No 38, September 21 The Atlanta Jewish Times

INTERVIEW WITH PM NETANYAHU Israel Hayom Talks U.S. Elections, Iran with Bibi PAGES 6

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ROSEFSKY’S “BENEATH THY WINGS”

Local Artist Creates Shema Yisrael’s New Yahrzeit Board

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SEPT 21, 2012 - SEPT 27, 2012

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5 Tishrei - 11 Tishrei 5773 Vol. LXXXVII No. 38

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Letting Go of Guilt Tashlich, Repentance and Starting the New Year Fresh PAGE 4

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Truth Behind “Smears”?

Editor’s note: The following was written in response to David A. Harris’s op-ed “From the National Jewish Democratic Council: Despite Israel Smears, Jews Will Support Obama” (see the Sept. 14 AJT).

Dear Editor: I am a Jew who does not support Obama, not because of Republican smears but because of what I have seen and read.

Obama snubbed Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House and is refusing to meet with him at the UN opening. Obama and Hilary Clinton gave the Palestinians an excuse to refuse to negotiate with Israel by calling for a total freeze on settlement building before talks had even begun.

Obama’s policies have done nothing to slow Iran’s progress toward the development of nuclear weapons.

The Obama administration has a long history of talking out of both sides of its mouth. Obama told AIPAC he supported the concept of an undivided Jerusalem one day but retreated from that position the next day. He announced that the U.S. has Israel’s back at a press conference; then, he dismissed the term as a mere figure of speech.

Our UN ambassador, Susan Rice, vetoed an anti-settlement resolution, then immediately labeled Israeli settlement activity “illegitimate folly.”

Speaking in Qatar, Hilary Clinton explained American support for Israel as something dictated by politics.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz said that Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, had concurred that Republican policies would be dangerous for Israel; following Oren’s denial, Wasserman Schultz stated that she hadn’t made the claim in the first place. Unfortunately for her, her words had been taped and were broadcast on TV. In a related column [see the Sept. 14 AJT for “Partisan Bickering in the U.S. Affects Israel”], Noga Gur-Arieh accepted the Obama administration’s statement that the Republicans had attempted to smear Obama in Israel. I remain unconvinced. Judging David Harris’s column in the light of what I

know to be true, I have to believe that the Democrats are living in a fantasy world at best.

At worst, they are perfectly willing to lie to gain the votes of people whom they consider very gullible.

Sincerely, Toby F. Block, Atlanta

Blog Conveys Beauty Editor’s note: The following was written in response to AJT contributor Tiffany Parks’s feature “Paula Londe’s on a Mission: See Them All!” (see the Sept. 14 AJT).

Dear Editor: Thank you for the informative article about Paula Londe and her travels across America. I have been following her blog “Americana The Beautiful” for a while now, and I love to read about and see pictures of her adventures.

As [the article] described, her blog is very impressive and indeed picturesque. Readers should also know it is filled with great humor as she shares the details of her journey. I have learned so much about our country by following her, and it has inspired me to travel in the U.S. to see some of the treasured places she has discovered.

However, I was sorry to see that there was no mention of how to find her blog and wanted the community to be able to follow her too. I hope you will share this letter and the web address, AmericanaTheBeautiful.org, so others can join in the fun.

Until we all are able to travel and see these places for ourselves, this blog allows you a few moments to share in a grand adventure and take pride in all our country has to offer, one small town at a time.

Sincerely, Cori Sackin, Decatur

SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

AJT

FROM OUR READERS

3

AJT

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Tashlich CASTING OFF OUR SINS

By Cliff Weiss AJT Publisher

T

his week’s cover of the AJT depicts the ritual of tashlich (the Hebrew word literally meaning “casting off”), which is usually performed in the late afternoon on Rosh Hashanah. The practice is derived from Micah 7:18-20 (“You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea”), and this is recited as part of the ceremony.

A very interesting concept to say the least!

At first, we must think how wonderful life would be if it were so easy to just throw away our sins and mistakes into the river and be absolved of all liability and guilt. However, if it were

really that simple, there would be little incentive to refrain from sinning year round; imagine how people would act if they thought that they could do whatever they wanted to, regardless of the impact on the people and environment around them, so long as once a year, they went to the river to cast off those sins.

No doubt the world would be a terrible place. But obviously, the tashlich ritual is only part of the solution.

As tashlich is performed on Rosh Hashanah or between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it is meant to be part of the whole “charity, prayer and repentance” formula. In other words, the casting-off of sins will only work if accompanied by charity, prayer and repentance.

Still, the tashlich ceremony itself

can be very cathartic. To truly acknowledge each sin and to contemplate why we committed the offense forces us to realize the impact that we have on everything and everyone around us.

If taken seriously, tashlich makes us look within and teaches us how we can make ourselves better people by not repeating the same sins and mistakes of the past.

As we throw a breadcrumb into the flowing water, our silent vow not to commit the sin we are casting off also reminds us to consider the extensive and unintentional repercussions of our sins. Just as the breadcrumb makes a ripple which grows ever larger in the water and causes the water to shift and turn downstream, we are never fully aware of the “collateral damage” that our sins may cause once we set things in motion with a certain action.

It occurs to me that throughout history, water has been symbolic of several things in poetry, art, dream interpretation, etc.; most commonly, it represents chaos, cleansing and rebirth. However, it’s my opinion there is more to water than just symbolism.

All living creatures need water to survive. Let’s not forget, G-d miraculously saved us from Pharoah by parting the Sea of Reeds. There are many more examples as well.

The chaos interpretation likely stems from the nature of water: It can flow in any direction; it can fill any space; it is difficult to contain; it has no shape; and it can overwhelm us or drown us when excessive. These are all very chaotic characteristics, and we know that chaos can be extremely detrimental.

Thus, one can look at tashlich with the thought that our sins should be cast off back into the chaotic realm from which they came and carried out to the depths in which they belong. I know that personally, when I throw the breadcrumbs, I actually feel better, as if some of the burden and anxiety is really being alleviated; strange, but true.

Water’s ties to cleansing and rebirth are just as obvious as those to chaos: It is a new year. We hope to put the evils of the past behind us and move forward with a “clean slate.” In essence, we hope to be “reborn” each Yom Kippur and written into the “Book of Life” for another year.

We all know this, as it is in the liturgy that we recite at our synagogues.

But again, this can be more than just ritual and symbolism: Yes, our communal prayers are powerful and important, but for me, the solemn feeling that I get when I am outside by the river, taking a little time to wander off by myself, to be alone with my thoughts, nature, and G-d, is something very different and very special.

SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

Personally, it is easier for me to “hear” G-d when I am most quiet and out amongst G-d’s creations, and tashlich helps me accomplish this.

I never fully forget my sins (at least not the big ones), but casting them off does relieve me of much of the burden and anxiety, as I understand that it may not be productive or healthy to obsess about them forever. The point is not to repeat them. I come away from tashlich feeling cleansed.

Try it: Take it seriously (and do not be distracted by the ducks), and see if you get the same feeling. Let me know what you think!

L’shana tovah!

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AJT

NEWS

Israel Hayom’s Q & A with Netanyahu PRIME MINISTER CONCERNED WITH CENTRIFUGES, NOT U.S. ELECTIONS From Israel Hayom Via JNS.org

P

rime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dedicates much of his time to thinking about how to handle the Iranian nuclear issue and considers it a rapidly approaching existential threat.

Not surprisingly, this was the main topic of a wide-ranging interview he gave before Rosh Hashanah.

Here is what the Israeli leader had to say: Israel Hayom: What did you say and what did you hear in your recent conversation with U.S. President Barack Obama?

PM Benjamin Netanyahu: It was a good conversation that revolved around significant issues and our desire to prevent Iran from progressing any further with their military nuclear program.

It is natural to have disagreements. Israel is closer [to Iran] and more vulnerable. The U.S. is big, far away, and less vulnerable. Naturally, we have diverging views on certain things.

[But] in the face of a threat like Iran’s nuclear armament, I believe that it is important that the international community set a clear red line.

Iran has taken obvious steps in recent years and months toward developing nuclear weapons capability.

SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

IH: Do you believe Obama when he says, “We [the U.S.] will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons”?

BN: I’m certain that he means what he says, just as the Europeans mean it when they say it and the same way we mean it when we say it. But the question is how to achieve this in a practical fashion – that is what we discussed.

This is the main issue affecting our future. Naturally, a prime minister should be looking out for Israel’s 6 essential interests. I do so in con-

versations with world leaders and in public remarks.

IH: It appears as though you are currently in conflict with Obama. Is Israel in conflict with the U.S.?

BN: It is not a conflict; it is a question of emphasis on Israel’s interests, and that is the responsibility of the prime minister of Israel. I have been saying these things for 16 years.

ican friends as well – that we have a common goal: stopping the Iranians.

el. It has nothing to do with American politics.

IH: When you make remarks to the Americans in such a blunt way, doesn’t it cause damage?

IH: How long before Iran reaches the zone of immunity?

BN: I’m not saying things in a blunt way, but in an honest way, just the facts. I can make nice and word things delicately, but our existence is at stake. This is our future.

We’re talking about a historic junction that has profound meaning.

At first, I was almost the These are not only one warnjust words, and ing against this I am not exagdanger, and then gerating. That others joined me. The “first spouses” of Israel and the U.S. pose is what I have I called for sanc- together. PHOTO/White House done, and that is tions on Iran, and what I will continue to do.

I was nearly alone in that call, but then others joined me.

I was the first one to demand red lines, and maybe I am alone at this time, but I believe that others will soon join me. A prime minister’s and a leader’s duty is to insist on the things that are essential to Israel’s security, even when it is not easy, and even when there is criticism, and even when there is no immediate agreement on everything.

IH: The U.S. is in the midst of an election year. There are allegations that you are intervening and impacting the elections.

If over the last 16 years I had listened to the advice of all those people who told me that this or that is ‘unacceptable’ or that ‘now is not the right time’ or ‘wait until the circumstances shift in your favor,’ I don’t know if we would have made it this far.

If the Iranians were to hit the ‘pause’ button and stop enriching uranium and building a bomb until the end of the elections in the U.S., then I could wait. But they are not waiting.

They are progressing.

I was able to contribute to the establishment of a global coalition against Iran. We are encumbering Iran’s economy, but we have not yet reached the main objective: stopping Iran’s nuclear program. And Iran is getting ever closer to achieving its own objective.

That is why I am saying things in the most responsible, thought-out, measured way possible – to our Amer-

BN: That is complete nonsense. The only thing guiding me is not the U.S. elections but the centrifuges in Iran.

It is not my fault that the centrifuges aren’t more considerate of the Americans’ political timetable.

The things that I am saying have to do with events in Iran, not events in the U.S. The desire to stop Iran is common to all Americans, Democrats and Republicans alike. There is no distinction in the desire to stop this thing.

It is my duty as the prime minister of Israel, when I see Iran’s nuclear program barreling forward, to say the things that I think are necessary to ensure the future of the State of Isra-

BN: Every day that goes by brings Iran closer to its goal.

IH: Is there a disagreement with the U.S. over that assessment?

BN: I don’t think that there are big gaps in our assessments of the point at which Iran will complete its preparations. The question is when action needs to be taken, not so much in terms of the date, but more in terms of the process: when Iran will reach a point beyond which it will be extremely difficult to stop.

Obviously our answer to that question is different from that of the U.S. because there is a difference in our capabilities. But time is running out for the U.S. too.

IH: Is Israel facing Iran alone?

BN: I am doing everything in my power to turn everyone against Iran. We are safeguarding our ability to act on our own in the face of any threat to our security and our future.

The entire world is besieging Iran, financially speaking, and we should encourage that. A large part of the world has enlisted to the cause and answered our call. There is an international framework to press Iran, but we still can’t say that, despite all the real difficulties imposed on Iran’s economy, it is stopping Iranian aspirations.

I see both sides of the equation, but I’m not satisfied with just one.

Editor’s note: Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, founded in 2007, is distributed throughout Israel and available in English online at israelhayom.com.

The paper provides exclusive news content to JNS.org.

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FROM MY LIPS

Prophecy Gone Stale THE TALE OF WHEN I LOST MY TOUCH

By Rabbi Marc Wilson

F

AJT Contributor

our-and-a-half years have passed, but only now can I begin to talk about it:

Shortly after my departure from the congregation I

served in Greenville, I was recruited to conduct the High Holy Day services for a once-sizable (but now foundering) synagogue in central Pennsylvania.

ary of a fulltime rabbi will often turn to a “freelancer” to lead the worship for major holidays, when attendance is as large and demanding as, say, Christmas Eve and Easter.

That in itself is not unusual; congregations that cannot afford the sal-

Having already conducted High Holy Day services for nearly three decades, I had few opening-night jitters or flop-sweats as my term as fillin rabbi began. And my new congregation apparently concurred; the fit seemed only too good. They showered Linda and me with hospitality, invited us into their homes, accommodated us as family.

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There was talk – much of it selfinitiated, I confess – about bringing me up occasionally during the year for special events: retreats, study weekends, holiday celebrations. Maybe, some of us postulated, we could even establish an ongoing relationship of my spending two weeks a month in Pennsylvania to address the more routine pastoral, civic and institutional needs of the congregation. Perhaps we might even be able to prod the congregation into a renaissance.

But nothing ever came of that; the idea likely rubbed some of the more reticent members the wrong way.

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Still, the seeming love affair continued for three Holy Day seasons. On the fourth, things apparently started to chafe. The president called me between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur to politely and softly admonish me that my sermons were getting “stale” and that some congregants were demanding ones of greater relevance.

Clichés come to mind, but greatest among them is that my “bubble burst.”

I was not taken so much by the chutzpa as by the astonishment that for the first time in 30-plus years in ministry, my sermons were deemed not too controversial, but instead not sufficiently relevant. My anger was not piqued so much as my ego was flat-deflated.

That being said, I was still sure that the sermon I had prepared for the austere fast of Yom Kippur would score high on the relevance scale. It was dramatic, or so I thought: taken from the majestic Isaiah 58, a prophecy raining condemnation on those who fast meaninglessly and gabble empty prayers while not attending to the homeless, the hungry and the oppressed.

Would this be my swansong? Ap-

parently.

In the aftermath, the congregation was polite, but remote. A few months went by, and a terse call from the president told me that my services would not be needed for the next High Holy Days. They had “hired someone nearer by to attend more closely to their needs,” but they would not have had me back as their Holy Day rabbi “regardless.”

End of conversation. End of relationship.

Why he had to be so cruel as to tell me that my services would not be required “regardless,” I will never know. Telling the truth unnecessarily can become brutality, especially to the fragile ego of someone whose profession should have taught him to be tougher.

Is that why it still hurts so many years later? Or is it the disillusionment and humiliation that we would assume only babes-in-ministry, not hardened professionals in it for the long-haul, should suffer?

Is it the inescapable truth that when one conjures up the compelling words of a Prophet of Israel, he will ruffle the conscience of the complacent enough to get them pie-eyed angry at the messenger, but not necessarily enough to change them? Is it that when one asks for “relevance,” he should be careful for what he wishes?

Or is it that “relevance” itself has become an empty cliché for things that engage us momentarily – like a baby attracted to a shiny bauble – only to be bored a nanosecond later?

Have I, wizened by the years and fears and disappointments, become strong enough to read and hear the message, but no longer tough enough to deliver it?

Now, I will spend the rest of my life listening to someone else’s sermons and longingly wondering if the thunder of the prophet was too much to hearken or if the staleness of his messenger just rendered the message irrelevant.

Editor’s note: Marc Howard Wilson is a rabbi and writer in Greenville, S.C.

AJT

l’cHAIM

L’shana Tova

Life at Home is the Key to IndependenceSM

A High Holidays Question A REWARD FOR NO TEMPTATION? The “Scribbler on the Roof”

M

y rabbi loves challenges, so he loves my halachic questions.

“So, Ted,” he says, “any arcane halachic questions today?”

We go to his office where he keeps, in a secret drawer, his wife’s delicious plum cake. Now that I’ve got him in a mellow mood, I begin.

“OK, here’s a tough one tailored for Yom Kippur.”

“I’m ready,” he says as he sips his beverage.

“OK,” I begin. “Picture an evil man – not a Hitler, not a Haman, Not an Arafat – not a thug. Just a consistent louse.

“This no-goodnik keeps none of the mitzvahs. He loves pork roast, he works on his lawn on Shabbos, he drives to the neighborhood bar three times a week – including Friday night – and there he takes the name of the Lord in vain for three or four hours.

“And if the bartender gives him change for a $20 instead of a $10, he gloats and keeps it. He cheats on his wife, on his business associates and has no time for his kids.”

My Rabbi nods.

“One day,” I continue, “this ethically imperfect Jew takes a cruise with several of his fellow devils, and on this cruise they plan to gamble, drink, violate the Sabbath, chase women and toss around the name of the Lord like it was a five-dollar poker chip. But Rabbi, as you know: A man proposes to play golf, G-d disposes of clear skies and sends the storm.

“The cruise ship hits a Caribbean iceberg – G-d-power always trumps geography. Our sinner is shipwrecked; for one year, he sits on a rock pile and

exists on raw fish as his entree and palm leaves for salad. He can’t even make a fire.

“He mistreats nobody, since there’s nobody to mistreat. He cheats not on his wife, since there’s no one to cheat with this side of Miami. He doesn’t even curse. What fun is it? Who’s to hear?

“He keeps Shabbos; no car, no fire, no TV. He doesn’t muzzle his ox, since he has no ox. He doesn’t sow his field with two kinds of seeds, since he has no seeds and no fields. In short, our ex-ethical thug, as Yom Kippur rolls around, is now a tzadik.

“So, here’s my question: Is he inscribed in the Book of Life? Does he get a golden star from the Judge of all mankind, even though his past record is as crummy as stale pound cake?

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“And please, Rabbi, don’t tell me that nothing has changed, that he’s still propelled by an evil heart. Remember, you yourself explained in one of your sermons that Judaism is a religion of deeds, not intentions. Nobody has a pure heart – it’s how we control those evil inclinations that spring from our human heart that counts. Action and deeds.

“Jimmy Carter, ex-prez ‘who lusted only in his heart,’ would never be condemned by us, so long as he didn’t act on his libidinous impulses, right?

So, Rabbi, what’s your answer? Has our protagonist redeemed himself?”

Dear Reader, why don’t you ask your rabbi?

Editor’s note: Ted Roberts is author of “The Scribbler on the Roof,” which is available through Amazon.com and lulu.com/content/127641. Website: wonderworks.com. Blog: scribblerontheroof.typepad.com.

SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

By Ted Roberts

9

AJT

IF YOU ASK ME

Why Do You Go To Synagogue?

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Lauren Blass

L

ast week, I asked you to consider the abiding message and meaning of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur: to remember that many aspects of our lives change from year to year while our values and beliefs abide as the cornerstones of our Jewish identity. This week, I ask you to consider something else, something much more personal, something only you can answer:

Why do you go to the synagogue?

You may think I am kidding, but I mean it: Why do you attend services on Rosh Hashanah and/or Yom Kippur?

For those who attend shul regularly, it might not be so important, but if you are one of those “three-daya-year Jews,” I ask you to think about that question very seriously.

Don’t make excuses. Don’t say someone makes you go, and don’t say you will feel guilty if you don’t.

Oh, and don’t say, “It’s the perfect way to spend a day away from work.”

Joking aside, admit that there is something in your heart and soul that makes you feel that you should be there. Don’t fight that feeling; be proud of it! That feeling is your Jewish “instinct” telling you that it is time to re-connect to Judaism.

It is your “inner Jew” telling you that no matter how crazy the world may be, there is a way to put it all in focus. That “magic connection” is the connection that you make sitting in synagogue, the connection you make when you pause to realize that the concept of “modernity” is an ever-

The

In the face of a world that changes more quickly than we can even notice, we need to re-connect with those things that are eternal.

I know many Jews feel uncomfortable in synagogue. The service is too long, or they can’t read Hebrew, or they feel like hypocrites because they don’t keep all the laws. Yes, there are many excuses to explain why shul can be a real “pain” – not to mention all that sitting in one place.

So try this for a change: Make up some excuses about why it is so great to be in the synagogue of your choice!

Think of the possibilities! Have you ever noticed how easy it is to make excuses about doing something you want to do anyway?

Maybe this year you can say (even if only to yourself): “I want to go to shul; I am not exactly sure why, but I want to be there.”

For many of us, that would be a strange confession, but I ask you to consider it. Go to services this year with an open mind.

Yes, there is some reason you want to be there. Yes, there is something that makes it a special day and a special place. Yes, you did go there looking for something.

I wish all of my readers the very best for the new year and hope that this Rosh Hashanah we all discover the reasons that bring us together in prayer and discovery of those things that have made us an eternal people.

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.

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L’shana tova!

ask bubbe

Doing Nothing, Doing Too Much ASK PEACHY BUBBE & BUBBE JUDY Dear Bubbe,

My teenage son is so irresponsible. I keep reminding him to sign up for the SAT and the ACT, but he never gets around to doing it. I know that he will not be able to get into college without the tests, so I am thinking that I will just do it for him.

My son is in the fifth grade in a public school. He has a lot of homework each day, and he also plays soccer, takes music lessons and goes to Hebrew school.

Of course, he knows that I always do for him all of those things that he neglects to do; he doesn’t even seem to appreciate it. On the other hand, if he does not take the tests, his future might be jeopardized. I certainly do not want his life to have any more hardship than necessary.

What do I do: Intervene or let him learn his lesson the hard way?

Mother to a Procrastinator Dear Mother, I think the key to this is that you “don’t want his life to have any more hardship than necessary.”

You aren’t doing your son any favors by protecting him. Your job is to prepare him for real life. If I were you, I would follow these steps: First of all, tell him that it’s time to grow up and that you and his dad expect that he will go to college. Secondly, seriously let him know that if he doesn’t, his life won’t be fun; he will have to get a job (even if it is flipping burgers), pay you rent and pay his own car insurance, etc.

Then, for the immediate future, I would relieve him of his car keys, cell phone, TV, video games and everything else he loves until he can prove he has applied to take the SAT and ACT. You may also want to let him know that while he is in college, he will be expected to go to school every semester or have a job. There will be no lazing around all summer and sleeping till noon; college is expensive, and he can at least help out with his spending money.

It is time for you and your son to get serious. You will have to stop making your son’s life easier and start getting him ready to be an adult!

Peachy Bubbe

I find that he is up late every night doing his homework and seems very irritable and stressed. His friends seem to be doing the same things but don’t seem to be as stressed out as my son. What should I do?

Mother to a Workaholic

Dear Mother, Oy! Kids do seem to have more activities today than in my time. Keep in mind that every child is different, and what doesn’t stress one child out may indeed cause another child to be farblondzhet (completely lost). Time for some seykhl (common sense, good judgment) from mama!

Hebrew school is a must: Our kinder (children) must be bar mitzvahed, so not learning Hebrew is not an option. Let him decide if he wants to play soccer more or have music lessons more; you could always tell him no music lessons during soccer season and then resume the music when soccer is over.

One more thing to consider is whether or not he is using his time wisely. Is he really just doing his homework at night, or is he playing video games and talking to his friends during part of that time? Good time management is a learning process helped by parents.

Life is stressful for us all, but we learn how to deal with it – as children and as parents. Zei gezunt. Be healthy!

Bubbe Judy Editor’s note: Submit your questions and have them answered by one of the AJT’s four Bubbes! Email your concern(s) to submissions@atljewishtimes.com, and you might just get a little free – but valuable – advice!

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CHANA’S CORNER

Book Me! WHEN TWO DOLLARS AND A NAME WRITTEN DOWN MEANT SO MUCH

By Chana Shapiro AJT Columnist

I

t was one of those crazy mornings in the Beth Jacob synagogue, where at the time I worked as Program Director.

There were only a few days before the High Holy Days, and a whole lot was happening at the same time.

Some people were securing tickets for visiting relatives and friends, others were bringing in tzedakah boxes and the phone was ringing off the hook. However, a lot of suppliers send gifts to their significant customers in celebration of holidays, and that morning, a Rosh Hashanah special delivery from one of the shul’s major vendors had just arrived.

The staff was only too happy to take a break from the hectic atmosphere to enjoy the huge basket of fruit and cookies that had just arrived.

Tina, the delivery person, was invited to share the treats she had carried in, and the shul maintenance staff – who had been working overtime for days – also joined the party.

SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

During the feasting, two strangers made their way into the office. The pair – one very pale and thin with a

12

long straggly beard, the other robust and stocky with a thick, bushy beard – were wearing long black coats, black knickers, white stockings and widebrimmed hats. Our eating slowed as we readied ourselves for their solicitation; we had heard it all hundreds of times, from shlichim representing every kind of Jewish organization, asking for donations, especially in the weeks before the High Holy Days.

The stocky one spoke. We were polite, but we knew the drill: A few of us prepared to hand over a few dollars and send the men on their way.

But Tina was enticed; this was a new experience for her, and she hung on their every word.

They explained that they were collecting money for a home for orphans in Israel and that they had been told that the Beth Jacob staff and the people who lived in the neighborhood surrounding the synagogue were generous, compassionate Jews. As the men delivered their impassioned plea, each of us silently calculated how much money we had already given to the Chaims, Moshes or Rifkas representing their own desperately needy charities.

We immediately offered the shlichim cookies and fruit from the bas-

ket. Instead, the tall visitor pulled a crumpled brown bag from his suitcase. I was hoping to be offered a salami sandwich or – better yet – a potato knish, but instead, it was a bag of peanuts in the shell, which he placed on the counter next to the basket of fruit.

other lists, an experience so many of us share.

Then he picked up one of out pears, recited a bracha, took a bite and urged us to partake of his offering. It was a weird moment of camaraderie, Jews from different backgrounds (the visitors from Israel, the Jewish staff from three different Atlanta synagogues) and non-Jews of different backgrounds (maintenance staff, Tina), eating fruit and peanuts together.

“I want to make an offering, too,” he said. “It’s for sick orphans, and I love all G-d’s children.”

We listened to the truly heartwrenching stories our visitors had to tell. Surprisingly, we were all deeply moved, to be sure. But Tina was overwhelmed.

“You’re such good people,” she said tearfully. “And the stories are unbearable. Would it be all right if a Christian gave you a donation?”

“Thank you, kind woman,” the tall Chasid answered, without batting an eyelash. “You are helping the most desperately needy children. What is your name?”

His stocky comrade produced a worn brown notebook and carefully recorded as Tina solemnly gave her first, middle, maiden and married name. My coworkers and I exchanged k n o w i n g looks: Tina, the righteous gentile, would be on their solicitation list forever, and I’m sorry to admit that I expected her name to mysteriously make its way to dozens of

While all this was going on, one of the synagogue’s maintenance staff had been standing at full alert. He too had been overcome by the wrenching stories, and he worked up enough courage to approach the two men.

This man made a minimal salary, had serious medical problems, owned a wreck for a car and was father to five children of his own; he must have struggled to buy school supplies and new school shoes for all of them. But he took out two dollars and gave the money to the men, and the shlichim asked for and carefully recorded his full name in their book.

After the two left the synagogue and Tina went back to her delivery route, it was time for the rest of us to get back to work. I ran down the hall to talk to the maintenance man.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I told him. “It was so generous, but can you really afford to give money away?”

“I’m not worried,” he answered.

“I was really hurting when I heard those stories. I know what’s right. I would have done it anyway, but I’m really joyful that they wanted to write me down in that book!”

I thought about that for a while.

While we Jewish staff members did contribute to the visitors’ charity, the selflessness of people who I considered exempt from tzedakah was remarkable. Even more significant to me was their delight in being included in that worn-out book.

Our family, friends, acquaintances and even enemies are paying close attention as we move through their lives. Whether we want to or not, we all go on record; we’re in their “book,” so to speak.

On Yom Kippur, I know where I want my own name inscribed: that Book! I hope and pray that we’re all in there together!

Editor’s note: Chana Shapiro is an educator, writer, editor and illustrator whose work has appeared in journals, newspapers and magazines.

AJT

according to arlene

Anniversaries, Memories and Change FOUNDING SYNAGOGUES AND RAISING A RABBI of the original 50 families who signed the charter to create the synagogue.

male students. In fact, I remember a journalism professor once saying:

n the Sept. 7 edition of the AJT, an article ran announcing next month’s 25th anniversary celebration of the founding of Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell.

But after seven years, our good friend decided to leave Atlanta to accept another pulpit. We wished him and his family the best, hoping he would find the personal satisfaction he was seeking in Ottawa, Canada.

“You women will end up having babies and staying home to raise them.”

I

“Could it really be 25 years?” I asked myself upon reading the piece, at the same time getting out my smartphone to mark the date of the celebration. I have rich memories from Temple Beth Tikvah, and when I saw the celebration would begin during Friday night services, even more of my old memories were triggered.

People have many reasons when they decide to make significant changes, and life is filled with change. Decisions involve risk; you never know how things are going to work out. As the Tam family embarked on its new adventure that summer, something new was also happening in my family.

Dan and I were part of a group of Atlantans who were thrilled to hear Rabbi Donald Tam would be returning to Atlanta as the spiritual leader of a start-up congregation in Roswell.

Ours was a long relationship with Rabbi Tam: He and my husband Dan had been friends and roommates at The University of Florida.

Denominational Differences

Dan and I had been members of Temple Emanu-El in Dunwoody, where Rabbi Tam was also the founding rabbi; in fact, my husband Dan had actually been the “lay rabbi” there, leading services for the new congregation for six months until Rabbi Tam began his tenure. Dan had also shared the bima as High Holiday cantor and led services when Rabbi Tam was out of town.

The experience of creating a new synagogue was exciting. The fact that Dan and Rabbi Tam first began worshipping together during college at the Hillel house made the relationship even sweeter.

I first met Don while he was still a rabbinical student and remember how intrigued I was by his passion for Jewish history. As a secular Jew who had grown up without any synagogue affiliation, becoming friends with my husband’s good friend created an opportunity for me to learn and grow Jewishly.

Helping to create Temple EmanuEl and being part of its growth and development was an exciting time filled with great enthusiasm. We were one

My son David, who was 12 years old at the time, disembarked from the Camp Barney bus, after four weeks as a camper. All my children always returned more independent after a camp session; sending my children off to camp provided them with opportunities not only to meet new friends and mature, but also to learn other children had different life experiences.

My son David had always loved history, but while at camp, he realized his love for history was not being totally fulfilled.

“We have to talk,” he said right after he gave me a big bear hug.

His tone was serious. I knew instinctively this wasn’t going to be a conversation about what he wanted for dinner after a month away from home.

“I want to switch schools,” he said.

“I have to go to the Hebrew Academy so I can learn Jewish history the way it’s taught there.”

The Hebrew Academy – it was an Orthodox school. Orthodox Judaism, in my limited understanding, believed in gender differences that were not part of my belief system, and one of the reasons I was attracted to Reform Judaism was that I knew my daughter would get an equal education to my sons in a Reform setting.

And I came of age in the ‘60s, when college professors still got away with expressing their preferences for

That remark made me bristle with resentment; I was opposed to any authority figure who expressed anything that would hold women back. And at the time my son expressed his interest in the Hebrew Academy, I saw Orthodox Judaism as having the same chauvinistic view, so I didn’t want my son exposed to it.

Dan, David and I had numerous subsequent conversations about David’s desire to attend an Orthodox day school. I was concerned he would learn a different Judaism than the one our family embraced, and he replied it was only Jewish history he was interested in.

What’s more, I had other concerns – some social, others academic – and so my husband and I called the headmaster, Dr. Ephraim Frankel. He invited the three of us for a conference in his office.

The headmaster began the meeting by expressing how unusual it was.

“Ordinarily if I’m meeting with parents and a potential student, it’s because the parents are eager for their child to attend our school while the student does not want to make the change,” he stated.

Then he invited each of his to express our thoughts, desires and concerns.

At the end of the meeting, he had invited David to try out the school for the first week before making a commitment. He could see for himself if it would be a good fit.

I was satisfied, believing my son would quickly recognize he was six years behind in Hebrew and the other Judaic subjects; plus, middle-schoolers who had been together since preschool were bound to have cliques. I really believed that after a few days David would be more than ready to attend Sandy Springs Middle School, where his records had been transferred.

I was mistaken.

Not only was David enthusiastic about what he experienced that first week, he also recognized where his education needed to be augmented and found a teacher willing to tutor him after school two or three times a week. Little did I know where this road would lead him.

Back to the Point…

By now, you may be wondering as to why I began writing about Rabbi Donald Tam’s career moves and in midstream began reminiscing about my son switching from public school to a Jewish day school.

You might also be wondering what any of this has to do with Temple Beth Tikvah getting ready to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Here’s the rest of the story, which must be abbreviated due to space restrictions: Rabbi Donald Tam hated the brutal winter in Ottawa, and his experiences were not what he hoped for.

At the same time, Atlanta’s population was growing. A group of friends flew to Quebec to ask Rabbi Tam if he would consider returning to Atlanta, where a new congregation could be created to offer him a pulpit.

Once again, my husband Dan was willing to take a leadership role, serving on the board of directors, being the lay cantor and filling in for Rabbi Tam whenever necessary – indeed, Rabbi Tam would later call Dan a “mainstay of the congregation.”

Meanwhile, as the new synagogue proposal was being made to the rabbi, my son David was learning that the practice of Judaism could be different than what he had learned in our family. First of all, he decided he wanted to eat from a kosher kitchen; my kitchen had always been “kosher style,” but I had only one set of dishes.

The more David learned, the more he decided to change. I remember him walking through our family room on a Saturday, his eyes covered because he no longer watched television on the

Continued on page 33

SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

AJT Columnist

By Arlene Appelrouth

13

AJT

YOM KIPPUR

Yom Kippur and Social Responsibility COMMENTS ON THE HAFTAROT OF YOM KIPPUR

By Rabbi Paul Kerbel

Congregation Etz Chaim and the Atlanta Rabbinical Association

O

n Yom Kippur, we read two seemingly different haftarot. In the morning, we read a selection from the prophet Isaiah (57:14 -58:14), while in the afternoon, we read an entire book of the Bible, the Book of Jonah.

The former begins: “Build up, build up a highway! Clear a road, remove all obstacles…Is such a fast I desire, a day for men to starve their bodies…do you call this a fast…a day when the Lord is favorable?

No, this is the fast I desire… to let the oppressed go free…to share your bread with the hungry and to take the wretched poor into your home…and not to ignore your own kin…then shall your light burst through like the dawn…then when you call, the Lord will answer…”

The Book of Jonah, meanwhile, speaks of repentance and our responsibility to both encourage repentance – both within Jewish society and in the world at large – and to prevent others from sinning in the first place.

Thus, I had never really thought before about these two haftarot as a unit and having a connection.

The haftarah from Isaiah seems to speak more to the hypocrisy of biblical Israel and the juxtaposition of ritual and social justice, while the haftarah for Yom Kippur afternoon speaks of

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pursuing, granting and generally promoting atonement.

Commentators Weigh In In his commentary on the haftarot, Rabbi Gunther Plaut – one of Reform Judaism’s leading rabbis in the 20th century – observed: “During the 19th century, when reforming zeal gripped German and North American Jews, these and similar prophetic passages were taken as clear proof that Isaiah was concerned with the deeds of his people rather than their ritual exercise like fasting and the like. Such interpretation encouraged disregard for ritual in general, which was replaced by a devotion to social justice…

My Conclusions Rabbi David Hartman wrote in “Joy and Responsibility”: “Halacha (the observance and practice of Jewish law) is based on a G-d-man covenant which demands that human beings become mature, responsible partners in their covenantal relationship…the various welfare institutions which were typical of traditional Jewish communities reflect the activist thrust of halakhic spirituality.”

In studying the new mahzorim that have been published based on the speeches and divrei Torah of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, the editors begin the commentary to the Book of Jonah with these thoughts:

“But what Isaiah says is in fact far from a derogation of cultic practices, rather it is a denunciation of hypocrisy…thus overemphasis on ritual on the one hand and derogation of ritual on the other both distort what Judaism demands. To fast or not to fast is not the question; rather to fast in order to increase one’s love for the Eternal and one’s concern for the needs of others – that is what is demanded of us.”

“Until this point in the service, throughout the day of Yom Kippur, our supplications were focused exclusively on Israel’s needs. Our prayers and confessions were limited in scope…we have not prayed for mankind as a whole…but if a Jew internalizes the message of the Mincha Torah reading, which emphasizes separation from the nations, without considering the haftarah, he will have missed a key message of Yom Kippur.

Professor Michael Fishbane suggest a similar interpretation in his “Jewish Publication Society” commentary on the haftarot:

“As the end of the day approaches, we remember that we Jews are not alone. We recount a tale of teshuvah, not of an Israelite tribe, but of an Assyrian city…the gates of repentance are open to all people, Jews and nonJews alike…the entire world needs teshuvah…on Yom Kippur we begin by praying for Israel alone, but towards the end of the day, we include the rest of humanity…

“The main concern of the haftarah is to inculcate a transformation of religious consciousness and action…this road is not a physical highway, but a path of inner renewal leading from duplicity to compassion and justice…the prophet’s rhetoric uses the misuse of fasting in order to stress social responsibility.

“Isaiah does not condemn such ritual acts; rather it is the duplicity of piety that is condemned…ritual must be grounded in moral sensibility and action.

The Prophet’s transvaluation of self-affliction into acts of charity revolutionizes the religious life.

Compassion is thus elevated to a path of piety…”

“On Yom Kippur, we pray not only for our own atonement, but for the atonement of mankind as well…”

Also note that Rav Soloveitchik, in a major lecture on teshuvah (see “Rav Soloveitchik on the Days of Awe,” edited by Arnold Lustiger), focused on the idea of “global teshuvah.”

Reading all of these commentaries – from Rabbi Plaut’s to Professor Fishbane’s, from Rabbi Hartman’s to Rav Soloveitchik’s – has helped me understand these prophetic portions differently. They share a message and a theme, namely that Jewish life is meant to be lived through the prisms of teshuvah, ritual, halacha, social justice and social responsibility as an intricately connected system of belief and practice.

Fasting without care for others is an empty fast. All of G-d’s children have the opportunity and potential for repentance. Our ritual, our observance of Jewish law is meant to serve as a “dugmah” – as an example of how to integrate study, prayer, action and belief within a religious world-view.

Sin is the result of selfishness, when temptation overrides sacred principles. Tzedakah and social justice demonstrate sympathy, compassion and the willingness to share with others.

Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin said, “Our purpose is to do!”

Rabbi Shlomo Riskin – in a High Holy Days study session held for rabbis about a decade ago – surprised me somewhat when he asked us what the most important theme of the Yamim HaNoraim (The High Holy Days) is, then answered his own question with two words:

“Tikkun olam.”

The message of these prophetic passages highlights our need to take a more active role in improving our world through our deeds, prayers, tzedakah and acts of loving-kindness, all the while looking up to G-d and keeping and spirituality and piety in our souls.

Editor’s note: Rabbi Paul Kerbel is a rabbi of Congregation Etz Chaim and immediate past president of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association, of which he remains a member.

AJT

yom kippur

Now Is the Time for New Year’s Resolutions IMPROVING IN 5773

By Neda Gayle AJT Contributor

I

n the secular world, New Year’s resolutions generally involve food, exercise, marriage, divorce, job, etc. Rarely are the magazines and websites touting soulsearching as a part of your goal.

That brings me to what I love and respect the most about Judaism: It forces you to dig deeper, peel the layers, like a Vidalia onion.

To build upon the comparison: Vidalia onions have sweetness to them, yet you can’t bite into them without regretting it. How many onion layers do you have? Who knows them all, if anyone does?

This Yom Kippur, try this selfassessment: 1. Take a clean piece of paper, your favorite pen and sit in your favorite spot. No laptops, desktops or notepads allowed.

2. Fold your paper in half lengthwise.

3. On the left side, write the words you think others would use to describe you. Remember, honesty counts!

erous with your smiles, as they cost you nothing. We cannot control the national debt, world peace, our fate or our circumstances, but what we can and must control is our attitude.

In closing, a bit of background and a quote: Viktor Frankl was a 20th-century Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist and creator of the field of logothera-

py, a form of existential analysis. He authored nearly 39 books on a range of topics, from his time at a concentration camp and being a Holocaust survivor to psychology;.Today he is considered one of the central figures in existential therapy.

This man, who was a victim of the greatest tragedy of our time but lived to age 92, said:

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing, the last of the human freedoms: to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Choose wisely this year. Make better choices and make a better life – for yourself, your family and friends.

HAPPY ROSH HASHANA

4. On the right side, write the words you want others to use to describe you; in other words, describe the person you want others to see in you.

From

5. Now open the page to see both columns at once.

Choose one and create an action that will achieve it. For example: Would you want to be seen as unselfish? Think: What act will make you closer to being unselfish?

Maybe the next time you see someone struggling at the door, you’ll open it and smile. You can always be gen-

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AJT

Twenty years ago, a bold

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Holocaust MeMorial on the national Mall today you

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its global iMpact by participating in the

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COMMUNITY

A Community of Communities INTRO TO A MULTI-WEEK SERIES

U

nlike many cities – and certainly different from 50 years ago in our own city – the current Atlanta Jewish community is not a monolithic group, living in a close-knit community in one part of town.

Rather, when we refer to the Atlanta Jewish community, we are talking about a diverse group scattered throughout the metro area but still tied together by a common history and many shared customs.

In light of this unique aspect of our town, the AJT will be exploring Atlanta’s diversity and the communities within our community in a multi-week series. Each week, we will feature one story written by and about Atlanta Jews of Persian, South African, Israeli, Russian or African-American descent. You’ll also see pieces from converts and perhaps even some recent New York transplants.

Note that we can’t do this alone; the AJT is looking for your stories for this series! If you emigrated from another part of the world, tell us about your experience.

When did you come to Atlanta? Why? How? With whom? How is the Atlanta Jewish community different from your previous experiences? How have you fit in? In which Jewish organizations or events have you participated?

We want to educate and inspire our readers about the many facets of the different Jewish customs and lifestyles in our community.

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

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COMMUNITY

From South Africa to the U.S. South

A SOUTH AFRICAN JEWISH PERSPECTIVE ON LIVING IN ATLANTA For the Atlanta Jewish Times

W

hen I arrived in Atlanta in the early ‘90s, it seemed quite novel to have a South African accent, especially being “fresh off the boat,” as I was deemed by those expats already living here.

But today, such an accent is not so rare.

Being part of an exodus of Jews headed to the USA or other parts of the world, Atlanta – specifically “Le Jardin,” a small community within the city – seemed to be the place to settle.

I had at first tried out Los Angeles for a few months, but a massive earthquake shook me from the West Coast in January 1994, and thus I headed to the South, where I already had family living (and very well-settled) after having arrived in the mid-‘70s.

They had come as part of a migration that began in the ‘60s and really started gaining momentum in the two subsequent decades as South African Jews made their way to Georgia’s capital to start a new life and experience the “American dream.” This flight contributed to the “brain-drain” from South Africa, as many Jewish families – among them many educated professionals – started immigrating to various parts of the world such as Israel and Australia.

Of course, it was North America (especially Toronto, L.A, Atlanta, Dallas and Chicago) that was the destination of the majority.

Ramifications in the Mother Country It was in 1994 that a new wave of immigration started; South Africa was gearing up for a change of government and free elections for all. Today, it is estimated that close to 10 percent of Atlanta’s Jewish community is made up of ex-South Africans, and that the number of formerly-South-African Jews living abroad far outnumbers those presently living in the “land that gave us birth” (credit to the old South African anthem, “Die Stem” – pronounced “Dee Stem” – which is Afrikaans, a language similar to Dutch).

By the way, today the anthem starts with “Nkosi Sikeleli Afrika” and is somewhat different from the former tune. Fortunately, the transition never sparked war or bloodshed, which was what many feared could transpire with the change of government.

Instead, South Africa’s crime rate shot through the roof. Even now – 18 years later – if you don’t have massive walls around your home topped by spikes or electric fencing and security guards at your gates, something is out of place.

Then again, and on the flipside, the remaining Jewish community there of approximately 70,000 (down from about 120,000) has flourished.

The ratio of observant Jews compared with most other parts of the world is unmatched, and there’s a plethora of kosher restaurants as well as shctibbles that have popped up all over the place where Jewish communities reside.

Those who stayed have adapted for the most part, but the itch to immigrate still resonates with many due to the crime (which the anti-Israel government is unfortunately unable to reduce). There are also more Jews buried in South Africa than living there, but the time will come again when the numbers will increase, because it truly is a beautiful country with diversity unlike most nations of the world.

My Own Experience I must admit, a kind of ignorance still existed when I arrived here. Not only was I white, but I was Jewish and wearing a gold Star of David around my neck, and that left many a Southerner wondering about South Africa and what actually went on there; apart from the propaganda they were accustomed to seeing on the television networks, that is.

Nonetheless, many South African transplants to Atlanta have achieved phenomenal success in business, and Jewish communities all over have grown with the vast number of South Africans living here. Besides all the doctors (hence the “brain-drain”), South African Jews are involved in all sorts of fields.

Synagogues have also blossomed with the immigrants. Many are drawn to conservative shuls, but Chabad communities are where most South Africans Jews have settled. This doesn’t mean they are ultra-Orthodox – in fact, most Orthodox Jews in Atlanta cannot understand what South Africans mean when they say they are “Orthodox” – and is simply due to many of these new Chabadniks having attended Orthodox synagogues when living in their country of origin.

number of Jewish families living here and the impact they make in the business world is extraordinary. South Africans are generally hard workers, and with time, effort and the goal of achieving the “American dream”, they have created many jobs for Americans as well as folks in their native nation.

One thing is certain, though: South African Jews grew up observing the traditions of yiddishkeit, and this is perhaps the reason why so many those that remain in the country are more observant or have become more observant upon moving here, as I have.

To the pioneers who started immigrating some 50 years ago: Many of us here today owe you a debt of gratitude. You helped pave the way for so many. You made it possible through sponsorships and advice. Atlanta’s Jewish community is strengthened by what you started.

To sum it up, Atlanta is a great city for raising families, but it’s not exactly the ideal tourist destination. The

Looking back, I can say that Atlanta has truly been an incredible city as far as I’m concerned. It has allowed me – as well as many I know – to prosper and live a good Jewish life.

Baie dankie; toda rabah.

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AJT

community

Marathon Provides Perfect Metaphor for Gaining JNF Support ATLANTA ATTORNEY TO “RUN FOR JNF”

A

tlanta’s Jeffrey Leavitt is one very busy man. As a topranked (by Chambers USA and the Atlanta Daily Report) technology attorney and partner with the world’s largest law firm, DLA Piper as well as a frequent carpool driver for his three young children, he is regularly “on the run.”

Leavitt is also a recent Wexner Heritage Foundation graduate and has served as a member of Jewish National Fund’s (JNF) Atlanta Board of Directors for two years. And finally – as if he doesn’t have enough to do – Jeff is training for the Half Moon Bay (Calif.) Marathon on Sept. 23 and including in the process a very personal effort to support JNF. He is the founder of “Run for JNF,” a fundraising mechanism for the Fund’s vision for a secure and prosperous Israel as well as a motivational vehicle for completing those grueling final few miles of the 26.2 mile course.

raise something even if I collapse after Mile One!”

“A lot of the characteristics of marathon training and completion are similar to the values of JNF: persistence, planning and just getting dirty grit,” explained Leavitt. “Many of the qualities shown by the early Zionists – toughness, endurance, faith – overlap with marathon training.

running with raising support for JNF offers a broad swath of Israel supporters a way of connecting with the country.”

“Many think of Israel’s official formation in 1948 as the starting point, but in truth, JNF had put in a lot of training since its founding 50 years before [that]. JNF was founded by Theodor Herzl himself, whose followers organized classes throughout Europe in the early 20th century to help train young Jews in the art of country-building. They didn’t know if they’d ever have the chance to use those skills, but they knew that if they made it to the starting line as they did in 1948, they’d be ready.”

So far, friends and family have been forthcomJeff Leavitt of Atlanta is raising money for the Jewish National Fund as part of his preparation ing with their for the Half Moon Bay Marathon. support, with PHOTO/courtesy JNF Leavitt several friends offering bonus donations if Leavitt achieves or beats his target finishing time. The most surprising pledge came Editor’s note: For more information on from his mother-law: Worried for the Run for JNF, to support Jeff Leavitt or time and toll his running imposed, she to see how you can Run for JNF at your pledged funds for each mile Jeff decid- next race, please contact Beth Gluck at BGluck@JNF.org. ed not to run.

Matt Lieberman, incoming JNF Co-President in Atlanta and Leavitt’s friend, agrees that “linking marathon

“I have the best Jewish motherin-law you could ask for,” Leavitt said with a laugh. “Now I know I’ll at least

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Leavitt hopes to use his marathon experience to create a “Run for JNF” fundraising and outreach model that he can soon roll out to marathon runners across the country.

Friday Night Live Rocks Etz Chaim MARK BLOOM CONCERT KICKS OFF RELIGIOUS SCHOOL YEAR

E

ach year, Congregation Etz Chaim kicks off the beginning of its religious school year and begins its celebration of the Jewish new year with Friday Night Live.

The congregation gathers for a less-than-traditional Friday night service complete with a headliner – this year, musician Mark Bloom, accompanied by a bass player and percussionist. More than 300 turned out for the concert, which was proceeded for many by an early dinner.

SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

The evening, sponsored in part by five families, has been a hit for the past four years.

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LEFT: Mark Bloom and his band were the headliners of this year’s Friday Night Live concert.

RIGHT: Congregation Etz Chaim President Scott Rittenberg spoke at the Friday Night Live event. PHOTOS/courtesy Bob Bachrach

AJT

community

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“To see the Atlanta Jewish and Christian communities come together to support the brave soldiers of the IDF was truly inspiring,” said Sobel.

“On [the] night, we raised the profile of the FIDF in Atlanta. We are excited to carry on the energy and momentum from the evening to support IDF soldiers and the State of Israel.

Ro

During the event, FIDF Atlanta President Michael Morris led an innovative “Text to Pledge” program that

After showing a video depicting the life of lone IDF soldier Mor Lewit – who made aliyah from Atlanta recently – the young lady herself surprised parents Pazit and Daron and siblings Noy and Yarden by showing up to the Gala in-person to thank the FIDF and to offer remarks about her experiences.

Atlanta Executive Director Caryn the Atlanta Gala Host Committee led Liss and FIDF Development Associ- by FIDF Atlanta Chairman Howard ate Ginny Adams along with event Wexler and FIDF board members Soco-chairs Janine and Alon Balshan, bel and Hadara Ishak.

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Speakers and guests at the event included Rabbi Shalom Lewis of Congregation Etz Chaim; Scott Allen, Executive Director of Israel365; Adam Moshe Azuley, FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Recipient; Garry Sobel, FIDF Atlanta Development Co-Chair and Gala emcee; and Major General (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon, FIDF National Director & CEO.

raised $60,000 in two hours.

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ore than $250,000 was raised at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) IDentiFy 2012 Atlanta Gala held Aug. 29. Prominent lay leaders and FIDF supporters from across Atlanta – in total, numbering in excess of 400 – attended the event at the Georgia Aquarium to show their support for Israel and to stand with IDF soldiers.

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AJT

COMMUNITY

A Doctor in the House SON OF A LIFESAVER IN THE POOL

By Allen Rabinowitz AJT Columnist

I

t could almost be the opening scene of an old-time movie: An elderly woman faints in the lobby of a theater prior to the opening curtain of a musical. From the worried crowd comes a frantic call – “Is there a doctor in the house?” – and in a heartbeat, a handsome young doctor rushes to the woman’s aid and, after a quick diagnosis, revives her.

Proving that life can be stranger than fiction, the above scenario actually unfolded at Johns Creek High School this past summer when Dr. Zachary Cohen – who was playing trumpet in the pit orchestra of a community theater production of “Annie” – came to the aid of the grandmother of two of the performers and, using his training, diagnosed the woman’s condition and prepared her for the emergency medical team called to the scene.

Dr. Cohen had arrived early to tune his instrument, warm up and survey the crowd when the cry for medical help rang out.

“I thought it was a joke at first,” he said, “because everybody knew I was the only doctor in the cast. Then someone said, ‘No, really!,’ so I put my instrument down and ran into the lobby.”

“I did what I was trained to do,” the doctor, a 2011 graduate of the Mercer University School of Medicine and today a second-year resident in family medicine at Emory University Hospital, continued. “I was very well-trained in assessing a first aid situation, as well as in advanced cardio-thoracic life support. I felt confident in my ability to manage the situation.”

SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

First, Dr. Cohen knelt on the floor, inspected the woman’s airway and made sure that it was open and that she was breathing. Next, he checked to make sure she had a pulse. He then determined if she had suffered any fractures, head trauma or cuts or bruises on her skin.

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Seeing that the woman was pale, he also ensured that there were no signs of a seizure – that her eyes hadn’t rolled back in her head, that she wasn’t twitching and that her tongue was in her mouth. He then asked the woman’s accompanying relative about the past history and discovered that his patient was a diabetic.

ABOVE: Mitch Cohen, pictured here in his role as the spiritual leader of Congregation Shalom b’Hairim of Dahlonega, rescued his dog Garcia when the pup jumped in the deep end of a pool. BELOW: Dr. Zachary Cohen – pictured here in Haiti, where he provided disaster relief – helped save a woman’s life even though he wasn’t on the job. PHOTOS/courtesy Cohen family

“I asked if she was on insulin but found out she was taking oral medicine for her diabetes,” Dr. Cohen, an Alpharetta native, explained. “I was thinking her blood sugar was low, so we turned her on her side and put a lifesaver candy in her mouth and monitored her.”

Within a few minutes, the doctor noticed that color had returned to her face, her breathing had picked up and she was regaining consciousness. He applied a sternal rub, which brought her to, and asked questions to make sure she hadn’t had a stroke.

“She was speaking fluently, understanding what I was saying and processing and answering appropriately,” Dr. Cohen recounted. “After five or so minutes, the paramedics showed up. I presented the patient as we are trained to do: I gave subjective data first, then my assessment of the data.

“I had a working diagnosis of either hypoglycemia – low blood sugar – or transient heart arrhythmia that caused her to pass out.”

The woman was taken out on stretcher and brought to the hospital.

Later, Dr. Cohen was told by a family member of the patient that he was right about the arrhythmia: She had a bad aortic valve that needed to be replaced but had been reluctant to get the surgery. The aortic valve had acted up, bringing on the arrhythmia which caused her to black out.

The doctor attributes his training for the ability to remain cool.

“This was 100 percent algorithmic training, but there was some instinct as well,” Dr. Cohen explained. “I’m trained to go through things in a methodical way, but everything I’m doing in the heat of the moment is based on experience, training and some intuition.”

Volunteer work in Haiti and Nigeria also played a role in his ability to help a woman in suburban Atlanta.

“I provided first-responder relief in Haiti after the earthquake,” he said. “My overseas mission work was extremely helpful. It gave me the confidence to know I could do anything, anywhere.”

In Their Blood Incredibly, Dr. Cohen was not the only rescuer in his family that week: Two days later, his father Mitch jumped fully dressed into a swimming pool to save a family pet from drowning. Mitch – a construction and insurance broker who teaches introduction to Judaism classes and serves as the spiritual leader of Congregation Shalom b’Hairim in Dahlonega – was at a surprise birthday party along with his wife Suzette and their golden retriever Garcia when called into action as an impromptu lifeguard.

As a belly-dancer performed, the dog began running around the pool area and jumped into the deep end.

The 65-pound Garcia thrashed around, confused and in a state of panic.

“He started sinking, so I took my wallet out of my pocket and jumped in,” Mitch said. “I put my arms around him and, using my feet, started swimming toward the shallow end, where a friend was waiting and helped lead him out.”

What’s more, this isn’t the only time that Mitch – who admits a strong dislike of pools and swimming

– jumped into the water on a rescue mission. Some four decades earlier at a family gathering in New Jersey, his younger cousin (four years old at the time) disappeared; when Mitch looked at the bottom of the swimming pool and saw her there, he “just jumped in and didn’t even think about it,” saving her from drowning.

The only negative results of his latest adventure are a fried smartphone and a dog that is forbidden to attend another party when a pool is present.

Both Cohens attribute their quick reactions in emergency situations to a family credo of being of service.

“Somebody once said that we’re a ‘family of doers,” said Mitch.

“I was raised to help people,” added the younger Cohen. “It was never [just] an option. We use our talents to make the world a better place than we found it. I attribute that to my parents.”

AJT

COMMUNITY

“Go For Gaucher” 5K Walk/ Run Slated for Oct. 14 PART OF GAUCHER AWARENESS MONTH

A

s part of the Gaucher Awareness Month of October, The National Gaucher Foundation (NGF) will hold its first 5K walk/run on Oct. 14 at Mason Mill Park in Decatur. “Go For Gaucher” is one of many upcoming events that will educate individuals about the symptoms, treatments and prevalence of Gaucher (pronounced “go-SHAY”) disease, a debilitating and often-fatal genetic disorder most prominent among those of Ashkenazi Jewish origin.

People of all ages are invited to participate and enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family featuring music, activities and prizes. Those interested can take part as individuals, as members of a team or as sponsors. Refreshments and snacks will be provided at the event, and parking is free.

Entry fees are $20 for NGF members or $25 for non-members (register via gaucherdisease.org by Oct. 5), though day-of registration is also available for $30. Call NGF at (770) 934-2910 about becoming a sponsor.

Win with the AJT! Below are the lucky winners selected from those who stopped by the AJT’s tent at Temple Kol Emeth’s Nibble & Noshfest over this past Labor Day weekend. Mazel tov to these community members receiving fabulous prizes and thank you to all who visited with us at the festival!

Make sure to read the AJT each week to find out more ways to win!

Nook Color Tablet Mariann and Bruce Turiansky, Milton

Horizon Theatre Tickets Carolyn Tyler, Duluth Michael Miller, Alpharetta Roz Reiss, Roswell Lara Salzman, Marietta Janet Sherman, Smyrna Sandy Arnold, Roswell Aric Fine, Marietta Mathew Easlein, Marietta Atlanta Opera Tickets Linda Greenhill, Marietta Steven Lebow, Marietta Diana Schwartz, Marietta

SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

Free AJT One-Year Subscription Elyse Rubin, Roswell

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AJT

FROM THE JCC

Froyo Starts the New Year Off Sweelty JCC, YOUNG ISRAEL AND MENCHIES PARTNER FOR EVENT

T

he MJCCA partnered with Jewish kids groups and Young Israel of Toco Hills to celebrate the arrival of Rosh Hashanah. On Sept.

5, more than 200 people joined together at Menchies in Toco Hills to “Sweeten the New Year.”

The program attracted children and adults of all ages; Highlights included a Shofar-blowing contest and a special performance by improve comedy group The Bible Players. A similar event was held the following day at Yogli Mogli in Dunwoody.

Wishing You a Happy and Healthy New Year!

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SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

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FROM THE JCC

First MJCCA Pickleball Tournament Draws Crowd TWO DOZEN COMPETITORS TAKE TO THE COURT

O

n Aug. 19, the MJCCA Mature Adults hosted their first-ever Pickleball Tournament.

Twenty-four competitors came from as far as Lake Oconee, Canton and Braselton to participate in this round-robin championship.

Players played three games in a round robin format before those 16 with the best records moved onto the finals. A special mazel tov goes out to the Williams family, of which three generations were represented amongst the players (son, father and grandfather).

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AJT

ISRAEL

Israeli Pride GOOD NEWS MADE IN ISRAEL THIS PAST WEEK • Another bone marrow patient was saved by Israeli stem cells.

Placental eXpanded (PLX) cell treatment from Israeli company Pluristem has saved the life of a 45-year-old man with leukemia who suffered from bone marrow failure after undergoing chemotherapy and a bone-marrow transplant. There were no side effects, and the man has now been discharged from Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem.

• Israel and Nepal issued joint stamps. The two nations honored a long-standing friendship with this joint endeavor, which marks the first time Nepal has issued a stamp simultaneously with another country. The stamps are themed “Mount Everest and the Dead Sea” - the highest and lowest points on Earth.

• The U.S. chose an Israeli radar system to protect its southern border. The United States selected

Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, for a radar system to detect illegal immigration and drug smuggling at the border with Mexico.

Elta’s systems can identify individuals at 300 meters to 20 kilometers and vehicles from twice that distance.

spending. The Jewish state’s national expenditure for civilian R&D increased 1.2 percent over the 2010 figure, totaling 38.2 billion shekalim (or 4.4 percent of GDP in 2011. Runners-up were Finland and South Korea.

• Israel placed first in a list of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member nations in civilian research-and-development

• Venice Film Festival “Best Actress” went to Hadas Yaron. The Israeli actress won the Coppa Volpi Award at the 69th edition of the prestigious Festival. The 22-year-old took the title role in Rama Burshtein’s film “Fill the Void (Lemale et Ha’chalal),” which portrays the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Tel Aviv.

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• A former IDF soldier earned a gold medal. When his helicopter crashed during the Second Lebanon War, doctors did not believe Noam Gershony would survive. He proved them all wrong and gave yet another example of Israel’s fighting spirit when he won tennis gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

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• Mangoes continued to thrive where they at one time did not grow. In the 1980s, there wasn’t a single mango tree in Israel; now Israel produces 40,000 tons of the fruit each year and is one of the main exporters to Europe, the United States and even some Persian Gulf states.

What’s more, Israelis hold six patents for new varieties – Maya, Shelly, Omer, Tali, Noa and Agam.

• Microsoft’s CEO announced he’ll visit in November. Chief Executive Officer Steve Banner will be in attendance at major MS-Israel events immediately following the launch of the Windows 8 operating system. This comes after Banner famously stated in 2008 that Microsoft was almost as much an Israeli company as it was an American company.

AJT

L’shana Tova Wishing you a sweet new year

ISRAEL

Two from Atlanta Among 127 New IDF Soldiers FIDF – NEFESH B’NEFESH FLIGHT BRINGS 350 OLIM

A

mong the 350 individuals on a Nefesh B’Nefesh charter aliyah flight that left JFK airport in New York on Aug. 13 were former Atlantans (today new Israelis) Avi Buckman and Yvonne Sonsino.

Immediately afterbecomingcitizensoftheJewishState,both–aswellasa record 127 of their olim peers – will be joining the Israel Defense Forces.

From the entire

Emanuel, Stacy, Ethan, Samuel, Sydney Rae, and Isaac Fialkow

The special Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) – Nefesh B’Nefesh flight was organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, the Jewish Agency for Israel (Keren Kayemeth Le’Israel) and Tzofim Garin Tzabar.

The soon-to-be-soldiers as well as others making aliyah will be greeted in by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of a special ceremony upon their arrival at Ben Gurion airport.

Buckman hopes to serve in a special forces unit in the IDF, while Yvonne aspires to join the air force.

This summer, Nefesh B’Nefesh celebrated its 10th anniversary. The milestone comes as the organization welcomes a total of approximately 4,800 North American and British Jews immigrating to Israel in the summer of 2012.

LEFT: Recent olim ready to join the Israel Defense Forces practice NO TEXT OR PICTURES IN THIS NOarrivTEXT OR PICTURES IN THIS BOARDER NO TEXT OR PICTURES IN THIS BOARDER theirBOARDER salute upon ing in the Jewish state.

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SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

From our family at EDIT THIS ENTIRE WHITE AREA Stern & Edlin Family Law to yours

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AJT

ARTS & LIFE

Kosher Movies: The Green Mile (1999) FRANK DARABONT’S TAKE ON KING’S NOVEL SPEAKS ON HUMANITY

By Rabbi Hebert Cohen AJT Contributor

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ver the years that I have been a school principal, I have observed many different supervisory and

management styles. The majority of my colleagues are sensitive souls; they are fair-minded, thoughtful and not quick to rebuke a teacher. Uppermost in their minds is doing what is in the best interest of the students, not in acquiring more power or prestige for themselves.

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“The Green Mile” is not Percy’s story, however; it is the story of Paul Edgecomb, a Louisiana prison guard in the 1930s; and inmate John Coffey, a huge black man incarcerated for the murder of two little girls.

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pet mouse, gives one man a gift of his wife’s corn bread and arranges to show the Fred Astaire film “Top Hat” to a condemned man who has never before seen a movie.

In contrast to this humane behavior is the cruelty of Percy, who in one

Postcript: A few years later the principal was fired and did not last more than a year or two in subsequent positions. He who rebuked others was now the victim of negative reviews himself; what goes around comes around.

The movie “The Green Mile” provides an example of a person who aims to hurt others both emotionally and physically: Percy Wetmore. His comeuppance, after a number of shocking cruelties to prisoners waiting on Death Row, is greeted with cathartic satisfaction when it finally arrives.

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I regrettably recall one exception: Very uncomfortably, I watched a principal observe a class and then submit his written report to the teacher later in the day. The teacher was given no opportunity to respond, though the report was overwhelming negative, severely affecting the teacher’s self-perception, so much so that the teacher shortly thereafter left the field to begin a career in computers.

Paul is surprised when he discovers that, in spite of his enormous size, John belies an innate meekness, communicating with the simplicity of a child afraid of the dark. The story is told in flashback as Paul recounts his experiences to another resident of the retirement home in which he lives.

What emerges from the narrative is the stark difference between how Percy treats the prisoners and how Paul treats them. Knowing that they are all scheduled for execution by electric chair, Paul treats them humanely, believing that it is better for the prison system and for the prisoner if the condemned man can retain his equanimity in the face of certain death.

In spite of their alleged crime, Paul recognizes their essential humanity, and examples abound of his sensitivity to the men who have to walk the “green mile” – a green patch of linoleum leading to the execution site: He allows a prisoner to keep a

of his many sadistic moments deliberately does not wet the sponge that is to be placed on the head of the condemned man as the electric plate is tightened before the release of electric current to his body. It is a grisly scene which accentuates the difference between Paul and Percy.

Proverbs tell us that when our enemy falls, we should not rejoice, lest G-d be displeased and He turn His wrath to us. Moreover, our sages advise us not to see someone at the time of his degradation.

The point of these instructions is to be sensitive to people in distress.

We do not in any way excuse criminal behavior, but we do not gloat over their punishment. It may be necessary, but it is not joyful.

“The Green Mile” is a movie that has a lot to say about life, about how we treat others and about how we need to recognize and appreciate the humanity of all men.

Editor’s note: Rabbi Cohen, former principal of Yeshiva Atlanta, now resides in Beit Shemesh, Israel. koshermovies.com.

AJT

arts & life

Flora Rosefsky’s “Beneath Thy Wings” Debuts on Yom Kippur Eve SHEMA YISRAEL’S NEW YAHRZEIT BOARD PREMIERES AT YIZKOR SERVICE AJT Contributor

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hema Yisrael is not only inclusive and welcoming; it is also portable. Every year just before the High Holidays, we box our prayer books, put our ark on wheels, take apart our Torah-reading table and – a little like the Israelites in the wilderness – move across town to a friendly church in Norcross.

Unity Atlanta opens its doors to us just as we have opened our doors to the thousands of worshippers in this city over the past 15 years who have come, without any requirement for membership, in search of a spiritual home. That’s why we’re “the Open Synagogue,” after all.

Preparations for the greeting of 5773 were somewhat different from usual, however. Prayer books, check; ark, check; Torahs, check…but one item on our list had already made its final trip: Our yahrzeit board.

After all, it was not anything like that wall of cast bronze and electric lights that I remember from the synagogue of my childhood. It was just a cardboard trifold that congregant Joan Kornman had, years ago, purchased at Hobby Lobby and covered with strands of black and gold ribbon and black-and-white Xeroxed candles.

But now, after years of folding and unfolding, moving back and forth from storage to synagogue, hosting the names of all those on our memorial list and serving as part of our Yizkor memorial service on Yom Kippur, it was ready for its own yahrzeit.

As providence would happen, Decatur Judaica artist Flora Rosefsky walked into our lives. This 60-something wizard with scissors has created wondrous works of all sorts for homes and synagogues – many out of nothing more than a stack of colored papers and her imagination – over the last four decades.

Rosefsky, who recently completed a two-year term as president of the American Guild of Judaic Art, describes how she works with her collage of paper shapes as “cutting into the color.” Her approach reminiscent of that of the great Matisse in his final years, when his eyesight was failing; he had a team of assistants combining the painted paper elements he had trimmed into a finished masterpiece.

Rosefsky’s beautiful “Beneath Thy Wings”

Luckily, for Flora’s master- will serve as Shema Yisrael’s new yahrzeit board. work, you won’t have to go to the IMAGE/Flora Rosefsky, courtesy Bob Bahr Museum of Modern Art in New York. “Beneath Thy Wings” will ones who are no longer with us. May make its debut at our Kol Nidre ser- it serve us and the memory of those vice in Norcross on Yom Kippur eve- passed for many years to come. ning behind a single yahrzeit candle and a lone rose.

The vibrant and living work of art Editor’s note: Bob Bahr is President was created as a reminder of both of Shema Yisrael – The Open Synathe Divine’s everlasting and life-af- gogue and leads High Holiday serfirming presence and the many loved vices there.

SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

By Bob Bahr

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AJT

ARTS & LIFE

“1776” the Musical Opens in Atlanta PATRIOTISM COMES TO LIFE AS A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION NEARS

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ith patriotism polling at an all-time high and a presidential election on the horizon, the Declaration of Independence has been getting lots of play these days.

For that reason – and others obvious – the Tony Award-winning “1776” is expected to rally Atlanta theatergoers this season with its blendedgenre appeal and unique ensemble of local actors.

This take on the story of America’s most powerful document comes to life courtesy producer Hal Brody and his company HB Productions in association with Dorsey Studios Theatre. The cast of 22 – most of whom go back to their “real jobs” each morning and pursue acting solely for the love of the art – will be led by Robert Wayne, a Decatur attorney cast in the role of Benjamin Franklin.

will inspire and educate adults and students.”

This rendition of a work originally written by Peter Stone with music

by Sherman Edwards is directed by Sandra Ellenburg-Dorsey and runs through Oct. 7.

To see the production Brody calls his most “fun and gratifying” experience in theatre yet, see 1776themusicalatlanta.com or call (800) 8383006.

Don Smith, Midtown corporate and private events planner, plays Thomas Jefferson; and Sandy Springs’ David Parlier, a retired Atlanta public school science “Teacher of the Year,” portrays John Adams. The play also features Lilburn accountant Andy Hoeckele; Delta Air Lines’ executive David Azzarello; Joe Lowery, AT&T telecom manager; and a special cameo appearance by retired Atlanta actor extraordinaire Stuart Culpepper.

An elaborately costumed musical account of the representatives of the 13 original colonies fulfilling their mission of protecting the rights of Americans from tyranny, “1776” intertwines tunes, humor and love with the issues of the day.

“The passions, prejudices [and] brilliant and touching moments leading to the creation and signing of the Declaration of Independence come to life on stage just in time for this heated political season,” said Brody, a Buckhead-based dermatologist by day. “With eruptions of patriotism surfacing above the fray of political parties and clashes of anti-slavery stirring members of Congress, ‘1776’

TOP: Left to right, Robert Wayne as Benjamin Franklin, David Parlier as John Adams and Don Smith as Thomas Jefferson.

ABOVE: Hal Brody as Edward Rutledge (left) and David Parlier as John Adams.

PHOTOS/courtesy Phyllis Fraley PR

Editor’s note: Tickets ($25/adult, $20/senior or child under 12) are available for remaining showtimes (8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday).

AJT

ARTS & LIFE

Apple Cake A HIGH HOLIDAY PARVE DESSERT RECIPETRUTH?”

By Gloria Bodek

2 cups sugar

For the Atlanta Jewish Times

2 ½ teaspoons vanilla

¼ cup orange juice (for the apple mixture) 4 Tablespoons sugar 5 or 6 apples (I use Granny Smith apples)

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f you’re looking for a crowdpleasing dessert to sweeten the beginning of 5773, look no further. This recipe features apples, too, thus incorporating one of the icons of this time of the Jewish year.

Celebrating our 15 year Anniversary

2 Tablespoons cinnamon Directions 1. Slice apples thin and mix with sugar and cinnamon mixture, then set aside.

And to answer your question: Serving with ice cream – should the preceding meal have been dairy – is definitely recommended. That is, unless you plan to take your time and savor your slice, in which case the ice cream will likely have melted by the time you’re finished!

2. Put flour, oil, sugar, orange juice, baking powder, eggs and vanilla in bowl and beat well.

3. In a greased 10-inch tube pan, pour alternating layers of batter and apple mixture, repeating until batter is used up. End with layer of apples.

4. Bake at 350F for 75 to 90 minutes. Cool in pan before removing.

Ingredients

4 eggs

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1 cup oil

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3 teaspoons baking powder

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3 cups flour

Editor’s note: This is a take on a recipe by Edna Bodenstein, published in 1970 in “Tastefully Yours,” the cookbook of the Sisterhood of Temple Beth G ATLA IN El in Harrisburg, Penn.

SE R V

(for the batter)

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AJT

EDUCATION

GHA Honors Firefighters at 9/11 Memorial

Chief Hickin’s Experience HOW A GEORGIA FIREFIGHTER ENDED UP AT GROUND ZERO

RELIEF RESPONDER CHIEF HICKIN SPEAKS

By Leah Levy AJT Contributor

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he Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy honored firefighters at the school’s memorial for the victims of Sept. 11, 2001 on the 11th anniversary of the tragedy.

Head of School Rabbi Lee Buckman opened the ceremony for the GHA middle school students by reciting a special memorial prayer for the victims of the World Trade Center.

The students then viewed a slideshow of photos of firefighters at the Twin Towers on 9/11; pictured were brave individuals streaked with dust and sweat rescuing the wounded and searching the smoking rubble for survivors.

“What makes these men special?” teacher Debbie Bornstein asked the middle-schoolers. “Weren’t they just doing their jobs? Think about what that means…”

Later, Battalion Commander Douglas Hickin of the Sandy Springs Fire Department took the stage. He

explained that while he was not at the World Trade Center on 9/11, a series of seemingly unconnected events brought the tragedy home for him in an unexpected way (see sidebar).

Middle-schoolers Lee Haber and Karen Asher represented GHA in thanking Chief Hickin and the members of his team for the hope and courage they display every day and also informed the firefighters of the donation made in their honor by the school to the Georgia Burn Foundation.

Finally, Commander Hickin and his firefighters accompanied the students to the school flagpole, where the flags of the United States and Israel were lowered to half-mast.

“Why do we become firefighters?” asked Chief Hickin. “Because we love it. It’s a passion.”

Editor’s note: Leah Levy is a paraprofessional at GHA and the author of “The Waiting Wall,” a Sydney Taylor Notable Book for 2010.

D

uring the summer of 2001, a reality show about firefighters was being filmed in New York City. It featured the exploits of the NYFD’s elite Rescue 1 unit, a group made up of specialists who are called in to the most dangerous situations.

One of the show’s segments dealt with a five-alarm fire at the city’s historical Central Synagogue. There was a Jewish firefighter there named David Weiss, who explained that he had always wanted to be a firefighter and that he saw heroic acts by fellow firefighters every day that civilians didn’t even know about.

Chief Hickin watched that show and found himself inspired by Weiss’s words, which expressed his own feelings so well.

He admired the seemingly bulletproof firefighter on the TV. Just a few weeks later, the attacks occurred, and Chief Hickin – at home in Georgia at the time – remembered David Weiss. Inspired to help, Hickin traveled to New York City a few weeks later as a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief team.

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He described the memory of his plane circling the city for landing as he looked out the window to see the smoking pit where the World Trade Center used to be; even that long after the tragedy, there were still fires burning.

Chief Hickin said that he would always remember the horrified, sick looks on the faces of the remaining New York City firefighters as they

searched “the Pile” – “That’s what they called what was left,” Hickin recalled – and tried to put out the remaining fires.

“During the day, we worked,” Chief Hickin told the GHA students. “And at night, we went to funerals. So many firefighters had died in the Twin Towers and so many were still working at the Pile that there weren’t enough

people to attend the funerals.”

H e didn’t know the TOP: Battalion Commander victims Douglas Hickin speaks about w h o s e his experiences at Ground Zero as part of the FEMA team after the funerals tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. ABOVE: he at- Seventh-grade GHA student Jonah tended; Esworthy shakes the hand of he went Chief Hickin as the flags are lowered to half-mast. because PHOTOS/Jill Rosner he wanted to honor the heroes who had died trying to save the lives of others. One evening, Chief Hickin even attended a funeral at the Central Synagogue, where his memory of the aforementioned TV episode was revived.

Shortly after, he discovered that he was actually attending the funeral of David Weiss, the firefighter whom he had found so inspirational in that same episode.

“Firefighters are killed every day,” Chief Hickin said. “There were 343 firefighters killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11, about the same number of people as there are students at GHA. “David Weiss put it best: We’re a team, we’re a family. We rely on each other. And we love what we do.”

AJT

education

Jerry Siegel Appointed Life Trustee for Greenfield Hebrew Academy “PRESIDENTS’ PRESIDENT” HONORED FITTINGLY

By Leah Levy AJT Contributor

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n Sept. 11, 2012, the Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy appointed Jerry Siegel as a life trustee for the school. Siegel, past president of the board of trustees, is often referred to in the GHA community as “the presidents’ president.”

LEFT: GHA President of the Board of Trustees Dr. David Frankel leans in to congratulate Trustee for Life Jerry Siegel. RIGHT: Jerry Siegel surrounded by proud family members as he is honored at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy. PHOTOS/courtesy Leah Levy and GHA

Siegel’s ability to defuse difficult situations with humor is legendary.

Involved in the community and in everything Jewish, he is a past president not only of GHA but also of the Beth Jacob Synagogue. What’s more, he continued to lead at GHA even after his term of service was over with tireless fundraising and careful monitoring of the Academy’s Code of Practice.

He was also instrumental in helping to successfully broker the sale of the school’s old building, enabling the purchase of GHA’s current Northland Drive location.

Betty Minsk delivered a congratulatory message from former Head of School Dr. Ephraim Frankel. Current Board of Trustees President David Frankel, himself the son of the former Head of School, spoke affectionately of the evening’s honoree, whom he’s known since childhood.

Siegel’s grandson Ben, an eighthgrader at GHA, stood with his cousin Hannah to deliver a lovely and moving d’var Torah. In a strong voice, the man of the hour thanked everyone assembled for their kind words and the honor bestowed upon him.

SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

At a wine-and-cheese reception in the school atrium, Siegel accepted his appointment surrounded by his family, including his children Andy Siegel, Adele Glasser and Michael and Lisa Siegel and their families; and wife AnnRita Hader and her children and their families. The family includes many proud graduates of the Greenfield Hebrew Academy, and Michael Siegel is the immediate past president of GHA’s Board of Trustees.

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Wishing you a Happy & Healthy New Year

AJT

education

“Paying It Forward,” One Kind Gesture at a Time EPSTEIN TEACHERS SHOW GRATITUDE TO SANDY SPRINGS WORKERS

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pstein elementary school teachers participated in a retreat day as part of this year’s school theme, “Paying It Forward.”

Instructors made cookies and other goodies for delivery all over the city of Sandy Springs to show their appreciation to city workers. Among those locations visited were the fire department, police stations, court, health services and nature centers.

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Teachers came back with tremendous positive energy and said that everyone was happy to receive our little mitzvah.

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At ORT schools in the United States, 80% of the Class of 2011 are employed in their field of study, and Rachel Cohen is one of them.

Rachel Cohen, Graphic Designer

Epstein School teachers stopped in at the Sandy Springs Public Library to drop off baked goods and share a smile with the institution’s volunteers. PHOTO/courtesy Pazit Shelnutt

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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

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For more details on becoming involved with ORT America in the Atlanta region, contact Jenna Shulman, Director, Atlanta Region at 404-327-5266or at jshulman@ORTamerica.org.

ORTatlanta.org | twitter.com/ORTamerica | facebook.com/ORT.atlanta | atlanta@ORTamerica.org

L’Shana Tovah from ORT America!

Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of time and space.

You hallow us with Your mitzvot and command us to kindle the lights of Shabbat.

Blessing for thw Wine Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu Meelech Haolam, Borei p’ri hagafen Praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.

Blessing for the Bread (Challah) Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu Melech haolam, Hamotzi Lechem min haaretz.

Our Praise to You Eternal our God, Sovereign of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.

Eve of First day Rosh Hashana Sunday, September 16, 2012 Light Candles at: 7:24 pm Eve of Second day Rosh Hashana Monday, September 17, 2012 Light Candles after: 8:18 pm Tuesday, September 18, 2012 Holiday Ends: 8:17 pm Tuesday, September 25, 2012 Light Candles at: 7:12 pm 1 Wednesday, September 26, 2012 Holiday Ends: 8:05 pm 1

AJT

AJT

Tell & k’vell

B’nai Mitzvah

Benjamin David Reich

B

enjamin David Reich celebrated his bar mitzvah at Congregation Beth Shalom on Aug. 25, 2012. Family and friends came from Israel, England, France, Canada and eight difference U.S. states to share in the simcha.

according to arlene

Anniversaries, Memories and Change FOUNDING SYNAGOGUES AND RAISING A RABBI Continued from page 13

Sabbath.

Yes, many things changed in our family on our son’s journey to become the Orthodox rabbi he is today.

My curiosity about the changes my son was making was the impetus for a lengthy telephone conversation I had with Rabbi David Silverman, my son’s mentor, who now heads the Orthodox outreach group The Atlanta Scholars Kollel.

Benjamin is the son of Mark and Sharon Reich of Sandy Springs and has a brother, Jacob. He is the grandson of Drs. Arlene and Walter Wildstein of Atlanta and the late Herman and Miriam Reich, who lived in Montreal.

For his mitzvah project, Benjamin is raising money for the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel; this organization is the umbrella organization for the nine rape crisis center throughout Israel and also advocates for rape victims in court and lobbies in the Knesset for legislation to protect sexual assault and sexual harassment victims.

Benjamin is an eighth-grade honors student at Woodward Academy. He has a passion for social studies, geography, swimming and cross country and keeps all who know him entertained with his great sense of humor.

One thing leads to another. It’s not always possible to foresee where the next step will take you.

My son David was the first in our family to stop driving on the Sabbath, and he wasn’t even old enough to have a driver’s license when he made that decision.

who said, “the child is father to the man.”

It so happens that my son David led the way for his father to become a Sabbath observer. So as Temple Beth Tikvah has its celebration in October, we will send our heartfelt congratulations.

But, for reasons I hope are obvious now, we will not be in attendance.

Editor’s note: Arlene Appelrouth earned a degree in news-editorial journalism from the University of Florida and her career as a writer and journalist spans a 50-year period; she currently studies memoir writing while working on her first book.

I think it was the poet Emerson

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AJT

WHAT’S HAPPENING SEPT

Friday

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Fri., Sept. 21 Pizzaluck Dinner, hosted by Metro-Atlanta Jewish Singles. Fri., Sept. 21, 8 p.m. $5/person (or donate cheese pizza). Private residence. meetup.com/Metro-Atlanta-JewishSingles.

Saturday

SEPT

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Sat., Sept. 22 Horseback Riding, hosted by North Atlanta Jewish Singles. Sat., Sept. 22, 11 a.m. $30/person. Chattahooche Stables. RSVP to Mark Horvath: mhorv00@gmail.com.

Adult Scavenger Hunt & Dinner, hosted

by Metro-Atlanta Jewish Singles. Sat., Sept.

22, 6 p.m. Free. Cheeky Mexican Taqueria.

For more information see meetup.com/Metro-Atlanta-Jewish-Singles

Sunday

SEPT

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SEPT

guest speaker Josh Karsk. Sun., Sept. 23, 10 a.m. $8.50/person. Prepaid. Landmark Diner. jwvga.org or (404) 252-5253.

Monday

Bush Centre for Ballet Performance, see a performance and Centre’s booth at Sandy Springs Festival. Sun., Sept. 23, 12:30 p.m.

Sandy Springs Festival Mainstage. (404) 256-5542.

Mon., Sept. 24 Alan Dynin plays Music on Main Street, premiere of MJCCA’s Monday music series that presents local talent performing various musical genres. Mon., Sept. 24, 5 p.m. Free admission. MJCCA main lobby. brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Safe Sitter, two four-hour classes to learn the skills that every parent looks for in a babysitter. Ages 11 to 15. Sun., Sept. 23, 1 p.m. Congregation Etz Chaim. (770) 9730137.

Recipes & Ruach, opening meeting of What’s Cooking With CBS Sisterhood. Bring a holiday dish and copies of your recipe. Sun., Sept. 23, 2 p.m. Private residence. (404) 310-4073.

Inclusion Program, course teaches children and parents how to be sensitive to and empathetic with children with different abilities through activities and discussion. Sun., Sept.

23, 1 p.m. $20 member/$30 non-member.

MJCCA’s Zaban Park. Ilana.schlam@atlantajcc.org.

Sun., Sept. 23 Meeting of Jewish War Veterans Atlanta Bicentennial Post 112, a buffet lunch with

Wednesday

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Torah on Tap, enjoy a brew or two while Rabbi Kassorla shares his insights on “The Mysticism of Yom Kippur.” Sept. 24, 7 p.m.

Location TBD. RSVP (404) 633-1737 or office@orveshalom.org

Tuesday

SEPT

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Tues., Sept. 25 High Holiday Services at Chabad of Cobb, Yom Kippur services begins with the Children’s Blessing and Kol Nidre on Tues., Sept.

25, 7:15 p.m. For Wed., Sept. 26, Shachrit at 9:30 a.m., Yiskor 11: 45 a.m., Mincha and Neilah 6 p.m. Free admission on first-come basis. Babysitting and children’s services available. Chabad of Cobb. (770) 565-4412.

Next week:

SEPT

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Wed., Sept. 26 Kenny Blackman String Band, a concert celebrating the beginning of fall and the end of the Jewish holy day season. Cover includes refreshments. Wed., Sept. 26, 8 p.m. $10/ person. Steve’s Live Music, Sandy Springs.

Tickets, www.steveslivemusic.com

Thursday

SEPT

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Thurs., Sept. 27 Stress and Anxiety in Teens, course for parents of teens covering facts, common causes, warning signs and how to manage stress and anxiety. Thurs., Sept. 27, 7 p.m. $15 members/$25 non-members. MJCCA’s Zaban Park. Ilana.schlam@atlantajcc.org.

‘Frankly Speaking About Breast Reconstruction’ Workshop, learn more about breast reconstruction after a breast cancer diagnosis at this free workshop with featured speaker Diane Z. Alexander, M.D. Thurs., Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m. 5775 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd., Suite C-225. (404) 843-1880.

The AJT’s exclusive interview with a Snyderman family insider sheds light on the case and the new developments!

wednesday September 26 • 8pm kenny Blackman String Band

Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards Book by Peter Stone

Based on a Concept by Sherman Edwards Original Production Directed by Peter Hunt Original Broadway Production Produced by Stuart Ostrow Presented through arrangement with Music Theater International

Directed by Sandra Ellenburg-Dorsey

America’s Tony Award Winning Musical SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

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Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays, 2:30 pm.

AJT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Parashat Ha’azinu DEW MORE REFRESHING THAN RAIN For the Atlanta Jewish Times

I

magine this scenario: You awake to a morning rain. Before your eyes open, you hear the pitter patter of raindrops on the roof. You break through your cocoon of sheets and blankets to see that the sky is gray and the clouds are spread across the sky, giving no hope that the rain will stop.

The wheels in your mind begin to turn as you think about how the rain will affect your day. What will you wear to stay dry? Do you still want to go on that run? How much homework do you really have to do before you can curl up in a blanket and read a book?

You answer these questions to yourself as you begin to rise and prepare to start your day. Eventually, the sound of the rain becomes white noise as you brush your teeth, turn on the television, and eventually start your car.

Now, imagine a different scenario: You awake to meet the morning sun. It’s a typical school day, and just like any other morning, you reluctantly pull back your sheets and begin to prepare. With a clean face, minty breath and brushed hair, you begin to dress, throwing on anything in your closet that seems comfortable.

You have a bowl of cereal with milk, and then you head out the door.

You get in your car, turn on the radio and drive to school. You park, greet friends and start your walk to class.

You are already bored.

Maybe, though, you decided to wear flip-flops that morning. And maybe, instead of taking the lengthy path around the field, you decide to walk through the grass. With your first step, you feel the morning dew on your feet; your toes curl back, avoiding the chilled moisture. It’s a beautiful sensory response that sends chills through your whole body, and you’re awake now.

In this week’s Torah portion, Ha’azinu, Moses speaks to the people of Israel for the last time before he goes up to Mount Nebo to join G-d in the Heavens. In part of his parting message, he says to the Israelites, “My lesson will drip like rain; my word will flow like dew” (Deuteronomy 32:2).

The Midrash equates “word” with “inspiration,” putting forth on the matter that “Israel requested that their inspiration flow like rain, to which G-d replied, ‘No, not like rain.

Better that it should drip like dew.’”

This raises many questions, chief among them why Moses relates the lesson to rain, but the “inspiration” to dew; and why G-d prefers that the inspiration of the Jewish people drip like dew rather than be a more constant rain.

The answers can be found within the two scenarios from before: A constant rain has less of an impact than a quick, chilling encounter with morning dew. Our closeness to G-d is similar.

I have experienced this myself. I went to Jewish day school from kindergarten through eighth grade. Every day, I spent one hour in a Judaic studies class and one hour in Hebrew class. Every evening, I did homework for both classes.

Every Friday, I wore navy and white in honor of the Israeli flag (at least, I think that was the motive) and went to Kabbalat Shabbat. I wore a kippah and carried a siddur. I sat and prayed and received a stern sheket bevakasha (“quiet please”) when I got antsy.

For those nine years, I had a constant rain, a deep and consistent connection to G-d; but I was rarely truly inspired.

I attended a Christian school for the following four years (ninth through 12th grade). I remember the Rosh Hashanah of my freshman year; it was the first major Jewish holiday I experienced at a non-Jewish school.

your new year in September? Is this that holiday for which you fast? Why do you go to synagogue for this new year, but not the normal New Year?

She was curious, and her curiosity gave me an opportunity to explain the meaning of Rosh Hashanah as it related to me and to my life. It was a moment that sent chills through my body and brought me closer to G-d.

It was that moment where my toes curled upon the touch of morning dew.

“Listen, O heavens, and I will speak! And let the earth hear the words of my mouth! My lesson will drip like rain; my word will flow like dew; like storm winds on vegetation and like raindrops on grass. When I call out the name of the Lord, ascribe greatness to our G-d.”

We have all repented. We have asked G-d for a clean slate and for a sweet and healthy year. In this coming year, we will all have a connection to G-d; that is certain. The teachings of Moses will be a constant in our lives.

But do not let them become white noise, like the pitter-patter of rain.

Rather, let yourself become inspired by the small things in life – a friend’s curiosity, a beautiful sunrise, a serendipitous moment or even a morning dew.

Editor’s note: Rachel LaVictoire, a Westminster High School graduate and recipient of a prestigious writing scholarship at Washington University of St. Louis, is the AJT’s guest d’var Torah writer for the week.

We have just begun a new year.

Wishing you a Happy & Healthy New Year

When I was in middle school, Rosh Hashanah filled my world weeks before the holiday came. Reminders were everywhere: Art projects featuring apples and shofars plastered the walls, and lesson plans became filled with history, traditions and songs centering on Rosh Hashanah.

But at a Christian school, there was nothing. I was one of perhaps 10 kids in my freshman class who would be celebrating the Jewish new year; to everyone else, it was just a normal week.

I remember that a non-Jewish friend of mine asked me to explain Rosh Hashanah to her. She had questions one might expect: Why is

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By Rachel LaVictoire

35

Atlanta Synagogue Directory

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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

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Ahavath Achim Synagogue 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. Atlanta, GA 30327 www.aasynagogue.org 404.355.5222

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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

AJT

SPECIAL INTEREST

Trees of the Tribe: Obituaries and Other Published Death Notices IMPORTANT IN REMEMBRANCE AND RESEARCH

By Gary Deutsch AJT Contributor

Wishing you a Sweet & Healthy New Year from the Dressler Family Edward Dressler, President David Boring, Michael Braswell, Broc Fischer Licensed Funeral Directors

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Two Examples

In this example (right), we learn Max’s two daughters’ married names and which siblings are still alive at the time of his death. Notice, however, that the death date is not provided.

Sometimes, if you are lucky, you may find a published will in a newspaper like this. I won’t make any comment on how much money is left to each child ($5, really?), but at least we do learn the names of surviving children.

In this case (right), I knew there were other children, but I wasn’t sure what had happened to them. Flora was Sarah’s daughter, and we learn her probable married name. Other children may have died previously or may simply have been left out of the will, although “five other children” are referenced but not named (but that’s just another mystery to be resolved later).

Finding What You Need

Many major papers have indexes to all published obituaries. Some can be found in books or on microfilm at the local public library, while others can be searched online at Ancestry.com, Newsbank.com or the paper’s own web site. ProQuest also provides obituaries through many libraries.

One of my personal favorite research sites is Legacy.com. Typically, their obituaries are more recent, but you may be surprised by what you find there.

As I’ve mentioned before, Cyndislist.com has many links under Categories – Obituaries.

Still, don’t search strictly on the web; there are plenty of great resources in local libraries and, of course, through the Mormon church.

Editor’s note: Gary Deutsch is a former president and current webmaster of the Jewish Genealogy Society of Georgia. He hopes to provide readers with high-level news, tips and tricks for beginners in the field of genealogy. If you have questions or comments about Jewish genealogy, please feel free to email him at Research@FamilyD.com. He is happy to provide guidance and suggestions but unfortunately cannot provide research at this time. Happy digging!

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SEPTEMBER 21 ▪ 2012

O

n Yom Kippur, we take time to remember our loved ones. An important part of remembrance – though it may be only words – is the obituary. These notices are the main method for the decesased’s family to notify others of the passing and can also can be a very useful tool in researching families.

Not only do obituaries usually tell us when and where someone died, but there are usually other clues that can help with genealogical research. They tell us who the person is survived by, which may provide sibling death order, and if you don’t know a female’s married name or even her husband, the obituary can provide that information as well.

The good news about all of these documents is that they are almost always written by someone close enough to the deceased to provide accurate information. Of course, the more well-known the person was, the more information you are likely to find; you may even find a photograph!

37 8/21/12 5:18 PM

JEWISH PUZZLER

Crossword Clues

by Kathi Handler (bookssss@aol.com)

Across 1. Roman persecutor 6. Rosenbergs?

11. Sarnoff org.

14. Tent for Abraham 15. Goliath 16. Vase 17. Jeremiah’s poem 19. Tallis holder 20. Like Israelites from Egypt 21. First lady et al 22. Breathing 24. Stooge Larry __ 26. Kol Nidre chanter 27. Gentiles?

30. Renowned 32. Ba’al Shem Tov 33. Gompers’ cause 34. Zeta Beta ___, fraternity 37. Comedian Roseanne _ 38. Slows down 39. Sopher equipment 40. Got ya!!

41. Measures 42. Noah’s forecast 43. Gabbai catch 45. Haman’s had three 46. Schluf (Eng) 48. Covet 49. Zim transports 50. Samson’s triumphant site 52. Sephardic family

56. Yarmulke 57. Israeli defense minister 60. In front of 61. Equipment for Modigliani 62. Angel 63. Leah to Rachel 64. Like a lulav 65. Hebrew letter Down 1. __ shekel, Temple dues 2. Israeli mountain 3. Satirical songwriter 4. “Mummy” star 5. Daniel’s test site 6. Hebrew in Egypt 7. Chopped liver?

8. Mt. Gilboa flower 9. Freud invention 10. Leiberman or Ribicoff 11. Great classical pianist 12. Covet 13. Noodge 18. Plagues and Commandments 23. Brandeis, casually 25. Shvil Yisra’el initially 26. Minor Prophet 27. Father (Heb) 28. Veiled bride 29. Prodigy of Jacob

30. Kibbutzim?

31. Ribicoff and Geiger 33. “Jakob the __”, Shoah film 35. Diarist Frank 36. Refuseniks’ homeland 38. Torah tones 39. Simon and Garfunkel at times 41. Shmatas?

42. NY Yankee, _ Blomberg 44. Agent 45. Mark of __ 46. Sacrifice residue

47. Puppeteer __ Lewis 48. Unsevered 50. __ Kudrow 51. Valley (Heb.) 53. Richard Tucker specialty 54. Pomegranate plenty 55. Immigrant’s Ellis 58. Laughing sound 59. Place

Last week’s answers

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