Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. 100 NO. 3, February 15, 2025
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CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE
BOB BAHR
CHANA SHAPIRO
DAVE SCHECHTER
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MARCIA CALLER JAFFE
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SETH TOPOREK
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AJLF to ‘Turn Back the Clock’ at Aquarium
By Sasha Heller
It’s almost that time of the year again.
On Feb. 23, the Georgia Aquarium will once again host the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival which this year will honor the Atlanta Jewish Times’ 100th anniversary. The sixth annual festival will feature a 1920s party theme, including a Roaring
The sixth annual Atlanta Jewish Life Festival will be held Feb. 23 at the Georgia Aquarium.
20’s costume contest, big band music, cash prizes, and casino style games.
Tickets are $28 per person, $15 per child, or $89 for a family of six, and include entry into the Aquarium for the entire day. The festival will also include kosher delicacies, an artist market, community partners, swag and more.
The AJLF is Atlanta’s largest singleday festival promoting and celebrating Jewish and Israeli arts, food, music, and culture while connecting the community to local synagogues, nonprofits, and social action groups. The event aims to strengthen community connections to Jewish beliefs, traditions, and family.
AJT owner and publisher Michael Morris said at last year’s festival, “My heart is always filled to the brim as I look out on a room full of Jewish friends, family, business associates, acquaintances, and people I have yet to befriend. Even with the trials of war, hostages, and rampant antisemitism, to see the community
come together for food, fun, music and laughter is a powerful sight and counters our enemies’ initiatives.”
Attendees are invited to say, “Cheers to 100 Years” and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Atlanta Jewish Times. The festival will be held in the Oceans Ballroom located on the first level of the Aquarium parking deck. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the festival runs until 3 p.m. Attendees can continue enjoying the Aquarium once the festival has ended.
The Georgia Aquarium is located at 246 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. For convenience, you can pay for parking online or in-person at the Aquarium parking kiosks located at the member’s entrance or information desk. If you purchase online, you will be asked to scan your parking ticket upon both entering and exiting the parking deck. Parking prices are $15 for Aquarium members or $25 for non-members.
For more information, please visit AtlantaJewishLifeFestival.com. ì
Harry the Hawk got up close and personal with AJT owner and publisher Michael Morris at last year’s festival.
The henna tattoo table is always a popular attraction.
The fifth annual Atlanta Jewish Life Festival featured a hoop shoot contest.
Another Year, Another Successful Havinagala
By Sasha Heller
The impact of mentoring cannot be overstated, and Jewish Family & Career Services understands that.
In support of its PAL mentoring program, Atlanta’s only Jewish Big Brother/ Big Sister program, JF&CS held its annual fundraiser, Havinagala, on Jan. 25, at The Carlyle Venue. More than 400 young Jewish Atlantans and burgeoning philanthropists gathered to raise more than $90,000, with all proceeds benefiting the PAL program.
“Havinagala is a time treasured event — bringing together hundreds of Jewish young men and women to enjoy an evening of fun, friendship and fellowship,” said JF&CS CEO Terri Bonoff. “While the program’s mission is to raise funds for PAL, I admit that the Jewish mom in me just cherishes the hope that our Jewish young people find true love and friendship among each other — I say this as a forever matchmaker.”
Event co-chair Hunter Goldberg, who also serves as a Big PAL to Zev, 12,
shared his thoughts about the evening and the importance of volunteering.
“Co-chairing Havinagala was an opportunity for me to give back to JF&CS and support the PAL program, which has brought so much meaning and connection to my life,” Goldberg said. “I care deeply about Atlanta’s Jewish commu-
nity and want everyone to feel supported and connected, and JF&CS’ mission is to do just that.”
He continued, “I was truly amazed at the energy in the room on Saturday night — the gala brings together the Atlanta Jewish community in such a positive and uplifting way that makes me feel incred-
ibly proud and honored to be involved.”
Highlights of the evening included a silent auction featuring commemorative Taylor Swift and Harry Styles framed vinyl and CD’s, Taylor Swift hand-signed acoustic guitars, all-paid vacations to Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Punta Cana or Cancun, and various autographed sports
(From left) Brandon Rosenstein and Samantha Paulen, Brian Feiler and Ilissa Paulen Feiler, Joel Libowsky Big PAL of the Year awardee, Alexandra Hauser and Justin Milrad, and Jessica and Kyle Goldich at Havinagala 2025 // All Photos by 1Glance Photography
Emily Birmingham and Valerie Pableo enjoy dancing at Havinagala.
than
memorabilia, as well as a spirited RockPaper-Scissors tournament hosted by the charismatic Rocktioneer, Seth Weiner.
Big PAL Ilissa Paulen Feiler was honored with the 2025 Joel Libowsky Big PAL of the Year Award for her continued commitment to serving as a mentor to Chelsea, 15, and for her longtime service with the PAL program. Feiler was first matched with Chelsea in 2014. As a young professional, Feiler served on the host committee of Havinagala. Her good friend, Carly Sonenshine, was helming the program at that time and encouraged Feiler to become a Big PAL. Sonenshine knew Chelsea’s mom, Laura, wanted Chelsea to have a Big PAL, and that Feiler would be the perfect match. The rest, as they say, is history.
“PAL is more than a volunteer program,” Feiler said. “It’s a lifelong experience.”
Big PALs are nominated by their Little PAL families and are chosen by Joel Libowsky. Feiler joins past winners Nate Rubin (2024), Sam Perlman (2023), Jason Zutty (2022), Kim Green (2021), and Robert Tinter (2020). Libowsky, the award’s namesake, is a two-time Big PAL and longtime supporter and advocate of the program.
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by grandparents, legal guardians, or siblings — often face unique challenges. These children may lack consistent mentorship or access to resources that help build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The PAL program is designed to provide them with the support, guidance, and connection they need to thrive within the Jewish community.
On the surface, Havinagala is an annual fundraiser supporting the PAL program; however, the event also serves as a beacon with the goal of nurturing a sense of philanthropy in the next generation of Atlanta’s Jewish community leaders.
To those considering volunteering with the PAL program, Goldberg shared, “It’s so much fun having a little PAL and something you look forward to every month. You get to do all the things you loved doing as a kid and with someone who genuinely enjoys doing them with you. Zev and I like to spend time hanging out at the pool, playing pickleball, basketball, board games, and video games. We shoot Nerf guns at each other, watch Sunday football — sometimes over wings — we’ve even caught a show at the Fox Theatre. I cherish my time with Zev, and I really believe that we’ll become lifelong friends. I say all this to say that you should absolutely get involved!”
To learn more about the PAL program, please visit jfcsatl.org/pal. ì
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Seth Weiner, auctioneer, showing off auction items, including a signed Taylor Swift guitar.
This year’s Havinagala raised more
$90,000 for Jewish Family & Career Services’ PAL mentoring program.
Tanenblatt Passes Coalition Gavel to Rodbell
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
The Buckhead Coalition held its 35th Annual Luncheon on Jan. 23 at the Hotel St. Regis Grand Ballroom with 175 of the city’s most prominent leaders and elected officials. Two very special speakers were Mayor Andre Dickens and Atlanta Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler.
Buckhead Coalition President and CEO Jim Durrett kicked off the program by “welcoming guests in from the heat outside.” He noted that 17 new coalition members are entering the highly respected organization. Membership in the Coalition is limited, and highly valued with 125 members at various high levels of influence and interests, with “active mindsets,” ideas to solve problems and promote a positive future for Buckhead with projects like the HUB400 park.
Outgoing Coalition Chair Eric Tanenblatt, having completed his twoyear term, touted Buckhead’s progress in public safety, infrastructure, and deepened relationships. The Rev. Samuel Candler, dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip, gave the invocation, recognizing the rich history and neighborhoods in Buckhead and their relationships with the city at large. An anonymous source commented to the AJT that community leader Steve Selig gave the invocation last year, and with both the outgoing and incoming chairs being of the Jewish faith, “they must really like us.”
In preparation for his fireside chat, Tanenblatt introduced Ressler with particular emphasis on his ambitious current project developing Centennial Yards [previously The Gulch] in downtown Atlanta. In the pre-function space, Ressler told the AJT that “watching last night’s Hawks game was painful.”
In addition to his principal Hawks NBA role, Ressler co-founded the private equity firms Apollo Global Management and Ares Management. He is also a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers. He is married to actress Jaime Gertz; and they are members of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple, as they alternate Los Angeles with Atlanta residencies.
Ressler spoke about appreciating Atlanta’s transportation, diversity, and college systems, by stating, “Until you see traffic in LA … be careful not to curse (about) Atlanta.”
He recalled how he started as a junior banker with Turner Broadcasting, and that he later tried to buy the Cartoon Channel. He noted the importance of a
sports team being an asset “along with the community.”
In terms of his Centennial Yards mega-vision, Ressler spoke of the existing assets like the Aquarium, MARTA access, Georgia State and Georgia Tech; and that the inner city has “a lot of catching up to do.”
With his two million square-foot vision, he intends to develop an entertainment district, concert hall, experiential retail, sports bar, hotel, and 5,000 apartments. “But it might not be done before the World Cup,” he said, and then praised public officials and the private sector for their support.
Next up was Mayor Dickens, who quoted the late Mayor Sam Massell, who
said, “You can get more done in a conference call than in a confrontation.”
Dickens listed 2024 accomplishments and coming out of the gate strongly in 2025. “We had two rounds of snow in three weeks. You saw our quick response - the salt’s still on the streets. Crime is down citywide, robberies down 32 percent, vehicle deaths down 22 percent, and fire deaths down.”
He mentioned a unit with greenstriped vehicles where eight people handled 2,300 calls that are minor incidences (call 311) thus freeing up the police. He anticipates groundbreaking the renovated Howell Mill Fire Station. He was especially proud of the reduction in youth crime with programs like Midnight Basketball
and youth employment.
He recalled, “I made $3.50 an hour at Burger King. Now, kids make $18 an hour [in mentored programs]. Other goals are 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030, widening the sidewalk on West Paces Ferry, widening Piedmont Road, and filling potholes.”
The late Bernie Marcus once told the AJT that he called up then-Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and told her to "fix the darn potholes.”
The meeting concluded as Tanenblatt, global chair of public policy and regulation at Dentons US), turned the chairpersonship over to Jonathan Rodbell, co-founder of Atlanta Property Group. ì
Adam Mathes, Zack Gober, Trudy Kremer and attorney Michael Golden, wearing a yellow hostage pin, chatted during the pre-function hour.
(From left) Eric Tanenblatt, Tony Ressler, Mayor Andre Dickens, and Jim Durrett were part of a meaningful and positive Buckhead Coalition annual luncheon.
Incoming chair Jonathan Rodbell with outgoing chair Eric Tanenblatt.
David Cummings, District 3 Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett, and A.J Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress, are fans of both Atlanta and Buckhead.
Sexologist Fiercely Fights Jewish Hate
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
New Yorker Dr. Logan Levkoff mesmerized a group of 80 women at the Jewish National Fund-USA Women for Israel event at The Weber School on Jan. 30.
Her topic, “Fearless & Unapologetic: Empowering Jewish Women to Speak Up for Israel,” did not disappoint, endorsing the power of women’s voices in activism. Levkoff, a relationship expert, Jewish educator, and pro-Israel activist, specializes in navigating uncomfortable conversations. She shared that she uses her voice in some dicey and specific situations, resulting in going up against her son’s school and many other subsequent shock waves. She laughed, “My husband thinks I go too far sometimes.”
Event co-chair Miriam Haviv kicked off the program expressing the group’s strength and commitment to Israel, before standing to recite a prayer for release of the hostages. Co-chair Staci Libowsky spoke about the future completion of the World Zionist Village in the heart of Israel in Be’er Sheva where “students and visitors can experience Zionism at its core, including the Alexander Muss High School.” She then read a quote from Rabbi David Wolpe about “peace, justice and co-existence as its principles making the desert bloom” in this vibrant global village.
Celia Chase introduced Dr. Levkoff, who refers to herself “Hasbara Barbie.”
“I was always into controversy. I told everyone in college that my parents were gay (not true), and either fearless or stupid, I visited the (protesting) Columbia students the day after they were released from jail.”
Levkoff, who was mentioned on Fox’s “Hannity” as falsely taking young girls for abortions and appeared on “Oprah” (who didn’t like her very much either). Levkoff has been a subject of hate since 2021 as “genocide Barbie”and later as the “Chicken Little of Oct. 7.”
She stated, “The truth is today’s youth are soft.”
She focused on her son, Maverick’s, experience at a progressive private school founded by Jews in Westchester County, N.Y., where he stood up to the barrage of hate as he was called “a Zionist colonizer and worse. He was asked to apologize publicly to the faculty for defending himself, when Levkoff put her foot down. She said, “In times of crisis, we don’t need ‘bagel and Larry David type Jews.’” Maverick refused to apologize and
used terms like “I don’t feel safe here, and here’s why.” After a three-day suspension, he returned to school to fight back. “We are not Jews with trembling knees.” PostOct. 7, his college experience got even worse after wearing his IDF sweatshirt on campus.
Levkoff has been to Israel eight times recently, talking to kids. Her message, “Judaism is not just a faith. We are a tribe that doesn’t fit into one box. We are not white enough or not Black enough.”
Later, she shared the drama of exposing a hockey mom who was anonymously posting antisemitic tweets. “She hired a lawyer accusing me of defamation … love me or hate me, there is no middle ground. I’m not apologizing for
being Zionistic.”
Despite the negative publicity, her career is coming back. She said, “I can mix Zionism with sex with my Israeli TV special, ‘The Sexy Side of Zionism.’”
Emotional Natasha Lebowitz closed the program, “Wow! We are lions and warriors. Logan is what a Jewish mother should be! What a night!” Lebowitz then reminded the group to register for the annual JNF Breakfast for Dinner on March 2.
Earlier in the pre-function, Barbara Kaplan told the AJT that she is involved with JNF because of the variety of projects the organization is involved in, like medical breakthroughs, innovative farming, and water usage, in addition to “just trees.”
Event co-chair Miriam Haviv explained how JNF is populating both the North and South ends of the country to “spread concentration away from Tel Aviv.”
Sabra Aviva Postelnik told of her recent trip to Israel where she entertained children at hotels who had been displaced and also brought baked goods to soldiers on bases. She is most impressed with JNF’s special needs programs. Longstanding JNF leader Jackie Goldstein had just returned from a JNF trip where she picked oranges, prepared meals for soldiers, and built outdoor furniture. She said, “I collected 40 pounds of costume jewelry for the women of Pardes Chana and plan to return soon.” ì
Jackie Goldstein chatted with Nancy Lutz about the collection of costume jewelry Goldstein took to Israel to make women feel better.
Local JNF “machers” Natasha Lebowitz, Celia Chase, and Staci Libowsky pose with Dr. Logan Levkoff (second from left.)
Barbara Kaplan and Aviva Postelnik admire the many varied JNF programs that go beyond planting trees.
Dr. Logan Levkoff motivated the group of attendees to speak up. She said, “I’m not friends with anyone who sees two sides to Oct. 7” // Photo Credit: Delilah Cohen
Shulman Celebrates a Decade at JELF Meeting
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
Jenna Shulman kicked off the Jewish Education Loan Fund’s 148th annual meeting on Feb. 4 at Temple Sinai. She reveled in the strength JELF has shown the community and co-worker Josh Schaier, who also celebrated his 10th year alongside her.
Kennesaw State University Chabad Jewish Center’s Rabbi Zalman Charytan gave the D’var Torah by admiring JELF’S role in helping college students. He said, “Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it,” relating to one’s own perspective and the Beshalach Parsha of the Exodus, leading the Israelites on a winding path, and “not getting stuck in when (a less direct way) change might be better.”
JELF board chair Emily Sauerteig related the new records of loaning over $2.1 million to nearly 500 students, a five percent increase, and at a 99 percent repayment rate; and the 2024 new revenue increase at $1 million. Gary Alembik and mother, Judith, were recognized for their new fund to support children of Jewish clergy. Sauerteig spoke of the difficulty of being Jewish on campuses today and the special difficulty of those affected by wildfires in California. She inked a very clever deal with Streit Matzo which will put the JELF QR code on their boxes. She exclaimed, “Buy Streit’s this Passover!”
Dr. Judy Wolman, past board chair and former loan recipient, installed the new officers.
A former JELF recipient, Rachel Ramaglia, explained her role now at the University of Georgia in sociology research about addiction. Also, because of her JELF loan, she was able to spend a semester abroad at Oxford College in England. She said, “Seeking government loans adds to a sinking hole … Jews (JELF) are not allowed to charge each other interest; and I might opt to delay payment and get a PhD in clinical psychology to make an even greater contribution to helping those with substance abuse.”
Dr. Marianne Garber, vice president and past board chair, awarded the Garber Family Award to Rob Rickles for his “collaborative leadership, writing skills and willingness to give advice.” Rickles was a communications consultant with Merrill Lynch for more than 20 years. He has held the role of JELF board chair twice previously. She referred to their family’s involvement nearly 100 years ago when her father-in-law, Al Garber, and his sis-
ters were in the Hebrew Orphan’s Home and received loans to attend college.
Eydie Koonin explained that her spouse, Steve, who works with the Atlanta Hawks, was busy as the NBA trade deadline was approaching and the team’s front office was looking to make a few trades. Eydie Koonin then presented the Koonin Award to Ilana Lind (whom she has known since preschool) for her strategic thinking, engaging students with
her resume writing, recruiting skills, and mentoring. She is a recruiter at AssuranceAmerica Corporation. Then, Koonin presented a similar award to Richard Peretz, who will be the board chair in 2026, for his service as a stepping stone with a new improved loan formula. A native of San Antonio, Richard was CFO for Atlanta-based UPS. He serves as JELF’S audit chair.
A video was shown highlighting
Lind who held a Zoom call with students at various universities. Rickles referred to his JELF mission as “being deep in the soul.” He also has touched every committee. Lind stated that she was shocked to win the award and labeled it “a nice surprise.” Her mother and grandmother were on hand to share nachas
New board members who were installed include Matthew Borenstein, Lisa Kohring, Ron Krudo, and Jon Mittleman. ì
Eydie Koonin (right), past board member poses with honoree Richard Peretz and Ilana Peretz, both of whom received loans from Jewish organizations decades ago.
Past board chair Jane Aronoff chats with JELF CEO Jenna Shulman before the program.
Honoree Ilana Lind (middle) is surrounded by (left) grandmother, Cookie Draluck, and (right) mother, Betsy Popkin.
Drs. Maryianne and Steve Garber’s family has been involved with JELF for almost a century.
5 B E
Temple Sinai Game Day Supports Jewish Home
By Robyn Spizman Gerson
From Mah Jongg to Bridge to Canasta and more, over 230 women gathered for a game-playing day raising important funds for a worthwhile cause, The William Breman Jewish Home. Since 2014, the ever-popular fundraiser, “Game Day,” has been a well-attended, fun-filled, energetic day filled with comradery and gaming of choice to support the Auxiliary and benefit Jewish HomeLife (JHL).
This year’s Game Day event chair, Cheryl Schwartz, organized a spectacular day of game-playing and fundraising. With a jam-packed filled buzzing auditorium at Temple Sinai where the event was hosted, tables of four flowed into the reception area filling the entire space with winning women. The sounds of cards shuffling, tiles racking, card calling and more echoed throughout and a warm welcome was expressed by the leadership who organized the day.
Sheryl Eisenberg and Mindi Sard, Auxiliary co-chairs, began by praising Schwartz for her hard work in planning and executing this large gathering. Schwartz organized the venue, food, decorations, invitations, and endless details culminating in a fabulous day for everyone who attended. Schwartz commented how lucky the Auxiliary is to have such a great team as she looked out across the room and saw so many women uniting for a cause that was truly touching.
Also acknowledged were vice chairs of special events for the Auxiliary, Elizabeth Glass and Bonnie Kwatnez, for creating such a warm and festive event along with a host of others.
Schwartz said, “These ladies have worked so hard and Game Day has come a long way since its beginnings in 2014, when it was an idea from then-Auxiliary board members Randi Levy and Margo Edlin, as a way to create a fun relaxed environment to remind us of the connections in our community and the importance of friendships while we celebrate the Jewish Home.”
Sard added, “Jane Butler and Lisa Fleishmann were inspired to add a new feature to Game Day 2025 making available the opportunity to order your Mah Jongg card sales with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the [Jewish] Home. This idea was well received, and they hope to continue working with The National Mah Jongg League to continue reaping the benefit of their ‘give back’ program to non-profits next year. Players order a new
card yearly, and the league has a meaningful history of featuring the causes in their newsletter and giving back as a thank you. A new card is a gift as it’s the upcoming year’s new hands that Mah Jongg players will be playing once cards are received.”
Along with a unison of praise, everyone agreed that it was inspiring to see the community come together, not only for a day of games but also in support of a cause so close to our hearts. Game players selected their game of choice and tables spanned the auditorium with colorful decorations, boxed lunches and sweets baked by the talented Sherri Habif, Auxiliary past president, who presented an array of goodies and favorites ranging from wedding cookies to brownies and assorted mouth-watering delicacies.
“The sense of family and community that surrounds us is truly a gift,” Eisenberg said as she expressed gratitude to Jewish HomeLife for their support of the Auxiliary. She also took time to thank JHL’s board chair Candy Berman and
past board chair Steve Berman for their continued leadership and generosity in sponsoring Temple Sinai as the venue. Both the Bermans and Jewish HomeLife CEO and President Jeffrey Gopen mingled at the event and welcomed game players and supporters.
Auxiliary charter life member Sandy Abrams, who volunteers at the event, commented she looks forward to this event yearly. Abrams helped check guests in and said, “I love seeing everyone at Game Day and work as a volunteer. It’s incredible how this event has become such a wonderful part of the Jewish community, and such a large group of women support it and love playing together.”
Game Day has proven to be successful and has grown initially from 16 tables at its early origins at The Home to 55 tables today with four women playing at each. The event has grown beyond everyone’s expectations, becoming a popular tradition where old friends reconnect, and new friendships are formed. As the
Auxiliary prepares to celebrate its 40th year, this is a time when they can rightfully reflect on how far they’ve come— from just over 770 women to more than 1,150 members strong. Their strong and meaningful mission has always been clear: to support the residents of The William Breman Jewish Home and all of Jewish HomeLife.
It’s clear that Game Day has a winning formula, and the gratitude everyone displays is evident. While gratitude gladdened the room and the joy was felt, it is clear that the Auxiliary is especially appreciative of their board members and all members for their sponsorships, which helped make Game Day 2025 the best yet. And just in case you’re a game player and ready to sign up for Game Day 2026 and looking ahead, the Auxiliary is excited for the future and opportunities to continue supporting Jewish HomeLife. To get involved and make a difference, and get in on the game, contact Cindy Cassano at ccassano@jewishhomelife.org. ì
First Vice Chair Cheryl Schwartz, co-chair Sheryl Eisenberg, and co-chair Mindi Sard
Lisa Fleischmann (Auxiliary board member), Deb Leeson, Melissa Miller, Elizabeth Glass (Auxiliary board member), and Laura Rader
Jewish HomeLife CEO & President Jeffrey Gopen and Judy Stolovitz
Valerie Weitzman, Jane Butler (Auxiliary board member), Bonnie Kwatnez (Auxiliary board member), and Stephanie Kupor
G R O W A
egac
our Jewish Community’s dedication to grow and sustain a vibrant Jewish future.
6:00PM Doors Open
Join Atlanta Jewish Foundation for a celebration inspired by Queen Esther with Candy Berman, Etta Raye Hirsch, Cathy Selig, and Raya Zalik in conversation with Lindsay Kopecky
Please RSVP at atlantajewishfoundation.org/grow-a-legacy or the scan code
If you would like to register or have any questions, please contact Rachel Rosner at rrosner@jewishatlanta.org
Heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktail reception – Dietary laws observed
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Lipstadt Returns to Emory as Distinguished Professor
By Bob Bahr
Deborah Lipstadt, the distinguished Emory University professor who joined the Biden Administration effort to combat antisemitism globally, is expected to return to the university next month. But she’s coming back to a new appointment as an Emory University Distinguished Professor. Only four other individuals, most notably former President Jimmy Carter, have been so honored. She’ll also come back to her old job as Dorot Professor of Jewish and Holocaust Studies in the Department of Religion.
Across generations, Deborah Lipstadt has served our nation and society at the very highest level,” Emory President Gregory L. Fenves said. “Whatever her title has been — professor, teacher, author, ambassador — Dr. Lipstadt has combatted hate through scholarship and education. She is courageous, brilliant and an Emory legend through and through. I am proud that she will return to Emory holding the title of University Distinguished Professor.”
Lipstadt was sworn in to her job at the State Department in Washington in May of 2022 in the midst of rising antisemitism in both America and the world. That has only accelerated after Oct. 7, 2023.
During the resulting military campaign in Gaza by Israel’s army forces, the worldwide Jewish community has seen a highly orchestrated propaganda campaign against Israel. Anti-Jewish hatred often has accompanied anti-Israel demonstrations.
As a special envoy, with the rank of ambassador, she visited nearly three dozen countries. In Argentina last July, she outlined a series of 11 steps a nation could take to counter antisemitism. They urged governments and international organizations to “adopt and implement strategies and action plans to engage” antisemitism at all levels of society and to protect Jewish communities from physical threats and attacks.
So far, 40 nations plus the European Union and the Organization of American States have signed on as supporters of the guidelines.
Yet, the Anti-Defamation League, in its annual report that was released last month, maintains that 46 percent of the world’s adults believe “deeply entrenched” antisemitic attitudes exist, a figure that has doubled over the past 10 years. The study was based on an 11-question survey given to 58,000 people in 103
and countries and territories.
Chief executive of the ADL Jonathan Greenblatt described the statistic as “deeply alarming.”
“Antisemitism is nothing short of a global emergency, especially in a postOct. 7 world,” Greenblatt said. “It’s clear that we need new government interventions, more education, additional safeguards on social media and new security protocols to prevent antisemitic hate crimes.”
In an editorial on the Voice of America last fall, Lipstadt was quoted as saying we are “now witnessing the biggest surge in antisemitism that we’ve seen worldwide in many decades.”
The editorial went on to say that Ambassador Lipstadt has stressed that the United States sees this “tsunami of antisemitism as not just a threat to Jews. ... but we see it as something larger, with great implications for democratic values, democratic governments, humanity, na-
tional stability, even national security.”
At the beginning of last year, Georgia’s legislature passed, by a wide margin, a bill that added a widely recognized definition of antisemitism to Georgia law. HB 30, which was signed by Gov. Brian Kemp, gave legal standing to the definition used by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. The definition is now applied to all those committing antisemitism violations.
Lipstadt is expected to continue to be a prominent public voice in the discussion about antisemitism in this country and elsewhere in the world.
Under her new agreement she will give an annual public lecture and meet with undergraduates at least once each semester. She will also serve as an advisor to Emory's president and the dean of Emory College.
She first came to Emory 32 years ago as the founding director of the Tam Institute of Jewish Studies and she promptly
became deeply involved in the subject of Holocaust denial. The issue resulted in a case involving David Irving, a Holocaust denier in Britain. The 10-week trial was the subject of an Academy Awardwinning film in 2016 entitled, “Denial,” which starred Rachel Weisz as the Emory professor.
She’s likely to continue writing about her experiences and to be an influential academic influence in exploring the history and challenges that antisemitism presents today.
“I am excited to bring what I have learned during my time with the State Department back to Emory to help teach the next generation of scholars and leaders,” Lipstadt says. “When my nomination was announced, I said that the one thing I would miss was being in the classroom with my Emory students. Now, I look forward to returning to campus to resume the crucial task of supporting students.” ì
The Anti-Defamation League last month described antisemitism as a global emergency.
Deborah Lipstadt (center) served in the Biden Administration as a special envoy to combat global antisemitism.
Rachel Weisz (left) starred in the 2016 Academy Award-winning film, “Denial,” about Lipstadt’s battle with Holocaust denier David Irving.
Roses for Roe Champions Reproductive Rights
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
Roses for Roe began in January 2015 with a gathering of friends who wanted to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that made abortion a federally protected right, by raising money for Planned Parenthood Southeast (PPSE).
From those humble beginnings, Roses for Roe has consistently grown, becoming PPSE’s second-largest annual fundraiser and raising almost half a million dollars since 2015. The goal to mark this 10th anniversary of Roses for Roe in 2025 was to raise $100,000 for PPSE at an event held at The Temple on Jan. 23, where every dollar contributed went to support women’s reproductive healthcare in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi.
Commenting on the gathering of friends was outspoken doyenne, honoree, and presenter, Elaine Alexander, who told the AJT, “It wasn’t just any ‘gathering,’ but a group of young women who were picking up their children at The Temple preschool pondering how they could do something constructive.”
Event chairs Jennifer Babbit Bodner and Samantha Schoenbaum were the founders; previous chairs were Wendi Aspes, Andrea Christopher, Jaci Effron, Julia Filson, Maya Goldman, Nicole Horwitz, Erin Krinsky, Karen Luscher, Romy Maloon, Marissa Rosenbloom, Jessica Rothbeind, and Justine Rubin.
The group’s official statement released prior to the event was, “Since Georgia’s abortion ban was implemented … we have endured tragic reports of women senselessly dying after being denied abortion care. We have felt the demoralizing impact of a regressive law that criminalizes abortions, forces pregnancy, and disproportionately harms poor women and women of color. With the outcome of the 2024 Presidential election, our fight for abortion rights and bodily autonomy has become an urgent matter of life and death.”
Five hundred women in pink brought a lot of “estrogen energy” to the rally. Actress Elaine Hendrix served as emcee, ready to “raise hell and money,” alongside her admittedly corny jokes.
Temple Rabbi Lydia Medwin spoke of Judaism’s belief in the right and moral obligation to protect “life givers.” She suggested a vision of living in a refugia, where hidden life will regrow over time as a new ecosystem [referring to the re-
future
cent election] blooms.”
Representing PPSE, Karen Doolittle spoke of their recent accomplishments in doubling the number of tele-health patients and media strategy. With 600 health care centers, more than two million patients have been seen. Next, she introduced “Badass” Alex Johnson, CEO of Planned Parenthood, to give “marching orders.” She said, “We are ready for a fight … Hope is the art of resistance! Our bodies are ungovernable … it’s nobody’s damn business. With 19 million supporters, Planned Parenthood doesn’t back down.”
Alexander introduced Charles Johnson who won the award named in Alexander’s honor Johnson founded his own
nonprofit, 4Kira4Moms, in memory of his late wife who died in 2016 when she allegedly “wasn’t treated properly in an Los Angeles hospital because of her skin color.”
Johnson told the history of his uncle, a Black doctor in Boston, who was arrested for manslaughter for performing an abortion, which was later overturned and precedent setting.
Next up was Avery Davis Bell, who told her own harrowing tale of losing a fetus and having to wait until she was near death to get lifesaving surgery. She said, “The doctors had to go through hoops. My suffering was prolonged while I was on my portal, reading my labs hoping that my blood count would get worse, so the procedure could be done … It was
worth my trauma. I would do it all over again. I can’t yet look at my late son’s one-inch footprint … This is not one size fits all. Doctors have a hard job. My body was used as a tomb.”
Bodner and Schoenbaum closed the event by sharing, “We can’t have rights taken away. We have grown in numbers and outrage. Money talks. Don’t give until it hurts, give until it feels good. Take a rose home after you wave it and make a donation.”
Schoenbaum told the AJT, “To look out and see everyone raising their roses high, we well exceeded our goal and raised over $150,000. It filled me with such hope for the future. What a sensational evening!” ì
Judith Taylor and Elaine Alexander set leadership examples for
generations.
Wendi Aspes, Samantha Schoenbaum and Annie Fleming chat before the program.
Kathryn Calhoun, Brigitte Peck and Christine Curnow were at a host committee table.
Ladies in pink lined up for the soup, salad and dessert buffet catered by Added Touch.
Jennifer Babbit Bodner and Samantha Schoenbaum closed the event by asking for donations and waving roses.
Davis Students in Spotlight for Prizmah Campaign
By Jillian Gerson
On Thursday, Jan. 16, Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools let The Davis Academy students shine as models for Prizmah’s Jewish Day School program campaign, “You Can Be Anything.”
According to Rosov Consulting, the most significant barrier to day school enrollment is awareness. Prizmah’s campaign message looks toward fostering the future of Jewish day schools and how they provide students with the tools to be who they want to be and prepare them to have real conversations as future Jewish leaders. Another message of the campaign highlights how easy it is to be yourself at a Jewish day school. This showcases how Jewish day schools offer safety in expression and identity, celebrating the connection to and forging a deeper love of Judaism.
Two invaluable gifts of Jewish schools are: roots and wings. “Roots” provide a strong sense of identity and belonging, grounding students in their heritage and knowing who they are. “Wings” represent the confidence and skills to soar in the world to be anything they want to be.
“Prizmah is fortunate to work with the incredible team at Bald, who not only understand Jewish day schools, but have become who they are today in part because of their day school experience. In the spirit of l’dor v’dor, this creative team will pass their love of day schools onto the next generation of Jewish leaders and thinkers,” said Paul Bernstein, CEO of Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools.
Davis Academy students smiled big for the cameras and posed as models for the media campaign. They brought to life the campaign’s youthful energy and
their photos will be used across the entirety of Prizmah’s You Can Be Anything campaign.
Not only is Prizmah using current Davis Academy students for the campaign, but they also have two Davis Academy alumni helping to lead the charge.
Becca Nadolne graduated from Davis in the class of 2011, and she now serves as
the associate director of digital marketing and content strategy at Prizmah. Dave Resnick graduated from Davis in the class of 2009, and along with capturing behind-the-scenes footage from the photoshoot, he also serves as a group accounts supervisor at Bald Agency.
A school toolkit was created to allow Jewish day schools and yeshivas across
North America to participate and connect in the campaign. In the next month, Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools will roll out the national advertising piece of the campaign, and in the fall, they expect to see several community organizations and funders collaborating and sharing the campaign in their own communities. ì
Prizmah campaign
Becca Nadolne (Davis Academy alum class of 2011, associate director of digital marketing and content strategy at Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools) and Dave Resnick (Davis Academy alum class of 2009, group accounts supervisor at Bald Agency) with Davis Academy Head of School Amy Shafron
This Davis Academy student is brightly waving at the behind-the-scenes photographer // Photos courtesy of Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools
Shabbat Across Atlanta Creates Sacred Space
On Friday, Jan. 31, more than 172 hosts welcomed more than 2,000 family members, friends, and neighbors to celebrate Shabbat Across Atlanta. This inaugural community-wide initiative, organized by OneTable in partnership with more than 50 local synagogues and Jewish organizations, brought together Atlanta’s Jewish community to foster deeper connections to Shabbat and community. Shabbat Across Atlanta was made possible by OneTable, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Atlanta Rabbinical Association, Zalik Foundation, and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.
“It was truly rewarding to work with Jewish institutions and organizations from across the city on this vital initiative. Whether in Atlanta, Israel, or anywhere in the world, there is no greater ritual that binds the Jewish people together than gathering around the Shabbat table. Our celebration of Shabbat as one united community demonstrated to the world that we reject darkness and marginalization and instead find light, joy, and community in one another,” said Rabbi Dan Dorsch, president of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association and a Shabbat Across Atlanta steering committee member.
“With Shabbat Across Atlanta, we wanted to help the community come together to create connections, share joy, and build relationships, all rooted in the ritual of Shabbat,” noted M.J. Kurs-Lasky, OneTable’s senior director of national partnerships. “It was an incredibly meaningful opportunity for the greater Atlanta Jewish community to elevate their Friday night with Shabbat dinners, be in community, and create sacred spaces in time.”
In preparation for Shabbat Across Atlanta, community members had the opportunity to participate in a variety of Shabbat education workshops to enhance their hosting experiences. Attendees engaged in classes and workshops, including candle-making, challah braiding, deepening the meaning of Shabbat blessings, and singing Shabbat melodies, equipping them with tools to create meaningful and welcoming Shabbat dinner experiences.
To continue developing their own Shabbat practices, participants and all community members were provided a customized Shabbat Dinner Guide, including personal reflections shared by Atlanta rabbis and other Jewish community leaders, available at onetable.
org/atlanta and the complete OneTable resource library. Those in their 20s and 30s are also able to host and guest with OneTable through dinners.onetable.org and those ages 50ish-plus can use gettogether.onetable.org to facilitate their Shabbat dinners.
Beyond Shabbat Across Atlanta, there are numerous opportunities to stay connected within the Atlanta Jewish community, including learning at The Dupree, getting involved with Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, receiving free children’s books from PJ Library in Greater Atlanta, and participating in programs at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.
The steering committee members for Shabbat Across Atlanta included local lay leaders and representatives from OneTable, The Zalik Foundation, Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, The
Temple, Chabad of Georgia, Atlanta Rabbinical Association, and Congregation Ohr HaTorah. ì Compiled by AJT Staff
More than 170 hosts welcomed over 2,000 community members into their homes to celebrate Shabbat.
ISRAEL PRIDE
NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME
Israeli AI Startup UVeye Raises $191M
Israel’s UVeye, a tech startup that develops automated inspection systems for vehicles, has secured $191 million in fresh capital from investors led by Toyota’s investment and growth fund.
Toyota’s Woven Capital will become a strategic partner to help UVeye install hundreds of its vehicle inspection sys-
Today in Israeli History
By
Feb. 15, 2017: Less than a month into his term, President Donald Trump hosts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Israeli’s first trip to Washington since his speech to Congress against the Iran nuclear deal in March 2015.
Feb. 16, 1910: Miriam Roth, who elevates children’s literature in Israel, is born in Slovakia in the Astro-Hungarian Empire. She makes aliyah in 1931 but doesn’t begin writing her 23 children’s books until the 1970s.
Feb. 17, 2013: Shmulik Kraus, one of Israel’s most influential musicians, dies of swine flu in Tel Aviv at 77. Beyond a solo career, his collaborators included Esther and Avi Ofarim, Arik Einstein, and one-time wife Josie Katz.
tems in 2025 as part of a global expansion plan, the startup said.
UMC Capital and MyBerg participated in the financing round along with existing investors — insurance company W.R. Berkley and Israeli institutional investors Menora Mivtachim and More Investment House. The funding values UVeye at more than $800 million. Founded in 2016, the Israeli startup has raised a total of $380.5 million in capital to date.
Compiled by AJT Staff
Feb. 18, 1577: The Jews of Safed (Tzfat), the largest Jewish community in Ottoman Palestine during the 16th century and is going through a period of growth, petition the sultan for protection from persecution by local officials.
Feb. 19, 1936: The Jewish Agency convenes a meeting of Zionist leaders, chaired by Moshe Shertok, to discuss how to keep purchasing land for the growing Jewish population in Palestine despite anticipated British restrictions.
President Shimon Peres meets with Kadima leader Tzipi Livni on Feb. 20, 2009, before giving the mandate to form a government to Benjamin Netanyahu instead. // By Moshe Milner, Israeli Government Press Office, CC BY-SA 3.0
Feb. 20, 2009: Benjamin Netanyahu, whose Likud finished second in the Knesset election, is given the opportunity to form a government and invites Tzipi Livni of Kadima and Ehud Barak of Labor to join a centrist coalition.
US Medical Device Maker to Shut Israel Manufacturing Plant
U.S. medical device maker Becton, Dickinson & Co. (BD) has decided to close its manufacturing plant in Israel and lay off 200 employees as part of an effort to streamline its global operations and cut
Feb. 21, 1852: Pope Pius IX urges the reversal of the partial emancipation of Jews under Grand Duke Leopold II of Tuscany. The pope writes of the need to keep Catholics “from having any contact with the infidels.”
Feb. 22, 1948: Arabs disguised as British troops and two British deserters detonate several truck bombs along Ben Yehuda Street’s shopping district in downtown Jerusalem, killing as many as 58 Jewish civilians.
Michel Aflaq (left) and Salah Jadid were allies in the 1963 Ba’athist coup in Syria, but three years later Jadid led a military coup that ousted Aflaq and his allies in the National Command.
Feb. 23, 1966: Young army officers take power in a coup against Syria’s Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party. Hafez al-Assad is named the defense minister, putting him in charge of the military in the June 1967 war against Israel.
Feb. 24, 1874: Moshe Smilansky, an early Zionist leader whose influence ranges from the military to literature, is born in Ukraine. A delegate to the Seventh Zionist Congress, he advocates peaceful coexistence with the Arabs.
costs.
BD started its manufacturing operations in Israel through the acquisition of Caesarea Medical Electronics, an infusion pump systems producer based in Caesarea. BD bought the company in 2017 to expand its infusion portfolio and include ambulatory, home, and specialty acute care infusion pumps. Caesarea Medical Enterprises employs about 200 people.
“BD reviews its global manufacturing and supply chain network to optimize operations and better serve our customers worldwide,” BD said in an emailed statement. “After a thorough review, BD has determined that we can more efficiently meet our customer and capacity needs by utilizing other facilities, and we have made the decision to transition all manufacturing from Caesarea Medical Electronics in Israel to other existing BD locations.”
Compiled by AJT Staff
Feb. 25, 1928: Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv hold the first match in the city’s oldest soccer rivalry, a 3-0 home victory for Maccabi. Maccabi wins the rematch on Hapoel’s home field a week later, 2-1.
Feb. 26, 1901: Aharon Zisling, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a leader in Jewish labor politics from the 1920s through 1955, is born in Minsk. He becomes Israel’s first agriculture minister in 1948. Feb. 27, 1974: Secretary of State Henry Kissinger arrives in Israel from Damascus with a list of 65 Israeli POWs held by Syria since the Yom Kippur War, meeting a condition for Israel to negotiate disengagement in the Golan Heights.
Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.
Amazon delivery vehicle is being scanned by Israeli startup UVeye’s AIdriven inspection system // Courtesy photo/Times of Israel
U.S. medical device maker BD’s manufacturing plant in Caesarea, Israel // Courtesy photo/Times of Israel
President Donald Trump welcomes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on Feb. 15, 2017. //
Leslie N. Emory, White House
Aharon Zisling (left) meets with newly arrived immigrants in Haifa in July 1946. // By Zoltan Kluger, National Photo Collection of Israel
Birthright Resumes Visits to Northern Israel
By Bob Bahr
Birthright Israel, the popular program that brings young Jewish adults from all over the world to Israel, has started including Northern Israel in its 10-day tours of the country.
During the first quarter of 2025, approximately 6,500 young visitors from 300 groups are expected to travel to the historic city of Safed, which is just 7.5 miles from the border with Lebanon. It is the first time since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that Birthright participants have visited the north of Israel.
About 96,000 Israelis have been evacuated from the area after Hezbollah, the Iranian sponsored terrorist group in Southern Lebanon, rained missiles down on the area. It’s been estimated that the group launched more than 1,600 missiles in support of Hamas during the last year-and-a-half.
Beginning in October, Israel Defense Forces invaded Southern Lebanon and destroyed and dismantled a significant amount of the Hezbollah fortifications and military infrastructure in the area.
A ceasefire agreement that began in late November required Hezbollah to move almost 20 miles north of the border with Israel. The ceasefire is being monitored by the Lebanese army, which has deployed 5,000 soldiers in the area and maintained peace in the region.
While many Israelis from areas like Kibbutz Manera, which is just 100 yards from the Lebanon border, and Kiryat Shmona, about a mile-and-a-half away, have not returned, the leadership of Birthright felt it was important to resume visits to the region.
“While the war has undoubtedly presented challenges, it has only underscored the importance of our mission,” Birthright Israel CEO Gidi Mark said. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthen Jewish identity, fostering a connection to Israel and building a strong sense of community.”
In addition to the 10-day trips for young people ages 18 to 24, Birthright expects to welcome 10,000 visitors this year through an expanded volunteer program which now provides subsidies for those wishing to come to Israel for short periods to work and who are up to 50 years of age. Previously, the age limit for volunteers that Birthright supported was 40.
“Each day, I meet participants who are so happy to finally be here,” Mark commented. “They share how safe they feel and how deeply proud they are to be part of the Jewish people.”
Financial support for the organization received a big boost earlier this month when Charles Bronfman announced a legacy gift to be made through his estate of $25 million to establish the Birthright Israel Fund For The Jewish Future.
“Birthright Israel is the most important educational program in the Jewish world, and it must continue,” Bronfman said. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure its long-term success.”
The president and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation, Elias Saratovsky, in acknowledging the contribution, pointed out that the foundation has already received $80 million from more than 100 donors to its endowment fund.
“Charles’ $25 million legacy gift will help ensure that countless Jewish young adults,” Saratovsky said, “including many second-generation participants, continue to benefit from this transformative Israel experience.”
Bronfman, who will be 94 in June, was one of the original financial supporters of the Birthright program when it was first established 25 years ago.
Among the most enthusiastic benefactors of the program was Bernie Marcus. Just before his death in early November, he contributed $60 million through his Marcus Foundation to expand the Birthright idea to high school students. His contribution to fund that program through RootOne was one of the last large philanthropic gestures before his passing.
The Birthright program has been credited with creating a greater commitment to Jewish life and to the nation of Israel. The Brandeis University Center for Jewish Life has just completed a longterm study of how participants’ Jewish
lives have been impacted over the years. Of more than 2,200 participants who were surveyed from the first decade of the program, 84 percent married a Jewish spouse. Because they married a Jewish partner, 84 percent were more likely to raise their children as Jews. Jewish religious life was also significantly affected. Participants in Birthright were 42 percent more likely to celebrate a Shabbat meal, 55 percent more likely to attend religious service regularly, and 26 per-
cent more likely to join a synagogue than non-participants in Birthright.
Finally, those who completed the Birthright program were 72 percent more likely to form a positive connection to Israel than those who hadn’t gone on the trip.
Over the years, nearly 900,000 young Jews from 68 countries have participated in the program. Even with Israel at war in the last year, 20,000 of them were part of Birthright in 2024. ì
IS ELI HOSTAGE T CKER
Compiled by Dave Schechter
The following is an index of Israeli hostages with the most current information available as of press deadline. Bring Them Home.
Israeli hostages released thus far in phase one are:
Remaining hostages — alive and dead — to be released in phase one are:
Ariel Bibas, 5
Kfir Bibas, 2
Shiri Silberman Bibas, 33
Itzik Elgarat, 70
Shlomo Mansour, 86
Ohad Yahalomi, 50
Oded Lifshitz, 84
Tsahi Idan, 50
Hisham al-Sayed, 36
Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36
Yair Horn, 46
Omer Wenkert, 23
Sasha Trufanov, 28
Eliya Cohen, 27
Avera Mengistu, 38
Tal Shoham, 40
Omer Shem-Tov, 22
A recent Brandeis University study highlighted positive long-term effects of Birthright trips.
Commited to You, Your Business and Your Family
A Hopeful Postscript to Atlanta’s Hostage Vigil
Dave Schechter From Where I Sit
As you read this column, keep in mind this quote: “Too many are still there, living in the darkness, suffering the unimaginable. We must bring them all home.”
If you doubt the truth of this statement, compare photos of the three Israeli hostages released on Feb. 8, with pictures of them before their 491-day ordeal as captives in Gaza.
The words above come from Aviva Siegel, who on Feb. 1 welcomed home her husband, North Carolina-native Keith Siegel. They were kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023, from Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
After Aviva was released 51 days later, in a Nov. 26, 2023, exchange of hostages for a larger number of Palestinians jailed in Israel, she campaigned tirelessly for Keith’s freedom and spoke of the physical and psychological abuse that the hostages endured.
Coming Soon
The Siegels were one of three sets of hostages represented by relatives at an Oct. 30, 2023, vigil at the Ahavath Achim Synagogue. Posters of the hostages were prominently displayed on the bimah.
Barely three weeks earlier, Hamas-led terrorists slaughtered 1,200 men, women and children were slaughtered and kidnapped another 250. The shocking and brutal nature of the attacks on kibbutzim, towns, and an outdoor music festival in the “Gaza envelope” brought nearly 2,000 people to the Ahavath Achim sanctuary.
The news for the three families has been mixed.
The Siegels have been reunited.
On the day of the Atlanta vigil, Hamas released a video of three women held hostage, Rimon Kirsch among them. She and her husband, Yagev Buchstav, were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nirim.
Kirsch was freed in a Nov. 28, 2023, exchange. You may remember the video of Kirsch, clad in pink pajamas, staring down an armed, masked, and uniformed Hamas terrorist, before putting an arm around another released hostage and walking to a Red Cross vehicle.
This past July, I wrote a column titled, “A Tragic Postscript to Atlanta’s Hostage Vigil.”
The postscript was that on July 22, 2024, Israel confirmed that Buchstav, z”ll, had died in Gaza. His mother told the Knes-
set that, according to an autopsy report, her son was executed by Hamas in February 2024, as Israeli forces neared the tunnel where he was held.
[Z”l is a shorthand for the Hebrew phrase zichrono livracha, meaning “of blessed memory.”]
By the time of the Ahavath Achim vigil, the third family represented already had buried three people murdered on Oct. 7 at Kibbutz B‘eri: Avshalom Haran, z”l; Lilach Kipnis, z”l, and her husband, Eviatar Kipnis, z”l.
At the time, seven others kidnapped that day were captives in Gaza: Shoshan Haran (Avshalom’s wife and Lilach’s sister); her daughter, Adi Shoham; Adi’s husband, Tal Shoham; their children, 8-year-old Naveh, and 3-year-old Yahel, along with Avshalom’s sister, Sharon Avigdori, and her 12-year-old daughter, Noam.
The six women and children were freed in a hostage exchange on Nov. 25, 2023, after 50 days in captivity.
That left Tal Shoham, whose name was on the list of 33 Israeli hostages to be released in the first phase of the three-phase ceasefire agreement that took effect Jan. 19. Tal turned 39 as a hostage. He turned 40 as a hostage on Jan. 30.
Throughout the 16-month ordeal, multiple branches of this family have made sure that Tal is not forgotten, while also actively supporting other hostage families. I am particularly aware of their efforts, because they are from the Israeli side of my family tree.
As of Feb. 8, 16 living Israeli hostages have been freed. Israel had said that eight of the 33 on the phase one list were believed dead. Phase one is scheduled to end March 1. Of the remaining Israeli hostages, the government believes that 24 are alive and 35 dead.
“I’m grateful beyond words that Keith is back,” Aviva Siegel told Israel’s Channel 12. “But our fight is not over. Too many are still there, living in the darkness, suffering the unimaginable. We must bring them all home.”
The conversation with the hostage families at Ahavath Achim was moderated by Dov Wilker, regional director of the American Jewish Committee, who expressed his admiration for the men and women who spoke on behalf of their kidnapped relatives.
“We have to share their stories,” Wilker told the nearly full sanctuary. “We have a responsibility. We are the ones who are able to amplify that message. We are the ones who own that responsibility.”
That remains as true now as it was on Oct. 30, 2023. ì
Cheers to 100 Years
In recognition of the Atlanta Jewish Times celebrating its 100th year from its first edition in 1925, the AJT will re-publish articles from the Southern Israelite from editions dating as far back as 1929, the earliest edition available through the Digital Library of Georgia. All of the Southern Israelite editions, from 1929-1986, can be viewed at gahistoricnewspapers.galileo.usg.edu/lccn/sn78003973/
Please enjoy this retrospective of Jewish journalism in Atlanta and across Georgia, and thank you for supporting the Atlanta Jewish Times for the last 100 years.
Stoudemire Headlines Jewish Hall of Fame Inductees
David Ostrowsky
Last month, the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Netanya, Israel, unveiled its 2025 induction class consisting of both athletes and media personalities. With its 14-member contingent, the 2025 class is steeped in both modern and early Jewish athletic history, representing a broad spectrum of sports including everything from Greco Roman wrestling and judo to NBA basketball and freestyle swimming as well as Olympians from the United States, Israel, Mexico, Denmark, Germany and France.
The newest members of the IJSHOF include:
Abraham Kurland, who captured a silver medal in lightweight Greco Roman wrestling at the 1932 Olympics before refusing to participate in the 1936 Summer Games taking place in Nazi Germany. In addition to his Olympic glory, Kurland, a 12-time national champion in Denmark, earned a gold medal at the Maccabiah Games in 1932 and at the European Championships in 1934.
Amar’e Stoudemire, a six-time NBA All-Star forward and 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year. The longtime Phoenix Sun, who was inducted into the franchise’s Ring of Honor last year, was on the U.S. 2004 Olympic squad that captured a bronze. Much later in his pro career, Stoudemire was on Hapoel Jerusalem’s championship team in 2017 and Maccabi Tel Aviv’s 2020 championship team.
Gary Jacobs, who’s widely considered to be the most talented Jewish boxer of the past half-century. Born and raised in Great Britain, Jacobs was a dominant welterweight boxer during the 1980s and 90s, capturing both the European, Commonwealth and British championships. Jacobs, who in 1995 was ranked the world’s No.1 welterweight contender by the World Boxing Council, was later enshrined in the Scottish Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.
Hanoch Budin, a former Israeli para swimmer who brilliantly represented Israel at six Paralympics, 1984 through 2004, by earning eight medals while also setting two world records. At the 1988 Summer Paralympics, Budin took home a handful of medals, including golds for
100-meter backstroke and 200-meter medley. He went on to capture two more Paralympic medals in 1992.
Leah Goldstein, a native of Vancouver who was raised in Israel, was crowned the women’s world kickboxing champion in 1989. Decades later, in 2021, Goldstein became the first-ever woman to win the exceptionally rigorous 3,000mile cycling event known as the Race Across America.
Oren Smadja, an Israeli native, who received an Olympic bronze medal as a judoka participant in 1992 and another one as a judoka coach in 2016. In between those career-defining milestones, Smadja snagged a silver medal at the 1995 World Championships while being tabbed as Israel’s Sportsman of the Year in ’95.
Known by the moniker of “Mr. Basketball in Israel,” Ralph Klein is an erstwhile Maccabi Tel Aviv legend, piloting the team to eight Super League national championships and six State Cups in the 1950s and '60s. Before embarking on a highly successful coaching career in 1969, Klein represented Israel as a player on their national hoops team in the 1952 Summer Olympics and the 1954 World Cup.
Robert “Bobby” Berland, who during the 1984 Olympics became the first American judoka to advance to the finals, winning a silver medal in the 86kg middleweight division. A two-time Olympian who later participated in the 1988 Games, Berland was also awarded bronze at the 1983 World Championships and received a silver medal at the 1983 Pan American Games. In recognition of his sterling ca-
reer – and work on the coaching staff for the 2004 U.S. Olympic Judo Team in Athens – Berland would go on to secure his spot in the USA Judo Hall of Fame.
Yves Dreyfus, a native of France who survived the Nazi occupation as a child before going on to capture a pair of Olympic fencing medals, a bronze during the 1956 and 1964 Games. Dreyfus, the recipient of France’s National Order of Merit in 1967, further cemented his remarkable legacy by earning four gold medals at the Maccabiah Games from 1961 to 1977.
Argentine broadcaster Andres Cantor, who has captured six Emmy Awards broadcasting a multitude of World Cups and Olympic Games for Telemundo and Universo. The 2020 recipient of the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s Colin Jose Media Award for substantial contributions to communications supporting U.S. soccer, Cantor will forever be associated with his trademark yell of “Goooooooooooal” after a goal is scored in soccer matches.
Hellen Plaschinski Farca de Finkler is a Mexican freestyle swimmer whose sparking resume includes three gold medals at the 1977 and 1981 Maccabiah Games, a sixth-place finish in the freestyle relay at the 1980 Olympic Games, and a pair of bronze medals at the 1979 Pan American Games. More recently, in 2007, Hellen participated in a round-trip English Channel crossing from England to France that established a world record of 18 hours 59 minutes. Accordingly, the Mexican relay team earned a reference in the following year’s edition of the
Sarah Poewe is a former GermanSouth African swimmer, specializing in breaststroke, who participated in four consecutive Olympic Games (2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012), initially representing South Africa before later competing for Germany. One of the marquee moments of her storied career occurred at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, where she bagged a bronze medal as part of Germany’s 4×100m medley relay team. In addition to her Olympic success, Poewe earned multiple podium finishes at the World and European Championships, Israeli native Shahar Pe’er, who captured five singles and three doubles titles on the World Tennis Association Tour. In 2011, Pe’er was ranked as the No.11 female tennis player in the world. In addition to her series of triumphs on the WTA circuit, Pe’er competed for Israel during two Olympic Games and in 2001, at age 14, became the youngest player to win the Israel women’s tennis championship.
Stan Fischler (aka “The Hockey Maven”) is one of hockey’s most iconic media personalities, having covered the sport as a broadcaster, author, historian, and reporter for over 70 years. While his written accounts have graced the pages of the New York Times, Toronto Star, The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated among other publications, Fischler’s broadcasting work on the MSG Network has garnered seven Emmy Awards. A member of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, Fischler was honored by the New York Islanders in 2022 when the club named the press level at UBS Arena after him. ì
Guinness World Records.
Headlining the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame 2025 class of inductees is Phoenix Suns legend and six-time NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire // Photo Credit: Phoenix Suns
Michigan’s Wolf Sets Sights on NBA Stardom
By David Ostrowsky
Three years ago, longtime Yale University men’s basketball head coach James Jones was waist-deep in his recruiting efforts, traversing the country to find his next crop of standouts. During one wintry weekend, Jones drove four hours up to Maine to watch center Danny Wolf of the Northfield Mount Hermon School, a seven-footer with tantalizing potential as both a scorer and passer. The only problem was that, unbeknownst to Jones at the time, Wolf was still recovering from a litany of injuries and only saw a couple minutes of court time that evening.
Even though Jones only ever saw precious little of Wolf competing during gametime, he knew about his unique blend of elite spot-up shooting and backto-basket game and remained undeterred in his pursuit of the Israeli American native of Glencoe, Ill., who began his prep career at Lake Forest Academy in Glencoe before transferring to Northfield Mount Hermon. Jones didn’t blink in offering Wolf a spot on Yale’s 2022-23 roster and even when his freshman season in New Haven got off to a rocky start, the veteran coach had no misgivings.
“His [Wolf’s] nervousness about playing, the transition to college basketball. He wasn’t very good the first month of the season,” admitted Jones when speaking to the AJT last month. “But then he just kind of caught steam and every time you played him, he did something good to make you want to play him more.”
By his sophomore season, Wolf, who declined to be interviewed for this story, emerged as a dominant presence on both ends of the floor in Ivy League competition, sparking the Bulldogs to a first-round upset over Auburn University in last year’s March Madness. His 14 double-doubles, team-best 14.1 points per game, and ability to hold his own against Kansas’s All-American center, Hunter Dickinson, during a regular season matchup caught the attention of bigtime programs, including the University of Michigan, to which Wolf transferred last summer via the wildly popular transfer portal. Now Wolf is holding down the front court for a Wolverines team with national title aspirations while projected to hear his name called in June’s NBA Draft, perhaps as early as the first round – if he decides to forgo his senior year at Michigan.
“I saw what everybody’s seeing now – Danny’s ability to play like a guard at seven feet, 260 pounds,” Jones recalls
about the first time he saw Wolf play during a prep school scrimmage. “His ability to handle the ball, his court vision, his skill level, his ability to shoot from the arc. You just don’t find many guys his size that can do that.”
In between Wolf’s freshman year during which he exclusively came off the bench and his breakout sophomore campaign, he competed for the Israel national team at the 2023 FIBA Under-20 European Championships in Heraklion, Greece. Wolf, who averaged a team-best 17.7 points per game and a tournamentbest 12.0 rebounds, propelled Israel to a silver medal finish (they ultimately fell to France in overtime, 89-79, in the championship game). But for Wolf, he returned to campus in autumn 2023 with newfound confidence that he could leverage not just his skillset but also his outstanding court vision and basketball IQ toward besting the finest Division I frontcourt players in the country.
“He was absolutely tremendous,” Jones recalls about Wolf’s showing at the 2023 FIBA Under-20 European Championships. “I think that that gave him a great deal of confidence in coming back to Yale. He just hit the ground running and hasn’t looked back since.”
After Yale bowed out of last year’s NCAA tournament in the second round, Wolf sat down with his family and weighed his options for the balance of his college career. Though it was hard to leave Yale, a contender for the Ivy League title and, of course, one of America’s elite academic institutions, the opportunity to enter the transfer portal and play for a college hoops powerhouse that could offer far greater exposure to NBA scouts proved too tempting. During Big Ten Media Day a few months back, Wolf explained his rationale and provided insight into the transfer portal process.
“I have nothing but amazing things to say about my two years at Yale,” Wolf initially acknowledged. “Coaches are great. Teammates were awesome. But when I decided with my family that it would be best to leave, we decided I was going to enter as a ‘do not contact’ because I didn’t want to be inundated by a bunch of schools that I wasn’t interested in and waste their time recruiting me. There was a short list of schools that I was interested in just given the academics and the type of basketball I wanted. Once we had that list and schools were reaching out to me based off of that, I was able to quickly narrow my list down
and schedule visits. Obviously with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), it was all so new and just hearing some schools throw out numbers that I had no interest in, just to try to pitch me something to their school. That was a little crazy to me. It’s all just so fast.
“It’s the new norm in college basketball that guys are going to be wearing different jerseys often.”
This winter, while he’s donned a maize and blue jersey at Michigan, Wolf has been a double-double machine (points and rebounds) while averaging a career-high in assists, thus furthering his case for one day joining Portland Trail Blazers small forward Deni Avdija and Sacramento Kings all-star forward Domantas Sabonis (who’s in the process of converting) as the only Jewish players currently in the NBA.
“Danny is certainly capable of playing at the next level,” asserted Jones. “He’s going to have an opportunity to play in the NBA. It’s going to be his work ethic and someone falling in love with Danny and believing in him to make it happen. He’s certainly going to have a chance. He’s a kid that really wants to make it to the next level and he’s doing everything he can to get himself there.” ì
After making a quantum leap from his freshman to sophomore seasons at Yale, Danny Wolf transferred to the University of Michigan where he has become one of the most coveted NBA prospects // Photo Credit: University of Michigan Basketball social media
The Georgia Solidarity Network has crafted a letter to be sent to Delta Air Lines that requests non-stop flights resume between Atlanta and Israel.
The previous non-stop service between Atlanta and Israel was a vital link for business travelers, tourists, and families, the letter reads. The letter also notes that reinstating this route would not only benefit travelers but also foster stronger economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the Southeastern United States and Israel.
You can add your name to the letter directed at Ed Bastian, Delta’s CEO, by visiting https://gasolidarity.com/campaign/106242/ and filling out the form.
By signing on, you consent to being contacted by Georgia Solidarity Network about future opportunities to take action.
Ask Delta to Resume Non-Stop Flights to Israel MendenFreiman Announces Leadership Transition
MendenFreiman LLP, a boutique law firm specializing in business law, tax law, estate planning, and estate administration, is pleased to announce a strategic leadership transition effective Jan. 1, 2025. Co-founder Lawrence H. Freiman has transitioned from his role as co-managing partner, with Lance G. Einstein now serving as the firm’s sole managing partner.
This transition reflects MendenFreiman’s commitment to strategic growth and leadership continuity, ensuring the firm’s success in delivering tailored legal solutions that empower clients to navigate complexity and achieve their goals with confidence.”
Since joining the firm in 2019, Einstein has been instrumental in strengthening our firm,” said Freiman. “His leadership and business acumen have positioned us for continued growth. I am confident he will guide the firm effectively into the future, and I look forward to supporting him and the firm’s ongoing success.”
Stepping away from firm-wide management, Freiman will remain actively involved in firm strategy and vision as a member of the firm’s Executive Com-
mittee. He will now dedicate his efforts to leading the Trusts & Estates/Private Wealth practice group, serving clients, mentoring team members, and pursuing new business opportunities.
“I am incredibly energized by this change,” Freiman added. “It allows me to focus on what I truly love—helping clients navigate complex issues and crafting solutions that create lasting value. This transition reflects our firm’s adaptability and commitment to thriving while staying true to our mission and values.”
Reflecting on his new role, Einstein remarked: “It is an honor to take on this responsibility and build on the foundation of success established by Larry and George. Their success has earned MendenFreiman its standing as a trusted name in the legal markets in which it serves, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue this legacy. As we look to the future, I am excited to lead the firm forward, delivering on our promise to empower clients and team members to achieve their fullest potential.”
Compiled by AJT Staff
Compiled by AJT Staff
A letter is circulating online that asks Delta to resume non-stop service from Atlanta to Israel.
MendenFreiman co-founder Lawrence H. Freiman has transitioned from his role as comanaging partner, with Lance G. Einstein now serving as the firm’s sole managing partner.
Hadassah Prime Time Group Enjoys Wine Tasting
Hadassah Greater Atlanta Prime Time (50s-60s) group’s first event of 2025 was a wine tasting evening held on Jan. 14 at Total Wine in Perimeter. Hadassah members and prospective members turned out in large numbers, as Sean from Total Wine led the group through the wine tasting. Along with the wines were cheese, dips, crackers, muffins, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruit. Participants tried out eight wines: three white and five red. One was an Israeli wine, kosher for Passover, from Psagot in the Judaean Hills.
The event began with the “Hadassah Moment.” Michele Weiner-Merbaum, chair of this event, spoke about a Hadassah Youth Aliyah Village, which has been caring for children since 1923. “Hadassah is so proud of Meir Shfeyah Youth Village, which has a winery that is run by 11th- and 12th-graders. This winery produces 3,000 bottles of premium wines annually.”
For Jews, wine has symbolized joy and celebration for more than 5,000 years. It is a symbol of happiness, and
it is believed that drinking wine brings joy to the heart. Archeological evidence shows that wine was produced throughout ancient Israel. Images of grape growing, harvesting, and winemaking were used to illustrate religious ideals. One might even say that the grapes used in wine production represent the cycle of life, from planting of the grapevine to the harvesting of the grapes.
Simone Wilker, advocacy chair for Hadassah Greater Atlanta, believes that “Wine is also a symbol of unity. Wine shared during celebrations, such as this Hadassah wine tasting event, is a symbol of togetherness and unity that Hadassah encourages and supports. It brings people together and is a symbol of fellowship.”
The next two events for this Prime Time group will be a Chocolate Seder on April 6 and a Day of Doing Yoga by the River. For more information go to www. hadassah.org.
Compiled by AJT Staff
Prime Time Hadassah participants enjoying being together while tasting wines, including a great one from Israel that is kosher for Passover. Pictured (from left) are Marcy Mehlman, Diane Fisher, and Dale Vanovitch
Physician Adventurer Blazes New Trails
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
If you can’t find Alon Vainer scoping kidneys, he just might be helicopter skiing in Siberia, close to Lakel Baikal, staying in Gorbachev’s dacha in the Caucasus Mountains, and skiing inside active volcanoes of Kamchatka.
Vainer defines his love for adventure as “an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.”
Born in Romania, Vainer moved to Israel at age 12. During his IDF paratrooper training, he observed planes taking off from Ben Gurion and recalled, “In my mind, all those planes flew interesting and exotic destinations. Those images stuck in my mind and were the seeds for my quest to travel.”
He studied medicine in Milan where he learned to ski. Immigrating to New York in 1988, he trained in internal medicine. After a nephrology fellowship in Toronto, Vainer and his wife (an Atlanta native) moved to Atlanta in 1993, and practiced nephrology with his brother.
Once his four boys grew up, Vainer
had the freedom to spend time away. His initial trip was hiking down the Grand Canyon, which advanced to the Slot Canyons (Utah) and the glaciers of Mt. Baker (Cascades).
He explained the concept, “Because of my love of skiing and travel, I started the group BAM—initially it stood for ‘Be
THE ROBIN BLASS GROUP
A Man,’ but changed to ‘Body And Mind’ when we included wives.”
Through his voyages, he met mountain guides from all over the world which
Alon Vainer trekked near the North Pole along with his group of mostly local doctors. Vainer’s Body And Mind group climbs the Mt. Blanc area.
Vainer braved Eastern Greenland, moving from island to island, and described the area as “one of the most desolate places on earth where silence can be deafening.”
flowed into the idea for a boutique travel agency. The men are mostly doctors, but they “don’t discriminate against lawyers and accountants.”
A few other men from other states, mainly California, join in. Vainer’s dream was to ski the seven continents, which he accomplished in 2022, after experiencing the Atlas Mountains (Morocco).
The trips are steered by professional mountain guides. He explained, “We do a lot of ski touring, climbing with skis on to get to the top and climb the mountains with our skies under boots.”
They have skied the very big mountains of Europe, including Mt. Blanc in the Alps, then Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. They skied in Kashmir’s Himalayas, one of the most dangerous places in the world as a disputed territory between two nuclear powers -- India and Pakistan -- where they were adjacent to the Indian military and the gondola entrance was guarded by armed soldiers.
He added, “We skied in eastern Greenland, being the only humans in the middle of nowhere and led by Eskimos on dog sleds on sea ice.”
They went to the Arctic Circle (island of Lofoten in northern Norway,) and in Svalbard close to the North Pole as the most northern ski venue.
Vainer continued, “We were on a sailboat through the fjords where shotguns are mandatory because there are more polar bears than humans. Part of our group got stranded on the shore after the dinghy’s motor fell in the water. The sailboat later got stuck in sea ice -- last year was the most sea ice in 20 years.”
Vainer ventured to Antarctica where, while skiing, he got caught in a Drake Channel storm with hurricane winds. The group also rock climbs and has summited the Grand Tetons, as well as all over the Southeast, from Kentucky to the Carolinas and Alabama. They trekked in Patagonia and canoed the Yukon River. Recently, wives joined in climbing adventures in the Dolomites and off the coast of the Mediterranean.
At 65, Vainer is a martial arts expert, still practicing medicine and teaching yoga. He summarized, “I want to encourage people to live their lives to the fullest, experience the world and the outdoors, conquer their fears and get outside their comfort zone. There’s a small window of opportunity where time, money, health, and friends align. If we don’t use it judiciously -- it’s gone. True joy comes from experiences and not material stuff.”
He describes his group as “like-minded people, who work hard, play hard, and don’t let the age thing slow them down.” ì
Weismark Carves Her Niche as ‘Handy Honey’
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
Ilana Weismark left the education world to enter a traditionally male space to handle “pesky home repairs for fabulous ladies who don’t have a “honey” to handle reliable professional ‘fix-it’ jobs.”
Weismark explained, “I’m a DIY kind of person. I have always enjoyed working with tools, building with wood, crafting solutions, and upgrading spaces. I love assembling furniture, hanging art, creating more storage space with shelves, installing blinds, changing air filters, and tackling the other tasks most homeowners don’t want to spend their precious free time on. These jobs are often too small for handymen to take on but are essential in making a home functional and beautiful.”
Weismark adds a continental touch with her European background. She grew up in France and lived in London until her 20s before moving to Israel, where she met husband, Adee, who is from Nashville. She was a language educator and taught English in France, French in England, French in Israel, and Hebrew in Atlanta at Atlanta Jewish Academy from
2009-2012. After leaving the education world, she ran her own home company, Ooh La La Home Staging, where she worked for nine years before selling the company to intern with a fine cabinet
maker, and then learning to weld.
Four months ago, she launched Handy Honey LLC, and never looked back, helping clients with a wide variety of tasks -- from changing light bulbs to
increasing pantry space with wire shelving, hanging bikes, assembling furniture, hanging artwork, changing air filters, and installing vinyl window frosting to add privacy to a front door.
Weismark, aka “the Handy Honey,” especially enjoys shelving and storage jobs.
Ilana Weismark studied welding and fine cabinetry.
She specializes in helping female heads of household, divorcees, widows, single women, and female college students who need a little help and feel more comfortable having a woman come into their home. If she is hired for a task that requires more heavy lifting, she has an assistant to help. Handy Honey took off on Jewish Women of Atlanta’s Facebook page and from there on, grew through word of mouth.
Weismark added, “I love what I do. Making the lives of my clients easier and empowering women is my favorite thing about this business. My ‘sweet spot’ is assembling furniture and working on anything that requires a woman’s touch. With my background in home staging and design, I have an eye for detail and know what looks good and what doesn’t. My clients trust me to not only get the job done, but to ensure it’s done with care and precision.”
The idea for Handy Honey came from a girlfriend who shared how she wished there were more women in the handy-person field. Women often feel more at ease inviting another woman into their home to handle the things a male partner may typically solve. Some things Weismark does not do: paint-
ing entire walls, changing or hanging very high chandeliers, plumbing or electrical repairs, or heavy-duty projects.
Instead of charging by the hour, she charges by the task and has a minimum of $150 per visit. She shared, “This way, my clients can make the most of my time on-site by compiling a list of tasks to be completed during a single visit. I like to take my time to ensure the work is done right, and this pricing method allows me to focus on delivering quality results without watching the clock.”
Handy Honey is more than just a business -- it’s a way to combine Weismark’s passions for creativity, problemsolving, and helping others. She said, “I find so much joy in knowing I’ve made someone’s day easier by taking care of tasks that have been lingering on their todo list. I believe in empowering women and creating spaces that feel both functional and beautiful. Whether it’s a small fix like replacing a doorknob or a larger project like installing a storage solution, my goal is always to leave clients with a smile on their faces and a home that works better for them.”
For more information, please call 770-312-6723 or visit www.handyhoney.net. ì
FAMILY
HELPING FAMILIES
Whether you are looking for yourself, family or friends...OUR FAMILY is here for you!
With 3 generations of knowledge & experience, our family is prepared to make your move successful.
Ilana takes joy in empowering women to feel secure with important tasks done right.
Best Buds Aim for Tip Top of Industry
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
In a world focused on convenience, quality, and fun living, Neal Cohen and Yoni Reisman cultivated visions that rolled into a national beverage company, Tip Top Proper Cocktails, confirming that good things do come in small packages.
They envisioned prepared classic cocktails that deliver all the notes of traditional recipes in small portions, so modern drinkers can get balanced beverages “whenever and wherever.”
Reisman, co-founder and CEO, and Cohen, co-founder and chief brand officer, originally met while attending Greenfield Hebrew Academy (now Atlanta Jewish Academy). They were then in the same bunk at Camp Barney Medintz.
Reisman was bar mitzvah’d at Congregation B’nai Torah and Cohen at Ahavath Achim. Cohen went to high school at the New Atlanta Jewish Community High School (now Weber School). Reisman went to Riverwood High School then to the University of Texas-Austin, while
Cohen became a “wolverine” at the University of Michigan.
Cohen recalled, “We always were coming up with ideas for businesses with
our group of friends; and at one point started building out a vision for a brewery music venue. As cocktail enthusiasts ourselves, over time we realized that there is a market for cocktails that are high quality, true to the original cocktail recipe and convenient. That is how Tip Top Proper Cocktails was born.”
Now they lead the prepared classic cocktail brand, producing cocktails on par with what one could expect from a well-trained bartender, all out of the Atlanta headquarters.
Both young men were in the music festival industry prior to founding Tip Top. Cohen was in marketing at Superfly, producing festivals like Bonnaroo and Outside Lands. Reisman co-founded the Governor’s Ball Music Festival in New York City. While leading that, Reisman identified a huge gap in the available concessions. Cocktail culture was on the rise and good cocktails were in high demand; but the vending at music festivals didn’t allow for careful preparation needed for a good cocktail. That stuck with Reisman and propelled him to concoct a solution.
Tip Top can be ordered online or at local retailers -- primarily liquor stores. Their distributor in Georgia is Savannah Distributing. To make buying easy and uncomplicated, all cocktails are priced the same; and in Atlanta price points are around $3.99 to $4.99 per can. Their most sought-after cocktails coincide with the most popular ones at bars around the country: Old Fashioned, Margarita and Espresso Martini. Then, there are creative combos of Rum Boxes ($89.99), Gin Boxes, The Everything Box, all curated
with 18 cans. The Proper Party Variety Pack looks to be the most fun with three cans each of six flavors in various combinations: Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Negroni, Bee’s Knees, Margarita, Jungle Bird, Cosmopolitan and more.
The tiny cans have graphics of a giraffe with a monocle wearing a top hat. Being able to ship alcoholic beverages opens a gift window to transport nationwide to friends and family. The website also touts merchandise -- Polo and racer hats with the giraffe logo, T-shirts and crewnecks, travel shakers, Yeti tumblers, and glasses ($30 each). Their culture has an on-trend vibe, especially when thinking about not having to make your own concoctions, accumulating the right sugar, bitters, peels, whiskeys, and what not.
Cohen explained, “We see great cocktail options available anywhere you could want one, from a friend’s barbeque to a sporting event, to simply when you want a good cocktail at home on the couch without all the effort of measuring, squeezing, shaking and stirring. We believe that quality and convenience can indeed go handin-hand. People are drinking less; and yet, when they choose to drink, they are drinking higher quality options.”
Tip Top is certified kosher, making it a good fit for weddings, bar mitzvahs, and bris l’chaims. Free shipping on orders $99-plus. The catchy marketing tag line is “Always balanced, never too sweet.” Not so tongue in cheek, the website suggests musical playlists to drink by, Good Libations travel guides to scores of “proper” bars in Atlanta and most major cities. ì
A popular Tip Top option is the Whiskey Sour.
Yoni Reisman went to the University of Texas and is now CEO of Tip Top.
Knopf Touts Private Flight Options
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
As chief legal officer, Matthew Knopf sees Wheels Up as a key part of Delta’s brand strategy since more corporate and leisure travelers understand the value of time and convenience in the rapidly growing private flights market.
He stated, “We don’t compete directly with commercial airlines on price. We’re competing with commercial airlines on a valuable commodity, time. A private equity founder in New York City flying to a manufacturing plant in western Pennsylvania would have to arrive at the airport one to two hours in advance, fly for at least an hour, deplane/exit the terminal/get a rental car for another 1.5 hours, and another two hour car journey, taking seven hours vs. walking right onto a Wheels Up jet, flying for an hour, and landing at another private airport, taking less than two hours.”
Similarly, for executives with a global reach, private flying is a way to attend meetings in multiple locations in one day. Have breakfast in Dubai, London for lunch, and dinner in D.C. -- in the commercial world, this would take two to three days.
Knopf also sees opportunities for leisure travel. “If you’re planning a family trip to Botswana for a safari, we can fly you Delta One to Johannesburg and connect you on a private jet the rest of the way. A family traveling to Aspen may leave on a Friday afternoon and fight through traffic in rush hour, deal with security at ATL and finally catch a flight to get there late at night. Or they could fly Wheels Up out of Peachtree-DeKalb Airport (PDK) with the whole family and pets, too, start the vacation on the plane and get there sooner.”
Another modern market -- pets as family members. Some chose Wheels Up for just that reason, where pets sit with people.
In 2024, Wheels Up moved its headquarters to Atlanta to optimize its partnership with Delta, with a state-of-the art Member Operations Center (running 24/7) combining flight operations and corporate headquarters in Chamblee near PDK. Wheels Up has about 1,800 employees worldwide with about 450 pilots across the U.S.
All charter pricing is dynamic, only charging for “flying” hours. Booking ahead and flying on less busy days or times can save money. There are no upfront capital or contract commitments. Those who fly often enough find it practical to be a member as you can be eligible for additional
As Wheels Up’s chief legal officer, Matthew Knopf leads all legal aspects of the organization, advising the CEO and board of directors. Prior to Wheels Up, Knopf was Delta’s senior vice president and deputy general counsel.
the
Knopf was approached last summer by senior Delta leaders to take the Wheels Up role. Delta led the investment to recapitalize Wheels Up. Knopf felt he could make a difference in this growing public company.
benefits. Wheels Up owns its own fleet, focused on highly sought after Phenoms (six to eight passengers) and Challengers (eight to 12 passengers). Knopf added, “Adding all of this together with its worldwide charter operation, we have ways to meet any private flyer’s needs.”
Knopf estimates 78 percent of the existing private jet fleet in the U.S. is owned by individuals or businesses for their sole use. The rest is comprised of a handful of large players, like Wheels Up, and smaller charter operators. Knopf makes this practical statement, “It doesn’t make
sense to own your own aircraft unless you are flying more than 800 hours a year -- while the average utilization of privately owned aircraft is about 200. As owning and operating a plane continues to become less attractive for some, we have grown.”
Glitterati have been criticized for private flights vis a vis climate change concerns, as is the broader aviation industry. Knopf proffered that fleet operators can be more energy efficient than corporations owning their aircraft which are often flown empty back to headquar-
ters, burning additional fuel. Wheels Up rarely flies its planes empty by using a floating fleet to fly another customer from the same airport.
Customers don’t pay separately for insurance. All aircraft have two engines and two pilots, and larger aircraft may include a flight attendant. Wheels Up utilizes an app to create an account for quotes (or call). Members have access to a dedicated account manager.
Knopf, a member of The Temple, is married to Terri Bonoff, CEO of Jewish Family & Career Services. ì
Knopf extols
benefits of opting for private flights in a variety of business and personal examples in the Wheels Up model.
Genectics Expert Speaks about Transforming Medicine
By Bob Bahr
The Torah Center, an ambitious new adult education project in Sandy Springs, welcomed one of the architects of the relatively recent medical science of genomics.
In a brisk and sharply focused presentation at Congregation Beth Tefillah, Dr. Eric Green, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institute of Health in Washington, D.C., led an audience of medical professionals and laypersons through a quick overview of one of the most important areas of contemporary medicine.
He described how, in 1987, as a newly minted medical researcher with a fresh M.D. and PhD, he first encountered the dawn of a new science that he believes will ultimately transform medicine. It’s what he described as the quest to understand human genetics, the blueprint that determines the makeup of each human being.
“The word ‘genomics’ didn’t even exist until the year that I graduated with my M.D. and Ph.D. degrees,” Dr. Green said. “I had a vague idea that it might be a new and exciting frontier, perhaps one that would be ideal for me.”
Just a few years after completing his education, he was recruited to work on one of the most important projects of modern-day science, the sequencing of the human genome. The feat, which resulted in six million lines of code describing the structure of our genetic inheritance, was first completed just 22 years ago in April of 2003.
According to Green, genomics has made significant strides since then.
“We’ve gone from knowing very little about the details
of the functional elements encoded in our genomes to having a far more mature view of our blueprint,” Dr. Green said.
“We’re still in the early days of exploration. While there are millions of letters in our DNA that we don’t know how they are involved in genome function, we have come a long way in interpreting the human genome sequence in the first two decades of having it available for study.”
Genomic medicine, or what is sometimes called “precision medicine,” uses this complex model of our genetic structure to help custom tailor treatments for individual patients who have the potential to stop deadly disease in its tracks.
Patients with rare diseases like spinal muscular atrophy and a rare variant of leukemia that were once thought to be hopeless can now be treated effectively. To treat these disorders where a single gene is the cause requires the creation of gene therapy medicines. Each one requires a complex process of replacing a virus in the medication with a gene that targets the disease in the individual patient.
But the cost of producing these precise treatments can be extraordinarily expensive. One of the more effective medications is Erlotinib, which costs $5,000 for a monthly course of treatment. Drugs with exotic names like Osemetinib and Sotorasib are priced in the $10,000 to $20,000 range for a 30-day treatment and medications with a $50,000 per month price tag are not unknown.
A gene therapy treatment for one rare inherited blood condition is said to be priced at an astonishing $3.5 million for a single treatment. It is reputedly the most expensive drug yet produced.
While progress has been slow in creating effective treatments, the potential is immense. Reportedly there are more than 7,000 diseases that can now be traced to a single errant gene. Worldwide, the number of people who could be aided by effective gene therapy is said to number in the hundreds of millions.
Dr. Green is optimistic that as the science of genetics drops in price, as it has steadily since that first sequence in 2003, that more widespread treatments will become available.
“We have gone from having one sequence of a human genome, the first of which cost about a billion dollars to generate, to now having sequenced millions of people’s genomes, when we can do that for well under a thousand dollars,” Dr. Green says.
Along with a drop in cost has come a corresponding drop in the time it takes to sequence a human genome. The first one took 13 years; today it can be done in less than a day.
And even though it may be some time before gene therapy will cure such ailments as Parkinson’s Disease or other more common diseases like diabetes and mental illness that might be traced to sets of genes or genomic mutations, genomics is being used as a diagnostic tool.
“If you had asked me in 1990 if I thought I’d be alive to see genome sequencing become a routine diagnostic test in medicine,” Green commented, “I’d have said, ‘Absolutely, not a chance.’” ì
Gene therapy is often a very expensive and complex treatment. Dr. Eric Green (right), director of the National Genome Research Institute, spoke at Congregation Beth Tefillah.
Therapist Shares Valentine’s Tips for Finding Love
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
As technology and dating protocol evolve with societal trends, therapist Rhonda Findling weighs in on how to get romance right, or perhaps, not at all. As Bogart crooned, “It’s still the same old story … the world will always welcome lovers, as time goes by.”
Valentine’s Day, with all its drama about roses and candy, still leads us to evaluate our own heart throbbing: the adrenaline rush of new romance, women marrying later, and is waiting to have sex still a “thing?”
Author of “Men, Love, and Disco,” Findling herself struggled with her mother about marrying a Jewish man. Now, she specializes in helping women enter healthy relationships and exit unhealthy ones.
Findling’s book, “Men, Love, and Disco,” is a ride through her own dating experiences.
Technology has changed everything. Years ago, one had to wait for someone to call on a landline and be there to get the message. Now, Findling advises that meeting organically is more fruitful than online apps.
“Attend events where people naturally socialize. I enjoy karaoke — it’s an easy way to meet new people. If you love to tango, join a tango class. There are meetups for people who speak French.
Attend Friday night services at your local synagogue and stay for the refreshments, where mingling occurs. Explore open poetry mics or trivia nights at local bars. Push yourself to smile and start conversations. Ask friends to introduce you to someone they know who’s single and looking to connect. Finding the right person will likely take some effort, Prince Charming isn’t going to gallop up to your doorstep!”
The U.S. census showed that women are marrying later or not at all. A fascinating book, “Going Solo,” advances the theory that as women are more financially independent, they may not “need” to land a man for security. Findling relates, “I think going solo is a great idea because you can just enjoy life and not be bogged down with always looking for a boyfriend or potential husband. However, there’s nothing wrong with getting involved with a man if you meet that special someone.”
For those super successful women (51 percent of dental and medical schools are female for example), she proffers, “Don’t be too super picky. If you are successful, you may have to date men who make less than you, or else you are severely narrowing your pool of potential husbands.”
Then there’s interfaith dating which widens the field. She stated, “If raising a family is one of your major goals, than perhaps Jewish dating is best. As a Jewish woman, I have dated men of different faiths and didn’t find it much different. Although most of them … weren’t very religious anyway.”
Getting women to walk away from unhealthy relationships is one of Findling’s “sweet spots.”
She said,” If you see signs that he’s not relationship oriented, drop him. Don’t be in denial, rationalize or make allowances when you know instinctively that it’s not going anywhere.”
Her tip on disengaging from a bad situation: “Be honest about what’s bothering you in the relationship. If he isn’t receptive or [is] unwilling to work on it, it may be time to end things. It’s better to face the pain now than to prolong it and suffer more later. Once you’ve cut ties, resist the urge to contact him — no matter how lonely you feel … Adopt a ‘Next’ mindset.”
Regarding no sex until monogamy, Findling mused, “That’s a good suggestion if you can stick to it. It can be difficult if there’s a lot of chemistry between you and the man.”
Looking back at her career, native New Yorker Findling made the talk show circuit where she recalled that going on "Geraldo” was most exciting because of the show’s popularity and her fun repartee talking to him during commercial breaks.
Her film “La Vie En Rhonda,” got into five film festivals and was about her longdistance romantic relationship with a much younger man. Her book “Men, Love and Disco,” empowers women to not only survive, but have the ability to transcend pain from ending a romantic relationship and emerge stronger and wiser from the experience. Findling is the author of six pop psychology books, including the internationally acclaimed, “Don’t Call That Man! A Survival Guide To Letting Go” (Hyperion) that has been translated into eight languages. A lifelong New Yorker until 2019, Findling now lives in Atlanta. ì
Rhonda Findling thinks meeting organically through activities may be more resultful than dating apps.
It’s a proven fact. Now more than ever, access to safe abortion is a life and death situation.
Reproductive freedom is a Jewish value, and a strong commitment to reproductive health and abortion rights is a belief deeply rooted in our ancient texts.
National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW)’s 5th annual Repro Shabbat will be observed February 21 and 22 when Parshat Mishpatim (Exodus Chapter 21-23) will be read. This parsha includes verses that form the basis for Judaism’s teachings on abortion. NCJW sections around the country are taking the lead to educate our communities on the important issues of reproductive health and access, reproductive rights, and reproductive justice.
NCJW Atlanta Section thanks the clergy leaders in and around metro Atlanta who have signed NCJW’s Rabbis for Repro pledge. This program is co-sponsored by The Rabbinical Assembly, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, the American Conference of Cantors, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School (YCT), and Yeshivat Maharat.
We are proud that more than 50 Jewish clergy leaders in and around metro Atlanta have signed NCJW’s Rabbis/Clergy for Repro Pledge, committing to teach and preach about this crucial healthcare issue and acknowledging the broad community support for abortion access.
CONSERVATIVE
• Congregation Ahavath Achim – Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal, Rabbi Mike Rothbaum, Rabbi Neil Sandler (Emeritus)
• Congregation Children of Israel (Augusta) – Rabbi Seth Oppenheimer, Rabbi Robert Klensin (Emeritus)
Our Mission: National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. christineh@ncjwatlanta.org • www.ncjwatlanta.org • 404-843-9600
Halpern Expands Its Southeast Footprint
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
Even though Matthew Oppenheimer’s mother, uncle and cousins were part of Halpern Enterprises, it wasn’t until he worked his way through a real estate finance major in college that he realized where he wanted to land and embraced the opportunity to carry on the legacy established by his grandparents nearly 65 years ago and assumed the presidency in 2022.
Halpern Enterprises, a privately-held commercial real estate firm, owns and operates more than 50 shopping centers in five states, totaling 3.7 million square feet. After being founded in the 1960s, it was subsequently led by his uncle, Jack Halpern, as CEO and mom, Carolyn Oppenheimer, as executive vice president.
Matthew Oppenheimer worked his way up from property manager, a required post for every Halpern family business member. “I’m grateful for the faith that’s been put in me as president of our family business, and I’m motivated daily to continue earning that trust,” he said.
Here he shares insights into the company’s growth and market opportunities that have driven its success.
Oppenheimer summarized that the Halpern portfolio was built through two primary channels: acquiring existing shopping centers and developing new properties from the ground up. Investment philosophy centers on identifying well-located, fundamentally sound real estate in thriving markets throughout the Southeast. They continue to expand their geographical footprint in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, capitalizing on the Sunbelt’s dynamic population growth and retail fundamentals.
When it comes to acquisitions, they’re pursuing neighborhood and community centers anchored by grocery stores or big-box retail tenants and properties with value-add potential. The development team is focusing on singletenant and multi-parcel net lease and mixed-use projects. Some recognizable Atlanta centers are The Shops at Belmont, Pinetree Plaza, Amsterdam Walk and Cheshire Square.
In 2024, they acquired a second shopping center in Alabama. Heritage Square in Madison, near Huntsville, in one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing submarkets. It’s 100 percent occupied and anchored by a 28,000-square-foot TJ Maxx. The firm did several projects with growth brands like Chick-fil-A, Whata-
burger, Starbucks, Valvoline, Panda Express, and Murphy Oil. They also brought Marshalls and Five Below to the Ellijay center and are transforming a former grocery store in Calhoun into space for a new Marshalls and another national retailer.
Matthew Oppenheimer shared his goals for 2025: “We plan to acquire two to three shopping centers while building our development pipeline. Our portfolio is 96 percent occupied. With retail demand outpacing supply, we are confident in our ability to continue backfilling spaces while making strategic investments.”
He further sees the grocery sector as robust, led by chains like Publix, Whole Foods, and Kroger. Discount apparel retailers, TJ Maxx, Ross, and Burlington, and specialty retailers like pet stores, sporting goods outlets, arts and crafts shops, and hardware stores to continue
expanding. The beauty sector, particularly ULTA, shows strength, while discount retailers like Dollar Tree and Five Below remain high performers.
When asked about Halpern’s “magic sauce,” Matthew Oppenheimer said, “By owning, leasing, and self-managing our properties, we have greater operational control and clarity. Each department, from leasing to property management to accounting, collaborates closely to ensure we deliver the highest level of service to our tenants and business partners. This synergy also enables us to identify opportunities and overcome challenges quickly.”
With disciplined growth, they are committed to the success of tenants, the communities, and providing rewarding career opportunities for employees.
Under the leadership of Jack and Carolyn, many team members have grown their careers. Matthew Oppen-
heimer added, “Some employees have been with us for decades and feel like an extension of family. Given this longevity and talent, they have developed strong relationships with tenants, brokers, lenders and industry partners with whom we do business, underscoring our reputation as a stable, trusted company.”
In terms of family working together, Jack and Carolyn have been intentional about succession planning. The third generation has grown up with them as role models, demonstrating respect and support.
Matthew Oppenheimer concluded, “My brother, cousins and I want to be remembered as good stewards of the business. We want to build on the foundation our parents and grandparents created, successfully grow the company, and ultimately transition it to the next generation of our family.” ì
Heritage Square near Huntsville, Ala., was recently purchased in 2024.
Matthew Oppenheimer became president of Halpern Enterprises in 2022.
Matthew Oppenheimer sees the retail discount store sector as a winning strategy.
The landmark Tara Theatre is part of Cheshire Square with Publix anchored on the east end.
Experts Share Insight into Mortgage & Interest Rates
By Sheri Levin, Kevin Rubin and Seth Toporek
The financial world can often feel like a maze, especially when trends seem to contradict each other. One such puzzle is the current scenario where mortgage rates are rising, even as broader interest rates set by the Federal Reserve are decreasing. This apparent disconnect leaves many homebuyers and homeowners scratching their heads.
To understand the current situation, it’s essential to distinguish between mortgage rates and the Federal Reserve’s interest rates. Mortgage rates apply specifically to home loans and are determined by a mix of market factors, including demand for mortgages, lender costs, and bond market trends. In contrast, the Federal Reserve’s interest rates refer to short-term rates at which banks lend to each other. These rates are a tool used by the Fed to influence economic activity—lower rates encourage borrowing and spending, while higher rates aim to curb inflation.
Why Are Mortgage Rates Rising?
Mortgage rates are tied closely to the bond market, particularly the yields on 10-year Treasury bonds. These bonds are considered benchmarks for longterm borrowing. When investors expect inflation to persist or rise, they demand higher yields on these bonds to offset the loss of purchasing power. Mortgage rates follow suit, climbing higher to remain competitive with these yields.
Other factors also drive mortgage rates upward. Lender risk plays a role, as economic uncertainty can increase the likelihood of borrowers defaulting on their loans. In response, lenders may charge higher rates to compensate for this risk. Additionally, regulatory and operational costs for lenders can push rates higher, regardless of broader economic conditions.
Why Are Short-Term Interest Rates Decreasing?
The Federal Reserve’s recent decision to lower interest rates reflects its efforts to stimulate economic growth. By making borrowing cheaper for businesses and consumers, the Fed aims to encourage spending and investment. This policy is often implemented in response to slowing economic growth or signs of a potential recession.
However, these lower rates are not directly passed on to long-term loans
like mortgages. Instead, they impact short-term borrowing costs, such as personal loans, auto loans, and credit cards. While the Fed’s actions influence broader economic conditions, mortgage rates remain more responsive to market-driven factors, particularly inflation expectations and bond yields.
At first glance, it might seem counterintuitive for mortgage rates to rise while the Fed is cutting interest rates, but the explanation lies in how these rates respond to different forces. While the Fed focuses on short-term economic signals, mortgage rates are influenced by long-term trends. If inflation fears persist or investors lose confidence in the economic outlook, mortgage rates can rise even in the face of falling shortterm rates.
Another important factor is supply and demand in the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) market. These securi-
ties, made up of bundled home loans, are sold to investors. When demand for MBS decreases, lenders must offer higher rates to attract investors, driving up mortgage costs for borrowers.
A Silver Lining: Higher Interest Earnings on Savings
While rising mortgage rates may pose challenges for borrowers, there is a positive side to the current interest rate environment. Higher interest rates mean that savings accounts, CDs, and other interest-bearing accounts are offering better returns than they have in years. This allows savers to earn more on their deposits, helping to balance out the impact of higher borrowing costs.
What Does This Mean for Homebuyers and Homeowners?
For potential homebuyers, the current landscape underscores the impor-
tance of understanding market conditions. Rising mortgage rates can have an impact on a consumer’s affordability, so it’s crucial to shop around and compare options.
For homeowners considering refinancing, the decision depends on their current rate, the existing market rate for their scenario, and their financial goals. Whether you’re buying a home, refinancing, or simply exploring your options, consulting with a mortgage professional can help clarify the best course of action based on your individual circumstances.
For more information, please contact Southeastern Mortgage Solutions, Inc. NMLS# 170525, 6849 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Suite B4-210, Atlanta, GA 30328 | 123GetLoan.com
Mortgage rates are rising while interest rates are declining, leaving some homebuyers and owners puzzled.
Liniado Takes Homes from Nice to ‘Wow’
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
Mira Liniado runs Emuna Group, a real estate and investment firm focusing on properties primarily in Sandy Springs. Depending on what will yield the best return, she either buys and renovates, adds onto existing homes, or develops and builds new homes.
With more than two decades of experience Liniado weighs in on what improvements are the most impactful, the value of hidden gems, tools for first-time buyers, and avoiding the “perfection” syndrome.
For clients looking to buy in highly popular areas, she recommends shifting mindset from finding your “perfect forever home” to thinking about a house in three-to-five-year segments. She said, “With inventory so tight, it’s challenging to find that ideal long-term fit. Instead, focus on meeting your current needs, building equity, and reevaluating as needs evolve. Nothing is forever, and this approach allows you to adapt while still making a smart investment.”
Liniado encourages sellers to make small changes that have a significant impact. She recalls working with a family selling a $1,850,000 home which had “great bones,” but needed updates. She invested $70,000 in strategic improvements—painting the cabinets, updating light fixtures, staging, and replacing the roof. This transformed the property for a competitive market listing for $2,000,000 and selling for $2,225,000 ... $400,000 over original value.
Liniado added, “One thing I hear is ‘I wish I had made these improvements earlier and enjoyed them myself!’ Buyers notice thoughtful updates. Fresh paint in neutral tones, modern hardware, and clean, decluttered spaces can take a home from nice to wow. And it doesn’t have to break the bank.”
First-time buyers often feel pressure to find their “forever” home. Liniado observed that needs evolve. “Focus on what works for you now—budget, location, and priorities.”
She helped one young couple narrow their search to homes that fit their budget and lifestyle. They ended
Beyond Your Expectations...
up with a cozy bungalow, and years later, they upgraded to their forever home. “Start with a clear budget, get preapproved, and set aside a rainy-day fund for peace of mind,” she advised.
Liniado touts a strategy of finding hidden gems. She stated that one of her favorite parts of her role is finding off-market opportunities. She’s helped multiple buyers land their dream home by knocking on doors in a neighborhood they sought. The homeowners weren’t planning to sell, but after a conversation, they realized it could be a win-win for both.”
She joked, “I’ve even had homeowners say that I must be listening to their Alexa because I appear just after they’ve discussed moving but dreading the hassle of listing their home. Think outside the box. In a lowinventory market, those hidden opportunities can make all the difference.”
When Liniado designs or renovate homes, she think like a mom, a wife, and someone who values practicality. “How will this home work for a family? Is it functional for entertaining? Will it make daily life easier?”
In terms of timeline, proper planning is key. While some projects can take years, her most recent new construction was completed in 10 months because she had a clear vision, an experienced team, and strong communication.
Liniado describes Atlanta’s current market as “thriving, especially near the High Point Road area.”
She said, “Since COVID, there’s been a significant influx of families drawn to communities (around synagogues) for their lifestyle and access to Jewish resources. This increased demand has driven up prices, with buyers willing to pay premiums for the right location.”
She observes fluctuating interest rates, and said, “As the job market fuels demand, one can’t perfectly time the market. The sooner you buy, the sooner you start building wealth and equity, paving the way for your future forever home.”
Emuna (belief or faith) summarizes Liniado’s core values: trust, integrity, and the power of doing the right thing.
“It embodies the belief that everything will work out for the best,” she said.
Liniado serves as vice president of Congregation Beth Tefillah and as a board member of the High Point Civic Association. She strives to connect both Jews and non-Jews to make the neighborhood stronger. ì
Mira Liniado urges sellers to make smart updates before listing to ensure a quicker sale at top dollar.
ARTS & CULTURE
‘Lehman Trilogy’ is Not to be Missed
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
The term “epic” denotes tones of grandeur in terms of size, scope and ultimately length. “The Lehman Trilogy,” performed at the Theatrical Outlet, is epic because it does so much with so little fanfare.
Three actors and a modest stage craft legions with a fast-moving train of a script; although three hours and two intermissions qualify for length. How can riveting history from 1844 to 2008 cover it any less? Matters not, as Andrew Benator, Brian Kurlander, and Eric Mendenhall make such deft use of the set and dialogue, time is just a sweep of a feather, the changing of a store sign, the evolution of three generations.
Produced in conjunction with the Breman Museum, “The Lehman Trilogy” was introduced by director Matt Torney and Museum Executive Director Leslie Gordon, who shared the Breman’s role as “story seeker and story keeper.” She noted this story was rooted in the South, but “not only about the South.”
Delving into the rise and fall of the
Kurlander, Eric Mendenhall, and Andrew Benator set up shop in Montgomery after they received their modified Americanized names entering the U.S. // All photos by Casey G Ford Photos
Lehman Brothers’ Bank, “Trilogy” fills in the back story to witness a saga where the end is already known.
In this writer’s career at Cox Enterprises, local mogul Jim Cox Kennedy often began his speaking engagements with a Chinese proverb: “The first genera-
tion makes the money, the second generation invests the money, and the third generation squanders the money.”
The “Trilogy” audience can decide if the fall of Lehman Brothers was timing, or the players themselves or both. Whatever happens at the end, the first act
-- with the three immigrant brothers settling in Montgomery, Ala., to sell fabric (recall 1998 book by Suberman, “Jew Store”) -- morphs into the genius economic machinations of the brothers who steam-engined their ideas as businessmen before the Civil War to New York
Brian
Eric Mendenhall portrays the younger of the three brothers.
Photo by Andy Henderson
ARTS & CULTURE
society with some assimilation.
No better cast could have been found in London (2018) than our local trio. Much has been made (since “Hamilton”) of using actors with “lived experiences.” Some other city “Trilogy” productions didn’t have an all-white, all-Jewish cast. These three Atlanta men are grounded in the way they say “baruch hashem,” recite the kaddish, light the hannukiah, and break into Southern society while the children are still in Hebrew school. Benator, Kurlander and Mendenhall use the stage as their tool utilizing nothing but a shawl a white flowers, and some wooden chairs. They walk a tightrope, hang street signs, and court their fiancés, never walking more than a few feet. But wait, they actually portray demure women, country folks and New Yorkers, changing accents on a dime.
Kurlander (the older Henry Lehman), whose character dies early in the production, comes back in several different forms, ricocheting accents and posture in seconds. Kurlander, who was recently glowingly reviewed in the City Springs production of the "Music Man,” told the AJT, “I hope audiences will walk away feeling like they experienced an epic story. One that they are hearing for the first time but also recognize as uniquely singular to the ‘American Dream.’”
Benator (Mayer Lehman), a seasoned local actor who plays the “potato-looking,
buffering” brother with a bucket of stage presence, also told the AJT, “After the overwhelmingly positive experience I had on ‘Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski,’ co-produced with The Breman, I knew that ‘The Lehman Trilogy’ would be a great opportunity to deepen that collaboration. The Jewish and Southern themes of the play overlap with The Breman’s mission, and the conversations we had in rehearsal with Leslie Gordon and Rabbi Joe from The Breman were extremely helpful in crafting the story.”
Mendenhall (Emmanuel Lehman), who holds up his 33.3 percent of the stage, said, “The Lehman Trilogy” has proven … in various productions around the country (and the world) that a profoundly human connection is created with an audience, no matter where this play is performed. It’s a play made for the theatre — full of soaring ideas, deeply poetic, and visually stunning. The script is wildly ambitious in what it asks of its actors, and I love that challenge.”
Audience member Linda Schear didn’t align with the play’s duration, and said, “I enjoyed the play and thought the three actors were wonderful and adjusted their roles well when needed. My only downside was that the play definitely could have been edited to keep it from ending near 11 p.m.”
“The Lehman Trilogy” runs through March 2. ì
By JAKE BRASCH Directed by SHELLEY BUTLER
In Partnership with Denver Center for the Performing Arts & Geffen Playhouse
Mendenhall, Kurlander, and Benator play many parts and keep the fast dialogue in play.
‘Violins of Hope’ Recalls Music of a Troubled Time
By Bob Bahr
“Violins of Hope,” a unique concert series that brings together a collection of musical instruments associated with the Holocaust, is coming to the Southeast in March and April.
The series, which also includes an exhibit of archival materials that put the musical instruments in their historical context, is being presented in Knoxville, Tenn., from March 3 to April 9. It’s under the sponsorship of the Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School, with support from the city government, University of Tennessee, Tennessee Holocaust Commission and a half-dozen important local organizations.
The instruments and museum exhibit are from the collection of Avshalom Weinstein, a third-generation luthier, or violin maker, in Istanbul and his father, Amnon, who spent a lifetime in Tel Aviv making fine violins. Over the past 17 years, the collection has toured the world to raise awareness of the role that music played in the lives of Jews both before
and during the Nazi Holocaust.
Amnon Weinstein, who died at the age of 85 last year, had previously appeared on the CBS program, “Sunday
Morning.” He described how he acquired one of the early violins in the collection.
“One day had a guy who came to my shop with a violin that he had owned
for years. He wanted me to restore it, and when I opened the violin, there was black powder, perhaps they were ashes, inside. Perhaps they were human ashes,
An exhibit featuring many of the violins in the collection is often a part of each concert. The “Violins of Hope” project was originally created by Amnon Weinstein in Tel Aviv.
ARTS & CULTURE
that could come from only one place. Yes. This one was played in the orchestra of Auschwitz.”
Each of the violins comes with a story. One of them is from France, where a Jewish man from Lyon realized that he might never be able to play the instrument again and managed to throw it out of the cattle car to some workmen repairing the rails.
“In the place where I now go,” he said, so the story goes, “I don’t need a violin. Here, take it, so it may live.”
This is the second visit the collection has made to Knoxville, where it previously made a stop in 2018. A pair of concerts featuring several of the instruments are scheduled with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra on March 5 and April 8. A series of educational programs that are expected to reach over 5,000 participants will be held in area schools, churches, synagogues and community centers in March and April. There’s also a monthlong exhibit that’s open to the public.
“Violins of Hope” has traveled the world over the last 17 years to tell the story behind each one of the instruments and how that relates to the larger story of the Nazi Holocaust in the 1930s and during World War II.
Concerts have been held internationally in France, England, Spain, Switzerland, Monte Carlo, and Mexico and in the U.S. in Houston, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Charlotte and earlier this month in Jacksonville, Fla. A concert with the Berlin Philharmonic commemorated the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and International Holocaust Day.
Most of the violins are humble in-
struments, originally bought by Jews who played them simply and lovingly for pure pleasure. Violins were a favored instrument, particularly in the communities of Eastern Europe. Compared to the other popular instrument, the piano, violins were cheap and highly portable -- an important consideration for many who never knew when they might need to make a quick getaway.
They were a featured instrument of klezmer ensembles that played at weddings and other important community gatherings. Later during the dark years of the Holocaust, in the concentration camps where the Nazis often put together orchestras to play for their entertainment, they helped some to survive.
The story of Fania Fenelon, who played in the women’s orchestra in Auschwitz, was a bestseller in 1976 and was made into a film written by Arthur MiIler three years later. Auschwitz also had a 120-member brass band and an 80-piece orchestra, both comprised of male musicians. The Theresienstadt ghetto had an unusually rich musical environment, with multiple daily performances. Many professional musicians were imprisoned there.
To some of those caught up in profound tragedy of the Nazi nightmare, these instruments carried much meaning. One of the docents for the exhibit, Linda Hurwitz, described the importance of these violins, this way.
“There are violins that were instrumental in helping people to save their own lives. But they also brought comfort to people who were otherwise suffering … and they each have a story.” ì
February 25, 2025
“Violins of Hope” have been featured in concerts around the world.
Keefer Produces, Acts and Emotes
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
Sasha Gutkin Keefer emigrated from Russia in 1979 when she was 8 years old. She knew she wanted to act when she performed in the play, “Oliver,” in fifth grade. She also acted in high school plays and received a BA in theater from the University of Georgia.
She went to high school in Israel and took a yearlong Young Judea course there. Keefer said, “My mother is Russian, so I actually had to convince her to let me study acting since it was not a moneymaking career … I can sing but primarily consider myself a dramatic actress.”
Having taught early education for 25 years, Keefer is also a reading tutor.
Through Jan. 25, Keefer performed in the Cheryl Strayed play, “Tiny Beautiful Things” (based on the book by the same name), for the Authenticity Theatre she founded with husband, Scott, in 2021. Think of a very hip and eclectic off-offBroadway venue or an intimate theatre in the East Village. They rent the 7 Stages Theatre in Little Five Points on Euclid (capacity 60). They chose the name, “Authenticity,” because of its implied meaning: “being true to one’s own personality, genuine and fully trustworthy.”
She explained, “I am the Authenticity artistic director, and Scott is the technical director. I pick all the plays, hire directors and tech crew. Scott also is the managing director and takes care of the business side. We work together as a team. I’m technically over him, but we don’t think of it like that.”
She, herself, only appears in one play per year. Leading up to production, they rehearse four times a week at night for six weeks.
“Tiny Beautiful Things” is available in unabridged book form (also read by the author in audiobook format) and is a highly recommended, life changing read. Strayed, who’s original claim to fame was writing the tale of her own travails, recovering from addiction and finding balance, resulted in the movie, “Wild,” starring Reese Witherspoon.
In the Atlanta play, Keefer was one of the “Tiny Beautiful Things” letter writer characters. She stated, “All the letters are real and heartfelt and encompass the human experience. My favorite lines of the play are, ‘Most things will be OK, eventually; but not everything will be. For the rest of your life, you’ll regret things you did not say, say thank you more.’”
The play was wonderfully produced with a dozen or so life lessons and expla-
nations that cover a variety of usual and unusual hardships that most of us will face at one time or another. Strayed is “Dear Sugar,” an anonymous writer who responds to emotional queries from the tangles of real life. In one instance, Keefer is seeking a response from Sugar … she’s bored with her marriage and has been flirting with a man at work who shows her attention. “What’s the harm?” dishes Sasha. Not afraid to take a position, Sugar answers, “Would you get on a speeding motorcycle without a driver?”
The stage was orchestrated like an intricate matrix where different “letter writ-
ers” step forward with their travails. The loss of a child, whether to share past abuse with a new partner. It’s not all gloom and doom, as much as a salve for humanity -those seeking to move forward.
Scott describes Sasha’s emotional performance as “heartfelt, ashamed, embarrassed, excited … she’s perfect for this role because she is a versatile actress and able to embody different types of people.”
She has been in many plays over the years but is most proud of her role as Sister Aloysius in the play “Doubt.” Authenticity received a grant last
year from the Georgia Council of the Arts and thus was able to produce an entire season as opposed to one show at a time. They continue to search for backers/donors and a permanent venue. She concluded, “The actors are paid a stipend. The tech crew is paid as well. Although we are unable to pay a lot, we feel that actors deserve to be recognized as professionals. We hope to pay more in the future.”
Next shows are “The 10 Minute Play Festival,” in April, and “Uncle Vanya,” in June. Tickets are available at www.authenticitytheater.org. ì
Authenticity Theatre co-founder Sasha Gutkin Keefer only appears in one play per year.
Sasha Gutkin Keefer plays one of the letter writers seeking Dear Sugar’s down-to-earth advice in “Tiny Beautiful Things.”
Sasha (black jacket) often relays emotion with just her expressions.
Greenberg’s New Book is a Personal Triumph
By Bob Bahr
Rabbi Irving Yitzchak Greenberg’s recently published book, “The Triumph of Life,” could easily have been retitled, “The Triumph of Yitz,” the name by which the distinguished American rabbi is almost universally known by his many admirers. It has been described as his magnum opus, the culminating statement of a long lifetime of intense reflection on what he considers the essence of Jewish life and thought.
The work, which Greenberg says he has been wrestling with for the last 10 years, was originally over a thousand pages. After several rounds of editing assistance, both at the Hadar Institute in New York, the innovative learning center where Greenberg serves as the senior scholar-inresidence, and the Jewish Publication Society, the work has been pared to a more manageable length of just over 300 pages.
While he deals with the broad sweep of Jewish history -- from Biblical times to the present -- he is most concerned with life today. Our power to choose life in the third and present stage of our covenant, to act as the title implies rather than to expect G-d to act for us.
“I have to believe,” he has been quoted as saying that G-d, already in this third stage of the covenant, had self-limited completely, asking humans to take full responsibility. Now I believe this was a signal, not only to the Jewish people, but to the whole world, and that’s what modern civilization is about. The signal was [to] take power. The claim is that modernity, with all its technology, is the human response to an invitation to take power and redeem the world.”
Rabbi Greenberg, who will be 92 in May, has used the final stage of his life to shape a vision of who we are in our relationship to G-d. The clarity of his mind and his eloquence which has shaped so much of Jewish intellectual life over his long life seems undiminished in what he implies is his final major work.
In a revealing interview with Michael Berenbaum, the prolific scholar and professor of Jewish studies at the American Jewish University, Greenberg summed up what possibilities modern life offers when we go it, as it were, alone.
“Modernity was tremendously attractive to Jews because it said you can join in this process to fulfill the old dreams, the old messianic dreams, to overcome poverty and hunger, war, beat the swords into plowshares to overcome sickness. Isaiah predicts, in the Messian-
“The Triumph of Life” deals with the broad sweep of Jewish history with an emphasis on the modern world.
ic age, the deaf will hear, the blind will see. In effect, modernity said, take power and we can redeem the world.”
But the promise of modernity, Greenberg warns, carries with it immense dangers as well. The Nazi Holocaust, he believes, was a summary statement of all the dangers that technology and the scientific advances of modern civilization present to Jews and to mankind. To those who ask, where was G-d in the Holocaust, Greenberg answers, there, but silent.
“My answer is not that G-d failed. G-d was in the concentration camps. G-d was in the ghettos, being tormented and hungered and starved. G-d was in the gas chambers, choking, losing control of one’s sphincters, being totally confused in the pain. But why did G-d not stop it? Because hundreds of years already, G-d had said, I will no longer do the intervention control. I will work only through human beings. That’s the time that we’re in, it’s a time when human beings have all the power.”
In place of the might and power of the Exodus, G-d has withdrawn in favor of the freedom that human beings have to act, for better or worse.
“G-d loves it and trusts us enough to say, take this power and I will guide you as best I can. I will guide you through tradition. I will guide you through Bible. I will guide you through inspiration and insights of human beings trying to be faithful. I will walk with you. I will be at your side. And this is the time that we live in, in which G-d is totally hidden, but that means G-d is present everywhere in every moment of life.”
In recognition of the power that
Nearing 92 years old, Rabbi ‘Yitz’ Greenberg has lost none of his power to shape a compelling argument for modern Jewish life.
Greenberg wields in this work, it was selected for a Lifetime Achievement honor at the 74th National Jewish Book Awards which will be presented on March 12 at Temple Emanu-El in New York City.
In announcing the selection, Greenberg was cited as “a towering figure in Jewish life and education … whose “teachings around a philosophy … encourages a view of Judaism as a unified people.” ì
SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT
CALENDAR
Saturday, February 15
Scholar in Residence Dovid Taub - 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join Chabad Intown and Jewish artist and educator, Dovid Taub, who asks the question, Does Judaism value creativity for its own sake? And what does time travel have to do with it? Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/ycykdw3b.
Jazz Fest: Gary Motley Trio w/ David Sánchez, saxophone – 11:30 a.m. The annual Emory Jazz Fest brings worldclass jazz to the community with master classes, artist demonstrations, and concerts featuring the Gary Motley Trio, Emory Big Band, and Grammy Award–winning saxophonist David Sánchez. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/4a7dufjn.
Cafe Chabad with Dovid Taub - 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join Chabad Intown for an adult only candlelit dinner and talk by Jewish artist, puppeteer and educator, Dovid Taub! Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/4kzevuzs.
Jazz Fest: Gary Motley Trio w/ David Sánchez, saxophone – 8 p.m. The annual Emory Jazz Fest brings worldclass jazz to the community with master classes, artist demonstrations, and concerts featuring the Gary Motley Trio, Emory Big Band, and Grammy Award–winning saxophonist David Sánchez. Purchase tickets at https:// tinyurl.com/4a7dufjn.
Sunday, February 16
JWV Atlanta Post 112 Monthly Meeting – 10 a.m. Monthly breakfast meeting of Jewish War Veterans Atlanta Post 112. Kosher buffet breakfast, lox, cream cheese & all the fixings. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/3w8zbp2v.
Tummy Time Together - 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parents connect and mingle while their little ones enjoy tummy time in a warm, welcoming environment. Light snacks and freshly brewed coffee will be provided to keep everyone refreshed. This cozy gathering will take place in Brookhaven, with the exact location shared upon registration. Register at https://tinyurl. com/38nmcyv5.
Comedy for Peace – 7 p.m. Join the MJCCA and Neranenah for a night of laughter with a purpose at Comedy for Peace (CFP)! No politics. No judgment. Just lots of laughs. CFP brings the best Jewish, Christian, and Muslim standup comedians together for an inspiring and unforgettable evening of laughter. The comedy troupe embraces tolerance and unity and proves that we can make a difference in the world, using humor to foster understanding and harmony. Purchase tickets at https:// tinyurl.com/bbvmktc4.
Monday, February 17
JECCA Kallah 2025: Growing with Purpose - 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Opening learning session for all participants: “Shaping Lives and Building Bridges: The Transformative Role of Early Childhood Educators,” with Rabbi Dr. Meir Muller. Early childhood educators are often seen as nurturing caregivers, but their work extends far beyond the stereotypes of “cute” interactions and simple play. This keynote begins with an inspiring story that underscores a critical truth: early childhood educators are skilled professionals with the profound responsibility of shaping young lives. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/uup5pf6p.
Kids Challah Bake - 10 to 11:30 a.m. Join Chabad of North Fulton for a kids’ mega challah bake that celebrates Israel. Get more information at https:// tinyurl.com/325dcxwj.
Wednesday, February 19
JInterfaith Movie Night Out - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join JInterfaith for a special opening night experience at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival! Celebrate the opening night of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival with JInterfaith (previously known as Interfaith Connector)! Multi-faith couples are invited to an unforgettable evening featuring “Bad Shabbos,” a darkly hilarious comedy fresh off its Audience Choice Award win at the Tribeca Film Festival. Get Tickets at https://tinyurl.com/yc69u5vb.
Thursday, February 20
Tot Shabbat with Etz Chaim Preschool - 5 to 6:30 p.m. Join Etz Chaim for our monthly Shabbat experience for young families. Bring your own dairy or pareve dinner. Singing, crafts, and fun for the entire family. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3wwm4bvh.
Friday, February 21
NCJW/ATL Repro Shabbat - Reproductive freedom is a Jewish value. Our communities should be places where anyone who has, or may ever, terminate a pregnancy feels loved, welcomed, and supported. They should be places where people understand what our tradition teaches about these issues. And they should be places where we understand the importance of fighting for reproductive health, rights, and justice for everyone. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/ybdah827.
Shabbat Unplugged & Happy Hour - 5 to 7 p.m. Join Rabbi Glusman for a Shabbat celebration and happy hour which will include soulful music and prayer. People of all faiths and backgrounds will enjoy this opportunity to celebrate the Sabbath in a unique way. Prayers for healing and Mourner’s Kaddish will be included. Buy tickets from https://tinyurl.com/mrxphnkb.
The Sabbath Queen Says: Shabbat Service - 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie leads an extraordinary, everybody-friendly, God-optional Friday Feast, fit for a Sabbath Queen. Gather round the table for a festive Sabbath dinner, framed by ritual, poetic and contemplative offerings, singing, and deep learning and lively conversation, facilitated by Rabbi Amichai and guests. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Sabbath Queen (service) at 7:15 p.m. Stay for dessert, discussion, and connect at 8:30 p.m. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/mrhk9s7k.
Saturday, February 22
NCJW/ATL Repro Shabbat - Reproductive freedom is a Jewish value. Our communities should be places where anyone who has, or may ever, terminate a pregnancy feels loved, welcomed, and supported. They should be places where people understand what our tradition teaches about these issues. And they should be places where we understand the importance of fighting for reproductive health, rights, and justice for everyone. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/ybdah827
Rhythm of the Earth: A Tu Bishvat Experience - 1 to 3 p.m. Join MJCCA for a unique celebration that harmoniously blends Tu Bishvat, Shabbat, and a silent disco experience! Tu Bishvat, often called the “New Year for Trees,” is a Jewish holiday dedicated to appreciating and celebrating nature and the environment. It marks when trees begin to blossom in Israel and encourages us to reflect on our connection to the earth. Register at https://tinyurl com/2vwx24ju.
CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES
Torah Reading: Yitro
Friday, February 14 Light Shabbat Candles at: 6:03 PM
Saturday, February 15 Shabbat Ends: 7:00 PM
Torah Reading: Mishpatim
Friday, February 21 Light Shabbat Candles at: 6:09 PM
Saturday, February 22 Shabbat Ends: 7:06 PM
Torah Reading: Terumah
Friday, February 28 Light Shabbat Candles at: 6:15 PM
Saturday, March 1 Shabbat Ends: 7:11 PM
Sunday, February 23
Atlanta Jewish Life Festival - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Atlanta Jewish Life Festival says, “Cheers to 100 Years” to the Atlanta Jewish Times! Enjoy a 1920s party theme with a costume contest, casino games, and much more at the Georgia Aquarium. Purchase tickets at https:// tinyurl.com/yavkt3ye.
Costume Contest with Cash Prizes and Casino Themed Games! www.AtlantaJewishLifeFestival.com
February 23, 2025 at
AJC’s Atlanta Black/Jewish Teen Initiative 2024-2025 - The Black/Jewish Teen Initiative offers a unique experience to student leaders, allowing them to effect positive change within their communities and build relationships with peers. Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to experience the rich history of the Black and Jewish communities, learn where they intersect, and interact with others working for a better tomorrow. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n6szz2b.
Keshet - North Fulton - 4 to 5:30 p.m. Join IAC for a true Israeli experience! We will meet for fun, learning, and of course, community! We would like to open a few groups. Please register at https://bit.ly/3Rlcxi0 if you would like your child to be part of the Keshet family. Please indicate your child’s age.
Play Tamid – 9:15 to 11 a.m. Play Tamid is led by Rabbi Jordan and is open to the public (members and non-members of Congregation Dor Tamid). Enjoy crafts, songs, fun activities, and more for children under 4 (parent/ guardian must attend). For questions visit https://tinyurl.com/b4stawhf.
Young Philanthropy Fellows: Cohort 2 Session – 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Welcome to the Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s handson fellowship for Jewish youth. This fellowship program enables Jewish teens in Atlanta, ages 13-15, to truly affect change in the local community. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/232828vy
Creating Connected Communities 30th Anniversary Event - 4 to 6 p.m. CCC will celebrate 30 years of engaging teen leaders, supporting children & families, and impacting Atlanta’s community. The 30th year celebration will include the “CCC Experience” cocktail hour, immersing attendees in different aspects of our community-building programs and leadership development. A formal stage presentation will highlight CCC’s teens, honorees and our current and future initiatives. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl. com/4tv49dj4.
Tuesday, February 25
Music Jam @ The JCC - 6 to 8 p.m. Calling all musicians and music lovers for a Music Jam at the JCC! Bring your instrument(s), friends and jam with fellow musicians. No auditions, no restrictions — just pure musical fun and collaboration. Free and open to people of all ages! Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/2d5rfewc.
Wednesday, February 26
Jewish Business Network Lunch & Learn - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Chabad Intown for an inspiring new business Lunch and Learn series featuring dynamic professionals from the Atlanta Jewish community. This engaging event offers a unique opportunity to hear from accomplished leaders across various industries as they share insights, strategies, and stories of success rooted in Jewish values. Whether you’re seeking guidance on career growth, networking tips, or ways to integrate ethical practices into your business, these sessions promise valuable takeaways and meaningful connections. Come with questions, an appetite for learning and lunch, and a desire to connect with fellow community members who are shaping Atlanta’s professional landscape. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yvc3a9dc.
Thursday, February 27
J-TECH Winter Event – 5:30 to 7 p.m. JTECH is an affinity group for those working in the technology sector that aims to help professionals network, hear from leaders in the industry, and learn about the impact of the Federation in Atlanta and beyond. This group is also a fantastic resource for anyone who provides services for those in tech (such as attorneys, accountants, etc.), investors in tech companies, or those who work in tech departments in other industries. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/a5uzfczx.
Friday, February 28
Shabbat For All - 5 to 6 p.m. Celebrate Jewish disability awareness, acceptance, and inclusion month with Jewish Abilities Atlanta and PJ Library Atlanta. Together, we’re promoting year-round inclusion in our vibrant Atlanta community. Register at https:// tinyurl.com/2s353sv8.
Tot Shabbat - 6 to 8 p.m. Tot Shabbat is a Shabbat program geared for children (second grade and younger) to laugh, meet new children, make new friends, and explore the wonders of Judaism in an exciting fun way! The service is filled with songs, prayers, blessings, stories, snacks, and a place where a kid can be a kid when they pray to God. This Congregation Dor Tamid service meets on selected Friday nights throughout the year at 6:00 p.m. Each service is followed by a pot-luck Shabbat dinner. RSVP at https://bit. ly/3KW9PMj.
At Canterbury Court senior living community, you can enjoy raising a glass to lasting friendships with interesting new people from all backgrounds. Whether you take advantage of the many social opportunities or decide to stay in, you’ll enjoy a new, elegantly finished apartment home and enhanced amenities and services. Plus, the peace of mind of a continuum of care, if ever needed. With all this awaiting you, what are you waiting for?
To learn more and to schedule a personal tour, contact us today at 404-905-2444, visit CanterburyCourt.org/LChaim, or scan the QR code.
KEEPING IT KOSHER
Delicious Apple Crumble Cake
Ingredients
Cake
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup orange juice
3/4 cup oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup Haddar Brown Sugar
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 and 1/2 cups Glicks Flour
4 apples, peeled and cubed
1/4 teaspoon Gefen Cinnamon
Crumbs
1 and 1/2 cups Haddar Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon Gefen Cinnamon
1 cup oil
2 and 1/2 cups Glicks Flour
Directions
Prepare the Crumbs
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with Gefen Parchment Paper.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together all of the crumbs ingredients using a fork. Do not overmix.
Prepare the Cake
1. Using a hand blender or mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the oil and orange juice. Mix well.
3. Add vanilla, brown sugar, baking powder, and flour and mix on low speed until combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
4. Mix the diced apples and cinnamon together. Add to the pan on top of the batter.
5. Top the apples with the crumbs. Press down the crumbs into the cake so they stick.
6. Bake for one hour. Allow to cool before slicing.
Recipe by Leah Klein
JEWISH JOKE
The Job
Harry went for a job interview.
It seemed to go well because before he left, he was told, “We would like you to work for us. We’ll start you off at $15 an hour and in three months’ time we’ll increase it to $20 an hour. So when would you like to start?”
Harry replied, “In about three months from now.”
YIDDISH WORD
Vilde chaye libhober
n. An extreme pet enthusiast who only dates other extreme pet enthusiasts.
“Levy, that vilde chaye libhober, picks up women in the pit bull section of the dog run in Battery Park. They tend to be as meshugana about their dogs as he is.”
“Vilde chaye” means “wild beast” in Yiddish, and “libhober” means “lover.”
BRAIN FOOD
The Presidents and The Jews
By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com
Difficulty Level: Medium
ACROSS
1. Bell that’s treif
5. Not a mentsch, so to speak 11. Civil War side, for short 14. ___ Shabbat
15. Russian leader Kosygin or NHLer Kovalev
16. (RustyBrick’s) Siddur, e.g.
17. First President to host a Chanukah lighting in the White House 19. Fish-fowl connection
20. Kuwaiti prince (var.)
21. Israel
22. “Am ___ late?”
23. He rescinded Order No. 11, which expelled the Jews from Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee
26. Kind of Cone
27. 1/2 Shekel, e.g.
28. Make like Tovah Feldshuh
31. 27-Across in France
35. They produce produce
38. First President to openly fight for the rights of Jews (before and after his presidency)
42. Part of a holy Biblical pair
43. It’s doubled some years
44. Fish that might give one a freight
45. Chow for a sow
47. Baseball Hall of Famer Roush
50. President that ensured the
rights of Jews to have a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
57. “The West Wing” co-star Rob
58. 2011 Best New Artist Grammy winner Bon
59. Part of a Sukkot need
61. Slippery
62. President aptly compared to Cyrus for his support of Israel
64. Grind (out)
65. Whimper
66. Camp abode
67. Attacker of Isr. in 1973
68. Gives voice to 69. Lawn gear
DOWN
1. Hamlet’s consideration
2. Persona’s counterpart, in Jungian psychology
3. Show biz personality
4. Peer group?
5. Ravens, on the scoreboard
6. Poet Greenblatt or psychologist Pressman
7. Material for Strauss
8. Laud, as virtues
9. Jewish period a millennium ago
10. Game or drink
11. Language spoken by 85 million people (and zero Presidents)
12. Item in a sewing kit
13. Garment for a cook
18. Prefix in many juice names
22. More than 61-Across 24. Some gardening tools
25. It’s meant to be smelly?
28. Part of D.A.
29. “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon
30. Iconic American literature character
32. Umbrella org. supporting Israel
33. Pinot Noir or Merlot
34. Miller’s “Death ___ Salesman”
36. Deer miss
37. TV show with a Five-Timers Club
39. Eeyore creator
40. Bad way to run
41. Unfettered, in Yiddish
46. Easily bent
48. Honeybunch
49. Radio host who survived the Holocaust
50. Food for frogs
51. The Italian Stallion
52. Tongue of the Holy Land
53. Chutzpah
54. Inquisitive sort (var.)
55. You might get a message from a 3-Down on it
56. Captain America portrayer
60. Toss in a chip, say
62. Kuang-___ (Chinese emperor until 1908)
63. Bonus square in Scrabble: abbr.
OBITUARIES
Marvin Albert Bernstein 94,
Atlanta
Marvin Albert Bernstein died in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 2025. He was 94. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Marvin grew up in Flatbush and graduated from James Madison High School in 1948. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Long Island University in 1952, then served in the United States Army. After his discharge, he studied for a year at Brooklyn Law School, then decided to pursue a career in sales.
Marvin had a passion for sales and a true gift for connecting with his many customers and colleagues. He sold ready-made draperies for Bartmann & Bixer, and his largest customer was Rich’s Department Store. In 1958, the company sent Marvin to Atlanta to take over the Southeast territory. Marvin loved his new city and proudly called Atlanta his hometown for life. He quickly made friends and became active in Atlanta’s Jewish social scene. In 1963, he met his wife of 61 years, Diane Dwoskin, a native Atlantan, and they married that August at Ahavath Achim Synagogue.
During his career, Marvin launched the fabric division of Dwoskin Inc., then was V.P of Sales with Carole Fabrics, a division of Rollins. For many years, Marvin was national sales manager of Robert Allen Fabrics, managing a large group of salespeople who covered the U.S., from D.C. to Puerto Rico, and South America.
Marvin and Diane shared a deep love of travel and took many wonderful trips. They loved going on many Tauck Tours and cruises around Europe, but Marvin’s favorite trip was when he and Diane toured Israel with a private guide.
Marvin was a longtime member of Ahavath Achim Synagogue and proud supporter of the World Jewish Congress. A dedicated sports fan, he supported the New York Giants (football and baseball) and later, the Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech and the Florida Gators. He loved boxing, horse racing and track and field.
Marvin is survived by his wife Diane, and their two children, David and Susan. He is predeceased by his parents, Lillian and Matthew Bernstein. Marvin’s family would like to thank his caregivers from Visiting Nurse, LLC, including Laura Schneider and others.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Marvin’s memory to Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Breman Jewish Home, Weinstein Hospice or the charity of your choice. A graveside funeral was held at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 2 at Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta. Arrangements by Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Stanley Perry Brickman 92, Atlanta
Stanley “Perry” Brickman, DDS, the first oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Decatur and a beloved leader in the Atlanta Jewish community, passed away in Atlanta on Jan. 26, 2025, at age 92.
Born in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Dec. 23, 1932, his parents, Ida Siskin Brickman and Paul Myer Brickman, gave their son the Hebrew name, “Simcha Peretz,” in memory of his maternal grandfather. “Simcha” means joy, and throughout his life, he brought bright light and happiness to his wife, children, and grandchildren, modeling integrity, generosity, and gratitude.
In retirement, he achieved international recognition for uncovering virulent antisemitism at the Emory School of Dentistry from 1948-1961. His investigative research and Emory’s public apology brought long overdue resolution to more than half of Emory’s Jewish dental students during that time whose career dreams were derailed.
At age 16, he enrolled at Emory University and joined Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. As Emory only admitted male students, high school girls often attended fraternity events. Perry’s life changed in his sophomore year when he met 15-year-old Grady High student Shirley Berkowitz at a fraternity football game. They married on June 26, 1955, and enjoyed a beautiful life together for close to 70 years.
One of only four Jewish boys admitted to Emory dental school in 1951 due to restrictive quotas, Brickman was shocked to receive a letter from the Dean the next summer, flunking him without any cause or notice. Despite this reputational blow, Dean James Ginn at the University of Tennessee in Memphis offered Brickman a second chance. He graduated fourth in his 1956 UT dental school class with high honors. Forever grateful, he later established the Dean James T. Ginn Scholarship at the UT School of Dentistry.
More than 50 years later, the Brickmans attended a 2006 celebration of Emory’s Judaic Studies program and the premier of Dr. Eric Goldstein’s exhibit on Jewish life at the university. They froze in their tracks in front of a trifold display with a bar graph confirming that 65 percent of the Jewish dental students at Emory from 1948-1958 had been flunked or made to repeat years. This was the first they learned that so many other young students had suffered – no one had spoken out. Determined to uncover the painful and untold stories behind these statistics, Brickman signed up for Apple Store lessons on how to create laptop videos, then meticulously identified, located, and interviewed every living victim. After six years of research, he presented Emory with his heartbreaking documentary, “From Silence to Recognition,” leading to the formal and sincere apology by Emory’s president at an Oct. 10, 2012, standing room only event. Circulated worldwide, this was the No. 2 article emailed by New York Times readers for three weeks. Dr. Brickman received the 2012 Emory University Maker of History Award and the 2016 Emory Medal, the highest Emory alumni award for service and philanthropy. He then continued research to document dental school discrimination on a national scale, and his book “Extracted: Unmasking Rampant Antisemitism in America’s Higher Education,” was published in 2020.
Dr. Brickman enjoyed 42 productive years (1962-2004) at his Decatur oral surgery office, along with partners, Drs. Edwin Green, Charles Rosenberg and Harvey Silverman. He was the first dentist to receive the 1992 Dekalb County Medical Society Julius McCurdy Award for outstanding community service by a DeKalb County physician. He was founding member and president of the Georgia Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, president of the Alpha Omega Jewish dental fraternity, Chief of Oral Surgery at several Atlanta area hospitals, and a founding member of Northside Hospital, West Paces Ferry Hospital, and Decatur Hospital. In 1994, Gov. Zell Miller appointed Dr. Brickman to the Georgia State Board of Dentistry where he served for seven years.
Dr. Brickman was a member of Congregation Ohr HaTorah and Beth Jacob, and previously a member of Ahavath Achim. The Atlanta Jewish Federation’s 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award honored his community commitment, which included president of the Atlanta Jewish Federation, board member of Marcus Jewish Community Center, Atlanta Jewish Academy (lifetime trustee), William Breman Jewish Home, GILEE, Ben Massell Dental Clinic, AEPi (Chapter Advisor 1965-1985), and Jewish Family
Services. He received the 2013 Anti-Defamation League’s First Centennial Champion Award and the 2013 State of Israel Bonds Atlanta Community Award.
He conquered Word Jumble, Wordle, Spanish Wordle, Yiddish Wordle, Dental Wordle, Phrazle, and Jewish Wordle on a daily basis.
Dr. Brickman is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, his daughters, Lori Freeman (Joe) and Teresa Brickman Finer (Paul), his son, Jeffrey Brickman (Susan), and his six grandchildren, Jason Morse, Jessica Morse (Jake Stoll), Elena Fishkin (Jason), Talia Finer, Joseph Brickman, and Anna Finer. He was predeceased by his younger sister, Rita. Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m., Jan. 28, at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Atlanta Jewish Academy, Congregation Ohr HaTorah, or a charity of your choice. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Sheila Marilyn Butler
93, Boynton Beach, Fla.
Wayne Neil Greenberg 72, Atlanta
Wayne Neil Greenberg, born in Vancouver, B.C., on Nov. 20, 1952, passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2025.
Sheila Marilyn Butler, 93, passed away on Feb. 5, 2025. Born in New York, N.Y., to the late Harry and Anne Friedman, Sheila eventually made her way to Atlanta, Ga., where she built a life for herself and her family. A shrewd businesswoman, she served as CEO of Weight Watchers of Atlanta and Northwest Georgia. A multi-faceted woman, Sheila was a gifted painter and an appreciator of the arts—especially theatre—and was a member of Congregation Or VeShalom. She was a woman of unwavering strength and abundant love, qualities that carried her through a long and fulfilling life. In her later years, Sheila made a permanent move to her home-away-from-home in Boynton Beach, Fla.
Sheila was predeceased by her husband, Buddy, her son, Scott, and her sister, Dorothy Koncius. She is survived by her son, Cory Butler (Mark); her sister, Joan Pressman; her grandson, Seth Butler, Esq.; and many cherished nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Memorial donations may be made in Sheila’s memory to Congregation Or VeShalom (www.orveshalom.org) or The Atlanta Jewish Home (www.jewishhomelife.org/donate/). A graveside funeral was held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, at Greenwood Cemetery, 1173 Cascade Cir SW, Atlanta, GA 30311. A livestream link is available at www.jewishfuneralcare.com. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Wayne lived a life rich in diverse interests and accomplishments. From his youth at Sir Winston Churchill High School and Schara Tzedek religious school, where he was mentored by Rabbi Marvin Hier, to his active participation in groups like Young Judaea, Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, and Hillel at UBC, Wayne valued community and connection. His wide-ranging interests included playing junior varsity football at UBC, figure skating, performing in professional plays, and working behind the scenes in theater during his student years.
Wayne’s academic journey led him to a Bachelor of Applied Science in electrical engineering from UBC, a master’s in biomedical engineering, and an MBA from the University of Toronto. His successful career included roles at Northern Telecom and Glenayre Technologies, where he became vice president. It was his transfer to Atlanta with Glenayre that brought him to his beloved wife of 22 years, Lee.
In Atlanta, Wayne immediately embraced Lee’s children, grandchildren and extended family. He was always ready to lend a hand, he generously gave his time and talents to others. Whatever he undertook, he did with wholehearted dedication and meticulous attention to detail. He took great pride in maintaining a beautiful yard and enjoyed cooking and entertaining for those he loved.
A dedicated volunteer, Wayne enthusiastically supported Jewish community activities, including the Hebrew Order of David (HOD) where he served for two years as vice president, NAMC, and leadership training for the Jewish Federation. A passionate advocate for Judaism, Israel, and combating antisemitism, Wayne found a spiritual home at Congregation Or Hadash.
Wayne is lovingly survived by his wife, Lee Greenberg; his sister, Ilene Jo; and his stepchildren, Sam (Andrea) Levy, Daniel (Sara) Levy, and Karen Levy. He was a devoted and loving Zaida to his grandchildren, Sydney, Jordy, Molly, Chason, and Leyton. He was predeceased by his parents, Sid and Sara Greenberg. Wayne will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to JNF-USA, Hebrew Order of David (HOD), Congregation Or Hadash or a charity of your choice. A graveside funeral was held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Joel Yale Moss
74, Atlanta
It is with deep sorrow in our hearts to share the passing of Joel Yale Moss. An incredible man, husband, father, brother, grandpa, father-in-law, cousin and friend.
Joel was born on May 8,1949, in New York to the late Evelyn and Murray Moss. He was the oldest of his three siblings, the late Robert Moss and Judy Steinberg. Words cannot sum up Joel’s character; he was loving, generous, resilient, brave, strong-willed and funny, to name a few. An accomplished academic, Joel graduated from Cornell undergrad and Emory Law school, settling in Atlanta and later meeting his wife and the love of his life, Karen, and building a home together in Sandy Springs, Ga. Together, they shared countless memories, traveling, dining at wonderful restaurants and, most importantly, spending time with family and friends. His personality was infectious and his love was felt by all. He was a truly special man.
Joel is survived by his wife, Karen Moss, daughter, Marissa Tinter (Robert Tinter), granddaughter, Rowan Tinter, mother-in-law, Elayne Friend, sister, Judy Steinberg (Jeff Steinberg) sister-in-law, Lisa Kreiss (Ned Kreiss), nieces and nephews, Rachel Moss, Jacob Moss, Ava Kreiss, Matthew Steinberg and Jared Steinberg.
A graveside funeral service was held on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at Arlington Memorial Park (201 Mt. Vernon Highway, Atlanta, 30328). Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Joan Bergman Rosenfeld 88, Atlanta
Our beloved mother, Joan Bergman Rosenfeld, died peacefully in her sleep on Feb. 6, 2025, at the age of 88 in Atlanta, Ga., where she originally raised her family. Joan was born in Jacksonville, Fla. After her father passed away, she and her mother moved to Atlanta. She graduated from Druid Hills High School in 1954. She continued her formal education at Massey College of Business in Atlanta, Ga..
Joan was known for her Southern hospitality, community service, delicious Shabbos meals, and her famous mandel bread. However, what she will most be remembered for is her devotion to her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. She was an active member of the Beth Jacob Sisterhood from 1969-1991 and was the advisor for NCSY youth group. After raising her children, Joan bravely jumped into the workforce as an office manager and medical insurance coordinator in both Atlanta, Boca Raton, Fla., and later in Indianapolis where she lived for the last 30 years. When Joan retired from work, she became a full-time Bubbe for her local grand kids. She also travelled often to see those that lived in both Sharon, Mass., and Atlanta.
She enjoyed cheering for her Indianapolis Colts & Indiana Pacers or watching HGTV, participating in her book club, and taking exercise swim classes at the JCC. Joan was known for her warmth, laughter and kindness. She was happiest when talking to people or even a stranger who quickly became captivated by her laughter and ease of conversation. She will be dearly missed by all her family, as well as Queen Hall from Indianapolis who was a devoted friend and caretaker for over a decade.
Joan is predeceased by her parents, Esther and Sam Bergman, brother, Dr. Burton Bergman, sister, Caroline “Cay” Bergman Barris, and former husband, Robert “Bobby” Rosenfeld.
Joan is survived by her three children, Dr. Joel (Jennifer) Rosenfeld, Julie (Cary) Krimsky, and Dr. Stephen (Monica) Rosenfeld; grandchildren, Nora and Emily Rosenfeld, Yael (Alon) Malimksy, Shira (Benny) Sternberg, Dr. Erez Krimsky, Gavriella (Ariel) Israel, Shalom (Leah) Rosenfeld, Esther, Aaron and Dr. Cyril Rosenfeld, Ephraim (Tari) Rosenfeld, Rachelle (Adam) Stern; great-grandchildren, Pinchas, Alex and Ezra Rosenfeld, Chananya, Netanel, Alexander and Aliza Rosenfeld, Yehuda, Meira and Yakir Stern, and Nave and Tsur Malimsky, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins around the world.
A graveside funeral was held on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Joan’s memory to Ahavath Achim Synagogue Sisterhood, Beth Jacob Sisterhood, or the Leket Israel the National Food Bank of Israel. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Miriam Saul 75, Atlanta
Our forever North Star, our guiding light.
Beloved wife, mother, friend, aunt, sister, cousin, teacher, and Mimi, Miriam Saul, passed away on Jan. 27, 2025, at the age of 75 years old.
Miriam spent her life guiding, supporting, teaching, and caring for others. It was a gift she shared with everyone around her, all over the world, but primarily close to home.
Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1949, Miriam immigrated to Atlanta at age 11 and began her life focused on learning and assimilating into American culture while staying true to her Jewish heritage.
She graduated from Oglethorpe University with high honors focused on early childhood education, married her husband of 48 years, Danny Saul, in 1976, and started a family.
As a kindergarten teacher at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy for over 20 years, she made a massive impact on hundreds of children that still talk about her to this day. Warm, loving, and passionate, Mrs. Saul was the teacher everyone wanted. She transitioned to other roles at GHA, including admissions and went on to lead many school musical productions, encouraging even more kids in new and different ways to find themselves and their creativity.
Alongside her professional career, she found a deep love for Israel. She was extremely involved in Zionist women’s organizations like Wizo, always hosting Israel scouts and Shlichim and traveling on multiple mission trips.
Upon leaving GHA, she began to find other passions and new ways to guide. After visiting Cuba for the first time since immigrating, she uncovered a side of herself that had been shut down for years - she fell back in love with her home country and the Cuban people and turned this into her next life’s purpose. She led hundreds of Jewish humanitarian trips with thousands of travelers including students, artists, doctors, writers, and photographers. She helped and supported the Jewish communities with love, friendship, resources, medicines, comfort and in so many other meaningful ways. Her trips impacted thousands.
Over the past few years, Miriam and Danny were regular volunteers at the JF&CS food pantry and Sandy Springs Solidarity as well as other organizations where she was a huge asset with her Spanish-speaking abilities. She became closely involved in the Daffodil Project honoring the 1.5 million children that perished in the Holocaust and even extended the program to Cuba. Once again, she was doing for others, giving of herself and affecting more and more lives along the way.
Through all of these phases, Miriam remained the most devoted wife, sister, friend, daughter, mom and Mimi guiding her family, and others through life, and teaching people in all the ways, always.
Miriam was a bright, colorful, vibrant, a presence that drew people in and made them never want to leave. She was a shoulder to cry on, an extra hand, and the one you could always count on. She was a lover of eccentric art, entertaining, holidays, Cuban music, dancing, soap operas, bargain shopping, and summer beach trips with the family. Her kids and grandkids were her everything.
Her love, comfort, and guidance will be forever missed by hundreds, but mostly by her adoring family. She is survived by her husband, Danny Saul, three children, Jamie Rindsberg (Michael), Courtney Saul (Joe), and Marshall Saul (Terri), four grandchildren (Benni, Ryan, Cori, and Olivia), sister, Lidia Peljovich (Israel) and brother, Mario Greszes), and countless friends that were family.
Funeral services were held at Arlington Cemetery on Thursday, Jan. 30, with Shiva services observed at the home of Miriam and Danny Saul, led by Rabbi Heller of B’nai Torah.
May her memory be a blessing and her lessons continue to teach, guide and be a part of us all.
Donations in her honor can be made to the The Davis Academy, The Epstein School, Sandy Springs Solidarity, or specifically to the Jewish community of Cuba (contact Courtney Saul for more information, clsaul@gmail.com). Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Barbara Schneider 86, Atlanta
Barbara Schneider, 86, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away on Wednesday Jan. 29, 2024. Barbara grew up in Galveston, Texas, and graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder. She was very involved in local charities and her synagogue. She loved her family, writing, drawing, the arts, children’s books, and telling stories.
Barbara is predeceased by her husband, Martin, and parents, Henry and Bernice. She is survived by her sister, Harriette Glazer of Dallas, son Eric (Suzanne), son Hal (Katherine), and cherished grandchildren Nate, Andrew, Evelyn, and Adeline. Memorial donations (in lieu of flowers) may be made to the Bremen Jewish Home. The celebration of her life was held at Temple Sinai in Atlanta on Sunday, Feb. 2, at 5:00 p.m. with Rabbi Brad Levenberg officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Herbert Calvin Stine
90, Atlanta
Herbert Calvin Stine died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at 90 years of age. Herb is remembered as a larger-than-life gentleman and talented athlete. He was a warm and loving husband, father, and friend. He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Beth Stine, daughterin-law, Stephanie Ramsey, brother, Jules Stine, sister-in-law, Sandi Stine, nephew, Jason Stine, and niece, Beth Stine. He was predeceased by his parents, Beth and A. J. Stine, his son, Adam Stine, and wife, Joyce Stine.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory.
A graveside service was held in his memory at Arlington Cemetery at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact Editor and Managing Publisher Kaylene Ladinsky at kaylene@atljewishtimes.com or 404-883-2130, ext. 100, for details about submission, rates and payments. Death notices, which provide basic details, are free and run as space is available; send submissions to editor@atljewishtimes.com.
VITALITY THRIVES IN COMMUNITY.
OBITUARIES
Edward Lee Wexler 86, Atlanta
Edward Lee Wexler, 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 27, 2025. Born in Erie, Penn., Ed graduated from Academy High School. As an “old soul” and natural leader, he skipped college to manage a large department store and, by age 20, was trusted with opening new stores. While opening a store in Elyria, Ohio, he met the love of his life, Linda Rothman, from Lorain. They married in June 1960 when Linda was 19 and Ed was 21, and had three children: Robin, Larry, and Marci.
Professionally, Ed had two careers. He either owned or managed ladies’ clothing stores in Lorain (Ted Jacobs), Erie (Ed Wexler’s Sugar and Spice), Sandusky, Ohio (Carol Crane), and Savannah, Ga. (Town & Country). In his mid-50s, Ed realized he could no longer compete with large department stores. So, after completing the requisite tests, he changed careers and was successful in selling life and health insurance for 15 years. Throughout his life, Ed made it a priority to be a leader in every city he lived in. He learned from his father, Morris Wexler, the importance of traditions, community, and the special bonds of his Jewish faith. Ed served as president of the congregation in every city he lived in; chaired or served on numerous boards; co-wrote the constitution for Rambam Day School in Savannah; and received a special recognition for his lifetime commitment to the Savannah Jewish community and community at-large before moving to Atlanta.
Ed will be remembered for his love of family. His love for his children was only exceeded by their love and respect for him. His open-heartedness and kindness touched many lives. He was known for his great judgment, compassion, and empathy, and a reliable resource for anyone seeking advice on issues large and small. He also possessed a quick wit and showed tremendous resilience in facing life’s adversities.
His greatest personal adversity occurred on Oct. 2, 2003, when Linda, his wife of 43 years, died suddenly at age 62. This was followed by the early deaths of his sister, Elaine, and brother, Alan, over the next 15 months. Ed also faced many medical adversities himself. Despite these challenges, he continued being a leader in the Savannah community, including becoming the oldest president of Agudath Achim Congregation at age 70. After 31 years in Savannah, he retired and moved to Huntcliff Summit Senior Independent Living in Atlanta to be closer to his children. There, relying once again on the traits that made him so special, he soon made close friendships with many residents and, in looking for ways to make a difference, he quickly became president of the association, formed the ROMEO Club (Retired Old Men Eating Out) for monthly outings to nearby restaurants, spent hundreds of hours teaching people to play Pinochle, started annual Pinochle tournaments, and served as “rabbi” for High Holidays and other occasions. He also dipped his toes in politics by hosting receptions at Huntcliff for senatorial and house candidates.
As his health declined, he moved to assisted living; however, before doing so, he was recognized by Huntcliff for his many contributions to their community. For the past two years, he lived in assisted living at Brickmont and most recently Hammond Glen, and at both places he continued to make a positive impact in people’s lives and these facilities, despite his increasingly debilitating physical limitations.
Throughout the many phases of his life, Ed was an important person in the lives of so many people and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his children Robin Wexler, Larry Wexler (Dawn), and Marci Copeland (Kevin); his grandchildren, Locke, Nick, Arielle, and Aiden; his sisters-in-law, Joni Gary and Cindy Wexler; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the many doctors and healthcare professionals (and you know who you are) who helped Ed live such a long life, as well as the compassionate leaders and staff at Huntcliff Summit and Hammond Glen.
A graveside funeral was held at 2:30 p.m. at North Atlanta Memorial Park, 5188 Winters Chapel Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30360. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ed’s memory to the Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta or a worthy charity of your choice.
The family received those wishing to celebrate Ed’s life at the home of Marci and Kevin Copeland following the funeral services. Remembrances can be shared on Dressler’s website. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
The Perfect Game of Chance
Chana Shapiro
I’m worried about the deleterious impact of table games that require strategy, skill, experience, or even worse, natural ability. I sympathize with folks who wish to avoid the stress of competition while at the same time want to socialize and have fun. I’m talking about card players who have never been successful at Bridge. How about people who start perspiring when challenged to a game of Scrabble or chess?
Let’s not forget innocent children playing games like Tiddly Winks and Pick-up Sticks that favor the kids with superior depth perception and hand control. Even the pop-up game of Perfection honors figure-matching acuity and speed.
Games of chance are different: there is a winner, but non-winners are never riddled with self-deprecation, feeling they
weren’t smart or adept enough. In games of chance, one’s abilities don’t matter. The winner has no reason to kvell, and losers have no reason to kvetch
Fortunately, Chanukah’s game of Dreidel, a classic game of chance, offers an antidote to anyone feeling like a loser, because playing Dreidel requires no talent, intellect, canniness, or expertise. Happily, millions of competition-averse sufferers are safe playing Dreidel, in which an MIT graduate’s spin is as randomly unpredictable as that of my toddler nephew. Dreidel guarantees favoring no one.
Or so I thought.
Let me take you back to our 2024 Chanukah Dreidel game, which challenged the activity’s MO as a game of pure chance. The playing field was carefully egalitarian: we used a set of perfectly matched (none loaded) dreidels, and each player selected one. In games of my youth, my grandfather used working-class, unshelled sunflower seeds as betting currency, but good old U.S. legal tender seemed more fitting for the workers in our game. So, for betting, I brought my big penny jar to the table, from
which each player grabbed 10 random pennies. Everyone anted one cent, and the game began.
After a few rounds, Mr. A., at the end of the table, began using his cell phone to determine the numismatic value of his pennies, hoping something in his stash was collectible. A couple of other players followed suit and started checking various websites to see if the dates and mint marks on their pennies made them rare.
Naturally, a debate ensued over who actually owned the pennies and thereby had the right to sell them to a hypothetical collector. Was it the original owner of the pennies (yours truly), or were the other players the owners, because the pennies had been tacitly transferred into their possession? The resident legal expert (my husband) would not invoke Jewish law. He recused himself, claiming partiality. The issue turned out to be moot because, according to the coin evaluation sites, the pennies in play were worth exactly their face value, one cent each. But there were at least a thousand more pennies in the jar, so it seemed prudent to continue searching for treasure.
the sale of any truly valuable pennies she found to her college loan; forthwith, her parents intensified their search.
We finally despaired of finding valuable pennies, but, for fun, we decided instead to look for pennies minted in our birth years. Unfortunately, this new birth year-focused effort proved equally unproductive. Lots of pennies remained in the jar, but frustrated, we gave up and turned to the doughnuts. Yes, even though eating fattening comfort food to quell disappointment is never a good idea, it was Chanukah after all, and we needed a fix. We dug in with gusto.
During the last few rounds of the game, we had watched our grandson throw “gimmel” after “gimmel,” steadily wiping out all competitors, finally winning all the pennies. Then, following his run, he reached into the penny jar. As if his Dreidel lucky streak wasn’t enough, unlike the rest of us, he pulled out a penny minted in the year he was born, 2006! Was this an additional sign that he is immune to randomness? Or were his continuously spinning “gimmels”-- in the supposedly 100 percent random game -- and then pulling his birthday-year penny out of the jar on his very first try a mere coincidence?
A new game of chance, Find a Valuable Penny, commenced. Most of the players started pulling pennies from the jar, mining for valuable copper, while continuing to play Dreidel with their original stash. But spinning too many “shins” and “nuns” soon rendered one player after another penniless, too broke to ante in order to stay in the game, and a winner emerged. (Keep reading)
However, rather than heading to the jelly doughnuts, players wanted to examine more pennies. I admit that I, too, grabbed a bunch of pennies. Our granddaughter announced that she would apply
Another player, Mrs. B., an experienced recreational gambler, asserted that some people are genetically lucky, and she declared that our grandson’s dual inexplicable successes obviously resulted from a good luck mutation in his DNA; thus, his good luck is clearly a permanent endowment. Guided by her conviction, she vowed to take him to Vegas on his 21st birthday. Until then, just in case Mrs. B. knows what she’s talking about, we’re encouraging our grandson to enter more raffles and play more Powerball. ì
Produced in Paris in 1964 and depicts one of the twelve tribes of Israel that are featured on the the 12 stained glass windows of the grand temple in Jerusalem. The framed piece measures 34"x40"and carries the written title of authenticity and the letter of Tirage attached. For additional info and pricing, call or text Carlee at 404-558-0899.
