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5 kislev – 11 kislev 5774 vOL. LXXXVIII NO. 44
Volunteers in Action
Making a difference from the Shepherd Center to the Food Bank and beyond
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7 Habits of DeStressed People
Fea
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Ground Breaking Event for Temina PAGE 16
AJT
ISRAEL
Ready, Set, Go!
MODERN JUDAISM IN THE INFORMATION AGE
and educating our youth remained. Thankfully the People of the Book survived and thrived.
BY DANA SPECTOR
ASSSISTANT EDITOR
W
hat happens when AICC, Bar Ilan University and Young Israel get together? The opportunities to deeply connect modern Israel with the broader Jewish community are seemingly endless. Bar Ilan University’s School of Communication’s new outreach program, Israel Up-Close 2014 series (beginning this past Sunday evening) started in Atlanta and continues to bring the experts to the community. Monday, the programing kicked off at the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast and traversed our great city from the Young Israel in Toco Hills to The Atlanta Press Club. The second event, Mon., Nov. 4 focused on Jewish history in development of Information Age.
November 8 ▪ 2013
Professor Eytan Gilboa of the Bar Ilan University explained that Israel Up-Close 2014’s mission is, “to im-
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While life without the Temple became an obvious struggle, the Jewish community adapted. We shifted from an agrarian society to commerce; a shift which later proved to be both blessing and curse. Our ability to change with the times developed into niche markets, and a new perspective on improvising through adversity. Professor Sam Lehman-Wilzig, PhD prove Israel’s image by dealing with the tough issues on a daily basis.” Then his Bar Ilan University colleague, Professor Sam Lehman-Wilzig, outlined how the Jewish Community has managed to excel in the modern Information Age. Dr. Wilzig examined the subject through a Jewish cultural lens and discovered that many ancient Jewish cultural perceptions remain constant in modern Judaism.
Professor Eytan Gilboa, PhD An educator, myself, I was pleasantly shocked by Dr. Wilzig’s logical correlations between Biblical Judaism (practiced during the Age of the Temple), and Rabbinic Judaism (Judaism after 68 CE). After the Temple’s (the one in Jerusalem, not Midtown Atlanta) destruction, many Judaic Templespecific traditions could no longer be celebrated. However, the cultural emphasis on community literacy
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Sure, Jewish history might not be pretty, but the culture has undoubtedly made a positive mark on history: Nobel Peace Prizes, Supreme Court Justices, doctors, entrepreneurs, community leaders prove Am Yisrael Chai in the Information Age. Editor’s note: to learn more about how modern Judaism impacts you and Israel, feel free to follow the Israel Up-Close 2014 series. Visit www. israelupclose-biu.com for more information.
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israel
Israeli Pride
GOOD NEWS MADE IN THE JEWISH STATE THIS PAST WEEK
FREEZING CANCER. Israel’s IceCure is already destroying breast cancer with its latest IceSense3 tumorfreezing technology. IceCure is now to conduct clinical trials on lung cancer tumors, funded by the Kameda Medical Center in Japan. PERSONAL DIAGNOSIS DEVICE. Israel’s Tyto Health Care has developed a device that can gather information straight from the patient—via the mouth, throat, eyes, ears, heart, lungs, or skin. It includes a camera and microphone to take measurements, and can upload and send the results to a doctor or health management organization. “PEACE UNIVERSITY” TO OPEN IN NAZERITH. The Israeli Ministry of Education announced the founding of a new university in Nazareth to be called “Peace University.” It aims to foster coexistence between Arabs and Jews around the country. It will be an Israeli campus of Texas A&M University, and the U.S. is funding much of the costs. ISRAEL HOSTS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE. Mashav, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, in cooperation with the United Nations, is holding the 28th International Women Leaders’ Conference in Haifa. The conference aims to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.
YAD SARAH PRESENTS: GADGETS FOR THE ELDERLY. Yad Sarah’s mobile unit has been making a monumental difference in the lives of many senior citizens by showing them new devices and activities that can help them lead fuller, more comfortable lives. NEW MATERIAL TO REMOVE POLLUTANTS. The Yissum Research Development Company, part of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has commercialized a clay-based mineral developed by Dr. Yael Mishael, Hebrew University Professor. The mineral is modified with polymers to absorb organic polluting chemicals and is even more effective than active carbon. ORCAM GLASSES ARE NOW AVAILABLE. Israeli start-up OrCam’s camera-based system will “read” to the visually impaired whilst on the move. These revolutionary spectacles are now being shipped at a cost of $2,500 a pair. FACEBOOK RECOGNIZES ISREALI TALENT. Nicola Mendelsohn, Vice President of Facebook, reported to President Peres, “It was a momentous decision for Facebook to open its first Research & Development center outside the U.S. We chose Israel in the knowledge that the best talent is found here.” AOL DISCOVERS ISRAEL; IKEA OPENS SITE. AOL is now hiring a large range of employees for its Israeli development center; it is seeking developers, content managers, production managers, and support staff. Meanwhile, IKEA is building a another site near Haifa that will employ 300 staff. LOU REED’S ISRAEL CONNECTION. Singer-songwriter Lou Reed, who passed last week, visited Israel in 2008 as a “guest artist” at his wife Laurie Anderson’s concert—and is still remembered there today. A new genus of velvet spider, found under-
ground in Israel’s Negev desert last year was named Loureedia annulipes after the former Velvet Underground leader. TOM JONES’S VOICE BOOMS OUT IN TEL AVIV. British singer Tom Jones played to full houses at Nokia Arena in his two concerts in Tel Aviv. Giving his music an Israeli twist, he even sang “My Yiddishe Momme” during his second concert. CELEBRATING THE RETURN TO JERUSALEM. Thousands of Ethiopian Jews gathered in Jerusalem this year to celebrate Sigd. Sigd is the Biblical holiday originally observed in Ethiopia 50 days after Yom Kippur to re-
pent for sins, pray for a safe return to Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah and a Third Temple. THE LEGACY OF THE BIELSKI BROTHERS. This week, 400 people gathered in New York to honor the legendary Bielski brothers, the partisan leaders who saved more than 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust. To their honor, the Bielski grandchildren now include an Israel Defense Forces battalion commander. Aron Bielski urged them all, “Supporting Israel is the most important. If they don’t, some day they will pay for it.”
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November 8 ▪ 2013
REPRODUCING THE EARLIEST STEM CELLS. Scientists at Israel’s Weizmann Institute are the first in the world to produce completely “reset” stem cells from adult cells. Re-engineered stem cells were previously primed to be specific to certain cells in the body, but the new Israeli stem cells have the potential to be grown into any organ.
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AJT
ACCORDING TO ARLENE
Life is Full of Surprises
So-Called Friends Come and Go, But Writing is for Life By Arlene Appelrouth
with the same teacher for years.
selling books.
S
I got a notice that the teacher was offering a year-long writing intensive. There would be four week-long workshops over the course of a year. Students would be assigned books to read prior to each week, and each week would be filled with writing, meditating, and listening to what our well respected, successful writing teacher had to say.
When she announced the next workshop would be in December, 2013, I quickly signed up and sent in my deposit.
AJT CONTRIBUTOR
ometimes things happen that are unexpected. Like what happened to me recently. The truth is I brought it on myself. When I went to my first week-long writers retreat in New Mexico, I believed I was indulging in a luxury. I love words. I love putting them together on paper, as well as crafting stories when I’m in a group. The thought of devoting an entire week to writing, learning more about words and being with others who shared the same passion was a fantasy come true. The workshop was meaningful, satisfying and stimulating. I imagined I would participate in a week-long writing workshop once. So I was surprised to discover that many of the other students had been signing up for the same workshop,
I signed up. I looked forward to each week. The workshops were held in silence and as strange as it probably sounds, the silence itself created an infrastructure that deepened my writing process. In December, 2012, Natalie Goldberg, my teacher, announced she was taking a year’s sabbatical from teaching. Her newest book was out and her time would be spent traveling around the country, signing and
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All the workshops take place at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos. The place is rustic and the atmosphere laid back. Taos itself seems to exist in a time warp, with residents who don’t seem driven by the calendars in their smart phones. I received an email in October requesting full payment for the workshop. In the past, I frequently paid in-full once I got there. I ignored the request, as there was so much going on in my life. My lake house had flooded and required a lot of attention. Then my husband got sick and was hospitalized. On top of that, when I saw my dermatologist for the removal of a small cancer cell on my face, and I ended up needing plastic surgery which created other, unexpected problems.
2 days Left!
Two weeks passed before I called Mabel Dodge with my credit card number. I was shocked to find out they had canceled my registration.
Open for Bidding November 1st!
“You missed the deadline by 12 days,” they said.
Bid on name-brand gift certificates and items to benefit ORT, a Jewish organization funding schools & educational programs worldwide.
“I have been coming to these workshops for eight years,” I protested. “I always pay my full share. It’s not like I’m a stranger you’ve never heard of. Isn’t that worth anything?”
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November 8 ▪ 2013
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It wasn’t. I asked for the manager.
Sharing my recent extraordinary life circumstances had no effect. I was told I would be put on the waiting list.. There were 35 people ahead of me. Frankly, I didn’t believe there wasn’t enough space for me. I emailed Natalie. I thought of her as a friend and believed a word from her would put my name at the top of the waiting list. With almost two months until the workshop, someone would surely have an emergency which would open a space for me. Two days later I found her response in my inbox. Except it wasn’t what I expected.
ABOUT ORT: ORT America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to strengthening communities throughout the world by educating people against all odds and obstacles. www.ortatlanta.org.
She said that Mabel Dodge was in business to make money and that their policy regarding full payment had always been too lenient. She reminded me that I had almost an
entire year to pay for the workshop. Everyone had difficult situations to deal with, she said. She was not willing to give me any special treatment. When I understood she was denying my request and I would not be placed at the top of the waiting list, her words turned into a steel fist, punching me in the stomach.And the next paragraph contained words which knocked me over. She believed I had learned everything she had to teach. She told me after a year, I could petition her to sit at her feet again. She didn’t say sit at her feet, but that’s how I read it. She complimented my writing and also said she was fond of me. Having been expelled for a year, the message seemed incongruent. I thought about how much those workshops meant. Each week was ful-filling in a uique way. Maybe if I ever completed the book I had been working on, that would be as satisfying. But in the meantime, each week of writing and surrounding myself with other writers filled a hole in my life. My chest tightened and I could imagine the serotonin in my brain getting clogged. It was easy to envision a slippery slide into despair. Except I wasn’t going to let that happen. I told one of my children about this unbelievable happening. “It’s a Zen thing,” my son said. “Your guru is telling you the time has come for you to create your own retreats. You don’t need her anymore.” I made a post on Facebook, asking if anyone could recommend a virtual coach to help me organize my documents and to help compile my book. This could be the beginning of something great, but only time will tell.
Life is just filled with surprises.
Arlene Appelrouth earned a degree in news-editorial journalism from the University of Florida and her career as a writer and journalist spans a 50-year period; she currently studies memoir writing while working on her first book.
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AJT
Jaffe’s Jewish Jive
Not Too Young To Retire, Never Too Old To Volunteer MAKING THE MOST OF THE TIME WE HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITY BY MARCIA JAFFE AJT Contributor
F
. Scott Fitzgerald was wrong. There are such a thing as “second acts.”
I have always had a soft place in my heart for seniors. Many of us have memories of our Bubbies, Zaydies, and parents, whom perhaps we didn’t treasure as much as we should have – given we
seven primarily Hispanic schools. The volunteers range from retired teachers (the “naturals”) to physicians, artists, retired professors, lawyers, real estate professionals and business-
Fear of retirement, or of simply not having enough stimulating activities schedule, is on the minds of many healthy middle-aged folks.
Merle also oversees book donations and a Lunch ‘N Learn programs to enhance tutors’ skills.
Right before I retired from a fast paced 50-hour-a-week career, I composed a notebook of lists of specific things I would accomplish with the free time. The listen looked something like this: learn to re-use my sewing machine, grow herbs, take pole dancing, Torah study, get a bike that doesn’t have the brakes on the handles, read five books a week, learn about fine wine and how to use ebay, attend the Passover Sedar in Shanghai.
also states that the coaches get as much out of it as the students when they progress, such as watching them pass a test at the end of the year to advance to the next grade. She says that “early intervention and one-on-one tutoring” are the key.
Sam Appel
This past summer, for the first time, Merle started a trial program at the Sandy Springs Library, wherein we saw 20 students. It was an admirable feat, considering the parents had to supply transportation.
Susan Sommer Volunteer tutor
Starting this adventure last year, I passed the background check as well as a course on child abuse, which is not a light topic. I spent the first few sessions worried that the child would touch my shoulder or sit too close; and I recoiled when they went to hug me “goodbye.”
Susan Caller
There was even a list listing the lists.
Truth be told now, I am so busy I don’t see how I ever worked. I wake up short of hyperventilating just to fit in retirement. But the biggest notion of all was volunteer work! Where to start? Shepard Center? Humane Society? Reading for the blind? I called the Jewish Family Services twice to coach people on job hunting and interviewing and never got a call back. I tried volunteering for the horse therapy program at Chastain. I couldn’t keep up with hoisting the blanket and saddle; never mind that the horse might kick me in the face while I was brushing his derriere. Actually, the program is a fine one; the point being you may have to fish around to find the right fit. A few of us, like my retired gynecologist Gerry Rehert, scrambled to evaluate where we could make the biggest impact and be the least tied down to any constrictive schedule that would limit our ability to travel. Would it be best to give an hour a week to eight organizations, or give eight hours a week to one organization and really shape it?
November 8 ▪ 2013
My sister, Susan Caller, a retired teacher and an “A” ranked tennis enthusiast, took her sports passion and dovetailed it into volunteer work. For 15 years she has coordinated weekly Wheelchair Tennis sessions.
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Mostly children, but some adults, meet at Blackburn Tennis Center with her and other volunteers, who throw balls, swing racquets, and compliment various levels of capabilities. The smiles glow when they hit a sweet spot-shot, right over the net. Susan wears costumes, brings pizza and keeps things lively. Volunteers leave feeling blessed to have a healthy family; and admiring the parents who advocate so bravely for these children.
Amy Arno
Arthur Harris Volunteer Tutor
were busy living our own lives. I harbor a sympathetic fear of being alone in a nursing home without young people around. I use the word “young” loosely, because when I leave the Bremen Home after volunteer visits, I feel young and appreciative of adventures waiting on the “outside,” while I am still able bodied.
Marcia people. Thus far, my volunteer work had been at the Bremen Home with seniors; I knew little about reading to first graders, except that which I did with my own children.
So on my checklist, I have the back end covered; but what about the front end, helping plant seeds for youths get a better start?
Merle, who holds a Masters Degree and has been a private tutor in developmental reading for the past 40 years, joined the JCL through Yvonne Cohen the National Council of LEADERS ARE READERS Jewish Women in 2010 to help train and motivate tutors. Enter Merle Smith. As an adjunct to Temple Sinai’s relationship with the At According to Merle, “The coaching exlanta Jewish Coalition for Literacy (JCL), perience is the most effective in building Merle involved me as a tutor in Sandy the relationship and self confidence of the Springs Title 1 elementary schools(in my child, many of whom have parents who day, we called them grammar schools). are too busy with multiple jobs or lackTitle 1 is defined by the percentage of chiling in English skills to provide an optimal dren on free or reduced lunch programs. learning situation.”
Today there are 108 reading tutors in
Merle is calm and soft spoken which enables her to steer the tutors along. She
My 2012 teacher at Highpoint Elementary, Lori Simon, couldn’t understand why the kids tripped over each other to get to go in the teacher’s lounge with me; then I showed her my bag of toys from the Dollar Store. Not to mention, the times that she didn’t see me enter the room (and I happened to be wearing slacks), I would stand on my head on a nap mat. That certainly got everyone’s attention. OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES This all reminded me of Art Linkletter’s Book decades ago, “Kids Say the Darnedest Things.” And they do. Last week a third grade boy asked me if I was, “rich.” I said, “Well, I have a comfy bed, yummy food, and a red car. So I guess, yes, I am.”
“What about you, are you rich?”
He nodded his head, “Yes, me too,” with a delightful naivety. Thus we defined our terms and proceeded to learn the words associated with beak shapes in birds related to the types of food they eat. I urged my buddy Dr. Jerry Rehert, a retired OB-GYN, to start with the program last summer at the library. Jerry took his student very seriously; from the thousands of choices, the little boy select-
ed a book with a Jewish theme; I watched Jerry explain what a rabbi was to the child who never knew other religions existed. But as Merle said, “It’s all about the relationship.” This year at Lake Forrest, Jerry says there are set backs; two steps forward, one step back. He was teaching the child to sound out the word “hold.” “He got it easily; then two minutes later when quizzed, forgot he ever saw it!” exclaimed Dr. R. Also at the Library, Donna Schacher was assigned a family: mother, father, and three children ages 2, 4, and 7. To Donna’s surprise, only the 7-year-old spoke English!
He said, “Because I am never going to miss a Thursday coming to school.” The trick says Susan, is to get them to relax and trust the mentor who is not judging them. FIRE DRILL Amy Arno, Director of Sales and Development for a local media chain, is in her second year and, says she “loves to see the light bulb go on when the student masters an assignment.” She is very “hands on” and feels the impact she makes by developing trust quickly. She brings in her own children’s favorite books, and had her daughter
read to the class. “Ms. Amy” is known for her games: using her cell phone to show pictures, throwing dice for words, counting tricks and employing index cards. She also takes this chance to expose them to a slice of Judaism. Amy does accept hugs. She was even caught in a fire drill, wherein she marched outside and continued her games, regardless. GULLAH SAM Local Charleston-ian transplant, Sam Appel, has tutored at both Hightower and Lake Forest over the past three years.
Sam, a retired lawyer, gets fired up when he sees each student to determine an approach. “Each child is different. I may spend the whole session on the ‘ch’ sound,” he explains. When one comes in sleepy and reluctant to read, Sam may start with a rousing rendition of “When You’re Smiling.” He finds it rewarding when a child wants to stay longer with him. Sam is heavy on the WOW stickers and avuncular praise. Likewise, he was very touched by a family who sent a $5 tip
Continued on page 30
She taught the five of them colors and songs through flash cards. Donna exclaimed, “At one point I had half the library reciting, ‘Ten Little Monkeys.’ I don’t know who had more fun. I loved every minute!” Retired teacher Yvonne Cohen derives great pleasure from seeing her students succeed. She finds that the kids, “really want to work; though sometimes they get a bit antsy.” She communicates with the teachers through notes on what each child needs to focus for that session. After the hour, she sends a note back on how things went. She makes them “push for evidence” and prove how they got their answers. On the geriatric end (though you wouldn’t know it) is Arthur Harris, cofounder of Spa Sydell. Arthur got his BA in English at age 81 and his Masters at 83. He was on the cover of the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Living Section when this occurred. Now he says that, at 87 years on this planet (does that imply he was on another planet?), he is having fun tutoring at Garden Hills Elementary: “I have had little or no contact with little ones for many years; and my two students are pressing buttons I forgot I had,” he said. One of the most experienced tutors is Susan Sommer, who has a Masters in Reading and worked with the same program in Upstate New York for 10 years; then six years in Atlanta. She stays at Highpoint all day, one day a week, and recruits new tutors with Etz Chaim as her base.
She cherishes that the teachers are so appreciative, since they have 30 students, 20 of whom may need special help starting with the ESOL challenge. “Some students just need confidence being in their new situation to catch up quickly and mainstream,” Sommer says. Susan had a child ask her to write down the day of the week that she comes to visit. She said, “Thursday. Why?”
November 8 ▪ 2013
She conducts positive sessions, where every week she works at transforming behavior. “Boy, you sat up so tall today; You did so well with your ‘B’ letters today; And you can see them light up,” she enthuses.
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AJT
oNe maN’s opiNioN
A Jewish View of the World
ANCIENT BELIEFS OFFER REASONED SOLUTIONS TO MODERN-DAY PROBLEMS BY EUGEN SCHOENFELD AJT Contributor
F
or almost two millennia, on Simchat Torah, we read the last chapter of the Torah, zoth habrachah, and immediately we roll back the Torah scroll to Genesis and we again start reading anew the creation story.
Just look at the Hagadah, the book we read on Passover eve in which our departure from Egypt is depicted. And, yes, it also depicts the bitterness of slavery and the joys of freedom.
Freedom, however, at least in the Jewish perspective, is not a state in which individuals live for themselves alone, uncaring for others. Unlike so many other cultures that emphasize the glory of the rugged individual, Judaism rejects individualism as a moral virtue.
Why did Cain kill his brother Able?
Cain is the evil son; he is the epitome of the un-socialized primitive nonmoral, selfish human whose only concern was and is to maximize his self interests. Cain represents to me the selfish individualist who seeks to shed any responsibility towards others, who lacks the understanding that survival of the individual and society is dependent on our moral interrelationship. Humans are not destined to be loners.
We cannot exist as sole entities
The
November 8 ▪ 2013
Do you, dear reader, remember how we Jews define the wicked person?
Of course the stories and the teachings are the same and hence every year we are confronted again with the story of the first human tragedy: the fratricide of Cain killing his brother. Because he was jealous and covetous of Abel’s relationship with God – at least this is how the story goes. I propose that Cain, like so many people today, lack moral perspective that is necessary to forego violence and submit oneself to the rule of law.
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without interdependence with others. And yes, because of our need for interdependence we are responsible for each other. This fact of mutual responsibility, the need for each other is a theme that is central in the teaching of our moralist prophets.
To the contrary, Judaism does not foster the idea that freedom and independence is the result of being from the need of others. A free society is not the result of being ungoverned. It’s an erroneous assumption that a large government or greater control placed on individuals is by itself a reduction of personal freedom. The assumption of making us concerned with the common good and the common welfare takes away the individual’s rights. Jewish values, unlike in other cultures and beliefs, do
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not glorify laissez-faire ideals that the maximization of self interests is the way to a good society. We do not depict the world as a battlefield, “bellum omnia contra omnes”, in which individuals are constantly engaged in battle with everyone else. We do not advocate an ideal of rugged individualism of a state in which each individual is responsible only for and to himself alone. We do not define freedom as the state wherein we are free from others and their troubles. From its onset the Jewish prophetic and post-prophetic values proposed that it is the collectivity’s duty to be responsibility for the welfare of others. Unfortunately, in the United States, there are still many people whose ideal is the individual famer who seeks nothing from others except his right of being alone; and if his neighbor is in need he will, because of his commitment to Christian charity, provide some help not as the other’s right to it but because the giver is a charitable person. This view is not only an anachronism but it supports and fosters interpersonal alienation. The lone cowboy is an ideal of the past. To the contrary, freedom can only exist when people relate with each other and when out of such a relationship, we create a covenant with each other and assume the responsibility for each other’s well being. The sages in the Hagadah anticipate the condition that makes freedom possible in a state of modernity. The wicked person (or the son) is depicted in the Hagadah as one who removes himself from, and is alienated from, the collective; he is the person who disengages himself from the collective, who rejects interpersonal responsibility and thus sows the seeds from which in maturity brings nothing but human tragedy. Interrelated Parts In contrast the good son learns the following two dicta:
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
“All Jews are friends to each other”, moreover that “all Jews are re-
sponsible for each other.” This is the foundation of the Jewish social philosophy. Our sages saw society as a system of interrelated parts in which each, hence the whole, can only exist when each part performs its proper function. Society, our sages tell us, can be depicted as a hand. If so, then if one finger hurts doesn’t the whole hand suffer? Today we must expand this into a universal moral precept that the world is one interrelated functioning unit, hence all people and nations should be responsible for each other’s welfare. Life, especially the good life, cannot exist unless we adhere to the principle that social life must incorporate not only the principles of individual rights but it must be counterbalanced by our duties to others. The owner of a factory cannot produce without laborers, hence the good and productive factory, for instance, is a productive unit in which the owners, managers and workers are intrinsically interrelated. The well being of one is bound to the well being of the other; otherwise it leads to strife and hostility and to the demise of the factory. This is the principle taught by Hillel: If I am not for myself who is for me?” “But if I am only for myself what am I?” The answer is if one is only for himself only he sows the seeds of jealousy, strife, covetousness and discontent – the qualities that are the roots for an evil society. The righteous person, we are taught, is one who recognizes and assumes the view that all people have a right to life. In Jewish moral philosophy this is the foundation, the infrastructure principle on which a just society is built. This is why Judaism encourages us to give charity not merely as an act of individual love and personal empathy for the other individual. Such charity is necessary and is commendable and in Judaism is referred to as “gemilath Hssadim”, namely as charity that is
But, as I see it, the primary form of help in the good society is not charity but the act of tzedakah.” The word tzedakah denotes the doing of justice that stresses the principle that all people have a G-d given right to life and that it is the collectivities duty to allocate to all individuals the needs necessary to have a chance to life. Examples of tzedakah are the biblical laws of “peah” and “leket”. The law of peah specifies that the owner of a field must leave the corners of his field unharvested; they must be set aside for the poor. Moreover, the owner of the field cannot dictate which poor may or may not come to the field to harvest. Similarly, one may not rake his field; the fallen stalks of wheat must be left for the poor who follow the gleaners. I think of these acts of tzedakah as ancient Hebrew social security. Maimonides, the great philosopher, theologian and physician, proposes that help should be institutionalized and declared as just rights; that in this manner the needy person maintain his anonymity, namely, that the giver doesn’t know the receiver and the receiver in complement doesn’t know who the giver is. In this manner the receiver of help can maintain his dignity and need not be ashamed, especially when confronted by the giver. Research has shown that during the great depression in the 1930s many people chose to suffer the difficulties of poverty rather than shame themselves by taking charity. Importance of Anonymity This brings me to the idea of the fundamental need for anonymity when help is given. Help should never be treated as charity, as something that is given out of pity. Help should be treated as a person’s right to receive help because he is a member of the collectivity. Just as each person has a right for being defended by the collectivity, the same
should hold true with economic and medical help; otherwise we shame the recipient. Keeping one’s dignity is an important Jewish tenet and shaming a person even when we theoretically wish to help the other is a violation of that dignity or, as the ancient Hebrews called it, “to whiten ones face in public.” And people who whiten other people’s face lose salvation and their portion in the world to come. Let me hasten to state that the rights of the poor in the Jewish view must be balanced with his duties to the collective. Even when help is given, the receiver is subject to the principle of “torchoh”; that is, he must help himself, not merely wait for help to be given. No poor person should be handed the grain, he or she must come and harvest it for themselves or stoop down to collect the strands of the wheat that are on the ground. It is their job to winnow and to grind. Judaism strongly subscribes to the equation of rights and duties. One must even earn the right to be helped. Help should also include access to wellness. We should strongly be concerned that all people in our society should have access to life-giving medicine and medical skills when facing all forms of illnesses. We should be governed by the dicta of equality, namely that all people, poor and rich alike, be given a chance to live.
This was central to the Nazi philosophy.
adequate income for food, and, especially medical care.
Even in ancient Israel some of the priests (kohanim) served as physicians administering medical aid to the community, in turn, the priests were compensated by the community. Both physical and mental health should be not only a communal, but a national concern.
It seems to me that the workers of this nation are confronted again with the possible need to replay the old union battles of the 1930s, the battles that sought to define worker’s rights for social justice.
It is through the well being of all individuals that we can achieve national well-being. There are some forms of medical care being dispensed to the needy, but it’s given grudgingly and much shame has very often been associated with such care. Human beings, especially those wh o depend on help, should be treated with dignity – the one commodity that often such help is lacking. We must eliminate the shameful concept and treatment of being a “shnorer.” As I see it, Judaism seeks to elevate human beings into a higher level of becoming humane beings. Since the presidency of Ronald Reagan, our ideals of workers dignity have regressed two centuries to hold views that existed in the beginning of industrialization. They are views associated with the era of the “robber barons.” Instead of robber barons like Rockefeller, Astor and Carnegie, we now have the robber CEO’s who have reduced their workers life chances by making them part-time workers sans
shelter
Workers today, especially those in the low-income occupations (and these are becoming the norm), are being stripped of dignity, income and a future. Management has lost their moral views, their belief in the principles of social injustices are lauding the 18th century principles of laissezfaire. As a humane person and as a Jew, a survivor of many indignities, I am committed to the essentiality of believing in the moral principle of “tsar baal chai”, not to cause pain to living beings. Although this principle was given to guard from causing pain to animals, how much more so should it also apply to human beings. Given the fact that workers today keep on losing many of the benefits they once enjoyed, such as the right to decent wages and medical care, I suggest that once again we must do as our grandfathers did and raise the battle cry: Let justice prevail. Eugen Schoenfeld is a professor and chair emeritus at Georgia State University and a survivor of the Holocaust.
This Jewish perspective stands in stark contrast to the ideals of selfishness and injustice – the perverted ideals that were the cultural roots of Sodom and Gomorrah, the two cities which to Jews are the epitome of the evil society. Although Judaism does not deny that the rich can morally have a certain degree of advantages when we deal with the scarce resources – such as medical care. However, Judaism denies the moral ethos that prevents the poor – who are always within our gates – be discarded as superfluous population and withhold medical care as means of population control.
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November 8 ▪ 2013
given as a response to pity and feeling sorry for the other.
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‘It Can Happen to Anyone’
INSIDE ETZ CHAIM’S UPCOMING SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM BY ELIZABETH FRIEDLY ASSOCIATE EDITOR
E
rica Katz has been sober for seven years. The Atlanta resident and community educator speaks of
a struggle to get to where she is today, but today couldn’t be any better. Katz is currently working as the coordinator of H.A.M.S.A., which stands for Helping Atlantans Manage Substance Abuse, at the JF&CS.
GIVE THE GIFT OF THE ARTS FOR HANUKKAH TICKET PACKAGES $70 Per Person (Includes all three) To purchase tickets, please call the Box Office: 404-733-5000.
Alliance Theatre
THE GELLER GIRLS
January 15-February 9, 2014 Written by Jewish playwright Janece Shaffer (Broke; Bluish; Managing Maxine), Two sisters lives are forever changed by Atlanta’s Cotton Exposition of 1895. Find out more: www.alliancetheatre.org/thegellergirls
High Museum of Art
MUSEUM ADMISSION
November 6, 2013-April 14, 2014 Go West! Art of the American Frontier from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West The Art of the Louvre's Tuileries Garden Find out more: www.high.org Newell Convers Wyeth (American, 1882-1945) The Wild, Spectacular Race for Dinner (detail), 1904-1905, oil on canvas, 38 x 26 inches. Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Gift of John M. Schiff, 44.83.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
May 22, 2014 & May 24, 2014 Featuring Bloch’s “Hebraic Rhapsody” for solo cello and orchestra, written to illustrate, in his words, “the complex, glowing, agitated soul” of the Jewish people.
November 8 ▪ 2013
Find out more: www.atlantasymphony.org
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Through evidence-based programs such as this, she hopes to inform both kids and parents of the physical, legal and psychological ramifications of drugs and alcohol on the lives of young teenagers. Now, thanks to a community agencies mini-grant, Etz Chaim will host a two-part program on substance abuse and addiction entitled, “It Can Happen to Anyone.” H.A.M.S.A. will hold a parent night on Nov. 14, followed by a teens-only program on Nov. 17. Katz and executive director of Pathways 2 Life, Ryan Stringfield will serve as the keynote speakers for the program that is also offered in high schools around the city. Stringfield is trained by the Prevention Research Institute, the agency which conducts the substance abuse-related research used for the education program by the state of Georgia for DUI treatment. “One in seven people in the United States are going to struggle with an addiction issue in their life,” says Katz, “So for every family to be educated on what this disease looks like, how it displays and what resources are available when struggling is extremely important.” Although the services are available to everyone, “It Can Happen to Anyone,” is specifically marketed to the Jewish community, in that the Jewish experience of dealing with substance abuse is unique in more ways than one. Katz describes the Jewish community as an often tight-knit one, wherein news travels fast, both positive and negative. As a result of life in a smaller community, some would rather isolate themselves out of shame than risk criticism or judgment. “Jews are supposed to be Nobel Prize winners,” explains
Katz. “It creates a real issue for families who really need support because addiction is not a short-term, quick fix kind of disease.” The session begins with an interactive exercise meant to frame addiction as the disease that it is. Throughout the 90-minute long program, parents and teens will be involved in a variety of interactive lessons, in addition to a fact-game à la “MythBusters.” Both a mental health professional and an individual working in a law-related field will join Katz and Stringfield at certain points throughout. The programs for teens and parents will be nearly identical for the first 50 minutes, an extended version of what H.A.M.A.S offers high schools. “We think it’s really important that parents experience what their children experience, not just get told about it so that they can talk to their kids from that perspective,” says Katz. For the extra 40 minutes with the parents, Katz and Stringfield will explain the appearance of certain drugs, how your kids are using them, how they are getting access to them, how to recognize if your child is under the influence and substances are currently gaining the most popularity. During both the teen and parent sessions Katz and Stringfield each share their own personal tales of addiction. Katz speaks of her mother, telling the story of a woman who was a pillar in the community, who set all the appropriate curfews; who, for all intents and purposes, did right things. And yet, despite her mother’s best efforts, Katz began abusing. “She just wasn’t aware, she didn’t know what she was dealing with, so it’s really hard to give people the care that they need if you don’t know what the problem is,” says Katz. “Had she participated in
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community
Looking Beyond ‘Rosie the Riveter’
SPECIAL EXHIBIT AT ANNE FRANK MUSEUM TO FEATURE THE WOMEN OF WWII
According to Katz’s, only nine percent of people who require treatment receive it in the United States as a whole, and the numbers are especially small for adolescents. The highest number of people in treatment are young adults in their 20s. This excludes countless teens who make up a critical demographic in terms of recognizing and treating addiction in its early stages. When asked if it’s still difficult to tell her story of addiction as a young person – even after seven years of sobriety – Katz’s reply is both candid and heartfelt: “Oh, it’s incredibly difficult. The things that I share are very painful. I basically feel like I’ve thrown up every time I tell my story. It’s an emotionally exhausting experience. The only reason I do it is because I truly believe that it’s helpful. “The power of story alone is not compelling enough, because people will always find ways that they’re different from me, which is why we do all these different components in our presentation. But the power of story is just huge, so I’m willing to do it.”
Editor’s note: the Etz Chaim parents only program takes place Thurs., Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. The teens only program will be on Sun., Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. with lunch at 12:30 p.m. RSVP, www.etzchaim.net/itcanhappen_RSVP. For information on services offered by JF&CS please email addiction@jfcs-atlanta.org.
SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
T
he Georgia Commission on the Holocaust will host the travelling exhibition “Beyond Rosie: Women in World War II” at the Anne Frank Exhibit and Museum in Sandy Springs. The exhibit is on loan from the Kennesaw State University Museum of History and Holocaust Education. ‘Beyond Rosie’ explores how World War II impacted the everyday social, cultural, and economic realities of life for women in the United States. The panel-based exhibition also highlights individual stories within larger topics including women in the military services, the Holocaust, labor unions, the USO, and resistance and sabotage missions.
Dubious backdoor politics in “...an incisive new play that crackles with authenticity.” —The New York Times
The exhibit serves as a way to educate the public about the contributions of women during World War II, ensuring that the legacy of these women is remembered as an important part of the national story.
By Kenneth Lin, 2006 Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition Winner for ...,” said Said Directed by Eric Ting
“Beyond Rosie offers a chance to remember and honor the many ways that women contributed to and experienced World War II,” Said Julia Brock, senior curator at the Museum of History & Holocaust Education. “The exhibit was a collaborative project, including a team of student curators, staff from the MHHE, and local community members – former ‘Rosies’ who generously shared their memories for the project.”
Tickets as low as
$25
Brock thinks the exhibit tells an important story.
October 25–November 17
“The result, we hope is an engaging and informative look at a very complex story,” she said, “and one that often gets forgotten in our collective memories of World War II.”
alliancetheatre.org/warriorclass | Groups 404.733.4690
Editor’s note: The exhibit will be on display until Dec. 7, the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Admission is free. For additional information, call (770) 206-1558.
Tickets @ 404.733.5000
Series on the Hertz Stage
November 8 ▪ 2013
a program like this, and really known how to identify alcoholism and addiction, who knows, I might have been able to get well even sooner.”
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AJT
community
‘De-Stressing’ at Chabad In-Town MYSTIC OFFERS ADVICE ON FINDING PEACE IN OUR DAILY LIVES BY R.M. GROSSBLATT
SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
I
f you’re finding life a bit stressful these days, Rabbi Laibl Wolf has some good news.
“You have the power to redirect your consciousness,” he said, and change your everyday reality. Rabbi Wolf, a well-known Australian psychologist and mystic, was the guest speaker recently at the Intown Jewish Academy’s 7th Annual Celebration of Jewish Life and Learning. His talk, “The Seven Habits of De-Stressed People,” was aimed directly at people living lives today at warp speed and focused on how best to eliminate worry and anxiety from our lives through “mindful living and reprogramming the Brain.” First, however, Rabbi Ari Sollish, director of the Intown Jewish Academy, welcomed everyone to the Kaufman Youth Center off Monroe Drive. Then, Rabbi Eliyahu Shusterman, founder and director of Chabad Intown, detailed upcoming events and classes that will spread across a wide range of topics and interests, from Judaism and medical dilemmas to the joys of Jewish cooking. Once Rabbi Wolf was introduced, stress – and how to conquer it – took center stage.
November 8 ▪ 2013
He first discussed the uniqueness of all people and the problems that arise when stress gets in the way of using our special gifts.
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Defining stress as “your interpretation of reality,” Rabbi Wolf said it’s each of us, individually, that “choose to be stressed.” He added the issue can be pushed aside with mindfulness and chochma, Hebrew for wisdom. All it takes, he said, is for the individual to “be creative in changing the way you think.” Rabbi Wolf emphasized that anger is never good. “Every act of venting anger is a dress rehearsal for the next occasion,” he said. He added that no one improves when someone gets angry. The only way a person improves, he said, is by observing role models. So when others are yelling and screaming, he suggested that we be, “mindful in the moment,” and understand that angry people must be in pain. Then we should ask ourselves: “What can I do to help?” If we’re really interested in changing our lives, Rabbi Wolf offers several “De-Stressors” that might prove helpful, that include creating inner balance, engaging assertive humility and self-worth and diagramming a new “storyboard” in our minds. On this last point, he suggested developing a repertoire of two or three happy thoughts to displace the negative ones that play out in our minds.
Editor’s note: For additional information about Intown Chabad and upcoming programs, visit www.chabadintown.org or call (404) 898-0434.
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Want to Do a Mitzvah?
THEN HIT THE ROAD AND HAVE SOME FUN FOR ATLANTA’S INTOWN JEWISH PRESCHOOL SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
F
eeling fit and want to help out Atlanta’s Intown Jewish community? Then you just might want to take part in a fun and festive event – the inaugural 5KJRun and (1K) Dreidel Dash – set for the end of the month near Piedmont Park.
Funds raised by the event will benefit the Intown Jewish Preschool, a “progressive” program that is part of Chabad Intown. The event is planned for Nov. 24, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Registration will take place on the Patio at Park Tavern, at the corner of 10th and Monroe. The 5K race will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will go through Midtown and around Piedmont Park. The Dreidel Dash will kick off 15 minutes later and will begin and end at 10th and Monroe.
WED, NOV 13 @ 8PM
T-shirts will be given to all registrants. A post-race celebration and awards event will conclude the morning festivities. For additional information, visit www.5kjrun.com
Lunch with AJC and ACCESS Friends
AJC ATLANTA’S NINTH ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DIVERSITY LUNCHEON BY DANA SPECTOR
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
C
ome to the AJC Atlanta’s Ninth Annual Thanksgiving Diversity Luncheon. This can’t-miss event is one of the hallmarks of the AJC calendar, bringing people of different backgrounds, faiths and nationalities to share a Thanksgiving meal together.
In attendance will be leaders from various communities as well as Consuls and Consuls General serving as official representatives of countries from around the globe.
SAT, NOV 23 @ 7:30PM
There will be discussions about the diverse nature of our community and our country, as well as presentations from individuals telling their personal immigration stories, among others. American Jewish Committee (AJC) has long been Building Bridges of Understanding with local, national and international leadership. AJC Atlanta has been a pioneering human relations agency in Atlanta bringing together people of diverse backgrounds, based on shared values and mutual understanding.
Editor’s note: for those attending, please arrive at 11:30 a.m. at Maggiano’s in Buckhead. Advance RSVP required, please visit www.ajcatlanta. org and register under Upcoming Events.
November 8 ▪ 2013
Through education, innovative programs, such as our award winning Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, media outreach and extensive diplomatic advocacy, AJC works to advance freedom, liberty, pluralism and mutual respect.
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AJT
community
Offering Up a Helping Hand ‘MITZVAH DAY’ A FUN WAY TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY BETTER SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
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olunteers in Action (VIA), the young professional volunteer corps of Jewish Family & Career Services, held its annual VIA Mitzvah Day the last Sunday in October.
More than 200 participants lent a helping hand and collectively completed more than 600 hours of service at 10 project sites around Atlanta, making this year’s effort one of the most successful to date. Some volunteers began the day by fueling up at a brunch, hosted by Congregation Or VeShalom, before heading to their work sites. Here’s what they managed to accomplish: ● 5,586 meals were packed at the Atlanta Community Food Bank ● Two hours of Bingo were played with patients and their families at the Shepherd Center in Midtown Atlanta ● 363 pounds of food were delivered to JF&CS refugee assistance clients In addition to the young professional projects, volunteers enjoyed a familyfriendly craft project with residents of Brighton Gardens Dunwoody – Sunrise Senior Living. VIA volunteers also joined PAL – Atlanta’s only Jewish Big Brother / Big Sister Program – and helped to plant 75 trees with Trees Atlanta. “Being able to provide an opportunity for more than 200 people in the Atlanta Community to have a meaningful experience through service is a big part of why I love my job,” said Denise Deitchman, manager of Volunteer Development at JF&CS. “I could not be more proud of the amazing VIA Volunteers!”
November 8 ▪ 2013
As a way to include as much of the community as possible, VIA Mitzvah Day invites various Atlanta organizations to participate each year in Mitzvah Day as project partners. Organizations helping out this year included the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival, Congregation Beth Shalom, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, the Hebrew Order of David, Temple Sinai Gesher and Young Israel of Toco Hills.
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AJT
community
Building the Kehilah that We Need ‘Not so Happily ever after’
ASSISTANT EDITOR
T
hey say it takes a village to raise a child. Likewise, it takes a community to heal itself from the inside out. The Jewish community has proven its resistance to violent oppression through the eons, yet still some contentions remain. That’s why Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and Jewish Family & Career Services are bringing together 18 Sisterhoods, Brandeis, Hadassah, Jewish Community Relations Council, National Council of Jewish Women, ORT, Women’s International Zionist Organization, as well as hundreds of our community’s women to combat an oppression which is blind to age, race, gender, or creed: domestic violence. Domestic violence is a common crime that often hides in plain sight, behind makeup, disguised by excuses, covered up in silence. Jewish families are chocked full of variety. We can do and be anything we choose. If you put three Jews in a room, you’ll often find three very different opinions. We look to rabbis and teachers for inspiration and guidance, but we determine our own actions. Today, we have the power of knowledge, as well as opportunities for outward expression, yet we often do not see very real pain inside the community. That’s why, 18 years ago, Mira Hirsch of Jewish Theater of the South and Wendy Lipshutz collaborated and designed a play with a purpose: “Not So Happily Ever After… The Very Real Stories of Some American Jewish Families.” “Not So Happily Ever After” is based on true stories of people in the Atlanta Jewish community who have been touched by domestic abuse. Domestic violence leaves indelible
marks, which go beyond a cut or a bruise. Yet, there is hope. Programs like JF&CS’ Shalom Bayit help victims of domestic violence through educational programming, advocacy and consultation. Federation and JF&CS invite you to see the performance in its first public venue. This November, “Not So Happily Ever After” will be performed live, with a cast of local Jewish professional actors. Everyone involved with the play has a personal connection to domestic abuse. There will also be a panel discussion with Dr. Rabbi Analia Bortz, Mira Hirsch, Wendy Lipshutz and Shoshana Ben-Yoar immediately following the play. Come take the next step in healing our community, and see “Not So Happily Ever After.” Editor’s note: The “Not So Happily Ever After” show will be Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Greenfield Hebrew Academy’s Performing Arts Center. Registration and Refreshments start at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance or $36 at the door. For more information, contact Stephanie Wyatt at swyatt@jfga.org or call (404) 870.1625, or visit www. jewishatlanta.org/shalomevent. For more information on Shalom Bayit, contact Wendy Lipshutz at (770) 677-9322 or shalombayit@jfcsatlanta.org or visit www.ytfl.org/ shalombayit.
Domestic Violence Facts & Figures •
One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
•
An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.
•
Studies indicate that 85 percent of domestic violence victims are women, but recognize that abuse also happens to men and in same-sex relationships. Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.
•
30 percent to 60 percent of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household.
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A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds in this country.
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90 percent of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrators.
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Witnesses of violence by one’s parents is a strong risk factor for transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next.
•
According to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, 761 women, men and children in Georgia lost their lives due to domestic violence between 2003 and 2008.
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Home Care + Physician House Calls
November 8 ▪ 2013
BY DANA SPECTOR
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education
Eighteen Years Later
temima CEREMONY RECOGNIZES COMMUNITY, DONORS By Arlene Appelrouth AJT CONTRIBUTOR
O
n a beautiful, Sunday fall afternoon, more than 200 people stood in front of what is now a construction site on LaVista Road. Many high school girls were lined up, holding shovels and wearing dark skirts and yellow hard hats, symbolic of the groundbreaking ceremony that was about to begin. Temima, the Richard & Jean Katz High School for girls, is an 18-yearold orthodox school that finally has enough money in the bank, plus additional pledges to begin construction on its 18,000 square foot building. While it is estimated that construction will be complete before school begins for the 2014-2015 academic year, Sunday’s groundbreaking ceremony was time to honor major donors, hear from Dekalb County officials and also listen to the visionaries who saw the need for this school and worked tirelessly to make the building possible. Lee May, intermim CEO for Dekalb County, took the microphone with his two young daughters on either side of him. “I obviously have daddy duty today,” he explained. He was there to talk about the team effort of both the public and private sector to make Temima’s dream of a new building possible. When major donors were called to break the ground by shoveling some dirt on the site, they were given white hard hats to put on before being handed their shovels.
November 8 ▪ 2013
Alan Sloan, a donor who has served as Temima’s president for several terms, expressed a sentiment shared by many at the event: “It’s great to see this finally come to fruition,” Dr. Sloan said. The retired Georgia Tech mathematics professor made his donation to the building fund more than 10 years ago. Many people at the groundbreaking ceremony remember his late wife, Sadell, a psychologist who died in 2003, who was actively involved in creating Temima.
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When founding principal, Miri-
am Feldman addressed the large crowd –having moved from the construction site into the social hall of Congregation Beth Jacob for refreshments and more speeches – she thanked Alan Sloan for his part in keeping his wife’s dreams for Temima alive.
the hand of G-d,” said the rabbi, comparing the growth of Temima to the Jews leaving Egypt. “We all know the story has a happy ending,” said Rabbi Deutsch, now the CEO of the Wolfson foundation, which creates Jewish programs on college campuses. Rabbi Deutsch was the head of the orthodox outreach group, the Atlanta Scholars Kollel for many years.
Major donors, Dick and Jean Katz, for whom the school is named, became involved in the school seven years ago. Those seven years are not a coincidence, according to the founding principal, Mrs. Miriam Feldman. “A good Jewish woman is worth seven years of labor,” said Mrs. Feldman, referring to the Jewish patriarch Jacob who had to work for seven years per spouse (a total of 14 years) before being allowed to marry Leah and Rachel. Helping Jewish high school girls reach their academic and spiritual potential is what the 18-year-old school is known for. One thing that is unusual about the growth of the school is that many donors and volunteers have come from the greater Atlanta Jewish community, not only Atlanta’s small orthodox community. When people become familiar with the goals of the school, they are inspired and want to become part of it, explained one of the administrators of the high school. “I come to Temima a lot,” said Carol Zaban Cooper, whose name is well known for her family’s philanthropy. “I like the way the women learn and how they are taught they have limitless possibilities.” Linda Walker, who described herself as an “ambassador for the school,” was a co-chair of Temima’s capital campaign along with Etta
Judging from the mood at the Sunday ceremony, Temima’s groundbreaking event was a truly happy ending, after 18 years of hard work. Rabbi Emmanuel Feldman, the founding rabbi of Congregation Beth Jacob, was also in the crowd. Clockwise From Top Left: When asked how he Julie Silverman & Miriam Feldman; felt about the growth of Atlanta’s orthoJon & Ilene Miller; dox community that MiriamFeldman, founding principal has resulted in a new of Temima addressing audience; school building for Dick & Jean Katz, lead donors to orthodox high school Temima High School; girls, his reply reflectRabbi Emmanuel Feldman, ed orthodox philosofounding rabbi of phy. Congregation Beth Jacob
Rae Hirsch. She had positive remarks about the Temima Women’s group, established by Mrs. Feldman. The group is designed to offer continuing religious education to all Jewish women in Atlanta. Many of the speeches given during the groundbreaking made reference to how challenging it had been for the school to get to the point where its own building would be possible. “Rabbis ask the obvious question,” commented Rabbi Menachem Deustsch, who was referred to as “the instigator,” in getting the ball rolling to create the orthodox girls school. “The Jewish people need to see it was
“If G-d does not build a house, in vain do its builders labor,” he quoted scripture. “This is a day the Lord made. Let us rejoice in it.” Arlene Appelrouth earned a degree in news-editorial journalism from the University of Florida and her career as a writer and journalist spans a 50-year period; she currently studies memoir writing while working on her first book.
AJT
education
CSI Comes to GHA GBI AGENTS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT GREENFIELD HEBREW ACADEMY SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
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he Greenfield Hebrew Academy’s new electives program is bringing a lot of excitement to the school, in more ways than anyone expected. For example, the Forensic Science class invited the school’s Mock Trial class to join them in hosting two Georgia Buereau of Investigation Special Agents, Agie George and David Norman. George, who works in drug enforcement, and Norman, who is a crime scene specialist, discussed the history of the GBI, then explained the requirements to become an agent.
Bottom Left: GBI Special Agents David Norman (left) and Agie George meet with students at GHA to detail the work they do as investigators.
Requirements begin with a bachelor’s degree and include many kinds of training, such as martial arts.
The agents also displayed a bewildering array of equipment, including bulletproof vests, protective equipment of all shapes and sizes, and enormous protective suits for clearing out homes that had been used as labs to create illegal drugs.
However, the most exciting part of
their presentation was when the students trooped out to a Crime Scene Truck, a mobile laboratory containing everything an agent might need to collect evidence at a crime scene.
Top Right: The agents showed off equipment they use on the job, including bulletproof vests.
It housed a high-tech office with sophisticated lab equipment. Norman explained what everything was, and even demonstrated one procedure by taking sixth-grader Joseph Arbiser’s fingerprints. “Now they’ve got my fingerprints,” said Joseph, smiling. “If I ever commit a crime, they’ll know who did it!”
It was all very interesting. “But the best part was seeing inside the truck,” said Eitan Linsider, a student in the Mock Trial class. Teacher Christina Valenti, who arranged the visit, was delighted that the students enjoyed it so much. “The presentation was just fascinating,” she said. “Agent George and Agent Norman did a terrific job. I’m grateful that they took so much time to teach our kids about the great work of the GBI.” Levi Zindler agreed. “I think that people don’t realize what amazing work they do,” he said. “Without them, we’d have a lot more crime in Atlanta.”
November 8 ▪ 2013
Students learned that the GBI usually becomes involved in a case at the request of local police, judges and other government officials. George and Norman then explained the functions of various GBI departments, and described several interesting and famous cases they worked in the past.
Top Left: Agents Norman and George took students on a tour of a GBI crime scene truck that includes a full working forensic lab.
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AJT
in the moment
The Best Shabbat Ever
CHARISMATIC LEADER, MUSIC TURNS SERVICE INTO TRANSCENDENT MOMENT BY BRAM BESSOFF AJT contributor
H
ands down my best Shabbat ever was two weeks ago. A bold statement, I know - we’re talking a span of 42 years. I’ve been hearing about Rick Recht since I started Shabbat Rocks,. but had never met him or actually attended one of his song-leading services. He was in town recently to lead the Atlanta Song Leader Boot Camp (SLBC), an intensive weekend workshop.
our Shabbat service, and I was even luckier to sit in on percussion, along with our full senior and junior choirs and five guitarists. The place was packed; you would have thought it was the High Holidays. But thanks to a double B’Nai Mitzvah and Rick’s draw we had a full house. I’m a strong believer in incorporating music into religious services and the success of last Shabbat adds fuel to my fire.
The focus of the boot camp is to help local teens and adults learn how to become better song leaders for Jewish events and services.
As a live music producer (in training), I focus heavily on teaching artists to love their audience , capture and engage them and offer moments to experience and, ultimately, change their lives with the performance.
Last Friday, Nov 1, Temple Beth Tikvah was lucky to have him lead
It starts with teaching the artist to find their confidence, transfer that
to establishing the authority needed to lead the audience (or congregation in this case) and finally capture and engage them with their charisma and talent. Rick has the charisma thing down pat, and he led us through a spiritual and entertaining service. So what made it so special? It was all about the music and personal interaction with the congregation. Rick has a special knack for making a connection with everyone in the congregation and getting them involved in the spiritual side of the prayers and participating in the service. First off, he’s a mensch and makes everyone feel comfortable and included. He takes time with his songs to explain what he’s doing and then adds something special to important moments in the service, like the signlanguage hand gestures he taught everyone when reciting the Shema.
November 8 ▪ 2013
He has an excellent understanding of dynamics and how to arrange his songs and prayers to lift the audience up and then bring the dynamic down so everyone can hear critical moments in a prayer or song. He tells congregants to use “just your voices.” It’s a cue for the musicians to drop out and let the lyrics (prayers) be heard.
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gether, as he showed her where we were on the page and her cuddling up to him, filled me with immense emotions that I put into my playing. Jacob Shippel, song-leader-intraining and lead guitarist of Shabbat Rocks, even remarked at how well-placed parts of my performance were that took the music to another level. It takes a strong leader to sit back and let someone else take control of their congregation; just another reason, I think, why Rabbi Green is more than an excellent Jewish leader, but a true mensch as well. All in all, these were just a few of the reason why this Shabbat rocked so hard. And the weekend just kept getting better.
Building Up Mitzvah Points Saturday night we took the girls to Kennesaw States Owl-O-Ween where they trick or treated from hot air balloons; and, yes, they were on the ground. If this event occurs next year, I highly suggest everyone attends. To see hot air balloons that close up, their burners filling the balloons with a warming glow was a sight to be seen. The only thing better would have been a ride in one.
The effect was an audience totally engrossed in every minute, many of them surprised to see the time go by so quickly and wanting more at the end of the service. For me as a drummer, it made it easy to nail my performance, even though I never heard or rehearsed the music before.
We met one owner that had once piloted his balloon to 26,000 feet, something he said he’d never do again. That’s only about 3,000 feet short of the summit of Mt. Everest. An oxygen mask and some serious kishkes were required to make the ascent.
Personally, the experience was topped by sitting with Rabbi Green (Fred Green, Beth Tikvah) for most of the service. It was a special moment to have our congregation’s leader sitting with me, experiencing the service from the audience’s perspective.
Just another moment for my bookof-life experiences (see photos on my twitter feed #initforthemoment).
While I was playing, he sat with my 5-year-old. Watching the two of them read from the prayer book to-
Sunday was Mitzvah day. I laughed when my colleagues at the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival (AJMF) had never heard of mitzvah points. These were the easiest ones I’ve ever racked up. AJMF was asked to support the event with musical entertainment for
Goes back to those live music production principals – love your audience and change lives.
Top: Billy Jonas has just about every type of item you can shake, rattle or bang on, including these items on his shoes. Left: Rick Recht rehearsal.
I brought my eldest daughter to this gig and having her there to interact with the NORC folk was the icing on the cake. It made me the proudest father on the planet to see her spend time with these people and bring smiles to their faces. She’s building up a nice cache of mitzvah points herself! But this wasn’t the end of
the weekend.
The Importance of Camp the Dunwoody NORC. Not sure what a NORC is? Neither was I! Turns out it’s a “Naturally Occurring Retirement Community,” not to be confused with a FORC – a “Forced Occurring Retirement Community” which are all too prevalent these days with new-fangled nursing home-style communities. NORC members are senior citizens who have chosen not to go the
way of the FORC. They remain active and busy with programming that keeps them engaged and entertained. I sat in with Sunmoon Pie and was asked on a whim to join an accordion klezmer act to rock out a few Yiddish classics. I’m no stranger to playing with accordionists; my professional touring career with Soup had an accordion as a principal instrument in
We were soon off to my Jewish day camp reunion. Seems Atlanta has a large transplant from my New Hampshire sleep-away camp, Tevya. When I attended it was run by Shelly Shapiro who, along with her daughters (all of us were campers together), has helped build up metro Atlanta’s Jewish community with their involvement with days camps at the JCC. Mark Lipoff was passing through the area and took a moment to tell us
all about Camp Micah up in Maine. Now my daughter has the bug to go to sleep-away camp this summer – thanks Mark, I need to start saving my shekels now. Jewish sleep-away camp is a true rite-of-passage for any young Jew and critical to building a life-long bond to our culture. It doesn’t matter where you send your kids, just make sure you do. The lifelong memories came flooding back to me and I’m glad I attended and look forward to sending my kids. Final stop for the weekend, Lola and I were off to the Davis Academy to catch Rick Recht’s concert with Billy Jonas and the song-leaders-intraining from SLBC. If you ever have the chance to catch Jonas, you won’t be disappointed. As a fellow percussionist / drummer, I can report this man has the most unique set up I’ve ever seen. I call it trashcussion. He had every type of item you can bang on – none of which were professional instruments – from plastic jugs and barrels to wooden bowls, tin pans, school bells and tchotchkes out the wazoo. He would play all at the same time with the help of special “Vans” he modified with mallets. More than that, he’s a fellow tribesman, songwriter and song leader. Catch some of the video on my YouTube page, easiest to connect from my tweets and Facebook posts. Recht once again showed he can lead an audience, whether in prayer or song; and the involvement of the teens and other song leaders made for another special addition to my personal collection of life experiences I like to call Bram’s #initforthemoment.
Editor’s note: If you want to learn more about Rick Recht and his Song Leader Boot Camp, then check out www.songleaderbootcamp.com/ on the web.
November 8 ▪ 2013
the band. It was a blast getting back to my roots and providing these wonderful men and women (mostly women) a life experience they will hopefully never forget.
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AJT
op-ed
Blueberry’s Grocery SOMETIMES IT’S BETTER TO TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME
SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
galow colony in Highland Mills, New York.
my middle sister Maggie liked where she was- right smack in the middle.
ne fine summer morning in my 12th year, my mother asked my sisters and myself to go to Blueberry Park’s grocery (she never did use the word “store” with the word grocery. You were supposed to just know!). This was not an unusual task, however, the outcome would be quite unusual.
Our bungalow colony was smaller and did not boast all the amenities of Blueberry Park. By comparison, our bungalow colony, Hatikvah/Evergreen was a tiny shtetl. My cousins Barbara and Franny spent their summers at Blueberry Park bungalows. Blueberry’s was the Oldsmobile of colonies; Hatikvah/Evergreen was the Chevy.
It wasn’t a particularly long list, as I recall just five or six items, including a bottle of ketchup and a dozen eggs. We took the shortcut through the woods, exiting through what we sincerely hoped was not poison ivy (or, G-d forbid, poison oak) onto the road which would lead us directly to Blueberry.
Never been to Blueberry Park’s Bungalow Colony near the Catskill Mountains of New York? This was a very large, popular bungalow colony where families from New York’s five boroughs and surrounding areas escaped the summer heat. It was right down the road from my father’s bun-
BY SHAINDLE SCHMUCKLER
O
Ah, but I digress.
The three of us set out for the grocery with our list in hand. My hand, actually, since I was the oldest; was, being the operative word here. In the last four or five years, I became the youngest, my youngest sister Joycie is now the oldest, and
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12:30 pm – Lunch Served • 1:00 pm – Program Begins
November 8 ▪ 2013
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Across from Blueberry was the small movie theater that only operated in summertime. Around the corner, to the right and down the road a piece, was Camp Kindervelt. This is the overnight camp I attended, loved, and discovered so much about myself and who I am.
Ah, but I digress.
We entered through the gates of Blueberry and meandered down the long winding road. It was probably not even a fourth of a mile, but at the time, it seemed like we were walking a 26 mile marathon. We were too pooped to pop by the time we arrived. My mother had given us some extra money for ice cream, which I kept in the left pocket of my peddle pushers. The grocery money was in my right pocket. Bring me all the change; I want the change from the ice cream and change from the groceries. Don’t lose any of the change. Ask the grocer if he can make the change in quarters. I need the quarters for the machine (quick speak for washing machine). So much discussion about change, a person could get dizzy. Actually this person did- just too much changing going on. We couldn’t decide: should we visit our cousins first or shop first? But if we shopped first, we might have to share the ice cream. This was a no brainer. First we visit! I should state without embarrassment, I am afraid, nay terrified, of birds. My aunt Sarah had her Tweetybird with her in the bungalow. He was free to fly around the place – yes, you guessed it, free as a bird! Visiting my cousins meant
waiting on the front steps of their bungalow while my sisters and cousins played and probably had milk and cookies. I do love cookies, but not enough to get attacked by a flying bird. (By the way, no I did not see the movie, “The Birds”)
Ah, but I digress.
We finally headed over to the grocery to do our shopping, passing rows and rows of clothes drying in the sun. Clothes driers were a bit of a luxury. A wash load was 25 cents; however a drier load was 75 cents. Most everyone dried their clothes on a clothes line. Residents created “clothes lines” by stringing rope or wire between two carefully placed posts. Wet clothes would be hung on these lines, the hot sun quickly drying them. (Dirty laundry was hung out over a game of canasta and maj jong) Wire ‘lines” were preferred, because when they were not in use, the view of the mountains was not blocked. Otherwise the beautiful countryside was littered with towels, bed sheets, undershirts, underwear, socks, diapers and other assorted items of interest. You could tell a lot about a family based on the items hanging on their line.
All together now, ah but I digress.
We purchased the items on the list. The grocer placed the items in the bag my mother had supplied. It should be noted that my mother was a pioneer in saving trees. She had cloth bags for shopping way before it became fashionable and green to do so. Joycie, Maggie and I left the grocery after we properly thanked the, as instructed by our mother. We were nothing if not polite! But we had yet another big decision to make. Walk all around the property on that 26 mile marathon-walk, or cut through between the bungalows and the clothes lines. We all know 26 miles is very long. We opted to run down the hill portion of the shortcut passing some lines with clothes and some empty lines as well.
Our groceries were spilled all over the place. And did I mention that eggs were on the list? The ketchup bottle had exploded all over me. My sisters could not figure out why I was screaming, given it was such a funny sight to them. Some of the ladies from the nearby bungalows heard the wailing and came to see what the ruckus was about. We were definitely disturbing a hot mahjong or canasta game, and of course all the dirty laundry being aired. “Call an ambulance, call her mameh (mother) she slit her throat!” Slit may be a bit dramatic, but that’s what the ladies started yelling at each other; in Yiddish, in English and some Russian for good measure. My sisters abruptly stopped laughing and started crying when they realized the red stuff coming from my neck was blood, not ketchup. One lady ran to her bungalow and returned with gauze and tape. She wrapped my neck just a little too tight. After a while, the bleeding and my sobbing stopped. The ice cream completely melted. When the ladies were
sure we were ok, they allowed us to leave and make our way back to our bungalow colony. As soon as our mother determined that my head was securely on my shoulders, she yelled, “What were you thinking, what were you looking at, why weren’t you paying attention!?” and a few more choice remarks. All in Yiddish! We didn’t have any responses, and it could have been worse. After all, we came home empty handed; no eggs, no ketchup and no change. Someone with a car would have to drive my mother back for her groceries. (It was very unusual for the women to have their own cars). Our dad was in the city five days a week. All the men went back to the city Monday through Friday, returning to spend the weekend at the bungalow colony. My dad would arrive Friday afternoon before Shabbat. That particular weekend, by the time he came up to the bungalows, our escapade was not such an interesting story any more. He would not have taken kindly to such mishigas. (craziness). But did it leave a mark? I thank you, dear readers, for asking. The wire line did not leave a scar – Ah Danken Gut (Thank G-d).
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Suddenly, I am spread eagle on the dewy grass, writhing in pain. I am crying and bleeding. I have no clue who or what just KO’d me. My sisters are hysterical laughing. I had hit a wire ‘line’ with my neck.
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AJT
Arts & life
JEWS MAKING NEWS Complied by elizabeth friedly and eden farber
Paula Abdul Visits Israel
E
ntertainer and former-“American Idol” judge, Paula Abdul recently made her first trip to Israel, as a guest of the Tourism Ministry. She met with President Shimon Peres and toured the Old City and other important Israeli areas. She is even allegedly having a Bat Mitzvah at the Western Wall. Abdul, 51,describes the opportunity as a “dream.” The trip was recorded by Ilan Lukatch, reported for Israel’s Channel Two News. Abdul may have left both“American Idol” and “The X Factor,” but she is still very much at home behind the judging panel. The entertainer was announced as a head judge on the Australian “So You Think You Can Dance.” Abdul was born in San Fernando, California to Harry Abdul and Lorraine M. Rykiss. Her father comes from a line of Syrian Jews, while her mother is of Russian-Ashkenazi Jewish descent. While studying broadcasting at California State University at Northridge, Abdul became head choreographer of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team. It was during one of the Lakers’ games that The Jacksons (aka The Jackson 5) discovered and subsequently hired her for one of their music videos.
Kimberly Peirce at Chicago Humanities Festival
November 8 ▪ 2013
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ilm director Kimberly Peirce of “Carrie” remake fame is scheduled to present at the 24th Annual Chicago Humanities Festival. Speakers will be presenting around the city Nov. 1-10. This year’s festivals is themed, “Animal: What Makes Us Human,” represented both literally and figuratively, and features a wide variety of esteemed speakers and presenters. Peirce celebrated the release of “Carrie” on Oct. 18, her first fulllength film in five years. She is best-known for her jarring 1999 debut, “Boys Don’t Cry,” released nine years ago. Pierce’s remake features the return of Lawrence D. Cohen, the screenwriter responsible for 1976’s original adaptation of “Carrie.” Born to Sherry and Robert Peirce, the director grew up in New York City before the family moved to Miami, Florida. Peirce is Jewish on her mother’s side.
Simon Cowell Dusts Off His Dancing Shoes
S
imon Cowell, judge of the television show “The X Factor,” is rediscovering his roots in preparation for his marriage to Jewish bride, Lauren Silverman. He is planning on taking traditional Israeli dance lessons to combine his Judaism with his passion for the arts. Cowell, a former-record label A&R exec, TV producer and renowned judge, has worked for “Pop Idol,” “The X Factor,” “Britain’s Got Talent” and “American Idol.” He grew up in England and moved to the States to work for “Idol.” Israel has recently started an Israeli version of Cowell’s “The X Factor.” The show will premiere with Bar Rafaeli starring and Israel hopes for the show to be as successful as Cowell’s. Cowell’s late father was Jewish, while Silverman is an affiliated Jew. The couple is expecting a child and plans on marrying soon after their infant’s birth. They will hold both Jewish and Christian wedding ceremonies.
Paul McCartney Releases New Jew-ish Album
P
aul McCartney, of the Beatles legacy, has just released his latest album, “New,” the first collection of original songs since 2007. The album came out shortly after his marriage to Nancy Shevell, an affiliated Jew. Many of the tracks are said to be laden with Jewish themes and philosophies. McCartney has a long and fascinating relationship with Judaism. Not only was his first girlfriend Jewish, but so was his (first) wife, Linda Eastman. McCartney and Eastman were the world’s favorite “rock-star” couple, always making music together. Sadly, Eastman passed away from breast cancer. McCartney has openly discussed the idea of converting to Judaism, but has not yet completed the process. His daughter, Stella McCartney, affiliates as Jewish and works in her maternal grandfather’s business.
Brad Ausmus Becomes MLB First
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he Detroit Tigers have just hired Brad Ausmus as their team’s manager, making him the only Jewish manager in all of Major League Baseball. Ausmus has been working as Israel’s manager for the World Baseball Classic. Before managing, he played as a catcher in four different teams, including the Tigers. He also played for the Los Angelos Dodgers, but spent the bulk of his playing career with the Houston Astros. After retiring, he worked with the San Deigo Padres, until Israel hired him. He was a Major League Baseball player for a total of 18 years. Ausmus grew up in Connecticut, and was educated at Dartmouth College, where he played minor league baseball. He did not grow up in a practicing Jewish household, but in an interview with the Jewish Journal, he says that he remembered celebrating the High Holidays with his family.
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November 8 ▪ 2013
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COMMUNITY
From Jamaica to Judaism Fulton County Chairman John Eaves’s Personal Journey Towards Faith SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
J
ohn Eaves, seven year chairman of the Fulton Country Board of Commission, says that his story starts long before his work here in Fulton. A hundred years ago, in 1913, Cecil Reginald Eaves, Chairman Eaves’ grandfather, immigrated to New York City from Maypen, Jamaica. His journey to America was inspired by his interest in pursuing the study of medicine. He lived in New York for a while, in a very characteristically Jewish environment. Maypen was a place where the religions blended together, many with Jewish roots, so the culture wasn’t unfamiliar. As Cecil continued to work and live in the area, he began to align himself with Jewish
values more and more. Moving to Florida a little while later didn’t change that identity. There he met his wife Gladys, and although never making it to the medical field, he found his home in the railroad industry, which was very open and insured much less racial discrimination. And even though he was no longer in the very Jewish area of New York, Judaism somehow managed to find him. He befriended Marcus
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November 8 ▪ 2013
your complimentary lunch and tour. then, live the dream.
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Left: Chairman John H. Eaves Above: Chairman Eaves handshake greets President Obama Garvey, an activist figure who fought against racism and very strongly believed that the African American identity was closely linked to Judaism. Garvey influenced Cecil and his beliefs very much and Cecil eventually converted to Judaism himself. Cecil, who lived to be 99-yearsold, and Gladys, who lived to be 95, raised 10 (out of 13) children to adulthood, all with strong values. All their children were college educated, and many found their own place in African American Judaism. John Henry Eaves Jr., one of Cecil’s children and Chairman John Eaves’ father, went on to get a PhD from Morehouse College in education. He raised his family with the same passion for education and family history as his father had. “Growing up I always had a duel identity – as an African American in the South, experiencing the civil rights movement, and as someone connected to Judaism,” said Chairman Eaves. He had grown up knowing, as his grandfather pointed out often, that there were “two strikes against him,” being dark-skinned and Jewish. But that only served to heightened his respect for others. A history of persecution does that to a person. Eaves supports the black-Jewish relationship in any way he can. Growing up he never quite belonged, he said, with lighter skin, reddish hair and freckles. But looks can be deceiving.
The Eaves’ family story is very reminiscent of the Jewish pattern of going to a new place to find oneself or one’s Judaism. Our Bible is filled with stories; from Abraham’s initial “lech lecha” journey to Israel, to Jacob’s journey away from home in this week’s parsha to recreate himself.
Cecil came to a new land, a personal journey to find education, and from there began his Jewish journey. But the journey didn’t end; as his family grew, so did their Jewish roots. Their Judaism gave them an appreciation of other people, and it was something they passed along l’dor va dor, generation to generation, just as our Biblical ancestors did. Chairman Eaves never formally belonged to a synagogue, but has attended services at the Temple and learned with Rabbi Peter Breg. He views Judaism as a personal journey, one that affirms his background very vividly. A diverse background, he says, helps his job, by helping him to bond people together and really embrace their diversity. An appreciation of our history is a very important Jewish value. We can all learn a great deal from the Eaves’ story, a tale of moving to a new land full of opportunity, finding Judaism and holding onto it dearly. If Isaac our forefather had not held unto his parents’ Jewish connection, we wouldn’t be here today. It’s not just something we do, it’s something we live. We say thank you to Chairman John Eaves for sharing his story with us.
AJT
MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL
Embracing the Unplanned
CONFESSIONS OF AN OBSESSIVE LIST-MAKER AJT CONTRIBUTOR
I
love to plan just about everything: my day, my week, my class schedule, my friend’s schedule. You name it, I plan it.
From the minute I woke up this morning, I knew exactly what my day would look like: 8:30 a.m., alarm; 8:40, roll out of bed and spend an hour getting dressed and cleaning my room; grocery store by 10 a.m.; library by 11:30; an hour of Hebrew, two hours of developmental psychology – well, you get the idea. I basically have my day planned out until I get back to my dorm room at 9 o’clock tonight. My bag is always packed with snacks and I always carry a sweater or jacket in case I get cold. Why? Because there’s comfort in knowing what to expect and feeling properly prepared. I understand that sometimes I can seem a little neurotic. For example, the other week I found a Buzzfeed article titled, “27 Signs You’re an Obsessive List Maker,” and laughed my way through it only because of how brilliantly true it is. Here are my top two favorites on the list. No. 10: You add things to your lists that you’ve already done just so you can cross it off, and No. 19: Sometimes it feels like making lists is just another way to procrastinate. To my fellow list-makers out there, you know what it’s like. Your friends joke about your weirdness, pop culture websites like Buzzfeed make fun of your habits, and you laugh along. But you know you’d be nowhere without your lists because you’re a little frightened by the thought of being spontaneous and disorganized. Life is easier to handle if you’re the one in control. There’s always that question, though, in the back of my head: what could I be missing out on? In this week’s Torah portion, Vayetze, Jacob leaves his home in Be’er Sheba to visit his uncle Laban in Charan. A series of things happens: First, Jacob reaches “the place” (Mount Moriah) and because the sun has set, he chooses to sleep there. It’s here where Jacob has the famous dream about angels going up and down a ladder. Jacob names the
place Beth El, the house of G-d, then vows: “If G-d will be with me and He will guard me on this way, upon which I am going, and He will give me bread to eat and a garment to wear, and if I return in peace to my father’s house, and the Lord will be my G-d; then this stone, which I have placed as monument, shall be a house of G-d, and everything that You give me, I will surely tithe to You” -- Genesis 28: 20-22 After making his promise to G-d, Jacob continues towards Charan. Again, he has an unexpected encounter. Jacob comes across a well in a field, and alongside it sits sheep and their shepherds. Jacob greets the strangers and asks if they know his uncle Laban. The men say they do know of his uncle, and that Laban’s daughter, Rachel, would be coming soon with sheep. The parshah then continues: “While [Jacob] was still talking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel … that Jacob drew near and rolled the rock off the mouth of the well, and he watered the sheep of Laban, his mother’s brother. And Jacob kissed Rachel, and he raised his voice and wept” – Genesis 29: 9-11 Rachel then leads Jacob back to Laban. Though his journey is complete, and he has reached Charan, the surprises are not over. Laban offers Jacob work, and Jacob accepts on the condition that when he finishes seven years of work, he can marry Rachel. Seven years later, the wedding is held, but Laban switches his two daughters, and Jacob unknowingly marries Leah. Still in love with Rachel, Jacob then makes a second arrangement with Laban: he will work for yet another seven years and take Rachel as his second wife. So, 14 years after leaving Be’er Sheba in search of Charan, Jacob has two wives, each with a maidservant. But Jacob loved Rachel more, “And the Lord saw that Leah was hated, so He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren (Genesis 29:31).
In the years to follow, many children were born. Leah gave birth to four sons; Bilah, Rachel’s maidservant, had two more; Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant, had yet another two boys. Then, before Rachel had her first, Leah bore two more sons as well as a daughter. Finally, Rachel gave birth to a son and named him Joseph, saying, “May the Lord grant me yet another son!”
the grandsons of Jacob. If you haven’t guessed it by now, my intent here is to stress the outcome of the surprises in Jacob’s life. His plan was to go from Be’er Sheba to Charan to visit his uncle Laban. He couldn’t have planned to dream of angels in Mount Moriah, fall in love at first sight, or to be deceived by his uncle.
We can only plan so much.
When all was said and done, Jacob’s kids were many: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naftali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Dinah, and Joseph.
Like Jacob, we can plan big journeys, have goals and make commitments. But also, like Jacob, we have to be able to embrace the surprises that come our way.
These names may sound familiar; they should. Much later in the Torah – after the Hebrews escape from Egypt, receive the 10 commandments, and wander in the dessert for 40 years – the Israelites conquer the land of Canaan and the land is allotted to each of the 12 tribes: Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Ephraim, and Manasseh.
I can only hope that my day’s schedule unfolds as planned, but if I run into a friend who wants to catch up, or stumble upon an article that catches my eye, I have to learn to set the plan aside, and allow the surprises to run their course.
Three names in this list have not been previously mentioned: Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Benjamin will be born the son or Rachel in next week’s parshah, and Ephraim and Manasseh are sons of Joseph –
Rachel LaVictoire (rlavictoire@wustl. edu) is a graduate of the Davis Academy and Westminster High School, recipient of the prestigious Nemerov Writing and Thomas H. Elliott Merit scholarships at Washington University of St. Louis and an active member of Temple Emanu-El and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. She was recently named to the board of St. Louis Hillel.
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November 8 ▪ 2013
BY RACHEL LAVICTOIRE
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AJT
op-ed
Taking Shortcuts LIFE LESSON ON A FLAWED FORMULA BY YEHUDA BERGER
One is the Springmouse who turns on the showers.
AJT CONTRIBUTOR
O
ne day as a fifth grader, I found myself reading Leo Lionni’s “Frederick,” a picture book about a poetic mouse, when I came across the fantastic poem, “Frederick’s Sky Mice”:
Then comes the Summermouse who paints in the flowers. The Fallmouse is next with walnuts and wheat. And Wintermouse is last … with little cold feet.
Who scatters snowflakes? Who melts the ice?
Aren’t we lucky the seasons are four?
Who spoils the weather? Who makes it nice?
Think of a year with one less … or one more!
Who grows the four-leaf clovers in June? Who dims the daylight? Who lights the moon? Four little field mice who live in the sky. Four little field mice … like you and I.
I put down the book and thought, “Wow! What a great poem!” It was then that I came up with a “brilliant idea.” Why not show this poem to everyone, but take credit for it? And so I did. I changed around a few words here and there (like from mice to men), but the poem was essentially the same. After I wrote down “my” poem, I
showed it to my mom. “Great poem, Yehuda! You came up with this yourself? You should show it to your father!”And so I took it to my father. “Great poem, Yehuda! You came up with this yourself? You should show it to your teacher!” And so I took it to my teacher. “Great poem, Yehuda! You came up with this yourself? You should share it with the class!” And so I shared it with the class. “Nice poem! That was actually pretty good! I liked the rhymes!” were just some of the compliments I got from my classmates. I smiled broadly, waiting for the swelling sense of pride I usually got after scoring high on a hard test or beating a hard level in a video game. But it never came. I wondered what I did wrong. Usually the equation for the sense of pride was simply, “good piece of work by me + public acknowledgement and subsequent compliments = great satisfaction.” With this poem, I had only fudged the “by-me” part, but nobody else knew the difference, and the compliments were just as pride-worthy as when I had shown them genuine work in the past. So why wasn’t I feeling accomplished? I couldn’t solve it. Soon, everyone forgot about “my” genius poem, and it became simply a piece of paper tacked to our classroom’s bulletin board. But I never forgot about it, and I wondered consistently why I never felt right about “my” poem. Instead, I was only worried. When my mother took out “Frederick” a few weeks later to read to my younger brother, I found a way to snatch it away and prevent her from reading that poem, because I feared
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that I would be exposed as a plagiarizer. I then took the picture book and hid it deep in my dresser drawers, hoping that nobody would ever find it and that my brilliant poem would stay “mine” forever. Fast forward to ninth grade. My older brother was off to Israel, and I was to take over his room. While cleaning out my drawers, I found “Frederick” rolled up in a shirt. As I flipped through the curled pages, memories flooded back of how I deceived my friends and family just to impress them. Then the unsolved equation came back to my memory as well. Now a more mature high school student, I saw instantly what was wrong with my equation – if you take credit where credit is not due, you will find it impossible to take pride there, and if people compliment you, it will only cause you to feel guiltier. This episode gave me a down-toearth lesson. While it may be tempting at times to show off something as your own hard work when it truly isn’t, whether it be cheating on a test or taking a piece of artwork from online and parading it around, you will find that the feeling of accomplishment will never come, despite the praise you will get from others. Cheating never pays off, no matter what you do, and I learned that firsthand. The most remarkable sensation is when something you toiled yourself for pays off, and there is no shortcutting that. Yehuda Berger is a senior at Yeshiva Atlanta. His family goes to both Beth Jacob and Young Israel. He is the recipient of the University of Pennsylvania Book Award.
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AJT
community
Fly and Dine NATIONAL HUMAN RELATIONS AWARD TO RICHARD ANDERSON, CEO, DELTA AIR LINES
BY DANA SPECTOR
ASSISTANT EDITOR
A
merican Jewish Committee (AJC) Atlanta Regional Office will present its 2013 National Human Relations Award to Richard Anderson, CEO, Delta Air Lines, at a tribute dinner on Thurs., Nov. 7.
The dinner at the Loews Atlanta Hotel salutes Mr. Anderson, an airman with over 25 years of experience; an innovative leader and builder. At the same time, the event raises funds for the global advocacy and human rights work of AJC, which advances freedom, liberty, tolerance and mutual respect worldwide. Co-chairs of the event are Thomas G. Cody, retired vice chairman of Macy’s; Mary Ellen Cody, community volunteer; and James A. Miller, chairman of Bartlett & Co. Keynote speaker is Robert A. McDonald, chairman and CEO of Procter and Gamble. With Anderson as CEO, Delta has invested in U.S. airport terminals, bought stakes in foreign companies and even purchased an American refinery to stabilize and cut its fuel costs. So far, Anderson’s strategies seem to be working. Delta’s 2012 revenue was $36.67 billion, while American Airlines owner AMR Corporation came in at $24.91 billion. Anderson’s personal touch has helped improve Delta from the bottom up. A frequent flyer, describes Anderson as “… a dedicated and inspiring leader who so clearly demonstrates, at his very core, that he leads by example, and does not set himself above all those who allow this airline to exist.” Anderson currently serves as chairman of the International Air Transport Association Board of Governors, as well as a director on the Boards of Medtronic Inc. and Cargill. He recently served as chairman of the Airlines for America Board of Directors.
Editor’s notes: tickets for the event can be purchased for $150/person for ACCESS Members. Advance RSVP required, please visit www.ajcatlanta.org and register under Upcoming Events.
November 8 ▪ 2013
For more than 60 years, AJC has worked to safeguard minorities, fight terrorism, defend religious freedom against anti-Semitism, hatred, and bigotry. AJC supports Israel’s right to exist in peace and security, and provide humanitarian relief to those in need.
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AJT
what’s happening
Fri., Nov. 8
Lunch ‘n Learn, “Gone with the Wind and the Battle of Jonesboro” lecture with Peter Bonner, of Historical & Hysterical Tours Inc. Fri., Nov. 8. Free. Georgia Archives. Mason Murer Gallery Opening, featuring the works of local, Jewish sculptor Steve Steinman, “Remade in America.” Continuing through December. Fri., Nov. 8, 6 p.m. Mason Murer Fine Art. Music of the Holocaust, “Commem orating the 75th Anniversary of Kristallnacht.” First of the inaugural, three-part Molly Blank Jewish Concert series, featuring the Atlanta Opera with Musical Director Maestro Arthur Fagen. Partnered with the Breman Heritage Museum. Sat., Nov. 9, 8 p.m. $50/Breman members., $65/non-members. Tickets, www.thebreman.org
Sun., Nov. 10
“On the Seventh Day Dr. Schoenfeld is Still Resting,” the second of two programs about the changing notions of sacred rest in contemporary Jewish tradition with Dr. Eugen Schoenfeld. Sun., Nov. 10, 11 a.m. Jewish Family and Career Services.
WED., Nov. 11
Bob Bahr Speaker Event, “Cocoon - The Movie - And The Messianic Idea in Judaism.” Part of the Senior Luncheon. Mon., Nov. 11, 12:15 p.m. Congregation Beth Tikvah.
Mon., Nov. 13
Camp David Symposium, “President Carter and the Role of Intelligence in the Camp David Accords.” Hosted by the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum with the Central Intelligence Agency. Moderated by CNN’s Jonathan Mann. Mon., Nov. 13, 9 a.m. Free. Carter Center Cecil B. Day Chapel.
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Drivers Education
November 8 ▪ 2013
Winter Break Session starting December 23 Ages 15-16 (students must be at least 15 by end of class) Drivers Ed classes are designed to produce safer, more confident, and more experienced teenage drivers.
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• 30 hours of classroom training • Includes Alcohol and Drug Awareness (ADAP) training • 6 hours of individual behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor • Graduates eligible for up to 10% reduction in insurance premiums • Parents eligible for $150 Georgia Income Tax Credit
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Thurs., Nov. 14
“Israel: A Remarkable Story of Innovation,” a how and why presentation of Israel’s remarkable capacity for innovation. With speaker Shai Robkin, president and CEO of AmericanIsrael Chamber of Commerce in the Southeast. Thurs., Nov. 14, 7 p.m. Congregation Children of Israel, Athens. “It Can Happen to Anyone,” for adults only. A program on preventing teen drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. Open to the community, sponsored by Congregation Etz Chaim and JF&CS. Thurs., Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. Etz Chaim. RSVP, www.etzchaim.net/itcanhappen_RSVP
Sat., Nov. 16
Elegant Elf Marketplace, the third annual, two-day gift market. Fundraiser of The Sandy Springs Society with more than 50 selected vendors, including raffle prizes and a cafe. Sat., Nov. 16, 9 a.m. Lake Forest Elementary School. Info, www.sandyspringssociety.org.
Sun., Nov. 17
Chanuka Saleapalooza & Tzedakah Fair, don’t leave your shopping until the last minute. Discounts, giveaways, refreshments and fun. Sun., Nov. 17, 10 a.m. Congregation Beth Shalom. Info, (770) 671-1667. OVS Hanukkah Bazaar, Congregation’s Or VeShalom’s 38th annual hanukkah bazaar. Make room for good eats and gifts for holiday shopping. Includes international dinners auction; a raffle for prizes; and kids’ games and activities. Sun., Nov. 17, 11 a.m. $3/person. OVS. A Celebration of Education Theater Festival, a one-act play festival with performances by the GHA Players, the Christian Magby Co., the Atlanta Shakespeare Co., Rathskellar (Emory University’s Improv Troupe). Includes master classes on stage combat, movement, musical theatre taught by industry professionals. Sun., Nov. 17, 12 p.m. Greenfield Hebrew Academy. Tickets, showtix4u. com or (866) 967-8167. “It Can Happen to Anyone,” for teens only. Preventing teen drug and alcohol abuse and addiction, lunch fol-
lowed by program. Open to community and sponsored by Congregation Etz Chaim and JF&CS. Sun., Nov. 17, 12:30. Etz Chaim. RSVP, www. etzchaim.net/itcanhappen_RSVP Rich’s Exhibit Opening, The Breman Museum is bringing Atlanta’s favorite store back for an exciting interactive exhibition that spans 150 years of this local legend’s history. Runs until May 27. Sun., Nov. 17. Breman Museum. Info, www.thebreman.org.
Tues., Nov. 19
“Drama Queens to Shabbat Queens” a Life Story, with Kaila Lasky, former actress and Manhattan luxury real estate broker who embarked on a search for meaning and connection. Come here her inspirational soul story. Refreshments will be served. Tues., Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m. $12/person. Chabad of Cobb. Register, www.cobbjewishacademy.org.
Wed., Nov. 20
Author Talk & Book Signing with Caryl Stern, “Never Again: Protecting the World’s Children.” Stern is the President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Guests will also receive a voucher for the Return to Rich’s exhibit. Refreshments will be served. Wed., Nov. 20, 5:30 p.m. The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum. New Israel Fund Inaugural Donor Event, “Rekindling Liberal Democracy in Israel” an evening with historian and journalist Gershom Gorenberg, moderated by Professor Deborah Lipstadt Gorenberg. Wed., Nov. 20, 7:30. $18 suggested donation. The Temple. RSVP, www.nif. org/atlanta.
Fri., Nov. 22
TKC Thanksgivukah Dinner, Kehillat Chaim will be celebrating coinciding of Chanukah and Thanksgiving complete with turkey, cranberry sauce and latkes! Followed by a Shabbat worship service. Fri., Nov. 22, 6 p.m. $15/adult, $9/child (ages 5+). Nonmembers: $18/adult, $12/child. Send checks & reservations to Temple Kehillat Chaim.
AJT
may their memories be a blessing
Estelle Jacobs 87, Atlanta
Estelle Marguerite Fisher Jacobs, 87, of Atlanta, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2013. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend. Her gentle, sweet and loving nature, generous concern for others, and kind wit endeared her to all who met her. A native Nashville-ian, Estelle was born to Nettie and Nathan Fisher, of blessed memory, on July 8, 1926. She attended Howard School from grades 1-12, and graduated in 1948 from Vanderbilt University. Her greatest joys in life were her husband and four children, and being “Grammy” to her eight grandchildren. A gifted lifelong teacher, she was the first teacher at the Akiva School at Congregation Sherith Israel, taught third grade at Burton School, taught creative dramatics, and was a substitute teacher for Metro Nashville Public Schools. For many years, she and Eli owned and operated Zager’s Fine Foods. She was a voracious reader and scrabble player extraordinaire, and had great talent for gardening and knitting. Her family always loved her tap dance routines, and watching her jitterbug with Eli. Throughout her life she maintained a sharp sense of wit, with sassy comebacks and priceless expressions. The wisdom she imparted to her children and grandchildren, and her unconditional love for her
family will remain with them always. Estelle was preceded in death by her brother, Herbert Fisher. She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Eli West Jacobs; her four children: Norman Jacobs, Shelley Antin (Bob), Robbie Lustig (Ron) and Jan Hoffman (Colman); and her grandchildren: Natalie and Jamie Antin, Brian, Tracey and Andy Lustig, Allyson and Mark Hoffman, and Laura Hoffman Shmerling (Phil). The family wishes to extend special thanks to her devoted caregivers: Kay Britton, Janet Scurry, Angelina Holliday, Tasha Collins, Keely Hamler, Holly Jones, Denise Carty, Mulu Smith, and all the wonderful staff at Belmont Village Assisted Living in Atlanta. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 1 at The Temple Ohabai Shalom Cemetery in Nashville, Tenn. The family received visitors afterward from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at The Temple, 5015 Harding Rd., Nashville, TN 37205. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Temple Emanu-El, 1580 Spalding Dr., Atlanta, GA 30350, or to Belmont Village Assisted Living, 5455 Glenridge Dr., Atlanta, GA 30342. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, (770) 451-4999.
Let’s Celebrate 2013 Together! We are Showcasing Our Community’s 2013 Memorable Moments & Simchas in Our December 20th Winter Simcha Issue
Send them TODAY to krudy@atljewishtimes.com Please include announcement and photo. Photos must be high-resolution JPeGS (250Kb or more)
atlanta
November 8 ▪ 2013
Email photos of your special events by December 13th to be included in this special issue for FREE.
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JEWISH PUZZLER by David Benkof
Across 1. Tooth parts 6. New moon, for one 11. Efrem Zimbalist Jr. series, with ‘The’ 14. Make ___ (succeed a la Loman) 15. Artist Anna 16. “Beverly Hills 90210” actor Ziering 17. They resemble the ears of an enemy of Israel 19. Baggage tag for O’Hare 20. Ladino water 21. Piece of “Commentary” 22. Magaziner and Gershwin 23. It can be used to make a kind of kippah 25. Madeleine Albright’s bailiwick, once 27. Subject of the Newsweek cover story “Rhymes with Rich” 32. “Trading Places” producer Aaron 33. Rav Nachman’s wife’s name 34. ___ HaBayit (Temple Mout) 37. Archeologist-politician Yigael 40. Electrician’s mantra? 41. Hitler or Eichmann 44. Become violent 47. He was known as the “Rama” 51. ___ Hermon 52. Separator of a kind
55. “How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way” author ___ Lee 57. Little one roped by a cowpoke 60. Cause agitation 61. ___ Somayach (Jerusalem yeshiva) 62. Famous capitve from 2006 to 2011 64. Fermented taro root 65. Histadrut demand, perhaps 66. Chaim Topol, famously 67. Shabbat begins when it sets 68. Ma ___ Kettle 69. Sauce type
13. Sen. Bernie Sanders and others 18. Really small 22. “___ New World” (Arlen/Gershwin song) 24. Rocker Reed 26. First Conservative woman rabbi Eilberg 28. Solomon’s great-grandson 29. Rick ____ (Jewish doctor known for working in Ethiopia)
30. Bible verb ending 31. ___ Suf (The Red Sea) 34. “Ikey, Mikey, Jakey, Sam! We’re the boys that eat no ___!” 35. “Oklahoma!” character ___ Annie 36. Trude Weiss-___ (Jewish feminist) 38. Righteous indignation 39. I. V. league?
42. 1940s French Socialist leader Blum 43. Whence many early ‘90s olim 45. Abbas’s grp. 46. A nice one in Jerusalem might oversee the Old City 48. “Blazing Saddles” extra 49. Not exactly manic 50. Poles with footrests 53. Former New York Governor Spitzer 54. So old it’s back into fashion 55. Saturates 56. “___ shalt not kill” 58. Stunned sound 59. Revelation 62. Elijah of Vilna, for short 63. Chance
Last week’s answers
Down 1. “Forward” editor Abraham 2. Linguist’s concern 3. He anointed David 4. Lawyer, at times 5. Al Franken, e.g.: Abbr. 6. Education-minded orgs. 7. Cat sound 8. On ___ (pursuing) 9. Orthodox woman’s wig 10. Many, many moons 11. First name in New York City history 12. Theda of silent films
Not Too Young To Retire, Never Too Old To Volunteer MAKING THE MOST OF THE TIME WE HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITY Continued from page 7 through the student, which he refused. Moved by the gesture, Sam told the child he was a volunteer and would get “fired” if he took the money. Angela Kirby, a retired kindergarten teacher, gives out free books to her students at Hightower. She focuses on phonemic awareness, letter-sound association, sight words (when vs. win), name writing, and colors. She sees “unbelievable improvement” in her students by making them feel better about themselves. Ms. Kirby interacts with the teacher and brings in intriguing things to class like odd shaped gourds for fall. MORE THAN JUST LETTERS
November 8 ▪ 2013
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Teaching words is important; but we
do become involved in trying to mentor these kids in life’s lessons as well, with a desire to reach out. Last year, a homeless girl came to school in the same clothes, not just when I saw her; but everyday according to the teacher. It could not bode well for that child’s self esteem. My adult daughter agreed to raid her closet back home and packed up sacks of Uggs, Nikes, jeans, fleece jackets, some nicer things mixed in. Of course we did not want to be identified as the donor, and asked the social worker to send it home with the child. Two months went by, and the school called to come retrieve the clothes, as they were not able to contact the parents to accept it.
Another tutor did get her clothes donation sent home. When the child continued to wear the same old clothing, she stated that her parents sold the clothes. The news so tragically jolted to us.
the test and did not look up when Juan broke his pencil. I am not a lookie bird.”
TAKE THE TIME
If you wish to donate as little as an hour a week, call Kim Urbach at the National Council Office (404) 843-9600 and give coaching a try. Flap your wings, too.
Children can get off-task during the short time we have with them. The schools now have big, wonderful “reading” dogs that the kids adore. Their eyes wander as the dogs sway by or doors open and close. So I said, “When you have a job to do, keep your eyes glued to your own paper and don’t waste time being a ‘lookie bird.’” We both sang out, “I am not a lookie bird!” Next week she said, “I glued my ‘eye’ to
We flapped our pretend wings. Score one for a small lesson! We all have something to offer a child who never had anyone read to her.
After 35 years with the Atlanta Newspapers, Marcia currently serves as Retail VP for the Buckhead Business Association where she delivers news and trends(laced with a little gossip). On the side, Marcia is Captain of the Senior Cheerleaders for the WNBA at Philips Arena.
d’var Torah
Paying Attention to Our Dreams JUST LIKE JACOB, WE CAN LEARN IMPORTANT LESSONS WHILE WE SLEEP
BY RABBI RONALD BLUMING SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
T
his week’s Torah reading, Vayetze, describes a turning point in the life of our patriarch, Jacob. As Jacob begins his journey to Haran, he is most fearful about things in his past, present and future. He has regrets about the incident with his brother, Esau, during which Jacob stole Esau’s birthright. Jacob feels both insecure and afraid to travel from home for the first time. When will he see his family again? Nevertheless, he does depart on this trip to Haran. On his first night alone in the wilderness, Jacob dreams his famous dream. As described in Gen. 28:13, “He dreamt and behold! A ladder was set earthward and its top reached heavenward; and behold – angels of G-d ascending and descending on it.” Amidst all of Jacob’s fears at the time he fell asleep, he awakens the next morning more confident. He is stronger now, assured that G-d stands with him. The dream with the ladder and angels convinces him of this. “Surely G-d is in this place,” Jacob says upon awakening. He then takes the stone that he had put under his head as a pillow and makes it into an altar. (Gen. 28:16, 18).
CALL our team to help you get moving!
This Torah portion suggests to us the significance of our own dreams. They can speak to us, helping us to understand and analyze our hopes and goals in life. Our dreams can even empower us. As far back as the 1890s, Sigmund Freud published strong, persuasive information about dreams as a result of his study of the human mind. He discovered that dreams come from people’s own wishes for themselves. He guided his patients to understand the symbolism in their dreams, which helped them grasp their hidden feelings. Freud’s research is still used today by psychologists and psychiatrists in evaluating their patients’ dreams.
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Vayetze invites us to be like Jacob and look seriously at our “sleep dreams.” Can we empower ourselves by understanding our dreams, just as Jacob did? The answer is yes! We can and must use the strong messages that come to us while we sleep. Whether our challenge might be an intense personal journey or relationship issues within our family, our sleep dreams can give us the ability to meet it head-on. Rabbi Ronald Bluming is the spiritual leader of Congregation Tikvah L’Shalom in Stone Mountain, Ga. and a member of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association.
November 8 ▪ 2013
AJT
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