No 40, October 5 The Atlanta Jewish Times by Atlanta Jewish Times

EPSTEIN’S EDUCATIONAL GARDEN

COMPANY J’S “THE FANTASTICKS” MJCCA’s Theatre Season Kicks Off

TOP JEWISH TASTEMAKERS

Headliners at “Taste of Atlanta” PAGE 20

PAGES 5

the atlanta

OCTOBER 5, 2012 - OCTOBER 11, 2012

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19 Tishrei - 25 Tishrei 5773 Vol. LXXXVII No. 40

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MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL LaVictoire Reflects on Reading the Torah for the First Time…Again | Page 28

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Poll: 45.1 Percent of Americans Name Iran “Most Dangerous” 62 PERCENT SUPPORT USE OF FORCE

Via JNS.org significant majority of Americans would support the use of force, if necessary, to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, according to a recent national survey by the Foreign Policy Initiative.

Asked in an open-ended question to name the country that poses “the most danger” to U.S. national security interests, the largest group of survey participants (45.1 percent) responded with the Islamic Republic of Iran. “Indeed, Iranian leaders, who have publicly threatened to wipe Israel ‘off the map,’ have continued to improve their country’s ability to build a nuclear weapon on short notice, while repeatedly rejecting a decade’s worth of international diplomacy and economic pressure by the United States and others aimed at persuading them to change course,” the Initiative said in a statement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Iran is quickly nearing a “zone of immunity,” a technical state in which it wouold be difficult for U.S. or Israeli conventional airstrikes to degrade, delay or destroy Iran’s controversial nuclear program. A majority of Americans (62 percent) favor preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons – even if this option means the use of military force – over the alternative of avoiding armed conflict and accepting the likelihood that Iran will acquire nuclear weapons. Further breaking down the respondents, a strong majority of self-identified conservatives (78.6 percent) and a majority of self-identified moderates (57.8 percent), in addition to 44.6 percent of self-identified liberals, support U.S. military action to stop a nuclear-armed Iran.

Morsi Willing to Meet an Israeli Leader

GOAL: NEW PLATFORM FOR MORE POSITIVE RELATIONS

Via JNS.org gyptian President Mohammed Morsi is willing to meet with an Israeli leader, preferably President Shimon Peres, a senior Egyptian official told Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom. This news comes despite talk of a Muslim Brotherhood refusal to meet with Israeli officials until an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal is signed. The quoted Egyptian official said that if such a meeting were to take place, it would be in Washington, D.C. after the upcoming U.S. presidential elections. The objective would be to establish a new platform for more positive relations between the countries following a downturn resulting from the ouster of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak in February 2011 and an assault on the Israeli Embassy in Cairo in September 2011. According to the official, who recently accompanied Morsi on his visit to the UN General Assembly in New York, the president’s declaration to the assembly that Egypt would honor its international treaties, including its treaty with Israel, was a result of efforts by U.S. officials to bring Israel and Egypt closer together. Meanwhile, the New York Times reported on Saturday that U.S. President Barack Obama had informed Congress he intended to transfer $450 million to Egypt immediately as part of the U.S. government’s pledge of $1 billion in aid after Mubarak’s regime collapsed. The move, however, was immediately opposed by Congress, which has refused to approve aid packages for a regime run by the Muslim Brotherhood.

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AJT

NEWS

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from JCC

Authors Patterson, Stine Coming to MJCCA “PROLOGUE TO THE BOOK FESTIVAL” EVENTS

he Book Festival of the MJCCA is pleased to present two “Prologue to the Book Festival of the MJCCA” book talk and signing events.

JAMES PATTERSON

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First, New York Times bestselling author James Patterson will present two of his newest releases – “Zoo” (for adults) and “Confessions of a Murder Suspect” (for middle school-age readers and teens) – on Oct. 14 at 3 p.m. Besides his own works, Patterson will also speak to the importance of literacy; as a lifelong champion of books and reading, he is dedicated to finding creative and effective ways of spreading the joy of reading to all ages and turning children all across the nation into passionate, literate and inspired readers.

The following evening (Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m.) fellow NYX bestseller R.L. Stine will present “Red Rain,” his first adult horror novel. The man behind the mega-successful “Goosebumps” series is poised to once again frighten the wits out of his fans with this witty, creepy and compulsively readable novel. Tickets for both events – to be held at the MJCCA’s Zaban Park facility – are on sale now. Seating is limited, and reservations are recommended; for information, visit atlantajcc.org or call (678) 812-4002.

R.L. STINE

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FROM THE JCC

BBYO New Member Convention at Camp Barney MORE THAN 125 FRESHMEN WELCOMED TO ORGANIZATION

“The Fantasticks” by Company J HIT MUSICAL COMING TO MJCCA

ompany J at the MJCCA announces its 2012-2013 production season, which will include a variety of theatrical offerings for audiences of all ages to be housed in the beautiful Morris & Rae Frank Theater located at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. This season’s opener, “The Fantasticks,” runs Oct. 20 through 28. The musical tells the story of a young boy and girl who fall madly in love at the hands of their meddling fathers, but soon grow restless and stray from one another. A quintessential celebration of love – in all its gorgeous simplicity and heartbreaking complexities – the work features such classic tunes as “Try To Remember,” “Much More,” and “I Can See It.” This production is directed by Company J’s Producing Artistic Director, Brian Kimmel with music direction by Annie Cook.

From left to right, Company J’s upcoming production of “The Fantasticks” features Patrick Donohue (as Matt), Luis Hernandez (as El Gallo) and Traci Weisberg (as Luisa). PHOTO/Karen Rooker

“I saw ‘The Fantasticks’ when I was 19, and have been haunted by its simple beauty and bold theatricality ever since,” Kimmel said. “I cannot imagine a more appropriate beginning to Company J’s second season.” The season will continue in 2013 with “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Seussical, the Musical” and “Legally Blonde.” For tickets for “The Fantasticks,” visit companyjatl.org or call (678) 812-4002.

he B’nai Brith Youth Organization held their New Member Convention at Camp Barney Medintz from Sept. 21 to Sept. 23. Coordinated by Vice Presidents of Membership Ashley Katzenstein of North Springs Charter High School and Jake Cook of George Walton Comprehensive High School, the Convention welcomed more than 125 new members and 56 top leaders for a weekend of enjoyable programming. Attending teens participated in Shabbat services and educational activities, learned traditional BBYO cheers and attended their first business meeting on Sunday, where a freshman representatives Josh Nooromid and Emma Peters were chosen for AZA and BBG, respectively. Additionally, 16 senior girls led the traditional Saturday night program, which provided inspiration and motivation for the incoming BBYO class. Overall, the weekend was a success, and the teens can’t wait for Southern Region Convention in November at Rock Eagle 4-H Center.

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PHOTO/Laura Fendrick Senior BBYO members leading the Saturday night programming at the Convention were (top row, left to right) Eva Steinberg, Ashley Katzenstein, Julie Kaden, Rebecca Shafron, Hilit Jacobson, Aliya Saulson, Carli Ackerstein, Emily Diamond, (bottom row) Zoe Falkenstein, Amanda Mizell, Elli Bock, Renee Lewis, Carly Aronin, Haley Greenberg, Rachel Levenstiem and Samantha Jacober.

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chana’s corner

People of the Talk A TIME AND PLACE FOR TALKING BACK By Chana Shapiro

hosts for a delicious Shabbat lunch.

What was going on? We knew these people well. We’d been in each other’s homes lots of times. We were perfectly comfortable in one another’s company. These people used to be heavy-duty talkers.

AJT Columnist

n Yom Kippur in my maternal grandparents’ small shul, you could hear a pin drop. I don’t mean only during services in the sanctuary; I mean in the lobby, in the coat nook and even on the sidewalk in front of the building. The Days of Awe were serious business.

“How do you think that went?” I asked my husband. “Nobody tried to convince me of anything outrageous,” he answered.

Among the congregation of Depression and Holocaust survivors in that shtiebel, there was no place for conversation…except for the big one between man and G-d.

What a contrast with home life!

Let me take you a few doors down the block from the above-mentioned synagogue, to my maternal grandparents’ living room on any Sunday afternoon. Between lunch and dinner (we called it “supper”), there were arguments about, well, everything. Even though there was plenty of yelling and name-calling, there were clear House Rules: Seniority counted, and doctors, shul presidents, army veterans and union organizers held a good deal of esteem and respect. Next to baseball, talking was their favorite sport. Let me take you back there: Cigarette smoke is swirling and onions are frying. One of my uncles is about to purchase his first family home, and the relatives are out-shouting each other about the housing market. The doorbell rings and in walk the Steins and their son, Myron. The Steins own a real estate company, and Myron, who is a business and economics genius, works with them in their long-established firm. Louis, Sarah and Myron Stein have a certain amount of expertise, right?

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Not in this group. The Steins find themselves among 12 other self-proclaimed real estate mavens: my family. Everybody’s an expert! The three Steins are also Jewish, and therefore they can’t help throwing themselves into the fray. They stopped by to issue an invitation to the movies, but the talking compulsion kicks in, and they sit down. They miss the double-feature they planned to see because they spend the next few hours arguing and exchanging persuasive anecdotes.

To be fair, he quickly added, “And every one of them is perfectly capable of outrageousness.”

My whole family loves the Steins,

“The most creative and intelligent chimpanzee can’t play the Devil’s Advocate, make a joke, tell a lie or call someone’s bluff, but the most foolish human being can do all of them.” and the Steins love my family; they’re all talkers.

long after the official termination of the meal. There’s just so much to argue about…the presidential elections, the Middle East, health care, the economy in general…that there’s no end of talk.

I cut my own talking teeth in that very living room. As a toddler, I liked to hang out with my mother’s unmarried younger sister, Shirley, and her beautiful girlfriends. They looked through magazines, all the while maintaining a steady stream of words, words, words. I sat on my aunt’s lap and listened with all my might, which did nothing to impede the steady flow of conversation.

But this particular meal was different. The banter was uncharacteristically desultory and unemotional. Occasionally, my husband tried his best to start a fire by making the kind of outrageous statement that should provoke unbridled comebacks, but to no avail.

I was a talker-in-training and had to be nourished. When I began to recite nursery rhymes, which I also didn’t understand, Shirley and her girlfriends clapped their hands in approbation. I sort of got it: Talking is really great.

Once in a while, somebody offered a comment about a book being read or a film recently seen. But there were no sparks flying; no one slammed a fist on the table or jumped up from a chair in a moment of exasperation.

Fast-forward to just a few weeks ago, when we were with a group of friends for Shabbat lunch. Typically, everyone – especially our host and hostess – have a lot to say, aren’t the least bit daunted by or intimidated by controversy and remain at the table

We finished eating, and my husband, desperate to elicit some sort of challenge, offered a controversial d’var Torah. Even that didn’t work; his words were received with unanimous approval. Then everyone helped clear the table, and all of us left, thanking our

“Well, I figured it out!” I said.

“Do tell!”

“You know how the rabbi’s always admonishing us to watch what we say – be respectful; listen more than you speak; keep adversity out of personal interchange; be like Aaron, Moses’ brother, and make peace between adversaries.

Well, his advice took.”

“I don’t think so!” my husband the humanitarian exclaimed. “Everybody’s just tired.” “Tired, shmired!” I exclaimed. “People have an obligation to do more than sit there. Besides, I look forward to Shabbat meals. I made the salad and dessert. I deserved to be entertained!” Reviewing that strange Shabbat lunch, I had another thought. Our hosts served turkey: Was it the tryptophan? I’ll never know, and it doesn’t matter. I am happy to report that in a short time these selfsame friends reverted to their former loquacious selves. After all, we are People of the Talk. The most creative and intelligent chimpanzee can’t play the Devil’s Advocate, make a joke, tell a lie or call someone’s bluff, but the most foolish human being can do all of them. Our human brains equip us to tell stories, debate, question and contend. Sure, it’s very nice to be careful what we say. Sure, it’s safe to keep ones’ opinions to one’s self. Sure, there are times when silence is called for. But – please, folks – not when you come to our house. 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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NoGA REPORTS

My European Experience BEAUTY, AND FEAR, IN ROME By Noga Gur-Arieh AJT Contributor

hen the lights in the theater turned on after a screening of Woody Allen’s “To Rome with Love” ended, I began to visualize wandering the streets of Rome with my boyfriend, the two of us breathing romance. As if I was struck by magic, I couldn’t get Rome out of my head, and about a month later, we were on a plane to one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The beauty of Rome is not only in its romantic atmosphere or magnificent buildings. There’s much, much more: Rome holds a combination of old and new, ancient and modern, which makes it almost unbelievable, even when standing in the middle of it all.

My Rome experience stimulated all five senses. In just six days, I got to see, touch, taste, hear and smell like never before. I stood close to buildings that changed the face of architecture and creations that changed the world of art.

When Traveling is No Cakewalk

Rome was not only a millenarian empire; it was an artistic empire, an architectural empire and a religious empire as well. Its impact on the world we know is indescribable.

It seems a bit strange at first, but we all know that wearing clothing or an accessory with Hebrew letters will simply draw more attention to our Israeli identity, which is something we wish to hide abroad. The same goes for any other adornments that would associate us with Israel, such as jewelry with Star of David or a yarmulke.

When walking the streets of Rome, you never know what the next piazza, fountain or ancient Roman column will reveal to you. The combination of architecture, history, art, food and love helped me to forget the heat of August and made this vacation simply the best.

But before I ever got there…

For Israelis, vacations abroad come with special considerations. The first rule is very simple, though not always easy to adhere to: Don’t pack anything that has Hebrew letters on it.

I must admit that when I write it down right now, it looks weird, almost unnatural. I mean, why would anyone want to hide his or her identity? Put simply, it is just a natural part of our packing process. That I have only now realized how strange it sounds, after G-d knows how many flights, is proof to that. Perhaps those of you who’ve ever been abroad went through the same process, and perhaps you haven’t. I am still not sure if it’s a Jewish thing or just an Israeli thing. Nor am I sure if it’s the fear of bombing, or just of anti-Semitism, that I get every time I land in Europe. For some reason I didn’t feel this unidentifiable fear as much when I was in the States. It could be because the U.S. is generally a safer place, but now I think that maybe I felt more secure because I was usually amongst a Jewish community during my time there. Whatever this fear is, it’s rational to have and most certainly didn’t pop out of nowhere. As you all know, there have been many incidents in which either Jews or Israelis were targeted, the latest occurring in Burgas almost a month ago. And that’s only one example of the realization of this fear.

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Seeing Both Sides

But, in spite of that fear, we didn’t walk with our heads down while on our recent vacation. We didn’t hide in the shadows of the European streets or think about that fear every minute of every day. Instead, we enjoyed ourselves.

For most of my vacation days in

Rome, I had a blast, thinking of my Judaism only when avoiding the many ham dishes on every menu. I almost didn’t think of what could happen. That is, until I came across a swastika painted on a wall in one of the side streets. That brought everything back to my attention, and from that point on, I was grateful for being able to enjoy my vacation as much as I did and land back in Israel safe and sound. More than any article, that swastika reminded me that, outside of my home in Israel, I am never completely safe from hate. And here, I don’t refer to just any type of hate; after all, wherever we are, hate exists. I am talking about the scariest type of hate. The one that nearly destroyed us as Jews, and the one that is threatening us as Israelis today. Our trip reminded me that it is important to appreciate what you have and who you are; that after 2,000 years of depression and disasters, we have managed to stay united under the warm hug of Judaism; and that there’s nothing we cannot survive. At the same time, this trip also brought to my mind something a little girl in red shoes once said: “There’s no place like home.” Editor’s note: Noga Gur-Arieh visited the U.S. to work at Camp Coleman after finishing her military service in the IDF. She is now back in Israel, working as a journalist.

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

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from jcrc

Life at Home is the Key to IndependenceSM

Episcopal Church Rejects Divesment MEANWHILE, CHURCH OF ENGLAND PASSES PRO-PALESTINIAN MOTION AJT Contributor

everal weeks ago, I wrote about the efforts of some members of the Presbyterian and Methodist churches to have their national conventions support divestment from several corporations whose products are purchased by the Israel Defense Forces [see the July 13 AJT]. Since then, the Episcopal Church had its own national convention, and there, it also considered and defeated a divestment resolution. Thankfully, Episcopal Church delegates tabled a resolution urging “corporate engagement” on the part of the Church (which would have resulted in the Church trying to convince the companies to stop dealing with Israel) and dissemination of “information on products” made in the West Bank (which could have been a prelude to a boycott of products produced in the West Bank settlements). Instead of moves towards divestment, what did come of the General Convention Assembly was a resolution calling for “a negotiated two-state solution” and “positive investment” – supporting activity in the Palestinian economy – as responses to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. David Sherman, Chairman of Chicago’s Jewish Community Relations Council, was among those praising the Episcopal Church for its measured actions: “By choosing positive investment and calling for a negotiated two-state solution, while at the same time rejecting boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) actions, the Episcopal Church has aligned itself with organizations, including other churches, that seek to help both Israelis and Palestinians reach a peaceful, collaborative resolution to the conflict,” he said following the Assembly’s vote. One Step Forward, One Step Back Unfortunately, around the same time that the Episcopal Church voted down an anti-Israel resolution, the Church of England’s General Synod passed a motion that reflects the lengths to which supporters of the Palestinians will go to obtain additional support. The motion calls for a program that brings church volunteers to the

West Bank to “experience life under occupation” for three to four months (approximately one week of which is to be spent in Israel), the aim being that participants will lobby on behalf of the Palestinians upon their return home. British Jewry’s umbrella organization, the British Board of Deputies, criticized the motion. “The Church of England has a duty to examine the situation in the Middle East in a balanced way,” the board wrote. “Instead, by passing this motion, it has chosen to promote an inflammatory and partisan program at the expense of its interfaith relations.” Unfortunately, the debate at the British Synod was littered with references to anti-Semitic canards: statements about “powerful lobbies” and the money expended by the Jewish community; references to “Jewishsounding names”; and the accusation that the actions of the Jewish community “[bring] shame on the memory of victims of the Holocaust.” The Jewish Board of Deputies responded in a statement, saying “These statements are deeply offensive and raise serious questions about the motivation of those behind this motion.” Efforts Continue What all of this activity portends is that more efforts will be made by Palestinian Christians to gain support for what will eventually be a one-state solution for the Palestinians and Israelis. For example, a Jerusalem-based Palestinian Christian organization known as Sabeel is making a concerted effort to raise the temperature at American churches.

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Its document, entitled “Kairos Palestine,” calls for peace among all parties but lays the blame for the entire Palestinian crisis at the feet of the Israelis. Among other falsehoods contained within is the statement that “if there were no occupation, there would be no resistance.” This patent lie is fueling efforts in the churches. We will need to continue to fight efforts to delegitimize Israel such as these. The next round of church conventions in a couple of years will likely see more of the same efforts. Editor’s note: Harold Kirtz is past president of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta.

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COMMUNITY

Guns: A Comparison of Jewish and American Perspectives WHAT DO THE TORAH, SAGES AND CUSTOMS SAY REGARDING WEAPONS? By Eugen Schoenfeld AJT Contributor

n July, the tragedy at an Aurora, Colo. movie theater brought the issue of gun control centerstage. The same happened in the aftermath of past gun-related incidents, including those at the University of Texas bell tower, Virginia Tech University, Columbine High School and a Tucson, Ariz. strip mall. Debate is always the result of this issue being discussed, as opinions regarding how best to solve the issue of gun-related violence are bifurcated. There are those who advocate gun control, frightened – and justly so – by the extremely high rate of murder in this country; they seek to control the possession of guns, proposing that their availability gives mentally unstable persons the means to act out violently and often quite randomly. On the other hand, there are those who oppose any form of gun control. Members of this group quote the Second Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees the right to bear arms. In the minds of these people, to further restrict the purchase of firearms will push the nation down a slippery slope of restricting the right to own a gun as well as other freedoms of individuals.

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I propose that perhaps the availability of guns is not the problem; perhaps the problem lies in a value system arising out of a bellicose people who glorified the wild-west mentality. We in the United States are more likely to agree with the adage that “might makes right.”

For instance, many citizens support our varied military involvements and justify the spending of tax dollars on armaments so that the U.S. may wield power over nations and support our assumed selfinterest. I see this point of view as an expansion of the “manifest destiny” doctrine, namely that we have a G-dgiven right – even a duty – to expand our territories and our influence. A Personal Experience My confrontation with the gun issue and the moral question about us-

ing a gun began right after I was liberated from the concentration camp. On the first day of my liberation, I was presented with the moral dilemma of whether to give in to my desire for vengeance or submit myself to the moral teachings of my parents and Judaism. It was May 2, 1945 that I was liberated from Muhldorf, one of the many German concentration camps, by a squad of American soldiers. Since I was the only former prisoner who spoke English, I explained to the lieutenant about our life in the camp; of the tortures we endured, the beatings we experienced and, of course, the thousands of Jews who died from starvation and were buried in mass graves. The other former inmates and I stood in front of the American soldiers; they had seen death in battle, but never living skeletons, which we appeared to be. Lieutenant Schwartz, a Jewish boy from Chicago commanding the squad, was very interested in our life in camp. Just as I was telling him about beatings and other tortures inflicted on us by the kapos (supervisors) – many of whom were Jews – the “chief kapo” passed by our group. This man, appointed to the position that permitted him to inflict pain and suffering, was a German criminal convicted for murder by the civil court. He was my chief tormentor; on a number of occasions, he beat me within an inch of my life. He was a short man in his late 30s with a very simian appearance: He had long arms that almost reached his knees, a very short brow and a mean, never-smiling face. On this particular occasion, his aggressive air was heightened by the blood caking his arms his arms from butchering a cow. The lieutenant handed me his pistol and said, “Shoot the SOB. No one will know it.”

“Sorry,” I replied. “I cannot do it.”

In spite the anger I held for the sadistic chief kapo, my Jewish upbringing and what it instilled in me kept me not just from taking a human life but from even holding the pistol, an implement of killing in my eyes.

Looking to Judaism As I develop my views on social and political issues, I seek advice in the teachings of our ancient Jewish sages and in our cultural traditions. Consider the following: • A phrase commonly used by Jews in greeting is “Peace be unto you.” We love and honor peace. • Our sages advised that the sign that one is a truly a descendant of Abraham is if one seeks peace. • Anyone who was ever called to the Torah is familiar with the yad (literally, “the hand”), the pointer used by the reader to indicate the place of the script that he or she reads. This implement is made either from precious metals, wood or bone, but never from iron. Iron is the metal of war associated with weaponry, and since the Torah is the sacred symbol of peace, Jews feel that it is improper even sinful to use iron implements to touch the Torah. • To Jews, the essential difference between Esau and Jacob is that the former was a person committed to weapons and hunting, while the latter was committed to books and study. • Our hope for a quality of future existence will be assured said Rabbi Yeshevav when we learn to love peace and justice. • Jews, as a general rule, do not hunt and do not consider the killing of animals a sport. We have had many heroes who used weapons for defense – King David, for example – but the ultimate value to which they subscribed was shalom, peace. The following legend illustrates this perspective: When King David proposed to G-d his desire to build a permanent Temple (instead of the Tabernacle used in the dessert), G-d declined his offer. Our sages tell us that G-d wanted the Temple to be a symbol of peace, but David was noted for his military prowess, so the task was given to Solomon.

Solomon set about his task under the proviso that no iron – the metal of weaponry – should be used in hewing the massive stones used in building the sanctuary. Thus, Solomon – with great difficulty – acquired the shamir, a little worm with the miraculous power of splitting stones, which he used to build the Holy Temple. Thus, the Temple was indeed truly a symbol of peace. The Contrast Laid Bare These facts having been set forth, let’s face it: The long history of the Jewish people attests that while we honor the ideal of peace, we unfortunately live in a world where war has often been thrust on us. Abraham, as the head of his tribe, fought wars to defend his land and water rights. Our forefathers fought the Amalekites who attacked our ancestors in stealth on their way out of Egypt, and our ancestors had to defend themselves from constant attacks by the Philistines, the Syrians, the Babylonians, the Greeks and the Romans. Today, we have to defend ourselves against attacks by Muslim individuals and Islamic countries. We use weapons and have created new weapons. There isn’t a single person born in modern Israel (with the exception of the Haredi) who is not familiar with and skilled in the use of the myriads of weapons. Anyone who has been to Israel has seen far too many young people with a weapon slung around their shoulders, and what’s worse, there is hardly a single family in Israel who has not suffered casualties in the various wars and skirmishes over the nation’s 64 years. But in spite of the great importance of weapons in Israel’s struggle for survival, no image of a weapon appears as a national symbol. Sometimes it is necessary to shed blood in defense of one’s country, or of one’s life or the lives of members of one’s family, but we undoubtedly hold as fundamental values peace and the non-glorification of weapons.

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AJT

if you ask me

The War On Information In my mind, the American view is just the opposite. “Real Americans love war,” said Carl C. Scott, portraying the titular character in “Patton.” Consider also that we in the U.S. do not have legends that glorify the scholar, the philosophers or the Nobel Laureates, but we have the cowboy hero, the legends of the gun-slingers and a “John Wayne philosophy.”

on a tree, dressed in warm camouflage and fortified with alcohol as he shoots unwary deer.

The fact is that Americans love weapons; specifically, we love guns. We fondle them, display them and, in the case of Governor Sarah Palin, kiss them. The ironically titled Colt revolver known as the “Peacemaker”, the most popular and noted weapon produced in the U.S., has become a household name and synonym for the word “firearm.”

We must realize that guns do not bring peace and that a gun owner is neither a hero nor a peacekeeper; we must realize that the real hero is a person who conquers his anger and his desire to kill.

Whereas Jewish legends seek to de-glorify not only weapons but also the material of which weapons were made, guns in America have assumed a sacred quality. What other term is more appropriate, considering priests of the U.S. will act as spokespeople for the National Rifle Association? My Own Conclusion Based on the lessons I have learned from Jewish historical experiences, I do not own or use – nor do I desire to own or use – guns. I would prefer that the world, in general, and this country, in particular, denounce guns and violence and become the seekers of peace. But for the present, it is not my desire to forbid gun ownership; I advocate the idea of laissez faire et laissez passer. Nonetheless, I do wish that our value system would diminish the glory of the gun and the idea that manhood should be defined by gun skills. Perhaps there is something Freudian at play here – the “He Man” keeps and uses guns because he is the defender of his home; he is the possessor of the mystical quality of Nimrod, the hunter who provides food. Of course, today’s hunter’s aim is not to feed his family, yet for whatever reason he is defined as “sportsman.” More likely, he is a lover of guns who kills for the sake of killing, sitting on a comfortable stand

But I digress. My point is this: Before we create effective laws against gun possession, we must tarnish the shiny halo of the gun. We must deglorify those who seek to emulate the character of John Wayne and his way of life.

We need to follow the advice of the ancient Hebrew prophets, who tell us peace can occur only when we dispose of weapons, when swords will be made into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. Editor’s note: Eugen Schoenfeld is a professor and chair emeritus at Georgia State University and a Holocaust survivor.

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IRAN WILL CONTROL CITIZENS’ ACCESS TO INTERNET By Rabbi Yaakov Thompson AJT Columnist

s we spent the last couple of weeks pre-occupied with the High Holidays and Sukkot, the world has continued to turn. The protests and violence in the Muslim world have continued, America has prepared for the UN visit of Iran’s President and the furor over the now-infamous YouTube movie still has all of us wondering what will be next. It was against the background of these events that I noted a news item coming out of Iran: The Iranian government has announced plans to block access to parts (or all) of the Internet. Soon, it seems, Iranians will only be able to access online information that has been pre-approved by their government; the expectation is that the Iranian government will create an “Iran-net” that will filter what can be seen and read on-line. Do you remember the theory of the “big lie” – that if something is repeated often enough, it will be believed? How about keeping people shut off from the world and only letting them know what you want them to believe – will that work similarly? If Iran blocks the Internet entirely, Iranians will have no (legal) way to get online information; not only is this an injustice to the population, but it makes the Iranian government that much more dangerous. Iranians will not be able to access real news, nor will they be able to use social media. Ignorance is the most effective tool to build hatred: A war against Israel and the West will be that much easier to justify. An uninformed citizenry is a threat to the entire Middle East: Any voice of protest or resistance to the Ayatollah’s rule will have even less chance of mobilizing a democratic movement. For my readers who are not so computer savvy, let me make a comparison: If our government outlawed

TV and newspapers, your information would be limited to word-ofmouth rumors and whatever “news and views” the government chooses to give you. What kind of a society do you think that would create? That is the kind of society that Iranians will face without the Internet. The violence that continues to unfold around the Muslim world is the product of a mob mentality. When thousands of people gather and are motivated by rumors, lies and fanaticism, the only result is anger, anger to be directed by those who want to use the mob to their own ends. Participants become willing to commit any act of anger because they are part of a “mob” that takes on a life of its own. One of the few forces that can combat this mob mentality is information. It is only when people can hear all sides of a story or situation that they can make a real judgment. I believe there are many people in the Muslim world who are willing to hear the voice of truth and reason, but right now they are helpless and unable to spread their message. We have seen – as if we needed proof – that it takes very little to set the Muslim world on fire; any excuse will do. Iran remains a real threat to the world; even other Muslim nations could be the target of Iranian aggression. Having just finished the holiday season, it may be a little chutzpadik to say, but I sure hope that He heard all our prayers for peace. I can’t think of a time when such requests were so needed. Editor’s note: Rabbi Yaakov Thompson is a regular contributor to the South Florida Jewish Journal; more of his writing can be found at yaakovthompson.blogspot.com.

0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

continued from previous page

AJT

community

“Thin Threads” Published as Part of Hadassah’s Centennial Celebration FOUR ATLANTANS’ STORIES FEATURED

s part of the commemoration of Hadassah’s Centennial, Kiwi Publishing, Inc., in partnership with Hadassah’s Centennial Committee, has created a special Centennial commemorative book titled “Thin Threads, Real Stories of Life Changing Hadassah Moments.” Within are 101 real-life stories written by those whose lives have been touched by Hadassah. “Thin threads” are defined as turning-point events, encounters and moments of connection. “The opportunity to unite across time and over continents the very personal stories of people who have been touched by Hadassah, [along] with the organization’s official centennial chronology, is unique and special,” said Roselle Ungar, “Thin Threads” chair. Four Atlantans, all members of Greater Atlanta Hadassah, contributed to this project and have their stories in the landmark book:

Edith (Edie) Barr:

In “Hashem Has a Plan,” Edie believes that her connection with Hadassah is part of Hashem’s plan for her life. Hadassah has influenced Barr’s life on many levels. As a young wife in Boston, she found the Edith (Edie) Barr need to augment the Judaism around her (or lack thereof) by joining Hadassah to meet other Jewish women. Through a Jewish study group, she began a lifelong love of Jewish learning.

0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

Then, as a mother in New Jersey, she enrolled her children in Young Judaea and became a youth group leader to give unaffiliated kids Jewish experiences. Edie exemplifies how giving of yourself to a cause that you love can give positive feedback; in this case, participating in Hadassah helped her to begin a new career as Director of Recreation in an assisted living facility. She relates:

“I used all the experience I had gained from my work in Hadassah, which had taught me how to program events, design educational experiences, teach, manage a budget, speak in public and deal with different person12 alities.”

Barr is currently studying in a seminary in Jerusalem, a culmination of her quest for Jewish learning that was awakened by Hadassah.

Shirley Michalove:

In “Young Judaea – A Thread that Binds,” Michalove reconstructs her introduction to Israel when celebrating her 16th birthday by participating in a Young JuShirley Michalove daea Summer-in-Israel program, part of Hadassah’s youth movement. This experience reverberated in many encounters she had through the years as she reunited through her leadership roles in Hadassah and her synagogue with many of the friends she had made in Israel through that early Young Judaea experience. “Hadassah women have become my closest friends, and I have become the person I am largely as a result of the bond of friendships I made during the connecting events in my life,” Michalove said. “All this goes to prove that once a Judaean, always a Judaean, and no matter where you go, someone will remember you and reconnect.”

Florence Nathanson:

“A Sacred Purpose” begins when Nathanson was a nurse in the Jewish Hospital of Brooklyn, where she one day saw on a bulletin board a Hadassah poster describing the urgent need for nurses in Israel. Answering the call, in 1950 she served as one of five American nurses Florence Nathanson working in a transit camp for new immigrants established by Hadassah at Rosh Ha’Ayin. Their mission was to care for Yemenite children who were living in dire poverty and were in extreme danger from the Arabs following the 1948 war. After serving for nine months, she returned to Brooklyn, where she resumed work at the Jewish Hospital. Now a resident of Atlanta, Florence is

proud to say: “I have been a Life Member of Hadassah for more than half a century and will always remember my time at Rosh Ha’Ayin with gratitude that I could be used for such a sacred purpose.” Nathanson was honored for her service at the Greater Atlanta Hadassah Centennial celebration in February.

Ruthanne Warnick:

In “The Summer of ’69,” an unknowing Warnick – much like Michalove – begins her connection to Hadassah with her first trip to Israel, made at the age of 15 to spend six weeks with her peers. Ruthanne Warnick

to work on a kibbutz and later spent a semester in Jerusalem during her college years. Thus the seed was planted to join Hadassah as a young mother; through the organization, she followed her love for Judaism and Zionism and ultimately developed a passion for Hadassah’s mission as well Warnick, the current Southeastern Region President, has held many leadership positions in Hadassah over the years. “You could say that my Hadassah journey began in that small community where I first joined Hadassah, but I believe it really began in that summer of 1969,” she said. “[That’s] my long – but thin – thread.” Editor’s note: For more information regarding this publication and to order books, go to hadassahstories.com.

Two years later, she returned

Hadassah Turns 100 SOUTHEASTERN REGION AND GREATER ATLANTA HADASSAH TO CELEBRATE CENTENNIAL IN JERUSALEM

ore than 73 members and associates from Hadassah’s Southeastern Region and Greater Atlanta Hadassah prepare to attend Hadassah’s Centennial Convention in Jerusalem from Oct. 15 through 18. This will be the culminating event of a year of local and national activities to celebrate Hadassah’s 100th anniversary. The major highlight of the Convention will be the official dedication of the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower on the campus of the Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem. The local delegation includes (among others): Ruthanne Warnick, Southeastern Region President; Sue Rothstein, President of Greater Atlanta Hadassah; and Judy Viness, Southeastern Region and Greater Atlanta Centennial Chair.

TOP RIGHT: Among the Southeastern Region/Greater Atlanta Hadassah delegation are (front row, L to R) Phyllis Cohen, Bubba and Gerry Taratoot, (second row) Philip and Anita Levy, Toby Parker, (third row) Rita Loventhal, April Levine, Sheila Schwartz, (fourth row) Bill Loventhal, Arthur Heyman, Stanley Schwartz, (top row) Shirley Michalove and Sue Rothstein. LEFT MIDDLE: Judy Viness, Southeastern Region and Greater Atlanta Centennial Chair ABOVE RIGHT: Hadassah’s Centennial celebration will be highlighted by the dedication of the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower in Ein Kerem. PHOTOS/courtesy Joan Solomon

AJT

community

Wilker Speaks to Ketura Hadassah Group AJC ATLANTA DIRECTOR SHARES INSIGHTS ON ISRAEL

Wilker described Israel as a “microcosm of world” when it comes to Nobel Prize winners; the country has had 10 in fields including chemistry, economics, literature and peace. He reminded attendees that Hadassah was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 and lauded the organization for its work in medicine: Hadassah leads the way in Israel for embryonic stem cell research, robotic surgery, computer-guided surgery, and genetic disease research, to name a few.

With many in the audience preparing for the aforementioned trip to the Jewish state, Wilker encouraged both new visitors and returnees to add sites to their tours that with which they might not be familiar. Among his recommendations were “Better Place” in Tel Aviv, where one can experience electric cars with battery-swapping stations; some of the 35 vineyards in the mountain hills between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem; and, of course, Hadassah’s new Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower at Hadassah Medical Center.

TOP LEFT: Ketura co-presidents Sybil Ginsburg (far left) and Annie Kohut (far right) stand with guest speaker and AJC Atlanta Director Dov Wilker (center). TOP RIGHT: Ellen Frank (left) and Dorothy Scherr chaired the Ketura Hadassah’s September meeting. LEFT: Ketura members and friends (left to right) Tama Tanowitz, Carole Rubenstein, Sondra Dillon, Elaine Hirsch, Martha Perlmutter and Joan Solomon at the Group’s September meeting. PHOTOS/courtesy Joan Solomon

0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

he September meeting of Ketura Group of Greater Atlanta Hadassah featured “The Wonders of Modern Israel,” presented by Dov Wilker, Director of the Atlanta Regional Office of the American Jewish Committee. The topic was especially relevant, as many Ketura members will be attending Hadassah’s Centennial Convention in Israel this month.

AJT

Friday+Saturday+Sunday

OctOber 5+6+7, 2012

community

Author Baron Speaks to Local Brandeis Supporters ATLANTA CHAPTER PRESENTED WITH “BEST CHAPTER” AWARD

he Atlanta Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee held their Fall 2012 Opening Luncheon on Sept. 12 at 103 West. The guest speaker for the event was Atlanta author Lisa Baron, who discussed her book “The Life of the Party.”

Rhonda Bercoon, immediate past co-president, presented the Chapter with the Best Chapter Award as bestowed by the Brandeis National Committee. Presiding was current chapter president Joyce Natbony. TOP: Author Lisa Baron (left) signed a copy of her new book, “The Life of the Party,” for Chapter member Barbara Shoulberg. BOTTOM: Immediate Past Co-President Rhonda Bercoon presents the Best Chapter Award given to the Atlanta Chapter from the from the Brandeis National Committee. PHOTOS/courtesy Judy Feldstein

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Shabbat Candle Lighting Times shabbat blessings 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 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.

0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

Blessing for thw Wine Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu Meelech Haolam, Borei p’ri hagafen

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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.

Friday, September 28, 2012 Light Candles at: 7:08 pm Shabbat, September 29, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 8:01 pm Eve of First day Sukkot Sunday, September 30, 2012 Light Candles at: 7:05 pm Eve of Second day Sukkot Monday, October 1, 2012 Light Candles after: 7:58 pm Tuesday, October 2, 2012 Holiday Ends: 7:57 pm Friday, October 5, 2012 Light Candles at: 6:58 pm Shabbat, October 6, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 7:52 pm

AJT

community

Balancing Past with Present in Berlin MY EXPERIENCE IN “MODERN GERMANY” For the Atlanta Jewish Times

can’t help but point out the irony in taking an El Al flight to Berlin.

Who would have thought that, less than seven decades after the end of the vilest attempt to annihilate the Jewish people in history, the Jewish people would have built their own airline that flies passengers – Jewish passengers! – to the very same country that harbored the genocide, the country where the passengers’ grandparents might have been murdered? The paradoxes exist, and they are glaring and rough, yet they are often comfortably overlooked by the millions of tourists visiting Berlin each year. Admittedly, it is easier not to look, but as Charlotte Delbo (the French writer noted for her powerful memoirs of Auschwitz) writes:

“Try to look. Just try to see.”

I took the aforementioned flight as a participant in The American Jewish Committee’s trip entitled “Germany

1938, a law was passed banning Jews to move about freely in public. Nothing about how, by the end of the war – just 67 years ago – a total of 50,500 Jews had been deported from Berlin to death camps in the East.

vibrant colors and clever images, the wild nightlife that only begins at midnight and the friendly residents sporting voguish clothing.

Is it all too exhausting – is that why El Al passengers are not reminded of Berlin’s history on the flight over there? Or is it all too remembered – too reminded, too taught, too engrained in our historical memory as a people?

I remember a walking tour we had, “The Absence of Empty Spaces: Don’t Trust the Green Grass.”

On my trip, I found myself asking, how does one walk the streets of Berlin and not remember? Every block or so, you literally stumble upon a memorial – walk right over it – on your way to the grocery store, the movie theater or a bar with friends. There are thousands of these “stumbling stones,” in Europe, cobblestone-sized memorials for individual victims of the Holocaust, commemorating those murdered at the hands of the Nazis, and I noticed them everywhere I went in Berlin. The question emerges, then – and not just in Germany, but in Israel and in the collective memory of the Jewish people – how to move forward and neither forget, nor suffocate from, the past. We should not let the past enclose us in a tiny box in which all we discuss, are concerned with and remember is a specific event in history.

Yes, the Holocaust is both a formidable and consequential event in Jewish history, yet I am of the conviction that we should not concentrate exclusively on one event – even the Holocaust – A Holocaust memorial in Berlin. and emphasize it with PHOTO/Candace Mittel radically greater weight than any other event in Close Up: American Jews Meet Mod- our 3,000 year history as a people. ern Germany.” As the granddaughter of a Ho According to the El Al website, locaust survivor and a great-grand“modern Germany” – or at least Ber- daughter of innocent victims murlin – is “an attractive touristic center dered in Auschwitz, my visit to Berlin for visitors from all over the world... touched a deep struggle to balance the the European capital of nightlife... past with the present. For me, “Ameririch with culture that unravels an old can Jews Meet Modern Germany” was world corresponding to the Western a confrontation with the past, everprogress.” present and obvious, and yet it was an Nothing about how by the end of agreement with the present. 1939, the Jewish population of Berlin I affirmed the current Berlin, one had dropped to about 82,800, 50 per- of Europe’s most chic cities, parading cent of the same figure in 1933. Noth- its liberal character on every corner. It ing about how, on the night of Nov. 9, boasts cultural institutions and plat1938, most of the synagogues in Ber- forms for artists and is celebrated as lin were burnt to the ground and the the nucleus of youth and popular culwindows of Jewish schools, offices and ture in Europe. other public institutions were smashed I saw the Berlin that everyone adand destroyed. mires: the funky existential art posing Nothing about how, on Dec. 3, philosophical questions, the innovative graffiti that decorates the city in

low swing, there is a story to the grass beneath you. Just don’t trust it for what it looks to be. The grass in Berlin will have grim stories. Just keep that in mind.

But, at the same time, I didn’t neglect the past.

Editor’s note: Candace Mittel is a senior at Northwestern University and originally from Sandy Springs. She participated in the American Jewish Committee’s Access trip this past summer.

I learned on this tour that, from the open field to the left where a group of slouchy teenagers sit hanging out to the park on the right where a mom pushes her daughter on a bright yel-

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AJT

business and finance

Where’s the Best Place for You to Retire? FOUR QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF By Gary Alexander AJT Contributor

here’s no one right choice that applies to every retiree. For some, the answer is to stay put, enjoying the home they’ve made and community they’ve cultivated over the years. For others, retirement is the perfect time for a change, whether that means moving to a warmer climate or trading the suburban family home for a condo in the city. Deciding where to spend your retirement years depends on several factors, including your health, financial situation and post-career plans. Consider these questions as you weigh your options.

1. Why stay home?

ing arrangement, aging in place may suit you. Donna Peterson, Senior Vice President in Retail Retirement at Wells Fargo, says that retiring to your current locale can be a good choice if you have a strong network of friends and family where you live and longstanding relationships with local health care providers and other professionals that are likely to continue. “You can always build the ability to travel to exciting places or a visit to the grandchildren into your retirement budget,” Peterson said. “Creating stronger ties with your family doesn’t always require pulling up stakes.”

2. Will it cost more to move? You know exactly how much it costs to live in your current area. But how might moving to a new location affect

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your retirement budget? Peterson points out that one of the major mistakes retirees make is thinking they’ll sell their home, set aside a pot of money after downsizing and live happily ever after in their dream location. “They don’t focus on what it will really cost to buy a new home and live in another area,” she said. Before you commit to a new locale, you need to know the costs for everything, from gas to groceries. Will a dinner out cost twice as much - or half as much? And will real estate prices be higher in your new hometown, making it more expensive to own even a smaller home? “Unfortunately, a lot of people decide where to retire based on emotion,” Peterson said. “You need to think first about your monthly budget and consider whether a move makes sense for you financially – and balance this against your retirement lifestyle desires.” Peterson also notes that the promise of lower property or income taxes isn’t always enough to make up for other disadvantages. “A decision based on reduced taxes can be just as damaging as failing to take them into account,” she said. “Overestimating the effect of saving on some taxes may blind you to expenses associated with making that move, such as increased costs to travel back for visits with family or more expensive medical care.”

3. If I move, will I be happy?

0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

It’s always challenging to uproot your life and move to a new city – let alone a new country – but you can take steps to set yourself up for a successful move and ease the transition. You’ll have a better idea of what to expect if you take your prospective home for a test drive.

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“Rent for three or four months where you plan to retire,” Peterson said. “That’s enough time to learn whether your prospective new locale is a good fit for you. “If you’re big gardener in North Carolina and you try out the dry climate of Arizona, you might realize just

how much you miss tending your tomato plants – or surprise yourself by embracing new activities that leave your trowel gathering dust.”

4. When should I decide whether to move? If you haven’t made the choice before you stop working, you may want to spend several months adjusting to retirement before you decide whether to relocate. But while it’s OK to wait, Peterson cautions against letting too much time pass before making your decision. “It’s less of a hassle to move when you’re 65 and still fairly active than when you’re 75,” she said. “It’s also easier to build your social network and connect with medical facilities when you’re younger.” Making preparations in advance is the key. By determining what matters most to you, you can prepare to spend retirement where you want to be, in a home that supports your lifestyle and choices. Editor’s note: Gary Alexander is Managing Director – Investment Officer at Wells Fargo Advisors in Atlanta.

Are you a local Jewish entrepreneur or business owner? Want to share your story with the community?

Contact AJT business correspondent Al Shams via phone at (770) 804-3125 or via email at ashams@midsouthcap.com.

AJT

israel

Israeli Pride

GOOD NEWS MADE IN ISRAEL THIS PAST WEEK

Samsung’s new camera wouldn’t be here without Israel. Korean tech giant Samsung has revealed that “all the camera processing technology” in its upcoming Galaxy S3 smart camera and cellphone was developed in the Jewish state. The camera is unique in the fact that it lacks buttons, with all actions commanded by a touch screen on the back of the device. Eight new species were discovered under Ramle. In a cavernous underworld 100 meters beneath a soft limestone quarry, Israeli scientists have found eight new animal species. Isolated for millions of years in a 40-meter-long hall in a 2.7-kilometerlong cave, seven of the species thrived by living off bacteria in their underground lake. Greenbo takes home a Red Dot. Greenbo plant pots dot hundreds of Netanya apartment balconies. This totally Israeli concept won the design industry’s equivalent of the Oscar: a Red Dot Award. The vividly colored pots with their flowering contents perch on railings and brighten up the city skyline. Israeli-based drama wins Emmy award. The TV show “Homeland,” based on the Israeli series “Hatufim,” won the top drama prize at the Primetime Emmy awards. The show was adapted for U.S. audiences from Gideon Raff’s series. Balloons prepare to launch. Two hot-air balloon festivals are scheduled during the Sukkot holiday period. Gilboa’s Hot Air Balloon Family Festival and Timna Park’s International Hot Air Balloon Festival both take to the skies on Oct. 3.

Israel’s water crisis may be over. Thanks to good water management, desalination and rain, the Israeli Water Authority has approved a large – 25 million cubic-meter – increase in the water quota for agriculture in 2013 (in total, from 455 million cubic meters to 480 million cubic meters). Instagram users “get the picture” of the Jewish state. Standwithus and OnceinaLifetime.org.il are taking major Instagram users on an

extraordinary journey across Israel. Via photos, they will be introduced to our small country’s tremendous variety of landscapes, cuisine and nightlife, as well as its multicultural society and culture. An Israeli breath test for cancer has proved effective. The study of 74 Colorado patients correctly identified 53 malignant tumors and 19 benign ones. The test even highlighted the most effective treatment options.

A friend lent a hand to the Israeli journalist delegation to the UN. When the Secret Service SUV carrying the Israeli journalist delegation to PM Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations HQ ran out of gas, a Russian Jew driving a school bus gave them a lift.

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0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

Europe approves an Israeli burn treatment. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended approval of Israel’s MediWound Ltd.’s NexoBrid third degree burns treatment NexoBrid. This gel, made of enzymes that remove burnt tissue, reduces the risk of infection and shortens recovery time.

AJT

arts & life

Kosher Movies: On Golden Pond (1981) TRANSCENDENT LOVE, RESPECT FOR PARENTS IN MARK RYDELL’S DRAMA By Rabbi Hebert Cohen AJT Contributor

s a youngster, I often found it hard to see how older people could be in love in the conventional romantic sense.

After all, physically, they were often overweight, had sagging skin and possessed grey or no hair – hardly attributes I would consider beautiful. But when I myself got older and also began to manifest those same characteristics, I realized that seniors could be deeply in love, that physical

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attributes were not important and that love transcends the physical in happily married couples.

father was absorbed in his own pursuits, and not present for her emotionally. Her mother finally rebukes her:

In time, I understood the wisdom of King Solomon in Proverbs: In praising the woman of the house, he reminds us that “outward grace is deceitful and beauty is vain” and that the basis of enduring love is a shared life vision based upon a common spiritual destiny, not the smoothness of one’s skin or the size of a waistline.

“Don’t you think that everyone looks back on their childhood with a certain amount of bitterness and regret about something? You’re a big girl now. Aren’t you tired of it all? It doesn’t have to ruin your life.”

This is one essential message of “On Golden Pond,” a story of a loving couple in the twilight of life. At the outset of the film, Norman and Ethel Thayer – masterly played with great honesty and sensitivity by Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn – return to their summer home near the titular body of water. Norman is beginning to lose his memory and, in a tense and disturbing moment, runs back to his cottage without finishing the errand on which Ethel sent him. He confesses his lapse to her: “You know why I came back so fast? I got to the end of our lane. I couldn’t remember where the old town road was. There was nothing familiar. Not one damn tree. Scared me half to death. That’s why I came running back here to you. So I could see your pretty face and I could feel safe and that I was still me.” Spouses married for many years view love in ways that are impossible for newlyweds to understand. The ebbs and flows of life, the sharing of joys and sadness, bring loving couples closer together; each represents a safe harbor to the other, a place of refuge from a world that is shutting down around them, when mortality is not an abstract concept, but an everapproaching reality. This deep connection does not come about instantaneously, but develops over time. Another message of “On Golden Pond” relates to Norman’s relationship with his daughter, Chelsea, from whom he has been estranged for many years. Chelsea calls Norman by his first name, which underlines the emotional distance between them. She returns to the summer cottage to celebrate her father’s 80th birthday, but she still carries baggage with her. She remembers all the times her

This is a valuable life lesson: Get rid of old, unpleasant memory tapes; look with fresh, unbiased eyes at your old relationships and begin anew. Chelsea eventually does this and, after many years, calls her father “Dad.” Her not using his first name suggests that she is now prepared for a new relationship with her father. In Jewish law, a child is forbidden to call a parent by his first name. This implicitly instructs the child to be constantly aware of a parent as someone who is a source of authority, guidance and love, not just another buddy. “On Golden Pond” reminds us to revisit our parental relationships, repair them if needed and create new memories that will bind together generations in the future. 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.

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ARTS & LIFE

Orbach is Amos in Upcoming “Chicago” L.A. JEWISH THEATRE STAR IS PART OF TOUR COMING TO ATLANTA

os Angeles Jewish community member Ron Orbach plays Amos in the upcoming production of “Chicago: The Musical” at Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Center. The first in the venue’s the 2012-2013 Broadway Series, shows begin Oct. 4 and run through Oct. 7.

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Orbach’s Broadway career began in 1993, when he starred in “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.” He went on win the Theater L.A./Ovations Award for Best Director in recognition of his work with “The Ellis Jump” by Jim McGarth. Orbach also performed as Amos in the first national tour of “Chicago,” earning him a Theater LA/Ovations nomination. Outside of theater, Orbach has appeared on both the big and small screens: as a DMV tester in 1995’s “Clueless,” and in episodes of TV’s “Law and Order,” “Family Matters” and “Law and Order: Criminal Intent.” He teaches both acting and directing in L.A., where he resides with wife Kathleen Eads.

The original run of “Chicago” (based on a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, with music by Ebb and John Kander) won six Tony Awards in 1997. The production coming to the Energy Center is part of a national tour directed by Scott Faris and choreographed by Gary Chryst; find out more and purchase tickets at the box office or ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000.

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food for thought

Atlanta’s Top Jewish Tastemakers ELEVEN HEADLINERS AT TASTE OF ATLANTA

eturning for its 11th year, Taste of Atlanta gears up for a landmark weekend Oct. 5, 6 and 7 in Midtown’s Tech Square. With more than 90 restaurants participating and a rock-star lineup of chef and mixologist demos, this event shows why Atlanta’s food scene is one of the most exciting in the country. The festival is proud to partner with hundreds of professionals, including these outstanding Jewish men and women who appreciate fine food and cocktails:

Mara Davis

has been a radio host in Atlanta for 18 years and counting.

“I’m so excited to be a part of Taste Of Atlanta this year!” she said. “Atlanta is really a premiere food town, and Taste showcases our best chefs and restaurants.”

Beth Weitzman is vice

president of editorial at Modern Luxury Magazines.

“I always enjoy attending Taste of Atlanta,” she said. “It’s a great time to see and experience Atlanta’s finest culinary talents.”

Jenny Levinson

is the owner of restaurants Souper Jenny, Café Jonah and Magical Attic and just released her second cookbook, “Souper Jenny Does Salads.”

Melissa Krinsky Jennifer Johnson,

along with her husband Ben, owns West Egg Café. The couple will soon open The General Muir, a tribute to the New York Jewish deli. “Every year, I look forward to being a part of Taste of Atlanta,” Johnson said. “It’s a great opportunity to interact with Atlanta’s food lovers and network with other restaurants.”

Michael Tavani 0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

is the co-founder of Scoutmob.

“We love to support Taste of Atlanta and the local artisans that keep Scoutmob fans excited,” he said.

is the marketing and promotions director for Clear Channel Media and 94.9 The Bull.

“Taste of Atlanta is one of the most important annual events and shows the world that we are a food force to be reckoned with,” she said.

David Abes

is director of operations for Here To Serve Restaurants.

“‘Taste’ is such a fun event that brings Atlanta’s dining community together with greattasting tables, chef demos and fun for all ages,” Abes said. “It’s like the food circus.”

Steak Shapiro

is a co-host of “Mayhem in the AM” on 790 The Zone and host of “Atlanta Eats,” premiering Oct 20th. “A perfect weekend, awesome Fall weather, tremendous vibe and the best food ever gathered together in one place: I dig me some Taste of Atlanta,” he said.

Ari Fleischer recently gave up his day job to start a craft beer ice cream company called Frozen Pints. “All the best restaurants in the city will be at Taste of Atlanta, and I’m thrilled to be in that company,” Fleischer said.

“I am very excited about participating with Taste of Atlanta’s book signing event,” she said. “I look forward to talking with everyone about my favorite recipes for delicious soups and salads.”

Jared Reisman

is the general manager at Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub in Brookhaven.

“I have been involved with Taste of Atlanta since it’s inception, and it’s the best event in the area to experience what’s new and fun about the Atlanta culinary and beverage scene,” Reisman said.

Dale Gordon DeSena

is the founder of Taste of Atlanta. “I’m so fortunate to work with many amazing tastemakers and Chef Rock Stars!” he said. “With their help and hundreds of others, Taste of Atlanta has grown to be the best ‘eat-and-greet’ event of the year. We hope you will join us!”

AJT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Food with a Cause

SOCIAL VOLUNTEERISM FOR MITZVAH DAY 2012 By Leigh Takata For the Atlanta Jewish Times

estled in the heart of Midtown, on the outskirts of the Georgia Tech campus, lies one of Atlanta’s most rewarding hidden treasures: The Atlanta Community Food Bank. Founded in 1979, the Bank provides a variety of programs and derives a lot of its help from the kindness of volunteers such as myself. My personal passion for this organization stems from a desire to make food social on all levels. My favorite ways to contribute include providing food and hunger education, donating food to those less fortunate and baking and selling food.

Win with

Partakers see Mitzvah Day as a great way to donate time, meet other people with similar interests and give back to the community. I was personally pleased to not only see several of my friends had chosen the Food Bank as their project site, but also to meet some great new people as well. During our three or so hours “on the job,” we packed enough food to feed about 4,500 people. As we worked, we chatted and enjoyed ourselves while doing a great service to the community, and it seemed that everyone who volunteered on Mitzvah Day had a great time learning about the organization and helping to provide meals to those less fortunate. Plus a Little Extra As an added bonus to my gratifying volunteer experience, I got to speak with two Food Bank employees. All the employees that I’ve met and worked with genuinely love working there, and I know the Bank would never function without its dedicated staff of hard-working employees, but talking with Christina and Bavone – two of the employees around the same age as

Author and Mitzvah Day volunteer Leigh Takata (center) poses with Atlanta Community Food Bank employees Bavone (left) and Christina (right).

me – was a special treat. Christina in particular shared a very moving experience with me: In working in the Bank’s Kids in Need program, she was able to reconnect, help and support several of her former teachers from the Atlanta Public School system. Christina explained to me that these teachers, who frequently cannot afford the necessary out-of-pocket expenses for supplies for their classrooms can rely on organizations such as the Food Bank – which receives donations of all kinds – to assist them. And that’s just one example of how, in addition to providing food to those in need, the Atlanta Community Food Bank does so much for the city. Among its sponsored programs designed to help low-income families are the Atlanta Prosperity Campaign, Atlanta’s Table, Community Gardens, Hunger 101, Hunger Walk/ Run, Kids in Need and the Product Rescue Center. Editor’s note: Leigh Takata is a graduate student at Kennesaw State University pursuing her Master’s of Arts in Professional Writing. For more info on

Mitzvah Day volunteers help pack food at the Atlanta Community Food Bank

the Atlanta Community Food Bank or to register for the Hunger Walk/Run, see acfb.org; find out about JF&CS volunteer programs at yourtoolsforliving. org/volunteer.

0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

Considering I have long given of my time to the Food Bank, it was only natural that I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer there as part of my participation in Mitzvah Day 2012, sponsored by Jewish Family & Career Services. Each year, this annual day of volunteering sees hundreds of individuals pitch in with different projects that serve the Atlanta community.

MJCC_BF12_AD_AJT_HalfV_ol2.pdf

9/6/12

7:27 PM

AJT

education

GHA Eighth Grade Students Enjoy Shabbaton at Camp Ramah By Isabella Cantor For the Atlanta Jewish Times

t was a beautiful fall afternoon, and all the students of Greenfield Hebrew Academy’s eighth-grade class were excited for the Shabbaton adventure that would be ours after about two-and-a-half hours of yellow-school-bus travel. As we made our way to Camp Ramah Darom in Clayton, Ga., the anticipation grew with every mile we traveled. You could hear the enthusiastic shouts of the “Ramah-niks” as we passed different landmarks, signaling that our destination was approaching. When we got there, those who hadn’t been there before and even those who had couldn’t believe how beautiful the camp was.

Everything was perfect, including the weather. When we reached our bunks, we set up our beds and had some group activities. From writing “Teshuva-O-Grams” to touring the camp with our friends, the upcoming Shabbat promised to be a good one.

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A short while later, we all dressed in our Shabbat clothes and went to the Beit K’nesset for mincha prayers. For anyone who usually gets bored praying at school, this was a life-changer, because everything we did on Shabbaton was meaningful.

“Friendships have strengthened, smiles have grown,” remarked Gabby Bloomberg. During Havdalah, the whole grade sang and danced together in what may have been the most meaningful experience we had there. Our grade had experienced such a wonderful bonding weekend that nobody wanted to leave. After Shabbat was over, we played a few games and watched “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas,” which induced more tears than Ramah’s gorgeous lake could have held. In the morning, we departed with the taste of mouthwatering fruit salad, the camp’s famous biscuits and the best-of-the-best hash browns still on our tongues. I can honestly say that not one of us wanted to leave that wonderful place and experience behind. But though our Shabbat home that weekend had been temporary, the friendships we made and the bonds we share are permanent. Editor’s note: Isabella Cantor is an eighth-grader at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy.

0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

After some more tefillah and sing-along time with Ateret Kfir and Linor Nahum, GHA’s B’not Sherut (Israeli women fulfilling alternative army service), we sat down to a delicious Shabbat dinner of the world’s best matzah ball soup and yummy chicken, potatoes and salad. Finally, when our stomachs were full to the brim, we went downstairs to play board games.

The next day was one of rest. After tefillah and meals, we had most of the day to do as we pleased. We went on a hike to a waterfall (the climb up seemed steeper than a wall), all the while enjoying the company of new best friends that we didn’t know we had. All in all, it is fair to say that GHA’s eighth grade class bonded on the Shabbaton.

TOP: GHA eighthgraders relax on their Shabbaton at Camp Ramah. RIGHT: GHA student Lee Haber plays football before Shabbat. PHOTOS/Rabbi Lee Buckman

AJT

education

Miller Named National Merit Finalist YA STUDENT AMONG SELECT GROUP

eshiva Atlanta announces that senior Elan Miller has been named as a 2012 National Merit Finalist.

To earn this distinction, Miller first qualified by achieving one of the top 50,000 scores in the nation on the PSAT. All qualifiers were then asked to select two colleges or universities to which they would like to be referred by the National Merit Scholarship[ Corporation. From there, the group was winnowed (on a state representational basis) to 16,000 semifinalists, a pool from which Miller was selected for the next level â&#x20AC;&#x201C; finalist â&#x20AC;&#x201C; based on his outstanding academic record, Yeshiva Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curricula and grading system, two sets of test scores, YAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s written recommendation, information about his in-school activities and leadership and an essay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Elan has earned the respect of everyone he comes in contact with, student and teacher alike,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Paul Oberman, Head of School, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He exemplifies everything the school stands for and aspires to be.â&#x20AC;? In addition to being one of Yeshiva Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top students, Miller is co-president of the Student Council, a valued part of the YA soccer team for three years, a senior staff writer for the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newspaper and a member of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Environmental Club. He is also currently interning at the Center for Disease Control.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY

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4 2 T i l l y M i'! ll Road D u n w 7:00 o o d yP.M. , GA 30338 !4 4()3 2%#%04)/. ).&/2-!4)/. 7),, "% 02/6)$%$ !"/54 !$-)33)/.3 At this reception, information will be provided on admissions, scholarship opportunities and Jewish life on campus. 3#(/,!23()0 /00/245.)4)%3 !.$ *%7)3( ,)&% /. #!-053 Please respond by Friday, October 12th by visiting gobama.ua.edu/atlanta-jcc-reception PLEASE RESPOND BY OCTOBER 4. For more information, call (205)348-2914.

0CTOBER 5 â&#x2013;Ş 2012

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TO RSVP OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (205)348-2914

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education

Maquie Marches On TURNING CHALLENGE INTO POSITIVE CHANGE too low, keeping track wasn’t always so simple.

By Elizabeth Friedly

Assistant Editor rom cotton candy to corndogs, PB&J to Powerade, it’s all a numbers game for Maqueline Weiss.

A 13-year-old girl in the seventh grade at the Alfred & Adele Davis Academy and a fourth-generation Atlanta native, “Maquie” was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age seven. This means that her body does not naturally produce insulin, the hormone responsible for converting the sugars and starches we regularly eat into energy that our bodies can use. As a result, she must continuously track the nutritional content of her food so that she can give her body the correct amount of insulin to counteract the carbohydrates she consumes. Her mother, Cheryl Weiss, describes type 1 as “not your grandmother’s diabetes.” “This is not just lowering what you eat and exercising to fix it, this is forever,” Cheryl said. “Her pancreas will never start creating insulin again.” Every couple of hours of the day or night, whether at home or school or out with friends, Maqueline must check her insulin pump. Night is no exception, and while a monitoring system now alerts the family when Maquie’s blood sugar is either too high or

At one point, her parents had to wake up every two hours from the dead of night to dawn in order to check on her levels. “When she’s out of town, she contacts me at night before she’s going to sleep,” Cheryl said. “There’s a whole ritual of saying what she ate over the last couple of hours, how many carbs she put in, how much insulin is in her system.” According to the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, type 1 diabetes affects 25.8 million people in the United States. Formerly known simply as “type 1,” the condition is typically found in children and young adults. Happy, but Not Content

“Last year we slacked off a little bit, and I just really want to raise a lot more money than we have in the past,” said Maqueline of her aspirations for the “Marchers.” Both she and her mother volunteer as a part of JDRF’s Outreach Program, which – among its many projects – offers “Bags of Hope” (canvas totes filled with materials for both support and educational needs), School Advisory Toolkits and Adult Type 1 Toolkits to newly diagnosed families and individuals.

She committed herself to the cause at the age of nine.

Love Makes Diabetes Doable

“When I turned eight, my parents got involved, but I was still only eight,

At Westminster, we grow as lifelong learners who serve and lead in a changing world. Scan this QR code to hear a student share her experience. PLEASE JOIN US AT AN OPEN HOUSE

Elementary School: Dec. 1, 2012 – 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Junior High School: Nov. 30, 2012 or Jan. 11, 2013 – 12:30 p.m. High School: Dec. 1, 2012 – 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. RSVP required: www.westminster.net/OpenHouse 0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

She is currently fundraising for her self-run team “Maquie’s Marchers,” which will participate in the JDRF’s Walk to Cure Diabetes. Maqueline hopes to continue adding to the list of team members and build a website for the group.

Maqueline Weiss is out to find a cure. In her pursuits to educate and further the cause of diabetes research, she has spoken with two senators and plans to go to Congress in Washington, D.C. for the annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Gala, a silent and live auction to raise money for diabetes research.

Learning for Life

so I didn’t want to do anything,” Maquie said. “But, when I turned nine, that was the first time I was asked to be a [JDRF] Junior Ambassador. I started raising the money, and doing the walk and stuff like that.”

1424 West Paces Ferry Road, NW | Atlanta, Georgia 30327 | 404-609-6202 | www.westminster.net The Westminster Schools celebrates diversity and practices a nondiscriminatory admission policy. A Christian school for boys and girls, Westminster welcomes students of all faiths.

When asked about the ways in which her own life as changed, Maquie laughs. “Yes. It’s just…my life has totally changed,” she said. “Before, I didn’t really care what I ate or watch what I ate. [I never] had to give myself shots [nor did] my parents didn’t have to wake up in the middle of the night as much. “Well, our whole family’s life has changed, even just learning so much about medical terms. My friends think I’m so smart because I know all this stuff about diabetes, all the pancreas words and how it works.” Maqueline’s diabetes doesn’t seem to have hindered her as much as it has propelled her to achieve things few people her age – or otherwise – have matched. The very disadvantage that could have been an excuse to take it easy has become a motivator. “She has a heart that is so beyond what my husband or I either have, or have taught her, and she’s taken on this advocacy that sometimes really surprises us,” Cheryl said. “She’s going to be a pillar one day, and we’re really proud of her.”

AJT

education

Educational Science and Biblical Garden Brings Learning to Life HYDROPONIC TOWER AMONG NEW ENHANCEMENTS

TOP: This year, students including fourth-graders Ryan Sturisky and Kayla Kornfeld were delighted to see many new varieties of plants and some very large and beautiful sunflowers. RIGHT: Epstein Elementary students like Harrison Lewis and Ethan Levine will study PH of acids and bases through daily testing of the water that nurtures the plants in the school’s new organic hydroponic garden tower, donated by Epstein parent Amy Szumstein.

n April 2009, the Epstein School’s Sustainable Educational Garden and Pond was awarded “Certified Wildlife Habitat” status by the National Wildlife Federation.

Since then, Epstein students have been busier than ever learning about taking care of the earth, plants and animals. Epstein students discuss planting and watering seeds, composting, the fall harvest and Sukkot in their classes and take great pride in seeing the garden grow. During this school year, there will be significant enhancements made to the garden, among them the addition of an organic hydroponic garden tower generously donated by Epstein parent Amy Szumstein. The new hydroponic tower is currently growing fresh basil and tomatoes.

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Buckhead Office 3650 H a b e r s h a m R o a d 404.262.1234 C O L D W E L L B A N K E R AT L A N TA . C O M ©2011 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned And Operated By NRT LLC. *Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle, 2009. 3815ATL_12/10

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0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

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The organic hydroponic garden will also further enable integration of science and Judaic studies. Those interested in donating or volunteering should email eprager@epsteinatlanta.org.

Atlanta Synagogue Directory

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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

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

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

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

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

0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

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

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

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

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Fri., Oct. 5 Pizza in the Hut, pizza, pasta, salad, drinks and dessert with Congregation Beth Shalom after Shabbat services. Sun., Oct. 5. $10/ adult, $7/children. Under 3 free. Congregation Beth Shalom. RSVP form online bshalom.net.

Sat., Oct. 6 Hammond Glen Fall Carnival, featuring food, games and prizes, pony rides, petting zoo, bouncy house, clown, DJ, antique cars, motorcycles, face painting and balloon art. Sat., Oct. 6, 11 a.m. Free admission. Hammond Glen Senior Community. (404) 2566300.

Sun., Oct. 7 Training Wheels Atlanta, Jewish family (children ages 3 to 5) education program created by Hadassah. Sun., Oct. 7, 10 a.m. The Carlton on Mt. Vernon Rd. barids@bellsouth. net. Treetop Adventure, hosted by North Atlanta Jewish Singles, enjoy a tree-top obstacle course and fun event. Sun., Oct. 7, 11 a.m. Treetop Quest. RSVP to Mark Horvath mhorv00@gmail.com. Bearing Witness: Nazi Propaganda Films, screenings of “Karousel” and “Hitler Gives a City to the Jews.” Sun., Oct. 7, 2 p.m. Free to members or $12/person. The Breman Museum. (678) 222-3700. Dunwoody Sunday Cycle, the monthly bike ride will continue throughout the year the first Sunday of every month. Sun., Oct. 7, 2:30 p.m. Bruster’s at Dunwoody Village. Visit ‘Bike-Walk Dunwoody’ on facebook.com or contact dr_barbara@bellsouth.net Sukkot Pot Luck, an event of Etz Aviv Hadassah; bring a pareve or dairy dish from the list and a lawn chair. Sun., Oct. 7, 4 p.m. $10/ person. Private residence. Family Picnic, an annual event. Sun., Oct. 7, 4 p.m. Congregation Or VeShalom. office@ orveshalom.org. Simchat Torah, decorated challah will be part of the Oneg. Sun., Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. Congregation Dor Tamid. Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, open to all. Congregation Beth Shalom. Sun., Oct. 7, 4 p.m. $20/person. RSVP (770) 399-5300 or office@bshalom.net “What We May Be” talk, series discussing the Jewish self and modern life. Sun., Oct. 7,

11 a.m. Shema Yisrael. RSVP shemaweb.org or (404) 943-1100.

a team by Oct. 5. Run takes place on Sun., Oct. 14. Mason Mill Park. rosina@gaucherdisease.org or (800) 504-3189.

Mon., Oct. 8 Celebrate Simchas Torah Buffet, an elegant dinner buffet. Mon., Oct. 8, 8:30 p.m. Chabad of Cobb. chabadofcobb.com Children’s Party & Dancing with the Torah. Mon., Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m. Chabad of Cobb. chabdofcobb.com

Tues., Oct. 9 Simchas Torah Luncheon, family-style deli lunch. Tues., Oct. 9, 1 p.m. $12/adults, $8/ children (free for 2 & under). Congregation Ariel. RSVP (770) 390-9071 or shuloffice@ congariel.org.

Thurs., Oct. 11 When to Worry About When Your Kids Worry, a program presented by Dr. Linda Nathanson-Lippitt for preschool through elementary school parents. Thurs., Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. $15 member/$25 non-member. MJCCA’s Zaban Park. Ilana.schlam@atlantajcc.org. Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin, multimedia concert telling the story of Jewish prisoners in Theresienstadt presented by the ADL in collaboration with the ASO. Thurs., Oct. 11, 8 p.m. Limited tickets. $55-$100/person. Symphony Hall at Woodruff Arts Center. atlantasymphony.org or (404) 733- 5000.

Drivers Ed, thirty hours of classroom time (including State-required Alcohol and Drug Awareness training) and six additional hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor. Ages 15+. Sun., Oct. 14. MJCCA’s Zaban Park. lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org. Mahjong for the Mikva, benefits the Dunwoody Mikva Society. If available, bring 2012 Mahjong Card and set. Sun., Oct. 14. Private residence. RSVP (404) 226-7771 or twjsbj@ bellsouth.net

The Grandparents Circle, five-session, facilitated, educational support group. Tues., Oct. 16, 7 p.m. Free admission, $18 material fee. MJCCA’s Zaban Park. RSVP to Suzanne. hurwitz@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4160. Thriving Beyond Surviving Support Group Series, access the incredible healing power of animals with Dr. Irving. Tues., Oct. 16, 7 p.m. William Breman Jewish Home. RSVP to jfirestone@weinsteinhospice.org. (404) 3524308. Rosh Chodesh Ladies’ Night Out, couponing with Allison Thomas. Tues., Oct. 16, 8 p.m. Congregation Ariel Social Hall. RSVP jsirota@ hotmail.com

Mon., Oct. 15 Music on Main Street, featuring The Cohen Brothers Band. Mon., Oct. 15, 5 p.m. Free admission. MJCCA Lobby. lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org.

Parenting Class, Ariel Youth second class, with Rabbi Feldman. Tues., Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. $10/couple. Private residence. (770) 3909071.

Tues., Oct. 16

Beit Midrash, Tuesday night classes. Choose from the two of three tracks or study individually with a chavruta. Tues., Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. Free.CBT, Acworth, GA. Register at www.chabadga.com/jlc

Israel Trip Information Meeting, learn more about the Multi-Generational Family Trip to Israel which will take place, June 11 to 24, 2013. Tues., Oct. 16, 7 p.m. MJCCA’s Zaban Park. brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-416. Dor Tamid Sisterhood Jewish Book Club,“The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant. Tues., Oct. 16, 7 p.m. Private residence. RSVP sisterhood@dortamid.com

Cobb-merce at the Terrace, a business-tobusiness networking event. Door prizes and refreshments will be provided. Tues., Oct. 16, 6 p.m. $10/person. Arbor Terrace of East Cobb. ecjewishnetwork@gmail.com.

Sun., Oct. 14 Behind the Doors of Beth Din, “Understanding Jewish Family Law,” a Sunday-morning six-week class series. Sun., Oct. 14, 10 a.m. $50/person. Congregation Beth Tefillah. Register chabadga.com/jlc or (404) 8432464 x102. Playgroup with a Purpose, baby playgroup sing along. Held twice a month at differing locations. Sun., Oct. 14, 11 a.m. The William Breman Jewish Home. (404) 351-8410. Relay for Life Ruach Atlanta, the Shabbatobservance-friendly Relay event sanctioned by the American Cancer Society. Sun., Oct. 14, 1 p.m. Roswell Area Park. relayforlife.org/ ruachga. 1st-Annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Competition, sponsored by the B’nai Torah Brotherhood. Sun., Oct. 14. Congregation B’nai Torah. (404) 210-7443. National Gaucher Foundation ‘Go for Gaucher’, 5K Walk/Run to raise awareness for Gaucher disease. Register or put together

A Business to Business Networking Event

East Cobb Jewish Network presents

“Cobb-merce at the Terrace” Tuesday, October, 16, 2012 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Arbor Terrace of East Cobb 886 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta, GA 30068 Attendees should bring plenty of business cards. Entrance Fee: $10 which includes refreshments Door Prizes will include a bottle of Champagne, and latest Atlanta Business Chronicle “The Book of lists” Questions? Please contact: ecjewishnetwork@gmail.com

0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

AJT

This event is open to the public and is meant to encourage referrals and networking among East Cobb area business owners.

AJT

MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL

How Will the Torah Be Different for You This Year? LEARNING OF THE BIBLE FOR THE FIRST TIME…AGAIN By Rachel LaVictoire

AJT Contributor ry right now to think back to the first time you ever heard the story of Genesis. Do you recall the first time anyone relayed to you the power of G-d, how He created the heavens and the earth? I must have been in preschool the first time I was told of Him, but my earliest such memory is from kindergarten. I was in Ms. Lansberg’s class at Davis Academy, and I was just four years old at the time, younger than most. I remember that we were told this story with pictures. I sat on the carpet with all of my friends, and Ms. Lansberg sat on a painted wooden chair in front of all of us. First she held up a laminated page with a line down the middle. The right side was light blue with a full, yellow sun in the middle, and the other black with a full moon. She told us: “And G-d said, ‘let there be light,’ and there was light. And G-d saw that light was good, and G-d separated between the light and between the darkness” (Genesis 1:3-4). She continued, showing us pictures of land and sea, birds and animals, trees, stars and all that G-d created in those six days. I was amazed. How cool would it be if I could just snap my fingers and a part of the earth would separate and turn to water? I thought.

0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

I kept trying to picture G-d creating the world, but I remember it hurt my head; I couldn’t picture what it was like before He had, before there was anything.

That was my first encounter with the Genesis story; it was about 14 years ago, and at the time it was little more to me than pretty pictures and maybe the idea that there was a really impressive being somewhere out there. Now, let us switch gears and take a minute to think about the Jacob and Leah story in Vayetzei. As many know, Jacob goes to Haran to work for his Uncle Laban. Laban agrees to give

his daughter Rachel to Jacob in marriage, but on the night of the wedding, Laban switches his daughters and Jacob unknowingly marries Leah. It is only by agreeing to work for Laban for an additional seven years that Jacob then gets to marry Rachel. Finally, G-d gives Rachel, who was barren, a son named Joseph. That’s the short story. That’s the story as I learned it in school. That’s the story that was on my tests, which contained simple and straightforward questions like, “How long did Jacob agree to work for Laban in exchange for Rachel’s hand in marriage?” and “What were the names of Leah’s sons?” I knew the facts, as many kids attending Jewish day school did. I probably learned that no later than second grade. Now, fast-forward 11 years, which brings us to my freshman year of college. Last week, I was in my Maimonides class, which is essentially a non-credit course in Jewish studies held once a week. Each week, different people come to speak to us, and for this particular session, our guest was Rabbi Yari, who told the Jacob and Leah story in a way I had never heard it before. He told it in a way I feel compelled to share. He gave us the whole set up: how Jacob loved Rachel and planned to marry her, and how she planned her wedding, and we’re all sure it was a beautiful wedding with just the right flowers and centerpieces (Rabbi Yari has a great sense of humor). Anyway, the rabbi then said that Jacob and Rachel had been suspicious that Laban might switch the girls. Leah was the eldest daughter, so it seemed fair in Laban’s eyes that she marry first. So, to try to avoid being tricked, Jacob and Rachel came up with signals (of sorts) so that Jacob would know he was marrying the right woman. On the night of the wedding, Laban did indeed switch the girls. But before the ceremony, Rachel taught Leah

the signals so that the latter would not be embarrassed by a rejection when she got up on the altar in the middle of this beautiful wedding and in front of all of their guests. Rachel helped Leah to deceive Jacob, so that she could spare her sister the shame. Rabbi Yari went on to talk about

“It’s safe to say that I have cycled through the Jacob and Leah story 13 or 14 times. And yet, it was this year and this one rabbi’s words that opened my eyes to a new meaning.” the way in which G-d had maneuvered all of this: “G-d gave Rachel the opportunity to do good and rewarded her later with her son Joseph.” I had never thought about it that way. It had always boggled my mind as to why G-d would let Laban’s switch succeed, why G-d would permit that sort of deception. I had also never really thought about G-d playing a role in my life in this particular way. Sure, as a Jew, I have been taught that there is value in prayer. I’ve been taught that G-d plays a role in our birth and in our death and answers

our prayers. But what about the opportunity to do good, testing us on a daily basis? I’m 18 years old, which means that we have cycled through the Torah 18 times since the start of my life. If we take into consideration the years I was still learning to read, then it’s safe to say that I have cycled through the Jacob and Leah story 13 or 14 times. And yet, it was this year and this one rabbi’s words that opened my eyes to a new meaning. This week’s Torah portion, V’Zot HaBerachah, is the last of the portions. We conclude the Torah, but we do not conclude the reading of the Torah; immediately following the last words in V’Zot HaBeracha this Shabbat, we will read the first line of Genesis and start the whole cycle again. And so, I ask you to again think about the first time you heard the Genesis story, and also to think about where you will be this Shabbat and how your life has changed. Along these same lines, think about how the Torah will be different for you this year. The same stories with the same characters, yes. We will read about creation, Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, the burning bush and everything else we have read in years past. The words will be exactly the same, and yet the meaning will be entirely different within each of their readers. As Moses said in his final words of V’Zot HaBeracha, “Fortunate are you, O Israel!” (Deuteronomy 33:29). How lucky are we that we may start over this week and read it all again, this time in a new light. 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

MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING

Sara Jacobs Bagen

83, WIFE TO LEONARD BAGEN Sara Jacobs Bagen, 83 years old, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on Wed., Aug. 22, 2012. Sara was a past president of B’nai Brith Women and was a past president of Leo N. Levi Hospital in Hot Springs, Ark. She served on the board of Daytona Beach Community College. Sara was an Oglethorpre University alumni. She was active in the American Defamation League. She spent much of her life in service to others. Sara derived much happiness from her many activities, including playing golf and bridge. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Hyman and Sadye Jacobs, and her loving husband of 50 years, Leonard Bagen, of blessed memory. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Renee and Bobby Rinzler, Robyn and Jack Dempsey, Andrea and Gray Hungerford and Marilyn and Gary Sager. She was a grandmother to 11 and a great grandmother to three. Graveside services were held Fri., Aug. 24, 2012 at Historic Oakland Cemetery. Rabbi Neil Sandler officiated. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Weinstein Hospice, 3150 Howell Mill Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30327. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

Jerry Banks

HUSBAND TO NANCY SILVER BANKS

Marshall S. Solomon 73, OF ATLANTA

Marshall S. Solomon, age 73, of Atlanta, died on Sept. 27, 2012. Marshall was born and raised in Atlanta. He was a graduate of Grady High School, was active in B’nai B’rith and made regular visits to Jewish prisoners at the Federal Penitentiary. He owned and operated Comet Manufacturing Corporation and later became a divorce mediator. He was an active member and a past president of Ahavath Achim Synagogue and an avid sports fan, and he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his son and daughterin-law, Doug and Heidi Solomon of St. Louis Park, Minn.; daughter and son-in-law, Caren Solomon Bharwani and Andrew Bharwani of Atlanta; son, Danny Solomon of Atlanta; sister, Sherry Solomon of Atlanta; brother, Arthur Solomon of Nevada; and grandchildren: Cole, Brady, Jake, Alex, Georgia and Ajay. He is also survived by Gail Solomon. Sign online guestbook at edressler.com. Graveside services were held Sun., Sept. 30, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Neil Sandler officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30327. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

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0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

Jerry Banks passed away surrounded by his adoring family on Sept. 25, 2012. Jerry was born in Birmingham, Ala. to Jake and Rose Banks. He lived an idyllic childhood in the small town of Huntsville, Ala. Jerry was a lifelong learner starting at a very early age – he became an Eagle Scout and loved to create simple machines, something he continued to do with his grandkids. Jerry was a ZBT at the University of Alabama, where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering; he went on to earn his doctorate in engineering from Oklahoma State. Jerry became a professor of industrial engineering at Georgia Tech, where he taught for over 30 years. He had a passion for knowledge and was able to enrich the lives of tens of thousands of people from all over the world. Jerry remains close with friends and colleagues all over the globe. He retired from Georgia Tech in 1999 and continued to travel and consult abroad. Jerry’s most recent endeavor took him to Monterrey, Mexico, where he was on the faculty of Tecnológico de Monterrey with a title of Academic Leader. Jerry was the author or coauthor of 13 books. He received many awards and honors throughout his career. Jerry will be missed by his wife of 24 years, Nancy Silver Banks, sister and brother-in-law, Carol Banks Fink and David Fink and his children: Susie Banks Lazega (Jay), David Banks (Eyde), Melanie Silver Mailman (Brian) and Rachel Silver. Jerry was blessed with six grandchildren ranging in age from four months to 13 years: Danny and Zack Lazega, Emma and Grace Mailman and Zoey and Andrew Banks. Sign online guest book at edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jerry’s name to either the Joan Gaeta Lung Cancer Fund (gaetafund.org) or to the Evelyn Pennington Industrial Engineering Endowment Fund by calling Pat Barton at (404) 894-5544. A graveside service was held Thurs., Sept. 27, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Ron Segal officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

29 8/21/12 5:18 PM

JEWISH PUZZLER

Last week’s answers

by Kathi Handler (bookssss@aol.com)

Across 1. Laughing sound 4. Native Israeli 9. First murder victim 13. Jacob after the angel 14. Yiddish theater star 15. Moses’ last mount 16. Opener for B.Greenstein 17. Noah was the first 18. Gershwin and Levin 19. “Mash”, movie star 21. Land of Cochin? 23. Be’er Sheva to Jerusalem (dir) 24. Art Shamsky stat 25. ___ Ha Am 27. Torah holders 29. El Al equipment 31. “__Pass” (Uris) 34. Magen David 37. Cheer 39. Edomite mountain 40. Israelite desert station 42. Religious school 44. Once __ a time 45. Sofer need 47. Said the Viddui 48. Edom nobles 50. Conductor Andre __ 52. Stats for Arkia 54. Hebrew letter 55. Haifa to Jerusalem (dir) 58. Over to Bialik 60. Not fleishidic or milkedic 62. Max Baer’s weapons 64. Gadites or Danites 66. Tsahal break 68. Gait 69. Like Goliath 70. Next year in Jerusalem! 71. Seder position 72. Killed biblically 73. David’s ammo 74. Screech

Down 1. Commandment word 2. __ Rubinstein 3. Jacob grabbed Esau’s at birth 4. Shiva mood 5. Fashion designer 6. Schlemiel action 7. Prepare funeral clothes 8. Israeli airline 9. “__ Maamin”, Wiesel work 10. “West Side Story”, composer 11. Diplomat 12. Misplace 13. Hillel 20. Hebrew letter 22. Supply with Galils 26. Purim villain 28. Historic river 29. Genesis creation 30. Speak 32. Chai !! 33. Israeli city 34. Second Israelites judge 35. Hebrew novelist 36. Goldman Sachs 38. Temple offering 41. Jacob’s sorespot 43. Like Israelite necks 46. Chutzpah 49. Schmendrik? (Eng) 51. Brothers to Joseph 53. Pie throwing comic 55. _ Lauder cosmetics 56. Flanken? 57. C. Berman’s network 58. NY Times owner 59. Hebrew month 61. Prepared shiva clothes 63. Ellis or Cyprus 65. Healthy and Sweet __ Year! 67. Before

Chess Puzzle of the Week by Jon Hochberg

Challenge: Black to move, checkmate in 2

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0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

Last Week Solution: Black Pawn to d1, underpromote to Knight, Checkmate. d1(N)++

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0CTOBER 5 ▪ 2012

404. 216. 0437 felsotdesign.com

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

0CTOBER 5 â&#x2013;Ş 2012

morohunfolu Akinnusi, m.d. H mark Schlosberg, m.d. 3939 Roswell Road | Suite 110 | marietta, GA 30062 770-422-1372

770-956-STAR H wellstar.org

All practices accepting new patients and most insurance plans.