Atlanta Jewish Times No. 37 Sept 20, 2013 by Atlanta Jewish Times

kudrow’s new scandal PAGE 14

JAZZ fest at THE JCC PAGE 9

THE CARLTON controversy AN AJT EXCLUSIVE

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atlanta september 20, 2013 – SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 www.atlantajewishtimes.com

HOLOCAUST AT HEART OF MUSICAL PRODUCTION HARMONY PAGE 10

16 TISHREI – 22 TISHREI 5774 vOL. LXXXVIII NO. 37

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israel

Israeli Pride

GOOD NEWS MADE IN THE JEWISH STATE THIS PAST WEEK

WAZE EXIT BENEFITS YOUNG ISRAELIS. After benefiting tremendously from selling shares after Waze’s Google takeover, the Israeli Public Service Fund, Tmura, has distributed roughly 5 million funds to charity. TEL AVIV GARBAGE TURNED INTO FUEL. When complete, the Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) plant at the Hiriya Recycling Park will transform 1,500 tons of waste into usable fuel each and every day. The “green” fuel will power the kilns at Nesher’s cement works in a particularly green method that does not emit any pollutants or toxins. MOLECULE REDUCES CHOLESTEROL – AND MORE. Technion researchers have developed an antioxidant 1-FE that lowers cholesterol, and also eliminates oxygen free radicals that cause organs and tissues to age. This compound could be an important alternative to statins in the long-standing fight against heart disease. TEL AVIV DEPLOYS FREE WI-FI NETWORK. The Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality has established 60 Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the city. The network covers 3,660,920 square meters and includes commercial centers, main commercial streets, boulevards, parks, and even the beach. ROSH HASHANA GIFT AT TEMPLE MOUNT. This summer, around 50 meters from Temple Mount, Hebrew University archaeologist Dr. Eilat Mazar discovered 36 gold Byzantine coins, jewelry, and a 7th century gold

medallion depicting a menorah (Temple candelabrum), a shofar (ram’s horn) and a Torah scroll. Dr Mazar fondly remarked: “At Rosh Hashana, it’s the best gift we could get.”

advised the responder on CPR for the baby. With the utmost efficiency and precaution, all Magen David Adom telephone operators are medics or paramedics.

a new endeavor, it appears that the company’s BoneCure membrane has been healing animals for some time and is working on a similar product for humans.

FORMER ANTI-SEMETIC PARTY LEADER VISITS ISRAEL, AS A JEW. Csanad Szegedi used to be vice-president of Hungary’s Jobbik party (far-right and anti-Semitic)—until the day he discovered he was Jewish. Embracing this new identity, he abandoned Jobbik and involved himself in Judaism. The change to his life culminated this year when he made his first visit to the Jewish State.

SUCCESS IN LEUKEMIA TREATMENT TRIALS. Gamida, Israeli biotech, has successfully transplanted its manipulated NiCord stem cells into patients with blood cancer. The impact is to reduce recovery times even further from the two years achieved from using NiCord combined with non-manipulated stem cells.

LUNG TRANSPLANT PATIENT BLOWS SHOFAR. Meir Tzan’ani blew the shofar in his synagogue until he was 17 years old—when his lungs were burnt in a terrible schoolboy prank. Thanks to a successful transplant and rehabilitation at the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva, Meir (now age 57) can blow the shofar again once more.

JERUSALEM RAILWAY STATION—OLD AND NEW. Trains no longer run through to the old railway station in Jerusalem, with the new, reconstructed Ottoman buildings serving as a center for tourists and residents of all ages.

REGENERATION WITH A “MAGIC” MEMBRANE. Regenecure has been promoting its safe dental bone augmentation procedure since June. In

A MILLION CUSTOMERS GETTAXI. The popular Israeli smartphone application GetTaxi has now reached over a million users in Israel, London and Moscow with an average of 20,000 daily orders. GetTaxi has just launched a branch in New York, for business customers to order luxury black cars in advance at a pre-arranged price for maximum efficiency. NETAFIM RECEIVES STOCKHOLM PRIZE. Netafim, Israeli drip irrigation pioneer, has just attended the ceremony to collect the prestigious Stockholm Industry Water Award, honoring the way it helps farmers in developing countries improve their daily lives. ISRAEL’S HI-TECH EMERGENCY SERVICE. Recently, Magen David Adom used its technology and skills to save a 3-month-old baby. First, MDA’s sophisticated C4I dispatch system allocated the closest first-responder to the call, then the dispatch operator

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

A PROTEIN TO KILL CANCER. Dr. Sarit Larisch of the University of Haifa has discovered a protein called ARTS that triggers cell death, found to be lacking in cancerous cells. This research could lead to a pre-cancer marker and development of similar molecules that can stop tumors forming.

AJT

FROM OUR READERS

Additional info on the Palestinian Refugee Issue To the Editor:

am writing to offer some additional information to complement Arkady Mamaysky’s excellent column (AJT, Sept. 13) outlining the parameters of the Palestinian refugee issue.

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First, I’d like to remind your readers that all refugee problems, aside from that of the Palestinians, are handled by the United Nations High Commission of Refugees (UNHCR) while the Palestinian issue is under the auspices of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). UNRWA has been complicit with the leaders of the Muslem world in keeping the Palestinians poor and stateless for three generations. A major step toward implementing Mamaysky’s suggestions would be to dissolve UNRWA and transfer the Palestinian refugee issue to UNCHR. Second, a point that is often overlooked in stories about negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians is that Mahmoud Abbas is insisting that Israel grant full citizenship to the approximately 5 million Arabs classified as refugees, people who have been fed a constant diet of anti-Jewish propaganda since their grandparents and great-grandparents fled the Arab-initiated 1948 war. We must make it clear to our government that this stance makes a mockery of the concept of “Two States for Two Peoples.” There is no hope for true peace unless the Palestinians cease the incitement and begin to educate their people (who would become citizens of the first-ever Palestinian state) to live, amicably, side-by-side with the nationstate of the Jews. Toby F. Block Atlanta

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One thought on countering anti-Israel propaganda To the Editor:

rkady Mamaysky (AJT, Sept. 13) carefully laid out the options for solving the Palestinian refugee issue. As he notes, the issue has been kept alive only as a means to delegitimize Israel.

Undoubtedly, the fairest option is for the Arab world to resettle Palestinian refugees in Arab countries, especially in Jordan, which comprises 78 percent of the land allotted to Jews under the Balfour plan. Of course this is not going to happen as long as Arab regimes see the Palestinian refugee issue as a means to dismantle Israel. In any event, Western countries should not feel compelled to resettle Palestinian refugees, as the Arab world bears primary responsibility. It started the wars that led to both Arab and Jewish refugee issues, and it has vast space – the Arab world occupies a greater area than the United States. Unfortunately, Israel and Jews worldwide have not done enough to tell the stories of Jewish refugees from Arab countries, let alone the millennium of oppression that preceded their flight.

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

While there are organizations gathering their testimony, such as WOJAC and Harif, and there are a few documentaries, the generation of Jews that fled places like Algeria, Egypt, Iraq (and) Syria in the period 1948-1967, is dying out.

It would be wonderful if their history could be as carefully documented as that of Holocaust survivors. Moreover, comparing their (rescue) by Israel to 65 years of cynical Arab manipulation of Arab refugees, would help to counter anti-Israel propaganda.

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AJT

ACCORDING TO ARLENE

I ‘Ain’t’ No Carpetbagger

COLUMNIST MAKES IT CLEAR SHE’S NOT AN OUTSIDER IN THE LAND OF COTTON By Arlene Appelrouth AJT COLUMNIST

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hen I read the first paragraph of Ivan Millender’s letter (AJT, Sept. 13), the first thing I thought was, “I have arrived.” Here’s a reader who not only appreciates my columns, and admits he reads them, but he also understands the religious and cultural conflicts that frame my existence and often provide the incentive for my writing. As a columnist, I write to share my personal experiences, observations and feelings. The feedback I get is that most people find my columns entertaining. As I continued reading Mr. Millender’s well-crafted letter, I realized that he really didn’t understand or know me at all. I do not speak with a heavy New York accent, which Mr. Millender finds unattractive. Even though I admitted in a column that I didn’t want my children to grow up with a Southern drawl and sound like Jimmy Carter, I never said that people who have Southern accents aren’t smart or sophisticated. They just sound different than what I had become accustomed to, and sometimes I just have difficulty understanding what they are saying. Just as when I first met my uncle Fishel who emigrated from Poland to England, his Yiddish and English was different than what I was accustomed to. To classify me with carpetbaggers is simply inaccurate.

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

Carpetbaggers, by definition, remain outsiders while they exploit their environment. Within months of moving to Atlanta, Dan and I were on a waiting list for a table at Chastain Park. We became members of the Atlanta Jewish Community Center, the

Atlanta Zoo and Atlanta’s Alliance Theater. We began supporting Atlanta’s cultural institutions early on and continue to do so Within a few years of adapting to life in Atlanta we were active at the Atlanta Jewish Federation on a committee called “Shalom Atlanta,” where our responsibility was to inform other newcomers of what was available with Atlanta’s Jewish Community. I was asked to volunteer my writing skills and help create slide shows and documentaries for several Jewish non-profits. I disagree with Mr. Millender’s insinuation that I have felt like an outsider and been someone who takes, rather than gives to this community. He also wrote that he believes the Appelrouths have “Jewishly matured” Given that we were in our 30’s when we moved here and have called Atlanta home for more than 35 years, it’s simply logical that our maturity is a function of time. Our three, now adult, children are proud to call themselves Southerners from Atlanta. Dan, a native of Key West, has always considered himself a Southerner. We are all products of our conditioning and environment. I can consider myself a New Yorker and still feel settled and happy to live in the South. But please don’t think of me as a carpetbagger. It just isn’t so. About the writer 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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Series on the Alliance Stage

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

alliancetheatre.org/harmony Groups 404.733.4690

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SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

Prologue

Featuring

BRAD MELTZER 10.24

SCOTT TUROW 11.2 CLARK HOWARD 11.6 JEFFREY TOOBIN 11.7

ELIN HILDERBRAND 11.9 CHRIS MATTHEWS 11.10 ALAN DERSHOWITZ 11.16 PAT CONROY 11.17

PRESENTING SPONSORS: Barbara and Ed Mendel, Greenberg Traurig, PNC Bank • SPONSORS: The George Stern Family, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, Marriott Perimeter Center, PJ Library, A Caring Approach, Bessemer Trust, David L. Halpern, Northside Hospital, Georgia Humanities Council, Publix Supermarkets Charities, Target, The Zaban Foundation • IN-KIND SPONSORS: Atlanta Magazine, Atlantajewishnews.com, Atlanta Jewish Times, Classic Tents and Events, Creative Loafing, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, WABE 90.1 FM, Neighbor Newspapers, Jewish Georgian, Reporter Newspapers, Scoutmob, Ali's Cookies, Goodfriend's Grill • PARTNERS: ABO Global Ground Transportation, A Cappella Books, Canterbury Press. (As of press time)

atlantajcc.org/bookfestival

5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody GA 30338

TICKETS: 678.812.4005 OR ATLANTAJCC.ORG/BOOKFESTIVAL INFORMATION: 678.812.3981

AJT

arts & life

‘Jazz at the JCC’

ALTERMAN A SNAZZY, JAZZY WAY TO KICK OFF MUSIC SERIES

ianist Joe Alterman will kick off the 2013-2014 Jazz at the JCC series, performing two concerts at the MJCCA’s Morris & Rae Frank Theatre on Oct. 27. The series is held in association with the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival.

The Buzz: Enjoy a Beatles tribute concert from this unique, Atlantabased group that draws from the sounds of “The Beat Generation.”

Alterman has performed at venues around the world, including the Blue Note Jazz Club in Milan and Preservation Hall in New Orleans.

Cost: MJCCA members, $17; Community, $25

Here’s what’s planned for the rest of the series that will continue through late Spring of 2014:

When: February 15 Who: Michael Feinberg

The Buzz: Hailed as a “musical prodigy turned evil genius,” bassist and composer Michael Feinberg has made his name known throughout the jazz world.

When: January 26 Who: The UpBeatniks

When: April 10 Who: Ben Sidran

Cost: MJCCA members, $10; Community, $15

Cost: MJCCA members, $12; Community, $18

The Buzz: Musician, journalist, producer and author Ben Sidran performs live, and discusses his newest book: “There Was a Fire: Jews, Music, and the American Dream,” a comprehensive social history of Jewish contribution to American popular music. When: May 4 Who: 4th Ward Afro Klezmer Orchestra Cost: MJCCA members, $10; Community, $15

Joe Alterman set to kick off Jazz fest sponsored by the MJCCA in association with the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival. PHOTO / MJCCA

The Buzz: A nine-piece klezmerfunk-rock-jazz ensemble that performs original compositions and arrangements which combine West African rhythms with Eastern European klezmer melodies.

The 411 For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.atlantajcc. org/boxoffice or call (678) 812-4002.

Special Program at Zaban Park Radio Drama: A Lost Art? MELTZER OFFERS ‘THRILLING’ WAY TO BEGIN THIS YEAR’S MJCCA BOOK FESTIVAL

THEATRE COMPANY OFFERING ITS TAKE ON ‘WAR OF THE WORLDS’ AT MJCCA SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

he Atlanta Radio Theatre Company (ARTC) will present H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds: The Untold Story” at the MJCCA on Sun., Oct. 20.

rad Meltzer, a writer and novelist best known for his political thrillers, will be returning to the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) for a special program in October.

The ARTC is dedicated to preserving, promoting, performing and educating people about the art of radio drama.

The festival will feature evening lectures by some of the country’s top writers, author meetand-greets, book signings, panel discussions and The Family Reading Festival. Noted authors this year include Scott Turow, Jeffrey Toobin, Chris Matthews, Clark Howard, Alan Dershowitz and Pat Conroy.

Brad Meltzer will be the featured speaker at a special program at the MJCCA in late October. PHOTO / MJCCA

Festival officials are predicting more than 10,000 visitors will attend the event that, for the most part, will be held at Zaban Park in Dunwoody. Want to go? To purchase tickets for either the Brad Meltzer program or the book festival, call (678) 812-4005 or visit www.atlntajcc.org/bookfestival

“With the advent of television, Cast of The Atlanta Radio Theatre Company the popularity of radio theatre has will be performing at the MJCCA in late Octowaned,” said Brian Kimmel, MJCCA ber; still plenty of time to purchase tickets. Director of Arts & Culture. “But this PHOTO / MJCCA talented group of writers, actors, and sound technicians in Atlanta has succeeded in maintaining the art and craft of audio drama.” ARTC has been around since the early 1980s and its shows have been featured on a number of radio stations in Atlanta. “But the best way to experience the ARTC is at a live show,” Kimmel said, “where you can see just how they craft their sound effects and manipulate microphone placement, creating adventures in sound.” The upcoming program at the MJCCA will take place at the center’s Morris and Rae Frank Theatre, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Ticket prices: $10$15. The 411 For more information or to purchase tickets, call the MJCCA’s Box Office at (678)812-4002, or visit www.atlantajcc.org/boxoffice.

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

The event, set for Thurs., Oct. 24, will focus on Meltzer’s newest book, “History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of all Time.” The program is a prologue to the annual book festival held each year at the center. This year’s program, one of the South’s premier literary events, is scheduled for Nov. 2-17.

AJT

ARTS & LIFE

Holocaust at Heart of Musical Production LONG-AWAITED ‘HARMONY’ OPENS AT THE ALLIANCE THEATRE SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

pening night of “Harmony – A New Musical,” the long awaited Barry ManilowBruce Sussman labor of love, drew a full house to the Alliance Theatre last Sunday. It’s a production that’s been in the works for decades and finally it spilled grandly across the stage in midtown Atlanta after a week of previews. At least for one night, the musical drew cheers from an appreciative audience that spotted both Manilow and Sussman, longtime friends and collaborators, at the back of the theatre before the house lights dimmed and the magic began. The musical, with music by Manilow, book and lyrics by Sussman, and directed by Drama Desk award nominee Tony Speciale, focuses on the “Comedian Harmonists.” They were a talented sextet of singers – some Jewish, some not – who were the hot and happening “boy band” of the era. They sold millions of records, starred in a dozen films and packed the houses of the most prestigious concert halls around the globe. Unfortunately, they rose to fame just as Hitler and the Nazis were taking control of Germany and the talented group of performers was crushed by the fascist state. The production is a euphonic blend of glib banter and dark drama; silly and amusing production numbers and melancholy, soaring ballads.

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

“Harmony” circles the Holocaust from the moment the curtain rises

and the second act moves slowly into darkness as the Nazis take control of Germany and wipe the smiles from the audiences chortling over the antics of the Harmonists. It’s a pretty solid bet that if you enjoy musical theater you’ll like “Harmony” and leave the Alliance with a heavy heart, but tapping your tootsies. Want to go? “Harmony” will play at The Alliance Theatre through Oct. 6. Tickets start at $30 and are available at The Woodruff Arts Center Box Office or by calling (404) 733-5000. Tickets are also available online at www.alliancetheatre.org/harmony.

Cockwise from top left: Rabbi and Mary, Leigh Ann Larkin and Shayne Kennon, share a special moment as they get to know one another. Two of the Harmonists find themselves under the Chuppah, a bittersweet scene given the historical truths just over the horizon. After appearing at Carnegie Hall in New York, the group heads back to Europe and a world on the threshold of war. The Harmonists, ham it up throughout the new musical, offering up production numbers that are creative and delightful. Bruce Sussman, Barry Manilow and Harmony’s Director Tony Speciale

AJT

community

The Carlton Closes Kosher Kitchen END OF AN ERA FOR PRIVATE KOSHER ASSISTED LIVING

he Carlton, formerly known as Summers Landing, is in some controversy over eliminating its kosher kitchen. The facility was developed in 1997 on some land it had obtained from Congregation B’Nai Torah, its adjacent neighbor. The Carlton has many long term residents and even a few Holocaust survivors. The facility has been one of only two private kosher assisted living facilities in Georgia. Fred Glusman had served as its Kashruth Supervisor and Chaplain since its inception. Although Glusman was contacted about this story, he declined to comment. On the Eve of Rosh Hashanah, The Carlton drafted a memo, informing its residents and their families that in efforts to “improve efficiency” it will close its Kosher kitchen on October 1, 2013, 26 days later. That September 4, 2013 memo was emailed to residents/family members on September 9, 2013. This short notice was extremely upsetting to several families, since it occurred during the holidays, when everyone is busy preparing for, and observing, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, with little time to do anything meaningful in response. One resident’s family member informed the management at The Carlton that the short notice was not only inconvenient during the holidays, of all times, but that it was a breach of the facility’s contracts with the residents. As a result, the facility issued another memo, dated September 13, 2013, giving 60 days notice of such changes, as required by their contracts. In response to a request to obtain the facility’s side of what has transpired, Ramsey Jennings, President of Insignia Senior Living, explained that in “March, 2012 The Carlton was acquired by Insignia Senior Living. Substantial investment in the physical plant and operating standards of the community has occurred since that time.” Jennings claims that “since acquisition, the community has had no request or expressed desire for kosher food from those inquiring to relocate.” Jennings further explains that “in order to reduce operating costs, the

decision was made to cease operation of The Carlton’s kosher kitchen effective October 1, 2013.” However, Jennings states that kosher foods and meals will remain available through other options, such as kosher caterers providing meals. Jennings asserts that “the costs of providing kosher food/meals will be passed directly on to the affected residents without increase by the community.” Jennings concludes his statement to the AJT by saying, “Our pledge is to continue providing services with pride in a manner attractive to those who choose our community as their home.” That pledge to provide services attractive to anyone who chooses, combined with the elimination of the kosher kitchen (during the High Holidays) leads some to believe that the result will be a loss of identity as, not only a kosher facility, but as a Jewish one as well. What if the next new residents find Christmas trees and Easter bunnies attractive? One resident’s family member reports that she was “promised” the facility would keep kosher, and the family relied upon that promise. Rabbi Joshua Heller of Congregation B’Nai Torah stated, “As a congregation, we value the longstanding, collaborative relationship that we have had with our neighbors at The Carlton. We are concerned about the decision to become a nonkosher facility, both in terms of the impact that it will have on current residents, and the potential loss of a unique resource for Jewish seniors in this community.” Furthermore, “we have expressed our concerns to owners and management of the Carlton, and hope to continue respectful dialogue with them.” The Carlton reasserted the following: “The maintenance of financial viability is imperative. We intend to serve seniors long into the future. We cannot do so while providing a costly service desired by only a minimum of residents.” “The Carlton residents and families are loved and valued. We understand this is a difficult, even emotional, decision for some. “

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

By Cliff Weiss Publisher/Editor

AJT

Eden’s Garden

Time to Party in a Hut

SUKKOT A VERY STRANGE AND WONDERFUL HOLIDAY

bY EDEN FARBER AJT COLUMNIST

friend of mine told me the follwoing story last year around Sukkot:

She and her sister were driving in my neighborhood on their way to the library. They aren’t Jewish and her sister was puzzled to see all the little huts on front lawns up and down the streets in the area.

“What on earth is going on,” the sister asked. My friend, knowing me, as well as a bit about the crazy customs of Judaism, turned to her sibling and said, “Oh, please, the hut is called a Sukkah.” I found it interesting how excited my friend was when she told me this story and then went on to explain all the laws of the holiday that she remembered. So it turns out that by spending time with me, my friend got the inside scoop into what many in our area consider the work of their crazy neighbors. Truth to tell, one of my favorite things about Sukkot is how strange we Jews seem at times. Let’s face it, it is sort of weird shaking palm branches and lemon-like fruit specimens; walking around in circles banging leaves on the ground (a ritual on the last days of the holiday, Hoshana Rabba); and inviting over guests for nice meals all served in a do-it-yourself made hut on our front yards.

Step up the pace.

As I mentioned earlier, at least for me, Sukkot simply is one of the best holidays because of the weird vibe it creates.

Online student

Lindsay Little enrolled in an accounting class while studying abroad.

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

Be Fearless.

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I’d say the appeal is deeper than just the outward absurdity. But, in fact, there’s something really special about being identifiably Jewish. Even when the custom is strange and uncomfortable – nay, especially when the custom is strange and uncomfortable – it’s something we do together as a community. Some people have their own customs and ways to be identifiably Jewish. For instance, some Jews dress in a very modest fashion, others wear tzitzit (four cornered garments with ritual tassels) or kippot. Others keep it all very discreet – yet powerful – wearing jewelry that features Stars of David. However, for many in the Jewish community – and that would include me – there’s nothing about the way I dress that particularly screams Jewish.

That doesn’t mean that we don’t

feel Jewish. I certainly feel Jewish wherever I am, and it’s a part of my identity that informs my life and the choices I make. Yet, there’s a difference between Jewish observance that is inward versus outward displays. And I’m left wondering, who notices and what’s it all for? There’s a lot to the holiday; it’s about connecting to G-d through nature and offers all of us a powerful spiritual message. And then there are all the odd rituals. The oddest, perhaps, is also the most public. During Sukkot, we aren’t quietly observing a tradition. We are clanking rods and tossing around bamboo in our front yards. Even if you aren’t building a Sukkah, just being in one for a period of time feels as odd as it looks. With plastic fruit hanging from the ceiling and pictures of Biblical characters on the walls, a Sukkah has a very distinct feel to it – distinctly out of place! But, I’d argue, it’s that out of place feeling that brings us together. Something that we as a people understand, wherever we come from and wherever we’re going, we see a Sukkah and we get that familial connection to one another. Here’s the bottom line: We Jews are a community, in hard times and when we’re celebrating; on days when we blend in with the rest of the world and on holidays when we stick out like an etrog on an apple farm. So I say let’s not just embrace what makes us different, let’s revel in all the odd things that make us special. About the writer Atlanta’s Eden Farber, 16, was recognized in the Jewish Heritage National Poetry Contest of 2010 and has published op-eds and poetry in Modern Hippie Magazine and the NY Jewish Week’s Fresh Ink for Teens section.

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

AJT

Arts & Life

JEWS MAKING NEWS COMPILED BY ELIZABETH FRIEDLY

Lisa Kudrow Moving Into the Darker Waters of “Scandal”

isa Kudrow’s career is taking a decidedly darker turn from her role as “Pheobe” on the hugely popular sitcom “Friends”.

ABC recently announced that Kudrow, now 50, will be joining the cast of the political drama, “Scandal” for season 3, beginning Oct. 3. Few details have been released about Kudrow’s character arc, except for conjecture that she will be playing a politician of some sort. “Scandal” stars Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, a former White House Communications Director, and was developed by “Grey’s Anatomy” head writer and executive producer, Shonda Rhimes. Since “Friends,” Kudrow has made a name for herself as a producer in her own right, namely with her Showtime series “Web Therapy” (she also stars in the program) and TLC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?” Originally, “Web Therapy” began as an online-only project until Showtime picked it up for a half-hour, full series. Kudrow joked about rumors of a “Friends” reunion, claiming that even she fell for it and subsequently assumed that, since no one had told her, she hadn’t been invited. Born in Los Angeles, Calif., to Nedra Stern and Dr. Lee Kudrow, the actress is the youngest of three, with both an older sister and brother. The family was raised Jewish, tracing their ancestry back to Belarus in Eastern Europe, where Kudrow’s great-grandmother lost her life in the Holocaust.

Kudrow earned a BA in Biology from Vassar College before she took up acting.

Spielberg to Receive Israel’s Presidential Medal of Distinction

t was recently announced that director Steven Spielberg will be one of seven recipients awarded Israel’s Presidential Medal of Distinction, the country’s highest civilian honor.

Israeli President Shimon Peres will present the award later this year for Spielberg’s “unique contribution to the memory of the Holocaust, to the State of Israel, to the Jewish people and Tikkun Olam.”

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

Spielberg’s work continues to be recognized monetarily as well. The director was ranked by Forbes as the top-paid man in entertainment for 2013.

But a woman – that none other than be Madonna herself – tops the list.

Meanwhile, Spielberg took home $275 million from the global box office and has two new TV shows catching attention, “Under the Dome” and “The Americans.” Spielberg, 66, began his life in Cincinnati, Ohio where he was born to parents Leah Posner and Arnold Spielberg. He and his three sisters later moved to Haddon Township, N.J. where he attended Hebrew school, as well as began holding screenings for his amateur films. After interning at Universal Studios, Spielberg became the youngest director ever signed for a long-term deal with a major studio.

AJT

FROM THE EDITOR

Sukkot: A Holiday Roller-Coaster

LITTLE HUTS FOND REMINDER OF SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

BY RON FEINBERG AJT WEB EDITOR

ine trees. That’s what I think about each year as the Jewish festival of Sukkot approaches.

The ancient holy day – it began Wednesday at sundown – was celebrated by the Children of Israel thousands of years ago to thank G-d for a bountiful harvest and to pray for Gd’s blessings in the coming year. Jews still ask for God’s blessings during Sukkot, but also observe the holiday by building little huts – the simpler the better – symbolizing both the tents farmers would sleep in at harvest time and the temporary dwellings the Israelites lived in during their 40 years of wandering from Egypt to the Promised Land. There are all sorts of esoteric rules that have been compiled over the years detailing the correct way to fashion a sukkah.

this annual project into a family outing for years. He would borrow a truck from the “Uneeda Glass Company” on the Sunday before the beginning of the festival, pile us and a few of our friends, along with some saws and axes, into the cab, and head west on Macon Road to Harry Kaminsky’s farm. The old farm was a gentrified house, surrounded by dozens of acres of woodland, dotted with rusted out cars and tractors, an aging barn and decaying fences; dusty dirt roads and sagging power lines. For the next few hours we would play at being lumberjacks, whacking away at pine branches and saplings, piles of fallen debris and underbrush. The limbs and smallish trees were lugged over to the truck and piled high, resting uncomfortably between the sides of the vehicle, towers built to hold glass securely, not the makings of a sukkah.

The one real thrill of the outing

came on the trip back to the city, as we sat atop the fragrant pine chunks, bouncing about joyfully whenever we hit a dip in the highway. It was all sort of a holiday roller-coaster and the admission was simply a bit of sweat. By late afternoon we were back at Shearith Israel, climbing the metal framework of the permanent sukkah that we’d crown with our day’s work. The rest is a bit vague – someone would cover the sides with canvas and youngsters would decorate the expansive space with bits of fruit and drawings made during Hebrew school. I know there were services we attended and recall that each year one of the highlights of the holiday was receiving a length of sugar cane – go figure! It all comes together sweetly now, a euphonic blend of Judaica, Paul Bunyanesque work and family tradition.

is the stuff I disliked the most – tossing aside briars and banging away at sticky saplings that had a way of whipping across my arms and face. I hated the work, but loved the company and would give almost anything this holiday to be able to spend a few additional sweaty hours with my father. He died over 15 years ago. But Dad continues to hover about, especially when the days grow short, a chill fills the air and little huts start popping up across the Land of Cotton. About the writer Ron Feinberg, the Jewish Times’ Web Editor, spent four decades working for daily papers across the Southeast, the last 30 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He retired in 2009 and now focuses his writing and editing on topics of Jewish interest.

The sweetest memory, of course,

The problem, at least when I was a youngster growing up in Columbus, Ga. in the early ‘60s, is that someone had to leave the comfort of their home, trek out into the woods, cut down a bunch of pine trees, drag them onto a truck, bring them back into the city, and toss the mess atop the communal sukkah at our synagogue, Shearith Israel, on Wynnton Road. My father, who actually liked fresh air and loved telling me and my three brothers about the cow and chickens his family kept in their backyard when he was a child, turned

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

Jewish law specifies the huts must be big enough to hold “the head and most of the body” of a person, together with a table at which to eat; the walls must be strong enough to withstand a “normal wind” and can be made of wood, stone or even canvas over a metal framework; and the roof covering – known as sekhakh – must be made of cut vegetation, such as tree branches, bamboo shoots or pine trees.

AJT

Community

Support for Atlanta’s Rabbis MARCUS FOUNDATION PROVIDES $450,000 FOR INNOVATIVE PROGRAM SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

Funds will be used to support rabbis in the areas of professional development, relationship building, spiritual enhancement, and coaching. The ARA, Atlanta’s long-standing rabbinic organization, with nearly 60 members, is now primed to offer additional opportunities to enrich community rabbis, their synagogues, Jewish organizations, and the entire Atlanta Jewish community. This exciting and innovative local program, which was developed by the ARA’s leadership and Rabbi Louis Feldstein, the CEO of Dynamic Change Solutions, is the most comprehensive community-based initiative of its kind in the country. Primary focus of the grant includes creating monthly learning for rabbis with nationally-renowned leaders and teachers, professional coaching and an annual retreat focused on professional development with Judaic content. “The rabbinic enhancement grant is really exciting for both the ARA and the entire Atlanta Jewish community,” said ARA President, Rabbi Adam Starr. “This generous grant from the Marcus Foundation will create more opportunity for rabbis to form stronger connections with one another across the denominational spectrum so that we can collectively reach more Jews and inspire more Jewish living across the Atlanta community.”

Walking into the 21st Century ATLANTA PRIDE DRAWING SUPPORT FROM JEWISH COMMUNITY

tlanta Pride, a weekend of programs and activities to show support for and raising awareness about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people, is set for Oct. 12-13.

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

A highlight of the weekend is a grand parade, one of the largest in the country. About 30,000 people attended the parade last year, including many in the Jewish community.

“Our goal is that the Jewish community participates, especially in the parade Oct. 13,” said Rebecca Stapel-Wax, director of SOJOURN: The Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender & Sexual Diversity (formerly The Rainbow Center, a program of Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta). Last year 16 organizations participated with 85 individual marchers and eight rabbis. This year, SOJOURN reports there are already 25 organizations involved.

GEORGIA REGION BECOMES SOUTHEAST REGION SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

ith a generous donation from The Marcus Foundation of $450,000 the Atlanta Rabbinical Association (ARA) will immediately initiate strategies and programming to help local rabbis become personally and professionally stronger.

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

Bigger, Better FIDF

“We are aiming to raise that number to a double Chai level with 36 organizations and 100 individuals,” said Stapel-Wax. The main mission of Pride is to provide the GLBT community with cultural and educational programs and activities that enhance mental and physical health, provide social support and foster an awareness in the general community. Recently The Temple and Temple Sinai participated in the Welcoming Synagogues Project (WSP) with the goal of making their synagogues more inclusive to GLBT members and potential members. This year at Purim off Ponce, SOJOURN’s annual fundraiser, Rabbi Loren Lapidus and Rabbi Bradley Levenberg, the rabbis that spearheaded the WSP will be honored with the newly named Michael J. Kinsler Rainmaker Award. “Out of all of the Tikkun Olam events I have been to, I knew it

riends of the IDF (FIDF) Georgia Region announces its name change to FIDF Southeast Region preceding its expansion, which will include Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina. The chapter will continue its efforts to raise awareness and support for the wellbeing of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers in the southeast communities, which have demonstrated steadfast support for the Israel and its soldiers. At the age of 18, young Israeli men and women must join the IDF. FIDF has assumed the responsibility of providing all Israeli soldiers with love and support in an effort to ease the burden they carry on behalf of the Jewish community worldwide. FIDF was established as a not-for-profit organization in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors with the mission of supporting educational, social, cultural, and recreational programs and facilities for these brave soldiers, as well as to the families of fallen soldiers. FIDF operates through 15 chapters around the United States and Panama and has experienced unprecedented growth over the last few years. Last year, FIDF was extremely successful in its programming, including: the IMPACT! Program, which granted academic scholarships to 3,400 combat soldiers; the LEGACY Program, which brought 80 Bar/Bat Mitzvah children, who have lost a loved one in action, on a trip to the U.S., hosted about 700 widows at Rest and Relaxation Centers in Israel, and funded workshops for nearly 1,000 bereaved siblings; the DIGNITY Program, which provided financial assistance and holiday gift-vouchers to over 8,000 soldiers in-need; and the Lone Soldiers Program, which assisted more than 2,700 Lone Soldiers through every stage of their military service. The FIDF Southeast Region supports these programs in addition to a new initiative “Adopt a Brigade,” for which the FIDF Southeast Region will provide support for thousands of soldiers serving in the Combat Intelligence Corps through an array of wellbeing and recreational activities, as well as assistance to Lone Soldiers in the corps’ various units. “Our expansion throughout the Southeast is a critical step to enhance and strengthen the mission of FIDF,” said FIDF Southeast Region Executive Director Seth Baron. “We look forward to working with all of the Pro-Israel communities in the Southeast as we continue to provide for the men and women who serve in the IDF and who fight relentlessly to defend the Jewish homeland.”

(Pride) was the place where my presence made the most difference,” said Rabbi Lapidus. SOJOURN hopes Jews from throughout the community will get involved with GLBT issues. “Pride really connects to our Jewish values,” said Stapel-Wax. “It inspires – and is inspired by – Kavod (respect), B’Tzelem Elohim (made in G-d’s image), Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh (communal responsibility), Shmirat Halashon (guarding one’s language) and V’ahavtah L’Reiecha Kamocha (love your neighbor as yourself).

“When you’re at Pride, there is nothing like having 300,000 people cheer you on,” she said. “The visibility of the Jewish community and its sheer presence is unparalleled.” The 411 The parade will take place October 13 at 1 p.m. Participants will meet at the Civic Center Marta Station and march to Piedmont Park. For more information or directions, or to let the Rainbow Center know you’re coming, contact Rebecca Stapel-Wax at (404) 275-4637 or facebook.com/ sojourngsd

AJT

ARTS & LIFE

Q&A With Scott Schwartz

SHADOWBOXERS RETURNING HOME TO EMORY FOR JERUSALEM FESTIVAL 2013 AJT ASSISTANT EDITOR

he Shadowboxers return from their stint as both opening act and backup musicians to The Indigo Girls, followed by a headlining tour, to appear at Jerusalem Festival 2013 on Sept. 22. Playing a concoction of bouncy pop, rock and R&B, The Shadowboxers have been working together since 2008 with their debut full-length album, “The Red Room” out now. All three are Emory-alumni, making the festival hosted by Emory Hillel a homecoming of sorts. The Atlanta Jewish Times caught up with vocalist Scott Schwartz to find out what has changed and what has stayed the same for the group. Atlanta Jewish Times: Where are you guys now? Scott Schwartz: We’re kind of balancing out for a couple of days at a time, playing colleges in the Southeast. I’m actually at our rehearsal studio and we’re practicing some new material. We’ve been taking the past couple months to work on new stuff and we’re actually gonna debut some of that at the show [Jerusalem Festival]. AJT: So if you had to pinpoint the differences in the new material compared to the old… Schwartz: I’d say more cohesive. Or at least, if it’s all over the place, it’s more in various pockets of sound rather than scattered along the spectrum. AJT: But similar styles to what you’ve worked with before? Schwartz: Yea, I think we’re always going to be a pop, melody-conscious, harmony-conscious band. That’s always going to be there, no matter if it’s a folk song or a rock song. We’re always gonna have that at the forefront, ya know, of all the clusters. AJT: You guys have a few covers up online, are you planning to perform any at the festival? Schwartz: Yea, we probably will. Do you want to hear any? AJT: The John Mayer cover was par-

ticularly great; most notably though, you guys did “Homeless” by Paul Simon. Schwartz:Yea, we did a benefit concert for an African children’s choir in partnership with the ATL Collective, which is group that gets together every month and covers a famous artist’s album with various bands from town, and we’ve gotten very involved with it for a year or so.

of each other. It’s like a basketball team, where they don’t even have to look anymore to pass it, they just know it. AJT: Favorite album right now?

AJT: Thing about Georgia that you miss when you’re gone? Schwartz:We live right in the middle of some cool stuff in the city – right on the BeltLine. The whole BeltLine area is really what I miss. Every time I’m away, I can’t wait to get back and see what new buildings are up. It’s cool, it’s exciting. It’s growing every day. AJT: Finally, have you ever been to Jerusalem? Schwartz: No, but my sister, my younger sister is playing professional soccer for ASA Tel Aviv right now. She’s living there for 10 months and everyone else in my family has been and I just got my email today from Birthright.

We decided to do the show for the children’s choir and to cover Paul Simon’s “Graceland,” obviously because I hope I can take a trip in it has a lot of South Left to right: Scott Schwartz, Matt Lipkins and Adam Hoffman December, but it’s hard because African sounds. We our tour schedule is kind of up in know the album well, it’s one of our favorite albums Schwartz:What are we listening to? the air. That’s the only thing keeping me from going. I hate to miss that opas a band and we thought it would be Hm, get back to me on that one. portunity, but at the same time the a real challenge. same could be said, vice versa. But I AJT: Favorite tour food? have plans to go, there you go. AJT: And are you guys going to see Schwartz: Hummus. Not even a quesPaul Simon when he comes to Emotion. It’s one of the things that the ry? three of us can agree on. Schwartz: I’m going to Emory today, or if I can’t go today I’ll go tomorrow to see if I can still get tickets. Here’s a sad story: you know Paul Simon was supposed to come to Emory last spring and I think he got sick? He was supposed to do a very intimate conversation with a select number of people, 10 or something, all in a room. Matt, Adam and I were three of the people. And it got canceled. AJT: The group met while going to school, correct? Schwartz:Yea, the three of us met while we were at Emory. We all went for different reasons. I don’t know; it’s not much of a music program there, so we didn’t really go because we wanted to be in a band. And Matt and I were in a music theory class together, and Adam and Matt were in an acapella group together. Matt introduced Adam and me to each other freshmen year. Took him a year to do it, but beginning of sophomore year we started to put out songs. I can already tell where we are now from where we were two years ago. We’re all a bit more conscious

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SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

BY ELIZABETH FRIEDLY

AJT

MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL

Exploring the Mystery of Sukkot

JUDAISM EMBRACES BOTH THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE COMMUNITY BY RACHEL LAVICTOIRE AJT Columnist

his week, we have two Torah readings: one for Shabbat, and another on the first day of Sukkot. As with many other such readings and teachings, the two happen to have a very common link. On Shabbat, we will finish this year’s reading of the Torah with parshat V’Zot Haberacha. The title translates to “and this is the blessing.” This is how it begins: “And this is the blessing with which Moses, the man of G-d, blessed the children of Israel before his death” (Deuteronomy 33:1). From there, Moses first offers praise to G-d, and then to the Israelites. And he offers his blessings individually – one by one, tribe by tribe. “May Reuben live and not die, and may his people be counted in the number. May this also be for Judah. Oh Lord, hearken to Judah’s voice and bring him to his people; may his hands do battle for him, and may You be a help against his adversaries” Deuteronomy 33:6-7

From there he continues, mentioning each tribe by name. About 20 verses later, with the completion of his blessings, Moses has doled out the following prayers: for life and not death; for strength in battle; for piety and protection; for a plentiful harvest and for ox-like strength; for success in business and success in Torah studies; for the strength of a lion as well as for strength of a lion cub.

Still, though, that wasn’t the end. Because after each tribe was blessed and each tribe had received its personal gift, Moses then proceeded to honor the Israelites as a whole: “Your locks are iron and copper, and the days of your old age will be like the days of your youth… Fortunate are you, O Israel! Who is like you, O people whose salvation is through the Lord, the Shield Who helps you, your majestic Sword! Your enemies will lie to you, but you will tread upon their heights Deuteronomy 33: 25-29

Now, with that in mind, we switch gears to the reading for Sukkot. On the first day of Sukkot, we read excerpts from Leviticus as well as a small portion from the book of Numbers. The topic focuses on the laws of sacrifices. I don’t generally find laws particularly interesting; but I think this bit of information is noteworthy. First, a little background: the holiday of Sukkot is named for the booths, or the sukkot, that G-d instructed us to build and to dwell in. In most cases, sukkah is spelled like this: ‫הכוס‬, and sukkot is spelled like this: ‫תוכוס‬, with the ‫ תו‬signifying its plural form. Here are two verses in the Torah that refer to the observance of Sukkot:

1. “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: On the fifteenth day of this seventh month, is the festival of Sukkot (‫)תוכוס‬, a seven day period to the Lord” (Leviticus 23:34). 2. “For a seven day period you shall live in ‫תכוס‬. Every Israelite shall live in ‫תכוס‬ (Leviticus 23:42).

In the second line, if you look carefully, you’ll notice that the four Hebrew letters don’t match the common spelling for sukkah, or for sukkot, but the word does look very similar. And the truth is, I could tell you that there’s a Hebrew vowel called a cholem that makes the “oh” sound without using the letter vav (‫)ו‬, so this new word (‫ )תכוס‬could be pronounced sukkot and we would have no problem. But because the Torah is written with such precision, it seems likely that the discrepancy is more than just a spelling choice. If ever there was a person who could read Hebrew, but not understand the words he was reading, and if that person were to read Leviticus 23:42, he would pronounce this mystery word as sukkat, which literally means “the sukkah of,” which brings us back to one singular booth. The grammatical oddity has commonly been interpreted as a lesson of unity: that we should all – the citizens of Israel and all the Jews around the world – dwell in one sukkah, together.

The High Holidays are over and, like many Jews, I continue exploring my Judaism in a very personal way. The Jewish community is very important to me, but I rarely venture past my close friends and family. But like many others who feel this way, I did attend High Holidays services and have to say it was beautiful. I also, in all honesty, need to add that I’m not at all certain what the it was exactly. The songs were nice and the idea of atonement and being cleansed were also soothing. But there was something else beautiful about being in a room with hundreds of Jews and experiencing this special community. This is what I think: We build our own sukkot, while also dwelling together in the sukkah. We receive blessings both individually and as a people. During the High Holidays we see this idea proven yet again: Judaism always has been and always will be a religion meant to be experienced on both an individual and a communal level; you can’t have one without the other.

About the writer 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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community

Remembering All That Was Lost GHA STUDENTS RECALL 9/11 AT SPECIAL MEMORIAL SERVICE By LEAH LEVY

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

tudents at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy remembered the tragedy of 9/11 earlier this month, during a special memorial service and assembly at the school. “What do you think a memorial is,” GHA Judaics teacher Debbie Bornstein asked the students. “What should a memorial be?” The students, who be- Students gather around the flagpoles on the GHA campus durgan the program by recit- ing a special 9/11 ceremony earlier this month. PHOTO / GHA ing the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the national anthem, offered many responses to their teacher’s query.

“It’s a group of people coming together to remember,” said Isabelle Jacobs.

“It could be a plaque, but a memorial is an action taken by the people who are closest, something they do,” offered Noah Chen.

Leah Bader added, “It’s something dedicated to memory.”

Bornstein, who once lived in New York, then shared her feelings.

“When I drove past Ground Zero, seeing that empty space hurt,” she said. “All I could think of was what was lost. But more recently, as I drove by and saw the new building going up, I felt a glimmer of hope rising inside me, too.” The Middle School then watched a short film called “Rebuilding Ground Zero” and recited “El maleh rachamim,” the traditional memorial prayer for the dead.

Davis Student Shines Light on Little-Known Cancer

MITZVAH PROJECT FOR “TEAM POPPY,” PURPLE STRIDE WALK SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

avis Academy seventh grader, Andrew Ladden will not become a Bar Mitzvah until next year, April 26, yet has already begun work on a worthy mitzvah project. The project is in honor of Ladden’s grandfather Albert D. Maslia, aka“Poppy,” who has been battling pancreatic cancer since 2009. Ladden will be raising money for and will be participating in the Purple Stride 2013 under “Team Poppy.” The Purple Stride is an annual walk created by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to advance research and support patients. Roughly 45,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013. The disease is also the fourth leading cause of cancer death, yet is the most under-funded, under-recognized and least-studied of all major cancer killers. The survival rate is a mere six percent, but the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and now individuals like Ladden, hope to one day improve those chances through their efforts.

To date, Team Poppy has raised over $13,000 and continues to work towards their goal by way of emails, word of mouth and letters. Ladden cites his grandfather as a great role model in his life and someone he admires for his bravery. The walk will take place Nov. 9, 2013 at Centennial Park in Atlanta. Ladden continues to accept donations, which community members can con20 tribute to by mail or online, at purplestride.org under “Donate.”

AJT

what’s happening

Sun., Sept. 22 Babysitter Training, “Summer Safe Sitter” class that offers teens (ages 11 to 15) the opportunity to learn important sitting skills. Two four-hour classes. National recognized including first aid. Sun., Sept. 22, 2 p.m. $125/members, $145/non-members. Info, stacie.graff@atlantajcc.org Community Mission to Israel Info Meeting, learn about the upcoming Community Mission trip to Israel taking place June 15 - 23, 2014. Travel subsidies available. Sun., Sept. 22, 7 p.m. MJCCA Zaban Park. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4161.

Mon., Sept. 23 BBQ in the Hut : Intown, enjoy pitsmoked BBQ and live bluegrass music in the courtyard or the Anshe S’fard Sukkah, including crafts and activities for children. Rain or shine. Mon., Sept. 23, 5 p.m. Congregation Anshe S’fard. Info, rabbi.glusman@ atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4161. Sukkot Festival, festival music, great rides, hot pizza and more with Chabad of Cobb. Donations welcome. Mon., Sept. 23, 5 p.m. Free. East Cobb Park. Info, (770) 565-4412. “Jewish Mothers in the American Theater,” by Ketura Hadassah. A participatory presentation by Mira Hirsch, professional theater artist and educator. Refreshments will be served. Mon., Sept. 23, 7:15 p.m. $10/person. East Cobb Government Service Center. RSVP, ebfrank619@ gmail.com or scherr@mindspring. com.

Tues., Sept. 24 BBQ in the Hut: Dunwoody, enjoy pit-smoked BBQ and live bluegrass music in the courtyard or the MJCCA Sukkah, including crafts and activities for children. Rain or shine. Mon., Sept. 24, 5 p.m. Zaban Park. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4161.

Thurs., Sept. 26 Chabad of Cobb Simchas Torah, celebrate the annual completion of the

reading of the Torah. Begins with an elegant buffet dinner, followed by the dance with the Torah. Thurs., Sept. 26, 8 p.m. Chabad of Cobb. Kids’ Simchas Torah, special children’s program with flags, treats and dancing with the Torah. Thurs., Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m. Chabad of Cobb.

Sat., Sept. 28 Anniversary Shabbat & Luncheon, in honor of B’nai Zion’s 125th anniversary a kiddush luncheon will be held after Shabbat services in a conclusion of a year-long simcha. Sat., Sept. 28, 9:45 a.m. Free. Congregation B’nai Zion. RSVP, (423) 894-8900.

Fri., Oct. 4 Shabbat, Me & Rabbi G, bring children to this Shabbat-related activity and story followed by songs and blessings with Rabbi Glusman, plus a visit from the “Weinstein School Shabbat Dinosaur.” Challah and grape juice served. Series continues Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. Fri., Oct. 4, 5 p.m. Free. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Sun., Oct. 13 Blessing of the Pets, conducted by Rabbi Glusman along with memorial prayers and prayers for healing. Individual blessings will follow. Adoptions available by Angels Among Us Pet Rescue. Sun., Oct. 13, 12:30 p.m. Free. Brook Run Dog Park, Liane Levetan park at Brook Run.

Fri., Oct. 18 Shabbat on the Rocks: Wine Tasting & Shabbat Networking, all adults (ages 40+) are invited to enjoy beautiful views, a wine bar, gourmet challah and vegetarian hors d’oeuvres. Shabbat prayers by Rabbi Glusman. Fri., Oct. 18, 6 p.m. $15/person. City Club of Buckhead.

AJT

GUEST COLUMN

Words to Live By

BE OPEN, HONEST AND DON’T TAKE LIFE TOO SERIOUSLY Editor’s note: Mayer Smith and his wife Ruth, z”l, were approaching their 50th wedding anniversary and had done a pretty good job putting an estate plan together. Then Mayer realized they hadn’t written an ethical will. After a bit of quiet reflection on his family, life as a businessman and observant Jew, here’s what he wrote.

BY MAYER SMITH

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT 1. Be open with your loved ones. Understand, comfort, console, support and encourage them. 2. Be honest in all your dealings with others. But, above all, be honest with yourself. Don’t deceive yourself with rose-colored glasses when entering into ventures. Many real opportunities will present themselves in your lifetime. 3. Be not too serious about life. Enjoy it and make the most of what it brings. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to enjoy life but don’t be stingy either. Sometimes a wise expenditure can bring great satisfaction. Nothing is worth the price of worry. It doesn’t help and it saps your energy. 4. Look about you and appreciate the daily wonders of nature in all sorts of weather. A good pair of binoculars often brings great enjoyment from watching birds and small animals.

AJT

may their memories be a blessing

Robert Gartman 87, Miami

Robert Gartman, 87, of Miami, Fl., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 11, 2013. He was born to Susan and Irving Gartman, of blessed memory, in Philadelphia, Pa., where he spent the early part of his life before moving to Miami at the age of 27. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Lillian; and his sisters, Janie and Ruthie. Robert’s proudest accomplishment was raising a healthy and educated family. He is survived by his second wife of 27 years, Marylin; his daughter, Sheri Katz (Ian); his sons: Rand (Liz), Jay (Sue), and Michael (Heather); his grandchildren: Rebecca, Lee (Samantha), Jeffrey, Matthew, L. Jake, Ben, Carly Kuper (Rob), Sara Aufgang (Ariel), Lev, Leah, and Hannah; and his great-granchildren: Rose, Lily, and AJ. An online guestbook is available at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Fri., Sept. 13 at Congregation Shearith Israel with Rabbi Hillel Norry officiating. Burial followed on Mon., Sept. 16 at Mt. Nebo Cemetery Kendall location in Miami, FL. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, (770) 451-4999.

5. Prepare yourselves soundly with the basics. A good command of English and math provides you with the bases upon which you can build in any direction. The arts provide different kinds of basics that help you to enjoy life more fully … but be sure to get the English & Math down solid first. If these give you trouble, there are many audio-visuals available that will help simplify them for you. Also, there will be good people willing to help you. Ask. 6. To have friends, you must be a friend. But, choose your friends carefully. Be not impressed with what positions they have held or now hold. Rather, consider what they have done and, more importantly, what they are doing now for the good of others as well as themselves … successfully. The exception is when life has treated another in a way as to prevent “success.” Then, you must truly be the friend. 7. Always tell the truth, unless volunteering the truth will needlessly hurt someone. If an asker is just being nosy about another party, just say you don’t know all the facts about the situation. This will almost always be the truth. If the nosy one continues to ask, simply say you do not wish to continue that discussion. If the nosy one still continues, you will know this is a person you do not want as a friend and walk away. 8. Accept challenges in life. Do the things that others say cannot be done. As the old cliché goes: “The difficult we do immediately; the impossible takes a little longer.” If something difficult is worth doing and needs to be done, do it.

After living and working in Northern Virginia for most of his life, Mayer Smith moved to Atlanta with his wife about a decade ago to be closer to family. Smith, a World War II veteran, life member of ZOA and the JWV, is also a cantor without pay, shofar blower extraordinaire, harmonica player, writer and poet, joke teller and peacemaker.

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

About the writer

JEWISH PUZZLER by David Benkof

SEPTEMBER 20 ▪ 2013

Across 1. Shem, ___, and Japheth 4. “12 Tribes” painter 11. “A time to rend, and a time to ___” (Ecc 3:7) 14. Arthur Miller’s “Death ___ Salesman” 15. Whence the residents of a certain quarter of the Old City 16. Order from Jerusalem’s Big Apple Pizza 17. “Illness As Metaphor” author 19. Staffers at Cedars-Sinai 20. SAS : Sweden :: ___ : Israel 21. ___-do-well 22. “Schindler’s ___” (1993) 23. Tristan Tzara was a Jewish one 26. Broadway role for Bea Arthur 27. Pioneering Reform rabbi 31. Klutz 32. “Misery” actor James 33. ___ Gedi 34. “___ Abby” 37. “I think that I shall never see, ___” 39. Some archaeological finds 40. Fat letters 41. Bric-a-___ (chazerei) 42. Airport alternative to JFK

or LGA 44. Israeli president, 19731978 48. Accordion feature 49. Pass on 52. Brandeis housing option 53. Tornado’s path 56. 59 (var.) 57. Olive in the comics 58. Major geographic feature of Israel’s south 61. Pee ___ Herman 62. Egg producers 63. “Conservative” lead-in 64. Vegas loc. 65. “The Ten Commandments” director 66. Gilda Radner’s old show, for short Down 1. Watered (the lawn) 2. Northern Israeli city 3. Mountaintop fortress 4. Sammy Davis, Jr. tune “Yes, I ___” 5. There are 168 in a wk. 6. ___of Sundays 7. “The Frisco Kid” star Wilder 8. Amount of money that

can be raised? 9. Polygraph victim 10. ___ Ba’Omer 11. TV personality Jerry 12. Time’s 1999-named “Person of the Century” 13. Frontier films 18. ___ labor of love (free work) 22. “South Pacific” prop 24. Lyricist Gershwin 25. Journey, in Swahili

26. Basic unit of Japanese currency 28. Slightly tilted 29. Brooklyn-born West known for innuendo 30. Reproductive cell 34. At heart 35. Person on the payroll 36. “My Name is ___” (Potok work) 38. Rav ___ (Brooklyn Rosh

Yeshiva) 39. Weinreich and D’Acosta 41. ___ mitzvah 43. International pro-Israel grp. 45. Abraham found one in the bush 46. Have ___ of a time 47. Blackbirds 50. It may indicate it’s time for candlelighting 51. Laud lavishly 53. “___ got ruach...” 54. Sculptor Yaacov 55. Actress Russell (“Felicity”) 58. Where Cain settled 59. State where Rehoboth Beach is: abbr. 60. Brooklyn ending

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