Atlanta Jewish Times, No. 9, March 13, 2015 by Atlanta Jewish Times

After a half-century as a rabbi, Stanley Davids isn’t done working for change. Page 4

RASHI’S DAY

ROLL CAMERAS

Hundreds help Chabad of North Fulton remember its rebbetzin with a new campus. Page 6

Missing the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival? Take your taste for cinema to Athens. Page 26

ALL NEW

50-YEAR ITCH

Atlanta CATCH IT IN APRIL

#ONLYZOOATL VOL. XC NO. 9

MARCH 13, 2015 | 22 ADAR 5775

WWW.ATLANTAJEWISHTIMES.COM

Mind and Other Matters

Oliver Fights Fast-Moving LaVista Bill By David R. Cohen david@atljewishtimes.com

The innovative stroke center at Grady Memorial Hospital joins a medical program for the children of homeless veterans, an educational program for hospitalized children, cystic fibrosis research and the opening of Berman Commons in our Health & Wellness section. Pages 16-23

WHAT A PARTY

The 500 people at SOJOURN’s Purim off Ponce take the fundraising seriously by not taking themselves seriously at all. Page 14

MUSICAL MEMORY

The closing event of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival features classical pieces from and inspired by the Holocaust era. Page 25

Calendar

INSIDE

2 Health & Wellness 16

Candle Lighting

3 Business

Local News

4 Arts

Israel

9 Obituaries

Opinion

10 Crossword

Purim

14 Marketplace

bill to incorporate Toco Hills into the proposed city of LaVista Hills is approaching a deadline without the support of the state representative for the heavily Jewish neighborhood. H.B. 520 must pass the House and move to the Senate by March 13, or it will be dead until 2016. The bill, introduced March 2, cleared the House Governmental Affairs Committee in two days. But state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, D-Decatur, whose 82nd District includes Toco Hills, objected to the bill, citing its conflicting borders with a proposal to annex part of Toco Hills and other areas of DeKalb County into the city of Atlanta. “Moving this fast with the conflicting borders generates more confusion,” Oliver said. “When our process is flawed, it doesn’t add to public trust.” While the cityhood proposal must clear the House by March 13, an annexation bill does not have to meet that crossover date. Such a bill had not been introduced when the Governmental Affairs Committee acted on the LaVista Hills bill. Still, Oliver said the committee action violated rules it adopted at the start of the session to halt cityhood and annexation proposals with border disputes. “I formally objected to LaVista Hills being eligible for a vote based on the committee rules, and the chair overruled my objection,” Oliver said. “LaVista Hills has every opportunity to attempt a resolution with the Atlanta annexation proponents and refuses to do so.” ■

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, Dunwoody. Admission is free; www. atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4071.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

AJMF Opening Night. The sixth annual Atlanta Jewish Music Festival begins with Montreal-based klezmer/roots/ rock group Jump Babylon performing at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. at Steve’s Live Music, 234 Hilderbrand Drive, Sandy Springs. Tickets are $20 at 7:30 and $15 at 9:30; www.atlantajmf.org.

A passionate ally in your pursuit of happiness. You’ve got plans. And wouldn’t it be great if you had someone who was as keen about your plans as you are? A champion, a cheerleader, and helper all in one? That “someone” is The Piedmont at Buckhead Retirement Community. Your complimentary lunch and tour awaits. Please call 404.496.5492 to schedule.

I n de p e n de n t & A s s i s t e d L i v i ng P r e v iou s ly k now n a s T h e H a l l m a r k

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

The Premier Retirement Address in Buckhead 650 Phipps Boulevard NE • Atlanta, GA 404.496.5492 • www.ThePiedmontatBuckhead.com

AJT 2

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

Musical Shabbat service. Ahavath Achim Synagogue and Congregation Bet Haverim musicians celebrate Jewish music through sacred Kirtan chanting at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave., Buckhead, at 7:30 p.m. Free admission; www.atlantajmf.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

Album release. Georgia songstress Zale performs a record release concert for her debut album, “Fortress,” as part of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival at Steve’s Live Music, 234 Hilderbrand Drive, Sandy Springs, at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $60 for a reserved table of four; www. atlantajmf.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

Hunger Walk/Run. The annual benefit for the Atlanta Community Food Bank and other hunger charities takes place at Turner Field at 9 a.m. The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta is coordinating Jewish participation and providing links to register with two dozen teams at www.jewishatlanta. org/hungerwalk. More information at www.hungerwalkrun.org. 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 guidance 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. Daddy-daughter dance. Girls from

pre-K through sixth grade can bring the male adults in their lives to the Marcus Jewish Community Center, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, for dancing to music from Vibe Entertainment from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per couple for members and $50 for nonmembers; www.atlantajcc.org/ pldb-live/26743 or 678-812-3727. Red Heifers concert. The Macon-based Red Heifers perform their modern take on klezmer, zydeco and other world music styles at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, in a free Atlanta Jewish Music Festival show; www.atlantajmf.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 16

Entertainment meet-up. Jewish filmmakers, TV and radio producers, music sound engineers and composers, writers, and directors are invited to converse and collaborate at 7:30 p.m. at Vision Studio 402, Listening Beyond Productions, 3875 Green Industrial Way, Chamblee. Contribution is $5; RSVP to Laya Shaikun at listeningbeyond@gmail.com or 404-200-5955.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

Passover parody. The weekly Ladies, Lyrics & Laughter Meetup at 1:45 p.m. will write a Passover song parody, then hold an open jam at 3 at Vision Studio 402, Listening Beyond Productions, 3875 Green Industrial Way, Chamblee. Contribution is $5; RSVP to Laya Shaikun at listeningbeyond@gmail.com or 404-200-5955. Cystic fibrosis update. Dr. Eitan Kerem, head of the pediatric division at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, discusses cystic fibrosis research at 7 p.m. at Congregation Or Hadash, 7460 Trowbridge Road, Sandy Springs. Suggested contribution of $5 at the door; 678-443-2961 or atlanta@ hadassah.org. Chocolate seder. The Marcus Jewish Community Center’s Rabbi Brian Glusman leads a chocolate, educational take on the Passover seder for adults at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway, East Cobb. Tickets are $18 until March 9, then $25; etzchaim.net/chocolateseder or 770-973-0137.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19

Young-adult happy hour. The free monthly third-Thursday happy hour at Smash Kitchen & Bar, 804 Town Blvd., Brookhaven, starts at 6:30 p.m.; 678812-4055 or roey.shoshan@atlantajcc. org.

CALENDAR

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Parsha Vayak’hel-Pekudei Friday, March 13, light candles at 7:26 p.m. Saturday, March 14, Shabbat ends at 8:21 p.m. Parsha Vayikra Friday, March 20, light candles at 7:31 p.m. Saturday, March 21, Shabbat ends at 8:27 p.m.

Music improv. Open Jam ’N Jews starts at 7:30 p.m. at Vision Studio 402, Listening Beyond Productions, 3875 Green Industrial Way, Chamblee. Contribution is $5; RSVP to Laya Shaikun at listeningbeyond@gmail.com or 404-200-5955.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20

Shabbat ruach (spirit) celebration. Local musicians help bring in Shabbat with a free Atlanta Jewish Music Festival celebration featuring timeless melodies, new creations and soothing grooves at 6:15 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody; www.atlantajmf.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

AJMF Main Event. Israeli artists Yael Deckelbaum and Diwan Saz headline the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival at 8:45 p.m. at Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave., Little Five Points. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 the day of the show; www.atlantajmf.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Interfaith dialogue. Members of Diwan Saz talk with Atlanta leaders at 10 a.m. at the Emory Center for Ethics, 1531 Dickey Drive, Decatur, about their lives in the Middle East and how they use music to promote peace. Free; www.atlantajmf.org. March of the Torah. Chabad of Cobb welcomes its new Torah 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 lunch; www.chabadofcobb.com/Torah or 770-565-4412. Play it again, Sam. The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival holds encore screenings of its Audience Award winners at GTC Merchants Walk in East Cobb. Best short “A Good Story’ shows at 3:45 p.m. for $3, best narrative feature “Apples From the Desert” at 4:30 p.m. for $13, and best documentary “Above and Beyond” at 7:30 p.m. for $13; ajff.org. Cantorial showcase. Cantors Lauren Adesnik, Deborah Hartman, Nancy Kassel and Barbara Margulis celebrate sacred music from across the ages in a free Atlanta Jewish Music Festival event at 4:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 1580 Spalding Drive, Sandy Springs; www.atlantajmf.org.

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. Holocaust concert. Kennesaw State University’s School of Music closes the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival with “Music of Resistance and Survival: A Holocaust Remembrance Concert,” including a new work by Kennesaw State composer in residence Laurence Sherr, at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., Midtown Atlanta, with two exhibits at 7 p.m. and the concert at 8. Free with registration; www.musicKSU.com or 470-578-3214.

Send all your items for the calendar to submissions@atljewishtimes.com.

Corrections & Clarifications The location for the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival’s Shabbat ruach (spirit) celebration at 6:15 p.m. Friday, March 20, has been changed to Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody. The incorrect location was listed in the March 6 issue.

THE SONENSHINE TEAM

Atlanta’s Favorite Real Estate Team DEBBIE SONENSHINE STAR NEWMAN KATIE GALLOW Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Internationally Certified Negotiator, Luxury, New Homes and Corporate Relocation Specialist #1 Sales Associate in Sandy Springs Office Voted Favorite Jewish Realtor in AJT, Best of Jewish Atlanta

#1 Team Coldwell Banker Atlanta Welcome to Aspen in Atlanta! Prestigious Gated Home in Stonewalk • Detailed Real Wood Molding, Antique Nailhead Floors, Beamed Ceilings- No Detail Overlooked • True Chef’s Kitchen w/ Top-of-the-Line Appliances Overlooks Great Room • Master Retreat on Main with Gorgeous Spa-Like Bath & Custom Wood Closet • 7 Bedrooms/ 6 Full Baths /1 Half Baths • Terrace Level Features a 2nd Master Suite,

East Cobb $1,200,000

Rec Room, Wine Cellar & More! • To Die For Outdoor Living Space- Covered Porch, Grotto Pool, Level Private Fenced Backyard, Stone Patio & Built-in Grilling Area • Carriage House Suite Above 3-Car Garage Makes a Perfect Office,Yoga Studio or Au Pair Suite • East Side/Dickerson/Walton

direct 404.250.5311 ofﬁce 404.252.4908

Debbie@SonenshineTeam.com | www.SonenshineTeam.com ©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Operated By a Subsidiary of NRT LLC.

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

“More Glory Days.” The latest musical revue from Fifty Plus Productions opens at the Marcus Jewish Community Center, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, for seven shows, starting at 7:30 tonight and ending with two shows March 29. Tickets are $17 for JCC members, $25 for nonmembers and $12 for students and children; www.atlantajcc.org/pldb-live/25480.

AJT 3

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

LOCAL NEWS

50 Years of Progressive Leadership Rabbinical conference to honor Rabbi Stanley Davids By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com

fter half a century as a rabbi, Stanley Davids is not about to stop working for Israel, the Reform movement and other causes. “We who were once the future and then were the present are not ready to lay down our burdens. Not yet. Not now. We have too much to do. We are needed,” Rabbi Davids said in a speech in January to the National Association of Retired Reform Rabbis (read the whole speech at atlantajew-ishtimes. com). Rabbi Davids, who was ordained in May 1965, is being honored for his 50 years in the rabbinate at the Central Conference of American Rabbis convention, which begins March 15 in Philadelphia. He said in an interview from his home in California that he remembers seeing colleagues being similarly honored when he was a young rabbi, and he couldn’t imagine being “an old geezer waiting to be honored.” “I’m really a little bit surprised to

have made it,” he said. He noted that he went through serious health problems in the 1990s, being told every six months that he had only three months to live. “I never thought I would reach 40 years in the rabbinate, let alone 50. I’m grateful to my family, physicians, G-d, whatever forces are involved so that Resa and I are able to celebrate this milestone.” Rabbi Davids served as the senior rabbi at Temple Emanu-El from 1992 to 2004. “I loved the privilege of living in Atlanta” and building a Jewish community, he said. “There’s a part of me that will always be there because of the friends we made and what we experienced. We had a wonderful life there.” He said the community will always be in his and wife Resa’s hearts, and they come back to visit at least once a year, most recently in December. When he retired to emeritus status at Emanu-El in 2004, he and Resa made aliyah. “Resa and I dreamed of making aliyah practically from the time we were

birthday parties from oytoys and thou shalt read

Sabbag don’t MitzvahGalia Magician Party►miss us at

signingyear’s mjcca this Shira thefestival! book

Magic show with Debbie Leifer, renowned magician Cake and refreshments Story time Gift book for each child

Detective Sammy Spider Party

►

Sammy Spider arts and crafts, activities, and games Cake and refreshments Story time Gift book for each child

March 15th from 1:00 – 4:00 PM Oy Toys in Roswell

Everything Noah’s Ark Party►

Spring Asher

Children enjoy a live petting zoo Cake and refreshments Story time Gift book for each child

and the artists signing

►

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

Craft Party Our Family Haggadah Children create provided wooden craft Cake and refreshments Story time Gift book for each child

AJT 4

life sized picture of Shira Calltaking for priCes for picture with the kids

www.andthoushaltread.com AndThouShaltRead.com|| www.oytoys.com Oytoys.com

state, the American Jewmarried. It was ish community will not a shared dream,” be able to sustain itself. In the rabbi said, exthe same way, if we can’t plaining that they create a strong, engaged wanted to be a part Jewish community here, of bringing Jewish the Jewish state in Israel values to life and will have problems surshaping Israeli soviving. We need both.” ciety. Rabbi Davids said the “We loved the battle to define Israel as privilege of freely Temple Emanu-El Rabbi Emeritus moving about a Stanley Davids and his wife, Resa, equally Jewish and demonow live in Santa Monica, Calif. cratic is a battle for the country that for soul of the Jewish people thousands of years our people only dreamed about,” he and must be won. He cited the example of his own neighborhood in Jerusalem, said. In Israel, Rabbi Davids and his where people struggled over the coexiswife played a part in strengthening tence of strictly observant and secular progressive Judaism, which expanded Jews. He said Israel must overcome a from 33 functioning Reform congregations when they arrived to 51 when they tendency to set aside the battle for left in August. Resa Davids established justice, democracy and pluralism in 27 liberal women’s groups across Israel the face of external threats. “I don’t beand helped bring about a fundamental lieve the success of Zionism will ever shift in how Jewish women function in be measured by strong borders and an the whole world, the rabbi said. Mean- oppressive internal society,” he said. while, he serves on the Jewish Agency’s “Israel came into being to be a light to the nations — not just a refuge, but an board of governors. He cited a number of positive exemplar.” He said he considers himself more changes in Israel during his 11 years there. The Israeli government pays for a pragmatist than an optimist, but he’s Reform rabbis and provides some sup- also a prisoner of hope when it comes port to build Reform synagogues. Israe- to Israel. “For the past few thousand li buses carry signs to remind women years, we’ve overcome those challengthat no one has the right to tell them to es. I expect that we will again.” Rabbi Davids and his wife moved move to the back. And grass-roots organizations have formed coalitions that back to the United States in August, settling in Santa Monica, to be near two have made Israel a better place. “The progress of progressive Ju- adult children and five grandchildren daism is strong, solid, substantive but in the Los Angeles area. He said the sepnot linear. There is a huge amount of aration from relatives was the hardest pushback,” he said. “Nothing is carved part of living in Israel, but the sudden decision to move back was driven by in stone. Everything is evolving.” He said the Israeli elections March serious health issues that could best be 17 pose a risk to progressive Judaism addressed near family. He said he’s feeling fine. “I’m quite because any coalition involving Haredi parties could try to roll back the ad- optimistic as to how things will work vances. Another battleground is the out.” The rabbi said he has many World Zionist Congress elections, in which Rabbi Davids is part of the Asso- friends in addition to the family in the ciation of Reform Zionists of America area, but he still has found it difficult to slate in a bid to keep his WZC seat. He get established in the Los Angeles Jewsaid the WZC is “one of the few places ish community because activities are where diaspora Jews can go head to confined to silos. “I found the Atlanta head with the political forces in Israel Jewish community to be more generand make a difference. I hope that mes- ally warm and open and welcoming.” Still, Rabbi Davids is determined sage can get through to the Jewish comto keep teaching and trying to make a munity.” He said Israel and the diaspora difference in people’s lives. He sees his are interdependent because the Jew- 50th anniversary in the rabbinate as a ish world is an ellipse with two focal stepping-stone to more activities. “It’s points, Israel and the United States. “If been an absolutely wonderful opportuIsrael fails to be a democratic Jewish nity to serve the Jewish people.” ■

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

LOCAL NEWS

Remember When

Atlanta

PUBLISHER MICHAEL A. MORRIS

michael@atljewishtimes.com

BUSINESS OFFICE Business Manager

KAYLENE RUDY

krudy@atljewishtimes.com

ADVERTISING SALES Senior Account Manager

JULIE BENVENISTE julie@atljewishtimes.com Senior Account Manager

STACY LAVICTOIRE stacy@atljewishtimes.com

EDITORIAL Editor

MICHAEL JACOBS

mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com

and Gaza as occupied territory,” he said, but he denied the legitimacy of Jordanian and Egyptian rule in those areas before the Six-Day War in 1967.

10 Years Ago March 11, 2005

• Georgia State University has been unable to find the vandals who scrawled swastikas on walls and etched them into furnishings in four classrooms across multiple incidents during the school year, but faculty member Zipora Wagner, who teaches Hebrew in one of the classrooms, doesn’t think Jewish students were the targets of the graffiti. • The bat mitzvah of Hilary Jordan Fisher, daughter of Ted and Amy Fisher of Atlanta, was held Oct. 23 at The Temple. 25 Years Ago March 9, 1990 • A reported Bush administration study of the legality of Israel’s settlements in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank is nothing new, said Hebrew University international law professor Yehuda Blum, visiting Atlanta in support of Israel Bonds. “The United States seems to regard Judaea, Samaria

• The bat mitzvah of Margaux Serena Nodvin, daughter of Sondra and Marvin Nodvin of Dunwoody, took place March 3 at Ahavath Achim Synagogue. 50 Years Ago March 12, 1965 • Probably the largest display of top Georgia brass in Atlanta Jewish history turned out to see Abe Goldstein receive the Distinguished Citizen’s Award from Atlanta Post 112 of the Jewish War Veterans. Among the 500 persons at Ahavath Achim Synagogue were Atlanta Vice Mayor Sam Massell Jr., Georgia Gov. Carl Sanders, Sen. Herman Talmadge, and U.S. Reps. Charles Weltner and James Mackay. • Mr. and Mrs. Samuel V. Shonson of Atlanta announce the engagement of their daughter, Franceen Joy Shonson, to Melvin Philip Tillem, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Tillem of Atlanta. An August wedding is planned.

Associate Editor

DAVID R. COHEN

david@atljewishtimes.com

Contributors This Week SUZI BROZMAN TALYA GORDON JORDAN GORFINKEL JIMMY GRINZAID LEAH HARRISON MARCIA JAFFE KEVIN MADIGAN REBECCA MCCARTHY FRAN MEMBERG SUSAN SCHRIBER ORLOFF LOGAN C. RITCHIE MINDY RUBENSTEIN ABE SCHEAR DAVE SCHECHTER SHAINDLE SCHMUCKLER EUGEN SCHOENFELD DAVID SHAPIRO ALLEN SHPIGEL

Let Amazon Cleaning make your life easier!

5 2 OFF

ITIAL YOUR LINEANING) DEEPne cCoupon offer per job (valid o

Same 2 person team for each visit All chemicals and equipment, included at no extra cost, including green cleaning Guaranteed Computerized Scheduling Fully HEPA ﬁltered vacuums to prevent cross contamination from house to house All crews fully bonded, licensed, insured and background checked Only top 2% of Angieslist Companies receive super service award year after year, Amazon has won the award the past consecutive 5 years running Specializing in repeat cleaning service but also offers one time deep and turn key cleaning service

CREATIVE SERVICES

No long term contracts required, we earn the right to continue with dependable service

Creative Design

RICO FIGLIOLINI EZ2BSOCIAL CONTACT INFORMATION GENERAL OFFICE 404.883.2130 KRUDY@ATLJEWISHTIMES.COM

Ability to customize rooms and time intervals

i.e. weekly, every 2 weeks, every 4 weeks 8 weeks or seasonal

770-906-4001

The Atlanta Jewish Times is printed in Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. The opinions expressed in the Atlanta Jewish Times do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper. Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta, Ga.

Servicing most of Metro Atlanta

THE ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES (ISSN# 0892-33451) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY SOUTHERN ISRAELITE, LLC 270 Carpenter Drive, Suite 320, ATLANTA, GA 30328 © 2015 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES Printed by Gannett Publishing Services MEMBER Conexx: America Israel Business Connector American Jewish Press Association Please send all photos, stories and editorial content to: submissions@atljewishtimes.com

PET FRIE DL CREN WS Y

www.amazoncleaning.net

24 hour Service Guarantee

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

POSTMASTER send address changes to The Atlanta Jewish Times 270 Carpenter Drive Suite 320, Atlanta Ga 30328. Established 1925 as The Southern Israelite Phone: (404) 883-2130 www.atlantajewishtimes.com

AJT 5

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

LOCAL LOCAL NEWS NEWS

Rashi Celebration Beautiful, Bittersweet

Chabad of North Fulton honors her memory with Torah, groundbreaking By Mindy Rubenstein mrubenstein@atljewishtimes.com

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

young girl sat atop her father’s shoulders as he danced with rabbis and other Jewish men from throughout the Atlanta community and the world. As her blond braids bounced, her hand reached out to touch the little bells of the shiny silver crown atop the Torah that had been completed moments earlier, the last of its letters placed delicately by the steady hand of Rabbi Chaim Meyer Lieberman, father of Rashi Minkowicz, who died suddenly a year earlier at the age of 37. The celebration March 8 marked the rebbetzin’s first yahrzeit, or anniversary of her death, and included completion of the Torah scroll in her memory and the placement of the cornerstone of what will become Rashi’s Campus, the new $4 million home of Chabad of North Fulton. The potent energy of Jewish unity among the hundreds gathered, whether in black hats and beards or jeans and T-shirts, was comparable to the Torah scroll, which brings together letters and souls to form a single people. “Rashi was truly an angel,” said Hamid Yousefzadeh, smiling as he headed into the large white tent on the Johns Creek property where hundreds gathered for the ceremony. Originally from Iran, he and his wife, Farzenah, live in Johns Creek and have attended Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz’s shul for 12 years, along with their two children, now 9 and 13. “It is an honor to have such a rabbi to look up to and learn more and more from every day,” he said. His wife added that Rabbi Minkowicz and his wife

AJT 6

were accepting and welcoming of Jews of all nationalities and backgrounds. Judy Solomon-Acker of Alpharetta has attended Chabad for 13 years, beginning when her children went to Camp Gan Israel, which Rashi started. “I really miss her,” she said. “They were such a great pair. They really complemented each other and have done so many great things. It’s magnificent.” During the Sunday event nearly a dozen speakers shared personal reflections about Chabad and the Minkowicz family. Rashi’s mother, Sara Lieberman of New York, said she and Rashi used to talk on the phone regularly, discussing things that most mothers and daughters would: the children, clothing, recipes and holidays. But Rashi also looked to her mother, a longtime rebbetzin, for guidance in preparing her now-famous weekly Torah and Tea classes. “Torah and Tea goes way beyond anything,” Lieberman said. “Chabad of North Fulton serves as a model for all Jewish communities everywhere,” she said. “The collective heart of the Jewish people here is beating fiercely and lovingly in honor of Rashi.” Rabbi Minkowicz’s mother, Shoshana, turned Rashi’s name into an acrostic: R for her being a real person who left real tracks in a community whose people were her pride and joy; A for her being attuned, attentive and appreciative of every person; S for shlucha (emissary) because she lived that role to the fullest with her style, strength and smile; H for humility; and I for inspired because she was an inspiration and her community is an inspiration. Rashi Marcus, a cousin of Rashi’s who worked at Camp Gan Israel a decade ago, struggled to compose herself

Photos by Michael Jacobs

Clockwise from top left: Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz looks on as his father, Rabbi Leima Minkowicz, helps roll the just-completed Torah honoring the late Rashi Minkowicz. Yoel, Henya and Tonia Minkowicz place the cornerstone for Rashi’s Campus. Chabad of Georgia Rabbi Yossi New addresses the crowd at the Chabad of North Fulton event March 8. The new Torah completed in memory of Rashi Minkowicz is carried under a chuppah to its synagogue home at Chabad of North Fulton.

while explaining that the event was a day of joy but that Rashi was truly missed. Noting that it was the month of Adar, known for joy, she said sometimes G-d makes it difficult to see the goodness. When she thinks of Rashi, she remembers her laughter. “It was a beautiful thing to be around.” Rashi’s daughter Tonia, now in fifth grade, spoke about one of her favorite memories. A guest who saw a photo of Rashi as a child once said Tonia looks just like her. That night, as Rashi tucked her daughter into bed, she said she felt fortunate that they looked alike because her daughter is so beautiful. That brief story brought many in the crowd, including some of the younger girls, to tears. Son Mendel Minkowicz, who now attends high school in New York, spoke about his dream for Rashi’s Campus. “My dream has now come true.”

Todd and Gabrielle Starr are the chairs of the $4 million fundraising campaign for the campus, a project whose origins go back to January 2012. Todd Starr credited Anthony Shapiro, Sunday’s master of ceremonies, for making hundreds of phone calls to launch the fundraising, which has gained pledges for $3.1 million. He said crews will begin clearing the land in a few weeks, and the new facility will open in January 2017. “We are blessed to be led by an amazing rabbi and friend,” Starr said. “He’s the most resilient person I have ever met.” Rabbi Yossi New, the director of Chabad of Georgia, noted that the weekly Torah portion, Vayekil, described the first Jewish capital campaign, to build the Mishkan, G-d’s dwelling place in the Sinai, which was so successful that Moses had to ask people to stop giving.

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

LOCAL LOCAL NEWS NEWS her commitNaftali and Shaya ment and sacridressed the Torah. fice.” A childhood Accordfriend of the rabbi’s, ing to Jewish Naftali Berkowitz, tradition, a and the project’s groundbreaking architect, Arie features a corKohn, placed a silnerstone, which ver crown atop the later is mounted Torah, and a festive on the side of the procession carried new building. the Torah under Rabbi Minkowa chuppah to the icz said none of current synagogue the building’s building. do-nors wanted Food, music the honor of Tonia Minkowicz talks about her late mother. and dancing folplacing the corlowed the procesnerstone but insion. stead thought his children should do it. “This would have brought Rashi a “I think that’s a tremendous lot of pride and joy to see all her hard thing,” he said. Yoel, Henya and Tonia work coming to fruition,” said Dena Minkowicz took the honor. Schusterman, who co-directs Chabad The two-hour ceremony conclud- Intown with her husband, Rabbi Elied with the completion of the Torah yahu Schusterman. “It’s really a beautiscroll, its last letters written by Rashi’s ful event but the true meaning of bitfamily and overseen by a scribe. tersweet.” Rabbi Minkowicz’s father, Rabbi Dena Friedman runs CongregaLeima Minkowicz, lifted the Torah tion Ariel in Dunwoody with her husto display it to all gathered, and sons band, Rabbi Binyomin Friedman. As

aha a

CREATING EARLY LEARNING MOMENTS

a kindergarten teacher at Torah Day School of Atlanta for more than 20 years, she taught several of the Minkowicz children. “She was a positive force in every sense of the word — at school, at home and in her community,” she said after the ceremony. “It’s no wonder this will produce something amazing.” During the celebration, Trudy Robbins of Toco Hills and her daughter, Tehilla, mingled among the guests. Tehilla is in class with Rashi’s daughter Henya at TDSA, and the family has spent Shabbat at the Minkowicz home and shul. “I thought it was a beautiful way to honor Rashi,” Robbins said, “and for us to show our support for the community.” Robin Varon and her family live in Sandy Springs and attend Congregation Beth Tefillah with Rabbi New. She said the beautiful event after Rashi’s death was bittersweet. “Rashi was a very special person who dedicated her whole life to her family and serving her community,” she said. “It’s a huge tribute to her legacy and everything she did.” ■

Ahava Early Learning Center Now Registering for Fall 2015

Reggio Emilia-Inspired Learning Environment

ENROLL TODAY For information, visit our website at www.ahavalearning.org or call 404-603-5759. Ahavath Achim Synagogue | 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW | Atlanta, Georgia 30327

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

He expressed the wish that the Chabad of North Fulton campaign will be the second Jewish capital campaign to reach that point. It’s impossible to understand what the Minkowicz family has gone through since Rashi’s death March 11, 2014, Rabbi New said. But the family serves as “an example of how to overcome adversity and transform darkness into light.” Rabbi Minkowicz said he is making peace with everything that has happened. “Life goes on, and we keep marching forward.” He said that morning’s 5K Run for Rashi provided a lesson on how he has made it through the past year. While he walked the 5K, his children were always ahead of him. He would catch up, only for them to move ahead again. In the same way, throughout the past year, “I did not show them the way; they showed me the way. There is no way I’d be standing here today without them and the rock-solid community of Johns Creek.” The rabbi said his wife “put herself into creating this community. … She will be eternally remembered for

AJT 7

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

LOCAL NEWS

To Remember and Share

Atlanta sisters tell their parents’ Holocaust survival story By Zach Itzkovitz

o a silent Breman Museum auditorium at capacity, Goldie Bertone and Betty Sunshine told a story that was and was not their own. During a Bearing Witness program March 8, the Atlanta sisters described the distinct experiences of their mother, Bella, and father, Pinkus. Each parent climbed out of the filth as a lone Holocaust survivor before meeting and relocating to Georgia. Bella Urbach was a fair-skinned,

blond 8-year-old when Germans invaded her native Poland in 1939. She and her father traveled to her grandfather at great risk to ensure his safety. Bella’s father was taken to the Chelmno extermination camp and killed. Alone, the girl was placed into the ghetto at Lodz in central Poland. In sewerlike conditions, she reunited with her brother, Moshe, who revealed that the rest of their family had been slain. Through typhus, labor camps and tortuous beatings, Bella was sent to Dachau, from which she escaped into

Critical Minds • Compassionate Hearts • Committed Leaders Save th

e Date

Jerry Siegel Legacy Golf Tournament Honoring Michael and Andy Siegel Monday, May 4, 2015 Dunwoody Country Club

Contact Jill Rosner jrosner@atljewishacademy.org or 678-298-5359 for sponsorship opportunities or register online at www.atljewishacademy.org/upcomingevents

All Girls and Women are invited!

A TSURIS LINE

A Chagiga Production

Doors Open at 6:30 pm, Show begins at 7:00 pm Sunday, March 22 & Monday, March 23

Advanced Tickets $12-$15 • At the Door $15-18 For reservations: www.atljewishacademy.org/upcomingevents 5200 Northland Drive, Atlanta 30342

the forest. Bertone vividly described Bella’s escape and subsequent home. “Bella eventually came across a farmhouse and noticed two men,” she said. “She approached them and said she was an orphan Polish girl who Photo by Zach Itzkovitz had escaped from a Sisters (from left) Goldie Bertone, Betty Sunshine and concentration camp, Rosalie Wolfe appear March 8 at the Breman Museum. and she needed help. family to Auschwitz. She did not say she was “Once they arrived in Auschwitz, Jewish.” The family at the farmhouse had the Nazi guard began making selecsent three sons to fight as German tions,” Bertone said, “and immediately soldiers. Only one was returning, and selected the two sisters to go in the direction of the gas chambers and the Bella was told she would marry him. “Bella told them she could not be- crematorium.” His mother joined his sisters volcause she was Jewish and had to marry in her faith,” Bertone said. “The woman untarily, leaving Pinkus, his brothers began screaming and saying to her, and his father alone. “The three sons survived four more ‘Say any other excuse, other than that transports to eventually end in Dachau one!’ ” At that revelation, her foster fam- in southern Germany in March of ily rejected Bella. She was brought to a 1944,” Sunshine said. “Yitzhak, the fahotel that had been converted to a refu- ther, was not so fortunate and died afgee camp, where she met a man who ter one of the brutal train transports.” Pinkus and his surviving brothers was surprisingly passionate, considering his departure from Dachau three made their way to a refugee settlement after liberation and met a fair-haired weeks prior. Pinkus Solnik, at age 15, and his woman he knew he would spend the older brothers, Shmuel and Baresh, rest of his life with. Pinkus and Bella never shared were frequently taken from the streets by the Nazi invaders of Poland to do those experiences with their children forced manual labor for the German until late in life. As grown women, Sunwar machine, Bertone said. “One night shine and Bertone bear the horror of Baresh came home, having been badly their history to ensure the peace of our beaten around the head and face by the future. Their words sliced the silence. Nazis. The next morning he was dead.” After a time in the ghetto at Lodz, a When they no longer echoed, a roaring deportation order took Pinkus and his applause replaced them. L’dor v’dor. ■

Discover your passion. Attend a GPC Open House. MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

March 26 – May 2

AJT 8

r GPC application fee waiver – a $20 savings!* r Meet GPC faculty, staff and students r Take a campus tour and enjoy refreshments

RSVP online at openhouse.gpc.edu

#OpenGPC * Advance sign up and student attendance are required to receive fee waiver. Fee waivers must be used by July 1, 2015. Limit one fee waiver per household.

A BETTER WAY FORWARD

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

ISRAEL

Israel Pride: Good News From Our Jewish Home Palestinian earnings. A survey conducted by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, funded by the European Union, shows that Palestinians who work in Israel or Israeli settlements are paid more than double the wage of those employed by the Palestinian Authority and triple the earnings of those working in Gaza.

Boosting preemies’ brains. Without mentioning he is Israeli, the BBC World Service featured Dr. Amir Lahav, who has proved that the sound centers in premature babies’ brains grow more quickly when they are played recordings of their mothers’ voices.

Doubling Gaza’s water. Israel is to increase the water it supplies to Gaza from 1.3 to 2.6 billion gallons to help ease the water crisis in the Palestinian territory.

Israelis are among the world’s healthiest eaters. A study in the February issue of The Lancet Global Health Journal places the diet of the average Israeli as the ninth-healthiest out of 187 countries surveyed. The study, led by Dr. Fumiaki Imamura of the University of Cambridge, covered 4.5 billion people.

Grow more, water less. Israel’s CropX has developed an advanced adaptive irrigation software service to increase crop yields while saving up to 25 percent of the water and energy used to irrigate large ﬁelds. Tel Aviv third-best tech city. Tel Aviv is the No. 3 place in the world for technology business, according to property consultants Savills. Cities were rated according to business environment,

Apple seeks Israeli chip technology. The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is advertising in Israel for silicon and semiconductor design and testing engineers. It also notes that Johny Srouji, Apple’s vice president of hardware technologies, is an Israeli Arab from Haifa.

Coexistence through the beautiful game. Jews, Circassians, and Muslim and Christian Arabs play soccer together at the Maccabi Haifa-Nahalal youth academy in northern Israel’s Jezreel Valley. The soccer squad consists of 13-year-olds from the city and countryside. They are one team with one aim: to enjoy the game.

Joint Italian-Israeli science labs. Italy and Israel have established a neurology and brain laboratory in Tel Aviv, a solar laboratory in Sde Boker, a health sciences laboratory at Ben-Gurion University, and a physics and magnetism laboratory at the Weizmann Institute. The two nations also have founded a joint outer-space laboratory.

ewish National Fund raises money for the Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites and more than 250 Israeli heritage sites in need of restoration, including the Ayalon Institute, an underground bullet factory used in the War of Independence. It’s now a museum that tells the true story of the secret factory that manufactured ammunition underneath a limestone hill while the surface was used for training young people for kibbutz life. The factory developed into what is today Israel Military Industries. The Haganah prepared the factory 25 feet underground in less than a month and ran it from 1946 to 1948. Its openings were covered by a 10-ton oven and a large washing machine to camouflage the noise of manufacturing bullets. For more information, visit www.jnf.org.

Compiled courtesy of verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com and other news sources.

EMIERE

A gothic murder mystery set against the haunting music of Appalachian shape note song.

JNF Photo of the Week

Military History Underground

New biblical zoo. One of the goals of the Biblical Museum of Natural History in Beit Shemesh is to bring Jews back in touch with biblical wildlife, such as lions, leopards, bears, vultures, crocodiles and hippos.

PR WORLD

The state’s highest honors. The Israel Prize in Life Sciences Research went to Weizmann professor Zelig Eshhar for his breakthrough approach to treating diseases, particularly cancer. Another Weizmann professor, Shimon Ullman, won the Mathematics and Computer Science Research Prize for his artificial intelligence work.

Microlabs in space. Israeli innovations in space include SpacePharma’s laboratory that fits into the palm of your hand and will orbit in a nano-satellite, enabling scientists to conduct experiments and watch them happen on their smartphones.

tech environment, quality of life, talent pool and property affordability.

Ticketass as low

25 $ Dance, music, and intense drama collide on stage!

By Tsehaye Geralyn Hébert | Directed by Kent Gash

March 27–April 19

Tickets @ 404.733.5000 alliancetheatre.org/edwardfoote Groups 404.733.4690

By Atlanta’s own Phillip DePoy Directed by Chris Coleman

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

Peanut snack prevents allergies. Long ago British professor Gideon Lack discovered that hardly any Israeli infants developed peanut allergies. Now he has proved that the reason is the common practice of feeding Israeli children the peanut snack Bamba. Lack’s study reverses conventional wisdom of avoiding peanuts.

AJT 9

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

OPINION

Our View

Nuclear Line

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

AJT 10

uch has been said about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress on March 3, but little has focused on the substance of the speech. Instead, Democrats and Republicans have aimed their rhetoric at whether Netanyahu should have received the invitation to speak, whether he should have taken it and whether members of Congress should have attended. About 50 Democratic members of Congress and Vice President Joe Biden stayed away, including one Georgia lawmaker, Rep. John Lewis, D-Atlanta. This close to the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., we’re not going to criticize Lewis. Instead, we salute the rest of the Georgia congressional delegation, especially Democrats Sanford Bishop Jr., Hank Johnson and David Scott, for paying a visiting head of government the respect his position deserves. By attending, 13 Georgia representatives and two Georgia senators heard familiar information about Iran’s nuclear program, a few conciliatory comments about President Barack Obama and the usual existential concerns about Iran’s threats against Israel. Netanyahu hinted that Israel will act alone if necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. None of that was new. But the prime minister also offered a clear formula for a deal with Iran that would avoid war and prevent the current regime in Tehran from ever building a nuclear arsenal — the goal of the international talks. Anything less defeats the purpose of a deal, endangers Israel and risks a Mideast nuclear arms race. His proposed approach depends on two premises: that no deal is better than the deal on the table; and that Iran, punished by economic sanctions and the collapse of oil prices, is too desperate to walk away if the United States makes the terms tougher. Netanyahu is right that Iran needs a deal worse than the rest of the world. The question is whether the nation’s leadership feels the pain enough to care about the people’s suffering. If not, if Iran is going to reject any agreement that has teeth regardless of the economic consequences, then the negotiations are all a charade anyway. We retain hope that Iran is willing to step back from the brink because if it’s not, it will pursue and obtain nuclear weapons in the near future, and the choice is merely war soon or war later. The United States should take Netanyahu’s advice, which matches the thoughts of Arab neighbors, and replace a reported 10-year expiration date with a provision that keeps restrictions in place until Iran shows it is no longer a bad actor. It should never be free to pursue a nuclear program of any kind until it stops sponsoring global terrorism, stops aggression and stops promising Israel’s annihilation. As Netanyahu said, such a deal is one Israel might not like but can live with. With anything less, Israel must fear for its life and will act accordingly. That’s the bottom line of Netanyahu’s speech and for whoever sits in the prime minister’s office after the elections March 17. We hope the White House and Congress hear that message loud and clear. ■

Bound by Our Lost Roots

The events of the film had even less connection he Muslim-Jewish Dialogue’s viewing of “Intito those at my discussion table. The two Muslims are mate Strangers” moved to The Temple for Part descendants of African slaves whose ancestors came 3, and a funny thing happened as the docufrom West Africa, not North Africa, before most if mentary on Muslim-Jewish relations moved toward not all of the period of movie. We Jews at the table modern times. are descended from a mix of Eastern Europeans who The more recent the events on film, the less relfled or were driven out by pogroms early in the 20th evant they felt to American Muslims and Jews trying century and German Jews who left in the 19th cento understand each other, but the better the actual tury. In either case, our ancestors had no connection dialogue between the groups. and little or no knowledge The third part of the of what was happening in four-part documentary the Ottoman Empire and covers the period from North Africa. 1789, the start of the EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK Educator Steve French Revolution and the By Michael Jacobs Chervin, who held a postdawn of emancipation for mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com film discussion with Mansa Jews in Europe, to 1945, Bilal King, made a key the end of World War II point about the film that and the revelation of the fueled our table talk: It was about identity and how Holocaust to the world. The episode is called “The Separation” because it Muslims and Jews struggled to define themselves and fought the definitions applied to them. traces the division between Muslims and Jews after That struggle for identity provided our common they had lived together, usually in peace, for more ground. What all of us at my table shared was a loss than 1,000 years. The story focuses on North Africa of connection to our past. My Muslim tablemates and the Middle East and emphasizes the role of Euwill never know their family histories before their ropean colonizers and concepts in driving a wedge ancestors were forced onto slave ships. For myself, between the two groups. the expulsions, pogroms, forced settlement in the It’s an interesting story as far as it goes, but, at Russian Pale and other diaspora nightmares created least for the four Jews and two Muslims at my table, a difficult-to-resolve family story in Europe, and the it lacks relevance. Nazis made sure no people and no records survived Maybe French policies in North Africa split to help sort it out. Muslims and Jews, and maybe European slanders So the basis for Muslim-Jewish dialogue is a such as the blood libel and the Protocols of the shared American story of being forced to start from Elders of Zion contributed to anti-Semitism in Arab nations (although I suspect they just gave anti-Jewish scratch in a strange land and make our way as tiny religious minorities. Muslims a vocabulary to express their hatred). That history has served as the foundation for inEven without those factors, it’s hard to imagine dividual and community successes, and the one-onthat Arab Muslims would have embraced the influx one discussions that continued long after the official of Jews into the Holy Land in the early 20th century, Muslim-Jewish Dialogue program ended provide and it’s hard to imagine they would have accepted hope that it will help bridge the gaps between our Israel if only the Europeans had been better colonial communities. ■ masters.

OPINION

Arab Spring in Knesset projected 13 seats to 16 or 17 seats or more. A party of that size could be a kingmaker and decisive influence not only on issues that closely split the Jewish vote in the Knesset, but also on a host of other issues, including the anti-Arab “nation-state” bill. Would increased Arab participa-

Guest Column By David Benkof davidbenkof@gmail.com

tion in the Knesset be a disaster for Jewish Israelis? I don’t think so. I’m a Zionist and Israeli citizen whose opinions are center-right, yet I welcome more vigorous participation by Arabs in Israeli politics. While Israel should opt for independence over democracy if forced to choose, right now Israel doesn’t have to choose. And if Israeli Jews wish to maintain their dominance in the Knesset, they can prioritize voter engagement and turnout like any other group. The policy ramifications of an increased voice for Arabs in the Knesset could be profound. Israeli Arab leaders are likely to push for expedited negotiations to create a Palestinian state, of course. But economic changes that may appear mundane on the surface, such as increased resources for infrastructure, water and electric power in Arab areas, are the bread and butter of any government. Budgeting is a zero-sum game, and upgraded economic conditions in Arab areas could be a game-changer. For too long, many Israeli Jews have ignored the fact that one-fifth of our fellow citizens are non-Jews. Ensuring that Arab voices receive commensurate consideration is not only a matter of justice; it could spur a Jewish renewal of passionate engagement in our own self-rule. So supporters of Israel should not be afraid of the swelling influence of Israeli Arabs. And ethnocentric nationalists like Lieberman who have tried to silence their antagonists should be careful what they wish for. ■ David Benkof is senior political analyst for the Daily Caller, where this essay first appeared. He writes the Atlanta Jewish Times’ crossword puzzle. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter (@DavidBenkof).

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.

Kennesaw State University School of Music presents

Music of Resistance and Survival: A Holocaust Remembrance Concert (Final Concert of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival)

Monday, March 23, 2015 | 8 p.m. FREE with Registration: musicKSU.com The Temple 1589 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 Thank you to all of our supporters:

Sandy Cohn in honor of Ruth Gershon Adrian and Ilene Grant David L. Halpern The Hyman Foundation Sherri Parman Panton Capital Holdings (PCH)

musicKSU.com

Beverly and Paul Radow Endowment Norman Radow and Lindy Shallcross Richard and Elizabeth Siegel Robert Strauss

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

ntil March 17, the day of the Knesset election, followers of Israeli politics will hotly debate which party and prime minister should and will guide Israel’s next phase. But another election story may have just as far-reaching implications for the future of Israel’s democracy, identity and history. Most polls suggest that the representation of Arab parties in the Knesset will grow from the current 11 seats to 13, although I believe the number will be even higher. But even if the apparent growth is modest, the change will matter. The main structural difference in the 20th Knesset will be the merger of the Arab parties into one United Arab List. Previously, three Arab parties represented Islamists, secularists and communists, and each had three to four seats. A united party will likely be the third largest in the 120-seat Knesset and a force to be reckoned with. The likely Arab surge grows out of an attempt to exclude Arab parties from the coalition altogether. Under prodding by Knesset member Avigdor Lieberman of the far-right Yisrael Beitenu party, the Knesset raised the threshold required for a party to enter the Knesset from three to four seats. Israel has raised the threshold periodically since the early days of the Knesset, when a party could hold even a single seat if it received enough votes. Advocates of raising the threshold often cite “making the Israeli system more like America’s,” which means they must not have been paying attention to Washington lately. But the Arab parties may have the last laugh. Facing corruption scandals, Lieberman’s party has fallen to five or six seats in the polls and is in danger of falling below the threshold and out of Israeli political life altogether. The united Arab party is campaigning at an unprecedented pace, and the key is turnout. In the 2013 election, 56 percent of eligible Arab voters participated (the equivalent Jewish number was 64 percent). But in municipal elections, turnout in various Arab towns reaches 80 percent to 90 percent and sometimes even higher. So the question becomes whether Israeli Arabs can manage to get to the polls at rates closer to city elections. If they do, their representation in the Knesset would grow well beyond the

AJT 11

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

OPINION

How Israel’s Military Supports American Jobs

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

AJT 12

or all the words used to describe recent strains in the U.S.-Israel relationship, the numbers add up to a different long-term reality. Start with $3.1 billion in direct military aid the United States gave Israel for fiscal year 2015, the same amount the White House has asked Congress to approve for fiscal 2016. That aid is a controversial instrument of U.S. foreign policy. What gets less attention is its contribution to the U.S. economy. By law, 74 percent ($2.29 billion) stays home to finance Israeli purchases of American-made products, ranging from fighter jets and helicopters to armored vehicles and bulldozers to ammunition and much more. Israel spends those American taxpayer dollars with an estimated 1,000plus companies through contracts in almost every state. Such geographic distribution helps generate support in Congress. Israel’s military contracts in Georgia were valued at $97.4 million in 2012, the most recent year available, and totaled $184.1 million from 2010 to 2012. Economists at the University of Massachusetts, studying that state, linked each $1 billion of military spend-ing to 11,200 job — a figure cited by those favoring and opposing military spending nationally. By this equation, military aid to Israel supports more than 25,600 U.S. jobs directly, indirectly, and at suppliers and businesses in related fields. That total may seem a drop in the bucket for a U.S. defense industry that employs about 3.5 million people, but every drop is valued by those endorsing aid to Israel. While the University of Massachusetts study found that more jobs were created per $1 billion invested in other sectors, such as health care, education and clean energy, military spending yielded higher wages. Congressional support helps explain unique provisions in the U.S.Israel aid arrangement. Israel may spend 26 percent of its direct military aid ($806 million) domestically. That money has helped Israel develop a defense industry that ranks in the top 10 globally. Israel receives its aid as a lump

sum in the first month of the fiscal year. Other countries receive installments. Israel’s money is in a Federal Reserve account. The interest pays down bilateral debts to U.S. agencies. Israel and Egypt are allowed to

From Where I Sit By Dave Schechter dschechter@atljewishtimes.com

use “cash flow financing” that permits contracts with longer payoff periods. The United States also buys Israeli military hardware and, separate from direct aid, has invested about $3 billion in development of the anti-rocket/ anti-mortar Iron Dome, the anti-rocket David’s Sling and the Arrow antiballistic missile. Israel is the leading recipient of U.S. foreign aid post-World War II: $121.2 billion since 1949, including $70.5 billion in military aid, $30.9 billion in economic aid (phased out after 2007) and $1.67 billion to resettle refugees, according to the Congressional Research Service. U.S. military aid helps Israel maintain a “qualitative military edge” against conventional and unconventional threats. “The rationale for QME is that Israel must rely on better equipment and training to compensate for being much smaller geographically and in terms of population than its potential adversaries,” the CRS says. Israel’s use of “made in the USA” weapons is governed by the Arms Export Control Act, which stipulates permitted uses that include “internal security” and “legitimate self-defense.” Israel maintains that it meets those requirements. Palestinians contend that Israel violates the regulations, making the United States complicit in atrocities. Some U.S. and Israeli politicians for varying reasons suggest that military aid be reduced or eliminated. That seems unlikely, given current congressional support for Israel, including an awareness of the Ameri-can jobs that aid helps finance. ■ Dave Schechter is a veteran journalist whose career includes writing and producing reports from the Middle East.

Tech, Politicians Highlight Conference

he largest annual AIPAC conference just concluded, and it was fascinating, perhaps more so than most. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a frequent attendee, gave his much-anticipated speech, but it was subordinate to his speech to Congress and lacked drama (though he was the topic of the conference). That said, in an analysis of the rest of the conference, AIPAC has surely made an interesting and useful pivot. Wonderful segments highlighted Israel’s fascinating and globally im-portant technology sector as well as the strategic and historical importance of the AmericanIsraeli relationship. Programs that highlighted AIPAC’s message as right for Israel, right for the United States and right for the world included Atlanta City Council member Ceasar Mitchell (perhaps our next mayor). Evening programs included films and concerts, and, while the 16,000 delegates squeezed into one room, the thou-

sands of student delegates seemed to be better integrated into the event. And this was not an election year! The first time Barack Obama spoke at AIPAC, at a dessert reception in 2007, he was a relative unknown and spoke in a room adjacent to Hill-

Guest Column By Abe Schear

ary Clinton’s reception. In 2008, the day after soon-to-bePresident Obama secured the nomination, he and Hillary Clinton spoke back to back, highlighting the importance of Israel and of AIPAC. Next year’s March AIPAC conference will be in the middle of the campaign season and promises to be well attended by delegates and by politicians. It will for sure be an interesting opportunity to hear from those who will continue to shape the relationship between the United States and Israel. ■

Letter to the Editor

Iran Should Be Focus

ecently I saw on the TV news that Bin Laden-recovered documents, released during a terrorist trial in Brooklyn, showed that Iran had cooperated with Al-Qaida and that Bin Laden himself was still directing Al-Qaida operations until his death. Al-Qaida was not decimated, as the Obama administration had us think. What’s more, only 10 percent of the Bin Laden documents have ever been examined because the administration ordered the process to be terminated. At the same time, I happened to come across the online edition of the Jewish Times. To my dismay, there was no mention of the dire situation that Israel and all Jews were being forced into by the Obama administration’s kowtowing to Iran. I find the newspaper’s failure to inform readers about the pre-eminent threat of a U.S.-Iran deal on Iran’s nuclear program to be inexcusable and shocking. Now Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken to Congress and AIPAC. The readership of the Jewish Times needs to be informed just what is happening and will happen if the Obama administration gets a deal done no matter how bad it might be. What will that mean for Israel? Will the deal force Israel to stand alone against Iran? What will happen then? What would that mean for Jews in America, for Jews here in Atlanta? Would we be gathered up again, even here in America? I realize that this may be a bit alarmist, but the possibility with this administration in power does exist. The Jewish community needs to pay attention and keep up with what is happening. We need to know about the roots of militant Islam, the differences between the Sunni and Shia, and the degree to which the Obama administration is being supportive of making Iran its partner (to the detriment of Israel and American Jews) and the controlling country in the Middle East. The leaders of the Jewish community and the Jewish Times must ensure that does not happen and that our community stays strong for Israel and each other! Robert Levin, Marietta

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

OPINION

Facts prepare students to defend themselves and Israel on campus

“F

ree, free Palestine. Israel is a violator of human rights. The IDF is an army that kills innocent victims!” shouted protesters while they thrust malicious posters depicting Israel as an apartheid state into the faces of men and women attending this month’s AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington. As a senior in high school who has always attended a Jewish day school, I was not prepared for the hatred on the faces of the protesters as they stared me down with disgust in their eyes. I bit my tongue, swallowed my pride and took a deep breath to calm my anger. “These protesters want me to be angry,” I thought to myself, “so I won’t give them the satisfaction, and I will walk away with dignity.” These protesters were not interested in engaging in dialogue; their sole intention was to anger the thousands of men and women leaving the AIPAC conference and make us feel contempt and hatred. I couldn’t let them get to me; I wouldn’t let them get to me, not after all I had learned March 1 to 3 at the conference. As a proactive member of the Israel advocacy club at Atlanta Jewish Academy, the AIPAC Policy Conference was an eye-opening experience that taught me about the importance of Israel advocacy when a college campus is one of the most threatening places to be Jewish in the United States. I heard from college students around America who have faced challenges of anti-Semitism and direct attacks against Israel. These students have been sent eviction notices by Students for Justice in Palestine, have been verbally and physically abused, and have faced professors who accuse Israel of violating human rights. With the boycott, divestment and sanction (BDS) movement spreading across college campuses, pro-Israel students have united to protect Israeli products and ensure that economic ties remain intact. Hearing from college students not much older than myself emphasized the importance of knowing how to answer the tough questions I will face on campus. Not only did I hear from college students, but I also heard from Israelis who have invented technological

developments, distinguished officials who spoke about Israel as the most progressive country in the Middle East, and members of Congress who are working to maintain a good rela-

Guest Column By Talya Gordon

tionship with our greatest ally, Israel. The highlight of the conference was hearing from the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. The prime minister spoke about the importance of Israel advocates uniting just as the diverse group before him at the AIPAC conference was together as one. From each speaker I gained insight into how Israel is a progressive, diverse, accepting and humane country. A country that is so small, in the midst of such violence, is a beacon of hope to the rest of the Middle East. As I reflect on my experiences at AIPAC, the protesters’ shouts of “The IDF is an army that kills innocent victims” subside to silence because I am now armed with facts. As a high school student attending the conference with 3,000 other students, I was filled with hope for my generation. We youths are integral to maintaining a good relationship between Israel and America because we are the future leaders of the world. If we can overcome the barriers and understand the importance of education, we the supporters of Israel will stay strong. Flying home March 3, I was bringing the lessons I had learned and strategies I had been taught to ensure that members of my community could defend Israel. I drifted to sleep thinking about the amazing experience. “Attention, attention, you have now arrived at your destination!” I jolted awake as the pilot’s voice echoed throughout the plane. “If you are returning from a trip, welcome home and thank you for flying with us.” A smile worked its way across my face at the thought of finally being home, but it abruptly stopped. Something didn’t feel right. Then I realized: I wasn’t really home; I had a long way to go, across an entire ocean. ■

JScreen Table Adds To Buzz at AIPAC

n the middle of the 2.3-millionsquare-foot Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, wedged between two incredible Israelthemed displays, was our modest booth at the AIPAC Policy Conference with two cloth-covered folding tables and a handful of cardboard and vinyl displays. A few laptops, a couple of iPads, a handful of promotional cards and fliers crowded the two tabletops among the simple giveaway items, mainly pens and candy. Our seemingly simple setup for JScreen (www.jscreen.org), a nonprofit Emory University-based organization, offered an incredible opportunity for the Jewish people that was unimaginable just a couple of years ago: to spend three to five minutes registering for a new saliva test that identifies carriers of Jewish genetic diseases and generalpopulation genetic diseases — a total of 87 of them. Eighty-seven genetic diseases capable of causing devastating outcomes and delivering havoc on families. Our JScreen booth was abuzz for two days. Among the Israel-U.S.themed presentations, live speeches, services and merchandise, we were registering, educating and enlightening AIPAC guests with our powerful incentive: to pre-empt Jewish genetic diseases for every birth with our simple, saliva-based screen and to give people information to help them plan for healthy children. I was just one of the volunteers helping with the booth and felt proud

to be able to contribute by delivering JScreen’s powerful message and service. It was exciting to see people from various parts of the United States, along with our own Atlanta rabbis,

Guest Column By Jimmy Grinzaid

doctors, families and others who traveled to Washington in support of AIPAC’s agenda, stop by our table and offer words of support or go online and register for the saliva kits. Young unmarried people, married couples, parents and grandparents were either registering for the screening kit online or buying JScreen gift certificates for their loved ones. At the end of a two-day AIPAC marathon, exhausted and nursing a sore post-surgery knee, I collapsed on a chair, barely used for two days, and reflected on our accomplishments. I was filled with pride for all the speakers and presenters at the event and pride for all the supporters of Jewish causes who traveled across the country and even across the continents. And I was proud for our small group of dedicated workers and volunteers who tirelessly answered hundreds of questions related to our cause and spread the powerful message about this easy way to take action to plan for healthy families. ■

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

Armed With Knowledge

AJT 13

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

PURIM

Cirque Meets Mardi Gras

usually gush about the red carpet. Saturday, March 7, I walked the fashion rainbow carpet at SOJOURN’s fabulous, ninth-annual, record-breaking Purim off Ponce party. To accommodate a crowd in the range of 500 people, the Le Fais do-do warehouse space lighted up the night with colorful, imaginative characters. SOJOURN, the Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity, raises money to provide gender and sexual diversity education and training, advocacy, outreach, and support. This year’s Purim event honored the late Owen Halpern and power couple Dan Bloom and Barry Golivesky “because of their influence in the community and creation of beautiful children to grow up and change the world.” Guests thrilled to dramatic stilt walkers, acrobats and ceiling artists while dining on gourmet healthy food catered by Beck’s Place from Cincinnati. Baked salmon on spinach, stuffed

grape leaves, quinoa garbanzo salad, seaweed salad, watermelon feta salad and Caesar abounded. Displays of cheese and dessert (hamantashen and baklava were the yummiest) topped off the feast. Rebecca Stapel-Wax, SOJOURN’s executive director, who was looking fabulous in sequined, feathered, “peacock-hued drama,” said: “This is beyond my wildest dreams. I am moved that so many people made this

JAFFE’S JEWISH JIVE By Marcia Jaffe mjaffe@atljewishtimes.com

ordinator, pointed out that a separate, nonalcoholic bar provided a sober option. “Not just for designated drivers anymore.” Sam and Eddie Dressler (funeral care), Michele and Mitchell Garber (aerospace physician), and Marcia A and Rick Lindner were among the best dressed. But the kosher pickle pair and the illuminated kosher pigs with bacon earrings stole the show. “It’s a great sign to expand to this larger space,” said Rabbi Josh Lesser, a circus strongman. “I’m ecstatic with SOJOURN’s progress!” ■

happen with their generosity.” Zoltar told fortunes from his magic box and left all with this wish: “I want the Jewish community to be more visible in its support for people who are gender and sexually diverse.” Eric Miller, the Helping Atlantans Manage Substance Abuse program co-

F A: For Purim, even pigs can be kosher.

B: Columnist Marcia Jaffe (left) finds fellow nun Mona with her — scandal! — two kids. C: Michele and Mitchell Garber and Sam and Eddie Dressler are trolling for comments. D: Angel (Rick Lindner) and devil (Marcia Lindner) find common ground at Le Fais do-do.

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

AJT 14

F: SOJOURN Executive Director Rebecca Stapel-Wax can’t hide her excitement about the party’s success.

presents

BEGINS IN TWO WEEKS!

MARCH 13-15 • COBB ENERGY CENTRE

Tickets: 800.745.3000 or TicketMaster.com Group Sales: 404-881-2000 or groupsales@foxtheatre.org Euriamis Losada (Ricky), Thea Brooks (Lucy) and the 14-15 National Tour Company of LUCY LIVE. (Photos Justin Namon) • “I LOVE LUCY” ® & © 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

E: Rabbi Josh Lesser is ready for a circus show of strength.

G: A clown in pink naturally hangs out with a bunny in orange.

H: They’re not clowning around when it comes to offering a sober drinking option.

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

PURIM

When a Kid Can Be a Kid

here’s nothing like Purim to unleash the kid in us, even those who are young in fact as well as at heart. We’re highlighting the celebrations March 6 at the Davis Academy and Marcus Jewish Community Center because, in the true spirit of Purim mishloach manot (gift baskets), they were kind enough to share their holiday joy with us. Or maybe they were being charitable. In either case, we’re reciprocating. ■

A: Make-believe princesses make merry with make-believe hamantashen during the Marcus JCC festivities. B: Why should the Marcus JCC make do with one or two Spider-Men (SpiderMans?) when a whole crew of all shapes and sizes will do the trick? C: Davis Academy kindergartners Falyn Schermer (left) and Remy Rosenberg enjoy the annual Lower School PTO Purim carnival, where students played games, bounced and slid on inflatables, had their faces painted, and danced to a DJ’s music. D: A couple of princesses for a day share a secret during the Marcus JCC’s Purim parade, a perfectly appropriate way to honor Esther’s ability to keep a big secret for a long time. E: Davis Academy second-graders Micah Margolis (left) and Cooper Bernath accept canned goods in exchange for cupcakes and cookies during the second grade’s annual Purim bake sale. The second-graders donate the canned food they collect to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

F: A proper Purim celebration requires a Purim spiel, so Davis Academy sixth-graders put on a puppet spiel for the Lower School. Middle School and Lower School pupils later made puppets together.

G: Davis Academy fifth-graders (from left) Eleanor Altwarg, Anna Baylin and Harrison Frank, with eighth-graders Eliza Frankel and Katy Sullivan, show some of the completed packages of toiletries prepared by fifth-, sixth-, seventh- and eighthgraders to donate in an act of matanot l’evyonim, or sharing with the less fortunate. H: Did we mention that Purim is for the young at heart as well as the young in age? Getting in on the fun at the Davis Academy are Middle School Hebrew teachers (from left) Orna Willis, Sigal Tzoref and Bruria Lahav. I: As seen in the Marcus JCC’s Purim parade, you’re never too young to join in the Purim fun, even if your homemade grogger is as important for keeping you awake as it is for silencing a certain Persian villain’s name.

"TTJTUFE -JWJOH t .FNPSZ $BSF t 4FOJPS %BZ 1SPHSBN t 4IPSU 5FSN 4UBZ

Discover Assisted Living at

Plantation South! E

t Full calendar of social and recreational activities t All inclusive pricing t Delicious restaurant-style meals t Housekeeping and laundry service t Medication management t Exercise programs t Special events, holiday parties and entertainment t Large studio apartment with kitchenette t FREE scheduled transportation t Beauty/Barber Salon t Much more!

770-441-4836

Call today to arrange a complimentary lunch and personal tour!

4594 Barclay Dr. | Dunwoody, GA 30338 | PlantationSouth-Dunwoody.com

VA SEMINAR Friday, March 20 | 10am H

Learn if you’re eligible for $2,120 toward Assisted Living with the Aid & Attendance Program | RSVP by March 19

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

AJT 15

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Uncommon Berman Commons Opens By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

AJT 16

he Jewish community’s newest option for assisted living, Berman Commons, has opened next door to the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s Dunwoody campus. Berman Commons, which held its grand opening March 8, has been in the works since 2007 at the original site of the Weber School across Womack Road from Georgia Perimeter College. Shari Bayer, the marketing director for the Jewish Home Life Community, said the recession that hit in 2008 delayed the project, and by the time the real estate market had recovered enough to make it feasible again in 2010, the city of Dunwoody had incorporated. The project had to go back through the zoning and planning process, and the plans had to be tweaked to address the differences between Dunwoody and DeKalb County land use rules. For example, Bayer said, the building had to be farther from Womack Road to allow room for a sidewalk, and the gabled roof had to be changed to a faux-gable roof to fit within new height limits. Construction then took about 15 months. Berman Commons is named for Stephen Berman, founder and managing partner of accounting firm Stephen M. Berman and Associates and former board chairman of the nonprofit Jewish Home Life Communities. “Buildings like this are named after those who give the big bucks. Certainly my family is not indigent, but we are not wealthy by the standards of those who have buildings and edifices named after them. But I know, and my family knows, that I will die a rich man, for I have attempted to help the lives of those less fortunate,” Berman said in a speech at the dedication March 8. He credited mentors Erwin Zaban, Milton Weinstein, Meyer Balser, Bill Breman, Sidney Feldman, and Betty and Harvey Jacobson for teaching him the value of community service. “My legacy will not be measured by my name but rather by my ability to impart the lessons taught to me by my mentors to those who come after me as we face the challenges of the elderly.” The three-story building offers 58 assisted-living apartments — 51 onebedroom and seven studio units — and 32 memory-care studio apartments. Bayer said 95 percent of the assisted-

living units and one-third of the memory-care units have been leased. While the luxury community is open to anyone, it is aimed at Jewish residents. The interior decorations feature Jewish items such as menorahs and Chagall prints. Sugarman Hall, the assembly hall on the eastern end of the building, doubles as a synagogue sanctuary with a built-in nook for an ark and stained-glass artist Gary Saban’s depictions of the Star of David and the 12 tribes of Israel. The facility includes such amenities as a beauty parlor, a physical therapy room, a baby grand player piano, and multiple A dining rooms and common areas. The garden space behind the building includes a waterfall and a patio and backs up to the JCC’s athletic fields. Residents of memory care on the third floor can watch the action on the fields from an outdoor, protected porch. Residents get membership in the JCC, which is accessible by a path from Berman Commons. Life at the facility includes three restaurant-style meals and snacks E each day, and executive chef Edward Kraitman, formerly of the Renaissance and the Ritz-Carlton, is determined to adapt to the needs and desires of each resident. The menus operate on a fiveweek cycle, so residents will get different lunches and dinners each day for five weeks. “We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen,” Kraitman said. Family members and friends are welcome to join residents for meals for the price of $7 for breakfast, $10 for lunch and $13 for dinner. The kitchens maintain strict kosher standards under experienced G mashgiach Fred Glusman, former exPhotos by Michael Jacobs ecutive director of Congregation Beth A: The kosher kitchens are in the hands of Jacob, although the facility is not certi- executive chef Edward Kraitman (left), kashrut fied by the Atlanta Kashruth Commis- supervisor Fred Glusman and Marina Sirota. B: A waterfall is part of the terrace sion. Glusman said he and AKC head gardens in back of Berman Commons. Rabbi Reuven Stein are trying to reC: Berman Commons residents have space solve the certification issue. to enjoy the outdoors behind the building. D: Gary Saban created glass mosaics Pricing is based on the unit size to represent each of the 12 tribes. and one of three levels of care, reasE: The front of the building. F: Artist Gary sessed on a point system each quarter. Saban created this stained-glass Star of David. The total is in the range of $4,000 to G: The third-floor porch provides $7,000 per month. a safe space for memory-care residents to enjoy the outdoors. Berman Commons is at 2026 H: The piano helps set the mood Womack Road. ■ in the first-floor lobby.

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Hadassah Pioneers Cystic Fibrosis Therapy

he Hadassah Medical Organization has provided health care and pioneering research in Israel for more than 100 years and serves more than 1 million people a year. Dr. Eitan Kerem, the head of pediatrics at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, is helping make sure that Hadassah remains on the cutting edge in treatment of children and research into cystic fibrosis. He will provide details on the latest work when he visits Atlanta for a presentation at Congregation Or Hadash on March 18 and meetings with Emory Healthcare and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta colleagues. On the treatment side, Kerem has attracted worldwide attention with Hadassah’s Center for Chronic Diseases in Children, which he founded 10 years ago. The center applies the idea of a medical home for children. Before the center, families had to visit many doctors on different days across the hospital for various medical issues, and the specialists didn’t talk or coordinate. Parents had to be their children’s case managers because no one else was tracking the treatments and the drug interactions. The center takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to each patient, Kerem said. It coordinates care so that a child who has to see several specialists can meet with all of them in one place on one day, and when a problem or question arises, a parent has a case manager to call for consultation. The center also provides services to help parents and siblings cope. “It’s patient-oriented instead of disease-centered,” Kerem said. He said the center had more than 3,000 patient visits in 2014, up 20 percent from 2013. “There’s something special with working with children,” Kerem said. “They are very, very innocent, very, very sincere.” He found a way to help children with chronic and acute medical needs through research into respiratory diseases. He said work on cystic fibrosis has significantly improved the survival and quality of life of patients. The latest research applies gene therapies. The Hadassah research focuses on the specific gene mutations that cause cystic fibrosis among Jews. Kerem said the most common mutation among

Ashkenazi Jews causes a gene to send a premature command to halt production of a vital protein. “We were able to suppress the premature command and cause production of the full-length protein.” The therapy does not repair the genetic code but does enable the body to produce the protein normally. An American company has developed that research into a treatment being tested in a large, multinational study whose results are at least 18 months away, Kerem said.

“Collaboration in many countries is the sine qua non” of medical research, he said. While Kerem hopes to find areas for collaboration with his colleagues at Emory and Children’s, the major goal of his quick trip to Atlanta and to Florida is to strengthen Jewish community support for Hadassah, especially after the negative media coverage Israel received during the Gaza war last year. “I feel that Hadassah belongs to the Jewish nation. It’s like your child; even when your child is in trouble, you

help him to overcome that trouble,” he said. “All the Jews everywhere can be proud with such an institution as Hadassah.” ■ Who: Dr. Eitan Kerem What: Cystic fibrosis presentation Where: Congregation Or Hadash, 7460 Trowbridge Road, Sandy Springs When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 Cost: Suggested $5 donation at the door RSVP: 678-443-2961 or atlanta@ hadassah.org

Refine, Restore, Revitalize Ramie A. Tritt, MD, President of Atlanta ENTis pleased to introduce our exceptional medical team at Aesthetic & Plastic Center of Atlanta ENT. Thomas J. Walker, M.D., Facial Plastic Surgeon and Alison O’Neil, Medical Skin Care & Aesthetic Specialist Through a customized approach we create natural results with a refreshed appearance.

NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS

SURGICAL OPTIONS • Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) • Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) • Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) • Brow Lift / Forehead Lift • Face and Neck Lift • Chin Implant • Lip Implant • Neck Liposuction / Fat Transfer

• Facial Fillers (Juvéderm®, Voluma®, Restylane®) • Botox® and Dysport®, • Lip lift / Enhancement • Liquid Facelift • Acne Scar Treatment • Chemical Peels / Skin Resurfacing Skin Care • Latisse® / Eyelash Enhancement • Laser Hair Removal

Call today for your FREE cosmetic consultation Gift Certificates Available

404.256.7520 Visit our website

AestheticAtlanta.com

We are located at: 5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 135 Atlanta, Georgia 30342 Mention this ad to receive any non-surgical procedure and /or product purchased in the months of February and March

30% OFF

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

By Michael Jacobs mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com

AJT 17

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Grady Excels at Treating Stroke

Innovative center applies Jewish doctor’s ideas, Jewish donor’s means By Logan C. Ritchie lritchie@atljewishtimes.com

he nation’s most technologically advanced facility for stroke patients lies in the heart of a city that continually fights drug abuse, smoking and poor health care. Grady Memorial Hospital is home to the Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center. The gritty cases seen by emergency room staff contribute to a negative reputation for the downtown Atlanta hospital, but with the inception of a new standard in stroke care, Grady’s character is forever changed. The Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center was the brainchild of Atlanta Jewish community member Dr. Michael Frankel. Four years ago he envisioned a separate wing for stroke patients. It would house stroke-specific technology, such as CT scanners and angiogram equipment. It would increase the number of patients treated. And it would attract high-quality doctors from top schools and institutions. Grady engaged Jewish philanthro-

pist Bernie Marcus, who donated $20 million to the project. “Who would have thought it would make sense to build this destination center? We did,” said Frankel, the center’s director. “We built the right structure, focused on the right treatment, and hired the best nurses and physicians. When I met with [former] CEO Mike Young, I was explicit: Either we do this world class or not at all.” Frankel said the choice of location surprised outsiders. “We created this at an inner-city hospital. At the time everyone said we were out of our minds. You only go to Grady if you’ve been shot, stabbed or in a car wreck.” The original concept in diagnosis and treatment now attracts 1,000 stroke patients each year, an increase of 200 percent.

If you’re 50 or older or have a family history of colon cancer, a preventive screening is just what the doctor ordered. In fact, when detected in its early stages, colon cancer is one of the most highly treatable and preventable cancers. Drinking the colon prep isn’t as bad as you’ve heard, and the procedure itself can take less than 30 minutes.

Raise a glass to screening! It could save your life. AGA offers Fuse® – Full Spectrum Endoscopy® – the latest technology in colon cancer screening and detection.

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

AJT 18

www.atlantagastro.com 1.866.GO.TO.AGA AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.

Left: Dr. Michael Frankel, Grady’s chief of neurology, looks over brain scans. Right: Doctors conduct a procedure in the Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center’s neuroangiography suite at Grady Memorial Hospital.

“It’s a game-changer,” Frankel said. “If you walk through the stroke center right now, you will see the poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich. Patients hail from all over the region. It has changed the demographic of Grady patients, bringing people in from a 100-plus-mile radius. By doing that alone, Grady’s image has changed.” Since November, four large clinical trials have proved that the approach is highly effective, adding confidence to Frankel and the staff that the Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center is

the new standard in stroke care. Marcus also gave money to Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Frankel said the Home Depot founder was so pleased with Grady’s results that he walked into the Boca CEO’s office and asked to re-create the model there. He said the stroke center involves the larger Grady system on many levels. “It cuts across all services: dispatch, ER, rehab, nutrition, nursing, radiology. It’s truly multidisciplinary. We have the first, most comprehensive stroke center in the United States.” ■

Prevention and Response

r. Michael Frankel, Grady Memorial Hospital’s chief of neurology and the director of the Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center, sees patients from all walks of life. Grady is a regional resource for stroke patients, known to save brain function and enhance the chance of recovery. Seventy area hospitals refer their stroke patients to Grady because, Frankel said, “we are smart, capable physicians, and we can do what they cannot.” Frankel offered four steps to stroke prevention: • See your health care provider or primary care phy- Dr. Michael Frankel sician regularly and do what you are told to do. • Exercise, eat healthy foods, stop smoking and check your blood pressure often. In other words, eat less and move more. • Use diet and exercise to control blood pressure and lower cholesterol. • Understand the difference between knowing what to do and doing it. “Each one of these things is very challenging to do,” Frankel said, “but each contributes to your overall health and lessening the chance of disease.” The warning signs of a stroke form the acronym FAST: • Face drooping. • Arm weakness. • Speech difficulty. • Time to call 911. “If hypertension was an infectious disease, like Ebola, it would be on the front page of the newspaper every day. It is so insidious and evil,” Frankel said. “You don’t know you have it until you’re tested. You don’t feel it.” ■

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

$250,000 to Help Vets’ Children

Health care grant for the homeless goes to Sandy Springs nonprofit According to the ISDD grant proposal for the veteran project, the children of veterans are more likely than nnovative Solutions for Disadvan- others to think about suicide and to tage and Disability has been award- abuse substances. They are likely to ed a $250,000, five-year federal have parents who suffer from postgrant to provide health care for chil- traumatic stress disorder and more dren of homeless veterans. To get the likely than other children to have parprogram operational, ISDD is work- ents who abuse alcohol or live in a doing with the Department of Veterans mestically violent household. PTSD afAffairs and Mental Health America of fects the whole family, but few veteran Georgia to identify families. services are devoted to the families and ISDD (www.ISDD-home.org) is a fewer still to the children. Sandy Springs nonprofit The first year of the founded by Jewish peISDD veterans program diatrician Leslie Rubin will focus on mothers in 2004 as the Institute and their children. Befor the Study of Disadginning with the second vantage and Disability year, male veterans will to address the connecbe screened at the Fort tion between social and McPherson VA clinic in economic disadvantage East Point for possible and the prevalence of deinclusion in the program velopmental disabilities for homeless children. and to improve access to ISDD’s other core services. programs, Break the CyThe name was cle and Project GRANDD, changed in 2013 to restarted in 2004 and 2005, flect ISDD’s three core respectively. ISDD founder Leslie Rubin programs: Break the Break the Cycle is is an active member of Cycle, Healthcare Witha multidisciplinary reCongregation Beth Tefillah. out Walls and Project search training program GRANDD. The program for college students and for homeless children of veterans, faculty to break the cycle of disadfunded by the U.S. Department of vantage and disability that includes Health and Human Services’ Health limited education and employment Resources and Services Administra- options, which lead to limited housing tion, will be modeled after Healthcare options and environmental hazards, Without Walls, which started in 2010 which lead to substandard housing with a $250,000 federal grant. and schools and exposure to violence, HWW volunteer Patrice Gaspard, which lead to physical and mental a staff pediatrician with Kaiser Perma- health problems, and so forth. nente, treats children twice a month At an annual conference, students at the Mary Hall Freedom House in present projects they’ve developed to Sandy Springs, a residential recovery address the issues. For example, a Georprogram that empowers mothers and gia State University law student examother women to break the cycle of ad- ined the relationship between a federal diction, poverty and homelessness. program that funded green improveGaspard gives every child a ments in low-income neighborhoods checkup, manages medications and and the prevalence of asthma caused immunizations, and makes sure the by environmental factors. medical needs are being met. Children The 2015 Break the Cycle conferwho need additional care are referred ence will be held April 23 and 24 at the to specialists or Children’s Healthcare Emory University Rollins School of of Atlanta. ISDD social workers work Public Health. with children who have behavioral or Project GRANDD is a communityemotional issues. based support program for grandparISDD professionals are collaborat- ents in metro Atlanta who are raising ing with the Mary Hall Freedom House grandchildren who have disabilities, to expand HWW to mothers who are chronic illness, and behavior or learnmilitary veterans, said Rainie Jueschke, ing difficulties. The program provides the ISDD executive director. ISDD also group educational meetings, monthly will add programs for that population. support groups, home visits, individual

case management and practical help. Rubin, the ISDD founder, lives in Sandy Springs and is an active member of Congregation Beth Tefillah. Rubin started a cerebral palsy clinic in 1998 at Hughes Spalding Children’s Hospital, now affiliated with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He observed that many of the children

were born prematurely or to single mothers on drugs or were being raised by grandparents. “I realized there was a cycle of social and economic disadvantage,” Rubin said. “I decided I would make a little difference [with ISDD] and perhaps that would join with others to make a bigger difference.” ■

Change happens when you WALK.

Funds raised through the WALK make change possible.

Walk for change.

Georgia Walk

Sunday, April 26, 2015 Atlantic Station Pinnacle Lot | 240 20th Street, Atlanta

WalkNowforAutismSpeaks.org/Georgia Georgia@AutismSpeaks.org

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

By Fran Memberg fmemberg@atljewishtimes.com

AJT 19

HEALTH & WELLNESS

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

Learning Delivered to Children in Hospitals New foundation works with aquarium to combine fun, education By Fran Memberg fmemberg@atljewishtimes.com

at the aquarium. Edwards and an envi- wife and family; Mindy Haller grew up ronmental educator were scheduled to in Dunwoody and is a graduate of Dunpresent a program about understand- woody High School. aakov Haller started his career ing the needs of the aquarium’s whale Haller was raised in New York’s as a commodity futures trader sharks. Washington Heights Orthodox comat the New York Mercantile “We decided to concentrate on munity. He earned a degree in finance Exchange. What was supposed to be a understanding from Touro College and whale temporary detour working with a non- sharks and other sharks started his career at the profit organization made Haller realize because of most chilMercantile Exchange in his real passion was bettering the fu- dren’s fascination with the late 1990s. tures of people, especially children. When a client sharks,” Edwards said. In 2014, Haller launched the non- For the KIDUSH projasked him to help genprofit KIDUSH Foundation (www. ect, “instead of concenerate funds for terror kidushfoundation.org) to bring hands- trating on how we can victims in Israel, Haller on learning experiences to children take the children to the became the face of the with serious illnesses requiring long sharks, we decided to Israel Emergency Solihospitalizations. The foundation’s first bring the wonders of darity Fund. He reached program, in cooperation with the Geor- sharks to the children.” out to communities and gia Aquarium, was set for March 12 at schools to raise funds Future experiential Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Eg- education programs are through walk-a-thons Charitable work for Israel leston. and other events and being developed with hooked Yaakov Haller on The Georgia Aquarium provides other major Atlanta traveled to Israel every working with children. educational programming in schools companies, all focussix weeks to distribute and has provided support to hospi- ing on science, technolthe funds. tals, but the KIDUSH project is the ogy, engineering and math (STEM) “That opened my eyes to the power aquarium’s first onsite hospital edu- concepts. of school activities,” said Haller, who cational outreach, said Kelli Edwards, Haller, 39, is a New Yorker who was impressed by the responsiveness assistant manager of public programs moved to Atlanta last year with his of day schools. Eventually the solidarity fund merged with another, and Haller was at a crossroads. He said that because of his success working with students, “I felt I could be effective in formal education.” Haller created and directed an Internet radio program, “Nishma” (listen up), spotlighting student activities; it broadcast for two years before Haller ■ Flexible hourly programs became the middle school student activities director at Kushner Yeshiva ■ Provides relief to family members High School in New Jersey, where he ■ Weekly and Weekend Programs also taught Judaics. He was also a He■ 24-Hour on Call Supervisor brew school teacher, synagogue youth director and, with his wife, a staff ■ Live-in Program member at an Orthodox summer sleepaway camp for several years. Additional Services include: Alzheimer’s/Dementia While at Kushner, Haller develMeal Preparations Transportation Counties Served Housekeeping Medical Appointments oped a fundraiser model, 4K4Kids Fulton ■ Henry Laundry Grocery Shopping Charity Run, an annual event for JewVital Signs Errands Clayton ■ Rockdale ish teens in the greater New York/New Meication Assistance Attend Activities ■ Jersey/Connecticut area to benefit their DeKalb Newton Bathing/Dressing Escort/Outings schools and charities. Grooming/Exercise Fayette ■ Douglas Incontenence Care When the Hallers learned in early 2014 they were expecting their fifth child, they made the decision to move to Atlanta to be close to Mindy’s family. That brought Yaakov to another career crossroads. He saw an opportunity to use his teaching background to do good for others, taking inspiration from his father, who, years before, organized a bikur cholim (visiting the sick) group in the family’s neighborhood.

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

Adult Care at Home

AJT 20

404-839-3683 www.brendasjbhomecare.com

Haller developed the idea of project-based learning modules to supplement the homework coordinated by in-hospital staff and local teachers that keeps children current with classwork while they are hospitalized. KIDUSH projects are not tied to county or state curricula. KIDUSH is an acronym representing the program’s core elements: knowledge, inspiration, determination, unity, support and hope. “The goal is to foster a love of learning and a love of the discovery of learning,” Haller said. “It’s capitalizing on the ability of students, especially those with handicaps, to achieve success through education.” Before moving to Atlanta, Haller created KIDUSH with support from a network of personal contacts and family foundations in the New York/New Jersey area who believed in the project. An application for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status is pending; once approved, Haller will apply for foundation grants. This year’s 4K4Kids Charity Run in New York on April 19 will benefit KIDUSH. An Atlanta 4K4Kids is planned in November. Audra Berger, an elementary instructional supervisor for the Millburn, N.J., public schools, advised Haller and is on the KIDUSH board. Berger said she is unaware of any similar in-hospital programs. She said her role is developing the instructional components for the ideas Haller develops with corporate partners, determining the problem the patients have to solve and the instructional learning outcome. Activities are self-contained, onetime sessions. Berger applauds Haller for reaching out to critically ill children. “You have to be a special kind of person to work with this population,” she said. “It’s emotionally draining.” Haller is adding Atlantans to the KIDUSH advisory team. Andy Grant, a CPA and a longtime friend of Mindy Haller’s family, is KIDUSH’s financial adviser. “I think Yaakov has identified a need, and he is very passionate about providing quality education to the kids that are stuck in hospitals. If you spend five minutes with Yaakov listening to his vision, you would also be interested,” Grant said. “I think [KIDUSH] will provide quality content in a manner that the kids will truly enjoy. There isn’t a lot to be excited about being stuck in a hospital bed all the time.” ■

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Defining Health, Wellness for Children

healthy life. These are essentials for wellness. It is fun to go to Disney World, but one cannot live there. No one can live a stress-free life. All things do not always have a happy ending, but lots of things can have the right ending. As in baseball (my personal favorite sport), a swing and a miss can teach better aim and the measured timing necessary to get that longed-for

Guest Column Susan N. Schriber Orloff susanorloff@childrens-services.com

grand slam. Not every time at bat, but that time when everything connects — that is happiness, and happiness is wellness. Teach your child that difficulty is not disaster but an opportunity to grow and learn. It is a chance for children to learn how to overcome those issues that are challenging for them. Difficulty can teach your child compassion for others who are experiencing a tough time. And at the end of the day what is it we really want for our children? We want them to be good people. We want them to be independent. We want them to be part of a community of caring. We want them to chart their own course, follow their dreams and be proud of themselves. We want them to be successful people. We want them to know and appreciate the value of hard work well done. We want them to always strive for happiness and to achieve a life of wellness. As my overly wise daughter Jenny (at age 7/now 41) wrote on a bookmarker for me, “Life is not easy.” Who said it should be easy? However, done right, it can be well lived. ■ Susan N. Schriber Orloff, OTR/L, is the author of “Learning RE-Enabled,” a guide for parents, teachers and therapists and a National Education Association featured book, and is the CEO and executive director of Children’s Special Services, LLC (www.childrens-services. com), an occupational therapy service for children with developmental and learning delays in Atlanta.

Consultative services for diagnosis and treatment of all cardiac disorders, prevention and genetics. Advanced diagnostics including: → echocardiography → nuclear stress tests → cardiac catherization → cardiac CT

5671 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 630 Atlanta, GA 30342

(404) 939-9200 www.ccatlanta.com

Same Day Test Results

Steve J. Eisenberg, M.D.

There is nothing COMMON about Berman Commons Jenice Holtz Cunningham Executive Director Fred Glusman Kashruth Supervisor & Chaplain

BERMAN COMMONS A S S I S T E D L I V I N G & M E M O RY C A R E

NOW OPEN! CALL OR VISIT TODAY!

2026 Womack Road Dunwoody, Georgia 678.222.7500 bermancommons.org

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

t is easy to define health; it is the absence of illness. It is not so easy to define wellness. Wellness presents in so many forms: emotional, physical, neurological, cognitive, etc. It means so many things. It is frustration tolerance. It is coping skills. It is endurance and strength. It is problem solving. It is the ability to learn. It is the ability to learn from mistakes. It is about understanding and creating reasonable boundaries. It is about self-esteem, integrity, ethics and empathy. It is about relationships. In short, wellness is about life well lived. That is true of children and adults. But what about wellness is specific to children? What does it look like, and how do we teach children to seek it, use it, and, most important, create it in their daily lives? Children live in the here and now. “Forever” can be the next 10 minutes or a whole day. “Pleasure” is “I want it now!” Delaying gratification is an often-tortuous concept for young children. “Tomorrow” is light-years away. Fun and happiness are interchangeable. Children lack the insight that fun is passive (show up to movies, the park, the party) and happiness is active. Happiness is achievement: pride in a job well done, the mastering of a new skill (riding a bike). It is interactive and requires effort. As parents we take our children to the doctor for yearly checkups to check growth and development. But where can you go for wellness? That is more elusive and far less tangible. In a society that wants to give our kids what we didn’t have, we may inadvertently be robbing them of opportunities to learn how to make their own happiness. There are, as it has been written, “blessings in a skinned knee.” Being frustrated can teach problem resolution. Being angry about something can teach emotional management. Being overwhelmed can teach organization. Losing can teach sportsmanship. Getting an F can be a motivator for better study skills. These are all necessary skills for living a competent, responsible,

...it’s all about you, the patient.

AJT 21

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Autism Response Grows

Israeli Medical Tech To Operate in Atlanta

Conexx hosts Trendlines medical tour By David R. Cohen david@atljewishtimes.com

xamples of innovative Israeli companies featured every week in the Atlanta Jewish Times’ Israel Pride feature (Page 9) are coming to town March 23 for the fifth annual Trendlines Medical U.S. Road Show. American-Israeli business connector Conexx will bring six Israeli medical startup companies to Atlanta on the first stop. The event aims to build a network interested in investing in Israeli medical companies. Conexx also hopes to raise awareness of Israeli medical innovation and to encourage U.S.-Israel business ties. The six featured companies, all of them products of the Trendlines incubator in northern Israel, are: • Arcuro Medical, which offers an all-suture meniscus repair system that operates entirely within the joint. • Endobetix, whose minimally invasive implant, the Bile Diversion Device, treats Type 2 diabetes and encourages weight loss by changing the body’s hormonal balance. • Omeq Medical, which has a single-use, smart needle for accurate injections into the 4-millimeter-wide epidural space around the spinal cord. • NeuroQuest, which is using patent-pending technology based on the work of a Weizmann Institute professor, Michal Schwartz, to create blood tests for Alzheimer’s and ALS. Neuro Quest has a development center in Charleston, S.C. • VisiDome, which is developing an accommodative intraocular lens as an add-on to the standard monocular IOL

The

implanted into a patient’s eye after cataract surgery to provide clear, glassesfree vision at all distances. • IonMed, which offers a proprietary cold plasma surgical system to use biowelding to close surgical incisions instead of sutures or staples. The road show will stop in five cities in five days through March 27: Atlanta; Charleston; Chicago; Ann Arbor, Mich.; and Pittsburgh. Sandy Springsbased Conexx is hosting the first stop at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough in Atlantic Station. “Hosting the upcoming Trendlines road show epitomizes the overarching goal of Conexx, which is to facilitate commerce between Israel and the U.S.,” said Ralph Jordan, the Conexx Medical Connector chair. “This program fulfills that goal by channeling local investment into cutting-edge Israeli medical companies, and our Medical Connector committee achieves that goal in a number of other ways as well. We connect Israeli health care companies with potential acquirers, partners, distribution channels, medical institutions, physician experts and advisers.” ■

What: Trendlines Medical U.S. Road Show Where: Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, 201 17th St., Suite 1700, Midtown When: 7:30 a.m. Monday, March 23 Cost: Free with registration at aiccse. chambermaster.com/events/details/ trendlines-medical-u-s-road-show-294 Information: trendlines.com/ trendlines-medical-u-s-road-show-2015

Family Business

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

Since 1991

AJT 22

Your GO TO Specialists for all YOUR REAL ESTATE Needs

bout 36,500 of every 4 million children in the United States this year will be diagnosed with autism, the world’s fastest-growing developmental disorder. Autism is a complex brain disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and verbal and nonverbal communication. Signs of the disorder generally start to emerge before the age of 3. Bob and Suzanne Wright are grandparents of one child on the autism spectrum, and they, with the help of Bernie Marcus, founded Autism Speaks 10 years ago. It is now difficult to avoid seeing the puzzle pieces on products in stores, hearing news stories regarding autism, and seeing awareness efforts, most prominently during April, Autism Awareness Month. The organization bases its work on Four Pillars: scientific study, family services, advocacy and awareness. Autism Speaks has an incredible impact, even on those who do not have a closeness to autism. I found myself personally affected only once I came to college. My volunteering began when I joined my sorority, Alpha Xi Delta; our partnering philanthropy is Autism Speaks. I began to understand the impact of one in 68 children being diagnosed. We volunteer at the 5K in

Guest Column By Heather Baker Autism Speaks Intern

last year raised over $575,000. Georgia Walk Now for Autism Speaks, being held April 26 at Atlantic Station, is our most powerful force to fund vital research, as well as community, summer camp and post-secondary education grants. My work has also included advocating for Ava’s Law, which would provide state-regulated coverage that would include diagnosis, pharmacy care, psychological care, and behavioral health treatment. Families are paying an average of $60,000 a year out of pocket for these services. Those who reach out to Autism Speaks are given resources and invaluable support by a community that knows them by name. ■

The pediatrician you choose for your kids matters. More Atlanta moms are discovering the unique, team-based 360Care™ designed to keep your kids well.

Sandy Springs, 404.256.2688 Woodstock, 770.928.0016 NorthsidePediatrics.com

RE/MAX AROUND ATLANTA David Shapiro Jon Shapiro DShapiro@remax.net JonShapiro@mindspring.com 404-252-7500 404-845-3065 404-845-3050 www.jonshapiro.com

Piedmont Park every year, donate and hold our own events, and bring out as many participants as possible to Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Now I am an intern in the Georgia office, assisting with advocacy and awareness. I have a greater understanding of what this organization does locally, especially preparing for an event that

Jonathan D. Winner, MD William Robert Smith, Jr., MD Sally J. Marcus, MD Allison B. Hill, MD Amy J. Hardin, MD Jeffrey C. Hopkins, MD

Lindsay B. Green, MD Natalie Metzig, MD Sara Dorsey, MSN, CPNP Maureen Shifflett, MSN, CPNP Amanda Brantley, MSN, CPNP

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year

NFPeds Ad-AJT-3792-no pic-p.indd 1

7/11/14 9:13 AM

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Smartphones: Not So Smart for Your Spine

hy is it that as we become more technologically advanced, we seem to regress in health? In the old days, communication was, in general, very healthy. Since the invention of the telephone in 1876, we have drastically changed the way we communicate, and the change has had a dramatic impact on our health. Remember getting a crick in your neck from holding a handset between your ear and shoulder? That position has caused a host of problems. Now a relatively new phenomenon has cropped up, and the implications for our health are tragic. Smartphone use is worldwide, and so is a condition called “text neck.” Text neck is the position in which we hold our head, neck and body while using smartphones for texting, reading email, watching videos and movies, Facebooking, and just about every other thing that can be done with these ubiquitous devices. In an ideal posture, the ear should

be in line, directly over the shoulder. Text neck is a forward head position, extended in front of the body; think of a giraffe. Because the head is disproportionately heavy, holding this position for extended periods puts tremendous mechanical stresses and strains on the muscles, ligaments,

Guest Column By David Shapiro DrShapiro@CompleteSpineSolutions.com

discs and spinal cord. Lying in bed or on a sofa with your head propped on pillows while using a smartphone only exacerbates the problem. As we have moved from old-fashioned communications to computers to cellphones, this neck position has become more prevalent, and the effects are becoming part and parcel of our “normal” posture. Unfortunately, this progressive posture is clinically unhealthy. The text neck position has been

proved to put tension on the spinal cord down to the lower back. Neck pain, back pain, headaches, vertigo, arm pain and numbness are symptoms. This forward head posture hurts vertebrae, muscles and ligaments and compresses the discs in the neck and upper back. The neck in this position is constantly fighting the downward pull of gravity on the head; this has been linked to spinal degeneration (arthritis), low self-esteem and disability. If texting is a major contributor to this health problem, simply limit the activity. The result might curtail your Facebook activity, anger family and friends awaiting responses to texts, and leave you in the dark about what’s going on in the world. In addition, use your voice recognition feature on your smartphone to text or email to save you from craning your neck; you might find it to be quicker than text ing. Also try calling more often rather than texting, and use a headset. Another idea is to try to hold your phone higher, at eye level. Although this looks strange, it should help. There are devices on the market, such

as a gooseneck clamp, for better phone positioning. Be aware of your overall posture and the strains on it; act to reduce those strains by repositioning. It is important to get an assessment of the entire spine before trying to figure out how to fix text neck because the three regions of the spine are structurally and functionally interconnected. Standing X-rays are the proven and reliable method to analyze spinal curves and distortions. The forces of forward head posture and gravity have to be countered to restore normal structure without surgery. These forces must be stronger, targeted and in the opposite direction than the forces that contribute to text neck. When applied appropriately, this spinal/postural remodeling can achieve life-changing outcomes. ■ Dr. David Shapiro, certified at the highest level in chiropractic biophysics, is the founder and chief wellness officer of Complete Spine Solutions in Tucker. A 1993 graduate of Life University, he serves on the extension faculty and speaks on topics of natural health and wellness.

Colon Screening Vital

Anyone can get colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States when men and women are considered separately and the second-leading cause when the sexes are combined. Here’s the good news for Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March: Colon cancer is one of the most highly treatable and preventable cancers. When detected in its early stages, colon cancer is 90% curable. Ashkenazi Jews have one of the highest colon cancer risks of any ethnic group. Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates considers a colonoscopy the best method for detecting colon cancer in its early stages. Screening colonoscopies are recommended for every adult beginning at age 50 (earlier in some cases), but only about half of those 50 or older are getting this lifesaving test. A gastroenterologist will check for signs of cancer and remove polyps that could turn into cancer. The colonoscopy is performed under light sedation. Most patients have little discomfort; the procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. ■

Distinctive Residential Settings | Premier Programs for Health and Wellness Award-Winning Memory Care | Chef-Prepared Dining and Bistro Professionally Supervised Therapy and Rehabilitation Services

Buckhead (404) 252-6271 Johns Creek (770) 813-9505

AtlJewTimes_2_27_golden.indd 1

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

Open for tours seven days a week. Call today!

AJT 23

2/24/15 4:25 PM

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

BUSINESS

What Falling Oil Prices, Rising Dollar Mean

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

wo of the most notable economic developments of recent months are the dramatic decline in oil prices and the resurgence in the value of the U.S. dollar against other currencies. Both have an economic impact that could translate to an investment impact as well. Let’s consider how these two trends might affect the investment markets.

AJT 24

Cheaper Oil — The Pluses and Minuses The price for a barrel of light crude oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange dropped from $107.30 on June 20, 2014, to half that level, $53.04, by the end of 2014. Oil prices are unpredictable and subject to fluctuation. Yet today worldwide oil supplies are growing faster than demand, so prices may stay relatively low in the near term. Broadly speaking, lower oil prices are a favorable trend to help bolster economic growth, which can be a positive development for some stocks. Consumers are clearly among the major beneficiaries, as the cost of a tank of gas has dropped significantly since mid-2014. The savings realized at the gas pump could be a boon to other parts of the economy, such as retail businesses, as consumers have more ability to spend on other types of purchases. Businesses that are heavy energy users (airlines, transportation firms, some industrial companies) should see costs go down as well, which might improve their bottom lines. Countries that rely on oil imports will benefit from the trend. By contrast, the drop in prices has created significant challenges for some oil exporting countries, with Russia and Venezuela as notable examples. The recent boom in U.S. oil production also could mean that the drop in oil prices puts pressure on some companies and sectors of our own economy. Oil companies are seeing profits decline as a result of the price drop. Firms that provide services to the oil drilling and production industry may also experience slower business activity if prices remain low. The Impact of the Dollar’s Recovery The dollar has experienced a significant rally. While the change varies depending on the currency it is measured against, a good example is

how the dollar fared against the euro. As recently as May 2014, it took $1.39 to purchase one euro. By the end of the year, a euro cost $1.21, and the dollar has continued to strengthen. A stronger dollar is good news for Americans traveling overseas. They will get more bang for their buck when they

Guest Column By Allen Shpigel www.ameripriseadvisors.com/ allen.a.shpigel exchange dollars for euros than they would have just a few months ago. A stronger dollar creates challenges for some large U.S. companies that do significant business overseas. The revenues they generate abroad, translated back into dollars, will result in a reduced return as the dollar strengthens. This can have a negative impact on corporate profits for multinational firms, which might be reflected in stock prices. Firms that do little or no business overseas generally are in a position to avoid any significant ramifications to earnings from the stronger dollar. On the other hand, overseas firms that conduct business in the United States benefit from the dollar’s strength. This could, in certain cases, create a more favorable environment for selected overseas stocks. However, currency fluctuations are only one factor that might affect the investment potential of a particular company or country. Investors need to be careful not to place too much emphasis on the impact of exchange rates as they assess their investment options. You might see an impact of the stronger dollar and lower oil prices in your portfolio, but they are only two of many factors in play. Any adjustments you make to your own investment strategy should be consistent with your long-term goals, the time you have to invest and your risk tolerance. Consult with a financial adviser before you make any investment decisions. ■ Allen Shpigel, CRPC®, AWMA®, ADPA®, CLTC, is a financial adviser and chartered retirement planning counselor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Atlanta. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 12 years.

Federation Gives Time For Planned Giving

ore than 200 financial professionals attended the ninth annual Balser Symposium on planned giving Feb. 13 at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center. The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta hosted the event with the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and the United Way of Greater Atlanta. Rabbi Steven Leder of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles and Georgia State law professor Sam Donaldson were the keynote speakers. Photos by Leonard Goodelman, Affordable Photography

E A: Greg Rhodes of EquiVal; Bill Lankford of symposium premier sponsor Moore Stephens Tiller; and Roger Kirschenbaum of Roger A. Kirschenbaum, P.C., who chairs the Estate Planning and Probate Section of the Atlanta Bar Association B: Larry Frank and Jack Balser, the symposium’s namesake C: Rabbi Steven Leder with Itai D. Tsur, Federation’s senior endowment counsel D: Glen Zweig of Goldman Sachs; Brent Eden of Nease, Lagana, Eden & Culley, the chairman of the Balser Symposium; and Jonathan Swartz of Bennett Thrasher E: Davi Kutner of GV Financial Advisors, Erica Tritt of the Sladkus Law Group, and Sheldon Friedman of Friedman, Dever & Merlin

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

ARTS

Uncomfortable Laughs Pack ‘Mein Kampf’ By Rebecca McCarthy

here are moments in George Tabori’s “Mein Kampf,” which opens March 12 at 7 Stages Theatre, that make the audience squirm. After all, the play imagines Adolf Hitler as an aspiring landscape artist who’s trying to make his way in 1910 Vienna. We know well the monster that Hitler, the former country bumpkin, becomes, but none of the characters in the play, not even Hitler himself, does. It’s this sense of dark foreboding that is, well, horrifying. When Hitler tells the Jewish man who has befriended him, “I’ll buy you an oven so you’ll be warm,” we cringe, just as Tabori wants us to. “Mein Kampf,” once the most performed play in Germany, showcases the playwright’s considerable comic and intellectual gifts. It’s erudite, ironic, funny, touching and profound. According to director Del Hamilton, Tabori’s temper-tantrum-throwing, fussy Fuhrer-to-be was one of the first live Hitlers to take the stage since World War II when the play premiered in 1987. Until then, German-speaking countries had outlawed any such portrayals. But Tabori believed that “there

a smoking, smirkare taboos that must ing sex bomb. Other be broken or they characters are the will continue to loquacious chef choke us.” Lobkowitz, played The Univerby Wyatt Geist, and sity Theatre at the Gretchen, a rich ViUniversity of Georennese young womgia staged “Mein an who is Herzl’s Kampf,” with Hamlove interest and is ilton as guest direcplayed by Julianne tor, in conjunction Whitehead. Myles with an academic Haslam plays the conference in AthPhoto by Nathalie Bauer young, sputtering ens, “George Tabori George Tabori in 2006 Hitler. and the Theatre of the John Wright’s set places us in a Holocaust.” The three-day event, which ended March 1, attracted scholars from dim, dank flophouse in a seedy secAustria, Canada, England, Germany, tion of Vienna. The room is rimmed Israel and Italy, as well as the United by beds and anchored by a large outStates, to discuss the theatrical repre- house. The play opens with Lobkowitz, who believes himself to be God, lightsentations of the Shoah. The “Mein Kampf” cast is won- ing a menorah and reciting prayers for derful, especially UGA professor T. the dead. He and Herzl, who has had a Anthony Marotta as Shlomo Herzl, an night of selling books, have a rapid-fire educated, impoverished Jewish book conversation that touches on an autopeddler who sells copies of the Bible biography Herzl plans to write called and “Fanny Hill.” He’s also a would-be “Mein Kampf.” They are interrupted by writer — though he hasn’t yet penned the arrival of young Adolf, a petulant, a line — who’s the beating heart and spoiled brat sporting knickers and carrying a portfolio of provincial paintmoral compass of the play. Also good is Jessica Moore, who ings. When Lobkowitz learns Hitler’s seems delighted to portray Frau Death, name, he says, “Funny, you don’t look

Jewish.” Herzl takes the doughy Adolf under his wing and tries to smooth out the rough patches, pre-paring him for the difficult life awaiting a starving artist, even as Hitler confesses, “I want something else. The world.” “All of it?” Herzl asks patiently. “Yes. Even New Zealand.” Herzl later tells Hitler, “You’re a terrible actor. You should go into politics.” The pace of the play slows when Frau Death takes center stage, but I enjoyed the commentary she delivers to the audience. Some of her moments with Hitler are chilling. Meanwhile, something about Moore reminds me of Madeline Kahn, and that’s a good thing. ■

What: “Mein Kampf” Where: 7 Stages Theatre, 1105 Euclid Ave., Little Five Points When: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 12 to 14; 5 p.m. Sunday, March 15 Tickets: $22.50; www.7stages.org/ events/mein-kampf

Holocaust Message in the Music Kennesaw State composer closes AJMF

usic has the power to make us see and feel the world differently. For the Jews of Europe in World War II, music was greater than notes and measures. It served as a means for survival, a theme for resistance and medicine for the sick. In 2015, the music from that period sends a poignant message: Never forget. The final event of this year’s Atlanta Jewish Music Festival, “Music of Resistance and Survival: A Holocaust Remembrance Concert,” will explore the music and compositions of the Holocaust era with two concerts (one for the general public) March 23 at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., Midtown. “The Atlanta Jewish Music Festival is thrilled to include the Holocaust Remembrance Concert as part of our sixth annual spring festival,” festival

sic of identity and, as director Russell we have in the title, Gottschalk said. of resistance and “This concert will survival. This mube a fantastic finale sic helped people to to our festival.” have hope.” The musiProduced by cal program will the KSU School of include partisan, Music, the event will ghetto, and confeature two Holocentration camp caust exhibits open songs; piano music for viewing before by Felix Mendelssohn and Austrian Laurence Sherr on March 23 will perform and after the concerts: “Never Forget: Jewish composer the cello sonata he composed based on Holocaust-era music and poetry. An Introduction to Erich Wolfgang the Holocaust” and Korn gold; and a “Georgia’s Response new cello sonata based on that music by the composer to the Holocaust.” The music tells compelling stories in residence at Kennesaw State Univerof the Jewish experience in the Holosity’s School of Music, Laurence Sherr. “It’s important for people to un- caust era. From the nearly 30,000 Jewderstand that artists during the Holo- ish partisans who fought during World caust were creating music out of neces- War II to the victims of Nazi occupasity,” Sherr said. “This wasn’t music for tion who number in the millions, this entertainment, although certainly it music is a reminder of a tragic time in could serve that purpose. This was mu- Jewish history. The objective of the per-

formance is to connect people with the creators of these stories through music. “My goal in connecting people to the past is to strive for a better society today,” Sherr said, “so people can be more understanding and tolerant and so that we can address injustice. It’s our way of healing the world or, to use the Jewish phrase, tikkun olam.” The first of two concerts opens at 9:30 a.m. for students. The second show will open at 7 p.m. for the exhibits, with the concert at 8; it is open to the entire community. Admission is free, but registration is required through musicksu. com. ■

What: Holocaust Remembrance Concert Where: The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., Midtown When: 7 p.m. Monday, March 23 Tickets: Free with registration Information: ksuweb.kennesaw.edu/ ~lsherr/2015HolocaustConcert

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

By David R. Cohen david@atljewishtimes.com

AJT 25

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

ARTS

Athens Steps Into Jewish Film Spotlight

Seventh-annual festival includes Israel, Russia, Germany, Macedonia By Rebecca McCarthy he seventh-annual Athens Jewish Film Festival features 12 fulllength films and three shorts from Saturday, March 14, to Wednesday, March 18, at Cine, a downtown Athens theater. “When Abe and Carmen [Tesser] started it, they did it all,” said Renee Brown, this year’s festival president. “It was tough, and they were phenomenal.” But today, she said, the responsibilities have been segmented so that committees handle what needs to be done: one to review the submissions; one to plan the opening gala; one to raise money and find sponsors; and one to encourage restaurants to donate food. “It’s a great board,” said Brown, a retired school superintendent from Taliaferro County. “When somebody says they’ll take care of something, it gets done. I’ve been on other boards where that’s not the case.” The festival kicks off March 14 with a gala at the Georgia Museum of Art. The celebration includes dinner and film, as well as a visit from Christoph Sander, the German consul general in Atlanta, who is sponsoring the showing of “Run Boy Run.” The movie, part of the 2014 Atlanta festival, is based on a story by Uri Orlev. It focuses on Srulik, an 8-year-old Jewish boy who in 1942 runs away from

the Warsaw ghetto. He lives alone in the forest, then makes his way to a Polish farm where he’s known as Jurek, a Christian child.

Here are the other movies in the festival: Sunday, March 15 • “Igor and the Cranes’ Journey,” 12:30 p.m. A young crane named Karl brings together an estranged father and son who are tracking a family of birds on a mi-

gratory journey from Russia to Africa. • “Hunting Elephants,” 2:30 p.m. A man, his grandson and two elderly friends decide to rob a Jerusalem bank. • “Run Boy Run,” 5:30 p.m. • “24 Days,” 8 p.m. Anti-Semitism in France is brought into sharp focus in this story of the kidnapping of a young Jewish man in 2006 and his family’s anguished response. This film played at this year’s Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Monday, March 16 • “Life in Stills,” 4 p.m. This documentary introduces us to a photo shop owner and her grandson. The woman is being evicted, and she and her grandson team up to save the shop and its almost 1 million negatives chronicling historic moments in Israel’s life. • “The Sturgeon Queens,” 5:15 p.m. Russ and Daughters is a Lower East Side lox and herring business in New York that is frequented by the famous and by celebrities. The fourth generation of the immigrant family is working in the emporium. Featured is an interview with the two elderly Russ daughters for whom the store was named. • “Cupcakes,” 6:45 p.m. Some friends in Tel Aviv aren’t impressed by the Israeli entry for “UniverSong.” They think they can do better, and they do, enduring the spotlight of fame. • “Zaytoun,” 8:30 p.m. In 1982 Beirut, a young Palestinian refugee helps an Israeli fighter pilot escape the PLO. The boy wants to

visit his ancestral home. As they travel in Lebanon, they become close friends. Tuesday, March 17 • “The Return,” 4 p.m. This documentary tells the story of four young Polish women who were raised Catholic but learn they are really Jewish. They join an emerging, struggling Jewish community in Poland. This film played at this year’s Atlanta festival. • “The Prime Ministers,” 6:15 p.m. The second part of a documentary history of Israel offers an insider’s view of the nation’s emergence and leadership. It played at this year’s Atlanta festival. • “Hanna’s Journey,” 8:30 p.m. Driven and political, Berlin business major Hanna is determined to polish her résumé and boost her self-confidence by traveling to Israel. She volunteers with the mentally challenged, finds herself slowly becoming interested in German history and her family’s history, and discovers a romantic interest. Wednesday, March 18 • Short films, 5 p.m. “The Funeral,” “Tightrope” and “Hannah Cohen’s Holy Communion.” • “The Third Half,” 6:30 p.m. Macedonia is taken over by the Serbs and told it no longer exists. Determined to build a great soccer club, Dimitry hires a German coach, Rudolph Spitz, who is Jewish. Dimitry’s plans change when the German tanks roll in and his star player elopes with a Jewish woman. To purchase tickets, visit athensjff. org/tickets. A pass good for all festival films is $45. The opening gala is $65. ■

Ex-Professors Thought, ‘How Hard Can It Be?’ By Rebecca McCarthy

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

AJT 26

hey had worked with the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, reviewing entries, and an art house movie theater had just opened in Athens. So Athenians Abraham and Carmen Tesser thought their city could offer a viable venue for the Atlanta organizers. The couple tried to persuade the Atlanta organizers to come to Athens for two years, but nothing happened. One evening over wine, the Tessers decided that Athens could stage its own festival. “Sure, we could do it,” Carmen said. “Famous last words.” The Tessers, retired University of Georgia professors, realized they needed a nimble organization to do everything. Such as being designated a 501(c)

(3) nonprofit organization so they could accept donations. And finding venues. And raising money. And forming committees to get everything else done. They held a meeting, inviting people from the community as well as the local synagogue, to talk about what would happen. “You ever heard that Woody Allen line? ‘Want to make G-d laugh? Plan,’ ” Carmen said. “It was kind of like that.” Even though it was the fall of 2008 and the economy was tumbling, people were enthusiastic. Financial support from the Jewish community and the Athens community at large never wavered. In addition to individual donations, the Georgia Humanities Council, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor’s Community Improvement Fund, the

Israeli Consulate General to the Southeast and the German Consulate General in Atlanta all contributed. Mama’s Boy, an Athens restaurant, offered to donate food. “And that changed the whole nature of the festival,” Abraham said. “It became an event with food and snacks as well as movies. At every movie now, there’s food, something to nosh on.” He said that picking the films was interesting. They didn’t want to show only films about the Holocaust. Or just comedies. Or from one country or region. Nor did they want anything in commercial theaters. They opted for a variety of films that met the requirement of being by young Jewish filmmakers or having Jewish themes. “We were reviewing movies all

year,” Carmen said. “Initially, we thought, ‘How hard can it be?’ Well, we found out.” By March 2009, when the festival started, the organization had accrued about $20,000. For the three-day festival, the organizing committee wanted to bring someone from at least one film, be it the director, the screenwriter or an actor, to talk with the audience. Such guests have become a feature. Snow fell the evening of the opening gala — a semiformal event with food, music and a movie at Cine — but the festival was a success. Abraham and Carmen are no longer directly involved. “We let it go, and it’s still here,” Abraham said. “That’s the most exciting part: that it’s still here and going strong.” ■

ARTS

A Cross-Stitch in Time Photo by Flora Rosefsky

grandmother and her third-grade granddaughter attend a cross-stitch learning session sponsored by the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Art — Peach State Stitchers, Atlanta Chapter, in a private home in Dunwoody on Sunday, March 1. Members of the Peach State Stitchers taught the children how to stitch patterns of people or faces that resembled themselves or family members, such as their siblings, parents or grandparents. To read more information about the Atlanta Chapter or about future stitching programs, visit www.peachstatestitchers.org. ■

American Craft Council Returns to Atlanta Area

JUST LISTED! 2917 HAMILTON SQUARE Lovely 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath | The Oaks, Decatur Offered for $429,500

SANDY ABRAMS When only the best will do!

Cell: 404-281-0097 Office: 404-233-4142 sandy.abrams@harrynorman.com

By Suzi Brozman sbrozman@atljewishtimes.com 532 East Paces Ferry Road, Suite 200 | Betsy Franks, Senior Vice-President & Managing Broker | www.HarryNorman.com The above information is believed to be accurate but not warranted. Offer subject to changes, errors, and omissions without notice.

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

ho cares if the American Craft Council show opens Friday, March 13? Just be careful not to pick up that one-of-a-kind glass vase too cavalierly. This show is one of the highlights of the year, a time to see what’s going on in the world of affordable, handmade artwork. It features ceramics, leather, clothing, glass, metal, jewelry, wood and much more, and it offers us frustrated crafters the chance to meet the creative souls who turn their dreams into functional and artistic wares — the kind of stuff I wish I could create. Just in time for Passover, the ACC show provides a real chance to find unique hostess gifts, both Judaic and secular. Some 225 artists from all parts of the country will be showing many things you’ll have trouble convincing yourself you don’t need and just as many you know you can’t live without. One of the show’s popular exhibitors is Jewish Atlantan Barry Rhodes. He’s one of 26 Georgians selected to exhibit here, and fans look forward to his work from year to year. He started his ceramics career in the 1970s at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. His sculpted works reflect the facades of downtown Decatur’s mills and storefronts. His interests in pottery and physics show in the repeating patterns, balancing the inorganic nature of hard edges with Oriental flower patterns. “The crazy-quilt approach seems to work as a fitting metaphor for my life and work,” he said. While working as a computer scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rhodes spends his free time creating his amazing sculptural clay works. His pieces are in such collections as the Mint Museum in Charlotte and Agnes Scott College in Decatur. In 2013, he received an Award of Excellence from the ACC. The $75 ACC preview party is Thursday, March 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. If you miss that advance shot at the items on sale, you can head for the Cobb Galleria Centre from Friday through Sunday and mingle with the expected 10,000 other attendees. Visit www.craftcouncil.org/Atlanta for more details and tickets ($12 in advance, $13 at the door for a one-day pass; $29 for a three-day pass). ■

AJT 27

OBITUARIES – MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING

Carol Feldman 91, Atlanta

Carol Feldman passed away Monday, March 9, 2015, at St. Joseph’s Hospital after a short illness. Born November 7, 1923, she is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Janice and Michael Cohen of Tampa, Fla., Bobbi and Howard Kelman of Marietta, Ga., Laurie and Todd Platt of Dallas, Texas, and David and Gladys Herckis of Atlanta. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ike Feldman, and a daughter, Elaine Herckis. She was a wonderful grandmother to Jennifer Behar; Scott and Karen Herckis; Joanne, Hilary, Marc, and Chu Cohen; Melanie Kelman; Dana and Joshua Stein; and Jeffrey and Melissa Platt. She also had seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving her are her sisters, Marjorie (Arthur) Isaac of New Jersey and Ann (George) Jones of Atlanta, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Carol and her husband, Ike, moved to the South in August 1953 and became permanent residents of Atlanta, a city they loved. They opened four Ethan Allen furniture stores, where her creative talent flourished. Her life was blessed with wonderful friends and an ever-growing family. Services were held at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., Atlanta, on Wednesday, March 11. A family-only graveside service followed. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Temple Zaban Couples Shelter in honor of Carol. Arrangements by H.M. Patterson & Son.

Dr. Morris Jaffe Finck 98, Atlanta

Dr. Morris Jaffe Finck, formerly of Cleveland, Ohio, died in Atlanta on Sunday, March 8, 2015, at the age of 98.

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

Morris is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Lusher of Cleveland, and his three children, 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister. Morris was born on March 6, 1917, in Cleveland, where he lived for 82 years. He graduated from Glenville High School in 1935 and Ohio State University and Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1946. After service in the Army, he practiced dentistry in the Cleveland area for 51 years. For many years he served as volunteer faculty for Case Western Reserve School of Dentistry. Donations in his memory may be made to the Jewish National Fund, Halcyon Hospice House (Atlanta) or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Albert Kalen 90, Atlanta

Albert Kalen, age 90, of Atlanta died Thursday, March 5, 2015. Throughout his life, he was committed to community service, from helping underprivileged children who had lost their fathers, to driving seniors around, to volunteering at the Atlanta Olympics, and most recently to helping others at his senior living facility with their technology needs. A World War II veteran who then received an engineering degree from Drexel University, he became an expert in the field of quality assurance and came to Atlanta in 1976 to work with the construction of MARTA. Once he retired, he took up his hobbies with the same commitment toward excellence he exhibited in his career and became an avid tennis player and then at 70 an oil painter until he became legally blind. Though legally blind and deaf, he nevertheless continued until his passing to work continuously with his computers and other technological aids, read books, stay abreast of the news, create DVDs for others, and even craft cards for his friends and family. He was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather who worked tirelessly to create a loving family environment. He was a member of Congregation Etz Chaim and Congregation B’nai Torah. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Sam Kalen and Karen Ventura-Kalen of Laramie, Wyo.; daughter and son-in-law Eleanor and David Hochberg of Marietta; and grandsons Joshua Kalen of Laramie and Martin Hochberg of San Francisco. Mr. Kalen was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Resnick Kalen, of blessed memory. Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Library Service for the Blind, www.loc.gov/nls. A graveside service was held Sunday, March 8, at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Shalom Lewis officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Victoria Schauer

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

AJT 28

Victoria Schauer, 90, died peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2015, surrounded and held by her loving family. She was born Aug. 23, 1924, in Jacksonville, Fla. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Sol Schauer; her sonin-law, Scott Holtz; and her sister, Lillian Borgh. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Holtz; granddaughters Melissa Holtz and Stephanie Holtz-Whelan (Christopher); great-grandson Scotty Whelan; brother Albert Levy; devoted caregiver and best friend Carolyn Haywood; and many nieces and nephews. She was the successful owner of Shower Realty in partnership with her late husband and was known as the Maven of Neiman Marcus. Victoria was known for her fabulous cooking and entertaining and beautiful rose garden and loved her dogs Zoe and Ginger. She was the happiest when she spoiled her daughter, granddaughters and great-grandson. Victoria will want to be remembered for her love of life, her kind and generous spirit, and her great sense of fashion. An online guestbook is available at www.edressler.com. Graveside services were held Monday, March 9, at Crest Lawn Memorial Park with Rabbi Judith Beiner officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30346. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

CLOSING THOUGHTS OBITUARIES – MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING

The Bus Driver

CROSSWORD “Tanach Ties” By Alan Olschwang Editor: DavidBenkof@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Medium

ability a tourist from a small Midwestern town must feel. Good grief, I am a born and bred and proud of it New Yorker. Even better, I am from The Bronx. Would you believe that when, on my return trip home, I went in search of the bus stop, I got flustered and had

SHAINDLE’S SHPIEL By Shaindle Schmuckler shaindle@atljewishtimes.com

to ask for help? Somehow I had turned into a worried, disoriented tourist. On this very same trip to visit my daughter No. 4 and her soon-to-be husband, my baby girl offered to treat me to get my nails done at her manicure shop. Talk about feeling like I was in a strange land! Although I am now a seasoned consumer of manis, at the time I was a mani virgin. I was shocked to discover New Yorkers were afraid of germs. Yes, the polar opposite of every one of my memories. Memories that included riding the buses and trains as a kid and as a teen. Clumped together like sardines in trains that had the distinct smells of food, coffee, liquor, urine and sweat. The fabulous music played by unknown musicians, and the touch of an unfamiliar hand — no need to elaborate. Back to the mani. New Yorkers purchase their own sets of mani and pedi instruments. These precious instruments are kept in small boxes in the manicurist’s shop, each box inscribed with the customer’s name. When a customer arrives at the appointed time, the contents of these boxes are revealed. I did not have a box filled with instruments. You guessed it: My daughter had a set that she gave me to use. Thank goodness her Southern roots, including the ever-popular five-second rule, were not polluted with that New York state of mind. By the way, not only did I make it back to her apartment without incident — unless you count the fact that I got off at the wrong bus stop and spent long, agonizing minutes looking for the key to her apartment, which fell to the bottom of my purse — I never had to use any of the telephone numbers she gave me. ■

ACROSS 1. “The Crucible,” e.g. 5. Ed who portrayed Mingo on the “Daniel Boone” TV series 9. The Red Sea, to the Israelites 13. Gulf of Aqaba port 15. PBS show that included the special “The Bible’s Buried Secrets” 16. Tot’s mishap that might elicit an “oy vey” from his mother 17. El Al had them until 1999 20. “And the priest shall put the oil ... upon the great ___ of his right foot” (Leviticus 14:28) 21. Horseradish, for one 22. Barbra Streisand has enjoyed it 23. He had two Marx brothers 24. It begins in the beginning 26. Amram’s mother? 30. “La Dolce Vita” actress Anouk 31. “Bond Smells ___” (tune on the soundtrack for the Harry Saltzman-produced “Diamonds Are Forever”) 32. Site with easy access to Facebook 35. Lentil bowlful that 25-Down exchanged for his birthright 36. Shalom in Strasbourg 38. He costarred with Winkler in “Happy Days” 39. Latke maker’s need 40. Shank bone’s place 41. Promotions for 22-Across shows 42. Sandy Koufax often pitched here 45. Payot place 48. Prime Minister Olmert (2006-2009) 49. Actress Garson directed by William Wyler in “Mrs. Miniver” (1942) 50. “But when the ___ comes in, give a fifth of it to Pharaoh” (Joseph’s instruction to the Egyptians) 51. Emulate Zac Efron 54. What Goliath may have said to David before David slung that stone? 58. Ill-advised interjection during the sermon

59. Gomorrah resident, most likely 60. Essene community attribute 61. Kibbutz visit souvenirs, perhaps 62. Lamentations 63. “What is this you have ___?” (God’s question to 7-Down) DOWN 1. Locust, for one 2. Transport for a first-class-allthe-way bar mitzvah 3. Plant mentioned in the 45th Psalm 4. A yenta yearns to do it 5. National Front for the Liberation of ___ (African revolutionaries Israel supported in the ‘60s) 6. First word of Al Rosen’s 1953 award 7. See 63-Across 8. Levittown feature 9. Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff’s “Jewish Choices, Jewish ___” 10. The Israeli Military Police Corps is responsible for them 11. Exodus peak 12. Abraham had to endure ten 14. Over-the-top Sabbath sermon 18. Carla served him on “Cheers” 19. Each of Maimonides’s 13 principles of faith 23. “___, in the Biblical sense” 24. Lieberman’s 2000 running mate 25. See 35-Across 26. React to a really good David Blaine trick 27. Comic Rudner 28. Prayer ender 29. Linda Lavin lived there 32. Linda Lingle lived there 33. “Bind them as a ___ upon your hand...” 34. Robert Knox described the

Jewish one as “large, massive, club-shaped, and hooked” 36. Jezebel’s husband 37. Eilat activity 38. Rothschild of Tel Aviv: Abbr. 40. Like hair after Lag Baomer, often 41. Object of tzedakah 42. Shoes for Lyle Alzado 43. Bupkis, bupkis, and more bupkis 44. Resh letters, in Greek 45. Exodus exodus place 46. “And there ___ not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses . . .” (Deuteronomy 34:10) 47. Conserve water like many kibbutzim 50. When smoked, it’s an alternative to lox 51. Alan Arkin’s 2012 Oscar nomination came from this film 52. Words regularly repeated by Len Berman on ESPN: “___ man!” 53. Jezebel’s father’s kingdom 55. Salk and Sabin, to name two: Abbr. 56. Pursue a shidduch 57. Hadassah provides it to some in need

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

“I

s this your first trip to New York?” This is the innocent and friendly question asked of me by a New York City bus driver as I boarded his bus to 34th Street. Not an inappropriate question, given that my daughter No. 4 walked me to the bus stop with a myriad of instructions for my trip to downtown New York, otherwise known as going into the city. “Don’t make eye contact, don’t talk to strangers, watch your purse, be sure you have exact change to come home, keep this paper with my address and phone number and the school’s phone number, just in case,” to name a few. She was teaching in a special needs school near her apartment. Before I could stay “34th Street, please,” said daughter was directly behind me as I boarded, standing on the first step of the three leading into the bus and giving explicit instructions to the bus driver while dropping exact change into the machine designed for that very purpose. Then to my complete chagrin I hear: “My mom is going to 34th Street. Please be sure she gets off at the right stop.” I sat directly in back of the bus driver. He looked up in his mirror just as I looked up, and he gave me this knowing look. The look he probably gave to all the idiots who dared board his bus. Suddenly, all bets were off. No longer was I the independent woman I believed myself to be; nay nay, I say, I was now my daughter’s charge. Ah, how sweet! I suppose if one could call the complete disintegration of my selfimage sweet, one could also call this a success story; I must have brought my daughter up to be a wonderful, thoughtful, kind daughter who took her responsibility of caring for her mommy very seriously. After all, she was a grown woman (to me, however, she was my baby), living and working in the big city. I, however, called it embarrassing. This New York was her New York. “Everything has changed, Mom. It’s not like when you lived here.” I was so relieved she didn’t say “like in the olden days.” As I attempted to commit to memory all this information, I began to feel the same vulner-

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

AJT 29

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

MARKET PLACE

HELP WANTED

COMPUTER SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Atlanta

is currently seeking to fill two positions: Circulation Admin Account Executive for consideration please send your resume to krudy@atljewishtimes.com Experienced inquiries only please.

Because technology should simplify.™

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARE YOU DROWNING IN DEBT BECAUSE OF POOR MONEY MANAGEMENT?

I CAN FIX THAT FOR YOU!

Start on the road to financial stability with my

“ACTION PLAN OF SPENDING ALLOCATION”

created specifically for your needs. Herb Simonoff, DMM Call 404-353-7334 E-Mail Hasmadmm@gmail.com www.donotgobroke.com

HEALTH SERVICES

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

CNA CAREGIVER I am CNA and available to care of your loved ones. I am specifically trained in the spinal care and strokes. Have excellent references. 404-375-0762

AJT 30

CNA looking to provide my services to a loving family. Have excellent references with over 5 years exp.. Would love to care for your loved on. Can do light housekeeping, medication, cooking, transportation, and TLC Gladys 404-643-7953 CNA Caretaker Companion. 21 Years Experience. Terrific References, available 24/7 with reliable transportation. Call Michelle 678-791-8380

I T S O LU T I O N S

IT SOLUTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

877.256.4426

www.dontsweatitsolutions.com

Generator Sales & Service, Inc. www.perkinselectric.com

770-251-9765

24/7 Power Protection Hands Free Operation | Professional Installation

COMPU ER

HOUSE CALLS

GENERATORS 24/7 POWER PROTECTION

Voted #1 by Atlanta Jewish Community - Since 1987!

Only pay if we fix your problem! www.HealthyComputer.com As low as $49

• PC, MAC, iPhone/iPad Service • Home & Commercial Service • Virus/Malware Removale • Laptop Screen Repair • Data Recovery/Forensics • Wireless Corporate Networks • Website Design/Management • We beat competitor pricing!

As Seen On

770-751-5706 HEALTH SERVICES CNA-looking to take care of your loved one. Specialize in elderly care. Have excellent references, own transportation and 25 years experience. Please call me at 404-993-9702

PIANO FOR ALL OCCASIONS Piano for all occasions: Dinner, show, popular music and sing-a-longs. Richard Siegel (404) 261-5445.

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ atljewishtimes

Healthy Mouth, Healthy YOU

Let Dr. Woods take care of your health where it Starts!

Smilescapes by Dr. Robert Woods Comprehensive Dental Care Over 25 Years in the Atlanta Area

770-551-0808

4190 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 2-G Alpharetta, GA 30005 www.smilescapes.net

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

Taking good care of your mouth - teeth and gums - does more than help ensure you have a bright, white smile. A healthy mouth and heathly body go hand in hand. Good oral hygiene and oral health can improve your overall health, reducing the risk of serious disease and perhaps even preserving your memory in your golden years. The phrase “healthy mouth, heathly you” really is true -- and backed by growing scientific evidence. -- WebMB

AJT 31

GRADY IS SETTING THE STANDARD IN STROKE CARE. Grady’s Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center is nationally recognized for curing patients beyond the capabilities of many other hospitals. That’s why more than 60 Georgia medical centers send us their most challenging stroke cases. Our skilled physicians are mavericks in the f ield of stroke intervention. We use cutting edge, image-guided technology to remove deadly blood clots before they can permanently damage the brain. We pioneer techniques that improve patient outcomes and change lives. Patients often walk out just days after being carried in by paramedics. That success has been noticed. The Marcus Center has received the elite Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center designation, which means we have committed the resources to install the latest technology and attract the nation’s best clinicians - all to save the brain.

MARCH 13 ▪ 2015

If you or a loved one experience the symptoms of a stroke, call 911 immediately and insist to be taken to Grady.

AJT 32

Drs. Raul Nogueira, Michael Frankel, Faiz Ahmad, Diogo Haussen, Lisa-Ann Wuermser and Aaron Anderson - Physicians of Grady’s Marcus Stroke Center