No 44, November 2 The Atlanta Jewish Times by Atlanta Jewish Times

RELAY FOR LIFE RUACH ATLANTA

DOCTOR TO THE GOLF STARS

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Celebration of Survivors, Hope

the atlanta

TANENBLATT FOR ROMNEY

Dr. Levinson, PGA Chiropractor

Local Serves in National Campaign PAGE 12

NOVEMBER 2, 2012 – November 8, 2012

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17 Cheshvan – 23 Cheshvan 5773 Vol. LXXXVII No. 44

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MJCCA BOOK FESTIVAL: A REAL PAGE-TURNER! 21st Edition Brings Big Names to Atlanta

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THE BIGGEST RUSE THE NAZIS EVER PULLED The Story of Theresienstadt Page 22

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

AJT

News

William Breman Jewish Home Renames Rehabilitation Center

ANNOUNCING THE AVIV REHABILITATION CENTER AND BERMAN COMMONS From the William Breman Jewish Home For the Atlanta Jewish Times

he William Breman Jewish Home announces that its rehabilitation center will be renamed the Aviv Rehabilitation Center in honor of long-time Atlanta residents and devoted volunteers Cherie and Gary Aviv. The Home, which has been serving the elderly for over 60 years, will proudly use funds received from the Aviv family to further its mission to help the elderly live fulfilling lives as their care requirements change. President of the Home’s Board of Directors Jerry Weiner formally announced the change, effective as of Sept. 12. “We are delighted that our rehabilitation program will be able to go above and beyond in offering rehabilitation options,” Weiner said. “The Aviv Reha-

bilitation Center will continue to excel in providing superior shortterm care to a population different than those receiving long-term care.”

recover, strengthen and return to their life as quickly as possible.”

In addition to the Aviv Rehabilitation Center, funds will also go toward creating Berman Commons, a 90-unit assisted living community on the Marcus Jewish Community Center campus in Dunwoody. Construction on the Commons is expected to begin in April 2013. Weiner says that with the Avivs’ gift, the Home will be able to maintain the broad scope of services it offers to meet the various needs of all the elderly in our community regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

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Because the Home has taken care of a record number of patients in recent years, the Avivs’ financial support will surely fill a need. “We are extremely proud for our names to be associated with the Aviv Rehabilitation Center,” Gary Aviv said. “Everyone dreads getting that potential phone call that mom or dad fell or sustained some other injury, and not knowing what to do next,” Cherie added. “We feel that our support will enable the Home to continue delivering customized, comprehensive rehabilitation service so that patients

“Last year, The Home cared for over 262 rehabilitation clients, and we expect to exceed that number in the current year,” Home CEO Harley Tabak said, reflecting on how far the space has come since opening in 2005 with eight short-term beds. “[But] despite the increasing demand for highquality rehabilitation care, we are determined to meet everyone’s needs. We’re open to all…and we are pleased our clients choose Aviv Rehabilitation Center with confidence.”

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Ask Bubbe

From Our Readers

Balancing Dreaded Reunion with Happy Occasion ASK PEACHY BUBBE

Dear Editor:

Dear Bubbe,

Dear Confused,

Help!

You need to do this for your beloved daughter. Believe me, anyone who knows you will know that you want nothing to do with the ex-husband!

My daughter, my only child, has just become engaged. I am very happy about it, and I like her future husband quite a bit. We are beginning to talk about the wedding and make some plans. My daughter would like to have a traditional Jewish wedding. She wants to be walked down the aisle by both of her parents and be joined by both of us under the chuppah. My problem is this: I have been divorced for about two years. My marriage was a long one, but it did not end happily for me; now, like many divorced women, I want nothing to do with my ex-husband. He is a lying, cheating rat. Bubbe, I love my daughter more than anything, but I would hate for anyone to think, because I will be giving her away alongside my ex, that I want to get back together with him or that I still want to be with him.

Words of Support for One Isolated

What shall I do? - Confused

You need to buy yourself a beautiful dress to wear, have your hair and makeup done to perfection, hold your head up high and give your daughter the gift of a peaceful, conflict-free wedding. Do not make her choose between her parents. Smile, be very gracious, and even walk back up the aisle with that snake. You are, after all, parents together of that lovely young woman. Have a drink at cocktail time and make sure you are seated for dinner at a table with your favorite people. Let the snake be seated with his friends or the former in-laws (that you never really liked)! No one will think you still love your ex. Everyone will just admire your good manners and your devotion to your daughter. - Peachy Bubbe

am writing in response to Gillian Miller’s article about her Birthright trip and later small-town experience in the Oct. 12 issue.

We moved to Atlanta from New Jersey in 1981, and I began teaching in a Cobb County high school in 1982. At first, I was shocked to see prayers held at football games and faculty meetings as well as meetings at the school of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life. Our daughter even came home from middle school to tell us about a pro football player who headlined a school assembly, praising Jesus Christ. We dealt with all of this over the years by calmly meeting with administrators and coaches, explaining about diversity and sensitivity and – when necessary – the law. We also had a committee through the Jewish Federation that met with superintendents and principals, sharing information about Jewish holidays and practices. Things improved, of course, and metro school systems in the South have come a long way since then. But our responsibility as Jews will never go away. I am sad for Gillian that she has to go through similarly alienating experiences in 2012. However, she is now an educator as well as a Jew, and it is important for her to proudly share information with her staff as well as with her students. She may find, as I did, that there is a Jewish student in her school who will look to her as a role model. Also, I have found that most Christians are very respectful of Jews once they really know us. I had a teacher in my department who told me that she had to change churches because of me; when I asked why, she said that in Sunday School, they were told that the Jews would all go to hell. She stood up and said that if she had to believe that her coworker was going to hell, she would change churches!

Be a strong, proud Jew, Gillian. We’re all counting on you!

Don’t Underestimate Me.

Americans today live longer and enjoy an unprecedented level f health. Their vibrant lifestyles are accompanied by a powerful independent spirit that says, “Don’t underestimate me.” That’s why our community focuses on providing the kind of lifestyle we know they want and appreciate. From superb dining and signature services to special events and group activities, we encourage our residents to be as active, social, healthy and independent as they choose. Instead of worries about home maintenance and security, our residents enjoy carefree living, with abundant opportunities in a pleasing environment designed especially for them. And we never underestimate the power of their spirit – or yours.

Sincerely, Berna Levine, Ed.D. Atlanta

Validation, Inspiration in Dr. Brickman’s Courage Dear Editor:

he article about Emory University Dental School [see the Oct. 19 edition of the AJT] validated my father’s lifelong story.

He has been gone 20 years now, but he always told me of the antiSemitism at Emory Dental School. He was forced out since he could not afford to pay tuition to repeat his first year, and I think he was always heartbroken over it. He went on to become a respected pharmacist in Atlanta instead [of pursuing dentistry] but never forgot how he was treated at Emory. I wanted to reach out to Dr. Brickman, but had no way of communicating with him. Hopefully he will read this and know how proud and touched I was for his speaking out to reveal the injustice.

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

My father was [at the school] in about 1942. He would have made a fine dentist as a sensitive, kind and gentle soul. The community missed out.

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israel

Israeli Pride

GOOD NEWS MADE IN THE JEWISH STATE THIS PAST WEEK MRI atlas of the human brain was created. The Tel Aviv University CONNECT project has scanned 120 healthy brains with a magnetic resonance instrument (MRI) to build the world’s first “atlas” of the microstructure of white matter. The data could help identify signs of neurological and psychiatric diseases and lead to early treatment.

A protein’s link to Alzheimer’s was discovered. University of Haifa researcher Yifat Segev has discovered a link between dementia and the activity level of a protein called eIF2alpha. Head of Neurobiology Prof. Kobi Rosenblum said that altering the performance of this protein through medication could treat the incurable and progressive disease. U.S. counterterror experts visited Israel. A delegation of 10 senior counter-terrorism experts from New York City; Los Angeles; Houston, Texas; Austin, Texas; Oakland, Calif.; and Montgomery County, Md. are in Israel through an educational institute of the

American Jewish Committee. The program will showcases Israeli technological and operational advances in counterterrorism tactics. Six new ambassadors arrived in Israel. Egypt’s Atef Mohamed Salem Sayed Elahl and Jordan’s Walid Khalid Abdullah Obeidat presented their credentials to Israeli President Shimon Peres. The ambassadors from Armenia, Ivory Coast, Italy and Malta were also received. Driverless cars were announced. Israel’s Mobileye is developing an automated driving system based on a com-

bination of cameras, radars and audio sensors, which navigates the car even in a tight urban environment. Kreator is set to return. The German heavy metal band first performed in Israel in 1992. They returned in 2006 and are due to come back for a performance at the Barby Club in Tel Aviv on Jan. 18. Editor’s note: This list courtesy Michael Ordman and verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com.

A groom saved a 97-year-old on his special Sabbath. Hatzalah paramedic Arie Jaffe had just finished reading the Torah to celebrate his forthcoming wedding when his MIRS device started vibrating. He rushed outside in time to save an elderly congregant who had been struck by a car whilst crossing the road. A female Arab IDF commander will lead a combat unit. Christian Arab Mona Abdo, 20, has just made history by graduating from the Israel Defence Forces’ Commanders training course. She will become a commander in the Caracal combat unit, which has both male, female, Arab and Jewish soldiers serving alongside each other. ALEH opened new school. Israel’s largest network for children with severe physical and cognitive disabilities last week dedicated a new school for special students in Jerusalem. ALEH provides “24-7” rehabilitative and medical care for 650 children around the country. Israel’s Mars equipment began its work. Israel’s cooler for the Chemin chemical analyzer was brought into action for the first time when the Mars Curiosity Rover began to test its first soil samples. The first results confirmed that some strange bright particles were of Mars origin and not debris from the landing.

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

EU approved a trade pact with Israel. The European Parliament has approved the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products with Israel. Technical trade barriers will now be removed, bringing thousands of Israel’s life-saving medications to Europe. TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TICKETMASTER.COM AND AT ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS. TO CHARGE TICKETS BY PHONE, CALL (800) 745-3000.

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10/23/12 10:51 AM

AJT

Chana’s Corner

Who Is Wise? A HANDS-ON APPRAOCH TO WISDOM By Chana Shapiro AJT Columnist

was on a plane from Atlanta to California several years ago. Such a long stretch in an airplane is, in my opinion, the perfect setting to work on the Friday New York Times crossword puzzle; this menace usually takes several sessions to complete, so I was happy to have many hours to fill with something I really enjoy. I sat with the page on my tray. Next to me was a young woman who was using the long flight to catch up on her sewing – button-replacing to be exact. We nodded and smiled encouragement from time to time, acknowledging that we were both assiduous “workers,” pursuing our very different tasks. I smugly noted to myself that her work was physical, almost automatic, whereas mine was challenging and intellectual. At one point, to emphasize the herculean nature of my task, I mentioned offhandedly: “This is the Friday New York Times puzzle. It’s really tricky!” “I can see that!” she answered, with appropriate admiration.

Her veneration seemed so genuine that I didn’t have to subtly let her know I’m a seasoned English teacher and I know boatloads of hard words (like “veneration”).

“You were really doing a lot of sewing!”

After a couple of hours, the woman leaned back in her seat. She had deftly replaced scores of buttons and even darned and hemmed at least one of them. She put her work away, gathered her scissors, thread and needles into a little etui (see, I told you I know a lot of nifty words) and stowed everything neatly in a canvas bag.

“I always take work with me,” she answered. “All my sisters and cousins learned to sew when we were kids. My grandmother taught us. We’re all good at real dressmaking, but I relax by sewing on buttons.”

I smiled ruefully. Her work was easy, mine was hard, and that’s why she finished before me. At the time, I was only half-way through the maddening puzzle, which was filled with double-entendres, puns and trendy jargon. Having started, though, I didn’t want to give up, especially in front of my seatmate who had finished with time to spare. But stop I did: After another hour of frustration, I folded the newspaper and slid it into my own carry-on. Maybe a bit of socialization would unlock my mind, I thought. I addressed the woman beside me:

Shabbat Candle Lighting Times Blessing for the Candles Baruch Arah A-do-nai,El-o-hei-nu Melech Haolam Asher Kid-shanu b’mitzvotav V’zivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of time and space. You hallow us with Your mitzvot and command us to kindle the lights of Shabbat.

Blessing for thw Wine Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu Meelech Haolam, Borei p’ri hagafen Praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine. Blessing for the Bread (Challah) Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu Melech haolam, Hamotzi Lechem min haaretz. Our Praise to You Eternal our God, Sovereign of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.

“I hate sewing on buttons!” I exclaimed. “It’s no use, anyway, because they always come off again.” “That’s because you don’t know the tricks!” she laughed. “I’ll show you.” She pulled out one of the shirts she’d just fixed, took out her little embroidery scissors, snipped off one of the buttons, laid the work in front of me and sewed it back on. I watched carefully as she explained the right way to do it. Then, she cut off another button and mentored my slow and deliberate attempt. I did it right the first time, and I felt like I’d climbed Mt. Everest. Sewing a button correctly is just plain useful, and I’d worked with my hands; as a result, I felt smarter.

Interesting.

Unfortunately, the plane landed before I learned how to properly put in a hem, but I’ll tell you this: There isn’t a button in this house that will come loose in the next decade! Which reminds me…

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shabbat blessings

What a great conversation opener, I thought sarcastically, but she smiled and turned toward me.

Friday, November 2, 2012 Light Candles at: 6:26 pm Shabbat, November 3, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 7:21 pm Friday, November 9, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:20 pm Shabbat, November 10, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:16 pm Friday, November 16, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:16 pm Shabbat, November 17, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:12 pm

Back in the Old Country (St. Louis), I used to take walks with my father. One of our neighbors, Mr. James, was a real country fellow, with the rough clothing and Ozark accent to prove it. I could hardly understand him when he greeted us, but my father always chose the route past his house and enjoyed talking to him. My father liked him, but I didn’t get it; not only did I feel sorry for this poor bumpkin, but I also disapproved of him. He smelled bad, he didn’t have laces in his shoes, and he chewed tobacco. “Pay attention to Mr. James,” my father advised me. “He knows how to do things.” This advice came back around one seemingly disastrous day (as you might expect). I had just bought an old car

and was about to take my mother to the grocery store, but the car wouldn’t start. Then, while I was trying to figure out what to do, my mother decided to throw a load of laundry into the washing machine, and it began to leak all over the kitchen floor. “Go get Mr. James!” my mother hollered, her arms full of the rags she was using to sop up the water. I didn’t want to be anywhere near our neighbor, but I ran. Mr. James was home – no surprise, he always was – and he limped to our house. First, he pulled the washing machine away from the wall, laughed and re-attached the hose, which had somehow come out of the wall. Then we went outside, where Mr. James opened the hood, checked this and that while I tried to start it and then went home to get his truck. I tried not to inhale as he made me stand close to watch him attach jumper cables. Then he got me to do it myself, and together, we got my car started. That day I learned three lessons: First, if the washing machine overflows, check the hose before you call a repairman; second, always carry a set of jumper cables in your car; and third, don’t be a snob. Sure, I was headed toward a university scholarship, but practical knowledge? I knew bupkis. Pirke Avot, The Sayings of Our Fathers (Sages), teaches us: “Who is wise? One who learns from all people.” By nature and nurture, I love the classics, adore art and appreciate music. At the same time I’m blessed – and forced – by unforeseen circumstances that keep broadening my “learning” in the never-ending process of becoming “wise.” Editor’s note: Chana Shapiro is an educator, writer, editor and illustrator whose work has appeared in journals, newspapers and magazines.

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The Atlanta Jewish Times is printed in Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. The opinions expressed in the Atlanta Jewish Times do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper. The Atlanta Jewish Times Established 1925 as The Southern Israelite 270 Carpenter Drive, Suite 320, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Phone: (404) 883-2130 www.atlantajewishtimes.com THE ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES (ISSN# 0892-33451) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY ZADOK PUBLISHING, LLC 270 Carpenter Drive, Suite 320, ATLANTA, GA 30328 ©COPYRIGHT 2012 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MEMBER AMERICAN-ISRAELI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please send all photos, stories and editorial content to: submissions@atljewishtimes.com.

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NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

Managing Editor

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community

Raising the Ruach FIRST SHABBAT-OBSERVANCE-FRIENDLY RELAY EVENT A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

PHOTOS/Rachel Palazzo n Oct. 14, the long-awaited and much-anticipated Ruach Atlanta Relay for Life finally arrived. The first-ever Sunday relay event sanctioned by the American Cancer Society did not disappoint; Ruach inspired, spread smiles and raised some $46,600.

NOVEMBER 2 â&#x2013;Ş 2012

Representation from six different metro Atlanta area congregations as well as Jewish Family & Career Services and Roswell Community Masjid made for an excellent turnout. Donations are still being accepted at relayforlife.org/ruachga as the goal of $50,000 raised by Dec. 31, 2012 nears.

AJT

Outreach

Life at Home is the Key to IndependenceSM

Jackie & Shana Are PALs Forever JF&CS PROGRAM PROVIDES INVALUABLE ROLE MODELS & FRIENDS She shared a few thoughts on the PAL program and what made it special for her.

hen Jackie Goldstein and Shana Cole became PALs over 26 years ago, it would have been hard to believe they would still be in each other’s lives today.

“Jackie became one of the most significant influences of my childhood,” Shana said “She has been there to guide me and be a role model…[and] she tolerated me when I was intolerable.”

PAL – a Jewish Family & Career Services program similar to Big Brother and Big Sister programs – links adults with children of single-parent families. Jackie and Shana were one of the first PAL matches, brought together by Ellen Moore, the program’s coordinator at the time. “Little PAL” Shana needed another older presence in her life because her mom, Nancy, was born with a profound hearing loss and was fully deaf by the time her children had reached their teen years. As such, she couldn’t accompany her kids on all their activities, like going to movies and concerts. “My children have normal hearing, and having a big brother for my son and a big sister for my daughter opened a new world for them,” Nancy said. “Big PAL” Jackie recalls the first time she met Shana. The latter was only 11 years old. “She was a little shy and even pretended to be sick,” Jackie said with a smile. “When I went to pick her up, she was complaining of a stomach ache. I said that it was too bad that she wasn’t feeling well because I had planned to take her to the zoo to draw the animals, and – suddenly – she was feeling much better.” The day turned out great, and it served as the beginning of a wonderful relationship. Over the years, Jackie has shared with Shana many of the younger’s special moments – her bat mitzvah, wedding, even her baby’s naming ceremony. “I’ve loved watching and, hopefully, helping her become the amazing woman she is today,” Jackie said. A few weeks ago, Shana – who now lives in North Carolina with her husband Craig and two-year-old daughter Maddie – was in Atlanta to visit Jackie.

Shana, who explained she suffered with ADHD, explains that she could be difficult at times, easily distracted and always talking. “Whether or not I drove her crazy, I have no idea,” Shana said. “She never made me feel anything but special.” Now 37, she says she doesn’t think many adults realize the impact they can have on the life of a child. “For certain, I didn’t, not till much later,” Shana said.

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Nancy is very grateful for the relationship the PAL program created for her daughter. “Jackie helped my daughter,” she said. “For that, I am grateful, forever grateful. I could go on, but I believe this pretty much explains how much I love Jackie.”

Editor’s Note: If you are a single parent or someone interested in learning more about the PAL program, please call JF&CS at (770) 677-9300 or email info@jfcs-atlanta.org.

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For her part, Jackie says she was just having fun and that she never realized the full impact she was having on Shana’s life – or the life of Shana’s mother. “I love Shana like family and always will,” Jackie said. “Thank you to Nancy for sharing her with me all these years, and thank you to the PAL Program for making it happen.”

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Today, she is not only married and a mother herself but also the co-owner of a thriving business. She thinks Jackie had a lot to do with her success in life. “Yes, I still get a stomach ache when I’m nervous,” she laughed, recalling her first visit with Jackie. “Maybe I just need to go to the zoo more often.”

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NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

From Jewish Family & Career Services For the Atlanta Jewish Times

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Community

My Way of Fighting the Good Fight A PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE AGAINST CANCER By Gordon Decker

For the Atlanta Jewish Times

“Y

ou have cancer.” Those three words have changed my life forever.

When I was asked to write about my battle with advanced stage 4 prostate cancer, I wondered why anyone would want to know about my story. There are so many people fighting their own battle with cancer; I am not special by any means. I don’t do Facebook or Twitter. I try to keep my personal life to myself. But for whatever reason, G-d has given me a second chance at life. And so here’s my story.

I was okay. I said, “Sure!” and that I would tell her about my test results after the party.

act around someone who has been diagnosed with cancer; they just disappear. How unfortunate. If it weren’t for some very special people that stuck with me through this, I would not be writing this article today.

But I was thinking:

Cancer. Why me? Why now? I felt even worse for my wife. Her only sister has been battling stage 4 cancer; the doctors gave her six months to live.

As for fighting the disease, I chose to think outside the box. In addition to traditional cancer treatment, I listened to my chiropractor/nutritionist, who suggested I go see a naturopathic doctor.

But that was four-anda-half years ago. She has lived to see three grandchildren born and plans to be at my son’s wedding this month.

I chose hope over despair. I chose prayer. I chose a positive attitude. I chose to be around friends and family who are supportive of my efforts. And, I had to keep a very important promise: I told my son that I would be at his wedding.

Then, in April 2011… It Was March 2011… My son Brandon and his fiancé were in Roswell to plan their wedding. I didn’t feel right, but I said nothing. You could see the excitement on their faces as the kids chose a venue and talked about what they had to do before their wedding day. A few days later, I went to see my physician. My doctor immediately ordered some tests, and off to the hospital I went. Less than an hour later, I was driving to meet my wife and other family members for a birthday celebration. It was then that my phone rang. On the other end was my doctor telling me he had some bad news. I laughed and said, “Yeah, right.” What could be so bad? After all, I worked out regularly and tried to eat healthy. “Gordon,” he said, “I think you have cancer.”

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

My first thought was, “No way.”

I told my doctor it was not a good time for me; I was working two jobs and had a wedding to look forward to. Thank goodness I didn’t run off the road.

Imagine what it was like to show up at the family birthday party and try to pretend everything was normal. My wife knew, though; she could see it 10 in my face, and she kept asking me if

I underwent a biopsy and waited for the results. It seemed like time had come to a standstill. How long does it take to find out? It was just a few days. Again, I was driving, and the phone rings – on my sister’s birthday, no less. The biopsy results are in, and cancer is confirmed. I felt so alone. What was worse, I had to call my sister on her birthday and tell her the news: I learned a long time ago that one does not hide anything from my older sister.

Fast-forward to 2012… So, what has worked for me?

Gordon Decker (right) and his son Brandon, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a firefighter/EMT.

There were so many things going through my mind. I was a nervous wreck, but I had to focus on what I had to do next. At that point, I had spent 35 years with the fire department in my community. My job was to answer calls and help people in distress. After my diagnosis, I had to retire from active duty and put my house up for sale. I realized that cancer was about to change my life forever. I found it to be a very cold experience to be herded into an examine room, my wife present, both of us waiting for the doctor. He walked in, went

PHOTO/courtesy Decker family

over the biopsy results and told me the cancer had already spread. One option he offered was to remove my bladder and put me on a bag the rest of my life. I never went back to that doctor again. I learned there were other options and now would suggest to everyone to always get more than one medical opinion. Do your homework, I say! I researched my problem on the Internet, I spoke to others who had cancer and survived, and I asked for the names of their doctors and if they liked them. I also found out who my true friends really were.

Some people do not know how to

I’ve based my efforts on the fact that there are two things which are bad for cancer – stress and sugar. Thus, I work hard to reduce the stresses in my life, and I gave up sugar in favor of Stevia.

In fact, I am on an alkaline diet: No sugar, no grains, and no dairy. I eat organic foods whenever possible, I stay away from processed foods and work very hard to keep my immune system at 100 percent. It is not cheap to live this way, but the rewards are many, not the least of which that I have been in remission for over a year now. Two websites, alkalizeforhealth.net and mercola.com, have had an impact on my life and the decisions I’ve made. I think they offer a path to a healthier life.

Good luck with your own journey.

AJT

Community

Doctor to the Golf Stars Q & A WITH CHIROPRACTOR DR. DAVID LEVINSON Transcription by Elizabeth Friedly, Assistant Editor

emple Beth Tikvah member Dr. David Levinson does a lot more than crack your back. As one of the official on-site chiropractors of the Professional Golf Association (PGA), he has helped keep the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods on the course and playing their best.

PHOTOS/Laura Tarquino - vosamo.com

Fittingly, Levinson grew up a golf fan. Still, he didn’t necessarily expect that he’d emerge from his higher education at Temple and Life universities to shortly after begin working with pros at the top of their game.

ropractors [that the PGA brought in], and I was one of the six. What we did was we split up all of the PGA tour events, and we started working with physical therapists and athletic trainers in the PGA trailers that travel to each tournament. Basically, we became the personal doctors for the tour players when they played. These days, I’ll work somewhere between six and eight weeks a year out on tour, going to different cities, and my colleagues do the same. No question, the whole experience has been very gratifying; it’s been fun to travel to different parts of the country, different parts of the world and also to develop relationships and friendships with these professional golfers.

Seeing it [profes Of course, besides sional golf] from working with star ath- Dr. David Levinson (right) works behind the scenes letes, the doctor also with PGA golfers like Bernhard is also very enjoyhelps promote the gen- Langer (left). PHOTO/courtesy Dr. David able and something eral health and relieve Levinson I relish. the pain of his everyday patients at his practice in Johns Creek. The Atlanta Jewish AJT: When it comes to working with Times spoke with Levinson about his the big names, have you every dealt reasons for getting into medicine, his with being star-struck? passion for sports and what he offers to the people who walk through his of- DL: To be honest, yes, at first. I remember the first time I met Arnold Palmer, fice doors. Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, and it goes pretty much down the line with Atlanta Jewish Times: How did you get people that I looked up to when I was growing up. Gary Player, Lee Travino, involved with the PGA? those guys – I think the first time I Dr. David Levinson: Back in 1985, I met them, I was nervous and, as you was working on a local golf pro, and said, star-struck. he had a friend who was a touring pro, Jodie Mudd. Jodie asked me to take a That carried on for a while, but look at him; I did, and I was able to then it changed when I got older; the players got younger all the sudden help him. [laughs]. Also, being around it for so From there, he [Mudd] actually many years, there’s definitely familinvited me to one of the PGA events, iarity. Sure, working with Tiger, that the FedEx Tournament in Memphis, brings out a different level of adrenaTenn. I went with him, and by the end line; but the more you do something, of the week, I had worked not only on the more comfortable it becomes. him but actually about 50 golfers. Just by being in the locker room with him and my portable table, I became con- AJT: Tell me more about your “day nected with many others on the tour; job” – that is, running your practice in that was my first exposure, and that Johns Creek. was how my reputation started, and DL: I’d sum it up by saying that there’s it’s built from there. a percentage of people that come in to Not long after that, I was seeing a see me because they’re in pain. They lot of different professional golfers, and have lower back pain, sciatica, neck I was being invited out by more of them pain, headaches, shoulder injury, a to travel to different events. Eventual- wrist problem – that’s what I call crily, almost all the players started want- sis management, and I see that every ing chiropractic, so the PGA opted to day. provide chiropractors on-site at every tournament, and a team was selected. Then, another part of what I do is helping to inspire. I consider myself Originally, it was a team of six chi- something of a personal health coach

in guiding people on the journey to being healthy. The people to who I help in this way are already health-oriented people: They’re into eating healthy; they’ll go to Whole Foods instead of Wal-Mart; you’ll find them exercising regularly every week. They try to benefit from that positive addiction of eating right and exercising, so with them, a lot of what I share is healthy living principles.

Finally, a certain component of my practice is performance-oriented aspect. It could be anything from an adolescent to an older person; these are people trying to peak, performancewise, in whatever sport they’re doing. I can help them with functional analysis and coaching in terms of exercises, as well as preventing illnesses and injuries.

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AJT

Election 2012

Tanenblatt for Romney LOCAL SERVES AS NATIONAL FINANCE CO-CHAIR FOR REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE By Tiffany Parks AJT Contributor

any political pundits say that President Barack Obama has ignited the political fires of the American electorate in a way that hasn’t been seen in decades. Atlanta’s Eric Tanenblatt – one of Mitt Romney’s trusted advisors and his national finance co-chair – sees it differently: He believes that what the President has really ignited is dissatisfaction over his Administration’s failed economic policies. Tanenblatt thinks that many voters, especially Jewish voters, are seriously considering switching political parties as the 2012 Presidential Election nears. To encourage the Jewish community to consider what the Republican Party has to offer, Tanenblatt shared the details of his successful life in politics and how he feels that Republican values will help save America.

Foundations for Political Passion The political bug bit Tanenblatt at an early age. His paternal grandfather, a staunch Republican, was the first person to spark his interest. “My grandfather talked to me like a grown-up all of the time about politics when I was young,” said Tanenblatt. The family as a whole has embraced the core Republican value of business ownership for generations. By employing locals, the family business (founded at the beginning of the 20th century) strengthened the community and gave the entire family a sense of pride and achievement.

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

“My great-grandfather came to America during the early 1900s,” Tanenblatt said. “He built a company that made and sold paint brush handles to major bristle companies.” After graduation from high school, Tanenblatt left his New York home to attend Emory University in 1984.

“Emory was a liberal college – like most colleges are – and my interactions with my more liberal classmates made me more firm in my conserva12 tive values,” he said.

To broaden his political education, Tanenblatt applied and was accepted into an intensive six-week program, called the Fund for American Studies, at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Through this experience, he met President Ronald Reagan as well as young political neophytes like himself who, he says, were being trained to value and understand freedom and the free market economy. Later, when Tanenblatt graduated from Emory in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in economics, he got serious about getting into politics. All he needed was someone to help mold his potential; luckily, he found a role model in Paul Coverdell, the late senator.

the country from financial collapse. He also thinks that it’s almost criminal that the federal government keeps raising the debt ceiling instead of trying to bring down the debt. “State governments have to balance their budgets, so why isn’t the federal government trying to do the same thing?” Tanenblatt wondered rhetorically. He is firm in his conviction that Mitt Romney is the candidate who can get the country back to a balanced budget. He knew this as early as last July, when he traveled to Israel with Romney.

“Senator Coverdell was a great man,” Tanenblatt said. “He taught me so much about integrity and how the government worked.”

And – little surprise here – he thinks Romney has an excellent chance of capturing the office.

More on Tanenblatt There is no doubt that the late Senator Coverdell would be proud of Tanenblatt, considered by many to be the most politically connected Jewish Republican in Georgia. Besides working for both Bush senior and his son a decade later, Tanenblatt also worked as the Chief of Staff in Gov. Sonny Perdue’s Administration. He’s been the senior managing director for Mckenna Long & Aldridge Law Firm since 2001, and he also leads the firm’s National Government Affairs Group. Tanenblatt’s civic activities include being on the board of directors at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Buckhead Coalition, the Georgia Public Policy and the American Jewish Committee. He is also the co-chair of the fund of American Studies, a member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta and the founder of volunteer organization HandsOn Georgia.

Mentee met mentor after the former campaigned for George H.W. Bush; Tanenblatt was invited to Washington, D.C. to work in the Administration after Bush was elected, and was shortly after introduced to Coverdell, who was the director of the Peace Corps at the time. Tanenblatt credits Coverdell with helping him to form and focus his Republican values. “He taught me the importance of the protection of liberty, belief in the individual and the free enterprise system,” said Tanenblatt. Sadly, on July 19, 2000, Coverdell died of a brain aneurism. His wife Nancy gave Tanenblatt a picture of the late Senator. “His picture hangs in my office. I think about him every day, [and] he inspires me every day,” said Tanenblatt.

Role in the Romney Campaign Tanenblatt never could have imagined that his political background would put him in the midst of what he and many others predict will be the most important election of the 21st century. He believes that America’s future hinges on her fiscal situation and that adhering to the Republican value of being fiscally conservative will save

Eric Tanenblatt, national finance co-chair for Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney, stands with the portrait of his mentor, the late Senator Paul Coverdell. PHOTO/courtesy McKenna, Aldridge & Long

“Romney has been negatively portrayed in the battleground states as something he really is not,” Tanenblatt said. “I have gotten to know him, and he’s a friend of Israel.” Tanenblatt believes in Romney and is certain that those most central tenets of the Republican party – less government, belief in the free enterprise system and fiscal conservatism – will make America great. Although he is worried about the direction in which the Obama Administration is taking the country, he believes that his candidate will restore balance to the country if he becomes president.

Beyond his public life, Tanenblatt has two sons, both students at Pace Academy. The elder, Matthew, loves debating and is the president of his class and a varsity lacrosse player; the younger, Sammy, plays tennis and is a baritone in the pep band. He sees in them and their peers the leaders of tomorrow.

“The young generation has more at stake in the future,” Tanenblatt said. “It [the future] belongs to them. It’s important that we help keep the country exceptional for generations and generations to come.” Editor’s note: Tiffany Parks is an English instructor at Gwinnett Technical College. She earned a master’s degree in English education at Georgia State University and enjoys writing.

AJT

Election 2012

The Race for Public Service Commission, District 3 Q & A WITH THE CANDIDATES he Atlanta Jewish Times recently spent some time with Steve Oppenheimer, the Democratic candidate for the Public Service Commission for District 3 and the only Jewish candidate on the ballot in the state of Georgia.

groups and utilities do. I would ban lobbyists’ gifts from agents of the utilities commissioners are supposed to be regulating.

In addition to helping homeowners control their electric bills, it [solar power] would promote economic growth and jobs in Georgia for solar installation companies, electricians and solar panel and component manufacturers.

We asked him – as well as his opponents, incumbent Chuck Eaton and independent Brad Ploeger – about the race and his goals, platform and views on several topics. As of press time, only Candidate Oppenheimer’s responses had been received.

AJT: Let’s say a reader only has the time to scan these words. What’s the one aspect of your platform that you’d want them to be aware of?

Here’s what he had to say: Atlanta Jewish Times: Why are you running for Public Service Commission? Steve Oppenheimer: Georgia families and small businesses need an independent, common-sense voice on the Public Service Commission; a commissioner dedicated to protecting homeowner rights, reducing power bills and creating good energy jobs in Georgia. It is problematic that the incumbent commissioner has received 85 percent of his campaign contributions from insiders of the utilities he is supposed to be regulating. Commissioners must be free of conflict of interest when deciding on rate increase requests by utility giants. This powerful office makes Georgia’s energy policy; setting the rates we pay and shaping the policy that determines if Georgia will create modern energy jobs or not. Improving upon traditional energy generation, which is the largest polluter of our air and water, presents an opportunity for tikkun olam. AJT: If you’re elected, how will the changes that you implement affect the daily life of the average Georgia resident? SO: The Public Service Commission must once again earn public confidence. Decision-making must become more transparent, objective and evenhanded. The campaign finance rules for the Public Service Commission must be rewritten to restrict contributions from agents of the utilities. I would restore the professional consumer advocate – the Consumer Utility Counsel – for homeowners and small businesses to PSC staff. Since its removal in 2008, Georgians have paid more than $4 billion in cumulative rate increases. Homeowners and small businesses cannot afford to hire their own lobbyists and attorneys like the special interest

neighbor, I would be a felon in the state of Georgia. They could come and give me “new jewelry” – called handcuffs – and lead me to jail.

AJT: How is the construction of two new reactors at Plant Vogtle impacting Georgia Power customers? SO: As customers, we are at great economic risk. Our monthly bills already include a Nuclear Construction Cost Recovery charge that is three times greater than originally proposed. Incumbent Commissioner Eaton twice failed to vote for “Risk Sharing,” which would have made Southern Company shareholders liable for cost overruns – not just Georgia citizens. The nuclear plants Georgia Power completed in the 1980s ended up costing 1,200 percent more than the proposed budget.

SO: The Public Service Commission impacts us all today and shapes our future. Vote for Steve Oppenheimer. Only new leadership with new ideas can change the course we are on. Our electric rates have skyrocketed 24 percent in 5 years, the new nuclear plants are guaranteed to raise our rates and Georgia’s residential natu-

ral gas rates have been the highest in the continental United States for the last four months. My background is in science. For the last eight years, I have been involved in energy policy nationally and in Georgia. I have a 30-year track record in the community of working for the benefit of the next generation. There are other better options for energy management and generation. The challenges we face for affordable energy in the future create an opportunity to spur innovation and entrepreneurship in Georgia as it already has in other Southern states. Editor’s note: Commissioner Eaton and Candidate Ploeger were each also contacted by the AJT with the opportunity to answer these same questions. As of press time, responses had not been received from either, but watch atlantajewishtimes.com throughout the week for updates and Oppenheimer’s opponent’s viewpoints, should they be received before Nov. 6.

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The Commission parrots Georgia Power’s official position: that the project is “on-time and on-budget” despite the reports of the independent construction monitor hired by the commission, which show the project is $900 million over budget and seven months behind schedule.

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Analysis by former Commissioner Bobby Baker suggests the project may already be $3.5 billion over-budget. We need an independent voice on the commission when the truth comes out after the election. AJT: Should energy consumers in the state of Georgia have the option to directly purchase solar power? SO: Yes. Forty-five states already permit this; Georgia law does not. Georgia laws should be amended to permit homeowners and property owners the right to generate solar energy with the freedom to choose how to finance their solar installation. [Under the current laws], if I put solar on my roof and share it with my

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AJT

Election 2012

What Does the Talmud Say About Handouts? BREAD OF SHAME OR SWEAT OF BROW? By Rabbi Shalom Lewis

For the Atlanta Jewish Times

here is a wonderful tale of a wealthy man who apprenticed his son to a local farmer for a year:

Knowing the boy’s father was rich, the farmer spoke kindly with the lad and gave him no work to do. At the end of the year, the boy was handed a bag with one hundred silver coins and sent home. When the son returned and handed his wages to his father, the latter threw the sack of money into a nearby river, but the boy merely shrugged his shoulders and was silent. After the summer, once again the father sent his son to a local farmer for training. This farmer, like the one of the previous year, knew of the man’s affluence and coddled the young apprentice by giving him no chores or responsibilities. Also like the other farmer, he gave the boy one hundred silver coins at the end of the year and sent him home. When the son arrived home, his father did just as he had before and took the money and tossed it into a nearby river while the boy watched. The son, just as he had before, uttered not a word of protest and displayed no emotion. When autumn came once more, the father, brought his son to a third farmer, but this time hid his great wealth when turning the boy over for the year of work. After the father departed this time, the boy was treated much differently: He was woken by the farmer before sunrise, chided for being lazy and given tasks to perform until the boy collapsed, exhausted at the day’s end.

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

At the end of his apprenticeship, the boy’s clothes were in tatters, his hands were calloused and his feet blistered. As two others had done before him, this third farmer gave the boy one hundred silver coins and sent him home.

The young man handed the money to his father as before, but as his father was about to throw his wages into the river, the young boy cried out: “Please father, don’t!” The father looked at his son and asked, “Why not? One day you will inherit my fortune.”

“Yes, I know,” said the son. “But this money, I earned.” The Lesson Lived When I was young, I wanted a silver ID bracelet. I was obsessed and thought it was the hippest thing to wear, so I asked my parents if they would buy it for me. They told me to “earn the money,” and so I became a delivery boy for Leopold’s Pharmacy, pedaling my two-wheeler all over Haddon Heights, dropping off prescriptions and hoping for big tips. When I finally had collected enough to make the purchase, I proudly strutted into Davis Jewelers, handed Mr. Davis my own money and ordered my shiny silver ID bracelet. Now I know: Had my parents simply handed me the money, I have no doubt that I would have been robbed of a joyous, glorious thrill; that I had earned every penny made the ID bracelet not just a piece of jewelry, but a triumph. There is a powerful notion expressed in the Talmud that decries unearned ownership. It is condemned, disparaged as nechama dekisufa, “bread of shame.” The rabbis taught that man is to work for what he gets, not simply receive handouts. Life is to be measured by tattered clothes, calloused hands and blistered feet. A divine message to humanity from the opening chapter of Genesis says that our possessions are valued not by the price tag, but by zayot apecha. “the sweat of our brow.” We admire the father who exercised tough love in teaching his spoiled son. I admire my parents who taught me that “if you want it, you should work for it.” Gratitude for What’s Earned This month, we celebrate Thanksgiving, perhaps the quintessential American holiday. We eat turkey and cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes and express gratitude for our bounty. Still, that’s not because our bounty was dropped into our lap; it didn’t tumble from the sky, and it wasn’t plucked from a tree in Eden. Our bounty came from courage, delayed gratification, a work ethic, recognizing opportunity, getting an education, choosing wisely and self-reliance. Unfortunately, today, the diet of choice for many is the bread of shame.

It is gobbled up with unfortunate enthusiasm. The sages of old understood that such behavior was destructive of dignity and an assault on humanity, and we today must acknowledge their wisdom and their vision. Societies, cultures, countries and civilizations rise with tattered clothes,

calloused hands and blistered feet. They fall when they endorse checks and don’t sign them. Editor’s note: Rabbi Shalom Lewis is the senior rabbi at Congregation Etz Chaim in East Cobb.

Chabad Israeli Center Holds General Election Debate BERLON, D’AGOSTINO REPRESENT DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICANS

Mike Berlon, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia, and Robert D’Agostino, member of the Republican Jewish Coalition, represented their respective parties for the general election debate at Chabad Israeli Center. PHOTO/David Hazan

By David Hazan

For the Atlanta Jewish Times

he face of the nation today differs from that of four years ago, and proof of this can be found in the fact that most of the issues of the upcoming elections revolve around domestic problems. With many of the international problems of 2008 now in the back of the public’s collective mind, it’s no wonder that only one televised presidential debate dealt with foreign affairs. Still, Israel remains a key topic in the political arena, and this coupled with an estimated nationwide population of 1.5 million (10,000 in Atlanta) makes the vote of immigrants to the U.S. from the Jewish State anything but inconsequential. As such, it was only natural that Chabad Israeli Center (CIC), under the direction of Rabbi Mendy Gurary, hosted a political debate to compare and contrast the Democratic and Republican views of American-Israeli affairs. For the Oct. 24 event, Mike Berlon, chairman of the Democratic Party in Georgia, and Robert D’Agostino, professor of law at John Marshall Law School in Atlanta and active member of the Republican Jewish Coalition, came to CIC to answer questions and hear concerns. The evening began with a brief overview of U.S.-Israeli affairs and opening statements from the representatives, which were followed by a series of questions. Audience members were also given the opportunity to raise their own questions, and the enlightening proceedings no doubt helped many come to their own conclusions in preparation for Nov. 6.

AJT

Election 2012

Op-ed: On Charter Schools, Vote “Yes” IT’S THE “JEWISH THING” TO DO For the Atlanta Jewish Times

midst all the controversy around the upcoming charter schools amendment vote, I took some time this past Shabbat to quiet myself, take a long walk and consider why I feel so strongly about supporting Amendment 1. Specifically, I wanted to figure out why it feels like such a “Jewish” issue to me. Here’s what I’ve come up with: First, there’s our history. American public education has always been the ladder to success for immigrants, refugees and the poor. Perhaps no single group has benefited from good public schools more than American Jews; in just two generations, great public schools catapulted our parents and grandparents, who arrived with no money and no English, into the mainstream of American life and success far beyond our miniscule 1.7 percent of the U.S. population. Second, there’s the very Jewish value of tzedek, or justice. Every Jewish “immigrant” to Georgia from the Midwest or the Northeast who moves down to Georgia grapples with the dismal quality of public education in the state; we are horrified by graduation rates of 67 percent, by cheating scandals and public schools where children pass through metal detectors. Those of us with the resources to buy homes in top school districts or send our kids to private schools have good options, but all across the state – in Macon, Columbus, Augusta, Valdosta, Albany and the tiny towns strung along the old “Plantation Belt” – there are families trapped in zip codes that doom their children to struggling, underperforming schools. Third, there’s what I’ve learned about Jewish obstinence and the holy tradition of speaking truth to power. In the Bible, we are called a stiff-necked people, and while G-d did not always mean this in a good way, I prize the loud-mouths, champions and fighters who stand up for what is right for children. In the matter of public charter schools, I want to be one of the ones who stands up to the “educational industrial complex, the bureaucrats and bullies of the status quo who are afraid of innovation and change. Illuminating the Argument and Laying Bare the Facts To be clear: When I mention the “educational industrial complex,” I’m talking about entrenched politicians who defend mediocrity in public edu-

cation. I’m talking about superintendents, local school boards, the State Superintendents Association, the Georgia Association of Educators and even the Georgia Parent-Teacher Association. They all say they “love” charter schools but oppose the amendment because they say it will create another bureaucracy. In reality, their refusal to give charter schools serious consideration is all about money and control. Gwinnett County rejected top-performing Ivy Preparatory Academy, an all-girls charter school where 98 percent of students met or exceeded the reading portion of the CRCT last year (and 100 percent of eighth graders passed the Georgia State Writing Assessment). In another example, local boards denied Pataula Charter Academy, founded to serve students from five economically disadvantaged rural counties. The denial came after Pataula, in its second year, saw 91.9 percent of their students meet or exceed standards on reading – out-achieving all district averages for the area – and 91.3 percent meet or exceed Math CRCT standards – better than that figure posted by Baker, Clay, Calhoun, Early and Randolph county districts. Finally, consider that Fulton County denied Fulton Leadership Academy, with its rigorous academic and character-building curriculum serving economically disadvantaged boys in grades six through 12. The school has an aviation and technology focus, though the district called it “unoriginal” and seemingly ignored the outstanding results of 97.2 percent and 92.9 percent of students meeting or exceeding standards in reading and math, respectively. Are you sensing the David-versusGoliath nature of this struggle? Let me sling some more pellets of truth at what Goliath would have you believe: • The amendment will not take money away from traditional public schools. State-approved charters will operate on an average of 62 percent of the funding spent on kids at traditional district schools. No local dollars will be used to support state-chartered schools. • The amendment will not create a parallel charter school bureaucracy. The alternate charter school authorizer the amendment proposes, and which existed for two years, was staffed by just five employees. It ran at no cost to taxpayers. Charter schools themselves paid for the Charter Schools Commission in the amount of 3 percent

of their operations budget. • It will not serve as a “back door” to charter approval. The former commission considered 57 petitions and only authorized 16 schools. • It will not take away local control of public schools. What could be more “local” than parental control? Every charter school is run by a board of directors which includes parents. Just One Personal Tale Those are just some of the arguments we are fighting over, but remember that our tradition also asks us to listen to the “still small voices.” I’m glad to say I heard one last week, when Elizabeth Shelby, a 10th-grader at Atlanta charter high school KIPP Collegiate Academy, spoke confidently about why the amendment matters. Elizabeth told of KIPP teachers who give out their cell phone numbers so students can call at any hour with

questions about homework. She described weekly meetings with faculty to review goals and strategies, and she spoke about the contrast between KIPP, where she feels safe and secure, to her regular public school where there was violence and dysfunction. The young lady even said that KIPP Collegiate was a better place than the private school she attended for one year. “This school isn’t just preparing me to get to college,” she said. “It’s preparing me to be successful in college.” History; justice; speaking truth to power. These are the very Jewish reasons I’ll be voting “yes” for charter schools – and for Elizabeth and thousands of kids like her – on Nov. 6. Editor’s note: Nina Rubin is Director of Communications for the Georgia Charter Schools Association, a founding board member of Limmud Atlanta/ Southeast and a member of Congregation Shearith Israel.

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AJT

MJCCA BOOK FESTIVAL

MJCCA Book Festival: Read All About It! MORE THAN TWO WEEKS OF PRINTED-PAGE BLISS U.S. government, Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, talks about a most pressing issue in “The Future of the Jews,” which looks at major geopolitical, economic and security challenges facing the world in general and the Jewish world in particular. This session (Nov. 4) will be presented by the George Stern family in loving memory of Eva Prager Stern.

By Suzi Brozman AJT Contributor

he Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta celebrates the 21st birthday of its annual Book Festival this year, and the 2012 edition – beginning on Nov. 1 – is bigger and better than ever! With exceptional authors including Atlanta’s own Stuart Eizenstat, Rabbi Harold Kushner, crowd favorite Maggie Anton, travel expert Peter Greenberg, controversial writer Peter Beinart and beloved entertainer Michael Feinstein, there is certain to be a selection to engage, entertain and educate you, whatever your interests.

Just look at some of your choices:

• Opening night (Nov. 1) brings you Dr. Michael Bar-Zohar, author of “Mossad: The Great Missions of the Israeli Secret Service. With “intelligence” the as buzzword of the current political debate, who better than this former member of Israel’s Knesset and advisor to General Moshe Dayan to discuss some of the most amazing hidden episodes in the history of Israeli intelligence around the world? • Then, directly following Bar-Zohar, more on Israel comes from Simon Sebag Montefiore, whose “Jerusalem: A Biography” offers a comprehensive history of the world’s most sacred city from the era of King David through today’s highly conflicted status. Bill Clinton called the work his “number one book of the year.”

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

• Atlanta’s man on the inside in

Dr. Michael Bar-Zohar

• Taking another approach, writer/ blogger Peter Beinart (Nov. 14) outlines the danger to Israel’s existence in American Jewry’s refusal to confront the challenges facing the Jewish State. His ideas and suggestions are very controversial and have ignited a firestorm of debate on the Internet and in print, and his book, “The Crisis of Zionism,” is a must-read for anyone interested in Israel’s future as a Jewish nation. • Even another approach to the issues of Israel can be found in Ronda Robinson’s “Beyond Politics” (Nov. 13), which details the lives of everyday Israelis and invites us to understand the country not through its politics, but through its people. • World-famous author Rabbi Harold S. Kushner has a new take on his earlier top-seller, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” He’s related that larger phenomenon to the Bible in “The Book of Job: When Bad Things Happened to a Good Person.” This program (Nov. 12), the Esther G. Levine Community Read, honors Esther Levine, one of the Festival’s longtime volunteers.

Simon Sebag Montefiore

Stuart Eizenstat Stuart Eizenstat

• Remember “You’ve Got Mail” and “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”? The brilliant author behind these books-turned-films, Delia Ephron, will talk about “The Lion is In,” her story of three women on the lam in North Carolina. Get in on the hit Nov. 15, before it becomes a blockbuster movie! • Other sessions you won’t want to miss include Joy Ladin talking about gender reassignment in “Through the Door of Life” (Nov. 18), Deborah Feldman on leaving tradition in “Unorthodox” (Nov. 13) and Tony Danza (yes, the Tony Danza) on education, “I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had” (Nov. 17).

For Fiction Fans Book club members (and those who would be if they had the time) will want to make time for these fascinating novelists: • Maggie Anton (Nov. 2) is back with “Rav Hisda’s Daughters,” the new series following her world-famous trilogy, “Rashi’s Daughters.” Her works are especially appropriate for today, when women are trying to define their place in the Jewish world. • Susan Isaacs (Nov. 11) will have you howling with laughter in her “Goldberg Variations,” especially if you can relate to dysfunctional families. • Jillian Medoff (Nov. 12) talks about family bonds in “I Couldn’t Love You More.” • Award-winning journalist Kati

Peter Beinart

Ronda Robinson

Marton (Nov. 18) tells her own story of romance, love and loss in “Paris: A Love Story.” • Another family’s touching story is rendered in Jonathan Tropper’s “One Last Thing Before I Go” (Nov. 4).

Special Interest Still looking for your niche? • There’s a FamilyR eading Festival with special activities featuring Eric Litwin and other authors engaging children and families in reading activities. There will be cooking, crafts, stories, song and much more. • Calling all foodies: Local restaurateur Jenny Levison tells us about healthy eating in “Souper Jenny Does Salads” (Nov. 16) and famed cookbook author Lisa Lillen inspires us with extravagant food on a low-calorie budget in “Hungry Girl to the Max” (Nov. 14) • Besides Eizenstat, Montefiore, Robinson, Bar-Zohar, Anton and Beinart, there will be many aspects of Judaism on display. For example, former Israeli Minister of Defense and Ambassador to the U.S. Professor Moshe Arens (Nov. 8) brings to life the daring, courage and sacrifice of the fighters of the Warsaw Ghetto – who made a last-ditch fight against the Nazis for the honor and future of the Jewish people – in his groundbreaking work “Flags Over the Warsaw Ghetto.” continued on the next page

Rabbi Harold S. Kushner

Delia Ephron

MJCC_BF12_AD_AJT_HalfV_ol2.pdf

AJT

9/6/12

7:27 PM

MJCCA BOOK FESTIVAL

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• Jewish psychology’s on the agenda when Avrum Geurin Weiss (Nov. 7) takes on “Change Happens,” which contains his advice on the psychology of change and shows how contemporary insights help transform the lives of real people. • There’s a “bushel and a peck” of Southern writers (including many metro area locals): Ann Uhry Abrams, Marni Daivs, Zoe Fishman, Emily Giffin, Bonnie Schneider, Lyn Garson, Bobbi Kornblit, Alison Lebovitz and Andy Lipman. • Love other people’s tales? Among those sharing their memoirs are Ari Schonbrun, Jennifer Gardner Trulson, Andrew McCarthy (we’re talking the famous actor here), Susan Resnick and John Schwartz. • Lastly, there are plenty of sessions just for women (and the men who love them). We’ve got Devan Sipher, Meredith Goldstein, Mary Ann Zellner, Alicia Ybarbo, Zoe Fishman, Iris Krasnow, Francisca Segal and Jesse Kellerman. Among other specially-themed programs are “Brew Ha Ha” (Nov. 13, two sessions) and a 9/11 panel featuring Edie Lutnick (Nov. 5), whose brother was the head of Cantor Fitzgerald. Her book “An Unbroken Bond” tells the tale of the ill-fated men and women who lost their lives in the World Trade Center headquarters of the company, and a portion of proceeds go to the company’s relief fund. The final melody in this splashy symphony of ideas is a closing night (Nov. 18) tribute to the lives of the Gershwins by beloved pianist Mi-

chael Feinstein. He’ll share 12 of their greatest songs and play several of them, adding stories and reminiscences from the music of these immortal brothers.

Parting Notes If you’re interested in attending any of the above events, remember that the Book Festival attracts over 100,000 visitors, so make your reservations today so you don’t miss out on your favorite stars, novelists, memoirists, journalists and scholars. Also, the Book Festival’s Social Action Project, Project GIVE, presents “Passport to Literacy,” through which you can give the gift of reading to the children in our community by simply bringing new and gently worn children’s books to the Festival for donation to shelters, hospitals and schools throughout Atlanta. C

Editor’s note: To buy tickets to any Book Festival event, call the MJCCA Box Office at (678) 812-4005 or visit atlantajcc.org/bookfestival. Note that some programs take place off the Zaban Park campus. Finally, for more information on Project GIVE and Passport to Literacy, contact projectgive@atlantajcc.org or call (678) 812-3978. CY

CMY

THIS IS YOUR JEWISH COMMUNITY AND JEWISH ATLANTA GETS ITS NEWS HERE. EVERY WEEK.

AJT

ONLINE atlantajewishtimes.com 404-883-2130

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

• Local favorite Janice Rothschild Blumberg (Nov. 15) has penned the story of Alphabet Browne, the fascinating rabbi, journalist, attorney and political activist, from his arrival in the U.S. in post-Civil War times through his death at the start of the Great Depression in “Prophet in the Time of Priests.”

AJT

MJCCA BOOK FESTIVAL

Sandy Springs Author’s New Novel with a Atlanta Attorney Donates Proceeds from Jewish Twist: “Shelter from the Texas Heat” Legal Thriller to Cancer Research KORNBLIT APPEARS AT BOOK FESTIVAL NOV. 4 From Peach Twig Press

For the Atlanta Jewish Times

ocal author Bobbi Kornblit weaves an intriguing story of deep secrets and powerful friendships in her debut novel, “Shelter from the Texas Heat.” The Sandy Springs resident is a featured speaker at the “Southern Writers’ Showcase” at the prestigious Book Festival of the MJCCA (Nov. 4, 2012, 10 a.m.). Set in the cities of Dallas and Austin in the “Kennedy Camelot” era of the 1960s to the present, “Shelter” and its themes are universal. Kornblit tackles some tough subjects – racial and religious prejudice and family relationships – tempered with plenty of humor and a sprinkling of Yiddish.

shiva. Although the protagonist bears a resemblance to the author – she has red hair, grew up in Texas and is Jewish – Kornblit explains that this is a work of fiction. “But the chapter about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy is autobiographical,” she added. “The horror of the tragedy happening in my hometown of Dallas was something I had to write about.” She hopes that “Shelter” will be a part of many book club discussions, in which readers often share their poignant recollections of that day they’ll never forget. From funny-turneddisastrous moments at a glamorous birthday party at Neiman Marcus to the painful memories of a Holocaust survivor, the novel takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride that even includes a stop at the State Fair of Texas. The work has been recognized as the Best Book in Women’s Fiction for the 2012 NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards and as a finalist in selection of the 2012 Georgia Author of the Year for First Fiction; it is also a popular choice among members of synagogue sisterhoods, Hadassah, ORT and Brandeis committees.

Main character Rachel Frank seems to have it all: a happy marriage to a successful architect, a house on a prestigious street in North Dallas and a daughter who’s a coed at the University of Texas Bobbi Kornblit is part of the at Austin. She MJCCA Book Festival “Southern Writers’ shares her advenShowcase” on Nov. 4. PHOTO/courtesy Peach Twig Press tures in life with best friend P.J. Rutherford, the daughter of a Texas “Shelter” has been compared in reviews to “The Help” and “Divine Setycoon. But suddenly, Rachel’s world turns crets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.” Cara upside down, and that’s when the heat Wilson-Granat, author of “Dear Cara: turns up in the novel. The tale of three Letters from Otto Frank,” gave it high generations of women reflects the praise.

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

coming-of-age of its characters – and of America – with references to the civil rights movement and other historical events.

What’s more, the “dirty little secret” of domestic abuse is also incorporated. Inspired by a mitzvah project of years ago, Kornblit today strives to spread awareness of this ugly truth. “I wanted to give hope to women in peril,” she said of a guiding purpose to her writing.

“Shelter” portrays character Rachel’s story that develops amid Jewish rituals such as a baby naming at 18 Havdalah, Passover, Chanukah and

“The ending is surprising…sort of like eating matzah with an ice-cold glass of beer!” Wilson-Granat wrote.

Kornblit considers her upcoming appearance at the MJCCA as a milestone event. “I attended the Book Festival for years, dreaming of writing my own novel,” she said. “Now I’m thrilled to be a presenter!” Editor’s note: “Shelter from the Texas Heat” is available in print and e-book; visit BobbiKornblit.com and PeachTwigPress.com. Visit atlantajcc. org for more on the MJCCA Book Festival.

“CHAIN OF CUSTODY” ON SALE AT BOOK FESTIVAL By Jill Lerner AJT Contributor

f you were to ask Scott Zucker, an Atlanta attorney from Sandy Springs, what his passions are other than his family and work, he would easily say, “Writing and raising money to cure cancer.” After 25 years of practicing law, Zucker recently fulfilled a dream and combined his passions by publishing his first novel and donating the proceeds to the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University. The book, “Chain of Custody,” was released in January. “Writing a fiction book was something that I always wanted to do,” said Zucker. “I wanted to tell a story in the context of the law but that had some adventure, mystery and intrigue. It was fun to write, and I hope people enjoy the story and the characters.” As a member of the Community Advisory Board for the Winship Institute, Zucker had an easy choice when it came to the path of the “next chapter” of his own personal story.

for his wife as he becomes emotionally closer to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that is sharing his adventure. “I’ve been working on the story for years,” Zucker said. “A chapter here and a chapter there. I decided last year that I had to finish it, if nothing else so I could work on another story that I have also been writing, about little league baseball.” Zucker’s support for cancer research stems from a very personal connection. “My wife and I had only been married for a year when we both lost our mothers to cancer in the same month. It was clear to both of us that we would devote our time to helping the cause,” he said.

“It is wonderful to have an NCI (National Cancer Institute) Cancer Center right here in Georgia at Emory,” Zucker continued. “It’s the only one in the state. By having Winship here, if someone needs to receive treatment or needs to participate in a clinical trial, they can stay in the state and be near their families. They don’t have to travel out of state to receive the care they need. Winship The proceeds of Scott Zucker’s “Chain of makes that posCustody” go to the Winship Cancer Intitute. sible.”

“Any money that I earn from any sales of the book is PHOTO/Sara Hanna Photography going to the Winship Zucker is a Cancer Institute at partner in the law Emory University,” he said. “I’m hop- firm of Weissmann Zucker Euster Moing that the interest in the book will rochnik, P.C., based in Atlanta. He is a lead to donations for the amazing graduate of Washington University in cancer research and treatment that is St. Louis and the George Washington happening at Winship and will help University School of Law. He is curraise much-needed funds.” rently the President-Elect of Temple The plot of “Chain of Custody” tells Sinai in Sandy Springs. He and his the tale of a young attorney seeking to wife Melanie have two children, Drew unravel the mystery surrounding the and Jack. death of his father, a United States Senator. During the investigation, main character Matt Taggert finds Editor’s note: “Chain of Custody” can be himself drawn into the corrupt world purchased through Amazon or Barnes of defense contractors and the inner and Noble; copies will also be available at the MJCCA’s Book Festival. For workings of the Pentagon. donation opportunities and info, visit As Matt gets closer to the answer, winshipcancer.emory.edu; Zucker can he must balance the work of his law be reached by email at scott@wzlegal. firm, the ethical dilemmas of defend- com. ing a large pharmaceutical company in a wrongful death case and his feelings

Atlanta Synagogue Directory

Sponsored by:

CHABAD Chabad Intown 928 Ponce De Leon Avenue Atlanta, GA 30306 www.chabadintown.org 404.898.0434

Congregation Beth Shalom 5303 Winters Chapel Rd. Atlanta, GA 30360 www.bshalom.net 770.399.5300

Guardians of the Torah P.O. Box 767981 Roswell, GA 30076 www.guardiansofthetorah.org 770.286.3477

The Kehilla of Sandy Springs 5075 Roswell Rd. Sandy Springs, GA 30342 www.thekehilla.org 404.913.6131

Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Rd. Roswell, GA 30075 www.bethtikvah.com 770.642.0434

Chabad Israel Center 5188 Roswell Rd. Sandy Springs, GA 30324 www.cicatlanta.com 404.252.9508

Congregation B’nai Torah 700 Mount Vernon Hwy. Atlanta, GA 30328 www.bnaitorah.org 404.257.0537

Young Israel of Toco Hills 2074 Lavista Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329 www.yith.org 404.315.1417

Temple Emanu-El 1580 Spalding Dr. Atlanta, GA 30350 www.templeemanuelatlanta.org 770.395.1340

Chabad Jewish Center 4255 Wade Green Rd. Suite 120 Kennesaw, GA 30144 www.jewishwestcobb.com 678.460.7702

Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills Pkwy Marietta, GA 30068 www.etzchaim.net 770.973.0137

Nediv Lev: the Free Synagogue of Atlanta 3791 Mill Creek Ct. Atlanta, GA 30341 My.att.net/p/PWP-NedivLev 770.335.2311

Reconstructionist Congregation Bet Haverim 2676 Clairmont Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329 www.congregationbethaverim.org 404.315.6446

Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St. Roswell, GA 30075 www.kehillatchaim.org 770.641.8630

Chabad of Gwinnett 3855 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 770 Norcross, GA 30092 www.chabadofgwinnett.org 678.595.0196 Chabad of North Fulton 10180 Jones Bridge Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30022 www.chabadnf.org 770.410.9000 Congregation Beth Tefillah 5065 High Point Rd. Atlanta, GA 30342 www.chabadga.com 404.257.9306 Conservative Ahavath Achim Synagogue 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. Atlanta, GA 30327 www.aasynagogue.org 404.355.5222

Congregation Gesher L’Torah 4320 Kimball Bridge Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30022 www.gltorah.org 770.777.4009 Congregation Or Hadash 6751 Roswell Rd. Atlanta, GA 30328 www.or-hadash.org 404.250.3338 Congregation Shearith Israel 1180 University Dr. Atlanta, GA 30306 www.shearithisrael.com 404.873.1743 Non-denominational Atlanta Chevre Minyan Druid Forest Clubhouse North Crossing Dr. Atlanta, GA 30305 www.atlantachevreminya.org Congregation Shema Yisrael 6065 Roswell Rd., #3018 Atlanta, GA 30328 www.shemaweb.org 404.943.1100

Orthodox Anshi S’Fard Congregation 1324 North Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 www.anshisfard.com 404.874.4513 Congregation Ariel 5237 Tilly Mill Rd. Dunwoody, GA 30338 www.congariel.org 770.390.9071 Congregation Beth Jacob 1855 Lavista Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329 www.bethjacobatlanta.org 404.633.0551 Congregation Beth Yitzhak 5054 Singleton Rd. Norcross, GA 30093 770.931.4567 Email: anatoliy@bjca.com Congregation Ner Hamizrach 1858 Lavista Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329 www.nerhamizrach.org 404.315.9020

Reform Congregation B’nai Israel 1633 Hwy 54 E Jonesboro, GA 30238 www.bnai-israel.net 678.817.7162 Congregation Dor Tamid 11165 Parsons Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30097 www.dortamid.org 770.623.8860 Congregation Ner Tamid 176 West Sandtown Rd. Marietta, GA 30064 www.nertamidonline.com 678.264.8575 Congregation Rodeph Sholom 406 East 1st Street Rome, GA 30161 www.rodephsholomga.org (706) 291-6315 Temple Beth David 1885 Mcgee Rd. Snellville, GA 30078 www.gwinnetttemple.com 770.978.3916

Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Rd. Marietta, GA 30062 www.kolemeth.net 770.973.3533 Temple Sinai 5645 Dupree Dr. Sandy Springs, GA 30327 www.templesinatlanta.org 404.252.3073 The Temple 1589 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 www.the-temple.org 404.873.1731 SEPHARDIC Congregation Or VeShalom 1681 North Druid Hills Rd. Atlanta, GA 30319 www.orveshalom.org 404.633.1737 Traditional Congregation Shaarei Shamayim 1810 Briarcliff Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329 www.shaareishamayeim.com 404.417.0472

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

Chabad of Cobb 4450 Lower Roswell Rd. Marietta, GA 30068 www.chabadofcobb.com 770.565.4412

Shalom B’harim 150 Warwick Street Dahlonega, GA 30533 www.shalombharim.org 706.864.0801

AJT

Twenty years ago, a bold

Vision put a

Holocaust MeMorial on the national Mall

OUT & ABOUT

Mingle with the Metro Atlanta Jewish Singles! GOOD TIMES WITH 192 OTHERS STARTED WITH ONE MAN AND A PLAN

today you

can Help secure

its global iMpact by participating in the

20th anniversary legacy challenge By Marc Horvath

For the Atlanta Jewish Times

he date was Oct. 30, 2011, and it was rather late at night. I was home, thinking about how to rebuild my social life post-divorce.

Make safeguarding truth for future generations your personal legacy through a gift to the Museum’s endowment. In honor of the Museum’s 20th anniversary, a generous couple will match up to 10 percent of each new planned gift to the endowment made known to the Museum before April 30, 2013. Your planned gift to secure the Museum’s future— a gift that costs nothing today or provides income for life—has never had greater value.

www.ushmm.org/20thchallenge

The small (and now defunct) Jewish singles group I belonged to met only once a month. That wasn’t enough; I wanted to get out more often and do the kinds of things I liked to do with others. The MJCCA didn’t offer 35-and-up programming at the time; JDate wasn’t the answer either. It immediately became clear: If I wanted this, I was going to have to create it myself. Thus was born Metro Atlanta Jewish Singles, its purpose to provide Atlanta’s Jewish singles over the age of 35 the opportunity to meet, mingle and make friends. As I set out, I didn’t know what to expect and had no experience with running a group like this. My approach was simply to schedule things I wanted to do and offer it to other singles so we could do them together. If romance should develop, even better! Originally, we met two to four times a month; today, we offer gatherings at least six times a month. Regular events include birthday celebrations, team trivia contests and weekly dinners. We also offer potluck dinners, holiday parties and special outings like horseback riding. Suggestions from members are always welcome. There is no cost to join, and I try to keep the cost of events reasonable.

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

ushmm.org/connect

100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW Washington, DC 20024-2126 Tel 202.488.0400

Right now, I’m planning our first large-scale event and am opening it up to the entire single Jewish community 35 and older. Set for Christmas Eve at Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Springs, Jew Jam will be the singles event of the year and will benefit Jewish Family & Career Services Today, I look back at that October night and am proud that the group has grown to 192 members. It consists of never-marrieds, divorced individuals, widows and widowers. We live in-town and outside the perimeter; we are native and transplanted Atlantans. We belong to synagogues and are unaffiliated; we are Democrats, Republicans and independents; and we are parents and people without children. We are all these things, and yet we are alike – men and women simply wanting to meet, socialize with and date other Jewish singles. Editor’s note: For a complete list of events offered by Metro Atlanta Jewish Singles or for additional information about the group, visit meetup.com/MetroAtlanta-Jewish-Singles.

AJT

arts & life

Kosher Movies: Neil Young – Heart of Gold (2006) DEMME’S DOC SHOWS MUSICIAN’S LUST FOR LIFE AJT Contributor

hen I became principal of Yeshiva High School of Atlanta, part of my job was to raise money for the school. One of the ways I did it was through establishing a band that would play for weddings and bar mitzvahs. I was blessed to have a number of talented adults who were willing to donate their services for this project. We named the band “Matzah,” since we saw ourselves as the Jewish version of Bread, a popular rock group of the era. I recall that the most difficult part of being in the band was setting up my drums and the sound equipment. Playing the drums and providing the vocals was easy; what was difficult was shlepping all the heavy and unwieldy equipment up the various hotel freight elevators, arranging the placement of my drums and positioning the sound system. Thus, my experience of being in this band for close to 15 years made me especially sensitive to a band’s preparation for an event. Perhaps this is why I enjoyed a superb documentary chronicling the premiere performance of Neil Young’s album “Prairie Wind.” I had never even heard of Neil Young before my time at Yeshiva Atlanta; Elvis Presley, Elton John, Billy Joel – these were my musical icons as I grew up. But during my tenure as principal at YA, I encountered one student who was a big Neil Young hasid and did a spot-on imitation of him that captured the imagination of his fellow students. This student – now a successful Atlanta attorney – introduced me to his music. Still, it was not until 25 years

later - when he was the subject of the Jonathan Demme film, “Neil Young: Heart of Gold” – that I gave serious attention to this classic troubadour. The film opens as Neil is driving through Nashville, getting ready for his “Prairie Wind” concert in the celebrated Ryman Auditorium. In this scene and those that follow, it is fascinating to meet the other members of the band, all of whom – like Neil – are now senior citizens but young in spirit.

Song, in truth, is a metaphor for the soaring human spirit. Singing a song, particularly in the twilight of life and singing with others, connects us to our past and future, and reaffirms our eternal ties to the community of man.

Editor’s note: Rabbi Cohen, former principal of Yeshiva Atlanta, now resides in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Visit koshermovies.com for more of his Torahthemed film reviews.

Each member of the band has special memories of how they first played with Neil, about their first recording session and about the unique place of the Ryman Auditorium in the annals of rock music. Yet what is remarkable is their excitement about playing new music together. Singing and playing together re-establishes their community. In those moments, they are no longer old men; they are young men, mellowed by a lifetime of experiences, infused with wisdom and hope. Interestingly, we learn at the beginning of the film that Neil is going to New York after the concert to have an operation on a life-threatening brain aneurysm. Moreover, in the course of the concert, Neil reflects upon the recent loss of his father, the dementia that preceded his dad’s death and his own daughter in college. All of this banter reminds us that Neil is no longer a hippie icon but rather a mature and creative singersongwriter. He values each moment of life and the opportunity to still be creative into the twilight of life. His focus on being in the moment and sharing the creative muse with his long-time friends and family calls to mind the biblical examples of Abraham, who is described as being active until the very day of his death, and Moses, about whom the Bible tells us at his death, “his eyes were not weak, nor his strength gone.” Indeed, Moses concludes his final oration at the end of his 120 years with a song of faith and optimism about the future.

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

By Rabbi Herbert Cohen

AJT

Home & Abroad

The Story Behind Thereisenstadt

THE CONCENTRATION CAMP THE NAZIS SPUN AS “COMFORTABLE” By Ron Feinberg Web Editor Editor’s Note: A special concert, “Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin,” was performed at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta in October. The multimedia piece focused on the Holocaust and one of the most infamous charades the Nazis managed to pull off during World War II. We flesh out the details below.

he film is grainy and in black and white. It jumps about, slowing down at odd moments and growing dim occasionally. But it’s the people that hold your attention. They walk about, wearing fashionable clothes, nodding a stiff “hello” when they spot a friend. They watch

reminder of the Jews who were murdered during World War II after being forced into ghettos and eventually transported to death camps across the region. But it’s in Terezin, near Prague, that one of the most unique – if bizarre – stories of the period can be found. And it’s all captured in the grainy film produced by the Nazis. The city – created in the 18th century and named for Maria Theresa of Austria – was taken over by the Gestapo in 1940, renamed Theresienstadt and quickly turned into

ABOVE: A huge concrete menorah stands silent watch over the graves of the victims at Terezin. The village, just north of Prague, was turned into a massive Jewish ghetto during World War II.

the war. The large number of dead became such a problem that a crematorium was built in 1942 to deal with the corpses. The Nazis, meanwhile, portrayed the ghetto as a model Jewish settlement. The ruse became necessary after Jews from Denmark were sent to the camp in the winter of 1944 and a commission of Red Cross officials from Denmark and Sweden was allowed to visit during the following summer to make sure that inmates at Theresienstadt were living under humane conditions.

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

The camp was gussied up in certain key areas: Some living space Following World War II and the liberation of inmates at Terezin, this small synagogue was discovered. Even today was enlarged and painted; drapes its walls and ceiling remain covered with Jewish stars and Hebrew prayers. were hung and furniture added; grass and flowers were planted; and a playground and sports fields a soccer match, sit briefly outside a a ghetto. Jews from Czechoslovakia, were built. Finally, a month before small café or listen to a concert. Germany, Austria and Holland were the orchestrated visit, 7,500 inmates But it’s all a sham, of course – part transported to the site, and its popu- – mostly orphans and the sick – were of a bogus documentary produced by lation soared; the city that had been sent to Auschwitz and their deaths the Nazis during World War II at home for 7,000 residents before the so Theresienstadt would appear less Theresienstadt, the concentration war would at one point hold 60,000 crowded. camp an hour north of Prague in inmates. What’s more, an elaborate script what was then Czechoslovakia. Men and women were separated was created that would have groups Today, the Holocaust continues and then housed in barracks that of inmates strolling along a cento sound a melancholy note in the were packed with bunks three tiers tral street, window-shopping; othmajor cities of the region. Warsaw, high. There was little food and even ers would be taking part in a soccer Krakow, Budapest and Prague are less medicine; sanitation was poor; match, while yet others would be remarkable, warm and charming, and rats, lice, flies and fleas were chatting and singing as they headed off to work. filled with cobblestone streets and part of daily life. intimate cafes, grand boulevards and So, too, was death: Of the near- On June 23, 1944, the Nazis had monuments, fine art and fine food. ly 150,000 Jews that spent time at everything in place as the commission 22 But in each of these cities is also a Theresienstadt, only 17,247 survived

was escorted through the camp. The inmates played their parts to perfection, knowing they had little choice but to cooperate; camp officials were so happy with the result, they decided to put it all down on film and use the movie for propaganda purposes. What remains today is a series of black-and-white vignettes: inmates at a concert; inmates sitting outside a cafe; inmates cheering a soccer match. The actors smile occasionally for the camera, hiding the hideous truth of the Holocaust from view. Look closely enough, though, and you can see the bleak future in their faces. Only a few months after the commission reported that inmates at Theresienstadt were being treated fairly, transports to Auschwitz picked up speed. Over the last weeks of September and early October of ‘44, the camp was nearly emptied; only 400 inmates remained at the beginning of 1945. By the time the International Red Cross took charge of the camp the following May, the damage had already been done. More than 30,000 inmates had died in the camp of disease, starvation, and abuse, and nearly three times that number had been shipped off to the Nazi killing factories in the east. The Nazis’ attempt to pull a veil over the world’s eyes had succeeded.

AJT

HOME & ABROAD

Locals Celebrate Hadassah’s 100th Anniversary ATLANTANS AT CONVENTION IN JERUSALEM For the Atlanta Jewish Times

hey called it the event of a lifetime.

Dozens of Atlanta women and their husbands made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Hadassah’s centennial celebration Oct. 1518. “To be able to celebrate the centennial in Jerusalem is almost impossible to put into words,” said Southeast Region president Ruthanne Warnick before a Mediterranean dinner at ZaZa restaurant in the Khan Theatre, where “y’alls” filled the air. Some 70

“I had to see this new hospital,” she said. “So many of us feel we’ve built this hospital ourselves. I’m so proud of it.” Hadassah is credited with creating the basis for Israel’s modern health industry. A group of American women headed by Henrietta Szold founded the organization in 1912 to foster and improve health and education conditions for women and children in the Holy Land. Rabbi Donniel Hartman, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, noted in a symposium at the convention that Hadassah Hospital serves everyone equally. “You’ve given Israel a huge gift,” he said. “My bracha [blessing] to you is don’t sit on your glories. We need you for the next 100 years.”

From left to right, Rita Loventhal, Judy Viness and Sharon Hox at the Hadassah Southeast Region dinner.

members from the Southeast Region attended the convention, making for one of the largest showings from North America. “It’s a most exciting year,” agreed Greater Atlanta Hadassah president Sue Rothstein, sitting at a table with several members of the Mount Scopus group, which comprises women mostly from Toco Hills, Intown, Decatur, Northlake and Stone Mountain. “I’ve been looking forward to it since they announced we’d have a centennial convention here and dedicate a new tower.” During the four days of the event, Hadassah women dedicated the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower at Ein Kerem. The 19-story, $363 million building is a gift to the people of Israel on Hadassah’s 100th anniversary; scheduled for completion in 2013, it will feature expanded medical technologies plus 20 operating rooms, 60 intensive care beds and more than 500 fully equipped beds in rooms overlooking the Judaean hills. Judy Viness, Southeast Region vice president and Greater Atlanta Hadassah past president, kvelled about this achievement.

curred.

K n e s s e t member Yitzhak Herzog, who also spoke about major strategic issues and the future of Israel, con-

ABOVE: The parade of Hadassah delegates ended with a celebration in Jerusalem’s Safra Square.

Philip Levy of Decatur visited the former’s brother on a kibbutz in the Hula Valley and enjoyed side trips to the Golan, a Crusaders castle and a winery. “We’ve been looking forward to this for years,” Anita said of the Hadassah centennial convention. “The only thing I’m worried about is it will be over too quickly.” The week did whiz by, with each day rich in visits to ancient and modern sites and presentations by academics, journalists, rabbis and politicians (including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres

and former Kadima party head Tzipi Livni). These speakers, like all those in attendance, saluted Hadassah, its 100 years of contribution to the Jewish homeland and its commitment to a second century of partnership in education and medicine. Editor’s note: Ronda Robinson is the author of “Beyond Politics: Inspirational People of Israel”; visit israelbeyondpolitics.com for more information. She will be speaking Nov. 4 at the Book Festival of the MJCCA and Nov. 13 at Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta.

“I tell people if you want to know how people live together in this country, go to the various departments of Hadassah Hospital,” Herzog said. “We are grateful to you [Hadassah members] for your incredible support of Israel.” That support was in evidence all week. Nearly 2,000 delegates paraded through Jerusalem wearing red tshirts emblazoned with the Hadassah centennial logo. They wound up at the palm tree-lined Safra Square, where men blowing shofars welcomed them; musicians, dancers and stilt-walkers entertained them; and Mayor Nir Barkat applauded them. Travel and sightseeing were high on the agenda as well. Viness implored everyone at the Southeast Region dinner to wear comfortable shoes during their stay in Israel. “Fashion statements are irrelevant on this trip,” she said wryly. Barbara and Dennis Lewitt of Acworth did a pre-tour of Tel Aviv, Eilat and Petra, Jordan; the couple named seeing the Western Wall in Jerusalem among their trip highlights. Anita and

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

By Ronda Robinson

AJT

business & finance

Entrepreneur Profile: Tal Cohen GEORGIA TECH PROFESSOR, DATA ANALYTICS EXPERT AND VENTURE CAPITALIST By Al Shams

AJT Contributor

al Cohen has lived the American dream; interesting for a man who has lived more than half his life in Israel.

Born in the Jewish State in the mid-‘60s, Cohen from his earliest days had a driving curiosity to understand how mechanical objects worked. He

spent hours taking apart and reassembling common objects like locks, clocks, small motors, radios and many other devices. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Israeli Navy and served aboard submarines, a role in which he was able to continue his passion for learning how mechanical devices functioned.

Upon completing his Naval ser-

vice, Cohen attended Tel Aviv University, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and graduating magna cum laude. Soon after that, he came to Georgia Tech to further his studies, earning his Ph.D. in engineering in 1997 and – “along the way” – a master’s degree in computer science. With these commendations, he was offered and accepted a position at GT. From ’96 to 2000, he served as a member of the research faculty at the school, meanwhile developing a keen interest in data analytics and authoring numerous articles on data modeling and engineering information systems. Founding ClickFox

2012-2013 S E A S O N

Georges Bizet’s

NOVEMBER 10-18

Sung in French with Projected English Translations

In pursuing his personal passion for data analytics, Cohen – who now holds several patents in the aforementioned area – acquired an expertise that inspired several large companies to pursue his help. Among his early consulting clients were General Motors, Boeing, the U.S. Air Force and several large financial institutions. By the turn of the millennium, the entrepreneur could sense that his data mining talents could form the basis of a new company. Thus, he – along with a friend from the Israeli Navy – founded ClickFox, which has become a pioneer and global market leader in providing Customer Behavior Intelligence (CBI) software and related service to a wide range of corporate customers. It is safe to say that most major financial institutions worldwide now use ClickFox’s services. What’s more, the company has the distinction of being the first in Georgia to receive significant funding from Israel and today employs more than 100 people and has a multi-million dollar revenue stream.

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

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Mentor and Investor Following his success with ClickFox, Cohen continued to serve as an adjunct professor at Georgia Tech and still remains active in analyzing, reviewing, guiding and financing unique technology oriented for start-up companies. These efforts were formalized in 2011, when Georgia Tech established the start-up business accelerators program called Flashpoint. The program’s goal is to accelerate the start-up process of extraordinary entrepreneurs by providing them access to experienced mentors, experts and investors via an intense fourmonth process that forces all parties to become highly focused and places them on a fast track to validate the technology and commercialize its po-

Tal Cohen

tential. Cohen brings some unique skills to this new role and the start-up process in general. For example, Cohen says that while the practice used by traditional venture capital firms is to rely too much on capital – which makes these firms less likely to understand the technology they finance and become involved in day-to-day operations – he believes much insight into a technology’s commercial potential can be gained before large amounts of capital are committed. Capital, he thinks, can lead to complacency, while scarce capital forces all to become creative, inventive and totally dedicated on a quick time table. Finally, Cohen further supports start-ups through financing vehicle My Seed Tech Fund. In line with the approach described above, the Fund operates on permanent capital which can easily be supplemented should the need arise. The Fund’s investors are individuals with prior venture capital experience and does not include institutional funds. More on Cohen Cohen has served the community by being an active member of the American Israel Chamber of Commerce, for which he is a member of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and High Tech Committee. Beyond the business world, his greatest passion in life is being the father to four young daughters and husband to highly regarded CNN medical correspondent. Editors Note: Al Shams is a Sandy Springs resident and an investment professional with more that 35 years industry experience. Readers wishing to learn more about the above subjects can visit aiccse.org, flashpoint.gatech.edu, clickfox.com or myseedtechfund.com.

AJT

Education

Today’s Wolves Play Soccer, Volleyball with Past GHA Athletes RECENT SCRIMMAGES PART OF TRADITION OF ALUMNI INVOLVEMENT out to the field and play soccer with our boys’ team; the women would join our girls’ volleyball teams in the gym. hey returned to the school We thought, ‘It’ll be fun! they had attended as chil- We’ll bring them back, mix dren. They looked around. the generations a little.’” They reminisced. The GHA Wolves have

By Leah Levy

AJT Contributor

And then they played some ball!

Graduates are a constant presence at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy; the hallways downstairs are lined with photographs of every graduating class since the first, that of 1960. Students lined up outside the gym or the computer lab often study the pictures, pleased to spot a parent, other relative or even one of several teachers. But Penny Eisenstein, GHA’s Head of Health and P.E. and Athletic Director, was really glad to see many of those alumni back at school in the flesh, playing volleyball and soccer with the current crop of GHA students. “We wanted alumni who are college-aged and over to play with our Wolves,” she said. “The guys would go

been fielding great teams for the Metropolitan Atlanta Athletics Conference this year. The boys’ soccer team, finished for the year, showed LEFT: GHA sixth-grader Adam Cohen runs past alumni athletes struggling for the ball. great improvement over the RIGHT: Eighth-grader Shani Kadosh (left) plays on a mixed alumni/student team at GHA’s Alumni Games. course of the season. The B “Our alumni are powerful role volleyball team, which has also completed its season, came in sec- and saw the new addition to the tro- models for our students,” he said. ond in their division. phy case. Eisenstein said that she “They have already built upon the lifelong lessons that we teach here at Meanwhile, the A volleyball team loved seeing her old students back GHA, and they really demonstrate holds the no. 1 position, remains the and sharing their expertise with the how our graduates are poised to cononly undefeated team in the league Wolves who have followed them. tribute to the world around them.” and just brought home the Metro- “The majority of our volunteer politan Atlanta Athletic Conference coaching staff is alumni,” she added. Championship trophy. “It’s a wonderful way to feel like you’re Editor’s note: Leah Levy is a paraprofessional at GHA and the author of Alumni who returned for the re- really a part of the GHA family.” cent scrimmages against current stu- GHA Head of School Rabbi Lee “The Waiting Wall,” a Sydney Taylor Notable Book for 2010. dents revisited old memories, checked Buckman concurred. out how things have changed at GHA

The Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy welcomes the inaugural speaker of the GHA-Israel Guest Lecture Series

NIR BARKAT Mayor of Jerusalem A Vision of Jerusalem and Its Place in the World GreenÞeld Hebrew Academy 5200 Northland Drive, Atlanta, GA 30342 Tuesday, November 13 when e 2008, f c in s m rusale ision o ith his v yor of Je a w m s e n it e e m lture, 8:00 P.M. at has b nds of Jerusale thatʼs rich in cu . Nir Bark a e m s n u is o r o u ed th y into nd to he inspir elʼs poorest cit development a a r ic Is There is no charge and no solicitation. Open to the public. conom turning cation, e u d e , th you RSVP is required at speakers@ghacademy.org Please RSVP early as space is limited.

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

AJT

MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL

How Do We Become Passionate? WHAT’S EMBEDDED EARLY COULD BE VITAL TOMORROW

I was young, but all of these small activities were the beginnings of my Jewish education. Then, when I graduated from the Busy Bees, I started as a kindergartener at the Davis Academy, a Jewish day school where I would spend the next nine years. I learned aleph, bet and gimel at the same time that I learned A, B and C. I explored Israeli and American history, and my teachers talked about elections in the United States, and also the ones in Israel. I had an English name and a Hebrew name, an English birthday and a birthday according to the Jewish calendar, and I celebrated two New Years. Judaism was very much a part of my life.

flipped through my planner to find I’d missed a minor Jewish holiday, it felt as though I’d gotten a little jab in the stom-

A NT

It wasn’t long, however, before ach.” I missed being surrounded by Judaism. It’s a difficult thing to explain, but each time I flipped through my planner to find I’d missed that G-d would take care of her. I said a minor Jewish holiday, it felt as the Mourner’s Kaddish in her honor, though I’d gotten a little jab in the a prayer I had recited many times back when I was attending the Davis stomach. Academy. I would remember how Rabbi Ballaban used to unravel the Torah Those prayers became a conduit for around the whole gymnasium on more conversation with G-d and more Simchat Torah and how Morah Sigal prayers. It became a daily ritual, talkused to take us out into the Sukkah to ing to Him; and as I spoke with Him, G ATLA shake the lulav and etrog onINOVER Sukkot. I wanted to learn more. As I learned It was an awful feeling to know that I more, I became more confused about incorporating Judaic laws into my had missed those holidays. NA YEARS C L IT A LIA N life, and that led to even more prayer In my sophomore year of high and even more questions. From one angry with G-d, I quickly developed into a “passionate Jew.” IO

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

to explain, but each time I

My new friends were regular church-goers, and they talked about fun Christian retreats and events. I assimilated to the point that I even told my Papa Jack at Passover one year that I couldn’t promise him that I would be Jewish for the rest of my life, that I wasn’t sure what I believed.

I realize that this is supposed to be a d’var Torah, so I suppose it’s time to stray from my story and go back to Abraham’s. This week’s parshah, Vayeira, starts with G-d visiting Abraham after his circumcision, and it’s in this portion that Abraham argues with G-d about destroying Sodom and Sarah gives birth to Isaac. Dinner Reservations Suggested

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I was overwhelmed by the number of tall, blond boys in my classes. They were attractive, no deny“It wasn’t long, however, before ing that. I loved it, all of it. I was proud to say I was Jewish, but I missed being surrounded by at the same time I felt a strange glimmer of joy when the boys told Judaism. It’s a difficult thing me I didn’t “look Jewish.”

REG

But it was a part of my life that had been forced upon me. I had to sit on the floor every Friday for Kabbalat Shabbat, had to do my Hebrew homework every night and had to look up news articles from Israel for Ms. Levy. The choice to do these things

That may sound like a bad thing, to be angry with G-d, but it was a reassuring feeling. Being angry with G-d meant that I still instinctively turned to G-d in times of loss. I began to pray for my friend, Merrill King, and pray

IN E

I started my Jewish schooling when I was three years old, at Temple Emanu-El’s preschool. My class was called the “Busy Bees,” and we truly were busy. We made seder plates and menorahs and learned a fun handjive (that I’m fairly certain I could still perform today) to the prayer “David melech Yisrael chai, chai v’kayam.”

In 2008, I graduated from Davis and started at the Westminster School, a top-ranked and prestigious Christian private school. I had been yearning for a change, so I greeted the transition with open arms.

confessed last week that I used to consider myself to be an “educated but distant Jew.” Now I consider myself a “passionate Jew,” and I’d like to take some time this week to detail my Judaic path, how I got from “Point A” to “Point B.”

school, I lost a friend to cancer. It was tragic and upsetting, and I was angry. I was also surprised, because I wasn’t angry with doctors or nurses, but with G-d.

AJT Contributor

was never mine, and thus I never fully engaged. My plan to get through those years was simple: I did what I had to, and nothing more.

SE R V

By Rachel LaVictoire

alfred o s atlan ta.c o m

But neither of those are my topic of conversation this week. Instead, I would like to take note of one line: “Abraham built an inn in Beer-Sheba and called out in the name of the Lord, the G-d of the world” (Genesis 21:33).

The Midrash details more about Abraham’s inn: Abraham would provide extraordinary meals for his guests but would not charge them. At the end of the meal, he would ask them to thank G-d, and if a guest refused, he would serve him with a somewhat unfair bill and ask the guest to reconsider praising G-d. Most guests, obviously, would say the words and praise G-d. I could go so far as to compare their forced gratitude to G-d to my forced education of the Jewish faith – neither is filled with a love for G-d. But why would G-d condone such behavior? Why would He allow Abraham to coerce men into prayer? The Midrash says that G-d told Abraham, “My Name was not recognized by My creations. You caused my Name to be recognized by My creations, and I thus consider it as if you had been a partner with Me in the world’s creation.” In other words, Abraham’s actions actually affected the men he came into contact with. So, is it possible that the men from the inn reacted similarly to me in my childhood? At first, were the practices forced and monotonous, but later became embedded in their hearts? I’d like to think so. I’d like to think that even though the men came to Abraham’s inn with no belief in G-d, that a moment came down the road when they needed someone to thank for a miraculous event in their lives, and they remembered thanking G-d at the inn, and so they thanked G-d again. Then, perhaps they continued to thank G-d, talk to G-d and question G-d for the rest of their lives. I suppose this week’s message may be geared towards younger people, particularly students: Do the forced work because, even if you graduate without a passionate love for G-d, you will probably come to a point in your life where you need Him for something. Editor’s note: Rachel LaVictoire is a graduate of the Davis Academy and Westminster High School, recipient of the prestigious Nemerov Writing and Thomas H. Elliott Merit scholarships at Washington University of St. Louis and an active member of Temple Emanu-El and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

AJT

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D’VAR TORAH

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Parashat Vayera LEARNING TO WELCOME THE STRANGER Sara’s mistreatment of Hagar stands in stark contrast to what the Torah later teaches. Indeed, the next book of the Bible contains the passage:

By Rabbi Judith Beiner

Jewish Family & Career Services, Rodeph Sholom Synagogue and the Atlanta Rabbinical Association

“You shall not wrong a stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt (Ex 22:20-21).”

his week’s parsha portion contains some of the most well-known vignettes in the Torah: Three angels appearing before Abraham bringing “laughable” news, Abraham arguing on behalf of Sodom, the celebration of Isaac’s birth and G-d’s test of Abraham’s obedience with the command to sacrifice Isaac.

It is precisely because we have the experience of being the stranger – complete with persecutions, expulsions and discriminations throughout history – that G-d commands us not to do the same to others. We are to do as G-d does and “…love the stranger (Deut 10:18).”

You might also recall the part of the portion which recounts Sarah’s displeasure upon seeing Ishmael and Isaac at play. Sarah directs Abraham to cast out Hagar and Ishmael so as not to threaten Isaac as the sole inheritor of Abraham’s legacy. When Abraham carries out the deed, Hagar and Ishmael find themselves in the wilderness, their bread and water supply depleted, with Ishmael near death. Hagar is highly distressed, as “…she cast the child away under a bush; she walked away and sat…thinking: ‘Let me not see the child’s death’ (Gen 21:15-16).”

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In spite of being named “the stranger,” Hagar’s path of exile and abandonment is one which our people come to know intimately. Imagine the different outcome had Sara been granted the ability to see Hagar as a reflection of herself and instead welcome that “stranger” into the family circle.

G-d hears this cry and answers by providing water along with the promise that Ishmael will himself grow to be the father of a great nation.

The stranger, then, is not necessarily distant, different or apart from us. Rather, the stranger is more likely to bear our image, to embody an experience we’ve had or will have at some future time.

So, what is there to take from this? The name Hagar means “the stranger,” and as such, we are reminded that Hagar stands outside the circle of Abraham’s family. Sarah overtly treats Hagar and Ishmael as “the other.” When she tells Abraham to drive Hagar and Ishmael out, she refers to them as “the slave girl and her son (Gen 21:10).”

lI NE ST W IN G

Editor’s note: Rabbi Judith Beiner is the community chaplain at Jewish Family & Career Services, rabbi of Rodeph Sholom Synagogue in Rome, Ga. and a member of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association.

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Yes, our immediate and most natural inclination is not to love the stranger, but to keep our distance. This parsha challenges us to walk in G-d’s ways and love the stranger, for they are us.

By not using their names, we can see the distance Sara holds between herself and Hagar and Ishmael. She emphasizes their lower status and their “otherness.”

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To further illuminate this point: In “Reading the Women of the Bible: A New Interpretation of Their Stories,” Tikvah Freymer-Kensky writes that the story of Sara and Hagar is not a tale about “us” and “the other.” Rather, Sarah and Hagar, as both family and stranger, are reflections of “us” and “another us.”

AJT

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Fri., Nov. 2

Playgroup with a Purpose, baby playgroup sing along. Held twice a month at differing locations. Fri., Nov. 2, 11 a.m. The William Breman Jewish Home and the Cohen Home. RSVP to Shauna at (404) 351-8410. Shabbat Community Dinner, service followed by dinner. Fri., Nov. 2, 6 p.m. $12/ person. Free for kids 5 and under. Chabad Enrichment Center. RSVP to (678) 595-0196 or chabadofgwinnett.org. AJWS Global Hunger Shabbat, social action and birthday shabbat service. Fri., Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. Congregation Dor Tamid. (770) 623-8860. Warsaw Philharmonic Performance, part of Flora Glenn Candler Concert Series. Fri., Nov. 2, 8 p.m. $80/person. Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. For tickets visit tickets. arts.emory.edu. Singles Shabbat Dinner, for adults in their 40s & 50s featuring the Guy Mendilow Band. Fri., Nov. 2, 8 p.m. $18/person. Temple Sinai. RSVP at templesinaiatlanta.org.

Sat., Nov. 3

Fundraising Auction, Congregation Bet Haverim hosts “Treasures, Travels & Tchotchkes” live and silent auction. Sat., Nov. 3, 6 p.m. $36/person (by Oct. 31) or $40/person (at door). For tickets, visit congregationbethaverim.org or call (404) 8755881. Greater Atlanta Hadassah Shabbat, with speaker Sue Rothstein. Sat., Nov. 3, 9:30 a.m. Congregation Etz Chaim. (770) 9730202.

Live Music

Sun., Nov. 4

CDT Blood Drive, please bring a photo ID. Walk-ins welcome. Sun., Nov. 4, 8:30 a.m. Monarch School. Sign-up via jewsgiveblood@ gmail.com. “Breakfast Club,” Sunday mornings for boys, bar mitzvah age through 12th grade. Shacharit and breakfast. Sun., Nov. 4, 9 a.m. Congregation Beth Tefillah. yalenew@gmail. com. Hebrew Crash Course, Sundays in Nov. through Dec. Sun., Nov. 4, 11 a.m. Congregation Or VeShalom. RSVP office@orveshalom. org Combating Child Trafficking Summit, “From Education to Action”. Sun., Nov 4, 2 p.m. The Temple. trafficking.openjewishproject.com. Holiday Bazaar, CDT Sisterhood Hanukkah market. Sun., Nov. 4, 2 p.m. Congregation Dor Tamid. For more info, contact sisterhood@dortamid.com. Bearing Witness Series, Sarah Popowski shares mother’s stories from the Holocaust. Sun., Nov. 4, 2 p.m. The Breman Museum. Dunwoody Sunday Cycle, first Sunday of each month. All ages and abilities. Sun., Nov. 4, 2:30 p.m. Bruster’s at Dunwoody Village. facebook.com/BikeWalkDunwoody. “Through the Eyes of a Friend” Play, an interactive multimedia performance through Anne Frank’s ‘best’ friend’s perspective. Sun., Nov. 4, 3 p.m. Act3 Playhouse. RSVP holocaust.georgia.gov.

Wednesday December 12 • 8pm Klezmer Local 42

“One of the best klezmer bands north of Baxter Street”

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

--Northeast Georgia Klezmer Review

$10 at door RSVP at 404-441-9475

Klezmer Local 42 continues a rich Jewish musical tradition

that began with the original band in Lublin, Poland in 1892 and continues today in Atlanta.

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Mon., Nov. 5

Sun., Nov. 11

Book Signing and Presentation, “The Arthritis Revolution” author Dr. Louis Pack. Mon., Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m. Free. Chabad of Cobb. RSVP via (770) 565-4412 x300 or office@chabadofcobb.com.

Film Showing and Discussion, see “Everything is Illuminated” and speak on the power of memory and the Holocaust with Eugen Schoenfeld. Sun., Nov. 11, 11 a.m. Free. Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta.

Degenerate Music, KSU composer-in-residence Dr. Laurence Sherr will discuss the music and art supressed by the Nazi regime. Also enjoy a concert of the era’s music including violinist Jocelyn Adelman. Mon., Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m. Kennesaw State University, Wilson Building, Room 109.

Game Day with Bridge Club of Atlanta. Sun., Nov. 11, 11 a.m. $36/person. Fountain Oaks Shopping Center in Sandy Springs. For info call (404) 256-9897 or visit wendy@leskraitzickandassoc.com.

Wed., Nov. 7

TEAM Manners, four-session class for 1st and 2nd graders. Wed., Nov. 7, 4:30 p.m. MJCCA’s Zaban Park. Ilana.schlam@atlantajcc.org. NCJW Bargainata Sale, preview night of gently used designer styles the night before the free event..Wed., Nov. 7, 7 p.m. $25 in advance, $35 at door. Hilderbrand Shopping Center in Sandy Springs. (404) 843-9600 or visit ncjwatlanta.org. JLI Fall Classes, “The Kabbalah of You” six-week course. Wed., Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. $79/person, $69/person by Oct. 21. Chabad Beth Tefillah. (404) 843-2464. Register at MyJLI.com. Black Box Theatre Premier, Georgia College actors present the romantic comedy “Proposals” by Jewish playwright Neil Simon. Wed., Nov. 7, 8 p.m. $14/adult, $10/seniors, $5/students, $9/groups of 10-plus. Black Box Theatre. For tickets, call (478) 445-4226 or gcsutickets.com. 2012 Eizenstat Lecture featuring Gerald Breyer, Associate Justice of U.S. Supreme Court. Wed., Nov. 7, 8 p.m. Free. Ahavath Achim Synagogue. RSVP to (404) 355-5222 or eizenstatlecture2012@aasynagogue.org.

Fri., Nov. 9

Canoe Campout Meet-up, “Way Down Upon the Suwannee River” weekend trip. Returning Monday evening. Fri., Nov. 9, 5 p.m. $90/Mosaic members, $95/non-members. Best Western Hotel in Lake City, Fla. RSVP to (954) 435-3388 or rick@dronsky.com. Rockin’ Shabbat, Kabbalat Shabbat and Traditoinal Shabbat Dinner. Fri., Nov. 9, 6:15 p.m. $18/adults & kids 10+, $10/ kids 3-9, Free for 3 & under. Reservations required; call (770) 399-0766.

Sat., Nov. 10

Family 3 Star Outdoor Adventure, children’s playground, light dinner and Havdallah service. Followed by the “Parents Night Out” program. Sat., Nov. 10, 4:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom. bshalom.net. Social Action Shabbat, part of the Jewish Community Food Stamp Challenge. Congregants try to live on $1.50 per meal. RSVP via (770) 399-5300 or office@bshalom.net.

Tues., Nov. 13

Tour of Oakland Cemetary, guided tour focusing on Jewish section. Food and drink at Six Feet Under after. Tues., Nov. 13, 3:15 p.m. Historic Oakland Cemetary. (770) 8466268 or drbob@drbobisrael.com. U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Atlanta Tribute Dinner, recognizing local contributors. Tues., Nov. 13, 6 p.m. The Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom. (678) 5533151 or (866) 521-9457.

Wed., Nov. 14

Elementary Open House, visit CMCH Lower Elementary. Wed., Nov. 14, time TBA. 5920 Roswell Road. (404) 843-9582 or elementary@chayamushka.org.

Thur., Nov. 15

Emory Dance Fall Concert, “Vault” Thur., Nov. 15, 8 p.m. $12/person, $8/students. Schwartz Center Dance Studio. Call box office at (404) 727-5050.

Fri., Nov. 16

Martinis and IMAX, at Fernbank Museum with DJ and full bar. Fri., Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. $13/adults, $12/students & seniors. $7/ person without IMAX. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. For tickets, call (404) 9296400 or visit museumtix.com. Project Inspire Ariel, turn Friday night into Shabbos with this dinner program. Fri., Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. $10/adults, $5/children (4 or older). Congregation Ariel. RSVP to shuloffice@congariel.org.

Sat., Nov. 17

Game Day Party, watch college football with Metro Atlanta Jewish Singles. Sat., Nov. 17, 11 a.m. Private residence. meetup. com/Metro-Atlanta-Jewish-Singles. Art Visions Artist Market, benefiting the Paideia School’s art program and promoting art education with over 100 local eco-friendly artists. King of Pops on-site. Sat., Nov. 17, 12 p.m. The Paideia School. Family Movie Night, Havdallah and movie supporting CSI Youth. Refreshments for sale. Sat., Nov. 17, 6 p.m. Congregation Shearith Israel. For info, contact marill@mindspring. com.

AJT

MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING

Hannah Kaye

94, OF SANDY SPRINGS Hannah Kaye, 94, of Sandy Springs, passed away Thurs., Oct. 25, 2012. Born to Solon and Helen Hardman, of blessed memory, she was a native of Atlanta who graduated from Commercial High. Hannah is preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Roy, with whom she enjoyed traveling the world. She was an artist who had a passion for painting and cooking. Hannah will be remembered as a great mother – one of a kind! She is survived by her daughter, Lynne Becker, and her husband Allen; her sons, Matthew Arnold and his wife Linda and Michael Allen and his wife Brenda; her grandsons, Louis, Jason and Marc (Emily) Becker and Jonathan (Kortni) Kaye; her great-grandchildren, Hannah and Jack Becker; her sister, Frances Kaplan; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend its warm thanks to the staff at Hammond Glen. An online guestbook is available at edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association, americanheart.org, or Alzheimer’s Association, alznorcal.org. Graveside service was held 2:30 p.m., Fri., Oct. 26, 2012 at Crest Lawn Memorial Park with Rabbi Harvey Winokur officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

Paul Raymon

HUSBAND TO BRENDA Paul Raymon, communicator extraordinaire, died Fri., Oct. 26, 2012. He devoted his life to so many things and did it all well: radio, TV, family, community and friends. As outgoing as he was, his was an insular life. He kept his wife Brenda close and devoted all to the well-being of his children, David and Tracy. He was not distracted from this. He simply could do so much! He began broadcasting at the age of 15 and – even after entering a management position at WAGA TV in Atlanta – he continued his daily editorials, which were always about common sense and often controversial. He was determined to contribute to the betterment of the lives of the people of Atlanta and the city itself. Among his many accomplishments are a Peabody Award for broadcast journalism, Emmy Awards and the distinguished Abe Lincoln Award. He was an esteemed member of the Anti-Defamation League, the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences and the Urban League. He was born in Tuscaloosa, Ala. to Vita and Charles Raymon. He is survived by his wife, Brenda; children David and Alison Raymon and Tracy and Jose Marcano; grandchildren Danny and Lexi Raymon; mother-in-law Jennie Leff; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, Texas) or the Anti-Defamation League Atlanta Chapter. Sign online guestbook at edressler.com. A graveside service was held Sun., Oct. 28, 2012 at Arlington Memorial Park at 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Peter Berg officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

Invest in Your Family’s Memories

Marjorie Ellman Weinstein 90, OF ATLANTA

The final phase of Menorah Gardens is now open. Monthly payments starting at $149.00 per person. Arlington Memorial Park features 126 acres of serene, beautiful, park like property for permanently honoring family and loved ones. With many distinct sections, we are able to offer the families of Metro Atlanta a wide selection of memorial arrangements – from dedicated Jewish gardens to gated private estates. As a member of the Dignity Memorial® network, we strive to give your family peace of mind knowing that the place future generations will visit will be maintained and cared for perpetually. To request more information, schedule a tour, or learn more about our services, please call 404-955-8933 or email: ampinfo@dignitymemorial.com

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ArlingtonMP_JewishTimes.indd 1

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

Marjorie Ellman Weinstein, of Atlanta and Boca Raton, Fla., passed away Sun., Oct. 21, 2012. She leaves her son, Stephen Weinstein, and his wife Brenda (Birmingham, Ala.); daughter, Nanci Halper, and her husband Robert; grandchildren: Keith Greenwald and his wife Keri, Scott Greenwald, Jared Weinstein, and Marla Ostroff and her husband Steven; great-grandchildren: Jacob Greenwald and Lindsay Greenwald; niece, Susan Zweig, and her husband Arnie; and other beloved relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Robert K. Weinstein; her brother, Harold Ellman, and sister-in-law Peggy Ellman; and her parents, Sara and Mike Ellman. Marjorie was a native of Atlanta, born at Piedmont Hospital. She attended Druid Hills High School, graduating at age 16, and attended two years of college at the University of Illinois before returning home to marry Bob. She was ahead of her time, taking an active role in the family businesses Citizens Jewelry Company and Ellman’s. Marjorie was an avid and competitive golfer and a member of the Atlanta Women’s Golf Association. She was a Lion of Judah as a supporter of the Jewish Federation. She also enjoyed the stock market, playing cards and following current events. More than anything, though, she was a strong-willed woman dedicated to her family who cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, friend and confidant. She lived every day to the fullest, dying only two days short of her 91st birthday and 109 years to the day after the passing of her beloved Bob. The funeral was held Wed., Oct. 24, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. at The Temple. Interment followed at Crest Lawn cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Weinstein Hospice in Atlanta or the Ellman Chapel at Ahavath Achim Synagogue. Sign on-line guestbook: edressler.com. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

29 8/21/12 5:18 PM

JEWISH PUZZLER by Kathi Handler (bookssss@aol.com)

Across 1. Seventh king 5. Babylonian Talmud editor 9. “__ in Goray”, Singer novel 14. Deli fare listing 15. Shicker’s choice? 16. Where Zaide went? 17. Shamatahs (Eng) 18. “Catastrophe” film producer 20. Exist 21. Campaign org. 22. Title for Jacob Epstein 23. Ashdod to Jericho (dir) 24. Political comedian 27. Number ending 29. Nu? (Eng) 30. Alphabet run 32. Freud inventions 36. Elijah’s ___ 39. French cheese 40. Tardy 41. Land of Milk and __ 42. Imitate Lillian Lux 43. Killed biblically 44. Night before (Heb) 45. Life or Knowledge 46. Peerce part 47. Reputation 48. Copeland on track 49. Received 50. Alphabet run 52. “Mr. Mani” author 57. Owned 60. Tis, to Nelly Sachs 62. Noah to Shem 63. Gabbai catch 64. Owner and Publisher of NY Times 67. Twelve wells site 68. Media

69. Gonif booty 70. Exodus 71. Atop Mt. Hermon 72. Belmont payoff 73. Shemer song “Jerusalem of __”

45. Emes (Eng) 49. Dybbuks? 51. Purim condition? 53. High priest vestment 54. American shalom 55. Angel 56. Packing Uzis

57. Tref meat cuts 58. Magic Carpet base 59. Meshugge bird 61. Part for Bubbles 65. __ Tendler 66. Kosher fish 67. D - H connector

Last week’s answers

Down 1. Aaron’s Dad 2. Shema starter 2wds 3. Noodge 4. Terrorist target 5. King of Judah 6. Asher’s daughter 7. Sever, biblically 8. Mt. Gilboa flower 9. “Get __”. Adams’ TV show 10. Named in a Mishaberach 11. “Bambi” by Salten 12. Ender 13. Seraphim wings? 19. Rachel to Rebecca 21. Moneylending? 25. Gonifs 26. Breaking the eighth commandment 28. Tsahal headgear 31. Adam’s apple action? 33. Saadia __ 34. Preminger 35. Isaiah or Samuel 36. Title for Duff Goldman 37. Dance 38. Issachar city 39. Silent film femme fatale 43. Crouch

Chess Puzzle of the Week by Jon Hochberg

Challenge: White to move, checkmate in 2 moves

Last week’s puzzle solution. 4 Stalemates Stalemates are (1)Qg6 (2)Qc7 (3)Bd3 (4)Bg8

NOVEMBER 2 ▪ 2012

Jon Hochberg is a chess instructor who has been teaching in the Atlanta area for the last 6 years. Currently, Jon runs after school chess programs at several Atlanta schools, including The Epstein school. He always welcomes new students, and enjoys working with children who have no prior chess knowledge. Jon can be reached at Jonhochberg@gmail.com to schedule private lessons.

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WellStar Medical Group welcomes new practices to East Cobb! FAmily medicine And GeRiATRic medicine Whitney denton, m.d. H Shravantika Reddy, m.d. Johnson Square | 1523 Johnson Ferry Road | Building 1523 Suite 150 | marietta, GA 30062 | 678-403-4660

FAmily medicine, inTeRnAl medicine And PediATRicS Waldon Garriss, m.d., m.S., FAAP, FAcP mitzi Rubin, m.d., FAAFP 3939 Roswell Road | marietta GA 30062 | 770-973-2272

PediATRicS Amy cooper, m.d., m.P.H., m.S. eva montgomery-mcGuire, m.d., FAAP Susan Staviss, m.d., FAAP 3939 Roswell Road | marietta GA 30062 770-578-2868

cARdiovASculAR medicine mindy Gentry, m.d. michael Hardee, md Harvey Sacks, m.d. 1010 Johnson Ferry Road | marietta, GA 30068 770-424-6893

PulmonARy medicine

NOVEMBER 2 â&#x2013;Ş 2012

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