HATEFUL CRIME
Gesher L’Torah finds community support after receiving a cruel anti-Semitic phone call. Page 8
SHE’S NO. 1
YIDDISH LIFE
Michelle Krebs Levy is top of the world after winning an international BBG adviser award. Page 14
Embodying Sholom Aleichem, Theodore Bikel provides a fitting close to the Jewish film fest. Page 27
Atlanta VOL. XC NO. 7
WWW.ATLANTAJEWISHTIMES.COM
It’s the Silly Season
FEBRUARY 27, 2015 | 8 ADAR 5775
Ariel Youth: 1 Day, $33K By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
T
From the Toco Hills parade to Purim off Ponce, with stops in a lost Jewish town in the Carpathians and hamantashen creation in Sandy Springs, prepare for Purim. Pages 17 to 20 Photo by Seth Lynn
THE DEFENDERS
Emory law students align with the Louis D. Brandeis Center in a national effort to fight anti-Semitism and bigotry. Page 5
THE INTERIOR
Take a guided tour through one of Jewish Atlanta’s artistically, elegantly decorated homes with owner Joan Brown. Page 24
Calendar 2
INSIDE
Business 21
Candle Lighting 3
Travel 22
Simchas 4
Home 24
Local News 5
Arts 26
Israel 9
Obituaries 29
Opinion 10
Crossword 30
he youth program at Congregation Ariel has an extra $33,635 to spend. Congregation Ariel Youth was one of 19 organizations in the Association for Jewish Outreach Professionals’ online #MillionforOutreach campaign from noon Feb. 17 to noon Feb. 18. Each organization had to line up three matching donors to quadruple contributions. Each had to set a firm goal. And each had to hit its fundraising goal, ranging from $20,000 to $180,000, or none would collect a dime. Gila Decker, Ariel’s fundraising vice president, wanted an online fundraiser, and Rabbi Binyomin Friedman discovered the AJOP campaign. The congregation board, Jeff and Carrla Goldstein, and Dan and Kim Cohen and the Ariel Chai Foundation agreed to be the matchers. Ariel’s youth director, Rabbi Mordechai Birnbaum, said it took only a few hours to hit Ariel’s goal of $25,000. Then the nervous waiting began. Three groups were short in the final half-hour, and the last organization hit its goal with only nine minutes to spare. Altogether, $1.37 million was raised. During the 24 hours Ariel received nearly 140 donations totaling $30,135. Additional gifts after the official campaign raised the amount to $33,635. “We’re grateful to everyone who participated and especially to the matchers, who really committed to donating above and beyond,” Rabbi Birnbaum said. He said the money will probably finance more Shabbatons and an expansion of learning programs. “We’ll be sure to use it well.” ■
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CALENDAR ONGOING
Through March 31. Ethiopian-Israeli artist Hirut Yosef presents “Chalom Yashan — A Journey Back Home” at the Marcus JCC’s Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery, 5324 Tilly Mill Road, Dun-woody. Admission is free; www. atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4071. Through March 8. Jerry’s Habima Theatre, featuring special-needs actors, presents “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” at the Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Tickets are $25 ($10 for chil-dren 12 and under) for center members and $35 ($15 for children) for nonmembers; 678-812-4002 or www. atlantajcc.org/boxoffice.
leads a free discussion open to the community on how parents can make the best, saf-est use of the Internet and other technology for children. It’s at 7 p.m. at the school, 335 Colewood Way, Sandy Springs; epsteinatlanta.wufoo. com/forms/talking-technology.
the three pillars of the spiritu-al life at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Vedanta Center. A meditation workshop Saturday morning at the Lang Carson Center, 100 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, is $20, pre-registration required; yaj-center@ aol.com or 770-270-8290.
Children’s stitch-in. Children 10 and older can learn cross-stitching at 1 p.m. at a free workshop run by the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic NeedleworkPeach State Stitchers, Atlanta Chapter, at a Dunwoody home; peachstatestitch@aol.com or 404-664-6784.
Tabori conference. Two University of Georgia academic departments hold an international conference on Hungarian-German-Jewish playwright George Tabori on Feb. 26, 27 and 28, starting with a keynote address by German scholar Anat Feinberg at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Russell Special Collections Library on the Athens campus; www.drama.uga.edu/event/tabori.
SATURDAY, FEB. 28
Extra! Extra! Genealogy. David Slater leads a Jewish Genealogy Society of Georgia discussion on the use of newspapers, including digital news sites, in genealogical research at 2 p.m. at the Breman Museum, 1440 Spring St., Midtown. The session is free with museum admission ($12 for nonmem-ber adults, less for others); 404-870-1862 or jrkatz@thebreman.org.
FRIDAY, FEB. 27
THURSDAY, FEB. 26
Meditative Shabbaton. Daat Elyon and the Yoga and Judaism Center bring Rabbi Yoel Glick to town for a Shabbat featuring Jewish meditation. Free events are a contemplative Kabbalat Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave., Buckhead; a celebratory Havdalah service at 7 p.m. Saturday at Vista Yoga, 2836 LaVista Road, Decatur; a talk on the rabbi’s spiritual journey at 11 a.m. Sunday, after meditation at 10:30, at the Vedanta Center of Atlanta, 2331 Brockett Road, Tucker; and a talk and workshop on
Chevra Kadisha dinner. The annual gathering of Atlanta’s Chevra Kadisha societies for a seudah on the Seventh of Adar, the traditional yahrzeit for Moses, starts at 6 p.m. at Young Israel of Toco Hills, 2056 LaVista Road, Toco Hills. The speaker is Rabbi Joshua Einziq of Torah Day School of Atlanta. The event is free for Chevra Kadisha members and their spouses. RSVP to fredglus@comcast.net. Talking technology safety. Aaron Griffin, the Epstein School’s principal of digital learning and technology,
Artistic breast cancer battle. Greater Atlanta Hadassah’s Big Reveal A.R.T. Gala and Auction — part of Breast Strokes, Hadassah Bares All for A.R.T. (Awareness, Research, Treatment) — to benefit breast cancer research starts at 8 p.m. at the Westside Cultural Arts Center, 760 10th St., Atlanta, with body-painted torsos, talented artists and photographers, auction items and sample de-licious food. Tickets start at $50 but go up to $65 Feb. 25; www. hadassah.org/atlanta/breaststrokes or 404-441-0093.
SUNDAY, MARCH 1
Brunch for bonds. Atlanta Israel Bonds and Congregation Or VeShalom hold a tribute brunch hon-oring Sam and Ann Benator, starting with a reception at 10:30 a.m. at the synagogue, 1681 North Druid Hills Road, Brookhaven. Middle East terrorism expert Ed Turzanski is the guest speaker. The cost is $40; tracie.bernstein@ israelbonds.com or 404-817-3500.
Anxious author. Scott Stossel, author of “My Age of Anxiety,” speaks at 7:30 p.m. at the Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, in a Page From the Book Festival event. The cost is $10 for center members, $15 for others; 678-812-4002 or atlantajcc.org/bookfestival.
TUESDAY, MARCH 3
Muslim-Jewish Dialogue. Part 3 of a four-part, shared viewing and discussion of the documentary “Intimate Strangers” takes place at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., Midtown, starting with a meal at 6 p.m. The cost is $18; www.ajcatlanta.org.
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won’t Nonverbal autism from stop Dalia Cheskes h becoming a bat mitzva at Beth Shalom. Page 4
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the Federation honors many individuals who make the community ve. inclusi more Page 8
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Welcome To The Future
FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
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to Atlanta to g Jewish teens come Nearly 3,500 leadin d. communal paths forwar chart personal and Page 18-25
BEST POLICY
GoldHonest Tea CEO Seth e of man brings a messag corporations as change ss busine Emory agents to students. Page 3
SCARY WORLD
simAnti-Semitism isn’t ple, which means there ns to are no simple solutio Eurothe problems facing pean Jews. Page 7
Israel 10 Opinion 12 Arts 15 Calendar 16 Travel 26
Diamant To Help Launch Community Mikvah
By Suzi Brozman om sbrozman@atljewishtimes.c known as the nita Diamant, best Tent,” is comauthor of “The Red two public ing to Atlanta to make appearances this month. Boston Girl,” “The book, Her latest her visit Feb. 23 to the will be the focus of ity Center. But Marcus Jewish Commun will help local orgathe night before she a new project, an allnizers plunge into at Congregation denominations mikvah Springs. B’nai Torah in Sandy n of reimaginDiamant’s discussio age will be free ing ritual for the modern at The Temple in and open to the public the Metro Atlanta Midtown to launch (MACoM) into the Community Mikvah Atlanta. Jewish of consciousness ent nonprofit MACoM is an independ construction of the that plans to start in May and finish community mikvah . The project will before the High Holidays of the existing faciliinvolve a renovation has the support of ties at B’nai Torah and synagogues and other more than a dozen organizations. diverse supMACoM’s board reflects rabbis and repreport, including three Conservative and sentatives of Reform, Judaism. Orthodox streams of the model Diamant helped establish al community for a nondenomination 10 years at Boston’s Education 27 mikvah the past Waters). Mayyim Hayyim (Living Obituaries 28 to the idea of a “People responded ng and beautiful, Simchas 29 place that was welcomi to s and sad, a way for happy occasion Sports 29 ” Diamant said. mark life’s changes, thoughts on the Crossword 30 See more about her Page 6. ■ modern mikvah on Marketplace 31
A
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CALENDAR CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES
Candle-Lighting Times Parsha Tetzaveh Friday, Feb. 27, light candles at 6:14 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, Shabbat ends at 7:10 p.m. Parsha Ki Tisa Friday, March 6, light candles at 6:20 p.m. Saturday, March 7, Shabbat ends at 7:16 p.m.
Inspiration for parents. David Flink, CEO of Eye to Eye and author of “Thinking Differently,” a guide for parents of children with learning disabilities, speaks at the Howard School, 1192 Foster St., Atlanta, at 6:30 p.m. Free but registration is requested; www. howardschool.org/howard-institute/ flink/index.aspx. Spilling secrets. “Hush Hush” author Laura Lippman talks about her 12th Tess Monaghan murder mystery in a Page From the Book Festival appearance at 7:30 p.m. at the Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. The cost is $10 for center members, $15 for others; 678-812-4002 or atlan-tajcc.org/ bookfestival.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8
Run for Rashi. A 5K run in memory of Chabad of North Fulton Rebbetzin Rashi Minkowicz raises money for the new Rashi’s Campus. The run starts at 7:30 a.m. at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Ala-bama Road, Alpharetta. Registration is $36; www.chabadnf.org. Remembering the rebbetzin. Chabad of North Fulton, 10180 Jones Bridge Road, Johns Creek, marks the first anniversary of the death of Rashi Minkowicz at 1 p.m. with a yahrzeit observance, a groundbreaking ceremony for Rashi’s Campus and the completion of a Torah dedicated to her memory. Free; www.chabadnf.org or 770-410-9000. Bearing Witness. Sisters Goldie Bertone and Betty Sunshine discuss growing up as the children of Holocaust survivors in Atlanta at 2 p.m. at the Breman Museum, 1440 Spring St., Midtown. Free admission; thebreman. org. Berman Commons grand opening. Take a tour of the new community owned and managed by Jewish Home Life Communities at 2026 Womack Road, Dunwoody, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.; www.bermancommons.org or 678-222-7500.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
Brain education. National Institute on Media and the Family founder David Walsh addresses the Atlanta Jewish Day School Council about his book “The Brain Goes to School” at 7 p.m. at the Ep-stein School, 335 Colewood Way, Sandy Springs. The event is free and open to the public. Register at www. braingoestoschool.eventbrite.com. Music of Kurt Weil. The second installment of the Molly Blank Concert Series at the Breman Mu-seum, 1440 Spring St., Midtown, at 7:30 p.m. presents the music of Weil and his story of flight from Berlin in 1933 and success on Broadway. Tickets are $50 for Breman members and $65 for nonmembers; 678-222-3700 or thebreman.org/ Events/Berlin-to-Broadway-Kurt-Weill.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
Mah jongg for a cause. A mah jongg tournament at 1 p.m. at Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway, East Cobb, benefits the congregation’s preschool. Entry is $30; www.etzchaim.net/preschool or 770-977-3384. Finding the right college. Noa Bejar and Applerouth Tutoring Services’ Diana Cohen offer guid-ance on using a Jewish lens to help find and gain acceptance to the right college in a free session at 2 p.m. at Chabad of North Fulton, 10180 Jones Bridge Road, Alpharetta; www.applerouth.com.
Where Great Music Thrives CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY MORROW, GEORGIA
– Atlanta Journal-Constitution
SHAI WOSNER
SUNDAY, MARCH 22
PIANO
March of the Torah. Chabad of Cobb welcomes its new Torah from Israel by completing the scroll at Dickerson Middle School at 10 a.m., then parading the Torah at 11 to Chabad of Cobb, 4450 Lower Roswell Road, East Cobb, followed by dancing and a free gourmet lunch; www.chabadofcobb.com/ Torah or 770-565-4412.
MONDAY, MARCH 23
ADL Jurisprudence Luncheon. The Anti-Defamation League’s Southeast Region honors Bernard Taylor Sr., Elizabeth V. Tanis, Yendelela Anderson Neely and J. Erik Heath at the 18th annual event at 11:30 a.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, 75 14th St., Midtown. Tickets start at $125; atlanta.adl. org, jackie@adl.org or 404-262-3470. Send all your items for the calendar to submissions@atljewishtimes.com.
“Spivey Hall in Morrow takes home the blue ribbon as the region’s best small concert space.”
SUNDAY, MARCH 8 3:00 PM | $46 Israeli pianist Shai Wosner’s playing reveals “a keen musical mind and deep musical soul” (NPR, All Things Considered). “A remarkable blend of the intellectual, physical and even devilish sides of performance” caught the attention of the Chicago Sun-Times: “Complexity clearly attracts him, but so does its translation into apparent ease in performing.” Lyrical and deeply considered, “This is
pianism of the very highest order, involving and full-blooded” (International Piano). Friends of Spivey Hall Concert Sponsors: Dr. William & Mary Land
PROGRAM Franz SCHUBERT and Frédéric CHOPIN Impromptus Joseph HAYDN and György LIGETI Capriccios Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Sonata in C major, Op. 2 No. 3
SEE THE COMPLETE 2014-2015 CONCERT SEASON AT:
www.SpiveyHall.org TICKETS: (678) 466-4200
This program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA also receives support from its partner agency – the National Endowment for the Arts.
FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
Post-festival film. “Anita B.,” a dramatic film based on the true story of an Auschwitz survivor who reaches womanhood in postwar Czechoslovakia, plays for once at 7 p.m. at Carmike Cinemas Movies 278, 185 Metromont Road, Hiram. Tickets are $10; www.carmike.com/ShowTimes/Theater/285/ Date/030315.
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SIMCHAS
Remember When 10 Years Ago Feb. 25, 2005 Amid an NHL season lost to labor strife (remember the NHL and the Atlanta Thrashers?), almost the entire student body of Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael, along with two rabbis, a couple of Yeshiva Atlanta students and some men in the community, is regularly playing Saturday night hockey games at the Ice Forum in Duluth. Jamie and Elana Chuven of Roswell announce the birth of daughter Lillian Hannah on Jan. 1, 2005. 25 Years Ago Feb. 23, 1990 Greenfield Hebrew Academy, the Epstein School and Yeshiva High School will be pilot sites for ORT’s innovative computerized approach to Jewish education. The bar mitzvah of Seth Marc Taratoot, son of Gary and Debbie Taratoot of Marietta, will take place March 3 at Etz Chaim Synagogue.
FEBRUARY 27 â–Ş 2015
50 Years Ago Feb. 26, 1965 Miss Aileen Jacobson, a senior at North Fulton High School and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Jacobson of Atlanta, was named the 1965 STAR student for the Atlanta school system. Her Latin teacher, Margaret Williams, was named the STAR teacher. The bar mitzvah of Stephen Alan Michael, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Michael of Atlanta, will be held Feb. 27 at Shearith Israel Synagogue.
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Engagement
Silverman-Suway Barbara and Wayne Suway of Marietta announce the engagement of their son, Jason Phillip Suway, to Jennifer Lee Silverman, daughter of Robin and Bruce Silverman of Louisville, Ky. Jason graduated cum laude from Bucknell University and received his M.B.A. from Yale University. He is working as a health care consultant with the Chartis Group. Jennifer graduated from the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising and is a television and celebrity wardrobe stylist in Manhattan. An October 2015 wedding is planned in Louisville, and the couple will reside in New York City.
Birth
Henry Logan Haynes
Carly (Lipsitz) and Lee Haynes of Alpharetta announce the birth of a son, Henry Logan, on Dec. 18, 2014. Henry weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces. He is welcomed by big brother Shane and grandparents Lynne and Bill Lipsitz of Marietta and Ronnie and Elizabeth Haynes of Cincinnati.
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LOCAL NEWS
Emory Law Students to Fight Bigotry PUBLISHER
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By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
T
he Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law has launched a student chapter at the Emory University School of Law. The student-run organization, one of 12 in the nation, will support the center’s work against anti-Semitism and anti-Israel activities on campus by investigating incidents, providing pro bono research and advocacy to victims of discrimination, filing legal complaints, and hosting speakers. Campus chapters also explore international human rights law issues and may pursue their interests at nearby colleges.
“This chapter will educate students about the problem of anti-Semitism in American universities,” chapter President Michael Kleinman said. “If we can do our part to change perceptions now in the most important forums for learning and discourse, we can stem a growing problem and protect Jews and all people from hatred and bigotry.” The Brandeis Center reached out to Emory law students after anti-Semitic incidents last fall. Kenneth Marcus, the president of the Brandeis Center, said the center started student chapters last year because, while many organizations support Jewish undergraduates, no other group targets law students even though
anti-Israel movements are moving beyond undergrads to law schools. A new survey of more than 1,100 students by the Brandeis Center and Trinity College found that more than half of Jewish college students personally experienced or witnessed antiSemitism in the previous year. “There’s a greater urgency for students who support the Jewish community’s opposition to anti-Semitism to get involved,” Marcus said. “The need is greater than ever.” Not only are law students important on campuses now, he said, but they also have potential to fight discrimination and influence public policy in the future as lawyers. ■
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LOCAL LOCAL NEWS NEWS
Art for ART’s Sake
Hadassah cancer survivors bare all at Breast Strokes gala By Logan C. Ritchie lritchie@atljewishtimes.com
B
reast Strokes: Hadassah Bares All for ART (Awareness, Research & Treatment) stands to be the most intimate display of beauty and awareness at Greater Atlanta Hadassah’s Big Reveal fundraiser and gala Feb. 28. It kicks off the chapter’s centennial celebration. The Westside Cultural Arts Center, a gallerylike space in West Midtown, is the setting for the affair. A silent auction, a live auction, food and cocktails are part of the evening, but the huge photography exhibition of painted women is the star of the event. In October, 13 local artists met breast cancer survivors and those affected by the disease for a day of sisterhood, revelry and painting — torsos, that is. Thirty-five Hadassah women had their bodies painted from neck to navel and photographed by eight onsite photographers. Hadassah has kept the models anonymous, but women are proud to speak of their survivorship and contributions to this fundraiser. Lori Holmes, a breast cancer survivor of six years, suggested that the
Sue and artist paint a her two sisters, specific image all models and on her body. breast cancer “Where others survivors, were chose to have joined for paint the artist make day by their a beautiful picmother. Sue is ture, I wanted the only local; to speak for her family flew myself. I took in to be a part pictures with of the exhibit. my sister and “ T h e best friend, breast cancer and we held diagnosis we hands. It was each received the strength of brought us them who got even closer me through,” in ways we she said. “It couldn’t have spoke to me imagined,” Sue and my experisaid. “When I ence.” reached out to Holmes my mother and said painting sisters about day was emSuch images of torsos painted in the fall will be on display at the Big Reveal. Breast Strokes, powering. “It they didn’t heswas a scene of total camaraderie. We walked away itate to say yes. We hope our participawith our breasts exposed, everyone tion as a family will strike a chord in showing off their painting. The open- raising awareness of and contributions ness of women who support the cause to research in future generations.” Artist Susan Proctor was invited struck me.”
to paint by co-chair Holly Strelzik. An abstract painter, Proctor said of paint day: “I hardly paid attention to people around me. Painting was intense, and I was so focused that I didn’t know what was happening around me.” Each of Proctor’s three subjects received different designs: one henna, one Picasso and one an original design. “I wanted to make each person happy because they were very brave,” Proctor said. “I was truly impressed with their courage.” The Big Reveal also marks the 20th anniversary of Check It Out, a joint effort between Hadassah and Northside Hospital Cancer Institute. Check It Out has educated 35,000 women in metro Atlanta high schools on the importance of self-exams to screen for breast cancer, as well as early detection and medical resources. ■ What: The Big Reveal ART Gala and Auction Where: Westside Cultural Arts Center, 760 10th St., West Midtown Atlanta When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 Tickets: $50 in advance, $65 at the door; www.hadassah.org/atlanta/ breaststrokes.
Lazarus Advocates Understanding of Israel By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
Lazarus, who has spoken in Atlanta before, made three appearances here in two days: Feb. 22 at the Standard eil Lazarus is considered one of Club and Feb. 23 at the Marcus Jewish the world’s leading Israel advo- Community Center and the Jewish Fedcates. But even though eration of Greater Atlanta. his awesomeseminars.com His events target anyone website promotes the “Mr. Islooking for insight about Israel Advocacy” label placed rael and how to answer critics on him by The Times of Israel, of the country, Lazarus said. and even though his new book He led discussions about the is “The 5 Rules of Effective Iscurrent situation in Israel and rael Advocacy,” he said, “I don’t the Middle East, including the like the term Israel advocacy.” March elections in Israel, and Neil Lazarus That’s because his puraddressed the rules of Israel adpose when he speaks to 30,000 vocacy from his book. people a year is not to convince them Lazarus said he tries to help people that Israel is always right, but to convey learn how to talk about Israel, “a nice that Israel is a real country with real country in a hard position.” leaders facing difficult decisions amid The difficulties include continual the complexity of the Middle East. threats from Hezbollah to the north “If you come out with more ques- and Hamas in Gaza, the efforts of Iran tions, I think I’ve done my job,” Lazarus to arm Palestinians in the West Bank, and the rampage of the Islamic State, 6 said in a phone interview.
FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
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“one of the most fanatical organizations we’ve seen.” His efforts to talk about Israel and answer questions go back to his days as a political science student in Wales in the mid-1980s, before he had visited Israel, let alone made aliyah. Now, whether he is speaking in the United States, South Africa, the United Kingdom or elsewhere, his bottom line is to deepen the understanding of Israel and its legitimacy as a nation. That legitimacy is under attack with the spread of anti-Israel and antiSemitic words and actions, such as the painting of swastikas on the AEPi house at Emory last fall. Lazarus said, “Alarm bells need to be rung.” Jewish college students are facing the boycott, divest, sanction movement, which Lazarus called “an insidious organization” trying to delegitimize Israel under the guise of criticism. BDS is an international move-
ment, but Lazarus said the Federation framework and other organizations in the United States are helping to show that BDS is not an expression of liberal values but of hatred. He said he is inspired during his travels to speak to Jewish, Christian and Muslim students who want to have a dialogue on campus and understand one another. “Relationships are based on a bed of understanding.” To engage in that dialogue and prepare for verbal attacks on Israel, Jewish students need to visit Israel before they go to college or within their first year on campus, Lazarus said, which is why Birthright Israel and trips through high school youth groups are so valuable. “Part of the program of talking about Israel on campus is requiring young Jewish students to try to find their own identity,” Lazarus said. “A trip to Israel provides a unique understanding of the country.” ■
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LOCAL LOCAL NEWS NEWS
340 From Atlanta Going to ‘Jewish Super Bowl’ AIPAC conference delivers Netanyahu, access to new congressmen
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s annual Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., March 1 to 3 is drawing 340 metro Atlanta residents north for the end of winter. The AIPAC conference gathers more than 14,000 pro-Israel Americans to hear from speakers such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and to convey their support for Israel to their congressional representatives. Atlantans said they are looking forward to showing their support for Israel, learning more about critical issues facing the country and lobbying members of Congress. Because of Sen. Saxby Chambliss’ retirement and its ripple effects, the Georgia congressional delegation has five members who weren’t on Capitol Hill for the last year’s AIPAC conference. All are Republicans: Sen. David Perdue and Reps. Barry Loudermilk, Earl “Buddy” Carter, Jody Hice and Rick Allen. “AIPAC does a super job in keeping tabs on what elected members of our government are doing and explaining things to us,” said Dan Berger, an active volunteer and member of Congregation Beth Shalom. “After attending one of these conventions that is so well done, you feel patriotic. You are going to lobby your congressman on Capitol Hill. What is more essential than that? I am not a big fan of the type of activism that puts people on the streets. We have a system in place that works. This is an essential part of American democracy.” Berger is attending the AIPAC conference for the second time. Beth Shalom Rabbi Mark Zimmerman said that going to AIPAC is like “being in the Jewish Super Bowl.” “The sessions are outstanding. Being with such a large gathering of people who care as deeply as you do is an overwhelming experience. Our voice is more important than ever,” said Rabbi Zimmerman, who is proud that 22 members of his Dunwoody congregation will be among the AIPAC participants. Dr. Jerry Blumenthal, a member of Congregation Or Hadash, said he and wife Elaine are attending the conference for the fourth time. “The future of Israel is tied to the
world political machine,” he said. “Attending AIPAC is a way to become better informed and also put our 2 cents in. Another thing that is important is learning about the interconnect of business interests with politics.” In addition to receiving updates about the politics of Israel, Toco Hills resident Betty Minsk said she looks forward to the convention’s showcase of new technology from Israel because learning about “new innovative products fills you with pride.”
“Last year I got a full dose of pride by attending,” Minsk said. “It’s wonderful to see all of Israel’s accomplishments.” Next year’s policy conference will occur amid presidential primary season, but the impressive list of confirmed speakers this year (www.policyconference.org/article/confirmedSpeakers. asp) does not include any of the likely candidates who have emerged so far. If you’re not among the 340 going to Washington, you can watch a live
stream of the conference at www.policyconference.org. ■ Tell Us About AIPAC If you’re one of the 340 Atlantans going to the AIPAC conference, share your experiences with Jewish Atlanta. Write a letter or a column or jot down a few random thoughts and send them to mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com. Send your favorite photos. And if you tweet or post to Facebook from the conference, be sure to tag the AJT.
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By Arlene Appelrouth aappelrouth@atljewishtimes.com
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LOCAL NEWS
An Anti-Semitic Aberration in Alpharetta
Cumming teen charged with making terroristic threats in vicious voicemail By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
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he concern over a prank call to Congregation Gesher L’Torah has given way to appreciation for police and community support. “Rather than feel more threatened, this reinforces the feeling of being part
of the neighborhood in a real way,” Gesher L’Torah Rabbi Michael Bernstein said in an interview. “That’s all I’ve taken from this experience.” The experience started with a message left on the synagogue voicemail system about 5:20 p.m. Feb. 4 during religious school. Judaic studies coordinator Carla Birnbaum listened to the
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message only after getting a phone call from a young man who said his friend had just left an obnoxious message that the synagogue should delete. “The voicemail we received was vile and contained unambiguous antiSemitic language,” Rabbi Bernstein said in a written statement. The message from “Adolf” referred to poisonous gas and furnaces that could hold 45 people and included a vow to “murder all of you.” The synagogue called 911 and went on lockdown with 40 to 45 children and 10 staffers inside, although Rabbi Bern stein said synagogue officials always thought the message came from someone trying to cause fear, not harm. Police arrived in a few minutes, and the children were released to their parents. Congregation President Stephen Klee that evening sent members the first of three email messages about the incident, offering assurances about increased security. “We feel we have an obligation to treat calls like these as if they are serious and credible,” Klee wrote in the second email. The voicemail system recorded the caller’s cellphone number, and Alpharetta police detectives quickly learned that the number belonged to a family in Cumming with 17- and
15-year-old sons. The 15-year-old admitted making the call, acknowledged it was stupid, denied meaning any harm or being a bad person, and said he and friends together decided what to say. After a synagogue board meeting Feb. 5, Gesher L’Torah attorney Michael Penn told the police Feb. 9 that the congregation wanted to prosecute the teen. “While the incident itself has been determined to be a prank from someone outside our community, the disruption and concern caused to us has been taken seriously,” Klee wrote in the third email. “The safety of our congregation remains our highest priority and the board has taken decisive action to pursue consequences which will surely impact the individual who harassed our community.” The 15-year-old was arrested Feb. 9, charged with the felony of making terroristic threats, and released to his mother. His case will proceed through juvenile court in Fulton County. “Regardless of how this plays out in the legal system, we want this teen not only to realize that what he did has consequences, but to recognize the severity of the act itself and the brutality of the Nazis who carried out the crimes that he described in his words,” Rabbi Bernstein said in his statement. ■
‘My Name Is Adolf’ Here is the phone message left by the Cumming 15-year-old, according to the Alpharetta police report: “Hey, my name is Adolf, and I was looking to come into your congregation. I got a call from you guys earlier that you wanted a few furnaces installed. … Hum, I have those too. I have the XL furnaces, which will fit 45 of you in, and I have the medium furnaces, which only fit about 20. I need a call back to see how many people you have there so I know how many to bring down. Um, I also do chambers if you need them. We have tear gas. We got mustard gas and nova gas. … We got it all. So am going to need you call me back so I know what to use on y’all. … By the way, y’all are dirty, f--ing roaches, and I will murder all of you. … Bye.”
FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
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LOCAL ISRAELNEWS
JNF Photo of the Week Tribute to the Troops Jews have fought for their countries throughout history. As a tribute, Jewish National Fund has erected a Wall of Honor at Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem, site of the battle that made possible the reunification of the city in 1967. Plaques can be purchased and dedicated to Jewish soldiers from the military of any country, not just Israel. For more information, visit www.jnf.org.
Studio portrait of three Polish Jewish friends playing stringed instruments in an ensemble.Yehuda Bielski, far right, 1937, later led partisan fighters. Credit: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, courtesy of Yehuda and Lola Bell; Collection Leslie Bell.
Israel Pride: Good News From Our Jewish Home
$9 million donation to fight cancer. Philanthropists Laura and Isaac Perlmutter have pledged $3 million to finance six joint cancer research projects between New York University and the Technion in Haifa, plus a further $6 million to establish a stateof-the-art research facility focusing on cancer metabolomics at the Technion. The most efficient desalination plant in the world. Israel’s new Sorek desalination plant, just south of Tel Aviv, is at full capacity, producing nearly 166 million gallons of drinking water daily. With the lowest rate of energy consumption in the world, the IDE Technologies plant produces the cheapest water of any large-scale desalination plant. New car deliveries up 23 percent. Israeli demand for new cars is a key indicator of economic optimism, so the 23 percent rise in deliveries in January compared with January 2014 (itself a record month) was significant. Washington to host U.S.-Israeli cybersecurity conference. The Israel Institute for National Security Studies will hold its fifth annual Defensive
Cyberspace Operations & Intelligence Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C., on April 27 and 28. It will be the first INSS cyber conference in the United States. Israeli cleantech in Germany. Nine Israeli cleantech companies attended Leipzig’s Green Ventures Forum, Germany’s leading business-to-business platform in the cleantech sector. Thanks to the Israeli Economic Office in Berlin and Israel NewTech, Israeli companies held more than 100 meetings with companies from over 30 countries. Infosys to buy Israeli automation company. India’s giant IT company Infosys is acquiring Ra’anana-based Panaya for $200 million in cash. Panaya was among the top 100 global tech startups in 2009. It provides automation technology for companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Sony and Unilever.
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Raining chocolates in Tel Aviv. The three-day Tel Aviv Chocolate Festival featured chocolate shwarma and kebabs, jewelry, sculptures, sushi and even a chocolate spa. The land of blue and white. The colors of the Israeli flag have been replicated in recent weather. Blue skies gave way to dense white clouds pouring rain into blue rivers and lakes. Then white snow enveloped the country Feb. 19 and 20 from the Golan Heights to Jerusalem to the Negev. Compiled courtesy of verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com and other news sources.
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FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
Boost for ice treatment to destroy tumors. Caesarea-based biotech company IceCure Medical has received $21 million from Epoch Partner Investments to speed up the sales and distribution of its IceSense3 cryoablation system to treat breast cancer. IceSense3 uses extreme cold to destroy targeted tumors in less than 15 minutes with no pain.
Music of Resistance and Survival: A Holocaust Remembrance Concert
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OPINION
Our View
An Easy Call
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FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
nti-Semitism has been an all-too-common topic for the Atlanta Jewish Times in 2015, from the murders of four Jews in a Paris kosher supermarket Jan. 9 to the slaying of a Jewish guard outside Copenhagen’s Grand Synagogue on Feb. 15. We’ve heard from AEPi Executive Director Andy Borans about anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses across North America and from American Jewish Committee expert Rabbi Andrew Baker about anti-Semitism across Europe. We’ve heard warnings from speakers and panels at the BBYO and NFTY conventions and from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks at Young Israel of Toco Hills. So an anti-Semitic incident within our Jewish community should not come as a surprise. Nonetheless, what happened Feb. 4 at Congregation Gesher L’Torah was shocking. A normal night at the Alpharetta synagogue’s religious school was thrown into turmoil because a 15-year-old from Cumming decided it would be fun to leave a message full of Holocaust references and a promise to kill everyone. Gesher L’Torah’s leadership — Executive Director Doug Konkel, Rabbi Michael Bernstein, President Stephen Klee and the entire board, and Judaic studies coordinator Carla Birnbaum — deserves credit for its response to the phone message from “Adolf” the furnace salesman. The synagogue leaders didn’t take any chances. They locked down the building, called the Alpharetta police, connected with Federation security liaison Dick Raisler and contracted with extra security until the caller was caught. The Alpharetta police also deserve praise. While it helps to have a culprit stupid enough to use his own cellphone, we still note the difference between this quickly closed case and never-solved swastika-painting incidents over the years in Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Emory University. It’s good to know that local police take vulgar anti-Semitism seriously. We also support the congregation’s decision to press charges in juvenile court. What the teen admitted doing was a felony, plain and simple. It doesn’t matter that he and his friends were just boys being boys or that he’s a good kid. It doesn’t matter that he apologized or that he never meant any physical harm. It also doesn’t matter that the boy’s mother, according to the police report, tried to deflect investigators and demanded that they give her son a pass. It’s not hard to see how the son could think such a vicious phone call was just a harmless prank when the mother doesn’t take his actions seriously. But even though we disapprove of her attitude, it is not a crime and should not affect her son’s case. Nor should he be prosecuted to teach some communal lesson or set an example for vicious and thoughtless teens everywhere. Quite simply, he should be prosecuted, convicted and punished because he tried to terrorize the 200 Jewish families who are Gesher L’Torah members. He wanted to make them, and all of us, feel uncomfortable if not scared to live in Georgia. That’s not a harmless prank; it’s an act of violence. With remorse, he might be forgiven, but his ac10 tion should not be forgotten. ■
AJT
A World Gone Mad
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haos has become the new normal in this world brawl recently broke out in Parliament amid fears of South Africa turning into a police state. Boko Haram of ours. keeps creating havoc in Nigeria and its neighbors. Russia is waging war with Ukraine Governments in South America are teetering on the through the guise of pro-Moscow rebels, and, thanks brink while facing charges of corruption and incesto holding the on-off switch on the European Union sant economic hardship. economy with the natural gas that flows westward And, as we’re due to be reminded by Israeli from his country, President Vladimir Putin seems to Prime Minister Benjamin take bareback horse riding Netanyahu in a speech to more seriously than peace Congress on March 3, Iran initiatives from Angela EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK is on the verge of becoming Merkel and company. a nuclear-armed nation, Four years into a By Michael Jacobs not only threatening civil war in Syria, an mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com Israel’s existence, but also estimated 200,000 people compelling Saudi Arabia, have been killed and 10 Egypt and Turkey to chase million displaced. None of their own atomic arsenals. the various combatants, least of all the government Even the weather has been crazy. of Bashar Assad, seems ready to stop fighting. The What does it all mean, other than reminding us international community’s only accomplishment that the idea of a post-Cold War Pax Americana was has been to ensure that the next 200,000 deaths a fantasy and that the Nobel Committee was perhaps will come from bullets, bombs and artillery shells premature in awarding President Barack Obama the instead of chemical weapons. Peace Prize? That Syrian war has given us the Islamic State Well, it certainly wouldn’t be a bad time for the (or ISIS or ISIL or Daesh), which has conquered large messiah to make an appearance, but that’s a subject swaths of Iraq and turned beheadings into a PR well beyond the scope of a mere newspaper editor campaign to win recruits among the downtrodden, (any rabbis who wish to address messianic prophegullible and vicious around the world while leavcies, give me a call). ing Al-Qaida — seen by some as the BlackBerry to Short of divine intervention, it’s safe to say Islamic State’s iPhone — behind on the most feared we’re well into a period of increasing pressure on terrorist list. Jews and Israel. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explained Not content with taking the heads of Westernat Young Israel of Toco Hills in mid-February, chaos ers held for ransoms that were never going to be and the breakdown of the rule of law lead people to paid, Islamic State recently conducted the simultatarget those who are different in their midst. In a neous beheadings of 21 Egyptian Christians in Libya world in which we’re outnumbered by 7 billion or so, in an operation most likely led by an American. different is always us. Yemen is in collapse. Bangladesh faces violence. The world will increasingly look for scapegoats, China is trying to crush democratic protests in Hong Kong and Muslim violence in Xinjiang. Health work- and we’re stuck at the top of the list. It’s going to be a bumpy, scary ride. ■ ers fighting Ebola have been attacked in Guinea. A
OPINION
Thank You, Everyone
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or all of you who sent me a message gently suggesting that I change my headshot, I have succumbed to peer pressure. Thank you, Paula Gould from Paula M. Gould Photography, for the fantastic photograph. I now sleep better at night. To Hymie and Sukey Shemaria, of course the Atlanta Jewish Times will be proud to feature an announcement of your 60th wedding anniversary this summer. As I wrote a couple weeks ago, clearly one of the Times’ most important roles in the community is to share tributes of great milestones and other significant lifecycle events. Thank you for reading my column and being the first to respond. The entire staff of the AJT met recently to discuss how we will promote lifecycle events in your paper. We formed a few strategies; however,
you can see, the ball is in the community’s court, and the AJT is poised to play. While I am rambling, I want to thank our new subscribers again. The Atlanta Jewish Times is receiving at least 10 subscriptions a day. Subscriptions are the cornerstone of the newspaper; they demonstrate to
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we determined, no matter what we do, it is all up to you. Over the next few issues we will create a program or contest to draw announcements to the paper, but in the end, simchas are up to you. If you send us information about a birth, bar or bat mitzvah, engagement, wedding, or anniversary, we will print your announcement in the paper and post it on the web. The service is free; it will be all the more special if you provide a high-resolution photograph. You can send us an email and attach a picture or use our form at atlantajewishtimes.com/submit-yoursimcha-announcement. Robin Kramer, I am in receipt of your email asking the Times to print more simchas, thank you. We will. As
though you grew up very quiet and now live on the left coast, those are not reasons to omit you from the family legacy. I apologize. You too must carry on the values we all learned from Bea and Marty (z”l), Nanny and Poppy, from this generation to the next. Finally, I must draw attention to my daughter Hannah. She is in ninth grade and attended Weber’s formal this past weekend. While I think the girls spent way too much time preparing (or is it primping?) for the dance (hair, nails, makeup, shoes, dresses, etc.), they certainly are beautiful, so, indeed, time well spent. I do know fun was had by all. If we could all relive our high school dances … My real column, or opinion, will return next week. ■
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OPINION
From Georgia Tech to the IDF
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lmost all boys grow up on their parents’ stories. I grew up hearing about my dad’s years in the IDF and especially his time as a private in the Yom Kippur War in 1973 and an officer and combat physician in the First Lebanon War in 1982. For me, enlisting in the IDF was natural. All four of my grandparents survived the Holocaust. My parents were born in Soviet-occupied Lithuania in the late 1950s and made aliyah to Israel in the early 1970s. Both my parents and the rest of my family in Israel have served in the IDF. My brother served as a paramedic with Magen David Adom, Israel’s national ambulance service, and taught a course I later volunteered for. Serving in a combat unit was important for me. I always hope for peaceful resolutions to conflict, but if that is not an option, I feel obligated to be on the front lines to protect Israel. Operation Protective Edge began as I was starting a noncommissioned officer course for squad commanders. It was an overwhelming and devastat-
ing few weeks. We lost five guys from the double company I went in with. My platoon was involved with a sniper shooting out of a U.N. shelter in Shijaiyah and in securing one of the most complicated tunnel networks penetrating Israel, where we found motorcycles, weapons and explosives. I always appreciated but didn’t
LONE SOLDIER STORY By Eran Mordel
quite understand how international support and media shape Israel’s policies on the front lines. Decisions that influence the ability of the IDF to operate are directly related to the conversations going on in the Israeli Cabinet, in the U.S. political arena, and, yes, on college campuses worldwide. My platoon came to base on a Sunday. We packed our bags for a week, as we were slated to have weekend leave on Friday. That Wednesday, everything changed. I would not see
home for six weeks. My socks came from Canada, underwear from California and energy bars from all over the U.S. East Coast. I know because of the FIDF stickers on the boxes. Donors from halfway across the world helped me stay hygienic, fed and loved in the middle of the Negev. The support I offered soldiers during Operations Cast Lead in 2009 and Pillar of Defense in 2012 came full circle with me on the receiving end. The few minutes I called home to hear my parents and brother provided vital calm during the operation. If they were calm, how could I not be? Only afterward did they tell me about the under-the-radar support groups that FIDF convened three times in Atlanta to keep the soldiers’ families together. The sessions kept my parents informed and surrounded by those who felt the same uneasiness about having their children in the line of fire. I compare my four years at Georgia Tech with the coming-of-age experience of my buddies in the IDF. At Georgia Tech, I became independent, faced my first major dilemmas, explored and planned my career; this maturity happens in Israel in a differ-
ent context: the IDF. I’m fortunate to experience and learn from both. Just as Georgia Tech provided options for student life, a clinic and other services, the IDF provides services and lifestyle options for soldiers. Unlike a university, however, the IDF does not have endowments and allocations for recreational centers, places of worship or big events for soldiers. FIDF is a major player for that reason. I have been fed by FIDF barbecues, been hosted by donors for Friday night dinners and met other lone soldiers through FIDF functions. I have prayed in Hebron in a caravan synagogue donated through FIDF and had my teeth checked by a dentist in an FIDF-donated facility. Everyone has a story and a way to contribute. Israel and Israeli soldiers appreciate every show of support.■
States? “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,” Ben-Gurion said. The degree to which Ben-Gurion’s statements remain in effect is open to debate, along with the degree to which Israel and American Jewry each are responsible for any change. Israelis nonetheless can be prickly about diaspora Jews offering advice. You don’t live here, you don’t pay taxes here, you don’t wear the uniform of the Israel Defense Forces, so do not presume to tell us what we should do. That message makes a certain amount of sense at face value. However, if Israel wants American Jews to fundraise and lobby their congressmen to support Israel (including the allocation of taxpayer dollars for military aid and other purposes), does that not give American Jews the right (and perhaps an obligation) to speak up? So, who speaks for the Jews? The prime minister of Israel is an
elected leader, conferring upon that office legitimacy when speaking on behalf of that nation. The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations makes pronouncements in the name of “organized American Jewry.” Do these organizational leaders speak for the diversity of American Jewish opinion? When a rabbi makes disparaging remarks about another faith or suggests how a business should treat its employees or speaks about Israel, does that rabbi speak for the congregants? Who speaks for the Jewish people? A prime minister of Israel does not speak for me. The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations does not speak for me. My rabbi does not speak for me. As it pertains to my Jewish identity and all that it encompasses (including Israel), I speak for me. The same should be true for all of us. ■
Eran Mordel, 24, is a squad commander in the 202nd Airborne Battalion. A Jerusalem native, he moved to the United States at age 3 and grew up in the Atlanta area, graduating from Walton High School and Georgia Tech, where he was the first Jewish student body president. He lives in Jerusalem.
Who Speaks for the Jews?
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FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
ho speaks for the Jews? A lot has been said about this lately, prompted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration that “I went to Paris not just as the prime minister of Israel but as a representative of the entire Jewish people.” Does the prime minister of Israel represent the entirety of the Jewish people? For that matter, does anyone have the authority, even implicit, to speak for the entirety of the Jewish people? Netanyahu plans to address Congress about an Iranian nuclear program that he views as “life-threatening to the state of Israel.” Does the prime minister — whoever holds that position, regardless of political affiliation — speak not only for Israelis, including the 25 percent who are not Jewish, but for every Jew not a citizen of Israel? There was much wrangling in Israel’s early days over how the new 12 nation should relate to the Jewish
AJT
diaspora. Eventually, an understanding was reached. “In the first statement which the representative of Israel made before the United Nations after her admission to that international organiza-
FROM WHERE I SIT By Dave Schecter
tion, he clearly stated, without any reservation, that the state of Israel represents and speaks only on behalf of its own citizens and in no way presumes to represent or speak in the name of the Jews who are citizens of any other country,” Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, said Aug. 23, 1950, to a visiting group sponsored by the American Jewish Committee. If an Israeli prime minister claims to represent Jews in the diaspora, does that make it easier for anti-Zionist or anti-Semitic critics to question the loyalty of American Jews to the United
Dave Schechter is a veteran journalist whose career includes 28 years working for CNN and now writes independently.
www.atlantajewishtimes.com
LOCAL NEWS
Toward a More Perfect Israel By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
for Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. She said the struggle inherent in responsible love comes from the movement’s commitment to Israel. She left unspoken the parallel with Israel’s biblical namesake and the struggle with
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he Reform movement is perfectly positioned to fill the gap between organizations that think support of Israel means never criticizing anything the government does and those that think Israel can never do anything right, according to three Reform rabbis who led the NFTY convention’s Youth Summit of teens and adults through a discussion of Israel and the movement Feb. 15. “Responsible love” — offering honest criticism Photo by Michael Jacobs from a place of commitRabbi Yehudit Werchow and Rabbi Aaron Panken take ment and love when Isa question about Israel and the Reform movement. rael misses on its ideals of freedom, democracy and pluralism — is a particular Reform re- G-d that earned him the name. sponsibility in Israel, said Rabbi Rachel By engaging in the loving struggle, Sabath Beit-Halachmi, the national di- the Union for Reform Judaism has the rector of recruitment and admissions opportunity to occupy an objective
space on Israel in the eyes of youths who don’t know what to think about the nation when they see distorted media images and reports, said Rabbi Aaron Panken, the president of HUC-JIR. Israeli Reform Rabbi Yehudit Werchow said it is because Israel matters to Reform Jews in the diaspora that it’s important to note the gaps between the country’s reality and its intentions and to help it close those gaps. Rabbi Panken emphasized that Israel and the diaspora need each other equally. “It’s not just about the money,” Rabbi Werchow said, pointing to shared interests, ideas, experiences and education. The Jewish identity of Israel is evolving, and diaspora Jews have a role in helping mold it. Rabbi Panken acknowledged one Michigan mother’s complaint that her three children, grandchildren of a Holocaust survivor, seem immune to the connection to Israel or engagement with the Jewish community in general. He said experiences in the Jewish
state, conversations with Israelis, and a trusted confidant such as a rabbi or youth adviser are crucial to win over such young people. Rabbi Sabath Beit-Halachmi said it is a failure on the part of professionals who work with Jewish youths when those young people don’t appreciate that a commitment to Israel is based on the recognition of the necessity for the people living there to survive. Rabbi Panken said perhaps 20,000 American Jews and Israelis travel between the countries each year, which is a good start toward personalizing and thus strengthening ties, but rather than spend more money to send more people on such trips, he called for smart, technological ways to connect Americans and Israelis, such as regular meetings on Skype. The most basic way to make Israel seem essential to youths is to integrate it into all aspects of Jewish education and not hold Israel out as a separate category, Rabbi Sabath Beit-Halachmi said. ■
Atlanta Sparkles in BBYO Spotlight
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he annual BBYO International Convention brought 2,200 Jewish teens to downtown Atlanta and combined with the biennial NFTY Convention to create a Shabbat celebration of more than 3,200 youths Feb. 14. Atlanta also had individual moments to shine amid the overall spectacle. A reception Feb. 12 on the opening night of the BBYO IC gave about 100 Atlanta alumni a chance to nosh and network and hear from such national Jewish leaders as philanthropists Michael Steinhardt and Lynn Schusterman and Neiman Marcus CEO Karen Katz. Hands On Atlanta founder Elise Eplan, who co-sponsored the Atlanta reception, returned to the spotlight Feb. 14 when she was named the B’nai B’rith Girls Alumna of the Year. Fellow Atlantan Michelle Krebs Levy also walked onto the main stage that night to receive the David Bitker Unsung Hero BBG Advisor of the Year Award. Ninth Series Jubilee Bonds ($25,000 minimum) for 10 Years
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Weber School junior Meredith Galanti pulled off a surprise when she was elected the 2015-16 international BBG mazkirah (secretary) through a nomination from the convention floor Feb. 15, topping two candidates who were nominated in advance and had time to prepare campaign videos. Throughout IC, you couldn’t miss the purple “Home-Field Advantage” Tshirts and the bunny ears sported by the Southern Region delegation, the largest at the convention, which included 205 teens from Atlanta. Atlanta teens made speeches at plenary sessions and appearances on various panels. Perhaps none earned higher praise than Max Kantor, who was part of a Summit on Jewish Teens panel on experiential learning. Max told of attending High Holiday services at the Breman Home last fall and seeing a wheelchair-bound man shock everyone by standing up just long enough to touch the passing Torah with a prayer book. The lesson for Max: “Judaism has not given up. We Ninth Series Maccabee Bonds % ($5,000 minimum) for 10 Years
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would not be here if we had given up.” Fellow panelist Rabbi Jonathan Sacks replied: “Max, if you want my job, study a few years. You spoke, to me, better than any rabbi I know.” None of it could have happened without parents Julie Abes, Robyn Feinberg, Terri Katzenstein, Lainie Palefsky and Gayle Siegel, who spent a year preparing for IC and helped the Atlanta
BBYO staff coordinate the efforts of 115 volunteers, Atlanta BBYO Director David Hoffman said. “It was truly amazing to see people come together from all parts of the Atlanta Jewish community,” he said, noting the support of the Marcus JCC, Federation and BBYO Inc. Just wait for 2019: Atlanta will get to try to top itself when IC returns. ■
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FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
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LOCAL NEWS
BBYO Runs in the Abes Family By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
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andy Springs resident Julie Abes knows what daughter Amanda is experiencing as the president of Atlanta Council BBG, beyond the joys of International Convention, summer programs and local activities. After all, Amanda is following in her footsteps. The jacket that is now Amanda’s as president once was Julie’s and has her name on it among 40 years of Atlanta presidents, and Amanda has possession of files with Julie’s notes from council meetings. “The passion and leadership are all the same,” Julie said of BBYO today compared with her time in the 1980s. And she and her daughter don’t account for even half the family connection to BBYO. Julie’s father, Sam Mislow, was a member of AZA in Atlanta in the 1950s, and her mom, Sandra, was in BBG in Memphis. In BBYO, Julie met and began dating David Abes, who perhaps was drawn to the organization by the sports but found a wife. In addition to
Amanda, 17, a senior at the Weber School, Pictures from left to right: Amanda Abes wears the Atlanta Council BBG n’siah jacket that her mother, the Abes have a secJulie, wore when she was n’siah in the 1980s. Mitchell and Amanda Abes attend this month’s BBYO ond child in BBYO, International Convention at the Hyatt Regency downtown. Julie Mislow and David Abes attend the Atlanta Mitchell, 15, a freshCouncil BBYO dance in 1987 and attend the International Convention Atlanta reception Feb. 12. man at North Springs BBYO provided her social circle as gethers at the Jewish Community CenHigh School who is in his chapter leada teenager, when she attended North ter. She has helped organize such fundership. Springs High School but David and a raisers as a family Shabbat and a silent Julie recently learned that the larger population of Jewish students auction that raised $10,000 last year connection goes back one more genwent to Riverwood, and that social with items that included admission to eration: Her grandfather Harry Mislow circle endures. She said the friends she this year’s International Convention. was a BBYO member in Atlanta. The push for unity among the Jewmade in BBYO remain some of her best “It’s a place you can be yourself,” ish youth movements is different from friends today, even those who don’t live Julie said of the attraction of BBYO. her time in BBYO, but Julie said the imin Atlanta. Noting the teens running around the portant thing is to keep Jewish youths Julie remains involved in the BBYO Hyatt Regency in bunny ears, cow hats, engaged. “I don’t care what they do.” parent network and has helped bring wild colors and other costumes, she Pausing, she added with a smile: “I back some of the activities from her added: “If you want to be crazy, you can prefer BBYO.” ■ time in BBYO, such as Sunday get-tobe crazy.”
BBG’s MVP
Michelle Krebs Levy wins international adviser award By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com
FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
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hen alumna Michelle Krebs Levy returned to B’nai B’rith Girls in 2012 as adviser to Atlanta Council BBYO’s B’yachad chapter, she struggled with uncertainty. She knew she wanted to volunteer with BBG and give back to an organization through which she learned leadership skills, developed relationships and gained confidence during high school. The timing was right because she was not working a “crazy, stressful, longhours job” and could bring more life and work experience and more maturity to the job than most advisers, who tend to be in their mid-20s. But it took a while to figure out her role as she balanced providing support and guidance for the teen girls with letting them do things for themselves and learn from their mistakes. She appears to have hit the right balance because she was awarded the international David Bitker Unsung
Hero BBG Advisor of the Year Award at the BBYO International Convention. “I’m really grateful and really humbled that I was selected,” Levy said. “It just means a lot to me. It’s just a huge, huge honor, and it’s really a privilege to still be a part of BBYO.” Atlanta Council BBYO Director David Hoffman said Levy’s award was a surprise just because of the numbers — BBYO has more than 600 chapters — but made sense. “She is a role model for what it means to be a leader in the Jewish community and has demonstrated nothing but compassion, patience and love for all members of the Atlanta Council BBYO community.” In presenting the award, B’yachad members Hayley Katzenstein and Maddie Fleischmann called Levy a friend, a mom, a role model, the chapter MVP and a key part of Atlanta Council. “We constantly hear praise from other Atlanta Council BBGs and Alephs telling us how cool she is and how lucky we are to have her as one of our advisers,” Hayley said.
she told them that having 115 members on the rolls but only 40 participating in programs wasn’t something to be proud of. “One of the things that I really tried to emphasize with them is just focusing on the friendship and being welcoming.” Levy, who grew up in Atlanta and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and an M.B.A. from Jason Dixson Photography Georgia State, applies those Flanked by Maddie Fleischmann (left) and same lessons as the founder Hayley Katzenstein, Michelle Krebs Levy and CEO of The Sixth Point, holds her award at the BBYO IC. an engagement organization for young Jewish professionThe two girls cited a change in attitude that Levy brought to the chapter: als in Atlanta. She said she loves being a part of emphasizing the quality of relationBBG and spending time with the girls ships over the quantity of members. “Michelle taught us that numbers and the other advisers, and the Bitker aren’t everything, and since her arriv- Award provides nice reinforcement. al, B’yachad has become a closer, more “It definitely gives me confidence that I’m on the right track,” Levy said, plus well-rounded chapter,” Maddie said. B’yachad was one of the biggest “maybe a little pressure to keep doing BBG chapters when Levy arrived, but a good job.” ■
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LOCAL NEWS
Time’s the Enemy of Giving Teens By Kevin Madigan kmadigan@atljewishtimes.com
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room full of teenagers on the NFTY Convention’s final day Feb. 16 discussed what giving to others means in a session titled “Beyond the Ice Bucket Challenge,” after the campaign that raised $115 million to fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Most of those at the session said they give of themselves and their time but struggle to balance that giving with high school life. The teens created pie charts illustrating their activities. A teen from San Antonio said: “I am extremely busy. There’s a lot on here. A tiny sliver on my pie chart is devoted to sleep — a minuscule triangle. A good portion is stuff I do after school, and I’m trying to get a license, so lots of hours are spent driving.” Another teen said she’s on a NFTY board and is involved in sports and animal rights while interning at a back clinic, and that’s not all. “I play the viola, and I’ll start tutoring in summer. I have to keep up with all that, plus homework, and not lose touch.” That bit about losing touch struck a chord with another girl, who advised striking a balance. “Think about the big picture in
Photos by Kevin Madigan
Brianna Holtzman and Scott Rubenstein led NFTY participants in creating pie charts showing all the demands on their time.
how to give of your resources,” host Brianna Holtzman said. “You guys are in high school, so the amount of your resources may seem really limited. You can’t pledge $60,000, but maybe you give up your Starbucks for a week to make a difference. If you’re babysitting, put some of that aside.” Holtzman, a representative of the Jewish Teen Funders Network, said there’s no wrong way to give. “But there is a way to take the impact you want to have in the world and make it stronger, to amplify it.” Scott Rubenstein of Phoenix, NFTY’s 2014-15 programming vice president, co-hosted the session. He recounted his early experience with philanthropy. “In preschool my mom
got hold of a Jewish National Fund tzedakah box and put it in our kitchen. Whenever Dad or Mom had spare change, they would throw it in there.” Rubenstein started an endowment fund with his bar mitzvah money. He gives grants “that cater to our vision. I’ve had a hand in granting half a million dollars in Arizona and in Israel. It’s been a really great experience for me.” Teens in the room had plenty of stories of their own, often motivated by personal connections. One took part in a fundraising walk and gave money to
a juvenile diabetes charity because her brother has the disease. A girl whose grandfather survived the Holocaust donates money to an Israeli organization that supports survivors. Another donated time to a food bank and had friends and family help make sandwiches after seeing homeless people. “You guys are making a real change, and it’s really incredible,” Holtzman said. “If you spend a little time thinking strategically about your time and resources, your impact will go so far.” ■
By Kevin Madigan kmadigan@atljewishtimes.com
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breakout session on teen philanthropy at the BBYO International Convention’s Summit of Jewish Teens featured a detailed presentation by Stefanie Zelkind, the director of the New York-based Jewish Teen Funders Network. The philanthropic activities of her organization include social justice initiatives, grant making, volunteering, advocacy, alternative vocations and tzedakah drives. Teens in the program are taught how to evaluate grant requests, consider proposals, know what questions to ask and which criteria to use, then arrive at a consensus. “It’s all part of a big philanthropic puzzle. We see teens get very involved and passionate about it, and it’s an opportunity for us to do more, go deeper, and educate them about the work of philanthropy and to explore Jewish values,” Zelkind said.
Melissa Kurtzman, one of two teens in the discussion, spoke about the work she does for the Children’s Medical Center foundation in Dallas, Texas, where she lives. She was a patient at the hospital 10 years ago and now sits on its Junior Leadership Board. “We raise funds for the hospital and for other nonprofit and for-profit organizations. We learn how they get their money as well as the inner workings of their departments,” she said. The hospital’s big event every year is the Red Balloon Run & Ride 5K run/ walk and 5K to 10K bike ride. Every dollar is raised from registration fees, personal pledges and other funding efforts, Kurtzman said. Through the Dallas BBYO council, Kurtzman raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and takes part in the annual Light the Night Walk to honor a young cancer victim. Ultimately, it’s not about the money, Zelkind said. Philanthropy gives teens a chance to deal seriously with responsibilities and priorities. ■
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FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
Philanthropy’s Puzzle
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EDUCATION
Campus No Cure for Being ‘Resident Jew’
NFTY students urged to channel BDS anger into meaningful change By Jon Gargis
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he feeling of being an outsider is a sentiment several NFTY Convention attendees said they had experienced in high school. A common story during a “Bagels, Birthright, and BDS: Navigating Jewish Life on Campus” breakout session Feb. 15 was that of being one of few Jewish students or the only Jewish student at school. A teen expressed frustration about going out to dinner with friends but not being able to eat kosher. Several shared experiences surrounding the Christmas holidays, from giving a Spanish class presentation on how to create a Christmas craft to volunteering at a university and being assigned to make Christmas cards. One girl told how she and another girl were chosen from their glee club to sing Christmas songs in their school atrium. Her classmate was Muslim. “We were the only two that weren’t Christian,” she said. The several dozen NFTYites in the session heard from two college students who said that even the post-highschool years can bring instances of being one of the few Jews around. “There are times in our lives where we feel like outsiders. That’s just a part of being human and especially a part of being Jewish, and it’s not fun. But something that’s great is we have a community like this and its people who are not outsiders,” said Elan Kramer, a junior
at UCLA and a session presenter. Kramer, who serves on the student board at his Hillel chapter, explained the boycott, divestment, sanction (BDS) movement to the NFTYites. The campaign, he told them, aims to delegitimize and demonize Israel. “BDS is often brought to college campuses through the idea of student government resolutions,” Kramer said. “Often what happens is there is a fraction of students that are very, very passionate about the BDS cause, and so they propose it to the college campus.” He said it’s hard for student government members to understand what’s happening, but the resolutions isolate Jewish students. Kramer encouraged those who would be angered by BDS proposals and anti-Israel or anti-Semitic sentiments to channel that energy to create “positive, meaningful Jewish change.” Examples he gave included getting involved in Hillel, joining a Jewish fraternity or sorority, and taking part in a Challah for Hunger event. Jewish students may be asked about BDS and other issues with Judaism or Israel, Kramer said, by students who don’t know many other Jews. He said “the resident Jew” is asked such questions as “What does this word mean in Hebrew? What is this in Israel? What is this holiday about? I am sure that there are sometimes answers
Participants in NFTY’s “Bagels, Birthright, and BDS: Navigating Jewish Life on Campus” breakout session, led by Elan Kramer (left), wrote on index cards one thing they liked about being Jewish or, in this case, one thing they liked about Israel.
that you don’t know, and that’s OK,” he said. “You’re never expected to be the representative for an entire group of people, except sometimes you are, and it’s sad, and it’s a sad reality.” Participants in the session wrote on an index card one thing they loved about Israel or about being Jewish. What they wrote, Kramer said, was the first step in creating a personalized elevator pitch to present when asked about being Jewish or issues facing the Jewish community. Students also heard from Micah
Friedman, a sophomore at Florida State University and the student director at FSU’s Hillel chapter. He said when he got to Hillel at college and attended his first Shabbat service there, he didn’t immediately connect. So he worked to change the service. He added: “If the first place that you go when you go to college doesn’t feel like NFTY — it’s not going to, I guarantee you — you can help NFTYize it, help make it you, help make it a community that you will want to be a part of.” ■
Abusch-Magder Signs Contract to Lead Epstein
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FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
he Epstein School announced that David Abusch-Magder has signed a contract, officially making him the next head of school. Abusch-Magder will start July 1 after a move from the Brandeis Hillel Day School in San Francisco, where he is the head of the middle school and assistant head of campus. Epstein announced his selection to replace Head of School Stan Beiner in early January and began contract negotiations. “I am excited and honored to have been chosen to be your next head of school,” Abusch-Magder wrote in a message to the Epstein community. “My family and I are eager to make Atlanta home and to become part of the 16 Epstein and broader Atlanta Jewish
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communities. Through the kind acts of many I already feel so welcome.” Abusch-Magder is married to Reform Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder. They have two children: Oren, 17, who is graduating from the Jewish Community High School of the Bay and heading to college this year; and Aliza, 14, who will attend the Weber School next year. Abusch-Magder wrote that he was attracted to Epstein by its warmth and nurturing nature, the engagement of students and teachers, the quality of leadership, the depth of Hebrew learning, the commitment to reach a range of learners, the thoughtful approach to 21st-century learning, and the schoolwide respect and collaboration. “As a leader, I am committed to listening, learning, collaborating and
building partnerships; this holds true for faculty and staff, volunteer leadership, parents, and students,” he wrote. Abusch-Magder made a midcareer switch from patent-winning research physicist to Jewish education. Epstein board President Mark Stern said the change was driven by a desire to build a passion for learning and a love of Judaism in the next generation. “Our search was extensive, attracting candidates from various backgrounds and parts of the country. Dr. D was overwhelmingly embraced not only by the members of our Search Committee, but also by our teachers, administrators and families,” Stern wrote. “We truly believe that he embodies the qualities that our community prioritizes, particularly his ability to
articulate an inspiring vision and move us into the future as an academic institution and as a Jewish community.” Stern thanked the search committee and its chair, Linda Schear. He also praised Abusch-Magder as a lifelong learner. “I believe that learning is the most fundamental of human activities and that we need to inspire and prepare our students to be successful contributors to creating a better future,” AbuschMagder wrote. “To do this, we need to cultivate a supportive learning environment, empower skillful and passionate educators, design thoughtful and rich curriculum, and perhaps, most important of all, engender the passion of our students, teachers, and the community that surrounds them.” ■
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PURIM
Let It Roll! Let It Roll!
The fun of Beth Jacob’s Purim parade and carnival is never frozen By Mindy Rubenstein
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ongregation Beth Jacob is gearing up for its 22nd annual Purim parade and carnival March 1, its biggest fundraiser of the year and a draw for people of all backgrounds. “It’s such a big event, everyone takes a piece of it,” Beth Jacob’s Sybil Goldstein said. More than 100 volunteers come together to plan the event. They work in shifts, cooking the night before and preparing in general for months. The parade, which begins at the Toco Hills Shopping Center and ends at Beth Jacob, includes decorated floats and costumed adults and children marching down LaVista Road, which is closed for more than an hour. Trophies will go to the top three parade floats and to the top three costumes. To participate in the parade, contact Shalom Teller at michaeldteller@gmail.com; to sponsor the parade, contact Harvey Steele at hsteele@bethjacobatlanta.org. The festival that follows the parade features rides, bungee jumping, rock climbing, tea cups, bounce houses, train rides, face painting, balloon artists, arts and crafts, food, and a vendor marketplace with art, clothing, books and toys.
One highlight of the day is the attire of the synagogue’s clergy, Rabbis Ilan Feldman and Yechezkel Freundlich. “One never knows how the rabbis will dress,” Goldstein said. “It’s a big surprise each year.” Previous years’ costumes have included matching shiny gold suits and judge outfits. New this year, the food at the festival will include healthy vegetarian options and kosher cotton candy. At 1:30 p.m. will be a free concert for children by Mr. Michael (Levine), who performs Jewish songs and plays the guitar. This is his second year at the event. “He’s great; people really love him,” Goldstein said. Purim, the Feast of Lots, is a joyous holiday that recounts the Jews’ salvation from a threatened massacre under the Persian Empire. The story of Purim is recounted in the Book of Esther, whose eponymous heroine plays the leading role in saving her people. The holiday is traditionally celebrated with festive parties, as well as gifts to friends and the poor. Tzippy Teller, who owns the Spicy
Photos courtesy of Seth Lynn Left: Each year the fun at the Purim carnival climbs to new heights. Above: One of the exciting surprises each year is the choice of costumes by Beth Jacob’s clergy.
Peach, has attended the event since she was a little girl. Now she helps coordinate the Beth Jacob float and participates in the parade. “I always look forward to it, and now my kids look forward to it,” she said. Deemed the largest Purim parade in North America, it draws participants and onlookers from a variety of denominations and backgrounds. “It’s a fun way for the Atlanta Jewish community at large to come together and celebrate,” Teller said. “It’s cool to be part of it.” Participants include Heebs on
Hogs, a Jewish biker group; Jewish schools; Boy Scout Troop 613; Hadassah; residents of the Jewish Home; and Hillels of Georgia. “It includes all walks of life and all ages,” Teller said. ■ What: Annual Purim parade and carnival Where: Parade runs along LaVista Road from Pikes Nursery at Toco Hills Shopping Center to Congregation Beth Jacob, 1855 LaVista Road When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 1 Information: Sybil Goldstein at 678-2446642 or sgoldstein@bethjacobatlanta.org
A True Party With a Purpose
Purim off Ponce celebrates the ultimate tale of new life
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urim is a celebration of new life. It also happens to be a Jewish holiday during which it’s considered a mitzvah to drink copious amounts of alcohol. On March 7, SOJOURN wants to help you celebrate all of the above with its annual Purim off Ponce fundraising party featuring drinks, dancing and drag queens. All proceeds go toward the work of SO-JOURN, the Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity. “It’s an event that really is the meaning of Purim,” SOJOURN Executive Director Rebecca Stapel-Wax said. “It turns everything upside down. People dress the gamut, but they also come from different places in the community with non-Jews, Jews, gay people, drag queens and families. It’s probably one
livesky and dediof the only gay cates the event events that has to the memory of multigenera2012 Rainmaker tions attendAward winner ing, and that’s Owen Halpern. what is exciting Atlanta’s about it.” Second Self Beer First at Co. is the official Paris on Ponce beer partner. in Midtown, SOJOURN the event left Purim off Ponce is an all-inclusive event Assistant DirecPonce six years that celebrates Purim and diversity. tor Robbie Medago to accomwed said the Pumodate rising attendance. This year, the festivities rim theme was chosen for a purpose. “We chose Purim for our main funmove again to Le Fais do-do on the Westside. The party is expected to draising event because it’s the ultimate draw 500 guests and has sold nearly tale of coming out,” Med-wed said. “Esther had to hide her identity when she 400 tickets. Since the first Purim on Ponce was was in the king’s palace, and she wore held in 2007, the occasion has been a mask and a costume much like LGBT called one of Atlanta’s top cos-tume people do for many years. When Esther parties. For 2015, SOJOURN honors came out, she came out with a bang the work of Dan Bloom and Barry Go- and saved her community and showed
just how integral she really was.” Founded as the Rainbow Center in 2001, SOJOURN is an organization inspired by Jewish and universal ethics and devoted to providing resources and education across the South on the topics of gender and sexual diversity. Purim off Ponce is an opportunity for SOJOURN to raise awareness of issues throughout the community with an all-inclusive bash where everyone is invited to dress up and celebrate the meaning of Purim. ■ What: Purim off Ponce Where: Le Fais do-do, 1611 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd., Westside Atlanta When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7 Tickets: Start at $65 with all proceeds going to SOJOURN’s inclusion work in the Southeast Information: www.sojourngsd.org/ purim
FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
By David Cohen david@atljewishtimes.com
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www.atlantajewishtimes.com
PURIM
A Week of Purim Fun
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he following list offers many, although certainly not all, of the events taking place in the Atlanta area for Purim, which runs from the evening of Wednesday, March 4, to the evening of Thursday, March 5. Check with your friendly neighborhood synagogue to catch a standard Megillah reading or to participate in the tradition of giving mishloach manot gift baskets.
SATURDAY, FEB. 28 “Purim Night Live.” The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., Midtown, the-temple.org, will offer a free Purim shpiel for adults, starting with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and continuing with the show at 7:30. RSVP to jschmidt@the-temple.org. Hamantashen bake-off. General Muir and Yalla chef Todd Ginsberg judges the hamantashen bake-off at Jewish Kids Group’s adults-only Purim party at 8 p.m. at Decatur Arthouse, 619 E. College Ave., Suite E, Decatur. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door; www.jewishkidsgroups.com/adult-purim-party.html.
SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Purim carnival. Congregation Gesher L’Torah, 4320 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta, www.gltorah.org, 10 a.m. to noon. Free admission; tickets 50 cents or all-you-can-play wristband for $12 in advance or $15 at the door.
Children’s Purim shpiel. Secondto fifth-graders at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., Midtown, the-temple.org, will present “Haman and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” free at 10 and 10:45 a.m. No registration is required. Megillah Madness. The Marcus JCC’s free family celebration from 10 a.m. to noon at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, will include Mr. Greg’s Musical Madness concert, Rabbi Brian Glusman’s songs and stories, and a costume parade; www.atlantajcc.org/ megillah. Family Purim celebration. Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive, Sandy Springs, www.templesinaiatlanta.org, starts with a Megillah reading at 10:15 a.m. and continues with a carnival from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free for children 2 and under and $8 for children 3 and older for games, face painting, hamantashen, a DJ and more. Food tickets are extra. Register at templesinai. wufoo.com/forms/family-purim-celebration to avoid entrance lines. Australian outback Purim carnival. The fun at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., Midtown, the-temple.org, will include a dunk-the-rabbi booth. Prekindergartners and younger will be admitted at 11 a.m., others at 11:30. Email sfields@the-temple.org for details. Purim carnival and silent auction. Congregation Ner Tamid, 1349 Old Highway 41, Suite 220, Marietta, www.
mynertamid.info, celebrates with a Megillah reading at 11:30 a.m., followed by a carnival and silent auction until 2 p.m. at a price of $18 per child (parents are free) and $2 for meals. Purim carnival. Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, will offer improved games, food and Adam the Juggler at its carnival from noon to 2 p.m. Wristbands for unlimited games plus lunch cost $10 for the first child and $7 for each additional child; bethshalomatlanta.org/ purim-carnival-coming-soon. Purim carnival. Temple Emanu-El, 1580 Spalding Drive, Sandy Springs, will bring a Vibe dance party, Street Gamz truck, inflatables and wacky bowling to its carnival from noon to 1:30 p.m., after a “Frozen” Purim shpiel at 11 a.m. Tickets for food (a pizza slice is six tickets) and games (one to eight tickets each) start at three for $1; templeemanuelatlanta.org/events/purimcarnival. Purim carnival. Temple Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Road, East Cobb, will offer games, face painting, balloon animals, food and more from noon to 3 p.m. Admission is free, with a charge for each activity and food; www.kolemeth.net. Purim carnival. Temple Beth Tikvah, 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell, will hold its carnival from noon to 3 p.m. Wristbands for unlimited play are $10 and available through bethtikvah.com;
wristbands for children 5 and younger include a hot dog and drink. Purim shpiel and carnival. Temple Kehillat Chaim, 1145 Green St., Roswell, will combine the Purim story with a costume contest and carnival at noon. Admission to the carnival is $5 and includes a hot dog lunch; www.kehillatchaim.org. Purim beach carnival. Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway, East Cobb, will offer a steel drum band, games, food, a raffle and more from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. Admission bracelets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door; etzchaim.net. Women Noshin’ Hamantashen. The Jewish National Fund will celebrate Purim and bake hamantashen simultaneously from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in kitchens in Alpharetta, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Perimeter, Roswell, Sandy Springs and intown, as well as other locations in the Southeast, under the Skype direction of Israeli chef Talia Tzour. The cost is $18. Contact Abby Bernstein at abernstein@jnf.org or 404-236-8990, ext. 852.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 Purim carnival. Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave., Buckhead, aasynagogue.org, will offer a costume parade, inflatables, games, other activities and food as part of its carnival from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per child or $25 per family for mem-
Many Points of Purim Preparedness
Photos courtesy of The Sixth Point
A: (From left) Eric Phillips, Jennifer Coplin and Jami Rechtman
The Sixth Point (thesixthpoint.org) drew 64 people to a make-your-own hamatashen party in Sandy Springs on Feb. 22. Although 64 is a perfect cube (4 times 4 times 4) as well as a perfect square (8 times 8), it was an afternoon for turning circles into triangles, and tasty ones at that.
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C: (From left) Elaine Berkovich and Jackie Berkovich
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B: (From left) Alexandria Quillen, Brian Fink, Heather Rosenheck and Loren Fay Saunders
D: (From left) Kelli Gavant, Arielle Kass and Amanda Doreson
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B
C
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PURIM
Pizza, shpiel and Megillah. Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, will spread the Purim spirit with a pizza party from 5:15 to 6 p.m. ($5 at the door), a youth Megillah reading and costume contest from 6:15 to 7, a shpiel from 7 to 8, and the whole Megillah from 8 to 8:30; bethshalomatlanta.org/purim-at-beth-shalom. Carnival and Megillah reading. Congregation B’nai Torah, 700 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, will hold a carnival with games, a costume contest and food from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the Megillah at 6:30. Dinner and drinks for adults will follow the Megillah for a price of $18. RSVP to rsvp@bnaitorah.org or 404-257-0537. Purim shpiel and Megillah. Congregation Or Hadash, 7460 Trowbridge Road, Sandy Springs, www.or-hadash. org, will hold a spiel at 5:45 p.m., with a family Megillah reading at 6, a festive meal at 6:15 and the full Megillah at 6:45. Family and children’s fun. Congregation Shearith Israel, 1180 University Drive, Atlanta, will hold a free children’s dinner and offer prizes for best original costume and best family costume at a pre-Megillah celebration at 6 p.m. The fun will include music and the PJ Library book nook before the congregation’s Megillah reading and Purim shpiel at 7:15 p.m.; shearithisrael.com/purim-events. Purim shpiel. Congregation Dor Tamid, 11165 Parsons Road, Johns Creek, will combine its Megillah reading with a Purim shpiel from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.; www.dortamid.org. “Shpiel Night Live.” Congregation Gesher L’Torah celebrates the 2,500th anniversary (more or less) of the Purim shpiel with a free tribute to TV through the ages in shpiel fit for the king of Persia or a Duke of Hazzard (rated TV-14 for crude, possibly unfunny humor and 50 shades of hamantashen), as well as a Megillah reading enhanced by text on a big screen, at 7 p.m. in the synagogue social hall, 4320 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta. For a TV-G version of the Megillah, attend the family-friendly version at 6:15. Fire & Ice Masquerade. The young Jewish professionals group YJP Midtown will hold a party for people in their 20s
(minimum 21) and 30s at 7 p.m. at the Piedmont Room at the Park Tavern, 500 10th St., Midtown, with a full cash bar, DJ, hamantashen bar, salad bar, dinner, Megillah reading and raffle. Tickets are $15; www.YJPmidtownatlanta.com, 404-898-0434 or yjpmidtown@gmail.com. Absolut Purim. Temple Emanu-El, 1580 Spalding Drive, Sandy Springs, will discuss G-d’s role in the Book of Esther, with Persian mezze and Absolut vodka to fuel the debate. The cost is $10; www. templeemanuelatlanta.org. “Mordy and Esther to the Rescue!” The Bible Players’ Purim shpiel at Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway, East Cobb, will start at 7:45 p.m. after a 7 p.m. Megillah reading and will include drinks and snacks throughout the night; etzchaim.net.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5 Laugh and learn. Congregation B’nai Torah, 700 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, www.bnaitorah.org, will hold a Purim seudah. The cost is $10; rsvp@bnaitorah.org or 404-2570537.
receive a prize. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door for children, $15 in advance and $20 at the door for adults, or $55 in advance and $75 at the door for families; 404-898-0434 or chabadintown.org. A World of Opposites. The annual celebration at Congregation Beth Tefillah, 5065 High Point Road, Sandy Springs, chabadga.org, will start at 5:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their most creative opposite attire. Admission is $36 for adults and $12 for children ages 3 to 12; under 3 is free. RSVP by calling 404-843-2464, ext. 104. Purim in the Lab. Experiment with new tastes at a buffet, listen to a mad Megillah reading, watch a mad science show and participate in the grand Purim masquerade at 5:30 p.m. at Chabad of Cobb, 4450 Lower Roswell Road, East Cobb. Admission is $10 per person or $36 per family until Feb. 27, then $15 per person or $46 per family; office@ chabadofcobb.com, 770-565-4412 or www.chabadofcobb.com.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Purim off Ponce. The biggest annual
fundraiser for SOJOURN and the best costume party in town features circus performers, acrobats, drag queens, dancing and food from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at Le Fais do-do, 1611 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd., West Midtown Atlanta. Tickets start at $65 in advance, $85 at the door; sojourngsd.org/purim. Purim on Piedmont. A Marcus JCCsponsored celebration for adults ages 21 to 35 runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Tongue & Groove, 2420 Piedmont Road, Midtown. Tickets are $10 for center members and $15 for nonmembers and must be purchased in advance at www. atlantajcc.org/pldb-live/27865. Contact Roey Shoshan at 678-812-4055 or roey. shoshan@atlantajcc.org for more information.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8 Purim carnival. Congregation Or Hadash, 7460 Trowbridge Road, Sandy Springs, www.or-hadash.org, will hold a carnival from 10 a.m. to noon. Purim carnival. Congregation B’nai Israel, 1633 Highway 54 East, Jonesboro, bnai-israel.net, will hold a carnival from noon to 2 p.m.
Carnival and family masquerade. Chabad of North Fulton, 10180 Jones Bridge Road, Alpharetta, chabadnf.org, will hold a Purim carnival and costume party at 3 p.m. with games, hamantashen, a Megillah reading, crafts and a raffle. Admission is $5; 770-410-9000 or admin@chabadnf.org. P Is for Purim. The Kehilla, 5075 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, thekehilla. org, will gather for a grand Purim celebration that starts with a meal at 4 p.m. and includes drinks into the night. Wear a P-themed costume. Purim seudah. Young Israel of Toco Hills, 2056 LaVista Road, www.yith. org, will hold a Chinese banquet with music and entertainment for adults and children at 5 p.m. Tickets are $18 for member adults and $10 for member children ages 2 to 10 until March 1, then cost the same as nonmember tickets ($22 for adults, $14 for children). Register at www.yith.org/event/annual-purim-seudah.html. Purim at the Stadium. Chabad Intown will use a sports theme for its Purim feast at the Richard Kaufman Youth Center, 1041 Monroe Ave., Atlanta, beginning with a Megillah reading at 5 p.m. and continuing with performances and festivities at 5:45, including a kosher stadium buffet, popcorn and gourmet cotton candy. Wear sports gear to
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bers and $15 per child or $35 per family for nonmembers; food is extra. A free Megillah reading follows at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Marcia Lindner at mlinder@aasynagogue.org or 404-603-5748.
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PURIM
The Memory of a Most Joyful Holiday
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s your larder full of cakes? Ours was. Two weeks before Purim my mother became extremely busy: It was the time to bake the shelchmanoth. The pleasant odor of freshly baked cakes and kuchens and especially the Hungarian dobos torta — a 12-layered chocolate cake — filled our home. Look but do not touch. These cakes ended up resting on the wide steps of the ladder that led to the attic. They were waiting for Purim, when I would run all over the city distributing these goodies, these mishloach manot, to our friends and bringing their baked goods back home. The last and the first months of the Jewish calendar — Adar and Nissan — not only were the months in which we bade goodbye to the harsh winters in the Carpathian region and welcomed with great anticipation the coming of spring. Of course there was more to it. The month of Adar, we believed, was the lucky month for Jews, and we acknowledged it as such — not publicly, of course, but inside our home. On Rosh Chodesh Adar we retrieved the mee shenechnaz and attached it above the transom of the main door. Mee shenecnaz was a printed placard that declared in bold Hebrew letters: “When Adar enters, we increase our joy.” In the Shulchan Aruch, the book of Jewish laws and customs written and edited by Yosef Karo from Sfad in the 15th century, we are informed that if a Jew has a tort against a non-Jew, he should go to court in Adar for it is our lucky month. In preparation for Purim, which occurs on the 14th of Adar, we began our celebration by increasing our
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charitable donations and the giving of gifts. Gift giving was not associated with Chanukah, for which it is a relatively new American custom that serves as a quasi-integration into the Christian culture. For millennia Purim was our day of joy and gift giving.
ONE MAN’S OPINION Eugen Schoenfeld
I must tell you about the Purim spiel, the custom of Purim performances. Customarily boys would create short, witty plays. They would go house to house and perform their plays and would be rec-ompensed based on how elaborate the play was and how many persons participated in the play. Most often we had more than a dozen such groups dressed in various costumes perform in our home. I, too, as a young boy (I mean from the age of 6 to 9) performed Purim spiels. With the help of my mother I would put on a costume (one time she dressed me as a peasant girl), and I would visit neighbors and family and recite a simple ditty in Yiddish: Gutten Purin Malech wie ech geh fallech Fallech on dem stein zubrechech ich mein bain Fallech on ded gruss zebrech ich my burd Heint is Purim morgen is auss Giebt mier ein krazer und varft mech arouss. “I am the good angel of Purim; wherever I go, I fall. If I fall on stone, I break my bones, and if I fall on grass, I tear my beard. Today is Purim, and
mishloach manot. tomorrow it is over. Give me a penny But what is a banquet without and throw me out.” music? How can one become cheerAh! As much as I like to listen to ful without music for clapping and the reading of the Megillah, the tale of for stamping your feet with everyone Purim, and to join the whole congresinging? We had our visiting band of gation in hissing, stamping feet and Hungarian Gypsy music consisting whistling to eradicate the memory of of a violin, a viola, a tarogato (a bass Haman the villain, I looked forward to clarinet) and a cimbalom (a hammered the seudah, the Purim banquet, held dulcimer). They performed various in my grandparents’ home. It was an klezmer melodies and various Hungarevening of merriment and telling of ian Gypsy songs. jokes as though it was a Jew’s duty to Yes, Purim was a holiday of utter be happy that evening. Even I in my joy, of smiling preteens was given faces, of indula spritzer, a glass gences including of wine mixed with schlivovitz, a plum seltzer water. brandy. The center of It is one meal the meal was the when I was also turkey with its white permitted an meat ground up and excess: to drink mixed with challah, kracherloch, a eggs and various Photo by Megan Chromik via Flickr sweet soda pop, to condiments in the Even this dobos torta is no match my heart’s delight. midst of hardboiled for the 12-layer wonders of Next day we eggs. At the head Eugen Schoenfeld’s youth. began the preparaof the table next to tions for the next my grandfather was holiday, Pesach. It was my task to go the Purim koyletsch, a grand challah to the attic and retrieve the humonabout 2 feet long that was decorated gous (at least as I remembered it) pot with dried fruits and nuts and sweetened with sugar. We had potatoes fried into which Mother put the peeled and quartered red beets to ferment for the and sweet, honeyed carrots, and for next four weeks to become the base dessert all the cakes, including various dobos tortas and many leykachs (honey for one of the most delicious soups, the Pessachdik borsht. ■ cakes) and others that we received as
Making Merry This article is a blast from the Purim past, something written in March 2008 after the first Limmud Atlanta.
E
ight to 10 people with Rabbi Aaron Alexander delved into texts and commentaries to see whether Purim drunkness is commanded. The sources are sparse. The Megillah says that to celebrate their victory, the Jews observed days of feasting and merrymaking and sent gifts to one another and to the poor, and those actions became an obligation. The Babylonian Talmud picks up on that obligation with an interesting tractate (thanks to Rabbi Alexander for the translation): Rava said: One is obligated to become intoxicated on Purim until one does not know the difference between “cursed is Haman” and “blessed is Mordechai.” Rabbah and Rabbi Zera had the Purim feast together. They became intoxi-
cated. Rabbah arose and slew Rabbi Zera. The next day, Rabbah prayed for mercy and revived him. The next year, he asked him: “Let Master come and we will have the Purim feast together.” Rabbi Zera answered him: “Not every time does a miracle occur!” Does the passage mean we must get plastered because even two great sages did so? Or does it remove the obligation to get drunk because Rabbi Zera avoided a drunken repeat? What does the obligation to not know the difference between Haman and Mordechai mean? Get blindingly drunk? Drink enough to fall asleep so you can’t see anyone and thus can’t tell the difference? Or drink just enough to be happy so that you don’t care? Among the complications is the need to fulfill the Purim obligations to hear the Megillah, give gifts and give to the poor. It’s hard to do any of those things when passed out drunk. ■
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BUSINESS
Carnival Treat Goes Kosher, Gourmet
Cotton Cravings makes cotton candy as healthy as possible By David Cohen david@atljewishtimes.com
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he demand for organic and health-conscious products has steadily risen in the United States the past 15 years. One man has answered this demand for more responsible products with a classic treat: cotton candy. David Karsh, the CEO of Cotton Cravings, is the creator of the first kosher, organic, gluten-free and allergenfree cotton candy. Since 2012, Karsh and his wife, Dr. Mary-Sydney Karsh, have built Cotton Cravings into a socially and environmentally responsible company focused on the fun of one of the oldest sugary concoctions around. “We’ve taken a treat that everybody knows, and we’ve completely reinvented it,” Karsh said. “We only use organic sugar, natural flavors and natural colors. One of the things my wife educated me about a number of years ago is that artificial colors can lead to real medical ailments. Our commitment when we started was that we would never sell anything that we wouldn’t serve our kids.” Cotton Cravings is part of the growing segment of the gourmet food
market that consists of food trucks, for $24.99 at www.cottoncravings.com. farm-to-table restaurants and organic Karsh said Cotton Cravings’ costs supermarkets. Each provides higher- are somewhat higher than conventionquality food choices for health-con- al cotton candy, which he dismissed as scious Americans who want to know “nothing more than table sugar and arwhere their food comes from. tificial food coloring.” In short, If you we’ve come want to get a long way into the spinfrom frozen ning action, TV dinners. the compaW i t h ny’s website Cotton Cravalso sells the ings, Karsh supplies to has taken make your traditional own at home. cotton candy Karsh and added and co-owner Cotton Cravings produces the world’s first kosher, more than 20 Barry Herman, organic, gluten-free and allergen-free cotton candy. all-natural who are both flavors, such members of as Apple Pie, Congregation Mango Mania, Key Lime Cloud and Ariel in Dunwoody, have jumped into Rockin’ Rootbeer. All flavors are certi- wholesaling their product to retailers. fied kosher by the Atlanta Kashruth One of the first businesses to sell CotCommission. ton Cravings is the downtown Judaica The company caters to b’nai mitz- shop ModernTribe. Owner Jennie Rivvah and other special events where lin Roberts said customers have been the confection is spun on the spot for eating up the sweet treat. guests, including several upcoming Pu“ModernTribe and our customers rim carnivals. Packaged cotton candy is love Cotton Cravings,” Rivlin Roberts available in four-packs and flavor duos said. “Cotton candy is a best seller in
our shop with so many wonderful flavors. The fact that it’s kosher, organic and all-natural is a big selling point.” A 1999 graduate of the University of Miami, Karsh worked in media and communications before launching Cotton Cravings. He made stops at Fox News Radio in Miami and Burger King, where he was director of global communications. Dissatisfied with conventional candy’s ingredients, Karsh and his wife, a pediatrician, set out to create a healthier alternative for their three sons using organic cane juice and all-natural flavors and colors. Soon after, he created the company. One serving of Cotton Cravings has about 60 calories. Karsh said the company is aiming to scale up to national distribution as soon as possible. You also might see the products at concession stands soon. “There’s a strong opportunity in professional sporting events,” Karsh said. “If you’ve gone to a sporting event recently, it’s not just regular food like hot dogs and nachos anymore. There’s more of a gourmet push, and fans want an overall experience. Food is a part of that experience. One area that’s been left out of this gourmet push is the cotton candy.”■
The Quest for a Viral Mitzvah
ModernTribe creates Pay It Forward Purim gift box By David Cohen david@atljewishtimes.com
Far left: ModernTribe’s Pay It Forward Purim gift box aims to create a viral mitzvah.
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Near left: The smaller gift inside includes a card explaining the mitzvah of mishloach manot.
do the mitzvah him or herself. We hope this will result in new people knowing about and practicing this beautiful tradition.” The mitzvah of mishloach manot derives from the Book of Esther. It is meant to give everyone in the community enough food for the Purim feast and to increase love and friendship among Jews. It is also a response to Ha-
man’s allegation that the Jewish people are characterized by disunity. Rivlin Roberts said she was unaware of the tradition growing up. She first learned of it when ModernTribe customers began requested gift boxes for Purim.
Now she looks at the Pay It Forward gift box as a chance to spread awareness of the mitzvah. The store sells the gift box for $36, double chai. “We came up with this idea because of the lack of knowledge about mishloach manot,” she said. “It teaches about the mitzvah and makes it easy for a person to do it. We’ve come to call this extended mitzvah a viral mitzvah.” ModernTribe (www.moderntribe. com) is also offering other Purim gift items for all ages, including T-shirts, Purim window decals and a card game called Pass the Grogger. ■
FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
his Purim, ModernTribe is attempting to make a viral mitzvah in your community with its Pay It Forward gift box, the only Purim gift box that keeps on giving. Fulfill the mitzvah of mishloach manot with this gift box and continue the giving with a smaller gift inside for the recipient to pass on. The smaller gift has a card that explains the Purim mitzvah. “Purim gift baskets are a wonderful gesture,” ModernTribe owner Jennie Rivlin Roberts said. “It shows kindness. We are doing something very Jewish and traditional when we give mishloach manot. Our Pay It Forward Purim gift box teaches the mitzvah and makes it easy for the recipient to then
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TRAVEL
Kurdistan: Israel’s Invisible Friend
The developing would-be nation finds much in common with Jews This is the third part of Decatur resident Benjamin Kweskin’s account of his 10 months living in Iraqi Kurdistan with his wife, Whitney. Find the first two parts at atlantajewishtimes.com. By Benjamin Kweskin
FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
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urdistan is not a country you will see on most maps because it is not officially recognized by the international community — yet. But travelers will be hard pressed to find any Iraqi flags flying there, just as they will be hard pressed to find any Kurd who thinks of himself or herself as Iraqi. Unlike in many Middle Eastern countries, Israelis and those who have Israel stamped on their passports are waved into Kurdistan without any hassle. No longer isolated and ignored, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is increasingly an economic and political force to be reckoned with. Its military, bolstered by the United States, the United Kingdom and other Western countries, has proved itself on the battlefield against Islamic State terrorists and has pushed them back. This secular, democratic government is tolerant of different ethnic and religious communities and is proud that there were zero U.S. casualties in the Kurdistan Region when American troops were stationed in Iraq from 2003 to 2011. We know a former serviceman who used to sneak off base into Ankawa so he could purchase alcohol for his men, always making it to the shops and back to base with no trouble whatsoever (other than the tonguelashing from his commanding officer in the morning). The economy, sustained through vast oil and gas reserves, has suffered in recent months but is in far better shape than the rest of Iraq. The region has a steadily rising middle class, rapid urbanization and a large youth population that does not know Arab rule or even speak Arabic in many cases. Infrastructure has vastly improved with highways and tunnels being laid. The region has more than a dozen institutions of higher learning and more new high-rise condominiums and commercial developments than anywhere I have been. Though the Kurds are quickly modernizing and Westernizing, they
have begun to seriously maintain their archaeological, historical and natural sites, such as the famed Citadel, continuously inhabited for over 7,000 years; the Roman-era bridge in Zakho; the dramatic waterfalls of Geli Alig Beg and Ahmad Awa; and Shanidar, a huge cave near a large river where several Neanderthal remains were found in the 1950s by Ralph Solecki, a professor from Columbia University. Ties between the Kurds and Jews and Israelis draw increasing awareness and interest, and many believe that the two peoples share a great deal of culture, history and values. In 1991, when Saddam Hussein began the brutal suppression of the Kurdish uprising, the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now the Union for Reform Judaism) accused the United States of “demonstrating a shameful abdication of political and moral responsibility” and urged Washington to do more. Israeli Kurds demonstrated in front of Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir’s office. Recently, Jews and Israelis have shown strong support for Kurdish fighters battling the Islamic State, and several months Top: Benjamin and Whitney Kweskin enjoy the beauty ago a Canadian-Israeli of Iraqi Kurdistan in 2014. Above and right: Dohuk, the woman openly joined third-largest Kurdish city, not only is lovely on the outside, Kurdish fighters in Syrbut also included an Israeli film in a festival. ia. Many Kurds proudly appear with their Jewish friends in of my favorites, “Ballad of the Weeping photos, and some have visited Israel Spring.” Sadly, we missed the screening and experienced the vibrant Israeli by one day. In some Middle Eastern countries, Kurdish community, which has an esmerely screening an Israeli film would timated population of 100,000. Kurds be grounds for imprisonment. have taken to social media in support Some people seek relations of Israel and Jewish causes, appeared based on the “enemy of my enemy is with Israeli flags, and even had the Star my friend” philosophy, but that only of David tattooed on them. scratches the surface of deep JewishA couple of years ago, the student Kurdish relations. body of one of the most prestigious uniThe Kurdistan Region is a growing versities in the KRG voted in favor of hub: Visitors will see American and Euestablishing diplomatic ties with Israel ropean fast-food chains, multinational by a ratio of 3-to-1. companies of all sorts, international On one of our first excursions outdevelopment agencies, nongovernmenside Erbil, Whitney and I traveled to the tal organizations, and representational third-largest city in Kurdistan, Dohuk, offices from institutions such as the near Turkey. A film festival was hapInternational Red Cross, the European pening that weekend, and we walked Union and the United Nations. More into the hall and saw a large poster for than 20 countries, including the Unitan Israeli movie that happens to be one
ed States, have consulates. Tourists will be comfortable and well taken care of, especially if they are on tours with larger groups, and security can easily be arranged and coordinated if requested. The KRG is interested in maintaining an image of peace, tolerance and stability for its citizens and for foreign tourists. Still, tourists should understand that the KRG has not been able to facilitate the first-class travel experience of other countries because most industries are in their developmental stages. Luxury services are available, including hotels and resorts, and fine dining is an option in the larger cities. There is a ski resort, and you can kayak down a rapid-filled river or climb and hike some of Iraq’s tallest peaks in the first official nature preserve. You also can join in pickup soccer games with the neighborhood boys, who likely will ask whether you prefer
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TRAVEL Real Madrid or Barcelona. I am often asked whether I had a good time and how it was living in a place most people have never heard of and can’t locate on a map. It is difficult to convey that my wife and I felt comfortable in a foreign land that felt
comfortably familiar. Perhaps it was in part because I had studied the place and people or because we have so many friends from the Kurdish community. We both had lived in other countries, however, and traveled to many others before this latest excursion, and
we knew how challenging it could be to live in a foreign country. Nearly everyone we came into contact with was polite, hospitable and welcoming of our presence as Americans. Kurdistan is a mystery for most foreigners, although less so today be-
Kurdistan’s Jewish Sights
cause of recent exposure from the international media. It is a beautiful, fascinating and developing region that is seeking to balance Eastern and Western influences, and it is a place that has deep links to Jewish history that should not be missed. ■
Photos by Benjamin Kweskin
Clockwise from far left: The Jews left Akre 70 years ago, but part of the old city is still called the Jewish Quarter. Readable Hebrew inscriptions remain at what is reputed to be the tomb of Nahum in Al-Qosh. Torches light up the mountainside overlooking the old city of Akre during the New Year’s celebration of Newroz. The Dalal Bridge is in Zakho, which was known as “Little Jerusalem” for its sizable Jewish population until the 1950s.
By Benjamin Kweskin
(ancestors of Kurds) during the first captivity. He is best known for predicting the downfall of ancient Nineveh (Mosul). He is said to be buried in the synagogue named after him, which stands in deplorable condition. A tomb wrapped in green cloths is in the center of the synagogue, but it is said that Nahum’s remains are in a nearby church for safekeeping because he is revered as Nabi Nahum by local Christians. This once-beautiful structure, said to have been refurbished in the 1700s, was a central pilgrimage site for Jewish communities, particularly during Shavuot. Next to the crumbling synagogue lives a Christian man who keeps the key to the synagogue; he is the son of the man given the key by the last rabbi of the town. Several clearly written Hebrew plaques and carvings include prayers and information about the synagogue. Amedi — Famous Jewish traveler
Benjamin of Tudela visited Kurdistan in the 12th century and reported that 25,000 Jews who spoke Aramaic lived in the area. Amedi, built on a plateau, was the birthplace of a false messiah, “David Alroy” or Menahem ben Solomon, who called for a return to Jerusalem in the 12th century. At the beginning of the 1800s, 2,000 of the 6,000 people in the town were Jewish. The difficultto-find ruins of at least one synagogue are in the area; the surrounding area includes the remains of a synagogue named after Asenath Barzani, possibly the first female rabbi. Erbil — The Jewish community mostly lived in two neighborhoods: Tajil, near the largest bazaar, and atop the famous, several-thousand-yearold Citadel, where Christian, Jewish and Muslim families lived together for centuries. The Citadel had a synagogue until 1957, when officials in Baghdad destroyed it. A small population of Jews remained and assimilated, at least culturally. The prophet Ezra or Azariah (scholars disagree) is said to have stayed in Erbil for some time, and though he is not buried here, a mosque envelops the area where he is said to
have rested. Kirkuk — You can visit the tomb of the prophet Daniel in Kirkuk’s lesser-known citadel, which is not well maintained, financed or promoted. The prophets Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah are buried in what many locals say is the area of Kirkuk’s first cemetery. The Jewish community used to live near these tombs. Sulaimaniya — A neighborhood in the center of town is called the Jewlakan. It is a residential area behind the main thoroughfare and market area in this large city. A mosque, most likely once a synagogue, is called the Jewlakan Mosque. Some Ben-Jews live in this area and speak the Aramaic dialect particular to the Jewish community. Zakho — Known for a large and influential Jewish population for many centuries through the early 1950s, Zakho held several synagogues and was known as “Little Jerusalem.” The Khabur River, which flows through the city, is mentioned in the Bible as one of the places where Israelites were exiled, along with other locations in Syrian or Turkish Kurdistan. The Jewish Quarter in Zakho is largely in its original state, and the current inhabitants remember who used to live in each house. ■ 23 FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
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he following list of Jewish attractions is by no means complete: Akre — The ancient area in the middle of the old city is still referred to as the Jewish Quarter even though the community left nearly 70 years ago; Jews evidently were nearly 5 percent of the city’s population in the 1920s. The most famous attraction in Akre, particularly during Newroz (New Year’s Day, March 20 and 21), is where young people light torches to illuminate the evening sky on top of the most prominent mountain, which overlooks the old city. Behind the mountain is a flat area called Zervia Dji (Land of the Jews), where the Jewish community would gather on top of the mountain for holidays and celebrations. In this area are pits that have Hebrew carvings along the walls. There is also a community of “Ben-Jews,” Jewish-descended people who converted to Islam but retain their own folk history. Many Akrawis have Jewish ancestors and even relatives in Israel today. Al-Qosh, the Synagogue of the Prophet Nahum — Nahum of Al-Qosh was likely descended from Israelites forcedly brought to what was then Assyria and the “cities of the Medes”
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Relaxed Sophistication in Buckhead
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e are a community of elegant nesters. Our homes envelop our travels, our family heirlooms and our “pieces” — usually with the help of a designer who enables us to be true to ourselves. Our spirit soars in art. We wake up to a mask from Madagascar, look in a mirror from Venice, sleep on things Egyptian. Our kitchen counters are from South Africa, we walk on silk carpets from what used to be Persia, and sometimes we score a Paul Evans table on eBay or a chandelier on
For our first tour, enter the home of Joan and Donald Brown. Seventeen years ago, they downsized to a single-family home in Buckhead where their décor blends family heirlooms with their love of discovery and collecting. It’s the right amount of vibrancy
CHAI-STYLE INTERIORS By Marcia Jaffe mjaffe@atljewishtimes.com
credenza and the great room fireplace. Near the fireplace is Aunt Etta’s marquetry table with a century-old lamp that lights at top and bottom, juxtaposed with a three-piece Michael Sherrill sculpture group. On the opposite end of the fireplace sits another
Photos by Duane Stork
Above: Joan Brown is a big fan of cousin Lisa Bradley’s oils. Also in the background is a glass menorah by Elizabeth Mears. Top right: Shane Fero’s oversized hummingbird perfume bottle sits in the hallway. Right middle: These sculptural vases are from Jane Pieser. Right bottom: One of the Browns’ three Ferdinand Rosa oils is over the master tub.
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Craigslist. An original Matisse along the way is nice too. Beginning with this issue, the Atlanta Jewish Times is launching a feature in which we take private tours of fabulous local interiors and interview the homes’ collector/owners. You will see a local artist’s midcentury modern four-level home with wallpaper she painted and peek into some designers’ own spaces. Experience the whimsical, the elaborate, the downscaled and the upsized, the glass, the Judaica, and the 24 Masters like never before.
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and drama with relaxed sophistication. Entering, we see the contrast of a red glass vertical sculpture by Kenny Pieper set against a print by Harvey Littleton, for which glass was used as the printing plate. As the scarlet sculpture is illuminated, Joan says with a laugh, “In December the neighbors think it’s a Christmas tree.” The open living room gives way to several areas of interest. Throughout the house artist Ferdinand Rosa dominates with three large, colorful oils: over the master tub, the dining room
antique secretary with a painting by the late Atlanta artist Paul Chelko. Don says, “That Chelko hung in my father’s Peachtree Art Theatre, which served as Chelko’s first gallery.” The hallway features another Chelko atop a wood pedestal by John Clark, a North Carolina wood sculptor, with an oversized, wood, flamed hummingbird perfume bottle by Shane
Fero. A delicate red basket by Billie Ruth Sudduth — “a national treasure,” Joan says — peeks through. Joan’s favorites are a pair of monochromatic paintings by her cousin Lisa Bradley, who shows at Taggart Gallery in Manhattan. “We could pass for sisters,” says Joan, who greatly admires her work because “I find it very calming. I see something different each time I look at them.” The glass menorah from Penland is by Elizabeth Mears and is surrounded by Gary Beecham’s turquoise bowl and a Black Arts Festival piece by Jamaican Dudley Vaccianna. Most important is a recently commissioned custom glass etched bowl by Jan Ritter, in which the Browns’ four silhouetted grandchildren dance within the delicate layers. The dining room is the crowning jewel, as well it should be, with a chandelier that was converted from gas to electric from an old house in Savannah (Donald’s Blumenthal grandparents). The Blumenthals also brought the Russian samovar that sits atop a charming, eclectic antique credenza. Joan says, “I got the credenza as a gift when our daughter was born.” The chandelier works with the steel base of the dining table, which was commissioned to mirror the graceful arches of its branches. The spark ling lilac bowl in the table’s center is by
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Mark Pieser. The corners of the dining room display prints by famous Bauhaus Yale art professor Joseph Albers. Albers was known as “the European refugee instructor,” and his legacy was the meaning of form and the well-regarded book “The Interaction of Color.” The kitchen has a whimsical edge with family photos backdropped by a red woven piece (Jose Fumero) with naked women, motorcycles and Budweiser beer images peeking through. Donald says, “You have to look real closely to see the naked ladies.” In front stands an important bowl, Pieper’s “Autumn Primavera.” The outdoor front entrance wel-
Left top: The dining room features a chandelier converted from gas to electricity. Left bottom: The Browns’ entrance features a Kenny Pieper sculpture and Harvey Littleton print. Top: A Ferdinand Rosa oil is surrounded by a Paul Chelko work and family heirloom marquetry. Left middle: (Photo by Marcia Jaffe) Outside the front door is a 10-foot-tall metal sculpture by Alex Henderson from showroom Blood, Sweat and Steel. Left: The whimsical kitchen features Kenny Pieper’s “Autumn Primavera” bowl in front of Jose Fumero’s red woven work.
More From Joan on Décor Jaffe: What advice would you give to young folks starting to collect? Brown: Buy what you like, but nothing fake. Start small with what you can afford and go from there.
Jaffe: What about glass especially appeals to you?
Brown: Being surrounded by glass reminds us of the fragility of life. Doesn’t it? Jaffe: So how would you describe your style? Brown: The bottom line is that we wanted a home that incorporated the old and the new, the comfortable, the colorful, and, above all, interesting and stimulating things. And many of our artists happen to be Jewish. ■
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comes with a 10-foot-tall, three-tier, emerald elliptical metal sculpture by Alex Henderson from showroom Blood, Sweat and Steel. The front yard’s iron twisted sculpture is by Philadelphia artist Paul Lichtenstein.
Jaffe: What piece would you like to wake up and find newly added in your home? Brown: I always see things that spark my interest. Right now it is a metalwood-and-glass cocktail table. Maybe a Richard Jolley glass or a piece of the late Harvey Littleton, who really got the glass movement going.
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A Medical Mensch at the AJFF
Movie Briefs
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No Oscar for Atlanta’s ‘Dragon’ Lady
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Jaffe: So you are salaried by the JDC? Jaffe: How would you quantify the e were fascinated when Dr. Hodes: Correct. scope of what you have accomplished Rick Hodes introduced his over the past decade? movie “Zemene” on MonJaffe: You do this with what staff? Hodes: Basically I have treated 1 day, Feb. 16, at Lefont Sandy Springs Hodes: I am the only M.D. We have percent of Israel’s total population of for the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. two full-time nurses and other full7 million — over 70,000 Ethiopians Hodes is no stranger to many of us as time assistants. who have immigrated since I joined I first read about him in Atlantan Melissa Fay Greene’s book “There’s No Me the JDC. Jaffe: What types of conditions do you Without You.” I was mestreat? merized with the tikkun Hodes: Rheumatic and congenital olam they both practiced JAFFE’S JEWISH JIVE heart disease. Spinal deformities — TB with the care and adoption of the spine and scoliosis, injuries, of Ethiopian children. By Marcia Jaffe trauma. Childhood cancers. Hodes, known intermjaffe@atljewishtimes.com nationally, was Person of Jaffe: Why do Ethiopians have such the Week on ABC’s “World dramatic spinal disease? Is it News Tonight,” poor nutrition? a guest on “Good Hodes: Good question. There Morning America,” is no data on the prevalence. a CNN Hero, and It has been said that I have the subject of an the largest collection of the HBO documentary worst spines in the world. … and a book, “This Is After 50 degrees, we do surSoul: The Mission gery. We see some way over of Rick Hodes.” 100 or 200 degrees. Some are “Zemene” folreally terrible and severe. lows a hunchback girl who is mocked, Jaffe: How is that possible? malnourished and Hodes: We think of someturned away from thing folded as 180 degrees. the village hospital. We see spines that are A chance encounshaped like a figure 8 or a ter with Hodes saxophone. illuminates his faith-based compasJaffe: Where do you see sion in transformyourself in 10 years? ing individual lives Dr. Rick Hodes examines an Ethiopian spine patient in Addis Ababa. Hodes: In 2006 we saw 20 and communities. patients. In 2012 we saw 296. In 2014, Hodes, a ba’al teshuva and Ful400. We partner with Ghana and send Jaffe: Do you only treat Jewish Ethiobright scholar who trained at Johns surgeries there. We need to train staff pians? Hopkins, has adopted five Ethiopian to be able to operate locally. Hodes: Absolutely not. This is JDC, a children and never married (he is nonsectarian program. We see anyone “available”). He has treated refugees Jaffe: What does the treatment consist who walks through our doors. These from Zaire, Rwanda, Somalia and of? days there are almost no immigrants. Tanzania and was pivotal in OperaHodes: For severe patients, we drill tion Solomon, the airlift of Ethiopians four holes in the skull. Then for 23 Jaffe: Do patients have an understandto Israel. My nephew Bret Caller, a hours a day, they are stretched — ing that a Jewish organization is fundvolunteer, accompanied Hodes on a when they sit, sleep or stand. Then we ing this? subsequent flight and was overcome operate. Then two to seven months in Hodes: Yes, most definitely. If asked, I with emotion at the power of Jewish say, “We follow the Old Testament. And traction. good will. we are tied to the nation of Israel.” I “It is a life-changing experience to Jaffe: Atlanta welcomes you. find them to be appreciative. witness the squalor these refugees live Hodes: I have been here before as I in and then to work with Dr. Hodes to have a son who works at Emory. I have Jaffe: I saw the movie “Live and help transform their lives by moving many friends here, and I like Southern Become” about Falashas having to them to Israel. He is an incredible friendliness. pretend to be Jewish to enter Israel. Is person,” Caller said. that accurate? Sandy Bailey in the “Zemene” A poem from an Ethiopian patient: Hodes: They enter two ways: the Law audience said of Hodes: “What a big “You are the one who has made of Return, where only one grandparheart. That’s what I saw.” dark life light ent has to be Jewish, or the Law of Since 1990 Hodes (rickhodes.org) Entry — can be non-Jewish family uni- “You are the one who has treated has been the doctor for the American fication. Fortunately, I am a doctor and the broken heart.” ■ Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. don’t have to make these decisions. 26 Here is an excerpt from our interview.
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The Oscar did not go to Jewish filmmaker Bonnie Arnold, an Atlanta native and University of Georgia graduate who got her start in the movie business here. Arnold has been a movie producer since “Dances With Wolves” in 1990 and has worked almost exclusively on animated films since producing “Toy Story” in 1995. She had her first Academy Award nomination Feb. 22 for DreamWorks’ “How to Train Your Dragon 2” in the category of best animated feature film. But the award went to Disney’s “Big Hero 6.” Arnold will have another shot with “How to Train Your Dragon 3,” due out in summer 2018. The 87th Oscars also were a disappointment for Israeli duo Oded Binnun and Mihal Brezis, who were nominated for their live-action short “Aya” but lost to “The Phone Call.”
‘Apples,’ ‘Above and Beyond’ Win Over AJFF Audiences
Festival-opening documentary “Above and Beyond” and coming-of-age narrative “Apples From the Desert” are the winners of the 2015 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Audience Awards for feature-length movies. “Above and Beyond,” produced by Nancy Spielberg, tells the story of the birth of the Israeli air force at the start of the War of Independence. It drew an audience of more than 2,000 people for the festival’s opening night, then did not screen again at the festival. “Apples” is about a young Israeli woman who rebels against the strict rules of her Haredi parents. It is a nominee for three Israeli Academy Awards. In addition to three scheduled screenings during the festival, “Apples” was one of 11 movies to get special encore screenings the last two days of the festival. Only “Apples From the Desert” and “Serial (Bad) Weddings” got two encore showings. Also winning an Audience Award, based on the ballots turned in by moviegoers after each screening, is short “A Good Story,” which portrays the desire of an elderly women for a broken jug in an antiques shop near the GermanPolish border. All three winning films will return to Atlanta for special Audience Award screenings at dates to be de-termined. ■
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Dance as if Your Heart Were Breaking By Suzi Brozman sbrozman@atljewishtimes.com
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‘Tuck’ an Everlasting Joy By Suzi Brozman sbrozman@atljewishtimes.com
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t’s not often that regional audiences get to see a Broadway-class world premiere, but “Tuck Everlasting” delivered that kind of performance on the Woodruff Arts Center stage from Jan. 21 to Feb. 22. A sweet play, based on the youngadult novel by Natalie Babbitt, it was billed as appropriate for ages 10 and up, but I’d have considered the maturity of the child I wanted to take. Like the old Broadway classic “Camelot,” it had moments of pure joy and brightness interspersed with darker themes not every child could handle. The serious parts aside, “Tuck” offered fun for everyone. A show-stopping piece starring an old carnival man in a yellow suit will live forever in my mind. The 10-year-old star, Sarah Charles Lewis, had the talent and stage presence to carry the show by herself, but she didn’t have to — the rest of the cast combined talent, comic timing, dance ability and sheer likeability to form a cohesive whole. The only problem was the music. I didn’t leave the theater humming or even remembering a single tune. If you missed the show, the rumor is that it’s being considered for a Broadway run. And we’ll be able to say Atlanta had it first. ■
‘Giant Peach’ Rolls In
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he Alliance Theatre’s family series will present “James and the Giant Peach,” a one-act musical based on the Roald Dahl novel, on Saturdays and Sundays from March 14 to 29. It’s the story of a young English orphan and his magical journey with friendly, human-size insects while being chased by his villainous aunts, Spiker and Sponge. “What is family? This question is one that remains in James’ mind and heart through all of his many madcap adventures,” director Rosemary Newcott said. “And the answer is one that is definitely worth a trip in a giant peach.” Playing James is 12-year-old Benjamin Harding. Sponge is played by Jewish community member Wendy Melkonian, known at the Alliance for her performances in “Sister Act — The Musical” and “Seussical,” among others. Tickets, ranging from $20 to $35, and more information are available by visiting alliancetheatre.org/giantpeach or calling 404-733-5000. ■
Unfortunately Theodore Bikel did not bring his guitar to the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival’s closing night.
A Match Made In Yiddish Heaven
Theodore Bikel and Sholom Aleichem share festival’s final spotlight By Suzi Brozman sbrozman@atljewishtimes.com
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f you love Yiddish, if you love Jewish culture, if you love Sholom Aleichem, if you love Theodore Bikel, you’ll have to find a way to see the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival’s closing film, “Theodore Bikel: In the Shoes of Sholom Aleichem.” The entire closingnight audience was transfixed by Bikel’s wisdom, his talent, his reminiscences and his beautifully expressive eyes, which twinkled unceasingly as he remembered his parents, his upbringing and his years playing Tevye the milkman on stages everywhere. The film was narrated by Alan Alda, but Bikel owned the center stage, as he always does. He quoted Sholom Aleichem on Yiddish: “It’s like pastrami — it has a richness and a flavor you can’t get anywhere else.” Actors, authors, musicians and even Aleichem’s centenarian granddaughter were interviewed in the film. A highlight was the use of old footage, letting us see what the lost world of the European shtetl, the cities in Poland and even New York’s Lower East Side looked like in their heyday. People dancing and klezmer bands performing evoked the world today’s Yiddish authorities want to see revitalized.
“My parents only spoke Yiddish when they didn’t want me to understand,” one person said in the film, and the audience laughed in appreciation and agreement. At age 90, Bikel sees himself nearing his end and wants us to keep this slice of Jewish culture alive. In a post-film conversation with radio personality Lois Reitzes, Bikel talked about the soul of the Jew, composed of humor, tragedy and social justice. Sholom Aleichem, with his brilliant portrayals of Jews in their native tongue, gave us a taste of the life those generations of Jews brought here. “Tevye,” Bikel said, “has become Everyman. The better a character is, the more universal he becomes. In Israel when I was young, no one wanted you to speak Yiddish. It was identified with Jews as victims, losers. Ben-Gurion made Yiddish an exile in the land of the Jews.” After eight years, Bikel moved to London to study at the end of World War II and got involved with Yiddish theater, which has sustained him. I wish Bikel had brought his guitar to serenade the lucky group who got tickets to see the film and him. But seeing him was enough, a soul-satisfying reminder of the continuity of Jewish 27 culture, theater and life. ■ FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
he current show on the Hertz Stage at the Alliance Theatre is Tsehaye Geralyn Hebert’s “The C.A. Lyons Project,” the 2015 winner of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition. Artistic director Susan Booth and director Kent Gash have worked magic to weave a disparate handful of stories into a cohesive whole for ages 16 and older. If you love dance, you won’t want to miss this evening of theater, music and movement. I won’t even try to unravel the plots. They’re important, focusing on AIDS, gender, race relations, abuse, deafness and much more, but it’s the dance that holds and mesmerizes you. There’s jazz, African, ballet, ballroom, experimental, and even touches of Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey. Every character is strongly portrayed, some even heartbreakingly true to life. The one I couldn’t take my eyes off was Danielle Deadwyler’s tattooed Chaos Unit, aka Christine Cross, a young dancer so angry yet so expressive that I just wanted to hug her and tell her everything was going to be OK. As with many young playwrights, Hebert tries to handle more plot lines and situations than can comfortably be explored and wrapped up in one evening, but I could write for volumes on the ethical problems she poses and the ways they are treated. This is a show you have to experience for yourself; you have until March 8. Purchase tickets at the box office, via 404-733-5000 or at alliancetheatre.org. ■
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My Age of Anxiety, and Scott Stossel’s By Suzi Brozman sbrozman@atljewishtimes.com
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hen I’m assigned to write about a famous artist, scholar, author or anyone else with outstanding credentials, I get nervous. Will I know enough not to make a fool of myself with my questions? Will I portray that person’s ideas accurately? Imagine, then, how I felt when I received Scott Stossel’s new book to read before interviewing him. The book, “My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind,” meant confronting all of my fears with someone far more knowledgeable about them. I needn’t have worried. Stossel, editor of The Atlantic, is a gentleman in the truest sense, aware of people’s feelings and willing to discuss his topic on any level. His book is more than a memoir; it is a veritable encyclopedia of anxiety, from his personal story to history and cultural variables to drugs, treatments and cures. It’s fascinating enough to keep you up reading and deep enough to act as a textbook. Stossel told me that some people say it made them feel better about confronting their fears. People learned that
me, but I can rise above some drugs work and them and act quite calm, some don’t and how cool and collected.” the debate between naHe said the obviture and nurture treats ous things help: getting anxiety. enough sleep, eating well, It’s fascinating that exercising, avoiding too anxieties in our ancesmuch caffeine. Alcohol tors present themselves is a big no-no. “It is an inin our own behavior. credibly effective shortStossel finds this true term anxiety reducer, a in Holocaust survivors, short-term augmenter of though studies haven’t well-being. But overall it’s shown whether behava terrible way to control iors in survivors cause Photo by Michael Lionstar anxiety. The rebound efanxiety in children Scott Stossel fect creates dependence, and grandchildren or and relying on it makes whether genetic mutations are responsible. But we know that you need more and more. It’s very survivors’ descendants have a higher potent, but no doctor would ever predegree of anxiety than the general pop- scribe it.” Stossel, the nephew of television ulation. Stossel said he has found anxiety personality John Stossel, said he seeks answers for himself. “Force yourself to help “from a shysician, a psychiatrist. stay in the moment. Focus on your sur- Hospitals have anxiety programs. The roundings. Don’t dwell on the past and ADAA [Anxiety and Depression Associon regret or anticipation about bad be- ation of America] website is a resource havior. Stay mindful. Do breathing ex- that provides information about anxiercises. There are times I’ve been in the ety disorders, and you can look up therthroes of an attack. … These exercises apists where you live.” He believes in mindfulness medican stop it in its tracks, but once it’s full blown, I’m powerless. Things that are tation. It makes you more resistant to legitimately stressful can overwhelm anxiety and creates brain changes that
can be beneficial. Anxiety, he said, is woven into the human condition, but certain periods of history, economic structures and uncertainty are conducive to anxiety, especially when vast choices improve material well-being but deplete your brain, making you vulnerable to regret for making wrong choices. Stossel said the book offers different things to readers in different situations. “For readers suffering, I hope it gives them hope and consolation that they are not alone, they are not completely crazy. For those with friends and relatives suffering, the book can provide empathy, allowing readers to offer useful support for what their friends are going through. And for general readers, the book provides an interesting exploration of the history of pharmacology and the human condition.” ■ What: Page From the Book Festival event with Scott Stossel Where: Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1 Tickets: $10 for center members, $15 for others; 678-812-4002 or atlantajcc.org/ bookfestival
What Happens When a Parent Goes Mad? By Suzi Brozman sbrozman@atljewishtimes.com
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hat headline isn’t a personal confession. It’s the topic of Laura Lippman’s newest murder mystery, “Hush Hush,” featuring for the 12th time Tess Monaghan exerting her intellect in the pursuit of justice.
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Years earlier, a wealthy, charismatic mother was acquitted of killing her infant daughter on the grounds of post-partum psychosis. Who among us hasn’t been outraged by a court ruling on temporary insanity and its longterm implications? Now the fictional mother has emerged from hiding to reunite with
her surviving children. She wants her life back and her story told. Personal investigator Tess Monaghan has been assigned to assess the situation. Who’s the stalker, who’s being stalked, and why? Lippman has a rare ability to interweave dialogue, action, comedy and horror into a book you can’t put down. It’s no wonder she’s a perennial New York Times best-selling author. For an opportunity to learn how this prolific author constructs her stories, attend the Marcus JCC’s Page From the Book Festival event Tuesday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for center members, $15 for others, and are available at the JCC box office, through 678-8124002 and at atlantajcc.org/ book festival. ■
Photo by Jan Cobb Laura Lippman
OBITUARIES – MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING
Bruce Howell Branitz 69, Duluth
Bruce Howell Branitz, 69, of Duluth passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 20, 2015. Born to Sylvia and Murray Branitz, both of blessed memory, in New York, he was a beloved surgeon, son, brother, father, grandfather and friend. Preceded in death by his brother, Marlon, Bruce is survived by his daughters, Marni Wolf and Sloane Barras; a son, Daniel; grandchildren Cole, Jordan and Carly Wolf and Talia and Jake Barras; and a brother, Harley. An online guestbook is available at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Embracing Hospice, 2160 Fountain Drive, Snellville, GA 30078. Graveside services were held Monday, Feb. 23, at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs with Rabbi Michoel Lipshutz officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Leonard Farber 93, Sandy Springs
Leonard Farber, 93, lived independently in Sandy Springs until he passed away Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. Affectionately known as Lenny or Uncle Lenny, he was the youngest of four and was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Feb. 4, 1922, to the late Betty and Charles Farber. He was a World War II Army veteran in the Foreign Service and a regional salesman for Mattel Toy Co., frequently awarded top National Salesman of the Year. Upon retirement, he became an impressive, self-taught amateur chef and skillful wood craftsman. Lenny was a man of great integrity who loved his afternoon toddy, a cool baseball cap, and the company of his family and friends. He was beloved for his generosity, quick wit and sense of humor by his nieces and nephews — Lynne Rabinowitz, Ira Rachelson, Ducie Rachelson, Kay Rachelson, Jay Silverman, Sondra Farber, Gayle Farber and Diane Johnson — and equally by his great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews. Lenny had the admirable gift of living life to the fullest on his own terms. An online guestbook is available at www.edressler.com. Graveside services were held Feb. 25 at Crest Lawn Memorial Park with Rabbi Ilan Feldman officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Congregation Beth Jacob or to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
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cy Cutler and Stephen Block, on Feb. 18. Bernice Bloom, 97, of Denver, mother of Temple Sinai member Herschel Bloom, Ronna Bloom and Andrea Bloom, on Feb. 18. Leonard Friedman on Feb. 9. Dora Israel of Atlanta, mother of Murray Israel, on Feb. 18. Lane Andrew Kinsler, 51, of Roswell, son of Jack Kinsler, stepson of Jan Saperstein Kinsler, and brother of Britt Kinsler and Liz Freedman, Laura Kinsler, Daniel and Rhonda Rice, and David and Julie Weinstein, on Feb. 12. Morris Alvin Levy of Atlanta, a Temple member, husband of Sarah Levy, and father of Jerry Levy and Ben Levy, on Feb. 16. Muriel “Moekie” Lief, 78, sister of Ivy Grushkin and mother of Gillian and Ralph Sher and Temple Kol Emeth members Jeremy and Carol Lief, on Feb. 14. Rosalind Rappaport, 100, of Atlanta, mother of Temple Sinai member Mark Rappaport, on Feb. 19. Irwin Septow, 87, of Chicago, father of Temple Sinai member Linda Bachmann and Carol Septow, on Feb. 19. Rickie Cornfeld Star, 60, of Indianapolis, sister of Temple Sinai member Arthur Cornfeld and Michael Cornfeld and wife of Eugene Star, on Feb. 17. Neil Striesfeld of Marietta, a Temple Kol Emeth member, husband of Marsha Striesfeld, and father of David Striesfeld and stepdaughter Julie Williams, on Feb. 18. Zoya Vidrina, mother of Nataliya Shevchuck, on Feb. 15. Susan Wise on Feb. 18. Gerald Wittes, 86, of Hartsdale, N.Y., father of Temple Kol Emeth member Rob Wittes, on Feb. 10. Leonard “Bud” Yesner, 90, of Atlanta, husband of Selma Yesner and father of Glenn and Debra Yesner and Jack and Sharyn Yesner, on Feb. 13.
Mae Gabowitz Gaber 95, Atlanta
Death Notices Our obituaries come to us from funeral homes and are paid for by the families. For families who decline this option, the Atlanta Jewish Times is running a list of other recent deaths. We invite all area synagogues to send their condolence announcements to the AJT so that we can include the information here. Send notices of deaths to editor@ atljewishtimes.com. Joseph Alpert on Feb. 20. Dr. Isaac Edward Block, father of Temple Sinai member Kathie Gottlieb, Nan-
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Mae Gabowitz Gaber, 95, of Atlanta died Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. Mrs. Gaber was the youngest of six siblings. She, along with her husband, owned and operated Reese’s Antiques. She was a longtime member of Congregation Shearith Israel and enjoyed volunteering with Hadassah, ORT and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Survivors include her daughter, Arlene Gaber of Atlanta; a son and daughterin-law, Donald and Donna Gaber of Atlanta; a grandson, Steven Gaber; and many nieces and nephews who adored her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sidney Gaber, of blessed memory. Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Weinstein Hospice, 3150 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30327. A graveside service was held Feb. 24 at Crest Lawn Memorial Park with Rabbi Hillel Norry officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
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CLOSING THOUGHTS
FEBRUARY 27 ▪ 2015
Retreat Casts Light On Women’s Lives
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intuitively that speaking authentically The purple-and-gray brochure about their life experiences was a good announcing the retreat grabbed my way to bond. attention. My immediate response Then it was time to exercise. was probably generated by the color Enthusiastic teacher Daniella told purple, which I love. I opened the pamthe group that yoga would increase phlet, read the agenda and decided flexibility and help with balance. to sign up, not because of the purple, but because the program included icebreakers, a written project, yoga and a ACCORDING TO ARLENE guest speaker. Considering it would By Arlene Appelrouth be only a two-hour retreat, aappelrouth@atljewishtimes.com I was curious how everything would be accomplished. I was also looking “Balance is not something you are forward to meeting women and hopborn with. We have to learn it,” she ing for an interesting morning that said while instructing us to stand on combined the stimulation of a guest the right foot, then shift our balance speaker with the relaxation of yoga. while remaining aware of our abdomiOn the second Sunday in Februnal muscles. ary, I headed to Congregation Or Hadash in Sandy Springs for the Or Nashim retreat. Or nashim means “light of women.” It’s a nontraditional women’s group with programs designed to give something to those who attend. In the words of Or Hadash Rabbi Analia Bortz, “Or Nashim is not a sisterhood. It is a gift Arlene Appelrouth attends the Or Nashim retreat with for women because it Rabbi Analia Bortz, Karen Weinberg and Marj Friedman. allows us to be receivers. Women are constantly We followed the teacher’s instrucgiving to others.” tions. We rolled our hips, paid attenI arrived at the retreat, grabbed tion to our hip joints and shifted our coffee and went into the classroom, focus wherever the instructor told us. where the chairs were in a circle. I sat “This should feel good,” she said. and counted the women. I was No. 22. When I heard her say yoga causes I noticed how multigenerational the transformation at a cellular level and group was. The women ranged in age promotes self-healing, I was struggling from their early 20s to their 70s. not to fall and wondered whether any As an icebreaker, each of us had of the other women were feeling so to pick a slip of paper out of a bag. challenged. Four women had elected Each piece of paper had a year, like to stay seated while the rest of us were 2005 or 1987. We went around the breathing and moving on cue. room sharing something significant Afterward, everyone sat to listen that happened to us in that year. to a woman speak about her journey “That was the year I started with breast cancer. She wrote a book medical school,” one woman said. to help women deal with the fear acAnother woman talked about starting a company. Someone else talked about companying that grim diagnosis. The retreat was a rich experience. losing a parent. Another gave birth to I got glimpses into the lives of other a child. The sharing was personal and meaningful. As we listened and talked, women, learned how to heal myself through yoga and heard a brave I found myself growing in appreciawoman share her journey with cancer. tion for the other women. This was I left with gratitude for having been a diverse group of highly educated, mostly professional women who knew there. ■
CROSSWORD “Thrillah in Megillah” By Jonathan Gersch Editor: DavidBenkof@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Medium
ACROSS 1. Sport, as tzitzit 5. A prophet 9. Where Jacob lived in his last years 14. Brit who analyzes the Arab/Israel conflict? 15. Female U.S. pol who advocated for Jews during WWII 16. Shekels and such 17. Jerusalem Botanical Garden flower 18. Israeli woman 19. Like Israelís coastal region, topographically 20. Like some frillier mishloach manot baskets 23. “Gila, ___....” 24. Precursor to shalom? 25. Does matanot la’evyonim 32. Part of an IDF uniform 33. Slandered beyond lashon hara 34. T’chelet, e.g 35. Gershwin and namesakes 36. Holiday spirit 38. Israeli sandal maker 39. Did a mitzvah in a sukkah 40. Knesset deputy speaker Nachman 41. What Moses was not at the Burning Bush 42. They may put on a shpiel 46. It may end with .il 47. It supports hasbara for Israel advocates 48. Megillah figureÖone of which is hidden in each of 20-, 25- and 42-Across 55. Rabbi/novelist Chaim 56. European capital with the Peitav Shul 57. First word in much wedding music 58. Send ____ package to an Israeli Soldier (Friends of the IDF project) 59. With the Alliance Israelite Universelle?
60. ____ Crossing (checkpoint area) 61. Kabbalist’s book 62. City where one of Chabad’s 18 locations in Arizona can be found 63. Like Maimonidean manuscripts DOWN 1. On a ____ (like a possible shuk purchase) 2. It could be exchanged for about 4.6 shekels in early 2015 3. Former Labor leader Peretz 4. Miluim, IDF-wise 5. Many Israel dwellers from Africa, recently 6. Grape used for sweet kiddush wine 7. “____ Kandelikas” (Chanukah song) 8. What one might do with some karbanot 9. Made Judenrein 10. Weaken, like Jacob’s leg (literally!) 11. King David’s nephew 12. Israel Ballet dancer’s move 13. What one may bring back from Eilat 21. Kashrut, for one 22. Gad’s brother 25. 1/20 of a Biblical shekel 26. Like some Knesset members, during a heated debate 27. Greasy like latkes 28. Prepare tzitzit 29. Tel Aviv cinema 30. Big kvetch 31. Haggadah verb 32. ìBei Mir ____ Du Sheinî (Sammy Cahn/
Saul Chaplin hit) 36. Place to find three wise men - or more 37. ____ Nof (Jerusalem neighborhood) 38. British leader who was friends with Chief Rabbi Jacobowitz 40. Histadrut member, at times 41. Org. which helps Israeli Persians? 43. Israel’s weekly Spanish paper 44. “Rock ____” (Chanukah song) 45. Possible kumsitz instrument 48. A little Ladino? 49. Tabernacle state? 50. What a teen may do before the bagrut 51. Rosh Hashanah honeymaking locale 52. Canadian Jewish actress Strong who voiced Dil Pickles on “Rugrats” 53. Adverb describing God’s reign 54. What some men do not do during sefirah 55. Feature of the Golden Age of Spain
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