduction Act, but former President Trump and his allies are working behind the scenes to repeal it. Their policy agenda will raise prescription drug and insurance premium costs for nearly 20 million Americans and strip away health care from 45 million.

Abbie Fuksman, Atlanta

Disclamer to our readers:

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

Letter to the Editor,

Dear Commissioners,

Re: Reconsideration of resolution condemning massacre of Israeli citizens: https://www.ajc.com/neighborhoods/cobb/cobb-commission-withdraws-resolutionsupporting-israel/XP35FLACZBDEHCJWSLPDQLQLWA/

While it’s a fair question to ask whether Cobb County’s elected officials should have a foreign policy, the question here is a whether the Commission should refrain from vehemently protesting the actions of an international mob and mindset that has as its stated goal the genocidal destruction of the Jewish people, including anyone in this community who might be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

One would hope that members of the Commission know the difference between a dispute over some zoning ordinance and another that was intentionally escalated through premeditated government sponsored murders that were intended to invite a heavy response with foreknowledge that civilians would be put cynically and intentionally at grave risk by those, who as we’ve seen recently and many times in the past, are perfectly willing to lie through their teeth.

Why would they do such a thing? Perhaps you should read the Hamas charter and ask yourselves: Do these people really want anything other than a holy war? Here is the link: https://irp.fas.org/world/para/docs/hamas-2017.pdf

It’s time to stand up against moral turpitude especially when it’s wrapped in selfrighteous indignation. Anything else is complicity.

With appreciation for your service to the community, please show leadership in this matter for others to follow.

Sincerely,

Spencer Reibman, Cobb County Voter

AJA to Host Concert on Nov. 17

Hadassah Takes Part in ‘Remembrance & Resilience’ Expo

Atlanta Jewish Academy is thrilled to announce a special concert on Sunday, Nov. 17, starting at 6:30 p.m., in the school’s beautiful atrium and theatre. This event will mark the launch of AJA’s Causematch crowdsourcing campaign, with the goal of securing early donations to support the school’s initiatives.

Join AJA for a memorable evening featuring the incredible sounds of Yaniv Zarif, a renowned vocalist who captivates audiences with his ability to sing in 32 languages. Yaniv has performed around the globe, and his talent promises to create an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

The concert is advertised as a “Par-

ents Night Out,” but it is open to the entire community. Guests will enjoy food and drinks provided by EB Catering, all included in the ticket price of $36. The school invites everyone to join them for a night of music, community, and support for Atlanta Jewish Academy.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Atlanta Jewish Academy

Atrium and Theatre

Admission: $36 (includes food and drink)

Compiled by AJT Staff

Hadassah Greater Atlanta participated in the community event, “United in Remembrance and Resilience,” on Sunday, Oct. 27, which matched with the Hebrew date for Oct. 7, 2023. The Israeli expo focused on resilience, healing, and the many ways to connect with Israel.

Hadassah members manned a table filled with information about Hadassah and all the activities and advocacy work that the organization does in Israel, here in the United States, and around the world. Hadassah works to advocate for women on local, state and federal levels.

Hadassah, the largest woman’s Zion-

ist Organization in America, with nearly 300,000 women, is strongly connected to Israel. The opening of Hadassah’s new Gandel Rehabilitation Center in Jerusalem serves all Israelis, in particular injured Israeli soldiers helping them recuperate from their medical conditions and injuries. The Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, also in Jerusalem, is a worldrenowned medical research institute as well as a champion in innovative medicine. For more information go to hadassah.org. ì

by

Compiled

AJT Staff

Pictured (from left) at the exhibit table for Hadassah at the “United in Remembrance and Resilience” event are Simone Wilker, Phyllis M. Cohen, and Terry Nordin

Yaniv Zarif will perform at Atlanta Jewish Academy on Nov. 17 to help kick off the school’s Causematch crowdsourcing campaign.

Hadassah Campaigns for Breast Cancer Awareness HOD Lodges Present Donation to IDF Widows & Orphans

Hadassah Greater Atlanta and Hadassah chapters around the U.S. recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. More than 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. this year. Hadassah is educating and advocating about breast cancer while building support for groundbreaking research.

A new study by one of the Hadassah Medical Organization’s top breast cancer oncologists, Dr. Shani Paluch-Shimon, appears in the journal Nature, titled, “BRCA Genetic Testing and Counseling in Breast Cancer: How Do We Meet Our Patients’ Needs?”

The review examines the implications of BRCA testing for patients with breast cancer, summarizes current approaches to testing, provides potential solutions to support wider adoption of mainstreaming testing practices and considers future directions of testing.

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome accounts for approximate-

ly 10 percent of breast cancer cases, and BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the main genes involved in genetic susceptibility to breast cancer. Patients harboring BRCA genes are more likely to develop breast cancer at a younger age.

Hadassah supports the bipartisan Find it Early Act. A delay in diagnosis can have serious consequences. The Find it Early Act will require private and government insurers to cover the exorbitant out of pocket costs often faced by high-risk women who require screenings, such as ultrasound and MRI to diagnose their cancer, thereby removing this ‘hidden cost’ of breast cancer diagnosis. Hadassah is asking everyone to urge their United States legislators to support the bipartisan Find It Early Act to expand access to diagnostic breast cancer screenings. Write or email your legislator today! Tell them to vote yes to the Find it Early Act!! ì

Compiled by AJT Staff

The Hebrew Order of David Foundation, comprised of the 23 HOD Lodges worldwide, presented a check for $200,000 to the IDF Widows & Orphans Fund, Sunday, Nov. 3. The check represents the latest results in an ongoing campaign to fund an educational endowment for widows and orphans of fallen servicemen of the IDF, police officers, and other security personnel.

Since Oct 7, 2023, the number of widows and children who have lost one or both parents has increased by more than 750. Among IDFWO’s numerous programs and support initiatives, annual scholarships are a crucial component to foster the academic and personal growth of widows and adult orphans within the organization.

Beginning in 2025, when individual scholarships are expected to increase to $2,400 per recipient, the endowment will fund several scholarships annually. In this way, the Hebrew Order of David International is creating a lasting legacy of support for future generations of orphans of fallen Israeli security personnel.

HOD leaders in North America began working with a network of benefactors this past summer to set up a philanthropy program to match HOD donations to IDFWO dollar for dollar. In the process, they established the HOD Foundation Philanthropy Fund to better man-

age donations for this and other causes.

"Through HOD’s many connections in the Jewish world, the Jewish Men’s fraternity has been able to greatly expand fundraising efforts. It was time for us to step up,” said David Joss, Deputy Grand Lodge President of HOD. “We worked together to start our Buses for Birthright campaign in 2023, which resulted in raising $390,000 to support two busloads of young Jews to participate in Birthright trips to Israel. Anat Sultan Dadon, Israeli Consul General to the Southeastern United States, brought to our attention the need to support IDFWO, and we took a tremendous effort in a very short time.”

In addition to the campaigns for IDFWO and Birthright, HOD also raised funds for United Hatzalah, right after the Hamas invasion of Israel. Together, the three campaigns have raised more than $800,000.

The check presentation capped the ceremonies celebrating HOD International’s 120th anniversary and the 25th anniversary in North America and the installation of new officers for Atlanta’s lodges. On hand for the presentation were Hagar Daniels Ozeri with her baby, Ella Ozeri. Hagar’s husband made the supreme sacrifice and gave his life last year for Israel and the Jewish people. ì

Compiled by AJT Staff

Members of the Hebrew Order of David presented a $200,000 donation to the IDF Widows & Orphans Fund on Nov. 3.

Simone Wilker, Hadassah Southeastern Advocacy Chair, asks everyone to urge their legislator to vote yes for the bipartisan Find it Early Act, as Hadassah continues to advocate breast cancer awareness, along with legislation for greater early access and affordability to breast cancer detection.

STYLE

Jewish Atlanta ’ s Stylish Simchas and Celebrations

WINTER SIMCHAS

Attorney ‘Dawgs’ Wed at The Estate

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Ariel and Kasey grew up 100 miles apart but were raised in different worlds. Ariel, the daughter of Daryl and Ronit Pinsky, grew up in Sandy Springs. Decades ago, Daryl, from Miami, met Ronit, an Israeli. Kasey, on the other hand, was raised in Woodbury, a tiny rural farming town in west-central Georgia. All of Kasey’s ancestors, including parents Ken Clark and David and Amanda Anderson, have deep Southern roots.

Kasey and Ariel crossed paths in 2016 while taking the same University of Georgia political science class taught by Congressman John Barrow. They only officially met

later at the class’s farewell reception. They kept “running into” each other and realized they had several mutual friends. When Ariel asked Kasey to her semi-formal, Kasey told his mother that he “really liked this girl.” True to his words, Kasey proposed on the Jaffa Beach boardwalk during a last-minute trip to Israel, hiding a ring in his pocket and surprising her by proposing.

Ariel and Kasey were married at The Estate in Buckhead on Aug. 24 with 200 family and friends. They chose The Estate because of its prime location, beautiful interior and exterior, and for its ability to shift indoors to the outside, weather permitting. The Estate also has an abundance of

natural light overlooking the fountain and gardens. On site Legendary Events catered. The reception featured a station-style dinner, attended by servers who whipped up BBQ braised short ribs, paprika rubbed chicken, fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes, ravioli, and Southern classics like squash casserole, and grits. The signature cocktail was a classic margarita. Kasey and Ariel’s first dance was to Bobby Darin’s “Beyond the Sea.”

The bride’s dress was custom designed by Israeli designer Helena Kolan. Ariel previously visited her store in Tel Aviv, with mom, Ronit. The dress was a strapless corset style with layers of vintage lace and flo-

ral appliqué replicating floating roses with a transparent back and detachable train. The back had pearl buttons. The veil was a cathedral-style that featured matching floating vintage roses. Kasey wore a classic black tuxedo with suspenders by Mallory Kalajian (Tom James Company).

The wedding color scheme was in neutrals with pops of color from the flowers. The linens, chairs, table settings, and escort cards were white, off-white and beige. The flowers included bright pink and light blue hydrangea, white stock anemones and Sahara roses, Sarah Bernhard peonies/garden roses, hot pink roses, cherry brandy roses, orange ranunculus, and orange roses. The

Ariel carried a bouquet of pink and blue hydrangea, vendela roses, white stock, Sahara roses and blue tweedier.

cake was four-tier with floating flowers in vanilla bean and lemon buttermilk.

The couple met with Rabbi Peter Berg monthly for the year prior to the wedding. During the chuppah, Rabbi Berg honored Ariel’s Ashkenazi and Sephardic roots. The ceremonial tallit was from Ariel’s uncle’s bar mitzvah. Since Kasey’s family is Southern Baptist, Rabbi Berg made sure to explain each tradition as it was many guests’ first Jewish wedding.

Ariel walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of “Vehi Sheamda.” Ariel’s grandparents, Miriam and Danny Franco, celebrated their first grandchild’s marriage. Despite ongoing war and limited flight options, they journeyed from Tel Aviv to walk down the aisle and recited “If I Forget Thee O’ Jerusalem.”

The rings were custom designed by the bride’s parents, wholesale jewelers, and

owners of Crown Diamonds. The engagement ring was a solitaire oval with a hidden halo and diamonds on the band in a white gold setting. The band was a shared prong, infinity round diamond style in white gold.

Father Daryl said, “Walking Ariel down the aisle brought back a flood of wonderful, special memories. And then my happiness sky-rocketed even more when I realized, “I get to have grandchildren!”

Today Kasey and Ariel, both attorneys, live in Midtown. Both graduated from UGA law school. Ariel is a “double dawg,” and Kasey is a “triple dawg” by adding a master’s degree.

Kasey and Ariel honeymooned in Thailand and Bali -- Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Ubud, and Uluwatu for a mix of beach and jungle. Their favorite part was visiting the elephant sanctuary in the mountains of northern Thailand. ì

Event Vendors

Videographer: Paro’s Films

Makeup: Paula Xiong

Hair: Kayla Williams

Music: Emerald Empire Band

Wedding planner: Maren White, Toast Events

Ronit and Daryl Pinsky, parents of the bride, took an emotional walk down the aisle.

Ariel and Kasey are both attorneys and live in Midtown // All Photos by Zach Hawkins Photography

Top Left: Ariel’s grandparents, Danny and Miriam Franco, made the journey from Israel to be part of the wedding.

Top Right: Ariel with her mom and sister, Korin Pinsky

Bottom: Ariel’s rings were custom designed by the bride’s parents, Ronit and Daryl Pinsky, wholesale jewelers who own Crown Diamond company.

Wedding Starts New Family & New Law Practice

By Bob Bahr

Joshua Elbaz’s romance with Falon Stimpson began over what both thought would be light conversation with pizza on Valentine’s Day last year. Both were busy criminal trial lawyers in Gwinnett County where he was an Assistant District Attorney. She had a busy trial schedule helping clients, often with a history of drug abuse and mental health problems.

Although they approach the law from different sides of the courtroom, Elbaz, the prosecuting attorney, and Stimpson the defense lawyer, struck up a casual friendship around the Lawrenceville courthouse where they each spent much of their time.

So it wasn’t that unusual for Stimpson to invite her fellow attorney out for a relaxing evening, as many others that day were celebrating romance. Perhaps it was something in the air that evening last year, or perhaps, as Elbaz later admitted, it was bashert, or “meant to be.” But the conversation was long and deep. He touched on the tragedy of the sudden and unexpected death of two younger brothers and the loss of his father, who was born in Morocco. And burden of loss that he still experienced. The five hours they spent talking together that night transformed their relationship.

“I didn’t think I would just have such a connection with somebody about that,” the future bride remembers. “It felt very real as we talked about our sentiments and feelings and

beliefs. It was certainly so much more than you’d hear over some pizza.”

But that fateful evening was the beginning of even more than a serious romantic relationship. It also led to a decision to form a professional partnership. In June of last year, against the advice of almost everyone they knew, including their parents, they started a law practice together. Elbaz’s boss in the DA’s office at first thought he was kidding when he told him he was quitting to practice law with the woman he had met just three months before.

“I can’t tell you how many people said, don’t start a law practice together before you get married. It’s a mistake,” Elbaz recalled. “People that I trusted, and people that have been very reliable mentors didn’t think it was

a good idea. But it turned out to be that rare situation where you trust instinct more than you do logic, something that is even more rare for two attorneys to do.”

Despite the cautions of their friends, what started out as the firm of Elbaz and Stimpson a year and a half ago has become a thriving practice. But at the beginning, Falon Stimpson remembers, it took a considerable amount of self-confidence.

“We had to take a leap of faith,” she said. “We had talked so much about it, but I felt like, yes, we can do this. I really feel like this was going to work out and it’s going to be good. We just didn’t know it was going to be this good.”

Almost a year and a half later, on Oct.

Elbaz kisses Stimpson after the outdoor ceremony at the TPC Sugarloaf Country Club.

5, after a wedding before 150 guests at TPC Sugarloaf Country Club in Gwinnett County, under a chuppah entwined with white roses, they officially became Elbaz and Elbaz. Cantor Harry Bloch officiated with Ron Schwartz and composed the wedding service.

But when the big day came, both had experiences they hadn’t expected. For the bride, there were thoughts that despite all the planning that had gone into the occasion something disastrous might occur. What if it became, in her words, “a disorganized gobbeldygook.”

“At the wedding, how is it all going to turn out? Am I going to mess this up somehow?,” she remembers. “Maybe every bride thinks it, but when I got ready to walk down the aisle, I was overwhelmed by emotion because I thought, wow, I actually made it here. I’m going to marry the love of my life, and I was thanking G-d for it.”

During the ceremony as he listened to

words being said, Joshua Elbaz also found his thoughts wandering. This momentous occasion had somehow reawakened the unresolved emotions he had felt of the passing of his two younger brothers and his father.

“The day was gorgeous, perfect weather. And I remember looking up at the trees nearby. And in that moment, with the breeze blowing through the trees, I felt like my dad and my brothers had just whispered to my soul, and said, ‘You’re OK.’ I had struggled with this grief for years, but they were essentially saying in that moment, ‘we’re moving on.’ Since that day, I had never felt that sadness again And that’s part of what this wedding was to me. It’s me and Falon, and we’re going to start a family. Those thoughts I had then meant a lot to me as a man. For that and for so much more, it meant a lot to me to get married.” ì

Support quality Jewish education by redirecting your Georgia state taxes through our newly revamped program! Formerly the Alef Fund, this initiative lets you turn your tax dollars into direct support for education at no extra cost to you.

Joshua Elbaz breaks the glass per tradition, with new bride, Falon Stimpson, by his side. Cantor Harry Bloch was the officiant.

The reading of the ketubah, the marriage contract.

Women Pass the Torah to Harper

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

On Aug. 24, Harper Bernstein celebrated her bat mitzvah with a Havdalah service led by The Temple’s Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus and Cantor Tracey Scher. Parents, Sarah Bernstein and Tim Adkins, knew that Harper would have confidence and poise in addressing the congregation. As a Woodward Academy student and member of the school’s theater program, Harper landed the lead role for the school play, “Holes,” the Monday after her bat mitzvah.

Harper’s mom, Sarah Bernstein, works for Jewish Family & Career Services where she is the PAL and Young Professional Manager. Dad, Tim Adkins, is Director of Marketing and Corporate Impact at Hands on Atlanta.

At an early age, Harper volunteered

with both parents at events. For Harper’s mitzvah project, she applied for a Gather Grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and was awarded $180 towards her bat mitzvah project. Harper gathered a group of Jewish/non-Jewish friends to help bake more than 100 muffins for the JF&CS Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program. It was important that her nonJewish friends help also to “lean in” and learn more about a bat mitzvah.

Traditionally, the Torah ritual is passed from generation to generation. This family opted to make their own tradition and passed the Torah from generations of women on Harper’s maternal side; Greatgrandmother, Betty Garrett, grandmother, Patricia Simon, mother, Sarah Bernstein and daughter passed the Torah that ended in Harper’s arms.

The rockin’ party took place at The Temple. Let’s Celebrate ran with the idea of “Harper Fest” with bright colors, disco balls and a festival-themed décor. They turned The Temple ballroom into a real-life music festival.

Sarah recalled, “Friends and family were blown away when they entered the party. Ghost the MC and Atlanta Fever bought their ‘A game’ and got everyone dancing.”

Guests enjoyed fairy hair, glitter tattoos, yummy ice cream and pink cotton candy. The kids’ favor was a hot pink Harper Fest T-shirt. Scenesations Photography designed a unique sign-in guest book and photo booth. Guests dined on street tacos and festivalthemed foods from C Parks Catering.

Harper wore a lavender tweed dress with jacket for the service. For the party, she wore a hot pink romper from 12th Tribe

with white high-top Converse All-Stars and a pink cowgirl hat. For Harper’s grand entrance, she danced to “Alien Super Star” by Beyonce. Harper worked with Atlanta Fever on the music to achieve a true music festival atmosphere.

The Rafshoon family has been members of The Temple for more than 60 years. Harper is the first great-grandchild to Betty Garrett and Gerald Rafshoon. Betty Garrett, aka “BG,” is a big part of Harper’s upbringing as Harper and Sarah lived with her for eight years. Harper’s great-grandfather, Gerald Rafshoon, former White House Communications Director for President Jimmy Carter, loved Harper’s speech and was impressed with Harper’s natural stage ability.

Harper’s aunt, Jaclyn Rothenberg, was spokesperson and Director of Public Affairs and Planning Division at FEMA and the

Harper danced to Beyonce’s “Alien Super Star” in her Converse high tops // All Photos by Scenesations

A poised and confident Harper just landed the lead role in the Woodward Academy performance of “Holes.”

former Georgia Communications Director for President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. Harper worked with Jaclyn on her speech, which covered women’s issues and what it means to be Jewish today. Since Harper comes from a politically oriented family, she ponders about her own political career later in life.

Party planner Melissa Miller, MmEvents had met Sarah on a women’s Israel trip, and worked together at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Sarah helped Melissa with her events as a team member specializing as a “day of “coordinator.

Sarah stated, “Melissa is helpful, honest and supportive. I love how detail-oriented

she is. Melissa is not just a friend, she’s family. I loved having her by my side throughout this whole experience.”

Joan Rubenstein, Flower Design By Joan, used pink and white flowers to feminize the mood in the Temple sanctuary.

Sarah concluded, “Harper is truly a special human being who knows how to bring people together, find the best in everyone and everything, and how to captivate an audience. Harper’s always been up for a challenge, never knowing how it may turn out. Harper’s willingness to try, help others and never give up is inspiring. We are so proud of her Jewish journey. This is just the beginning of a wonderful life for her.” ì

SPOTLIGHT ON TALENT

Art Show & Sale

The Temple Sinai Fine Arts Committee is delighted to announce an Art Show and Sale featuring congregational members' work and several local artists spanning a variety of media

Pre-Registration Requested* Saturday, December 7 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Reception, Art Show & Sale

Sunday, December 8 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Art Show & Sale

Temple Sinai Atlanta 5645 Dupree Drive

Sandy Springs, GA 30327

*For more information and to register for Saturday evening, visit www.templesinaiatlanta.org/artshow

Sarah bonded with event planner, Melissa Miller, on a trip to Israel.

Harper and mom, Sarah, take a moment in The Temple sanctuary.

The festive table setting included mirrored disco balls.

Goldstein Has Deep Legacy at AA. Then There’s Soccer.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Jordan Theodore Goldstein celebrated his bar mitzvah at Ahavath Achim Synagogue on Aug. 31, precisely his 13th birthday.

A seventh-grade student at The Davis Academy, Jordan followed up with a kickin’ party at the Atlanta Silverbacks Park since he is an avid soccer player. With his family deeply involved in giving back, his mitzvah project revolved around Rebecca’s Tent where his great-grandparents, Helen and Frank Spiegel, established a homeless women’s shelter in 1983 at their synagogue (Shearith Israel). Jordan volunteered at the shelter and

collected large amounts of much needed supplies from friends and family during the bar mitzvah weekend.

With his parsha R’eih, Jordan related most to: “For there will never cease to be needy ones in your land which is why I command you open your hand to the poor and needy kinsman in your land. The Torah acknowledges that poverty will persist, instructing people to help those in need. This contrasts with the utopian Garden of Eden, suggesting that true utopia may not be a world without problems, but one where people actively care for each other. My parsha emphasizes the duty of the fortunate to assist the less fortunate, I tried

to do my little part with my mitzvah project work at Rebecca’s Tent, a charity founded in 1983 by my great grandmother.”

Jordan recited his three parshas from the recently restored Czech Torah which was saved from the Holocaust by his Spiegel greatgrandparents and restored to the synagogue with donations from his Goldstein greatgrandparents.

Dad Adam continued, “Jordan’s family had the mitzvah to help the Sofer write a letter, Aleph, in this scroll as part of the restoration, and his great aunt, Karen Goldstein, rushed to complete the needle point of the cover in time for this special day for the Czech Torah.”

Adam noted that Jordan’s bar mitzvah was in the same sanctuary where his father and grandfather, Bobby Goldstein, had their coming of age ceremony, the same synagogue where his great-grandfather, Leon Goldstein, was bar mitzvahed, his great-greatgrandfather, Papa Abe (Goldstein) twice served as president, and great-great-great grandfather, Leon Eplan, was one of the very first synagogue presidents.

The Ahavath Achim pulpit was set up with large plants from Home Depot. The kiddish bubbled with outsized cascades of balloons in blue, green, silver and white by Jennifer & Orpaz of Event.Co. decor. A hearty

Jordan is fortunate to have both sets of grandparents with whom to celebrate // Photo by Michael Rosser Photography

dairy traditional meal was catered by Bagelicious.

Later, at the Atlanta Silverbacks Park, an athletics facility with adult soccer leagues, field rentals, event space, and onsite food and drinks, the teens played outdoor laser tag in addition to soccer in the exciting stadium. The DJ, imported from Detroit, was Jordan’s second cousin, Jared Goldman. Mother Kim Goldstein served as her own party planner. About 250 attended. Atlanta Silverbacks inhouse taco bar was served for adults and kids. Crave Cookies were the dessert. The Goldsteins hired two caricature artists to create personal magnets for the young and young at heart.

Adam summarized the dialogue about Jordan’s heritage at Ahavath Achim.

“Jordan read three very long parshas plus

haftorah and much of the service. It took nine relatives to split the other three parshas. He led the service with grace and confidence and presented a compelling dvar torah with great training from his first cousin twice-removed, Mark Cohen, who also is a past president and presented him the congregation gift. Note Mark’s father, Gerald Cohen, was a past president and presented the same gifts to Jordan’s father, Adam Goldstein.”

An animated Jordan looked back on the weekend by saluting his teacher. “My friends had so much fun at an outdoor party instead of a dance. I’m very thankful it was just hot and not raining. Thank you so much Mrs. Goldberg, who also was my fourth-grade teacher at Davis, for all the hours helping me learn my parsha, I wish my voice as was as amazing as yours.” ì

Jordan read three long parshas for “R’eih” // Photo by Michael Rosser Photography Jordan and his sister posed with mom, Kim, and dad, Adam // Photo by Michael Rosser Photography

Balloons were front and center at the kiddish. The silver color promised more fun at Silverback Park later that night.

Above: Jordan led his mighty soccer buddies at the Silverback Park // Photo by Michael Rosser Photography

Below: Jordan was relieved that there was no rain on his birthday // Photo by Michael Rosser Photography

Welcome to a Chabad Bar Mitzvah

By Chana Shapiro

Avraham Tzvi Antopolsky clearly understands and welcomes the responsibility he accepted when he turned 13. By receiving an Aliyah in a service at Chabad headquarters in New York on his Hebrew birthday, by leading Friday night services and reading Torah at Shabbat morning services in Atlanta the following week, and by reading Torah at prayers in his school for the first time, the bar mitzvah boy enjoyed new experiences as an adult member of the Jewish people.

Avraham Tzvi, a seventh-grade student at Chaya Mushka Chabad Academy, is a combination of typical teen and serious Judaics student: note that his favorite school subjects are Chumash and Gemorrah. He loves sports (baseball, football, basketball), likes to read mysteries, is interested in “figuring out how things work,” and is a good artist who likes drawing portraits. He even ideated the clever tefillin-based logo used throughout the events of his bar mitzvah weekend.

Avraham Tzvi prepared diligently during the year leading up to his bar mitzvah. He studied weekly with Rabbi Mendy Wineberg to learn to read Torah along with studying key halachot (laws) pertinent to a bar mitzvah boy. He worked to understand and memorize a famous Chabad ma’amar, a classic meditation written by the fourth Chabad Rebbe in the mid-19th century for his own son’s bar mitzvah which has been passed down for generations. Along with his Chaya Mushka teachers, Rabbi Mendel Jacobson (Halachah) and Rabbi Dovid Rahman (Gemorrah), Avraham Tzvi expanded his Judaic studies through regular meetings with Rabbi David Goldshmidt, Rabbi Avraham Zaltzman, and Irv Rabinowitz.

In addition to his bar mitzvah preparation, Avraham Tzvi is in his fourth year studying for Chidon Sefer Hamitzvot, a rigorous program of mastering the intricacies of all 613 Jewish mitzvot, with the intention of participating in a final program and celebration in New York with other young men in his age group from throughout the country. Upon entering Jewish adulthood,

meaning that he is now personally responsible for all his interactions with other people and with G-d, Avraham Tzvi celebrated his change of status and responsibilities starting on his Hebrew birthday. He went to New York with his father and Rabbi Yossi New, where they visited the grave of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the well-known and beloved Seventh Chabad Rebbe. There, Avraham Tzvi took the opportunity to recite the bar mitzvah ma’amar he had learned.

The next day, he was called to the Torah for an Aliyah at a morning service in the late Rebbe’s office in Brooklyn, in which minyanim meet daily and where celebrants like bar mitzvah boys receive an Aliyah when the Torah is read on Mondays and Thursdays. The office, located at 770 Ocean Parkway, is the center of the worldwide Chabad movement. While in New York, Avraham Tzvi purchased a shofar of his own (his father is an accomplished lay shofarblower), and he started donning tefillin for daily morning prayers.

The Antopolskys are active members of Congregation Beth Tefillah in Sandy

Springs. On Shabbat, Sept. 20- 21, Avraham Tzvi led the Kabblat Shabbat and Maariv services Friday night, which was followed by a dinner for his large extended family, special guests, and his classmates. He chanted the first five aliyot of his Torah portion and the Haftorah for the Shabbat morning service. Following that service, the entire congregation joined the Antopolskys for a seated kiddush catered by Kosher Gourmet. Centerpieces of large replicas of tefillin boxes underscored the centrality of tefillin in Avraham Tzvi’s life.

The bar mitzvah celebrations continued after Shabbat on Sunday evening, when the Antopolskys decorated Beth Tefillah’s social hall with blue lights and hundreds of balloons, a large sculpture of Avraham Tzvi’s name, and the table decorations of tefillin box replicas bedecked with flowers, arranged by close friend Dawn Siegel and Avraham’s mother and sisters. Guests entered the room through two columns of balloons with Avraham’s logo on top. Buffet tables held a bountiful array of fruit and dairy desserts that included a chocolate fountain,

Avraham poses with family; surrounded by sisters and father, David, in back, and mother, Esther, on the right.

ice cream bar and plethora of pastries. Balloons, cookies, and custom kippot all bore the logo Avraham Tzvi had originally conceived for his bar mitzvah invitation.

Several speakers stepped up to the microphone during the party to offer blessings for Avraham Tzvi and prayers for Israel, including Rabbi Yossi Lew of Chabad of Peachtree City, and Avraham Tzvi’s father, David, and his sisters wrote and charmingly sang an original song. The highlight was a video of Avraham Tzvi’s pre-recorded thoughtful and occasionally humorous d’var Torah. Disc jockey Idan Cohen kept the crowd dancing for hours, and Cohn gave the celebrant and his friends turns at DJ-ing during the party, which added to the merrymaking.

Home hospitality and synagogue and community involvement are important to their family. David, who is an electrical engineer, voluntarily blows shofar for homebound Jews on the High Holy Days, and Esther, a teacher at Chaya Mushka Children’s House, works on synagogue events and is active in myriad chessed projects. Avraham Tzvi is on the Congregation Beth Tefillah pizza team, most Thursdays, helping to make pizza the synagogue sells that day.

The Antopolskys are close-knit, adventurous, and fun-loving. They love traveling

together in their van, decorating their vehicle with a giant menorah on Chanukah and joining the annual Chabad Chanukah Menorah parade. They especially enjoy outdoor events and activities, like visiting air shows, hiking, roughing it in cabins, zip-lining, and frequently visiting David’s parents’ farm in Augusta. (Yes, they know how to ride horses.)

The significance of Avraham Tzvi becoming a bar mitzvah, which literally means “son of the mitzvot,” or commandments, was shared deeply in the Antopolsky home, in which Orthodox Jewish observance is joyfully followed. Mother Esther notes, “We are so proud of Avraham Tzvi, who accomplished a tremendous amount of rigorous learning.” Father David adds, “Our son studied all year, and he got excited about what he was learning. Any time he found something special in his Torah portion we would know about it because he would say it to us, using the correct Torah trop (cantillation).”

Avraham Tzvi reflects, “I really liked preparing for my bar mitzvah, and the weekend, from start to finish, was the best time of my life!” His upbeat “can-do” personality and the values of his family, school, and community do seem to be an advantageous combo for navigating our complex, uncertain, and challenging world. ì

Above: Avraham prepares to read Torah for morning minyan at school, with grandfather beside him.

Below: Avraham is pictured with friends at the party.

Avraham cavorts in front of his mother, paternal grandmother, and sisters.

Florie’s Harmonious Bat Mitzvah

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Florie Charlotte Low’s bat mitzvah was full of high notes and melodies on the weekend of Oct. 26. Rabbi Peter Berg and Cantor Tracey Scher officiated at both Friday night and Saturday morning services at The Temple with the lyrical addition of Shir Chadash, the Temple’s volunteer band led by Judy Cole, who performed at the Friday night musical meditative service. Florie’s parents, Heather and Jonathan, are both in the Shir Chadash group.

In addition to leading the Saturday morning service and reading parsha B’reshit, Florie sang two duets with Cantor Sher, Schiller’s “Oseh Shalom” and a rhythm and blues version of “Michamocha/We Are

Walking In The Light Of God.”

At the conclusion of Florie’s parents’ speech, Heather sang Debbie Friedman’s “L’chi Lach,” with Jonathan on guitar. Friends later commented that they were moved to tears by the songs and service. Also on Friday night, Heather sang, and Jonathan played guitar. Florie performed “Adoni Safitivtah” in three-part harmony with Cantor Scher, Katherine Crosby, and Heather. Dinner was catered by Cava and decorated in a movie theme by event planner Sherry Habif.

Another unique feature of the weekend was the reunion of Shir Harmony, Atlanta’s allJewish female acapella choir, in which Heather performed for 20 years. Although they no longer sing together, the women remained friends. They sang “Shehechiyanu,” “Tena

Tezna/Havanagila,” and “Hamotzi,” on Friday and Saturday.

In her parsha, “In the Beginning,” Florie explained G-d’s instructions to humans to take care of the Earth and its resources by making good choices. Florie’s mitzvah project, Hope Flows, provides Birthdays in a Bag to tweens and teens in need of joy during their birthday month.

Florie said, “What better day than your birthday to have hope. Birthdays are the beginning of a new year, a day to feel special and be hopeful for the future.”

Florie also raised money for pancreatic cancer and breast cancer research, diseases that affected Low’s family and friends.

The beach-themed kiddush lunch was catered by Breadwinner and decorated by

Let’s Celebrate. Florie’s parents and grandmother, Ellyn Goldstein, donated to cancer research charities and to Hope Flows in honor of all guests. Guests took home pancreatic and breast cancer-themed bracelets and “beach ball” cookies made by Grandma Ellyn and Heather’s seashell-shaped chocolates.

The Saturday evening party at The 12 Hotel Atlantic Station was also decorated by Let’s Celebrate and combined Florie’s love of acting and the beach. Guests entered the ballroom through velvet ropes under a movie marquis: “Go with The Flow: The Beach Movie starring Florie Low.”

Prominently displayed among gold balloons and Oscar Award statues were six movie posters of movies in which Florie has appeared. During the photo montage, guests saw

Jon, Florie and Heather pose by the posters of the movies that Florie has appeared in so far // All Photos by Zach Porter, Revelry Photography

Enjoy Full Service Spa, Hair & Nail Salon and Fitness & Wellness Classes

a glimpse of Florie in the three movies that have already premiered, including “Megalopolis” and “You’re Cordially Invited.”

Entering the main ballroom, guests walked into a “beach ocean” theme with boardwalk-themed food. Dessert was a popcorn bar, an ice cream cart, and a donut wall. Music by Atlanta Fever had guests dancing the entire evening. Button It Up made flip books, magnets and key chains; and roving photographers took pictures and boomerang videos of 4D ocean-themed selfie walls. In addition to prizes, kids took home candy, beach anklets, tattoos, stickers and more. Adults got candy and lottery tickets.

Heather stated, “The weekend went smoothly because of event planner extraor dinaire Rachel Goldschein with Gold Events and her creativity, unique suggestions and out standing personal attention.”

Goldschein’s idea was to serve the rich toppings for the popcorn bar and her famous donut wall. Rachel, who was voted Event Plan ner of the Year in the AJT Best of Atlanta contest, also planned the kiddish lunch. Florie is a seventh grader at David T. Howard Middle School where she is a student ambassador and on the debate team. An active Girl Scout, Florie’s hobbies include singing, pickleball, writing, acting, ventriloquism and her love of the ocean and beach. ì

There was even more time for the family to shine as they sang a rock and roll version of “We are Family.” Florie joined in and then sang, “Oh, What a Night,” with substituted bat mitzvah lyrics.

Above: Jonathan, Florie and Heather harmonized at The Temple service.

Below: A rousing Horah showed off Florie’s rhinestone Nikes.

Lilli’s Farewell to Her 20s Birthday Party

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Lilli Jennison, award-winning Creative Director of the Atlanta Jewish Times, may be ready to leave her 20s behind, but she is enamored with the looks and sounds of the 1920s.

On Oct. 5 at her sister, Micah Staley’s, Brookhaven house, Jennison celebrated the end of a decade with friends and family. Actually, Lilli was not original in her choice of themes and recalled, “Micah had a friend, who did a ‘Gatsby’ theme when she turned 30, about 10 years ago. I have

been wanting to do this theme since then! I thought it was cute – kinda a ‘farewell’ to 20s. I also wanted to do a ‘Death to 20s Funeral,’ but my mom said, ‘No’ haha!”

The party décor was in tandem with the Roaring Twenties: bunches of feathers, gold and black accents with strings of pearls … lots of pearls. Since Lilli was the star, the room was surrounded with photos of her at all ages; but her favorite touch was a big head, her head, on a stick!

Lilli said, “My sister had them made of her for her graduation party earlier this year; and I said I wanted one of my head!!

So, I was so happy to see they made ‘me’ some, too.”

Music streamed throughout from a playlist of songs from the 1920s, like “Putting on the Ritz,” and songs from “The Great Gatsby” soundtrack. Lilli looks back at guests decked out in top hats, feathers, boas, and even more pearls.

The guest of honor’s dress was “vava-voom” in very sparkly gold and black tones. Lilli spotted it at Macy’s and immediately fell for it as being very “on theme.”

Her mom and aunt organized party favors of mugs and plates patterned with bees,

which read, “You are the bee’s knees” with a sign in 1920s slang. Harkening back, the “bee’s knees” was an expression used to describe “something (or someone) that was excellent, much liked, top notch, really cool, or highly admired.”

The main event was a Mexican “make your own taco bar” from Willy’s. Dessert was an elaborate Publix cake for the guests (and a separate dairy-free cake for Lilli). Family friend and bartender Natasha Clark kept busy mixing strong martinis and mimosas. Jennison’s mom hired a caricaturist on site, which was reminiscent of Lilli’s bat

Creative director Lilli Jennison at her Gatsby themed 30th birthday party.

Decorations included photos from throughout Lilli's life and her head on a stick.

mitzvah making that a special connection.

But wait! Jennison, who graduated from The Weber School in 2013, jumped the gun. She’s not yet 30. She recalled, “The party was supposed to be a surprise. My family had been planning it for a year. I knew there would be a celebration, but I was told it would be in December. I won’t name names, but the surprise got spoiled. But I am so happy … because I saw the dress a month before and knew I wanted it! If the party was a surprise, I wouldn’t have been able to wear the dress.”

Lilli will spend her real birthday on St. George Island romping with family, her dog, Bagel, and her dog nieces, Sammy and Maggie. She is very excited for a relaxing Thanksgiving, birthday, and Black Friday shopping in Apalachicola.

Lilli says, “30 is the new 20. I don’t think 30 is a scary age. It’s just another age. I don’t feel any differently. Looking forward to a year filled with family, friends and my sweet dog, Bagel. Cheers to a healthy and happy new chapter.”

Mom Risa, emoted, “Lilli has really come into her own as a talented and creative woman. She is strong and incredibly special.” ì

Jennison was also very excited that Pascale Haug, her best friend since middle school, was able to come and spend the night after the party. Jennison recalled, “We had big plans Sunday to play pickleball, but we were so tired that we stayed home and finished a puzzle that she bought me as a present.”

Lilli Jennison (middle) poses with AJT coworkers. From left, Susan Minsk, Ilyssa Klein, Michael Morris, Ronit Franco-Pinsky, and Michal Bonell

Mom, Risa Jennison, poses with Lilli Jennsion.

Lilli Jennsion with her special dairy-free birthday cake.

Party favors included mugs and plates enscripted with the saying "you are the bees knees."

Caricaturists hard at work. Jennison poses with friends. From left, Serina Stacholy, Pascale Haug, Jesse Stevens and Anna Streetman

Lilli's party was hosted by Jennison's sister and brother-in-law, Micah and Evan Staley

‘Hats Off’ to Lucy on Her Birthday

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

When PR guru Maggie Gallant Isenberg took young Lucy Blair to Los Angeles on a fun-filled business trip, the theme for Lucy’s upcoming birthday found its “inspo” in a splashy pool party.

A second grader at The Davis Academy, Lucy loves nothing more than throwing a party which, in this case, fell on Saturday, Sept. 7 on the roof top of Life Time Fitness Buckhead.

Mom Maggie demurred, “They don’t usually do kid’s parties, but I sweettalked them. When I saw the sign they had on the side of building which read ‘Love Your Life,

I knew that was the venue, because that says it all.”

Lucy invited all the girls in her grade along with lucky parents who enjoyed platters of food for the kids and the adults, from chips and guacamole to chicken tenders. Maggie plugged the Publix bakery, before name dropping one of her A-list clients.

“Everyone always loves Publix cupcakes, but we added some sparkle with our own sprinkles. Every party I throw, I include candy from my longtime client, Dylan’s Candy Bar. The founder, Dylan Lauren (designer Ralph Lauren’s daughter), always makes sure that I have something colorful, sweet and uniquely Dylan’s.”

This way, Maggie could incorporate a little bit of East Coast, New York City to be exact, to this West Coast-inspired bash. In addition to slushies for the girls and smoothies for the grownups, Maggie concocted a signature drink, “The Pink Lady,” made “sweet and cool,” just like the birthday girl.

The piece de resistance creative activity was the Hat Bar. Each girl selected a pink or white hat before sorting through colorful chains, (pre-made) broaches and patches to fit whatever they were into. The Hat Bar was produced by The Craft Lab Atlanta, a venture that was just launched by Maggie’s friend, Lauren Cohen. Cohen specializes

in delivering elevated crafting experiences from charm bars to jean jacket decorating for all ages.

Thus, the custom chapeaus were both an activity and a party favor. The girls swam while The Craft Lab Atlanta constructed their designs. Cohen, founder of The Craft Lab, recalled, “We were thrilled to be part of Lucy Blair's unforgettable eighth birthday celebration with our hat bar! The girls had a blast designing their own trucker hats with a mix of patches, chains, silicone beads, and brooches, making each one uniquely theirs. While we focus mostly on creative workshops for adults, we also love tailoring our crafts for kids when it’s something fun

Lucy with her “besties” donning their one-of-a-kind hats.

for all ages. It was an honor to add a little extra flair to the party, especially knowing that Maggie Gallant Isenberg, renowned for hosting the best events, trusted us with this special occasion!”

The signage was also “LA groovy.” Madison Mendel, who runs graphic design at Maggie’s award-winning PR agency, Superjuice, designed all the custom signs.

Asking a pro like Maggie for advice on throwing a memorable party, she replied, “My one tip would be to have fun planning it. In no time, they [children] are going to want to do their own thing for their birthday parties. Guests can feel vibes that the host (or hostess) had fun putting it to-

Consider Temple Sinai as a location for your future celebrations and events. Our beautiful building was recently renovated and has both indoor and outdoor spaces that offer an ideal setting for weddings, corporate events, cocktail receptions, lectures, showers, parties and more.

gether.”

From Lucy’s point of view, “I loved all of it, but being with all my friends was the best part. Also, I loved the party favors from Dylan’s; and I love wearing my hat thanks to my friend Parker’s mom, Lauren Cohen, and her new company!”

When Lucy is not partying, she’s into yoga, theatre, running and playing piano. Mom says Lucy is still on her fun journey to discern “what her thing is.” And being forward thinking, the day after Lucy’s birthday, the mother/daughter duo started envisioning what “we’re gonna do for next year.”

It’s their favorite event of the year to plan because of who it celebrates! ì

Dad, Jason, flanks Lucy with mom, Maggie, under a pink disco ball at the cabana.

Lucy Blair’s own “trucker” hat creation was so “her,” per Maggie // All Photos by Kimberly Evans

The signature drink was inspired by Lucy. Signage by Madison Mendel.

Lucy (left) posed with her friend, Parker Cohen, whose mom ran the Hat Bar.

PR guru Isenberg used her special resources. Here are “bear-y” cute candies from Dylan’s Candy Bar of New York.

When Grown-Ups Dress Up

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

When Halloween fell on a Thursday this year, Dr. Jeri Breiner was not deterred. On the following Saturday, Nov. 2, she brought out the spider webs and threw her post-Halloween party for a “who’s who” crowd of 70 who channeled their inner children and got decked out in impressive costumes.

Starting with the dramatic street décor, Breiner attended to fun details like deviled eggs with “spider webs” and dips in the shape of skulls to add a Halloween

theme to the buffet of chicken drumettes, Swedish meatballs, and crudité.

The real show was the guests where the invitation read that “entry required a costume.” Breiner herself greeted guests in a professionally decked witch outfit blowing kisses through her veil. The McWhirter family came with infant in tow dressed as a lamb accompanied by Penny Eisenstein as a Red Cross worker.

A most elaborate Scott Kenith was downed in full black and gold Pharaoh garb along with his sorceress, Shelley Gerson. Plum and Jonathan Simon were a lively hippy disco pair in bold colors, twirls, and a red curly wig. Somehow Steve Oppen-

heimer popped into the picture as “Where’s Waldo” in a red striped night cap and black round glasses. Eric and Kara Breiner recreated Wayne’s World as Mike Meyers and Garth Algar.

Eric’s parents, Margaret and Joel Breiner, well, had on masks. But wait, an imposter, Joel Eisenberg, had his own interpretation with a similar Page Boy brown shag wig as Mike Meyers. The chief difference being that Joel’s spouse, Suzanne, appeared as a proper British woman in her spectacles and black fascinator hat. Lewis (Reggie) Regenstein and Bonnie Wolloff portrayed a couple one might find in a “Gunsmoke” swinging door saloon with

the substitution of a witch instead of Miss Kitty.

The Atlanta Jewish Times staff held nothing back when it came to off-thewall creativity. Art Director Lilli Jennison rocked as Wednesday Addams with a human hand on her shoulder. Managing Editor Sasha Heller, dressed as a Jewish Freddie Mercury, wore a bold red military jacket, sexy black moustache and oversized, Air Jordan-inspired sneaker-slippers.

Administrative assistant Ronit Pinsky had a fetching Little Red Riding Hood outfit with a crossed bustier that echoed a Swiss Miss. Senior account manager Michal Bonell “rode” a Western theme. Fellow

AJT staffers, from left: Marcia Caller Jaffe (nun); Michal Bonell (cowgirl); Ronit Franco-Pinsky (Little Red Riding Hood); Michael Morris (Renaissance nobleman); Sasha Heller (Freddie Mercury); Ilyssa Klein (witch); Jillian Gerson (Princess Leia); Lilli Jennison (Wednesday Addams); and Katie Gaffin (Lorelai from “Gilmore Girls”).

account manager Ilyssa Klein accompanied her witch outfit with hot pink hair. Events and PR coordinator Katie Gaffin dressed as Lorelai from “Gilmore Girls,” and online content coordinator Jillian Gerson went as Princess Leia from “Star Wars.”

Publisher deluxe Michael Morris made for a dashing figure as a Renaissancethemed nobleman while this writer recreated a holy slant in a nun habit after seeing the new movie, “Conclave.”

A bone of contention was the Florida-

Georgia football game, which played on a big screen in the living room and brought out a lot of posturing as Georgia ultimately took the win.

Parties are over in a blink to deal with the next morning’s hangover. The party also featured a touch of tzedakah as guests contributed to the Atlanta Humane Society in the hostess’s honor.

Bottom line: Howling good party when adults step out and pretend to be someone else. ì

This group was a combo of sheep, lamb, and a Red Cross nurse.

The Simons channeled the disco era. A striped Steve Oppenheimer was found as “Waldo.”

Jeri and Michael greeted guests as they entered the party.

Scott Kenith dressed as Pharaoh with Shelley Gerson as a sorcerer.

Joel and Suzanne Eisenberg, dressed as Wayne with a proper English lady.

Foodie Family’s Katie Alterman Now Caters Mitzvahs

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Native Atlantan Katie AltermanRosenberg took her “foodie” family roots and training to land as senior sales account manager for Three Sisters in north Sandy Springs. Featured on the cover of the Atlanta Jewish Times “Then and Now” (Oct. 28, 2020), the Alterman family dates back to the early 1900s in the food business, starting with Big Apple Food Stores and Food Giant. Grandfather Sam Alterman shared the helm with brothers George, Dave, Izzy and Max.

Katie worked at the Brickery, beginning

in 1997 for owner/cousins, Bruce and Sally Alterman; and other cousin, Steve Alterman (OBM) operated the award-winning Horseradish Grill at Chastain Park. At the Brickery, Katie began as a server, then bartender, floor manager, and bar manager. She recalled, “I was the one out on the floor schmoozing. I always saw people I knew every day and loved talking with them.”

When the Brickery closed in 2015, she began working in off-premises catering and eventually landed at Three Sisters Catering. Previously, she graduated from University of Alabama in music and worked as a music therapist for the MJCCA Wein-

stein Center for 10 years.

Now back in the “food action,” she enjoys the client interaction all the way through the process. She stated, “They have my cell number; and I do a lot of handholding to get customers happy all the way through the process with their unique mitzvahs -- weddings, corporate events, baby showers, bridal showers, Shabbat dinners, and kiddush luncheons. We can serve straight buffets, stations, and family-style receptions. Our newest craze is curated grazing stations. Actually, we just did a daytime wedding with a fried chicken and biscuit bar. Mitzvahs are ridiculously fun!

Each one is different. We incorporate the bar mitzvah child’s favorites into the menu and have the whole family in for a tasting.” It’s even more fun when husband, Sammy Rosenberg, is the DJ (Play It Again Sammy) at the same events. Another wing of her job is forming partnerships with planners, venues and vendors, and networking at business organizations.

When Three Sisters sets up a buffet or station, they bring innovative table décor, risers, candles. Often, they use custom signage, little boxes, and bags with logo stickers. Most mitzvahs prefer station-style dinner. Some of the most popular are Asian

Katie Alterman–Rosenberg strives to give each client personalized attention.

rice bowls, short rib street tacos, Southern station, and Korean short rib station. One of Rosenberg’s most notable mitzvahs was “Around the World” where all the appetizers were Asian, followed by dumplings, spring rolls, bao buns, and small Chinese boxes with sesame noodles. Then, for main entree, they had Mexican street food and Indian stations. Desserts were from different cultures: baklava, profiteroles, guava empanadas, and “American as Apple Pie” tartlets. The special drink was famous Jamaican punch.

Three Sisters has seven full-time employees. All the chefs are “culinary driven.” Some of the house specialties are braised short ribs, pimento cheese, mac and cheese, and fried chicken. Katie said, “Our brunch packages have gotten really popular with great options like spinach and mushroom quiche and blueberry French toast casserole, different sides and homemade pastries. Our homemade cinnamon rolls

are ‘to die for.’”

Each party gets an assigned team including an event manager, chef, wait staff, and bartenders if needed. Each season, they hire a new crew of teenagers to work part-time as a great first job and resume builder. Rosenberg adds, “They can pick and choose when and what they want to work. They will be thoroughly trained and gain important skills.”

On the personal side, Katie is a marathon runner. She laughs, “I have to exercise if I want to eat all this awesome food!”

She is an active member of the Symphony of North Georgia where she plays the flute and piccolo. Buckeye son, Max, who attends The Ohio State University, worked for Three Sister for two years and, even now, when home on breaks. Super energy might “hit the rafters” when Max, Sammy, and Katie all do the hoorah while working at the same event. ì

Katie enjoys working at mitzvahs where husband, Sammy, is the DJ.

This watermelon feta salad is a popular choice.

Three Sisters aims to lay out appealing spreads.

Terriyaki glazed salmon satay is a crowd pleaser, and easy to pick up.

This donut stack promises a sugar high.

Above: Katie oversees colorful displays of mix and match goodies.

Below: Fried ravioli bites are topped with pomodoro sauce and parmesan cheese.

‘Proof’ Adds New Venues and Kosher Options

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

West Midtown Venues is adding three new event spaces: The Dogwood, Summit at 8West, and Collier Hall, which are poised to host corporate events, social events, weddings, galas and not-for-profit events. Atlanta’s largest caterer, Proof of the Pudding, will craft the culinary experience at all three of the unique Atlanta event venues.

Chris Bazemore, director of venue sales and business development, stated, “In addition to responding to the continued demand for more venues for weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs and social events, these new West Midtown venues will draw business from

several big upcoming events such as the college football playoff game in early 2025 and FIFA World Cup games in 2026. The new venues will deliver the same culinary innovation, elevated hospitality and service, that Proof is known for.”

Event planners and customers are handheld by Proof’s planning and culinary experts to create personalized experiences and custom menus featuring diverse trend stations, plated culinary creations, craft cocktails and late-night treats for events held at the new venues. Proof has included Added Touch Catering, which has a full-service kosher catering division, and a Kosher Touch, which is certified under the Atlanta Kashruth Com-

mission as an approved caterer for all three venues.

Looking toward creative bespoke trends to make events memorable, Bazemore stated, “Activated food stations where guests can interact with chefs and more variety of food choices with global flavors and authentic dishes continue to influence menus. Activation stations make events more engaging and memorable. At a luxe Google holiday event, guests gathered around delectable food stations offering small plates catering to every taste.”

A recent mitzvah included a donut experience where guests could fill their own pastries with their flavors of choice.

The Dogwood welcomed 400 guests

at its grand opening VIP event in late October. The venue is spacious, light and airy with a mix of elevated finishes and industrial elements. It’s housed in a 70-year-old former paper manufacturing plant in West Midtown and, as a result, has alabaster open industrial ceilings. The 13,000-square-foot space is the largest of the new venues, with a guest capacity of 450 seated and 625 reception style. A unique touch is a photo area with a romantic suspended swing with cascading pink flowers. The Dogwood is a quick ride to Georgia Tech, Blandtown, The Works, the West Midtown corridor, Midtown Atlanta, and the downtown Atlanta attractions.

Summit at 8West, hosting events start-

Bathed in calming neutral tones, The Dogwood space is suited for galas, holiday parties, weddings, awards dinners, corporate events and social gatherings.

ing in December, offers breathtaking views of Atlanta’s skyline and a sophisticated design spanning the 10,000-square-foot space. Located on the eighth floor of the 8West building, Summit has a rooftop rental option and has a guest capacity of 240 seated and 400 reception style. The modern space overlooks Midtown Atlanta, Georgia Tech, MercedezBenz Stadium and downtown.

Opening at the beginning of 2025, Collier Hall is a 120-year-old church that has been beautifully renovated to integrate modern updates with historic charm. The venue includes an indoor pre-function area and main ballroom complimented by an outdoor deck shaded by beautiful oak trees. Collier Hall is perfect for medium-sized events with a guest capacity of 175 seated and 250 reception style. It’s located in the Collier Village area where I-75 meets Howell Mill Road.

All three locations are well designed with state-of-the-art amenities, audio-visual

capabilities and an outdoor component included in the venue rental. Both self-park and valet parking services are available. Niles Bolton is the architect along with MAREN Construction for The Dogwood and Summit at 8West venues. Andrew Robertson is the architect along with Outsource Construction for the Collier Hall venue.

At Zoo Atlanta, Proof of the Pudding continues to provide hassle-free kosher catering from its state-of-the-art kosher kitchen and its commitment to quality and kashrut standards. There is even a rabbi on-site at every kosher event; and a mashgiach works closely with the team during production. A previous Atlanta Jewish Times article featured the Wasserman wedding with photobombing elephants in the background.

Bookings are being accepted for all three of the new West Midtown venues. Contact events@westmidtownvenues.com or call 404.465.4861. ì

Proof of the Pudding’s leadership team celebrates The Dogwood grand opening.

Located on the eighth floor of the 8West building, Summit offers a rooftop rental option.

Collier Hall’s oak tree-shaded outdoor deck is perfect for gathering.

Above Left: A recent mitzvah donut experience enabled guests to fill their own pastries with their choice of flavors.

Above Right: A glass wall of sushi was used for a mitzvah celebration.

Below: Collier Hall took over a renovated 120-year-old church.

Jacobson’s Approach: Do Simple Things Exceptionally Well

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Now as owner of Field Hospitality, Jonah Jacobson credits his Epstein School experience for ensuring his family prioritized weekly Shabbat dinners. Following high school and some time in college, he moved to Costa Rica, where he became enamored with cooking and decided to pursue culinary arts.

He eventually returned to Atlanta, where he started his first cooking gig at Terminal West. A year into that position,

he apprenticed at Buckhead Life’s Kyma where he earned his first chef title in a classic French-style kitchen.

He recalled, “It was in this same restaurant group that I developed into the chef I am today.” His Field Hospitality caters events from post-wedding brunches to private dinners for couples, Shabbat dinners and wedding parties. He also provides personalized cooking lessons in clients’ homes.

Jacobson recalled, “As a child, I was always interested in cooking. My parents recalled calming me during meltdowns re-

quired putting me in front of the cooking channel. I helped mom with Shabbat and family dinners, hanging around the family’s matriarchs while they cooked meals for 30. I fell in love with our Ashkenazi food and the traditions that came with it.”

Cooking was not his main fascination, as much as a curiosity to explore flavors and textures. His mother took Jonah and his sister to Asian supermarkets on Buford Highway to explore new foods where Jonah was the one to try the “weird” dishes like dim sum chicken feet.

Today, he still uses family recipes, especially on holidays. He cooks Nana’s brisket, Papa’s latkes, Rere’s chicken soup, and Nana’s chopped liver recipes.

He said, “Keeping the same preparations feels comforting, so why change those?”

Jacobson said, “In the past few years, I’ve become fascinated by the gastronomic evolution of Jewish cuisine. My Shabbat dinner menus are based on the client’s requests; however, I encourage families to include traditional foods and those from Jewish Shabbat tables worldwide.”

Jacobson prepared a simple but elegant feast for this Blue Ridge Mountain retreat client.

Hospitality.

Jacobson highlights his forte as seafood preparation. He explained, “Fresh seafood is one of the purest and most exciting ingredients for a chef. Each animal requires different preparation and cooking techniques, which may feel intimidating to some. I love snapper, skin on, and seared in a hot pan. I also like curing cod with salt and garlic to remove the moisture and flavor the fish before steaming. Raw amberjack and mackerel are at the top of my list, too.”

In preparing fish, Jacobson advises using the freshest and highest-quality ingredients.

“When choosing fish, look for firm flesh, a bright, clear color, and a fresh smell. Make

sure the eyes are clear and bright, and the gills are deep red. These are signs that the fish was recently caught and appropriately stored. One last tip: moisture is the enemy. Always pat your fish dry to get that beautiful crust.”

Carrying through his penchant for seafood, his pan-roasted Chilean sea bass Livornese is a popular client favorite, an oldschool preparation that Jews brought to Tuscany centuries ago which consists of a protein (sea bass) stewed with tomatoes, capers, olives, garlic, and white wine.

Although Field Hospitality is not kosher certified, he respects a kosher kitchen and works within the client’s observance. ì

Jacobson’s Essential Tips for Entertaining

1: Plan ahead! It’s crucial to organize the event well, determine the details, and prepare ahead to minimize stress.

2: Know your guests. Consider their preferences, dietary restrictions, and pleasures! The joy of hosting is creating an atmosphere that is comfortable and enjoyable.

3: Create a welcoming atmosphere. The ambiance sets the tone. Pay attention to lighting, decorations, and music to relax guests.

4: Keep it simple! It’s easy to overcomplicate the menu, activities, or table settings. Take a simple, but thoughtful approach. There is artistry in doing simple things exceptionally well.

5: Enjoy your event. If you aren’t having fun at your own party, it will also be hard for your guests. Remain present and engaged. Relax, enjoy yourself, and invite everyone to do the same!

Thank you to the readers for naming Gold Events by Rachel, Planner of the Year 2023 and 2024, and Decorator of the Year 2024.

Gold Events by Rachel brings design expertise and creative solutions with a unique perspective you won’t find anywhere else. Offering both decor and planning services, Rachel’s attention to detail, calm presence and passion for extraordinary events combine to create an experience your guests will talk about for years to come.

Rachel Goldschein

www.goldeventsatl.com

French rack of lamb is a guest favorite for Field

Jonah likes to top off a great meal with this dessert: Amarena cherry cannoli.

Simcha Announcements

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

Wedding AnnouncementSilberstein – Freedman

Nancy and Wayne Freedman of Atlanta are pleased to announce the marriage of their son, Scott Michael, to Amy Rebecca Silberstein, daughter of Sheryl and Mathew Michaels of Commerce Township, Mich., and Stephanie and Ronald Silberstein of West Bloomfield, Mich. The wedding took place on Aug. 31, at The Henry Hotel in Dearborn, Mich., and was officiated by Rabbi Josh Bennett. Scott is a graduate of the University of Michigan and is a senior news producer with NewsNation. Amy received her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, and her law degree from DePaul University. She currently is a partner with Stern Perkoski Mendez. After a honeymoon in Italy and Switzerland, the couple will reside in Chicago.

Book the “Celebrate like a Star” package and elevate your event with a red carpet arrival experience, 360° Photo Booth, Exclusive VIP Area, Signature Mocktail and Sparking Cider Toast.

Chic Indoor Event Venues for up to 300 | Open Air Terraces & Soaring Roof Patios | Crave-Worthy Kosher Style Menus

Festive Atmosphere and Sta | Ideal Location in the Heart of Buckhead

Email dos@hotelcolee.com to inquire about availabilty for your event, package and block rates.

Ask us about double Bonvoy points

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Cancer Rates on the Rise in Young Adults

By Bob Bahr

Earlier this year, a medical researcher at the Rambam Health Care Center in Haifa presented a startling statistic to a meeting of European cancer specialists. The incidence of cancer among younger adults had increased by almost 80 percent in the nearly 30 years between 1990 and 2019.

The new research by Dr. Irit Ben-Aharon pointed out that what are termed early-onset cancers have been increasing sharply in patients under 50. For example, it is predicted that by 2030, 25 percent of American patients diagnosed with colorectal cancers, one of the most common forms of the disease, will be 49 years or younger.

At Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute, Dr. Olatunji Alese, who is director of gastrointestinal oncology is seeing an increasing number of patients with the disease.

“We’re seeing many patients who are not nearly as old as the historical median age at diagnosis for colon cancer, which for many decades, had been in the 70s. For example, in 1995 one in 10 patients developing colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, was younger than 55 years of age; that had increased to 20 percent by 2019. So, within 24 years, the proportion of patients newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer under the age of 55 has almost doubled.”

According to Dr. Alese, no one seems to know why

the statistics have climbed sharply. But most researchers in the field believe it’s more environmental than biological. There has been some speculation regarding microplastics, others have pointed to the use of antibiot-

ics in livestock breeding.

Others point to a less exotic explanation. There’s increased consumption of highly processed foods, which often contain relatively large doses of chemical additives or our tendency to spend too much time sitting at our desk or stretched out on the sofa. Or we may be overweight, which is said to affect almost 40 percent of adults under 40. For now, scientists are stumped.

And because diagnostic tests are geared toward older adults it may take longer to catch the cancers. Colonoscopy exams, for example, aren’t routinely given to those under 45. And even if they were, there is no guarantee that younger patients would seek out these expensive and usually uncomfortable tests.

“Often times you find younger patients,” Dr. Alese points out, “unfortunately ignoring the symptoms because they just don’t think it’s serious enough. Or even when they go to healthcare facilities, they don’t get the appropriate workup to detect the cancer early. And, again, younger patients tend to have worse survival outcomes in a lot of the instances.”

That’s also the case with breast cancer in women, which tends to be more aggressive in younger persons. Dr. Mariya Rozenblit, who studies breast cancer at Yale University Medical School, says there are other issues as well.

“Younger women diagnosed with breast cancer are also more likely to have a genetic mutation than older women. The good news is that once breast cancer is diagnosed, the prognosis is usually very good. The treatments can be long, but we still have very high cure rates.”

Still, a biennial report published at the beginning of last month by the American Cancer Society found that breast cancer rose by nearly 10 percent from 2012 to 2021, and the rise was even faster in women under 50. According to the National Cancer Institute, one woman in every 50 will develop breast cancer by that age.

Dr. Olatunji Alese is seeing more young patients with colorectal cancers.

Israeli medical researcher Irit Ben-Aharon told European cancer experts that disease rates are up sharply.

Sea’s GREETINGS

Earlier this year, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommended that mammography screenings start for start women at age 40 rather age 50, and that annual exams start at age 45.

It’s expected that in 2024 there will be more than 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in U.S. women, including more than 13,000 in women under 40 and over 37,000 in women in their 40s.

Bringing down these numbers for colorectal and breast cancer, according to most experts, will depend on access to good health care, something that Georgia is trailing most of the rest of the nation in. The Commonwealth Fund ranked Georgia 45th out of the 50 states surveyed in overall quality of health care that is offered here.

And if there are attempts to curtail or cancel the Federal government’s Affordable Care Act, or cut Medicaid, the result, according to Dr. Alese, is likely to have a significant impact.

“One thing that the Affordable Care Act did was to remove the copayment for most cancer screening tests,“ he said. “So, patients aren’t left with a big medical bill for either a colonoscopy or mammogram or any other screening test. There has also been a lot of research showing that in those states, for example, who extended Medicaid, there has been improvement in cancer related survival.” ì

Cancer in younger patients is often more difficult to treat in younger patients, who are not diagnosed early.

Eye Tests Promise Hope for Early Autism Diagnosis

By Bob Bahr

Researchers at the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta have developed a device that can effectively and accurately diagnose autism in children as young as 16 months. The device, which was first granted approval by the Food and Drug Administration last year, assists clinicians at the center to assess a child’s autistic condition by electronically capturing the youngsters’ eye movement at the rate of 120 times per second.

The results of the test are usually available within 30 minutes after completion. Until now, tests for autism can often take hours and are done only by highly trained experts, who are often in short supply.

The technology makes visible signs that would otherwise be imperceptible to the human eye. It then compares that data to that of a child without autism.

A child being tested is shown a video of children doing everyday activities then measures just how interested the child is in following the activity on the screen.

Since social learning usually develops in young children by watching others, a lack of interest, which can be tracked by

eye movement, may mean the child is not able to learn that way. Clinicians can then correlate that

data with standardized measurements for social disability, verbal ability and non-verbal learning. Prior to the devel-

Researchers at the University of California San Francisco have linked results from a simple eye test to severe forms of autism.

The EarliTec device can help diagnose. autism in children as young as 16 months.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

opment of this new device, it was generally not thought possible to accurately diagnose autism in children under three years of age. The effectiveness of the new device was confirmed in a large study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The co-author of the study in the medical journal, Dr. Ami Klin, is also the clinical director of the company that developed the diagnostic tool. He was born and grew up in Israel and is also the director of the Marcus Autism Center. He emphasizes that the new device will help parents seek early treatment for their children.

“This is the first step toward alleviating the endless waits experienced by parents who need a prompt diagnosis for their children to access early intervention and supports, which, in turn have the power to optimize lifetime outcomes.”

Currently, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average age for an initial diagnosis is 4 1/2. It’s said that one child in 36 has some form of autism.

The Marcus Autism Center, which was founded in 1991 by Bernie Marcus and is supported by his foundation, is one of the nation’s largest treatment facilities for the condition. Each year, more than 4,500 children with autism and related disorders are treated there.

The technology was given a strong endorsement by Dr. John Constantino, who was involved in the research and is Chief of Behavioral and Mental Health at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, which is affiliated with the Marcus Center.

“EarliTec’s published data demonstrates vast improvements in earlier diagnosis and assessment for children within a realm of medicine in which the

diagnosis is unnecessarily delayed or missed a great majority of the time.”

The EarliTec Diagnostics company, which was founded by Dr. Klin and others to market the device, obtained $21.5 million this summer in a new round of investment. The money will be used to facilitate new research and further development. In addition to the Marcus Center, studies are being conducted at three other research facilities.

The Marcus Center eye test is not the only new diagnostic tool for autism that uses vision. Scientists at the University of California San Francisco have devoted technology that analyzes how a child’s eye moves when they turn their head. The research was published earlier this year in the scientific journal, Neuron.

Hypersensitivity to the eye movement has been associated with severe autism. Of the many gene mutations that have been associated with autism, this specific mutation, called SCN2A gene, are among the most common. The researchers found that children with gene mutation predispose the child to sensitivity.

That condition creates an unusual form of the reflex that stabilizes the gaze while the head is moving. This can be measured with a simple eye tracking device. The scientists involved in the research found that they could diagnose autism in children with the gene mutation just by measuring how much the eyes moved in response to head rotation.

One of the scientists involved in the study, Dr. Kevin Bender, believes it might be a game changer for assessing some forms of autism where children are not very responsive.

“If this sort of assessment works in our hands with kids with profound, nonverbal autism, there really is hope it could be more widely adopted.” ì

It’s that time of year for celebrating where you’ve been and where you’re going.

Feeling strong, passionate, and purposeful comes easily at The Piedmont— a beautiful community, impressive amenities, gourmet dinng, and invigorating adventures offer what you need for a lively, enjoyable future.

Schedule a tour and see all that The Piedmont at Buckhead has to offer.

THE

The new diagnostic eye test for autism was developed at Marcus Autism Center. It was started in 1991 by Bernie Marcus and has been a major project of his foundation.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Podcast on Loss & Overcoming Grief Comforts Listeners

By Debbie Diamond

Simonie Levy and Greer Mendel are helping others navigate their way through grief with their podcast, “Grief & Grit: From Heartache to High-Fives with a Dash of Sass,” which can currently be heard on Spotify, Apple and other streaming services.

Both Levy and Mendel are widows – Levy for 16 years and Mendel for three – and personally understand the complexities and emotions surrounding tremendous loss. Their goal is to help others deal with grief, whether caused by the death of a loved one, end of a relationship, loss of a home, finances, or even a dream.

“We want to support, enlighten and empower others. I tell people that in time you can thrive and experience joy and gratitude, even though you experienced a significant loss,” said Levy.

The “grit” in the podcast’s name was chosen for two reasons, according to the women. First, grits are a popular, especially comforting, Southern food. The women hope the podcasts will be consol-

ing for the listeners. Second, a person with grit exhibits courage and resolve, a muchneeded trait for overcoming adversity.

Levy and Mendel met in August of 2023, about two years after the death of Mendel’s husband, Jarrod. A mutual friend thought Levy could be helpful since she had dealt with the same circumstance many years earlier. The two

hit it off immediately, with Mendel describing it as “love at first sight,” and they have been close friends ever since.

“While grief is universal, it is the most isolating experience,” said Mendel. “During each episode, Simonie and I want to make people feel less alone,” she added.

Podcast topics covered to date in-

clude pregnancy and infant loss, creating new traditions, navigating the first year of loss, and surviving (and thriving) through milestone occasions. Through sharing their own personal stories, Levy and Mendel hope to create a community of support and reach others so they do not feel so alone.

“We want to normalize grief. Many

Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy prepare before an episode of “Grief & Grit” // Photo Credit: Pale Sky Photography

Levy finds joy in a walk with her beautiful labradoodle, Rosie.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

people do not know how to deal with death. We want others to know it is good to share stories about loved ones who have passed away. We want our children to hear stories about their fathers. It helps keep their memory with us. Through the podcasts, we want to create a space of comfort and hope for a heavy topic. People can still smile and laugh, and the path will become easier as time passes,” Levy emphasized.

Mendel shared that she replicated lifesized photos of her husband throwing their children in the air. She placed them in the children’s playroom as a way to keep him in her children’s lives, especially since they were so young when he passed away.

During a long conversation with both of the podcasters they offered a myriad of insightful suggestions to help people overcome and deal with loss and grief, including:

• There is no timeline for grief. Keep in mind that the process of grieving becomes easier with time.

• There is no prescribed way to experience grief. Each person’s approach will be different.

• Find “your people” who can be there to support you during difficult times.

• Participate in activities that bring you joy, such as walking your dog, journaling, reading or playing a sport.

• Ask for help. Especially during the time immediately following a loss, be clear with others about what is needed, whether meal preparation, picking up children from school, completing forms or running errands.

• Allow yourself to feel all emotions. Whether happy or sad, just sit and be in touch with your feelings.

• Use available resources, whether a therapist, support group or community resources.

• Share how you are feeling with your children. They will then feel free to express their emotions instead of bottling them up inside.

• As time passes, celebrate milestone occasions with happiness and joy. Your loved one would want you to be happy. Comments like “Daddy/Bubbe/Mommy/ etc. would be so proud of you,” are comforting to children.

• There is not a reason why this loss happened to you. You will survive and become more resilient.

“I have learned that there are no answers as to why a loss happens. Sadness will ebb and flow, but I tell others to try not to let the tide of sadness pull you back. I can assure people experiencing a loss that they can move forward and create meaningful lives for themselves,” stressed Levy.

“Some say we do not move on, but we must move forward,” said Mendel. “Celebrate the small wins. In the beginning, even getting out of bed is a small victory,” she added.

As Levy and Mendel turned to leave, Levy gave these parting words, “Gratitude and grief can co-exist after all.” Mendel added, “I am grateful for the time I did have with Jarrod.”

Though both women went through a life-changing trauma, Levy and Mendel agreed they had both found a resilience they did not know they had.

For more information on “Grief & Grit” or to listen to a podcast, visit griefandgritpodcast.com or email griefandgritpodcast@gmail.com. ì

Mendel’s playroom features large photos of her late husband, Jarrod, with their children.

Report Details Dementia in Workplace

By Robbie Garber

The Alzheimer’s Association recently released a white paper offering guidance to U.S. companies. The association, which (besides the U.S. and Chinese governments) invests more in research against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia than any other entity globally, wants employers to recognize what they say is a growing issue.

“Employers just aren’t prepared,” says Anna Chafen. “And I think especially with the population aging, it’s going to be the hidden issue we can no longer ignore.”

Age is the greatest risk factor for the disease, and the increasing number of workers at age 65 and older – the greatest at-risk group – combined with the increasing number of early-onset dementia cases, currently at least three million globally, are becoming a more pressing issue in the U.S. workforce.

“We’re talking about a significant portion of the workforce who either has early diagnosis or is over age 65 but maybe can’t afford financially to retire,” says Chafen. “Most want to continue to live their lives with dignity, however that looks. It is a disease, and I think that is a big misconception – a lot of people think ‘Oh, this is a natural part of aging’ – and it’s not. It actually is a disease.”

While those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, stigma in the workplace – often the first-place signs of the disease become obvious – can discourage them from getting a diagnosis.

“They’re first noticing the problem, but that’s the place where they’re feeling the least supported, or the least able to discuss it. So that’s why we have to change this landscape, this conversation, so that we’re having our employers lead with compassion to create dementiafriendly workplaces,” says Chafen. “Some quick things that we’d love to see any employer or any business do to be more dementia-friendly: They can act by training their HR personnel on the warning signs, training on basic disability law, understanding through the Americans with Disabilities Act, encouraging their employees to seek a diagnosis, not avoid it, and to manage their health.”

Often, retirement is actually not the best option.

“There’s so much research out about combating the disease by staying busy.”

says Chafen,. “Complacency is a death sentence. You want to stay alert, you want to continue to thrive in community, you want to have resources available to you that stimulate your brain.”

But diagnosis allows employers and employees to manage the disease and form a plan, whether that involves working from home, conversations with family members and physicians, or a longterm plan for a dignified exit.

“We’d like to be able to see our populations that are affected continue their lifestyle for as long as they want to and is possible,” says Chafen. “Again, probably with modifications as the disease accelerates.”

The working population who are or will be themselves diagnosed with the disease is only half of the story. The other half is their caregivers, family members who often work 35 hours a week, while trying to care for a parent with the disease.

“Six in 10 caregivers were employed in the past year … 57 percent of employed caregivers had to go into work late, leave early, or take time off due to those demands,” says Chafen. “One quarter of caregivers right now are in ‘the sandwich generation,’ meaning they’re caring for an aging parent, but they also have chil-

dren in the home – again disproportionately affecting women more than men.”

Debbie Levin, who is now on the board of the Alzheimer’s Association, has experienced this issue first hand.

“Both of my parents had Alzheimer’s disease at the same time. It was during a time when I had small children. They were in Orlando, I was here in Atlanta,” Levin said. “It’s completely overwhelming, because on the one hand you’ve got small children, and on the other hand –again, I was dealing with both of my parents at the same time.”

“It was extremely overwhelming,

and I was younger then, so none of my friends were going through this. Now, it’s interesting, because a lot of my friends, unfortunately their parents are now of the age that they’re having to deal with this, and I’m able to help them.”

“Seven million people in the United States have the disease, and 11 million are unpaid caregivers. So again, it’s affecting more people caring for these individuals than the ones who have the disease,” says Chafen. “You can’t destigmatize it if you don’t talk about it. We really want employers to lean into this creating-dementia-friendly-workplaces conversation.” ì

10 Signs of Dementia

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure

4. Confusion with time or place

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

8. Decreased or poor judgement

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

10. Changes in mood or personality

While those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, stigma in the workplace – often the first-place signs of the disease become obvious – can discourage them from getting a diagnosis.

The Lowdown

I Bet You Didn’t Know …

Steve

Cadranel

Atlanta is chock full of interesting “movers and shakers” - some bent on empire building, leadership, activism and/or just plain having fun and living the good life. Lean in to hear some of the “off the cuff” remarks as to what makes real estate mogul Steve Cadranel tick.

Steve Cadranel is a commercial real estate developer, owner, and president of Arris Realty Partners. Much of his 40-year career was spent as president of Ben Carter Properties before restructuring that company into Arris. Cadranel’s talents helped create landmark projects totaling more than 10 million square feet, including The Mall of Georgia, Columbus Park (Columbus, Ga.), St. Johns Town Center (Jacksonville, Fla.), the Cliftwood apartments and adjacent Plaza at City Springs (Sandy Springs).

He’s a past board chair and active leader in numerous organizations including the MJCCA, Kennesaw State University Foundation, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Atlanta Jewish Foundation, and Hillels of Georgia.

A lifelong Atlantan and UGA grad, he and his wife, Janet, have been married 39 years and belong to Congregations Or VeShalom and Etz Chaim. The couple was blessed with son, Adam, and daughter, Lauren. Tragically Adam lost his battle to cancer in 2021, but the family continues their legacy through funds benefiting social, gender, and racial equity and student support. The Cadranels love spending time with family and friends, traveling, watching the Dawgs and Owls, and relaxing at their Reynolds Lake home.

Learn why you should address Cadranel as “Mr. Ed” and hear a familiar tune.

One thing you have learned about real estate is …

Two things actually … it’s constantly evolving, so adapt or lose. And there’s nobody in it that doesn’t love it!

You are reading and streaming …

My last read was Mike Leven’s autobiography, “Can’t Do It Yourself.” Being friends with Mike made it all the better! Streaming – “Cheers!" Hopefully it helps me fall back asleep.

Your first job was …

At my uncle’s grocery store in the old Perry Homes housing project when I was 12. Those men taught me to treat everyone with dignity and respect.

Your idea of a fun night …

Celebrating with friends and family on the town or in one of our homes on New Year’s Eve because it’s my birthday!

Your most exotic vacay …

When our family and a small crew sailed a luxury yacht from Barcelona across the Mediterranean and back … until a few years later when we were in South Africa experiencing amazing wildlife you probably shouldn’t get that close to!

Best advice you got?

The right tool makes every job easier.

One thing people do not know about me …

I know all the words to the theme songs to “Bonanza” and “Mr. Ed” … “A horse is a horse, of course, of course. But no one can talk to a horse of course.”

Your last fashion disaster was …

Thanks to Miller Brothers, Garanimals, and a cool wife and daughter who check me before I leave the house, I think I’m OK on fashion.

If they a made movie about your life …

Ben Stiller (“Meet the Fockers”) would portray me.

My wife says I’m too …

Busy, but it’s nice having someone around the house who can fix a few things. ì

Reported by Marcia Caller Jaffe

CALENDAR

All Month

Naturally Artistic - Visit CNC and enjoy Naturally Artistic, a homegrown exhibit that celebrates the connection between art and nature. You’ll enjoy creations from local artists, participate in making art, and be encouraged to see the world around you with a fresh set of eyes. This year we present 5 areas where you can get inspired and get your art on! Included with general admission and free to CNC Members. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/24bbhy9v.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Joan Nathan, My Life in Recipes – 12 to 2 p.m. Before hummus was available in every grocery store—before shakshuka was a dish on every brunch menu—Joan Nathan taught home cooks how and why they should make these now-beloved staples themselves. Here, in her most personal book yet, the beloved authority on global Jewish cuisine uses recipes to look back at her own family’s history— their arrival in America from Germany; her childhood in postwar New York and Rhode Island; her years in Paris, New York, Israel, and Washington, DC. Nathan shares her story—of marriage, motherhood, and a career as a food writer; of a life well-lived and centered around meals—and she punctuates it with all the foods she has come to love. Join the MJCCA by welcoming Joan Nathan and purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/yckehmts.

Beatles Shabbat – 8 p.m. I have to get God into my Life! Temple Kol Emeth’s Ahavat Torah Band is reimagining Beatles Shabbat with its expanded brass section. Come sing Shabbat prayers to your favorite Beatles melodies. Learn more at https:// tinyurl.com/4y8n2j2z.

She’s a Maccabee 2024 -- During this Chanukah season, JIFLA will honor women across Georgia who shine a bright light on their Jewish neighbors. Whether one person or an entire community benefits from her acts of loving kindness we want to know! Who inspires you? Who is the warrior in your life who deserves to be celebrated for all she does? In 200 words or less share a heartfelt paragraph about your nominee, highlighting how her spirit shines brightly and share how she uplifts those around her. Please share examples of how your nominee has impacted our community. Visit https://tinyurl.com/ ywr9w9wf to nominate this person.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Atlanta Jewish Storytelling FestivalJoin the Breman Museum for Atlanta’s first-ever Jewish Storytelling Festival, celebrating the art of storytelling across generations and cultures. Over two exciting days, we’ll explore stories that connect and inspire, fostering cultural awareness within the Jewish community and beyond. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/ kmj2jhjt.

PJ Library Mini Shabbat at The Temple

- 9:30 to 11 a.m. Celebrate Mini Shabbat at The Temple with PJ Library! Please join us for Shabbat moments with your favorite puppets starting at 9:30 am followed by bagels, coffee, crafts, and playground time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/zy4zpauc.

Locals & Legends: Karla Harris, Joe Alterman, and Ken Peplowski - 7 to 9 p.m. Locals and Legends is an electrifying showcase uniting the talents of regional/ local jazz artists with the timeless brilliance of legendary jazz artists! Join locals Karla Harris and Joe Alterman as they welcome legendary jazz clarinetist Ken Peplowski. Celebrate the spirit and rich heritage of jazz in an evening of unparalleled magic, where the heartbeat of the local scene joins with iconic national and international stars. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/2csh466s.

An Evening with Lior Raz – 8 to 10 p.m. Join the MJCCA Book Festival for a very special evening with celebrated Israeli actor, Lior Raz. Born and raised in Jerusalem, Raz is an actor, screenwriter, and co-CEO of Faraway Road Productions. Raz is known worldwide for portraying Doron Kabilio in the hit series, “Fauda” (Netflix), which he created with Avi Issacharoff. In addition to “Fauda,” the pair created “Ghosts of Beirut” for Showtime and the Netflix series, “Hit and Run,” starring Raz. Come and see Lior Raz at the MJCCA Book Festival by purchasing tickets at https://tinyurl. com/43u4fn32.

Shabbat Project Block Party Kiddush 2024 – 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Celebrate Shabbat Project with Jews around the World! In honor of this special Shabbat, dozens of local organizations have gathered to host the outdoor kiddush of a lifetime. Enjoy tastes of Jewish cuisines from around the worldEuropean, Israeli, Asian, South American, and more! This annual event brings over 1,000 attendees to celebrate a multicultural Shabbat together. Join us, and bring your friends, family, and neighbors! Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/sbc479te.

She’s a Maccabee 2024 -- During this Chanukah season, JIFLA will honor women across Georgia who shine a bright light on their Jewish neighbors. Whether one person or an entire community benefits from her acts of loving kindness we want to know! Who inspires you? Who is the warrior in your life who deserves to be celebrated for all she does? In 200 words or less share a heartfelt paragraph about your nominee, highlighting how her spirit shines brightly and share how she uplifts those around her. Please share examples of how your nominee has impacted our community. Visit https://tinyurl.com/ywr9w9wf to nominate this person.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Atlanta Jewish Storytelling Festival- Join the Breman Museum for Atlanta’s first-ever Jewish Storytelling Festival, celebrating the art of storytelling across generations and cultures. Over two exciting days, we’ll explore stories that connect and inspire, fostering cultural awareness within the Jewish community and beyond. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/kmj2jhjt.

Family Challah Bake Clinic - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join expert bakers from our Interfaith Inclusion Committee as they share their famous recipes for making and baking delicious challah. No experience in baking is necessary, just an interest in learning more about this wonderful Jewish tradition and a desire to deepen your family’s Shabbat experience. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/528ct5uf.

Children’s Storytime with Noa Baum –10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Award-winning storyteller Noa Baum performs an adaptation of this Burmese folktale “How the Birds Became Friends.” Rooted in her Jewish heritage and focusing on timeless universal values, Noa engages her audience in an interactive conversation about the choices we make to bring more healing and peace into the world. Followed by snacks and craft time at the Breman Museum. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/yrd3u5ty.

Jewish Summer Camp Fair - 12:30 to 2 p.m. Get ready for an exciting opportunity to explore Jewish summer camps at our first-ever Jewish Summer Camp Fair! Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Jewish Camp Initiative, this event brings together a selection of Jewish day camps and overnight camps in one convenient location. Register at https://tinyurl. com/ydajpbj3.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Torah Reading: Vayeira

Friday, November 15 Light Candles at: 5:16 PM

Torah Reading: Vayeira

Saturday, November 16 Shabbat Ends: 6:12 PM

Torah Reading: Chayei Sarah

Friday, November 22 Light Candles at: 5:12 PM

Torah Reading: Chayei Sarah

Saturday, November 23 Shabbat Ends: 6:10 PM

Torah Reading: Toldot

Friday, November 29 Light Candles at: 5:11 PM

Torah Reading: Toldot

Saturday, November 30 Shabbat Ends: 6:09 PM

Arthur Smith & Robert Steinfeld – 1 to 3 p.m. One of the most daring, creative, and influential minds in nonfiction television, Arthur Smith draws on the most exciting moments of his pioneering career as a producer to show how far you can go when you reach for your dreams. Robert Steinfeld has produced and directed network sports television for five decades, covering MLB, NBA, WNBA, college basketball and football, NCAA Championships, World Cup Soccer, Cotton Bowl Classics, and the summer Olympics. He is executive producer of the WNBA Dallas Wings. His innovative work has earned him 10 Sports Emmy Awards plus five more nominations, a national Cable Ace Award nomination, and additional industry accolades. Purchase tickets at the MJCCA Book Festival by visiting https://tinyurl.com/ywtm3m6p.

Hadassah Ketura Genealogy 101 – 1:30 to 4 p.m. Genealogy has become the number one hobby for all Americans. More than 77% of Jews want to know about their roots. Arlene Glass will tell you how to begin your search, the tools and resources to use and the best way to use them. Join Hadassah Greater Atlanta’s Ketura Group for what you need to know to get started to learn about your own family history. Register at https://tinyurl.com/8cbrdtdx.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Bourbon and BBQ – 7 p.m. Please join ORT Atlanta for a bourbon tasting and BBQ! Visit https://tinyurl.com/bdfbkru4 to register.

Keshet - North Fulton - 4 to 5:30 p.m. Join IAC for a true Israeli experience! We will meet for fun, learning, and of course community! We would like to open a few groups. Please register at https://bit. ly/3Rlcxi0 if you would like your child to be part of the Keshet family. Please indicate your child’s age.

K&K 50s+ November Happy Hour – 4 to 6 p.m. 50s+ Singles, you’re invited to join us for happy hour. Appetizers included in ticket price. Cash bar. Space at this venue is limited, so we recommend RSVPing early at https://tinyurl.com/699krahw.

She’s a Maccabee 2024 -- During this Chanukah season, JIFLA will honor women across Georgia who shine a bright light on their Jewish neighbors. Whether one person or an entire community benefits from her acts of loving kindness we want to know! Who inspires you? Who is the warrior in your life who deserves to be celebrated for all she does? In 200 words or less share a heartfelt paragraph about your nominee, highlighting how her spirit shines brightly and share how she uplifts those around her. Please share examples of how your nominee has impacted our community. Visit https://tinyurl.com/ ywr9w9wf to nominate this person.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

AJC’s Atlanta Black/Jewish Teen Initiative 2024-2025 - 6 to 8:30 p.m. The Black/ Jewish Teen Initiative offers a unique experience to student leaders, allowing them to effect positive change within their communities and build relationships with peers. Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to experience the rich history of the Black and Jewish communities, learn with where they intersect, and interact with others working for a better tomorrow. Register at https:// tinyurl.com/5n6szz2b.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Stopping the Spread of Antisemitism –6:30 to 8:30 p.m. In the year since October 7, antisemitism has exploded across the United States and the world. Jews have been caught off-guard by more overt and unsubtle expressions of antisemitism in our schools, our places of work, online, and other settings where people gather. As a community, we have found ourselves unprepared for these brazen expressions of prejudice that are often hidden under the guise of anti-Zionism. This is why we urgently need you to join us for a mustattend interactive education session titled “Stopping the Spread of Antisemitism” RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/yhnu48be.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Drawing from the Well - 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. SOJOURN invites you to join their virtual meetup for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies to further community and connection. During our time together, we will bring resources from Torah Queeries, mussar, and offer space for connection and conversation. Get the Zoom link at https://tinyurl.com/ m4t58p5d.

Shabbat, Me, & Rabbi G – 5 to 5:30 p.m. Join us in the JCC lobby for this fun monthly Shabbat celebration with Rabbi G! Children will enjoy Shabbat songs, blessings, challah, and grape juice with their friends. Learn more at https://tinyurl. com/57pb4y8m.

Tot Shabbat - 6 to 8 p.m. Tot Shabbat is a Shabbat Program geared for children (second grade and younger) to laugh, meet new children, make new friends, and explore the wonders of Judaism in an exciting fun way! The service is filled with songs, prayers, blessings, stories, snacks, and a place where a kid can be a kid when they pray to God. This Congregation Dor Tamid service meets on selected Friday nights throughout the year at 6:00 pm. Each service is followed by a pot-luck Shabbat dinner. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3KW9PMj.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Shabbat Morning Learners Minyan at Etz Chaim - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Join Etz Chaim for a Learner’s Minyan designed for people of all ages at Congregation Etz Chaim. Each minyan will focus on a specific part of the Shabbat Service, from P’sukei D’Zimra through Musaf. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/m8bz9b5c.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Kabbalah and Coffee - 10 to 11 a.m. Discuss, explore, and journey with Intown Jewish Academy through the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. This ongoing class probes the esoteric through a unique program of English text-based study. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. Learn more at https:// tinyurl.com/5fbb3z6a.

Kabbalah Café – 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Fuel up your week with the transformative teachings of Kabbalah as you enjoy a gourmet hot breakfast and coffee bar. You’ll study text-based spiritual wisdom that gives you practical guidance to living a healthy and empowered life. Join Beth Tefillah by visiting https://tinyurl.com/423c7xv4.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Brain Health Bootcamp – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join a fun, social class to strengthen your mind and body to stay sharp! With age serving as the greatest risk factor for cognitive impairment or memory loss, JF&CS is taking action with the Brain Health Bootcamp. The first of its kind in Atlanta, it is designed to provide memory enhancement techniques through cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, education, and socialization. Join by visiting https:// tinyurl.com/4u28y4r4.

KEEPING IT KOSHER

Pumpkin Apple Kugel

My Shabbos taste testers lamented about why Yidden serve cake as a side dish. “It’s a kugel,” I insisted. Even though it really hurts me to call this a kugel, it’s not a cobbler, crisp, or a buckle. It has cake batter and fresh fruit, true, but…I lowered the sugar by choosing Granny Smith apples over pears and pumpkin puree over sweet potato. (Feel free to swap them out.) And it worked! Even Mrs. Gordon said so.

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup Gefen Canola Oil

2 eggs

1 teaspoon Gefen Vanilla Extract

1 cup Glicks Flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into small chunks (not diced) cinnamon, for sprinkling

2 tablespoons chopped candied pecans or almonds (optional)

Directions

1. Mix pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract and set aside. Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

3. Lay apples in an oven-to-table dish and sprinkle with cinnamon. Pour batter over fruit. Scatter nuts over batter, if desired. Bake for 30–40 minutes, depending on how wide and deep your dish is.

Recipe by Chaia Frishman

Photography by Chay Berger

Food Styling by Leah Hamaoui

Source: kosher.com

JEWISH JOKE

The Psychiatrist

Benny was fed up with being bossed around by his wife, Leah, so he went to see a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist told him that he was too much of a mild-mannered man and needed to build up his self-esteem. So, he lent Benny a book on assertiveness. Benny began to read the book on the train and by the time he got home, he had finished the book.

Benny strode confidently into the house, walked over to Leah, pointed his finger, and said, “From now on, you must get it into your head that I and not you make all the decisions in this house. Tonight, I want you to prepare me my favorite meal and I expect a special mouthwatering dessert afterward. Then, after dinner, you’re going to run me a hot bath so I can relax. And when I step out of the bath, guess who’s going to dress me and comb my hair?”

“Abrahamson, the funeral director, that’s who,” replied Leah.

YIDDISH WORD

Schmegoogle

n. A person who is so insignificant that when you Google their name, nothing comes up.

“Morty, G-d bless him, never married, only goes out of the house to work in the grocery stock room, and never joined a club, political party or synagogue. On top of it all, he doesn’t own a computer or cell phone. No wonder nobody has ever heard of him. He’s a bona fide schmegoogle.”

Schmegoogle is derived from a long list of Yiddish put-down words that begin with “sch-“ such as schmo, schmuck, and schmendrick.

Positive Conditions

By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com

ACROSS

1. Apt rhyme for “stash”

6. This, e.g.

10. Great Rav who becomes another great rav with an “R” 14. Inside info

15. Synonym for 6-Across 16. Not now

17. One whose condition might be beneficial before Chanukah

19. Outside of canyons 20. Brew in Caleb?

21. Architect’s group: Abbr. 22. Lock, stock and barrel?

23. “You ___ witnesses this day” (Ruth 4:10)

24. One whose condition can be beneficial for Shabbat

27. Emcee of many a Shabbat meal

29. Mesechet piece

30. Friend of an elf, but not an orc

31. Start

32. N.L. East, e.g.

33. “Iliad” war god

34. One whose condition might be beneficial on Shavuot

38. Bit of a problem

41. T, as in Torah

42. Blokes

46. Enchantress, in Shakespeare

47. B, in the Torah

48. Like one it’s a mitzvah to stand for

50. One whose condition might

BRAIN FOOD

make it beneficial to literally “Live in booths for seven days” (Lev. 23:40)

53. Like home fans when a 22Down messes up

54. Grape choice

55. Big letters in campgrounds

56. Anti-Israel rep.

57. Roth and Wallach

58. One whose condition might come in handy on La’G BaOmer

62. Bring down the house?

63. Bird bill

64. One of the von Trapp girls

65. “___ got a ticket to ride....”

66. Attitude

67. Mill material

DOWN

1. HTML formatting language

2. Last aliyah

3. Most composed

4. Tikvah

5. U. S. ecology org.

6. Miami Boys and Yeshiva Boys

7. Color similar to lavender

8. What an Aussie calls college

9. “... and all the rest”

10. What you might take down memory lane

11. Shape ___ (e.g. a werewolf)

12. Skirt’s bottom edge

13. Entomology study

22. See 53-Across 23. Kind of tuna

24. “Light” gas

25. Anthony Hopkins role in “Thor”

26. Kibbutz known for its woodwork

28. “What’s your sine?” subj.

32. Place famous for lines, briefly

33. “Belly” or “back” attachment

35. Instructions part

36. Hatarat Nedarim issue

38. Molders

18. Great composer Pavel lost in the Holocaust

37. “Let There Be Rock” band

39. Half of what’s likely the most recognizable simcha song

40. Work out a tough choice, with “over”

43. Bedroom furniture piece

44. Throw a bone to

45. Home of Bondi Beach, for short

47. Hank Greenberg was quite skilled with one

48. Digital library contents

49. He played Oskar for Steven

51. “Everything’s Coming Up ___”: Sondheim

52. Cajun veggies

56. Bio. topic

58. Channel that might feature a performance by Itzkah Perlman

59. Ken, in Parliament?

60. Early morning times, for short

61. US state that’s home to the Shul on the Beach

OBITUARIES

Herbert Warren Axelrod

93, Atlanta

Dr. Frank Robert Joseph Atlanta

On Nov. 8, 2024, Herbert Warren Axelrod died peacefully at the age of 93. He was surrounded by his children when he passed away. Herbert is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jane Lewis Axelrod; three children, son, Michael Axelrod, and his spouse, Leah Harrison of Atlanta, Ga., and his grandsons, Jason Axelrod of Atlanta, and Andy Axelrod and his partner, Jordan Sandy, of Chicago, Ill., and his stepgrandson, Eli Harrison of Atlanta; daughter, Laure Cohen, and her spouse, Mark Cohen of Alma, Ga., and his grandsons, Bram Cohen and his spouse, Jodi, of Atlanta, and their son, Odys Cohen, Grant Cohen, and his spouse, Kim, of Los Angeles, Calif., and Nathan Cohen and his partner, Chet Norment of Los Angeles, Calif.; and daughter Shelley Robinson and her spouse David Robinson of Lakeland, Fla., and his granddaughter, Jillian Robinson, of Lakeland, Fla., and his grandson, Jarod Robinson of Lakeland, Fla. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jeffrey Lewis Axelrod; his parents, Goldie and Harry Axelrod; and his brother, Arthur Axelrod of New Orleans, La.

Herbert was born on Jan. 30, 1931, in Atlanta. He graduated from Boys High School and went on to earn a business degree from the University of Georgia. He joined the U.S. Army upon graduation from college and served during the Korean War. Most importantly, he met the love of his life, Jane Lewis, while in high school and they married in 1953. They met through a mutual friend, and it was truly a story of love at first sight followed by an incredible, loving marriage of 71 years.

Herbert loved his family, first and foremost and without question – wife, children, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchild. But it bears mentioning that he also loved to play tennis, winning numerous championships as a senior player, and he loved to tell a good joke, share stories, read, laugh and have fun, especially with his grandchildren.

A graveside funeral ceremony was held on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Crest Lawn Cemetery, 2000 Marietta Boulevard Northwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30318. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Frank Robert Joseph, M.D., of Atlanta, Ga., passed away on Nov. 7, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Annette Joseph, his children, Alexandra Joseph and Levi Joseph, his best friends, Doug Sturgess and Michael Prestie, and his beloved dachshund, Vivian.

Dr. Joseph grew up in Queens, N.Y. and was known for being an incredibly hard worker and masterful surgeon. Throughout high school, he was a competitive swimmer. From a young age, he set his mind on becoming a surgeon. Dr. Joseph graduated from Medical College of Wisconsin in 1976 and completed his internship and orthopaedic residency at Milwaukee County Hospital in 1981. He then completed a hand surgery fellowship with Emmanuel B. Kaplan at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City in 1982.

Dr. Joseph was a founding member of Resurgens Orthopaedics and joined Resurgens in 1999 as a hand, wrist and shoulder surgeon. He retired from his practice in June 2022.

In adulthood, Dr. Joseph discovered a passion for photography that became a lifelong hobby. Dr. Joseph was also an avid cyclist and never missed an opportunity to get out on his bike.

In keeping with his wishes, private services will be held at Temple Sinai. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the following charitable causes:

NAMI Georgia: https://namiga.org/get-involved/donate/ Kate’s Club: www.4agc.com/donation_pages/32ac70f6-0c48-45f5-a806-3544b90481ef

Sandra Brawer Koplon 82, Birmingham, Ala.

Sandra Brawer Koplon passed away peacefully on Oct. 27, 2024. She was 82 years old. Sandy was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in Miami, Fla. She graduated from the University of Alabama where she met her husband, the late Joe A. Koplon. At Alabama, Sandy was president of her sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, and president of the College of Education. She later earned a master’s degree in gifted education from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

Sandy raised her family in Birmingham where she lived for over 50 years. She had a long career as a teacher at the NE Miles Jewish Day School, was the founder of the Arthritis Information Center at UAB, worked as the Executive Director of Jewish Family Services, and was the Program Director of the Alabama Head Injury Foundation. She was a member of Leadership Birmingham, Temple Beth El, Hadassah, and National Council of Jewish Women.

Sandy was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Koplon, parents, Pearl and Joe Brawer, and brother, Mark (Carol) Brawer. She is survived by her three beloved children, Mindy (Warren) Binderman of Atlanta, Ga., Michael (Karen) Koplon of Memphis, Tenn., and Julie (Philip) Schanzer of White Plains, N.Y., as well as her eight grandchildren,n Josh, Rachel and Mollie Binderman; Sammie Jo and Alyssa Koplon; and Elle, Joe and Sam Schanzer. Sandy always put her family first. She will be remembered for her devotion to family, her meaningful and lasting connections to her friends, her beautiful voice, her perfect penmanship, her lifelong love of learning, and her unbelievable strength.

Funeral services were held 10:30 am, Wednesday, Oct. 30 at Temple Beth-El, 2179 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. Interment followed at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Temple Beth El in Birmingham, Alabama or the Alabama Head Injury Foundation. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta, 770- 4514999.

Frances K. Manheim 97, Atlanta

Frances K. Manheim passed away Oct. 31, 2024, one month prior to her 98th birthday. Born in Atlanta, she was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Manheim. She is survived by her son and daughterin-law, Alan and Robin Manheim, brother, Dr. Hugh A. Klotz, grandchildren, Rebecca Baun, Heather York, and Megan Latham; five great-grandchildren, Mason Baun, Adler Baun, Cadence York, Parker Latham and Wells Latham; and niece and nephew, Marian Klotz and James Klotz.

A graveside service was held at 3:00 p.m., Nov. 1, at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Temple. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999

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

Explore.

At Canterbury Court senior living community, life can take you wherever you’d like to go. Our expanded 14-acre campus offers new elegantly finished and customizable apartment homes, enhanced amenities and services, beautiful gardens and lush green spaces, and plenty of cultural and social opportunities. All with the peace of mind of a continuum of care, if ever needed. With all this awaiting you, what are you waiting for?

To learn more and to schedule a personal tour, contact us today at 404-905-2444, visit CanterburyCourt.org/Explore, or scan the QR code.

Actual resident enjoys exploring new books in the well-equipped library.

3750 Peachtree Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30319

CanterburyCourt.org

Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Support Skilled Nursing

OBITUARIES

Bernard Marcus

95, Boca Raton, Fla.

Bernard (Bernie) Marcus passed away on Nov. 4, 2024, at the age of 95, in Boca Raton, Fla.

Born on May 12, 1929, in Newark, N.J., Bernie is a name synonymous with entrepreneurial success and generous philanthropy.

In 1978, he co-founded The Home Depot, now the world’s largest home improvement retailer, served as its first CEO, and was chairman until his retirement in 2002. The company opened its first four stores in Atlanta, Ga., in 1979. The company grew to embody the ideals of its founders, Bernie, Arthur Blank and Ken Langone to treat employees and their local communities as family, reward associates with stock options, and provide associates and their families with financial assistance in times of need. There are now approximately 500,000 associates and more than 2,300 stores in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with 2023 revenues of $152.7 billion.

For many people, creating a successful company would have been the achievement of a lifetime. But Bernie and his wife Billi began to focus their energy and resources on philanthropy.

The core values of The Home Depot – taking care of its people, giving back to its communities, and doing the right thing – became the fundamental principles of The Marcus Foundation, which Bernie founded in 1989. Bernie’s entrepreneurial business approach characterized his unique brand of hands-on philanthropy.

Since its founding, The Marcus Foundation has granted more than $2.7 billion through 3,500+ grants. Their contributions support a wide range of causes including medical research, Jewish causes, promoting free enterprise, veteran welfare, the health and welfare of children, with an emphasis on civics education, and targeted community support in Atlanta and Boca Raton. Through these focus areas, Bernie and Billi’s philanthropy has made a significant impact by changing and saving hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of lives.

Bernie Marcus was born the youngest of four children of Sara and Joe Marcus, poor Russian immigrants, in Newark, New Jersey. They lived in a fourth-floor walkup tenement, and it was there he learned from his mother the importance of giving back, “Tzedakah.” He began working at age 11 to help support his family, with jobs including grocery store and candy store clerk, a theater usher, a magician and a hypnotist. He attended Southside High School, was named Most Popular, served on the swim team, and graduated in 1947. He had a propensity for medicine, and his dream was to go to medical school and be a doctor – a psychiatrist. When he completed most of his pre-med courses at Rutgers University, he was told he had been accepted at Harvard Medical School with a scholarship. His dream was not to be realized: a quota on Jewish students required an additional admission fee that was more than his entire family could afford. He returned to Rutgers and graduated with a degree in pharmacy in 1954.

During the following years, Mr. Marcus climbed the corporate ladder at leading retail companies, including Two Guys and Handy Dan owned by Daylin Corporation. Mr. Marcus often said that being fired by Handy Dan in 1978, was both the low point in his life and the moment of greatest opportunity. He had already envisioned a store of placing all home improvement supplies under one roof, cutting out the middleman, and passing the savings to the customers. On June 29, 1978, The Home Depot was incorporated, and its first two stores opened in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1979. America soon became a nation of do-it-yourselfers, and The Home Depot became, and continues to be, one of the most successful and respected companies.

The Home Depot’s success allowed Bernie and Billi to establish The Marcus Foundation. It also compelled them to create a cultural asset, The Georgia Aquarium, to give thanks to the first customers and employees of The Home Depot who had supported them from the very beginning. This was the largest single grant The Marcus Foundation has given, and it opened in 2005 as the largest aquarium in the world.

Their extraordinary generosity has been widely recognized for its enduring impact. Bernie and Billi Marcus were recently named the 2024 Philanthropists of the Year by Forbes and have received The Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, given to

individuals who have served with distinction in public life. Mr. Marcus was named the inaugural recipient of Inc. 500’s Bernard A. Goldhirsh Award, was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame, and has received the USO Patriot Award, as well as the Sea Keeper Award for promoting the restoration and protection of the world’s oceans. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans and a member of BENS – Business Executives for National Security.

The Marcuses were among the first to sign the Giving Pledge, as well as the Jewish Future Promise and have been recognized among the top 20 donors in the country.

Marcus co-authored two books, Built From Scratch, How a Couple of Regular Guys Grew The Home Depot from Nothing to $30 Billion, and Kick Up Some Dust, Lessons on Thinking Big, Giving Back and Doing It Yourself. These books offer a glimpse into his remarkable journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Bernie Marcus’s life story is one of extraordinary perseverance, innovative and entrepreneurial thinking, and heartfelt generosity. From his humble beginnings in a New Jersey tenement to the heights of business success and philanthropy, Bernie’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make. His story embodies the spirit of dreaming big, working hard, and always giving back-a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift countless lives.

Bernie is survived by his wife Billi, his sons Fred Marcus (Nancy) and Michael Morris, and was predeceased by daughter Susanne Marcus Collins. He has seven grandchildren and dozens of nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Bernie loved medical research, Israel and Jewish causes, and veterans. In lieu of gifts or flowers, the Foundation and Marcus family asks that folks consider a donation to one of the following groups. Bernie would have also been very happy for donations in his honor to go to any other organizations meaningful to the donor that impactfully advance these causes.

· RootOne

· Avalon Action Alliance

· Marcus Autism Center

· Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center at Grady

· Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital

· Israel Democracy Institute Foundation

· Magen David Adom Marcus National Blood Services Center in Israel Funeral services were held Nov. 7 at. 1:00 p.m. at The Temple 1589 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.

Debra Anne Rothenberg 67, Dunwoody

Debra Anne Rothenberg, of Dunwoody, Ga., passed away on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. She was preceded in death by her father, Harry Rothenberg, and her mother, Sonya Gertin Rothenberg. Survived by brothers, Jeffrey and Alan Rothenberg, sister-in-law, Cathy Mendel, nieces, Jaclyn Rothenberg and (Daniel Moskowitz) Ariel and Matt Greenhalgh.

Debra enjoyed a 40-year career at Harry Norman Realtors.

Funeral graveside service was held Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at 2 p.m., Arlington Memorial Park 201 Mount Vernon Hwy Atlanta, Georgia 30328. Rabbi Brad Levenberg officiating. Contributions can be made to The Atlanta Humane Society and American Cancer Society.

Keren Matea Seagraves 29,

Lebanon, Tenn.

Keren was born July 2, 1995, in Cleveland, Ohio, to her parents, Lynne Arshenovitz and Adrian Saidac. As a child, Keren was a figure skater and dancer. She was passionate about her performance and always strove for excellence. Keren attended the University of Wisconsin, Marquette and graduated in 2017 with her bachelor’s in criminal justice. She was commissioned into the United States Army Reserves as a 2nd Lieutenant out of the Reserve Officer Training Corps, rising to the rank of captain as she continued to serve. Keren married Jacob Asher Seagraves on March 30, 2018, in Marietta, Ga.

Keren had a passion for making the world a better place and earned a position as a special agent in the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2018. She began her career with the El Paso Field Office and then transferred to the Nashville Field Office. Keren received a myriad of accolades for her work from the DEA both in El Paso and Nashville, as well as local agencies in both areas. Keren lived her life in the service of others. Her dedication to improving the lives of those around her was unparalleled and was an example to be followed by all. Her ability to protect her nation and her community was rivaled only by her love for family. Seeing Keren’s relationship with her children was inspiring. Her caring demeanor and selfless drive to improve their lives were apparent in her actions on a daily basis. While many around her saw a consummate professional, loving mother, and a caring friend, her husband, Jacob, simply remembers her as the best person he ever had the privilege to know.

Keren is survived by her parents, sister, Rachel Saidac, husband, Jacob Asher Seagraves, beloved children, Wyatt (age 4) and Georgia (age 3), mother-in-law, Karen B. Seagraves, father-in-law, Scott Seagraves and his wife, Jessica LaGala Seagraves, brotherin-law, Jason Seagraves, sisters-in-law Jessica Seagraves and Abbigail Seagraves, and the multitudes of people she served alongside until her passing.

Keren’s husband, Jacob, and his family lived in Marietta, in east Cobb, and he graduated from The Weber School.

Keren was laid to rest in a graveside service on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in the Sherith Israel and West End Synagogue Cemetery in Nashville, Tenn., in a traditional Orthodox Jewish burial service officiated by Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel with Chabad of Nashville. There was a full procession from the Crawford Funeral Home led by the DEA as well as military honors performed at the graveside. Hundreds of her fellow agents, officers, and soldiers were there to honor her life and dedication to her work. The friends and family would like to thank the DEA Trauma Team for their assistance throughout the entirety of this process. Their care and attentiveness were truly outstanding. Thank you to the Crawford Funeral Home and the Chabad of Nashville for their understanding and performance of the proper Jewish burial for Keren. Thank you to all the law enforcement officers and military service members for attending the service and building the blue wall from Crawford Funeral Home to the cemetery. There can be no more fulfilling way to live than in the service of others alongside those who share the same sentiments. Keren epitomized this in her daily life; while she left the world far too early, it was better to have her in it.

Be Strong and of Good Courage

Allen H. Lipis

The Bottom Line

In the parsha Vayyelech, G-d tells Moses to be strong and of good courage three times. The first time, G-d tells Moses that he should “fear not, nor be scared” of fighting an enemy that appears to be stronger than you. The second time, G-d says, “Be strong and of good courage” to tell the people in public that Joshua will be in charge after Moses dies. The third time, G-d tells the people that not only will Joshua be in charge, but that G-d will be with him and the Jewish people as they enter the promised land. When G-d says the same words three times, it is a very important statement for all of us to consider.

So, what does it mean that at the end of your life, or when you turn leadership

over to someone younger than you, who is less experienced than you, that the less experienced person should be strong and of good courage? It means that a chosen person given more responsibility may worry that he or she is not ready for the new job they are given, that they may not be up for the responsibility. That is natural and worry may be part of any new assignment. However, if you are picked for the job, then your boss or your leader has determined that you are ready for the assignment, that you know enough to take on the new job. Therefore, your leader has faith in you, so have faith in yourself.

This is the case for parents who have given their children the proper knowledge and character to move forward in their life. They have taught them enough that they can tell them to be strong because they are strong, and they are told to have good courage because they have been well trained for their new assignment. So, they are not to worry about it.

This is also the case for a new job, or

a new assignment. Many years ago, my boss took me to dinner, something he never did, and told me about a new assignment in Atlanta. He told me I was the best choice, but I wasn’t sure. I worried about it, but I moved forward because other people thought I was ready. Looking back, I worried at first, but my wife and I just moved forward. We didn’t spend a lot of time worrying. We prepared for the move, put our trust in people who helped us, and it worked out extremely well.

I have worriers in my family, and I hear worries from my friends. They worry about their job, their new home, their finances, their children, and their medical condition. Worry alone does not accomplish much by itself. Worry needs to lead to action, to think through what can be done and do it. Often it is to pick the right people to help, in addition to doing it yourself. Worry without action leads to despair. Action is the best medicine for worry. Just decide what to do and just do it.

At my bar mitzvah, I was petrified

that I had to give a speech to everyone there. In my summer job, I worried about being fired and never was. In college, I worried about my grades, and then gave it a strong effort. I worried about meeting the right woman to marry, and boy was I lucky. I worried about how to best raise my children and now they are a comfort for me. In business, I worried day after day, and it turned out better than I ever imagined. And now in later years of my life, I have worked hard to stop worrying about what is not important, and most things are not important.

And for all of you sharing in this New Year, the fact that you are alive is indicative that you can be strong and be of good courage in whatever you take on in your life. Being strong is to believe in yourself, and being of good courage is to stop worrying whether you will succeed. If you have put in the effort, then you need not worry about the result. Whatever happens, you can say to yourself and to others that you did your best. ì

Strengthening the bonds that unite us

The tragedies of October 7th and increased Jew hate have profoundly impacted each of us. JF&CS stands with Israel and continues to provide the support our community needs as we face these challenges together.

December 3, 2024

12:00 – 1:00 PM | ENCORE 8:00 – 9:00 PM

EVENT CO-CHAIRS

Anat & Brian Granath and Sara & Ross Kogon

Join featured speaker, Jonah Platt, host of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, in conversation with Nadia Bilchik. You will also hear personal client experiences and insights from our leadership.

Sponsors of $2,500+ are invited to an in-person VIP event on December 3rd in Sandy Springs, featuring Jonah Platt and David Lubin.

JONAH PLATT Actor, artist, and advocate

NADIA BILCHIK

TV personality, speaker, and author