Atlanta Jewish Times, Vol. XCIII No. 46, November 23, 2018

NEXT WEEK: CHANUKAH

VOL. XCIII NO. 46

NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 15 KISLEV 5779

Macy's Parade Floats Travel to Israel THANKSGIVING DAY BALLOONS TO FLY OVER JERUSALEM IN 'TOGETHER: MARCHING WITH WORLD JEWRY' PARADE

over

BULLET PROOF

Alternate Side

Berlin

Deep Underc

Asperger’s Children

RISE AND KILL FIRST

NOT OUR KIND

The Girl from

The LosT FamiLy

SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL HAPPENED

We Are Gathered

Land

Rescue Board

Promised

RACING AGAINST HISTORY

& Justice

Son of a Bitch

The Fox Hunt

With Liberty

The OPPOSITE of HATE

Jocie

nt carter preside

KINDNESS COME IN

BOOK FESTIVAL CONCLUDES SHARE IN THE FUN AS THIS YEAR'S 27TH EDITION OF THE MARCUS JCC FESTIVAL COMES TO A CLOSE.

CHANUKAH HAPPENINGS AJT'S COMMUNITY CALENDAR IS PACKED WITH EVENTS FOR ALL AGES & INTERESTS.

CHAI STYLE ART

SUSAN PROCTOR, MIXED MEDIA ARTIST, CELEBRATES TEXTURE, BALANCE & RHYTHM THROUGH ABSTRACT WORK.

THIS WEEK

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Count Your Blessings By the time you read this, Thanksgiving maybe over. But it should be fresh on your mind, if not your stomach. While we may differ in our practices the rest of the year, Thanksgiving is one of the rare holidays that unite Jews of all denominations and Americans of all faiths. It reminds us to be grateful for our blessings.

This year, the spirit of Thanksgiving may linger a little longer for us Jews. The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons are headed to Jerusalem for a celebratory demonstration of unity for Chanukah on Dec. 3.

We have a lot to be thankful for, as we are reminded by a few Atlanta rabbis who share how they celebrate Thanksgiving and how it relates to our Judaism. We offer A Jewish Thanksgiving menu of delicacies for your holiday table this year – or next.

Food is a big part of our existence. That’s why we also bring you a dining section with recipes

by Carol Nemo, whose skills in the kitchen join a long list of accomplishments in the local Jewish community.

We also wrap up the 27th Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA with author interviews and coverage of their book presentations.

In interfaith relations, we join a Marietta congregation at a mosque in Alpharetta to learn about how Jews and Muslims share a common history of persecution. Revelatory parallels range from how they pray to how they shop for food.

From Muslim-Jewish relations in North Atlanta, we take you to a lecture at Emory University about the Arab-Israeli conflict and another about the common roots of Zionism and the civil rights movement.

In further interfaith dialogue, we share how a pre-game incident proves to The Weber School community how lucky it is to have educated and respectful administrators watching over its students.

Whether you’re reading us after the holiday or before, headed out of town or staying at home, we hope you take us with you. We’re certainly grateful to have you as our readers and hope you are thankful for the news we offer each week about your Jewish-American community. ■

CONTENTS REFLECTIONS ��������������������������������������������� 4 LOCAL NEWS ���������������������������������������������� 5 BUSINESS �������������������������������������������������� 10 ISRAEL NEWS ������������������������������������������ 11 THANKSGIVING �������������������������������������� 14 DINING ������������������������������������������������������� 16 ARTS ����������������������������������������������������������� 17 CALENDAR ������������������������������������������������ 22 COMMUNITY �������������������������������������������� 24 KEEPING IT KOSHER ����������������������������� 30 BRAIN FOOD ��������������������������������������������� 32 OBITUARIES ��������������������������������������������� 33 CLOSING THOUGHTS ���������������������������� 34 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 3

REFLECTIONS Jerusalem My Favorite City, Next to Atlanta, Of Course feature on education: “StuWhen you walk down dents return to ‘their school the streets of Jerusalem, as I benches.’ About 306,600 stulove to do, you are struck at dents will begin the college this time by the multitude year today, Oct. 14. There are of new buildings being con230,000 students who will structed. I have counted 34; be studying for their B.A.” In it may be more. addition, 63,400 are studyMy good friend, a noted ing for their M.A. and 11,400 Jerusalem photographer for a Ph.D. who took pictures at our “A poll [by the national daughter’s wedding and at Rabbi David union of students] shows our grandson’s bar mitz- Geffen students are satisfied, but vah at the Kotel, walks the streets of Jerusalem taking pictures. I claim that higher educational instituasked only for the buildings. When you tions are failing in preparing them for come on your next trip or when you their vocations in the working system of make your next trip, you will be amazed the country.”

As you can see readily, Israeli stuat the new Jerusalem skyline.

Yesterday, all the college and gradu- dents want to finish their education and ate students returned to their studies. I “work.”

Part of this is the case because Israeli recall how significant it was for Rita and me when our three children, Avie, Elissa students have been in the Armed Forces; and Tuvia began to attend the Hebrew usually have traveled for six months to a University in three different fields. We year so education is for their “labor.” This always laugh about a promise my late can be seen, positively, when you become father, Louis Geffen z’’l, made when our aware of how many older people are bechildren were teenagers. He said to them, ing retired from the work force and new when you enroll in college, I will pay blood is being injected into the system.

On the one hand, retired workers, your tuition.

Fortunately for him, when our chil- hopefully, have prepared for their fudren attended college in the 80s, the tu- ture and have health insurance, nursing ition per year for many colleges in USA home insurance, and opportunities for ranged from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. creative activity. Usually, all citizens are in a health plan, which includes nursing In Israel it was $4,000.

Citizens of Israel who attend state- home insurance.

The government offers free senior supported schools all pay a fixed tuition.

Our children earned seven degrees and centers for elderly Israelis. This makes life a bit easier and productive. Many make us very proud.

The newspapers announced the retired Israelis feel that they do not have number of students in colleges and uni- enough money because their monthly versities so that the people of Israel could senior benefit is only $700. The governbe aware of what our education in the ment refuses to raise it because, supposcountry is doing. A headline read in the edly, the budget will not allow it. This is

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troubling to young and old, but somehow we make it.

Fortunately, the percentage of students of Sephardic origin has risen.

When we made aliyah in 1977, only 6 percent of college and university students were “Sephardim.”

Today it is 19 percent, so there is greater emphasis on this sector of the population to get an education. This is significant because more than 50 percent of the population is of Sephardic background.

Military Service

The Israeli military has about 220,00 serving, the exact number never disclosed. I do not know the percentage of those serving who are in “intelligence” units, are in “cyber” units, and other types of units protecting us but not on the battlefield. Those who serve in these fields automatically have jobs when they leave the service. The foot soldiers –women and men – and those who are paratroopers, in tanks in artillery, in many of the other fighting units, are given a stipend when they complete their service. Some use it to travel; some use it to go right into college. Since I and most of my USA friends entered college at 18, 19, 20 and then went on to professional schools, we can understand that Israelis starting their college education at 22 or 23 is not easy.

The younger sector of Israeli education includes nursery school, two levels of kindergarten, elementary school, middle school and high school through grade 12, followed by military service. My wife and I were fortunate to have all eight of our grandchildren go through the sys-

tem. Four have received their high school diplomas; one a B.A., and the rest are in elementary and high school. The statistics are: 200,000 in high school, 300,000 in middle school, 300,000 in elementary, more than 400,000 in nurseries and kindergartens.

The Charedi schools are the same until grade 1. Then they study in various types of school programs. As the public schools and public religious schools receive complete government funding, so do the Charedi schools. It is never clear how many male and female students are in that system. However, their numbers are growing dramatically.

Israel realizes that there are students in the regular school system who should have the opportunity to receive exciting advanced education. These programs are for “gifted” children. The teachers in the school system recommend the best in their classes for the “gifted” track. This is a municipal program, so in the large cities there are many more opportunities for the top students to study at this level.

Boasting: one of our sons and two of our grandsons have been in this program.

The weekly session includes the reading of advanced literary works and discussing them, and problems which have to be studied and then deciphered through systematic thinking.

Options are programs in music, science and others in the various fields. Israel wants to encourage these students and help them develop their mental faculties even more. ■ Rabbi David Geffen is a native Atlantan and Conservative rabbi who lives in Jerusalem.

LOCAL NEWS Pre-game Incident Becomes Teachable Moment

By Dave Schechter The handling of an incident that could have marred relations between The Weber School and Providence Christian Academy is being praised by officials at both schools.

As Weber’s junior varsity boys’ basketball team arrived at Providence Christian in Lilburn for its Nov. 13 game, one boy in a group of students from the host school, standing in a parking lot, raised an arm in a Nazi salute and also may have made a derogatory comment.

Officials at both schools suggested that the incident may have been more a case of immaturity and poor judgment than intended anti-Semitism, an attempt at humor without understanding Jewish sensitivity to gestures and language associated with the Holocaust.

“Our student-athletes reported the incident to the Weber School coaching staff, and our staff addressed the incident before game time with our players, Weber athletic director Scott Seagraves wrote in a letter he sent Nov. 16 to “Weber basketball families.”

The day after the game, players who witnessed the incident spoke with Seagraves and Rabbi Ed Harwitz, Weber’s head of school.

Word of the incident spread through the Weber community, leading to versions that people “heard” but that may not have happened. One take-away, Harwitz told the AJT, is the importance of diffusing rumors that could lead to unnecessary reactions.

“Our students responded precisely the way we would want them to,” Harwitz said “They shared it with adults (their coaches). They didn’t engage in any negative way. They reacted with civility and professionalism in this regard.”

After meeting with the Weber team members, Harwitz and Seagraves then contacted their counterparts at Providence Christian.

Providence Christian is a K-12 private school with 680 students. Head of School Sean Chapman said that it is independent, not associated with any church or denomination.

Weber is a trans-denominational Jewish high school with a student body of 260.

The schools compete in sports in Region 5-A of the Georgia High School Association.

Providence Christian’s athletic director, Brad Williams, was aware of the incident.

“Upon speaking with their athletic director, I was informed by him the school and their administration were aware of the reported incident and were already taking measures to identify and hold accountable the offending student,” Seagraves wrote in his email. “I was personally assured the incident was being handled in an appropriate manner and the Providence Christian athletic staff expressed their deep regret and heartfelt apologies. After my conversations with their administration, I feel confident this was an unfortunate, isolated incident and not a reflection of the professionals and students at the Providence Christian Academy.

“Additionally, I would like to commend our coaches and student-athletes for the manner in which they conducted themselves regarding this incident. Our coaching staff showed the professionalism I expect from them while counseling our student-athletes, and our student-

Rabbi Ed Harwitz, Weber head of school

Dr. Sean Chapman, Providence Christian Academy head of school

athletes acted with great composure, resolve, and sportsmanship,” the Weber athletic director told the parents.

Contacted by the AJT, Chapman said that, to his understanding, the incident occurred when the Weber athletes asked a group of Providence students for directions to the gymnasium.

“As the Weber students were walking away, one of our students … made a horrible slur,” Chapman said.

No Providence Christian staff was in the parking area when this happened, he said.

Chapman said he called Rabbi Harwitz on Nov. 14, the day after the game, to apologize and told him that a letter of apology would be forthcoming.

“We talked for a few minutes. He was gracious, even empathetic, to be honest,” Chapman said of Harwitz.

In his letter, dated Nov. 15, Chapman wrote, “Please accept my sincere apology for the offensive gesture and words directed toward a group of your students while at Providence … This behavior was inexcusable and wrong, and I am deeply sorry that your students, school and school community were subject to it.

“We are currently investigating the matter and want to assure you that we will be addressing the situation with the involved students and their parents.

“Providence is known for students who take their faith seriously, serve others and lead by example. The actions displayed … do not reflect who we are or the mission of our school.

“I appreciate you bringing this matter to our attention. And once again, I want to express how sorry we are that this happened,” Chapman wrote to Harwitz.

Harwitz was no less complimentary in his remarks about Chapman.

“Number one, Providence Christian not only took it with seriousness, they expressed a deep concern and sadness, is the best way to put it,” Harwitz told the AJT.

“It was expressed to me and to us that what this one student did was completely contrary to their mission, their values and their code of conduct.”

“It’s a fine school, with precisely the kind of values we would hope,” Harwitz said, describing the response in Chapman’s call and letter as “touching and heartfelt and deeply committed.

“For lack of a better term, they walked the walk,” Weber’s head of school said.

Insofar as Weber is concerned, the incident is closed, Harwitz said.

Chapman said that, as of Friday, Nov. 16, the identity of the student involved, possibly from Providence Christian’s middle school, had not yet been confirmed.

“It’s unacceptable behavior and we will have significant conversations with the student and their parents,” Chapman said.

The Holocaust is included in the curriculum of history classes taught at the middle and high school levels.

Chapman said that Bible studies, including the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament, is part of the daily curriculum.

“Our kids probably don’t come into contact with Jewish kids on a regular basis. We teach our students to value and respect everyone,” Chapman acknowledged, adding, “It’s wrong and whoever it is that did this knows this is not something the school will tolerate.”

The incident will be addressed with the student body following the Thanksgiving break, said Chapman, who has been at Providence Christian for 24 years. This is his third year as head of school. “To my knowledge something like this has not happened before,” he said.

If anything, Harwitz and Chapman said, how students, coaches, and administrators handle such an incident can avoid leaving a residue of ill-will between the schools and potentially provide a “teachable moment” in which students can learn valuable life lessons. ■ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 5

LOCAL NEWS

Links Between Zionism and Human Rights Movement

By Bob Bahr Last week’s annual Rothschild Memorial Lecture at Emory University tackled the hot-button issue of human rights and the often-forgotten role that Jews and Zionism played in the difficult modern quest for equality and justice in the world.

Guest lecturer at the Nov. 15 event, James Loeffler, professor of Jewish history at the University of Virginia, pointed out that the state of Israel and the modern human rights movement were launched at almost the exact moment 70 years ago.

It was about the same time, in the late 1940s, that Rabbi Jacob Rothschild, for whom the memorial lecture is named, took over the leadership of The Temple in Atlanta.

He and many of his contemporaries quickly became deep-

6 | NOVEMBER 23, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

James Loeffler, professor of Jewish history at the University of Virginia, delivers the 10th annual Rothschild Memorial Lecture at Emory University.

ly involved in the national debate about civil and human rights during the post-war years.

“Human rights may have a long pedigree in human civilization,” Loeffler pointed out, “but as we know them, they really came into their own after World War II, when the U.N. began to introduce a new idea of taking principles

of human dignity, justice and rights, and transforming them into a system of human law.”

The words of Israel’s Declaration of Independence were uttered just months before the U.N.’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created. Not coincidentally, a number of Jewish human rights advocates were involved in the creation of both.

He describes them in his new book, “Rooted Cosmopolitans: Jews and Human Rights in the Twentieth Century,” which inspired the Emory lecture, as being rooted in the nationalist ideas of the Zionist movement, while, at the same time, deeply committed to the cosmopolitan ideal of human rights for all mankind.

Among the more important figures in the human rights debate in the 1960s and 70s was the Georgia-born civil liberties attorney, Morris Abram, who was a leader in the American Jewish community during the second half of the last century.

He was president of Brandeis University in its early years, before going on to become the youngest national president of the American Jewish Committee, chairman of the National Conference on Soviet Jewry, and chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

But as a strident advocate of civil liberties, he had the challenging task of attempting to extend the early successes of the human rights movement at a time when the United States was deeply involved in the battle for racial equality.

According to Loeffler, Abram believed that the success America was having in extending equal rights to African-Americans in the 60s might also inspire progress at the United Nations.

“When the civil rights movement is beginning to realize the promise of equality,” Loeffler said of Abrams’ beliefs at the time, “he thought that maybe we could do the same thing at the United Nations with anti-Semitism.”

But despite a concerted effort by Abrams, American diplomats and others, the human rights battle fell victim to the Cold War rivalries between the United States and the Soviet Union.

In an ironic turn of events, those Jews fighting to extend progress in human rights and to combat anti-Semitism found the issue turned against them. In a highly successful diplomatic offensive, the Soviet Union and its Arab allies at the U.N. successfully made Israel and its treatment of the Palestinians a human rights issue.

In 1975, the U.N. adopted Resolution 3379, which condemned Zionism as a form of racism and racial discrimination.

After decades of attempting to reform the human rights movement at the U.N., the United States earlier this year withdrew from what Ambassador Nikki Haley called a “hypocritical and self-serving” United Nations Human Rights Council, particularly in its chronic bias against Israel. ■

LOCAL NEWS

Food for Thought from the Book Festival's Closing Week Native Son, Stuart Eizenstat defends Jimmy Carter’s Record

By Bob Bahr Stuart Eizenstat grew up in Atlanta, attended Ahavath Achim Synagogue and became, at the age of 34, one of the most powerful officials in the administration of President Jimmy Carter. Eizenstat came home Nov. 11 to talk about his new book, “President Carter: The White House Years.”

Before a large crowd at the Book Festival of the MJCCA, Eizenstat, who was Carter’s principle advisor on domestic policy, defended the record he created in the late 1970s. Eizenstat described Carter as “the most accomplished and underappreciated first-term president in American history.”

And Eizenstat, like the Harvard-trained lawyer and accomplished litigator that he is, effectively laid out a long list of accomplishments, from energy policy to ethics legislation, that he and Carter pushed through Congress.

In summary, he quoted Vice President Walter Mondale, who described the Carter record as a time when “we kept the peace, told the truth and honored the office.”

Eizenstat’s volume, which was the Book Festival choice as this year’s Esther G. Levine Community Read, is a comprehensive work of more than 900 pages. It not only discusses Carter’s domestic political record, but his foreign policy record as well.

An entire section of the book, almost 150 pages, describes the tortuous process that resulted in the Camp David accords between Israel’s Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egypt’s President Anwar Sadat. It eventually led to a treaty of peace between Egypt and Israel in 1979 that remains one of the cornerstones of American diplomacy in the region.

Eizenstat described the Camp David agreements at the festival as “the greatest act of personal presidential diplomacy in American history.”

And yet, when Carter ran for re-election in 1980, he received only about 45 percent of the Jewish vote, a precipitous drop from the 71 percent of Jews who voted for him in the 1976 election.

Eizenstat cited numerous reasons for the change, perhaps, most importantly, the vote on United Nations Resolution 465 during a crucial period in the presidential campaign of 1980.

The resolution criticized Israel for not cooperating on the issue of settlements in the West Bank and including Jerusalem as part of the occupied territories.

It violated an agreement Carter had made earlier with Prime Minister Begin. Eizenstat described the vote as a “miscommunication,” but its effect was “cataclysmic,” from which “we never regained our footing” among Jewish voters.

But there were other problems for Carter as well.

His U.N. ambassador, Andrew Young, was found to have met with a representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization, in violation of U.S. policy, and was forced to resign. Carter’s brother, Billy, was discovered to have received a gift of $220,000 from Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, Israel’s bitter enemy.

Carter’s opinion of what happened between himself and Jews in 1980 is found in his “White House Diary,” published in 2011: “I would have been better off if I

Stuart Eizenstat explains the actions of President Jimmy Carter. His book cover (inset) was reproduced as an edible image on dessert from Ali’s Cookies.

had ignored them.”

Nonetheless, “I still have deep regrets about the fact that I alienated many American Jews during my time as president,” he writes in his 2011 book, “and over many years, I have attempted to understand the reasons.”

Next month, Carter may have one last chance to clarify that relationship. He is planning to participate via Skype in a three-way conversation between Eizenstat and David Rubenstein, a prominent Jewish philanthropist and investment executive who was deputy assistant for domestic policy at the Carter White House.

Their conversation about “President Carter: The White House Years” Dec. 6 will take place at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan, an important Jewish cultural and community center.

Michael Coles reads from his new book, "Time to Get Tough."

Underdog Businessman Overcomes Obstacles

By Kevin Madigan “I don’t want to give you all the details because I really want you to buy the book.” Thus began author Michael Coles’ talk at the Book Festival of the MJCCA on Nov. 15. The Atlanta entrepreneur was promoting his memoir, “Time to Get Tough: How Cookies, Coffee, and a Crash Led to Success in Business and Life.”

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 7

LOCAL NEWS The book, co-written with Kennesaw State University history professor Catherine Lewis, tells the story of Coles at the helm of Great American Cookies and Caribou Coffee; his time as a recordbreaking cyclist and as a candidate for U.S. Congress; and the trials and tribulations he encountered along the way.

“When I was a kid, I never imagined I’d write a book that anyone would be interested in reading,” Coles said. Growing up in New York, his father filed for bankruptcy and the family fled the state to evade creditors. “I didn’t realize we were poor. Everything seemed pretty normal, but eventually we had to move to Florida, a debtors’ state where wages could not be garnished. Things were very different,” he said, describing life in a tiny Miami Beach apartment and having to share a room with his older sister. He began working at 13 in the clothing industry as a way to help support his fam-

ily, although “because I started working so young, my grades were really awful.”

Under the shadow of paternal failure, Coles found the impetus to get ahead, crediting his father with giving him important life skills. “Dad never recovered from his bankruptcy, but he started me on a path of doing more than what I was told I could do. I became angry when people said I wouldn’t go far,” he said.

He stayed in the apparel business until he was 33, having married his current wife, Donna, at 28, and admits to leading “a pretty fast life” during that period, which involved “a lot of drugs; one friend lost his life, another lost everything he had,” Coles recalled.

Cleaning up and switching careers,

Coles launched what was then called the Great American Cookie Company in 1977 at Perimeter Mall, with a mere $8,000 that eventually turned into $100 million in sales. Getting there, however, was anything but easy. “We had no experience in the food business, very little money, and our first day was a disaster,” he said. Thwarted by a lack of potholders, the cookie trays had ignited, and firefighters were summoned.

The mall manager then asked him, “Is this what it’s going be like every day?”

Six weeks after opening the store, Coles was severely injured in a motorbike accident, and his doctors doubted his ability to ever walk again. As part of his rehabilitation, though, Coles took up cycling and later managed to

break records crossing the country from Savannah to San Diego. Less successful were his forays into politics. He ran for Congress against Newt Gingrich in 1996 and Paul Coverdell in ‘98 – and was soundly defeated each time.

Having sold the company in the late 90s, Coles became the CEO of Caribou Coffee, a tenure that started on the wrong foot with his opening salvo to senior management: “I’ve been to 50 Caribous and I have yet to have a good experience.” He was simply referring to a lack of consistency, but after that, it took months to get the team on board.

These days, Coles is a philanthropist whose name adorns the business school at Kennesaw State. “To be successful, it’s how you deal with the unexpected,” he said, adding, “The difference between success and failure is dealing with the unknown.”

Solomonov, Cook and the Banks Produce Big Treats

By Marcia Caller Jaffe As the final weekend of the 27th Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA winds down, chef restaurateurs Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook hit just the right spot. An Israeli feast featuring selected recipes from their newly published “Israeli Soul” cookbook was prepared

by Sandra and Clive Bank of A Kosher Touch.

The “In the Mood for Israeli Street Food” presentation at noon Nov. 15 aptly kept all 205 of us “in the mood” with a bounteous, colorful buffet. On the menu was Turkish salad, string beans doused in hummus, individual pita stuffed falafel, sour pickles, traditional tahini, zucchini schnitzel, and cabbage-onion sumac salad (my favorite), followed by sufganiyot.

(Chanukah-themed donut holes).

Solomonov and Cook were in conversation with Ligaya Figueras, senior editor of food and dining for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. A friendly repartee brought us into the world of food lovers in a partnership, writing the book after a 10-year hiatus from publishing. Cook, the more subdued and stronger writer, balances out Solomonov’s intensity, while both uncover what defines “Israeli” food.

An intricately tattooed Solomonov said, “We went on an eight-day food tour of Israel and ate five meals a day. … We used Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as home bases; but we wanted to put it all together going to “no name” food towns ... to showcase Israel’s modern globalization.”

He referred to Polish, Balkan, Ethiopian and various cultures becoming prouder 8 | NOVEMBER 23, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Authors Steven Cook (left) and Michael Solomonov graciously chatted and signed books after their interview.

A Kosher Touch/Sandra Bank sponsored the event and prepared the food.

Bank explained her company’s reach into school meal preparation.

A total of 205 fans enjoyed A Kosher Tastes buffet lunch from the “Israeli Soul” cookbook recipes.

of what they each do best.

Cook, who bolted from a six-year career on Wall Street to pursue his culinary passion, talked about cultures mirroring each other eating the same food, “What Muslims eat on Ramadan is similar to what Christians eat on Easter, and Jews have on Purim.” He also highlighted their

pursuit of simple restaurants that have many generations of making just one or a few things extremely well, and not striving to be trendy or inventing something new. Both men laughed about a scowling Arab who handmade only one individualized (choice of nut or cheese) Zalatimo folded dough dessert at a time,

as his family had done since King Herod.

“This food is about pride and lineage … not just about the sandwich. There was no Instagram in the Diaspora.”

Solomonov got an audience giggle when he said he went to culinary school in West Palm Beach, Fla., as “a suburb of Tel Aviv.” Food is food, and friendship is, well, in this case, life-saving. Solomonov revealed his past battle with addiction and how Cook stuck by him, driving him to work and pushing exercise as a coping tool. He said, “Secrets can make you sick, dealing with the social taboos of addiction, and ultimately losing the shame to be able to ask for help.” Solomonov shared that his younger brother, David, lost his life fighting in the Israel Defense Forces in 2003.

After the recent Pittsburgh tragedy , Cook said he now attends the temporary synagogue facility that the Squirrel Hill congregants are using.

An upcoming neo-Nazi rally is scheduled a block away from one of their restaurants.

Ultimately, they are both proud of the Jewish statement their famous restaurants are making.

Solomonov, who also grew up in Pennsylvania, said, “My mother taught Holocaust seminars in Squirrel Hill and the message to never let your guard down.” He ended, “In the restaurant business, 10 years feels like 100. … Israeli food is tied to what makes Jews unique. … The Sabbath and kashruth, even stews, ... Israelis like passion, soul and drama.”

Caterer Clive Bank noted how quickly the food was consumed. There was not

LOCAL NEWS much left, he said, but he exited wishing he had a “to go” box.

“Israeli Soul” is an exquisitely photographed and emotional cookbook. Solo-

monov has perfected and adapted every recipe for the home kitchen.

Now what about those snake tattoos?

NPR’s Peter Sagal discussed his book, "The Incomplete Book of Running," about his life as a runner.

Radio Host Riffs on Running

By Kevin Madigan The final night of the 2018 Book Festival of the MJCCA featured an author who many have heard, but seldom get to see in person. Peter Sagal, 53, has been the host of National Public Radio’s weekly news quiz, “Wait, Wait ... Don’t Tell Me!” for 20 years.

His appearance at the book festival Nov. 18 coincided with the release of his book, “The Incomplete Book of Running.”

The title is a riff on the best-seller, “The Complete Book of Running” by Jim Fixx, the man who first kicked off a huge running boom in the 70s. “According to his own legend, Fixx was an overweight, chain-smoking editor in New York who decided he was going to die young if he didn’t do something about it,” Sagal told the audience. “So he started to run, become an evangelist of running, wrote the book on running, and that really was the spark that set the running movement aflame.”

Sagal first spotted his father’s copy of Fixx’s book as a teen and began leafing through it “long before I thought I could even run a block,” he said. “I would revel in all the promises it made. Running was supposed to improve your health, longevity, your mood, and your sex life, which was an abstract concept to me at that time. There was something about those promises that started me running, though I still grapple with their truth and exaggeration.”

The punchline, as Sagal puts it, is that Fixx went out one day in 1984 for his usual run and dropped dead of a heart attack at just 52.

“I found out that even though he was a big advocate for health, he never went

to the doctor,” Sagal said. “I meant this title as an homage and a sly joke, but I also meant (my book) to be a kind of sequel. It’s about running, it’s about the changes that it promises, but they don’t work out quite as well as he promised they would.”

Fixx invented what Sagal calls social running. “Prior to Fixx, people ran for only two reasons: to win races or as conditioning for some other sport. Running was something you did to improve your health in order to do something else. The Fixx message was that running was something you did in and of itself, and the evolution of his message was: ‘You don’t need to win a race; you don’t need to be training to be boxer or a football player or whatever it might be.’ His whole argument was: ‘Just do it for its own sake.’”

Sagal has several ways to tell if someone is a runner: “You know you’re a runner if you haven’t done it for two days and you start to get antsy; if you’re stuck in a car and see someone running by and you wish you were them; if you read about someone’s marathon time and you feel both admiration and envy.”

You don’t need anything to become a runner, or to learn any skill, according to Sagal. “You are literally, to borrow a phrase, born to run. We became the dominant species on this planet by annoying our prey to death. When you start running, you’re not so much changing into something else – a runner – you are actually becoming what you were designed to do. And the more you run, the closer you get to that innate nature of what it is to be human, which is to move slowly but determinedly across distances.

That’s what we humans are good at.” ■ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 9

BUSINESS

Rendering of CIM Group's proposed redevelopment of downtown Atlanta's Gulch.

Gulch Redevelopment on Track for Downtown

Redevelopment of The Gulch, financed partly by Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, recently moved closer to fruition. Invest Atlanta’s board approved $40 million in bonds to help finance the redevelopment of 40 acres of weedy parking lots and railroad tracks in downtown across from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

On Nov. 5, the Atlanta City Council voted 8 to 6 in favor of legislation that would help provide Los Angelesbased CIM Group nearly $1.9 billion in public subsidies to redevelop the area. The project is expected to permanently reshape the city’s skyline.

The vote capped months of controversy. Bottoms’ administration had to postpone a vote three times because of a lack of council support.

Two Invest Atlanta board members — Nancy Meister, representing Atlanta Public Schools, and Fred Smith, representing City Council — opposed the Gulch resolution related to the Westside Tax Allocation District, which passed 7 to 2.

Smith said the amount of public money being used to finance the $5 billion-dollar project did not match the benefits the public will receive. Meister, the vice chair of the Atlanta Board of Education, said that the schools weren’t included in negotiations.

The Gulch development will be the largest since Peachtree Center started in the 1960s. CIM proposes 18 parcels with at least nine skyscrapers of 225 feet or more in height, including one rising 500 feet or about 40 stories.

The plan also calls for 9 million square feet of office space, 1,000 residences, 1,500 hotel rooms and 1 million square feet of retail space.

The Well-being Impact Area Fund grant is set to aid general operations of SHA. The organization delivers fresh food to fight food insecurity and waste in metro Atlanta. This fall, SHA began picking up food from major venues, including Bobby Dodd Stadium, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, SunTrust Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Up to 2,500 pounds of food is left over from large scale events, including sports games and concerts.

What began as a social action project at Temple Sinai in 2004 became a stand-alone nonprofit organization in 2013. The food rescue organization now includes more than 80 food donors, 50 partner agencies and 470 volunteer drivers. SHA is slated to pick up more than 1.7 million pounds of healthy food in 2018.

“We are honored by the support of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta,” says Sheri Labovitz, president of Second Helpings Atlanta. “This two-year grant will help us expand operations while we continue to fight hunger and reduce food waste throughout the metro Atlanta area.”

Mixed Reaction to Concession Price Cuts

Food Rescue Expands with Grant Money

Second Helpings Atlanta, a nonprofit that rescues more than 125,000 pounds of surplus perishable food every month, recently received a two-year, $40,000 grant from Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

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Depending on who you ask, reduced concession prices at Mercedes-Benz Stadium were either a good deal or an unwelcomed move, setting a new standard that competitors felt compelled to match. The concession cost cuts were a major hit with Atlanta sports fans, but not so much with the owners of the NFL, according to an executive with AMB Group LLC, the Atlanta Business Chronicle reported.

NPR’s “Planet Money” podcast recently praised the dramatic dip in food prices inside the $1.5 billion stadium that opened last year. The hosts spoke with Falcons president and CEO Rich McKay, among others, to discuss the risk and benefits that have come in the seasonplus long experiment. The podcast explores how AMB Group LLC, the investment management and support services arm at the stadium, decided not to outsource concessions, as is the norm. Instead, the company took control of the process in the hopes that increased customer satisfaction from cheaper food prices would outweigh the expected $4 million in revenue losses.

AMB has seen a revenue loss much smaller than that, according to the podcast, because of a 53-percent uptick in food product sales — despite fans refilling sodas more than three times per game. Other professional franchises have taken notice and are following suit.

But the idea didn’t initially sit well with the other NFL owners, according to Greg Beadles, COO for AMB Sports and Entertainment.

“The first NFL owners meeting that we went to after we announced it, there were other teams that were mad. I mean, really upset with us,” Beadles said on the podcast. “'What are you doing to us? Why are you guys doing this?’ This is a big revenue stream for us.'” ■

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Not everyone is pleased with reduced concession prices at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

News From Our Jewish Home

Twitter Screenshot // Ambassador Eyal David and the Israeli team in Tanzania.

Tanzanian Children Treated

by Israeli Docs

Israeli doctors from Save a Child’s Heart visited Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to conduct life-saving heart surgeries for children at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Hospital.

Save A Child’s Heart is a humanitarian operation determined to provide quality pediatric cardiac care in developing countries, regardless of nationality, religion, race, gender or financial status. The organization is supported by MASHAV, Israel’s agency for international humanitarian and development.

Since 1999, more than 750 children

ISRAEL PRIDE

from Tanzania have been treated by the Israeli SACH. Eyal David, Israel’s ambassador to Tanzania, tweeted that he was proud of MASHAV’s cooperation with Save A Child’s Heart: “Many children will receive life changing heart treatment.”

Save a Child’s Heart was awarded the 2018 United Nations Population Award.

In 2011, following efforts by the Israeli Mission to the U.N., SACH was awarded consultative status at the U.N. Economic and Social Council.

The organization has saved the lives of more than 4,800 children from 57 countries in Africa, South America, Europe, Asia and throughout the Middle East. Medical team members from these countries total in the hundreds.

About 50 percent of the children receiving medical care through SACH each year come from the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, Iraq and Morocco.

World Diabetes Day Brings Light to New Research

On the heels of World Diabetes Day, Nov. 14, the Weizmann Institute of Sci-

ence announced research projects and advancement at the Rehovot facility.

Weizmann researchers are working to understand the developmental, genetic, immunological and environmental contributors to diabetes.

Michael Walker, professor in the department of biomolecular sciences, is studying how to treat diabetes through cell replacement therapy in which functional insulin-producing cells are implanted to restore adequate levels of the hormone.

Walker is researching how such cells develop and produce insulin at correct levels. His goal is to make insulin production more efficient and regenerate beta cells missing or damaged in diabetes.

Nir Friedman, professor of systems immunology, is studying the role of Tcells in type 1 diabetes in collaboration with doctors at the Schneider Children’s Medical Center and with Clalit Health Systems, Israel’s largest HMO. Clalit houses a massive repository of health data compiled from more than 4 million patients. The Clalit database gives Friedman access to identify groups of

type 1 patients and reveal T-cell receptor types, or signatures, specific to different patients. Signatures can serve as markers for early diagnosis, overall prognosis and as new therapeutic targets for diabetes and other autoimmune conditions.

The lab of Dr. Kobi Abramson, department of immunology, found a multiprotein complex that plays an important role in inducing and maintaining immune system tolerance.

In collaboration with Harvard Medical School, he is trying to unlock the secret to a specific class of T-cells’ therapeutic potential. By generating genetically-modified T-reg cells Abramson hopes to identify effective therapies for a range of autoimmune disorders, including diabetes. ■

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot mark World Diabetes Day Nov. 14.

Today in Israeli History

The Abuhav Synagogue was built in Safed in the late 15th century.

Nov. 23, 1584: Ottoman Sultan Murad III, in the midst of strengthening the Muslim nature of his empire, orders an investigation into the increase from three to 32 synagogues in Safed, where only seven mosques operate. The Jews, Murad writes, “have given much annoyance to the Muslims.”

Photo by Eric Matson, Government Press Office

British forces operate from the Allenby Camp in Jerusalem during the Arab Revolt.

Nov. 24, 1938: During the 1936-1939 Arab Revolt, the House of Commons holds a debate on the future of Palestine.

Colonial Secretary Malcolm MacDonald

says that British troops are restoring the crown’s authority, that the British Mandate is fulfilling its promise to pave the way for a Jewish national home and that Palestine cannot accommodate more than a fraction of the Jews who might try to escape Nazism.

60 Years” for Israel’s 60th birthday in 2008.

Photo by Ya’acov Sa’ar, Government Press Office

Shlomo Artzi performs in Tel Aviv in 2011.

Photo courtesy of www.jewishvilkaviskis.org

Residents of Kfar Ruppin strengthen the village wall with stones.

Nov. 25, 1938: Kibbutz Kfar Ruppin is founded in the Beit Shean Valley as part of the “Tower and Stockade” movement, which uses prefabricated materials for rapid construction of defensible settlements. The approach takes advantage of an Ottoman-era law that bars the demolition of illegal construction once a roof is complete.

Nov. 26, 1949: Folk-rock singer-songwriter Shlomo Artzi is born on Moshav Alonei Abba, southeast of Haifa. The child of Holocaust survivors, he sells more than 1.5 million albums, and Israel Television names him “The Singer of the

Nov. 27, 1914: The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee is founded with the merger of the Central Relief Committee and the American Jewish Relief Committee. The organization is a response to the distress caused to Jewish communities in Europe and Palestine by World War I. The primary objective is to aid Jews in need worldwide in a timely and collective fashion.

Nov. 28, 1945: The British Land Transfer Committee issues a report on the effectiveness of restrictions on Jewish land purchases under the 1939 White Paper for Palestine. The investigatory panel, which includes no Zionists, finds that Arabs willingly continued to sell land to Jews in the early 1940s.

Nov. 29, 1947: On a vote of 33-13 with 10 abstentions, the U.N. General Assembly

Photo by Hans Pinn, Government Press Office

People in front of the Mugrabi Cinema in Tel Aviv celebrate the U.N. partition vote Nov. 29, 1947.

passes Resolution 181, which calls for the partition of Palestine into separate Arab and Jewish states linked by an economic union. Resolution 181 follows the recommendation of the majority of the 11-nation U.N. Special Committee on Palestine.

A five-member commission is appointed to implement the partition plan. ■

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

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 11

ISRAEL NEWS

Photo courtesy of United Hatzalah/UnitedWithIsrael.org

A Palestinian worker in Israel was killed Nov. 12 by a rocket that struck a home in Ashkelon.

Photo by Government Press Office/Amos Ben-Gershom

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a security briefing in Tel Aviv.

Tension Continues Long After Rockets Cease Unrest continues at the Gaza border as tension builds like rockets beaming through the night skies. After two intense days of bombing between Israel and Palestinian terror groups, a ceasefire on Nov. 13 brought nearly as much discord as the Gaza conflict.

Increased airstrikes between Gaza and Israel were perhaps the impetus for the most intensive fighting the area has seen since 2014. Ongoing feuds at the border have left more than 200 people dead since March.

Here is a review of recent events, starting with an uptick in late October: On Oct. 26, an airstrike from Hamas hit Israel with no casualties. Israel said it held Hamas responsible “for all events transpiring in the Gaza Strip and emanating from it,” adding that Hamas would “bear the consequences for the terror it has waged against Israeli civilians,” according to CNN. Three Palestinian teens approached the southern Gaza strip border on Oct. 28.

Israel Defense Forces said the males, ages 13 to 14 years old, appeared to be planting explosives. IDF aircraft fired on the suspects, killing all three.

On Nov. 11, just after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his wish to reach an arrangement to avoid more fighting, undercover Israeli troops were discovered in Gaza. As a result, one Hamas commander, six Palestinian militants and an Israeli colonel were killed.

“The soldiers acted heroically, hit those who threatened them and extracted themselves to Israeli territory,” said IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ronen Manelis.

On Nov. 12, Palestinian militants set off the most intensive bombing since 2014.

Israel retaliated with dozens of air strikes against Gaza buildings, including a Hamas 12 | NOVEMBER 23, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

intelligence compound and the Al-Aqsa TV studio. Four were killed: three Palestinian gunmen and one Israeli civilian.

Hamas launched upwards of 300 rockets across the border after carrying out a surprise guided-missile attack on a bus that wounded an Israeli soldier. Sirens erupted across southern Israel, driving residents to bomb shelters. Schools closed for the day.

Netanyahu returned early from France, where he was attending the centennial of Armistice Day with world leaders.

After more than 460 rockets blazed from the Gaza strip through Israel’s sky, a ceasefire went into effect on Nov. 13. Palestinian armed factions agreed to abide by the deal, brokered by Egypt, “as long as the Zionist enemy does the same,” The Jerusalem Post reported.

Israel’s security cabinet met for six hours, briefed by the IDF and security officials. The cabinet instructed the IDF to continue its operations as necessary, according to the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Four Israeli ministers voiced opposition to a ceasefire. Protests broke out in Sderot, where residents want a more aggressive response from Israel.

On Nov. 15, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman officially resigned, stating his resignation was to protest the ceasefire agreement.

Liberman tweeted: “Before all, thank you – commanders, soldiers and employees of the Ministry of Defense. I had the privilege and honor to be your defense minister. I strengthen the residents of the south, who for a long time show personal and civic courage. You are the true pioneers of our time. My heart and my hope with the families of the POWs and MIAs. I wish that we could fulfill the verse: ‘And the sons returned to their border.’” ■ Compiled by Logan C. Ritchie

THANKSGIVING

Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images // Spiderman balloon floats in the 87th

Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Macy’s Parade Floats Travel to Israel For more than 90 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been an American holiday tradition. The procession steps off down Central Park West from 77th Street, traveling east along Central Park South to Sixth Avenue and then south along Sixth Avenue to West 34th Street, ending in front of Macy’s in Herald Square. In addition, a Thanksgiving eve tradition is the balloon inflation along the perimeter of the American Museum of Natural History.

More than 3.5 million people are expected to fill the streets of New York City, and more than 50 million people at home will watch the parade of celebrities, clowns, marching bands and the stars of the show – the floating balloons of characters from comic books and children’s movies such as Spider-Man, Kung Fu Panda, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Pokémon.

And this year, soon after the balloons complete their Thanksgiving stroll through the city that never sleeps, some of them will be packed up to take part in a one-of-a-kind parade in Jerusalem on Chanukah. “Together – Walking with World Jewry” is the name chosen for the parade, which will feature street orchestras, youth movements, giant displays from festival artists, a convoy of classic cars, players from the Hapoel Jerusalem basketball team, and more.

The parade in Jerusalem is an initiative of the Diaspora Affairs Ministry and is meant to bring Jews in Israel and

abroad together in the wake of recent anti-Semitic incidents around the world, culminating in the recent Pittsburgh synagogue massacre that claimed the lives of 11 people. The ministry is looking into bringing a delegation from the Pittsburgh Jewish community to the Jerusalem parade.

The celebration is expected to entice a variety of international Jewish groups to host the parade. In a statement, organizers said the event is designed to be “a demonstration of unity between Diaspora Jewry and the citizens of Israel,” amid the backdrop of “severe manifestations of anti-Semitism around the world.”

The procession is slated to begin at the Liberty Bell Park in Jerusalem and continue down King David Street toward Sultan’s Pool, where a concluding concert will take place. The Jewish-American rapper Matisyahu, who will perform there, has a long relationship with Israel and with the city of Jerusalem. Several years ago, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions activists attempted to have his show in Spain cancelled. He ended up performing in front of a crowd carrying Palestinian flags, and sang “Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim” (“If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem”), a Jewish liturgical poem.

Initially, on Nov. 18, the Diaspora Affairs Ministry reported that the executive producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade would be accompanying the balloons to Jerusalem to oversee the parade in the capital.

Mickey Mouse, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, has been in the Macy's Parade since 1934.

On Monday, Macy’s told The Jerusalem Post that instead of its parade executive producer traveling to Jerusalem, one of its “producers will come to Israel to be on hand for the parade. The balloons are from an external supplier.”

Organizers confirmed Monday that a representative for the parade walked back the release it sent to media, saying instead that the event will be “in the spir-

it of Macy’s.”

The parade is expected to be one of the biggest and most impressive events that the capital has known, with the Thanksgiving Day balloons flying from the Big Apple to the apple of G-d’s eye. ■ Compiled by AJT Staff Sources: The Jerusalem Post and Macys.com

A great dreidel happened down the streets of Manhattan.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 13

THANKSGIVING

A Jewish Thanksgiving

By Roni Robbins Thanksgiving may be a favorite holiday for us Jews. There’s no long service or retelling of stories before we can eat.

We don’t have to give up food or dramatically change our diet for eight days. It’s all about the heavy, starchy, calorie-laden, make-you-need-a-nap food. Oh, and spending time with family. And Jews are big into both.

For that reason, the AJT decided to ask a few rabbis how they celebrate the holiday and their thoughts on what makes Thanksgiving Jewish. We provide you a few prayers to consider at your Thanksgiving table or over the long holiday weekend.

And to top it off, we offer some food for thought – literally. Recipes to help you get in the holiday spirit.

Not everyone in the Jewish community always celebrated Thanksgiving. Growing up with Canadian parents, Thanksgiving wasn’t a big part of Rabbi Mark Zimmerman’s life. “And frankly, I loved my mother’s honey-glazed corned beef – I guess the kosher equivalent of honey baked ham – way more than turkey! But now, Thanksgiving is a special part of our lives where we get to sit together with our children and grandchildren, and where we spend a whole day together while I engage in our annual – typically successful – experiment with my electric smoker,” said the rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom in Dunwoody.

“My neighbor may celebrate Christmas, and I may celebrate Chanukah, but we’re both celebrating Thanksgiving,” Zimmerman said. “And while an American holiday, Thanksgiving is a very Jewish idea. Saying blessings of gratitude is an every-day part of Jewish living, including the regular Birkat HaMazon, the traditional Grace After Meals.

“Every time we recite a blessing, we are essentially saying thank you. And after Pittsburgh, we all need to recognize that everything and every relationship we get to enjoy in this world is a precious gift.”

Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman of Chabad Intown doesn’t necessarily celebrate Thanksgiving in a traditional way with turkey and fixings. “My wife says we have thanksgiving every Friday night. We usually have a feast.”

But the family tries to get away to the mountains for the holiday and reflect on gratitude for this country, he said. “It is a privilege to live in this country. Despite the challenges we’ve experienced recently, it’s still the best country Jews 14 | NOVEMBER 23, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

experienced in our history. There’s something to be said about that.”

He explained the origins of the holiday. The forefathers came to a country that welcomed them to live freely, he said.

“That meant they could practice their observances of faith without persecution, the ability to live according to G-d’s will, and they established Thanksgiving as a way to give gratitude for that.”

While Thanksgiving may have evolved from there, the core concept is as relevant today as when the forefathers set foot in America, Schusterman said.

And that hasn’t changed with the recent anti-Semitic events in Pittsburgh, he said.

“It’s not a perfect place, but we still have to look at the big picture.”

The Lubavitcher Rebbe called America “a kingdom of peace, a country whose laws support our rights to live as we choose, and we collectively have to give thanks.” America offers “values of peace and freedom we had not experienced before the United States of America.”

The Jewish concept of gratitude is a fundamental value, Schusterman said.

“We say Mode Ani in the morning to thank G-d for restoring our souls, and we give thanks where due.” Blessings before and after eating are other examples of showing gratitude, he said.

Judaism is full of blessings, opportunities to give thanks for the kindness G-d and others show us, he said.

Appropriate for Thanksgiving are the Psalms, attributed to King David, expressing a soul’s longing for G-d, gratitude for living, uncertainty about the future and the quest for faith, compassion and goodness. We’ve chosen some you might want to consider reading at your Thanksgiving table or around the holiday period.

Psalm 28: Let G-d Be Your Strength Psalm 30: Give Thanks Forever Psalm 100: Praise Psalm 111: Nourishment Psalm 118: G-d is Good Psalm 150: Every Soul Rejoice

Pumpkin Challah

4 cups warm water 2 cups sugar 2 tablespoons dry yeast 6 eggs 1/2 cup coconut oil or canola oil 2 cups canned pumpkin 5 pounds and one cup high-gluten flour 1 tablespoon salt 2 beaten eggs whites for egg wash In a large mixing bowl (or bowl of a magic mill) place water, sugar and yeast. Let the yeast foam for a few minutes. Meanwhile, mix together in a smaller bowl eggs, oil and pumpkin.

Once the yeast has foamed, add the pumpkin mixture to the yeast mixture and mix together by hand or in the machine for about a minute. While the machine is running, slowly add half the bag of flour, then the salt, then the remaining flour. The mixture will start to form into a dough ball. It may be sticky, so you can slowly add up to one cup more of flour.

Once the dough isn’t sticky, leave it to rise for 2 hours covered in the bowl.

The batch will make 6 challahs.

Divide dough into 6 even pieces and then braid to form the challahs. Place the challahs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash.

Bake at 350 F for about 45 minutes until the challahs look golden brown.

If you are adding the topping, pat it on top of the challahs after the egg wash, right before they go in the oven.

Tip: An easy way to tell if challah is cooked through: Carefully tap the bottom. If it sounds hollow, it's fully cooked.

Need more nourishment for the soul? Here are some recipes to help you savor the spirit of the holiday.

Thanksgiving stuffing using homemade challah, the traditional braided egg bread served on the Sabbath and holidays. You can use any type of challah, including garlic or whole wheat, but the pumpkin challah in this recipe works perfectly with the fall flavors of dried herbs, fresh pumpkin and chestnuts.

Pumpkin Challah Stuffing

8 to 10 cups cubed pumpkin challah

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup cubed pumpkin (1 small pumpkin) 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon dried sage ½ teaspoon salt 32 ounces vegetable stock 1 tablespoon honey ½ cup chopped, roasted and peeled chestnuts Preheat oven to 375 F. Prepare a large casserole dish with cooking spray or oil. Place cubed pumpkin challah on a baking sheet and toast for 15 minutes.

Set aside to cool slightly. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, add the onions and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Add the pumpkin, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, sage and salt and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pumpkin doesn’t burn. Add the stock and honey, reduce the heat to low, and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes.

Pour the toasted challah into the pot and stir to saturate all of the bread.

Transfer the challah mixture to the casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes until the top of the stuffing is browning and crunchy.

You can make this stuffing in advance and freeze. To reheat, uncover and warm in the oven until the top is crunchy again.

Recipe by Kristin Bustamante Source: www.thanksgiving.com

Egg-Free Sweet Potato Kugel (Parve)

It’s not often you come across a kugel recipe that doesn’t involve eggs.

But this dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free Sweet Potato Kugel is bound by a bit of whole wheat flour and lemon juice instead. Enhanced with root vegetables, apple, and a hint of bright lemon zest, it’s a nice alternative to heavier potato kugels.

1 large sweet potato (about 1 pound),

THANKSGIVING peeled 2 to 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled 1 carrot, peeled and trimmed 1 apple, cored 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or whole white wheat flour/white whole wheat) 1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed zest and juice of 1/2 lemon 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease an 8-by-8-by-2 or similarly-sized baking pan, or spray with non-stick spray.

Using a food processor or box grater, shred the potatoes, carrot and apple.

Transfer to a large bowl. Add the whole wheat flour, sugar, oil, lemon zest and juice, salt and cinnamon, and mix well.

Spoon the batter into pan and smooth the top, pressing down lightly.

Cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, uncover and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the kugel is set and the edges are golden.

Recipe by: Giora Shimoni Source: www.thespruceeats.com Photo Credit: Miri Rotkovitz

date syrup, toss together quickly, and remove from the heat.

Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Drizzle with additional date syrup, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe by: Miri Rotkovitz Source: www.thespruceeats.com Photo Credit: Miri Rotkovitz

Cranberry and Pear Chutney (Pareve)

12 ounces fresh cranberries 1 cup brown sugar 2 pears, firm, peeled and cut into bite-size chunks 3/4 cup raisins 1 cup apple cider 6 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely chopped 2 teaspoons chile pepper, chopped

3 tablespoons butter, melted ½ teaspoon vanilla extract In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar and salt.

Add the butter and shortening and combine with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture is the texture of coarse sand.

Add the ice water and mix by hand until the dough comes together. If the dough is still too crumbly, add an extra tablespoon of ice water and mix again.

Place the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. This dough can be made 2 to 3 days ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.

After 1 hour, remove the dough from the fridge, unwrap and place it on a lightly floured surface.

Roll out the dough with a lightly floured rolling pin into a 12-inch circle.

The circle does not have to be perfect, as it will be trimmed once in the pan.

Spray a 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray or rub with a bit of butter.

Roll the dough onto the rolling pin, then unroll it right on top of the pie pan. Gently push the dough into the pan.

Using kitchen shears, cut the edges of the dough that hang over the pan and fold the edges of the pie dough for a pretty design or keep it simple and rustic. If you use cut-out shapes of extra dough to decorate the pie edge, brush the dough with water then stick on the extra dough.

Refrigerate the prepared pie crust for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, brown sugar, butter and vanilla extract.

Melt ¼ cup of chocolate gelt in the microwave for 1 minute, stir and add it to the filling mixture.

When the crust is ready, place the remaining 1 cup of chopped chocolate gelt in the bottom of the crust, then top with the pecans.

Pour the filling mixture over the chocolate and pecans.

Bake in the center of the oven for 50 to 60 minutes until the crust is browning and the filling is firm.

Set the pie aside for 1 hour to cool and then serve. ■ Recipe by Kristin Bustamante Source: www.thanksgiving.com

Place all the chutney ingredients in a saucepan. Mix and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer the ingredients for about 40 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Let cool. Store in the refrigerator.

Recipe by: Ronnie Fein

Green Beans with Pecans and Date Syrup

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 large cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans (unsalted) 2 tablespoons date syrup (silan or date honey), plus extra for drizzling Coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Add the green beans and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a chef’s pan or large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds. Add the green beans and pecans and sauté to coat with the oil. Drizzle with the

Chocolate Gelt Pecan Pie

Note: This dessert is dairy, so save for after your Turkey has digested.

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons butter or margarine 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening 3 tablespoons ice water 1 1/4 cup chopped chocolate gelt, around 35 pieces, or chocolate chips 1 1/2 cups raw pecan halves 4 eggs ½ cup dark corn syrup ½ cup sugar ¼ cup brown sugar ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 15

DINING

Carol Nemo's tender brisket.

Carol’s Cooking Corner Best Brisket You Ever Ate

Buy the largest brisket you can find, 7 or 8 pounds, or two smaller ones. Ask the butcher to trim as much fat off as possible (there will still be plenty).

Whole bottle chili sauce, Bennetts or Heinz ½ cup any good barbeque sauce 2 big splashes good red wine 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 3 tablespoons brown sugar 3 fat cloves garlic, chopped 4 medium yellow onions, sliced; layer half on bottom of heavy roasting pan.

Preheat oven to 500 F. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Add some dried cranberries, if desired (I usually do). Make sure you have at least 3 cups liquid. Carol Nemo If not, add some water.

Lay brisket on top of onions in pan. Put rest of onions on top. Pour sauce over and cover.

Bake at 500 F for 15 min. Turn oven down to 450 F, bake 15 min more. Turn oven to 400 F and bake for 30 minutes. Finally, turn oven down to 325 F and cook for 2 to 3 hours, basting often. You may have to add water along the way.

When cooled a little, take meat out of gravy, cool completely, refrigerate overnight along with gravy. The next day, remove fat from top of gravy. Slice brisket against grain, put back in gravy and heat for another hour until very, very tender.

This is the most delicious brisket you will ever eat!

My Friend’s Hot Fruit Casserole

1 can each: peach halves, pear halves, mandarin oranges, pitted cherries, apricots. (I usually add prunes and grapes too) 16 | NOVEMBER 23, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

2 cans lite cherry pie filling Cherry Kijafa liqueur Drain fruit in colander overnight. Arrange fruit in baking dish, add some pie filling, saving most for the top. Pour about 2 to 3 tablespoons Cherry Kiafa over all and bake at 300F to 325F for 1 hour.

Can serve cold or hot but be sure to bake first if serving cold.

Note: I didn’t want to buy a whole bottle of Cherry Kiafa just for 3 tablespoons, but we love this hot fruit so much that I make it pretty often. The Kiafa gets well-used!

Savta’s Red Cabbage

2 chopped onions 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and sliced 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, or neutral oil 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon Kosher salt 3 ½ pounds red cabbage, shredded 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 cup chicken stock 1/3 cup grape jam 1 fat clove garlic, minced In a large skillet, sauté onion in butter or oil. Add garlic after a few minutes so it won’t burn. When onion is golden brown, add shredded cabbage to pan. Then add salt, brown sugar and chicken stock. Cook for 30 minutes.

Add a splash of red wine vinegar and a little water, if needed. Grate into it the Granny Smith apple and 1 tablespoon jam (You can use any kind if you don’t have grape).

Cook until apple turns the color of the cabbage. Add chicken stock as needed.

Serves 6 to 8. ■

Photos by Laurie Sermos // Susan Proctor’s light-filled upstairs studio is a hotbed of

creativity. This face painting, “Katy,” is one of her favorites.

Chai Style Art

The Chinese vase was the most sentimental thing Proctor inherited from her mother. She painted her “trademark” face alongside.

Artist’s Abstract Message: “Loosen Up” Local artist Susan Proctor celebrates the individuMarcia: How would you describe your home’s inality of layering, texture and getting a sense of the rich- terior? ness of the materials. “Each work is like a jigsaw puzzle Susan: We recently downsized into this two-level when confronting what the paint and material tell me. cluster home closer to the city. Our goal was to have a It took a long time to get where I am today. place that was comfortable and welcomOften, people are fooled by abstract painting. I decorate with neutrals to be able to ings as being ‘simple.’ Not so. With a variety change art around and add new pieces. of shapes, sizes and movement, it must adWe built the great room around a giant here as a whole unit, whether using a referorb chandelier from PDI. I’ve always been ence or not.” attracted to the orb shape. This particuProctor, who hails from Springfield, lar fixture has odd overlaps of concentric Mass., studied piano before becoming a furspheres mimicking celestial revolution. It niture artist. Her creative metamorphosis has been said that orbs are king-like and over the past 25 years, traversing through represent power and justice. classes and experimentation, arrived at her Marcia We had to move the French doors to penchant for painting faces, animals and Caller Jaffe the patio to accommodate the piano in this abstracts. The paintings in her “Masada smaller space. One of my favorite things in Collection” were inspired by the tiles and design of the the family room is the understated hand-woven rug in bath house on Israel’s Masada, a rugged natural fortress persimmon, teal and cream. The right rug can create a overlooking the Dead Sea, besieged by Romans. They focal point and tie a whole room together. I use conwere done in mixed media using earth tones, Venetian trast, … shiny and matte, smooth and rough, crystal and red and ochre, with pops of turquoise. metal. Even in painting, I create rough-textured areas as

well as smooth ones.

Marcia: Elaborate on your style or what inspires you to paint.

Susan: I am most productive in the morning. I am inspired by things that are visually appealing – even the materials and paint themselves. I am constantly wrapping over and layering. I often paint large, intriguing faces – some animals, often horses. When I paint, I get into a “zone” where I connect only with the art. Three hours seems like 15 minutes. To enhance creativity, I listen to classical music … Chopin, Mozart.

I gradually changed styles from expressionism to mixed media abstraction. I strive for uniqueness by mixing textures like gauze and soft metal screens into acrylic paint using a lot of mediums. I find abstract work to be more challenging as I normally do not use a reference. Without a firm reference, an abstract piece must adhere to the same principles: balance, rhythm, and elements of art as a realistic painting. I still leave room for chance in the process.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 17

ARTS Susan Proctor cuddles her shelties, DJ and Rusty.

Background oil is Jo Jang’s “Black Elephant.”

Proctor’s interpretation, “Meet the Beatles,” contains aqua hues.

She purchased the settee’s embroidered pillow fabric of Miro images in Venice, Italy.

Marcia: How do you relate to art as a business?

Susan: It’s very validating to have someone purchase my work. In addition to I.D.E.A Gallery in Chamblee, I have paintings at the Frameworks Gallery (Marietta), and Newbill Collection By the Sea (Seaside, Fla.).

I previously had work represented at galleries in Highlands and Blue Ridge. I had a solo show at Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Recently I have been selling work at Scott Antique Markets at the Atlanta Exposition Centers the second weekend of every month.

I enjoyed teaching art at Roswell Visual Arts Center for both children and adults. My message, usually even

to experienced students, is to “loosen up,” to become more expressive.

Perhaps my most provocative piece is on display at the I.D.E.A Gallery. It’s a 24-by-36-inch authentic-sized flag in mixed media entitled “9/11 Memorial,” made to look like it’s burned, singed and crying. I embedded 9/11 newspaper articles as the under-painting. Then I used acrylics to paint the flag and the word “Why?” which is subtly placed in the center. The flag interpretation is registered in the New York artists' gallery of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

“9/11 Memorial” 24-by-36-inch for sale at the I.D.E.A Gallery in Chamblee. This mixed media is in the New York National September 11 Memorial & Museum Artists Registry.

18 | NOVEMBER 23, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Marcia: What are some unusual things you have collected?

Susan: Honestly, I am trying to collect very little and purged many things to live a less cluttered life.

My husband, Alan, a financial advisor, collects folk art by John “Cornbread” Anderson, a self-taught Georgia folk artist who uses bold acrylics to paint his childhood memories of critters like foxes, deer, rabbits, quail, raccoons and dogs. They are relegated to his study since they don’t blend with any of our other décor. He is a good sport about it.

Proctor creates mixed media Chanukiot out of gold foil, string, playing cards, old palettes and old sheet music.

Proctor’s “Woman With A Stick” graces the guest powder room.

ARTS

Close up of Proctor's “Abstract” on display at Basil’s Restaurant in Buckhead.

Alan: When we had a cabin, I developed a keen interest in folk art. Specifically “Cornbread” because he paints on wood and uses the colors in nature. I’ve driven to Gilmer County to buy his work … now up to eight. He’s known as a “folk rock star,” and his paintings have kept their value. I know it’s not Susan’s style, so they are displayed only in my “man cave.”

Marcia: University of Florida alumni, including me, knew Dr. Sam Proctor.

Dining room art from left: Proctor’s “Native Woman II,” 100-year-old collage that her grandmother brought from her Polish shtetl hand-embroidered of the Western Wall, Proctor’s “Butterfly IV” (Masada Collection), Proctor’s “The Guitarist.” Chandelier is vintage European crystal.

Alan: My dad was a Southern history professor at UF in Gainesville. Many remember him as the former president of the Southern Jewish Historical Society (for decades) as well as the TEP fraternity adviser. He was friendly with Morris Ansbacher, a well-respected Jewish photographer. We have Ansbacher’s black and white originals, “Barns” duo and “Soulful Black Man,” adjacent to the piano.

Marcia: Last words?

Susan: I am fortunate to have a beautiful, new, light-filled studio, and to enjoy some insight into the design process. It’s an unrelenting pursuit for harmony, craftsmanship and making things feel familiar and special at the same time. It’s a joy to make people happy by bringing beauty into their homes. In these unsettling times, we must remember that art and music can unify us. ■

"

In these unsettling times, we must remember that art and music can unify us.

Proctor’s watercolor series of distorted nudes was done with Sharpie markers.

Shown here: “Anastasia.”

"

Alan Proctor’s “man cave” has a large collection by folk artist John “Cornbread” Anderson. The Georgia artist is known for his bold acrylics of local critters.

“Fox and Wild Turkeys” is shown here.

Proctor had to reconfigure the builder’s plans to fit the piano. Art from left: Tiffany style lamp by Quoizel, Proctor’s “3 Horses” mixed media acrylic with chalk, a duo of Morris Ansbacher’s original photography “Barns” and “Soulful Black Man,” (far right) Proctor’s “Phoenix” (Masada Collection).

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 19

ARTS

“Portraits” by William Coupon

By Susanne Katz A self-taught photographer, William Coupon introduced himself to me by sending his book, “Portraits,” for my review. This was in advance of my “In Conversation” with him at the Book Festival of the MJCCA Nov. 6 as director of exhibitions at the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum.

The images in the book include celebrities, politicians, sports figures and tribal people. As we talked before the book festival, I realized that this man had documented the human essence of our contemporary world.

This one-time aspiring musician began his study and documentation of people all over the world when his father gave him a camera in 1978. So started his lifelong fascination with photography.

They lived in Syracuse, NY. Coupon’s first project was capturing the nightlife at New York’s Studio 54 and then the punk scene and Mudd Club. Soon after, he set his mind to photographing everybody. “I had the idea that my mission would be to continue to document groups, or sub-

Among the celebrities William Coupon photographed was baseball star Reggie Jackson.

William Coupon’s “George Harrison Eyes Open” for Rolling Stone magazine.

cultures.”

The working title of the series would be “Social Studies.” Coupon headed to Haiti and then Australia, and by 2010, he had shot more than 30 groups and tribes.

The project was a series of comparative portraits of culture and sub-culture from an American point of view — global subcultures including indigenous people, death row inmates, drag queens and cowboys.

There were black and white images

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This 1983 cover of Manhattan, inc. magazine paired Donald Trump with a dove, representing his offer to serve as Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiator.

Event photos by Logan Katz // Jazz musician Miles

Davis graces the cover of Coupon's "Portraits."

photographed formally with backdrops and a 2 ¼ Rolleiflex. “My first camera was 35 mm rectangular format,” Coupon explained. “Now I use a square, medium format and print up to a 48-inch by 48inch size print. It’s a larger negative, better quality and more painterly."

“Social Studies Part One: Capturing Culture: The World’s Tribes” features images from over three decades of shooting around the globe. In 1992, Coupon was invited to photograph the world’s tribal leaders during Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 1994, he was asked by the United Nations and the United States Congress to exhibit this work in the United States Capitol rotunda as part of the U.N.’s year of the indigenous people.

These were large archival Iris and inkjet prints.

Some of Coupon’s first photographs – audiographs – had looped cassettes behind framed images, and they talked.

The kinetographs, attached to motors, were commissioned for window displays at Bloomingdale’s in the late 1970s. Coupon became interested in formal studio portraits in 1979 while observing lower Manhattan youths and counter-culture.

He began using a single light source and a simple, mottled backdrop.

Coupon shot many celebrities, musicians and politicians, including Donald Trump in New York City in 1983. “I

Coupon captured the world’s tribes, such as this photo, “Three Choco Kids,” from Wichi Wab, Panama.

shot Donald Trump twice. My favorite is when Trump was offering his services as a ‘peace negotiator’ between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The photo image is about Trump’s eyes. Not the bird’s.” The photo shows Trump holding a dove, and the comment was perfectly timed, as our interview was on election night.

In Coupon’s career he has shot 15 Time magazine covers, as well as The New York Times’ “Bearing Witness: The Life and Work of Elie Wiesel” by Samuel G. Freedman, and The Washington Post’s “Poisoned Lives” by David Van Biema, about Jewish war criminal Jacob Tannenbaum.

Print images are digital archival inkjet, Type C, silver gelatin, or the highly collectible, original SX-70.

As Coupon’s slide show led our interview, I realized that we were looking at one person’s memory of the world.

“Photos are memory. Photographs," I shared with the audience, "are records of our memory.”

And this memory… this evening I shared with my husband, my sons and daughters-in-law, two grandsons, and so many caring friends … brought a new appreciation for an art form I have always cherished. Thank you, William Coupon. ■ Susanne Katz is the director of exhibitions at The Breman Museum.

ARTS

Chanukah Concert At The Breman features members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Cantor Lauren Adesnik of Temple Emanu-El is the featured soloist at the Chanukah concert.

Juan Ramirez put together a diverse program for the Chanukah concert, and will conduct the orchestra.

Breman Chanukah Concert Emphasizes History

By Bob Bahr Music from some of the darkest days of the Holocaust will highlight this year’s Chanukah concert Dec. 2 at the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, “From Darkness to Light.” Included in this year’s program are two poems written by Yiddish poets who were murdered by the Nazis during World War II. The music is a tribute to The Breman Museum’s current exhibit, “Vedem Underground: The Secret Magazine of Terezin,” the story of a magazine defiantly created by teenagers imprisoned in the Terezin concentration camp from 1942 to 1944. Most were eventually killed by the Nazis. It is believed to be the longest-running underground publication created by prisoners during the Holocaust years.

The songs will be performed by Cantor Lauren Adesnik of Temple Emanu-El in Dunwoody, with commentary by Dr. Laurence Sherr of Kennesaw State University. He will also explore the music of the Holocaust in a lecture at The Breman in January.

Cantor Adesnik sees the songs as being particularly important just before Chanukah, a holiday that encourages us to bring light into a darkened world.

“We are really giving a voice to that time,” Adesnik emphasized, “and lifting up that light that has come out of every single dark time that we have experienced in the Jewish world.”

The first song, “Shifreles Portret,” or “Little Shifra’s Portrait,” was written by the Polish poet, Mordechai Gebirtig, who was killed during the Nazi occupation of his ghetto in 1942. It was set to music by Maurice Rauch, one of the seminal figures in the development of Yiddish choral music in America during the second

half of the last century.

The second song, “S’dremlen Feygl Oyf Di Tsvagn” or “Birds Are Dreaming on the Branches,” was written by Lea Rudnitzki about a 3-year-old boy who lost his parents in the Vilna ghetto of Lithuania, but escaped being murdered himself.

Rudnitzki was killed in the Majdanek concentration camp in Poland.

Also on the program is “Elegy,” an orchestral work composed and conducted

by Juan Ramirez with members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

It was originally written for the Atlanta community’s commemoration 10 years ago of Kristallnacht, a night of violence against the Jewish community in Germany and Austria in November of 1938. It is thought to have marked the beginning of the end for much of European Jewry.

In sharp contrast to the works that recall the Holocaust will be a selection of light, popular songs written in Ladino, the language of Sephardic Jews of the Mediterranean region.

Several are from the personal collection of the conductor, whose mother’s family was descended from the conversos or secret Jews of medieval Spain. Ramirez has traveled extensively in Spain and Portugal to explore the musical heritage of the Jews of the region.

The concert concludes with a selection of traditional Chanukah songs sung

by Zamiros, the youth choir of Temple Emanu-El, conducted by Cantor Adesnik.

She noted that the Chanukah candles are lit in succession during the eight nights of Chanukah, with each night bringing just that much more light into our lives.

“The idea of our concert, “From Darkness to Light,” is about bringing

light into a darkened world,” she pointed out. “It is shining a light upon the troubles of the Jewish people.”

Ramirez, who partnered with Cantor Adesnik to create the program, also emphasized the importance of light in all that has happened to Jews over the centuries.

“We are trying to convey to people

that history is important,” Ramirez noted, “It is important for us to understand that, and continue to do good things. I think it is very important to see the light at the end of the tunnel.” ■ Tickets for “From Darkness to Light” are available through The Breman Museum, www.thebreman.org.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 21

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 23-30 person. For more information and to register, call 770-399-5300.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Vayishlach Friday, November 23, 2018, light candles at 5:12 p.m.

Saturday, November 24, 2018, Shabbat ends at 6:10 p.m.

Vayeishev Friday, November 30, 2018, light candles at 5:11 p.m.

Saturday, December 1, 2018, Shabbat ends at 6:09 p.m.

Knowledge is Power – What? You and Your Child Learn Differently: Understand Learning Styles – Congregation Dor Tamid, 11165 Parsons Road, Johns Creek, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. CDT’s Lifelong Learning Committee hosts an educational chat. For more information, email hbd_3@ymail.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29

bers, $140 for non-members. For more information, www.bit.ly/2OvywUj.

Annie Leibovitz At Work – Cobb Ener-

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26

What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting – Brookhaven Kollel Cen-

Zumbini®: No Way Jose! – Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, from 10 to 11 a.m. Created by Zumba® and BabyFirst for children through age 4.

This six-week program combines music, dance and educational tools for bonding and learning. $115 for mem-

ter, 3529 High Grove Way, Atlanta, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn the best practices to navigating the ups and downs of infertility as an observant Jewish couple. Plus, first-hand tips from one of JFF’s grant recipients, Rabbi Yosef Shapiro. Facilitated by Ashley Marx, LCSW, JFF infertility therapist. Confidential. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2z9blX5.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28

NextGen’s Atlanta’s Nosh to Meet You – From 12 to 1 p.m. Three locations, Jimmy John’s, 925 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta; La Madeline French Bakery & Café, 1165 Perimeter Center West, #350, Atlanta; Chipotle, 3424 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta. Free. Meet with fellow young Jewish professionals in your work neighborhood. Free. For more information, www.jewishatlanta.org.

Comedy Cabaret – Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Join Sisterhood on this evening for wine, dinner and a comedy cabaret, presenting comedian Cy Steele. $40 per

gy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Annie Leibovitz is one of the most influential photographers of our time. In an exclusive Atlanta event to mark the publication of a revised and expanded edition of Annie Leibovitz’s “At Work,” she will present and discuss a selection of her pictures. $99.50 includes a signed copy of the book; $64.50 includes an unsigned copy; $29.50 does not include a book. For tickets and more information, https:// bit.ly/2OHoVWr.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30

Friday Night Live – Congregation Shearith Israel, 1180 University Drive, Atlanta, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Shearith Israel’s monthly, spirited, song-filled Friday evening service followed by a lovely oneg and socializing. It’s a wonderful way to welcome Shabbat. For more information, www.shearithisrael.com.

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TUEDAY, NOVEMBER 27

JNF 15th ANNUAL Jack Hirsch Memorial Breakfast – The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North, 7 Concourse Parkway NE, Atlanta, from 7:15 to 9 a.m. Jewish National Fund honors the Horwitz and Zusman families who are actively involved in the vision for the land and people of Israel. Free. For more information, contact Beth Gluck, bgluck@jnf.org or 404-236-8990, extension 851.

CHANUKAH EVENTS and the lighting of the menorah. Complimentary sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and hot chocolate will be served. This event is free and open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. For more information, www.bit.ly/2STCIfU.

DECEMBER 2-9 us for an exciting ride around Atlanta.

For more information, www.chabadintown.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2

Annual OVS Hanukkah Bazaar – Congregation Or VeShalom, 1681 North Druid Hills Road NE, Brookhaven, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sisterhood’s annual Hanukkah Bazaar featuring authentic Sephardic burekas and sweets, and numerous vendors to grab some great last-minute Hanukkah gifts! $3 per person. For more information, www.orveshalom.org.

“From Darkness to Light” – William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, from 2 to 4 p.m. Join Conductor Juan Ramirez and Cantor Lauren Adesnik as members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Emanu-El Youth Choir perform a very special Vedem-inspired Chanukah concert, “From Darkness to Light.” This concert highlights inspiring music from the Holocaust, melodic Sephardic tunes and uplifting Chanukah favorites. $18 per person. For more information, www.thebreman.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8

Giant Menorah Lighting – Glover

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

Community Chanukah Party

– Temple Kehillat Chaim, 1145 Green St., Roswell, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Join the Roswell and East Cobb Jewish community in celebrating the fourth night of Chanukah. Menorah lighting, Chanukah music, kids’ crafts, sufganiyot and more. Free and open to the community.

For more information and to RSVP, www.bit.ly/2Dm2ZOB.

Park, 50 Park Square, Marietta, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Celebrate Chanukah with a menorah lighting by Congregation Ner Tamid of Marietta/West Cobb, led by Rabbi Joseph Prass. Featuring holiday music, free hot chocolate and jelly donuts. All are welcome. Please bring any gently worn children’s clothes as a donation. For more information, www.mynertamid.info.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9

Chanukah Palooza – Temple Kehillat Chaim, 1145 Green St., Roswell, from 12 to 2 p.m. Annual fundraiser for the Mitzner Family Religious School of Temple Kehillat Chaim. The afternoon begins with a Chanukah sing-along in the sanctuary, followed by lunch, a raffle, silent auction, games, vendors and crafts. $5 per ticket, kids under 3 eat

for free. For more information, www. kehillatchaim.org.

Chanukah at the Governor’s Mansion – 1580 Spalding Drive, in Sandy Springs, from 3 to 4 p.m. For the ninth year, Atlanta’s Temple Emanu-El has been asked to represent Georgia’s Jewish citizens. After a short program and refreshments at Temple Emanu-El, buses will provide round trips from the temple to the Governor’s Mansion.

Open to 100 participants. Registration closes on Dec. 7 at 12 p.m. To register and for more information, www.templeemanuelatlanta.org.

Sparks of Light – Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. NW, Atlanta, from 5 to 7 p.m. Light up the seventh night of Chanukah. Celebrate the with music, arts and crafts, a glow game room and food. Free. For more information, Marc Silberstein, msilberstein@aasynagogue.org or 404603-5748.

Mitzvot and Miracles Family Chanukah Party – Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, from 7 to 8 p.m. Gilner Religious School Singers will lead Chanukah songs, Alefbet Preschool will host a silent auction. A dairy dinner will be served. $10 per adult, $7 per child ages 5 to 12, children under 5 are free. No fee for party without dinner. For more information, www.bethshalom.net. ■

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Scream’N Nuts and CDT celebrate the 5th night of Chanukah – Chanukah Party – Congregation Dor Tamid, 11165 Parsons Road, Johns Creek, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Crafts, food, bazaar and lighting of the candles for the first night. Free. For more information, www.dortamid.org.

Scream’N Nuts, 5950 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Scream’n Nuts gives 20 percent back to CDT all day. Stop by and say you are from CDT. Enjoy lighting the fifth light of Chanukah at 7 p.m. with Rabbi Jordan at Congregation Dor Tamid. For more information, www.dortamid.org.

YJP – Drinks and Dreidels Chanukah Party – Chabad Intown On The

MON., DEC. 3–WED., DEC. 5

JCC Menorah Lighting – Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, each day from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. Three days of Hanukah fun and celebration at the JCC. Each night will feature Hanukah songs with Rabbi Glusman, a performance

Beltline, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 8 to 10 p.m. Join YJP for an upscale young adult Chanukah party with a cheese buffet, top-shelf alcohol bar and music. $18 to $36 per person. For more information, www. chabadintown.org.

Menorah Car Parade – Chabad Intown On The Beltline, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Meet at Chabad on the Beltline to get a menorah on your car and join

Calendar sponsored by the Atlanta Jewish Connector, an initiative of the AJT. Please contact community liaison, Jen Evans, for more information at jen@atljewishtimes.com.

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 23

COMMUNITY

Photos courtesy of Eric Bern Studio // Alan Rubenstein, president of the Grand Lodge of the Hebrew Order of David, addresses newlyinitiated brethren of the order’s four Atlanta lodges prior to being awarded the Shield of David, HOD’s highest honor.

Alan Rubenstein, left, displays his Shield of David Award with Past President Stan Klaff, who came from South Africa to make the presentation.

Bradley Rubenstein, right, pins the Shield of David Award from the Hebrew Order of David on his father, Alan Rubenstein, president of the Grand Lodge of HOD, as past Grand Lodge President Stan Klaff looks on.

HOD’s Highest Honor Awarded to Alan Rubenstein

By Stan Schnitzer It’s been quite a year for Dunwoody’s Alan Rubenstein. In March, he became the first American to hold the office of Grand Lodge president of the Hebrew Order of David. He was recently awarded the Shield of David, the highest honor bestowed by the Jewish fraternal organiza-

tion, with 21 lodges in four countries.

Rubenstein is the 16th member of HOD to receive this award. It came as a complete surprise to him while attending a meeting of Atlanta’s four lodges, Carmel, Bezalel, Magen David and Shimshon, where they initiated a total of 22 brothers into the order.

“I just thought it was fantastic to be

called on to address the new brethren and tell them how special it was for them to have so many brethren to welcome them,” he said. “I knew that very few people have gotten this award, and I had no idea I was getting it. I thought Stan (Klaff, past Grand Lodge president) came in from Johannesburg (South Africa) because I haven’t been well. We’ve become very close in the past 10 years. It was a complete shock.”

In presenting the award, Klaff cited Rubenstein’s vision and energy in bringing HOD to North America. HOD dates back to England in 1896 as the Hebrew Order of Druids, but it grew in South Africa from 1904, renaming itself as the Hebrew Order of David in 1916. When Rubenstein and other brothers of the order arrived in Atlanta from South Africa in the latter part of the 20th century, they saw the establishment of a lodge here as a way to spread their friendships and good works to all Jewish men in their new home.

Rubenstein teamed up with Atlantans Les Kraitzick and David Joss to build HOD in Atlanta, but encouraged by Klaff, they had a vision to expand in North America, where South African Jews had

been resettling.

“Les pulled together 45 guys for our first ‘meeting,’” Rubenstein recalled.

“Some had been HOD members in South Africa and others knew of it because their fathers or friends were involved.”

In 1999, they formed Lodge Carmel, and it began to expand to all Jewish men.

“South Africans understood what we were about through the ‘cheverschaft,’ or friendship experiences, and in performing community services,” Rubenstein said. “Americans understood HOD from their college fraternity experiences.”

Rubenstein proudly points out that Lodge Shimon Peres was established in Dallas, Texas, without any founding members who had previous exposure to HOD. During his term as president of the Governing Lodge of North America, lodges were added in Houston and San Diego, joining those in Toronto and Boca Raton.

“Alan shared our vision that a window of opportunity was opening in North America as it was closing in South Africa,” Klaff said. “The Shield of David recognizes his enthusiasm and tireless work to open new lodges in North America while serving our existing ones.” ■

Enjoying the moment after Rubenstein, left, received the Hebrew Order of David award are: Mario Oves, president of the Governing Lodge of North America; David Joss and Les Kraitzick, past presidents of the governing lodge; Stan Klaff, past president of the Grand Lodge; and Brian Rubenstein.

24 | NOVEMBER 23, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

COMMUNITY

Doug Shipman, Judy and Mark Taylor were honored by the ADL last week.

Family and friends came to honor the Taylors. From left, Chuck Taylor, Lisa Cannon Taylor, Elaine Alexander and Miles Alexander.

At the ADL reception were Sandra Gordy Massell, Sam Massell, Bobby Goldstein and Elliott Levitas.

Far left: Gail Goldstein Heyman, was thrilled that the Taylors (Judith, shown here, center) received the Abe Goldstein Human Relations Award.

Right: Frank McClosky, ADL board member.

Atlanta Leaders Unite for ADL Awards

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Drizzling rain didn’t put a damper on the nearly 450 attendees at the Anti-Defamation League “Community of Respect” event at the Atlanta History Center Nov. 14. Leaders, including many beyond the Jewish community, came to recognize Judith and Mark Taylor, the recipients of the Abe Goldstein Human Relations Award.

This year was especially poignant because, according to ADL Honorary Board Member Gail Goldstein Heyman, this is the last year the award will be so-named.

It is being discontinued, but a new direction is yet to be announced.

“We are delighted to honor the Taylors, who knew my grandfather, Abe. We do think this is the last generation to have experienced his legacy first hand.”

Joshua Taylor-Klauss, grandson of the Taylors and a senior at The Paideia School, spoke fondly of his grandparents during the cocktail reception. “I am fortunate to have grown up around my grandparents’ stimulating dinner-table conversations, as they have shown me the world.

More importantly, they set the example for kindness and giving.”

In other honors, Doug Shipman, president and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center, received the Stuart Lewengrub Torch of Liberty Award. It was announced by a previous winner, former Mayor Shirley Franklin.

Former Mayor Sam Massell said about the organization that fights hate, “I rely on the ADL to protect me and those to whom I feel close, as well as the community as a whole.”

Stressing the importance of helping ADL fulfill its mission was Frank McClosky, a retired Georgia Power executive, ADL board member and past president of

the Buckhead Business Association. “We cannot do it alone. We must strive to instantly stop hate against anyone – now more than ever.”

During the program in the history center’s Grand Overlook ballroom, ADL Southeast Regional Director Allison Padilla-Goodman acknowledged a 17 percent jump in hate crimes. She was pleased to announce that just the previous night, a hate crime ordinance was passed in Charleston, S.C. Marifred Cilella, head of The Howard School, told of the school’s mission to teach about the nuances of words, that there is No Place for Hate® – an ADL school initiative – and that students should be “upstanders, not bystanders.”

Frederic Bloch, ADL senior vice president of growth, flew in for this special night from the national headquarters in New York. In his remarks, he stated, “We need to get hate off the internet … The ADL stands as a bulwark against hate and rhetoric over reason.”

Son of the honorees, Chuck Taylor, told of his father’s quiet way of supporting numerous causes, … from Planned Parenthood to the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum. With the heartiest laugh of the night, he described Mark Taylor’s “alter cocker snow ski trip, where he goes down the slopes at age 90 – and still flies a plane, albeit with a copilot.”

Honoree Mark Taylor took the podium to describe how, in his father’s era, the Leo Frank case jolted Jews “who thought they were safe.” He continued, “It’s hard to know where the mainstream starts and the fringe ends.” Judith Taylor quoted a song from “South Pacific” about hate: “‘You have to be carefully taught’ … sometimes the pendulum does not swing and is a spiral.” And “Let’s remember the Bible,

where the stranger is welcomed.”

Shipman gave the rousing final remarks, “I have seen people change, … evidence of the impact of ADL.” He recited some stanzas from the spiritual, “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around, I’m gonna keep on walking.”

ADL Board Chairman Phil Rubin

closed out the evening, thanking guests for their support, and remarking how incredible the response has been for these important leaders and for the ADL. Elaine and Miles Alexander, Rick Williams and Janet Lavine served as the tribute co-chairs. Lauren Estrin and Eric Fisher served as host committee co-chairs. ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 25

COMMUNITY

Israel Moving Toward a New Relationship with Arab World

By Bob Bahr Israel and the Middle East are facing a radically altered landscape and many of the old political notions no longer apply. That, essentially, was the message delivered by Dr. Asher Susser, a noted Israeli authority on the Middle East and professor emeritus of Tel Aviv University. He delivered the Haberman Lecture at Emory University’s Institute for the Study of Modern Israel Nov. 9, a day before its 20th anniversary celebration.

“The old Arab-Israeli conflict is over,” he said, citing the influence of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, which was signed in 1979. “Once Egypt made its peace with Israel, the Arab Israeli conflict was essentially over. The Arab states cannot go to war without Egypt,” he argues, “It’s impossible.”

Moreover, the relationship between Israel and many of the Arab states may never have been better. The reason, in part, is the rivalry between Sunni Islamic nations led by Saudi Arabia - who have been warming up to Israel - and Islam’s Shiites led by Iran, who have vowed to

Dr. Asher Susser, professor emeritus at Tel Aviv University, delivers the Haberman Lecture at Emory University’s Institute for the Study of Modern Israel.

destroy Israel.

For Israel it means, to paraphrase the words of the old adage, that the enemy of my enemy might finally become my friend.

“Israel today has Arab allies,” Dr. Susser maintains. “Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Gulf now look to Israel as a powerful support-

er in the confrontation with Iran.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes that power underlies much of what happens in the present-day Middle East. In August, he told an audience that had gathered for the renaming of Israel’s nuclear reactor that military might is crucial today.

“In the Middle East, and in many parts of the world, there’s a simple truth,” Netanyahu said, “There’s no place for the weak. The weak collapse, get butchered, are erased from history. And the strong, for better or worse, are the ones who survive.”

Recently, the prime minister made an official visit to Oman, a neighbor of Saudi Arabia. Israel’s minister of culture and sport journeyed last month to the United Arab Emirates to attend a judo tournament, where Hatikvah was played during a medal ceremony Oct. 28. There are also persistent reports that Israeli businessmen have had serious discussions about participating in Saudi invest-

ment projects.

Small steps perhaps to some, but more support for the idea that the ground is moving in a new direction in the Middle East. It was an idea that was discussed by Middle East experts attending the 20th anniversary of Emory’s Israel Institute Nov. 10-11.

Dr. Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank, believes there is a new “regional architecture” that is evolving between Israel and its oncedeadly neighbors.

The new relationship has, ironically, been helped along by the nuclear agreement in 2015 that was aggressively promoted by the Obama administration, according to Schanzer.

“One of the things that the Arab world realized is that, as they looked around, they didn’t see an ally in the United States that they thought was always going to be there. So, Israel became the best enemy they ever had, in the sense that Israel had no interest in attacking these far-flung states beyond their immediate border.”

“The Iran deal,” Schanzer pointed out, “scared the Israelis and the Arabs so much about the rise of Iran that they had no other choice than to come together” Although it is still evolving and has a loose structure, this new regional alignment includes intelligence cooperation and quiet military and economic assistance between these formerly-hostile nations.

It has brought about a degree of cooperation and even coordination that Israel and many in the United States would have found hard to imagine just a few years ago. ■

Julian Herzog/NASA // A view of the Middle East from the International Space Station.

26 | NOVEMBER 23, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

COMMUNITY

Turkish Islamic Center Opens Mosque to Marietta Jews

By Roni Robbins From the outside, nothing stands out about the buildings of this typical Alpharetta office park. Only a small plaque on one of the buildings furthest from the street reveals that this is the Southeast Islamic Community Center, which includes a mosque, and another paper sign on the door alerts visitors: “Don’t Step with Shoes.”

And there’s good reason for the discreetness. Like Jews, Turkish Muslims try not to draw attention to themselves, Kemal Budak told about 40 members of Congregation Etz Chaim invited to visit the cultural center and mosque Nov. 11.

Before the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting last month, Muslims believed they were the main target of hatred in America, he said. They were fearful of the backlash following the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York.

“I thought there was no anti-Semitism, that Muslims were the only minority in trouble in the United States.” The invitation for the synagogue to visit the Islamic center came far in advance of the Pittsburgh shooting.

On. Nov. 3, Budak was among the interfaith leaders who came to Shabbat services at Etz Chaim and stood on the bimah in a show of unity.

“Islamophobia and anti-Semitism are very similar,” Budak told the Jewish visitors Nov. 11. He is an Emory University sociology student who also teaches a class in religion and immigration.

He also participates in many interfaith dialogue activities in Atlanta, including Thanksgiving with a Catholic church, he said.

Budak spoke to the Jewish guests about oppression in Turkey that sounded familiar to Nazi tactics before World War II, when scholars were rounded up, along with anyone who didn’t support the government, and lost their jobs and property.

“In Turkey, they can’t find enough doctors, scholars and university professors. If you are fired from a job, you are lucky. If you are unlucky, you go to jail,” Budak said. “If they can’t find the guy they are looking for, they take their wife or mother … teenage son or daughter.”

Many in Turkey wouldn’t come to the same cultural center in which the Jewish guests gathered because of fear of reprisal from the government.

Jews are also persecuted in his former country, he said. “Anti-Semitism in Turkey is pumped by everyone.” This includes millennials, who hate all western countries and think they are “dragging Turkey down.”

Photo by Laura Blaskett

Photo by Roni Robbins

Kemal Budak shares with Jewish visitors the Turkish history of discrimination and persecution against secular Muslims.

Rabbi Daniel Dorsch shows how the Islamic word for donations, sadaqa, is similar to the Hebrew tzedakah.

The Turkish government, which he compared to a military dictatorship, tries to rid the country of minorities, including Greeks and Jews, who have to hide their identities if they stay there. Signs of religion in public places are prohibited.

Almost half of Turkish Americans who came to America in the last two years escaped oppression in Turkey, he said.

They are generally more religious, middle class, and believe in non-violent Islam.

Budak, who moved to Atlanta 11 years ago, believes there are between 100 to 150 families in North Atlanta, about 400 to 500 families in Atlanta. So about 2,000 to 3,000 people total.

He encourages Muslims to fully integrate into American society and speak English, but many of the new arrivals stick to themselves because of what they experienced in Turkey, he said. “They are scared. Some of them lost everything in Turkey.”

Fear of discrimination or scapegoating isn’t the only similarity between Jews and Muslims, the Etz Chaim group learned during its mosque tour.

Like Jews, Muslims deal with the December dilemma, ensuring their children enjoy their own holiday traditions so they aren’t jealous of their Christian peers celebrating Christmas.

As the Jewish visitors removed their shoes to enter the richly carpeted mosque, they saw a sadaqa (similar to the Hebrew, tzedakah) box for donations.

A wooden paravan, or divider, is used to separate women from men during prayer, to avoid distraction and protect the privacy of the women, Budak explained.

Budak explained that Muslims look for the kosher symbol on food to know what to eat because it’s easier to find than a halal marking. They are taught:

“You can eat whatever the people of the book slaughter.”

Muslims also don’t eat pork or shellfish, he said. The buzz of the Jewish crowd escalated with excitement every time they heard something in common.

“I’ve been here two years in January and what I buy in the grocery store is Us and Ds and Ks,” said Fusun Atesmen, a volunteer member of the Turkish center’s interfaith dialogue group.

Another revelation was that the prophet Moses is mentioned in the Quran more than any other prophet – 136 times – compared to 25 times for Jesus and four times for Muhammad. Calligraphy around the mosque pays tribute to the first four caliphs and the prophets.

Atesmen, covered from head to bare feet in traditional Muslim hijab, read in her native language – followed by English – a prayer from Moses about making his speech understood.

Budak also pointed to calligraphy that emphasized the monotheistic nature of the religion: “There is no god but God,” to which some of the Jewish guests eagerly murmured, “Shema.” ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 27

COMMUNITY

Tikkun Olam: Day of Service Learning Students at The Epstein School understand that every day is a great day to be thankful, show gratitude, give back to the community, repair the world and take care of themselves. At the Tikkun Olam Service Learning Day, Epstein stu-

dents created meaningful posters with messages of thanks, love, charity, community, friendship, joy and good deeds.

They also decorated pots and learned about and installed plants in them to give to their teachers and show their

Second-grader Jordan Smith, top, and fourth-grader Jude Beale, sign a poster about giving thanks at Epstein’s Tikkun Olam Service Learning Day.

Third-grader Micha Bank decorates a pot for plants to be given to Epstein teachers.

Epstein second-grader Sara Shulman, and third-grader Gerald Kogon, get creative while working on a poster about love.

Epstein welcomed Mary Kuo, a representative of the EPA, to help students better understand how to take care of the world. Students, like first grader Blake Frist, were given Postit notes to write a pledge to help protect the environment.

Teacher Poonam Bakshani talks to kindergartners Abigail Kauss and Amelia Antebi about the messages of thanks, love, charity, community, friendship, joy and good deeds.

School counselor Molly Levine-Hunt guides students in relaxation and mindfulness techniques as she gently massages fourth-grader Talia Rubel’s head.

28 | NOVEMBER 23, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

gratitude. To understand how to better take care of themselves, students also practiced mindfulness and engaged in yoga and team-building activities. To understand how to better take care of the world, students welcomed Mary Kuo,

Sofia Harber, an Epstein first-grader, and fourth-grader Wren Woodman, write their names and messages of peace on a poster for Tikkun Olam Service Learning Day.

Fourth-grade students Jacob Ross and Zachary Covin decorated and planted pots to show their gratitude for their teachers.

During a team-building activity coach Carlos Powell (right) cheers on Epstein students (from left) Ava Gruenhut, Kayla Milrad, Amelia Antebi, Jacob Stillman, Abigail Kauss, Wren Woodman, Avery Shapiro and Yaniv Baron.

Counselor Molly Levine-Hunt strikes a yoga pose as students follow her lead: third-grader Ella Holzer (left), kindergartner, Emerson Tritt, tries to balance with first-grader, Morris Kogon (right) and third-grader, Amelit Hall.

a representative of the Environmental Protection Agency, who guided them in a discussion about water conservation, the importance of recycling and limiting use of plastic. At the end of the day, they held a special tefillah and joyfully sang songs.

Third-grader Kayla Milrad passes a ball backwards to teammate, second-grader Alexis Shulman, as part of a teambuilding activity.

First-grader Isabella Glenn (far left), and second-grader Zachary Brown mirror art teacher Pamela Cohen as she holds a yoga pose and helps Epstein students learn about taking care of their bodies.

COMMUNITY SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

Mazel Tov Sarah Shavin Sarah Shavin, an Epstein School graduate and senior majoring in business administration at George Washington University, has co-founded a fashion feedback app called Thisfits. The app allows users to post their own outfits aimed at fitting certain events or styles, and get inspiration, feedback, or give others style ideas as well.

Happy Birthday

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Jewish Joke of the Week

KEEPING IT KOSHER

Going to Bubbie’s for Chanukah Last year, just before Chanukah, Miriam, a grandmother, was giving directions to her grown-up grandson, Jonathan, who was coming to visit with his wife.

“You come to the front door of the condominium complex. I am in apartment 2B.” Miriam continued, “There is a big panel at the door. With your elbow, push button 2B. I will buzz you in. Come inside, the elevator is on the right.

Get in, and with your elbow, hit 2. When you get out, I am on the left. With your elbow, hit my doorbell.”

“Grandma, that sounds easy,” Jonathan replied, “but why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow?”

To which she answered, “Oy vey, you’re coming to visit empty handed?”

Joke provided by David Minkoff www.awordinyoureye.com

Yiddish Word of the Week

Pumpkin Pear Muffins with Pecan Crunch Cook and prep: 25 minutes Servings: 24 Preference: Parve Difficulty: Easy Diet: Vegetarian, pescatarian Ingredients: 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree 1 cup oil 4 eggs 1 teaspoon Gefen Vanilla Extract 2 cups flour 1 2/3 cups sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons Haddar Baking Powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 pears, peeled and cut in cubes

keyn-eynhóre Keyn-eynhóre, “no evil eye,” exclamation seeking to avert the “evil eye," (forces of evil) from causing harm, used primarily when speaking something good (“What a cute baby, keyn-eynhóre!”), but also bad (“She’s been sick all week; I hope it doesn’t get worse, keyn-eynhóre.”). Mixed German and Hebrew origin: Keyn, from the German negative indefinite article kein, not any. Eynhóre, from the Hebrew ‫ה ַרע‬-‫ין‬ ָ ֵ‫‘ ע‬ein hará’, literally “the eye of the evil one.”

This practice is part of apotropaic magic, spanning across cultures, based on popular belief in forces of evil that seek to harm people when provoked, a fate that can be averted by pronouncing the exclamation, not unlike “knock on wood” (for good things) or “heaven forbid” (for bad ones) in English. A Sephardic equivalent is in Aramaic, bar minan ‫מּנָ ן‬-‫ר‬ ִ ‫ ַּב‬, literally “not on us,” actually “may it not happen to us.”

Rabbi Joab Eichenberg-Eilon, PhD, teaches Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic at the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies, eTeacher Group Ltd. 30 | NOVEMBER 23, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Pecan Crunch: 2 tablespoons oil 1 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon Preheat oven to 350 F. Line muffin tins with liners.

In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, oil, eggs and vanilla. Add flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Whisk until smooth. Fold in pears.

Spoon muffin batter into lined muffin tins. Combine pecan crunch ingredients in a small bowl and sprinkle on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. ■ Source: Family Table of Mishpacha magazine

BRAIN FOOD The African Connection By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmai.com Difficulty Level: Challenging 1

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16. African connection for Sharansky 18. Basil and pine nut topping 19. “Blessed ___...” (Joan Baez album) 20. Itty-bitty 22. “Ki va ___” 23. Solo 24. African connection for Shlomo Hamelech’s father 26. They might be under 18-Across 28. Ecclesiastical laws 29. Direct 30. Jerusalem Biblical and Israeli Desert 32. African connection for an Israeli star 37. Have too many l’chaims 38. “When pigs fly!”

40. Like half-melted snow 44. Singer Mann and others 45. African connection for for one

10. Albania neighbor 11. Elect 12. Conflicting 17. Bring to order?

21. Undercover, for short 23. May exams for H.S. students 25. Fiji rival 27. Famous Franklin 30. Kill mosquitos outdoors, perhaps 31. Cheer for a banderillero 33. Famous Prado paintings 34. Lower in standing 35. Job for an orthodontist 36. Most miniature 39. Blog feed format letters 40. Many Vail visitors 41. Amy’s “Parks and Recreation” DOWN role 1. He directed Suraj in “Life of Pi” 42. Sloppy, as a bed 2. Some (modern) Jewish leaders 43. Dewey developed one 3. Orthodox ancestor 44. Israeli singer Asaf 4. King overly used in crosswords 46. Bernie who won a Super Bowl 5. Acid indicator as a Cowboy 6. “Defiance” star 47. Helpful 7. Medicinal plant (or Frank and 53. End of Shabbos?

Bronte, backward) 55. Work by Yosyl Bergner 8. Medicinal amt.

56. Spanish article 9. One of the X-Men of the avot 48. Sea eagles 49. Some faiths 50. Actress Vergara, for short 51. Biblical queen mother: II Kings 18:2 52. Carry away, in a way 54. African connection for a seer in Babylon 57. Goes on the Light Rail 58. Hebrew teen?

59. Foreign General serving in America?

60. Gives the appearance 61. Jonathan Larson musical 62. Alf and kin, briefly

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15 Years Ago // November 21, 2003 ■ The world’s largest Anne Frank exhibit, housed in a specially created museum at Kennesaw State University, opened to the public Nov. 14. “Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945” featured a 600-photograph exhibit and illustrated the social and historic events surrounding World War II. ■ The bar mitzvah ceremony of The Anne Frank exhibit is housed Scott Berger of Marietta was held at Kennesaw State University Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003, at Temple Beth Tikvah. Scott is the son of Jon and Barbara Berger. He has a brother, Joshua, 15.

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25 Years Ago // November 19, 1993 ■ Comedian Brett Butler appeared at the Georgia Tech Theatre for the Arts on Monday, Nov, 22. Ms. Butler is known for her Southern-accented sarcasm and her television series, “Grace Under Fire.” Ms. Butler played a divorced mom who got perturbed at the stupidity of modern life.

■ Ellen and Lee Altschuler of Marietta announce the birth of a daughter, Sarah Irma, on Nov. 17. Grandparents are Jane and Milton Altschuler of Dix Hills, N.Y., and Dorothy and Gerals Eisen of Atlanta.

50 Years Ago // November 22, 1968 ■ David Zinman was the guest conductor of the Atlanta Symphony on select dates during December in a program featuring pianist Malcolm Frager. The program included Brahms' “Variations on a Theme” by Haydyn, Bartok Concerto No. 3 for Piano and Orchestra and Beethoven Symphony No. 3 (“Eroica”) in E-flat.

■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Seitz of Atlanta announce the birth of a son, Kevin V. Seitz, on Nov. 24. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Mattes of New Orleans and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Seitz of Atlanta.

OBITUARIES

Allan Brezel

Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Hospital. A graveside service was held Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018 at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta 770-451-4999.

Allan Brezel, 64, Marietta, died Nov. 17, 2018. Allan was a caring man who loved his family with all of his heart. Allan was originally from Queens, N.Y., the son of two Holocaust survivors who grew up helping his parents run their family-owned clothing store on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

Allan and his wife, Susan, relocated to the Atlanta area, where he attended Emory University, earning a master’s degree in accounting. In Atlanta, he and Susan put down roots and made friends who became family.

The three children that Allan and Susan raised together were his greatest loves.

Allan enjoyed playing golf, watching the stock market, taking long walks along the Chattahoochee River, and spending as much time as possible with his three granddaughters who called him ‘Pop-Pop.’ Allan was well-known among his friends and family for being a good listener and giving sound advice. Allan made a positive impact on everyone he met, and the world will be a little darker without his warm hugs and bright smile.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Brezel; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Matthew Kulkin; son and future daughter-in-law, Jonathan Brezel and Michaela Hankinson; daughter and son-in-law, Jordan and Michael Levene; brother and sister-inlaw, Dr. Ted and Claire Brezel; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Mitchell and Lisa Brezel; grandchildren: Ava, Julia and Elise.

Sign online guest book at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, www.lustgarten.org. A graveside service was held Nov. 19, 2018, at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Joshua Heller officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta, 770-451-4999.

Rose Tucker

64, Marietta

Joseph H. “Joe” Gruenhut 79, Atlanta

92, Roswell

Rose Tucker of Roswell passed away peacefully after a short illness on Nov. 10, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Clara Friedman, and her brother, Mitchell Friedman. She leaves her three children, Robert (Paula) Tucker, David Tucker, and Elaine Tucker, and her five grandchildren, Lauren, Evan (Alex), Jennifer, Brandon and Amanda (Dallas).

She was born in New York on July 20, 1926, moving to Tampa, Fla., to follow her parents, and worked at the Tampa Tribune for many years, until retirement. After she retired, she enjoyed learning to clown at the Clown College in Sarasota, Fla. After that, she entertained children, always basking in the laughter and joy. She also kept busy ushering for musicals, shows and plays at various venues near Tampa. After she moved to West Palm Beach to be closer to her son and grandchildren, she continued doing what she loved and kept active.

In 2010, she moved to Huntcliff Summit in Atlanta where she made friends and played cards and mahjong. At 90, she decided she wasn’t active enough, so she convinced her dubious children to help her skydive. Afterwards, she was the talk of Huntcliff, and was highlighted in the Atlanta Jewish Times, convincing at least one other to do it too. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, leaving a void that cannot be filled. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Friends to the Forlorn, www.friendstotheforlorn.org, or Atlanta Lab Rescue, www.atlantalabrescue.com or any animal charity. ■

Joseph H. “Joe” Gruenhut, 79, of Atlanta died Nov. 15, 2018. Mr. Gruenhut served in the United States Air Force National Guard. He graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology School of Design. Joe enjoyed a career in graphic design with his company, The Design Group. He was a dedicated family man and cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. Joe was always known for his great “sense of humor.”

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Irene Gruenhut; daughter and son-in-law, Alexandra and Marc Kesler; daughter, Elissa Gruenhut; grandchildren, William and Kathryn Kesler; sister and brother-in-law, Harriet and David Guskin; and brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Pamela Gruenhut. Graveside services were held at Arlington Memorial Park Nov. 18, 2018.

Joel Phillip Moscow 86, Atlanta

Joel Phillip Moscow passed away on Nov. 17, 2018. He was born Nov. 11, 1932, in Atlanta, to the late Harry and Sara Moscow. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lynne Shohat Moscow; son and daughter-in-law, Larry Moscow (Cindy Paradies) of Baltimore, Md.; son and daughter-in-law, Scott (Leslie Engel Moscow) of Atlanta; and five grandchildren: Ryan, Brooke, Jordan, Nikki and Jason. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Moscow Young (Donald) of Jacksonville, Fla., and several nieces and nephews. He will be remembered as a kind and wonderful person. Known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, he loved handing out gold coins to them, as well as others. Joel was president of National Iron and Metal Company until his retirement. A committed Shriner, Joel was a Master of the 32 Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

Joel attended Grady High School and the University of Georgia. He served in the Army during the Korean conflict at the Hanford atomic energy plant in Washington. Sign online guest book at www.edressler.com. Contributions can be made to Children’s Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact 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.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 23, 2018 | 33

CLOSING THOUGHTS Windfall at Spaghetti Junction An open car window becomes a portal for the unexpected.

I do my very best to avoid Atlanta’s worst rush hour traffic, which starts earlier and ends later every year. Nevertheless, once in a while I am forced to navigate the maddening convergence of I-85 and I-285 at the most congested time of day.

It was on an afternoon this summer, at this infuriating time and place, when my Chana car air conditioner stopped running. In or- Shapiro der to avoid heat prostration, I opened my car windows, and that’s when it happened.

I was suddenly surprised when a one dollar bill wafted into my car. At first I thought it was an unfortunate butterfly or random piece of paper, but when I caught it and took a good look, I was simultaneously amused and confused.

What was going on? I love the Exodus story and subsequent Biblical narrative, however, I-285 isn’t the desert (although it certainly felt like it), and a dollar couldn’t sustain me as daily manna. Surely, the all-knowing Almighty would have sent me at least a 20.

Money was flying everywhere, and motorists were responding wildly. In my lane, vehicles were forced to a complete standstill because someone several cars ahead of us had actually parked in place, left his auto, and was darting through traffic, grabbing money. Seeing that this man was successful, despite his suicidal behavior, a few others did the same. Some forced their cars into the service lane, then ran back into the creeping traffic to take their chances. A woman, dashing near my car, saw that my window was open. She waved crazily, pulled a couple of bills from her fist, and threw a one and a five into my car.

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Simply because my air conditioner broke, I was now seven dollars richer than before. I had not joined the hunter-gatherers around me, yet I was a beneficiary of their foolish greed. All traffic had come to a standstill, so I turned off my engine, wondering if I’d taken the wrong ramp into a parallel universe. Was this really happening?

People had been snapping pictures and, like me, calling 911. I had mixed feelings: the evil part of me was delighted and fascinated by the circus-like atmosphere, yet, at the same time, I was expecting someone to get hurt. Naturally, I was furious that I was completely stuck. Then, about 10 minutes after the flying money episode began, I heard sirens.

Aware that “the law” was headed our way, everyone raced back to their cars. It wasn’t easy for the police to reach the service lane, get out of their vehicles and physically enter the fray to manage the chaos, but they succeeded. As we began to move at the previous snail-like pace, bills continued to fly through the air behind us.

Heading home, I had two troubling thoughts. First, whose money was that? Second, what should I do with my “windfall”?

Jewish law teaches us to try to return lost property to its rightful owner, but it’s usually impossible to locate someone who dropped money. Otherwise, it’s ours to keep. I hoped that the money hadn’t been blown or wrested from a beggar near the road or come from a kid in the back seat of a car, counting his birthday stash.

Was it counterfeit and therefore non-negotiable? But, no, I remembered that counterfeiters never bother creating low-denomination bills. It was highly unlikely that an unlatched Brinks truck was the source. Had it come

from a voyeuristic troublemaker? I stopped myself; I was getting carried away. The seven dollars was clearly mine.

Now, what does one do with unearned, ungifted and undeserved money? Again, Jewish tradition provides resolution: we’re a tribe of tithers. We give 10 percent to tzedakah. That would be exactly 70 cents.

At last I reached my exit and, lo and behold, leaning against a utility pole, there stood a weary young woman with a handmade sign and a cup. I gave her one of the dollars. She thanked me and nodded, pretending to understand me when I lamely joked, “Keep the change!” ■

You spoke. We listened. Check out your new Atlanta Jewish Times weekly newspaper.

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