Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCIX NO. 18, September 30, 2023

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Kollel Brings Hollywood to Annual Dinner

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Traditionally a pre-High Holiday event, Atlanta Scholars Kollel “gave over” yet another inspiring high-profile speaker for its annual dinner at City Springs on Sept. 12.

This year’s headliner was Hollywood screenwriter and producer Michael Borkow, who traveled from Los Angeles for the event in order to share his emotional, yet methodical, journey in connecting more strongly to observant Judaism. Borkow is best known for his work on comedy television shows like “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Friends,” and “Roseanne.”

After a Mexican-style buffet sponsored by A Kosher Touch Caterers, Rabbi David Silverman, Head of Kollel, began with his appreciation for Adrian Grant, the original event organizer by saying, “Adrian has been everywhere inviting people to this event, in carpool lines…everywhere!”

Silverman segued into the annual lighthearted skit that the cadre of Kollel rabbis notoriously “perform.” This year’s scene revolved around a tan sofa on the stage reminiscent of the “Friends” set, as rabbis tugged at it, pivoted, and pitched why each Kollel division was best suited to house the couch in their particular location…from Emory to Brookhaven to Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Israelis, and so on.

Craig Lefkoff took to the podium to introduce Borkow. He began by expressing his own affection for Kollel rabbis and their families; then onto describing Borkow’s Ivy League education --from Harvard undergrad to Columbia Law School, and ultimately, his on-and-off time spent in Israel.

Borkow began and ended with meeting a model on the Tel Aviv beach posing, “What are you doing here?” In not a short answer, but a full impacted response, Borkow shared how he felt about his Jewish identity and concluded that, at times, he had fears and skepticism; but despite this, he found on his journey that even though sometimes doubts are stronger than proof, he is still all in…our thoughts and feeling follow actions.”

Borkow shared a situation where he wanted to shoot a TV show on Friday night past the start of the Sabbath and proceeded to ask three varied rabbis to weigh in on the idea. One said he could do it, “sort of,” and be “Shabbat-ish.”; the second rabbi weighed whether Torah law

vs. Rabbinic law was more conclusive; and the final Yeshiva Rosh took time to investigate and get back to him, finally delivering a, “No, can’t do. I tried.”

Thus, more clarity for his struggle, and ultimately, putting family first and only doing parts of his career that are

most appealing is what works, concluding, “Family and Kollel are answers. And that’s what happened to me.” As a side note, Borkow shared that he pitched the studio for his own new story line and script about a young Orthodox rabbi on a college campus, which was accepted, but

never made it into production.

During the pre-event dinner hour, the varied Jewish community socialized, networked, and commented to the AJT.

Founding this event 23 years ago, Adrian Grant said, “Looking forward to the High Holidays next week, I see the

Congregation Ariel Rabbi Binyomin Friedman chatted with Hillel Director Larry Sernovitz

Ilene Grant and Adrian Grant, event founder, pose with Rabbi David Silverman, head of Kollel.

Alan Smirin, Charlotte Marks, and Craig Lefkoff mingled with Robin Torch and Ed Goldberg Kollel Rabbi Menashe Goldberg enjoyed spending time with Alan Solon

room filled with Jewish unity and purpose. It’s also proof of the diversity of the Jewish community.”

Ed Goldberg related, “I look forward to coming to this each year to see friends and hear a great speaker.”

Kollel Rabbi Menashe Goldberg, who has been on board since 1989, stated, “I’ve seen how this community has grown together and gotten closer…especially the younger rabbis interacting with the younger generation. That’s what I like the most.”

Former Georgia Tech men’s basketball coach, Josh Pastner, chatted with fans, and relayed how he was using this down time, “I’m working out and spending time with my young family, which was never the case before.”

Pastner previously told this reporter that he was not present at the birth of some of his children since he was on the road scouting players and fulfilling his duties as head coach. He concluded, “I always make time and look forward to being at Jewish events.” ì

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Israel Bonds Director Brad Young bounced some ideas off former Georgia Tech men’s basketball head coach Josh Pastner.

The annual rabbi’s skit pivoted off a couch from the set of “Friends.”

Hollywood guest speaker was screenwriter/ producer Michael Borkow

Fertility Group Flourishes in Shadow of Abortion Bans

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

As its third annual High Holiday Festival proved, the Jewish Fertility Foundation is being fruitful and multiplying. More than 600 attended the festival with the support of 14 community partners on Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

At the same time, the Foundation, founded in 2015 by Elana Frank, has expanded to seven cities with a projection to add one to three new locations annually. Detroit, Cleveland, and South Florida are the first targeted communities.

But even as the Foundation has diversified the communities it serves, focusing increasingly on LGBTQ and interfaith couples and individuals, the past year has not been devoid of complications. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 ruling that legalized abortions in June 2022, the Foundation has had to walk – and talk – a fine line.

“It is a hard topic,” acknowledged Frank, JFF’s CEO. “Abortion is a part of the fertility conversation and it’s problematic when it’s not allowed. Our attorneys are nervous. We’re waiting for new rules and regulations.”

The Dobbs v. Jackson decision, supported by five of the nine Supreme Court justices, held that abortion was not a protected right under the Constitution, overturning the Roe v. Wade 1973 ruling, and returning the decision about abortion laws to the individual states. Like a number of states, the Georgia legislature voted to ban abortions after about six weeks, at a point where oftentimes women don’t even know they are pregnant.

“We are not a political organization, but we deal with the emotional fallout” that comes with abortion, said Frank. “People forget about the impact of very wanted pregnancies.” She pointed to the problems that rise from an ectopic pregnancy, when the fetus develops outside the uterus, putting the mother’s life at risk.

In some cases, doctors have advised women with life-threatening pregnancies to “bleed out in their cars” before entering a hospital. And as Frank pointed out, if a genetic disease has been detected in a fetus, Judaism allows an abortion –when a state might not. Amniocentesis, a medical procedure used primarily in the prenatal diagnosis of genetic conditions, isn’t usually done until 10 to 12 weeks into the pregnancy.

Women come to the Jewish Fertility Foundation when they have difficulties with pregnancies. Before Frank found-

ed the organization, she lived in Israel where in vitro fertilization is essentially free. Her first two children resulted from IVF there. In the U.S., just one cycle of IVF treatment – that may or may not result in pregnancy – costs about $20,000. Health insurance generally doesn’t cover the costs, but the Foundation provides up to two IVF grants up to $10,000, explained Kayla Heering, JFF national program director.

A less expensive treatment that enables pregnancy is intrauterine insemination, which can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000. Grants of up to $1,000

are provided by JFF for these less invasive treatments.

Another complication of the new anti-abortion laws involves the extra embryos which are often frozen for possible use if the implanted embryo or two doesn’t result in pregnancy. Years later, a woman may no longer be interested in implantation of those embryos, but what can be done with them if destroying them might break the law?

“Some lawyers have advised us to move frozen embryos to other states,” said Frank. “We’re closely monitoring the situation. It’s not just about abortion.”

Heering points to the importance of the infertility support groups that JFF sponsors. Now there’s a peer-to-peer group for LGBTQ members. “There are now a lot of single moms by choice. As long as one of the partners is Jewish,” JFF grants are available. “We’ve taken away the requirement for a medical infertility diagnosis.”

One of JFF’s partnering organizations is J Screen. “Our families get free genetic testing” through J Screen, said Heering.

JFF launched the annual festival “to connect JFF alumni families and pass off

Jewish Fertility Foundation staff celebrated another successful High Holiday Festival.

Ezra Heering prepares for the High Holidays at the festival.

the baton to other Jewish groups such as PJ Library, Honeymoon Israel, Jewish Kids Groups, MACoM, SOJOURN, In the City Camps, schools such as Atlanta Jewish Academy and The Epstein School, and

18Doors, which is an Atlanta non-profit serving interfaith families. Heering said the attendees were very diverse, “from all religious backgrounds.”

“This event was a testament to the

power of community and the shared joy of celebrating our High Holidays together,” said Debra Meyer, a JFF board member. “We are deeply grateful for the support of our 14 dedicated community

“Abortion is a part of the fertility conversation and it’s problematic when it’s not allowed,” said Elana Frank, JFF founder and CEO.

partners and the overwhelming response from our attendees.”

Heering said the annual festival will be scheduled in 2024 again before the High Holidays. ì

Peace and blessings! As your Cobb County sheriff, I am committed to safeguarding the rich cultural heritage of our Jewish community.

Among the activities for children was face painting, which Aria Mae Feingold enjoyed.

Kayla Heering, JFF national program director, said one to three new cities will be added to JFF annually.

JF&CS Mitzvah Day Leaves Lasting Impact

By Fran M. Putney

On Sept. 10, the Sunday just before Rosh Hashanah, over 200 volunteers participated in Jewish Family & Career Services’ 21st Mitzvah Day at 10 project sites. Mitzvah Day is JF&CS’ annual day of volunteer service for young professionals and families that kicks off the organization’s year of volunteer programming and serves as both a fun and meaningful opportunity for community members to give back.

“JF&CS could not carry out our mission to transform lives without the generosity of the community sharing their time and talent to support our clients and professionals. Since the pandemic, the agency has focused on revitalizing ways in which to engage volunteers at every age to give back,” said JF&CS Leadership & Engagement Officer Lauren Harris.

The goal for Mitzvah Day was to provide both young professionals and families with hands-on volunteer opportunities as well as to highlight the diversity of programs JF&CS offers and clients they serve in the community.

All told, 239 volunteers comprised of 90 young professionals and 47 families (149 individuals) participated in projects benefiting JF&CS programs such as the Kosher Food Pantry, AVIV Older Adult clients, The Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living program, professionals, and clients and more. In addition to the contributions of the JF&CS Young Professional Committee and Family Volunteering Committee, Mitzvah Day community partners included: Atlanta Community Food Bank, Concrete Jungle, NextGen, Repair the World, Food Well Alliance, The Temple, Temple Sinai, Congregation Shearith Israel, Bagel Rescue, La Dee Da Studio, and Love is Love Cooperative Farm.

By days’ end, participants made 220 Rosh Hashanah gift bags for seniors, painted four picnic tables, sorted 300 pounds of food donated to the Kosher Food Pantry, planted more than 100 winter vegetables in the Giving Garden, made eight macrame wall art decorations, packed 3,900 bagels, sorted food at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, prepared 20 meals, and 18 participants volunteered at Dogwood Farms.

JF&CS Volunteer Engagement Manager Megan Koziel said the agency was “overwhelmed by the support” of the volunteers. “It’s amazing how much impact can be made in one afternoon,” she said, adding, “Our community is better when

we come together to help those in need.”

Heather and Ross Fishbein volunteered with their children Ivy, 13, Dafna, 11, and Isaac, 8. Together, the family made Rosh Hashanah cards and bags filled with tea and honey and made bagel bags that were distributed to the community.

“My family really enjoys volunteering at JF&CS, and in the past my daughter, Ivy, did her mitzvah project which added art supplies for the art room at JFCS. I volunteered in the Giving Garden and also the pantry, so when we saw there was the Mitzvah Day, we were

quite excited to be a part of it,” Heather explained. “As a family, I like to take time and show my children how important it is to do mitzvahs and give back.”

A young professional, 27-year-old Ben Halpern, who is an executive vice president with Farmers & Fishermen, de-

Baking honey cakes for One Good Deed seniors.

Volunteers giving back at Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Packaging bagels with Bagel Rescue.

Painting rocks for the Giving Garden.

scribed his experience.

“The great work that JF&CS is doing throughout our community has an unbelievable lasting impact on so many. It was such a meaningful experience helping prepare home-cooked meals for the members of the Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program this past Mitzvah Day. Growing up, my parents always challenged me to try to do at least one mitzvah a day.”

For her part, Sarah Bernstein, PAL and Young Professional program manag-

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er, told the AJT: “We are so grateful for all the Mitzvah Day volunteers, JF&CS professional staff, community partners, and committee members that made Mitzvah Day such a success. Mitzvah Day is a perfect example of what Jewish Atlanta is all about. We hope Mitzvah Day made a lasting impact on those that attended and look forward to bringing more volunteers through our doors at JF&CS.”

For more information about volunteering with JF&CS for community projects, visit www.jfcsatl.org/volunteer. ì

All smiles after cooking meals for the JF&CS Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program homes at Temple Sinai.

Shopping for Kosher Food Pantry donations

All That Glitters at Fay Gold Tribute

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

If ever there was an Atlanta “A” list art event, this was it!

On Sept. 19, Woodruff Arts Center was the venue for “Art is Gold: A Tribute to Fay Gold,” benefiting Gold’s research fund for National Jewish Health in Denver, which leads treatments in respiratory illnesses.

Replete with a live and silent art auction, the evening was all about the 91-year-old doyenne who has unquestionably made her mark on the Atlanta art scene. Dressed in a form fitting, sparkling, ruched at the waist gold gown -- by Man Duggal -- Gold greeted her fans and patrons alongside daughter Amy (Ames) Fisher, dressed in Pho Firenze.

Ellen Monk, who came in from New York for the event, said, “In Park Avenue galleries, Fay Gold is well known for her work in the South.”

Gold was not the only one clad in gold. Gary Snyder wore a gold mask. Councilwoman Mary Norwood donned an elaborate gold ensemble, and Kent Alexander sported a gold pocket watch, circa 1889. The table centerpieces featured dramatic gold vases, and many tuxedos and dinner jackets had gold touches and kerchiefs. The night’s entertainment, SCAD’s Bee Sharps singers, were gold dressed and performed in gold in front of a draped gold curtain. Dennis Dean was the caterer and Parties to Die For provided the décor.

After the initial hour with passed hors d’oevres and time to view the 29 works for the auction, the seated dinner in the lobby began with a priest performing the blessing over the bread and wine in flawless Hebrew. A video and presentation by NJH touted the innovative work they do making strides in the treatment of asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, the effects of climate on lungs, and the use of viruses to treat respiratory illnesses.

Co-chair Anita Thomas explained that through Gold’s suggestion, she sought lifesaving treatment in Denver for a hard to diagnosis malady, Lady Windemere’s Syndrome. Fellow co-chair Paul Hagedorn told of his 18-month stay at NJH as a child who was on the edge of death from asthma. He announced that his sister donated $100,000 that night for research.

Woodruff Arts Center CEO Hala Moddelmog spoke of the art, works by Nevelson and Mapplethorpe, that she and her husband acquired through Gold.

Gold rose to center stage and stated that,

“This is the greatest moment of my life!”

As auctioneer Robert Ahlers, of Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery, brought up each piece, Gold described its significance.

Pieces ranged from an Alex Brewer valued at $500 to Lucy Cookson’s, “I Always Wanted To Be,” valued at $17,000 and Amy Rader’s “Meira” at $14,000, and Boaz Vaa-

dia’s “Hanna and Shemu’el” at $30,000, one of Gold’s noted favorites. Hagedorn also supplied his own photograph, “Eiffel Tower,” for auction.

Daughter Amy Fisher posed with Fay Gold at the black-tie Gala in Fay’s honor.

Kent and Diane Alexander enjoy collecting art at both home and office.

Ted Blum, Ellen Monk, and Gary Snyder added gold touches.

Gary Snyder and Dr. Larry and Bundy Lefkoff told the AJT that they treasure their Boaz Vaadia sculptures. Earlier, Buckhead artist Zoe Hersey Zelby stood by her 2018 “Stripe with Red,” valued at $3,800. Paige Harvey, whose equine work, “Swift Shadows #5,” was auctioned, told the AJT, “Fay’s impact on artists and Atlanta’s art world advanced our culture.”

Collector/interior designer Ros Kastin said, “Gold opened doors by exposing Atlanta to thought provoking art.” Councilwoman Norwood stated, “Fay really united people together based on art.” Gold was previously featured in the Atlanta Jewish Times (May 30, 2017) Chai Style Home column where her Buckhead condo was headlined, “Good As Gold.”

The following is a brief timeline of her storied life: Born in 1932 in South Carolina; in 1942, she entertained troops in USO World War II camp shows; in 1949, she appeared in a movie with Rita Moreno, graduated Adelphi University; in 1954, she married Donald Gold who died in 2010. After moving from New York to Atlanta, Gold taught art in her

backyard, opened the Fay Gold Gallery in 1982, then began consulting in 2010. Gold raised three children and has four grandchildren. Gold’s memoir, “Basquiat’s Cat,” is set to publish in 2024.   Among Gold’s other favorite artists are Keith Haring, Anslem Kiefer, Cindy Sherman and Jeff Koons, just to name a very few. ì

L’Shana Tova

Early Bird Specials*

Co-chair Paul Hagedorn, with Dr. Julie Levine, spoke of his childhood experience with asthma and treatment at National Jewish Health in Denver.

Dr. Larry and Bundy Lefkoff collect Vaadia Boaz’s sculptures.

Parties to Die For carried through the gold theme.

Klibanoff, Reitzes Lead WABE into a Digital Future

By Bob Bahr

When Hank Klibanoff won a Pulitzer Prize in 2007 for a book on journalism in the Deep South of the 1950s, he felt he might achieve a certain amount of fame and a boost to his professional reputation. Maybe, he thought, he might be able to make some money off the nonfiction award winner.

“It was good recognition,” Klibanoff says. “It won a Pulitzer Prize, for goodness sakes, and you feel if you sell 30,000 copies of the book you’ve accomplished something, but even at that, I didn’t make a nickel from it, not even over several years.”

But Klibanoff, who grew up in the small Jewish community of Florence, Ala., before his long and successful career in journalism, was destined for stardom. It would not come in newspapers or the publishing world he knew so well, but on the radio and in the rapidly growing world of podcasts -- something he knew little about.

Literally overnight his broadcast

program, called “Buried Truths,” which was based on his work at Emory University teaching the Georgia Civil Rights Cold Cases Project. The program brought him a loyal audience on WABE, the public broadcaster in Atlanta, and on the Internet. These podcasts about the history

of racial violence in the American South have been downloaded more than three million times by listeners all over the world and hundreds of thousands more on public radio. At the age of 74, with over 60 productions during the last four years, he has achieved a kind of fame that

he never thought possible.

“I never thought that that kind of power could be unleashed,” Klibanoff says. “I never thought that kind of international, global, seemingly intergalactic power would be something I ever did or would benefit from or be able to use.

•

Hank Klibanoff's WABE podcast, “Buried Truth,” has had three million downloads during its four-year history.

Lois Reitzes is a frequent interviewer at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Here, she is pictured at the 2023 AJFF with Charles Fox (center) and film director Danny Gold // Photo Credit: Scott Turner/AJFF

That’s a magnificent change.”

His series has won a string of prestigious prizes, including a Peabody Award from the University of Georgia, generally considered the Pulitzer Prize of broadcasting. President Joe Biden has appointed him to a Presidential commission on racial justice.

The pivot by the station to a future that’s anchored in the digital world is something that Lois Reitzes could hardly have imagined when she first went to work at the station 44 years ago. In 1979, when she was hired to work the early morning broadcast shift, the station was primarily devoted to educational instruction. As the broadcast arm of the Atlanta public school system, it broadcasts to elementary and secondary school classrooms six hours a day. After the school day ended, programs for the general public resumed.

In 1982, when the school broadcasts were shunted off to a broadcast subcarrier, Reitzes oversaw a classical music format that helped make the Atlanta station one of the most successful public radio broadcasters in the nation. In addition to her broadcast responsibilities, she has been a frequent host of opening and closing night programs of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and, with her family, devoted members of The Temple in Midtown.

She believes the station’s success,

now, as in the past, has come from the sense of intimacy and the very personal bond that it has created with its audience.

“I always imagine myself speaking to one person. I think that part of the beauty of radio and audio is the intimacy of the medium. It helps to build a strong sense of rapport and, having a real familial relationship with the audience, attests to intimacy of the medium.”

The classical music is mostly gone from the station, although a subcarrier frequency still carries classical music broadcasts. Reitzes continues to host performances of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra on Sunday nights and she’s managed to survive in the world of news, talk shows, and podcasts that WABE now programs. Today, she hosts the hour-long arts broadcast that has become a popular feature of the station’s daily schedule. It’s helped to extend her career into the middle of her fourth decade with listeners.

“When the format changed nearly 10 years ago, I thought that absolutely that was going to be the end of my tenure. I’d been there 35 years, so it was quite a run. But executive management said arts and culture is an important part of what we do, and we think you should own that. So, I’m still here.”

As it faces an increasingly competitive future, it’s clear that the station is putting more emphasis on politics and civic engagement. It’s doubled its news department in recent years, and it has a recently announced partnership with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The new daily political broadcast by AJC journalists on WABE is hosted by Bill Nigut, the longtime Atlanta media personality. It is symbolic of the new directions that the two legacy media organizations are exploring as they grapple with the future.

The station has raised $6.5 million in new funding, has added additional technical staff, and has commissioned a quartet of four new broadcasts/podcasts in an attempt to find a mix of content and technology that will energize listeners and build audience in this anniversary year.

The CEO and president of the station, Jennifer Dorian, a veteran of 30 years in media management, is hopeful that the experience she brings to WABE will keep the station relevant.

“We have a very prominent and clear goal to shore up our ability to keep transmitting and broadcasting. But at the same time, in the next five years, creativity will be the key. In the future, being a local production studio is going to be vital not only to our service, but also our sustainability.” ì

The CEO/President of WABE, Jennifer Dorian, has raised $6.5 million to develop new broadcast and streaming productions.

Nigut and Bluestein: Power Team Recharges Podcast

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Local treasures and veteran journalists/broadcasters, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut, have joined minds and sought after opinions in their upcoming new podcast, “Politically Georgia.”

Nigut stated, “I was caught off guard when Georgia Public Broadcasting suddenly cancelled ‘Political Rewind’ and dismissed me, especially since the show was enormously popular with listeners across the state. But being asked to join the great political team at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has turned out to be the best thing that could have happened for me, and the fact that I’ll get to talk about politics with Bluestein, [Patricia] Murphy and [Washington correspondent] Tia Mitchell every morning on Atlanta’s most popular NPR station is thrilling.”

High-profile AJC political reporter Greg Bluestein, who has often been featured in the Atlanta Jewish Times, most recently accompanying Gov. Brian Kemp to Israel, said from his corner, “We’re entering such an exciting time at the AJC. Our editors know we have to find new ways to reach our audience, and they’ve devoted a tremendous amount of resources to podcasts and audio reporting. This expansion of the ‘Politically Georgia’ podcast is just the latest example –and a huge opportunity.”

The new show will launch in late October on WABE and will be a melding between “Political Rewind,” which Nigut created and hosted for nine years on GPB Radio, and “Politically Georgia,” the very popular podcast

created by Bluestein, which developed into a political conversation between Greg and Patricia Murphy once she came on board as a new reporter/columnist for the AJC.

For the last six years, the “Politically Georgia” podcast has built a devoted audience with Bluestein and Murphy hosting the show since 2021 and producing twiceweekly podcasts with boisterous campaign rallies, from the likes of airplane terminals, Capitol press conferences, and rural Georgia diners. The new WABE show will be an hour-long show starting at 10 a.m. and also posted as a podcast each morning.

Bluestein, who graduated North Springs High School and gave the commencement address at his alma mater, the University of Georgia, continued, “Our goal is to help listeners understand what’s really going on at the Gold Dome, the halls of Congress, and on the campaign trail from a team of journalists who are talking to politicians, candidates, activists, and voters every day. We know Georgia politics can be bewildering – to say the least – but we’ve assembled a team of experts who can help listeners understand the biggest issues of the day. And we can rely on an extensive network of reporters at the AJC and WABE to make sense of the latest developments at a crucial time.”

Preparations began in early August when Mitchell and Nigut joined Bluestein and Murphy on the podcast. The new radio show will air live five mornings per week and will most often feature the four participants discussing Georgia political news and national stories in which Georgia plays a role. Next year is expected to be an extraor-

dinary time in U.S. and Georgia politics with the following story lines playing out: Georgia is one of a handful of swing states and a crucial player in the Presidential election; Kemp and the pro-Trump wing of the state GOP are predicted to clash; and a federal court ruling could force the General Assembly to redraw Georgia’s maps to give Democrats an extra seat in Congress and perhaps expand Democratic power in the legislature.

Bluestein added, “There is so much to discuss. Georgia is the nation’s premier political battleground, and the state could yet again play a decisive role in the race for the White House. The Fulton County indictment against Donald Trump and his allies could bring the trial of the century in our backyard. We have a cast of ambitious and interesting politicians and policymakers who figure to be in the national conversation for years to come.”

ORT Atlanta

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Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 6:00 pm

Sandy Springs

Location shared upon RSVP

Nigut concluded, “Fans of ‘Political Rewind’ are a committed and large cohort. Many of them have come over to join the large audience for the ‘Politically Georgia’ podcast, and I continue to get many emails and social media questions asking when I’ll be back on the radio. Just a lovely side note: a few weeks ago a very beautiful flower arrangement showed up at my house sent by followers of a Facebook group called ‘Political Rewinders Unwind,’ in which the note thanked me for the years of hosting my GPB show. They are among the people who will welcome the arrival of the new radio show and who already love my three colleagues who were regulars on my GPB show.”

Nigut served previously as the Southeast Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League in 2007, and later received the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust Humanitarian Award in 2013. ì

For tickets, sponsorships, or to make a donation to ORT America in honor of Lesley, Terry, or ORT Atlanta’s Honey from the Heart leadership, please visit ortamerica.org/ATLCelebration or call (404) 327-5266.

Atlanta native and Atlanta JournalConstitution political reporter Greg Bluestein will partner with Nigut to form the new WABE show.

Bill Nigut’s fawning fans sent flowers to his home and await the arrival of the new show.

JF&CS Address Domestic Abuse Violence

By Debbie Diamond

With her five-week-old son and his diaper bag in tow, Robin Feldman walked out of her Chicago home in October 1993 and never turned back. She had found the strength to leave the abusive marriage she had been in for almost two years.

Weeks earlier, she had spoken to her father about the problems she was having in her marriage. She could no longer contain her concern and, frankly, her embarrassment after her husband screamed at her on a New York City street filled with pedestrians. On the night she left, a therapist issued her a Tarasoff warning, invoking a law that requires psychologists and other mental health professionals to warn people of threats made against them by clients.

According to Wendy Lipshutz, LCSW, the Shalom Bayit (Peace in the Home) program director at Jewish Family & Career Services, the Jewish community is not immune to domestic abuse. “Jewish women have suffered in their own homes, and our goal is for the silence to completely disappear one day. We in the Jewish community can no longer pretend that abuse is not occurring,” Lipshutz said.

Lipshutz recalls telling the story of a woman she calls Sarah. Even with her tenure in the field, Lipshutz herself felt reluctant to share this woman’s story of abuse on the bimah at her temple in Atlanta, fearing those listening could mistake Sarah’s situation as her own or that of a friend or family member. Feeling fortunate that this saga was not hers, Lipshutz has since gone on to share Sarah’s story and many others as she speaks up for those who are suffering.

In Atlanta, Shalom Bayit provides counseling support and guidance for individuals who are facing physical, emotional or sexual abuse and for those who have experienced abuse in the past. The program provides short- and longterm direct assistance for safety and healing, including individual counseling, safety planning, referrals, and support

groups. Shalom Bayit also works hard to dispel the myth that abuse does not occur in Jewish homes and to educate the community about the existence of abuse in all religions, economic groups, educational levels, and lifestyles. Lipshutz shared that the program sees close to 200 people each year and 43 percent of their clients are Jewish.

Shalom Bayit started with a shocking article in the Atlanta Jewish Times in 1992 in which JacLynn Morris, a past JF&CS board member, published her personal story of abuse. It was the first time in Atlanta anyone had publicly acknowledged that family violence indeed happens in the Jewish community.

Lipshutz points out that signs of abuse do not always show up as expected. Frequently, one partner feels isolated, losing contact with family and friends, which effectively takes away any support system. Financial abuse often leaves the victim without any information on their family’s finances, so they are forced to depend on their partner. Control is a huge factor in abuse, and in verbal abuse, the abuser often belittles their partner, gaslights them and causes the victim to blame themselves for the couple’s problems. More physical manifestations include blocking doors, use of weapons or threats, punching, kicking, pulling hair, and abusing children or pets.

Jewish Women International, one of the leading national Jewish organizations working to end violence against women and girls, conducted research in 2021 to analyze Jewish survivors’ needs and found U.S. Jewish communities substantially lacking in safe shelter, legal services, acknowledgement, and support. Their research report, the National Needs Assessment of Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community, offers recommendations for new programs, collaborations, and funding priorities to ensure that Jewish survivors can safely remain and thrive in their respective communities.

Legal representation -- addressing

such complex issues as child custody, divorce, and equitable financial distribution -- was identified as the top resource gap for people leaving abusive homes. The report found that pro-bono lawyers have been an inadequate resource to meet the long-term legal needs survivors face. In many cases, survivors are left to represent themselves. Legal work in the Jewish community is further complicated by a husband’s ability to withhold the get or religious divorce decree as a means of control over his spouse.

Financial independence and selfsufficiency is another challenge facing abuse survivors. JWI recommends jobs that allow for flexibility, given survivors’ unique challenges. Also, better access to affordable childcare, transportation, and services that enable survivors to work outside of the home in traditional 9-5 workplaces are needed. In their outreach to Jewish communities, JWI suggests developing a trauma-informed skills training program tailored to the strengths and assets of each participant, as well as a commitment by financial institutions to provide support, low-interest loans, cash assistance, and other services that impact long-term economic security. In the financial realm, survivors need mentorship and connection with others as they work to enhance their economic security.

Other critical needs cited in the report include additional transitional housing, outreach to children who have been in the home and experienced or witnessed domestic abuse, and more training for rabbis and cantors so they feel more confident in supporting survivors. JWI also proposes the creation of a national umbrella organization to support all Jewish domestic violence providers with specialized trainings, advocacy, and support, as well as connecting advocates through conferences, newsletters, virtual gatherings, and events.

Today, Feldman is active in several Jewish organizations, including JF&CS. After several years in and out of court with her husband – and many restraining orders later – she speaks with those needing advice and continues to advocate for others experiencing abuse. She credits Shalom Bayit with helping her overcome the trauma she experienced many years ago. Feldman is the event chair for this year’s event, “Empowering Survivors: Celebrating 30 Years of Shalom Bayit,” which will be held on Oct. 12 at Sandy Springs City Hall. All proceeds will benefit survivors of domestic abuse and the organization. For event details and to attend, visit www.give.jfcsatl.org/ event/empowering-survivors-celebrating-30-years-of-shalom-bayit/e499303. ì

Wendy Lipshutz, LCSW, Shalom Bayit program director at Jewish Family & Career Services

Jewish Family & Career Services’ program Shalom Bayit provides counseling support and guidance for those who are dealing with various types of abuse.

Robin Feldman, event chair for “Empowering Survivors: Celebrating 30 Years of Shalom Bayit.”

The End of an Era for Bennie’s Shoes

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

From generation to generation, the Sephardic Shemaria family lived the American dream by carving a legendary spot in the history of Atlanta retailing and the evolution of functional family dynamics.

Along the arc of brick-and-mortar stores foraging their way in customer acquisition, through COVID lockdown and E-commerce competition, after 114 years, Bennie’s Shoes will close at the end of September.

Bennie Shemaria came to the U.S. in 1909 from the Isle of Rhodes. In 1912, he opened his own shoe repair store. He had three sons: Jack, Hymie, and Louie. When the boys were older, they all had their own shoe repair shops. In 1970, a friend’s connection put Louie in touch with Johnston & Murphy Shoe Company. Louie flew to Nashville to meet with them and bought 375 pairs of discontinued factory reject shoes. Once Louie started selling shoes, he invited Jack and Hymie to join him. Jack and Hymie subsequently sold their repair shops and joined Louie at Broadview Plaza off Piedmont. In welloiled family efficiency, Jack operated the register, Hymie handled repair, Louie ran sales and building the business, which methodically created a solid retail niche.

Louie’s strategy was to assure well stocked, hard-to-find sizes for the wide swath of customers who needed big shoes, wide or narrow widths. Athletes, politicians, lawyers, the working man, the country club set, and a racially diverse customer base made Bennie’s one of the top men’s stores in the South. High profilers from Clark Howard to mayors touted the service and bargains at Bennie’s.

Louie said, “By 1990, we were well known and firmly established. Not just in Atlanta, but in the shoe industry as well. CEOs, judges, corporate executives were all shopping at Bennie’s. The main store in Buckhead had 20 sales associates. Bennie’s was the largest independent shoe store in the Southeast.”

Logistics shuffled as Atlanta grew outward. Mark (Jack’s son) managed a new store in Smyrna. In 1984, a third store opened in Norcross, followed by Roswell. In 1989, Louie’s son, Brian, managed the Smyrna store and Mark moved to the Buckhead store. At this point, the Roswell store had closed, and the Smyrna store moved to Kennesaw.

In 2003, the store in Buckhead at Lindbergh Plaza had to move across the

street since the Broadview Plaza was rebuilt. A few years later, the Kennesaw store closed followed by the Norcross store. In 2010, Louie and Hymie decided to retire, and Brian became half-owner

with cousin, Mark. Louie’s daughter, Stephanie Rosenberg, served as office manager.

Louie continued, “As time went on, the older customers had unfortunately passed away, and the younger generation was going online to purchase shoes. Things changed once the Atlanta Summer Olympics came and went. Atlanta was now an international city and retailers like Nordstrom, DSW filed in. By the end of the 1990s, the Internet started selling shoes online. Companies like Zappos and Amazon took another bite.”

Most of the shoe companies had their own web-based stores with prices that were less than Bennie’s offerings. The shoe companies cut out the middleman and were going direct to the customer. Once the pandemic hit, things continued to tumble.

Louie recalled, “Most, if not all the shoes made in the world, come from overseas. Shoe manufacturers had no stock and getting shoes was extremely

tough. Not to mention that people were staying at home.”

Louie is 89, Hymie is 91, and Jack passed away eight years ago at 93. Mark is 68 and will be retiring. Brian is employed at Piedmont National.

Giving up the lease, ever gracious, Louie exclaimed, “Thank you, Atlanta, for your long-time support. I love this city!”

On a personal note, this AJT writer had the privilege of handling Bennie’s newspaper advertising for the Atlanta Journal Constitution for more than a decade. Louie always had a warm smile and (clean) joke to share. On the rare times that the ad didn’t appear on the ‘top right position’, this writer would get a call first thing Monday morning and head out the door to curry favor with fresh bagels. They were always amazing businesspeople who greeted customers by name and retained loyal staff. Shalom to the loss of this century-old institution. ì

The current store at Piedmont Avenue and Sidney Marcus Boulevard will close, ending the family's 114-year shoe business.

Jack and Louie Shemaria share some brotherly love in front of their shoe products.

Foundation

The Old Synagogue in Erfurt, Germany, seen Sept. 11, 2023, is considered one of the oldest synagogues in Central Europe

Medieval German Synagogue

Added to UNESCO World Heritage List

(JTA) — A United Nations committee designated a group of medieval Jewish buildings in Erfurt, Germany, as a World Heritage Site on Sunday.

UNESCO, the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, also gave the World Heritage designation to a ruins site near the West Bank city of Jericho, angering Israeli officials by describing its location as in the “State of Palestine.”

The designation in Erfurt, a former

Today in Israeli History

Sept. 30, 1957: French Prime Minister Maurice Bourgès-Maunoury backdates to today his signature on a letter of cooperation with Israel on a nuclear reactor. He actually signs the letter Oct. 1, the day he is voted out of office.

Aaron Ciechanover shared the 2004 Nobel Prize in chemistry. // By Amos

Ben Gershom, Israeli Government Press Office

Oct. 1, 1947: Biochemist Aaron Ciechanover is born in Haifa. He becomes one of Israel’s first Nobel laureates in 2004 when he shares the chemistry prize with Israeli Avram Hershko and American Irwin Rose for work on ubiquitin in cells.

Oct. 2, 1187 : Saladin, the sultan of Egypt and founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, captures Jerusalem from crusaders after a siege that began Sept. 20. Saladin is tolerant of Jews and allows them to live in the holy city again in 1190.

Oct. 3, 2005: Sarah Levy-Tanai, a choreographer who incorporated Mizrahi and Ashkenazi elements and won the Israel Prize in 1973, dies at age 94 or 95. She founded the Inbal Dance Theater in 1949.

TODAY IN ISRAELI HISTORY ISRAEL PRIDE

East German city, was cause for celebration — the announcement, which came at the close of Rosh Hashanah, was broadcast live at the local city hall, where applause broke out. Three buildings were honored by the Paris-based U.N. agency: Erfurt’s Old Synagogue, which dates back to the late 11th century; a mikveh, or ritual bath, which is now situated under a newer building; and a 13th-century stone building that captures what Jewish life was like there in medieval times.

The announcement was good news for the new year, according to Reinhard Schramm, chairman of the Jewish regional organization for the state of Thuringia. Speaking to local media, he expressed thanks to all those who had worked on the application and said his delight at the news was tempered by worries about growing nationalism and antisemitism.

“It is important for Jews to feel that they are welcome in Erfurt,” he said. There are about 650 Jews living in the entire state of Thuringia today.

The Old Synagogue dates back to the 1090s, when its first stones were laid. A pogrom in 1349, triggered by antisemitic canards blaming Jews for the Black Plague, wiped out the entire local Jewish community.

By Toby Axelrod/JTA

Lithuania’s President Honors Those Who Saved Jewish Artifacts During Holocaust

(New York Jewish Week) — The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research welcomed Lithuania’s president to its Manhattan headquarters recently to honor the Jews who rescued rare books and documents from the Vilna Ghetto and the non-Jewish Lithuanian librarian who protected the same material from destruction by the Soviets.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda was the guest of honor at a small ceremony unveiling two plaques in YIVO’s Strashun Rare Book Room.

The first plaque recalls the Jewish slave laborers, led by Avrom Sutzkever and Shmerke Kaczerginski, who in 1942 and 1943 defied the Nazis’ orders and protected a trove of Jewish documents and artifacts that the Germans had intended to house in a museum dedicated to the “exterminated race.”

The second plaque honors Antanas Ulpis, then director of the Lithuanian National Book Chamber, who in 1948 hid the archival materials from the Soviets, who also intended to seize and likely destroy them.

Oct. 8, 1576: Ottoman Sultan Murad III orders 1,000 “rich and prosperous” Jewish residents of Safed moved to Famagusta, Cyprus, to spur economic development on the island. The Ottomans move 500 more Jews a year later.

The materials saved by the Jewish “Paper Brigade” and Ulpis form the heart of YIVO’s collection of some 25 million rare books, diaries, maps, photographs, and films documenting the extent of Yiddish civilization prior to and during the Holocaust.

“These acts [of rescue] are without any doubt unique examples of universal human principles to fight the evil, to fight the darkness with every bit of light,” Nausėda said in prepared remarks. “We say we must remember, we must never forget.”

By Andrew Silow-Carroll/JTA

Oct. 11, 1938: Arab leaders adopt the Resolutions of the Inter-Parliamentary Congress, rejecting Palestine’s partition, demanding an end to Jewish immigration but offering to let Jews who are already in Palestine remain.

Oct. 4, 1992: El Al Flight 1862, a 747 carrying cargo from New York to Tel Aviv, crashes into an apartment complex in Bijlmermeer, Netherlands, 16 minutes after taking off from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, where the plane had changed crews.

Oct. 5, 1898: Painter Nachum Gutman is born in Moldova. At 7, he moves to Ottoman Palestine. He paves the way for Israeli artists, writers, painters and sculptors to move away from European influences.

Oct. 6, 1973 : More than 70,000 Egyptian infantrymen and 1,000 tanks cross the Suez Canal on bridges erected overnight while Syria sends 40,000 men and two armored divisions into the Golan Heights after an artillery attack on Yom Kippur.

Oct. 7, 2009: Crystallographer Ada Yonath, part of the chemistry faculty at the Weizmann Institute, becomes the first woman from the Middle East to win a science Nobel Prize when she shares the chemistry award for work on ribosomes.

Oct. 9, 1994: Hamas terrorists abduct soldier Nachshon Wachsman in central Israel by offering him a ride while wearing kippot and playing Hasidic music. A rescue attempt ends in the deaths of Wachsman and the commander of the rescue team.

Oct. 10, 1983: Yitzhak Shamir becomes Israel’s seventh prime minister after fellow Likud member Menachem Begin resigns. Shamir serves until an election in July 1984, then heads the government from 1988 to 1992.

Oct. 12, 1938: Gavriel Salomon, the founder of the Center for Research on Peace Education at Haifa University and the university’s education dean from 1993 to 1998, is born. He advocates coexistence programs and the pedagogical uses of technology.

Oct. 13, 1969: Deputy Prime Minister Yigal Allon reveals his plan for home rule for the 650,000 Arabs living in the West Bank. They would have full autonomy in municipal affairs, education, religious policy, commerce and trade, and police.

Oct. 14, 1994: The Norwegian Nobel Committee announces that Israel’s Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres are sharing the Nobel Peace Prize with the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Yasser Arafat for achieving the Oslo Accords in 1993.

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

Jonathan Brent, executive director and CEO of YIVO, and Gitanas Nausėda, president of Lithuania, examine holdings in the Strashun Rare Books Room at YIVO’s New York headquarters, Sept. 18//

Photo Credit: YIVO: Melanie Einzig/JTA

// Photo Credit: Martin Schutt/ picture alliance via Getty Images/JTA

An apartment complex in Bijlmermeer is damaged after being struck by an El Al cargo plane Oct. 4, 1992. // By Jos Wiersema

Nachshon Wachsman is shown on a video released by Hamas after his capture.

Netanyahu Attracts Attention on Both U.S. Coasts

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took a whirlwind trip to the U.S. between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It started with a politically turbulent, but quick, visit to San Francisco to meet with controversial mogul Elon Musk, then headed eastward to the chaotic city of New York where he met with President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly at which he also spoke to a nearly empty hall after many of the world’s diplomats had already left the U.S.

The trip ended with a mad dash to beat the oncoming winds and rains of Tropical Storm Ophelia and to make it back to Israel before Erev Yom Kippur.

The analysis of Netanyahu’s first trip to the U.S. since he again became prime minister last December was mixed, with political observers stressing the historical nature of the visit on several levels.

This was the longest time period a recently elected Israeli prime minister had to wait for a meeting with the sitting U.S. president. Biden, it seemed, delayed the visit both due to his unease with the right-wing coalition government the prime minister had cobbled together and because this government has been ramrodding legislation to weaken the powers of the country’s judicial system, incensing at least half of Israel’s population, and bringing millions into the streets over the past nine months.

The history-making aspects of the trip followed Netanyahu – in the form of Israeli ex-pats and Jewish American protesters – wherever he went. On the West Coast, he was greeted with a visual projection of himself in an orange prison jumpsuit behind bars, saying “Welcome to Alcatraz Bibi,” on the walls of the infamous prison, using his nickname. Netanyahu has been fighting several corruption charges in an ongoing trial in Jerusalem, charges he contends are political.

The provocative message followed one earlier in the week in New York, projected on the U.N. building saying, “Don’t believe Crime Minister Netanyahu. Protect Israeli democracy.” Those messages, plus the well-organized protests supported by the Israeli ex-pat grassroots activist group UnXeptable, followed the prime minister at every point in his trip, from his landing in San Jose, to his hotel there and his meeting with Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur who – many critics contend – has provided a platform

to spread antisemitism on X, formerly known as Twitter, which he bought nearly a year ago.

The Anti-Defamation League, which fights bias and antisemitism, has been trading accusations with Musk for months. In early September, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt released a statement contending that “this urgent matter is the safety of the Jewish people in the face of increasing, intensifying antisemitism. Musk is engaging with and elevating these antisemites at a time when ADL is tracking a surge of bomb threats and swatting attacks of synagogues and Jewish institutions, dramatic levels of antisemitic propaganda being littered throughout Jewish and non-Jewish residential communities, and extremists marching openly through the streets in Nazi gear. All of this is happening in a

context of the highest number of antisemitic incidents that ADL has tracked in more than 40 years.”

In early September, AntiDefamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said Elon “Musk is engaging with and elevating these antisemites at a time when ADL is tracking a surge of bomb threats and swatting attacks of synagogues and Jewish institutions, dramatic levels of antisemitic propaganda being littered throughout Jewish and non-Jewish residential communities, and extremists marching openly through the streets in Nazi gear.”

ADL’s comments in the wake of the prime minister’s meeting with Musk were more moderate. “We appreciated PM Netanyahu for raising concerns about the proliferation of antisemitism on X/Twitter during his conversation with Elon Musk. We hope that Mr. Musk takes PM Netanyahu’s concerns seriously so that X/Twitter can become a safer and more welcome place for all,” according to an ADL spokesperson.

That controversy blew over quickly as Netanyahu flew East. He was met at his hotel, at the U.N., at the Biden meeting and everywhere he went with hundreds and ultimately thousands of Israeli expats and American Jews blowing horns, beating drums, yelling “shame” and “de-

mocracy” in Hebrew. The protest at the U.N. was considered the largest outside of Israel and was significant because Israelis living in the U.S. had not previously protested their own government.

In his speech to the U.N. General Assembly’s 78th session, Netanyahu notably ignored Israel’s domestic crisis in which critics of his policies are charging that he’s leading the country from a democracy into an authoritarian autocracy or theocracy. He focused, instead, on the possibility of normalization with Saudi Arabia that the Biden administration is trying to construct, as well as the continuing threat from Iran.

Repeating his inclination to display graphics, Netanyahu held up a map of the Middle East in 1948, showing the small size of Israel. A few years ago, in a previous address to the U.N. General Assembly, he showed an illustration of how Iran was approaching its ability to build nuclear weapons.

Whether a coincidence or not, Netanyahu even referred to John Lennon’s memorable song, “Imagine,” while protesters played the recording outside the U.N. headquarters, before they completed their protest by singing Israel’s national anthem, “Hatikvah.” ì

Protesters outside the Israeli consulate in New York City, Sept. 22. // Photo Credit: UnXeptable/JTA

All-Star Kremer Shines for Playoff-Bound Orioles

For nearly a decade, Baltimore Orioles right-handed starting pitcher Dean Kremer has been the face of Israel’s national baseball team.

David Ostrowsky

During the 2017 World Baseball Classic, Kremer was the youngest player (20) on Team Israel, but as the first-ever Israeli American to be selected in the MLB draft and later play in the big leagues -- he was first picked by the San Diego Padres in 2015 but ultimately went to UNLV for a year before getting drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 -- is quick to point out his involvement with the up-and-coming program predates his WBC debut in 2017. It was, in fact, in 2014, merely several years removed from his bar mitzvah, that the native of Stockton, Calif., represented his parents’ home country on the global stage when he anchored the pitching staff for Team Israel in the European Championship qualifiers.

After dominating for a second consecutive summer in the 2015 Euro Championship qualifiers for Team Israel and later toeing the rubber for the Israelis during the 2017 WBC, Kremer this decade has established himself as a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter for an Orioles team whose current edition is unexpectedly contending for a World Series title, while being on pace to crack 100 wins – a feat that was never accomplished in Baltimore during the Cal Ripken Jr. years. Certainly, two years ago, when Baltimore nosedived to a 52-110 finish, there wasn’t much talk of the franchise contending in the near future. But at this hour, as October looms, should the Braves capture the National League pennant, the O’s stand as the favorite to be their opponent in the Fall Classic.

“To the Orioles who have struggled the past few years and then when we started turning it around last year, we were heavily doubted, saying last year was a fluke,” said Kremer, who was acquired by the Orioles in a 2018 trade from the Dodgers. “Trying to prove it otherwise this year.”

Both Kremer and the Orioles had a rough 2021. The 27-year-old, who has dual American and Israeli citizenship, speaks fluent Hebrew, and makes regular off-season visits to Israel, where most of

his extended family lives, posted an 0-7 record with a 7.55 ERA two summers ago. But a bounce-back 2022 season for both Kremer (8-7, 3.23 ERA) and Baltimore (8379), one marked by modifications made to the hitter-friendly dimensions of their home ballpark, Camden Yards, has given way to a 2023 campaign that has seen Kremer atop the American League wins leaders and Baltimore in the thick of the AL pennant race.

“I don’t know about one thing in particular,” Kremer responded when asked if there’s one thing he can attribute to the drastic two-year improvement. “It’s just been gradually trying to get better every year. Whether that be stuff or mechanics or just everything in general, scouting. Just kind of a process.”

To be sure, looking over his shoulder and seeing a left-field wall that is nearly 27 feet farther away and six feet taller than it was in seasons past hasn’t hurt.

“I think it gives you a little bit more comfort at our place to be able to pitch without worrying about giving up homers left and right on balls that shouldn’t be,” added Kremer, who, before pitching for Team Israel, represented the United States in the 2013 Maccabiah Games.

Kremer, like virtually every other big-league pitcher this decade, is no stranger to taking the hill amidst an evolving stadium backdrop as his first taste of Major League Baseball was during the 2020 COVID season when ball-

parks were desolate edifices.

“I would like to say that it [summer 2020] was a nice ease into the big leagues since there were no fans and it was basically just a competitive intersquad game almost with no people there,” said Kremer. “It kind of brought me back to my redshirt days at junior college where I had to throw an intersquad game every Monday against our starting position players.”

If the Orioles, as expected, play deep into October in pursuit of their first World Series title in 40 years, Camden Yards promises to be packed to the brim with a boisterous crowd – truthfully, a rarity during regular season games for as long as Kremer has been in Baltimore.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” Kremer said about the impending electric atmosphere at the old-timey/trailblazing ballpark. “I really hope I don’t hear it. Hopefully, I’m in my own world out there on the mound like I usually am to not let that affect me in any way.”

World Series parade or not, Kremer will be headed back to Israel this winter for his annual two-week off-season visit. In addition to catching up with family and friends, perhaps enlightening some on baseball happenings, he will also show off his newfound cooking skills that he has developed while carving up American League East lineups.

“It [cooking] was something that came about in 2020 over COVID and I

moved out of my parents’ house shortly after,” said Kremer, who specializes in serving up Israeli, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese dishes and even has an Instagram account for the endeavor, @offseason_bites. “I was fortunate my mom cooked dinner for us every night basically. It was something that she’s really good at and something that I like to do as well now. Every dish is kind of like a challenge for me, where I look at a recipe or gather similar recipes and put them together and come up with a meal that people get to enjoy.”

Outside of family gatherings, Kremer walks around Israel as a stranger – a testament to baseball’s still-nascent popularity in the country he represents every week when he takes the hill for the Orioles.

“In Israel, it [baseball] is definitely growing,” said Kremer, who was the ace for Team Israel’s pitching staff during last spring’s WBC. “There’s a lot more kids playing and a lot more kids involved. Here, there’s a lot more people around pro ball – Jewish baseball players that want to participate in those kinds of games.

“The kids that I’ll see and the kids that are around the baseball atmosphere there [Israel] are definitely intrigued, but outside of that, like walking around on a normal street, I’ll never get recognized. It’s not big enough there – yet. Hopefully one day.”  ì

For the past several years, Kremer has represented Israeli baseball well in both MLB and WBC action. This fall, he has his sights set on helping the Orioles win their first title since 1983 // Photo Courtesy of Baltimore Orioles

Now in his fourth season in the big leagues, Orioles righty Dean Kremer has emerged as one of the most effective starting pitchers in the American League // Photo Courtesy of Baltimore Orioles

Salz Balances Judaism, Football for Texas A&M

By David Ostrowsky

It remains to be seen how many of Texas A&M’s remaining football games will be played in the evening. Should the Aggies play in any SEC clashes that kick off after sunset, the Orthodox Jewish community will be represented in what many would consider a, well, highly unorthodox manner.

Indeed, a nighttime A&M game would allow college football fans nationwide to catch a glimpse of the legacy program’s junior wide receiver, Sam Salz, he of Philadelphia’s Kohelet Yeshiva High School, roaming the sidelines. Salz is believed to be the only Orthodox Jew to play Division I college football this season (if not, the first-ever) and he’s doing so in style, donning a “Chabad A&M” kippah under his helmet while wearing the number “39” to symbolize the 39 tasks and items that are avoided during Sabbath, known in Hebrew as lamed tet melachot Yes, playing football falls into that category.

“At the end of the day, everything is conditional on me keeping Shabbat,” said Salz, who is adamant about not suiting up before sunset on Saturdays this autumn even if it means forfeiting potential opportunities to see game action for the first time…in his life.

While he may not be the most impactful college football player this year, Salz has to be one of the most interesting – and not just because of his religious background. The five-foot-five, 155-pound wideout never played a down of organized football before being invited to join the SEC powerhouse last year after the coaching staff caught wind of his burning desire to come aboard. Apparently, Kohelet Yeshiva High School did not have a football program and Salz, whose family had a lukewarm interest in the sport, never played in middle school or Pop Warner. As much as young Sam, naturally a die-hard Eagles fan being a Philly native, was enamored with football, his playing days were limited to recess and physical education class. When it came time to select a college, Salz ultimately decided to enroll in Texas A&M largely because football is so heavily embedded in the school’s fabric.

“I always loved the culture that football brought,” continued Salz. “It was the first time that I had seen a state school like that with a stadium that is the center of the whole campus. It’s the biggest landmark in the entire city.”

As a freshman in 2021, Salz was on

a Chabad trip to New York City when he broached the subject of playing for the Aggies to his buddies while taking the subway crosstown. They thought it was a cool idea (“Yeah, why not?”), and so did a couple passengers who overheard the lighthearted conversation. Salz’s mind was set – he was going to do everything in his power to secure a roster spot the following season.

Shortly after returning to campus, Salz began training in earnest outside the Aggies’ practice facility. Not only did Salz catch the attention of the coaching staff by spending nine months getting himself into shipshape condition, but he also took the initiative to reach out and introduce himself to esteemed head coach Jimbo Fisher and a couple of the athletic directors away from the field. Although no formal invitation to a walk-on tryout ever materialized leading up to the 2022 season, due to the roster being at full capacity, Salz remained undeterred. He kept up with his solo training and conditioning exercises before a spot did open up a few weeks into the season and he was subsequently welcomed to join the squad.

“Sometimes when something crazy

happens, you can’t believe that it happened,” Salz recalled when reflecting on the life-changing moment from a year ago. “I obviously went to pray at synagogue to thank G-d for everything.”

Now in his first complete season in College Station, Salz maintains that, while things can change rapidly in college football and you never know when your number will be called, his primary role is that of being an exemplary teammate.

“In some respects, it is kind of hard to describe it [my role on the team],” said Salz, who attended B’nai Abraham Chabad in Center City and is currently studying different intricacies of Jewish law to understand the Torah and be closer to G-d while also planning on pursuing his rabbinic ordination. “At the very least I hope that I provide some inspiration.

“I really hope that I can serve as a good energy to the team. I think that’s really what it is. Someone who comes in who’s ready to work and who just wants the best for his teammates. I’ll always be in their corner if they need support. I really feel like they are my brothers.”

Naturally, at a school such as Texas A&M where Jewish students represent

a very small minority of the student body, his faith is an object of fascination among his football brethren.

Explained Salz, “Fundamentally, there’s not many people who know a lot about what Jews believe. There are some more things that especially culminate with the Orthodox background that surprise some people.” One of which is his refraining from touching girls before marriage, about which Salz acknowledges “a lot of my teammates are fascinated by that one.”

A Sabbath-observing, yarmulkewearing SEC football player promises to be a fascinating storyline throughout this season. A cursory glance at A&M’s remaining schedule shows the school has a potential primetime game against fellow SEC heavyweight Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 7. Is the prospect of ESPN scheduling that marquee matchup for the nighttime, effectively offering Salz his most visible platform yet, particularly exciting?

“There is a reason I think about it [Oct. 7 vs. Alabama], but it’s not because of that,” responded Salz. “The reason I think about that Alabama game is because it’s also Simchat Torah, so I won’t be able to be out there anyway.”  ì

After not playing organized football throughout his middle school and high school years, Sam Salz found his way onto the roster of an SEC powerhouse // Photo Courtesy of Texas A&M University

Texas A&M junior wide receiver Sam Salz is starting to garner national attention for his improbable rise to Division I college football // Photo Courtesy of Texas A&M University

OPINION

COVID is Back from Vacation

The Pandemic Tyme Preacher

Woman is back — and just in time, it appears.

The PTPW — whose name I will not publish, lest any crazies reading this column feel inclined to harass her — is a 60-something Jewish woman living in New York City. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she has religiously, in accordance with her Jewish beliefs, and as a matter of prudence, worn a mask.

Relatively early in the outbreak, she became the Pandemic Tyme Preacher Woman, posting videos as she moved about the city, urging people to protect themselves and others from the virus by wearing a mask. Even after the federal emergency declaration for the pandemic expired (at midnight, May 11, 2023) the PTPW kept on wearing a mask, no matter the looks or comments directed toward her.

At a Jewish wedding on Long Island this summer, “I was the actual sole person masking. Now you can imagine how this went over. I got stares, I got smirks, I got all kinds of comments,” she said in a video. “I’m so incredulous that this needs to be said. The pandemic is not over. I don’t know if it ever will be over. As long as people are getting COVID, the pandemic is not over . . . “

In recent months, the PTPW posted less often.

She resurfaced a few weeks ago. Not so coincidentally, so did new variants of COVID-19 — an acronym that combines CO for corona, VI for virus, D for disease, and 19 for the year the novel coronavirus was recognized, in 2019.

“People you know are getting sick again, that a few months respite from the ubiquity of COVID infections, it seems that they are back,” the PTPW said.

And herein lies a cautionary tale.

Even the PTPW is susceptible to a momentary lapse of resolve. Hers may have come in Paris, on a recent trip abroad, perhaps when she removed her mask in a subterranean jazz club. Returning home, she tested positive.

I can sympathize. I removed my mask in a crowded Chicago blues club in May 2020. Within days of returning

home, I felt ill and tested positive, as did my wife a few days later.

One of my sisters has her own COVID tale. She and my brother-in-law recently attended a bar mitzvah in Washington, D.C. Within days, both tested positive — as did at least 20 others who attended the party afterward. A member of the host family sent out an apologetic email that ended with the hashtag #stopsuperspreaderbarmitzvahs.

In the past few weeks, I’ve heard more anecdotal reports of COVID cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the rate of COVIDrelated hospital admissions nationally increased 7.7 percent for the week between Aug. 27 and Sept. 2. COVID-related hospitalizations in Georgia decreased 10.2 percent in the same period, after increases in previous weeks.

Compared with the pandemic’s peak, the raw numbers behind those percentages are small and do not include people who test positive but do not go to a hospital.

No matter the data, a poll conducted in August found that half of Americans believe that the pandemic is over, down from 62 percent in mid-May. The AxiosIpsos American Health Index also found only 15 percent reporting that they sometimes wear a mask in public, declining from 23 percent in May and 30 percent in February. Significantly larger percentages felt that opioids/fentanyl, obesity, and access to firearms were greater public health threats than COVID.

In mid-September, the federal Food and Drug Administration approved an updated vaccine and the CDC recommended that everyone from six months old and up roll up a sleeve and be vaccinated. I plan to get mine soon.

I am filing this column still jetlagged from a week in Barcelona, a trip that my wife and I were forced to cancel in mid-March 2020 as COVID rampaged through Europe. I wore a mask in most crowded spaces but forgot in the crush of a subway car after a soccer match and that’s probably where I caught a cold.

The Pandemic Tyme Preacher Woman has recovered from her bout with COVID. In her latest video, she shared a message for those who wear a mask, despite risking ridicule and mockery. Chazak, v’Ematz, Hebrew that can be translated as “be strong and courageous.”

“Just know that what you’re doing is smart,” the PTPW said. “It’s not extreme.” ì

Dave Schechter From Where I Sit

OPINION

Letters to the Editor

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

Letter to the editor,

In response to the recent Jewish Time Podcast, Season 2. Episode 3; Will the Next Generation Invest in Jewish Culture?

Mike Leven is reported to believe, sadly, that future generations will remember who they are because antisemitism continues to remind them who they are.

It is true that in 21st century America, on college campuses, Jewish students are regularly shouted down, defamed, vilified and physically menaced if they express a pro-Israel Jewish identity.

But some (many?) will therefore choose to define themselves by aligning with so-called social justice issues as a safe and “virtuous” substitute for a Jewish identity. This, along with the high rate of intermarriage, is not a good harbinger for American Jewish continuity.

Julia Lutch, Davis, Calif.

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,

My Dear Friends in the Jewish Communities of Atlanta: Peace and all good things! The arrival of High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur afford me the opportunity to send my personal best wishes and prayerful greetings, and those of our entire Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, to the American Jewish Committee, to your rabbis and synagogue congregations, and to all members of the Jewish communities residing here in the Atlanta area.

These are days of prayer, reflection, and new beginnings. May everyone in the local Jewish community experience good health, wisdom, and true peace in the year ahead.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Jewish community in Atlanta for your welcome and kindness to me since my Installation as the Catholic Archbishop of Atlanta in May 2020. In the last three years, I have been blessed in so many ways by our friendship. We have prayed together. We have been in conversation with one another. And we have shared fellowship on many occasions, especially during High Holy Days. Please know of my respect and affection for the Jewish community.

In reading the Anti-Defamation League’s 2022 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, I was deeply saddened to learn that there was a 120 percent increase in the number of antisemitic incidents in the Southeast from the previous year. The report states: “Georgia, specifically, experienced a 63 percent growth in incidents from 2021 to 2022, and its numbers nearly quadrupled since 2020.”

This past year, we witnessed several acts of violence in the metro Atlanta area. I make the words of Pope Francis my own: “Let us unite in condemning all violence and every form of antisemitism, and in working to ensure that G-d’s image, present in the humanity he created, will never be profaned.”

May our mutual dialogue, respect and friendship grow ever stronger as we work together to promote peace and justice. May the Almighty bless and enlighten our communities and our cooperation, so that together we can be fruitful in carrying out his plans in our world. And may the Almighty hear our prayers for a new year filled with health and the blessings of peace and atonement.

Shanah Tovah, a good year to all!

United in Prayer, Most Rev. Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv.,

Archbishop of Atlanta

IAC Appoints Elan Carr as CEO Friendship Circle Leads Special Needs Service

The Israeli-American Council (IAC) has named former U.S. Special Envoy Elan S. Carr as its next chief executive officer. Carr will assume the role on Oct. 1, succeeding Shoham Nicolet, IAC’s cofounder and its CEO for the past eight years.

Carr, a second-generation IsraeliAmerican and native Hebrew speaker, brings to the IAC his extensive experience as a U.S. diplomat, military officer, criminal prosecutor, and community leader. He has been involved with the IAC since its inception in 2007, when his parents were among the initial group that founded the organization.

“I am deeply honored to assume the helm of the IAC at this important time, and I’m excited by the organization’s enormous potential,” said Carr. “Our community of Israeli-Americans and Jewish-Americans is grappling with significant challenges, including assimilation and antisemitism. By combining community engagement and civic activism, youth programs and educational courses, leadership development and

Israel advocacy, the IAC is strongly positioned to respond to those challenges and build a vibrant, committed community for generations to come. I am privileged to help lead that cause.”

In 2019, Carr was appointed U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism. In this role, he served as the senior diplomatic representative of the United States and the senior advisor to the Secretary of State on the subject of antisemitism, and he led U.S. policy and programs aimed at combating it.

“We could not be more excited that Elan will be leading the IAC. His personal connection to the IAC, profound dedication to the Israeli-American community, commitment to strengthening the ties between the U.S. and Israel, accomplished leadership, and achievements in fighting antisemitism brings to the IAC an exceptional track record and makes him a perfect fit for the role,” said Naty Saidoff, chairman of the IAC board of directors.

Compiled by AJT Staff

In the heart of Atlanta, a truly remarkable event unfolded this past Rosh Hashanah. Inspired by a parent’s plea on a social media platform for an inclusive Rosh Hashanah service for a child on the autism spectrum, families came together for a historic High Holiday service designed to cater to individuals of all abilities.

The plea resonated deeply with Rabbi Shlomo and Chanky Freedman, co-directors at Friendship Circle of Atlanta, igniting a spark of determination to create an inclusive service for everyone in the community.

Within a few days, the Freedmans took immediate action to create a service that was thoughtfully tailored to meet the diverse needs of the attendees. The service included traditional Rosh Hashanah prayers and songs, the sound of the shofar, followed by a light Kiddush.

The event also featured sensoryfriendly, Rosh Hashanah-themed activities designed for individuals with varying abilities. One of the standout features was a unique “Touch and Feel” display of various horns which can be used as a shofar.

Rabbi Shlomo relates, “At Friendship Circle, we are always seeking to create a space where Jewish people, regardless of their abilities, can celebrate Jewish life cycles and be a part of our beautiful Jewish heritage.”

Participants left with a renewed sense

of belonging and connection to G-d. “I felt comforted that my son had a chance to pray and celebrate Rosh Hashanah,” one parent said. Another said, “It was so refreshing to be at a service where I wasn’t self-conscious about how the kids would behave.” This historic High Holiday service not only broke down physical and sensory barriers, but also exemplified the true spirit of inclusivity.

“We all have a G-dly soul, that’s something we all share which makes us more the same than we are different. And so, we are not complete unless we are all included,” said Chanky.

This remarkable event serves as an inspiring example for Jewish communities worldwide, highlighting that with determination, compassion, and a shared commitment to inclusivity, it is possible to create a space where everyone can come together to celebrate Judaism, regardless of their abilities. Rabbi Shlomo and the Friendship Circle of Atlanta have demonstrated that inclusivity is not just a goal; it is a journey worth embracing with open hearts.

Friendship Circle of Atlanta holds year round events connecting individuals that have special needs with teens and young adult volunteers to create social interactions in a fun and educational way.

Compiled by AJT Staff

Elan Carr has been named the new CEO of the Israeli-American Council // Photo Courtesy of Noam Galai/Israeli-American Council (IAC)

Rabbi Shlomo Freedman on Aug. 31 blows the shofar at a pre-Rosh Hashanah service for people with special needs that was inspired by a parent of a child on the autism spectrum.

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YOM KIPPUR

Jacobs Imagines Prayers as Art

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Praying is certainly a personal experience as is the interpretation of it. Accomplished artist Judie Jacobs takes on this very intimate method of connecting to G-d in emotional Jewish illustrations, putting brush to color and paper.

She said, “For a number of years, I’ve considered visualizing prayers by illustrating my thoughts on canvas. I started employing a variety of media to finish my thoughts as soon as I presented the idea to Ventulett Gallery as a place to exhibit my work, and they paired me with Mary Jane Miller - who represented the non-Jewish element of the show - that resulted in ‘Sacred Prayers, Sacred Narratives.’”

Jacobs stated that her prayers often seem to rise through a hazy atmosphere that hovers in a “holding pattern” before joining a clean, pristine energy that communicates the request to G-d. The works in her series include representations of Jewish concepts and prayers that are utilized in Jewish worship services or personal prayers that she recites with her family at home.

Jacobs mused, “A very intimate method of connection between G-d and man is prayer. Every day, as we seek to communicate our most important needs to G-d, we have the chance to thank G-d, pray and sing praises. Instead of asking questions, we discover the answers by observing and confronting the problems in our lives. Such profound awareness is not a typical or expected result of prayer. Thoughtful or emotional epiphanies do happen often, and they almost always happen while we are not actively looking for them.”

Jacobs hopes that viewers at the show see certain similarities among various religions and that will help to lessen the polarizing force that currently exists in society. Mary Jane Miller is an internationally recognized iconographer and author living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Miller is among a small group of artists who have revived the ancient painting technique of iconography. Today, she continues to create, teach, and preserve iconography and sacred art as a spiritual visual language that leads to enlightenment.

Miller’s work draws on ancient icon painting techniques to showcase her own insight on inner spiritual wellbeing brought into modern times. Her work, a personal definition of life, of mankind’s

history and trajectory through spirituality, is a visual manifestation of the way in which she understands her own pilgrimage and growth.

For the Ventulett show, Jacobs has 18 pieces ranging from 12” x 12” to 48” x 48.” Miller also has 16 works on display at the gallery. Each of their paintings has completely different colors and imagery, but the messages suggesting how to approach a dialogue with G-d are similar.

“Tree of Life” and “Sh’ma” are two of

Jacobs’ favorites. She said, “They have the most impact on me and I particularly appreciate how they turned out.”

Jacobs concluded, “My objective is to create new ways to communicate good energy and beauty via my unique perspective by fusing my life experiences with the various art mediums. Text from old prayers and poems can be found in many works. I also produce modest, useful, and ornamental clay pieces. I want my art to appeal to a more reflective,

quieter element of our life and to contrast the impersonal modern technology world in which many of us find ourselves, such as artificial intelligence.”

Representation by several Atlanta galleries placed her work in numerous private and corporate collections throughout the country.

Jacobs is also known for 32 years of teaching art at Holy Innocents Episcopal School. Jacobs was highlighted in the Atlanta Jewish Times on Sept. 17, 2021, featur-

Judie Jacobs

“Freedom” (12” x 12” Mixed Media)

“Amidah” (48” x 48” Acrylic)

“Sh’ma” (48”x 48” Acrylic)

YOM KIPPUR

ing her design of the stained-glass windows at Temple Sinai in memory of her husband, Dr. Warren Jacobs, and his love for trees. For more information about Jacobs’ work, visit www.judiejacobs.com or In-

stagram@judiejacobs. The gallery show will continue through Oct. 30, with a reception from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Oct. 19. The Ventulett Gallery at Holy Innocents is located at 805 Mt. Vernon Hwy. ì

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Global Community Torah Writing Project Launches

Sefaria unveiled a groundbreaking digital collaboration, the Global Community Torah, that is a unique opportunity

for anyone to have a small part in “writing” a Torah—all 304,805 letters.

The ambitious project launched at a

virtual 10th anniversary celebration for Sefaria, the non-profit organization that digitizes and freely shares Jewish texts in Hebrew and in translation. Sarah Hurwitz, head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama and author of “Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life--in Judaism,” spoke at the event along with Sefaria’s founders. Since its founding, millions of users from all over the world, who reflect the full spectrum of Jewish practice, have engaged with texts on Sefaria’s digital platform.

“We designed this global project for Sefaria’s 10th anniversary because Torah belongs to each of us, regardless of geographic boundaries or level of knowledge,” says Samuel Moed, board chair of Sefaria, which has more than 650,000 monthly users. “Whether someone studies regularly or has never studied Torah, this is a chance to help ‘write’ one and be a part of something special. We hope this inspires, connects, and energizes everyone, just like Sefaria has for millions of people for more than a decade.”

Anyone, anywhere in the world can participate at torah.sefaria.org. Users first learn about different Hebrew typefaces and select their font before “making their mark” by entering their first name and location. They then receive emails with a graphic of the Torah verse containing their letter and information about the parashah, or weekly reading, of the Torah in which the verse appears. Users can spin the digital globe to see the

locations of other Global Community Torah contributors, showing the geographical diversity of the participants. They can also read the entire digital scroll when completed, hovering above each letter to learn about their fellow digital “scribes.”

“In addition to celebrating our community, this project is a pathway for someone who wants to dip their toe into Torah learning,” adds Daniel Septimus, CEO of Sefaria. “First learn about your letter, then a verse, and then a portion, all while engaging and wrestling with the text. When people study Torah, each person brings their own perspective and experience. And our users cover the full spectrum from secular to observant, daily users to occasional perusers. This digital Torah is a world-spanning collaboration that reflects our collective heritage.”

The various historical fonts available to Digital Scribes symbolize the vast history of the global Jewish community. In Jewish law, if one letter of the Torah is missing or written incorrectly, the entire scroll is unusable. So, the Global Community Torah project will not be completed until each letter is “written.”

“We invite everyone to immerse themselves in this exciting digital learning experience,” adds Chava Tzemach, director of marketing & communications. “Picking your letter is just the start of a journey that is bigger than any one individual. This is an interactive celebration of Torah learning.” ì

Compiled by AJT Staff

The global Torah writing collaboration celebrates the vibrancy of Torah learning and Sefaria’s 10th anniversary.

The Global Community Torah writing project looks to connect those interested across the world in studying Torah by having them contribute to writing a digital Torah.

Yom Kippur

It is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, It culminates the 10 Days of Awe. September 24-25 marks this year’s date. The very first Yom Kippur happened when the Israelites left Egypt and wandered the desert for 40 days.

Moses received the 10 Commandments, from G-d, and descended Mt Sinai, He shattered the 10 Commandments because he was horrified. He witnessed the Israelites worshipping a golden calf! The Israelites atoned, Moses received another 10 Commandments, on their behalf.

The High Priest was allowed to enter the Holy Temple, only on Yom Kippur, This is according to Biblical Folklore.

To the first goat, Israel’s sins, the Priest would confess, It became the scapegoat and died in the wilderness. The second goat was sacrificed on the alter, and its blood was sprinkled on the Ark of Covenant,

This is how the entire Nation of Israelites went through atonement.

Who will live and who will die?

It is up to the omnipotent G-d to decide. His “Books of Life” are open on Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur they are closed. All Jews have 10 days to make amends and atone.

The evening of Yom Kippur, prior to sunset, begins with a prayer, Kol Nidrei, it is chanted three times, It translates to “All Vows” and dates to medieval times. To avoid persecution and death, Jews converted and swore vows to another religion, When the danger passed, the converts asked to be forgiven.

The Jewish tradition views verbal promises seriously, Kol Nidrei’s legal formula was developed precisely. It enabled the forced converts to return to Judaism and pray, Because of their duress, it absolved their vows away. Now to have a fresh year, it annuls our prior year’s vows, with a clean slate.

Most of the day is spent in Shul, praying and repenting, The Torah states a necessary component is fasting.

“The Day of Atonement should be a day of self-denial,” Wearing white symbolizes purity and the white robes worn are called Kittel It used to be a sign of wealth, in your leather shoes, Wearing sneakers or canvas, the notion was diffused.

Both Torah readings come from Vayikrah, are instrumental, The first are instructions to Moshe and Aharon about how the priestly service should be procedural.

The second reading deals with forbidden relationships that are sexual.

The Haftorah reading is from the Book of Jonah, It deals with G-d’s desire to help man rather than punish him. Also, the power of Teshuva.

Yizkor comes after the morning Torah readings, Children and members, who still have living parents, the sanctuary they would leave. Yizkor means “May G-d remember,” from the Hebrew word Zachor. Originally, Yizkor was said only on Yom Kippur. The main purpose was to honor the deceased and their memory by giving Tzedakah

The 1st Yizkors were to remember and honor those killed in progroms and Crusades, in the 12th Century.

Over the years, it is to remember our own loved ones and the Jewish martyrs, who fought valiantly.

Life is hard and oh so cruel, In our mind’s eye, they remain our own sparkling jewel!

Ashamnu, ‘We have sinned,” and Al Chet, “For the sin,” these 2 prayers comprise the Jewish confession.

We pour out our hearts, by striking our hearts to G-D, who is dwelling in Shanayin, Hebrew for heaven.

We, as a congregation, seek G-d for us to be forgiven, The prayers are alphabetically acrostically written. All confessions are directed towards G-d, personally, If you wronged a person, you must make amends individually.

“For the sin which we committed before you…”

“For all these, G-d of pardon, pardon us, forgive us, atone for us…”

Neilah Service – ‘The Closing of the Gate’”

As concluding Yom Kippur, Neilah is the most sacred and is expressed in melodies of great solemnity,

We stand for the Amidah and the Ark remains open the entire service. There is a sense of urgency.

The Book and the Gate are about to be closed. A wonderful religious imagery.

In conclusion, The Shofar blows with one long shrill!

The final prayer: Le’shanah ha-ba’ah be Yerushalayim Next Year may we be in Jerusalem.

Break-the-Fast: After sundown, where family and friends gather to eat after 25 hours!

Jews throughout the ages, have atoned on, the solemn day of Yom Kippur. A day of communal confessions, heartfelt prayers, and 25 hours of fasting. Our lives have been sealed in the Book of Life. We now turn to a New Year replete with goodness, happiness and tzedakah. ì

Lovingly Composed by Sheri Rosenblum

10-11 Tishre 5784

Five Services of Yom Kippur

Kol Nidrei

Musaf

Shacharit

Minchah

Ne’ilah

Can You Sue Your Lawyer?

have a case against an attorney: “To have a viable claim for legal malpractice, the claimant must prove (1) existence of an attorney-client relationship which can even be cocktail chatter; (2) attorney fell below the applicable standard of care; (3) attorney’s act(s) or omission(s) were the proximate cause of damage.”

Marcia Caller Jaffe

Few other professions are maligned and joked about as much as the legal field. Lawyers “take a fee” for getting clients out of bad deals, bad marriages, and sometimes bad luck. They often bare the brunt of a losing battle while the billing clock is ticking.

Enter Warren Hinds, sharing guidelines of how indeed an attorney might be liable. Conversely, he also represents attorneys against claimants who threaten their license and livelihood. Most law firms in this space either represent one side or the other. Known as the trusted “Lawyer’s Lawyer,” Hinds handles both sides, obviously not concurrently, and serves as ethics counsel for around 30 Georgia law firms.

Hinds outlines how to evaluate if you

Sounds like legalese, but it boils down to proving the client has been irreparably harmed by the attorney’s wrongdoing…but, Hinds says, “If the error can be corrected by the client, he/she is obligated to take steps to avoid or minimize the harm.”

Circumstances that have led to successful claims against attorneys include missed statutes of limitations/ deadlines, ignoring conflicts of interest, failure to properly prepare and file necessary documents, pursuit of the wrong entity or individual. As a general rule, if an attorney commits malpractice, the client is entitled to recover what he should have received but for the lawyer’s mistake. If the lawyer is dishonest, commits fraud, or is otherwise involved in misconduct that is something more than mere neg-

Judge

ligence, the client may be entitled to additional recovery (i.e., attorney’s fees and punitive damages).

malpractice case. The court cannot undo what has occurred, for example, if a client loses custody of their child or has their home foreclosed because of a lawyer’s mistake.

Other ways attorneys get into trouble per Hinds include improper administration of trust account funds. One lawyer was disbarred when he paid two personal credit cards (less than $100) from his escrow account, and another lawyer was publicly reprimanded for bouncing a trust account check to himself.

Lawyers have been suspended or disbarred for criminal convictions unrelated to their practice, including aggravated assault, filing a false police report, possession of controlled substances, and failure to file tax returns.

Lawyers have an ethical duty to protect client confidence such that lawyers have been disciplined for threatening to disclose confidential information or, in some instances, defending themselves from false, online reviews.

An interesting example of Hinds’ winning defense for an accused lawyer is a case in which the client would have lost the underlying case even if the lawyer had not erred. One might infer that winning a malpractice suit against an attorney could be difficult.

Per Hinds, “Legal malpractice cases can be lengthy and expensive. Commonly referred to as a ‘case within a case,’ evidence is not limited to the attorney’s negligence, but also of the underlying circumstances of the representation. Expert witness testimony is required. Consequently, most plaintiffs hire me on a contingency fee basis, although a small percentage opt to pay me an hourly fee to prosecute their claims. On the defense side, I am always paid hourly.”

Hinds shared some tips on choosing a lawyer wisely: “Eschew TV ads and Yellow Pages like the old days. With the Internet and social media, clients can thoroughly vet the lawyer’s experience and past results, read reviews posted by past clients, determine whether the lawyer has ever been sued or received public discipline from the State Bar. Ask if they carry malpractice insurance. In Georgia, they are not required to!”

Now in practice for 34 years, Hinds grew up in Norwalk, Conn., and graduated with a BS in agricultural economics from the University of Florida. He attended law school at Western State University in Orange County, Calif. Hinds is a member of Congregation Beth Shalom. ì

Warren Hinds is known as the “lawyer’s lawyer” and represents those who have complaints against attorneys. He serves as ethics counsel for 30 Georgia law firms.

Hagen Rosskopf Law Celebrates 30 Years of Service

Bruce Hagen and his legal team at Hagen Rosskopf/Bike Law GA are celebrating 30 years of running a successful personal injury law firm devoted exclusively to serving victims of auto accidents, truck wrecks and bike crashes in Decatur and metro Atlanta.

Hagen, who has been practicing law for 36 years, founded his own practice in 1992 and is known amongst his peers and clients as “The Peeps Lawyer.” Starting with a small team including Helene “Grandma” Hagen, Bruce built his firm with integrity, respect for his clients and their cases, and a genuine concern for the wellbeing of his clients as well as his employees.

Longevity and loyalty are two of the biggest traits of this law firm; several team members have been working with Bruce Hagen from 5-plus to 20-plus years and most of the firm’s client base are returning clients or referrals from former clients. Today, the firm is comprised of four trial lawyers, 10 support team members, and rotating interns.

In 2016, Bruce’s son, Matt Hagen, joined him in his law practice as an attor-

ney and has become an excellent advocate for injured victims both in and out of the courtroom. Bruce Hagen has been

selected to the Georgia Super Lawyers list for 17 consecutive years and Matt has been recognized as a Georgia Rising Star.

To date, the attorneys at Hagen Rosskopf have represented thousands of clients in personal injury claims, won hundreds of

(From left) Personal injury attorneys Matthew R. Hagen and Bruce A. Hagen

trials in Magistrate and state courts all over Georgia, and have a history of verdicts and settlements that have changed their clients' lives for the better.

Partnering with Ken Rosskopf, “the dean” of bicycling in Atlanta, and through Bruce’s affiliation with Bike Law USA, Hagen Rosskopf LLC/ Bike Law GA became the leading personal injury law firm for bicyclists all over the state. Bruce spends a substantial part of his time hosting educational programs for bike riders, students, and law enforcement officers to help ensure that people are aware of both their rights and responsibilities, as well as to help promote safety in all regards. Bruce is also involved in working with both state legislators and municipal leadership in crafting laws intended to help protect bicyclists and pedestrians.

Growing a 30-year-old personal injury law firm in one of the largest metro areas in the country is no small achievement and does not occur without hard work. Every highway in Georgia is covered in billboards from attorneys promising fast cash and every broadcasting platform is saturated with legal advertising. Decades-long efforts to reform tort law in Georgia have threatened the rights of injured victims of having their day in court; along with the insurance companies’ constant attempts to pay as little as possible on personal injury claims can make personal injury a tough legal field

to succeed in.

However, Bruce attributes the longstanding success of his law firm to his personal commitment to each person who walks through the front door of the office. “Building a relationship of trust with my clients and treating every case and settlement regardless of the size as a priority has kept clients coming back to us every time they need a lawyer. Even if I can’t help them, I can connect them to divorce lawyers, or criminal lawyers, etc., that I know will treat them right,” shared Hagen.

In 2003, Hagen Rosskopf moved into Decatur’s historic Marble House at 119 N. McDonough St. Stop by for a visit of The Marble House, get a free consultation about your case, or drop by for a new water bottle for your bicycle. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, this team is passionate about personal injury law and dedicated to excellence in service and professional quality legal care. When the office is closed, the team members of Hagen Rosskopf spend time with their families, ride bikes, coach sports, travel, and enjoy life

Learn more about Hagen Rosskopf/ Bike Law GA personal injury practice at www.hagen-law.com. Hagen Rosskopf has a dedicated 24/7 phone service for new clients at 404-522-7553 (Option 1). ì

Compiled by AJT Staff

Hagen Rosskopf/Bike Law GA is a proud supporter of Atlanta Streets Alive & Decatur Streets Alive since 2015 and participates in these events every year to provide bicycle education resources to the public.

Breman Hosts Weingarten in Special Sunday Program

The exhibit, “Icons - Selections from the Portrait Unbound,” is made up of a series of 14 photographic representations of important figures in American culture, sports, and the arts. But, as its title suggests, none of the celebrities appear in the compositions. As Weingarten told an audience for the museum’s Something Special Sundays program, he started with the idea how to create a symbolic representation of a person’s life.

“If you could do your self-portrait, but you couldn’t photograph yourself, or any member of your family and friends and no pets, what would be the list of things that metaphorically would represent you? One of the things that I say to myself and in picking these various people is, 50 years from now, would I know who they are? And if I don’t know who they are, will I know what they did or understand that what they did was important?”

For his composition representing Hank Aaron, the Atlanta Braves’ baseball great, whom he visited before Aaron died in 2021, Weingarten photographed a rail car in Milwaukee, where Aaron once played baseball. It was said that occasionally Aaron slept on the train, when the team he was playing for at the time visited a city that didn’t welcome African American visitors. He took pictures of the old Fulton County Stadium where Aaron hit his record breaking 715th home run. There were photographs of the baseball from that day and the uniform that he wore.

They were all woven together in a layered composition that he calls a translucent composite. In a short documentary that accompanied one of Weingarden’s earlier shows at the High Museum of Art, the artist spoke of how his work takes advantage of the computer’s ability to digitally manipulate a series of widely disparate images. He then produces large-scale prints of the work on an electronic printer to create a unified composition that engages the eye.

“ When I started thinking about the techniques that we have today, I tried to incorporate all that I’ve learned about digital technology and how to use it. I started thinking, well, wouldn’t it be very interesting to create a new language of portrait. For that, I have coined the phrase 'a translucent composite.’ In a translucent composite. you can present more than one angle, more than one

thing, more than one period of time. You are forced to deal with the third dimension. You can not only look at these portraits right to left and up and down. You’re forced to concentrate in and out.”

Although the final effect is of a work that could have been rendered in oils or watercolors, the process of creation, as he describes it, is the opposite of paint-

ing. He describes those artistic choices as inductive, where you start with a blank canvas and keep adding to it until you have a finished work.

He describes how he works as deductive, where he starts with many images and bring them together in the computer and manipulates them, using software, to reach a point where he is satisfied with his creation.

Bob Bahr

Photographic artist Robert Weingarten visited the Breman Museum earlier on Sept. 10 to discuss his approach to photography and how he created his works currently on display at the museum.

A musical program earlier this summer at The Breman Museum featured interpretations of the works of Stephen Sondheim.

Hank Aaron, the Atlanta Braves home run king, is profiled in a Weingarten work.

The Breman will present a mini film festival about Dennis Hopper in October.

In a piece about the American artist Chuck Close, Weingarten created images taken from Close’s favorite garden and frescos designed by the great Ital-

ian artist, Giotto, found on the walls of a medieval church in Italy. His work about the American film star, Dennis Hopper, prominently features the motorcycle

from his classic movie, “Easy Rider.”

The Breman has used the exhibit to create a series of programs that began with the music of Stephen Sondheim and

includes a mini-festival of Hopper’s performance in three films in mid-October that the museum is screening in partnership with the Tara Theater. ì

Another Weingarten subject in The Breman exhibit is the dancer, Mikhail Barishnikov.

Photographer Robert Weingarten works with a number of photographic images he has created that he then manipulates in a computer software program.

Bern Captures Timeless Moments

You may know of Eric Bern’s name from his signature wall portraits displayed in homes all over Atlanta. Or you might have noticed his warm smile and easy demeanor as he was photographing a simcha celebration around town for four decades. Or maybe you recall that Eric was referred to as “an institution in Sandy Springs” by the late Mayor Eva Galambos.

Robyn Spizman Gerson

In addition to capturing loving family portraits and beautiful memories of many of the movers and shakers in the community, Bern has always strived to operate with a very personal touch and customized his work for all his clients. In turn, the families, schools, commercial clients, and referral base has remained very supportive and loyal throughout his career.

Eight years ago, as Bern’s studio had to relocate to make room for the City Springs development, he did some soul searching and decided to launch a new direction in his career by starting Headshot Studio Atlanta. Fortunately, he was able to reinvest in a new studio location just two blocks away on Mt. Vernon Hwy. His wonderful studio, with multiple indoor and outdoor shooting areas, fill his weekdays helping strengthen business professionals’ visual brand with eye-catching and authentic headshots.

The niche began to build as he gained many reviews on Google and Yelp which propelled new clients to his website. Now

with 200-plus, five-star reviews and his large referral base, he is busy each day building new relationships through his photography sessions. His work now focuses on helping others to present themselves with a great first impression.

Bern states, “What I enjoy most is meeting individual new clients and learning about them and the ambitions for their career while watching their expressions become more authentic as they relax into conversation. So many people come in and state how they hate having their photo taken and through a combi-

nation of a lively chat, direction, and humor they are surprised by how enjoyable the experience can be. In addition, we view the photos together after the session is completed, they really appreciate my help in selecting their best images to fit their career, position in their company, and the message they need to send out through their eyes and expression.”

Bern has not only filled a need in the professional working world, but also found a path of meaningful connection and purpose by continuing to pursue his craft.

“I have no intention of retiring as I

love what I do. I find meeting new and inspiring individuals each day a wonderful way to connect and learn from others. As a bonus, most of my weekends are now free to enjoy with my wife and our growing family. And it is quite a thrill to spend time with our three grandchildren. Of course, their parents do schedule photo sessions with their dad from time to time…what a treasure!”

For more information or to schedule a headshot with Eric Bern, visit www. headshotstudioatlanta.com or call (404252-0209). ì

Photographer Eric Bern has expanded his repertoire to include studio head shots.

A headshot that Eric Bern took of Lindy Ware and Jackie Ware, of Pegasus Residential // Photos Courtesy of Eric Bern Photography

Jewish Fund Raiser Raises Stakes with Poker

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

A familiar face in Atlanta nonprofit fundraising circles for Emory University, Israel Bonds, and the Anti-Defamation League, Marcus Brodzki, 38, had already gone “all in” and walked away from his more traditional career to become a professional poker player. A jovial bar mitzvah tutor and grandson of a Holocaust survivor, Brodzki mustered the courage, with a wife and two daughters along, to “gamble “on full-time.

He said, “I took a week of vacation from my job as a trial run, and it was a resounding success. I earned $6,500 that week and was more present at home. It was a huge ‘win-win.’ Shortly after returning to work, I put in my notice and took the plunge.”

Before graduating Emory in 2008 with a degree in psychology and a minor in Jewish studies, Brodzki grew up in a South Florida game-playing household.

He recalled, “I remember my grandmother teaching me to play gin rummy as the oldest of four children and highly competitive. Monopoly was banned after a fight broke out. As adults, my siblings and I have bookshelves at home dedicated to games -- from Apples to Apples to Ticket to Ride and every game in between.”

Getting into poker, Brodzki watched ESPN when Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker Main Event. On a trip to Montana, he learned more playing a small stakes cash game in a bar in Bozeman. He won $300 that day. In 2016, he started tracking results in an Excel spreadsheet with the data points over the last seven years showing consistent winning. Improving involves tools, books, online courses, and AI-powered solvers; but his best strides have come from trial and error and reaching out to better players for advice on specific scenarios. Known to play for eight hours straight, Brodzki “games” at the nearest casino in Cherokee, N.C., Vegas, and other tournament series. There is also a local thriving underground poker community.

On practical matters like taxes, Brodzki said, “Since I decided to ‘go pro’ halfway through this year, I won’t likely file taxes as a professional gambler, but, for 2024, I likely will. I can deduct tournament buy-ins and other related travel expenses as any business. For me, a business trip might look like a vacation to some. I pay self-employment taxes like many others.”

As gambling can be addictive and financially crippling if mishandled, Brodz-

ki reasonably stated, “I can do from three to five buy-ins for a game. After that, I have found my ability to play well is diminished from losing too much. Managing the money I have set aside for poker is one of the biggest skills I’ve developed since 2019 when I first opened a savings account at my bank dedicated for poker… I’m responsible and if the results change to the point where I don’t earn enough, then I will seek out more traditional employment.”

Meanwhile, Brodzki has won up to $4,000 profit in one night.

In terms of self-assessing, Brodzki says he’s still a student. He mused, “There is definitely a mixture of math skills (calculating hand equity, counting hand combinations, and pot odds) and in-game opponent analysis. I don’t put much faith in reading opponents’ faces, but I endeavor to define what they are doing incorrectly to gain advantages from their mistakes.”

Summarily, Brodzki said, “Poker is a fascinating melting pot of the community -- from the new player, to a bluecollar construction worker, to wealthy businessmen and women…though poker is a male-dominated sport -- women only make up ~10 percent of the poker players I’ve encountered…for whom the money doesn’t matter to the crazy ones like me trying to play this game to make a living -- poker is a fascinating game with fun characters. I’m all in!” ì

Brodzki grew up in a game-playing family where Monopoly was banned because of internal fighting.

Marcus Brodzki states that rather than trying to read opponent’s faces, he studies their mistakes.

Marcus Brodzki quit jobs in the nonprofit sector to play poker full-time.

S.J. Gorowitz

Selecting a Trusted Advisor for Your Current Tax and Accounting Needs

If you’ve worked with the same tax professional for as long as you can remember, it may be time to take a fresh look at your needs, especially if your business or family has grown in size and complexity. Change is constant for everyone. The accounting and tax advisors you chose early in your life or career may not be the best suited or comprehensive enough for the challenges you and your family face today. At the same time, your accountants may have moved on, retired, or handed the reins to someone else. Finding a savvy, knowledgeable tax professional who can address and support your current needs is important.

Key Questions to Ask

If you’ve been in business for a long time, it’s time to think about how your life may have changed as the years have gone by. You may want to consider the following questions about your present and future needs.

How has your family’s wealth grown? How complex is your financial situation? Accounting is more than just processing an annual tax annual return and updating changes in estimated income. Cash flow, budgeting, and forecasting are also critical for success. For closely held businesses and family offices, your tax management strategies should help you maximize your benefits, minimize your liabilities, and keep more of your earnings over the long term.

Do you plan to start or acquire additional business ventures? You may be facing complex decisions about your business and its future growth. A trusted and qualified business advisor can help you make informed choices about opportunities such as mergers and acquisitions, as well as how to create optimal corporate structures for maximum benefit.

Do you have succession planning in place? Experts predict that a major economic transition is coming in which trillions of dollars will change hands from older generations to the next generation. Yet only an estimated 42% of family offices have a wealth succession plan and governance framework in place for family members. Whether your intent is to transition the business to other family members or identify an exit strategy, a knowledgeable advisor should be by your side.

What are your family’s priorities? How important is community involvement and charitable planning? Not only does this generational transfer require that younger generations learn to manage wealth; it also requires that families discuss how their wealth is connected to their principles and legacy. Philanthropically minded families can benefit from comprehensive trust and estate services that include annual gifting, charitable trusts and foundations.

Complete Accounting Services Involve More than Filing Taxes

Busy families and successful professionals need tax advisors who not only help them meet their basic record keeping and tax obligations; they also need a trusted sounding board for open and ongoing conversations about their bigger financial picture.

Today’s Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) can help businesses and individuals keep operations running smoothly with services ranging from personal as well as business bookkeeping, accounts payable and receivable to tax planning and preparation of returns. However, comprehensive tax and accounting services include much more. A knowledgeable and trusted CPA can:

• Provide strategic guidance on improving business operations and financial management practices.

• Properly prepare and analyze financial statements and reporting to gain actionable

L’Shana Tova!

business insights.

• Help you go behind the numbers and plan for growth and sustained success.

• Implement a forward-looking tax savings strategy for you and your business.

• Represent you or your business before the IRS if needed, including audits, collections, and appeals.

• Help you achieve peace of mind for your family’s future generations, including providing financial gifts for your most treasured causes.

As families and businesses mature, the sophistication of your tax and accounting needs matures along with them.

S.J. Gorowitz Accounting & Tax Services understands that proper management of your tax and financial obligations not only affects your livelihood, it also shapes your family’s financial legacy and the security of future generations. We invite you to contact us at 770.740.0797 if we may be of service to your family.

Paid Content by S.J. Gorowitz

SJ Gorowitz Accounting & Tax Services Managing Director Greg Silberman, CPA

Golden Named for Lifetime Achievement Award

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

On Oct. 26, The Atlanta Business Chronicle will present its Dealmakers Lifetime Achievement Award for impactful deal making to Jonathan Golden, partner in Arnall, Golden Gregory LLC, a Midtown law firm with over 200 lawyers. Getting to know the eponymous Golden reveals the story of a local Morningside/ Grady/Westminster School young man who went on to graduate from Princeton University and Harvard Law School, then into the legal footsteps of his father, Sol Golden, one of the original AGG founders.

Ever modest, Golden said, “Being chosen for the ABC award is very humbling. I was quite surprised when I was told I had been selected.”

Golden is known for his 50 years of experience guiding publicly held and private companies through major transactions, mergers, and acquisitions, often while serving on their boards. Golden has taken more than a dozen companies from start up to listing on the New York Stock Exchange, most notably, Sysco, a national food distribution company that went through 100 acquisitions under his guidance.

Also, locally he was involved in the sale of The Big Apple Supermarket chain to a private equity firm while spinning off the real estate in an innovative way involving re-leasing.

Golden told the AJT, “The important element in representing clients in a merger or acquisition is to listen carefully to the other side and try to understand what they want. I try to structure a transaction so that the opposite party believes that they are getting a significant share

of what they want without giving up what my client is seeking. Being patient and non-reactive is critical - maintaining a calm and respectful atmosphere is the key to lowering the temperature and keeping egos from getting in the way of a successful outcome.”

Golden said he has learned along the way that some of the best deals are the ones that didn’t close – a perspective realized in hindsight. He added, “I can remember thinking, a year after some deal that did not happen, that it was a blessing that it failed.”

Looking back on the Sysco deal, as the corporation was headquartered in Houston, and the result of a simultaneous merger of nine independent food distributors and the public offering of the stock, Golden was a young partner assigned to the public offering portion of the transaction. The chairman of Sysco and Golden “gelled” and he started doing their acquisition work, as they methodically consolidated the industry.

Golden is also a legal expert on closely held and family businesses. He stated, “What has changed in this is the exit path. In the past, the primary exit for a successful entrepreneur was to either sell to another business entity, private or public, or to sell equity in a public offering. Now more of these businesses are being sold to private equity buyers. I started out doing a lot of public offering work for clients; recently, this has changed to sales to private equity. It is faster and more efficient to the seller and to the buyer. I have learned to apply patience, psychology, and respect to deal with conflict within some family businesses.”

The Goldens are members of The Temple where Jonathan was confirmed,

Sol taught Sunday school, and mom was president of the Sisterhood. He and his wife, Bobbie, who is a clinical psychologist, are art devotees who describe their collection as “small, but nice - leaning towards folk art, contemporary works, and Native American basketry.” They are parents to two sons, one of whom is an AGG partner, and the other runs a hedge fund in New York. Jonathan is a self-described “recovering” tennis player, hiker, sailor, and foodie who enjoys traveling to small towns and out of the way villages abroad.

Looking back at AGG’s growth, Golden said “I joined in 1962 and was the sixth lawyer in the office. When the firm was small, it was more family-like, homey, and collegial. Now it’s more of a business. Intellectually stimulating, but still a big business. I certainly didn’t think we would be 200 lawyers when I joined, but ‘a high tide raises all ships.’”

He added, “I get a kick out of meeting the younger lawyers and relating the firm’s history. I can hardly believe it, but next year we will celebrate our 75th anniversary.” ì

Atlanta native Jonathan Golden will receive The Atlanta Business Chronicle Dealmakers Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 26.

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REAL ESTATE

Fall 2023 Real Estate Roundup

By Robyn Spizman

With homes still selling before they’re on the market, ever-changing forecasts mixed in with low inventory, the Atlanta Jewish Times asked a group of seasoned and knowledgeable real estate agents what consumers need to know.

How should home sellers prepare their homes to attract the most money? What should a home buyer know before starting the process? And how can a real estate professional contribute to the outcome of the best possible experience? These questions and more are answered by a round-up of some of Atlanta’s wellknown pros.

Robin Blass Group with Harry Norman Realtors has been in business for more than 40 years and the past 11 years with daughter, Lauren Blass Solomon.

According to Blass, “If you are a seller in our market, you have a great opportunity to capitalize on the current trends and happenings. The average homeowner has $274,000 in equity, up from $182,000 before the pandemic. Many homeowners are looking to make a change, whether it is rightsizing, downsizing, or relocating to be near family. They want homes that are comfortable and convenient, with high-end finishes and amenities. They also want to enjoy the lifestyle that the Atlanta suburbs offer, with walking trails, book clubs, gardens, pickleball, golf, and other adult interests. That’s why we have seen a 10 percent increase in prices in just the last year. If you are thinking of selling your home, now is the time to act and get the best value for your property.”

Lauren Solomon (Robin’s daughter), who became a real estate agent while she was a sophomore in college representing

a younger buyer and seller demographic, from their late 20s and 30s, says, “The real estate market is changing rapidly, and so are the preferences of secondtime buyers. Many of them are looking for homes that suit their current and future needs, such as good schools, convenient locations, and spacious layouts. They are not interested in fixer-uppers or outdated designs. They want homes that are ready to move in, with modern kitchens and bathrooms. They are willing to invest in properties that will serve them for a long time, even if they must pay higher interest rates now and refinance later. They know that the competition is fierce, and they have to act fast. They also

understand that the standards for a million-dollar home have changed over time, and they must adjust their expectations accordingly.”

Christiane Zeh Schendowich, a 35year Phoenix Award Recipient at Harry Norman Realtors, shared what consumers should know, “In the current real estate market in Atlanta, both sellers and buyers should be aware of several key factors. Sellers should recognize that the market has been relatively competitive, with limited housing inventory leading to potentially quicker sales and favorable pricing conditions. Properly pricing the property based on recent local sales is crucial. Additionally, showcasing the

property’s unique features and investing in quality marketing can help attract buyers.

“On the other hand, buyers should be prepared for a competitive environment where multiple offers are common. It’s important for buyers to get pre-approved, not pre-qualified, for a mortgage to demonstrate their seriousness to sellers. It might be a good idea to waive as many contingencies as possible. For example, waive your appraisal contingency, ask for a five-day due diligence. During that time, a good mortgage company like Prosperity Mortgage can do the appraisal. If the gap between purchase price and appraisal is too big, cancel the contract

or negotiate a lower price. Due diligence in researching neighborhoods, property values, and potential appreciation trends is essential. Flexibility and prompt decision-making are also valuable assets for buyers in navigating Atlanta’s dynamic real estate landscape.”

Leigh Schiff, real estate advisor, The Schiff Team, a division of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty shared, “In my professional opinion, the biggest story is that the current market is a real estate expert’s market. More than ever, it is crucial to align yourself with a longstanding, active realtor that can skillfully navigate today’s market. This means a realtor who is experienced and successfully navigated their clients through multiple markets and knows how to best represent their buyer or seller to achieve the greatest outcome.”

Schiff advised, “Anyone can search Zillow to find a home. When interviewing your realtor, questions to consider asking are: How do you find your buyer homes that are not on the market? How do you engage your database to realize their selling potential or opportunities that are not yet realized? Furthermore, how do you protect your buyers when negotiating skillfully and throughout the process to guard their best interests? What do you do to strategically position your property to obtain the highest price and as well producing a solid contract that will make it to the closing table? Most people in the market are surprised to find out that 65 percent of pending transactions are not making it to the closing table. Just because the inventory is low, does not mean that it’s easy. When working with our clients, our approach is that of an advisor and consultant that makes the process easier and successful for our buyers and sellers. There is more

than one way to win in this market and sometimes we need to rely on outsidethe-box thinking to allow our clients to achieve the outcome they are looking to achieve.”

Regarding what improvements sellers should consider, Robyn G. Zimmerman, of Harry Norman Realtors, encourages specific ideas for those ready to sell and are wondering where to start. She said, “The Atlanta real estate market is experiencing a shortage of inventory making it an opportune time for homeowners to sell. It still is important to present your home in the best possible light.”

Her top tips include:

The power of a fresh coat of paint. One of the most cost-effective ways to transform the look and feel of your home is through a fresh coat of paint. Some sellers consider offering a paint allowance to potential buyers. It’s essential to recognize the impact of a freshly painted interior not just visually but also contributing to the psychological appeal with that unmistakable freshly painted smell.

Curb appeal plays a vital role in making a strong first impression. Before potential buyers step foot inside your home, they evaluate its exterior. To make a lasting impression, start by power washing the exterior including windows. Well-maintained landscaping can elevate your home’s curb appeal creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A freshly painted front door can act as a welcoming focal point, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Interior upgrades and small changes can have a big impact. Consider applying fresh paint to both walls and cabinets, accompanied by updated pulls and knobs. This simple change can breathe new life into your kitchen and bathrooms, giving them a modern and

Christiane Zeh Schendowich, Harry Norman realtor

Robin and Lauren Blass, of Robin Blass Group with Harry Norman Realtors

appealing look. Don’t neglect the details – regrouting where necessary and ensuring all light bulbs are bright and operational.

Declutter and depersonalize. Beyond physical upgrades, decluttering,

and depersonalizing can help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Clearing out excess belongings and personal items allows buyers to visualize their own furnishings and décor in the home. Showcasing your home in the

G’mar chatimatova!

best possible light in collaboration with your real estate professional will help set you up for success in this market.

Regarding the landscape of today’s market, Eydie Koonin, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty,

said, “The Summer 2023 residential real estate market is starting to feel a bit more like a normal market. What do I mean by that? The old normal or ‘balanced market’ is one where property inventory is between six to seven months. We are starting to see properties stay on the market longer before going under contract. Buyers can now ask for a due diligence period of 7-12 days, and it will most likely be granted in the binding contract.”

Koonin added on a final note, “Sellers and their brokers should be having discussions around days on market to sell, due diligence, inspections, what inspections to expect, and then what the buyers may expect from the sellers regarding repairs. It may be prudent for sellers to pre-inspect before coming to market, especially if the buyers purchased during the crazy boom market where they may have not had due diligence and therefore, did not have the opportunity to ask the sellers for repairs or repair concessions. We are seeing more terminations this summer because sellers are not accepting the new reality that this market is drastically different than it was in the past few years.”  ì

Yolanda R. Mack Deputy District Attorney for Sex Crimes Candidate, DeKalb County State Court Judge (Division A3) www.yolandaforjudge.com

May the new year bring peace, joy, and prosperity to you, your family and our community. As your Division A3 State Court Judge I will always work to give you the representation you expect and deserve.

Leigh Schiff, real estate advisor, The Schiff Team

Robyn G. Zimmerman, of Harry Norman Realtors

Eydie Koonin, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

WISHING YOU A MEANINGFUL

G’MAR CHATIMA TOVA!

Vacant Office Buildings are Turning into Apartments

By Bob Bahr

Office rentals in Atlanta, particularly in older buildings that might not have class A amenities, are finding tough going in a market where big companies are shedding office space, and a surge in new construction has added more than 18 million square feet of prime office properties in the last half-dozen years.

According to Co-Star, a real estate data firm, there is a record 9.1 million square feet of office space on the market, as companies like ATT, NCR and McKinsey, the consulting firm, have found they need much less space when they have more workers putting in time on their computers from home.

In the last four years, the office vacancy rate in Atlanta has jumped from 11.5 percent in 2019 to 14.7 percent today -- not much below the all-time Atlanta high for vacancies of 16 percent that was seen during the financial crisis 15 years ago.

Adding to the pressure on building owners are high interest rates and the reluctance of financial lenders to take on

new clients.

One real estate veteran, Kenny Wolfe, who has been in commercial real estate for the past 14 years, believes that

office owners who are in trouble have few good financial choices.

“If you’re in that camp as an office owner, there’s really not a lot of good op-

Nothing compares to proven performance.

“Eydie took care of us as though we were her own children. We had a horrible experience with another agent, and Eydie not only found our dream home but made the entire process feel seamless and hassle-free. Eydie is thorough, informative, savvy and effective. Anything we needed, Eydie was able to assist immediately. We never thought buying a home could be so smooth.”

- RECENT HOMEBUYERS

tions for you right now. The highest leverage level you’re going to get on an older office building right now is 50 percent of the new lower value that many buildings

“Pailey was the ideal person to work with! She made every part of the process smooth and stress-free and went out of her way to find the right place for us. I would recommend Pailey to anyone looking for a place to live that wants A+ customer service.”

- RECENT HOMEBUYER

Vacancies in large office buildings are approaching an all-time high in Atlanta.

are being appraised at. Many of those values are underwater from a financial standpoint right now.”

The lagging market here and in many American cites has been a source of opportunity for Wolfe’s firm, which, for the last three years, has been buying up older office buildings in what were formerly thriving commercial centers and turning them into apartments.

Right now, his firm has a dozen older office buildings in cities around the country that are being renovated into living spaces. Two of the buildings are in Atlanta. He’s rebuilding the old W.T. Grant building, which was originally constructed at 33 Broad Street in 1898 in the Central Business District, and 41 Marietta Street, just a few blocks away. The Grant building, which was once one of the largest structures in the Southeast when it was first built, will have shops on the ground floor and commercial space on the floor above, but the rest is already rented. A firm that rents short-term rentals on Airbnb has taken most of the rest of the building. The Marietta Street building will be apartments.

It’s not always an easy job doing these conversions. Office buildings are laid out differently than apartments. There might be support columns that run through the building at 20-foot intervals, windows that need replacing so they can be opened and closed and rewiring and new plumbing. It can be expensive, but the attractiveness of city living for many, particularly singles and young couples,

according to Wolfe, is worth paying a premium for living in a unique structure in the heart of the city.

“The cost of renovation varies widely…because the building may have been rebuilt recently. So, it’s a kind of a deep dive, that could be as cheap as maybe $180 a square-foot, all the way to $450 a square-foot to do the building.”

Increasingly though, city governments are willing to provide help, particularly in cities like Atlanta, where there’s a shortage of housing in general and particularly those that are affordable.

Late last year government officials and business leaders from some of the largest cities in the country met under the auspices of the Brookings Institution to explore ways of revitalizing the commercial centers. Philadelphia has a long-standing tax abatement program to encourage conversions. There have been 180 building conversions therein -- a 55 percent increase in people living downtown.

Eric Kronberg, an Atlanta architect with an interest in urban revitalization, believes that Atlanta may be looking more closely at what can be done to encourage the conversion of office buildings that, in some cases, are nearly empty.

“Usually, the city wants workforce housing and so it becomes just a balancing act using carrots and sticks. And when this is a case of bring people back to the city center, it’s mostly carrots. Like, hey, what kind of carrots? They can offer some good things.” ì

The WT Grant office building in downtown Atlanta is being converted into apartments.

Grant Practices the Feng Shui Way

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Local feng shui expert Roberta Grant practices, “Out with the old, in with the Chi” by recalling, “Remember the positive feeling when you first walked into your home and knew that you wanted to live there? ‘Chi’ is this positive life force that you experienced!”

Feng shui (pronounced “fung shway”) is the study, art, and science of placement, balancing and enhancing the environment and life quality…literally translated as “Wind and Water.” Feng shui has been practiced for more than 3,000 years and was developed in ancient China. Incorporating enhancements, clearing away clutter, repositioning tchotchkes, and furniture, and changing or adding colors can create balance and harmonize the flow of Chi in homes and offices.

Grant continued, “Feng shui is basically common sense, using intuition and principles to achieve great success. The Bagua Map, a map of how to break a living space into nine different categories, is used. The Five Elements -- wood, fire, water, metal, and Earth -- work in harmony with a balanced interior.”

The growing popularity of feng shui has been touted as positively, and possibly, affecting some people with improved health, rewarding relationships, new career opportunities, and an overall increase in happiness and prosperity.

Grant analyzed different versions of home-based feng shui:

Home Office Zen: Positioning the desk and chair facing the door (but not directly in front of the door) is called the “Command and Power Position.” A wall behind the desk is supportive of goals and achievements; choose a comfortable, ergonomic chair; clearing the desktop, tables and cabinets of clutter will result in positive energy in the room; and hanging inspirational and favorite artwork creates visual warmth.

Front Porch Beauty: Keep the porch swept and clean; maintain the front door with fresh paint or stain; lighting and doorbell in working order; a welcome mat to greet guests; fun seating and a small table encourages relaxing times outside; and living, healthy plants and flowers add to the ambience and beauty.

Foyer: A bubbly water feature filled with distilled water; place a lucky bamboo plant; crystals for energy balance; candle for radiance; dragon pottery with coins and a Money Frog for prosperity; and a

small bowl for placing keys in safe place.

Kitchen: Reflection from shiny teakettle puts the cook in command position; use all four burners so energy won’t become stagnant; keep only what is used on countertops; and display fresh fruit symbolizing good health.

Working with Grant begins with her initial client visit (home or business) for two hours where she tours the landscaping, porch and enters the home or office through the front door. All areas will be identified according to the Bagua Map, and The Five Elements will be addressed. Goals are set and recommendations made. Some adjustments will be completed onsite, others will be in a plan for later. She then follows-up in a few weeks to assess progress.

Originally from Tampa, Grant replanted to Atlanta more than 40 years ago. Her first career was as a dental hygienist, and, in 2000, she took a class in feng shui at Evening At Emory, where she had “an

A-ha moment.” A career counselor assisted her with choosing schools for certification in feng shui and interior design and established a new career as a certified feng shui practitioner, receiving additional training from the Western School of Feng Shui in 2002.

She has completed more than 350 residential and business consultations, and also holds certification in residential inte-

rior design from the Atlanta College of Art.

Grant has been featured on CNN’s “Sunday Morning” and in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She’s been on staff at both Atlanta College of Art and SCAD Atlanta, teaching feng shui community education classes.

For more information, visit www.robertafengshui.com or contact robertafengshui@ msn.com and (404) 317-7550. ì

Roberta’s 2024 Design Mantra and tips:

• Clear the clutter, create positive energy, live with what you love, and you’ll be practicing perfect feng shui;

• Use front door several times a week, the mouth of Chi and window of opportunity into your home;

• Clear the clutter in all rooms to let the energy flow ;

• Use bedrooms for rest, rejuvenation and romance, not exercise equipment or working stations; limit the electronics for more peaceful sleep;

• Keep the bathroom door and toilet lid closed to prevent energy loss;

• Add healthy, green plants for vital energy and to clean the air.

The kitchen counters should only house what’s being used.

Roberta Grant is a certified feng shui practitioner and also holds certification in residential interior design from the Atlanta College of Art. Grant advises that porches should be swept clean with updated paint and welcome mat.

This feng shui foyer table touts a water feature.

ARTS & CULTURE Adam Sandler's Family Stars in Zany Mitzvah Tale

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Don’t expect a riveter like “Oppenheimer,” or a puff of cotton candy like “Barbie,” but the new Netflix Adam Sandler movie, “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah,” is a hearty bowl of matzo brie with a dab of black cherry jam.

Not afraid to look in the mirror or experience emotions about being in a Jewish family, Sandler relishes in his own irreverence and smaltz that suits our generation. In real life, over-the-top Jewish celebrations date back to a Miami pharmacist who made headlines by releasing hundreds of live doves at his daughter’s Fountainbleau wedding. But that doesn’t necessarily correlate to losing the emotions wrapped inside.

“You Are So Not Invited” is a tale of finding one’s own way amidst teenage angst, and the role parenting, apologizing, and educating can play that applies to many cultures.

Fan Miriam Haviv noted, “I loved the movie! As a mother of two teenagers who

“You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” is really about teen angst that can apply to many cultures.

graduated from Davis and lived through mitzvah drama, I was touched by the real and raw depiction of those tender years,

and it made me want to go back and hug them.”

Part of the movie’s joy is Sandler’s re-

al-life daughters, Sunny and Sadie, who play themselves; his wife has the role of the friend’s mother. Idina Mendzel is en-

Sandler’s real-life daughters, Sadie and Sunny, gave great performances, or maybe in just playing some of themselves.

mostly

Atlanta

dearing as Sandler’s “movie” wife. Fighting over a popular boy and Hebrew school drama come between friends comically and poignantly at the same time. Yes, there are fancy Range Rovers and glamorous homes, but Sandler injects his zaniness and off-color humor to just the right degree. And what parent hasn’t wanted to pick up an obstreperous teen and sling her over his shoulder -- ever so gently -- to get that tuchas moving in the right direction? Coming out of nowhere, Sadie and Sunny deserve a “Beginner’s Oscar” for their performances.

The Hebrew school was replete with fun loving rabbi/cantor teachers, who insisted on good values and made the kids feel at ease in loving Judaism. Teens found kissing behind the Torah curtain were disciplined with no uncertainty. The halls were filled with mixed races, shapes, and sizes. The atmosphere was upbeat as the Judaica in the hallway glass cases were selected with great care. Although the female rabbi was seen exercising on the treadmill in her office singing silly tropes to make her point, there was no doubt that she was “good people.”

Also Jewish is the sea of many opinions. When reaching out to Facebook's Jewish Moms of Atlanta, commenters were split between seeing Jews in a negative light to Sandler hitting a bull’s-eye target.

Fan Melissa Mooney Wikoff said, “I’m grateful that Sandler created a piece about a Jewish family that didn’t have awful stereotypes. They were just a normal family like my own…my daughter

related to the teen

saw kids going to Hebrew school, and the theme about friendship vs. a princess needing to be saved…the look on my daughter’s face when they sang, ‘BIM BAM!’”

On the other hand, Lynn Fichman Savage compared the film to “Crazy Rich Asians,” saying, “The rabbi made me feel uncomfortable. My 12-year-old granddaughter and her friends didn’t particularly like it. Non-Jews watching it, unless they live in New York or Los Angeles, may not understand that parts are a parody.”

Andreas Harris added, “The movie was a disappointing portrayal about what is a beautiful ceremony that is crucial to Judaism…I live in Georgia and am constantly proselytized by those who don’t know us. For a Jewish celebrity to have the opportunity to tell our story and so miss the ball, annoyed me.”

Denise Talent-Deitchman concluded, “My whole family, kids 13 and 15, loved the religious aspect of how much work goes into preparing for a bat mitzvah, religious school, connection with the rabbi, the importance of a mitzvah project, the parent’s pride, teen drama, were spot on."

Jennifer Rouge Lowenstein exclaimed, “Great family movie. My 22-, 20-, and 17-year-olds and my husband and I, all related to it. We liked how the older sister always had friends around. We have that type of home where everyone is welcomed. My children said the Sunday school scenes were exactly right.”

Was Sandler a good parent? Align your expectations and invite yourself to this bat mitzvah. ì

Adam Sandler gets

kudos from

women who

comedy/drama.

ARTS & CULTURE

Price’s Priceless Photos

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

When Marvin Price is not in the courtroom litigating worker’s compensation cases, he can be found searching the seas, skies, and flora for just the precise nature shot. In fact, he is up every morning to try to catch a sunrise toting his elaborate camera around the Chattahoochee River or in a deserted location catching celestial events.

He stated, “I spend at least 10 hours a week in the early morning and evening working on my photography ‘habit.’ I also have become an eclipse chaser and have photographed the total eclipse of the sun in 2017 with plans to photograph the annular eclipse of the sun on Oct. 14, 2023, and another total eclipse of the sun on April 8, 2024.”

Price was born in Aberdeen, Md., when his father was in the Army. At age 5, he lived in the Atlanta area and attended Briarcliff High School, followed by being a “Triple Dawg” earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s in rehabilitation counseling, and law degree -- all from the University of Georgia.

He relates catching the “photography bug” to wearing eyeglasses, which he has worn since he was 6 years old.

He recounted, “I have always seen the world through frames. Being an Eagle Scout, I developed a love for nature and the outdoors. Photography has been a way to document how I see the world and an excuse to connect me with nature, my ‘grounding force.’ Last year I was a Roswell Photo Society Photographer of the Year, and one of my images was named the Photograph of the Year. I enjoy nature and the world around me in all its forms. Astronomy, ornithology, oceanography, entomology are all keen interests of mine. I am a founding member of the Georgia Nature Photographers Association.”

His photography was not always in the nature genre. Previously, he photographed events having documented more than 300 weddings and mitzvahs. Due to family conflicts, he began to focus on nature photography as a hobby.

He shoots with Nikon cameras, a D850 DLR and D500 DSLR, along with his iPhone 14promax, which is becoming “a real workhorse” for him. He uses Photoshop minimally in a rudimentary way to create an image as close to what he sees as possible.

Price lectures in both disciplines: workers compensation and photography.

He was co-chair of the State Bar of Georgia Seminar; he volunteered at the Georgia Aquarium to use his SCUBA diving passions and lectured at camera clubs in the region sharing how to photograph at the Georgia Aquarium. He later brought in the camera clubs with early admission to the aquarium to hone their skills. He also helped lead photography trips to the Grand Tetons, Iceland, Sedona, Ariz., and

the Canadian Rockies.

Price shared, “I take pride in all my work, but I think that which gives me the most satisfaction is capturing birds and insects in such a way as to show the beauty of all living creatures. I have a great oven, but I cannot cook. Most people these days have terrific DSLR or mirrorless cameras or great phone cameras but need to be taught how to create outstand-

ing images. I enjoy mentoring people to teach them the skills I have learned to be aware of distracting backgrounds and confusing compositions as well as how to view and assess the light to get the most pleasing images. I am regularly asked to judge photo competitions which is very satisfying to me.”

Since Price has already photographed the Northern Lights in Iceland,

Marvin Price in front of his 2017 shot of a total eclipse of the sun // Photos Courtesy of Marvin Price Photography

Price’s dramatic shot of Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island.

Price’s interpretation of this Icelandic horse has a mystical feel.

many underwater creatures, and a total eclipse of the sun, along with other celestial events, his bucket list is headlined by Patagonia for its landscapes. He is also set to conduct workshops at many of the

national parks in the West.

As for his “day” job, for 38 years, Price was a sole practitioner handling workers’ compensation cases for injured employees. For the past seven years, he

has been with Kaufman Law. He has received the Distinguished Service and Professionalism Award by the State Bar Workers’ Compensation Section, “Super Lawyers” Designation for many years,

and is a Fellow with the College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers. Price’s shots are simply breathtaking. He does not sell his work in favor of donating his images to charity auctions. ì

Price won first place in the Georgia Audubon Society Portrait Contest and top 50 nationally with his crowned crane photo.

Price snapped the detail in this praying mantis, using macro photography.

The Many Layers of Johanna Norry

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Don’t try to put Johanna Norry in a tidy box. She can be found weaving, hand knitting, stitching, collaging, and manipulating family photos. For her art, she uses natural fibers—cotton, wool, linen, bamboo, and also incorporates synthetics like vinyl, and found objects.

Since 2012 she has been featured in dozens of juried shows around the country. Just last year, Norry had pieces in shows in New York City, San Antonio, at The Bakery in Atlanta, the Hudgens Center in Duluth, and a duo show at the Moon Gallery at Berry College in Rome, Ga.

She said, “Lately, my work has exploded in color, and I must credit a colleague, who, by laying colorful thread on top of my work, convinced me that it would be exciting to see the same forms I was making, but with more color. She was right.”

Norry came to this art form when she met and married Rabbi Hillel Norry. His mother, Sharon Norry (daughter of Atlanta Jewish community leaders the late Ruth and Sol Singer), had a weaving studio in Rochester, N.Y., where she and others made beautiful hand designed tallitot.

Sadly, Sharon Norry died from cancer just a few years after their meeting; and as destiny called, Johanna inherited everything from her studio.

Johanna recalled, “I was pregnant with our son, and I couldn’t imagine having the time to learn to weave, so I made myself a promise that I would learn on the same schedule she did—when my youngest was 5 years old. I kept that promise and signed up for a weaving class at Callanwolde. Being immediately hooked, and I signed up for classes every term after that for several years. One of my weaving teachers suggested a dyeing class at Georgia State with the new textiles professor. A few weeks into that class, I knew that this was where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do: making art, and in the textiles classroom, for the rest of my life.”

She stayed at Georgia State for twoand-a-half years and earned her bachelor’s in fine arts in 2015 and received her MFA from the University of Georgia in 2018. She now teaches weaving and textiles at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega. She exclaimed, “I’m doing exactly what I set out to do, and I love it!”

Her current work is made from the accumulation of raw materials that she has either handwoven or handknitted,

Thinking of weaving as a metaphor for how we move through life, Norry wove together photographs of herself and her child, Natanya, both at age 21. (Rebels, 1986/2022, 2023)

which makes it difficult to gauge the amount of time invested in a piece. Most of her new collages are created from that material in a day or two, and she always balances multiple pieces concurrently. Some pieces resolve easily, and others need to percolate longer before she considers them finished.

For the next several months, Norry will take part at the High Museum of Art in activating a part of Sonya Clark’s exhibit, “We Are Each Other.” Along with two other weavers, including one of her students, Norry will weave the Truce Flag as part of the “Reconstruction Exercise” project, and facilitating visitors to the ex-

Norry wove together two photographs of her family from the 1960s and paired them with a collage of handwoven textiles. (Swimming in the Gene Pool, 2023)

hibit to take part in the weaving.

Being married to a rabbi, Johanna answers the query about interpreting Judaic themes, “I mine my own life, my memories, and my family history for much of my artwork. I haven’t made a lot of work that I would characterize as Judaic, but I did do a whole series of sculptures when I was in grad school based on the prayer Asher Yatzar. They were very abstract—silk tubes filled with knitted and woven tubes. To me, they were very spiritual and celebrated the miracle of the human body.”

She continued, “I can’t separate being an artist from all the other parts of

This is one of Norry’s collages assembled from parts of sweaters that she knitted over a 15-year period, but that were never completed. (My Work Is Never Done, 2023)

my life, and so, of course, being a rabbi’s wife, a mother, a Jew by choice, all factor into what I make my work about. Hillel has always been incredibly supportive, and I use him as a sounding board for my ideas all the time. I’m sure that fact alone means my work would be different without him, just as I would be different without him.”

Rabbi Hillel Norry summed it up, “Johanna’s art inspires me. I think her creativity and spirituality are inseparable."

Norry sells her work from shows and can be contacted through her website at www.johannanorry.com and @ johanna.norry on Instagram. ì

Johanna Norry inherited her late mother-in-law’s fiber art materials and carved her own artistic niche from it.

At 7’ wide, Norry was inspired by Modernist painters who celebrated the cooperative nature of rectangles. (Sometimes, It Just Fits, 2023)

Chai Style Art

Franco’s Legacy Takes Flight

ented art Phyllis executed.

Marcia

Caller Jaffe

Many artists and homes have enlivened this column, but perhaps not one as poignant as this. Atlanta native Phyllis Alterman Franco graduated Grady High School and proceeded to earn a BS and master’s degrees in visual arts, build a life of fine artistry including teaching piano, all intertwined with family. Married to retired neurologist Richard Franco for 63 years, Phyllis succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease in 2022. The Franco’s were featured in a PBS Special, “Your Fantastic Mind,” in 2020.

Individuals like Phyllis may grace this Earth for a short time, but her riveting paintings tell scores of enduring lessons about the preciousness and precariousness of life, and the beauty awaiting just outside the front door.

Enjoy Richard and daughter, Meryl’s, tour of their stone clad, mid-century modern Buckhead home.

Marcia: Share some of the family-ori-

Richard: One of my favorites is the scarlet interpretation she did of depicting both of our families uniting at our rehearsal dinner. Eastern meets Southern Europe. The Sephardic Francos on one side of the table, across from the Ashkenazi Alterman’s. Turkey versus Poland getting all mixed together with a telling Oriental Rug as the backdrop.

Marcia: She also painted the children and you.

Richard: In my study is a large painting with nine segments depicting various kids’ scenes…son, Lewis, playing the guitar, Rebecca at 16 on the boat, and Meryl with Pumpkin, the dog. In the dinette area is a symbolically loaded portrait of me she did in 1980 in California standing by the Pacific Ocean where she is interpreting my mindset - a calm ocean with a storm coming. I am obviously preoccupied about my residency and returning to Atlanta, “standing on the edge,” so to speak.

Marcia: What about entering the house makes it Phyllis’?

Richard: She created the two large gray and mustard paintings outside by the front door which literally have been

sheltered from any weather concerns. In the foyer, we can almost see the real, lifesized Phyllis that she constructed for her graduate thesis at GSU…waving and ever welcoming.

Marcia: Inside your home, we feel cascading and moving water in many paintings.

Richard: She was always interpreting the landscape, blowing grasses. My favorite, “The River Is Calling,” has misty, watery pale hues of mint green rivulets. In medical training, I was “on call” leaving in the dark and returning in the dark, stressed; and she knew that I could be refreshed by a visit to the Chattahoochee. Sometimes, she would capture reflections in water also. Some of her water visions had different textures and expanded into foam.

In the foyer is her large abstract landscape of cascading water. Note the pieces of canvas subtly and purposefully painted over with threads as a revision to the painting. It has subliminal layers of nature, skies, and the mystery of the unknown. In the dining room is a natureinspired painting on plexiglass

Marcia: What about the aviary kingdom intrigued her?

Richard: Actually, my favorite treatment of Phyllis’  is by the front door, a bird escaping in four escalating versions as a symbol of freedom. Some of her black and white works mimicked birds in motion. And the two sets of large diptychs…one showing a mother bird feeding the chick in its bill. They are called “Angel birds” since that is listed as a title in one of her artwork lists.) Birds were always escaping into freedom…of leaving, with movement.

Marcia: What are some works by others that you collect here?

Richard: In the foyer, we have a Deborah Fritts prayer besieging a person as a bird with hands as wings open to the skies and in prayer.

We collected various pieces from the Piedmont Art Festival including the Maplethorpe wooden bowl, the giant glass bowl, ceramic pieces, and framed photography.

Marcia: When Phyllis’ Alzheimer’s disease progressed, how did this affect her art?

Meryl: In her workshop/studio out back, during one phase, her paintings shifted to representations of doors. It seemed that she was aware of life shift-

The entrance foyer has a cut out self portrait of Phyllis with one of her waterscape mixed media pieces in the background.

Meryl and Richard Franco reminiscence by playing piano adjacent to one of Phyllis Franco’s magnificent bird diptychs.

Above: Phyllis created this outrageous mixed media with kitty litter and Hebrew letters (right). The painting of Richard on the left interpreted many of his feelings at the time.

Right: Meryl Franco enjoys this assemblage of her with her dog, her sister Rebecca at 16 and brother Lewis playing guitar.

Below: Phyllis devised this painting depicting their rehearsal dinner where Southern Europe relatives convened with Eastern Europeans. Note the home’s exposure to natural light.

Left: This casual setting highlights Franco’s mother/baby bird symbiosis painting.

ing and she was peering through new doors that were opening to a new time with a different awareness unfolding. Her gratitude, love, and wonder were always evolving - even with her disease. As children in her studio here, she encouraged us to express ourselves freely. She once asked me to paint a dog on her studio wall which thrilled me, and it’s still there.

Marcia: What in heaven’s name is the Hebrew letter sculpture - it is so divergent from her natural work.

Richard: Phyllis’ creativity knew no bounds. Those Hebrew letters mean absolutely nothing.  They are just letters mixed together. It’s made from kitty litter! Great story here. After she did it, she said she had nightmares of the then-Ahavath Achim’s rather stern Rabbi Epstein chasing her, yelling, “Do you know what you have said?”

Marcia: How would you describe your mother’s inspiration?

Meryl: While diving into the sacred mysteries hidden within the rivers, trees, and birds, she uncovered our oneness with the natural world

CHAI STYLE

and unveiled layers of beauty in the constantly changing landscapes of life itself.  Through her “gestures of creation” (as she once wrote on my wall), she was in a continuous conversation with creation itself, pointing towards the freedom found through the creative process. Many images like her birds are larger than life - always in motion -growing, evolving, and transforming as in her “angel birds”- celebrating their essence and spirits soaring. She often played with the contrast of light and dark as equal parts of a beautiful, integral whole. I am forever grateful for these treasures she has left us. I feel her spirit in every piece as her art continues to embrace, lift and inspire us in infinite ways.

Marcia: Last word.

Meryl: What a privilege to see the wonder of beauty through her eyes. She was an artist in every sense and shared her creative passions generously. “Au Clair de la Lune” was her favorite piano piece which she taught her granddaughter and then loved hearing her play it. Her creative heart was continually overflowing, and her ability to shower us with profound and unconditional love astounded and blessed us everyday. ì

Above: These monochromatic paintings showed another side of Phyllis, but still with winged movements.

Below: Franco’s workshop was renovated by Rebecca and has some of her later paintings where doors represented her awareness that life was changing, and new doors were opening - perhaps to another realm. Meryl said, “She continued to smile at me, and I felt her recognition and love till the end.”

Above: Richard Franco sits in front of his favorite “Phyllis painting” where he could find peace looking at the river.

Below: The front of the Franco ranch style house displays two of Phyllis’ paintings undisturbed by weather.

October 3 to October 8

Sweat - Various Times Pulitzer Prizewinning collision of race, class, and friendship at a pivotal moment in America. Filled with warm humor and tremendous heart, "Sweat" tells the story of a group of friends who have spent their lives sharing drinks, secrets, and laughs while working together on the factory floor. Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/46dzdFY.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

Mazal Tots: Baby and Me - 9:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. Welcoming a new addition to your family is a joyous occasion, and finding a supportive community to share the journey makes it even more special. Introducing Mazal Tots, a unique gathering designed to foster connections, provide resources, and celebrate the beautiful journey of parenthood. With dedicated age-specific sections, we cater to the needs of families with infants (0-5 months), movers and groovers (6-17 months), and toddlers (18 months-3 yrs), creating an inclusive space for all. Sessions are guided by Jackie Perilman, a professional with over 15 years of experience with early intervention and preschoolaged children specializing in language and communication skills. RSVP at https://bit.ly/44FlrL9.

Great Sukkot Community Cookout9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join Congregation Etz Chaim for our Sukkot morning service followed by the dedication of the Hammer Pavilion and lunch at noon. Our Men’s Club will be grilling hot dogs and hamburgers along with a vegetarian option. RSVP at https:// bit.ly/3Lx8LiD.

Kibbitz & Konnect 50s+ Sukkot Party

- 4 to 7 p.m. 50s+ singles are invited to a poolside Sukkot cocktail party at a private lakefront home in Buckhead. We’ll have appetizers, a cash bar, and more! Register at https://bit. ly/3sPQsi7.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3

Brain Health Bootcamp - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join a fun, social class to strengthen your mind and body to stay sharp! With age serving as the greatest risk factor for cognitive impairment or memory loss, JF&CS is taking action with the Brain Health Bootcamp. The first of its kind in Atlanta, it is designed to provide memory enhancement techniques through cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, education, and socialization. Join by visiting https:// bit.ly/451GNDC.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2

Canasta and Mah Jongg at Etz Chaim10 a.m. to 12 p.m. AgeWell Atlanta East Cobb/Roswell and Congregation Etz Chaim host a weekly morning of canasta and Mah Jongg. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3RsalGu.

The Democracy Sukkah - 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join the Congregation Etz Chaim Sisterhood in the sukkah for a timely conversation about the judicial overhaul and implications of Israel’s judicial system, along with the concerns for Israel’s democracy. Find out the potential ramifications for Jews in the US and worldwide. Learn more at https://bit.ly/44Y5T5a.

First Aid Lunch and Learn in the Sukkah - 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Learn lifesaving skills from a certified First Aid instructor with Congregation Or VeShalom. Immediately following Sisterhood Baking. Limited space available. RSVP at https://bit.ly/48iHIkY.

Sisterhood in the Sukkah Snacks, Sips & Strokes – 6:45 to 9 p.m. Join Congregation Or VeShalom for an evening of friendship and fun, meet the new Sisterhood Board, and leave with your very own piece of art. Register at https://bit.ly/3PlSiir

KSU Jazz Ensembles - 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of student jazz ensemble performances led by Bailey School of Music Director of Jazz Studies Sam Skelton and faculty artist Wes Funderburk. Get tickets at https://bit. ly/3sTSkGB.

Poker in the Sukkah - 8 to 10 p.m. Join Congregation Or VeShalom for Poker in the Sukkah. $10 buy in. The winner chooses an OVS fund for the proceeds. Snacks and drinks provided. Get more information at https://bit. ly/46im3HG.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

Program on Israeli Politics/International Relations – 4:30 to 8 p.m. CIE and ISMI are planning a reception and a discussion focused on Israeli politics and the status of the state’s international relations. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3Ls9OQY.

Chol HaMoed Comedy Night with Mark Schiff - 6:45 to 9:30 p.m. Chol HaMoed Event by Congregation Beth Tefillah, hosted by Atlanta Jewish Academy, featuring World Class Comedian, Mark Schiff...opening act for Jerry Seinfeld! Enjoy pre-show Cocktails and Desserts in the Sukkah at 6:45PM, followed by an amazing comedy show in the AJA Auditorium at 7:30PM. Purchase tickets at https:// bit.ly/3t1yWrp.

John Warren, Clarinet &Friends: Brit Lit - 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Faculty artist John Warren presents an evening of works for clarinet by British composers. Prof. Warren will be joined by other BSOM faculty artists, including Judith Cole, piano, Kenn Wagner, violin, Adelaide Federici, violin, Julia Bullard, viola, and Charae Krueger, cello. Find Tickets at https://bit.ly/3Pnzr6z.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Sukkot

Friday, September 29 Tishrei 14, 5784 Light Shabbat / Holiday Candles at 7:06 PM

Saturday, September 30 Tishrei 15, 5784 Light Holiday Candles after 7:59 PM from a pre-existing flame.

Sunday, October 1 Tishrei 16, 5784 Holiday Ends 7:58 PM

Shemini Atzeret

Friday, October 6 Tishrei 21, 5784 Light Shabbat / Holiday Candles at 6:56 PM

Saturday, October 7 Tishrei 22, 5784 Light Holiday Candles after 7:50 PM from a pre-existing flame.

Sunday, October 8 Tishrei 23, 5784 Holiday Ends 7:49 PM

Torah Reading: Bereishit

Friday, October 13 Tishrei 28, 5784 Light Candles at 6:47 PM

Saturday, October 14 Tishrei 29, 5784 Shabbat Ends 7:41 PM

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5

Torah Study with the Rabbi - 10 to 11 a.m. Congregation Etz Chaim hosts a weekly Torah study with the rabbi on Thursday mornings. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3sTgMbk.

Tuesdays with Morrie - 7:30 to 9 p.m. “Tuesdays with Morrie” is a touching play based on the true story of Mitch Albom’s reconnection with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz. Purchase tickets at Stage Door Players by visiting https://bit.ly/44zZFIt.

Chanticleer - 8 p.m. Schwartz Center for Performing Arts’ concert is titled Music of a Silent World and centers around a new arrangement of Majel Connery’s song cycle, The Rivers are our Brothers, which was written in, around, and about the Sierra Nevada mountains. Each movement inhabits a different part of the Sierra’s natural beauty: from its high peaks to its forests, rocks, rivers, and snowbanks. To complement Conery’s song cycle, the program also includes arrangements of “Stardust” by Hoagy Carmichael, “Washing of the Water” by Peter Gabriel, and “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell, among others. Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/46fpUFt.

Shabbat in the Park - 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Join Shearith Israel as we head “off-campus” to a few local parks this summer and fall. We’ll kick off Shabbat with a few songs on guitar and prayers over wine/juice and challah, followed by a fun vegetarian-friendly meal. These casual Friday evenings are a terrific way to socialize with Shearith Israel members of all ages, so bring the kids AND the grown-ups and tell friends that they are welcome to join us, too — the more, the merrier! Learn more at https://bit.ly/3O0eo9D.

Tuesdays with Morrie - 7:30 to 9 p.m. “Tuesdays with Morrie” is a touching play based on the true story of Mitch Albom’s reconnection with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz. Purchase tickets at Stage Door Players by visiting https://bit.ly/44zZFIt.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

Simchat Torah Soiree - 8 to 10:30 p.m. Join us for this Adults Only Simchat Torah celebration at Etz Chaim. Enjoy a lively service followed by schmoozing, wine, beer, and snacks. RSVP at https://bit.ly/468fpnC.

Tzedakah and Charitable Giving - 12 to 12:45 p.m. Embrace generosity with Rabbi Noah Farkas and learn why giving Tzedakah is so central to our High Holy Day experience. Get the Zoom Link at https://bit.ly/45Xf33a.

KSU Choirs - 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of choral music performed by the KSU Treble Choir, Men’s Ensemble, Chorale, and Chamber Singers. Find Tickets at https://bit.ly/44ZAT4K.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6

Shabbat, Me, & Rabbi G - 5 to 5:30 p.m. Bring your children to the JCC for a fun Shabbat celebration with Rabbi G! All are invited to this monthly Shabbat sing-along featuring activities, Shabbat songs, and more! Learn more at https://bit.ly/486n3jM.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

2023 Israel Bonds Temple Sinai Tribute Event: A Night Under the Sukkah - 7 to 9 p.m. Join Israel Bonds for a Night Under the Sukkah with Acclaimed Cookbook Author: Adeena Sussman. Join for cocktails, Family Style Dinner. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3LorgWj.

Young Adults in the Sukkah 2023 - 8 to 9:30 p.m. Join Congregation Or VeShalom for wine, chocolate & an evening with Emily Kapit of Refresh Your Step Networking & Career Advice. Learn strategies for how to handle the common “Tell me about yourself” question, prepare your optimal response, and practice under the stars at this innovative and engaging Sukkot event. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3PEy4Sl.

Tot Shabbat at Etz Chaim - 5 to 6:30 p.m. Etz Chaim Preschool invites you to our monthly Tot Shabbat on Fridays. Bring your own dairy or pareve dinner, and join us for songs, dances, crafts, and fun! Find out more at https://bit.ly/3sQ5nsK.

Simchat Torah Celebration - 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join Congregation Etz Chaim for Simchat Torah as we honor our Chatan Torah and Kallat Bereishit, Hank and Karen Needle. After services from noon - to 2:00 p.m., we will continue the celebration with a family-friendly festival with food, drinks, games for all ages, and adult beverages. Free and open to the community. Register at https://bit.ly/3ENZrmA.

Visiting Artist Lecture: David Antonio Cruz - 1 to 2 p.m. David Antonio Cruz will speak about his artistic practices and discuss his paintings currently on view in the exhibition (UNDER)flow at the ZMA. This event will occur in association with Atlanta Art Week. Find Tickets at https://bit.ly/3LoTOPJ.

An Evening of Song featuring India Tyree - 2:30 to 4 p.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join Stage Door Theater for a magical evening of song brought to you by the talented India Tyree. Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/3rbLCLU.

Empathy for the Refugee Experience

Jesu Castro-Balbi and Friends: Latin American Music - 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Bailey School of Music faculty artist Jesús Castro-Balbi, cello, is joined by guest artists Orlando Cela, flute, and Carmen Peralta, piano, in a performance featuring music by Latin American composers. The program will include works by Alberto Ginastera, Edgar Valcárcel, and Samuel Zyman, among others. Purchase Tickets at https://bit. ly/3LoTY9N.

Tuesdays with Morrie - 2:30 to 4 p.m. “Tuesdays with Morrie” is a touching play based on the true story of Mitch Albom’s reconnection with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz. Purchase tickets at Stage Door Players by visiting https://bit.ly/44zZFIt.

An Evening of Song featuring India Tyree - 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join Stage Door Theater for a magical evening of song brought to you by the talented India Tyree. Purchase tickets at https://bit. ly/3rbLCLU.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9

Preschool’s Out Playdate! – 9:30 to 11 a.m. Preschools are closed, but Nurture and PJ Library have you covered for a morning of stories, music and play! Families with children ages 6 months - 5 years old are invited to this free program. RSVP at https://bit. ly/3rbGuHF.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10

Brain Health Bootcamp - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join a Fun, Social Class to Strengthen Your Mind and Body to Stay Sharp! With age serving as the greatest risk factor for cognitive impairment or memory loss, JF&CS is taking action with the Brain Health Bootcamp. The first of its kind in Atlanta, it is designed to provide memory enhancement techniques through cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, education, and socialization. Join by visiting https:// bit.ly/451GNDC.

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

- 6:30 to 8 p.m. Each year, Georgia becomes a safe haven for thousands of refugees fleeing from persecution, war, and other violence. With the recent waves of regional conflicts, we are seeing more and more displaced peoples and families arriving in our state. To better understand their experience, representatives from New American Pathways will inform us of the recent surge in refugee arrivals and how the crises in Afghanistan and Ukraine have impacted the local people. You will learn about the history of New American Pathways’ refugee resettlement program, including who it serves and how it works, and will hear anecdotal stories from refugees they have assisted and how you can become involved. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3ZlkXIS.

InterChange - 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art, will present an annual collaboration featuring faculty from all disciplines of the College of the Arts. This unique presentation celebrates the creativity that all artistic disciplines share with one another and celebrates the many talents of our COTA family. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3PHNVi3.

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

Chef Moshe Basson, The

7:30 to 9:30 p.m. A Prologue to the Book Festival of the MJCCA Presents an Evening with Chef Moshe Basson Author Talk, Q & A & Book Signing. In The Eucalyptus Cookbook, Chef Moshe Basson unpacks all these questions and delves into the fascinating world of modern Jerusalem cuisine. Through the eyes of this renowned Jerusalem chef and owner of the Eucalyptus, an innovative restaurant that has been thriving for 36 years, personal stories come to life along with modern and ancient history and folklore Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/3Zn1tnm.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11

KSU Philharmonic Orchestra & KSU University Band - 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy performances by the KSU Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Bailey School of Music faculty Nancy Conley and the KSU University Band under the direction of BSOM faculty Daniel Lee. Purchase Tickets at https://bit.ly/3PSO03L.

Eucalyptus

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12

Brain Health Bootcamp - 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join a fun, social class to strengthen your mind and body to stay sharp! With age serving as the greatest risk factor for cognitive impairment or memory loss, JF&CS is taking action with the Brain Health Bootcamp. The first of its kind in Atlanta, it is designed to provide memory enhancement techniques through cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, education, and socialization. Join by visiting https://bit.ly/3tPwMs3.

The Extraordinary Journey of a Black, Jewish, Zionist, Singer-Spy Whisperer - 7 p.m. Darrell M. Blocker is Vice Chairman of MOSAIC, a boutique crisis management and security firm. He’s a former USAF Intelligence Officer and a 28-year veteran of the CIA’s clandestine service. Mr. Blocker served as Deputy Director of the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center and is a recipient of the George H.W. Bush award for Excellence in Terrorism. Mr. Blocker dedicates his time, expertise, and passion to non-profit organizations committed to enhancing the well-being of foster youth. He also serves as a subject matter expert on terrorism, Iran, and North Korea for ABC News. Additionally, he is a singer, a creative consultant in the entertainment industry, and an alumnus of UGA. Learn more at https://bit.ly/45TBG8P.

Tuesdays with Morrie - 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Atlanta Pride Shabbat - 6:30 p.m. Start Atlanta Pride weekend with an intimate Shabbat gathering at The Dock at Piedmont Park, hosted by SOJOURN and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Learn more at https:// bit.ly/3Pa9OWI.

Tuesdays with Morrie - 7:30 to 9 p.m. “Tuesdays with Morrie” is a touching play based on the true story of Mitch Albom’s reconnection with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz. Purchase tickets at Stage Door Players by visiting https://bit.ly/44zZFIt.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

Juried Art Show & Sale - 7 to 9 p.m. The community is welcome to the Temple Sinai Art Show & Sale. RSVP at https:// bit.ly/3LlgPD8.

Torah Study with the Rabbi - 10 to 11 a.m. Congregation Etz Chaim hosts a weekly Torah study with the rabbi on Thursday mornings. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3sTgMbk.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” is a touching play based on the true story of Mitch Albom’s reconnection with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz. Purchase tickets at Stage Door Players by visiting https://bit.ly/44zZFIt.

Tuesdays with Morrie - 7:30 to 9 p.m. “Tuesdays with Morrie” is a touching play based on the true story of Mitch Albom’s reconnection with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz. Purchase tickets at Stage Door Players by visiting https://bit.ly/44zZFIt. You’re invited to an evening celebrating 30 years

Shalom Bayit 30th Anniversary Event - 6:30 to 9 p.m. Please join JFCS as we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Shalom Bayit (Peace in the Home). We will honor founding supporters –Gus Kaufman, Barbara Levitas, Patty Maziar, and JacLynn Morris – and recognize Wendy Lipshutz, Program Director, for her tireless dedication and advocacy. The evening will feature a cocktail reception and premiere of the updated play, “Not So Happily Ever After.” Funds raised through this event will allow for the program’s sustainability for years to come. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3RnLX8H.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13

Let’s Make Shabbat! - 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. Join MJCCA for a family-friendly Shabbat experience! The adults will join Chef Lisa in the kitchen to prepare a meal and kids will join our Director of Experiential Jewish Education, Kelly Cohen, to make a variety of crafts to adorn the table for a memorable Shabbat family dinner to be shared with all! Register at https://bit.ly/3OfT4ge.

of Shalom Bayit (“Peace in the Home”), featuring the premiere of the updated play “Not So Happily Ever After” by Mira Hirsch.

Favorite Cinnamon Buns

Yeasty dough and sweet cinnamon filling need no introduction. It’s the ultimate comfort food!

Ingredients

Dough

1 tablespoon Gefen Dry Yeast

1/2 cup warm water

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons margarine

1 egg

2 cups Glicks Flour

Filling

2 tablespoons oil

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup Gefen Confectioners’ Sugar

1 teaspoon Gefen Cinnamon

Icing

1 cup Gefen Confectioners’ Sugar

1 teaspoon hot water

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix the yeast and water together. Add sugar, margarine, and egg and mix well. Add flour and knead for two to three minutes, until a nice dough forms. Do not over-knead or the dough will get tough.

2. Sprinkle flour on the counter. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle.

3. Drizzle filling ingredients over the dough. Roll up jelly-roll style.

4. Cut into one-and-a-half-inch pieces and place in a 9×13-inch pan.

5. Cover with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes.

6. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on how gooey you like your cinnamon buns.

8. In a bowl, combine icing ingredients. Drizzle over the warm cinnamon buns.

About: www.thevoiceoflakewood.com

Recipe by: Faigy Murray

The Flower Shop

Moshe was passing by a florist when he saw a sign in the window that read, “Say It With Flowers.”

He went into the shop and said to the clerk, “Wrap up one rose for me.”

“Only one?” the clerk asked.

“Just one,” replied Moshe. “I’m a man of few words.”

YIDDISH WORD

Ganifocrat

n. A politician who is a thief or conman. Hard to imagine, but apparently such people exist.

“The personal library of the chair of the library trustees has expanded incredibly. Methinks she’s a ganifocrat.”

From the Yiddish word ganif, meaning a “thief” or “crook.”

Yom Kippur Matters

By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com

ACROSS

1. Starting point, as for a discussion

6. Baba of note

10. They can take up a good deal of your memory

14. “Kiss From ___”

15. Claimed in court

16. Ostrich cousin

17. Babe Ruth bunting to advance a runner...or part of the Yom Kippur service, once?

20. High Priest with troublesome sons

21. Stark metal

22. Small weight

23. (Yom Kippur) service

26. Made like a lion looking for a meal (not a minyan)

27. Apt Nirvana anthem for Yom Kippur?

30. Herman Wouk’s mutinied ship

31. GPS fig.

32. Word after booking or agent

35. Bygone Jews whose general lifestyle was Yom Kippuresque

38. Items needed for Yom Kippur

41. “Daysleeper” band

42. You row with it

44. He directed “Groundhog Day”

45. Act of a protesting prisoner or one saying Vidui?

49. School break

52. Theodor who might get grinchy if he fasted on Yom Kippur

53. Six-time NBA All-Star who keeps Shabbos, familiarly

54. What the suspicious smell

55. Trap

58. The High Priest on Yom Kippur or what some plays have several of

62. Like a Broadway show

63. “Moneyball” star

64. Talks like a drunk, perhaps

65. Snow mobile?

66. Danny’s ex in “Ocean’s Eleven”

67. Some Jews curl them

DOWN

1. Kind of ball

2. Favorite Asian sea of crosswords

3. Ideology for most Kibbutzim, once

4. Where Kibbutzim are found:

Abbr.

5. Half a dozen, in Rome

6. Notebook type

7. What you can’t have on Yom Kippur, but might very well have on Purim

8. Read Torah

9. Gilbert and Sullivan princess

10. Squabbles

11. Fake

12. Quiet’s companion

13. What you might be spiritually, but not digestively, at the end of Yom Kippur

18. Spot’s friend, perhaps

19. Some midrashim

24. Barn appendage

25. French or Australian

26. Heart of the matter

27. Computer brand

28. Perform eye surgery on, maybe

29. Need on a road trip

32. Boorish cartoon where four of the five main characters are actually Jewish

33. “Red” norseman

34. Latin palindrome

36. Quite a while

37. Group not working at the moment

39. Picnic scraps

40. Cash for a cab, say

43. You may try to mend them before Yom Kippur

45. Managed, as sheep

46. Friendly lead in?

47. Changes chemically

48. Darth Sidious, e.g.

49. Singer Lou

50. Spam source

51. Do come slicing

54. “Million Dollar ___” (2006 “Simpsons” episode featuring Homer’s dad)

56. Dynamic lead-in

57. “Yo, over here”

59. Choose

60. Killer of Cleopatra

61. Atl. Braves’ division

Barry L. Blum 71, Washington, D.C.

Barry L. Blum, 71, of Washington, D.C. passed away on Sept. 18, 2023. Barry was a college graduate from Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. His love for the Washington Commanders and Washington Nationals was unwavering. He also loved listening to music. Barry was a member of the Hebrew Order of David International and the Jewish Mens Club. Barry is predeceased by his mother, Miriam Ginsburg Blum, and father, Samuel Blum.

Memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society or The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. The funeral was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, at Green Lawn Cemetery in Roswell, Ga. with Rabbi Bernstein of Gesher L’Torah and Rabbi Kassorla officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999.

Tilda Finzi Cohen 90, Atlanta

Tilda Finzi Cohen, 90 years old, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away on Sept. 6, 2023. A native of Split, Croatia, she came to the U.S. in 1950 at 17, surviving the Holocaust by hiding in the mountains and going from island to island in the Adriatic with her parents until their arrival in Bari, Italy, on Yom Kippur, 1943.

She graduated from the High School of Commerce in New York City and completed two years at Hunter College. She was a language teacher and methodology trainer for Berlitz and Inlingua, she loved to cook and entertain, and her motto was welcoming the stranger.

Tilda is predeceased by her husband, Leonard Lincoln Cohen. She is survived by her daughters, Debbie Cohen (Kenny), Sandy Kalter (Eliot), and Naomi Benator (Dan), six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Memorial donations (in lieu of flowers) may be made to the U.S. Holocaust Museum or HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society). The funeral was held at 1:30 on Sept. 8, at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Hearshen officiating. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care. 770-451-4999.

Stanley Schube 86, Atlanta

Stanley Schube, a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather passed away peacefully on Aug. 26, 2023. His love for his family was always most important. He was predeceased by his wife, Brenda Schube, the love of his life, his parents, Abe and Ruth Schube, and his brother, Gerry.

Passion for the business he built over the last 60 years was very strong. Stanley’s unique approach and highly tuned people skills brought his automotive distribution company to national status.

He is survived by his sons and their wives, Michael and Frances Schube of Dunwoody, and Keith and Maxine Schube of Atlanta; daughter and husband Sabrina and Danny Fendley, of Prescott, Ariz.; grandchildren, Rochelle Schube, Ryan and Darci Schube, Jeremy and Talia Schube, Alana and Brian Teitel, Brittany Winter, and Brandon and Rebekah Winter; and great-grandchildren, Lilah, Ben, Brielle and Zoe Schube and Adeline Winter.

The Schube family expresses deep gratitude for the amazing caregivers that made such a great difference in Stanley’s life, including the unbelievable care by the nurses and staff from Manor Care, and by Chabad of East Cobb and all the volunteers for their weekly visits.

Graveside services were held Aug. 29, 2023, at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Brian Glusman officiating. Contributions in Stanley’s memory may be made to Manor Care, 4360 Johnson Ferry PL, Marietta, GA 30068 (770) 971-5870; Chabad of East Cobb, 4450 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta, GA 30068, (770) 565-4412. The American Parkinson Disease Association (800)223-2732, or a charity of your choice. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care handled the arrangements, 770-451-4999.

Leonard Schechter Atlanta

Leonard Schechter passed away on Sept. 15, 2023. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was an alumni of Southern Illinois University where he attended on a basketball scholarship. He was president of the Southeastern Travelers Exhibitors and he coached basketball at Chastain Park. He was loved by everyone and will be missed by all. A graveside service took place, Sept. 15. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Ann Serwit 84, Atlanta

Ann Serwitz, 84, of Atlanta, Ga., died Sept. 20, 2023. Ann was born in Stamford, Conn. and grew up in Richmond, Va. She was a life member of Hadassah and worked for the Israel Consulate in Atlanta for many years. Devoted to her family, she is survived by daughters, Carolyn (Gary) Fish and Ruth (David) Radin, son, Micah (Tammy) Serwitz, grandchildren, Rachel, Eliana, Mitchell, Jason, and Julia, and nieces and nephews, Paul Serwitz, Cele Seldon, Aaron Drew, and Elliot Drew.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22, at Arlington Memorial Park in Atlanta, Ga., with Rabbi Ephraim Silverman officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hadassah. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

OBITUARIES

Milton Weinman

88, Atlanta

Milton Weinman, a native Atlantan, was born in 1925 to Abe and Jennie Goldberg. (Z”L) He was married after a brief courtship to the great love of his life, Patsy Joffre. (Z”L) Together they raised three children, and danced their way through years of charity performances, New Year’s Eve balls, weddings, and other celebrations. Theirs was a true love match that lasted 61 years.

Milton remembered his childhood with affection and enjoyed pointing out his former home to his family on Sunday drives. His father owned a small grocery store on Atlanta’s South side near Grant Park, and the family lived in a small house in back of the store. After school and on weekends, Milton sold penny candy and delivered groceries on his bicycle. One of his weekly deliveries was fresh milk for “Mr. Hartsfield”, who went on to serve twice as mayor of Atlanta.

Later, after Milton graduated from Boys High where he was an officer in the school ROTC, Mayor William B. Hartsfield assisted him to gain entry to the U.S. Army Air Corps while World War II was still advancing. Volunteering required two letters of recommendation. One of those letters was written by “Mr. Hartsfield.”

In the service, Milton had to learn to fly, stall, and regain lift of a plane, but he preferred routing bombers over flying them and went on to become a navigator, gunner officer, and weather observer, reaching the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Fortunately for him, V-Day came before he was deployed, and Milton returned to civilian life. Years later, he liked to look up at the night sky and recite the names of the familiar constellations that had guided him, all the while holding his spellbound children close to keep them warm.

After serving two years for his country, Milton attended Emory University, and graduated in 1947 as a Bachelor of Business Administration “with Distinction”. He wore his Emory graduation ring all his life until the engraved letters became smooth and indistinguishable. After commencement came his first official job -- at Davison’s Department Store in downtown Atlanta where he was an assistant buyer in appliances. This helped him obtain a rare appliance at that time due to the War – a TV Set.

In 1953, Milton launched his own independent insurance agency and brought Patsy and later all 3 children to the office on weekends to help stuff envelopes and mail invoices. He loved the business, but even more he loved helping people. Every year he personally and quietly paid premiums for those who fell behind and were about to lose their coverage. He even paid small claims out of his own pocket to some insureds who did not understand that certain types of losses were not included in the policy, or because they could not afford the deductible.

Similarly, he lived by the motto “give ‘till it hurts.” He supported so many charities that the annual checks he wrote numbered more than 100.

Milton lived most of his adult life as an insurance agent with a later investment in All American Package Stores. Upon retirement he merged his insurance agency

with Siegel Insurance which enthusiastically celebrated his birthday, business acumen and loyal clients annually.

As a former navigator, Milton’s moral compass was always with him. He liked to give people a second chance. He embodied his Jewish upbringing by privately helping others in deeply respectful ways that preserved the recipient’s dignity. He kept up with the news, reading the daily paper and Newsweek on the family room sofa while his children watched TV. He loved discussing the important news of the day with his business partner and lifelong friend, Milton Saul. Staying informed also supported his diplomatic approach to life. He believed compromise was possible if you were willing to just sit down and talk instead of always trying to be right.

Milton seemed surprised to reach the age of 98, but his active lifestyle that included walking, running, and playing tennis well into his late 80’s apparently served him well. But he always said that his true fountain of youth was the constant love of his children and family.

In his later years, Milton entertained caregivers, family, and visitors with his love of singing. He could remember the lyrics of almost every song of his era and liked to “make a rhyme every time”.

Milton Weinman is preceded in death by his wife Patsy, (Z”L) his parents, Abe and Jennie Weinman, (Z”L) his siblings Joe (Evelyn) Weinman, Melvyn (Libby) Weinman, Rosalind (Dave) Adelstone and Julian Weinman, (Z”L) and his brother-in-law Lyonel Joffre. (Z”L)

Milton is survived by his three children: Richard Weinman (Rebecca); Sherry Weinman (Michael); Amy Harris (Paul); seven grandchildren: Melissa Fralick (Ian); Paten Weinman (Grace); Jenna Hirschl (Matt); Amanda Harris (Gabe); David Umansky; Ellen Umansky (Dave); Eric Umansky (Sara); and six great-grandchildren: Leo Fralick, Willa Umansky; Lena and Ash Gutman; Alice and Isaac Umansky. Milton is also survived by his sister-in-law Phyllis Joffre (Lyonel) and a large extended family with many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Weinstein Hospice or Ahavath Achim Synagogue where Milton was Bar Mitzvah’ed and remained a member all his life. Until his final days, he could recite his bar mitzvah speech -- in Yiddish, the language his mother spoke at home and which Milton never forgot.

Milton’s funeral will be held on Thursday, September 14 at 10:00 am at Greenwood Cemetery. 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 404-8832130, 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.

Would You Marry Another Person With Cancer?

decades when his wife was informed that she had incurable cancer. After a lengthy battle with the disease, the wife died, and the husband stayed single as a widower for several years.”

Allen H. Lipis

The Bottom Line

At Menashe Goldberger’s home, one of the Kollel rabbis and a wonderful mentor for me, I heard an amazing story about why a man married a woman with cancer. It came about because I had just finished my book, “101 Inspiring Stories,” and I asked people at the party to tell an inspiring story. After several people shared, and not knowing Eric Young, who was at the party, we asked him to tell an inspiring story. Eric is a man in his sixties. He said he was a widower, having lost his wife to a medical issue several years ago. He was reluctant at first, but eventually he told the following story.

Eric said, “I was at a party, and a couple insisted that they had to tell me their story. I had no idea why they were going to tell me this story, but they felt that I had to hear it.

“The story they told me was about a man who was happily married for several

Eric continued, “I immediately knew the reason why I had to hear the story, for it was similar to my situation. The husband then met a lovely woman and they both fell in love and talked about getting married. The husband-to-be was, at first, reluctant to marry again because of the way his first wife had died from cancer, but his love of this woman made him consider marrying again. He thought his love for this woman overcame any of his worries.

“Before the wedding, the woman he was to marry had a medical exam, and she was told by her doctor that she now had cancer, again an incurable cancer. The question then occurred to both -- should they marry given that the woman had a short time to live?

“In considering his decision to marry his fiancé or not, the man thought about the impact it would have on his new wife. Would she really want to be married for such a short time period, and then put her

new husband through the same misery he had when his first wife died? He didn’t want his future bride to believe that she was making her future husband sad day after day. It would be unacceptable to him if his bride felt that she caused her newfound husband another round of suffering. The man didn’t know what to do, for he wanted to do what was right for his fiancé. Now as a man, what would you do if you found yourself in this situation?

“The woman also went through a series of considerations. She worried about the impact her short marriage would have on her husband-to-be. She didn’t want to put him through another cancer marriage that would quickly end with her death and cause him to suffer endlessly for something so similar to his first wife’s death. The woman knew that the few months that she would live would be much happier with her husband, but she worried about the impact it would have on him after she died that could last for years. Now, as a woman, what would you do if you found yourself in this situation?

“In the end, they both decided to get married, and the wife did die several

months after their marriage.”

Eric never explained why he told that story, but the reason was clear to me. Eric was probably talking about his own situation, and thoughtfully put the story in the framework of another man. Eric had lost a wife to a medical disease, probably cancer, but he believed that it should not prevent him from marrying again. He would put aside his worries and marry if he found the right person to marry, regardless of the short time they would be together.

The main point of the story is that for a married couple it is more important to consider the impact that any decision will have on your spouse than it is on yourself. That consideration should apply to any marriage, even if for only for a short period of time. Marrying shifts the focus from the major concern in a decision on yourself to a new focus on your spouse. It is a significant shift in thinking from being ego-oriented to being service-oriented. That shift is a key ingredient for any marriage to be successful.

The bottom line: Considering the impact of a decision on your spouse should override a consideration of the impact on yourself. ì

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