Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCV NO. 24, November 30, 2020

NEXT ISSUE: CHANUKAH

VOL. XCV NO. 24

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 14 KISLEV 5781 WELLNESS, GIFT GUIDE & HOLIDAY FLAVORS

COVID-19 Vaccine Has Jewish Links COPING WITH COVID CAUSES SUBSTANCE ABUSE TO SOAR.

GIFT GUIDE AND HOLIDAY FLAVORS PAGES 38 — 47

JON OSSOFF ‘WILL NOT HESITATE TO CRITICIZE’ ISRAEL –J S treet

T

HE FAR-LEFT PRO-PALESTINIAN GROUP J STREET says Jon Ossoff refuses to stand

up for Israel and against anti-Semitism – and that’s why they’re supporting Ossoff for U.S. Senate. Ossoff is campaigning with fellow Democrat and anti-Israel advocate Raphael Warnock.

And guess who Jon Ossoff’s political mentor is?

Congressman Hank Johnson. That’s right, the same Hank Johnson who called Jews living in Israeli settlements “termites.” Hank Johnson is a vile anti-Semite. And Jon Ossoff worked for him.

Jon Ossoff will be a rubber stamp for Chuck Schumer and the radical left. These aren’t your parents’ Democrats: these liberals want socialized medicine, to defund the police, and new job-killing regulations like AOC’s “Green New Deal.” Take it from Chuck Schumer himself, who said, “Now we take Georgia, then we change America!”

It’s part of a pattern with Jon Ossoff. He aligns himself with the anti-Israel extremes of the Democrat Party and refuses, even now, to disavow them.

We just can’t trust him.

REJECT ANTI-SEMITISM. STAND UP FOR ISRAEL.

ON JANUARY 5TH, VOTE NO TO JON OSSOFF FOR THE U.S. SENATE. SOURCES: Jewish Insider, 11/9/20; Jewish News Service, 10/13/20; J-Street, AJC, 7/25/16.

Alan and Renie Weinstein Aleksander and Halina Szlam Alex B. Kaufman Allison and Philip Bittel Alona Solomon Amy Spanier Art and Lynda Krinsky Barbara A. Kaufman Beth Spanier Betsy Shaw Kramer Blake Halberg Bob and Barbara Krasnoff Cary and Donna Rosenthal Chip Koplin Chuck and Bonnie Berk Craig and Jill Wasilewsky Dan Israel

Daniel and Suzanne Dinur David Weber Diane Hoffman Donald and Celia Gilner Dr. and Mrs. Mark Haber Dr. and Mrs. Ronald M. Grossman Dr. Arnold Zweig Dr. Barry Zisholtz Dr. Hal Scherz Dr. Howard and Kathy Stirne Dr. Jay Coffsky Dr. Jeffrey and Laurie Kunkes Dr. Jerald Kramer and Sherri Kramer

Dr. Kenneth and Mrs. Ravona Molkner Dr. Marolyn Wells Dr. Michael and Marla Chaliff Dr. Paul and Naomi Liebman Dr. William and Susan Silver Drs. Edward Stark and Ann Schechter Edwin Schiffer Eric J. Tanenblatt Ernie and Marci Zied Eva B. Krugman Firooz & Gisele Israel Fred Halperin Gary and Beverly Wasilwesky Gavin and Melinda Cobb

Gwenn and Phil Weiss Harriet Spanier Howard and Marilyn Krone Israel Ben-Eliezer Ivan Millender Jack and Ann Rheinhold Jack and Sheila Sofsky Jacob Spanier Jeffrey and Miriam Wasileski Jenna Kaye and Jason Girson Jennifer and Stephen Walters Jerry Katz Jim and Colette Dudenhoefer Joan and Larry Laibson

Joan Pressman John and Laura Markson Jordan B. Forman Josh Belinfante Judy and Arnie Rubenstein Judy and Jerry Dubrof Ken Evans Lane and Rona Wolbe Larry and Deborah Beck Larry and Martha Miller Larry Feldman Laurie and David Weinstein Lewis Regenstein Lilly and Samuel Deutsch Linda and Kerry Landis Lisa Aronowitz Livia Edith Sklar

Lynn and Dick Berkowitz Lynn and Linda Newport Lynne and Tom Greenfield Madeleine E. Gimbel Marjorie and Edward Marlowe Maxine Gornish Elkins Melvin and Rita Kroot Michael and Linda Friedman Michael Shafron Mickey and Beverly Stahl Mitchell and Amy Kaye Norman and Elva Rosner Oscar Grablowsky Phil and Helene Jacoby Phyllis and Morton Levine Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins

R E PU BL IC A N J E W IS H C OA L I T ION

Ray and Judy Risner Richard and Judy Davis Richard Genirberg Risa Kaplan Rob and Michelle Leven Robert and Valli Golden Robert J. Kaufman Robert M. Krugman Robert Ratonyi Sandra Wisniewski Sandy and Sherry Fried Sandye and Michael Geller Scott and Shelley Kaplan Scott Feinstein Scott Italiaander Shannon Brown Sheldon J. Donner

RJCHQ.ORG

Shelly and Sheila Friedman Skip Stone Sonia and Jim Mitropoulos Stanley M. Cristol Stephanie Joseph Stephen and Barbara Hart Steve and Jodie Jackson Steve and Susan Freedman Susan and Jon Barry Susan and Leon Gross Tally and Stanford Plavin Tim Mazzetti Tod and Leslie Rubin Tom and Toby Rosing Zane F. Pollard Zevi Solomon Zvi Bekerman

Paid for by the Republican Jewish Coalition Victory Fund. Not Authorized by any Candidate or Candidate’s Committee.

RJCHQ.org

RAPHAEL WARNOCK IS NO FRIEND OF

THE JEWISH PEOPLE

IN A 2018 SERMON, FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THE JERUSALEM EMBASSY, RAPHAEL WARNOCK ACCUSED ISRAEL OF SHOOTING PALESTINIAN PROTESTERS LIKE “BIRDS OF PREY”

B

UT WAIT, THERE’S MORE … Raphael Warnock defended notorious anti-Semitic Pastor Jeremiah Wright after Wright said “them Jews” would have less influence in the Obama administration. Jeremiah Wright was so toxic that even President Obama had to disavow him for his hatred. But not Raphael Warnock – he embraced Wright and defended these heinous attacks.

Warnock compared the rock-throwing Palestinians favorably to the Black Lives Matter movement. And Warnock even claimed that the Israeli government murders innocent civilians – a disgusting anti-Semitic lie.

In March of 2019, Raphael Warnock signed a letter criticizing Israel’s actions in the West Bank and likening them to those of apartheid South Africa.

“GEORGIA DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE DEFENDS ANTI-SEMITIC PASTOR JEREMIAH WRIGHT” – J ewish N ews s yNdicate

It’s easy for a candidate to SAY that h e su p por ts Is rael a n d t h e J ewis h people, but Warnock’s actual sermons and statements over the years do not support his campaign rhetoric! We’ve seen this before. Politicians like Raphael Warnock hope you’ll forget his bigotry.

Blaming Jews for the world’s ills has gone on for centuries but we must not help those who spread hatred by electing Warnock.

Reject anti-Semitism and hate. On January 5TH , vote no to Raphael Warnock for the U.S. Senate.

SOURCES: Jewish Insider, 11/9/20; Jewish News Service, 10/13/20.

Alan and Renie Weinstein Aleksander and Halina Szlam Alex B. Kaufman Allison and Philip Bittel Alona Solomon Amy Spanier Art and Lynda Krinsky Barbara A. Kaufman Beth Spanier Betsy Shaw Kramer Blake Halberg Bob and Barbara Krasnoff Cary and Donna Rosenthal Chip Koplin Chuck and Bonnie Berk Craig and Jill Wasilewsky Dan Israel

Daniel and Suzanne Dinur David Weber Diane Hoffman Donald and Celia Gilner Dr. and Mrs. Mark Haber Dr. and Mrs. Ronald M. Grossman Dr. Arnold Zweig Dr. Barry Zisholtz Dr. Hal Scherz Dr. Howard and Kathy Stirne Dr. Jay Coffsky Dr. Jeffrey and Laurie Kunkes Dr. Jerald Kramer and Sherri Kramer Dr. Kenneth and Mrs. Ravona Molkner Dr. Marolyn Wells

Dr. Michael and Marla Chaliff Dr. Paul and Naomi Liebman Dr. William and Susan Silver Drs. Edward Stark and Ann Schechter Edwin Schiffer Eric J. Tanenblatt Ernie and Marci Zied Eva B. Krugman Firooz & Gisele Israel Fred Halperin Gary and Beverly Wasilwesky Gavin and Melinda Cobb Gwenn and Phil Weiss Harriet Spanier Howard and Marilyn Krone

Israel Ben-Eliezer Ivan Millender Jack and Ann Rheinhold Jack and Sheila Sofsky Jacob Spanier Jeffrey and Miriam Wasileski Jenna Kaye and Jason Girson Jennifer and Stephen Walters Jerry Katz Jim and Colette Dudenhoefer Joan and Larry Laibson Joan Pressman John and Laura Markson Jordan B. Forman

Josh Belinfante Judy and Arnie Rubenstein Judy and Jerry Dubrof Ken Evans Lane and Rona Wolbe Larry and Deborah Beck Larry and Martha Miller Larry Feldman Laurie and David Weinstein Lewis Regenstein Lilly and Samuel Deutsch Linda and Kerry Landis Lisa Aronowitz Livia Edith Sklar Lynn and Dick Berkowitz Lynn and Linda Newport Lynne and Tom Greenfield

Madeleine E. Gimbel Marjorie and Edward Marlowe Maxine Gornish Elkins Melvin and Rita Kroot Michael and Linda Friedman Michael Shafron Mickey and Beverly Stahl Mitchell and Amy Kaye Norman and Elva Rosner Oscar Grablowsky Phil and Helene Jacoby Phyllis and Morton Levine Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins Ray and Judy Risner Richard and Judy Davis Richard Genirberg

R E PU BL IC A N J E W IS H C OA L I T ION

Risa Kaplan Rob and Michelle Leven Robert and Valli Golden Robert J. Kaufman Robert M. Krugman Robert Ratonyi Sandra Wisniewski Sandy and Sherry Fried Sandye and Michael Geller Scott and Shelley Kaplan Scott Feinstein Scott Italiaander Shannon Brown Sheldon J. Donner Shelly and Sheila Friedman

RJCHQ.ORG

Skip Stone Sonia and Jim Mitropoulos Stanley M. Cristol Stephanie Joseph Stephen and Barbara Hart Steve and Jodie Jackson Steve and Susan Freedman Susan and Jon Barry Susan and Leon Gross Tally and Stanford Plavin Tim Mazzetti Tod and Leslie Rubin Tom and Toby Rosing Zane F. Pollard Zevi Solomon Zvi Bekerman

Paid for by the Republican Jewish Coalition Victory Fund. Not Authorized by any Candidate or Candidate’s Committee. RJCHQ.org

Nov 27 - Dec 1 ACFB.ORG

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MICHAEL A. MORRIS

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CONTRIBUTORS THIS WEEK BOB BAHR CARYN HANRAHAN CHANA SHAPIRO DAN ISRAEL DAVE SCHECHTER ERIC ROBBINS FLORA ROSEFSKY JAN JABEN-EILON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE MARTINE TARTOUR MIKE LEVEN NATHAN POSNER RABBI RUTH ABUSCH-MAGDER RABBI STANLEY M. DAVIDS RACHEL STEIN ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON TERRY SEGAL

THIS WEEK Healthy, Wealthy and Dined You can’t put a pricetag on good health. Perhaps more than ever, it's top of mind as we enter the Thanksgiving and winter holiday season this year.

While we prepare for mega holiday sales, we also take time to appreciate the gift of wellness.

In this issue, you’ll find many articles about doctors, advances in medicine, healthy lifestyles, and non-traditional therapies. COVID itself is the common denominator in many of the stories. We bring you the latest on vaccines to mitigate the spread of the virus, how it has caused a rise in substance abuse, addiction and strained our mental health, even among teens.

Beyond our wellness section is our annual gift guide, offering suggestions for the best presents to give and receive.

Some of your purchases also give back to the community, so you’re benefiting more than the recipient when you select from the highlighted options.

Along with the gift guide, we give you a taste of the holidays through our delectable recipes from turkey, sweet potato and cranberries for Thanksgiving to Chanukah desserts. Plus, a few alternatives to traditional latkes, such as

you'll find by a professional chef.

In other news, Rabbi Josh Lesser is leaving Congregation Bet Haverim after 21 years as its spiritual leader. The Arthur Blank Foundation got a new president, Temple Kol Emeth hosted its annual Thanksgiving ecumenical services online, and our Roving Reporter asked people to share stories about the best gifts they ever received.

The holidays are upon us, and there’s no better time to count your blessings. Let health be the greatest gift you could possibly hope for this year.

A Chanukah miracle in the making. Be well! ì Corrections and Clarifications: A photo in the Nov. 15 article “Election: Jewish Atlanta Reviews Through Blue or Red Lens” mislabeled Republican Alex Kaufman, who ran in the District 51 race, as Democratic state Rep. Mike Wilensky.

Cover photo: The makers of several new vaccines soon to hit the market to help curb COVID have Jewish leaders at their helm.

CONTENTS NEWS ������������������������������������������������� 6 BUSINESS ��������������������������������������� 12 ISRAEL NEWS ������������������������������� 14 OPINION ����������������������������������������� 16 WELLNESS ������������������������������������� 22 GIFT GUIDE ������������������������������������ 38 HOLIDAY FLAVORS �������������������� 42 DINING �������������������������������������������� 48 COMMUNITY ��������������������������������� 49 CHAI STYLE ����������������������������������� 51 CALENDAR ������������������������������������� 54 OY VEY �������������������������������������������� 58 BRAIN FOOD ���������������������������������� 59 OBITUARIES ���������������������������������� 60 NEW MOON MEDITATIONS ����� 63 CLOSING THOUGHTS ����������������� 64

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 5

NEWS COVID-19 Vaccines Have Jewish Links

Pfizer and Moderna announced successful early results in COVID-19 vaccine trials.

By Dave Schechter Science may have found light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel.

On consecutive Mondays, two U.S.based pharmaceutical companies — Pfizer and Moderna — announced success in large-scale testing of COVID-19 vaccines.

While there remains the necessary approval for emergency use from U.S. regulators and the creation of a logistical chain stretching from production to vaccination, the first doses may be available by the year’s end, with wider distribution in the first quarter of 2021.

Among those in the forefront of the

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to providing people breakthroughs are sciaround the world with entists and medical rea much-needed breaksearchers with Jewish through to help bring family histories. an end to this global Albert Bourla, CEO health crisis.” of Pfizer, is the son of A week later, on Holocaust survivors, Nov. 16, Moderna, among those left after working with researchthe Nazis exterminaters at the National Ined all but a remnant stitute of Allergy and of a Jewish commuInfectious Diseases, nity numbering some announced develop50,000 in the Greek ment of a vaccine with port city of ThessalonAnnouncement of the Pfizer/ an effectiveness rate of iki, primarily descendBioNTech vaccine is “a significant 94.5 percent. ed from Sephardic Jews step closer to providing people Moderna’s chief who fled Spain in 1492. around the world with a muchneeded breakthrough to help bring medical officer, Tal Bourla announced an end to this global health crisis,” Zaks, is an Israeli with Nov. 9 that a COVID-19 said Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. degrees from Ben-Guvaccine developed in conjunction with the German biotech rion University. He told the Axios news firm BioNTech — itself a company found- that he kept in mind his mother, a woman in her 80s now lived by the children of ing in the Israeli city of Turkish immigrants Ra’anana. “I want these to Germany — had data out as soon as I achieved a 90 percent humanely can possibly effectiveness rate in get them. We have been preventing infection working days, nights, among people who pre24/7 . . . I don’t think viously had not been this was humanely posinfected with SARSsible to do any sooner,” CoV-2, the virus behind Zaks said.

COVID-19.

What made these In a statement reannouncements all the “We have been working days, leased by Pfizer, Bourla nights, 24/7. . . I don’t think more stunning was not said, “We are reaching this was humanely possible to only the speed at which this critical milestone do any sooner,” said Tal Zaks, these companies proin our vaccine develModerna’s chief medical officer. duced their vaccines opment program at a time when the world needs it most with but that their results far exceeded what infection rates setting new records, hos- had been anticipated in terms of effecpitals nearing over-capacity and econo- tiveness.

The Moderna announcement was mies struggling to reopen. With today’s news, we are a significant step closer cause for celebration at Emory Univer-

NEWS sity, where a portion of the phase one vaccine human tion, Americans will receive the vaccine free. U.S. Health trials, involving several dozen volunteers age 56 and and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar on Nov. 16 told older, began in March. Those trials yielded evidence of ABC News’ “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” “neutralizing antibodies” in quantities comparable to that when the first doses are available, perhaps by the what was found in people who had survived COVID-19. end of 2020, CDC guidance will determine who receives This paved the way for larger scale testing that began in it first. “It’ll be wherever it’s going to add the most value late July with upwards of 30,000 volunteers, including according to the data and the science and the recommendations of our experts,” Azar said. several hundred at three Atlanta sites: The urgency in developing a vacThe Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine cine is evident in the virus’ toll. As of Center, the Emory-Children’s Center, Nov. 17, according to the Johns Hopand Grady Health’s clinic. kins University School of Medicine, Pfizer and Moderna plan to seek COVID-19 cases globally exceeded 55.2 emergency use approval from the million and deaths more than 1.33 milFood and Drug Administration withlion. In the United States, there have in a few weeks as additional data on been more than 11.2 million cases and their vaccines’ safety and efficacy 247,000 deaths. Georgia’s Department comes available. Both vaccines use a of Public Health reports more than synthetic version of the COVID virus’ 387,000 confirmed cases and 8,471 genetic material to cause a patient’s deaths. immune system to ward off any eviIsrael has suffered more than dence of the real virus. Among the 323,000 cases and 2,732 deaths. as-yet unanswered questions is how A vaccine will go first to “wherever Zaks estimated that the Moderna long the vaccines will protect against it’s going to add the most value the virus, along with what effect the according to the data and the science vaccine would reach Israel by early next year. Television reports said that vaccines might have on those with and the recommendations of our asymptomatic infections. Moderna’s experts,” said U.S. Health and Human Israel had purchased 1 million to 2 Services Secretary Alex Azar. million doses. “I cannot give an exact vaccine was reported to have side efnumber, but I can guarantee that we are making every fects that eased in days.

Pfizer’s announcement came six months after hu- effort to supply the vaccines to Israel, as we promised,” man trials began. Bourla told Forbes magazine, “How Zaks told Israel television Channel 12. “Israel is among fast we moved is not something you could expect from the first group of countries that signed with us. We will the big, powerful pharma. This is speed that you would fulfill our side of the agreement.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced envy in an entrepreneurial founder-based biotech.”

Pfizer was the only U.S.-based pharmaceutical company not to take development money as part of the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed. “I wanted to liberate our scientists from any bureaucracy,” Bourla told CBS News’ “Face the Nation” Sept. 13. “When you get money from someone, that always comes with strings. They want to see how we are going to progress, what type of moves you are going to do. They want reports. I didn’t want to have any of that. … Basically I gave them an open checkbook so that they can worry only about scientific challenges, not anything else. And also, I wanted to keep Pfizer out of politics.”

Pfizer did negotiate a production and delivery deal with the U.S. government worth up to $1.95 billion, to secure an initial 100 million doses of its vaccine, with an option to purchase an additional 500 million.

Moderna, which received $2.5 billion in development aid through Operation Warp Speed, had begun work on potential pandemic responses even prior to COVID-19. It hopes to have an initial 20 million doses of its vaccine available in the United States by year’s end, with ramped-up operations producing several hundred million more doses.

Even with the optimism prompted by the breakthroughs, there are caveats, not the least of which is the apparatus that will be necessary to transport, store, distribute, and administer the vaccines. Pfizer’s vaccine needs to be kept very cold, at temperatures colder than minus-100 F when transported, while Moderna’s reportedly can be transported and stored at less extreme subzero temperatures.

The vaccine will be a two-dose process, the second shot three weeks after the first. According to the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Preven-

Nov. 13 that Israel also had a deal to purchase 8 million doses of Pfizer’s vaccine, enough to inoculate 4 million people. Israel reportedly had not been intensively engaged in talks with Pfizer prior to phone calls between Netanyahu and Bourla.

Pfizer CEO Bourla studied at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, graduated with a doctorate in veterinary medicine and worked as a veterinarian. He joined Pfizer in 1993, rising through the ranks in the animal health division, and later in roles throughout the world, including as group president of Pfizer’s Global Vaccines, Oncology and Consumer Healthcare division. Bourla was promoted to CEO last year.

Even as the world heralded news of a potential vaccine, there was room for anti-Semitism. The Greek newspaper Makeleio, which has a reputation of Jew hatred, launched a campaign targeting Bourla. A Nov. 10 front page article pictured him and Nazi war criminal Dr. Josef Mengele. Another showed striped concentration camp uniforms alongside a headline that read, “Jewish veterinarian will stick a needle in us! Nightmarish forced admissions in ‘concentration camps’ like herds.”

In response, the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece said, “The identification of the CEO of Pfizer with Mengele, the so-called butcher of Auschwitz, is an appalling and unethical assault against Albert Bourla only because he is a Jew. The huge-lettered headline is nothing but a clear incitement to violence against the Jews.”

The Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs also condemned the paper in a statement, calling it the “most vile anti-Semitism reminiscent of the Middle Ages.” ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 7

NEWS

Rabbi Josh Lesser to Leave Bet Haverim

By Jan Jaben-Eilon Members of Congregation Bet Haverim have begun the grieving process after receiving the news last month that longtime senior Rabbi Josh Lesser is transitioning away from the pulpit. Now they are entering the questioning phase, asking themselves, what comes next?

Lesser’s announcement that he wants to have a “more justice-driven rabbinate rather than a congregation-driven rabbinate” produced a mixture of emotions in the congregation he has served for nearly 21 years.

In an email he sent to congregants Oct. 31, he wrote, “The board and I have begun to explore if completing my time [as CBH rabbi] in early 2021 or transitioning to emeritus would be best for the community and for me.”

Andy Segal, who joined Bet Haverim with his wife in 1996, shared his reaction.

“I feel equal parts saddened and grieving for the loss, plus excitement for whatever projects he takes on,” said Segal, a freelance journalist and consultant. “He’s hard-wired to do great things and I have confidence he will make good judgments where he will ap-

8 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ply his skills.”

A self-described “originator,” if not founder of the congregation, Jeri Kagel said she feels a combination of sadness and understanding of Lesser’s decision to leave the congregation. “He’s been with us quite a while. It has been good for him and us. It makes some sense to me if he wants something different in his life. He has been a great rabbi for us.”

The president of the congregation, Theresa Prestwood, said she was “a little surprised” when Lesser said he wanted to begin the process of leaving Bet Haverim, but “I’ve been aware that Rabbi Josh has the gift of doing things at a much broader level than being a congregational rabbi. So, in that sense, I was not surprised when he said that he felt he’d done what he could do” for the congregation.

In the few weeks since his announcement, Lesser and the Bet Haverim board have been negotiating a contract that allows him to remain as the congregation’s full-time rabbi through May, “giving us time to create a longer term plan and identify an interim rabbi,” Prestwood said. In June, Lesser will become rabbi emeritus. “This gives the congregation an opportunity to af-

firm where we are as a congregation and look at how we want to be, away from Rabbi Josh. There’s a sadness for him leaving us, but within the board some excitement about recreating ourselves and reimagining who we are. We will spend some time discerning this,” Prestwood said.

According to Prestwood, the congregation is in “very early stages. We’re working out the process and we want to be delibAs he looks to his future, Rabbi Lesser states, “If I can’t find the right position, I will just create it.” erate in 2021. We will ask questions and have parlor meetings and discern who we are.” In before having a part-time rabbi, then hiring the first few weeks following Lesser’s an- Lesser full-time. “It’s hard to imagine the nouncement, the board focused on helping synagogue without Josh. The synagogue is the congregation grieve, she said, as it nego- proud of Josh and Josh has been the face of tiated Lesser’s new contract. The board has the synagogue. Yet, he’s not the synagogue. also been in touch with the national office There are a lot of people who work hard to for Reconstructionist Judaism, with which invigorate it.”

Referring to the fact that the congregait is associated.

Lesser is “not someone you replace tion was founded by members of the gay easily,” noted Segal, pointing out that the community, Segal said Bet Haverim was congregation initially was led by laypeople, “built on the shoulders of people who came

NEWS out of the closet and put their careers and start a search.”

Prestwood said the board will definitely family relationships at risk. These were very look at that question. But she said the search brave people.” for a new rabbi will be When asked how “more about someone important it is for the that can help us engage congregation’s new rabwith a myriad of identibi to be gay or lesbian, ties that might be stifled Segal responded slowly, in other places.”

“I don’t know. I don’t While the congreknow how the leadergation figures out its ship will answer that next steps, Lesser is doquestion.” ing likewise.

Kagel said that “it “I’d designed this feels more difficult to year to take a few weeks answer [that question] of unpaid leave to work than many years ago.” on projects I’d been inShe recalled how the Rabbi Josh Lesser is “not someone you replace easily,” pointed out vited to take on,” Lesser synagogue had to make Andy Segal, who with his wife said. “Then the pana decision at one point were among the first straight demic hit. I don’t know whether to open its families to join the congregation. that there is a year that membership to straight people, and then decided to still “call our- I worked harder or more deliberately. I’ve selves a gay synagogue. Also, for a long time, been living and breathing congregational the president of the board had to be a gay work. I wanted to get the congregation in a or lesbian, but that changed over time,” she solid place.”

He admitted that added. he had been concerned Segal recalls that he how Bet Haverim would and his wife were among handle the High Holy the “first straight famiDays in the pandemic. lies with children to join.

“I worried that our numThere had been a concern bers would be down, but about how the synagogue they went up. It was such would evolve if it made a powerful experience. itself accessible to the And we’re now on solid straight community.” financial footing. I realIt’s unclear what ized that I could begin to the proportion of gay or transit out. Now I’m gostraight members there In the first few weeks after Lesser ing to need a little space are at Bet Haverim. Some announced his intention to leave to see what I want to do say 40 percent gay while the congregation, the board focused next.” others say 60 percent. on helping members grieve the loss, Lesser knows that Noting how she said president Theresa Prestwood. he wants to bring a more “came out” in the ‘70s, Kagel said as a political activist, “back then, I spiritual aspect to political advocacy. “Peoknew straight and gay. That has changed for ple who work in the political field could be me. There are many different ways to define more successful if they act with a mindful ourselves. There are also Jews of color and approach,” he said. How that will unfold, he’s not sure. “If I can’t interfaith families. Who find the right position, I should be the face of will just create it.” our synagogue? I am not For the last few sure. What feels imporyears, he added, he’s tant is that we find some been moving in this way to convey to the direction. Now that Jewish community that he’s 50 years old, he there remains somefelt the time is right. “I thing distinctive to us.” am a gay man without She acknowledged children and no niecthat several synagogues es or nephews. Legacy in Atlanta call themand impact have alselves welcoming to gay “Who should be the face of ways been important members and some have our synagogue? I am not sure,” for me.” Lesser said had a gay rabbi on board. acknowledges Jeri Kagel, one of he often chants Exo“It’s our history that the originators of Bet Haverim. dus 10:26: “We do not makes us distinctive. But the question of whether our next rabbi must know how we will serve G-d until we get be gay or not should be answered before we there.” ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 9

NEWS

Blank Foundation Plans Expanded Giving with New Leader

Arthur Blank anticipates significantly increasing his giving over the next five years.

By Bob Bahr The Arthur Blank Family Foundation has announced the appointment of a new president at a time when it is said to be anticipating a rapid expansion of its giving. The Foundation’s new leader is Fay Twersky, who is currently vice president at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. She will begin work at the foundation in February.

10 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

According to a Nov. 11 report in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Twersky’s appointment comes as the Blank Family Foundation anticipates the acceleration of its charitable giving.

While the publication says that those plans are still incomplete, it maintains that discussions are underway to consider what areas will be expanded and what new initiatives to consider.

The 78-year-old Blank told the journal

to expect giving to increase significantly foundation’s grantmaking, and particuover the next five years and plans to do- larly those grants that are considered nate “99 percent” of his $6 billion per- outside traditional programs.

In accepting the new position, she sonal fortune.

The co-founder of The Home Depot acknowledged the important role the and owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Blank Foundation plays in today’s world.

“I am deeply honored to be joinAtlanta United soccer team is quoted as ing the Arthur saying that family M. Blank Family members, includFoundation as its ing his children next president. that are involved We’re at a time in in the work of our history when the foundation, the needs of our have plans to step people and planet up their giving to call for the kind help others “grow of generosity, and have equalopen-mindedness ity and equity in and commitment their work and to healing and retheir lives.” pairing the world “They’re eathat the Blank ger to try to make Fay Twersky comes to the Arthur family emboda difference in Blank Family Foundation from the ies.” the lives of others large, wealthy Hewlett Foundation While she and to have an influence on [public] policy,” Blank said. was at the Hewlett Foundation, it made “We all have a shared set of values. We several contributions that have impactdon’t agree on everything, but we share ed the Jewish community. The foundathe same values, and the children are tion approved a three-year grant to the Anti-Defamation League to help the ADL engaged in the foundation.”

Last month the foundation an- evaluate its No Place for Hate program nounced the largest gift in its history, in grades K-12 with the goal of expanda $200 million donation to Children’s ing its use in the school curriculum.

The foundation also helped in Healthcare of Atlanta to build the Arthur M. Blank Hospital on a large medical cam- the production and distribution of pus that is expected to cost $1.5 billion on last year’s documentary, “Rosenwald,” North Druid Hills Road just east of I-85. which chronicles the work of Julius RosThe 19 story, 1.5 million square-foot build- enwald, the Jewish philanthropist who ing was also described as including space was president of the Sears, Roebuck & for clinical research and clinical trials as Co. The film describes how he joined forces with African American commuwell as overall patient care.

He quickly followed that up with a nities in the early part of the 20th cen$20 million grant to the University of tury to help overcome discrimination in Texas in Austin to establish a center for education in the South.

Because of his financial contribueducation and research in stuttering, a condition he has said he suffers from tions, 5,300 schools were built for minority children. The film was shown that runs in his family.

In the past 25 years the philanthro- last year at Morehouse College as part pist has concentrated his giving on pro- of the Martin Luther King, Jr., birthday grams that have benefited education, the celebration.

Prior to joining the Hewlett Founarts, parks, and green space and community development, particularly around dation, Twersky worked for the Yad HaBlank’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on At- nadiv in Jerusalem. Its philanthropic lanta’s Westside. He also established work is part of the nearly 130-year comThe Tam Institute for Jewish Studies at mitment of the Rothschild family to Emory University, among his many gifts Israeli society that includes the building of Israel’s parliament building, the to Atlanta’s Jewish community.

Twersky, the incoming president, Knesset and its Supreme Court, as well has been at the Hewlett Foundation for as establishing The Center for Educathe last nine years. It’s considered one tional Technology.

She succeeds Penelope McPhee, of the wealthiest philanthropic organizations in America with assets of over who is retiring after having been presi$10 billion. Her work there was largely dent of the Arthur Blank Family Foundastrategic. She helped to help manage the tion for the past 17 years. ì

NEWS

NBA Draft Picks Top Israeli Player

By Nathan Posner “This draft is anything but ordinary,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as he opened the 2020 NBA draft last week, delayed from its usual June spot multiple times to November.

With the 2020 season finishing, the NBA season was one for the history books.

One of the historic aspects of the draft Nov. 18 was the ninth-round pick of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Deni Avdija by the Washington Wizards. The pick represented the first time an Israeli player has made the top 10 picks, second time for a first-round pick, and is believed to be only the third Israeli player to ever play for the NBA. Initially, he was expected to be picked earlier in the draft, with ESPN’s draft experts placing him as the “perfect pick” for the Atlanta Hawks in the sixth round. But he was still seen as one of the best players of this draft, according to sports authorities.

Known as the “Prince of Tel Aviv,” Avdija is considered by many to be the future of Israeli basketball, and remarked after the draft pick that “I am super excited and ready to [take] my game to the next level…”

To his fans and family, he added, “I am going

best international basketball players, he was to make you proud.”

NBA analyst Mike Breen even said af- named tournament MVP for the FIBA U20 ter the draft announcement that, “I think European Championship, as well as receivthis will be the steal of the draft. … When ing a variety of other international basketball awards. we look back five years In other noteworfrom now, we are going thy news related to the to see a guy who could draft, the night began be the best player to with NBA fans looking come out of this draft.” to Atlanta as Anthony The 19-year-old has Edwards, shooting been the star since 2017 guard from the Univerof Maccabi Tel Aviv, sity of Georgia, was the for which he has been first pick, chosen by playing as forward. He the Minnesota Timberwas born in Beit Zera, a wolves. Across town, kibbutz near the Sea of the Atlanta Hawks Galilee, to parents with looked to continue to a history of athletic acbuild around their “cencomplishments. His faterpiece” player, Trae ther played basketball Deni Avdija is an Israeli-Serbian Young. Going 20-47 last many seasons in the professional basketball player for season, some analysts Israeli League and his the Washington Wizards of the described it as a “growmother ran track and National Basketball Association. He ing pains” season as the field. plays the small forward position.

Hawks failed to make Deni Avdija has been playing basketball since the age of 8, it to the “NBA Bubble,” the Disney World and only eight years later was playing for sports complex near Orlando, to even comMaccabi Tel Aviv as the youngest player in pete to make it to the playoffs. While the franchise history. Recognized as one of the Hawks saw longtime NBA player and eight-

time all-star Vince Carter retire, they used their sixth round pick this season to bring in a new big man, Onyeka Okongwu out of the University of Southern California. The 6-foot-9 center, born in California, is seen by some as “as the best big man to come out of the 2020 draft.”

In terms of the NBA, only 22 teams were allowed to complete the regular season in competition for 16 playoff spots. The season was eventually halted for a few days due to a wildcat strike related to Black Lives Matter protests. It ended with the Los Angeles Lakers beating out the Miami Heat, with MVP LeBron James taking home his fourth championship ring and fourth MVP award.

While the normal NBA season would’ve started a few weeks ago in late October, the 2020-'21 NBA season has been postponed to Dec. 22. The delayed season and draft gave teams more time to assess their options for the draft and remake teams for the new season. Although the 75th season brings on new challenges for players and the NBA as a whole, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fans can look forward to a more normal season as teams once again play 72 games at their home arenas with fans, albeit limited numbers, in their stands. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 11

BUSINESS Robbins Joins John Adams for Fineman Receives National Award Landlord Program

Ian Robbins, right, joins real estate expert John Adams on his weekly online landlord program.

Real estate investor Ian Robbins has been serving recently as a guest host with John Adams on his weekly Real Estate Coffee Break. Robbins, who leads the Georgia Real Estate Investors Association landlord subgroup, helps Adams answer questions about being a landlord during the second hour of the

weekly Zoom program, called the Landlord Survival Report. Adams is known as a real estate expert often quoted by media sources for his forecasting about real estate market trends. He also teaches other real estate professionals as he does through his weekly programs online, www.realestatecoffeebreak.com/.

Galilee Culinary Institute by the Jewish National Fund is a one-of-a-kind culinary institution that combines culinary and restaurant expertise, tourism and entrepreneurship. Based in the heart of Israel’s Galilee, a mountainous region and micro-climate where fertile lands, mountains, and rivers create an unparalleled location for a thriving agricultural region, GCI is a total-immersion culinary institution.

( This ad was paid for by Michael Miller, JNF Trustee) 12 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Dr. Stanley M. Fineman was chosen was the 2011-2012 president of ACAAI. as the 2020 recipient of the Gold Headed In recent years, Dr. Fineman served on Cane Award by the American College of the board of directors for the World Allergy Organization. He Allergy, Asthma & Imcontinues in his role munology. This proas editor-in-chief of fessional achievement the publication Allergy award is the most presWatch and recently has tigious one the profesbeen a co-host for the sional medical assopodcast “Allergy Talk.” ciation offers. ACAAI The tradition of represents more than the Gold Headed Cane 6,000 allergist-immudates back to the 1600s, nologists and allied when Dr. John Radhealth professionals. cliffe, the personal phyFineman received sician to King William the award during the Dr. Stanley Fineman wins III, began the ritual of 2020 ACAAI Annual Sciprestigious national medical “passing the cane” to entific Meeting in midassociation award. a successor who was November. considered the greatest English physi“As I continue to dedicate my life to cian at the time.

The concept is still used a profession I truly believe in, this honor today by many medical schools and specertainly ranks as a career highlight,” cialty societies to recognize a physician Fineman said. “Being an active participant in the ACAAI has been both pro- who symbolizes the pursuit of the highfessionally and personally rewarding. I est standards of scientific excellence and am humbled to receive this recognition integrity. The award serves as an inspirafrom such a distinguished group of col- tion to younger doctors and encourages them to cultivate character that earns the leagues.”

Fineman has been an active par- respect and goodwill of colleagues and ticipant in numerous ACAAI committees the profession at large.

Fineman has been a practicing dating back to 1982. He served on the allergist-immunologist in Atlanta since Practice Parameters Task Force, helping 1978.

He sees patients in Kennestone to develop best practice guidelines for and East Cobb offices of Atlanta Allergy allergists. He was on the ACAAI Board & Asthma. of Regents for more than 12 years and

Rudolph Joins Levine Smith Snider & Wilson Lisa B. Rudolph has joined Levine Smith Snider & Wilson as an of-counsel attorney. She has more than three decades of experience practicing all aspects of family law. Admitted to the bars of both Georgia and Florida, Rudolph has practiced as an of-counsel attorney with several family law firms in Georgia and Florida. Most recently, she managed her own family law firm in Florida before returning to Georgia to join Levine Smith Snider & Wilson.

Rudolph is a graduate of the Nova University School of Law in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and received her undergraduate degree in philosophy, with high honors, from the University of Florida.

Levine Smith Snider & Wilson is a boutique family law and domestic rela-

Lisa Rudolph joined Atlanta boutique family law firm.

tions firm focused on complex, highasset cases in Atlanta.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 13

ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME Israel Philharmonic Presents Global Celebration

On Dec. 6, American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Israel Philharmonic Foundation will premiere the “Israel Philharmonic PreHanukkah Global Celebration.” This free event will stream internationally and aims to bring music and holiday light from Israel’s world-class Philharmonic to audiences everywhere. This event was inspired by their massive success with their Global Gala last June, viewed by more than 500,000 people worldwide.

The event will feature some big names, such as Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer, Grammy and Tony Award-winning actress/singer Bette Midler, actress and star of Fauda Rona-Lee Shimon, actress and model Dar Zuzovsky, music manager Kenny Hamilton, and more special guests. The Philharmonic will perform pieces from Zimmer’s acclaimed works.

Registration is free on the AFIPO website, and donations will go straight to the Philharmonic, which has suffered rev-

Today in Israeli History Nov. 30, 2010: Haifa’s Carmel Tunnels open to traffic, enabling drivers to get from Carmel Beach in the west to the Check Post on the eastern side of Mount Carmel in eight minutes for a toll.

Dec. 1, 1932: The Palestinian Post, the precursor of The Jerusalem Post, prints and distributes 1,200 copies of its first, eight-page edition in Jerusalem to meet the demand for an English-language newspaper.

enue losses due to COVID. Donors will receive access to an exclusive VIP afterparty with Christie’s Global Managing Director Lydia Fenet and guests, discussing “Trendsetters and Tastemakers: Culture, Art, Fashion and Design in 2021 and Beyond.”

Device Stops Cellphone-Distracted Driving

Recent statistics show that 25 percent of traffic accidents are caused by drivers using their cellphones. An Israeli company has developed an app to help solve this ongoing problem.

The app, SaverOne, uses both hardware and software that allows drivers to use their smartphones, listen to music, or use a navigation app, but prevents them from using any apps that are too distracting and dangerous – such as email, WhatsApp, or other texting apps.

First, the company installs sensors in your car. The SaverOne app works with the sensors, and once installed, you no longer have a choice to use any apps or phone features other than GPS navigation and phone calls. You can only use other Dec. 3, 1969: Hebrew University archaeologist Nahman Avigad announces the results of his excavation of the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, shedding light on nine stages of the city’s history.

Dec. 4, 2000: The Knesset passes legislation proposed by Prime Minister Ehud Barak, also the education minister, to prevent discrimination in schools based on ethnicity, socioeconomic status or political alignment.

apps if the car stops, or if someone else drives.

“The battle against cell phone distracted driving is one of the main challenges in the battle for road safety,” the company’s website says.

The app began development in 2014, when co-founder Ami Gur read about the shocking statistics behind cell phone usage by drivers. He sought to find a solution to eliminate traffic accidents caused by dangerous cellphone usage while driving.

Gur teamed up with Yossi Cohen, a senior manager at one of Israel’s largest telecommunications companies, to bring his idea to life.

After the coronavirus pandemic hit, SaverOne was believed the first company in Israel to go public.

Israel’s Sheba Medical Center made Newsweek’s list of the best hospitals, ranking ninth place in the world, and first place for the country of Israel.

Now, the hospital has made the list of

top 50 heart centers in the world, ranking 44th place. Rankings were determined by the reviews of international cardiologists and based on certain medical criteria and innovation in the cardiac health field.

“This is a tremendous achievement for the cardiology and cardiovascular division at Sheba, said professor Ehud Raanani, director of the Department of Cardiac and Cardiothoracic Surgery. “There is no doubt that a greater vision is being realized, and the seamless medical integration between the different components of our heart center makes it the best in Israel – also recognized as a leader in the world.

We are pleased that two other cardiology centers in Israel, Hadassah and Ichilov, were also included in Newsweek’s list of the 200 best heart centers worldwide.”

remove Jerusalem from Israeli sovereignty.

Knesset elected him Dec. 8. He serves three terms.

Dec. 6, 2007: An Israeli dig discovers the remains of a 2,000-year-old mansion in the Old City of Jerusalem that is believed to have belonged to Queen Helene of Adiabene, who died in Jerusalem around 55 C.E.

Dec. 11, 1948: The U.N. General Assembly passes Resolution 194 on “the situation in Palestine” without naming Israel. Palestinians interpret the measure’s call for refugees to be allowed to go home as an unlimited “right of return.”

Dec. 7, 1953: Israel’s founding prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, announces his resignation and retirement to Kibbutz Sde Boker in the Negev. He is succeeded by fellow Mapai member Moshe Sharett, the foreign minister.

Dec. 12, 1943: Hanan Porat, a leader among Israel’s post-1967 settlers, is born in Kfar Pines, northeast of Hadera. In 1974 he helps found the Orthodox settlement movement Gush Emunim.

Sheba Hospital Ranked Among Best for Cardiology

Dec. 8, 1948: Benny Morris, a history professor known for uncovering evidence that Israel expelled many Arabs during the War of Independence, is born on a kibbutz in Ein HaHoresh to a diplomat and a journalist.

Photo by Hans Pinn, Israeli National Photo Collection // David Ben-Gurion signs the

on the remains of the bus destroyed by a suicide bomber in Haifa on Dec. 2, 2001.

Declaration of Independence beside Rabbi Yehuda Leib HaCohen in Tel Aviv on May 14, 1948. Less than 19 months later, Ben-Gurion reiterated that Israel would never accept an international status for all of Jerusalem.

Dec. 2, 2001: During the Second Intifada, a plumber from Nablus detonates an explosive device on a No. 16 Egged bus in Haifa, killing himself and 15 other passengers and injuring 35 others.

Dec. 5, 1949: Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion declares in a Knesset speech that “Jewish Jerusalem is an organic, inseparable part of the state of Israel” and rejects any U.N. attempt to

Photo by Moshe Milner, Israeli Government Press Office // Security and rescue forces work

14 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Sheba Medical Center ranked among Newsweek’s top hospitals.

Dec. 9, 1987: Riots erupt in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the start of the First Intifada (“awakening”). The immediate cause is the crash of an army truck that killed four Palestinians the previous day.

Dec. 10, 1952: Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, 68, is inaugurated as Israel’s second president after 30 days of mourning for his predecessor, Chaim Weizmann. The

Dec. 13, 1949: Reuven Shiloah, a Foreign Ministry special operations officer, is assigned the task of launching and leading the Institute for Collating and Coordinating Intelligence Operations, commonly known as the Mossad.

Dec. 14, 1858: The Ottoman Empire enacts the Tapu Law, which introduces title deed registration to its Arab provinces under the Ottoman Land Code. The law concentrates ownership among nobles, including many absentee landlords.

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

ISRAEL NEWS Israel Requests Bids for New Settlement in East Jerusalem

By Jan Jaben-Eilon The opening of bids for construction of 1,200 new homes in a sensitive area of East Jerusalem comes during a “fascinating” confluence of a number of factors both in Israel and the United States.

So says Eli Sperling, postdoctoral associate in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies in the Center for Jewish Studies at Duke University in Durham, N.C. Sperling is formerly the senior academic research coordinator at the Institute for the Study of Modern Israel at Emory University in Atlanta. The two most important factors, he said, are the fact that President Donald Trump’s administration is on its way out, and that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is embattled by both the coronavirus pandemic and his political situation as his corruption trial is scheduled to begin in January.

The new neighborhood, called Givat Hamatos, was “part of Netanyahu’s February electoral campaign before the March elections. The plan fell apart and has now re-emerged as Trump is leaving” the White House, Sperling said. The Israel Land Au-

thority issued the call for tenders on Nov. would deal a “lethal blow” to a two-state 15, with the final date for submitting them solution. “The government, which was eson Jan. 18, 2021, two days before President- tablished to tackle the coronavirus crisis, elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. is taking advantage of the twilight days of According to Israeli media, if the gov- the Trump administration to create facts ernment signs a contract on the ground,” the antiat the close of bidding, it occupancy group stated. would make it more difThe area which is ficult to reverse course planned for the southern on the project, even unpart of East Jerusalem – east der pressure of a new U.S. of Gilo and southeast of administration, Sperling Beit Safafa – “would create added. a ring of Jewish neighborThe plan for Givat Hahoods” around Beit Safafa. matos, which would sur“Any settlement construcround the Palestinian town tion in the West Bank or of Beit Safafa, was originalEast Jerusalem is controverEli Sperling pointed out that ly proposed in 2012, Spersial,” he said, but the timing “Any settlement construction ling said. But the idea was isn’t coincidental. in the West Bank or East put on ice due to strong “The Netanyahu Jerusalem is controversial.” international opposition, government sees the last led by former President Barack Obama. Op- days of Trump as an opportunity,” Sperling ponents of the settlement contend that it said. During the last four years, President would negate the possibility of a Palestinian Trump has been neutral about settlements. state with territorial contiguity.

But according to Israeli public broadcaster, Indeed, after the bidding process was Kan, Netanyahu was to ask for the adminannounced, the Israeli organization Peace istration’s support for Givat Hamatos from Now said that construction in this area U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who

visited Israel just days after the tender bids were announced.

Earlier this year, Netanyahu also raised the possibility of annexing some of the West Bank. That idea was dropped in exchange for the diplomatic agreements Israel reached with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Sperling said he doesn’t believe that the two Arab countries will advocate for the Palestinians and fight the building in Givat Hamatos. “They have more pressing strategic interests,” he suggested.

However, he also argued with opponents of the new settlement who say that it would necessarily be irreversible. History, he said, proves otherwise. In 1982, at the completion of the 1979 peace agreement with Egypt, Israel destroyed its own settlements in the Sinai and forcibly pulled out its residents. In 2005, Israel tore down its settlements in Gaza and again used force to remove those living there.

Both disengagements were carried out by right-wing leaders: in 1982, it was Prime Minister Menachem Begin, and in 2005, it was Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. “So, it’s possible to be done again,” said Sperling.

“There’s historic precedent.” ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 15

OPINION So, Who is a Jew to Believe?

Which Jew should another Jew believe when it comes to the runoffs for Georgia’s two U.S. Senate seats?

One Jew says that a Dave Schechter candidate is From Where I Sit a n t i -A m e r i can, anti-Israel, anti-family, a Socialist, and does not represent Georgia’s values. Another Jew says that the same candidate’s values are pro-Georgia, pro-America, pro-Israel, pro-family, pro-business.

One Jew says that a candidate is ethically challenged. Another Jew calls this nonsense but says an opposing candidate consorts with disreputable people.

Forget the joke about two Jews having three opinions. The lines in the runoffs are drawn so that the only choices are for and against.

The campaigns are proving the adage about politics being a contact sport. I cannot decide which analogy best fits Loeffler/Perdue vs. Warnock/ Ossoff, whether to compare it to a twoon-two basketball game of the kind seen on a playground blacktop or to a tag-team, no-holds-barred mixed martial arts cage-match.

As our elders used to say, “Is it good for the Jews?” I can’t see how.

With Israel and anti-Semitism being employed as political talking points, is there any way for the Jewish community to avoid being dragged through the muck in the six weeks re-

16 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

maining until Election Day Jan. 5? I am doubtful.

Keep in mind that Jews vote at a higher percentage than the population in general and then factor in the generally reduced turnout in runoff elections, and the Jewish vote could prove particularly potent in determining which party controls the Senate.

I sought the counsel of attorney Sam Olens, believed to be the only Jew to have won a statewide partisan race.

The Republican was elected as Georgia’s attorney general in 2010 and reelected in 2014. “Real issues separate the Republican incumbent senators and their Democratic opponents. Like most citizens, I support an issuesbased runoff campaign rather than hundreds of millions of dollars spent to demean all candidates. We deserve such a campaign, but we will not see that. Attempts to divide Jews should be openly disfavored as it creates a loselose,” Olens said.

Not every communal leader contacted for this column was willing to comment on the record, but all expressed anxiety that an already nasty campaign will get uglier.

“I am increasingly concerned with how Israel and anti-semitism are being used by some as wedge issues to create political division within the Jewish community,” said Dov Wilker, regional director of the American Jewish Committee in Atlanta. “Those who seek to make Israel a political issue, who seek to promote a competition between Democrats and Republicans, are not helpful. They actually are undermining the extensive bilateral relationship. That should scare us all.”

OPINION Concern about the tone of the campaign extends to Israel’s representative in Atlanta.

“Israel’s relations with the U.S. have always received strong bipartisan support in the American political sphere, and we will continue to work for that to be the case in the future as well,” said Anat Sultan-Dadon, Israel’s consul general to the Southeast U.S. “Israel should be a unifying issue, as the uniquely close relations that Israel and the U.S. enjoy continue to be mutually beneficial, based on shared values and common interests.”

The words of an editorial published in these pages on July 17, 1936 — back when the AJT was known as The Southern Israelite — feel relevant 84 years later. Titled “Political Madness,” that statement of opinion by the newspaper’s management was based on remarks delivered by Dr. David Marx, then rabbi of The Temple.

The editorial read: “Some time ago in Atlanta Dr. David Marx, during the Sunday Forum series, predicted that the coming presidential election would be the most malicious yet seen in America. There would be whispering campaigns, public accusations, scandal and libel against the men concerned. The Jewish issue in American politics is now at its height. On one side, men are accused of being Jewish; on the other, of being in accord with anti-Semitic forces. Malicious propaganda, with the Jewish issue as its crux, floods the mails, is whispered on street corners, spreads along the great American grapevine. As well stop a hurricane as the powerful propaganda note that has been injected into American politics. The blame can not be fixed on any one party; lies are manufactured behind smokescreens. Charges of anti-Semitism against political candidates, in the hope of switching the Jewish vote, is comparatively new in American politics. Today, American Jewry is asked to swallow the anti-Semitic lie, and vote not as it wishes, but as the manufacturers of these lies dictate. American Jewry must not be duped.

The only way by which the anti-Semitic lie may be wiped out of the American political scene is for the Jewish voter to close his ears to whispered propaganda, to vote as an American.”

Now, as then, the question is: Who is a Jew to believe? ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 17

OPINION

American and Israeli Jews Don’t Understand Each Other It’s hard to give up on a familiar w o r l d v i e w, even harder than giving up on comfort foods during our quarantineRabbi Stanley M. driven isolaDavids tion. With the Guest Contributor world battling a murderous plague, with democracy under siege no matter, despite or because of the outcomes of the 2020 presidential election, some homemade chicken soup or spicy shakshuka can ease the pain and allow us to drift off into reveries of the way that things used to be. But only for so long.

Similarly, believing that every Jew still (if ever) axiomatically feels tied by faith, fashion and ethnicity to the fate of every other Jew in this post-Holocaust world can be as comforting as that

18 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

chicken soup or shakshuka. We can, for example, disregard the Haredi and ultra-Orthodox alliance that tried (unsuccessfully) to delegitimize Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist Judaism during the recent virtual World Zionist Congress; we can pretend that the agonizing disagreements over Israel’s intended annexation of significant parts of the West Bank didn’t really happen. But we can quiet our nagging feelings of rejection, pain and even rage for only so long before reality dulls our taste buds, and the unpleasant truth sinks in. That shakshuka will grow cold, uneaten. We will have no comfort.

We cannot keep turning a deaf ear to the familiar words from “Porgy and Bess:” “it ain’t necessarily so.” Soup and shakshuka can serve to divert us from social injustice and the threat of armed militias only until the next Breaking News Alert. But they cannot make us continue to believe that all Jews see ourselves as responsible for one another because we share a common fate, when reality and bitter experience strongly

suggest otherwise.

There are stark, profound differences between the Israeli Jewish community and the American Jewish community. We need to acknowledge those differences before we can even begin to deal with them. There are social, religious, economic, political, cultural and historical differences – and many more.

Political systems, for example, are shaped both by thought and experience. Inevitably, many Israelis view democracy differently than do American Jews, even as many American Jews view Judaism differently than do Israeli Jews.

We use “Judaism” and “democracy” as if everyone understands them the same way. But they don’t. They never have.

And because they don’t, American Jews often have a difficult time understanding how Israelis can claim that theirs is a Jewish and democratic state.

Israelis cannot understand why so many American Jews seem to privilege their commitment to democracy over their embrace of Judaism. Our default belief is that Israeli Jews and American Jews pretty much think the same way and carry the same set of priorities and concerns. But they don’t. And even when they do share some priorities and concerns, like the builders of the Tower of Babel they have acquired a profound inability to understand each other.

And that is why Rabbi John Rosove and I, together with a stellar group of social scientists and activists from both Israel and the United States, chose to create the book “Deepening the Dialogue: Jewish-Americans and Israelis Envisioning the Jewish-Democratic State,” recently published by CCAR Press. John and I are committed liberal Zionists; both of us have carried major responsibilities within the Reform movement, The Jewish Agency for Israel and the World Zionist Organization.

Our goal was simple: We wanted to forge a shared path along which Israeli Jews and American Jews could walk, coming to truly understand each other while actively working in full and equal partnership for social justice in Israel.

There is only one document extant that embraces the full range of Israel’s foundational values and concerns: Megillat Ha-Atzmaut, Israel’s Declaration of Independence. We strove to bring Israeli social activists and American Jewish social activists together in what Rabbi Judith Schindler and Rabbi Noa Sattath

have called “Social Justice Zionism.”

An Israeli activist and an American activist would together explore each of the values embedded in the Megillah.

Gender equality. Economic justice. Full participation of Israel’s Arab citizens in Israel’s cultural and political life. Equal rights for the diverse forms of Jewish religious expression. And so much more. Every chapter in the book would be published in Hebrew and English, so that we could “hear” each other better.

By working together, our authors would come to understand each other.

Side by side, they would craft sharp and loving critiques of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state – as viewed and understood from two differing positions. Together they would build a platform of understanding so that actual projects, actual social justice undertakings, could be launched in Israel. Comforting worldviews would be adjusted, language clarified, and bland assumptions set aside.

Recent surveys from across the spectrum make clear that Israelis feel attached to the Jewish people, but overwhelmingly they do not want non-citizens intervening in matters of Israeli defense and survival. Israelis are also cautious about welcoming diaspora involvement in domestic matters, such as the struggle for civil marriage, for broad conversion rights and for weakening the power of the Chief Rabbinate. And a majority of Israelis are worried about the long-term viability of the non-Orthodox American Jewish community.

There is a better way. “Deepening the Dialogue” cannot promise that the path will be smooth, but only that those who choose to walk it together will enrich the Jewish future.

And I still want that shakshuka.

Note: I am very grateful to Rabbi Uri Regev, president of Hiddush – For Religious Freedom and Equality, for having shared with me a wide range of sophisticated studies regarding core values and attitudes embedded within contemporary Israeli society. ì Rabbi Stanley M. Davids is rabbi emeritus of Temple Emanu-El. He has held leadership positions in the Association of Reform Zionists of America and Israel Bonds, among others. He is also the co-editor of “The Fragile Dialogue: New Voices in Liberal Zionism.”

OPINION

Demonstrating Compassion in our Responses and Actions Uncertainty abounds amid a global pandemic and at a political crossroads.

Our children and grandchildren are in various modEric Robbins els of school Guest Contributor – face-to-face, remote, and everything in between – aware that a positive COVID-19 test result can call for change at any moment. These are challenging times, to put it mildly.

And yet, these are also opportunities for us – both as individuals and as part of a larger kehillah (Jewish community) – to practice and uphold the very Jewish principles and values we celebrated during Rosh Hashana and recommitted on Yom Kippur. Even when we are stressed, it is imperative we support each other, our community, and the organizations we hold dear.

As you may have read, after many months of having no cases of COVID-19, The William Breman Jewish Home experienced an outbreak which, sadly, has taken eight lives. Together, as a community, we mourn for these individuals, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones. We have in our thoughts those who are in the hospital; we are grateful for the caregivers.

We are fortunate that Jewish HomeLife is served by leaders who responded quickly, instituting the comprehensive COVID response plan they had prepared months ago. And, while we know that

across the country COVID-19 rates have been rising in older adult care communities, agencies are being reassured that this vulnerable population will be among the first to receive a vaccine.

Thankfully, the numbers at the Breman Home are steadily declining, and currently there are 11 residents and five staff who have tested positive for the virus. They continue to conduct weekly testing and have not had any new positive cases at The William Breman Jewish Home since Nov. 1.

About a month ago, we admitted our shortcomings to G-d and asked Him for forgiveness. We pledged to be better Jews, to be better humans. Our job, as good stewards of the greater Atlanta Jewish community, is to support the Breman Home through this time. Our individual – and collective – response to this news should be one filled with compassion and helpfulness.

Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick) and the shiva ritual is steeped in our Jewish heritage. Unfortunately, the pandemic has brought myriad challenges to observing these traditions in their usual manner. We, as a community, have an opportunity – an obligation as Jews – to support the families who are suffering losses in whatever ways we can. At the very least, we can provide sympathy, empathy and compassion.

Despite the uncertainty we all undoubtedly feel right now, we can cultivate some “best of times” through our responses to events, and through our actions. ì Eric Robbins is president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 19

OPINION

The Need for Checks and Balances “Now we take Georgia, then we change the world. Now we take Georgia then we change America.”

C h u c k Schumer, Nov. 7 “I want to Mike Leven congratulate Guest Contributor president elect Biden ... everyone regardless of political affiliation should want him to succeed because we need our country to succeed.”

Larry Hogan, Republican governor of Maryland, Nov. 9.

It is time for readers of these messages to think clearly what to do in the Senate races in Georgia on Jan. 5.

The founders of our country, when drafting the Constitution, decided in their wisdom that the government should have checks and balances and hence, created a legislature of two branches that should help each other to get the best decisions

both for the country and all of its citizens.

They also created ways to inhibit the executive from authoritarian decisions that would balance the power of that office. We all know that a divided government must work for the greater good of all. A government controlled by one party was seen to simply be more dangerous for all of the country. George Washington was known to have said beware of parties, because in the search for power, that power will inhibit appropriate decision-making.

When you vote in January, it is my hope that this message reminds you of your responsibility to help president elect Joe Biden to find a way to unify all of our interests, not only for the United States, but for our friends around the world and, of course, the state of Israel.

Your vote should recognize the need to assure the Senate and Congress are in different hands.

Mike Leven was a top executive in the hospitality industry and former CEO and chairman of the Georgia Aquarium board of directors.

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20 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

If Jewish Democrats Want Biden to Succeed, Vote for Republican Senators The “trifecta” of American politics has been for the same party to control the presidency along with both houses of Dan Israel Congress, the Guest Contributor House of Representatives and the Senate. For the last 25 years, each president has enjoyed this trifecta for a brief period of time: Clinton from 1993-1995, Bush from 2003-2007, Obama from 2009-2011, and Trump from 2017-2019. And without fail, each president had their agendas go down in flames, culminating in a mass loss of seats for their party in one or both chambers in midterm elections.

To avoid the same fate for Biden, Jewish Democrats must learn from the history of one-party rule across the executive and legislative branches, and vote for Republican Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue in the runoff election.

Clinton and Obama were “newcomers” to the D.C. scene, with different perspectives on how to take advantage of Democratic control of Congress. Being a Southern Democratic governor with a tradition of one-party Democratic rule in Arkansas, Bill Clinton viewed Congress as a “rubber stamp” for what he wanted to do. Concocting healthcare in the White House, expecting Democrats to follow his lead, and ignoring the Republicans, Democrats were trounced in the 1994 midterm elections.

Obama overlearned Clinton’s hubris. He abdicated responsibility for healthcare legislation to the Democratic House and Senate leadership, relying on them to develop and implement the plan. A mythology has developed that Republicans were offered a deal, and they turned into obstructionists. In reality, what the House and Senate Democratic leadership offered the Republicans was like offering only meat dishes to a vegan: They knew they wouldn’t bite and used the situation to portray

Republicans as the “bad guy.” Obama didn’t intervene, and like Clinton, got destroyed in the midterms.

Similar to Obama, but to a greater effect, Bush got sabotaged by his own base. His efforts to overhaul Social Security and immigration were met with full frontal rejection by his right flank.

With Republicans in complete control, and reliance on those same Republicans to support the Iraq War, Bush had no choice but to cave to their demands and not cut deals with Democrats. In the end, he got “shellacked,” as Bush stated, in the 2006 midterms.

And Trump? Well, he is his own worst enemy, though an argument can be made that his track record with Congress is analogous to Clinton’s. Trump expected Congress to bend to his will, to do as he wanted. He failed miserably, leading to the recurring theme of oneparty control being swiftly destroyed.

I view Biden’s predicament as closest to that of Bush. Whether you are on the left or the right, Biden comes across as a “moderate,” akin to a Scoop Jackson from the days of old rather than a firebrand progressive like AOC [Alexandria Ocasio Cortez] or others of her ilk.

Biden is a dealmaker, and his decades in the Senate mean he has the relationships that Clinton, Obama and Bush did not, and Trump would not foster.

If Democrats have complete control of Congress, the progressive flank will force Biden to pull to the left, making it impractical or even impossible to cut deals with Republicans. Even worse, the progressive agenda will only exacerbate tensions in the country, further alienating the over 70 million people that voted for Trump. Give Biden the opportunity to cut deals with the Republicans he knows, without having to worry about his left flank. Let Biden come across as a Reagan, someone who effectively governed in a split Congress.

Vote for Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue to give Biden a chance to shine.

And to succeed. And to save the Democrats in 2022. ì Dan Israel is a political activist and a digital executive.

OPINION Letters to the Editor The AJT welcomes your letters. We want our readers to have an opportunity to engage with our community in constructive dialogue. If you would like your letter to be published, please write 200 words or less, include your name, phone number and email, and send it to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

Letter to the editor,

As a relatively new resident of Atlanta, I was delighted to read the Nov. 15, 2020, article, “Former Armed Forces Chaplain Honors Vets.” Quite accurately and eruditely Rabbi Albert Slomowitz calls attention to the important commitment and involvement of our Jewish community to the defense of our country. We must always remember and thank our veterans (and their families), those currently serving in the military, for their patriotism and sacrifice.

To our Jewish community, I remind you that the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (the oldest U.S. veterans’ organization in America) will be celebrating its 150th anniversary next year! Our own Atlanta JWV Post 112 is 74 years old, having been founded in 1946.

Rabbi Murray J. Berger, Ph.D.,D.D., chaplain (COL) USAR Ret., national chaplain, JWV.

Letter to the editor,

In this past election Democrats failed to denounce anti-Semitism, rioting, looting, the historically inaccurate 1619 Project, and defunding the police. The radical left is now demanding appointments to the Biden cabinet and enactment of the Bernie Sanders agenda. Unless this happens, these groups threaten further nationwide strife. Violence is not a way to reunite the country. Giving Democrats the power to pack the Senate with statehood for D.C. is not a blueprint for cooperation Two Democrats are challenging Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in the Jan. 5, 2021, runoff election. If John Ossoff and Raphael Warnock are successful, the Democrats will have unblocked access to their radical agenda. Ossoff is a central casting dream with a work experience record and background as thin as his waist, with no leadership history. His main attribute seems to be able to separate California millionaires from their money. Over 90 percent of his funding is from out of state. His films are funded by the Middle East and Chinese communists, all hostile to U.S. policy. His only government experience was a junior staffer for Congressman Hank Johnson, famous for calling Jews termites. Ossoff has not condemned rioting, the Green New Deal or any of Bernie’s job killing ideas. He favors higher taxes and killing the oil industry.

Also running is Raphael Warnock, with a ton of out-of-state money funding photogenic ads high on catch phrases but low on policy ideas. Raphael has no legislative or business experience but has a troubling history of anti-Semitic, anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian statements, which have never been recanted. Warnock has accused the Israelis of ruthlessly killing Palestinians, but progressive Jews excuse this as just being misunderstood, giving cover to another anti-Israel Democrat.

In three years, President [Donald] Trump obtained three peace treaties for Israel, isolated Iran with sanctions, weakened the largest state sponsor of terrorism, fulfilled a 20-year commitment by moving the embassy to Jerusalem, and recognized Israel’s right to the Golan Heights. Trump also reshaped the peace process by taking away the Palestinian automatic veto of all proposals. He stopped funding Palestinians if they continue to use this money to reward Jew-killing terrorist families. President Elect [Joe] Biden wants to return to the Iran nuclear treaty even though uranium has been enriched for the past three years. He wants to restart the funding of the PLO without any restrictions. Ossoff and Warnock will support these regressive actions and also the restarting of the land-for-peace negotiations, which have been a 30-year failure.

To keep a Congress which compromises and not empower progressive anti-Semitic Democrats (remember, they killed a resolution condemning anti-Semitism) you must vote for Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue. Americans favor a split government representing all views. Both Perdue and Loeffler have a history in leadership, government, charity and business. Experience counts and these two have that experience.

Dr. Jeffrey Kunkes, Atlanta

Disclamer to our readers: This section of the newspaper is a forum for our community to share thoughts, concerns and opinions as open letters to the community or directly to the newspaper.

As a letter to the editor, we proof for spelling and grammatical errors only. We do not edit nor vet the information the letter contains. The individual signing the letter is accountable for what they share.

Letter to the editor,

Regarding a letter to the editor from Susan Cohen. In her Oct. 28 letter to the editor, Ms. Cohen says that even though J Street calls itself pro-Israel and pro-peace, it really is “anything but.” All you have to do is look deeper, she says.

To summarize Ms. Cohen’s assertion, J-Street backs concessions to terrorists, supports anti-Semitic lawmakers, hangs out with the BDS crowd and traffics in anti-Israel rhetoric and actions.

Nope. Nope. Nope. And nope.

We believe that J Street’s Atlanta chapter welcomes everyone to do what Ms. Cohen suggests. We encourage you to explore J Street’s information-filled website, jstreet.org. Read its writings and probe its actions. Watch its webinars.

We want everyone to scan the names of the clergy, academics, artists, diplomats, community leaders and former military commanders who back J Street.

Its supporters hail from across the spectrum of the Jewish world -- Israelis and Americans. These include former Israeli government officials and American diplomats and business executives.

Check out the dozens of honorable and talented candidates J Street has endorsed, including Senate candidate Jon Ossoff and Representative-elect Carolyn Bourdeaux in metro Atlanta.

J Street endorsed Joe Biden earlier this year and Biden, now the president-elect, accepted the endorsement.

Its Atlanta steering committee is made up of a range of people from different regions of the metro area. They are proud to be part of the Atlanta Jewish community. J Street is in the Democratic and Jewish-American mainstream. Its annual national conventions attract a few thousand attendees. Its well-publicized Election Day polling showed that Jewish voters in the United States favored Joe Biden over Donald Trump by a 77 percent to 21 percent margin.

The group we represent is proudly in the progressive Zionist camp. It was part of the Hatikvah slate fielded in the 2020 World Zionist Congress elections.

The only “sin” J Street committed as a pro-Israel and pro-peace lobbying group is out of love for Israel. J Street has proposed alternatives to those government policies that will clearly damage Israel’s future, such as territorial annexation and illegal settlement activity in the West Bank.

While J Street welcomes the Abraham Accords normalization strides, it champions a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and believes it is key to regional peace.

Keep in mind that J Street’s strongest critics come from the pro-annexation right-wing and the pro-BDS left. J Street’s is another voice. When you visit the website, don’t forget to read the section debunking the myths circulated about the group.

Readers will find that J Street is a credible pro-Israel, pro-peace entity reflecting the public opinion of a vast swath of the Jewish-American electorate. We welcome all of you to engage with it and consider joining.

Scott Rafshoon, Brookhaven, and Joe Sterling, Marietta, members of the J Street Atlanta steering committee.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 21

WELLNESS Substance Abuse Soars During COVID

By Roni Robbins The stories are recurring and heartwrenching. A Jewish student already struggling to adjust to college and deal with depression finds that the global pandemic exacerbates his challenges. He turns to marijuana to cope and can’t stop.

His parents, “who don’t know what to do,” call HAMSA (Helping Atlantans Manage Substance Abuse), a program of Jewish Family & Career Services.

“Everyone feels stress differently,” said HAMSA program manager Leslie Lubell, who is in long-term recovery herself. The difference between addiction and regularly having a drink or smoking “weed” is being dependent on the substance and not being able to get through a day without it, Lubell explained.

“There are plenty of people drinking during the pandemic to make them feel better." But they may know when to stop.

Those with an addiction are unable to quit using or drinking on their own, she said.

The American Medical Association’s issue brief last updated Oct. 31 reports an increase in opioid- and other drug-related overdose and other concerns during COVID. “In addition to the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 global pandemic, the nation’s opioid epidemic has grown into a much more complicated and deadly drug overdose epidemic, according to the AMA. “I must hear about a death every week” from drug overdoses, Lubell said.

“Calls to HAMSA have exponentially increased. There’s been a drastic increase 22 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

over the same period last year.”

The main problem, she says, is that the isolation of COVID is keeping those dealing with or recovering from substance abuse, like herself, from staying connected and holding each other accountable. “Part of what works is peer-centered recovery.

People start to see you face-to-face. They can see how you are really doing. They can see if you are not OK and pick up on that.”

Lubell knows of two Jewish people struggling with addiction who got out of a six-week residential treatment program during the pandemic only to discover “the world had completely changed during the time they were in rehab.” They had a difficult time coping without the in-person support they needed to stay on track, so they began to relapse, she said. “When they got out, everything they were taught to do they can’t do.”

Those keys to success include building a network of people in recovery, joining a 12-step, Alcoholics Anonymous or other peer support group, and visiting an outpatient treatment program to continue to heal effectively. Family support groups also can’t meet. “You can do Zoom, but it’s not like sitting across the table from each other having a conversation.”

Need for Connection Treatment programs have started to reopen because they see it as a calculated risk, Lubell said. “The patients can’t survive on their own. They can do a COVID test and wear a mask and come in” and it will help people with a substance abuse disorder recover.

The Berman Center treatment facility

only closed during the mandatory shelter- not seeing the same kind of struggle durin-place period at the beginning of the pan- ing COVID by those who are in recovery. demic, said CEO Justin Milrad. At least 20 Perhaps that is because they were further percent more clients have reached out for along with their recovery. He compared services. “Our phone has not stopped ring- the pandemic for most of those he works ing.” To keep up with the need for in-per- with to weightlifting in which the body son treatment during COVID, it added 10 pushes back against a heavy weight and people to its staff and another 2,000 square becomes stronger.

He said he knew two recovering adfeet to its Dunwoody center with plans for dicts who early on were another 2,500 square feet struggling with depressoon. The additions allow sion and feeling down, for more rooms to space but they used the tools out patients into smaller they have learned in their groups, Milrad said. “We recovery process to push provide mental health through the hardships. services, so we are con“People in recovery sidered first responders.” are used to adversity.

He said teens who They built up an armor fared well at the beginwith commitment and ning of the pandemic had resolve to overcome the a tougher experience as challenge as it presents time went on. “CommuDaniel Epstein is a itself and become stronnity is the secret sauce psychotherapist and director of ger to that,” Schusterman that helps people get thru client services at The Berman Center intervention clinic. said. this difficult time.” The He is also a co-founder of The Jeff’s Place, which group treatment sessions Blue Dove Foundation. began at Chabad Intown provide an outlet to communicate and connect with others, work two years ago, had been offering two inon coping skills, reduce loneliness, pro- person AA 12 Step meetings on Sundays. vide support and lift each other up, said When the pandemic hit, they went online.

Milrad, who is also president of The Blue More recently, as restrictions have relaxed, Dove Foundation. It offers resources for it has become a hybrid of online and ineducation, awareness and outreach for ad- person socially distanced.

In addition, since the start of the pandiction and mental health.

While COVID has broken down some demic, Rabbi Schusterman has been offerof the shame and stigma associated with ing online classes on the 12 Steps through a Jewish lens. These classtalking about and ades are offered for those in dressing addiction, adrecovery as well as a secdicts feel more supported ond group for loved ones to be truthful about their of addicts. struggles.

“Depression The principles and anxiety are through taught by AA in the 12 the roof,” Milrad said.

Steps provide tools for Fear of the unrecovering addicts to deal known, worry about with the pandemic, the their personal health and feelings of anxiety and the health of loved ones; fear of the future, allowchanges in eating and ing them to turn to their sleeping; and difficulty Leslie Lubell is program manager faith in G-d to help them concentrating all contribof HAMSA (Helping Atlantans through rough patches, ute to more people using Manage Substance Abuse) according to the rabbi, alcohol and drugs as a who also founded and directs Chabad Incoping mechanism, he added.

“If it’s left untreated, it can progres- town.

Concepts such as “I don’t have to be sively get worse … Treatment for those people who seek out community and sup- in control in everything,” or “take one day port are generally doing pretty well con- at a time” offer very real solutions to the sidering. Community and connection are isolation and uncertainty of a health crisis.

Schusterman admits that new addicts very important factors to help people get tend to relapse early in the recovery prothrough this difficult time of COVID.” Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman, who cess, “but if the individual perseveres, they created Jeff’s Place addiction recovery, is often are able to maintain sobriety after

WELLNESS “Before COVID, anyone struggling the first or multiple relapses.” That’s when they are successful through the AA pro- with addiction could attend 12 Step programs such as offered through Jeff’s Place. grams every hour on the hour” throughout “People who maintain an investment in Atlanta with meetings attended by anytheir recovery tend to do well. People who where from 20 to 100 people, he said. After attend meetings and are committed to the the meetings, the fellowship began with 12 Step process and work the program” are addicts seeking out others to talk over coffee or lunch and help each other through more invested and serious, he said.

The rabbi added that he has a lot of re- the process.

“COVID restrictions were a major spect and identifies with people who “are engaged in the struggle of life to be a better blow to recovery fellowship but many person. Their internal experiences are ulti- meetings have realized how detrimental and harmful being closed has been and mately rooted in a spiritual path.” are making great strides He said of addicto safely reopen.” Galanti tion, “it’s a disease; it is attended at least three real. I want to help do my meetings a week in perpart. I want them to feel son; now his “attendance comfortable and not feel and participation is all shame and stigmatized” done virtually, which seeking help. is helpful, but not the One of those who same.” visited Jeff’s Place for its AA support groups Business is Booming before COVID is Ronnie Daniel Epstein is a Galanti of Sandy Springs.

Justin Milrad is CEO of The psychotherapist and diAlthough today he is seBerman Center and president rector of client services cure in his recovery, havof The Blue Dove Foundation. at The Berman Center. He ing been sober since 2002, he sees the struggles of those he sponsors agreed that those who are connected in a through the 12 Step program, providing 12 Step program and have a strong sense one-on-one support for those in early re- of recovery are faring much better than covery. “One I’ve been working with has those who are “white-knuckling it” by been sober three to four months. He had themselves.

“We’re the busiest we’ve ever been,” been in treatment two years ago and relapsed six or seven months ago. He found said Epstein, who has been with the outpatient treatment center for three years it difficult to stay sober,” Galanti said.

“The in-person connection, the fellow- and in practice for 13. “I’ve never gotten ship, is a vital part for those in recovery, so many inquiries and families reaching but has been so difficult during COVID. I out. It has a lot to do with employment have noticed through my personal interac- and financial reasons, connection and loneliness. … Some feel tions and in conversation depressed. with others in recovery, “They do not have since COVID, relapse is anything to do. Teenagoccurring more often, ers are all day on Zoom and meeting attendance and bored and not conis down,” he continued. nected socially. People do “One of the worst not have things to look scenarios for maintainforward to,” he said. For ing sobriety is isolation. instance, a family vacaIt creates hopelessness, tion or a celebration such despair and depression as a wedding. “It feels like as well as limits accounttheir life is on hold and ability, which is so imporRabbi Eliyahu Schusterman uncertainty for when tant to maintaining sobricreated Jeff’s Place addiction this all ends. Uncertainety. For an addict, when recovery and leads a 12 Step ty causes them anxiety depression and isolation spiritual study group online. about what the world is sets in, they think a drink or getting high will solve the problem, … going to be like, what jobs are going to be like.” but it becomes the problem.”

The pandemic has worsened the opiGalanti said it is important for recovering addicts to socialize and be with oid crisis with overdoses increasing 30 to people like themselves to break the pattern 40 percent, according to Nora Volkow, diand realize they’re not alone or unique. rector of the National Institute on Drug That component of recovery was “yanked Abuse.

In addition to overdoses, she reported out from beneath us by COVID,” Galanti there have been increases in patients resaid.

At Jeff’s Place, people of all backgrounds gather to meet, spend time together, have a warm drink and a warm conversation.

lapsing that had already achieved recovery.

Doctors are especially concerned that coronavirus lockdowns are leading to an increase in intentional overdoses and other suicide attempts, Volkow said. The rising unemployment rate is also contributing to the problem by further isolating people, she said.

“Without a doubt, more people are using and more people are relapsing,” said Epstein, who is also a co-founder of The Blue Dove Foundation. The danger of overdose after periods of sobriety is “no man’s land. They risk dying from a relapse. It’s a very scary place to be.”

He knows of two young men who took their own lives during the pandemic, one of whom was Jewish.

In the past, when people were around others, they could be saved if someone noticed something unusual or there was an overdose, but now that they are homebound, there is no one to help, Epstein said.

The days blend into each other when you are stuck home and isolated, Epstein continued. “I know they are exceptionally bored. Every day kind of feels the same.

They wake up in their bedroom or house and socialize from their bedroom and wind down in their bedroom. The radius of people’s lives has shrunk.”

More than 40 states, including Georgia, have reported increases in opioidrelated mortality during the pandemic, as well as ongoing concerns for those with a substance use disorder, the AMA brief stated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta on Oct. 7 also cited concerns about alcohol abuse during COVID. Among other complications, “drinking alcohol weakens the body’s ability to fight infections, increasing the risk of complications and making it harder to get better if

you are sick. Alcohol use can also increase the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia, which are sometimes associated with COVID-19.”

In an article in Georgia Health News last month, state public health officials reported a troubling increase in overdose cases in hospital emergency rooms. ‘‘Recovery coaches,’’ who help substance abuse patients in emergency rooms and on a consumer hotline, have seen an increase in people needing help during recent months, the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse told Georgia Health News.

“Not only has the volume increased, the intensity of the encounters has increased, as well,’’ said Neil Campbell, executive director of the organization. “Our coaches are reporting just some devastating life situations that their peers in the EDs [emergency departments] are experiencing that have been compounded by COVID.’’ The people who call needing help “are reeling from isolation due to COVID, the economic downturn and the social and racial justice issues happening in their communities,’’ she added. “The duration, intensity and volume of the calls have all increased.’’

In addition to the trauma cases are increases in alcohol use, which are linked to stress and mental health issues created by the pandemic, the health site reported.

Rising unemployment and divisive social issues are playing into the general anxiety among Americans, the health site learned.

U.S. adults have sharply increased their consumption of alcohol during the pandemic shutdown, with women increasing their heavy drinking episodes (four or more drinks within a couple of hours) by 41 percent, according to a new RAND Corporation study reported Sept. 29.

A national survey found that the ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 23

WELLNESS

Group meetings are crucial to the recovery process, according to local Jewish social service leaders.

overall frequency of drinking alcohol increased by 14 percent among adults over age 30, compared to the same time last year, Georgia Health News reported. The increase was 19 percent among all adults aged 30 to 59, 17 percent among women, and 10 percent among non-Hispanic white adults.

George Koob, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, told CNN that the U.S. has seen similar increases in alcohol consumption during other times of crisis.

If the experience after other public health emergencies and disasters are any indication, Hurricane Katrina and 9/11 for example, the need for substance abuse services will continue to be overwhelming.

“Consensus is emerging among disaster researchers that psychological disorders and substance abuse increases in the aftermath of both man-made and natural disasters,” according to a 2016 CDC report.

“Exposure to a disaster can entail physical threats to life and post-disaster behavior and re-adjustment problems (dealing with loss of home, friends, or family). These events can increase the risk of substance abuse, such as extensive drinking or drug use, as a coping mechanism.”

Lubell summed up the findings of studies by the CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The studies followed the impact on a city of a huge national disaster, Lubell explained. Drug or alcohol related incidents increased immediately after the crisis and then leveled off and then down the road spiked again, she said.

The impact of the pandemic on drug and alcohol abuse may not be known for another year or longer, Lubell said. “It’s a hard thing to measure. I don’t think we’ll know the true impact of how the pandemic affects people for a while. Addiction does not happen overnight. You can live with an 24 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

addiction for a while before you decide to do something about it. It takes a while before you realize you want help. People can live with it for a while in a state of denial or without consequences. They often don’t change their behavior until it has a negative impact on their life, it's impacting their jobs, personal relationships, they've tried to stop on their own and can't.”

If you or someone you care about is starting to use alcohol or other substances, or is increasing their use during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are a few suggestions that may help: From Rabbi Schusterman of Jeff’s Place: • Help is out there through organizations such as Jewish Family & Career Services and Jeff’s Place.

• There is hope. A lot of people are in recovery and have done it successfully.

• You are not alone.

• Set goals. It will give you purpose and meaning in your every day.

• Finding a relationship with God will give you purpose and meaning.

From Daniel Epstein of The Berman Center and The Blue Dove Foundation: • Join a youth group or athletic team.

• Find outdoor activities for exercise.

• Take up a healthy hobby such as cooking with meal prep that keeps you eating healthy.

• Limit social media use (phone chatting with a friend is fine, but not losing oneself in Facebook.

• Establish a routine, a schedule. ì Or for more general information on the issue: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/daily-life-coping/stress-coping/alcohol-use.html www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/comorbidity/covid-19-resources

Chabad Intown Provides Safe Space for Jews in Recovery

By Ronda Robinson

ADVERTISEMENT - Paid for by Chabad Intown.

Jon and Veronica Kraus cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Jeff's Place.

Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman clearly remembers the rainy Friday night in 2016 when a newcomer showed up for Shabbat services at Chabad Intown Atlanta. The young man seemed unfamiliar with synagogue practices. In a quiet manner, he asked for the prayerbook page number and upon the conclusion of the prayers, asked if he could return the following week.

For the next two years, Jeff, a Georgia State University student, immersed himself in the Chabad Intown community. He started observing Shabbat, keeping kosher and attending services and young adult events. He became friendly with the rabbis and their families and spent Shabbat afternoons studying Torah with Rabbi Ari Sollish, obviously relishing the learning he had missed in childhood. Rabbi Schusterman happily watched as Jeff embraced a community that his soul clearly yearned for.

Passionate and funny, 29-year-old Jeff was beginning to find some peace in his spiritual journey.

“Never did any of us imagine and never did Jeff share with us that there was a tempest of inner struggle that was deep inside of him for 14 years,” the rabbi said “We never imagined that we’d hear the tragic news on a rainy Shabbat morning in November of 2018 that Jeff was found lifeless after a relapse and an overdose.”

Saving Lives after Tragedy

After losing their precious son to addiction, Veronica and Jon Kraus vowed to help others with similar struggles. They gave back to Chabad Intown, where Jeff had flourished. Thanks to their generous donation, Jeff’s Place was born: a café sitting directly on the Atlanta BeltLine in Chabad’s new building that is designed to fill an unmet need in the Jewish community.

At the kickoff on Dec. 13, 2018, Rabbi

Schusterman said, “There’s a definite stigma that exists within the Jewish community.

Churches have them, but almost no synagogues hold 12-step meetings. Why is that?

The more we become comfortable speaking about it, the more we can literally save lives.”

Before the COVID-19 pandemic began, Jews with alcohol, drug and other addictions gathered there several times a week for 12-step recovery meetings offering support.

The meetings have since moved online so members can participate from the comfort of their homes.

Rabbi Schusterman recently provided additional support with a recovery class looking at the 12 steps through the lens of Jewish thought. He also started a class for families and loved ones of alcoholics and addicts.

Other Jeff’s Place activities have included a lunch-and-learn with Dr. Terry Segal, marriage and family therapist; a meditation with Rabbi Tzvi Freeman, Jewish mysticism and meditation author, and a discussion about shame with Rabbi Shais Taub, an author known for his addiction recovery work.

Jeff’s Place hosts regular 12 Step meetings. It nurtures the key ingredients for recovery and is a resource and a literal lifesaving space.

‘You’re Never Alone’

It’s all about promoting a message of hope.

Rabbi Schusterman and his wife, Dena, founders of Chabad Intown and Jeff’s Place, want to let the community know people don’t have to struggle alone with addiction.

“This is literally a lifesaving endeavor,” the rabbi emphasized. “The Talmud says whoever saves a life saves a world.”

Complementing the work of Jeff’s Place are The Blue Dove Foundation, an organization that addresses mental health/substance abuse within the Jewish community, and HAMSA (Helping Atlantans Manage Substance Abuse), a program of Jewish Family & Career Services that provides recovery support and tools.

Leslie Lubell, HAMSA program manager, offers praise for Rabbi Schusterman and

Jeff’s Place. “At Jeff's Place, our community can find an inclusive, supportive, safe space infused with Judaism and Jewish teachings where people in recovery and their allies can learn, connect, and heal,” she said.

“Rabbi Schusterman has worked to develop a resource that welcomes all members of our community and offers opportunities to grow in their recovery journey through peer support meetings, 12-step and Torah study groups, speakers and more. Jeff's Place is part of a larger network of Jewish recovery support that is unique to Atlanta; HAMSA is grateful to partner with Rabbi Schusterman in this vitally important work.”

HAMSA and Rabbi Schusterman often partner to find appropriate resources such as 12-step meetings, treatment programs and professional help for everyone from teenagers to elders struggling with alcohol or drug addiction.

The Life of An Outof-Control Teen

Sam, a 29-year-old Atlanta native, knows what it’s like to be a teenage alcoholic.

He recalls going to parties, drinking and doing drugs in 10th grade. “I kind of just didn’t say no!”

His trajectory went from drinking, smoking marijuana and doing drugs mainly on weekends, to getting drunk or high daily after his senior year at Riverwood International Charter School in Sandy Springs, where he played football and lacrosse.

“At the end of my drinking I was consistently getting arrested for being a minor in possession of drugs,” he admitted. “On my third arrest I knew the problem was me. It wasn’t the Sandy Springs Police Department. It wasn’t the Jewish community. It wasn’t a lack of college options. I realized that in a jail cell in Columbia, S.C.” Sam took his last drink in August 2009, the day he moved into his college dorm. He had partied, gotten arrested and landed in jail again. Sitting there, he knew he was out of options.

Recovery and Torah Go Hand-in-Hand

because I haven’t had a drink. Because of AA, Jeff’s Place and Rabbi Schusterman, I don’t have to today.” He meets with the rabbi every week to study recovery literature and find parallels in Torah and Talmud.

Marcia and David are the parents of a young adult struggling with addiction. They, too, find solace in Rabbi Schusterman’s counsel and Jeff’s Place activities. Both physicians, they are longtime leaders in the Atlanta Jewish community. But when it comes to their son’s addiction, they are admittedly powerless.

“We’ve gone to Rabbi Schusterman when our heart is breaking and we just need support,” David said.

Their 28-year-old son is in a sober living house and attends Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. He told them one of his earliest drinking memories was from a teen trip to Paris, enjoying a good meal and wine atop the Eiffel Tower.

Marcia notes that addiction is a disease, not a moral failure. David adds, “We know what an incredibly painful and difficult issue this is. Our hearts go out to people who suffer with a family member and the addict, too, who suffers.”

Be Part of the Solution!

The community is invited to support a $12.5 million building campaign called Vision 2020 to help Chabad Intown complete the purchase of its new facility on the BeltLine at 730 Ponce de Leon Place. The vision calls for a multipurpose community center with classrooms, kitchen, offices, co-working spaces, café, arts and makers room, young adult and teen lounge, playground and more.

Funds raised also will cover the construction of a new Intown Jewish Preschool building nearby.

Be a part of it! Visit https://buildingintown. com or e-mail Rabbi Schusterman at rabbi@chabadintown.org to learn how Vision 2020 will benefit Jeff’s Place, the many other Chabad Intown programs and Atlanta’s Jewish community.

He credits his Higher Power and 12-step recovery program for 11 years of sobriety.

He earned a bachelor’s and law degree, then landed a job with one of the nation’s largest law firms. He is married and enjoys a close relationship with his family today.

However, Sam hastens to add, “My success is Paid Content by Chabad Intown.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 25

WELLNESS

Mayim Bialik Stars In JF&CS Teen Program

By Bob Bahr

years, including the 2017 bestseller, “Girling Up: How To Be Strong, Smart and Spectacular."

The actress, who will celebrate her 45th birthday Hollywood comedy star Mayim Bialik, the star of CBS’s “The Big Bang Theory” will headline a special fun- less than two weeks after her Atlanta program, also draiser for Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta. wrote a companion volume, “Boying Up: How to Be The program on the mental well-being of teenagers and Brave, Bold and Brilliant.” She is the mother of two boys pre-teens entitled “Tween & Teen Mental Health in The who are 12 and 15.

Her JF&CS lunchtime converAge of COVID” is on Giving Tuessation is aimed at helping parents day, Dec. 1. cope with the pressures they face Bialik told the Atlanta Jewish during some of the most difficult Times that the isolation that has years in their children’s lives. The been such a part of the pandemic first principle she advises adults to has had an enormous impact on follow is “keep an open dialogue.” our mental health, particularly for She explained, “Don’t force adolescents. conversations but continue to let “This isolation has magnified your kids know that you are availeverything, our finest attributes able and open for talking about and the ones that need the most anything and everything. I resist help, too. Any of us who tended tosaying I know everything about wards anxiety likely found it rampeverything; it allows us to figure ing up. Same goes for depression. things out together and that makes Not knowing what happens next – us connect better than if I act like with a pandemic, with an election, ABC’s midseason replacement series “Call the authority on the Universe. with our kids’ school – is incredibly Me Kat” starring Bialik begins Jan. 2.

That being said, I am not their best stressful even in the most levelheaded person. We need to remember to be gentle with friend. I’m their mom; and it’s also my job to provide structure and discipline so they can feel safe. In addiourselves.”

Bialik, who has been an outspoken advocate for a tion, if you feel your kids don’t want to open up to you, better understanding of the stresses that today’s ado- examine how available you are to them. I have had to lescents face, is the author of three books on the teen cut back on my screen time on my phone since my kids

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For nine years Bialik starred as a regular on CBS’s “The Big Bang Theory.”

started expressing that I wasn’t seeming available. They were right!”

As a very successful performer, who first began acting at the age of 12 and became a star at 14 in “Blossom,” the 1990s sitcom about a quirky teen, Blossom Russo. In its five seasons, the series dealt with controversial issues such as drugs, sexuality and relationships that play such an important role in adolescent life. Yet, after over 30 years in the limelight, she’s had her share of emotional ups and downs, including a divorce eight years ago. She admits that she is “still learning” as she copes with her own anxiety and depression.

“I am a firm believer in rigorous honesty and the use of psychotherapy to help us all understand where we come from and how it impacts our present and future. Building a strong relationship with a therapist who I am completely honest with has been a building block of my mental wellness.”

After “Blossom,” she took a break to earn an undergraduate degree at the University of California Los Angeles, where she studied Hebrew and Jewish Studies and took an active role in Jewish life on campus. She founded a women’s Rosh Chodesh group, blew the shofar for High Holiday services, and wrote music for UCLA’s Jewish choral group.

She was raised a Reform Jew but, as she told the Sun Sentinel of South Florida, today considers her spiritual practice more traditional.

“Judaism is a religion of cumulative mitzvoth (commandments). So I keep adding and growing and being intellectually honest. I know first and foremost that my faith in God will never waiver. God can handle all my complexity and struggle and I know that I will be okay.”

Complementing her real-world experience with teenagers, she brings an impressive academic background as well. To follow up on her undergraduate degree in neuroscience, she took a second break from acting in 2005 to earn a doctorate in the subject.

Her dissertation explored the experience of teens with obsessive-compulsive disorder. She credits recent scientific advances for giving us a better understanding of ourselves and our children.

“Incredibly important research has been done so that we can understand the neural substrates of mental health conditions. Neuroscience also helps us learn about which chemicals influence which kinds of behavior and the best ways to help those who are struggling.” ì Tickets are still available through JF&CS for the live event Dec. 1.

WELLNESS

Ryan Seacrest to Welcome Tower of Talent

By Robyn Spizman Gerson Special for the AJT

Gail and Lyons Heyman and Nadia Bilchik. This year’s plan is to surpass the collectively raised $2 million mark. Some of the kids appearing in the show are patients at Children’s, Celebrity icon Ryan Seacrest, a Dunwoody native, will and every talented young performer wants to help other welcome those who virtually attend the 7th Annual Tower of children live their dreams.

As one of the only freestanding pediatric healthcare Talent Nov. 28 to benefit the music therapy program of Chilsystems in Georgia, Children’s Healthdren’s Healthcare of Atlanta. It will care of Atlanta is a trusted leader in be aired and livestreamed on 11Alive caring for kids. The not-for-profit or(WXIA-TV) and shown internally in all ganization’s mission is to make kids three of Children’s hospitals. better today and healthier tomorrow The show includes inspirational through more than 60 pediatric spestories of current and former patients cialties and programs, top healthcare at Children’s and celebrates how muprofessionals, and leading research sic has made a significant difference and technology. in their lives. Along with some of AtChildren’s is one of the largest lanta’s most outstanding youth perpediatric clinical care providers in the formers, the show’s theme is “Music Is country, managing more than 1 milLife – Why Hearts Have A Beat.” lion patient visits annually at three This year due to the pandemic, hospitals, Marcus Autism Center, the Tower of Talent pivoted overnight Center for Advanced Pediatrics and from a stage show to a televised spe19 neighborhood locations. Children’s cial and virtual fundraiser. The show Dancer Kayla Trinity Peltier leaps into Healthcare of Atlanta has impacted is underwritten and inspired by the action for the 7th Tower of Talent. the lives of kids in Georgia for more generosity of Michael Greenbaum, CEO and owner of Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits, along with than 100 years thanks to generous support from the comhis wife Anne, son David and the entire Greenbaum family. munity.

Children’s recently announced the naming of its newTower of Talent has raised over $2 million with every dollar est hospital, made possible through a generous $200 milgoing directly to Children’s.

Michael said, “My passion for Children’s Healthcare lion donation from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. of Atlanta is inspired by the generations of my family. I’ve Opening in 2025, the Arthur M. Blank Hospital is a transbeen able to see firsthand the miracles that are done with the music therapy program at Children’s. Music inspires people and helps with so many things you wouldn’t think about. I’m so proud of the kids who dedicate their time to helping other children through their music. This is a show you won’t want to miss! These kids are truly extraordinary.

Their talent is as big as their hearts!”

Having the honor of serving as the executive producer and Ambassador of Smiles of Tower of Talent since the show’s beginning, it’s been such an honor to work with Michael who envisioned a show that would redefine fundraising in an entertaining and inspirational way.

Ed Harris, producer and longtime friend, joined us as the show’s producer with his wealth of entertainment knowledge and talents. Now an original television production, the show enlisted the outstanding efforts of the gifted founders of Brand New World Studios (executive producers) Joey Reiman and Brad Siegel. They and their producers, Kevin Wagner and Emily Breault, seamlessly led the show’s look, purposeful mission and live tapings, assuring COVID practices were in place. Along with the wonderful help of 11Alive, our 2020 dream team pulled off this year’s show as Siegel and Reiman promised and delivered, “National quality and as professional as any award show or fundraiser you’ve ever seen,” Siegel said.

According to Laura Turner, Children’s Community Development Officer, “We are incredibly grateful for the community of support for Tower of Talent over the past seven years. This wonderful event allows us to raise much needed funds for our music therapy program, allowing our patients to express themselves, cope with painful procedures, and relax their mind and body.”

Co-chairs for the concert include Drs. Marianne and Stephen Garber, Susie and Joey Moskowitz, Linda Suvalsky,

Michael Rainwater plays piano at Tower of Talent.

formative $1.5 billion project, which will improve quality of care, patient experience and access to specialized pediatric healthcare for Georgia’s children and families.

Turner added, “We thank The Greenbaums and Tower of Talent for partnering with us to raise awareness and funds, one note and important dollar at a time.”

Tower of Talent will air multiple times on Atlanta’s NBC affiliate, 11Alive (WXIA-TV) and be livestreamed at 11alive. com during the weekend following Thanksgiving, at 7 p.m.

Nov. 28 and 11 a.m. Nov. 29, and at 11 a.m. on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1. The show will air at the three Children’s hospitals for patients to view. Visit www.choa.org/toweroftalent or text TOT to 24587 to donate. For a sneak peek, check out: www. youtu.be/NOhDNmqiimM ì Robyn Spizman Gerson is executive producer of Tower of Talent.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 27

WELLNESS

Lymphoma Research at Winship Led by Dr. Jonathon B. Cohen

By Robyn Spizman Gerson

emerging new immunotherapy for some forms of lymphoma, Cohen earned his unWhen cancer is your diagnosis at any dergraduate degree at Emory University age, being referred to the most knowledge- and received his medical degree at the University of Florida College able doctors makes a world of Medicine. He completed of difference. These media residency in internal cal experts are prepared, medicine and fellowship in equipped and ready to hematology and medical guide you through life-savoncology at The Ohio State ing decisions, helping you University in Columbus, navigate and manage the Ohio. During his fellowcomplexities of the cancer ship, he also completed a journey. master’s degree in medical One widely-respected science, gathering addiexpert is Jonathon B. Cotional training in the conhen, M.D., M.S., a boardduct of clinical and translacertified hematologist and tional research. medical oncologist. Cohen A community-mindalso serves as associate proPhoto courtesy of Winship Cancer ed individual, family memfessor of the Department of Institute at Emory University ber of Congregation B’nai Hematology and Medical / / Dr. Jonathon Cohen Torah, Cohen shared, “I Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine and co-director was born in Hollywood, Fla., but moved to of the Lymphoma Program at Emory’s Win- Gainesville, Fla., shortly after I was born so that my mother could start law school. My ship Cancer Institute.

Cohen treats Hodgkin and non-Hodg- parents met at the University of Florida, kin lymphoma patients and directs Win- we moved around some, but ultimately, I ship’s lymphoma clinical trials program. went to high school in Jacksonville, where A leading expert in CAR T-cell therapy, an my parents still reside. My family (includ-

28 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ing my grandmother) have been members of the Jacksonville Jewish Center for decades and my grandparents were actually married there. My wife Pam (fellow Emory alum) and I have lived in Atlanta since 2013.

We have three children ages 12, 9, and 4 and Pam is a PJ Library connector with Jewish Federation of Jewish Atlanta.”

Cohen adds, “I attended Camp Judaea as a child and was drawn to Atlanta and Emory early on in my college search. I was very impressed with Emory’s excellent reputation in health sciences, and I liked the idea of being relatively close to home. Additionally, I’m a lifelong Braves fan and was excited about the possibility of catching a few games during college.”

Regarding his medical interests, “As a teenager, my grandfather died of colon cancer. I recall the challenges he faced and was always interested in learning more about cancer. My father-in-law is a retired oncologist, and I had the opportunity to shadow him early in my career. While there are certainly challenging days as an oncologist, I was drawn to the longitudinal relationship that you develop with patients and their families. I am always humbled by the grace and courage displayed by so many patients during difficult times in their lives.”

Cohen explained, “Lymphoma in its simplest form is a cancer of a specific type of immune cell called a lymphocyte that typically lives in your lymph nodes or sometimes the bone marrow/peripheral blood.

There are many types, and the list continues to expand, however, there are about five to 10 subtypes that comprise the vast majority of the lymphomas that we see. There is no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ lymphoma type and all of these diseases can impact your life and require ongoing follow-up.”

Patients compliment Cohen’s clear and informative communication ability along with his in-depth knowledge easing the concerns of one’s individual cancer journey.

Native Atlantan Patty Benator shared, “After a 17-year trusting and comfortable relationship with my oncologist, who retired, he referred me to Jonathon Cohen, which was truly a gift. Having Dr. Cohen at the helm of my lymphoma follow-up care has given me the continued confidence, thanks to his clinical brilliance and extraordinary collaborative research work for future treatment options.”

Regarding advancements Cohen said, “Treatment of cancer is based on a patient’s own disease characteristics. We are now able to offer many patients access to oral therapies and/or immunotherapies that are significantly changing the landscape of the disease. Immunotherapy refers to any treatment that harnesses the body’s

Photo by Kait Egbert // Dr. Jonathon Cohen

with his wife Pam and three children.

immune system to attack cancer. This can occur by either using therapies to stimulate the patient’s immune system or by directly infusing immune cells or antibodies that specifically target the patient’s cancer. Immunotherapies have been used in a variety of settings in oncology for many years. CAR T-cell therapy refers to a specific immunotherapy in which we collect the patient’s own immune cells (T-cells) and engineer them in a fashion that they target the patient’s cancer. These are then reinfused into the patient, where they hopefully attack the cancer cells. This is currently available for patients with relapsed aggressive lymphomas and we continue to learn more about the best time to use it, and how to make it more effective.’

“The choice of therapy for an individual patient is often quite complicated, and for our aggressive lymphomas, chemotherapy is still a common component of therapy and is often curative. In many cases, we also incorporate immunotherapy when appropriate.”

When asked how we can support lymphoma research, he replied, “Winship has a robust program in lymphoma research and we have several nationally known investigators conducting important clinical trials as well as lab-based research. Donations can be made to the lymphoma program at Winship (https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/supportwinship/give/index.html) and nationally, I recommend that patients, families, and other supporters connect with the Lymphoma Research Foundation (lymphoma.org).”

Cohen added, “Finally, I think maybe the best thing that patients and families can do to support research is to consider enrolling in clinical trials. Trials are scrutinized and monitored closely at all times and often provide a great way to access a very exciting new therapy. While not appropriate for everyone, I would encourage anyone who is considering treatment for lymphoma (or any cancer) to discuss with their doctor the availability of clinical trials.” ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 29

WELLNESS

Women’s Camp Getaway Continues Attending the Jewish Women’s Getaway at Camp Ramah Darom in the beautiful North Georgia mountains every November remains one Caryn Hanrahan of my favorite Guest Contributor traditions. Time with friends, outdoor adventures and fitness challenges, along with many cultural and spiritual electives, make this a meaningful getaway. In this year of cancellations, I fully expected that this event would be postponed.

Instead, I was pleasantly surprised when I received an email in September with an invitation for a Physically Distanced Women’s Weekend. Pre-COVID-19, a group of us stay in a cabin, eat meals at closely spaced tables and participate in many indoor classes such as yoga and art. How would a COVID-safe weekend even work? I agreed to investigate it, mostly out of sheer curiosity. I signed up without realizing that

30 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Photo credit Eliana Leader // Small class size allowed for safe individual instruction on the archery range.

the weekend would take place two days after the election. The timing could not have been better. While the world waited for the selection of a new president, I drove up to Ramah, unhitched from the constant news cycle with each passing mile. My drive from Atlanta calmed my news-driven psyche as each mile offered the color of changing leaves and the soothing terrain of the gently sloping North Georgia mountains.

Camp Ramah Darom is located on a 185-acre campus in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. On arrival, I was greeted at my car to confirm my health status and

and ahhs” from my classmates. Even I was pleased. The effort brought on a flashback of a less then satisfying elementary school art experience. Now as an adult, I was hooked!

With limitations on the size of the group, the number of activities they offered increased. Archery classes were limited to two participants to ensure adequate physical distancing, but this allowed for ample instruction. My classmate hit the bullseye after being coached to envision something Photo credit Beth Tieman Feldstein // Physically she wanted to “take aim at.” Later, we atdistant dining set up during the weekend. tended outdoor yoga classes held in a rustic mountainside pavilion. The pavilion was review the safety measures that included silent, without music, except for the sound masking, physical distancing and daily of chirping birds and the rustling trees. The health assessments. Attention to safety gentle lull of the natural world calmed us would be the new norm. Surfaces were and facilitated total relaxation. That moconstantly cleaned and sanitized. Bathroom ment was a highlight.

While past Women’s Getaways have stalls, outside rocking chairs and benches were labeled as “sanitized” or “waiting to be been held during the week, this one ocsanitized.” Participants flipped the sign over curred over Shabbat. There is power in lightafter they finished. Bikes, archery equip- ing candles with a group of women, even if we are wearing masks ment and art supplies and standing apart. Yes, were sanitized. The staff we ate dinner 8 feet apart worked tirelessly; and in physical space, but we that effort reassured all were communally close of us. in our shared experience.

The group was Due to the pandemic, we small (there were 30 of respected each other’s us including staff) and space and boundaries. the activity options beSome women chose to gan immediately. The take their meals outside. group broke into smaller But the draw of groups. Some of us took coming to this place, even a mind-clearing short amidst this strange year hike to a dazzling waterand even with our small fall that quickly adjusted numbers, afforded us the my frame of mind. OthCaryn Hanrahan tried her communal spirit we were ers chose to jump into the hand at art, an activity all seeking. We gathered color-filled, physically she’s shied away from since elementary school, she said. for Kabbalat Shabbat distanced art classes led on the basketball court, but the setting did by the masterful Judy Robkin.

What I worried would be a disappoint- not matter. Shabbat can be welcomed anying COVID-safe affair transformed instead where. Later at Havdalah, the blazing campinto a well-thought out, creative and engag- fire drew us together in spirit even while we ing schedule with all the safety measures were physically apart.

As we gathered for our final experimy nursing lens required. Sure, there would be no group cabin, but having a hotel room ence, we took turns sharing in the format of to myself became a luxury to which I could John Krasinski’s YouTube show “SomeGoodget accustomed. Some of my favorite activi- News.” Some shared deeply personal ties such as the climbing wall and obstacle thoughts. Others shared funny antidotes course could not be opened safely. However, from the weekend. One participant, who new outdoor activities, such as archery and had never attended a Jewish Women’s Getmountain-biking, perfectly filled in the gap. away, exclaimed, “who would have thought The COVID-safety measures even that during a global pandemic I would make moved me toward a new activity – art. Un- new friends and lasting connections?” Who certain of my abilities, I had shied away would have thought this, indeed? Well said, from art activities in the past. But in a my new friend. Well said. ì small group, I allowed myself the freedom Caryn Hanrahan is a retired certified to dabble in watercolors. Novice though I am, Judy taught me a step-by-step method. nurse-midwife and past board chair of the MetBy the end, my artwork generated “oohs ro Atlanta Community Mikvah.

WELLNESS

Mental Health Survey Finds Teens are Stressed

By Anna Levy With the ongoing COVID pandemic comes a unique set of hurdles to mental health, and The Blue Dove Foundation gained some insight into the effect of these hurdles on Atlanta Jewish teenagers with a new survey created by 17-year-old Lili Stadler.

Stadler, who interned at The Blue Dove Foundation during fall, learned from many More than 50 percent of the survey of her friends that they were struggling menrespondents admitted to suffering from depression in the last six months. tally since the pandemic. After experiencing some anxiety of her own, Stadler became curious about how the ongoing COVID-19 as opposed to the 41.6 percent who said it was pandemic was affecting the mental health of nice to talk about it to someone, but it didn’t really change how they felt about their situher peers.

To learn more about how her fellow ation.

Additionally, when asked if a friend had teens were coping, she created a survey, which garnered a total of 154 respondents, ever come to them for mental health help bemostly Jewish, from both public and private fore, 86.4 percent of respondents said “yes.”

Of those, 42.7 percent of them responded that schools across Atlanta.

The survey began with basic questions the people who came to them for help asked about age, gender identity, and where the them not to say anything to anyone. And 41.2 respondent went to school. Then, the survey percent of them responded that they didn’t know how to help because delved into deeper questions they had never spoken to about whether, in the last anyone with mental health six months, the respondent difficulties. had experienced any stress “Teens are clearly un(89 percent), anxiety (79.2 derprepared to effectively percent), depression (51.3 help their peers with mental percent), mood swings (54.5 health,” Stadler said. “Because percent), substance abuse (5.8 of the difference between the percent), eating disorder (20.8 number of people who would percent), or none of the above Lili Stadler most trust a friend and the (6.5 percent).

From there, the survey continued with number of teens who feel ready to handle questions about which daily activities cause someone’s mental health concerns, it is clear the most stress, and asked respondents to to me things need to change.”

Stadler, who was just accepted to attend rank them on a scale of 1 to 5. The two most popular 5s were school (such as keeping up the University of Georgia, plans to major in my grades, fitting in, extracurriculars) and psychology and hopes to minor in business.

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity the future (college, keeping up activities for college, internships, summer programs, ap- to intern with The Blue Dove Foundation, and for the opportunity to create the survey plications).

When asked the most helpful ways to and be published. It’s an amazing opportumanage that stress, the most popular an- nity, and the results have been eye-opening.”

In general, Stadler reveals she has alswers were time with family and friends (77.9 percent), personal time (94.8 percent), ways been a passionate advocate for mental using electronics (89 percent), and enjoyable health. Stadler’s mother is a school counselor, which encouraged her to be open about hobbies (82.5 percent).

What do they worry about the most her feelings from a very young age.

“There was never any stigma about diswhen reaching out for help? Most respondents said they didn’t want to burden anyone cussing feelings in my home,” Stadler said. with their problems (40.3 percent). A major- “The only thing I knew was expressing emoity of respondents said they would feel com- tions and accepting the way others felt, too. fortable reaching out to a friend for help (50 It seemed crazy to me when I got older and percent) as opposed to other sources such as realized that there were people who didn’t parents (20.1 percent), siblings (3.9 percent), talk about their emotions.”

To view the full results of the survey and and teachers (1.3 percent).

Asked about the outcome of reaching to learn more about the resources The Blue out for help, only 27.3 percent of respondents Dove Foundation offers, visit www.theblueanswered that it made them feel a lot better, dovefoundation.org. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 31

WELLNESS

Stellar Bodies Opens in The Works

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Recommended in Gwyneth Paltrow’s highly touted Goop platform, Amy Selig opened her third Stellar Bodies in West Midtown Oct. 25.

From Worthington, Ohio, she received an undergraduate degree in fashion merchandising from the University of Tennessee and combined her love for fitness and the boutique element in Stellar Bodies.

“We provide a killer workout that combines cardio and strength training to burn calories, build core muscles and improve posture. Often as a ‘self reward’ after they are done sweating, clients hang around to buy a nice piece of workout apparel.”

Located in The Works, the studio houses retail and 14 Megaformer fitness machines. Classes are socially distanced with individuals perched on their own Megaformer spaced 6 feet apart. The state-of-the-art Megaformer M3 emulates some Pilates-based movements. It allows for a slow-paced workout using resistance and counter resistance to engage the full body, adding tension with

32 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Great interest has been directed towards The Works, a major development community on the Westside.

springs. The workout is intense without any impact on joints. "It’s an ultrapowerful, low-impact workout in under an hour,” Selig said. “It’s inspiring to see new students become stronger and push

place to bring them peace and wellness in unsettling times and provide a wellneeded break from the news.”

Selig’s guidelines for future wellness and getting in tip-top shape: “Thrive by moving more and sitting less. It doesn’t have to be a formal exercise routine to get the body pumping more blood and increasing the heart rate. Treat exercise as a simple ‘to do’ item just like brushing your teeth.

Schedule it.”

In terms of dieting, she stated, “The biggest mistake is overdoing it too soon and removing food groups to reduce the weight number on the scale. I do not recommend fad diets like Keto. That being said, a more formal diet could indeed give a good jumpstart. Then reality may set in and there could be a boomerang effect. Bottom line: control portions and Amy Selig adjusted and pivoted in the keep eating.” pandemic to open her third Stellar Why The Works? “I wanted to be on Body in Atlanta in October. the Westside prior to the development coming to fruition, but Scott [her late exthemselves.”

She began this journey nearly a de- husband who succumbed to cancer in cade ago when she saw the fitness pen- 2017] was the visionary behind this dedulum swing to specialized, small-group velopment. I am a tenant of The Works. training. At the time, she owned a per- No special family favors.”

The Works on Chattahoochee Avsonal training gym. After research, she discovered the Lagree Fitness Method enue is a part of a million-square-foot while on a retreat in Arizona. She real- project. Developed by Amy’s former ized she could apply her personal train- father-in-law Steve Selig of Selig Enterprises, which ing background has owned the and customer property for engagement 70 years, The savvy to make Works is toutthe concept ed as the most even better in exciting develAtlanta. Bringopment since ing that methPonce City Marod here, she ket. opened the first Scott Selig Stellar Bodies wanted to in Buckhead in develop The 2011.

Works to stay The Lagree Classes at Stellar Bodies are socially distanced. true to its hismethod draws Each class participant works on tory as indusa mega watt ceindividual Megaformer M3 models. trial-warehouse lebrity following, including Meghan Markle, Jennifer open space. It will feature a linear park Aniston, Courteney Cox and Nicole Kid- “the Spur” and an all-weather patio.

The multi-phased masterplan comman.

Currently only about 10 percent of prises 350,000 square feet of retail and classes are male. Selig said, “They should entertainment, 500,000 square feet of not be intimidated by our intensity. If office space, 500 residences, 200 hotel they are smart, they will join to see our rooms and 13 acres of greenspace. The first phase, (27 acres out of a total of 80 good- looking gals.”

Regarding the pandemic, she said, acres), is currently under construction.

The Jewish Federation of Greater At“The word ‘pivot’ comes to mind. I was slated to open The Works location in lanta hosted a preview event there in DeApril, and we ended up opening Oct. cember with celebrity chef Andrew Zim25. Our other studios are open and do- mern, who is bringing vendors together ing well; our clients are happy to have a for the eclectic food court. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 33

WELLNESS

Meditation for Doctors

By Martine Tartour

AJT: What puts physician health at risk?

Wener: Doctors witness suffering, fear, pain, tragedy and death. They are being overworked. Beside their work, they are confronted with problems of remuneration, paperwork and insurance. At hospitals, they are tired of the constant battle between the needs of patients and the administration’s main concern, which is often money. They regret neglecting their personal lives. We hear the words: exhausted, disappointed, … angry.

In principle, physicians have the knowledge and skills to stay healthy. But while they care for and save other people, their own physical and mental well-being is often neglected. The last few months, with the COVID pandemic, have been even more stressful for the clinicians.

According to a recent Medscape survey, out of 7,500 U.S. physicians, 64 percent reported experiencing more inAJT: COVID amplifies the anxiety? tense burnout and 46 percent reported Wener: Since the very start of the feeling lonelier and more isolated during epidemic, all healthcare workers have the pandemic. been managing this potentially lethal Long considered a taboo subject, disease, often without being given adthe fragility of doctors was denied. Toequate protection. Lack of PPE (personal day, the medical community encouragThis primary care physician protection equipment) has been identies physicians and other health profesmeditates, detached from fied as one of the main causes of burnsionals to ask for help when they need people around her. out and stress. Today, there is another it.

Dr. Jill Wener has been focusing for four years on feeling: anger. If during the first weeks, people were on their helping those who practice medicine fight the stress. With balcony, banging on pans or honking their horns as a sign a medical degree from Emory University, the 43-year-old of solidarity, in the last two months, politics and elections from Atlanta was able to bridge the world of Vedic, an an- have taken over. Nurses, physicians and others who put cient Indian practice of meditation, with the science of themselves and their families at risk every day, feel forgotmedicine. We met up with Wener, considered as a nation- ten. This lack of recognition increases stress and tension. ally renowned expert in physician wellness, to ask about her AJT: Like many health providers, you were initially work and how it relates today to the pandemic. Here are her skeptical of spiritual practices, what convinced you? responses.

Dr. Wener said meditation should be easy to practice, at any time of the day, anywhere.

Wener: For 10 years, I was practicing internal medicine at a busy hospital in Chicago. I threw myself, body and soul, into my career. In 2011, I experienced severe burnout. I was introduced to meditation even I was quite skeptical. But after just a few days of practice, I felt serene. I continued to work as a doctor, doing my twice-day meditation. Totally convinced by its benefits, I expand my knowledge in Vedic meditation. I didn’t know yet that I was starting a journey to another life. Five years ago, I stepped down from medicine, and moved to India for three months to complete my Vedic teacher training. I came back to Atlanta, and I created my own programs for clinicians, which I call Conscious Health Meditation and Rest Technique. I went back to the memories of my own experience: What do doctors want? Just a better quality of life. They deserve it. As great as it is, this vocation often consumes those who practice it.

AJT: What do these two methods, Conscious Health Meditation and The Rest Technique, consist of?

Wener: Unlike mindfulness, which has a lot of great benefits but requires a constant and fixed effort to focus on thoughts or your breath, we don’t use any effort, and we don’t “try” to meditate. My methods don’t require cessation of thinking; your mind can go wherever it wants. At any moment, anywhere you are, twice a day, sitting comfortably, even at your desk, with the eyes closed, you meditate. I teach to use a Sanskrit mantra to let the brain wander, until it accesses a meditative state. It is as natural as daydreaming.

The rest technique is taught in 15 online modules, conscious health meditation is taught live/virtual in four sessions in four days.

AJT: Can meditation really improve intuition and clinical judgment?

Wener: Absolutely. Meditation develops full-brain functioning, and it can even change the structure of the brain, which has been demonstrated in experiments that image the brain of expert meditators such as Buddhists monks or nuns in monasteries. But already for anyone who practices regularly twice a day meditation, your pre-frontal cortex is active, so you think clearly to make good decisions. When you push stress outside your body, you can better connect with compassion and empathy, you’re less reactive and you can better assess the stakes of the situation. These meditation techniques are up to five times more restful than sleep, based on our metabolic consumption of oxygen, and improve your digestion and your immune function. Actually, they can be learned by anyone, especially if you are skeptical of meditation! Half of my clients now are not in healthcare. ì

34 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 35

WELLNESS

Art as Therapy

By Flora Rosefsky A student just finished back-to-back math and science classes. Next up is a lessstructured break in the schedule – art class.

On a typical school day during the pandemic, whether learning is virtual or in a physical classroom, students often look forward to this creative downtime.

Using their imagination while creating art feels different than the typical classwork.

There is an element of discovery in a playful, experimental way with projects that use drawing, painting or collage. The AJT spoke with a few Jewish Atlanta art teachers about how art can serve as a form of therapy in a day filled with high-stress academics.

“There is a therapy that happens when creating art that brings peace of mind, positivity and a sense of escape,” said Rebecca Ganz, art teacher at The Davis Academy. “Creative practices also help with one’s ability to adapt and cope with the unknown. Students are developing resilience, innovation and inventiveness when working out visual problems, all of these being key attributes to handling our world right now and making the best of a tough situ-

ation.” Other metro Atlanta art teachers interviewed echoed similar observations.

Photo courtesy of Charlie Lewis // Torah Day School seventh grader Sarah Friedman points to her art that used copper embossing.

Self-portrait is held up by artist Micah, a Davis Academy eighth grader.

Thoughtful Self-Reflection “More than ever, during this pandemic, the art classroom has become a personal time for much needed creative expression, stress relief, and a way to feel more in control and connected to one’s life,” said Madeleine Soloway, who teaches art to high school students at The Paideia School.

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She said that in their pre-COVID world, many of her students maintained overly scheduled and very hectic calendars filled with a multitude of activities and responsibilities.

“Since the pandemic, this has been a fertile time to engage in more thoughtful self-reflection,” Soloway said. “It has become a moment to examine our values and what is most essential for a meaningful and purposeful life.”

By working from home, students created drawings and paintings with deeper connections to their own lives, she said.

Her students discovered resource materials based on family history and traditions.

Isabel Carr, an 11th grader, created a painting titled “Lady of Leisure.” In a written statement to the AJT, Carr shared how she found comfort in learning about the lives of her ancestors and the traumas they overcame. After compiling old photographs, recipes, and passed-down stories from her mother, specifically about the women who came before her, she turned to her artwork.

“The painting is part of an audio-visual narrative and homage to the strong Jewish women in my family,” she said.

Finding Personal Connections Ganz of The Davis Academy said, “While there has always been a great deal of value in art education, there has rarely been more of a need for it than right now, during the pandemic. This year, students and teachers alike are having to adjust to a new normal and deal with many emotional extremes.”

She has seen her students of all ages take comfort in their artwork and art creation. Ganz explained how students are often motivated when they feel a personal connection to the subject matter of a project. When choices are theirs (words, color, technique), they feel ownership and pride in their art, even while working within specified limitations, she said.

Eighth graders learned about micrography (micro-calligraphy) and its origin in ancient Hebrew manuscripts, creating selfportraits using hand-written words that were meaningful to them.

Need for Creativity At The Epstein School, Robin Singer has been pursuing a master of fine arts degree by attending graduate online art education classes through the University of Nebraska. Her recent research paper spoke about teaching art during the pandemic.

She told the AJT that more than ever students need creative outlets. They need a time in the week to be able to have a way of releasing stress from academic studies, she said.

“Art provides them an avenue to have activities without right and wrong answers. Art allows them to see their work from start to finish and be able to share something they created,” Singer said.

In May, a seventh grade art lesson was integrated with writing classes. Her students chose one of two words, “isolation” or “friendship.” Based on their chosen word, they selected a method of how to complete their work.

Photo courtesy of Robin Singer // Epstein School

seventh grader Leo created a painting inspired by the word “friendship.”

Freedom from Structure Torah Day School art teacher Charlie Lewis wants every student to have a freedom in art that they don’t have in many areas of their lives since COVID hit. She said students’ lives are very controlled in every aspect of their day at school, from the masks they wear to the direction they walk in, to how they play, as well as where they are allowed to go.

Although the class length has been shortened for the lower school, she related that “my students have been doing some amazing work.” A few examples included art projects that used collage, weaving, paper-mache or copper embossing. A commitment to the arts is so important to education that it is even included in the school’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) curriculum.

So even after the pandemic becomes a time for the history books, art education will continue to find its place as an integral part of a child’s life while at school. ì Disclosure: Flora Rosefsky is a teaching artist.

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Dying for a Tan: Truth is, there’s no such thing as a safe tan

Dr. Josh Hammel Board-Certified Dermatologist Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon

Looking tan year-round is possible with a self-tanner. A self-tanner offers you a way to look tan without increasing your risk of developing early wrinkles, leathery skin, and skin cancer.

Fact: By choosing not to tan, you reduce your risk of getting skin cancer

Keep in mind that when you use a self-tanner, it’s important to wear sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance. A self-tanner cannot protect your skin from the sun.

Women who tan indoors before they turn 30 are 6 times more likely to get melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer.

Now that it is officially winter, you may be tempted to add some color to your skin by spending some time in an indoor tanning bed. After all, how much damage could 20 minutes in a tanning bed really do? The truth is, tanning beds emit up to 15 times more UV radiation than the sun, making them far riskier than sun exposure.

The World Health Organization has determined that UV rays from tanning beds cause cancer. In fact, researchers estimate that indoor tanning may cause upwards of 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the United States each year.

kles, hyperpigmentation (sunspots) and loss of elasticity. More importantly, UVA rays penetrate deeper, to the dermal-epidermal junction of the skin.

They can damage your cells’ DNA causing abnormal cells to begin to grow that can lead to melanoma. Tanning beds also emit UVB, which penetrate the upper layers of the skin known as the epidermis. Evidence from multiple studies has shown that exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning devices is associated with an increased risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.

People who use a tanning bed before the age of 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent.

More people develop skin cancer from tanning beds than lung cancer from smoking!

Indoor tanning equipment, which includes all artificial light sources, including beds, lamps, bulbs and booths, emits Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B radiation. UVA rays are the cause of visible signs of aging such as wrin-

Have you heard the phrase “healthy glow” to describe tanning? There is actually nothing healthy about it. The increase in skin pigment, called melanin, which causes the tan color change in your skin, is a sign of damage. Your

body normally makes melanin to try to protect the deeper layers of your skin from damage. When your skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin to try to protect your skin from further damage. Plain and simple: there is no such thing as a safe tan.

If you find yourself unable to resist the urge to look tan, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a light pink blush for pale skin tones or a deeper blush, bronzer if you have a darker skin tone, to brighten your complexion and give yourself a radiant glow. You can also try a sunless self-tanner. Be sure to also use sunscreen with SPF 30 as most self-tanners do not provide any

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For your healthiest skin, avoid sun tanning and UV indoor tanning altogether; use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day and examine your skin headto-toe every month. It is also important to see a board-certified dermatologist every year for a professional skin exam. You can call 770-452-5667 or visit DermatologySpecialistsGA.com to make an appointment with Dr. Josh Hammel, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon.

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Paid Content by Dermatology Solutions ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 37

GIFT GUIDE Gift Giving to Brighten Chanukah As Chanukah approaches, it’s that time of the year when we brush off our gift-giving skills and spread a little joy. This year, more than ever, gift your friends, family and loved ones useful gifts they will appreciate. With expected delivery delays and items that could take longer, order early. Avoid giving tchotchkes that will collect dust, and give the gift of creativity, nourishment, and something fun to do.

Ask what someone needs or wants and consider a contribution in their honor to a meaningful community cause.

This year’s Chanukah Gift Guide is focused on gifts that Robyn have been tested, tasted and highly recommended. Take a Spizman Gerson deep breath and show you care, love someone or are thinking of them. From creative service-focused gift cards to funfilled family activities, here’s wishing you and yours a Happy Chanukah. Let the shopping and Chanukah celebration begin!

Chanukah House & PJ Library: Create a new family tradition with this do-it-yourself Manischewitz Chanukah House cookie decorating kit.

It comes with everything kids need –from cookies and icing to a sanding sugar and a candy menorah – to build their own edible holiday cottage. Best of all, when you give this charming gift, you’re also giving the gift of books to children around the world, thanks to a partnership between Manischewitz and PJ Library. The kit is available this year from Amazon.com, Walmart and Kroger stores (which carry kosher items) among many other retailers. An example of the age-appropriate children’s books PJ Library will deliver this fall is Eric Kimmel’s classic “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins.” PJ Library is also updating its popular “Hanukkah Hub” (www.pjlibrary.org/hanukkah) and plans to publish new episodes of the award-winning PJ Library children’s podcast, “Have I Got a Story for You!” No One Can Fill Your Shoes … or Socks! Bombas is devoted to purposeful giving with the coziest, softest socks. For every purchase, Bombas has donated more than 40 million items to over 2,500 community organizations to date. Check out Bombas Sesame Street socks (gift box), their warm gripper slippers, and fun socks for everyone on your list. Also note their T-shirts, compression socks and “Socks to tie dye for.” Give a gift that’s truly sock-sational! www.bombas.com.

Color My World: Kids will love these personalized crayons that spell out their name in an irresistible mix of rainbow colors. Presented in a gift box, it’s the perfect present for kids who love to color their worlds happy. www.art2theextreme.com 38 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Judaica Gifts Galore: Support your local synagogue gift shop whenever possible and if you are looking for a specialty Jewish gift resource online, one of the largest Judaica stores in the country specializing in extraordinary Judaica gifts is standing by in Pompano Beach, Fla. Traditions Jewish Gifts is ready to fulfill your Jewish-themed gifts from menorot to mezuzot, Chanukah-themed masks plus over a 100 objects to make from a wedding glass. Their beautiful dreidel collections include starter dreidels along with fun gifts for kids and more. Visit www.TraditionsJewishGifts.Com or call 1-800-493-0520 Personalized Jewelry: Tres Colori offers a wide range of customized pieces in silver, gold and rose gold. With prices starting at $39, shoppers have an impressive amount of options to choose from, including necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets and personalized name jewelry. Whether it’s a sentimental date, unique name, romantic word or phrase, or a simple design you adore, for more information about Tres Colori’s collection of customized jewelry, visit www.trescolori.com.

Paint by Pom Pom: For kids 5 and up, Paint by Pom Pom is the perfect arts and crafts activity for your budding artist. Peel back the plastic adhesive cover to reveal a sticky board. (No messy glue required.) Then, find your Pom Pom color and match it to the number on the board. After that, pom pom away! While it’s noted where each pom pom color should go, kids are welcome to use their imaginations. Available in PuppyPom, KittyPom, DinoPom and UniPom, www.paintbypompom.com.

Bedside Luxury: Uncommongoods.com is one of the leading gift sources for imaginative presents.

Check out their part smartphone stand, part vase.

This gift brightens up your bedside table. Built into this unique vase is space for your phone cord, allowing you to charge your device while it sits comfortably beneath fresh-cut flowers. Available in white or mint. $32 at www.uncommongoods.com.

Flowers to Your Door: At the start of COVID, Poppy launched a line of absolutely beautiful DIY flower kits called Poppy At Home with the goal of bringing some much needed beauty and joy during this uncertain time. The kits are thoughtfully curated by the founder, who learned floral design in the White House floral shop, and they come with a written and video floral arranging tutorial. Kits start at $65 (shipping and handling included), and delivery takes four to seven days, www.poppyflowers.com.

GIFT GUIDE Charging Stones: Eggtronic Wireless Charging Stones are handsome chargers made from real marble and stone and can be used to recharge any Qi-enabled device, including the newest iPhones and Samsung phones, by simply setting it on the stone surface. The Wireless Charging Stones are available in black or white marble, travertine stone, lava stone or sandstone and each one is unique due to the natural swirls and patterns found on the stone. www.eggtronic.com.

Hollywood Boutique: Hollywood trendsetter Melissa Masse’s Californian unique boutique offers a stylish selection of fashionable items made with love in LA featuring the softest, coziest trendiest hoodies, sweatshirts, scarfs, accessories, scarfs, jewelry necklace holders, and fashion forward face masks that are double layered and stylish. You’ll love her perfect soft casual tops, brushed jersey and tie-dyed chic leisurewear made in America, www.melissamasse.com.

Pink Picasso: One of the leading DIY companies presents a new paint-by-numbers kit for kids. Recommended for ages 7 and up and featuring paintings of mermaids, animals and dinosaurs, each kit arrives in a beautiful giftable tube and includes an 8-by-10 ready-topaint premium printed canvas, four brushes, and pre-mixed acrylic paints in handy little pots. Priced at $29.50, the quality of the kits and giftable packaging make these a fun athome art project, www.pinkpicassokits.com.

Arts and Crafts For Kids: Gift a treasure trove of art materials, crafts and supplies from favorite online sources including www.ooly.com and www.Crayola.com, which are jampacked with arts and craft kits and supplies for kids. Give the gift of creativity with endless possibilities for your kid’s imagination to run wild. Also check out www.learningexpress. com for curbside pickup and a great selection of crafts, gifts and activity-oriented toys that can’t miss.

Treat Yourself to Toffee! Enstrom Almond Toffee is a certified kosher dairy confection made using only the finest and freshest ingredients. For 60 years, Enstrom Candies, a fourthgeneration family business, has been celebrated for their world-famous almond toffee. Every batch of traditional almond toffee is still made by hand in Grand Junction, Colo., using Grandad Chet’s original recipe, www.enstrom.com.

Razor Sharp Gifts: Check out Harry’s, the online gift resource for gift sets for men who love stylized, handsome razors.

Since taking on shaving in 2013, Harry’s has continued to rethink guys’ daily grooming experiences, launching thoughtfully made body, hair and skincare products.

Harry’s sets aside 1 percent of sales to give to organizations that promote better mental health care for men and have helped over 500,000 men get access to mental health care, www.harrys.com.

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GIFT GUIDE Give the Gift of Health: For peace of mind and health this year, ThermoWorks.com offers a WAND No-Touch Forehead Thermometer. It provides proven accuracy when you need it most and takes adult and child forehead temps quickly. The no-touch infrared technology allows you to check temperatures from a safe distance with no need to disturb a sleeping child. Check out their array of thermometers, including gifts for the cook, grill-lover and more, www.thermoworks.com.

“Fore” The Golf Lover: Check out this personalized golf ball company, which specializes in the top brands for the golfer. Add a special saying, initials or just go for your favorite golfer’s top brand. Golfballs. com is standing by ready to help you swing into gift-giving, www.golfballs.com.

Protect Your Bum: For the park, pool, beach or backyard, My Sandy Bumz is a cool gift that pops open and serves as a playground covering that keeps the ants, sand or dirt away. My Sandy Bumz instantly sets up, and the sides keep toys in this inner circle, ideal for social distancing or defining an area to play. Enjoy this outdoor ground cover that is perfect for spending time with a 52-squarefoot area for a picnic or play. www.mysandybumz.com

Classy Chargers: Stay charged up and connected in style this season with Classy Chargers!

Customizable so that you can put your monogram, name or a design. These charging cubes, leopard-patterned battery packs and stylish cords let you stay connected in high style, www.classychargers.com.

Sweet Dreams Are Made of These: Rest easy with Celestial Silk’s ultimate pillowcase made with 100 percent pure mulberry silk for the ultimate luxurious sleeping experience.

These silk pillowcases are available in 28 beautiful colors, wonderful for your beauty sleep and come in prints, lovingly gift-wrapped in a beautiful box, www.celestialsilk.com.

What A Doll!

Mom’s Choice Awards Playtime by Eimmie is the maker of popular 18-inch doll clothing, accessories and playsets. Its monthly subscription service is known for safely delivering exciting packages right to your child’s door. Playtime by Eimmie 18-inch dolls recently won the Mom’s Choice Awards, which evaluates products and services created for children, families and educators. www.eimmie.com

L’Chaim: Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits has you covered for Chanukah! Enjoy kosher classics like Rashi or Barkan as well as Absolut or Chopin and check out their endless options of holiday wines, beer and spirits. Sign up for the Tower Perks instore or visit their website for monthly deals. Order online for delivery within the city of Atlanta and the city of Doraville. You may also pick up in store or enjoy Tower’s curbside service for your convenience, www.towerwinespirits.com.

40 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Personalized Books: Put your little ones in the center of the story with a personalized children’s book. Uncommon Goods offers a fun collection of books that can be customized with your child’s name on the cover, throughout the story, and even in illustrations. The collection includes genres for little learners of all ages. www.uncommongoods.com.

GIFT GUIDE Wear a Mask: Thompson Tee’s face masks are reusable, washable, double-layered and made with premium breathable cotton-CDC cloth mask recommendation. They have donated over 30,000 masks to those in need, www.thompsontee. com/face-masks or Amazon. Also check out Mambeblankets.com which makes cloth masks that you can wear and has an adjustable lanyard that goes around the back of your head, taking pressure off your ears. They come in 12 colors and three sizes at www.mambeblankets.com.

How Sweet It Is! ATL Boards is a Candy Charcuterie (aka candy board) featured in Better Homes and Gardens. ATL Boards sources the most unique candy from around the world to bring you custom-created candy boards. Each designer candy board layers sweet and sour candy to create your one-of-a kind treat, available in three sizes and shipped anywhere in the country. Prices start at $45, including shipping. Follow their sweet eye-candy journey ATL Boards on Instagram @atlboards or visit www.atlboards.com to shop.

Fresh Fine Food: Give an egift card and the gift of deliciousness from Farmers & Fishermen fresh fish and fine food delivered to your gift recipient’s door. Enjoy fresh fish, meat, prepared foods, delicacies, desserts, eggs and more. Check out their kosher selection filled with outstanding values and selections. You’ll love the outstanding selection of freezer pleasers, Atlanta Chef’s Pantry with heat-and-serve prepared options and an endless array of delectables. Give the gift of excellent taste. Call Farmers & Fishermen at 770-441-1100 or order gift cards online at www.FarmersAndFishermen.com.

Robyn Spizman Gerson is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author and wellknown media personality who has appeared for over three decades on local and national television reporting on gift-giving and lifestyle topics.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 41

HOLIDAY FLAVORS

Roast Apricot Turkey Submitted by Roni Robbins

This will be my first year ever making a turkey. In the past we’ve been hosted by others for Thanksgiving, but COVID has changed all that. Still, I’m up for the challenge. Asking around about recipes and procedures, my bestie offered this sweet and savory turkey from her cousin Marcia Shane of Tampa, Fla. “The first time I ever made a turkey, I used this recipe, and it came out amazing,” said my friend Wendy Vitale. So here’s hoping I’ll have equal success with my first turkey and you will enjoy this Thanksgiving main attraction too.

12- to 20-pound turkey 1 jar apricot preserves 1 onion Coffee liqueur (1 to 2 cups, depending on the size of the turkey) Mrs. Dash seasoning Preheat oven to 325 F. Adjust your oven rack so the turkey will sit in the center of the oven.

If the turkey is frozen, thaw in the fridge, 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey.

Shane said, “I like to give myself an extra day, just to be safe.” Remove the turkey from the fridge about an hour before roasting. Place turkey on the roasting rack inside a roasting pan, breast side up, tucking the wings underneath the turkey.

Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Add water to the bottom of the pan. Be sure to remove giblets and/or neck from the turkey cavity. Place whole peeled onion inside the turkey. Coat turkey with the apricot preserves. Pour the coffee liqueur over the turkey. Shake Mrs. Dash seasoning onto the turkey. Cover the turkey with foil. (See below for alternative methods) Then cook low and slow basting as needed.

A rule of thumb on timing for cooking turkeys is 13 to 15 minutes per pound, although turkeys cook faster in a convection oven. For example, bake an 18-pound turkey for about 4 to 4 ½ hours until 160 F. Uncover for the last half hour or so to brown the turkey. Once done, transfer the turkey to a serving platter, cover with foil again and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Carve and serve. After the turkey is finished cooking there will be juice and browned cooked bits at the bottom of your roasting pan. You can reserve this for making turkey gravy.

Alternative cooking methods: Instead of using foil and basting, you can cook the turkey in an oven bag, as my friend Wendy did when she prepared it.

If using a disposable roasting pan, place fresh chopped vegetables on the bottom of the pan to act as a rack elevating the turkey. Use 4 to 5 ribs of celery and 4 large carrots, roughly chopped. The veggies will add great flavor for your dripping to use for gravy. However, it’s not recommended to eat them or use them in gravy.

42 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Salmon with Blueberry Sauce Submitted by Brenda Gelfand

2 fillets wild salmon Sea salt, necessary to coat the fillets 1 tablespoon mustard Black pepper, to taste Garlic powder, to taste 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 2 tablespoon assorted nuts Sauce 1/2 cup blueberries 1/4 cup strawberry jam 1/4 cup water 1 tangerine, only the peel Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat salmon with salt and let fillets rest for 15 minutes. Rinse salmon with cold water until all salt is washed away and dry the salmon with a paper towel. Put salmon on an oven tray with cooking paper. Season with mustard, pepper, garlic powder and sesame seeds. Bake 8 to 12 minutes or until salmon is cooked.

For the sauce, add the blueberries, strawberry jam and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.

Let it cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and add the tangerine peel.

Serve the cooked salmon with the sauce, chopped nuts and some sautéed veggies.

Source: Camilla Seidel

HOLIDAY FLAVORS

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Walnut Streusel Submitted by Lilli Jennison

I made this recipe a few times before and everyone enjoys it. I am making it this year for Thanksgiving instead of the usual sweet potato casserole, to be more corona friendly.

Servings: 6 3 large sweet potatoes 4 tablespoons packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons butter pinch salt 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon For the streusel: 3 tablespoons flour 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 cup walnuts chopped 2 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar Preheat oven to 350 F. Prick sweet potatoes with a fork or knife and bake for 30 minutes or until soft. You can also microwave the sweet potatoes on high for 13 to 15 minutes.

Once sweet potatoes are cooked, slice in half and scoop out the centers into a bowl, leaving a ¼-inch border of sweet potato with the skin. Mix in brown sugar, butter, salt, and cinnamon until smooth. Spoon filling back into sweet potato shells.

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the streusel and mix together until butter starts to warm and ingredients start sticking together. Top the filled sweet potatoes with the streusel and bake 20 to 30 minutes. Serve warm.

Source: What2Cook.

Brussels Sprout Hash with Caramelized Shallots Submitted by Michal Bonell

I added this delicious recipe to my family’s Thanksgiving feast 13 years ago, which has now become a holiday tradition.

Servings: 8 to 10 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, divided ½ pounds shallots, thinly sliced Coarse kosher salt 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 4 teaspoons sugar 1½ pounds brussels sprouts, trimmed 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup water

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in medium skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; sprinkle with coarse kosher salt and pepper. Sauté until soft and golden, about 10 minutes. Add vinegar and sugar. Stir until brown and glazed, about 3 minutes.

Halve brussels sprouts lengthwise.

Cut lengthwise into thin (1/8-inch) slices.

Heat oil in large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add sprouts; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until brown at edges, 6 minutes. Add 1 cup water and 3 tablespoons butter. Sauté until most of water evaporates and sprouts are tender but still bright green, 3 minutes. Add shallots; season with salt and pepper.

Source: Epicurious and Bon Appetit.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 43

HOLIDAY FLAVORS Chana’s Cranberry Walnut Mix

By Chana Shapiro

I’ve made a variation of this dish a few times, based on the ingredients I have on hand. It’s a bit different every year, but it always turns out fine. It’s a fitting holiday side dish; and because it’s not too sweet, it could also serve as an appetizer, served with crackers.

Servings: 8 to 10 Preference: Pareve 4 cups leftover challah, cut into cubes 2 cups pareve bouillon 1 small apple, grated 2 eggs 14 ounce can whole-cranberry sauce 1 cup chopped walnuts 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon lemon juice Soak the challah in the bouillon until the liquid is absorbed. Add more liquid if you want a “spread” consistency rather than a “stuffing” consistency. Then mix in all the other ingredients. Bake in a greased 9-by-11 pan or casserole dish for one hour.

Menorah Mold Submitted by Flora Rosefsky

I confess I wanted to find a new Chanukah recipe with few ingredients that seemed easy to make for both children and adults.

Bingo! Ahavath Achim Synagogue’s Sisterhood has a newly published cookbook, “A Century of Sweets,” with compiled dessert recipes from three prior Sisterhood cookbooks. In the holidays section, I found Harriet Draluck’s Menorah Mold recipe. In a phone call with her, she told me she had edited the “Golden Soup” cookbook in 1975 where the recipe first appeared. It brought back memories of the '70s, when gelatin molds were popular side dishes.

As an artist, I appreciated the recipe’s novelty, to create a menorah embedded into a pool of gelatin, while allowing some creativity.

6 ounce box orange gelatin 6 ounce box lemon gelatin 2 bananas cut into nine vertical pieces for candles (One should be slightly larger.)

9 maraschino cherry halves, for candle flames 17 ounces can crushed pineapple, well drained Cooking spray to grease the dish Grease and chill a 9-by-13-inch pan. Mix orange gelatin with 1 ½ cups boiling water to dissolve and then add 1 ½ cups cold water. Pour into greased pan and chill until partially set.

Arrange banana slices to resemble the candles on the Chanukah menorah, with the longer candle in the center and the cherry halves on top to resemble the flames. Place in refrigerator again to set until it gets hard. Mix lemon gelatin with 1 cup boiling water to dissolve and then add 1 cup of cold water and the pineapple. Be sure to wait until the orange layer with the menorah fruits is hardened before pouring the lemon with pineapple gelatin over the orange layer.

Chill several hours before unmolding onto a platter or Draluck said it’s OK to serve it from the Pyrex dish.

Notes: Place the Pyrex dish in ½ inch of hot water in your kitchen sink for a minute to keep the mold hard, but just enough to unmold it.

Source: Ahavath Achim Synagogue Sisterhood and Harriet Draluck.

44 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

HOLIDAY FLAVORS Chocolate Cookies with Olive Oil (To remember the oil used for eight days during Chanukah) Submitted by Martine Tartour Servings: 15 cookies 3/4 cup unsalted butter 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 cup dark brown sugar 1 egg yolk 2 egg whites 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal salt 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate (70 percent cacao), chopped 3 ounces white chocolate, chopped In a saucepan, lightly melt the butter to soften it, then pour it into a salad bowl.

Add the brown sugar and olive oil and mix with a whisk.

Add the eggs whites, egg yolk, then in order, the flour, baking soda and salt.

Mix lightly. Add the chopped chocolate. Put the salad bowl in the fridge for 3 hours.

Then make 2-ounce balls, place them on a sheet of aluminum foil and use 3-inch diameter circles to make your cookies.

Good trick: place a few chunks of chocolate on top of the balls of cookie dough right before baking. Let them rest all night long.

The next day, cook for 9 minutes at 375F.

Stained Glass Chanukah Cookies Submitted by Terry Segal

Our daughter Sage makes these beautiful Chanukah cookies for the family and as gifts.

The first comment is always, “They’re too beautiful to eat!” But then they bite into them and smile.

For Cookies Start by baking your favorite sugar cookie recipe. Sage prefers Soft-Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies, alattefood.com. Use Chanukahthemed cookie cutters. Roll the dough with a rolling pin or a glass directly onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or Silpat (silicone baking mat). This is easier than trying to transfer the individual cookie shapes to the pan. Remove excess dough around each shape and use. Bake according to the cookie recipe and cool completely.

For Frosting Make one batch of white icing in a bowl. Sage’s favorite is the Royal Icing recipe

by Melissa Clark, a food columnist from NYT Cooking, https://cooking.nytimes.com/ recipes/1017887-royal-icing.

Divide into two bowls. Add blue food coloring to one of the bowls of white icing and stir.

Using 2 spoons (one for the white icing and one for the blue) scoop two circles, one of each color on to a plate. Drag a toothpick or barbecue skewer through both circles to create a swirling or figure eight design for a marbled effect.

Take each cookie, face down, and lightly press the face of the cookie into the icing, without twisting it, to cover the front.

Lift cookie directly upward out of the icing and allow excess icing to drip off. Gently turn cookie face up and set it on a rack, with parchment paper underneath to catch the drips while they set.

Notes: There are several instructional videos online, for marbled, stained glass, or tiedye cookies. Frosting can be used on homemade or store-bought mini plain doughnuts for sufganiyot.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 45

HOLIDAY FLAVORS

New Twists on the Latke Tradition

By Bob Bahr Hot, crisp potato latkes with a lacy fringe of browned shreds is one of the glories of holiday cooking. According to Gil Marks, the late Jewish food historian, the original latkes were made from curd cheese fried in oil, but because oil was a luxury in many Northern and Eastern European homes, the pancakes were fried in schmaltz, rendered chicken fat.

Eventually this led to latkes made from buckwheat flour and eventually in the mid-19th century to latkes made from the lowly potato. There is no need however, to confine yourself to the starchy, high carbohydrate bombs of our Ashkenazi forefathers.

Latkes can be made with any number of root vegetables, or blended with potatoes to bring new textures and taste to an old favorite. Mark Bittman, the Jewish New York-based cookbook author in his comprehensive book, “How to Cook Everything Vegetarian,” suggests some easy additions to your traditional recipe.

Try shredded or finely chopped celery root, turnips, rutabagas, carrots,

Sometimes a perfectly prepared latke recipe needs no variations.

Sweet Potato Latkes with Lemon Creme Fraiche For the lemon crème fraîche: 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest, grated finely 1 bunch chives, chopped finely 1 cup crème fraîche (available at Trader Joe’s)

Variations on the traditional latke recipe are almost endless.

parsnips or beets in your latkes. Pick from winter squash that are so plentiful and economical now, like butternut or

pumpkin, peeled and finely diced to combine with the potatoes.

Or drop the potatoes entirely and shred beets and carrots together and add apples for a colorful and distinct combination. Forget the winter vegetables and shred the apples, mix in some cinnamon and chopped dates, add a few toasted walnuts that have been broken up and sweeten with a teaspoon or two of sugar for a dessert latke, like those found in some Israeli homes.

Those fruits and vegetables with a high water content, like potatoes, apples, and carrots may need to be put in a couple of paper towels and wrung out to release the moisture. The less water there is, the crisper the final product.

You may need to add a couple of tablespoons of flour or even an egg to bind the product as it cooks. Allow the cooking oil to heat up enough so that you see some movement on the surface, and don’t crowd your latkes or they will not fully crisp up.

Remember to drain on double layers of paper towels after they come out of the hot oil.

If you are averse to high calories and high fat, latkes can be baked in the oven and sprayed on both sides with a thin sheen of olive, hazelnut or walnut oil.

Here’s a new twist on potato latkes and sour cream.

46 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

For the latkes: 2 pounds sweet potatoes 1 large Spanish onion, chopped very finely 3 eggs, beaten 1/3 cup flour ¼ cup matzah Kosher salt, to taste Pinch of cinnamon Pinch of ancho chile powder Pinch of nutmeg 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ cup canola oil Combine all of the ingredients for the lemon crème fraiche in a bowl and mix well.

Place in the refrigerator until chilled, to allow all of the flavors to combine.

Shred the potatoes for the latkes with the fine shredding attachment of your food processor or a hand grater. Place in a colander set over another bowl and squeeze out the excess moisture as much as possible.

Put the shredded potato in a bowl and add the onion, eggs, flour and matzah. Season with salt, to taste. Mix in the spices and baking soda.

In a large heavy skillet, heat the canola oil over high heat until very hot but not smoking. Take ¼ cup of batter, squeezing out any remaining moisture, and drop into the hot oil. Flatten with a spatula and reduce heat to medium. (Don’t put more than a few latkes in the pan at one time or the oil temperature will drop.)

Watch the heat. Fry until golden brown on one side, then turn over and fry the other side. Don’t turn more than once or they will start to get soggy. Put finished latkes on dry paper towels to drain.

Serve immediately with the lemon crème fraîche. ì

HOLIDAY FLAVORS

Chef Pivots to Virtual Community

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Events is based on the idea of people connecting through the bond they create After three successful years operating through the natural interaction of cooking corporate team-building events and culi- together. What do you do when you can’t nary classes from her brick and mortar lo- get together? Virtual classes have been an cation at Belle Isle Square, Cyndi Sterne has amazing tool to help me connect families segued her popular and co-workers Yes, Chef! Culinary across the nation.

Events into a virtual We have been able format. Providing to keep the interthe same warm actions lively and environment and menus customized. engaging culinary Guests have an optechniques at Yes, portunity to stop Chef! Sterne had to me at any time to transition to proask specific quesvide these same tions and chat with interactive classes each other.

We online. assist clients with “We’ve been menus, detailed lists hearing from a lot of equipment and of individuals who ingredients; help are socially distancwith ingredient Chef Cyndi has pivoted to virtual classes ing, but are looksourcing; and proto keep folks engaged and families ing for ways to stay vide live-prechecks entertained, especially during the holidays. connected,” she from our studio, as reflected. “Cooking classes and team build- well as orchestrating the entire Zoom expeing collaborations have been just the thing rience.” they’ve needed to mix things up among Sterne sees virtual events and classes their families, friends and for corporations becoming more of the norm. Valentine’s during a time when monotony and solitude Day classes have been her most popular for can definitely be overwhelming.”

10 years. She is already planning to have live The holidays are also a traditional time virtual classes for 2021. She predicts that for families to participate in virtual cooking breads and home baking will continue to classes. Those outside Atlanta and the bulk be strong, and more people will be tackling of others who are staycationing here, can homemade pasta. enjoy a Zoom cooking class together. Dur“Although there isn’t anything easier ing two-hour classes, everyone on at the than searching the web, more often we will same time feels like they are cooking togeth- be dusting off our grandmother and greater in the kitchen, even if they can’t be in the grandmother’s cookbooks and handwritten same kitchen. Chef Cyndi can deliver pre- recipes. This is not only comforting, which is packaged ingredients as well as a list of ba- something everyone is craving right now, but sic kitchen tools necessary for the class, for a way to connect the past with the present participants in their individual locations. and future. To these ends, we are going to see When asked about the pandemic ef- a lot more ‘heritage cooking.’” Sample twofects of the culinary arts, she said, “I see a hour virtual classes are pasta making, dumpfew different shifts. Some are the obvious lings and bao, pizza, bread and sourdough, with kids being at home, without the con- Thanksgiving prep, vegan and vegetarian. stant shuttling to activities and interaction For Chanukah parties she recomwith friends. This is making parents be- mends getting the family involved in cookcome creative in unprecedented ways. ing is important to create special holiday “Making a meal is not just feeding the memories. “A simple riff on the favorite family, it’s a science project, creative endeav- rangoon, for example. Fill store-bought or, global studies, and practical math les- dumpling or egg roll wrappers with a little son for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kids chive cream cheese and smoked salmon or are in the kitchen more than ever. They are cooked salmon. Even the youngest kids can helping plan the meals, cooking and serv- help fill and pinch the sides of the wrappers. ing. Family meals are center stage. People It’s a great appetizer for a socially distanced are tackling those recipes with many and/ gathering. Another fave is using leftover or unusual ingredients. Also, there is a lot mashed potatoes to make latkes.” of repurposing with less waste, creation of Visit www.yeschefatlanta.com or cyndi@ comfort foods and experimenting with new yeschefatlanta.com. Follow Yes, Chef! at www. fruits and veggies.” instagram.com/yeschefatlanta/.

She continued, “Yes, Chef! Culinary

Mashed potato latkes shown here are topped with smoked salmon.

Mashed Potato Latkes Servings: 8 to 10 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes ¼ cup flour 1 egg ½ cup panko or seasoned breadcrumbs ¼ cup vegetable oil or butter Optional toppings: Smoked salmon Poached eggs Everything Bagel seasoning Sour cream with chives Whisk egg. Then mix into the mashed potatoes. Mix in flour. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. When thoroughly combined, shape into patties and coat in panko. Heat oil in a pan and fry latkes until golden brown.

Alternative method: If you prefer to bake, preheat oven to 350 F. Coat in breadcrumbs and drizzle with oil or use cooking spray.

Topping ideas: Dollop of sour cream with chives, smoked salmon and sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning.

Note: If your mashed potatoes are very creamy, you may need to add a little more flour. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, coat in seasoned flour.

Lox and Cream Cheese Rangoon use egg roll wrappers.

Lox and Cream Cheese Rangoon Servings: 12 to 14 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened 2 ounces lox, finely chopped 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped 12 egg roll wrappers (Nasoya small squares) ½ cup warm water in small bowl.

2 cups vegetable oil Mix cream cheese, chopped lox and chives until thoroughly combined. Using one square at a time, place a teaspoon of mix in the center of the square. Wet fingers in the water, and brush along the sides of the wrapper. Pinch sides to the center to meet in the middle, beggar’s purse style.

Set aside and continue with the rest until wrappers and mixture are finished.

Heat oil in a medium-sized pot. Once small bubbles have formed, fry the rangoons, a few at a time until golden brown.

Sprinkle with black sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Alternative method: Running short on time? Substitute the plain cream cheese with veggie cream cheese, chive cream cheese or salmon cream cheese. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 47

DINING Optometrist Fulfilling His Dining Dream

Cuneal-shaped wedges of avocado layered with tomato and raw tuna.

Artistically prepared and clean-tasting nigiri speaks for itself.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

and proteins in a colorful array with unique chef-curated sauces.

Dr. Choi describes his Food Network Legends of sports and movie stars have followed their dreams to head their own res- journey. “My patient recommended us to taurants for the love of food and its expres- the show. The experience was totally mindblowing. I had no sion (and maybe idea the amount ego). Yakitori Jinbei of work that went on Cobb Parkway, into filming an just outside I-285, eight-minute segis the confluence ment. There was of skill and luck. an extensive vetRestaurateur and ting process, inworking optomcluding interviews etrist Dr. Jae Choi with the research was staring at team, description abysmal pandemic sales when the Food Chef Jae Choi practices optometry three days a of recipes and submitting photos. I Network came callweek and runs the restaurant on other days. was very nervous, ing in season 30.

Guy Fieri’s world-famous “Diners, Drive-Ins but excited to be in front of a camera. It was and Dives” show propelled the rather non- a total blast. The two dishes I prepared for descript storefront to a coveted spot on the Guy were Katsu Curry Ramen and Korean “gotta try this” eclectic dining map. This Fried Chicken.”

What’s currently missing from Yakicombination of Korean and Japanese classics features clean-tasting fish, noodle bowls tori Jinbei is the yakitori, skewered chicken.

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48 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Thinly sliced super white tuna, flash-seared and topped with olive garlic sauce, masago, tobiko and chive served with creamy citrus sauce and shredded daikon radish.

The restaurant’s to-go business during the are packed separately. We had grilled corn pandemic shifted and they streamlined the and enoki mushrooms. Choi said he chose kitchen process to a high standard of taste self-assembly because takeouts are often “boxed up.” Choi said, “It was too difficult for busy businesspeople for lunch. Enough to attend to the charcoal for yakitori, which for two meals. To make it go even further, add extra broth $3, extra needs to be eaten as noodles $3. soon as it comes off the Tropical Island: grill. It would not create Thinly sliced super a great experience in a white tuna, flash-seared to-go format so I took and topped with olive it off the menu.” Thinkgarlic sauce, masago, ing ahead when Braves tobiko and chive served games resume, Yakitori with creamy citrus Jinbei, just steps from sauce and shredded daiTruist Park, will be well kon radish. positioned.

Hawaiian salmonChoi’s traditional Hawaiian salmon-avocado salad avocado salad: Round parents wanted him to - round raw salmon (or tuna) chunks over avocado artfully raw salmon (or tuna) pursue a more stable volayered over spring mix served chunks over avocado, cation over the restauwith citrus olive garlic sauce. artfully layered over rant path. After growing up in Chicago and attending the Illinois spring mix served with citrus olive garlic College of Optometry, he divides seeing pa- sauce.

Nigiri: Madai (snapper) with mini tients three days a week in Peachtree City with running Yakitori Jinbei. His culinary sliced radish and orange citrus salmon. adventure started with his Asian Chicken The salmon was moist, fresh and perfectly Wing sauce from the Chicago area. After placed; but no citrus was detected. Scallions moving to Atlanta in 2002, he craved it so and thin onions made for tasty toppings.

Tuna Carpaccio: Cuneal-shaped wedgmuch that his brother shipped it here to replicate. “Like a mad scientist, I took out all dif- es of avocado layered with tomato and raw ferent ingredients and after many attempts, tuna.

Sushi – Hawaiian roll: Tuna, yellowfinally perfected it. That recipe is a secret.”

Yakitori Jinbei does not have an out- tail, spicy mayo, jalapeno, cilantro wrapped door dining area, but its masked staff is with soy paper, drizzled with chili oil and eager for on-time curbside. Inside the sushi fresh lime juice. A beauty! bar is closed (sushi is still served and artisTo try next time tically so). Japanese bamboo screens have Okonimiyaki: Japanese pancakes, vegbeen placed between indoor tables. etarian option; Truffled edamame; and the Curry Udon with cabbage looked appealTakeout that we went crazy over Kitsune Udon: Soup base is prepared ing with kikurage (dark, rubbery and wavy) for home assembly in separate containers: mushrooms. ì recyclable bowl with the udon, fragrant soft Yakitori Jinbei is open six days a week and Inari seaweed, aged sweet tofu, tempura flakes, spring onion ($12), then the electives closed Sunday.

What is the Best Gift You Ever Received?

COMMUNITY

By Chana Shapiro Even though we are taught that it’s far more rewarding to give than to receive, there is definitely something wonderful about being on the receiving end of the perfect gift from the right person at the ideal time. Many of us may dream of receiving a RollsRoyce, a seat on a commercial space shuttle, a private island named in our honor, an original Matisse or Rembrandt, or a trip on the Orient Express. These are definitely excellent gift choices. However, responses given to the Roving Reporter prove that every gift from the heart, chosen purely to bestow happiness (even if slightly missing the mark) is the perfect gift. And, yes, after bestowing the “best gifts” on their unsuspecting recipients, we’re sure that the gift-givers felt just as delighted. to buy a REAL bike for myself in May, 2019.

The bike shop promised that I would go twice as far in half the time with this bike.

And they were right!

Keri Drescher, community bank vice president

Sandra Banks Neal Davis

The best present I ever received was more about the delivery of the gift than the gift itself. For Chanukah one year my wife Sara purchased a coffee lovers kit for me.

While I believe the gift was more of a present for herself, the packaging was definitely all for me. The gift came enclosed in a sealed wooden crate, where I had to use a crowbar to pry it open.

Neal Davis, consulting manager

Jana Lynn

My best gift ever was on my 46th birthday, Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. My boyfriend and my children surprised me with 18 baby chicks that arrived via the U.S. mail in a tiny box with a screen on one side so they could breathe. The postal worker was so relieved when they were claimed because they had been chirping in the box for hours. We ate and gave away almost a dozen eggs every day, but several hawk and coyote attacks wiped out the flock, except for Ethel, one lone bird. She prefers to sleep in a large dog crate at night, which we lock up for her safety. We recently adopted a friend’s only chick. She and Ethel are companions, but Ethel is clearly the Alpha Chick!

When the U.S. mail is running more smoothly, I will order more chicks. I miss my fresh eggs!

Jana Lynn, office manager

Paul Miller

My Polish immigrant parents moved to Georgia during the Great Depression in order to try to make a living by running a grocery store. Our family never had much money, but my parents worked hard and they were frugal. I studied diligently and became a pharmacist.

Even though my parents had limited resources, they loaned me the money to help me open my first pharmacy on West Peachtree Street. I hadn’t asked them, but they were proud, knew how hard I studied and wanted to help me get started professionally. That was the greatest gift I ever received.

Paul Miller, retired pharmacist

My family loves to give “memories” instead of gifts. Many of our presents have been family trips to exotic places, including Alaska, Chile, Tanzania and Hawaii. Last year, my dad asked what was on the top of my bucket list. Without hesitation, I said, “the silverback mountain gorilla in their natural habitat.” Before I knew it, I had a trip planned for a primate tour of Rwanda, and because my parents did not want me to travel alone, they arranged for my sister to travel with me. COVID-19 has delayed our trip. But in June of 2021, I hope to embark on the trip of a lifetime to photograph the Colobus, L’hoest, Blue, Owl Faced, Golden, Dent’s Mona and Vervet monkeys, chimpanzees, and the gorillas, along with big cats, giraffe, hippos and more. The trip will be amazing, but even better will be the memories my sister and I create and share.

Sandra Banks, physician

SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

Keri Drescher

The best gift I ever received was from my brother, Adam. Five years ago, he gave me a hammock for my birthday, and I decided to put it together myself. When I finished the assembly, I hopped in and sunk immediately to the ground. I soon found out that people tend to underestimate the height and tension at which a hammock must be hung.

Now I have it just right. It’s on my deck. Another favorite gift was an old mountain bike from someone I was dating. His gift led me

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 49

COMMUNITY

Temple Kol Emeth Service Condemns Silence

By Bob Bahr

on the temple ‘s Facebook page. It was a wide-ranging and occasionally tumultuous look at the social and religious Temple Kol Emeth in East Cobb hosted its annual In- concerns of the past year.

The program featured musical performances by loterfaith Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service Nov. 19 with the cal musicians and congregations as well as documentary theme “Silence Is Not an Option.”

Hosting the service was Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, who video of Black Lives Matters protests, urban confrontations between police and demonstrators as took over as the congregation’s rabbi well as lighter moments in the standJuly 1. The following month he was off between law enforcement and proforced to confront anti-Semitic graffiti testors. in a Cobb County neighborhood near According to Rev. Deborah Benwhat was once a branch of the Marcus nett of the Emerson Unitarian UniJewish Community Center of Atlanta. versalist Congregation of Marietta, the It led to what the rabbi called a need evening service was meant to bring for religious leaders and communities people together in a common cause. to “to stand with us as we say there’s “We are all part of a beautiful, inno place for hate here in East Cobb.” terconnected web of existence. What The rabbi continued, “This is not affects one affects us all. When we are who we are, but unfortunately it is, silent about issues of justice, it creates which is why one of the reasons the a heartbreaking tear in our collective theme for this year’s service is ‘silence Rabbi Larry Sernovitz led the ecumenical web of belonging. Silence is just not an is not an option.’ We look at what goes service at Temple Kol Emeth. option.” on in our world and we know the only Dr. Catherine Meeks is executive director of the Absaway that we can make a difference is by speaking up and lom Jones Center for Racial Healing. For her, the past year allowing our voice to be heard.”

In addition to the Marietta synagogue, there were has largely been about the cause of finding common ground 27 participating religious communities representing the to solve America’s racial divide. Meeks, whose center is supProtestant, Catholic, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu faiths. Rab- ported by Atlanta’s Episcopal diocese, said this is not a time bis from Congregation Etz Chaim and Temple Beth Tikvah for us to be quiet.

“We find ourselves right now in this country, in the joined in welcoming participants.

The two-hour service was pre-recorded and streamed space of being divided and really not being able to seem to

Anti-Semitic graffiti was scrawled in an East Cobb neighborhood in mid-August.

understand that when all is said and done, we’re all beloved children of God and God expects us to figure out how to live here together. It is important for us to reaffirm that commitment, to affirm our understanding of that commitment and to stop acting as if we think it’s something we can negotiate about.”

Temple Kol Emeth’s founding rabbi Steven Lebow started the Thanksgiving service at the synagogue. He partnered with Monsignor Patrick Bishop of The Catholic Church of The Transfiguration in Cobb County to help support the temple’s food program at Thanksgiving for those in need.

This year Hal Schlenger chaired a committee of 34 persons from the temple and the community, who brought together over 50 parDr. Catherine Meeks of Atlanta’s ticipants in the Episcopal Diocese urged participants Thursday evening to seek a common ground to service. heal America’s divisions.

Not all of the discussion focused on the need to speak out about social and racial injustice. Rabbi Judith Beiner, who is the community chaplain at Jewish Family & Career Services took the opportunity to focus on the need for a more open dialogue on the issue of mental health and addiction and the life and death issues that sometimes are a part of that. For Beiner it is important for religious leaders to speak out and write about their personal experience.

“Doing so helps break down barriers by diminishing the shame and stigma for those who suffer. Nobody is immune to the consequences of mental illness, and I am proud to be part of a Jewish community that takes this seriously, and for whom silence is not an option.”

Rabbi Sernovitz wound up his first year as the host of the service with a plea to celebrate the “responsibility of one person to the other.”

He said, “God has made us, each of us b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God, and therefore, along with God, we are caretakers of our world as Jews and as human beings. This is our legacy, our inheritance.” ì The Ecumenical Thanksgiving service at Temple Kol Emeth is available for viewing on its Facebook page, www.facebook. com/119602054760740/videos/696967197865610

50 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

photos by Duane Stork // Fred and Diane relax with toy schnauzer Winston with the pool in the background.

Chai Style Home

The living room showcases two of Diane’s paintings: “Sunflower” and “Woman in Red.” The furnishing are Donghia, and the unusual lighting is

by R Hughes. The Erte menorah resides on the lighted shelving (far left)

Passion for Art Showcased in Graceful New Space Despite their hospitality and modesty, make no misDiane: Our builder was Sheehan Built Homes; Bill take that the Shaftmans’ new Sandy Springs home and Harrison and Derek Hopkins from Harrison Design its property are majestic, and light-drenched in a grace- were the architects. Bill Harrison started his business in ful design tableau.

Atlanta in 1991 and now has seven offices from Shanghai Fred, an attorney originally from Roanoke, Va., re- to St. Simons. It took two solid years to design and build tired as a BellSouth corporate officer in charge of their the house and was a fabulous experience. Ultimately we largest business, federal, state and local acwanted to mix in traditional furnishings counts. He jokes about his role in building with newer, clean lines, a neutral palette and decorating the Sandy Springs home as so that the art would stand out and that being restricted to “technology and anywe would not tire of over the years. We like thing within the walls.” iconic Donghia furniture [originated by the The Shaftmans’ interior designer, late Angelo Donghia sold exclusively to the Shelley Wilkins, is based in Hilton Head, trade] for its comfort and style. Shelley and S.C. She observed: “Diane is an artist with I had fun shopping for just the right things. an amazing eye for color. We had the best She knew that I love spectacular lighting time searching for fabrics that were just the fixtures and believe details like hardware right shades of taupes, pale blues and warm Marcia are the icing on the cake. golds. We put a great amount of thought Caller Jaffe and detail into the décor and searched all Marcia: What role did you play in the over Atlanta and then traveled to New York to look at design process? lighting artisans. Working with the Shaftmans was a Fred: I was in charge of the home automation and wonderful collaboration with the architect, contractor, devices like the HVAC, pool, fountains, things that can client, and my design firm.” be controlled on our phones, and anything else that DiTake a tour of the newly built Shaftman home. ane was not interested in. I also helped in the selection of the stone for the outside of the home. Anything else Marcia: What is the background behind the con- anyone could see was not in my job description (laughstruction and furnishings? ing). I was allowed to offer my opinion by sitting on the

sofas and chairs prior to purchase.

Marcia: What can we expect from your style of painting?

Diane: I like to experiment and never use the same techniques twice. I aim to have fun with rollers, scrapers, palette knives, sponges, bristles and brushes, and utensils that smear. I use my iPad for reference but derive inspiration from many sources, mostly my own photography, but it could be a magazine photo. I’m casual about shooting scenery, restaurants and passers-by, and I take several shots of the same subject to capture the mood. I have no formula, and my paintings often change as I create them! Sometimes I live with paintings for months before going back to improve them; it’s not a fast process, and perspectives emerge naturally. I use a standing easel and keep the lights dim, and may work on three paintings at a time, switching between them as the mood takes me.

Lately I have been painting restaurant scenes like the table setting at Buckhead’s Le Bilboquet. My hydrangea painting evoked a velvet texture. I once followed a woman walking in Israel whom I painted. Sometimes my sister sends me photos of a scene she thinks I will interpret like the entrance painting, “Jazz Club.”

My paintings can be seen at the Brooklyn Café and LM Framing Gallery in Marietta, where I am an artist ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 51

CHAI STYLE The eat-in kitchen area has a scenic view out. Note that Diane creates her own floral arrangements seen here.

The glamorous dining room abounds in natural light and faces east.

-in-residence, and my work has been in emerging and juried shows like Anne Irwin and Artists Atelier. I have remained in “learning” mode over 45 years, taking outof-town workshops in pastels, collage, mixed media and watercolor to be well rounded, and now Zoom art instruction. I love pastels, but I primarily use oils, which is a healthier medium to work with than pastels.

Marcia: Do you collect other artists’ work?

Diane: We collect what we love. One really unusual painting was a commission by Jim Richards, a Tucker artist who did an oil for Fred’s 70th birthday. I gave him about 30 pictures! And he did a wonderful job. Another of our favorites is an unusual art deco Erté menorah.

Upstairs we have a painting by one of Bill Clinton’s favorite artists, Barry Thompson from the Whiteside Gallery in Hilton Head, and a Hessam painting we bought in St. Louis visiting our daughter when she was in col-

This dramatic “Swan Lake” oil is by William Wolk.

Diane commissioned this painting for Fred’s birthday by Tucker artist Jim Richards. She gave him 30 photos to get just the right scene.

52 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CHAI STYLE The metallic octagonal foyer fixture is by Charles Paris.

Diane leans against her painting “The Jazz Club” in the long front hall, which serves as a stunning gallery-like backdrop for art. The series of light fixtures are by Baker.

lege. On the lower level we have a highly textured painting by J. Turner that is unique.

Fred: On the lower level landing, we have a large painting by Walter Greer of a Monet-like water lily scene that was from my parents’ Virginia home. We also like a dramatic pair of ballerina poses done in oil by William Wolk, called “Swan Lake.” The restaurant scene painting in the living room is [by Mark Bailey] from the LePrince

gallery in Charleston.

Marcia: Last word?

Diane: Art is therapy for me. I love it when others show interest in my work, but I am driven by my love for the creative process.

Fred: My therapy is a glass of Bordeaux, Balvenie Scotch, or some Redbreast Irish whiskey. ì

Diane paints in her studio with dimmed lighting.

Diane searched to find a tall narrow fixture that would span three levels and finally found it in a magazine.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 53

DECEMBER 1-15

CALENDAR Virtual Classes and Events:

ence, author, and teen mental health advocate in conversation with Matt Pearl, 11 Alive/WXIA. Learn about Tween & Teen Mental Health in the Age of COVID. To register, www.bit. ly/2Hsi3OB.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 East Cobb Fertility Support Group – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Jewish Fertility Foundation for a free virtual support group. Open to any woman currently experiencing medical infertility. To register, www. bit.ly/3e7ZFpC.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 7th Annual Tower of Talent – From 11 to noon. Join Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for a televised special and virtual fundraiser with musical performances on NBC’s 11Alive (WXIATV). For more information, visit www.choa.org/toweroftalent.

Brain Health Boot Camp – From 1 to 3 p.m. Join JF&CS for a new virtual Brain Health Bootcamp. If you are recognizing symptoms of cognitive changes or have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, these fun and social classes can help you strengthen your mind and body to stay sharp, especially during these times. The class will combine gentle physical exercise, including yoga and exercises to help reduce stress and anxiety, along with a full hour of brain exercises done in a non-stress and engaging way of learning. For information or to register, contact Georgia Gunter at ggunter@jfcsatl. org or call 770-677-9421.

Community of Giving – From noon to 1 p.m. Join JF&CS for a virtual gathering on Giving Tuesday and special guest Mayim Bialik of “The Big Bang Theory.” Bialik, Ph.D. in neurosci-

Torah Studies, Live – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Intown Jewish Academy for an in-depth analysis of the Torah portion. This program brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of inspiring and engaging weekly classes. You will walk away surprised, inspired and knowing more about who you are — and who you can be. To join with Zoom, www.bit.ly/2VkBLjZ.

Book Festival of the MJCCA presents: Ina Garten, Modern Comfort Food – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Spend a very special evening with the Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten as she dishes up some delicious conversation with comedian and author Michael Ian Black. To register, www.bit. ly/3lUP1pN.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 Rabbi Mark’s Weekly Parsha Torah Study – From 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Join

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

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Calendar sponsored by the Atlanta Jewish Connector, an initiative of the AJT. In order to be considered for the print edition, please submit events three to four weeks in advance. Contact community relations director, Amy Seidner, for more information at amy@atljewishtimes.com.

54 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Congregation Beth Shalom and Rabbi Mark Zimmerman for a virtual Torah study each week as the weekly parsha is discussed. To join, www. bit.ly/3km8rUn. Significant Others of Addicts Support Group – From 1 to 2 p.m. Free weekly support group from JF&CS. This group is for spouses, partners and/ or significant others of those struggling with addiction. To register and for more information, sanderson@ jfcsatl.org.

Jewish Fertility Foundation Infertility Support Group – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Jewish Fertility Foundation for a free support group open to any woman currently experiencing medical infertility. To register, www.bit.ly/3e7ZFpC.

12 Step Spiritual Study Group – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. From Chabad Intown for loved ones of those affected by addiction Jeff’s Place presents a 12week class and discussion with Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman. The class will explore the 12 Steps through a Jewish lens and draw guidance and strength to navigate this excruciating challenge. To register, www.bit. ly/3hTPeqT. Think Differently – From 8 to 9 p.m.

Join Intown Jewish Academy for a weekly group to study the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries with master Tanya teacher Rabbi Ari Sollish. To register, www. bit.ly/3eNGmCi Parent Series – From 8 to 9 p.m. Join The Epstein School and learn creative ideas to “Nourish your Jewish Body and Soul.” For more information, call 404-250-5600.

Sisterhood Book Club – From 9 to 9:30 p.m. Join Congregation OVS Sisterhood for a discussion of the book “An Unorthodox Match” by Naomi Ragan, led by Rubisa Carrie Hearshen, via Zoom. Contact OVS at 404633-1737.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 Kabbalah & Coffee – From 9:30 to 11 a.m. Discuss, explore and journey with Intown Jewish Academy. Learn about the world of Jewish mystical teaching and how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. To register, www.bit. ly/2XYKXul. Hadassah Greater Atlanta Chai Tea – From 1 to 3 p.m. Guest speakers will present new, exciting, cutting-edge medical advances at the Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel and how you can make an impact. To register, www.bit.ly/38GwiLC.

Janice Rothschild Blumberg Symposium Keynote Speaker: Alfred Uhry – From 4 to 5:30 p.m. Join The Breman Museum, Southern Jewish Historical Society and The Temple, and hear keynote speaker and acclaimed playwright Alfred Uhry discuss his own reflections on the intersection between race and religion through his award-winning plays based on Jewish life in Atlanta and the American South. To register, www.bit.ly/3e4Tuni.

Annual Eizenstat Lecture featuring Judy Woodruff – From 7 to 8:30 p.m.

In an unprecedented digital format, the annual Eizenstat Lecture presents Judy Woodruff. She will be candidly discussing a timely issue, “The Free Press in Our Polarized World.”

For more information, contact AA Synagogue at 404-355-5222.

ADL in Concert Against Hate – From 8 to 9 p.m. Celebrate the stories of ordinary people who performed extraordinary acts of courage, compassion and strength when confronted by hatred and bigotry. Join ADL for the first virtual ADL In Concert Against Hate. And the ADL Southeast Regional office is thrilled to bestow the Metro Atlanta Chamber with the Torch of Liberty Award at an exclusive virtual concert pre-show reception. To register, www.bit.ly/3iVSJ0P.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Vayetze Friday, November 27, 2020, light candles at 5:11 p.m.

Saturday, November 28, 2020, Shabbat ends at 6:09 p.m.

Vayishlach Friday, December 4, 2020, light candles at 5:10 p.m.

Saturday, December 5, 2020, Shabbat ends at 6:09 p.m.

7:30 to 9 p.m. Light candles with us and get to know the residents and community members from the four Moishe Houses in Atlanta, including the new Moishe House for Russianspeaking Jewish young adults. We’ll share the impact Moishe House is continuing to have locally and globally in spite of the challenges created

by COVID-19. For more information and to register, contact David Press at David.press@moishehouse.org or 954-933-7122.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 Chanukah Virtual Cooking Class – From 8 to 9 a.m. Join JFGA and learn to make apple shrub, Abe Fisher’s potato latkes, Roman artichokes with arugula and olive oil, poached salmon and Sfenj with cinnamon and sugar with Michael Solomonov, executive chef and co-owner of Zahav, the 2019 James Beard Foundation award winner for outstanding restaurant. To register, www.bit. ly/2UGoYY1.

Lunch & Learn: Reading Torah with Rabbi Gottfried – From noon to 1 p.m. Join Rabbi Pamela Gottfried as she and the group examine classical and modern midrash (interpretations) related to the weekly Torah reading, and draw lessons from Jewish wisdom about how we can live and be our best selves today. To join on Zoom, www.bit.ly/2QXOvKt. Monday Night Parsha – From 7 to 8 p.m. Join Chabad of North Fulton for this virtual class by Rabbi Gedalya Hertz on the weekly parsha. To join, www.bit.ly/2zpsgIl. Medieval Jewry as Revealed in the Cairo Genizah – From 7 to 8 p.m.

Join Etz Chaim for this virtual Melton class taught by congregant Dr. Shelley Buxbaum. This course brings to life an exotic era in Jewish history, revealing the inner thoughts of real-life characters and exploring the daily interactions and behaviors of those living along the Mediterranean more than 1,000 years ago. To register, www.bit.ly/3gXtlqh.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 Candles and Connections — From 1:30 to 3 p.m. Join Chabad of North Fulton and warm your home with the glow of your DIY candles and the connection of women. To register, www.bit.ly/3eZU9XB.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 What Lights You Up? – From 7 to 8 p.m. Join JWC for a virtual Chanukah event like nothing you’ve ever experienced! For more information and to register, www.bit.ly/34VtTsK.

The Miracle of Support – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join the newly formed FIDF Eastern Region in partnership with Chaim Levine, founder and CEO of Brothers for Life, for a conversation highlighting the life-changing work of these two organizations. For more information and to register, www. bit.ly/3f9ffmu.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 Cub Club: Hanukkah, Havdalah, and Hip-Hop Celebration – From 5:30 to 6 p.m. Join Davis Academy for a community Hip-Hop Dance program. Families will welcome a new week together with music followed

by a hip-hop dance party with an easy-to-follow dance experience. All families with children ages birth to 5 are welcome. To register, www,bit. ly/2UnFvzN.

Experience Epstein – From 8 to 9 p.m.

All prospective Early Childhood Program, elementary and middle school families are welcome to join in and engage with principals and admissions representatives to learn about the stellar academics and curriculum, Epstein community, and to ask questions about the program.

For information and to register, www.bit.ly/3nn1hBc.

Ongoing:

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

Chabad.org Presents Jewish Kids Activities Online – Jewish art projects, videos, games, activities and more.

For more information, www.bit. ly/2UgUFId.

Tour the Old City of Jerusalem This Hanukkah – A Free Live Virtual Tour – From 9:30 to 11 a.m. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect to Jerusalem and Hanukkah. Join the Atlanta Israel Coalition and JFGA for a FREE virtual tour of the Old City of Jerusalem. To register, www.bit.ly/35ZIF27.

Hanukkah Drive-by with Epstein – From 10 to noon. Family friendly fun and free event for all. Join us as we celebrate for the 3rd night of Hanukkah with a drive-by! Reserve your space and Hanukkah bag, while supplies last. Bags geared towards 3-year-olds to third grade. To register, www.bit.ly/3fhbOKl. Drive-In Chanukah – From 4:30 to 7 p.m. Celebrate Chanukah with Chabad Intown. From the safety of your car, experience a unique and exciting Chanukah celebration. Join us in the west lot at 4:30 p.m. for a Grand Menorah Lighting, two short Chanukah films, and dinner BYO Picnic or pre-order from Fuego Mundo. To register, www.bit.ly/3lCTnlU. Virtual Visit and Hanukkah Celebration with Moishe House – From

MJCCA Fitness – MJCCA is open! See the group exercise classes at www. atlantajcc.org/reopen.

MJCCA Book Festival – In Your Living Room Live, click to view MJCCA’s upcoming Book Festival virtual events, www.bit.ly/3bk1mi7.

BBYO – Tune in to BBYO On Demand, a brand-new virtual experience for teens worldwide. Enjoy amazing programming and global events.

Some of the sessions will even be led by our very own Greater Atlanta Region BBYO members. For more information, www.bit.ly/2QFlCD2.

MJCCA Blonder Department for Special Needs – Please stay tuned to the Blonder Family Department for Special Needs Facebook group for ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 55

daily activities, chats, workouts and more. For more information, www. bit.ly/2Jmpl4x.

PJ Library – PJ Library is bringing fun, crafts, stories, Q&As, scavenger hunts, food demos and so much more. To join in and for more information, www.bit.ly/2WzFFqh. Repair the World – Repair the World welcomes you to sign up for its programming. Join them from the comfort of your home for a discussion on compassionate care for ourselves and our community. For more information, www.bit.ly/2xhUsv5.

Virtual Hillel Connections – If you’re

looking for community, connection, and meaningful learning opportunities, or if you’re just bored and need a distraction during coronavirus cancellations, then you’ve come to the right place. Hillel has virtual meetups and online gatherings that bring you together with Jewish and Jew-ish students from around the world in real-time! For more information, www.bit.ly/3af7wjA. Please send Virtual Classes & Events to amy@atljewishtimes.com.

Community Services: Anti-Defamation League – The Coronavirus Surfaces Fear, Stereotypes and Scapegoating: A blog post from ADL to help provide accurate information, explore emotions and, most importantly, play a role in reducing stereotyping and scapegoating. To read more, www.bit.ly/3dp5a3t.

Atlanta Community Food Bank Text for Help SMS Function –The ACFB’s mission to provide nutritious food to the people who need it has reached a major milestone toward access to food for all. The Text for Help is ‘findfood’ (no space). Responses will in56 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

prayer services including Mourner’s Kaddish. To participate via phone, dial 929-205-6099 and then enter the meeting code 404 873 1743. To be a part of services, visit the Zoom link, www.bit.ly/2wnFWlD.

clude a list of three different nearby pantries and their contact information. For more information, www. acfb.org.

Israeli American Council – IAC @ Home brings you the most innovative content online while helping build a national community with Israel at heart. With activities for kids, teens, young professionals and adults, you can stay connected to Hebrew, Israeli and Jewish heritage, online activism and to one another.

IAC@Home lets you enjoy a coastto-coast community right from your own home. For more information, www.israeliamerican.org/home.

JF&CS - Emergency Financial Assistance – JF&CS is here to provide emergency aid for individuals and families. Please call 770-677-9389 to get assistance. For more information, www.bit.ly/2wo5qzj.

JF&CS - Telehealth Counseling Services – Now offering telehealth options via phone or video conference for current and new clients to help our community during this crisis. For more information about our therapy services or to make a telehealth appointment, email us at therapy@ jfcsatl.org or call 770-677-9474.

JF&CS - Telehealth Older Adult Services – Aviv older adult staff are there to help provide resources, care plans and support for you and your family. Call AgeWell at 1-866-AGEWELL (1-866-243-9355) to find out how they can help. For more information, www.bit.ly/2wo5qzj.

Jewish Federation of Great Atlanta COVID-19 Resources – The unsettling, fast-moving and unpredictable world of life with COVID-19 is upon us. As we’re all discovering, a worldwide pandemic disrupts everyone on an unprecedented scale. For updates and more information, www. bit.ly/3ahrNVM. Please send Community Service Opportunities to amy@atljewishtimes.com.

Synagogue Livestreaming Services: Ahavath Achim Synagogue – Shabbat evening services at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. To watch and for more information, www.bit.ly/38dS4Ed. Congregation Beth Shalom’s Virtual Services – Erev Shabbat, Fridays at 6:30 p.m., Shabbat service, Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Zoom minyan Sunday at 9:30 a.m. For more information, www.bit.ly/3gY0mUK.

Congregation Etz Chaim – Erev Shabbat Musical, Fridays at 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. Join in for weekly livestream Shabbat services. To join, www.bit. ly/3gWL02s.

Congregation Or Hadash – Shabbat Services Friday at 6:30 p.m. Saturday morning services at 9:15 a.m. Minyan Sunday and Tuesday mornings.

To participate and get Zoom link, www.or-hadash.org.

Congregation Shearith Israel – Daily and Shabbat services will continue at regular times through Zoom.

They are counting participants in these Zoom services as part of a minyan, allowing members to recite full

Temple Beth David—Kaballat Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 7:30 pm. Shabbat morning service and Torah study every Saturday morning at 11 a.m. on our YouTube channel (https://www. youtube.com/channel/UC2GcbAI_ HdLRSG5hhpi_8Cw).

Temple Beth Tikvah Livestreaming Services – Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays at 10 a.m. To join on Facebook, www.facebook.com/TempleBethTikvah/ or www.bit.ly/2ZlCvrr.

Temple Kol Emeth Services – Shabbat services on Fridays at 8 p.m. View our services on www.kolemeth.net or www.facebook.com/Temple Kol Emeth-Marietta, GA.

Temple Sinai Livestream Services – Temple Sinai has live Shabbat services on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday morning at 10 a.m. For more information and to view services, www.bit.ly/2BXRfTF. The Temple Livestreaming Services – Find live streaming services here, www.the-temple.org.

Please send Synagogue and Temple Streaming Services to amy@ atljewishtimes.com.

Check the Atlanta Jewish Connector for updates: www.atlantajewishconnector.com.

Connector Chatter Directory Spotlight Tam Institute In conversation with Dr. Eric L. Goldstein, Judith London Evans Director of the Tam Institute for Jewish Studies How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

The Tam Institute for Jewish Studies at Emory University was established in 1999 to bring together students and scholars to engage in the interdisciplinary exploration of Jewish civilization and culture.

A generous founding endowment was provided by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which led to the naming of the Institute after Rabbi Donald A. Tam, rabbi emeritus of Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell.

How do you cater to younger members of the community?

TIJS engages with the broader community through public events, most notably the Tenenbaum Family Lecture Series in Jewish Studies and the Rabbi Jacob M. Rothschild Memorial Lecture, which bring distinguished visiting scholars to campus.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

Now in its 21st year, TIJS is experiencing an exciting period of growth with the addition of new faculty members in the areas of Jews in Islamic Civilizations; History, Society and Culture of Modern Israel; and Modern Jewish Religious Cultures. We anticipate adding one more faculty line in the coming year, and continue in this way moving forward.

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Anshi S’fard In conversation with Rabbi Mayer Freedman How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

Anshi was founded in 1911. Though we have “Sfard” in our name, Anshi is not a Sephardic synagogue. Anshi means “people” and Sfard refers to the liturgy that we use. The classic Ashkenazic liturgy is properly called Nusach (Liturgy) Ashkenaz. The early chassidim adopted a liturgy based on the liturgy used by the 16th century kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria, better known as the Arizal. This was an Ashkenazic liturgy, as well, but since it shared a few similarities with the liturgy that the Sephardic Jews used, it came to be called Nusach Sefard or “The Sephardic Liturgy” even though it is really Ashkenazic. Since the Anshi was founded

by Chassidic Jews who used this liturgy, they named it “Anshi Sfard” - People of Sefard, referring to the liturgy.

How do you cater to young students?

We have a phenomenal hands-on Hebrew School on Sunday morning, called the Morningside Sunday Experience. The Atlanta Scholars Kollel highly subsidizes it, so it only costs $200 a year. The program is run by a great staff and is based on experiential learning. We try to keep each class size small so that we can cater the curriculum directly to the needs of each individual child. We also have a Saturday night Zoom-based program for children, where we play quiz games about Judaism, have raffles and give out great prizes!

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

Anshi is a growing community. Even with COVID, over the next few months we have among our members two weddings, a bar mitzvah, and a baby naming all scheduled! Our goal is to spread the beauty of Judaism and Torah through the prism of a warm and caring community and our hope is that, as the years progress, we are able to welcome more and more families into our fold. Anshi is a place where you can always find a shoulder to lean on in a time of need, a l’chaim with friends in a time of celebration, and a community to rely on as we face the challenges of living a fulfilled Jewish life in times of uncertainty. We would love to have you join us! Reach out to Rabbi Mayer Freedman at mayerfreedman@atlantakollel.org or 404-951-1026 to get involved or with any questions about any of our events or programming.

SOJOURN In conversation with Rebecca Stapel-Wax How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

SOJOURN started in 2001 as The Rainbow Center, a program of Jewish Family & Career Services. SOJOURN became an independent nonprofit in 2013.

How do you cater to young students?

We have a weekly online discussion group called Tum Tum. We also developed a comprehensive and LGBTQ+ inclusive YouTube sex education program, Sex Ed Queeries, which is actually useful for all ages. This year at our annual fundraiser, Purim Off Ponce, SOJOURN will honor 20 individuals under 21 to amplify the creative and inspiring stories of young people in 2021.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

We would hope to be out of a job in 10 years having eradicated misogyny, homophobia, transphobia and all forms of discrimination. While on the way to making that happen, our plan is to work with Jewish communities across the South so they feel confident and excited to embrace gender and sexually diverse members in all aspects of their lives.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 57

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JEWISH JOKE

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I’ve alit charge person r. Why? “Because the only ones that matte be to m see as ide r He domineering. ow it works.” as of this for decades, and I kn ns and have my own ide her “top-notch” suggestio h wit ee ered agr sid ly ari con e ess hav nec I don’t ts and faculty. I the benefit of our studen for nt rk wo ista ass can an ms h gra wit how our pro s of working r, explaining the difficultie iso erv ly sup ect my dir to on gs ati lin nic voicing my fee te honest commu ow you typically advoca kn (I nt ht. ista rig ass ays my alw h is o principal wh pts to communicate wit but I have tried. My attem ty, inveswith the person involved, Working in a new capaci ears for her own plans.) has ly on a repushe n ; led ear to fai e nt principal hav nly don’t wa my performance. I certai ing ess ass y ntl cerned sta con o con als are tigative eyes on the team. I am to get along with others les ugg str d and I o un wh e gro eon ng tation as som this is my traini y lose my job! I feel like ma I ng, asi ple t no is rk that if my wo goal is need to prove myself. is for them to succeed. My and my foremost desire ts den stu p my my kee to for nt ply wa I dee I care same time, port to my faculty. At the sup d an th eng str of rk to be a bulwa d dissension. ll with confrontation an job and don’t function we this situation?

How would you handle A Perplexed Principal Dear P.P., Mazel Tov on your promotion! What an exciting opportunity to expand your horizons and use your untapped potential!

Working with difficult people can be, well, difficult.

Let’s shine the spotlight on you for a moment. What capabilities and talents do you bring to the table? If you can endorse yourself for everything you do well, you will feel less intimidated by Mrs. Dominant.

From the brief line you wrote, I glimpsed a dedicated and loving educator. What beautiful values you personify! For so many children, a positive school experience will mold their future. To have a principal who believes in you and comes to bat for you is an outstanding asset. Showing caring and belief in children enriches their lives, effectively influencing their future children and grandchildren, as well. Certainly, the school board acknowledges your capabilities, which is why you were hired for this eminent position. So, lift your chin up and square your shoulders – you’ve got this!

I advocate working separately from Mrs. D whenever possible, since you do run different programs. When you need to plan and strategize together, keep an open mind. If Mrs. D’s ideas have merit, consider them. Often, when we have a negative view of someone, we view their comments through a dark lens. However, if you objectively feel that her plans will not benefit either your students or faculty, then it is time to shed your quiet veneer and don a lion’s garb. Perhaps that is one of the reasons G-d placed you in a new job: to help you assume new traits that will benefit you and those within your surroundings.

In summary, I recommend sticking to your principles (pun intended)! May G-d grant you the wisdom and dexterity to skillfully maneuver the hurdles impeding your progression.

Wishing you and your fortunate students and faculty a productive, successful year, Rachel

The Pain Moshe was known to all his friends as a hypochondriac. One day he awoke with a pain on his left side and was convinced that his pain was appendicitis. But his wife Sadie told him that appendices were on the right side of the body.

“Aha,” said Moshe, “so that’s why it’s hurting me so much. My appendix is obviously on the wrong side.”

Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center, chabadnaples.com

YIDDISH WORD OF THE MONTH Tzimmes

‫צימעס‬

Atlanta Jewish Times Advice Column Got a problem? Email Rachel Stein at oyvey@atljewishtimes.com, describing your problem in 250 words or less. We want to hear from you and get helpful suggestions for your situation at the same time!

A sweet stew of vegetables and fruit; a fuss, a confused affair, a to-do

‎

(tsimes; OED, MW)

58 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Family Connections

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40. Most up-to-date 42. Alternative title for this puzzle 45. Read Esther again 46. Victim of cancel culture on "The Simpsons" 47. Irish Rose's hubby on Broadway 49. It could be 11 50. Perelman of "The Smitten Kitchen" 52. Something a Rabbi receives 54. Airport approximations: Abbr.

42-Across 22. Ireland's ___ Lingus 23. Home to most NHL teams 24. Topic 26. Pave the way for 28. Paying too much, perhaps 29. Some discoveries at Israel's Qafzeh cave 30. Colonist you might unsuspectingly crush?

32. Wicked habit 34. Stand the test of time 35. Sweatshirt size: Abbr.

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15 Years Ago//November 18, 2005 ì M*A*S*H star Alan Alda opened the 14th annual Jewish Book Festival to a sold-out crowd. Alda was in town to promote his autobiography, “Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: And Other Things I’ve Learned.” More than 1,300 people attended the event. ì Fox Theatre Arrives in Dunwoody: Atlanta lawyer George Fox brings his production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” to the JCC’s Zaban Park campus. More than 50 volunteers worked together to bring the show to life, and more than 150 costumes were conceived for the show. The role of Joseph was played

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the federation movement has turned 100 years old. Since the federation began, it has enhanced the lives of five generations of Jews and raised tens of billions of dollars towards helping Jews. ì Evening of the Arts: Congregation B’nai Torah announced that it will host contemporary Jewish jazz pianist Jon Simon and Judaica artist Gary Rosenthal for an artistic evening Dec. 2. Simon performed his interpretation of Jewish music and Rosenthal displayed his metal and fused glass art in the lobby of the synagogue.

50 Years Ago//November 20, 1970 ì Congregation Beth Jacob held its fourth annual Melavah Malka to welcome new members. The guest star for the evening was Alan Alda opened the 14th annual Jewish Book Festival Ira Riebak, a nationally known Israeli folk singer and guitarist. The to a sold-out crowd. congregation welcomed 34 new members. ì Shalom Atlanta Program: More than 100 people from across the world gathered at the Federation building for the first open house for Shalom 25 Years Ago//November 24, 1995 Atlanta. At the event, attendees were provided the opportunity to meet with other ì The General Assembly of the Council of Jewish Federations announced that Atlanta newcomers and make friends. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 59

OBITUARIES

Sara Cohen Alterman

Allan Jeffrey Carp

Sara Cohen Alterman was a beautiful woman in all of the ways that beauty is defined. She died Nov. 15 at the age of 102 in her Atlanta home, a visual celebration of her children, grandchildren, art and impeccable taste.

The daughter of Molly and Abraham Cohen, Sara was born Nov. 26, 1917, and grew up in Atlanta. She graduated from Commercial High School with a degree in fashion design at the age of 17, when she married husband David (of blessed memory). Sara and Dave created a life together centered around family and community.

Sara worked throughout her youth, from Jack’s Five & Dime to Rich’s department store. After marrying, she devoted herself to the large extended Alterman family. As her husband Dave worked with his brothers to build Alterman Foods and Big Apple-Food Giant, she focused on raising their children and volunteering in the Atlanta Jewish community.

Sara’s community leadership began in the Ahavath Achim Synagogue preschool, as she wrote in a memorial for dear friend Reva Epstein (b”h): “It all started when the Ahavath Achim educational building was on Tenth Street. ... I enrolled my precocious threeyear-old daughter Phyllis ...and started ‘helping’ a little bit. Soon I found myself leading a Brownie Group and making lunch for Junior Congregation.” Sara became fast friends with Rabbi Harry Epstein’s wife, Reva, and soon found herself in various Sisterhood leadership roles, serving for 10 years as vice president. She was honored by the AA’s Sisterhood even as she and Dave were also honored as a couple by the synagogue.

Sara also immersed herself in Hadassah, where she learned about Israel and Jewish history. She invigorated the organization by recruiting many other younger women and ultimately served as president of the Atlanta chapter. She embraced the organization’s social, educational, and fundraising aspects in support of Hadassah Hospital and its commitment to medical care for all people. She came to love the state of Israel and traveled there several times in her life, including a trip to take her mother, who had immigrated from Eastern Europe, to see the emerging Jewish homeland.

Sara fully embraced service in the Jewish community, serving in a number of roles in many organizations, from president of Women’s Division of Jewish Federation to membership at The Breman Museum, JF&CS, MJCCA, NCJW, World Jewish Congress and others.

Judaism was as important to Sara as any aspect of her identity, hosting weekly Shabbat dinners, annual Chanukah parties and Passover seders, often with sisters-in-law, uniting dozens of cousins on Lenox Road. Later in life, in her mid-80s, Sarah studied to become a bat mitzvah, and led the Shabbat morning service at AA, surrounded by family and friends.

Sara was known by all as a beautiful and graceful hostess, an avid bridge player and a generous friend. She was known for her elegant, timeless style, fashion skill, and making matching dresses for herself and young daughter in her early days, and charming any room with a dazzling lipsticked smile throughout her life.

She was “bubbe,” a generous and loving matriarch, able to know and love each grandchild, each in their own way, and grateful to celebrate each and every great- grandchild.

Sara is preceded in death by siblings Morris, Sam, Ida, and Lena; her infant son Alvin; and daughter-in-law JoAnn Idelson Alterman. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Phyllis and Dr. Richard Franco, sons and daughters-in-law Richard and Marty Alterman, and Stephen Alterman and Marci Ball.

She is also remembered by many grandchildren Lewis Franco and Heidi Thompson, Rebecca Franco Chalmers and Henry Chalmers, Adam Alterman, Rachel Alterman Wallack and Sandy Wallack, Meryl Franco and Sam Worley, Byron and Elizabeth Alterman, Daniel Alterman, Joshua Alterman, Joe Atlerman, Mitchell Alterman and fiance Paige Philipson; and great-grandchildren Louisa, Sarina, Dov, Joseph, David, Sam, Ben, Isaac, Allie, Molly, Lauren and Joanna.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the loving care extended by Cheryl Holmes and Beatriz David, two very special caregivers.

Memorial donations may be made to Ahavath Achim Synagogue or Congregation Beth Tefillah. A private service was held Nov. 17. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Allan Jeffrey Carp, 79, of Peachtree Corners passed away peacefully at home on Nov 19, 2020. He had a successful career in the information technology industry in which he worked over 40 years until his retirement in 2006.

Upon retirement, Allan devoted himself to family and volunteering for various causes, including Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Gwinnett County Library, and many charities through the NAMC of Atlanta. He was also a past member of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, where he volunteered by coaching children’s soccer for many years, and the Book Festival of the MJCCA. He was predeceased in death by his first wife Ann, in 1992, and his parents, Frances and Reuben Carp, of blessed memory. He is survived by his wife Elaine Wolkin Carp, whom he married in 1999. He is also survived by his two daughters, Nancy Carp of Atlanta, and Jennifer Carp of Boston, Mass., and step-daughter and family, Marci (Jeremy) Silverman, and two grandchildren Reese Silverman and Mira Silverman; sister Joanne Feinberg of Charleston, S.C.; along with many cousins, in-laws, extended family, and good friends. Thank you to Weinstein Hospice and the caregivers from ElderCare Companions for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Weinstein Hospice, Ahavath Achim Synagogue, or a charity of their choice.

Due to COVID restrictions, please log on to https://dresslersjewishfunerals.com sign the guest book and view the service. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770451-4999.

102, Atlanta

60 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

79, Peachtree Corners

Jerome Barry Cohen 82, Roswell

Jerome Barry Cohen, 82, of Roswell, Ga., passed away peacefully at home Nov. 13, 2020. He had successful career in the jewelry business. After retirement he was a board member of the Fulton County Boards of Equalization. He loved people and they, in turn, loved him. He was real kibbitzer and mensch.

He married his wife Margie in 1960 and would have been married 60 years Dec. 4. He was both a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. Family was everything to him.

He is survived by his wife Margie; children Beth Ross (Lance) and Ben (Christine); and two adored grandchildren Gabrielle and Meredith Cohen. Thank you to Agape Hospice for their loving care. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your favorite charity. Sign online guestbook at https://dresslerjewishfunerals.com and check website for more information on the service. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999

OBITUARIES

David J. Deutchman 86, Atlanta

David J. Deutchman, loving husband, father and grandfather, died at his Sandy Springs home with his family by his side, Nov. 14, 2020, after recently being diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. He was 86 years old.

David was born in the Bronx, N.Y., Nov. 3, 1934, to Ruth and Herman Deutchman. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955 and was selected for the distinguished Presidential Honor Guard under President Dwight Eisenhower. He was awarded an honorable discharge in 1961.

David soon began what would be a 41-year career with Maidenform Worldwide Inc., ultimately as senior vice president of international sales for his last 10 years with the company.

It was during his retirement that he found a new purpose volunteering at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, mostly in the neonatal intensive care unit. Over the last 14 years he took great pleasure comforting thousands of babies and children he referred to as “my kids,” their families, and often the nurses who cared for them. They called him “Grandpa David” and after a photo of him holding a baby went viral, he became known as the “ICU Grandpa.”

David and Ronnie married in 1962 and lived in Boston, where their two daughters were born, and relocated to Atlanta in 1973. David and Ronnie shared a love of classical music, skiing, hiking and a passion for travel. David was also an avid reader and runner.

But perhaps his greatest pleasure came from spending time with his family.

David was predeceased by his brothers Jules and Ronald Deutchman. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Ronnie; his daughters Susan Lilly (James Lilly) of Telluride, Colo., and Jill Deutchman (Eric Naviner) of Atlanta; his grandson Jacob “Eli” Prussack of Telluride; and his granddaughter Ryan Prussack of Atlanta.

Joel Greenberg 85, Atlanta

Joel Greenberg, 85, of Atlanta, died peacefully Oct. 31, 2020, after a brief battle with COVID-19.

Joel was born in Montreal, Canada, to Sam and Ida Greenberg, both of blessed memory, and moved to Nashville, Tenn., as a young boy. He attended Vanderbilt University undergraduate and medical school, where he met the love of his life Margie Weinstein, of blessed memory.

He served a short stint in the Air Force in Texas before moving to Atlanta, where he practiced in obstetrics and gynecology in Atlanta for over 30 years and delivered thousands of babies at Crawford Long, Northside, and Georgia Baptist hospitals. Joel enjoyed his long and loving life with his wife. He especially enjoyed traveling, tennis, golf, theater and bridge. Spending time with his family made him happiest. His kindness and his sweet, wise and gentle spirit will be missed.

Joel will be sincerely missed and remembered by his loving family, including his daughter Karen (Mike) St. Amand and son Mark (Lisa) Greenberg; his grandchildren Jacob, Emma, and Daniel St. Amand and Haley, Jamie, and Noah Greenberg; his in-laws and his many nephews, nieces, loved ones and friends spanning the miles and years.

Arrangements by Dressler’s Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

‫זיכרונה לברכה‬ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 61

OBITUARIES

Eva Goldberg Lipman

“Chava Elka bat Avraham Yekutiel v’ Roza” 74, Atlanta

Eva, 74, died Nov. 18, 2020. Her journey began shortly after World War II had ended. She was born Sept. 1, 1946, in a displaced person’s camp in Eshwege, Germany, to Carl and Rose Goldberg. Rose and Eva immigrated to the United States aboard the USAT General Ballou, which sailed from the port of Bremerhaven on Sept. 26, 1949. Nine days later, the transport ship reached New York Harbor and eventually they were sent to Jacksonville, Fla., thanks to a sponsorship from the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society to begin their American journey.

They came to the United States without money, family or friends and without an inkling of how to speak the English language. Rose and Carl managed to buy a modest but beautiful home as Rose gave birth next to Anita and then Susie. Eva took on many jobs growing up to contribute to the family and played a big role in raising her younger sisters. She went on to attend the University of Florida and became the first person in her family to graduate from a fouryear university. She soon became a teacher and married Charles. They had three children Wendy, Andrew “Andy” and Emily.

The family eventually started their own family foundation in memory of Wendy, who only lived 16 days due to cystic fibrosis. The Wish for Wendy Foundation has helped raise $4.5 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Eva was granted the Lifetime Achievement Award by the foundation in honor of her half century of devotion to the goal of curing the disease.

Eva was a voracious reader and had an encyclopedic knowledge regarding a myriad of subjects. She was the go-to source for her family and friends, who relied upon her

knowledge. Eva always saw the best in people and never had a harsh word regarding anyone. She loved people and they reciprocated with love for her.

Eva was an amazing daughter, mother, sister, grandmother and wife. She will truly be missed by everyone. May her memory be a blessing.

Eva was preceded in death by her parents Roza and Carl “Kisel” Goldberg; her daughter Wendy and her brother-in-law Jerry Zucker, all of blessed memory.

She is survived by her beloved husband Charles Lipman of 51 years; son Andrew “Andy” (Andrea) Lipman; daughter Emily Lipman; sisters Anita (David) Zucker and Susie (Bobby) Davis; her sister-in-law Loretta (Carl) Bready; grandchildren Avery and Ethan Lipman of Atlanta; nephews and nieces Jonathan (Laura) Zucker, Andrea (Aaron) Lee-Zucker, Jeffrey (Jessica) Zucker, Barrett (Alma) Bready, and Erin Davis and Drew (Dani) Davis.

Thank you to her wonderful caregivers for making her so comfortable during her last few months.

A private service was performed in Atlanta in order to follow CDC guidelines and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In lieu of flowers and should friends desire, the family has designated donations be made in memory of Eva to: Wish for Wendy Foundation (benefiting those with cystic fibrosis), 8480 Lazy Oaks Court, Atlanta, GA 30350. Arrangements by Dressler’s Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Miriam Rita Litsky 88, Dunwoody

Miriam Rita Litsky passed away at the age of 88 at her home in Dunwoody, Ga., surrounded by her children and caregivers Nov. 18, 2020.

Miriam was born Jan. 15, 1932 in the Bronx, N.Y., to Samuel and Anna Eisenberg.

She was married to George Marvin Litsky on May 22, 1955, for 51 years. She worked as an accountant at Temple Beth El for many years while living in Rochester, N.Y. Miriam and George built the company, Platinum Sportswear, from the ground up in 1981. They lived most of their married life in Rochester, N.Y., before moving to Dunwoody in 1979.

Miriam was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her family. She was a life master bridge player, loved playing bridge, golf, racquetball, slot machines, and enjoyed cruising and traveling.

She will long be remembered for always wanting to enjoy life and being the life of the party.

Miriam was preceded in death by her parents Samuel and Anna Eisenberg; husband, George Marvin Litsky; brother Stanley Eisenberg; and brother and sister-in-law Saul and Molly Eisenberg.

Miriam is survived by her children Ellen, Howard, Matthew (Becky), and Lori; grandchildren Brian (Lauren), Aaron, Jonathan, Rachel, Jordan, and Samantha (Ted); great-grandchildren Amelia and Benjamin Kime (Brian), Tristan, Titus, and Ty Litsky (Jordan), and Madison and Austin Fraser (Samantha); brother Harry Eisenberg (Beverly); and sister-in-law, Sandra Eisenberg.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

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

62 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

NEW MOON MEDITATIONS Kislev: G-d’s Light Hidden and Revealed Rosh Chodesh Kislev began at sundown Nov. 16 and ended at nightfall Nov. 17. It’s a month of dreams, miracles, and the polarized forces of darkDr. Terry Segal ness and light.

New Moon Meditations The zodiac sign is Sagittarius; Hebrew letter, samech; tribe, Benjamin; sense, sleep; and controlling organ, belly.

As we watch the months and seasons change, we can see the elements of the Hebrew calendar come to life with their challenges in our own time. The content of the story changes but the energies repeat themselves. Kislev always reflects the extreme darkness and light, but in various circumstances.

This year, in 2020, the presidential election has just occurred with each side believing that a miracle would be required for their side to win. People are polarized with the energies divided between darkness and light.

In our history, Adam and Eve displeased Hashem by disobeying the rules set forth that would ensure everlasting life, peace, bounty, harmony and beauty.

It appears as if many of those violations are occurring in today’s world. We have divided ourselves. We have missed the mark. We are responsible for our transgressions.

New York’s Chabad Rabbi Aaron L. Raskin explains that G-d created the world and hid the light. The light was given to Adam and Eve when they were created on Friday night and they basked in it for 36 hours until they were exiled. The hidden light became the 36 candles used on the Chanukah menorah throughout the holiday. It is our job to reflect that light and to increase it in the darkest of times.

He also explains that after the exile, the light from the moon was diminished. This only occurred because there was separation. When the Messiah arrives, the power of the sun and the moon will be equal, again. The energies of the moon are feminine, while the sun’s are masculine. As we desire equality, it requires a unity and balancing of the feminine/masculine within ourselves

and each other.

The major holidays, including Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot, fall during the first 15 days of their respective months, when the waxing moon moves toward its peak. Chanukah, on the 25th day of Kislev, occurs during the second half of the month, at the waning moon.

This darkness coincides with winter solstice, Dec. 21, in which we experience the shortest day of the year, with the least light.

The first half of each Hebrew month is the revealed light and the second half, the concealed, yet essential, part of the light that can’t be seen.

The zodiac sign of Sagittarius is the archer, good-hearted, just, peaceseeking intellectuals known for speaking their truth. The bow and arrow represent war, like that of the Maccabees.

Raskin suggests that when the bow is drawn across our hearts, guided by Hashem, we can release the arrow to go farther and on course.

Samech, the Hebrew letter, is a closed circle in which glows the infinite power of G-d’s light. It also resembles the womb.

Benjamin is the tribe. He was the only son of Jacob born in the Promised Land. There are polarized emotions surrounding Benjamin because the world was given a gift in his birth, but we lost his mother, our matriarch, at the same time. Rachel was said to have desired children so much that she considered herself dead without them. There is the light and the darkness that as she became a mother, she lost her life. Rachel’s compassion for others was unparalleled.

It is the reason that she, even though aware of her father’s trickery in swapping her sister for her at her wedding to Jacob, didn’t interfere as not to create suffering and humiliation for her sister.

The sense is sleep. Sense isn’t used as one of the five senses but rather as levels of consciousness. It’s in our sleep that we receive restoration and healing.

Hashem watches over us and we awaken refreshed, to perform good deeds.

Belly is the controlling organ this month. It houses the “guts” that let you trust or distrust information that you hear. ì Meditation focus: G-d is concealed in the world. What acts can you perform this month that radiate G-d’s light?

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 63

CLOSING THOUGHTS My Somewhat Messy Real Life Once a week, my housekeeping dreams and my housekeeping reality come together.

In my mind’s eye, I live in a home Rabbi Ruth and garden house. There are no piles of clutter. The laundry is folded and the mirrors sparkle.

In reality, there are piles, many.

Most of the laundry is done most of the time, but rarely folded. There are quite a number of things that are not exactly in the right place.

Once a week, I am fortunate to have the help of a capable cleaner to bridge the gap. Raquel has some wicked superpowers such as finding every crumb that hides on the countertop and clearing away the signs of traffic on the floors.

When she is done, even the piles are straighter.

64 | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

We all have these glimpses of perfection. There are those that may be considered flukes, acts of God or random, depending on how you see them, like hitting a string of green lights on Roswell Road. But there is another type entirely, the type that comes as the result of hard work, planning, and making something a priority. It can take the form of a business deal that comes together with relative ease or an art project that turned out exactly as you imagined. None of them are continuous or sustainable. Nor could they happen without investment of time and effort.

In the case of my idealized house, that is ongoing work to which I am not willing to commit. There are those for whom housework is a priority. But I long ago made my peace with the imperfections of my housekeeping style. I have other priorities for how I spend my time.

Much as I love the better version of my reality, being part of the world gets in the way of maintaining perfection.

Judaism teaches us to appreciate perfection, but also to accept that reality

is less than perfect.

Like Raquel, Shabbat comes weekly and gives me a glimpse of the perfect. It is a peaceful time, without rushing and worrying. It is, according to tradition, a taste of the world to come. But when the sun sets on Saturday night, Shabbat is over. In the here and now, we cannot live in a state of perfection; we must return to the normal reality where things must get done, and in the doing, imperfection is inevitable because resources are finite and not everything can be done.

Not even Adam and Eve, beings who were directly created in the Divine image, could live in a continuous state of perfection. Because living in the Garden of Eden meant no free will, no choices.

And they chose choices.

Ultimately, we all have to make tradeoffs.

We do not live in a world of sustained perfection. There is traffic and disease with which to contend. There are setbacks to overcome. Resources are finite. But if we are lucky, we get to set our priorities and make choices

about how we want to spend our time, and what kind of perfection we might glimpse periodically.

I remember the day I made my peace with my housekeeping style. My friend Dafi had just given birth to her second son and I was meeting him for the first time. When the baby went down for a nap, Dafi showed me the baby book she had so carefully put together. Her mother, Miri, hovered over us and suddenly she sighed. “It is amazing,” she said, looking around the kitchen with the piles of dishes and unsorted laundry, “with all this balagan (chaos) she makes time to make a book.”

I remember feeling tense, feeling the censure not only of my friend but also of me. I had spent much time in Miri’s home as a child. Everything was always put away. There were hot meals each night. It was a far cry from the disarray of her daughter’s home.

Sighing again she concluded, “If only I had had the ability to let my house be chaotic, think of how much more I might have enjoyed my life.” ì

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