Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCIV NO. 35, September 6, 2019

NEXT WEEK: HOLIDAY FLAVORS

VOL. XCIV NO. 35 | SIMCHA CELEBRATIONS

SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 6 ELUL 5779

Jewish Atlanta Has a Lot to Celebrate

ISAKSON’S RESIGNATION JEWISH LEADERS RECOUNT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SENATOR.

EMPOWERING WOMEN FIDF WOMEN’S BRUNCH HOSTS A FORMER SOLDIER AND AN ACTRESS.

BRICKMAN’S NEW BOOK ‘EXTRACTED’ SUMS UP WORK ON ANTISEMITISM AT EMORY DENTAL SCHOOL.

2 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Glatt Kosher Meat & Poultry

Fully Prepared Dishes & Sides

Ph: 770-454-8108

www.grillerspride.com

Our Huge Range Surpassed ONLY by our Quality & Customer Service Home Deliveries OR Pickups Welcome Please Place Your Rosh Hashanah Orders ASAP!

A small Sample of our HUGE Product Range!

Please view our Entire Range at www.grillerspride.com

Uncooked

Prepared Dishes

1st Cut Brisket, American Angus

Chicken Soup

1st Cut Corned Beef (Pickled) Brisket

Matzo Balls, Individually Handmade

8-Piece Cut up Chicken

1st Cut, Sliced Cola Braised Brisker

Chicken Breasts, Boneless, Skinless

Chicken in Apricot Sauce (8-piece cutup)

Ribeye Roast, Prime Rib, Boneless

Honey Citrus Chicken, Oven Ready, Uncooked

Lamb Shoulder Roast, Bone-In, Trimmed

Goldie’s Tender Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce

Veal Breast Bone-In, with Pocket

Carrot & Butternut Squash (Tzimmes)

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 3

PUBLISHER

MICHAEL A. MORRIS michael@atljewishtimes.com

MANAGING PUBLISHER & EDITOR KAYLENE LADINSKY

kaylene@atljewishtimes.com Executive Assistant

JODI DANIS

jodi@atljewishtimes.com

EDITORIAL Associate Editor

RONI ROBBINS roni@atljewishtimes.com Sr. Staff Writer & Web Editor

EDDIE SAMUELS

eddie@atljewishtimes.com Contributor & Proofreader

LEAH R. HARRISON leah@atljewishtimes.com

Contributors This Week BOB BAHR CHANA SHAPIRO DAVE SCHECHTER MARCIA CALLER JAFFE MARTINE TARTOUR RABBI DAVID GEFFEN ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON RACHEL STEIN

ADVERTISING

THIS WEEK

Party On When it comes to celebrating milestones, Atlanta’s Jewish community knows how to create memorable experiences. Whether tying the knot or looking back in time, our fall simcha celebrations issue captures the moment.

Chefs Terri and Bruce Bogartz gave new meaning to a personal touch with their wedding, appropriately, at Bogartz Food Artz, with guests dressed in floral prints and Bermuda shorts. June and Gerald Neumark could probably teach the newlyweds a trick or two, having been married 50 years. They celebrated their golden anniversary in the Grand Teton Mountain Range, a favorite vacation spot.

Also reminiscing about a past simcha were two Jewish Atlantans who had their b’nai mitzvah against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the Holocaust and Communism in Europe. Another Atlantan making his mark on history was Ted Schwartz, who shared the dancing skills he began learning before his bar mitzvah on national television, “Live with Kelly and Ryan.”

In this issue, we also profile two ca-

terers: Hilly Blondheim of High Roller Sushi and Eli Brafman of E.B Catering Co., consulting on Zoo Atlanta’s new kosher kitchen.

Judaica artist and former bridal consultant Sue Winner talks about the elaborate chuppah she designed, which has been used at her children’s weddings.

Aside from simchas, we feature a few celebs, including “Trading Spaces” designer-host Vern Yip, who offers tips on turning your home into nirvana.

Inspiration also comes from the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces women’s brunch last week. A former soldier-turned-accountant shared her success story and an actress who plays a combat soldier on Netflix spoke about her life leading up to the show.

We take you to a gathering of JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund) supporters, where producer, screenwriter and novelist Jeffrey Stepakoff talks about the film industry and classes in the state filling the job pipeline.

Speaking of education, we sat down with Dr. Perry Brickman about his new

book exposing anti-Semitism at Emory University’s dental school in the 1950s.

And we share reflections on the retirement of longtime Senator Johnny Isakson.

Next week we start preparing for the upcoming high holiday season. We bring you the sweet taste of holiday flavors for the sampling. ■ Cover Photo: This week's cover represents several stories that give cause for celebration found in this issue.

CONTENTS LOCAL NEWS ���������������������������������� 6 BUSINESS ��������������������������������������� 12 ISRAEL NEWS ������������������������������� 14 OPINION ����������������������������������������� 16 SIMCHAS ���������������������������������������� 22 CALENDAR ������������������������������������� 34 COMMUNITY ��������������������������������� 36 BRAIN FOOD ���������������������������������� 45 OBITUARIES ���������������������������������� 46 CLOSING THOUGHTS ����������������� 48

Senior Account Manager

BRENDA GELFAND brenda@atljewishtimes.com Senior Account Manager

MICHAL BONELL

michal@atljewishtimes.com Account Manager

SHERI OKUN sheri@atljewishtimes.com

CREATIVE & MEDIA Creative & Media Designer

LILLI JENNISON

lilli@atljewishtimes.com

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Community Relations Director

JEN EVANS

jen@atljewishtimes.com Interns

ELIANA WEISS

GENERAL OFFICE 404.883.2130

The Atlanta Jewish Times is printed in Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. The opinions expressed in the Atlanta Jewish Times do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper. Periodicals postage paid at Atlanta, Ga. POSTMASTER send address changes to Atlanta Jewish Times 270 Carpenter Drive Suite 320, Atlanta Ga 30328.

Established 1925 as The Southern Israelite www.atlantajewishtimes.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES (ISSN# 0892-33451) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY SOUTHERN ISRAELITE, LLC © 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES Printed by Walton Press Inc. MEMBER Conexx: America Israel Business Connector American Jewish Press Association Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce Please send all photos, stories and editorial content to: submissions@atljewishtimes.com

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 5

LOCAL NEWS JELF and Jeff: ‘Unprecedented’ Success for Higher Education

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

A crowd of 650 gathered at the CocaCola Roxy at The Battery Aug. 28 to salute the important work of JELF, the Jewish Educational Loan Fund.

The event was titled “Stepping It Up” and featured accomplished producer, screenwriter and novelist Jeffrey Stepakoff, executive director of the Georgia Film Academy. With a 30-plus year career in the entertainment industry, Stepakoff has written and produced television series such as Emmy Award-winning “The Wonder Years” as well as breakout hit “Dawson’s Creek.”

Event chairs were Jordan Arogeti, Joanne Birnbrey and Nancy Galanti. The evening’s honorary chairs were long-time supporters and JELF activists Eydie and Steve Koonin, Miriam and Marvin Botnick, and Marianne and Stephen Garber.

JELF Board President Stan Lowenstein spoke passionately about the current trend of college debt, citing a New York Times article saying that 94 percent of college students borrow for their undergraduate education. “With

Ellen Monk and Gary Snyder (Greenberg Traurig) flank Michael Morris, publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times.

The Coca-Cola Roxy at The Battery was a lively venue for 650 guests.

more than $6.1 million of loans servicing nearly 1,000 students, JELF is continuing to lend more each year. We are still incredibly proud of our 99 percent student repayment rate…” which he called “true, working tzedakah.” Lowenstein also announced that JELF’s board approved the lending of $1.2 million in 2019, and explained that JELF loans cover a “variety of expenses like books and supplies and room/board.”

The 2019 JELF impact video showcased a Russian émigré couple, both of

whom were JELF loan recipients who have taken impressive career paths. It also featured a single mother with three daughters from Atlanta, all of whom currently have JELF loans, as well as a young musician who spent seven years working in the Atlanta Jewish community before using JELF loans to become a rabbi. As he put it, “It will be a rite of passage to pay off my JELF loan. This truly is a ‘hand up,’ not a ‘hand out.’”

THE SONENSHINE TEAM

Atlanta’s Favorite Real Estate Team

DEBBIE SONENSHINE Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Internationally, Certified Negotiator, Luxury, New Homes and Corporate Relocation Specialist Voted Favorite Jewish Realtor in AJT, Best of Jewish Atlanta

Debbie Sells Houses!

#1 Coldwell Banker Team in State

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

and the new overall billion-dollar film industry for Georgia.”

Stepakoff took the stage and immediately filled the large space with his personality and stage presence. He spoke about starting the Georgia Film Academy in August 2015 “with nothing but a green folder, … no faculty, no model, nothing.” Now he states, “in 2018 alone, more than 455 feature productions in Georgia generated $9.5 billion for the Georgia economy. Georgia is number one in the world in major film production. We put 92,000 Georgians to work and helped create 300 businesses.

That is a point of pride without parallel.”

Indeed, why he used the term “unprecedented!”

Additionally, 5,000 people have taken courses created in Georgia and Georgia has become the “gold standard” for training, jobs and sustainability. He went on to explain that for $750 tuition per class, a graduate could land an $80,000 per year job. A new announcement was the one-year master of fine arts program at the University of Georgia in Athens, followed by a one-year residency at Pinewood Studios. Stepakoff concluded, “We want to keep our talent in-state. We can go toe-to-toe with the entire industry, from L.A. to Bollywood!”

JELF CEO Jenna Shulman wrapped up the night, thanking Stepakoff for his role and tying it all back to their shared value of higher education. “As I reflect on how JELF has grown over the past five years, I am so proud to be a part of a 150plus year cycle of giving.” ■

JUST SOLD in the LAST WEEK! JELF CEO Jenna Shulman congratulated Stan Lowenstein on his successful presidency.

NOW IS THE TIME TO SELL! Give Us a Call! direct 404.250.5311 | office 404.252.4908 Follow Us On Facebook

Debbie@SonenshineTeam.com | www.SonenshineTeam.com ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Operated By a Subsidiary of NRT LLC.

6 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Having known Stepakoff since childhood, theatrical whiz Mira Hirsch made his formal introduction to the audience. Mira has also been involved with JELF “as long as she can remember.” Her father Paul Hirsch served as past president of JELF from 1993 to 1995. She said Stepakoff was “a nice Jewish kid who grew up in BBYO and Camp Barney Medintz, … and was recently selected by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of Atlanta’s ‘Most Admired CEOs for 2019’ based on job placement numbers, nurturing talent,

Honorary chairs Marianne and Stephen Garber have given years of successful leadership to JELF.

LOCAL NEWS

Brickman Sums Up Work on Anti-Semitism at Dental School

By Bob Bahr Perry Brickman’s new book, “Extracted,” is his summary statement after 13 years of research on the rampant anti-Semitism at the Emory University Dental School in the 1950s. The book tells the story largely based on personal experiences of a number of Jewish students whose dental careers were prematurely ended by an anti-Semitic dean of the school and several other faculty members.

Brickman’s work to uncover what happened at the time led, in 2012, to a full apology by the administration of Emory, an ambitious public relations campaign to rehabilitate the image of the school, and official recognition of Brickman for his tireless efforts to make the truth public.

sour grapes by these dental students. I found it in the minutes of their meetings. The people down at the Federation were mean, very mean.

Emory had two Jewish members of their Board of Visitors; they were the first Jewish members and they were former presidents of the Federation. They had enormous influence in the community and Emory used them to intimidate other Jewish leaders. They sent these guys down to tell Levin to shut up. Basically that’s what they told him. And when he persisted, they had him fired. They literally ran him out of town.

But when I found him in Florida back in 2010, he gave me all his files. Still had them in a closet in his home and that was an enormous help. Eventually the ADL, which had fired him, awarded him their Centennial Medal before he Perry Brickman, a distinguish oral surgeon died, for his work. That meant so in Atlanta, has spent the last 13 years much to him. researching his new book on anti-Semitism

AJT: For some many years, those involved at that time were at the Emory Dental School in the 1950s. silent. Why was that?

AJT: Are you encouraged by Brickman: Before all this became public, people what Emory has done since you made all their misdeeds who were forced out of the dental school never talked public? about it even to their own families. There was this sense Brickman: I don’t think the problem of anti-Semiof shame. It was, in Yiddish, a shonda or even worse, a busha.

Miles Alexander, who was active in the community for many years, said there were two poles to antiSemitism in Atlanta. One was the Leo Frank case in 1913 and the other was the Emory dental students in the ‘50s.

They were kind of like bookends. For many, many years, no one talked about either. A lot of older people tell me ‘thank you thank you for exposing this.’ We didn’t dare speak about it. It was a terrible time. We were told not to speak about it.

Emory University awarded Brickman its Emory Medal in 2016. It’s the highest award the institution bestows on distinguished alumni.

tism is ever going to be solved. I’m not talking about just Emory. I mean the problem of anti-Semitism is never going to go away. So we should be vigilant, not just with Emory but everywhere. It’s a problem that’s always going to be with us. And we just have to to be vigilant, and we have to have organizations and we have to have people. And I think that it really is important that they do what needs to be done. That’s what I hope. I would hope that the book would tell you here’s what happened, now try to make sure it doesn’t happen again. ■ Perry Brickman will speak and sign copies of his book at the Emory University Tam Institute of Jewish Studies at 7 p.m. Sept. 9. He is also scheduled to speak at the Book Festival of the MJCCA Nov. 6.

AJT: The silence, as your book points out, was compounded by the actions of powerful Jewish community leaders at the time, to quiet those who wanted to make anti-Semitism at Emory a public issue. How did that happen?

Brickman: It’s really the story of what happened to Art Levin. He is the hero of the story. I spoke to him long after he retired. He was 93 and living in Florida, but he had kept all his records of the work he had done about anti-Semitism at Emory. He and Marvin Goldstein, who was a dentist here, worked together to build an overwhelming body of evidence that implicated Emory.

Levin was with the ADL here. He was here actually at the time The Temple bombing occurred. One of my friends said that he was the bravest man he ever met because of what he did with the Klan. He did all this research in the Emory Dental School at the end of the day, after his job at the ADL during the day finished.

But when he met with the Atlanta Community Relations Committee, they wouldn’t have anything to do with him. They said you’re just making it up, it’s just ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 7

LOCAL NEWS

FIDF Welcomes Soldier-Scholar, Combat Actress

Jon Marks // Rona-Less Shim’on thanks former

IDF soldier Ligal Atias for her service

By Roni Robbins A soldier-turned accountant and an actress who plays a soldier on Netflix were the guest speakers Aug. 28 at a women’s brunch of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.

As the recipient of an FIDF IMPACT! scholarship, 30-year-old Ligal Atias told the 110 women gathered at The Select in City Springs of her path from Hebrew University to a career. “My first year was not easy. Tuition was very high, and my parents couldn’t help me with this,” said Atias, an officer in a combat intelligence unit

Roni Robbins // Rochelle Spandorfer attends the

Karen Cohen chats with Seth Baron, FIDF Southeast executive director, before the brunch.

commanding 120 soldiers before college.

“After a few months I decided to stop my studies because I couldn’t continue to pay. … I must admit that I could not do it alone. … These days, because of FIDF and IMPACT!, now I’m an accountant. I finished my studies and I’m working at the Ernst & Young office,” to which she received applause. Atias also met her fiancé through her studies. “I must say thank you to the FIDF, because I now get married,” which inspired laughter from the audience.

Next up was the main attraction, actress Rona-Lee Shim’on, who plays the sole female member of an Israeli counter-terrorism unit in the Netflix show, “Fauda,”

which she explained means chaos. She thanked Atias for her inspiring story and then, speaking from various vantage points in the restaurant, shared her own.

Shim’on, born in Ramat Gan, began ballet lessons at 3 years old and continued through high school. “I danced almost all day long.” After school, she’d rest for an hour and have four or five hours of ballet training up to five days a week until 9 or 10 p.m. “That was my refuge and how I expressed myself. It’s what I knew.”

When she was 16, she was invited to test for the Army. She was very excited to serve because she had heard for so long about a great uncle who fought for a guerilla unit before Israel was born and was caught in a failed secret operation and lynched.

“So for me to grow up with that story in my household, I felt not only a national duty to go into the Army, but also like a generational duty. You know it’s not very much a choice for us; you have to go.”

But her life took a sharp turn when performing for Jewish communities in Germany and Holland and

event with her daughter, Karen Cohen.

Guest speaker and actress Rona-Lee Shim’on speaks with Rabbi Sam Trief of Temple Sinai during the brunch.

8 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

LOCAL NEWS

Catching up during the pre-reception are Debbie Levin, Julie Royal, Allison Dubovsky and Karen Shulman, the new chair of FIDF Southeast region.

watch a dancing show? They’re not coming to the theater to watch us dance, why would they sit in their house and watch people dance?” But it was 15 years ago, and there were only three national TV channels in Israel, she said. “They didn’t have to watch us, but they did. And the show was a hit.

“I think what it did, which made us very happy, was I think bringing the dance world from its artistic basement to primetime television.”

For the first time, Shim’on found herself being asked to talk about her life and “it wasn’t something I knew how to do. I started finding my own voice. ... I was so excited to have something to say that now I wanted to know how to say and what to say.”

So she went to theater school for the next three years, and then performed in such plays as “Cabaret” and “Chicago,” with her latest role as Anita in “West Side Story.”

Four years ago, she received a call from her manager about “Fauda.” “I finally got to speak for a woman who is in a manly militant unit. ... To tell that story, to me, was just such a privilege and an honor.”

The audience then got to see a few powerful and edge-of-your-seat clips from the show. In the first scene, Nurit shows her vulnerability preparing for combat; the next shows her firing into a crowd, which eventually overtakes and injures her before she is rescued; and the final hospital bed scene shows her determination to return to combat.

The FIDF brunch ended with a Q & A. When asked if she gets emotional after filming, she said there are times “I couldn’t talk for three days and was drained physically.” In terms of realism, she said, “UnJon Marks // Rona-Lee Shim’on plays the lone fortunately, the reality of these units is female member of a counter-terrorism unit of the IDF and Israel Border Police that much worse than what we see, … and it’s operates undercover among Arab populations. something these soldiers are taking with Listening, to the left, are Tracie Bernstein, them for life.” ■ director of development for FIDF’s Southeast “Fauda” will be back on Netflix in March. region, and former IDF soldier Ligal Atias.

watching the professional dancers from a national ballet company in class and rehearsals. “I remember just being in such awe. I’ve never seen such beauty in my life, … and I just cried for three hours.”

That’s when she chose dance over military service. “I knew, on the one hand, that I had to continue pursuing my dream, even if the very thing itself was going to make me compromise my Israeli identity. And it was so hard to tell my family and friends that’s what I’m going to do.”

With a full scholarship to the national ballet school in Amsterdam, she left Israel two weeks after high school finals and danced for almost two years there before returning to Israel to dance professionally.

Two years into her first job, the dance company closed, but the dancers were asked to audition for “So You Think You Can Dance.” And she remembered thinking at the time, “Why would anyone

An initiative of

Funded by Federation Innovation

Your new Jewish Bridge is an Atlanta-based resource dedicated to serving the needs of Jews who do not have a home synagogue. Our team offers progressive, deeply personalized support on a fee-for-service basis.

Led by Rabbi Pamela Gottfried.

Offering lifecycles, pastoral care, and education.

Sanctuary and ritual items available. www.yourjewishbridge.com | yourjewishbridge@cbhatlanta.org 678.926.8282 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 9

LOCAL NEWS

Local Jewish Leaders Laud Isakson

By Dave Schechter Several years ago, at the Rotary Club of Atlanta’s annual interfaith business prayer breakfast, Johnny Isakson made light of confusion about his heritage.

“I have a Jewish-sounding last name,” Isakson, a Methodist of Swedish descent, told the gathering, according to the SaportaReport. Isakson went on to recall being in a car with people who stopped themselves from making an antiSemitic comment because they thought he might be Jewish.

The 74-year-old Republican from Marietta announced Aug. 28 that he would resign his U.S. Senate seat at the end of the year because of health concerns.

Isakson recently underwent surgery to remove a growth from his kidney and continues to recover from four ribs fractured in a July fall, all while suffering the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

“I am leaving a job I love because my health challenges are taking their toll on me, my family and my staff,” he said. “With the mounting health challenges I am facing, I have concluded that I will not be able to do the job over the long term in the manner the citizens of Georgia deserve. It goes against every fiber of my being to leave in the middle of my Senate term, but I know it’s the right thing to do on behalf of my state.”

Chuck Berk, co-chairman of the Atlanta chapter of the Republic Jewish Coalition, praised Isakson. “Johnny Isakson has been a statesman in the mold of Paul Coverdell, who worked with both sides to build consensus. A strong supporter of Israel, our veterans and military, Johnny has had the unique ability to gain support from liberal and conser-

10 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Johnny Isakson is resigning for health reasons.

vative Jews. He has helped propel our state forward to prosperity. Every Georgian and American, including the Jewish community, has benefited from his service and we’ll miss his leadership,” Berk said.

Before entering politics, Isakson built Northside Realty from a family-owned business in Cobb County to one of the largest real estate brokerages in the country.

Isakson was elected to a third six-year Senate term in 2016. He represented Georgia’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1999 until

2005. Isakson is the only Georgian elected to the state House and Senate, as well as the U.S. House and Senate.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, will select an interim senator to serve until the final two years of Isakson’s term are filled in the November 2020 election.

Georgia’s other senator, Republican David Perdue, also will seek re-election next year.

Throughout his political career, Isakson positioned himself as a friend of the Jewish community and Israel.

After the Oct. 27, 2018, massacre of 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Isakson said, “I am outraged and saddened by the horrible act of terror that took place at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. I condemn any such act and stand in solidarity with our ally Israel and all Jewish Americans. This type of hate and bigotry has no place in America.”

Isakson was praised by Jewish community leaders.

“Senator Isakson will truly be missed. As one of the most respected members of the U.S. Senate, he has a long history of support for the Jewish community and the state of Israel. Having successfully served in the both houses of the Georgia General Assembly and the U.S. Congress, we will miss his leadership and ability to work across the aisle to better America,” said Dov Wilker, Atlanta regional director of the American Jewish Committee.

“With Johnny Isakson’s retirement, the pro-Israel community is losing a true ally and dear friend, said Doug Ross, chairman of Atlanta’s AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) Executive Council. “He understands, at the deepest level, the powerful and multidimensional bonds which connect our two countries.

Senator Isakson has been a steadfast proponent of the U.S.-Israel relationship, always demonstrating a willingness to reach across the aisle to help pass bipartisan legislation on this critically important issue. He will be sorely missed.”

Isakson opposed the Iran nuclear deal negotiated in 2015 by the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, China and Germany, along with the European Union.

He co-sponsored legislation objecting to the December 2016 United Nations Security Council resolution that declared Israeli settlements in “Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem” to be a “flagrant violation” of international law with “no legal validity.” The U.S. abstained from the 14-0 Security Council vote, a controversial decision by the administration of President Barack Obama.

Isakson supported President Donald Trump’s decision to relocate the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. “Israel has been a reliable and valuable partner to the United States in a volatile region. For nearly seven decades, Jerusalem has been recognized as the capital of Israel and the seat of its democratic institutions. Two decades ago, Congress passed bipartisan legislation recognizing the same reality. Today’s news solidifies that the United States is steadfast in our commitment to Israel,” Isakson said in a statement posted on Twitter on Dec. 6, 2017.

As an opponent of the anti-Israel BDS (Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions) movement, Isakson co-sponsored the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, allowing U.S. states to enact laws that require contractors to sign a pledge that they will not boycott Israeli goods. Several such laws are being challenged in federal courts. ■

LOCAL NEWS

Noshfest: A Tasty End to Summer

Photo by Paul Wilson // The bagel eating contest was fierce carb competition

this year, but Brandon “Da Garbage Disposal” Clark, second from right, won again this year, beating his record from last year.

By Roni Robbins There was no waiting at the vendor booths late afternoon Sunday at Temple Kol Emeth’s 9th annual Noshfest. But Bogartz Food Artz practically sold out of brisket and corned beef sandwiches and Shish Kabob had brisk sales throughout the first of the two-day event, said Lon Goodman, a former Noshfest chair and coordinator of this year’s food vendors.

He said Bogartz was a first-timer for the Noshfest this year along with a new knish vendor from Raleigh, N.C. – there were three types of knishes to choose from – and others sold such items as Mediterranean fare, baked goods, beer, lemonade and ice cream.

“Attendance was lower than previous years, however the atmosphere was still energetic,” said Noshfest co-chair Sarah Thalheimer. “This was the first year we had all live music. Also, we had more traditional Jewish foods, including chopped liver, smoked whitefish salad, Bagelicious bagels with lox, kugel, hamantaschen, hand-rolled potato knishes from knish-a-licious, rugelach, babka, and much more.”

Six-year-old Nathan Weiss of Decatur fought the heat with a melting raspberry-lime popsicle in one hand while prepared to satisfy his sugar fix with a strawberry and sprinkle-topped donut balanced in the other. Mom Tamara Weiss said her mother was married at Kol Emeth and her brother had his bar mitzvah there. Her husband Lenny said the family was looking for an outing with the children. “What do you do on a long weekend? We saw the Noshfest online.”

For the second year in a row, professional eater Brandon Clark of St. Louis, aka “Da Garbage Disposal,” won the bagel eating contest. He scarfed down 8 ½ bagels in five minutes, besting his record from last year of seven bagels to win the dough again – a $500 prize.

While food was the main attraction, there was Judaica, as well as arts and craft vendors and a kids zone with a petting zoo, inflatables and other activities for children. Face painter Michelle Witte had a line of young customers and 3-year-old Ester Skelton was getting the first NASA astronaut helmet Witte remembers painting. Erica Skelton, holding another child, said the family came from Paulding County for the event at the invitation of her sister, whose husband works at Kol Emeth.

Young Marines served as color guards earlier in the day, passing out water to vendors and helping clean up.

In between, they promoted their drug awareness campaign and the national young leadership program for children ages 8 to 18. One member took advantage of a lull in the activity Sunday afternoon

Photos by Paul Wilson // Kyra Goldman

performs at Noshfest.

Photos by Paul Wilson // The Young Marines serve as color guard for the opening of Noshfest Sunday.

to take a nap. A testament to a long day in the sun.

Looking ahead, Thalheimer said “Stay tuned for our 10-year anniversary next year. We are planning big changes!”.

Photo by Roni Robbins // Two-year-old Ester Skelton is ready for lift off with her new NASA astronaut face paint.

Photo by Josh Thalheimer // Ella Thalheimer enjoys the petting zoo.

Photo by Josh Thalheimer // Noshfest co-chairs

Sarah Thalheimer and Dale Jacoby are sisters who grew up at Temple Kol Emeth.

This is their fourth year as co-chairs.

The SMART Place to Buy Diamonds!

Haim Haviv Owner

Appraisals starting at $20 Photo by Roni Robbins // Six-year-old

Nathan Weiss enjoys sugary treats.

1820-C Independence Square Dunwoody, GA 30338 770-396-3456

Max Haviv

Graduate Gemologist Follow us online!

Repair Services Available Hours: M-Th 10-5:30 & F 10-5

www.hajewelry.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 11

BUSINESS ADL’s New Hire Talks ‘Tuff’ on Hate Crimes

By Eddie Samuels The newest addition to ADL’s (Anti-Defamation League) staff, Associate Regional Director LaVita Tuff, is hitting the ground running after stepping into her new position Aug. 19. An Atlanta native, her portfolio includes legislative advocacy and overseeing the ADL's Civil Rights Committee, among other responsibilities.

Tuff graduated from North Atlanta High School, participated in the Atlanta Urban Debate League and had an internship through the Atlanta Bar Association.

“It ingrained in me early the importance of social justice, the fight to be heard and the importance of organizing around issues that affect communities of color,” she said.

She is the daughter of Antoinette Tuff, the Dekalb County Schools bookkeeper who was named Atlantan of the Year in 2013 by Atlanta magazine after convincing a gunman at the Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy to surrender his weapon. Antoinette Tuff now teaches strategies in dealing with difficult situations and advocates student safety — including bullying and suicide prevention.

LaVita Tuff discussed her mother’s role in shaping her perspective.

“Her approach and the work that she’s been doing with her organization has allowed me to better see the landscape of Atlanta,” Tuff said. “It has allowed me to have a more personable approach because I can see what our work looks like to the folks on the ground. I want to see change where I’m from.”

Tuff has a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University and a master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New Orleans, as well as a law degree from the University of Baltimore. She has spent the last 10 years working to empower marginalized communities in Baltimore, New Orleans and Washington, D.C. “My background has afforded me the opportunity to work with folks everywhere, … [including] the former

12 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

LaVita Tuff is the new associate regional director of the Anti-Defamation League.

mayor of Baltimore, and the governor of Maryland,” she said. “And so, because I understand how government works on various levels, I understand how to maneuver through the systems that can sometimes strongarm you.”

She will be heading up #HateFreeGA, the ADL’s initiative to pass hate crimes legislation in the 2020 session. Georgia is one of only five states that does not have some form of state-level hate crimes protection on the books.

“We’re pushing to pass legislation statewide, but not just statewide. We’re also working around the state with various municipalities. We see that places like Sandy Springs and Dunwoody and Chamblee have non-

discrimination ordinances or hate crimes legislation,” she said.

While hate crimes legislation is not a new goal for the ADL in Georgia, Tuff explained that past setbacks would not discourage her from continuing to push forward.

“I think Audre Lorde said it best, ‘Revolution is not a one-time event,’” Tuff said.

ADL Southeast Regional Director Allison PadillaGoodman praised Tuff, saying she “brings an energy and expertise to ADL’s important work around policy and partnerships. We are so excited to have her elevate our civil rights work and community response in the South, where this work is crucial and front and center.” ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 13

ISRAEL PRIDE

News From Our Jewish Home

Photo via The Times of Israel // A view of the

Bauhaus architecture from Bialik Square.

Tel Aviv Celebrates 100 Years of the White City

While Tel Aviv was founded in 1909, much of its most iconic architecture didn’t break onto the scene until a decade later, and the city is now celebrating that 100th anniversary.

German architects trained in the Bauhaus style immigrated to Tel Aviv in 1919, and over decades designed more than 400 buildings in that signature look.

It became known as “The White City,” because of its plain, white buildings with

Today in Israeli History Sept. 6, 2007: In Operation Orchard, conducted in secret but with the knowledge of President George W. Bush’s administration, eight Israeli aircraft destroy a suspected nuclear reactor at the military site of Al Kibar in northeastern Syria. Information about the reactor, believed to have been built with North Korean help, came from a secret Mossad raid on a Syrian official’s home in Vienna in March 2007.

Sept. 7, 1907: Three years before changing his last name to Ben-Gurion, David Gruen arrives in Jaffa to make aliyah with his girlfriend, Rachel Nelkin, and other young adults from Plonsk, Poland. Gruen, a member of the Poalei Zion (Workers of Zion) socialist group in Poland, settles in Petah Tikvah to work in agriculture. In his first postcard home, written the day of his arrival, he declares that he is “full of courage and full of faith.”

Sept. 8, 2010: Former Israeli armor commander Maj. Gen. Israel Tal, best known for leading the 1970 committee that designed and developed the Merkava (Chariot) tank, dies at age 85. Born in Palestine in 1924, Tal served in the British army’s Jewish Brigade in World War II and was renowned as a military 14 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

balconies, and was recognized in 2003 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Liebing Haus-White City Center is housed in one of those very buildings, built in 1936 by Dov Karmi for Tony and Max Liebling, according to The Times of Israel. The center was founded jointly by the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality, the Tel Aviv Foundation and the German government.

It will host workshops, parties and tours, as well as rooftop viewings of the iconic architecture.

Tech Employees Make Up 8.7 Percent of Workforce

New data released by the Israel Innovation Authority showed that high tech employees make up 8.7 percent of the nation’s working population, a 0.4 percent increase since 2017.

As of mid-2019, 307,000 Israelis are salaried tech workers, a huge chunk of the population of any country, let alone one so small. That number grew by almost 20,000 since last measured, even despite a loss of 3,000 pharmaceutical

tech jobs in the timeframe.

The software industry was the field with the largest growth, adding 14,000 new employees.

“High-tech employment is characterized by high productivity and high wages, so it is of great importance to increase the number of employees out of the total number of employees in the economy,” an Authority’s statement read.

These figures are promising, especially as Israel aims to increase participation in the tech workforce for populations that previously had limited opportunities in the field, including Arabs, ultra-Orthodox and women.

Galilee Hiking Path Closed After Otter Offense

Authorities closed a hiking trail in the Upper Galilee on Aug. 24 after reports surfaced that an otter had bitten two hikers.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority, concerned that the furry fury might have rabies, blocked the Ein Divsha trail and instructed the victims to inoculate themselves.

strategist. The Merkava, the first Israelimade tank, was deployed in 1979 as part of Israel’s effort to become less reliant on foreign arms suppliers.

Photo by Oria Tadmor, courtesy of Eilat Mazar // Archaeologist Eilat Mazar holds a jar

AP Photo/Steffen Schmidt // A young

European otter eats a trout.

Shmulik Yadov of the Society for Protection of Nature in Israel’s mammal center told Walla! news that given the rarity of otter attacks, rabies was a definite possibility.

Fortunately, those concerns did not prove to be the case, as the otter was captured Aug. 25 and rabies were ruled out.

The examination did uncover that the otter had an electronic chip and had escaped from a Kibbutz Shamir petting zoo, probably not the best place for it, considering the biting incident.

The otter did not respond to requests for comment. ■

tween Haifa and Afula by 80 families who came to the Land of Israel during the Second Aliyah (1904 to 1914). Both the principles of Nahalal and its layout, designed by architect Richard Kaufman in concentric circles, serve as models for other moshavim.

fragment from the 10th century B.C.E. with a Canaanite inscription, the oldest alphabetical text found in Jerusalem.

President Bill Clinton brings Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat together for a handshake outside the White House on Sept. 13, 1993.

Sept. 9, 1993: Four days before Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin sign the self-rule agreement of the Oslo Accords, the culmination of nine months of secret negotiations, the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel formally recognize each other’s existence. The PLO agrees to renounce terrorism and accepts Israel’s right to exist in peace and security. Israel agrees to recognize the PLO as the sole representative of the Palestinian people.

Sept. 10, 1956: Eilat Mazar, a thirdgeneration Israeli archaeologist, is born.

Her best-known work has involved excavations in Jerusalem’s City of David, including finding remnants of what she believes to be King David’s palace in 2005 and uncovering a portion of the city walls from

the Second Temple period. Her dig near the Temple Mount in July 2013 uncovers a jar from the 10th century B.C.E. with a Canaanite inscription that is the earliest alphabetical text found in Jerusalem.

Designed by architect Richard Kaufman, Moshav Nahalal is laid out in concentric circles, with public buildings in the center, homes in the next ring, and gardens and fields in the outer circle.

Sept. 11, 1921: Moshav Nahalal, a new kind of agricultural settlement combining a kibbutz’s communal principles with private land ownership, is founded in the northwestern Jezreel Valley be-

“Lebanon” is the first Israeli film to win the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival.

Sept. 12, 2009: An Israeli film, “Lebanon,” wins the Golden Lion (introduced in 1949) at the Venice International Film Festival for the first time. The movie, written and directed by Samuel Maoz, follows a tank brigade operating in southern Lebanon during the First Lebanon War. It does not win Israel’s equivalent of the Oscar for best picture and thus is not the nation’s Academy Award nominee for best foreign language film. That honor goes to “Ajami.” ■ Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (www.israeled.org), where you can find more details.

ISRAEL NEWS Atlantan Makes Aliyah with Nefesh B’Nefesh

Photo by Nir Arieli // Michael Barnhard at New York’s JFK Airport before leaving for Israel.

By Eddie Samuels Each year, thousands from the U.S. undertake a lifechanging move to Israel, making aliyah, finding new jobs, places to live and communities many miles away from their original homes. Last month, a local Atlantan, 33-year-old Michael Barnhard, was among them.

Barnhard is making his transition with the help of Nefesh B’Nefesh, the nonprofit that provides support to aliyah-makers — or Olim — during a time that can present plenty of challenges.

He was among 242 new Olim who made the journey in the middle of August on the 60th Nefesh B’Nefesh-chartered El Al flight, with the help of The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and Jewish National Fund.

In Atlanta, Barnhard was a marketer and he told the AJT that making aliyah was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

“With thanks to G-d, making aliyah and moving to Israel is something I’ve thought about doing for a long time, and it feels so great to live in the land of Israel,” he said in an email from his new home.

He also reflected on his experiences with his community back home and said he was thankful for their support.

“The Atlanta Jewish community – especially the Kehilla in Sandy Springs – has been wonderful in helping me on this journey, and I hope to see [them] all here soon,” he said.

Among the other 242 Olim were people from 22 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. More than 100 were children under 17, and 21 of the new immigrants were medical professionals. Nefesh B’Nefesh also set the record for its youngest-ever Oleh as a 28-day-old also made the trip.

“Each and every Oleh brings a world of their own to Israel – culturally, ideologically and professionally as they strengthen the Jewish nation,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “As we celebrate our 60,000th Oleh today, we reflect upon how Nefesh B’Nefesh, as an institution, has been privileged to not only help tens of thousands of Jews fulfill their aliyah dreams, but has also contributed to building and developing the State of Israel through these Olim.”

As for what the future holds for Barnhard, he said, “I am looking forward to experiencing everything Israel has to offer and continuing to grow in Judaism. I’ve lived in many places around the world, and I’m blessed to call Israel my home.” ■ Nefesh B’Nefesh is dedicated to revitalizing aliyah from North America and the U.K. by removing or minimizing the financial, professional, logistical and social obstacles of aliyah. The support and comprehensive social services provided by Nefesh B’Nefesh to over 60,000 newcomers ensured that 90 percent of its Olim have remained in Israel.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 15

OPINION Who to Watch in Israeli Elections: Shaked and Bennett My own personal sumwhen she speaks and knows mer has been overwhelmed exactly what she wants to say. by the heat. Do not know what Every time she is asked, this it was in Atlanta but here it 40-something native-born has averaged 90 degrees for Israeli, whom her party will weeks during June, July and recommend to be prime minAugust. The heat of the elecister, always replies “Netantions, of course, is much highyahu.” I am sure that is what er powered because of what is she will do in the beginning at stake – a new government of government building after that will lead Israel. I keep Rabbi David the election. Since I don’t beseeing articles from abroad Geffen lieve that our new leadership labeled “Most Important Electeam will be created so quicktion in Israel’s History.” Every election here ly, she is a person to watch. has its own particular characteristics; only Bennett, a religious nationalist, has after the next election will you really know American roots since his parents made what happened back here in 2019 on two aliyah from San Francisco many years occasions. ago. He also has been very successful in I have made it a point to focus on the high-tech field. However, he loves those individuals who will do well in Israel, and wants to be sure what its these elections. They will not run the future will be. So, he put his business “show,” but they will provide us with an interests aside. He and Shaked formed opportunity in this new a party; in one election Knesset to see what their they did not do badly. In future potential is. The the election in 2015, they only woman leading a won enough seats so that party in Israel is Ayelet Netanyahu, when bringShaked, the minister of ing them into the coalijustice in the last governtion, had to give Shaked ment and the head of the and Bennett cabinet new “Yemina - Go Right posts. Bennett wanted party.” to be the minister of deShaked carries the fense, but in the end, he party leadership because became minister of eduNaftali Bennett the former number one cation. Shaked became in the April election, Naftali Bennett, minister of justice. crowned her. The two of them had creSince the education ministry of ated a new party that did not get enough Israel had been in free fall, Bennett votes to enter the Knesset. When this proved what could be done. As a sucsecond election was necessary, Bennett cessful businessperson, he knows how put his ego aside and important “mathematmade Shaked number ics” is. His campaign was one. to persuade high school I feel that the two outstudents, all over Israel, standing young politicians to take five points in that in Israel are Shaked and subject, highest possible Bennett. They have been for the final matriculation sealed together for seven exams. Amazingly, since years, the last five in the he really focused on this government. Even though and put money into it, stuthey are on the right, dents from the communithey are most efficient, ties in the periphery studAyelet Shaked completing their tasks of ied five points of math governing without getting involved in all and did well. The students in the big cittypes of unnecessary politics. ies continued to take five points of math.

Shaked wants to strip the Israeli Su- He, too, proved that he was a leader with preme Court of its power and continue to “savvy.” His philosophy is to increase the encourage the growth of the settlements. population of the West Bank even though She is not religious; her husband is a pilot he does not live there. ■ in the Israeli Air Force, and they live in Tel Aviv.

David Geffen is a native Atlantan and Shaked has a distinctive presence Conservative rabbi living in Jerusalem.

16 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 17

OPINION

Letter to the editor:

Rabbis Analia Bortz and Mario Karpuj’s spiritual, social and physical contributions to our communities, both Jewish and general, have been rich and profound.

Taken at their word, these colleagues are embarking on a pilgrimage of transition and expansive meaning. Irrespective of their frequent and deep attachments to Israel and Israeli life, their embarkation is adventurous. It can serve as an example for many of us who remain attached to the familiar and the comfortable as our decades roll by. I wish them and those they leave renewed vitality.

Rabbi Scott B. Saulson, Atlanta

We are here to provide assistance with everyday activities. You can trust our caregivers to be the very best in the industry. Our caregivers are highly experienced and rigorously-screened. All of our caregivers are professionally trained and personally committed. We promote in our Caregiver-Client match in which we understand that the client plays a big role in choosing what caregiver will be working with them in their home.

We let you choose the caregiver you trust and it is our duty to provide the highest quality trained caregiver in the industry.

SERVICES INCLUDE:

ADULT CARE INCLUDES:

• Companionship

• Flexible hourly programs

• Stand-by Assistance • Meal Preparation

• Provides relief to family members

• Housekeeping

• Weekly and weekend programs

• Laundry

• 24 Hour on call supervisor

• Vital Signs

• Live-in programs

• Bathing, Dressing • Grooming & Exercise • Incontinence Care • Alzheimer’s & Dementia • Transportation • Appointments • Grocery Shopping • Errands • Attend Activities • Escort/Outings

In a letter appearing in the Aug. 30 issue of your publication, the writer in wellintended but misguided support for Israel, urges that “No Jew should vote Democratic today.” If that sentiment became accepted, it would not aid Israel but rather pose a grave threat to Israel by tossing support for Israel into the maelstrom of American partisan politics, which it has managed to avoid since its establishment and immediate recognition by President Harry S. Truman – a Democrat.

I have seen firsthand how requests for Israel support have been handled positively in a bipartisan or nonpartisan way. There would be dire consequences for Israel if it were to become just another partisan political football to be kicked around annually in Washington.

I would caution anyone who has negative feelings about the Democratic Party because of its stance on tax policy, social programs, immigration, education, civil rights or whatever, to confine his or her advocacy of those issues and not drag Israel into it.

If you support Israel, you will rue the day it becomes a contentious domestic partisan issue. So, back off the dangerous rhetoric of “No Jew should vote Democratic today.”

You are hurting, not helping, Israel and the Jewish people.

Elliott H. Levitas, Atlanta

Letter to the editor:

• Medication Assistance • Range of Motion

Letter to the editor:

We carefully match caregivers with clients.

We are available for home, hospital care, and nursing home care.

We are also prepared to relieve family members for a day, night or weekend.

Counties we serve: Fulton, Henry, Clayton, Rockdale, Dekalb, Gwinett, Newton, Fayette, Douglas.

Call for consultation or immediate help (404) 207- 9281

Last week’s letter stated, “No Jew can vote Democratic anymore.” A call to require Jews to act in one specific way or another is not a call for civility. While I have criticized the current administration for certain activities, I have not called on any Jew not to vote Republican if that is their desire. Civility needs to be practiced, and results in a call for reflection and determination that our collective safety must be ingrained in the fabric of America. Any Jew can, and must be allowed, to vote for a Democrat or a Republic or an independent.

While the support of a few Democrats in Congress for BDS is troublesome, it is support by a few. Many more Democrats, and Republicans, support the rights of Jews in this country and advocate a democratic, Jewish, secure state of Israel. In fact, Congress recently passed a resolution against the BDS movement by over a 300-vote majority, including most Democrats.

One way of reflecting on our national consciousness is to look at the effect on the birds in the coal mine. In many countries over many centuries, the birds in the coal mine, which are the first living things to die when the environment in the coal mine becomes too dangerous, were the Jews. Today, the birds in the coal mine in the U.S. are the patients receiving life-saving medical care, who are immigrants who have been allowed to stay in this country so that they have access to this medical care, which is not available in their home countries.

The Department of Homeland Security has just sent letters to these patients and their care-giving families to leave the country. In 33 days from the date of the Aug. 13 letter, these patients will have deportation processes begun against them. This inhumanity shown to the most vulnerable people in society is a signal to Jews that we must stand up for them. We must convince this administration that this cruelty should not define the fabric of our society. I urge everyone in the community to call our senators and ask them to exhort the administration to stop this cruelty.

The office of Senator [Johnny] Isakson, who himself is facing health issues, can be reached at 770-661-0999. Senator [David] Perdue’s office number is 404-865-0087.

Please call.

Harold Kirtz, Atlanta

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

18 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Letter to the editor:

OPINION

I found Ms. Starkman’s letter published Aug. 30 by this paper very inaccurate and unsettling in that it was published without any dissenting commentary. It should have been labelled as a political advertisement for the re-election of Donald Trump.

The writer’s attempts to tarnish the pro-Jewish record of [Congressmen] John Lewis and Hank Johnson is regrettable. They were totally misquoted in the article. This is no different than the attempts by the religious right to label Barack Obama as an antiSemite. John Lewis did condemn BDS, but rightfully believes boycotts are a fundamental right in a democracy. Would Ms. Starkman condemn the Jewish boycott of Germany in the 1930s? Hank Johnson did not refer to Jews as termites, but rather referred to the effect of right-wing settlers usurping Palestinian land and destroying the social fabric of the West Bank like termites in a house.

Donald Trump and his Jewish assistant, Stephen Miller, are responsible for the massacre in Pittsburgh and should be the ones condemned rather than deflecting the topic to Democrats. The fact that Jews can be brainwashed by Trump and Netanyahu to smear liberal Jews, Democrats and black politicians will only lead to more animosity and division.

Leon A Van Gelderen, Atlanta

Letter to the editor:

In Ms. Starkman’s letter she brings up the Charlottesville marchers. But she leaves out that Mr. Trump said that there were fine people on both sides. Implying that the alt-right marchers who were yelling the “Jews will not replace us” are fine people.

Ms. Starkman stated that she and her husband are both children of Holocaust survivors, which indicates that her parents immigrated to the U.S. If the rules suggested by Mr. Trump and his party would have been in effect when her parents immigrated, would they have been allowed into the U.S.? Were they white enough, wealthy enough, educated enough to meet the suggested standards? At least they were from Europe.

As for which party to vote for, we are left with choosing the lesser of two evils.

We can select the party that believes the U.S. is a Christian nation, anyone who is not white and male is of lower status, that old white men should rule the U.S. now and forever. Or we can choose the other party, warts and all. We live in a complex world.

Leo Klein, Atlanta

Letter to the editor:

This is in response to last week’s letter.

There are plenty of Republican members who believe in the second coming of the “messiah,” and feel strongly that the Jewish state is necessary to the creation of the conditions necessary for that apocalyptic event. They therefore “love” Israel and the Jews because soon the Jews will all be converted to Christianity or die. The Republican party has failed and refused to condemn those folks. Should we therefore say that “No Jew should vote Republican today,” in sympathy with Starkman’s arguments?

I think that there is more than one issue involved. But most important of all, in my opinion, is the issue of the climate crisis. Republicans have done everything possible to dismiss the urgency of climate warming, drought, flood, bigger fires, higher water levels, more extreme weather events. A vote for Republicans in 2020 is a vote for no attempt to deal with these issues, and for our passing the point of no return.

I owe it to my 12-year-old granddaughter to vote for folks who will try to change the world so that she will still be able to survive, and that is not the Republicans.

Michael P. Froman, Atlanta

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 19

OPINION

Questioning the Loyalty of Jewish Americans In the land of historical of Trump’s presidency, he context, the past can help inonce again denounces Jewform the present. ish Americans for putting The accusation that Jews America and our values are more loyal to their religion first.”

– and/or, since 1948, to Israel The irony, as noted by – than to the lands in which the scholar Shaul Magid, is they live, has been at the root of that where Jews usually are much of the suffering inflicted accused of being insufficienton the Jewish people throughly loyal to their country of Dave out history. residence, Trump suggested “The notion of dual loy- Schechter that the majority of Jewish From Where I Sit alty is a linchpin of the antiAmericans are insufficiently Semitic stereotype,” Emory loyal to a foreign country.

University professor Deborah Lipstadt, Trump’s Jewish supporters, meanwhile, whose latest book is titled “Antisemitism: continue to ask “what about” anti-Semitism Here and Now,” told the Forward. by the left-wing squad on the Democrats’ President Donald Trump ignited bench, citing support of the anti-Israel BDS (again) a wildfire in the liberal provinces (Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions) movement of American Jewry with this comment: and allegations that the pro-Israel lobby “If you want to vote Democrat, you are purchases its influence on foreign policy. being very disloyal to Jewish people and More than a century ago, the jurist very disloyal to Israel.”

Louis Brandeis told a meeting of Reform The roughly 70 percent of Jewish rabbis, “Let no American imagine that Americans who support Democrats do so Zionism is inconsistent with patriotism.” in keeping with their understanding of “Every American Jew who aids in Jewish values. advancing the Jewish settlement in PalesDaniel Larison, a senior editor at tine, though he feels neither he nor his deThe American Conservative, wrote that scendants will ever live there, will likewise “In one of the more disgraceful episodes be a better man and a better American for

doing so,” Brandeis said in 1915, the year before he became an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

In April 1950, two years after the establishment of the state of Israel, Jacob Blaustein, president of the American Jewish Committee, told the AJC’s executive committee “We repudiate vigorously the suggestion that American Jews are in exile. The future of American Jewry, of our children and of our children’s children, is entirely linked with the future of America. We have no alternative; and we want no alternative.”

That August, at a luncheon in Jerusalem, Blaustein told Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion – as well as the Israeli cabinet and President Chaim Weizmann – that Israeli statements urging all Jews to move to Israel were damaging the morale of American Jewry and making it difficult to raise money for Israel.

An agreement was reached that American Jews and Israel would, in today’s parlance, stay in their own lanes.

“The Prime Minister’s statement makes it clear, among other things, that without any reservations the State of Israel speaks only on behalf of its own citizens and in no way presumes to represent or speak in the name of Jews who are citizens

of any other country; and that the Jews of the United States, as a community and as individuals, have no political attachment to Israel. This means that the allegiance of American Jews is to America and America alone, and should put an end to any idea or allegation that there is any such thing as dual loyalty on the part of American Jewry,” Blaustein said.

In October 1956, Ben-Gurion wrote to Blaustein: “The Jews of the United States, as a community and as individuals, have only one political attachment, and that is to the United States of America. They owe no political allegiance to Israel. … We, the people of Israel, have no desire and no intention to interfere in any way with the internal affairs of Jewish communities abroad.”

Particularly since Israel’s victory in the June 1967 Six Day War, the trees that Blaustein and Ben-Gurion planted in the land of historical context have been set alight and burned to ash. In their place, Jewish Americans and Israel have planted a hybrid, grafting the emotional, financial, and political attachments of the former onto the latter’s sense of empowerment, which manifests itself in actions and policies that impact the lives of all Jews, wherever they live. ■

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH, 2019

At this event, information will be provided on admissions, scholarship opportunities and Jewish life on campus.

Please respond by September 6th by visiting adm.ua.edu/register/atlanta-jewish-reception For more information, call us at 205-348-2914

20 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 21

SIMCHAS My Bar Mitzvah's Gone By

By Martine Tartour We asked two Jewish Atlantans, ages 98 and 81, to reminisce about their bar mitzvah long ago in Naples, Italy and Budapest, Hungary, respectively. Their stories are woven with our rich Jewish history, with fascism, communism, the Depression, Kristallnacht and the Holocaust.

Tradition During Depression Mario Foah had his bar mitzvah in Naples in March of 1934. He has lived in Atlanta for 26 years, retiring here after a successful career in the food industry.

He loves this Southern city, and lives, at 98 years old, perfectly independently in his apartment in Buckhead, where I met him. He writes, listens to music, receives his friends and is planning a trip to Italy in October.

With the exception of driving, nothing stops him. On his 90th birthday, he decided to never drive again.

“It has been a long time since I shared this memory. It was more than

Foah prepared for his bar mitzvah with his grandfather, Rabbi Lazzaro Laide Tedesco, the chief rabbi of Naples, pictured in the synagogue in Naples, Italy, where the ceremony was held.

85 years ago, at the synagogue in Naples, Italy. So long so, that even my son, Robert, didn’t know, until now, if I had my bar mitzvah. ” He told of this recollection: We are Italian Jews, who escaped from Spain after the persecution of the Spanish Inquisition. After a brief stay in Holland at the beginning of the 18th century, my mother’s family emigrated to southern

Entertainment for All Occasions

SAMMY ROSENBERG PROFESSIONAL DJ Voted 2nd Place: Best Party DJ Voted 3rd Place: Best Live Music Entertainment

404-863-4455 THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR VOTES! GREAT RATES! BOOK YOUR DATES! 22 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

During the year I spent with my Italy, while my father’s parents had lived in the north for generations, near Milan.” grandfather, when I asked him for advice about my future, he My parents met said to me to follow my in Naples, where my path: Leh Leha, as one father, a businessman, of the [parashot] said, 28 years old, fell in love ‘Go for yourself.’ By with the 18-year-old 1934, we were perfectly daughter of the rabbi integrated into Italian of Naples. My grandsociety, and the arfather was the head of rival of Mussolini did the Jewish community not frighten us. This of 600 people. By marchanged in 1938. When rying my father, my I was supposed to go mother abandoned to university, I was dekashrut and the obsernied access not only to vance of the Sabbath, my studies, but to the however, we went to building itself. I joined the synagogue on Rosh an uncle in Chicago, Hashanah and on Yom abandoning my famKippur.

Mario Foah studied with his ily from which I had When the time grandfather, the chief rabbi in no news for four years. came to celebrate my Naples, for his bar mitzvah.

I went ‘for myself’ but bar mitzvah in 1934, my father was recovering from the 1929 the price I had to pay was high.

My parents have always respected my economic crisis. He had gone bankrupt, and rather than saving whatever as- choices. I respected my children’s choices. sets were left for his family, he sold ev- My older son had his bar mitzvah in New erything we had in order to pay off his York, at the Spanish synagogue, which customers. He wanted to be able to walk practices the same rites that we had in Italy.

But my second son didn’t want to do his bar with head held high.

Anyway, even if we had stayed rich, mitzvah, and I never pushed him. It would like before the Depression, my bar mitz- never have occurred to me. But these days, vah would not have been lavish. It wasn’t I find that [b’nai] mitzvah have become the custom. It was a rite of passage, and great shows. One of my cousins celebrated above all, the tradition. So, even for my her grandson’s bar mitzvah for three days. parents, who were rather emancipated What’s the point? What can we learn from and steered away from religion, it was this? I still remember the beautiful gift my grandfather, the rabbi, unthinkable not to gave me when he told have a bar mitzvah. So me: “Now you can be I studied every single part of the minyan. You day for a year with my are a man.” grandfather, while my grandmother, born in Egypt, made me french Ceremony Goes On fries every afternoon, which I ate in her Robert Ratonyi kitchen, secretly from had his bar mitzvah my mother. in Budapest in JanuOn the day of my ary 1951. He and his bar mitzvah I wore a wife Eva were about to tie, and I have to adleave for a trip back to mit that since then, his homeland when I I have been wearing asked him to remema tie every day. We ber his bar mitzvah. were about 50 people, Coincidentally, during Robert Ratonyi recalls the mainly the family. Afthis trip, he was going advice he received from his rabbi ter the ceremony, we to visit the synagogue following his bar mitzvah. all went to my grandwhere he celebrated parents’ small apartment, next to the that occasion. synagogue, to eat some honey pastries.

A few years ago, he began to write I received books as gifts because people his memoirs that cover the first 26 years knew I wanted to be a teacher of Latin of his life, a long-term endeavor he hopes and Greek, a path I never pursued. to publish before the end of the year. It

SIMCHAS will be titled “My Journey from Nazism appointed. and Fascism through Communism to Rabbi Kalman took me under his Freedom.” wing. He was physically impressive, very He Spoke of his memories: I am 81 tall, with a big white beard, and very handyears old. I was born some. He had a 16-yearin 1938, the year of old daughter, who was the Kristallnacht. My also beautiful. There father told my mothwas no big party nor er that he would not celebration at my bar want another child mitzvah. The whole cerbrought into this emony probably lasted world. Times had beno more than 20 mincome too dangerous utes. I had to read and for Jews. He was right. chant a parashah, which The last time I saw my I did rather well. At the father I was 4 years end of the ceremony, old.

Rabbi Kalman gave me a At the end of the prayer book so precious war, as survivors, my to me, that I still have it mother and I handled today. In it there was a the crisis of the Holonote in Hungarian writcaust, as did most of ten by him that said the During a recent visit to Budapest, the other survivors: following: Ratonyi carried the seder Torah with total silence, try“First advice: Try as he did 68 years ago at his bar ing to rebuild our lives mitzvah. The Judaica is kept in to recover from the rooms that function as a museum. in a country with an wounds inflicted on uncertain future. you.

The Communists took power in “Second advice: Depend on yourself 1948. My childhood was rocked by the to make up for what the mad devastation Shoah, my adolescence by communism. of the evil years deprived you: a father 1951 was the year of my bar mitzvah. and his advice. Depend on yourself to Stalin was still in power in Moscow, and harden your own character, to develop Hungary was in the hands of the Stalin- your own principles. ist dictatorship. To practice religion was “Third advice: Trust yourself. I have extremely difficult, for everybody, Jews as known you for years. Look at me! PromChristians, but we still used to go to the ise me that you will always be a truly synagogue for the holidays. good man. My son, let this prayer book be My mother worked in a factory and your life’s guide and source of strength.” woke up at 6 in the morning. I knew that My response was a short speech. even as a child, I had some responsibil- The word ‘responsibility’ appears at least ity to shoulder my mother’s burden of three times in my speech of only 14 lines! hard physical labor. Very early on, be- Since that day, I have tried to face my recause I was fatherless, sponsibilities.

I became a man of reIn 1956, when the sponsibility. And that Red Army invaded Buis exactly what Rabbi dapest, I escaped from Kalman said at my bar Hungary to Canada. mitzvah January 11, I arrived as an im1951, in the Great Synamigrant in February gogue of District X of 1957 in Canada because Budapest, where we the quota of Hungargathered. ian immigrants in the In fact, there were United States had been very few members reached. In 1961, I was of my family. At that accepted as a junior time, it was dangerous (third year) at MIT, to attend churches and where I completed my synagogues, but I did undergraduate and not understand the graduate studies in The Budapest synagogue where absence of my Uncle 1964. I married Eva in Ratonyi had his bar mitzvah, Laci, my mother’s 1963 and got my green today completely refurbished. older brother. I had no It is now a church. About 20 card in 1964. I had a synagogues still exist in Budapest. male family member very successful busipresent at this important event of my ness career. It was my last job at Contel life. My mother found a lame excuse to Corporation in 1978 that brought me to explain his absence, but she was also dis- Atlanta.” ■

BEST O F JEWISH ATLANT A

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 23

SIMCHAS

Renewing Vows After 50 Years

Photo of Gerry and June Neumark renewing their vows under son Jay’s tallit.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe It could have been 50 years to the day, except for the lunar calendar date falling on Shabbat. On June 22, 1969, in Detroit, Mich., young June said “I do” to Gerald Neumark. Herald in this past June 23, 2019, when their vows were renewed at the Grand Teton mountain range.

Gerry said, “We still wanted to show the world how wonderful it is to keep marriage alive.”

Having visited the Tetons almost a dozen times, the Neumarks knew the natural beauty there to be “beyond words.” June continued, “The pictures just don’t do it justice.”

Gerry had his mind set on his favorite spot, Jackson Lake Lodge with its huge veranda. He recalled, “Alan Greenspan, former chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve,

Grandchildren Hudson (front left) Ella (back left), son Jay and daughter- in-law Alison held up the four chuppah posts around Gerry and June.

Neumarks' 50th anniversary cake.

was known for using the veranda for making his famous speeches from that very location. To Greenspan’s dismay, once the TV crew was gathered all around him, [they] got distracted and wandered off to see a nearby moose.” This is especially relevant considering that Neumark is a professor of urban political science and public policy at Georgia State University.

The Teton Range spans 40 miles from North to South and is 12 miles wide. Tetons, literally for the three “nipples,” because of their pointed shapes, is from the Shoshone Indian “teewinot,” meaning “many pinnacles.” Gerry said, “Even though the Tetons are 12 miles south of Yellowstone, they are worlds apart.” Locally the Neumarks are into urban hiking and biking on the Atlanta BeltLine and visiting Anna Ruby Falls.

Back in December the Neumarks mulled flying in an Atlanta rabbi for the vow renewal, but that didn’t seem very practical. Then, like everything else we find on the web, they googled “rabbis in the Jackson, Wyoming area.” Gerry said, “Up popped a very observant choice and another nondenominational rabbi whose ‘other job was science teacher.’” Enter the latter, Josh Kleyman, who the couple got to know through a series of FaceTime sessions.

June, a retired public school teacher, arranged for their son’s bar mitzvah tallis to be the flowing chuppah, with son Jay, daughter-in-law Alison, and grandchildren Ella and Hudson supporting the four corners. “Actually, the kids were very conscientious about holding up their corners for the entire time,” June said. “The sky looked a little threatening during the ceremony. … Thankfully the weather held up just fine.”

Gerry added, “The kids, being just 5 and 8, took their jobs very seriously since it was 40 degrees and windy.”

June confirmed, “I didn’t know whether to wear a winter coat or a summer dress and ultimately ended up with a silk shawl.”

The service lasted about 30 minutes and Gerry stomped on the traditional wedding glass (light bulb, in this case).

“Truthfully it was one of the best events of our lives,” June said. “Everyone had something to say, … from heartfelt speeches to poems. This was all captured in a memory book to look back on.”

A side benefit was escorting the grandchildren from St. Augustine, Fla., who had never seen snow nor mountains. On this trip they gleefully visited the Teton Pass (from Victor, Idaho, to Wilson, Wyo.) and Craters of the Moon, between Boise and Yellowstone National Park, which formed from a vast ocean of lava flow.

Alison Neumark, who is a photographer in Florida, captured many of the scenes and committed a special devotion to details such as creating wooden clothespin figures with identical ceremony clothing to top the vanilla and chocolate wedding cake, even matching the black and white flowers on June’s dress.

The celebration dinner was held in the lodge’s famous Mural Room. Gerry concluded, “Wouldn’t you know it, a mama moose with her baby came to the outskirts of the veranda just before the meal, and once again, Mother Nature captured everyone’s attention.”

Here’s to decades more visits to the Tetons – moose or no moose. ■

24 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 25

SIMCHAS

Winner’s Chuppah Panels Span Generations

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Sue Winner is no stranger to simchas.

An Atlanta bridal consultant in the 1990s and author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Budgeting for Your Wedding,” she undertook a grandiose and magnificent 17-plus year project of a personal family nature consisting of four, 7-foot needlepointed panels, forming a chuppah, and an elaborate companion “roof” covering.

“I set out to create something that would be passed down in my family for generations to come.” And that she did.

There is more to the story. What Winner touches, she elevates. As a leader/ volunteer, she was president of Brandeis Women’s Group and served on its National Women’s Committee.

The title of president suits her well, as she served as president of the Sandy Springs Society, the second Jewish president in 30 years. During her tenure (20182019), she was credited with bringing master violinist Itzhak Perlman to the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center in a rare appearance.

On a very personal “hands-on” level, she remains a volunteer for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) where she has

26 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Winner’s son David and his wife were married under this incomplete chuppah in 2003.

Dark Rush photos // Each of the four chuppah panels is 7 feet wide and framed in Lucite.

They can be disassembled from the wall with a tall ladder for use at weddings.

spoken for six children in court. “I really get more out of it than I give, … seeing them through difficult times, attending school conferences to show that someone cares.”

Sue’s Craftsmanship Winner’s nimble fingers have been involved in a lot of colorful and creative gifts. Her children and grandchildren

have her custom-made tallit bags and pillows. In 1988 she worked with Dave Alterman and Norman Diamond (sincedeparted Ahavath Achim leaders) to create needlepointed Torah covers for the synagogue’s 100th anniversary celebration that are still used today.

She also knits scarves for the homeless and Holocaust survivors, and needlepoints heart panels for hospice patients.

The Birth of the Chuppah Winner remembered a conversation with AA’s Rabbi Emeritus Arnold Goodman about the value of ethical wills and

SIMCHAS

Sue and Jon Winner hold a photograph of their children, who married under the chuppah panels, and the next generation of grandchildren.

her desire for Judaism to be important to future generations. Goodman impressed upon her, “G-d created the world in six days and on the seventh day, He rested. Since then, rabbis say, ‘G-d has been making marriages. Marriages are made in heaven but made good here on earth.’” The gist of this is emblazoned on the chuppah top she designed.

To create her chuppah vision and the base canvas, Winner enlisted the help of Leah Maziar, who, in turn, reached out to Pat Jones. Winner had some rough ideas that she wanted to include: peaches, blossoms, ovals, and blue ribbons to tie together her vision of Jewish life. She recalled, “What I got back in Pat’s design were well-researched rich sentimental depictions of Jewish life events – challah, tzedakah boxes, tefillin –amid the holidays. Pure joy!”

The Finished Design Each panel is 7 feet wide and 18 inches high. To the top left are captured Passover and the high holidays; second down are Chanukah and Shabbat; third down are Sukkot, tefillin and Purim; and on the bottom are a bride and groom and the Jewish home they create.

Three of the four Winner children have married under the chuppah; but not all had all components complete for their ceremony.

As if that’s not enough, Winner created its rectangular roof top covering that has to be positioned upside down as the bridal party looks up.

She needlepointed diamonds to separate the rows of ancestors dating back to 1899: Brina Schwartzman’s union with Mayer Garsh. And yes, blank rows remain for future generations.

Winner elaborated, “There were logistical considerations like Velcro attachments so it can be pulled apart. … In terms of the panels, each has curtain rod sleeves and earth magnets, screws on all sides because they have to be able to be taken off the wall for use at weddings!” Interior designer Marni Ratner had the panels framed in Lucite by A-R-T & Associates.

Husband, retired pediatrician Dr. Jon Winner recounted, “Sue quietly needlepointed as we sat together reading or watching TV at night. I am very proud of the beauty that she creates, ... but she is not done yet. She’s always looking for another project.”

They tease each other. She said, “For my birthday he bought me opening night Braves tickets, about which I could care less. So, the next year I gave him an artsy recreation of our ketubah.

She has earned her place in Atlanta as an artisan and woman of valor. ■ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 27

SIMCHAS

High Rolling Hilly Takes on Sushi

Co-founder Les Retter, Chef Mang and co-founder Hilly Blondheim put out a delightful spread at a Grand Hyatt event.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe As a child in Montgomery, Ala., Hilly Blondheim preferred to stay inside cooking with the girls to heading out to the playground. After getting his culinary degree at The Art Institute of Atlanta and later studying in Vienna, Austria, Blondheim felt his passion was to teach children about food, which he did at the

High Roller is proud of its role in bringing kosher sushi to The Spicy Peach. After that store’s expansion, High Roller hopes to have a sushi chef on site in Toco Hills.

YMCA in Atlanta.

Hilly kids about his first name.

“Since you asked, my given name is Hillard, but that is too stuffy!”

Now as co-founder of High Roller Sushi, we see a lot of his bounty without even realizing it. “When you see a chef at, say, the Westin Perimeter with the hotel name on his coat serving sushi, he’s probably one of ours. We sell the service

us! h t i w e t a r b Cele

• Newly Renovated Banquet Space • Mitzvah & Wedding Packages • Overnight Accommodations • Complimentary Parking

2000 CENTURY BOULEVARD NE

WWW.MARRIOTT.COM/ATLNE • 404.325.0000 28 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

and preparation of sushi to a variety of “They prepare from 9 p.m. to around 3 a.m., caterers, event facilities, stadiums, ho- scheduled by their own choosing.”

High Roller has about 30 differtels, movies, and private home parties.

Even Delta Airlines. We take the head- ent rolls. Some of the mouthwatering ache out of a tedious, very specialized preparations are fusion sushi such as the cuisine. It’s very costly to do this from original creation, MacGyver Roll: Texas scratch. Using High Roller, they can caviar, spicy tuna, mango and a jalapeño ring. [A Facebook make their own post by High Roller profit on top of us shows it fed the cast doing the work.” and crew of “MacAfter learnGyver” in December.] ing experiences “If you can dream in a luxuryit, we can do it. I brand hot choccame up with torcholate company searing sugar-coated that went bust salmon at home after Hurricane when I was thinking Katrina and the about crème brurestaurant suplee, … imagining the ply businesses, flames producing a Hilly landed a smoky burned flavor job with InnovaHigh Roller devised this unique seeping onto the rice. tive Concepts, MacGyver Roll with Texas caviar.

And it’s fun to watch where he absorbed the food brokerage business someone torch sushi as a presentation in and the use of test kitchens. “That job person!” High Roller Sushi also has some (for five years) made me successful. I side dishes, such as seaweed salad and got an unofficial Ph.D. in the world of edamame.

One of the most exciting roles for food and the business of food. I had already learned how to cook, but now High Roller is in the kosher market. the emphasis was on how to move food Now selling out of the Atlanta Kosher through the system, … the plant, the Commission-approved The Spicy Peach trucks, to customers and the plate. I in Toco Hills, Blondheim hopes to have a even learned on-the-job by opening live chef on hand at a counter after their current expansion is complete. “We abThe Mansion hotel in Atlanta.”

That background set him up for the solutely have mashgiach supervision on eventual partnership starting in 2015 site at our kitchen when we prepare kowith another local Jewish man, Les Ret- sher orders. … Do you think we should name this “Holy ter. “Our families Roller Sushi or are now extremely Chai Roller Sushi?” close,” Blondheim A resident of said. “Outside of Dunwoody, along my marriage, this with his wife Miis my greatest chele and two partnership. Our sons, 11, and 8, weaknesses make Blondheim uses up for each other’s Yelp to find offstrengths. We all the-beaten-track do our individual joints at which to pieces, talk about experiment.

“We it once a week or like ‘Drive-Ins and so, then allow evDives’ (referencing eryone to function High Roller Sushi produces Guy Fieri's Food at their best. I am colorful hand rolls.

Network series), for more sales, and Les is more of a numbers guy. We have a blindly choosing new places to eat.”

High Roller’s success is soaring as it third partner also who is Malaysian and behind-the-scenes. After all, two white just added important major clients such as Aramark and Levy (out of Chicago), guys cannot roll sushi!”

When it comes to workers, High Roll- which cater for the Georgia World Coner has been fortunate to find success with gress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium its chefs, many of whom are from Burma. and State Farm Arena.

Montgomery should be proud of its “We have about 20 part-timers, mostly male (but not that way by design),” he said. gingerly sushi king! ■

JAMMIN’ DJs is an award winning DJ company that specializes in exceptional and trusted event entertainment. We know how important entertainment is for your special event and we take every measure to make sure your event is a success!

JAMMIN’ DJs is the perfect choice for any event!

We Provide DJ Entertainment, Decor/Up-Lighting, Photo Booth Services & Cold Sparks! www.jammindjs.net | 404-990-4439

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 29

SIMCHAS

EB Catering’s Goal: Bring New York to Atlanta

By Marcia Caller Jaffe A new competitor is on the block, the wooden chopping block, in this case, where Eli Brafman of E.B Catering Co. has swept onto the kosher Atlanta catering scene. He brings his New York experience and mouthwatering new recipes to private homes, simchas, and events around town.

One of the most exciting venues in 2020 will be the much awaited and publicized opening of the new multi-level Atlanta Zoo Savanna Hall. Brafman is currently consulting with Proof of the Pudding on its new venture at Zoo Atlanta, helping to launch Atlanta’s newest kosher kitchen in Savanna Hall.

He began catering out of Congregation Beth Tefillah’s kitchen in December.

Some of the events he’s done there and offsite are brit milah, birthday parties, upshirin, (ceremonial first haircut), weddings and meetings.

Brafman began making Shabbat meals as a favor for some locals in need.

Soon word got around about how good his food was, so he transformed this into a wider business.

Eli Brafman’s goal is to bring New York style kosher cuisine to Atlanta.

EB's colorful ahi tuna tower alternates an avocado layer.

Those of us who have hosted strictly kosher events know that there is a voracious market for dazzling and delicious food, not to mention keeping up with the nouveau trends building on the back of traditional bubbes’ recipes, which, in themselves, are layered and sentimental.

Gone are the days of poopooing kosher food as unhealthy and undervalued.

Get the oil, milk and honey on what Brafman intends to bring to the table. “I’m very passionate and want to bring kosher cuisine here to a new level,” he said.

planner at the old Crowne Plaza hotel.

“My mother also was a gourmet cook and she built upon my bubbe’s traditional style to a modern gourmet style while still being heimishe.”

Brafman’s catering resume began at age 14, when he prepped the food at Chabad of Toronto’s farbrengens (Hassidic gatherings). “I was the ‘go to’ cook. I owe a lot to the Chabad system.”

He was in the Yeshiva of Postville, Iowa, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided Sholom Rubaskin’s nearby glatt kosher Agriprocessors, which led to the yeshivah chef leaving town.

As a result, Brafman took over at 16

From Chabad to Jewish Outreach He grew up in Brooklyn in a catering family, as his grandmother was the event

Celebrating New Beginnings for some of the most special couples in Atlanta.

Let us help you celebrate your special day with

a signature wedding that reflects your personal style and taste.

30 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

as the Iowa chef and ran the kitchen for 80 students.

From there, he segued to Argentina for two years, where he built his background in quality meat preparation. The journey goes on to Los Angeles where he was a shaliach (outreach) for Jewish Educational Trade School and assisted a Wolfgang Puck-trained chef in a culinary program for students.

Passover Prep for the Particulars Some observant folks frequent family vacations over Passover with gourmet kosher cuisine, services, children’s programs, and even movie stars.

I have been to Passover vacays in the Grand Bahamas, The Ritz-Carlton West Palm Beach, and Innisbrook Golf Resort.

The price tag is not for the faint of pocketbook.

Enter Brafman, who ran the “back of the house kitchen” for Michael Schick (at KMR), arguably the most formidable New York kosher caterer, for Passover 2019 at Hilton Lake, Las Vegas.

Best of Brafman Brafman’s

specialties

are

meat

SIMCHAS

Brafman, who also caters private events, is known for his presentations, such as this vodka gravlax and cheese board.

EB Catering is known for its bar food like these burgers in pretzel buns with arugula, onion jam and garlic.

boards and bar items such as sliders and chicken lollipops. “We have a dairy, pareve and meat kitchen. Flat bread pizzas are another of my go-tos. Our goal is to bring an upscale yet affordable contemporary New York style to Atlanta.”

Some of Brafman’s offerings are: • Pulled beef sliders on pretzel buns, with Mexican slaw and house sauce • Ahi tuna tower • 48-hour marinated London broil, roasted vegetables and sweet chili roasted baby potatoes • Sous vide meat board with shoulder roast, burgers, skirt steak and ribeye (Sous vide is a French method of cooking in which the item is placed in a vacuum-packed bag and cooked in water on a low and slow temperature)

• Burgers on pretzel buns, with arugula, onion jam and garlic • Southern fried chicken and waffles with maple mustard, craisins and scallion garnish • Mediterranean roasted branzino • Yogurt parfait station • Gravlax and cheese boards The Shabbat takeout menu changes weekly. ■ For more about Brafman’s offerings, www.ebcateringco.com. For information, pricing and tours of the new Savanna Hall, overlooking the zoo’s new African Savanna, call 404-624-5650. Savanna Hall is booking now for 2020 events. Savanna Hall’s Carlos Ballroom will accommodate 615 for a seated meal and 745 for a cocktail-style event.

Little River Farms is the perfect place to host your wedding or special event!

Conveniently located in Alpharetta, GA we offer indoor and outdoor options for your event as well as catering and bar services!

Please visit us at www.LittleRiverFarmsGa.com for more information

1 45 05 Bates vi lle Ro a d , A l p h ar etta, Ga. 3 0 0 0 4 • 7 7 0. 97 3. 0 1 0 8 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 31

SIMCHAS

Chefs Tie the Bogartz Knot

By Marcia Caller Jaffe On a steamy Sunday this summer, Terri Hitzig and Bruce Bogartz said their “I dos” on the patio and later indoors at the Bogartz Food Artz restaurant in Sandy Springs. In case two chefs having their wedding at the groom’s restaurant wasn’t unique enough, guests were asked to wear floral prints and Bermuda shorts.

Even the groom was in a sky-blue blazer over his shorts for the July 21 wedding. No one knew exactly what to expect facing the parking lot, but darn if it wasn’t one of the grooviest weddings South of the Great Smoky Mountains!

The band was playing “When the Saints Go Marching In” as guests found seats and mingled to see “who was who” in the crowd.

Dentist Warren Berne said, “We were invited because we are one of the most loyal and original customers here at Bogartz. You could call us ‘on the frequent diner plan.’ We like the food here that much.”

Guests came from Tennessee, where the groom was reared. Nancy Becker said, “We drove from Knoxville because we have known Bruce since he was a child

32 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Terri Hitzig, a collage artist, made the chuppah out of an array of butterflies.

and have eaten at all his restaurants.”

Local restaurant celeb of Brickery fame, Bruce Alterman, works with SCORE and the Small Business Association as mentor to Bogartz Food Artz. He said, “They’re doing all the hard work. I think they are doing just great!”

The two machatunim, Terri’s mom, Karen Dribben from Ohio, chatted with Bruce’s mom, (now local) Barb Bogartz.

Dribben said, “I’ve been waiting for this all my life. This is the best wedding ever. Both of them are wonderful!” Bruce’s father, Dr. Leon Bogartz, said, “Even as a child Bruce

real mazal for meeting on Jdate and the astrological aligning of the planets and constellations as “meant to be.”

The AJT was recognized for covering the couple’s success individually as chefs and then as an engaged pair. Glusman challenged Terri and Bruce to relish the moment and spoke of a conversation he had with each of them detailing what they valued in the other. For Bruce, it was Terri’s chopped liver and ability to show emotions, and that she loves him unconditionally “despite me being a slob.” TerOne of the buffet tables offered salmon ri’s recalled how Bruce nurtured her with planks and southern trimmings homemade soup when she was ill and that such as watermelon, fresh peaches, and marinated cucumber. he has a good heart in making food for the was hiding Gourmet and Food & Wine homeless, not to mention tipping a musimagazines under his bed. Well, Playboy cian $20 to play their Hall & Oates song.

Party time! The 118 guests reveled in too.”

When it was time for the ceremony a spirited Dixieland band (a wedding gift to begin, Terri cascaded down the steps from one of the guests) and food, glorious food. Bruce and of the top floor of brother Scott know the shopping cenhow to jazz up a colter right into the orful and eclectic aisle where the spread. My favorguests were seated ite was the salmon on the sides. Her planks, fresh peach sole word out loud blue cheese salad, was “Oy.” She was and marinated cudressed in a flowing cumbers. Plenty of hot pink tulle long gourmet food filled skirt and ivory top the buffet tables. with a sunny yelThe groom was not low bouquet. The above working, and two joined under hustled to arrange the chuppah, which and bolster the platwas a flurry of butters. terflies handmade When asked

by Terri. The two Terri’s mother Karen chats with what they would were wrapped in faBruce’s mom Barbara. have done differther of the groom’s ently, Terri said, “We would have had tallit for the rabbi’s blessings.

Rabbi Brian Glusman began the cer- guests come later and leave later, [start emony by formalizing the engagement time was 6 p.m.]. We would have paid with two blessings. He wished for them a a bit more attention to organizational planning and had future enriched by a couple more folks Judaism. The ring, in that department. representing the cirAll in all, we had cle of love and infinfriends and famity, was handed over ily tell us it was

by Bruce’s teenage the best and most daughter Sara Beth. memorable, fun As he read the wedding they have ketubah, Glusman been to ever! noted that it was “We want to not an affirmation say a big ‘thank of love, but rather you’ to Rabbi Brian. an Aramaic techniHe was phenomcal declaration of enal. And to all the responsibly, which Bruce and Terri, center, are flanked incredible guests outweighs romance.

by Bruce and Sally Alterman, who made us feel He performed the former Brickery proprietors. so special. Off to sheva brachot, seven blessings, and emphasized the couple’s Savannah for the honeymoon!” ■

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

ON-SITE EVENT CATERING • Brisket • Chicken • Beef Ribs

• Lamb • Beef • So Much More!

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

Contact Keith Marks for booking information: 404-250-1BBQ (1227) | keith.kcbbq@gmail.com

www.keithscornerbbq.com

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 33

CALENDAR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

BBQ and Shabbat Services with Nefesh Mountain – Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. NW, Atlanta, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy kosher BBQ, friends, and family while listening to the sweet bluegrass tunes of musical guest, Nefesh Mountain. The evening will end with a musical Shabbat family service. The event is for all ages. $15 per child and $20 per adult. For more information, www.aasynagogue.org.

Conquer Your Fears – 1440 Spring Street

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Shoftim Friday, September 6, 2019, light candles at 7:39 p.m.

Saturday, September 7, 2019, Shabbat ends at 8:33p.m.

Ki Teitzei Friday, September 13, 2019, light candles at 7:29 p.m.

Saturday, September 14, 2019, Shabbat ends at 8:23 p.m.

Shabbat Friday Night Monthly Musical Service – Congregation Etz Chaim,

Community Concert Ft. Nefesh Mountain – Ahavath Achim Syna-

1190 Indian Hills Parkway NE, Marietta, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Come be part of the Friday night musical service. Etz Chaim is looking for musicians of all ages, so if you play an instrument that enhances the ruach of Shabbat, join in.

Free. For more information, www.bit. ly/2KGOyGZ.

gogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. NW, Atlanta, from 8 to 10 p.m. Nefesh Mountain is the place where bluegrass, old-time and American roots music meet with Jewish heritage and tradition. $10 per adult. For more information, mhabif@ aasynagogue.org or 404-603-5749.

5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. If you have played in the past and just need some reminding, you are welcome to join. If you have just learned and want to get better, you are welcome. If you are experienced, come alone or with your group. Open to the public. $2 for sisterhood members, $5 for non-sisterhood members. RSVP, 770399-5300 or office@bshalom.net.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Preserve, 7300 Brandon Mill Road NW, Sandy Springs Georgia, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Join The Sixth Point and OneTable for a wonderful learning opportunity, Shabbat service and dinner. The Sixth Point welcomes speaker Dr. Jonathan Crane to discuss his research on what it means to “eat ethically” as a Jew. Dr. Crane is both a rabbi and a professor of ethics. $15 per person. For more information, www.thesixthpoint.org/events/.

IJA Bar Mitzvah Celebration Gala Dinner – Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Chabad Intown presents Intown Jewish Academy’s Bar Mitzvah Gala Celebrating 13 Years of Inspiration & Education. Featured speaker Rabbi Simon Jacobson, “Being a Jew in the 21st Century.” $50 per ticket, $250 for a table of 6. For more information, www.bit.ly/30zCs9e.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

“Jane: An Abortion Service” Film and Discussion – Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta from 3 to 5 p.m.

NCJW Atlanta, in partnership with the ACLU, presents the film and a discussion of life before Roe v. Wade, with a focus on our current fight for reproductive freedom. Featuring guest speaker Heather Booth, Jane’s founder, civil rights activist, feminist and political strategist.

For more information and ticket prices, www.acluga.org/jane.

Scholar in Residence: Dorice Horenstein – Temple Beth Tikvah, 9955 Cole-

Hebrew Reading Crash Course – Con-

man Road, Roswell from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Horenstein’s new book is “Moments of the Heart.” She was born and raised in Israel and moved to Portland after completing her service as an officer in the Israel Defense Forces. She worked in Jewish education for more than 30 years, transferring her love to Jewish traditions and the Hebrew language. Free. To register, www.bit.ly/30iRTT1.

gregation Shearith Israel, 1180 University Drive, Atlanta, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Shearith Israel is pleased to present, in partnership with NJOP [National Jewish Outreach Program], a five-session Hebrew course for community members with little or no Hebrew literacy interested in learning the alef-bet (alphabet).

Free. For more information, www.bit. ly/2yHzpzs

34 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Mahjong for Beginners & Advanced Players – Congregation Beth Shalom,

Sunset Sips: Lauren Sainte Jane –

Eating Ethically with Dr. Jonathan Crane – The Cottage at Lost Corner

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

NE, Atlanta, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta and Kim Normand Dobrin invite you to conquer your fears. Learn specific tools to assess, access and release your fears. $36 per person. For more information, www.jwfatlanta.org/events/

Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Sainte Jane is a new Americana duo of singers/songwriters Lauren St. Jane and Jeremy Ezell. Lauren is a little bit country and Jeremy is rock n’ roll. Their songs are hauntingly familiar. A classic country shot with a modern Americana buzz. Included with general admission, $6 for children up to 13, $7 for students 13 to 18, $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 65 & up, free for CNC members and kids 2 and under. For more information, www.bit.ly/2Zg6Vrm.

Book Signing: “Extracted” by Dr. Perry Brickman – Robert W. Woodruff Library, 540 Asbury Circle, Atlanta, from 7 to 8 p.m. The Tam Institute for Jewish Studies invites you to a book signing featuring “Extracted: Unmasking Rampant Antisemitism in America’s Higher Education” by Dr. Perry Brickman. The event will be held in the Jones Room on the third floor of the Woodruff Library on Emory University’s campus. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2Ng21IM.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

9/11 Interfaith Service – Congregation Gesher L’Torah, 4320 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta, from 8 to 9 p.m. Eighteen years have passed since the September 11th attacks in which 2,977 individuals lost their lives in New York’s Twin Towers, on the planes and at the Pentagon. People from every faith and every background can come together to remember those killed and recognize the heroism of first responders. Free and open to the public. For more information, www.bit.ly/2PflkEu.

Men’s Night Out at Orpheus – Orpheus Brewing, 1440 Dutch Valley Place NE, Atlanta, from 7 to 9 p.m. Join ORT for a men’s night at the brewery. Come and enjoy a few beers and delicious food. $30 per person. For more information, www. bit.ly/2Z3humw.

A Page from the Book Festival Presents Vern Yip – Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Atlantan Vern Yip, veteran interior designer from “Trading Spaces” and HGTV and author of The New York Times bestseller “Vern Yip’s Design Wise,” is back to reveal the design tricks that will give any home a luxury retreat-like feel. $13 for members, $18 for the community, $30 member and community, including a hardcover copy of the book. For more information, www.bit.ly/2Z0fwDr.

SEPTEMBER 6-15

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

7th Annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival – City Green at City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The 7th annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival is back at City Springs. Join in for another day of bringing the community together over fantastic kosher BBQ. Free. Tasting tickets available for purchase. For more information, www.bit.ly/2zaT9Mk.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Second Friday Community Shabbat Dinner – Chabad Intown on the BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy a spirited Shabbat dinner with other in-towners with traditional and new Shabbat dishes. $10 per child, $25 per adult. For more information, www.bit.ly/2PpuVJg.

Prospective Member Shabbat – Temple Emanu-El, 1580 Spalding Drive, Atlanta, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join in on an exciting and spiritual Shabbat service with Rabbi Spike, Rabbi Rachael and Cantor Adesnik. Learn all about the amazing activities happening at Temple Emanu-El and how you can get involved. This event is kid-friendly. Free. For more information, www.bit.ly/2Zl4Nnn.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

24 Hour Phone-a-thon – The Jewish Fertility Foundation is having a phonea-thon and needs the community’s support as it works to continue to provide

Got old issues? services to its growing client list. To donate, www.bit.ly/2HuW6Mh.

FIDF Southeast Bike Ride – Sosebee Cycling Park, 465 Simpson Road NE, White, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This tour will provide riders the opportunity to ride along with wounded IDF veterans who will share their incredible experiences.

To register and for more information, www.bit.ly/2UeKxhq.

If you discover old issues of the Atlanta Jewish Times laying around, we want them.

To boost our archives, we will come pick up any AJT issues from 2014 or earlier.

Please call 404-883-2130 or write kaylene@ atljewishtimes.com to setup retrieval.

Subscribe, Support, Sustain.

As always, thank you for reading your Atlanta Jewish times.

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

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

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

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 35

COMMUNITY ‘Trading Spaces’ Host Vern Yip at Book Festival By, Robyn Spizman Gerson As a fan of author Vern Yip, I have marveled at his design acumen and ability to share practical advice for designing your home and making it beautiful. His newly released book “Vern Yip’s Vacation at Home” offers his sage advice on creating a home that becomes your everyday getaway.

Yip will appear Sept. 12 at A Page from the Book Festival of the MJCCA. His accomplishments are vast. As a New York Times best-selling author, product and interior designer, television host, ambassador of UNICEF and travel and design expert, he’s a wealth of talent. Readers and fans have awaited his second book with open arms and in a recent AJT interview, he shared his timely book’s inspiration.

“What moved me to write this book was I noticed that people are interested in simplifying and organizing their homes and lives. They feel overwhelmed by all their possession and things. I’ve personally never felt that way because I have picked up tips and tricks as I’m on

Vern Yip is an interior designer and a host on HGTV & TLC’s “Trading Spaces.”

Vern Yip’s much-awaited second book.

the road traveling constantly. Staying at hotels, I observed how the best ones employed the same tricks and tips to make the experience a positive one and stress free. I infused those into my own home and life, and it made a huge difference. I am imparting those tips to a broad spectrum of folks.”

“Vacation at Home” focuses on creating a home that is relaxing, rejuvenat-

ing and reenergizing. “A lot of people come home, and it starts with what they see, from the shoes on the floor, coats on the banisters, a burnt-out lightbulb, and find their homes stressful. There are too many messages.”

In contrast, Yip comes home and instantly feels relaxed. His home is nurturing and makes him feel like he’s on a vacation. He believes, “Your home is the most important place and should be designed for the most important people.”

Yip’s book presents his seasoned knowledge with 18 clear steps that give readers itemized ways to pull their homes together, creating a beautiful, yet peaceful experience. The book is filled with not just beautiful photographs, but also pages of ideas, clear-cut ways to help readers improve their lives step by step.

He cautions to begin by being honest with yourself regarding your possessions.

Yip says, “We tend to be magnets for too much stuff. Assess your stuff and keep only two things: that which you need and things that you love. Release things, do-

Host Your MitzvaH or Wedding at the Wyndham Atlanta Galleria

Over 12,000 square feet of versatile event space, including 3 elegant ballrooms for any social event.

A team of seasoned event planners are on hand to help you orchestrate a truly unforgettable event.

10% off

when mentioning you found us in the Jewish Times!

Contact Dana Cates at dcates@wyndham.com Conveniently Located in Sandy Springs 6345 Powers Ferry Rd NW 770.790.1002 36 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

www.wyndhamatlantahotel.com

nate them and only keep what matters.”

A fan of clutter-free interiors with simple maintenance, he answers all of your interior design questions. He succeeds in improving what you see and how you feel. From tight-back sofas to high performance fabrics and carpet that is stain-resistant, he zeroes in on ways to reduce constantly having to over-attend to material possessions.

He reminds us, “You don’t need 15 throw pillows on your bed. Instead of decorative pillows, have one pillow that showcases a color that makes you sing.

It will be so easy to make and unmake your bed.” Regarding trends, Yip inspires readers not to feel pressured to follow them. Your home should be designed for you to be super relaxed the moment you walk in, and feel like a retreat. Combine function with aesthetics and reflect on what really makes you and your family feel joyous and happy.”

One final word of advice? He suggests how important it is that our homes make us feel like we’re on a vacation. Or, when you come home from one, you’re at the happiest place on earth. His easy-toimplement interior design skills are both life-affirming and enhancing.

This book is an excellent guide for anyone who wants a well-thought-out roadmap for understanding how one’s lifestyle and home interior can successfully merge into a restful, relaxing oasis and beautiful interior. ■ Vern Yip will promote his new book “Vern Yip’s Vacation at Home: Design Ideas for Creating Your Everyday Getaway” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at A Page from the Book Festival of the MJCCA. For information and tickets, atlantajcc. org/bookfestival.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 37

COMMUNITY

Month to Remember: National TV to Leadership Atlanta

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

great places to eat locally and in my travels. I am more of a city guy than a country guy. I crave adventures to unknown places, like my upcoming Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) 100mile bike ride in October in Death Valley, Calif. As a family, we hope to raise over $10,000 for JDRF this year.

Ever turn on national TV and see your back-door Sandy Springs neighbor rocking out under studio lights? Local commercial real estate partner Ted Schwartz was “a star,” although briefly. More importantly, he was just selected to the prestigious 2020 Leadership Atlanta class. Read on to soak up some of Schwartz’s passion and commitment to Atlanta and how he landed on “Live with Kelly and Ryan.”

Jaffe: So there you were in NYC …

Schwartz: Participated in the annual Davis Academy golf tournament.

We support the school (my daughter is a former student there). At their silent auction, I won four VIP tickets to the “Live” show with Kelly and Ryan and planned our summer vacation accordingly.

Jaffe: Were you nervous? You chatted with Ryan about being from Sandy Springs, where his parents live?

Schwartz: I had “nervous energy.”

However, since they filmed two shows that morning, it was over two hours in the studio before I got to show “my moves.”

Honestly, after he asked me where I lived, I couldn’t decipher what he was talking about from the other side of the set, so I just pretended to be agreeable! Off-camera we did talk to Ryan about my son running at Dunwoody High in preparation for the recent Atlanta Maccabi Games.

Jaffe: What were the circumstances under which you learned the lively dance?

Schwartz: Other than cotillion lessons for my bar mitzvah, I haven’t had any formal dance training. I like to say I “move to the beat.” I am an 80s guy and a big Michael Jackson fan. However, when

Ted Schwartz danced on “Live with Kelly and Ryan.”

things slow down in life, I want to learn a variety of dances like the tango, Viennese waltz and Paso Doble!

Jaffe: You posted the dancing video on Facebook, did you get a lot of feedback?

Schwartz: It was my most commented and liked post of the year. Heard from folks all over the country, including a guy in Jacksonville who saw the show live and said to his wife “That looks like Ted Schwartz, a guy I used to network with!”

Jaffe: Your “day job” is commercial real estate specializing in …

Schwartz: I am a partner at Joel & Granot Commercial Real Estate. My team includes Renée Rosenheck and we assist office users with their commercial real estate requirements, from leasing to buying an office building and sales of buildings or subleasing their office space. We specialize in the GA 400 office submarket from Buckhead to Alpharetta. Interestingly, I represented the Atlanta Jewish Times when they last relocated their office in Sandy Springs.

Jaffe: You’re a foodie?

Schwartz: I do Facebook posts, “Ted’s Table,” where I express opinions on the

Book your Wedding with Westin Atlanta Perimeter North

and experience the joy of coming together to celebrate life and love.

Alongside the bustling Atlanta metropolis and nestled by a private lake, The Westin is the perfect place to begin your “forever” and to share priceless moments with family and friends.

Start planning your special day by contacting us at: westinatlantanorth.com/atlanta-wedding or call 770-395-3920.

Mention this ad when booking your special event to receive a complimentary champagne toast for your entire party.

38 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Jaffe: For 2020 you were chosen for the prestigious Leadership Atlanta class based on “creativity, influence and engagement.” How do you fit into that?

Schwartz: I have a passion to make a difference for those around me. My goals are to provide for my family and leave the world a better place than I found it. Last weekend I attended the opening retreat of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2020. I found 81 like-minded individuals engaging in thought-provoking conversations about the issues that affect ourselves and Atlanta, a city we all love. The message for our year is “A vision of leadership. A vision of love.”

This is an intense eight-month program. We have a community project group and a study group. Our mission is to listen, learn and grow as individuals and as a group because our society depends on it.

Jaffe: Are you involved in the Jewish community?

Schwartz: Yes! Over the past twenty years. In 2003, I spearheaded the site selection and capital campaign for Congregation Dor Tamid in Johns Creek. Since 2010, I have been involved with Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta in a variety of capacities and am currently a member of Temple Sinai.

Shake it, Ted. Maybe next, “Dancing with the Stars” for you? ■

ATLANTA DERMATOLOGY Drs. Brody, Casey, Wray and Alexander

Is pleased to announce the association of Trina M. Robinson, NP-C and Senior Laser Practitioner as our experienced Nurse Practitioner for the practice of Dermatology

We strive for Adolescent and Adult Clear Complexions on the face and body using Cryo-Therapy Facials and medical-surgical treatments Thank you for recognizing us as one of the best Dermatology practices in Atlanta. www.atlantadermatology.com | 404-525-7409 1218 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 39

COMMUNITY

Woodward Sophomore Selected as JNF Sababa Fellow

Emma Cohen received two midot medals while playing ultimate Frisbee for the JCC Maccabi Games.

By Eddie Samuels A sophomore at Woodward Academy was among 10 teens selected from across the country for Jewish National Fund’s Sababa Fellowship.

As a fellow, Emma Cohen will be a participant in JNF’s National Conference in Washington, D.C. later this month, and in a series of webinars throughout the school year. Ultimately, the program culminates in a three-week service-learning trip to Israel with Roots Israel in July of 2020.

“I have always felt culturally and emotionally connected to Israel,” Cohen said.

“Israel’s ability to transform a barren des-

40 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Emma is a sophomore at Woodward Academy.

Emma Cohen at a kibbutz in Israel.

Emma receives the Woodward Service Award.

ert into a living community intrigues me.”

At Woodward, Cohen is a dedicated student, pursuing a diploma distinction in sustainability. She is a member of Woodward Serves, a student-led service club that supports both local and global projects, and the STEM Club. She also teaches Hebrew to the Yad B’Yad Club, which features “Lunch and Learns” with Rabbi David Silverman, guest speakers and community service programs.

“Emma is truly one-of-a-kind!” said McKenzie Lawson, Woodward’s Class of 2022 school counselor. “My favorite attribute about Emma is her gracious spirit.

She exudes kindness and authenticity in

all that she does.”

Lawson also said she was, “excited for the platform Emma will have through the JNF fellowship to inspire others and continue to grow into the extraordinary person that she is. Her leadership, compassion, and dedication are such an asset to Woodward and the greater community in which she is involved.”

Outside of school, Cohen is involved with a number of organizations, including Friendship Circle of Atlanta and Am Yisrael Chai. She also serves as a peer leader for JumpSpark’s Strong Women Fellowship, and she played ultimate Frisbee in the JCC Maccabi Games in July in the sport’s first year as an official inclusion.

While the JNF fellowship is a new experience for Cohen, the organization is not new to her family, according to parents Justine and Andre Cohen.

“We are thrilled that Emma was selected to pursue her passion for Israel, community service and sustainability through JNF, an organization that our families have been supporting for two generations,” they told the AJT in an email.

As for her response to receiving the Sababa Fellowship, Cohen said, “I am honored that JNF has given me the opportunity to physically bond with Eretz Yisrael and learn about their skills of exploration, sustainability and discovery.” ■

SHEMA YISRAEL’S

COMMUNITY HOLY DAYS COMMUNITY HIGH HOLY WORSHIP DAYS SERVICES WORSHIP

SHEMA HIGH YISRAEL’S

SERVICES

Held at UNITY ATLANTA 3597 Lane - Norcross Held atParkway UNITY ATLANTA 3597 Parkway Lane - Norcross Traditional Services or Reform Services Traditional Services or Reform Services It’schoice! your choice!

It’s your Everyone is welcomeis welcome Everyone There is never a ticket charge There is never a ticket charge

Celebrating 21 years Come Be With Us! Ticket reservations immediately on-line at www.shemaweb.org

Ticket reservations immediately on-line at www.shemaweb.org The Halpern Center 4381 Beech Haven Trail, Smyrna GA 30080 (off Cumberland Parkway)

The Halpern Center 4381 Beech Haven Trail, Smyrna GA 30080 There is no charge Another community event from Kol Echad and Shema Yisrael- TheParkway) Open Synagogue (off Cumberland

We’re always open.

We’re open.

You’realways always welcome.

Come to the Highwelcome.

Holidays You’re always There is no charge

Another community event from Kol Echad and Shema Yisrael- The Open Synagogue

at Come to the High Holidays

Shema Yisrael The Open Synagogue

at

Shema Yisrael Reserve your tickets at www.shemaweb.org Reserve your tickets at www.shemaweb.org

The Open Synagogue

Reserve your tickets at www.shemaweb.org

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 41

COMMUNITY SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

Engagement

Hirsch – Bernstein Cindy and Ed Hirsch of Sandy Springs are proud and excited to announce the engagement of their daughter, Rachel Ariella Hirsch, to Mark Andrew Bernstein, son of Ann and Neil Wasserman of Cincinnati and Michael Bernstein and Becky Miller of Indianapolis.

Rachel graduated with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Alabama. She currently works as a certified speech-language pathologist in the local Atlanta school system for children with special needs. Mark received his bachelor’s degree from Emory University and his juris doctorate law degree from Northern Kentucky University. Mark, an attorney, works as a manager in the international tax group at KPMG in Atlanta.

A summer 2020 wedding in Atlanta is planned.

B’nai Mitzvah

Maya and Joshua Israel Maya and Joshua Israel, their parents, Joanna and Dan Israel, and their grandparents, Gigi and Firooz Israel and Nancy Kornhauser, celebrated their b’nai mitzvah on Aug. 31. 2019.

Have something to celebrate?

Births, B’nai Mitzvah, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries, Special Birthdays and more ...

Share it with your community with free AJT simcha announcements.

Send info to submissions@atljewishtimes.com.

42 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 43

COMMUNITY OY VEY! HAVE I GOT A PROBLEM... due weeks before her Dear Rachel, y c-section nine nc ge er tely em ia an ed d m cky, ha by was im My daughter, Be recovering. The ba e ar by ed ba nc e th rie d pe both she an itors, and ex date. Thank G-d, s tubes and mon ou er to m in nu to nt we ed , attach city and placed in the NICU live in a different I . ns n tio ca I ica at pl th m eemie co son-in-law the anticipated pr my daughter and ld to I y t, M lef e.

I n tim he st e birth. W know the be help following th ey should let me th fat di th y d an an , m nt ke him to other sti we will have to ta come back for an nd he is discharged, e nc “O d, three hours arou ne to ai o pl daughter ex ed him every tw fe e to m ve co ha to ill u w e for yo plus we ferent specialists, uld be the best tim wo e rg ha sc di r te right af the clock. I think baby so overwhelming.” ds four weeks, the un so back. It all an expected. At th er on (He so gs e in m ed ca call rough oral fe Thankfully, their gaining weight th , re ck tu lu ra s pe hi m te try his body ally let him was maintaining e medical staff fin a th to d d an , pe be op tu longer dr his NG kept pulling out d oxygen levels no an te ra t ar he s ), and hi with oral feedings . “So, te. ra w Tuesday morning lo ly frightening cky shared one Be y,” da to ed rg scha “He is getting di Spirit e would be great!” m co n ca g day (thank you, u yo whenever t for the followin gh fli my le ab m on fro as xt re a a very sad te I was able to book flight, I received y m d ar bo to waiting Airlines!). While er that se, lost her daught cousin. am extremely clo I om aunt, wh d ve ith lo w , nt ng of my be My 90-year-old au fragments. Thinki p ar sh I deso d tw an to g, in t tore s excruciatin morning. My hear her daughter, wa r fo h iva sh g tin ivor, sit a Holocaust surv g the to be at her side. for one day durin ed nt perately wa call to my aunt h iva sh help a go e ak to p m to second tri Part of me longs After all, it is my y. ck n’t Be do , ith es w sid be Be led to has come up. week I am schedu d an emergency g an in , up ow g gr in us ok r lo tion is ays there fo them, their situa grief ? She was alw of ith e w r, tim te r sis he y in aunt me and m I belong with my widowed mother, s me, and heart to my e m ho y daughter need r m he e g lik in up, open my me feels of rt pa r he ot e love. Th grace, cheer and my first priority. help, and must be y m r fo t called ou ?

What is your take , ed Sign Fragmented

Dear Fragmented, I don’t blame you for feeling split in two! Two loved ones need you at the same time, and you want to be there for them both.

Presuming you’re able to fly in and out to be with your aunt for a day during the shivah week, can you ask Becky if she’ll mind? Will she be honest, or will she acquiesce while harboring resentment that you’re “abandoning her during her time of need”?

The second question I have is: Does your aunt NEED you right now, or do YOU have a need to show that you care? Does she have other family support, or is she all alone?

Based on your answers to these fundamental questions, I think you will gain clarity that will help you make your decision.

If there is a chance that Becky will be upset that you’re leaving her, my gut feeling is that her needs should be prioritized. It sounds like she has a very challenging situation, and as a mother, you want to be there for your child.

If your aunt has family support, you can show your caring in myriad ways: phone calls, cards, donations, etc. And perhaps you can visit her once shivah is over. Often, people find that they are numb or distracted during the first week following a loved one’s passing. Then, once it’s over and real life resumes, suddenly they’re expected to stash their grief in their pocket and function normally. Perhaps, in a way, it would be even more meaningful for you to spend time with your aunt post-shivah.

However, if your aunt is alone, I think Becky would understand if you travel to see her now. I imagine that if there is no one for her to lean on during this painful stage, Becky will understand and agree that it’s important for you to go.

I wish you clarity in determining the best course of action.

And I hope your grandson grows big and strong and brings all of you much joy, and that your aunt gets the comfort she needs to carry on despite her tragic loss.

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

Jewish Joke of the Week

Yiddish Word of the Week

Geliebte

‫געליבטע‬ “ge'li:pte” sweetheart, sweetie (female) Substantivization of geliebt (“loved, beloved”) I miss you so much, my sweetheart.

Success the Israeli Way Lionel has become a successful British actor and he’s now in Tel Aviv to sign up for the lead in a new Israeli blockbuster movie. While there, he’s invited to a cocktail party, attended by Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister.

During the event, Netanyahu approaches Lionel and says, “Mazel tov, Mr. Gold. I wish you all the best on your forthcoming film. If it’s successful, it will no doubt help Israel’s economy.”

“Thank you, sir,” Lionel says. “I hope I can be instrumental in making the film a success. But I must admit that I consider myself first a Brit, second an actor, and third a Jew.” “Well that should be OK then,” Netanyahu says, “for here in Israel, we read from right to left.”

Joke provided by David Minkoff www.awordinyoureye.com

44 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

BRAIN FOOD

Ditto

ACROSS

By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Easy 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

17

18

23

26

30 33

37

38

43

44

56

52

34

35

36

64

65

27 31

32

47

13

19

25 29

12

21

24

28

11

16

20

51

10

15

14

22

9

40

39 45

48

42

46 49

53

41

50

54 58

57

61

55 59

62

60 63

66

67

68

69

70

71

1. Many posts from The Fat Jewish 6. Shmooze 10. ___-Aid 14. Work together 15. Not on time 16. Reliever's stats 17. Those named after the Lubavitcher Rebbe 20. Former Russian leaders 21. Bully, to a child 22. Feminine pronoun 25. "I'm at my ___ end!"

27. Indian, for one 28. Ceremony at Touro or Stern College 32. You might set one on your phone 33. Toupée 34. Light-feather connector 37. Dampen 40. Sachs partner 43. Show where Adam Sandler was "Opera Man": abbr.

44. Anaheim 9, on scoreboards 46. Ogling 47. Yards, 51-Down, and amot, e.g.

51. Bashar of Syria 54. Foe of 51-Across, according to Obama 55. Kind of bran or meal 56. Parsha between Korach and Balak 58. Say 'L'chaim!'

61. Possible phone alert between Passover and Shavuot 66. Parsha between Kedoshim and Bechokotai 67. Singer India.

68. "Somewhere else" excuse 69. Attitude 70. What Hooked on Phonics helps people do 71. How one might misspell a synonym for "ditto"...or another title for this puzzle

23. City south of Tel Aviv 24. You might copy someone on it 26. Arrogant 29. "And here's to you, ___ Robinson" 30. First-aid expert, briefly 31. Inflated sense of self 34. Kind of acid 35. Most Jewish children don't write him letters 36. "The Catcher in the Rye" emotion 38. Ending for Pam 39. Israelite prince DOWN 41. "Solaris" author Stanislaw 1. Close-lipped 42. Hide the gray, say 2. Ramallah to Jericho dir.

45. "The Sound of Music" setting 3. Bit of a bit of time?

47. Creators 4. Coup d' ___ 48. Dutch cheese 5. They make up 3-Down 49. Went on a rampage 6. Layperson's counterpart 50. Where David slew Goliath 7. Cage-wheel runner 51. See 47-Across 8. Deposit or withdrawal gizmo, 52. Start of bedtime prayer briefly 53. Some wrestlers 9. Abound or swarm 10. Blacken, as sensitive sections of 57. Alternative to a ski lift 59. Sewer's line a document 60. Decorative metalware that 11. Cara of "Fame" fame sounds like a highway payment 12. Shire who played Connie 62. Preposition in old poetry Corleone 63. School in Cambridge, MA 13. Eppes follower 64. "Charlotte's Web" author's 18. "Private Benjamin" star monogram 19. Sign gas 65. 2016 Olympics city, familiarly 22. They might involve a Nigerian prince

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1

C

14

A

2

3

4

A M P I

A

W A

L

D O

S

E

L

20

H 26

33

L

36

R A

T

H

I

T

B

E

O G R

E

I

C

R

T

K E

51

H E

37

E

A 38

D

44

R

R M

A

N

E S

L

B

U

V

I

L

E

Y

A

E

L

68

48

A

55

A

65

25 Years Ago// September 2, 1994

43

24

Y M O U

62

15 Years Ago// September 3, 2004 ■ A Jewish cheerleader at the University of Georgia, Jaclyn Steele, asked the Anti-Defamation League for help fighting the program’s emphasis on Christianity, which started a conflict described by her stepfather as “against all odds.” After conducting an investigation, UGA fired its cheerleading coach. The ADL presented Steele with its Unsung Hero award at its Southeast region board meeting on Sept. 8.

■ After her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2002, Alyson Cohan began making blankets for friends and relatives who were going through chemotherapy. Aly’s blankets were projected to provide wider coverage at A Woman’s Place, a boutique at Northside Hospital Women’s Center that agreed to sell her blankets.

23

39

L

25

S

16

S

P

52

50

B

E

E

A

S

E

R

40

Y

45

A

I

N

E

D G

B

O

H

U M B

L

E

L

U

L

E

L

S

E

63 66 69

56

N

57

E

P

R N

49

13

L

22

D

O O N

E

E

19

L

O O O

12

L

A

34

T

A

L

29

11

T

D W E

28

A M R

10

I

A

E I

9

E

21

S

D

N

L

18

L

54

8

S

I

53

A

A

P

47

7

R

27

N

D

15

I

A M A

42

6

S

S

17

Remember When

5

64

35

S

46

30

I

31

L

O

L

M A

41

K

B

A

E

R

E A

32

N G

N 58

E

59

R

60

A

E R

61

D

E

D O R

T

E

V

Y

E

C

R

E

E

D

67 70

E

■ Reform congregation The Temple held its second service celebrating two days of Rosh Hashanah for the first time in memory. Other Reform congregations that held two days included Temple Emanu-El, Temple Kol Emeth and Temple Sinai, said Harold Kirtz, president of the Atlanta Reform Synagogue Council.

■ The 2-year-old Davis Academy purchased property in Dunwoody that was projected to become its permanent home in the fall of 1995. School leaders began designing a plan for the school building with the architectural firm Warren Epstein and Associates.

Harold Kirtz, president of the Atlanta Reform Synagogue Council, listed three Reform synagogues that have held two days of Rosh Hashanah. The Temple recently joined that list.

50 Years Ago// September 5, 1969 ■ In August of 1969, the Beth Jacob Hebrew school completed a month of successful Hebrew remedial classes. The classes enabled 80 percent of the students who would have been left behind to advance.

■ Or VeShalom Congregation will have a testimonial dinner for Rabbi Joseph Cohen, retiring after nearly five decades in the rabbinate.

He came to Georgia 35 years earlier to serve as the rabbi of Or VeShalom.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 45

OBITUARIES

Katherine “Kitty” Stock Jacobs 88, Atlanta

Katherine Stock Jacobs, of Atlanta, passed away Aug. 30, 2019. Katherine, affectionately known as “Kitty,” was born in Rome, Ga., June 21, 1931.

She went to college at the University of Georgia, majored in business, and met the love of her life, Harris Jacobs.

They were married in 1952 and settled in Atlanta. This beautiful marriage lasted for 41 years until Harris’ untimely death in December of 1993.

Kitty spent years devoting her time to raising her family, and volunteering in many organizations, including Hadassah, the Marcus Jewish Community Center, Cancer Foundation of Georgia, Georgia Commission on the Holocaust, March of Dimes, the Harris Jacobs Dream Run, and Reach to Recovery.

She was a long-standing member of the Ahavath Achim Synagogue. She always said “G-d spared me for a reason so that I could help others.” Kitty worked in sales and as a tour guide for Guidelines Atlanta in the 1970s, worked as a sales assistant at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart, as a poll manager in Dekalb County, and as the “candy lady” and greeter at Kroger on Lavista Road.

Kitty was an inspiration for so many friends and family. She had a tremendous capacity for love and strength, which she offered to others even during her times of personal struggle. One quote that you could hear often was “my shoulders are big and broad if you need anything or anyone to talk to.” She was “ready to join Daddy once the angel got off of his lap.”

Kitty left behind her three adoring children and their spouses, Faye (John) Kent, Marsha (Larry) Freudenberg, and Charles (Delia, of blessed memory) Jacobs. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lynn (Drew), Jessie (Ken), Cara (Kathy), Stephen (Nika), and Brian (Alex); four great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

The funeral service was held Sept. 1 at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society or the Harris Jacobs Dream Run at the MJCCA. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999. ■ Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact Managing Publisher Kaylene Ladinsky at kaylene@atljewishtimes.com or 404-883-2130, ext. 100, for details.

‫זיכרונה לברכה‬

46 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Get Connected!

Register for your FREE account today.

www.atlantajewishconnector.com An online community hub for all of Jewish Atlanta to use as a one-stop for community events, calendar planning, resource guides, organization information, blog sharing and much more.

Answers the What, Where and When, Today, Next Week, or Next Year.

Connecting you to organizations!

Connecting organizations to you!

An Initiative brought to you by:

For more information, call: 404-883-2130 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 47

CLOSING THOUGHTS Cousin Linda Comes to Town My cousin Linda emailed that in less than a week she was bringing her daughter to grad school at Emory University. While Linda was in Atlanta, they were looking forward to spending time with us. My first thoughts were unwholesome, reprehensible and unworthy of someone Chana who has often moaned, Shapiro “Why does our family live so far apart from each other?”

I should have been thrilled that one of my all-time favorite relatives, the one who was the flower girl in my wedding, the one who is devoted to community service and who recycles with passion and dedication, the one who can still fit into her wedding dress, and the one who, by the way, I haven’t seen for eight years … yes, were I a decent human being, I would have been overjoyed to welcome Linda and her daughter Julie with a full heart and open arms.

I was determined to get there.

The news of my cousin’s imminent arrival, instead of filling me with joy and

48 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

jubilation, sent me into a downward cycle of self-evaluation. How, for instance, had I managed to increase my weight by several kilo in a mere eight years? Additionally, how diminished is my formerly thick and lush head of hair? Would my cousin somehow make her way into my closet, innocently seeking a sweater, only to discover that I now wear only flats? How about the linen closet? Would there be time enough for me to speed-organize everything so that pillows and sheets of the same set lie in close proximity to each other?

I knew I’d have to remove the potted plants from our guest bathtub, but where to put them? Not on the front porch (where they should have been all along), because that would force me to rearrange the furniture, which just barely cleared the front door in the best of times. One of our neighbors had always coveted those plants, remarking about their unusual location when she used that bathroom, and this upcoming

necessity put me into a gift-giving mood.

My neighbor has plenty of room on her porch.

Even though I occasionally regret the spots on the living room ceiling from the time my daughter and I painted the walls, there wouldn’t be time to repair the errors before Linda’s arrival. In spite of their natural optimism, our guests must be kept from looking up. Literally.

The rest of the living room seemed OK, given the fact that one is not required to hang drapes within the first 19 years of moving into a house. That’s why the Almighty invented Venetian blinds, and mine were fully operational, except for the cord at the very end on the left.

Looking on the bright side, it would be a pleasure to prepare healthful meals for my cousin and her daughter. I’d heard from other relatives that they are both pescatarian. Everything goes with a nice piece of salmon, especially baked potatoes. Unfortunately, when I checked the basket of potatoes, temporarily stored in the laundry room, it was clear that the majority of them were about a month past their prime. Who needs more starch in their diet, anyway? Especially

my cousin, who can still fit into her wedding dress (see above).

Actually, food was the least of my worries because one can easily buy vegetables, but it was unlikely that I could have the windows in the guest bedroom replaced in their entirety within 72 hours.

It’s true that people had warned that cracked panes and splintering frames weren’t optimally energy-efficient, but, again I ask, how much can one do in the first 19 years of home ownership?

Thinking strategically, I tried to convince our grandchildren to provide entertaining distractions with song, piano and tricky math problems after dinner, but they had too much homework and were only marginally useful. Kids nowadays!

So what happened? While in Atlanta, Linda ended up staying in Julie’s co-rented house. The salmon dinner (three vegetables) was lots of fun. We told family stories and laughed and cried. No closets were opened, no baths were taken, and we permanently bonded while separating after-dinner recycling.

“Hurry back!” we called out as they drove away, and we meant it. ■

MARKETPLACE COLLECTIBLES

PAL PROGRAM

FOLLOW

:

THE DUSTY COIN, LLC “Shekels For Your Collectibles”

• Coins • Bullion • Jewelry • Flatware

404-263-2967

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

w w w. At l a n ta J e w i s hTi m e s .c o m F O R M O R E O F W H AT Y O U N E E D

Strict Confidentiality • References Upon Request

TRAVEL TO ISRAEL

Member: ANA, NGC & PCGS

TUTOR

HOME REPAIR

Stella Tarica Gordon Tarica Tutoring Stellagordon835@gmail.com 678-592-3155 call or text • Writing and reading comprehension • Certified in 5-12 grade English curriculum • ACT and SAT prep • College bound and grad school essays • Georgia Milestone preparation 5-8

Serving students since 1986 COLLEGE PREP

Specializing in driveways & small parking lots Family Owned & Operated since 1969

CALL NOW FOR 10% OFF SPECIAL 770.962.7125 770.480.1698 cell TRAVEL

TRAVEL ADVISOR

SKYWAY TRAVEL INC.

You Are Great.

Together, let’s make sure your dream college knows it!

STANLEY PAVING

Asphalt Paving, Patching & Seal Coating

Serving Atlanta since 1990

Mauri Artz College Admissions Coach & Test Tutor

I motivate students to write successful college essays. In the process of completing essays, we review essential writing skills for the application journey and beyond.

Mauri@publictutoring.org | 440.668.0870

LOWEST DISCOUNTED INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES!

YOUR ADVENTURES BECOME A REALITY WITH THE HELP OF A PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL ADVISOR

TEL AVIV RT FROM $898

River Cruise Specialist Custom Planning by Land & Sea Individual & Group Arrangements Professional, Experienced & Personal Service

+ Taxes

ALSO AVAILABLE AT LOW PRICES: • PARIS • AMSTERDAM • BARCELONA • LONDON • BUDAPEST • GENEVA • LISBON • MILAN • VIENNA • ZURICH • ROME • ATHENS • JOHANNESBURG • MOSCOW RT from Atlanta other destinations available some restrictions apply

404 -252-2152

Barbara Diener Land & Cruise Specialist American Express Approved Agency 770-740-9099

bdiener@cruiseplanners.com www.travelsmartdreambig.com

Experienced in all aspects of travel.

My expertise is your ticket to an amazing journey.

Travel Smart, Dream Big!

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 49

MARKETPLACE Development Corp. for Israel | 404-817-3500 Eleventh Series Jubilee Bonds 2.95% Eleventh Series Maccabee Bonds 2.80% Eighth Series Mazel Tov Bonds 3.24% Eighth Series eMitzvah Bonds 3.24%

COMPUTER

COMPUTER

FAKAKTA COMPUTER? BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

I’LL DRIVE TO YOU!

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

DESKTOP & LAPTOP REPAIR HOME/BUSINESS NETWORKING

RN/CAREGIVER RN with 10 years exp. available for private care positions. Excellent references, reliable transportation. Please call Aisha 678-541-4049.

HOME CARE

COMPUER HOUSE CALLS

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

Voted #1 by Atlanta Jewish Community

770-751-5706

10% OF PROFITS THROUGH

PERFORMANCE UPGRADES 2019 WILL BE DONATED TO APPLE DEVICE SUPPORT

JEWISH CHARITIES.

www.HealthyComputer.com

As Seen On

VIRUS/SPYWARE REMOVAL

404.954.1004 DAMON.CARP@GMAIL.COM Same Day Appointments • Reasonable Rates • All Services Guaranteed

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

10% OF PROFITS THROUGH 2019 WILL BE DONATED TO JEWISH CHARITIES.

• Same Day Appointments • Reasonable Rates • • All Services Guaranteed •

HOME

It’s Time to Call for Help!

HOME

The Handyman Can • • • • • • •

Plumbing Electrical Sheetrock • Floors Tile • Framing • Kitchens Painting • Roofwork Concrete • Stained Glass Antique Door Restoration

as well as many other issues...

John Salvesen • 404-453-3438

thehandymancanatlanta@gmail.com

PARTY RENTALS

MOHEL

INSURANCE

PROTECT THE THINGS YOU CHERISH THE MOST Stephanie Holtz Your Local Agent

1954 Airport Road Suite 210, Chamblee, GA 30341 sholtz@farmersagent.com • Contact me for a free coverage review • Get the most value for your coverage • Insurance you can tailor to meet your needs

Partying is our Business.

Peachtree Tents & Events will make your special event the talk of the town. We are experienced event professionals who work with event planners, corporate and social. We offer only the best, unique party rental equipment in the marketplace. And with locations in Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Charleston, Savannah, Myrtle Beach & now Jacksonville... we’ve got the Southeast covered!

Call Debbie Kilgore to receive your Jewish Times 10% Discount www.PeachtreeTents.com | 615-920-0345

50 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Call 470-246-4509 today!

Rabbi Abi Nadoff

For Home, Auto, Life and Business.

Call: 844-MOHEL-ABI (844-664-3522)

SimpleCircumcision.com

Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten

by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.

Life Insurance by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3120 139th ave. SE, Ste. 300, Bellevue, WA 98005

MARKETPLACE KEEPING THE JEWISH SOUTHEAST CONNECTED

PLUMBER

Tom Connolly The

You spoke. We listened.

Check out your new Atlanta Jewish Times.

Dunwoody* Plumber

770.551.1111 2828 Christopher Court, Dunwoody, GA 30360

HOME We are Insulation Professionals: Depending on application Spray Foam, Fiber Glass, Cellulose

Our other trades are garage doors, gutters, mantels and fireplaces www.aplusinc.net • sales@aplusinc.net • 404•373•plus (7587)

PHOTOGRAPHER

HOME

HOME LOANS

SOUND FINANCIAL ADVICE PERSONALIZED FOR YOU. EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND COMMUNICATION. PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 16 YEARS.

Brian Krebs 404-786-4513

Dani Weiss Photography Fun and playful photographer specializing in People and events!

New to Atlanta with 30 years as a photographer in Seattle.

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Family Portraits, Corporate events, Parties and Weddings.

11380 Southbridge Pkwy., Suite 227 Alpharetta, GA 30022 NMLS # 62841 NMLS ID #1117369 Georgia Residential Mortgage License 40088

ASK ABOUT OUR EARNEST MONEY GUARANTEE.

206.409.9982 | www.daniweissphotography.com

HOME

RESIDENTIAL CLEANING

HOME

Cleaning Services

Wheelchair Ramps

Earning Your Trust

YOU CAN RENT YOUR WHEELCHAIR RAMP!

Detailed Residential Cleaning 20+ Years of Experience 100% Satisfaction Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly, One Time Great References

YES!

• Low Cost • Rent or Buy • Free Home Evaluations • Installed in Hours/Days • Home Modification • Construction Ramps: Amramp PRO

Now Offering Acorn Stairlifts & Portable Showers!

Georgia’s #1 Leading Ramp Company for 10 Years!

FREE In-HOME ESTIMATES dustbgone375@hotmail.com

Mary: 404.454.2063 or 678.886.2718

Owners Mark and Joanne Bradley

470-808-9411 • 404-617-6483 www.amramp.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 51

I

52 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES