Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCVII NO. 15, August 15, 2021 by Atlanta Jewish Times

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CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE BOB BAHR CHANA SHAPIRO DAVE SCHECHTER FLORA ROSEFSKY JAN JABEN-EILON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON SHAINDLE SCHMUCKLER STEPHANIE NISSANI

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THIS WEEK Taste of the Holidays Preparing for the holiest days of the Jewish year, the AJT awakens your senses this week with a sample of the tastes and spirit of the upcoming holidays. Our synagogue guide section includes a directory of Atlanta synagogues and their contact information so you can search for your home for the holidays. You can read what some synagogues are planning for the holidays, with options for in-person and online access to services. Area clergy also share their concerns about the new COVID-19 variant and how that might alter service plans. Meet the diverse lineup of new leaders of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association, Congregation Bet Haverim’s interim rabbi and Congregation Etz Chaim’s associate rabbi. We also catch up with Atlanta’s first female rabbi and our Rabbi Ruach spotlight is Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz of the growing North Fulton Chabad, which we also detail in this issue. In other Orthodox community news, Congregation Beth Jacob and Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael held a bone marrow drive to help find a match for a New Yorker with leukemia who needs a blood stem cell transplant. The AJT sheds light on the new popular Netflix series, “Unorthodox.” Author Rachel Stein talks about her new book, and Beth

Jacob Sisterhood members release a new kosher recipe book. The sweetness of the holiday is also reflected in recipes submitted by community members and stories about traditional foods you might add to your seasonal menu. For instance, there’s a group of Jewish Atlantans that meets twice a year for a chopped livermaking party. And you can learn about the custom of including new and exotic fruits on your holiday table. Our news stories include one about how Emory University’s renowned Holocaust expert Deborah Lipstadt was tapped to lead the national effort to monitor and combat anti-Semitism. Funding issues are also topics of discussion this week in Jewish Atlanta. The AJT delves into how nonprofit fundraising fared during the pandemic. Jewish Family & Career Services plans a new child, teen and family center, and a task force of major donors and family foundations formed during the pandemic to collaborate on the funding needs of the community. In the coming weeks, explore our community further in our Guide to Jewish Atlanta. And as we inch closer to the holidays, our Rosh Hashanah issue is sure to offer more food for thought. ì

Cover image: Depicts rambutan and dragon fruit, exotic new fruits highlighted in our ‘What’s New on Your Holiday Table?’ story. Photo by Flora Rosefsky.

CONTENTS NEWS �� 6 ISRAEL ��16 OPINION ��18 SYNAGOGUE GUIDE �� 20 HOLIDAY FLAVORS �� 34 ART �� 40 CALENDAR �� 42 COMMUNITY �� 46 KEEPING IT KOSHER �� 50 BRAIN FOOD �� 51 OBITUARIES �� 52 CLOSING THOUGHTS �� 56 MARKETPLACE �� 57 Correction and clarification: Part of the article “Hillels in Georgia Expand, Welcome New Directors,” in the July 31 print issue, was missing text. You can read the entire article online at www.atlantajewishtimes.com.

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NEWS Lipstadt Nomination Hailed Locally By Dave Schechter The public knows Deborah Lipstadt as an internationally renowned scholar of the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. If the U.S. Senate confirms her nomination by President Joe Biden to be the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, professor Lipstadt of Emory University will add the title “ambassador” to her resume. Lipstadt’s new portfolio would take in anti-Semitism anywhere in the world, except by statute, in the United States. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee website does not yet list a confirmation hearing date. The AJT did not receive a response to questions for Lipstadt submitted to the White House press office, which said she would not be available for an interview. Lipstadt, the Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies in Emory’s Tam Institute for Jewish Studies and religion department, recognizes the influence that comes with her prominence. “It’s given me a hearing amongst certain people and certain circles where I otherwise wouldn’t have had a hearing. And that’s im-

Rabbi Adam Starr and Deborah Lipstadt at a January 2020 march against anti-Semitism in New York.

portant. That gives you a certain responsibility to use it properly,” Lipstadt told The Emory Wheel student newspaper in September 2015. If confirmed, the 74-year-old Lipstadt will take a leave of absence from Emory, where she has been on faculty since 1993. “Should I be confirmed by the Senate and have the opportunity to accept this position and take on this awesome responsibility, I will miss one thing: Being in the classroom with my Emory students,” she said in a release published by the university.

The Gold family with Lipstadt: Caroline Gold, Eden Gold, Nat Gold, Deborah Lipstadt, Shai Gold and Randy Gold.

Lipstadt is also a member of Congregation Ohr HaTorah. “There is a real sense of excitement and pride within our congregation that Dr. Lipstadt was chosen for this role,” Rabbi Adam Starr told the AJT. “She is an expert communicator both in the spoken word and in her writings. Dr. Lipstadt is so well versed in Jewish tradition and practice, which is unique for a person in a position of such public prominence in secular society. She and her work are a Kiddush Hashem [sanctification of God’s name].”

Margo Gold is the immediate past international president of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

Starr called Lipstadt “a treasured scholar, teacher and a leading voice of moral clarity for our generation. To those that know her personally, she is a wonderful friend and loads of fun to be around, especially at a Shabbat table. Jewish community, life and practice are integral to who she is.” The rabbi also offered this caution to anyone thinking of tangling with Lipstadt: “Everyone knows you don’t mess with Deborah Lipstadt. She is the perfect person needed in our generation to speak with courage and conviction in fighting against the persistent

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evil of anti-Semitism in the world.” Lipstadt also holds a special place in the family of Randy and Caroline Gold. “Deborah is part of our family, whose presence in our house makes each of us better people. She is never far from her teaching instincts, challenging and broadening our thinking each day, on everything from world affairs to proper floral care,” Randy Gold said. “‘Tante Deebah,’ as she is known to our three children, began reading each night to Natanel, our 15-year-old son, when he was 5, and she now reads to Shai, our 9-year-old daughter. We joke that her busy travel schedule is a detriment to our kid’s literacy. Deborah recently finished reading the entire Harry Potter series with Shai, celebrating the completion of each book with an ice cream brunch and screening of the movie adaptation.” Emory President Gregory Fenves, who is Jewish, said on Twitter of Lipstadt: “Since 1993, she has transformed lives at Emory and her scholarship on antisemitism is seminal. There has been a disturbing rise in antisemitism in the U.S. and around the world. @ EmoryUniversity stands united against these hateful actions. Dr. Lipstadt will help lead our nation forward in addressing this vital issue.” Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs Nachman Shai — a visiting member of Emory’s faculty during 2019-20 — applauded the nomination. “I cannot think of anyone more qualified or deserving than Dr. Deborah Lipstadt to take on this role at such a critical moment in time,” Shai told the AJT. “I look forward to partnering with Dr. Lipstadt and finding opportunities to develop and expand the cooperation between the State of Israel and the United States on this issue in order to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities and individuals.” Shai added that, “On a personal note, I admit that it is particularly exciting to see a fellow Emory faculty member and life-

long friend appointed to such a prestigious position. I believe I can speak for all of Dr. Lipstadt’s former colleagues and wish her a heartfelt congratulations and the best of luck.” Lipstadt’s nomination also was praised in statements by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, the Atlanta regional office of the American Jewish Committee, and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta. Lipstadt is “a brilliant choice” who will “serve with integrity, distinction and an unparalleled wealth of expertise and credibility,” said Margo Gold, the immediate past international president of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and vice president of Masorti Olami, the World Council of Conservative Synagogues. Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, who grew up in Atlanta’s Jewish community, emailed the AJT: “I was pleased to recommend Deborah Lipstadt’s nomination to President Biden, and amidst a global surge in antisemitism, her expertise, skills, and determination will be of immense service to the nation and the world.” Lipstadt’s nomination has been criticized by politically conservative Jewish groups and commentators, who cite her defense of a September 2020 statement by thenDemocratic presidential nominee Biden, that then-President Donald Trump was “sort of like Goebbels,” referencing Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi minister of propaganda. Chuck Berk, who heads the Atlanta chapter of the Republican Jewish Coalition, told the AJT: “I was glad to see that Deborah Lipstadt spoke out and condemned antiSemitic remarks by Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar. By appointing Ms. Lipstadt, does this mean that the Biden administration, which has been silent on [Omar’s] antiSemitic remarks, will also condemn her?” ì

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Sharaka Delegation Discusses The Abraham Accords By Stephanie Nissani A delegation recently visited Atlanta from Sharaka, a non-governmental organization bringing diverse groups of influencers, activists and other leaders together to discuss The Abraham Accords, which promotes new relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The Sharaka delegation first appeared at Congregation Or Hadash in Sandy Springs on Aug. 4, hosted by the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Atlanta Rabbinical Association and Atlanta Israel Coalition. The next day, the delegation visited Congregation Ohr HaTorah, partnering with Congregation Beth Jacob for an exclusive roundtable conference hosted by Americans United with Israel, the Israel Consulate General, and synagogue members. Ohr HaTorah Rabbi Adam Starr began the panel by explaining the word shalom and its usage in prayer and daily dialogue among people. Cheryl Dorchinsky, executive director of AUWI, founder of AIC and moderator for the day, then asked: “What exactly is the Abraham Accords?” Omar Al Busaidy is the CEO of Sharaka, USA, but is from the UAE. He explained that it [Abraham Accords] is about exposing the diplomatic relationship among UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. “Saudi Arabia just aired an interview with the Israeli-Saudi judo match players that took place during the Olympics. … that’s a big deal.” He added, “some people call it a love affair that was awaiting to blossom.” Dr. Najat Al-Saied, a columnist and a professor in Zayed University in Dubai, said she believes today’s generation trust their social media and do not research further to gain the facts. She said she gives extra credit for students who can write thoroughly and

The Sharaka Delegation: Dan Feferman, Dr. Najat Al-Saied, Omar Al Busaidy, Sumaiiah Almheiri and Yahya Mahamid. Photo credit to Erik Schreb.

Exclusive roundtable discussion was held on Aug. 5 at Congregation Ohr HaTorah.

publish pieces on diplomatic relationships such as arose from the Abraham Accords, such as diversity, individualism, coexistence, religion, culture and how to balance those with national identities. Sumaiiah Almheiri, the cultural and social manager at Sharaka, said that “it’s

okay to disagree. However, you must stay respectful, even if you condone what your counterpart is saying or doing.” She added that, “even within your family you can share differences and fight, so why can’t we treat one another like your family?” Dan Feferman and Yahya Mahamid,

Sharaka delegation members, admit that they have mass listeners and followers from hostile countries who want to learn about developing relationships with Israel. One messaged Mahamid asking, “How can I join the IDF?” During the roundtable, one question raised was: “What’s the biggest thing that Jews and Arabs have to break in their mind [understand] in order to solve all indifferences?” The panel unanimously agreed that it is imperative for both sides to understand how similar they are. “We are cousins. Our father is Abraham. …” The main event at Or Hadash began with Rabbi Lauren Henderson singing “Hinei Ma Tov,” followed by Israeli Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon stating that Israel continues to pursue peace. “It is still a work in progress but the achievement of our peace agreement with Egypt in ‘79 followed by the agreement with the Kingdom of Jordan in ‘94 was incredibly followed by the Abraham Accords last year. …” Moderating the evening was Alexandria Shuval-Weiner, president of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association and senior rabbi at Temple Beth Tikvah. She began the event introducing the panel composed of five Sharaka delegation members. The panel started with Israeli peace activist Mahamid, who was raised in the Israeli city of Umm al- Fahm with a negative image of Israel until encountering a Chabad rabbi who asked him to shake the lulav and etrog during Sukkot. Mahamid responded, “I’m not Jewish,” and the rabbi replied, “you don’t have to be Jewish; you just have to be a good person.” This was a pivotal moment for Mahamid that changed his perspective and life forever. Next in line was Almheiri, who said

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NEWS that her passion for culture drew her to Sharaka, “which involves everyone and their individuality, that aligned with my values and what I see right.” Busaidy explained that one of the reasons he joined Sharaka is his continuous communication with Israelis and Jews in Dubai. “The Abraham Accords did not surprise me when UAE normalized relationships with Israel since both countries have been talking for quite a while, having many delegations back and forth, discussing trade, cybersecurity, defense, diamonds, etc.” After advocating for the accords for quite some time, Sharaka offered him a position in the U.S. as a liaison. “I hope these accords will change the narrative in the region.” Delegate Feferman is a former IDF intelligence officer who ended up forming The Gulf-Israel Policy Forum, a network of policy and influencers, which led to his travels to the UAE. “I was blown away by the people and ideology of this country, which I realized that is much like Israel in so many ways.” Feferman focused on the importance of bridging the similar traditions and “looking into investing into technology and education.” He added that “the people in the Emirates are incredibly pragmatic, liberal and modern, nothing I had come to assume

to expect of an Arab country in the Middle East.” The last delegate, Al-Saied, teaches about media studies focusing on political communications in societal development. She said she puts emphasis on modernity in the Middle East. “By modernity I mean progression and development.” She said that after the Abraham Accords, she had opportunities landing in her lap to engage in a variety of international affairs that align with her vision of a true peace process. Continuing with the panel, ShuvalWeiner quoted from Sharaka’s website, stating that since Sharaka means partnership, “a peace process is not complete unless it involves ordinary people. What is the idea of partnership and people-to-people peace? What does it mean and how does it manifest itself through things that you do individually?” Feferman believes in the innate compatibility of individuals, affirming that, “unless children are brought up being educated about peace while getting to know one another, it is not going to happen.” He added that countries can sign many political treaties among themselves; however, if it isn’t taught within society, it’s almost impossible to achieve. His colleague Busaidy agreed. “Mis-

Sharaka delegation member Sumaiiah Almheiri, at the security check point at Congregation Or Hadash.

communication can be the root of all evil.” Meanwhile, extensive communication can solve many problems, he said. Al Saied had a different interpretation of attaining peace. “It doesn’t matter how many times we sign a piece of paper; it will never be a true peace if we don’t involve the people and [educate] them. Extremism will forever bring hostility upon individuals instead of [bringing] stability and prosperity. We need to use rationality rather than emotion.”

To acquaint the audience with the panel, Shuval-Weiner asked if Sharaka has seen an impact on the individual community level and if those differences were widened. Sharaka’s CEO Busaidy replied, “I think that some Americans are afraid that they might lose business after the accords, since the Emirates is now importing avocados from Israel.” He added that the label “from Israel” is on the avocados. He also mentioned the potential trade among the countries, adding that there is even kosher food and wine in stores. Stating that all parties’ countries in the accords, Arabs and Israelis will have a bilateral opportunity to learn more about each other while destroying that barrier of inopportunity from either side. Soon enough all countries will jump on the peace wagon and hate will become obsolete; hostility will eventually become an anachronism. While Sharaka’s mission is new, Feferman believes that they are not there to tell governments how to operate, but rather, build a groundswell to spread ways of humanizing each other and not the contrary. The delegation tours around the U.S. with the intent to reach Europe and more Middle Eastern countries. For more information about the delegation, visit www.sharakango.com. ì

NCJW Atlanta Section Stays True to Its Mission - Turning Progressive Ideals into Action for Georgians

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children began National with its early asCouncil of sociation with the Jewish Women’s Free Kindergarten Atlanta Section Association. The has been imsection held a proving the lives Sabbath School of women, chilfor children of dren, and faminewly arrived lies since 1895, immigrants, yet its tireless provided free advocates (forhygiene programs merly known for children, and as “members”) opened a public find their efforts circulating library. are needed now One hundred more than ever. years later, the According to organization’s Co-president (PHOTO OF CO-PRESIDENTS) work on behalf of Sherry Frank, Sherry Frank & Stacey Hader Epstein Atlanta’s children “The section’s NCJW/Atlanta Section Co-presidents continues. Before priorities of contributing to the education of young children; the pandemic, NCJW/Atlanta was training and placing dozens of reading tutors in preserving women’s rights to reproductive nine Title I elementary schools around the health, justice, and freedom; protecting votcity. The organization—and its beloved tuing rights; ensuring free and fair elections, and supporting fair and qualified judges—all tors—are eager to get back to their students sometime this school year. through a Jewish lens—evoke the very same These children are also the beneficiaries passion and compassion as they did over a of scores of backpacks and school supplies century ago.” provided by many NCJW advocates. In adAt the turn of the twentieth century, dition, NCJW/Atlanta volunteers are thrilled NCJW/Atlanta’s efforts on behalf of area

each spring to set up Mother’s Day Jewelry Shops in some of the schools. “We receive hundreds of donated pieces of costume jewelry during the year,” said Co-president Stacey Hader Epstein. “All of the jewelry is cleaned and displayed for these young children to ‘shop’ for their mothers or caregivers. The children—and their teachers—love this special event.” NCJW/Atlanta’s community service work extends to newborns and their mothers, too. The organization works with local agencies to provide vital prenatal items for mothers-tobe in need as well as clothing and supplies for their infants. A woman’s right to vote has been at the forefront of NCJW’s work since its founding. Over the decades, that sacred right and any threat to the sanctity of voting rights and freedoms have motivated Atlanta Section’s advocates to participate in myriad opportunities to protect the vote. From voter registration drives to postcard writing efforts to its recent Promote the Vote/Protect the Vote campaign, NCJW/Atlanta works to ensure that every citizen’s voice and vote is counted. At this fragile point in our democracy’s history, the section looks forward to joining thousands of others in Atlanta and across the country on August 28 to “pray with our feet” at the “March On for Voting Rights.” Women’s health—both physical and mental—has been a cornerstone issue for NCJW/Atlanta for decades. As domestic violence, child marriage, and rape entered

the country’s conversation, NCJW stepped up early to assist local women with needed representation and necessities. And as early as the 1950s, the Atlanta Section was advocating for a woman’s authority over her own health. This support continues to this day as NCJW/Atlanta lobbies for each woman’s freedom of choice and against threatening legislation at the state and federal levels. The section is looking forward to educating its advocates and others this fall about the dire ramifications of reversing Roe v. Wade. The rich history of NCJW’s Atlanta Section serves as a steppingstone to the vital work its advocates do today and will do tomorrow for its mission is as relevant as ever. The section offers many opportunities for passionate women of all ages who are inspired by Jewish values and who strive for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families, and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. It is who we are. It is how we live.

If you are interested in joining this vibrant group of women who are making a difference in the lives of Atlanta families, visit www.ncjwatlanta.org. Paid Content by National Council of Jewish Women

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 9

NEWS

North Fulton Chabad’s $1.3 Million Camp Expansion By Shaindle Schmuckler When Chabad of North Fulton completed its building two years ago, it knew it would need more space for its Camp Gan Israel. So when a Chabad neighbor announced his intent to sell 3 acres, the philanthropic Bunzl family came forward. The family previously donated money for the synagogue’s education wing in memory of Frances Bunzl, who died in 2019, several months after the building was finished. They have been longtime donors to the synagogue and other Jewish Atlanta organizations. The family’s latest $650,000 donation brought the Chabad property to 10 acres, said Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz. The synagogue is also seeking another $650,000 to fulfill its plans for full buildout of the property, which would include a camp sports center, athletic fields and playgrounds available for year-round programming. It is expected to be completed next summer. The new sports fields will be appropriately named the Bunzl Sports Fields. Another donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, offered to match half of the money raised through a crowdfunding campaign for the latest expansion plans.

land space available for a camp. The camp was originally a request by the North Fulton neighborhood where Chabad located. The neighbors approached Minkowicz, expressing the need for a Jewish camp experience for their children close to their homes. Camp Gan Israel (part of the Chabad network of camps) opened its doors with six children in Minkowicz’s living room. In December 2001, Chabad of North Fulton was able to secure a down payment for a property of 4½ acres, which would become the new home for the Rendering of the Bunzl Sports Fields and Leven Field. Chabad and the camp. The latter was able to move onto this addi“The main purpose of the summer camp is to bring tional property before summer camp opened in summer Jewish kids together for a fun-filled summer of sports, 2002. The camp made use of air-conditioned trailers as swimming and typical camp activities, while flavoring evprogramming facilities. But without additional facilities, erything with Jewish teachings and culture,” Minkowicz children were bussed to swimming pools and sports fields. said. It took six years before a sports field and swimming Chabad of North Fulton started in 1998. It has grown incrementally since then. When the building was complet- pool were developed, expanding summer program possied in 2019, the number of parking spaces required by Johns bilities and responding to the demand of a growing numCreek's building code drastically cut into the amount of ber of North Fulton families for a Jewish summer camp in

Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz is director of Chabad of North Fulton.

their neighborhoods, Minkowicz said. In 2012 an adjacent property of 2½ acres became available, and philanthropist and business exec Mike Leven, a close friend of Minkowicz’ and a supporter of Jewish camping, donated the funds to purchase it, bringing Chabad’s property to 7 acres. “The growth of Chabad at this Jones Bridge location in North Fulton was always camp-related,” Minkowicz said. Around the same time, a modern community mikvah was built on the property too. The latest construction project, he concluded, allows “many more children to be served through summer camp and year-round programming while at the same time having the space to welcome and serve the growing North Fulton adult and family community.” ì 10 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

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Rabbi Lauren Henderson ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 11

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Orthodox Community Hosts Bone Marrow Donor Drive By Jan Jaben-Eilon

“In 1991, Jay was diagnosed with leukemia A simple swab inside your cheeks and told, at the age of 22, can save someone’s life. That’s not hythat his chances of findperbole, but actually the basis of a bone ing a matching donor for marrow donor recruitment drive held the transplant that could in-person at Congregation Beth Jacob save him were slim beand Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael in late July and cause of his Ashkenazi continuing online, especially targeting genetic heritage. Jay and the Jewish community. his family learned that Some 30 individuals came to the the best chance of findtwo Orthodox institutions to offer swab ing a donor was with samples to determine whether they could people who shared the be a match for a New Yorker who was disame ethnicity and race. agnosed with Chronic Myelomonocytic However, the worldwide Leukemia and needs a blood stem cell donor registry was not transplant. diverse, likening the Family friend Leah Lewis, who lives search for Jay and many part of the year in Toco Hills and the rest others to looking for a in Jerusalem, helped organize the drive needle in a haystack. with the help of Gift of Life Marrow Reg“Jay’s family would istry, a nonprofit that cures patients batMolly Turk, a Gift of Life intern, assisted the drive held at Congregation Beth Jacob. not take no for an antling blood cancer, sickle cell and other swer, so they organized life-threatening diseases by providing an international grassdiagnosed last summer with the cancer to his father last November, but the candonors for marrow and stem cell transthat starts in the bone marrow and then cer returned, necessitating community roots campaign to find his donor. Over plants. 60,000 people were tested and joined the moves to the blood. His son Daniel was drives around the country. Lewis’ New Yorker friend Shlomo — registry, providing matches for hundreds a partial match and donated stem cells “We’ve had a tremendous response who wants to remain anonymous — was from Jewish communities in Atlanta and of other patients — but not for Jay. As his other cities in New York and New Jersey health was failing, one final drive was who are stepping up to swab for Shlomo,” held, and the last person tested turned said Edwige Buteau, a spokesman for the out to be his match. He received a successregistry, based in Boca Raton, Fla. “Be- ful transplant and decided to dedicate his cause of COVID and the increased risk life to help others, so no one has to search posed by the Delta variant, we’ve shifted for years — or worse, unsuccessfully — the majority of our donor recruitment to find their donor,” Buteau said. Shlomo’s cancer was found in a rouefforts to online to ensure the safety of tine doctor’s visit, his son Daniel said. attendees and the coordinators of the for all your catering needs “Even if I can’t find someone for my fadrives. We’re urging anyone 18 to 35 years old who is in good health (the ideal demo- ther” through the drive, “then maybe a EMORY POINT CITY SPRINGS 1540 AVENUE PLACE 6405 BLUE STONE ROAD graphic for successful transplants) to join match can be found for someone else’s ATLANTA, GA 30329 SANDY SPRINGS, GA 30328 by requesting a swab kit to be delivered father. That’s my goal.” He has helped 678-927-9131 404-255-3000 organize drives in his New York commuwhen they visit giftoflife.org/Shlomo. “Joining the registry is simple: Do- nity with three more planned in the area. “After I donated to my father, I nors simply swab the inside of their cheeks using the swab kit and complete emailed the Gift of Life and said I wanted a registration questionnaire and mail it to do a drive. Gift of Life has been such a fantastic resource,” Daniel said. back to Gift of Life.” Lewis spoke along the same lines. Referring to Atlanta, Lewis said, “our Order Online community is very giving in general and “Even if your bone marrow can’t help THEGENERALMUIR.COM very caring.” So she was heartened by the Shlomo, it might save someone else’s life. response to the community drive here, It’s not a blood test. You just swab yourBe sure to select your preferred location she said. But she is eager for more people self and you’re not committing yourself Emory Point or City Springs and Jewish organizations to get involved. to the procedure.” She acknowledged that the proceAccording to the registry, because of similar genetic ancestry, Shlomo’s per- dure of actually providing bone marrow fect match would most likely be found in is painful, “but it’s short-term pain and they give you medication. It’s not like the Ashkenazi community. “We were created to combat the lack you’re giving up a kidney,” said the longof diversity in the worldwide registries time friend of Shlomo’s family. “Just think of it as your child, sister when our founder and CEO Jay Feinberg couldn’t find a match 30 years ago,” Bu- or your parent,” Lewis said. “Aren’t we all teau said. brothers and sisters?” ì

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12 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

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JF&CS Launches New Child, Family Center By Jan Jaben-Eilon Our children are really in trouble, especially our teens. Terri Bonoff heard this refrain over and over again when she first took on the executive leadership of Jewish Family & Career Services in Atlanta just over two years ago. She had spent her first few weeks filled with meetings with board members, clergy and community leaders, and in each of these consultations, she had asked what is missing in the Atlanta Jewish community. The answer was repetitious. As CEO, Bonoff is now strategically expanding the scope of the 130-year-old agency and is launching a Child, Teen and Family Center to provide a holistic focus to help children from ages 2 on up. JF&CS has already raised $1.7 million and has started hiring practitioners, the first of many planned new staff. “Georgia rates 47 out of 50 in terms of mental health services,” said Dan Arnold, director of clinical services at JF&CS and leader of the new effort. “Teens and children are a more specialized population so there are fewer providers.” Although there are private practitioners, they are often too expensive for the average family. JF&CS has a five-year plan to develop the expansion of its services to children and their families, but that plan doesn’t include a new building. “We need a developmentally appropriate setting for children,” Arnold acknowledged. He cited smaller, rather than “adult” chairs, but the additional services provided under the umbrella of the Child, Teen and Family Center will be held at the existing JF&CS facility. Instead, the funds that are raised go to hiring several new practitioners, Bonoff said. “Dan is leading the effort on who should be hired,” Bonoff said. A $25,000 planning grant propelled the program initially. Consultants were hired and focus groups were held, resulting in a “very robust report and recommendation, which turned into a business plan,” Bonoff explained. That plan apparently caught the attention of several donors. One gave $200,000, two others donated $1,000 each. Soon a family foundation donated $1 million, and some matching grants were made available through the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Among the donors are the Argo Family Fund, Sheryl S. Blechner and Family, the Ed Satell Family Foundation, Zaban Foundation and the Zusman and Horwitz families. “We now have the funds to begin serving the community,” Bonoff said. But JF&CS is also seeking additional money from another major foundation, she added. The children and families that JF&CS has already started working with come as an “outgrowth of our existing clientele,” Bonoff said. According to Arnold, “We’ve hired a team navigator, youth mental health practitioner and a child therapist, and we are actively recruiting for a parent coach and an executive function coach,” Arnold said. Along with three of their clinicians, Arnold is also in an 18-month training program of child-parent psychology that addresses issues of young children who have experienced trauma, such as divorce, death or even adoption.

Dan Arnold is director of clinical services at JF&CS.

Terri Bonoff is CEO of JF&CS.

“The demand for our services has greatly increased due to the pandemic,” Arnold said. “One in five kids were diagnosed with mental health conditions prepandemic.” Signs that parents must watch for in their children include behavioral changes in diet, sleep, not wanting to interact with other children or exhibiting more fear of separation. “We’re not in the business of fixing children,” Arnold added, “but addressing their issues from a family perspective. Our goal is to prevent kids from needing intensive outpatient therapy.” Bonoff stresses that the objective is to build the

children’s resiliency. The new services JF&CS is providing is “not the same services at a different price, but an approach to providing service to kids that doesn’t exist,” Bonoff said. However, as far as pricing, like other agency services, there’s a sliding scale payment program in place and JF&CS accepts insurance. Arnold isn’t concerned about finding new clients, noting that there’s already a waiting list of 20 kids. “There are just not enough resources. Demand outweighs our capacity. Parenting is hard work,” he emphasized. ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 13

NEWS

Brills Spur Collaborative Funders Group By Jan Jaben-Eilon For years, members of the Atlanta Jewish community who are large donors had yearned to bring together a group of likeminded — and like-funded — individuals to become educated about needy issues before being asked for their money. Thanks to a mother and daughter-in-law duo, that kind of collaboration is happening. “Usually you find a need, then find a funder,” explained Jori Mandel, deputy director of the Atlanta Jewish Foundation, which is part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. “For me, money is important, but creating the process is also important,” Mandel said. She explained that she has wanted to create a model for other collaborative endeavors. Then, at the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Lisa Brill and her daughter-in-law Staci contacted Mandel. “Together we created this scenario planning process,” Mandel said. That included the Jewish Funders Network on the national level to be a partner in the process. JFN is an education and support group for family foundations, federations and individuals

“I’m learning so much from the younger generation,” said Lisa Brill, shown with daughter-in-law Staci.

Jori Mandel is deputy director of the Atlanta Jewish Foundation.

that has developed resources and training to assist funders in figuring out the needs of their community and helping tackle them. “At the beginning of the quarantine, Staci and I had both been thinking” about what happens after the pandemic, recalled Lisa Brill. “We’re going to come out of this, but how can we best do it? We have

a great community, with a capital ‘C.’ We have such respect for Jori and we wanted to make sure this would be a community project, not a Federation project. We were clear from the get-go that this would be a standalone, bottom-up versus top-down project. We’re engaging with the Federation, but it is not a Federation project.” Together the women brought together a task force of about a dozen people, from different generations and random parts of the city to help create the process. “We needed to be ready whenever COVID is over,” Brill said. Brill told eJewishPhilanthropy, an online newsletter, “We’ve been in Atlanta since 1979.” She was referring to herself and husband Ron Brill, who co-founded The Home Depot with Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank. “This is a dynamic city. We’ve seen the highs and the lows, and we know that things can always get better.” The new group is officially called the Atlanta Jewish Foundation Funder Collaborative Powered by the Jewish Funders

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Network. The task force of major donors and family foundations initially met four times, becoming educated about various issues in the community. Online seminars and discussions highlighted two main issues: mental health and professional development. After an additional meeting, in mid-July, the group decided to focus on “growing the talent pipeline,” according to Mandel. More funders might be brought into the process, Mandel said. “By the end of the summer, we will have something that people can get behind.” Brill said, “It’s been fascinating. There have been no financial commitments.” She said she’s also enthusiastic about the process, including different generations. “I’m learning so much from the younger generation. It’s a true blessing to do this with one of my daughters-in-law. This is truly the power of family philanthropy.” That’s also been an attraction for Mandel. “It’s intentionally multi-generational. We are trying to foster what will be a big transition of wealth” to a next generation in the coming years. Mandel is responsible for bringing in national or local experts to educate the funders group. “It’s less about the organization that will [eventually] receive the money, and more about the need.” She noted that the participants came with an open collaborative mind and will give what they feel passionately about. JFN has helped develop funder collaborations around the world, Mandel said. “The Atlanta group is interested in learning what works best on the national level. They are not wanting to recreate the wheel. JFN is helping me develop the framework so that Atlanta can be a model for the South.” ì

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Fundraising During Pandemic Remains Strong By Bob Bahr Recently released financial statistics show strong support during the past year for key nonprofit organizations in the Atlanta Jewish community. According to the latest figures from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, released Aug. 2, its Atlanta Jewish Foundation allocated more than $39.2 million, nearly 80 percent of which went to Jewish organizations. The Federation estimated that the combined community impact with its Foundation for the 2020-21 fiscal year was more than $53 million. Slightly more than half of donors this past year were new or gave increased gifts. In announcing the results, Federation president and CEO Eric Robbins said, “We were humbled by the community’s generosity this past year in the face of such trying times.” During the coming year the Federation has earmarked over $21 million to fund their own programs and those of 70 partners. Robbins told the AJT that the financial results during the pandemic were an indication of the important role the organization plays in the community. “I believe the reason we did as well as we did was because people realized that they care about this community and they care about these organizations and they didn’t want to see them suffer in a year when maybe their revenue would be down for other reasons.” At Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta, a social service beneficiary of financial support from the Federation, donations were also strong. CEO Terri Bonoff indicated she is proud of the record they’ve set during their own fundraising year, which ended June 30. “People really stepped up. We ended up the year with our largest campaign ever in Atlanta. In our annual campaign, our annual donors continued their giving from the previous year and many increased their donations.” Both the Federation and JF&CS also received a $5.6 million gift in February from the Frances Bunzl Family Trust, believed the largest such contribution in the history of the organizations. But along with the record-breaking contributions has come a rapid expansion of services during the last 1½ years. According to Bonoff, the demand for help has sometimes seemed staggering. “We’ve ramped up our emergency financial assistance to be able to provide for those who needed help with rent, mort-

Eric Robbins is CEO and president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

been generated during the pandemic has continued. “People are recognizing the value of the work we do, particularly with so much anxiety in the Jewish community about what’s going on around the world, anti-Semitism and with Israel. Last year we raised more money than ever before.” Despite the encouraging results, there is still considerable nervousness over the future. The Chronicle of Philanthropy reported last month that only half the donors they surveyed nationally plan to give as much in 2021 as they did last year. According to Penelope Burk, a fundraising consultant who prepares her Burk Donor Survey each year, the sudden pandemic has been a key factor. “COVID-19 gave donors a focused, narrow urgent case to support,” she stated in the financial publication. She went on to state that to avoid a drop in giving in coming years, fundraisers need to inspire donors with a new compelling reason to give. “Donors can’t sustain an emergency mentality for too long,” she concluded. The slowing of the vaccination rollout

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta expects to distribute over $21 million for programs in the next year.

and new contagious virus variants also contribute to the uncertainty. Despite the recent fundraising tallies, Robbins remains wary. “I am hoping we can start getting together more. We got by for about 1½ years without what I call connectivity, which is, getting together in real time. As far as fundraising is concerned, I don’t know that we can do it for much longer.” ì

Terri Bonoff is CEO of Jewish Family & Career Services.

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The Frances Bunzl Family Trust gave $5.6 million to the Federation and JF&CS.

gage, utilities, food. We have given out over $1 million in hard cash financial assistance since the pandemic began. We’ve given out from our food bank approximately 250,000 pounds of food. To address the mental health demand, our community funded clinicians are actually doing about 275 weekly sessions. We have a list of 20 people waiting to be seen who we haven’t even gotten to yet.” At the Atlanta office of the American Jewish Committee, where the fiscal year is the same as the calendar year, fundraising has also been strong in 2021. According to Jennifer Pardee, the organization’s regional development director, the momentum that’s

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ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME in 2017. The show consists of nine hour-long episodes, all of which are available to stream on Netflix.

Courtesy of Netflix // Israeli actor Lior Raz in “Hit & Run.”

‘Fauda’ Creators Debut New Netflix Show Israeli-made TV show “Hit & Run” has debuted on Netflix, written by “Fauda” creator Avi Issacharoff. The nine-episode series is based around a former special forces soldier, now a tour guide, whose wife is suspiciously killed, leading him to chase the killers to New York City. Segev Azulai, the main character, is played by co-creator and “Fauda” star Lior Raz. The creators went to Netflix and collaborated with American writers to create the series, which premiered Aug. 6. The team that created “Fauda” hopes that they can once again create the hype around “Hit & Run” that surrounded “Fauda,” which won numerous awards and was named among the best international series by The New York Times

Today in Israeli History August 15, 1096 — The armies of the First Crusade officially embark from Western Europe to capture the Holy Land. European Jews suffer pogroms amid the fervor. The crusaders capture and pillage Jerusalem on July 15, 1099.

Tomer Neuberg/Flash90 //Artem Dolgopyat, who won a gold medal at the Olympic games in Tokyo, is greeted by family and friends during a welcome ceremony at Ben Gurion Airport Aug. 3.

Olympic Gold Medalist Celebrated Returning to Israel

August 16, 2015 — Physicist Jacob Bekenstein, whose theory that black holes emit radiation won over Stephen Hawking and advanced work toward a theory of quantum gravity, dies of a heart attack at 68 in Finland. August 17, 1949 — The body of Theodor Herzl, buried in Vienna in 1904, is reburied with those of his wife and parents on the Jerusalem hill that now bears his name, fulfilling a directive in his will. August 18, 1994 — Yeshayahu Leibow16 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Israel to Combat Climate Change with Carbon Tax

Israeli Olympic gold medalist Artem Dolgopyat was celebrated upon his return to Israel at Ben Gurion Airport, greeted with champagne and shofars after winning in the Tokyo games, according to The Times of Israel. Wearing his Olympic medal, Dolgopyat was

Israel is trying to curb greenhouse gas emissions through a carbon tax, to be implemented between 2023 to 2028, according to The Times of Israel. The tax, which will slowly increase over the years, is targeted at coal, petroleum and other fossil fuels in a move expected to cover about 80 percent of Israel’s

itz, who courted controversy and argued for a strict separation of religion and state, dies in his sleep at 91 in Jerusalem. He taught sciences at the Hebrew University for almost six decades.

August 22, 1891 — Sculptor Jacques Lipchitz, whose “The Tree of Life” stands outside Hadassah Hospital on Mount Scopus, is born in Lithuania. In his later years he draws inspiration from Judaism for his work. August 23, 1969 — Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, who has turned to devout Muslim practice, calls for all-out war against Israel in response to the arson attack on Al-Aqsa mosque two days earlier.

Algemeiner/science.co.il Cleanup crews work at the scene of the deadly bus bombing in Jerusalem on Aug. 19, 2003. Jacob Bekenstein, shown in his Hebrew University office in 2009, developed his theory about the entropy of black holes while working on his doctorate at Princeton University in the early 1970s.

met by family, friends and fans as he returned a victor after winning gold in the men’s gymnasts floor exercise. “This is the warmest welcome I’ve received in my life,” Dolgopyat told reporters just outside the airport. “Thank you to everyone for coming. I feel like crying from all the excitement, even more than when I won the medal — just kidding.” Dolgopyat is only the second Israeli to ever win an Olympic gold medal, with the first being won in 2004 by Gal Fridman for windsurfing, the paper reported. Although there was much excitement upon his return, there is still some overshadowing of his win. He is unable to marry his fiance because he is not recognized as Jewish by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, since his mother is not Jewish, TOI reported.

August 24, 1926 — Playwright Nissim Aloni is born in a poor neighborhood in the south of Tel Aviv. The Habima Theatre produces the first of his 12 plays, “Most Cruel the King,” about King Jeroboam I, in 1953.

August 19, 2003 — A suicide bomber kills 23 people and injures more than 130 others by detonating an explosive packed with ball bearings on a bus in the Orthodox neighborhood of Shmuel Hanavi in central Jerusalem. August 20, 1967 — Etgar Keret, one of Israel’s most popular writers, is born in Ramat Gan. Keret’s quirky work, mainly short stories and graphic novels, wins critical acclaim as well as sales. He also writes screenplays. August 21, 1969 — A new immigrant from Australia, Denis Michael Rohan, sets fire to Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem by pouring kerosene through a keyhole and throwing in a lighted match. He enters an insanity plea and is deported.

Yaniv Nadav/Flash90 //Villages near Ramat Hovav suffer from air pollution from a power plant in December 2017. greenhouse gas emissions, the paper reported. The taxes will be limited to protect consumers from direct impacts, although the tax will expand from fossil fuels to other greenhouse gas emissions, such as garbage dumps and air conditioners, according to TOI. A statement released by the Israel Tax Authority and the finance, energy, environmental protection and economy ministries stated that the tax “is intended to correct a market failure, which arises when the polluting factor does not pay for the damage caused as a result of greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon pricing is considered the most effective and efficient way to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and create certainty in the markets.” August 26, 1955 — In a speech, Secretary of State John Foster Dulles reveals a U.S. plan to launch covert peace talks, guarantee the borders of Israel and Arab states, and provide a loan to Israel to pay reparations to Arab refugees. August 27, 2001 — Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine Secretary-General Abu Ali Mustafa is killed when helicopter-fired missiles strike his office in Ramallah. Israel takes responsibility for the assassination. August 28, 1965 — Physicist Giulio Racah dies at 56 during a visit to the city of his birth, Florence, Italy. His work on atomic spectroscopy earned himself and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem international recognition. August 29, 1897 — Led by Theodor Herzl, the First Zionist Congress opens in Basel, Switzerland. It declares that “Zionism aims at establishing for the Jewish people a publicly and legally assured home in the Land of Israel.”

Photo by Moshe Milner, Gal Fridman is honored during a ceremony upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport on Aug. 30, 2004.

August 25, 2004 — Windsurfer Gal Fridman wins Israel’s first Olympic gold medal at the Summer Games in Athens and, having won bronze in Atlanta in 1996, thus becomes the first Israeli with multiple Olympic medals.

August 30, 1987 — The Israeli Cabinet decides to end production of the Lavi fighter jet. The Lavi (“Young Lion”) was doomed by cost overruns and by an agreement not to sell the aircraft to other countries. Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.

ISRAEL NEWS

Israel Requires Week of Quarantine for Travelers By Jan Jaben-Eilon The window that had opened — very briefly — allowing Atlantans to visit Israel has essentially closed again. And it looks like it will remain closed through the upcoming High Holy Days in September. Despite setting records getting a majority of its population vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, climbing rates of infections and hospitalizations have forced the Israeli government to establish new restrictions on travelers. In essence, anyone who enters Israel, whether they are returning Israelis or travelers from dozens of countries including the U.S., vaccinated or not, individuals or in groups, must quarantine for one week upon arrival. Two negative tests are also required before coming out of quarantine. Atlantan Cheri Scheff Levitan, CEO of Kenes Tours, an Israel-based tour operator, expects the quarantine requirement to continue through September. “We have no groups lined up for September, but we do in October,” she told the AJT. What complicates the situation even further is that the government adopted the new rules on Aug. 3 and they are set to go into effect Aug. 11. Kenes Tours had one group “already approved to enter” on Aug. 7 so that trip was proceeding because the participants didn’t have to quarantine. At least one more group had to cancel its plans. “I have worked harder in the last year-and-a-half dealing with guessing games and trying to be clairvoyant,” Levitan said. “Many elderly clients want to do multi-generational trips. People are becoming desperate. I have one colleague who keeps looking for loopholes and there aren’t any loopholes.” Levitan was one of the first Atlantans to travel to Israel earlier this summer after the Israeli ministries of tourism and health announced a pilot program that allowed tourist groups of five to 30 people to travel to Israel under strict guidelines. Individual travelers who met an extensive list of criteria also could procure approval to enter the country. But otherwise, Israel had essentially shut its borders to non-citizens for more than a year due to the pandemic. The new restrictions came just a day after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifted its travel health notice to “Level 3: High,” warn-

Breaking quarantine could lead to a 10-year ban on travel to Israel, Alex Gandler said.

Cheri Scheff Levitan of Kenes Tours has had to be a clairvoyant to predict new Israeli travel restrictions.

Tour operator Mark Feldman blames the government for harming the tourism industry.

ing U.S. citizens not to travel to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. The limitations also came in the wake of Israel simplifying the application permit procedure for non-Israeli citizens. Instead of emailing dozens of documents to an Israeli consulate and waiting for approvals, there’s now an online system for entry permits. “It is, at the moment, the only way to request entry to Israel,” said Alex Gandler, deputy consul general of Israel to the Southeast. The form became available July 13 and can be accessed online through the Israeli government site. Levitan called the online system “a tremendous improvement. I’ve referred many people to the form.” Only now it is nearly irrelevant for anyone traveling to Israel for a short visit since the week of quarantining is required upon arrival. And breaking quarantine comes at a severe price, according to Gandler. Fines as high as $1,500 may be imposed as well as a ban to travel to Israel for 10 years. Anyone with the time and determination to still travel to Israel must have a negative COVID-19 test before they embark and after they land, along with a serology test that proves they have antibodies against the virus. “People have entered Israel feeling they are vaccinated and did everything right, but the tests show they don’t have antibodies. We tell people to get on the plane at their own risk. You don’t know what’s in your blood.” And hopes that Israel’s tourism industry could soon recover from the long months of pandemic have seemingly been dashed. Mark Feldman, CEO of Jerusalem-based Ziontours, told AJT in an email, “These new regulations are

another step backward in opening up Israel to incoming tourism. So many organizations want to send groups to Israel but have been stymied by the complete lack of clear instructions when the country will open up and under what circumstances,” Feldman said. “My sad opinion is that these lat-

est restrictions will stay in place until the end of September thus eliminating any tourists from the United States unless they can plan to spend seven days in quarantine before starting their trip. Why Israel is the only country in the Western world making such conditions escapes logic.” ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 17

OPINION It’s a Family Affair The night before leaving Maine, I became a bit wistful. As another year’s visit to “Camp Schechter” came to an end, I wished we were staying longer. My wife is right: I am more relaxed there than anywhere else. The setting is idyllic: two Dave Schechter simple cabins, in a woods, just From Where I Sit steps from a lake, in an area less frequented by tourists. What makes this place special can be found in photographs displayed in the larger, green cabin — successive generations in the same surroundings. That history began some eight decades ago, with my paternal grandmother and great-aunt. My brother the rabbi now holds the title. His maintenance and mechanical skills make it possible to live in a cabin where the inner wall is the outer wall, room partitions stop short of the ceiling, the kitchen is functional, and one does not luxuriate in the shower. Having no such skills, I cut brush and paint; this year, the exterior of the smaller, white cabin, which I joke is held up by up coats of paint applied over the years. As a boy, I painted the same boards with my father. Nine summers have passed since his death, but memories of my father are ever-present. I can sit in his rocking

chair and watch the sunset from the same vantage point that he enjoyed. Dad considered any day spent on the water to be a good day. In the canoe, the Navy veteran steered from the stern while I sat in the bow. “Put the wood in the water” was his way of telling me to talk less and paddle more. I like to kayak early in the morning, when the lake is quiet, before a bugle call over a loud speaker rousts the nearby boys camp. On a really good day, I go out again as the setting sun shimmers on A homemade sign welcomes family and friends to "Camp Schechter" the water. Each time, I hear and into deeper water, I had never seen more than three Dad’s exhortation, “put the wood in the water.” And each together. time, I lift the paddle out of the water, let the kayak drift, Until this year. and talk to my father, about the family and the beauty of We — my wife, our youngest son, and I — arrived the lake. mid-afternoon on a Sunday. An hour or so later, after getSeeing loons and hearing their distinctive call is a speting ourselves settled in the green cabin, we unchained the cial treat. As many times as I have ventured out of our cove kayaks and unlocked the shed holding the paddles and life jackets. There were five loons, identifiable by their black-andwhite plumage. They seemed not to regard our kayaks as a threat, unlike the motor boats that churn the water. We approached within a dozen or so feet, lifted our paddles and watched. After a while, marveling at our good fortune, we went our way and the loons went theirs. combining technology and artistry to create exceptional dentistry. Beyond the charm of exchanging our routines at home for the less harried life at the lake — and swapping Atlanta’s swelter for Maine’s cooler temperatures — we began the trip with a special occasion. FOR VOTING US BEST DENTIST! We usually fly to Portland, then drive the 75 miles to the cabins. This year, for a variety of reasons, we flew to Boston, where one of my sisters lives. That decision was one factor that made possible a reunion with my two brothers and two sisters (I am the oldest), and our 93-yearold mother, who traveled from Chicago with my other sister. We were last together at a niece’s wedding four years ago. My mother was delighted, seeing not only her five children, but also four of her 11 grandchildren. I genuinely was surprised when presented with a cake to celebrate my birthday a few days early. A hard rain fell the night before we left Maine, but ended in time for one last morning outing on the lake before following my brother’s checklist of duties before lockImplants and same-day, multiple unit crowns, veneers and bridges are available! All are personally fabricated by Dr. Mastro ing up. My antidote for stress is to think of myself in the kaySEE MORE OF DR. MASTRO’S MAKEOVERS AT ak, taking in the sky, the woods, and the water in a place www.AlluringCosmeticDentistry.com where, admittedly, I am more relaxed. So, after pulling shut Single appointment porcelain crowns the door and turning the key, I walked to the water’s edge and veneers available! and took a lingering last look at the lake and the cabins. That will have to sustain me until I return to Camp 770-642-9900 | 800 Mansell Road | Roswell, GA Schechter. ì Dr. David Mastro Call today to schedule an appointment!

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18 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Thank You

OPINION

Letters to the Editor The AJT welcomes your letters. We want our readers to have an opportunity to engage with our community in constructive dialogue. If you would like your letter to be published, please write 200 words or less, include your name, phone number and email, and send it to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

Letter to the editor, Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act It is estimated that nearly 13 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s [disease] by 2050, so it is critical we find better ways to care for them. Georgia has 150,000 people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. By enhancing the coordination of dementia care, we can lessen the burden for individuals and their caregivers while reducing health care costs. In 2020, caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia provided an estimated 15.3 billion hours of care valued at nearly $257 billion. It is extremely difficult for caregivers to navigate the maze of services and providers needed to care for someone with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. My family experienced this while taking care of both of my parents who suffered with Alzheimer’s for a total of 18 years. Coordinated Dementia Care Management will lead to improved outcomes for patients and caregivers and will lower Medicare costs. The Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act is the first step in being able to provide more integrated care and help caregivers navigate the complicated system. Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in asking Sen. Raphael Warnock

to co-sponsor the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act. Additionally, I want to thank Senator Warnock for joining the Alzheimer’s Congressional Task Force. To learn more about this disease and how you can join the fight to end Alzheimer’s, visit www.alzimpact.org. Debbie Levin, Atlanta

Letter to the editor, A Thank You Note to the Atlanta Jewish Community One of the most important lessons I was taught growing up was the importance of a thank you note, so I wanted to write one to the members of my community. When it came time each spring to start the summer internship search, I always found myself stumped. I was not like my friends in business who could apply to any job that had the word “finance” in the title and I was not a pre-med student looking for clinical hours. I could never find a job description that spoke to me and could help me demonstrate my interest in becoming a genetic counselor, so I turned to the Atlanta Jewish community. I was at the computer staring at a job board when I remembered a guest speaker from when I worked at In the City Camps, when a representative from JScreen, a Jewish

genetic screening test based in Atlanta, I was instantly intrigued after receiving a T-shirt that read “You’re My Genotype” — a clever genetics pun. After getting in touch with JScreen, I was able to have a surprisingly productive summer [in] 2020, where I learned more about Jewish genetics and worked as an outreach intern. There, I was able to confirm my interest in genetics. This internship gave me the push I needed to keep learning about the field and how it was so much bigger than genetic testing kits, and how it affects real people in our community. When starting to look for internships for this summer, I had remembered that the CEO and founder of the Jewish Fertility Foundation, Elana Frank, had worked at The Weber School in Atlanta at the same time I was a student there. I used that to bridge a connection and cold email Mrs. Frank and ask her to hop on a call with me. Before I knew it, we were discussing how my interests in genetics could fit at JFF, where I was able to create my own internship for the summer that has allowed me to demonstrate my passion for genetics education, by most recently going “live” on social media with a JScreen genetic counselor. In addition, I now better understand how medi-

cal infertility affects people in our community, allowing me to get more acquainted with the counseling side of my interest. My favorite part about being a part of the Atlanta Jewish community is how willing each individual is to help. Every time I describe my interests and passions, there is someone that is able to bridge a connection for me. Even on social media in the Jewish Women of Atlanta Facebook group I have been able to successfully meet professionals who are willing to help and build connections. So, thank you to all of the members of the Atlanta Jewish community who have selflessly helped me over the years, and I am looking forward to paying it forward in the future. Jenna Grossman, Atlanta

Disclamer to our readers: This section of the newspaper is a forum for our community to share thoughts, concerns and opinions as open letters to the community or directly to the newspaper. As a letter to the editor, we proof for spelling and grammatical errors only. We do not edit nor vet the information the letter contains. The individual signing the letter is accountable for what they share.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 19

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE Rabbis Address Holiday Questions and Concerns As the high holidays approach again during an enduring pandemic and COVID cases rise from a new virus strain, the AJT Roni Robbins surveyed Atlanta clergy about their plans for services during the holiest time of the Jewish year. Most of the respondents reported hosting both in-person and virtual services. The Orthodox synagogues are inperson only because of the restrictions against technology on holy days. Some shuls will offer a service outdoors in tents, many encouraged maskwearing and at least one synagogue is requiring proof of vaccinations or a COVID test in advance of in-person attendance. Still another is urging congregants who are either unvaccinated or at high risk of illness to “strongly consider” watching the service online from home. Here are a few examples of what the AJT found when polling area clergy:

Conservative Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Buckhead Associate Rabbi Sam Blustin reported the congregation’s “main services would be both in-person in the sanctuary and virtual, and our family programming will all be outdoors in a tent. We will also have hybrid study opportunities throughout the days. “We will be requiring masks at all times in the building, even for those vaccinated, but as of now, will not be mandating distancing. We are requiring proof of vaccination or a PCR test within 48 hours of the start of Rosh Hashanah and again for Yom Kippur, for all attendees 12+. Masks will be required for those under 12, although at outdoor programming masks will be optional.” Blustin estimated attendance at 500 to 1,000 in person, about the same as last year, “which is maybe a quarter to a half of pre-pandemic in-person attendance, but it’s really a guess.” He explained further, “The next three to four weeks and the progress of the Delta variant will very much affect those numbers.” In terms of contingency plans, Blustin said, “If things really were to get bad, then we could move to an entirely online experience with only those leading present in the room, but with vaccinations 20 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Virtual services will be available at AA Synagogue.

Rabbi Peter Berg and staff prepare for high holiday services at The Temple.

being so widespread in our congregation, we don’t anticipate needing to take this extra step. “Depending on the where we’re at, people will opt in or out of the in-person experience based upon how comfortable they feel. Even with a few hundred people, they can be spaced pretty far from each other if they’d like in our sanctuary.” Congregation Beth Shalom, Dunwoody Rabbi Mark Zimmerman shared an email the synagogue sent to its congregation last month about its high holiday attendance policy. With the new Delta variant causing an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Georgia, “out of an abundance of caution, the Beth Shalom Task Force is now requiring that masks be worn at all times upon entering the building — vaccinated or not. … Although the risk to be diagnosed with COVID is substantially lower when vaccinated, the Delta variant has been shown to transmit to people even with the vaccine.” In an effort to stay open for services,

“we ask that everyone do their part and find a mask you love and show it off at shul!” Services will also be livestreamed. The choir will be singing this year, the email stated. “They are all vaccinated and will also have a negative PCR test within 48 hours of services in order to be extra cautious. Additionally, they will be staged in front of the sanctuary and have a buffer surrounding them to give some social distancing from the rest of the congregation. “There will be up to five rows blocked at the front of the sanctuary to provide a barrier from people seated in the sanctuary with those davening on the bimah or in the choir.” Vaccinations are not required. But to help make informed decisions, Beth Shalom asked congregants to disclose whether they’ve been vaccinated and whether they’ll be attending in-person high holiday services. Zimmerman added, “Of course the situation is fluid and things can change between now and then...” Congregation Etz Chaim, Marietta In a letter to the congregation Aug.

2, Rabbi Daniel Dorsch elaborated on the expression “to love your neighbor as you love yourself.” In light of rising COVID cases due to the variant, which he referred to as a “pandemic of the unvaccinated,” he asked congregants “if you are an adult who is either unvaccinated or if you are immunocompromised (even if vaccinated), that you strongly consider participating virtually only in our community for the foreseeable future. “I am sending this email nearly a month before the High Holy Days in the event that those of you who have not taken the vaccine, not due to a doctormandated medical concern, will now strongly consider doing so in order to be vaccinated in time to join us on the holidays.” He further stressed, “This request is not intended to be punitive: nor is it compulsory. However, for those of you who take our faith seriously know that it is intended to be a living embodiment of the principles set forth in our holy Torah that remind us of our responsibility to love our neighbors and friends, including the many children who are a part of our community.” Responding to the AJT’s survey, Dorsch said of those who choose to attend in person, “As of now, masks are optional if you have been vaccinated. … We have a medical committee consisting of medical professionals from across the field who will advise us if we need to make a change to this particular plan. Like everyone else, we are currently monitoring the situation.”

Orthodox Congregation Ohr HaTorah, Toco Hills At Orthodox synagogues such as the congregation Rabbi Adam Starr leads, services are only in person because of the prohibition against technology on holidays. “As of now we will have options for a masked service for those more comfortable and a masked-optional service,” Starr responded to the AJT query. “We will also have a tent for an outdoor service. We have sent out a survey to assess the interests of our congregants. Having multiple services will enable us to not have packed services. It is possible as things evolve, we may require masking indoors as guided by our medical committee.” As a side note, he added, “If you asked me these questions a month ago, I would have responded: completely back to normal. It is a very fast and changing

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

The Temple prepares for livestreaming services.

Torah honors: B’nai Israel president Ralph Ellis with Angela Ellis, among videos taped in advance of holidays and intermeshed with the live service.

world we’re in these days.” His primary concern is “that the pandemic reaches a level to which people need to stay home from shul.” In terms of contingency plan at this point, he said, “Everything is a contingency plan as we are prepared to adjust as necessary as the situation evolves.” Chabad Intown, Atlanta Services are also in-person only at Chabad Intown. Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman said that the number of people that will show up for services is in “Hashem’s hands.” He’s concerned, however, “that the fear is paralyzing people and hurting our ability to be connected to each other and our community. We need to remember while we need to live in a responsible manner, Hashem is in charge and that should alleviate our fear.” Contingency plans? “If things are more challenging, then we’ll do our best as we did last year. However things turn out, we’ll be here for the entire community. We’ll accommodate everyone and anyone.”

Reform Temple Beth Tikvah, Roswell The synagogue is “strongly encouraging masks and social distancing within the main sanctuary,” said Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner, who is also president of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association. “We are also providing outdoor service options especially geared to families for the safety of our children. If

Last year’s Yom Kippur live virtual setup at B’nai Israel with Rabbi Lou Feldstein, cantorial soloist Susan Burden and technician Jonathan Burden.

Past President Sharon Hudgins holding the Torah during Kol Nidre, among past president photos showed during the service.

we need to return to a full mask requirement, we are ready to do so.” She said the congregation surveyed its members and “believe that we will have a large percentage who will participate online with a smaller in-person attendance.” Like the other rabbis the AJT polled, her concern is about “the significant surge of Delta variant right as schools are reopening. I think many people will want to return to smaller pods, shrinking the number even more so of those willing to come into the building. … Yes, we are preparing for last-minute contingency plans should we need to pivot quickly.” The Temple, Atlanta We often say, regarding COVID, “this is the new normal,” said Rabbi Peter Berg. “For us, the new normal means that we have emerged into a multi-access congregation. Many of our programs, classes and worship experiences will be available both virtually and in person. We have made a major investment in technology, which will allow us to serve our members and the community wherever they may be.” Congregation B’nai Israel, Fayetteville “As of this moment, we are planning both in-person and virtual access to our services, with in-person being limited seating and requiring a reservation,” said cantorial soloist Susan Burden.

“Congregants are given first priority, but after the reservation deadline ends, we will begin adding names from our guest waiting list. “We require masks for everyone in attendance, including clergy. We are using physical distancing, which will limit our seating capacity greatly.“ Burden estimated seeing 70 to 75 in person and 50 to 75 virtually. “However, more are continuing to attend Shabbat services virtually, even though we have re-entered our building this summer, so we cannot be certain of any estimate. We have an aging population, which contributes also.” To ensure the safety of those in attendance, Burden said, “We will be modifying our services to remove some of the interactive activities that have usually been part of our HHD worship, in an effort to cut down moments of exposure. “Also, with reservations needed, it is difficult to recruit participants in advance, since we cannot know who will attend in person until the final week or so. We are unsure how to handle the possibility that some congregants may sign up for all services available, leaving other congregants with no in-person service available at all. Do we limit reservations

to only one service per holiday? We will hopefully not have that scenario to face, but we are working out a plan, in case.” What else has changed? “We cannot hold our annual Rosh Hashana Luncheon, which is one of the highlights of our community. Experiencing a meaningful service while all are masked might be more difficult for some participants. “We ordered and used ‘Mishkan Hanefesh’ last year for the first time and made a special effort to distribute the machzor to our congregants, which were later returned to us. If we need to go virtual again, or for those watching virtually, we will have more problems regarding this issue.” Another concern Burden expressed is: “The rapidly changing health guidelines and data is making many congregants confused and frustrated at a time when they need to feel part of the community.” Contingency plans? “Yes, we can be completely virtual if necessary and can have some service participation components videotaped ahead of time. We did all virtual last year with this method and it was successful.” ì

TEMPLE KEHILLAT CHAIM 1145 Green Street Roswell, Georgia 30075 Phone: 770-641-8630 A Reform congregation in historic Roswell welcoming interfaith families

Happy New Year from Temple Kehillat Chaim!

We have Tot, Children, Teen, and Adult High Holy Day Services – in person and socially distanced this year. College Students and Active Military are especially welcome!

We also offer Sunday-only Religious School for PreK-7th Grade and Hebrew for all levels 8th -10th Grade Confirmation Classes Email religiousschool@kehillatchaim.org to learn more! * Active Youth Engagement * Weekly Shabbat Services and Torah Study * Adult Education Classes www.kehillatchaim.org ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 21

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Atlanta’s First Female Rabbi Looks Back By Dave Schechter

paired with the matriarchs. More than four decades have passed Lerner said that since Rabbi Devon Lerner (whose first during her two years at name then was Beverly) delivered her first The Temple, “Alvin Sugsermon at The Temple. arman gave me quite She remembers there being a large a bit of freedom to do crowd that Friday night, on July 13, 1979. what I wanted. He asked “I have very fond memories of my experiwhat I was most interence there,” Lerner said. She served as asested in.” Sugarman, sistant rabbi at The Temple for two years, then The Temple’s seuntil leaving to lead a Reform congreganior rabbi, is now rabbi tion in Richmond, Va. emeritus. She is believed to have been Atlanta’s Lerner’s interests first female rabbi. included social justice Reform Judaism in America began issues, particularly relaordaining women in 1972, followed in tions between the Jewish 1974 by the Reconstructionist movement and African-American and by Conservative Judaism in 1985. The communities. In that camajor bodies within Orthodox Judaism pacity, she engaged with remain opposed to ordaining women. The Martin Luther King, The Temple was Lerner’s first pulpit Jr. Center for Nonviolent Rabbi Devon Lerner outside The Temple in 1982, Rabbi Devon Lerner today. after her ordination in June 1979 at HeSocial Change, which when she returned for a congregant’s bar mitzvah. brew Union College in Cincinnati, a semiwas established in 1968 nary for Reform rabbis. The reception to by Coretta Scott King, first” in their pulpits, she said. the congregation, clearly within the her appointment was “mixed in the beginwidow of the slain civil rights leader. “There was a lot of curiosity about board,” Lerner said. “The Temple has a ning, which has been a pattern that con“Black-Jewish relations were parme,” along with “a lot of support within long history of being on the edge of social tinued with other women who were the ticularly present and forefront,” Lerner justice issues. This particular issue was said. She noted that her tenure coincided an important one. They wanted to have a with the case of Atlanta’s missing-andwoman rabbi.” murdered children. Between July 1979 If there was one area in which Lerand May 1981, at least 29 Black children, ner ruffled feathers within the congreadolescents and young adults were killed, gation, she said, it was over language in most by strangulation or asphyxiation. the prayer books. At the time, the Reform At the time, Sugarman urged conmovement used “Gates of Prayer: The New gregants at The Temple “to participate in Union Prayer Book,” which had been inthe reward fund and talk to their friends troduced in 1975 as a replacement for the in the Black community to let them know “Union Prayer Book” used for the previous that they did care and we are one commu80 years. nity.” “The sexist language in the liturgy Lerner remembered, “The religious was a problem for me,” Lerner said. “I communities were very upset about this felt it should be gender neutral, or at a and felt that we needed to do something minimum interchange male references to because of a feeling that no one was doing God with female.” On the pulpit, “I would anything about it.” change the pronouns. I wouldn’t use ‘king’ “I was part of an organizing comeither, because that has the same probmittee to put together a march down the lem. I would put other words, such as streets of Atlanta in protest, to support the ‘eternal one.’ That got some pushback.” Black community, and raise the awareThat included being called before the litness levels of the tension that wasn’t beurgy committee to explain herself. ing handled well at all in the city,” she said. “I cannot relate to a God with lanThat protest, on March 15, 1981 — when guage that identities God as ‘He.’ It doesn’t the death toll had reached 20 — proceedinclude me as a woman. In all good coned through downtown to The King Center. science, I can’t feel honest and do that,” Lerner left Atlanta to become rabbi she recalled telling the committee. of Congregation Or Ami, in Richmond, In the end, “It just got accepted,” but which she served until 1984. For the past she was alone in using gender neutral landecade she has been program director of guage from The Temple’s pulpit. Roots of Reform Judaism. Today’s Reform movement prayer Although she has relatively little book, “Mishkan T’filah,” introduced in contact today with Atlanta, “I hold people 2007, replaced masculine references to there dear in my heart,” Lerner said. ì 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, GA 30360 God and mentions of the patriarchs are

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22 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Terrific things are happening at Temple Kol Emeth! By Temple Kol Emeth

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enior Rabbi Larry Sernovitz joined Temple Kol Emeth (TKE) on July 1, 2020. Under his leadership, despite a global pandemic, TKE continues to enhance and expand programming for all ages, and new members are flocking to the East Cobb synagogue to join their family. Sernovitz says, “TKE is truly a community of communities;” thus, his inspiration to develop the Kehillot program. A Kehillah is an intentional community of 6-10 people from the congregation whose members make a covenant to come together at least twice a month using Jewish intention to help create connection—connection with your spirituality, your community, and yourself. This network of relationships links members together for shared activities, allowing everyone to feel welcome with a heightened sense of belonging and family. Kehillot are geared to different interests and passions, yet all Kehillot have the same purpose—connection. For example, there was a foodie Kehillah that explored grilling and another Kehillah that was devoted to wine tasting. There was a Couch to 5K Kehillah, a dog walking Kehillah, and a disc golf Kehillah for outdoor lovers. Parents had a support Kehillah, and still another Kehillah explored all things Judaism. Last round, there

were 16 different Kehillot where members could explore their passions and invoke their sense of curiosity while being in the warm, welcoming company of friends. Kehillot are seasonal, each lasting approximately three months, and are facilitated by the group’s Shammash (“igniter”). You have a subject interest? Create your own Kehillah! Sernovitz also launched the Spiritual Boot Camp in 2020. This year’s Spiritual Boot Camp began on August 9. You can still join the TKE community for daily engagement, including prayer calls every Wednesday, meditation exercises, poetry, videos, activities, and more to help you engage deeply in the month of Elul. These are only some of the ways to get onvolved at TKE. Under Sernovitz guidance a formal engagement committee was created to drive new and innovative programing for all age groups, keeping TKE’s calendar full of opportunities to participate. They also hosted a major social distanced outdoor community event and virtual road race in 2020.

school in the metro Atlanta area, TKE’s Religious School ignites a passion for Jewish education in school-age kids. “Educate a child in the way he ought to go and he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). To meet the growth in their community, TKE has hired Cindy Livingston to be the Director of Member Engagement. Bringing 20 years of Jewish professional experience to her new role, Livingston is facilitating new programs, community engagement, and connecting with young families. In addition to the religious school, children and teens have endless opportunities to connect with each other through oTKE’s KEFTY teen program, Kol Bonim activities, and so much more—all overseen by Lauren Davis, the Youth Engagement Coordinator. Rabbi Sernovitz is passionate about the intersection of faith and secular life, dedicating his career to inspiring individuals and families to create sacred moments in their lives. You can join this thriving community and learn more at Temple Kol Emeth at https://www.kolemeth.net. Follow them on social media at @TempleKolEmethMariettaGa.

Sernovitz also brought the award-winning Religious Educator Hope Chernak on board to lead TKE’s thriving Religious School. Chernak brings exciting new ideas and an engaging new curriculum for kids from pre-school to confirmation. In addition to being the third largest religious Paid Content by Temple Kol Emeth

Rosh Hashanah is not only the beginning of the new year, but also influences each and every day of the entire upcoming year. In order to set the tone, Ahavath Achim Synagogue will be offering the option of both in person and virtual services this year. In the spirit of continuing to offer spiritual upliftment and comfort to our community during this transition period, we will not be requiring tickets for those attending services in person, nor payment for access to our virtual service experience. We do require registration for anyone attending services in person primarily so that we can ensure the safety of all who choose to attend. Part of the registration process for those who wish to attend in person will be furnishing proof of vaccination. In an abundance of caution, masks will be required at all times when inside the building. In line with ongoing developments regarding Covid-19, we will continue to watch developments and if necessary, will not offer an in person experience. In order to make things simple, all information related to the High Holidays can be found on our website at aasynagogue.org. This page includes a full schedule of services, registration for in-person services, links for virtual participation in services, updated Covid-19 protocols and everything else you need to know regarding the upcoming High Holidays. It will continue to be updated as new information is made available. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all Leshanah tovah tikatev vetichatem - May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 23

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

A Historic Choice for Atlanta Rabbis By Dave Schechter Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner remembers being told, just several years ago, that “it was fine for women rabbis to serve the community as teachers or assistant rabbis, but not in senior leadership positions.” Shuval-Weiner, the senior rabbi of Temple Beth Tikvah, is now president of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association, the first woman to hold the post. Elected this spring, she succeeded Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal, the senior rabbi at Congregation Ahavath Achim. As for being a “first,” Shuval-Weiner told the AJT: “I think it speaks to the value placed on and growing acceptance of women religious leaders here in Georgia. Since arriving to Georgia six years ago I have seen a gradual shift in how people respond to meeting women rabbis. … Today we have many outstanding women rabbis leading all over Georgia in a multitude of ways. Truthfully, we still have a ways to go until we women rabbis are simply seen as ‘rabbis,’ yet it is my prayer that by serving in this role with the ARA that we are able to push that dream forward a bit faster.” Shuval-Weiner said the ARA’s role “is to provide a religious voice for the community in matters of ethic and moral concern, and to model and provide a Jewish framework on challenging issues.” The remainder of the ARA board, who serve two-year terms, are: Rabbi Joshua Lesser, rabbi emeritus, Congregation Bet Haverim, vice president; Rabbi Daniel Dorsch, senior rabbi, Congregation Etz Chaim, secretary; and Rabbi Ari Leubitz, head of school, Atlanta Jewish Academy, treasurer. The members-at-large are Rabbi Ruth AbuschMagder, senior educator, Bechol Lashon, and Rabbi Hillel Konigsburg, Congregation B’nai Torah. Rosenthal becomes immediate past president.

24 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner is the first female president of the ARA.

Lesser has been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ community as well as being involved in numerous other social and political issues. “I am serving a second term on the ARA board, and this time in the position of vice president. Our diversity is representative of a thriving Atlanta rabbinic community that represents different perspectives, life experiences and points of view. Together we look forward to serving our colleagues and the wider Jewish community,” he said. Shuval-Weiner joined Beth Tikvah in 2015 as the Reform congregation’s third senior rabbi. She previously served from 200815 as associate rabbi of The Temple-Congregation B’nai Jehudah, in Overland Park, Kansas. The Los Angeles native received her master’s degree in Jewish Studies in 2006, Master of Hebrew Letters in 2007, and was ordained as a rabbi in 2008 at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. She holds a master’s degree in education, specializing in school administration, from the University of Central Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree from Israel’s Bar-Ilan University, where she majored in education and humanities. Rosenthal told the AJT: “Being presi-

Rabbi Joshua Lesser is the new ARA vice president.

Loren Filson Lapidus is the senior associate rabbi at The Temple.

Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal is the immediate past president of the ARA.

Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser manages the URJ’s Introduction to Judaism and serves part-time at Congregation B’nai Israel in Fayetteville.

dent of the ARA has been such an incredible honor. The opportunity to connect in very meaningful ways with my colleagues was well worth the effort and any hardship. Being president during a pandemic wasn’t ideal but it did increase the impact made through our work with the rabbinic and greater Jewish communities. “I personally feel so blessed to have my lasting impact on the ARA and Atlanta Jewish communities to be in elevating and handing over the rabbinic and spiritual leadership of the ARA to Rabbi Alex and Rabbi Josh. They are both titans and will take the Atlanta Jewish communities to new heights. Having them as VP and officers while I was president was a true gift. I can’t wait to follow and support them during their leadership.” Shuval-Weiner’s election was heralded by Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser, who manages the Union of Reform Judaism’s Introduction to Judaism online and serves part-time at Congregation B’nai Israel in Fayetteville. “I think it’s actually a long time coming. Over the past 40 years, there’s been a succession of women rabbis at Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist synagogues and in other leadership roles in the community. I think the way in which women are shaping every facet of Jewish life in greater Atlanta is signif-

icant in myriad ways. I’m delighted that my colleague and friend Rabbi Shuval-Weiner is heading our rabbinic assembly and look forward to seeing her ongoing impact in Atlanta’s Jewish community.” Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus, the senior associate rabbi at The Temple, echoed Nemhauser, saying: “Rabbi Shuval-Weiner is a blessing to our Atlanta Jewish community. Her leadership over the past several years in our Greater Atlanta Reform Clergy group and the CCAR [Central Conference of American Rabbis], as well as the ARA, is an inspiration to all of us. We are all so excited that she is the first woman in the president’s role, another milestone in the story of women rabbis and cantors here in our Atlanta community.” Next June 3, 2022, will mark the 50th anniversary of the ordination of the first female rabbi by one of Judaism’s major movements in the United States, that of Rabbi Sally Priesand by the Reform movement at Hebrew Union College in 1972. The Reconstructionist movement’s first ordained female rabbi, in 1974, was Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. The Conservative movement’s first female rabbi, ordained in 1985, was Rabbi Amy Eilberg. A handful of Orthodox women have been ordained, though outside of the primary Orthodox yeshivas. ì

Beth Jacob Nears 8 Decades of Serving the Atlanta Jewish Community

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By Congregation Beth Jacob

For generations, Beth Jacob While Beth Jacob has over 520 has served as the flagship member families of all ages Orthodox Synagogue in and stages, the focus is on Atlanta. At almost eight the many hundreds of decades old, Beth children who call the Jacob is as vibrant as synagogue their home. ever, with a bustling The on-site Beth Jacob campus center which preschool has been serves as a center for educating youth about a dynamic commuour rich Jewish heritage nity renowned for its since 1963. Additionwarmth and hospitalally, youth programs on ity. With 9 minyanim Shabbat, holidays, and (prayer services) daily, throughout the year are a Beth Jacob is the most-used focal point for developing the Jewish prayer space in the region, next generation. Photo by Harold Alan Photography frequently welcoming guests and In-depth and ongoing adult visitors who stop in to catch a minlearning is a strong value of the Beth yan or say Kaddish every day of the week and Jacob community, with a plethora of learning at all hours of the day. opportunities for all ages and stages, in addition to the on-site Beis Medrash study hall of Much of Atlanta’s Jewish infrastructure developed as an outgrowth of the synagogue, which prides itself on a leadership-oriented membership dedicated to thinking big. Whether you benefit from Atlanta’s kosher food infrastructure, Jewish day schools, or adult education programs, much of that can be traced back to the pioneers of Beth Jacob who placed an emphasis on traditional Jewish living and learning in our city.

WE ARE THE TEMPLE: Inspiring Lives, Transforming Our World

Be a part of all that The Temple has to offer. The Temple is welcoming to all and offers a variety of VIRTUAL LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES to fit your interests including: • Social justice initiatives— Racial Justice, Gun Violence Prevention, Anti-DMST, LGBTQ Equality, Women’s Rights, and more! • Vibrant interfaith programs • Temple Connect small groups

• Weinberg Early Learning Center— Preschool Programs for children 3 months to Pre-K • Breman Education Center— Jewish Learning for Pre-K through to B’nei Mitzvah and Confirmation

the Atlanta Scholars Kollel which members and guests utilize on a regular basis. In addition to high level learning, we also enjoy quality social events which bond us together as a community, including our hallmark weekly community kiddush attracting hundreds (as safety guidelines allow, of course), large Shabbat meals for our “Prime Timers”, holiday meals and programs, exciting annual trips like our Men’s Ski Trip, and a dynamic sisterhood which produces a steady stream of meaningful events for the women of our community. Some of our events attract Jewish attendees from the entire region, such as the Purim Parade & Festival which has been going strong for over 30 years. We welcome participants of all backgrounds, and do our best to accommodate beginners, like through our High Holiday Experience interactive beginners service which has been a popular

Photo by Rabbi David Kapenstein

place for engaging and interactive Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services.

The Beth Jacob experience is open to all please reach out to our synagogue office at 404-633-0551 and avail yourself of our open-door hospitality. Spend a one-of-a-kind traditional Shabbat in our community - you won’t regret it! Shana Tova! Congregation Beth Jacob wishes you a happy & healthy new year!

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or contact our Membership Manager, Tena Drew at tdrew@the-temple.org or 404-873-1731. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 25

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

New Rabbi Defies Convention By Roni Robbins Let’s just say Congregation Etz Chaim’s new associate rabbi defies conventionality when it comes to the image of a traditional spiritual leader. From the contemporary haircut and tiny hoop in his left ear to tattoos — the most visible a sun wedding ring design matching his wife April’s moon insignia — one quickly senses that Micah Miller breaks the mold of a Conservative rabbi. But 33-year-old Miller is more than what meets the eye. Certainly, the Colombian-born third-generation spiritual leader brings an added dimension to the 40-year-old Marietta congregation from his multicultural roots to his marriage to a convert after a divorce from his first wife. Settling into his new digs, Miller explained the still-developing displays of sports, city and cultural memorabilia cramming the small corner shelves of his new office. Piles of Jewish books awaited shelf space in this nook across from his new mentor, the slightly older Rabbi Daniel Dorsch. Miller will help him lead the

to better myself.’ I taped it to the outside of my door. Each day I had a single-file line and they had to touch the piece of paper. I shared the story with my father and mother, and my sister said ‘Micah, you made a mezuzah for your students.’” From that realization, he enrolled in the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University in Los Angeles. But mid-way through rabbinical school, he again hesitated, taking a break once more in St. Louis, where he taught religious school and Rabbi Micah Miller, with wife April and Rabbi Micah Miller on the pulpit worked at food chains: Stardaughter Aria at Braves game. at Congregation Etz Chaim. bucks as a barista and as a bartender and server at BuffaDorsch said of his assolo Wild Wings. But then he graduated and nearly 600-member congregation. ciate rabbi. “When we first As he mentioned in his first d’var interviewed Rabbi Miller, we were im- was ordained from the Ziegler School, the Torah last month, a week after beginning pressed by the breadth of his experience, tallis from which he wears during Shabhis new role, “you can’t know where you enthusiasm, and creativity when it came bat services at Etz Chaim. Miller served Conservative congreare going until you know where you’ve to working with youth, young professionbeen. It is very important to surround als, and families with young children. As gations in St. Louis, Los Angeles, and most myself with my history and past.” we’ve gotten to know one another better, recently was assistant rabbi at Temple of I can already see that he will be a terrific Aaron in St. Paul. His father served there complement to our rabbinic team, both nearly 40 years earlier before moving onto other synagogues. He is currently on and off the pulpit.”

Find YOUR Jewish Home at Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 • 770-642-0434 • www.bethtikvah.com 26 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The two rabbis both attended the Albert A. List College, a joint program between Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. While Miller studied history and Bible, he didn’t regularly attend services or become very involved with Hillel. He pledged Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity but wavered in his commitment to follow in the rabbinical path of his father and grandfather and a deeply involved Jewish family. His mother was a youth commission chair and his sister, a youth director with United Synagogue Youth. Miller, himself, was a product of Jewish day schools and asked to attend Hebrew School too because he was looking for the “community within a synagogue” he believes religious school provides. He also rose through the ranks of Kadima to become president of his USY chapter in his junior and senior years. Despite a college friend turning to Miller every night for spiritual support while fighting cancer, he was unsure of his future as a rabbi. After college he returned to his hometown of St. Louis, where he taught public school, worked as a youth adviser and at Panera. He didn’t zero in on rabbinic studies until realizing he could inspire on a larger scale than his Teach for America students. “I wrote on a piece of paper: ‘I’m ready to listen. I’m ready to learn. I’m ready

Rabbi Micah Miller leads a family program in the sukkah of Temple of Aaron.

serving as rabbi of a Santa Rosa, Calif., congregation. Aside from a family history of Jewish leadership and rabbinical service, Miller has a layered multicultural past. His father was raised in South Africa, where his grandfather started a Reform congregation. Miller’s grandmother was a third generation pre-Israel sabra. But Miller isn’t their natural descendent. He was born to a teenage mother in Bogotá, Columbia, a largely Catholic

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Rabbi Micah Miller with Aria at a Temple of Aaron young family program.

society, adopted by the Jewish family as a baby and converted. The irony of his family tree isn’t lost on Miller. “I don’t believe in divine destination. I believe in free will, but there might have been a divine hand” that led to his adoption, he said. “My life probably would not have been so easy. I am grateful.” Miller also recognizes he doesn’t fit the mold of many of his peers. “I really didn’t follow a regular trajectory. I feel very fortunate. I had a lot of different ex-

Miller with Aria during Purim at Temple Beth Hillel in Valley Village, Calif., where he was program and assistant religious school director.

periences for 33.” Those experiences, he believes, help him relate to congregants who share similar backgrounds, whether they come from a divorce, are part of a blended family or were adopted. “I think that my biggest contribution to the congregation will be my diverse background in working with youth of all ages and I look forward to working with all of the Etz Chaim children and their

Etz Chaim’s street sign welcomes the new associate rabbi.

families.” The name of his 5-year-old daughter, Aria, who is starting kindergarten at The Epstein School, should also be an indication of his skills. He considered going to college for musical theater before deciding on List College. So congregants shouldn’t be surprised to hear his strong voice adding to the cultural harmony and progressive spirit he brings to the rabbinate. In terms of his skin-deep artistry,

Rabbi Dan Dorsch invites you to see why he calls Etz Chaim “The Shul with the Neshama (soul) of the South.”

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By Congregation Etz Chaim

Congregation Etz Chaim is an engaging and inclusive synagogue located in East Cobb, Marietta. Founded over 40 years ago, by Rabbi Emeritus, Shalom Lewis, we embrace egalitarian Conservative Judaism in a multigenerational environment. At Etz Chaim, creating meaningful Jewish experiences is part of our culture. There is something for everyone. Our synagogue is our family, rich in faith, culture, commitment and tradition. Our programming appeals to our diverse community. From small gatherings to events that bring us all together, our dynamic community is a welcoming environment for all. We invite you to get engaged in our community.

well as Junior Congregation. For our younger children, Shabbat morning, we have Camp Shabbat and offer babysitting. Our Preschool hosts a Tot Shabbat once a month on Friday early evening for our young families, as well as Tot Shabbat once a month on Saturday morning. We also provide opportunities for Religious Life Religious life is at the heart of Etz Chaim. our interfaith families to come together and Founded on the principles of the Conservative learn about Judaism. movement, with an egalitarian vision, Creating Meaningful Jewish Experiences Exceptional Programming starts in the shul. In addition to holiday Etz Chaim has a full schedule of exceptional services, we offer twice daily minyanim, programming from Torah, to Movies Shabbat evening and morning services, as @ the Etz, and Shabbat in the Park. We are

committed to Judaism and lifelong learning. Congregants are engaged in our awardwinning affinity groups such as Sisterhood, Men’s Club (FJMC) and our Youth Department, including one of the most active chapters in the region, Sababa USY! A Commitment to Education The pursuit of Jewish knowledge is a lifelong one, and the you’ll find a Jewish educational program or opportunity at Congregation Etz Chaim that’s a perfect fit for every member of your family, young and old alike. Our preschool program is child-directed to meet the needs of the children at their developmental level to foster individual growth. New this year is our Transitions Class for five-year-old’s who are looking for a combination of preschool fun interwoven with kindergarten competencies.

covered largely by professional attire, Miller shared his personal reflection on how he interprets the biblical law prohibiting bodily desecration. He would like to change that law, based on Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not etch a tattoo on yourselves.” Miller believes the prohibition stems from an ancient practice of idolaters writing the name of their god on their skin. His tattoos represent his life, among them a gorilla representing strength and veganism, and a Colombian flag held by lions of Judah, such as the official emblem of Jerusalem. If asked about the tattoos, Miller said he responds, “I did not desecrate myself; rather, I adorned myself.” He elaborates, “When people come up to me to discuss my tattoos it is generally not with the attitude of being upset or put off by them. Generally, it is coming from a place of curiosity of a rabbi having a tattoo. I then generally quickly explain where I am in terms of the text and the laws surrounding it. I never share this opinion to convince people one way or the other about tattoos but let them into my thinking and provide a different perspective.” Miller doesn’t mince words. “We are not the typical rabbi and rebbetzin.” ì

a relationship with God, Israel, holiday rituals and practice. Our spiral curriculum allows for the students to build upon what they learn each year. Our Adult Education Program, Lilmode (Lifelong, Impactful Learning Made for you!) offers opportunities for adults to continue expanding the horizons of Jewish learning. Be our guest, engage with us and meet our team, including our new Associate Rabbi, Micah Miller at: Shabbat in the Park East Cobb Park Friday, August 20, 2021 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. RSVP: www.etzchaim.net/event/sitp2021 To tour our synagogue or get additional information, contact Marty Gilbert, Executive Director at 770-973-0137 or mgilbert@ etzchaim.net Visit our website: www.etzchaim.net Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ CongEtzChaim. Follow us on Instagram: congregationetzchaim_marietta

Our Religious School’s goal is to instill a love of Judaism and working knowledge of Jewish practice and community (kehilla). Our curriculum teaches Hebrew decoding, having Paid Content by Congregation Etz Chaim

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 27

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

CBH Selects Spiritual, Musical Interim Rabbi A f t e r a Zoomed search and interview process, Congregation Bet Haverim selected Rabbi Dayle Friedman to lead Marcia them through Caller Jaffe a transition as a temporary replacement for their longtime rabbi, Josh Lesser. As a spiritual guide, social innovator, chaplain and scholar, Friedman has been a leader in the fields of aging, pastoral care and Jewish healing. With 320 households, CBH also welcomes interfaith marriages, those of color and those “curious.” It was founded by gay men and lesbians as a Jewish home where they could fully engage in Jewish life. Now about half identify as LGBTQ+. Amy Lighthill, head of the interim rabbi search committee, recalled the process. “We expected a difficult interim

28 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

search after losing our charismatic rabbi of 21 years; but when ‘Rabbi Dayle’ beamed us her warm, kind, reassuring smile in her first interview, we became calm. Her years of working with the elderly, and her deep practice around spiritual direction, have made her an insightful and compassionate listener. “Her knowledge of Torah, wisdom around personal and institutional life cycles, and beautiful singing voice made her our unanimous choice. When we brought her back for round two interview, we were in complete agreement that she was the perfect rabbi to help us reflect on and create our vision. The congregation loves her already, and we won’t want her to leave! From her perspective, Friedman exclaimed, “It was love at first sight. I fell in Rabbi Dayle Friedman is committed to love with their values of inclulead CBH’s transition and to help the sively and justice, and commitcongregation find its dream rabbi. ment to diversity.” Friedman grew up in Denver as a third-generation Coloradoan. She felt the calling to be a rabbi as early as age 7. At age 15, the first female rabbi was ordained by the Hebrew Union College. At Brandeis University, six women in her class became rabbis. She earned two master’s degrees, then rabbinical school, always directed toward Jewish communal service. “I first was drawn to geriatrics working in a center for 1,100 Jewish elders. I was inspired to tap into spiritual lives at various levels of aging, connecting them to the larger community and training students to work with elders.” Friedman recently served as interim rabbi for Congregation Leyv ha-Ir. Previously, she founded and directed Hiddur: The Center for Aging and Judaism of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and was founding director of chaplaincy services of Philadelphia Geriatric Center. She offers spiritual direction, pastoral care, and consulting on caregiving and end-of-life care through her Philadelphia-based, national practice, Growing Older. She also wrote the book “Jewish Wisdom for Growing Older: Finding Your Grit and Grace Beyond Midlife,” and “Jewish End-of-Life Care in a Virtual Age: Our Traditions Reimagined,” which she co-edited. Her first book, “Jewish Pastoral Care: A Practical Handbook from Traditional

Rabbi Dayle Friedman is a challah baker and an avid hiker, as pictured here amid trees in Israel.

and Contemporary Sources,” is recognized as a foundational text for its field. Friedman’s husband Jeff Ferleger is a civil rights disability attorney practicing in Philadelphia. She has three children ages 22 to 27, one of whom lives in Israel. Since Friedman is musically talented, she finds CBH’s renowned choir appealing. In addition to piano playing and singing, she relishes nature, hiking and challah baking. Of the latter, she explained, “It’s all in the feel of the dough. I have to make adjustments assessing local conditions. A Denver challah would need a different touch than one prepared in a hot humid climate.” Contrasting her Reconstructionist thread to Reform Judaism, Friedman said, “We have more emphasis on the Hebrew language. Also, I have a long commitment to culture and folkways by living in two civilizations. I love Shabbat and Independence Day. We all want to repair the world with tikkun olam.” Friedman ended our talk with a coincidence about old ties to Atlanta. In 1985, Rabbi Alvin Sugarman of The Temple offered her the assistant rabbi position, which she declined based on timing and her next move. Asked if she would consider staying here after the year term, she noted, “My interim role is just that. To carry a community through transition-stages of grief, loss and reemergence, to help figure out what leader they need, the leader of their dreams.” She plans to reside in Atlanta 10 days a month. ì

Rabbi Ruach

I Bet You Didn’t Know …

Rabbi Hirshy

Rabbi Ruach: Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz Atlanta is chock full of interesting movers and shakers. Lean in to hear some off-the-cuff remarks as to what makes Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz tick. Minkowicz was born and raised in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. His first time on an airplane was at the age of 18, and he spent the next many years traveling to make up for lost time. In 1998 he finally settled down in Alpharetta, where he founded Chabad of North Fulton to serve the growing Jewish population in the northern suburbs. The Chabad now attracts hundreds of Jewish families from all walks of life to their wide array of community educational offerings, including what is believed the only Jewish camp in North Fulton, a vibrant adult education program, synagogue, day care, and a robust youth and teen program. Take a roller coaster ride with Rabbi Hirshy. Jaffe: Best advice my father gave me? Minkowicz: Kuk un shveig, which in Yiddish means “look, yet remain silent.” It is my father’s way of teaching me that in communal work, there are times when it’s better not to react, especially in a moment of heightened emotions. This has helped me tremendously in my line of work, which includes interacting with many types of people. Jaffe: The hardest thing about being a rabbi is … Minkowicz: The constant worry that you might not be providing the people everything they need from you. Jaffe: My kids say I’m too … Minkowicz: Entrenched in my youth. Jaffe: With which historical figure do you most identify? Minkowicz: One of my most meaningful moments in the last 10 years was praying in the Baal Shem Tov’s synagogue in Ukraine in 2014. I identify with everything he stood for and hope we are carrying on his legacy, even in the smallest of ways. Jaffe: One thing people don’t know about me is… Minkowicz: I used to love roller coasters. Jaffe: Compared to Brooklyn, North Fulton is … Minkowicz: Materially, a paradise. Spiritually, a slowly transforming galut (exile). Jaffe: I think I am part comedian because … Minkowicz: People seem to remember the jokes more than any other parts of my speeches. Jaffe: What are you reading? Minkowicz: “Can’t Do It Yourself” by Mike Leven. Jaffe: Outside of work, where does your talent lie? Minkowicz: Entrepreneurialism, social connections. Jaffe: My biggest pet peeve is … Minkowicz: Lights and air conditioner left on in unused rooms. Jaffe: My comfort foods are … Minkowicz: Chicken Fire Poppers that my wife and kids have mastered. Jaffe: How do you spend your day off? Minkowicz: There are no days off in my world. Reported by Marcia Caller Jaffe

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 29

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

2021 Synagogue Guide for Jewish Atlanta Find your place for the High Holidays with this list of Synagogues located around Jewish Atlanta. Shuls are listed by Denomination. Chabad Intown

Chabad of Toco Hills

Chabad Intown provides opportunities to learn about and experience Jewish tradtion and heritage through Intown Jewish Preschool, Mommy and Me, Intown Hebrew School, Intown Jewish Academy and Young Jewish Professionals.

Chabad of Toco Hills is a young and vibrant shul that opened in 2016. CTH is open to people of all backgrounds, with a special focus on young families. Join CTH for services, family holiday celebrations, youth classes and men’s and women’s events.

Chabad Israeli Center Atlanta

Congregation Beth Israel

Chabad Israeli Center offers summer camp, winter break camp, adult education, ulpan, Judaica and more.

Preschool, Hebrew school, Shabbat dinners, and adult education are available at Congregation Beth Israel, located together with Chabad Forsyth.

Chabad Lubavitch of Georgia

Congregation Beth Tefillah

Chabad of Georgia offers youth services and programming, adult education, Chaya Mushka Children’s Preschool, special needs activities for children and adults and summer and winter camps.

Congregation Beth Tefillah is a synagogue and center of learning for Jews of all backgrounds. Affiliated with Chabad of Georgia, CBT’s mission is to engender a feeling of comfort and belonging in all Jews.

Chabad of Kennesaw

CONSERVATIVE

730 Ponce de Leon Place NE Atlanta, 30306 404-898-0434 www.chabadintown.org

4276 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Atlanta 30341 404-252-9508 www.cicatlanta.com

CHABAD Chabad of Athens-UGA

1491 S. Lumpkin Street, Athens 30605 706-369-1289 www.jewishdawgs.com Serving college students at the University of Georgia and surrounding colleges, Chabad of Athens-UGA is a Jewish student center providing social, educational, recreational, and spiritual programming for students.

Chabad of Cobb

4450 Lower Roswell Road Marietta 30068 770-565-4412 www.chabadofcobb.com Chabad of Cobb is more than just a synagogue. It is a home for any Jew looking for a warm and spiritual place to grow. At Chabad, everybody is welcome.

Chabad of Downtown Universities 471 10th Street NW, Atlanta 30318 678-304-8672 www.chabaddtu.com

Chabad prides itself on creating a home away from home for Jewish students at Georgia Tech and Georgia State. Through diverse and dynamic programming, Chabad offers weekly Shabbat services and dinners, trips, social events, and engaging Jewish educational opportunities.

Chabad of Emory

1526 N. Decatur Road, Atlanta 30307 404-441-3199 www.chabademory.org Chabad Emory is a space where students socialize in a comfortable home-like setting with great friends, superb food, and stimulating discussion. 30 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Chabad of Forsyth

795 Brannon Road, Cumming 30041 470-253-7111 www.jewishforsyth.org Chabad of Forsyth is the outreach branch for North Georgia. A warm and inviting community, experience Chabad Forsyth’s events, programs, and services.

Chabad Global Network - Georgia 5180 Roswell Road Atlanta 30342 470-433-0770 www.chabadga.com

Chabad of Georgia regional headquarters serves as the comprehensive umbrella organization encompassing the robust network of Chabad operations throughout the state. It supports the growth of new centers, develops resources for centralized programs, and provides the foundation for the entire region’s Chabad activities.

Chabad of Gwinnett

Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett 2651 Smithpoint Drive, Suite B, Peachtree Corners 30092 678-595-0196 www.chabadofgwinnett.org Serving the Jewish communities of Gwinnett and Hall counties, Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett is committed to providing every Jew of the area the opportunity to celebrate Jewish programs that nurture connection, belonging, cultural fulfillment, and spiritual growth.

5065 High Point Road, Atlanta 30342 404-843-2464 www.chabadatlanta.com

1480 Shiloh Road NW, Suite 500 Kennesaw 30144 770-400-9255 www.chabadkennesaw.org Chabad of Kennesaw’s presence spans from Kennesaw State University to local education, services and more.

Chabad of North Fulton 10180 Jones Bridge Road Alpharetta 30022 770-410-9000 www.chabadnf.org

Chabad of North Fulton serves the growing Jewish communities in North Fulton, including Alpharetta, Crabapple, Duluth, Johns Creek, Milton, and Roswell. Satellite offices are in Roswell and Alpharetta.

Chabad of Peachtree City

632 Dogwood Trail, Tyrone 30290 678-595-0199 www.chabadsouthside.com Serving Jewish Atlanta’s south side, Chabad of Peachtree City offers Shabbat services, holiday programs, classes for adults and children, hospital visits, lifecycle events, and one-on-one guidance.

1985 Lavista Road, Atlanta 30329 404-337-6116 www.chabadtoco.com

795 Branning Road, Cumming 30041 470-253-7111 www.jewishforsyth.org

5065 High Point Road, Atlanta 30342 404-843-2464 www.bethtefillah.org

Ahavath Achim Synagogue 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue Atlanta 30327 404-355-5222 www.aasynagogue.org

Celebrating 130 years, Ahavath Achim Synagogue is a historical, egalitarian congregation driven by social action, Jewish continuity, culture, arts and education.

Congregation Beth Shalom 5303 Winters Chapel Road Dunwoody 30360 770-399-5300 www.bethshalom.net

Congregation Beth Shalom is an egalitarian inclusive, spiritual Jewish community, providing a warm, nurturing environment where we pray, learn, educate and perpetuate Torah and Jewish values, while serving the greater community.

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE Congregation B’nai Torah

700 Mt. Vernon Highway NE Sandy Springs 30328 404-257-0537 www.bnaitorah.org Congregation B’nai Torah’s authentic and welcoming community helps you deepen your relationships with others who share your values and with God. We are committed to creating modern and meaningful experiences that are based in our rich traditions. Our accredited preschool grows Jewish minds and hearts for the youngest in our community and is open to non-members. Join us for services any time. Our Purim, Hanukkah and Simchat Torah celebrations, as well as our High Holiday Essentials services are open to all and free to attend.

Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills Parkway Marietta 30068 770-973-0137 www.etzchaim.net

For over 40 years, Etz Chaim has been creating meaningful Jewish experiences in the northern suburbs of Atlanta in East Cobb and Marietta. Our congregation is an inclusive and engaging egalitarian Conservative shul creating multigenerational connections. See why Rabbi Dorsch calls Etz Chaim “The Shul with the Neshama (soul) of the South.”

Congregation Gesher L’Torah 4320 Kimball Bridge Road Alpharetta 30022 770-777-4009 www.wearegesher.org

Gesher L’Torah prides itself on catering to members, no matter their personal experience or background: Traditional or not traditional, interfaith families, Jewish by choice, or exploring Jewish life.

Congregation Or Hadash 7460 Trowbridge Road Sandy Springs 30328 404-250-3338 www.or-hadash.org

Or Hadash is an egalitarian Conservative congregation dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming Jewish environment in which to build spiritual and social connections through prayer, learning, music and tikkun olam. We believe that a caring community is a holy community.

Congregation Shearith Israel

1180 University Drive, Atlanta 30306 404-873-1743 www.shearithisrael.com With more than 110 years of history, Congregation Shearith Israel has entered its next chapter. Shearith Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue devoted to spiritual and religious enrichment, Jewish education and community. Shearith Israel closely follows Jewish tradition while having the insights of modern thought.

NONDENOMINATIONAL Congregation Shema Yisrael The Open Synagogue

7100 Stanton Drive, Atlanta 30328 404-255-7955 www.shemaweb.org The Shema Yisrael mission is to be a synagogue embracing all that is Jewish by seeking to nurture an inclusive and caring spiritual community reflecting Klal Yisrael (The Peoplehood of Israel). Shema Yisrael is dedicated to the premise that “we can worship G-d in holiness only as we serve one another in love.”

Guardians of the Torah

P.O. Box 767981, Roswell 30076 770-286-3477 www.guardiansofthetorah.org Guardians of the Torah is a congregation without walls that is open to all. Guardians of the Torah is also an organization that supports police and other public safety officers and first responders in need of spiritual support. We profess our devotion to G-d, our commitment to studying Torah.

ORTHODOX Congregation Anshi S’Fard

1324 North Highland Avenue NE Atlanta 30306 404-969-6763 www.anshisfard.org Anshi includes a wide array of professionals, artisans, and academics, singles, families, Holocaust survivors, grandparents and retirees.

Congregation Ariel

5237 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody 30338 770-390-9071 www.congariel.org An Orthodox community in beautiful Dunwoody, the Ariel family welcomes Jews of all ages, stages and backgrounds. Join us for daily minyanim, classes with rabbis, one-onone learning, youth groups for tots to teens, as well as study groups and workshops cohosted with the Atlanta Scholars Kollel. Our growing campus includes a modern sanctuary, social hall, tevilas keilim mikvah, and elegant women’s mikvah.

Congregation Beth Itzhak

The Kehilla of Sandy Springs

Congregation Beth Itzhak offers catering for all your needs under AKC supervision.

Kehilla means community, and that is exactly what it is: a warm and diverse community where everyone is welcomed and accepted for who they are.

6030 Goodwood Boulevard Norcross 30093 678-200-8897 www.facebook.com/BeitItzkhak

Congregation Beth Jacob

1855 Lavista Road, Atlanta 30329 404-633-0551 www.bethjacobatlanta.org Beth Jacob Atlanta is truly the Orthodox synagogue for all Jews. Beth Jacob aims to inspire and motivate individuals and families at all levels of observance to strengthen their Jewish connection. The Atlanta Scholars Kollel and Beth Jacob co-host study groups and workshops, presenting timely topics with a Jewish perspective.

Congregation Ner Hamizrach

1858 Lavista Road, Atlanta 30329 404-315-9020 www.nerhamizrach.org

Congregation Ner Hamizrach was founded in 1991 to serve the spiritual needs of the growing Sephardic Jewish population in Atlanta. The synagogue is home to a warm and welcoming kehilla, steeped in the Sephardic tradition of nusach Edot Hamizrach. Ner Hamizrach is a strong leader in the Atlanta Orthodox Jewish Community.

Congregation Netzach Israel

1985 Lavista Road NE, Atlanta 30329 www.netzachisrael.org Email us for more information: office@ netzachisrael.org

New Toco Shul

2003 Lavista Road, Atlanta 30329 770-765-7485 www.newtocoshul.com New Toco Shul was founded on the ideas that every individual has unique abilities and perspectives, that we are obligated to share our talents with others, and that our community is strongest when our members contribute to its success and wellbeing. Rabbinic and lay partners work together to provide a platform for sophisticated and nuanced Torah, reflective and meaningful Tefillah, and supportive and enriching Gemilut Chassadim.

5075 Roswell Road, Atlanta 30342 404-913-6131 www.thekehilla.org

Ohr Hatorah of Toco Hills

2056 Lavista Road, Atlanta 30329 404-315-1417 www.ohrhatorahatl.org Our mission is to inspire people to make themselves and their lives better through the wisdom of the Torah. Our diverse congregation follows Orthodox traditions.

RECONSTRUCTIONIST Congregation Bet Haverim

2074 Lavista Road, Atlanta 30329 404-315-6446 www.congregationbethaverim.org Congregation Bet Haverim is a Reconstructionist synagogue founded by lesbians and gay men and embracing all Jews and their loved ones. Shabbat services include Erev Shabbat with music from our chorus, tot Shabbat for little ones, a chant service, and a monthly Shabbat dinner. We also offer Parent ’n’ Me and Sing ’n’ Play programs for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

REFORM Congregation B’nai Israel

1633 Highway 54E, Jonesboro 30238 678-817-7162 www.bnai-israel.net The mission of Congregation B’nai Israel is to welcome and to engage Jews with open minds and open hearts. We are a warm and caring multi-generational Jewish community for Jews and interfaith families on the south side of Atlanta. If you’re seeking a joyful connection to the southside Atlanta Jewish community, we welcome you.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 31

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE Congregation Dor Tamid 11165 Parsons Road Johns Creek 30097 770-623-8860 www.dortamid.org

Temple Sinai

A Reform synagogue serving the Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Greater North Fulton, South Forsyth and Gwinnett area founded to create meaningful and enduring religious experiences for our members and their families. We actively welcome all families and individuals interested in participating in Jewish life and in the community of the congregation.

Congregation Ner Tamid

1349 Old Highway 41, Suite 220 Marietta 30060 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.info

Your home for fostering spiritual growth, nurturing genuine connections, and strengthening Jewish life.

Congregation Ner Tamid is a growing Reform synagogue serving West Cobb, South Cobb, Paulding, Kennesaw, Acworth and surrounding areas. We offer a warm, welcoming environment where we are dedicated to honoring the traditions of our heritage, while creating a Jewish experience that is relevant to today’s society.

Rodeph Sholom Congregation

406 East 1st Street, Rome 30161 706-291-3615 www.rodephsholomrome.org.org We strive to help you feel immediately at home and welcomed at Rodeph Sholom in Rome, GA. We have Rabbi-led services and Torah study throughout the year for High Holidays and Shabbat. See and feel the warmth of a small congregation where you will never feel lost in a crowd, and your participation can truly make a difference. Rodeph Sholom, Northwest Georgia’s only synagogue, is located midway between Atlanta and Chattanooga.

Temple Beth David

1885 McGee Road SW, Snellville 30078 770-978-3916 www.tbdga.org

Join our welcoming community for meaningful opportunities for worship, engagement, and more. 5645 Dupree Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30327 404.252.3073 www.templesinaiatlanta.org

32 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Temple Beth David began in 1981 as the first formal Jewish presence in Gwinnett County. TBD provides a continuing spirit of worship and service that does not sacrifice family closeness. TBD offers weekly services, holiday celebrations, life cycle events and educational programs.

Temple Beth Tikvah

9955 Coleman Road, Roswell 30075 770-642-0434 www.bethtikvah.com Temple Beth Tikvah’s proud history of inclusion, ritual, and support is paving the way to an exciting future. Get to know Temple Beth Tikvah and become a part of the rich experiences available.

Temple Emanu-El

1580 Spalding Drive Atlanta 30350 770-395-1340 www.templeemanuelatlanta.org Everyone knows that Temple Emanu-El is more than just a Reform congregation. It is a warm, caring neighborhood synagogue focused on transforming the local community. We embody the Jewish values of audacious hospitality and authentic companionship. Together we are building a congregation of thought-leaders, spiritual seekers, and engaged Jewish changemakers.

Temple Kehillat Chaim

1145 Green Street, Roswell 30075 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kehillat Chaim, which means Community of Life, is a Jewish Reform congregation located in Historic Roswell. We seek to meet the spiritual, educational, cultural and social needs of our members.

Temple Kol Emeth

1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 30062 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net TKE is a Southern Reform congregation in suburban Atlanta. Our demographics provide us with a congregation diverse in age and background. Temple Kol Emeth welcomes Jews by choice and interfaith families. We are a community built on the pursuits of Torah (study), Avodah (worship), Tzedakah (charity) and Maasim Tovin (good deeds).

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Join us at one of our Upcoming Events: BEIT MIDRASH STUDY SESSIONS WITH RABBI ARI KAIMAN Thursdays, August 12 - September 2 7:30PM – 9PM Join Rabbi Kaiman for Beit Midrash-styled learning sessions as part of the Project Zug Elul Cycle. Project Zug is an online havruta learning platform, which connects Jews across the world with each other, and with Jewish tradition, through weekly one-to-one paired learning. Participate in Elul Cycle and dive deep into High Holiday preparation with four different approaches to teshuvah (repentance), plus two live virtual lectures with Rabbi Shai Held.

Temple Sinai

5645 Dupree Drive Sandy Springs 30327 404-252-3073 www.templesinaiatlanta.org Temple Sinai is a vibrant Reform congregation in Sandy Springs that values lifelong Jewish learning, a warm spirit of community, a sense of inclusivity, and active participation in Jewish life. Our community serves as a center of Jewish life and as an extended family.

The Temple

1589 Peachtree Street Atlanta 30309 404-873-1731 www.the-temple.org The Temple, founded in 1867, blends tradition with innovation to create a vibrant and warm atmosphere that is inviting to all who walk through its famous red doors on Peachtree Street. In addition to upholding The Temple’s deep-seated roots within the greater Atlanta community, The Temple’s clergy and staff have dedicated themselves to engaging with each congregant.

SEPHARDIC Congregation Ner Hamizrach

1858 Lavista Road NE, Atlanta 30329 404-315-9020 www.nerhamizrach.com Congregation Ner Hamizrach was founded in 1991 to serve the spiritual needs of the growing Sephardic Jewish population in Atlanta. The synagogue is home to a warm and welcoming kehilla, steeped in the Sephardic tradition of nusach Edot Hamizrach. Ner Hamizrach is a strong leader in the Atlanta Orthodox Jewish community.

Congregation Or VeShalom 1681 N. Druid Hills Road NE Atlanta 30319 404-633-1737 www.orveshalom.org

Congregation Or VeShalom is a Sephardic synagogue in Brookhaven. At 400 families strong, we are dedicated to the spiritual and intellectual growth of our members. Building on over 100 years of tradition, we embrace our history and envision a strong future with innovative programming. Come and experience the Sephardic warmth, culture and welcoming community.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE Fridays, 8/20, 9/24, 10/1, 10/22, 11/5, 11/19, and 12/17 at 7:30pm Our bi-monthly spirited and musical Kabbalat Shabbat service and oneg reception, with a D'var Torah and socializing. It's a wonderful way to welcome Shabbat! HIGH HOLIDAYS AT SHEARITH ISRAEL Come experience all of the warmth and beauty of Shearith Israel as we welcome 5782. Guest tickets available for $82 per adult, including all services.

For more info and to register for upcoming events, visit www.shearithisrael.com Congregation Shearith Israel is rooted in Conservative Judaism and committed to egalitarianism. Relationships are at the center of everything we do: we educate children and adults in Jewish values, Hebrew language and the continuing story of our people; we elevate our spirits and feel God's presence through prayer experiences; we embrace our covenantal responsibility to comfort all who are suffering, and celebrate each other’s joy.

TRADITIONAL Congregation Shaarei Shamayim 1600 Mount Mariah Road NE Atlanta 30329 404-417-0472 www.shaareishamayim.com

Congregation Shaarei Shamayim is the boutique intown traditional shul. It’s a place of inspiration, comfort, companionship, and healing. In an effort to break down the artificial barriers and labels that separate our people, the principle of Ahavat Yisrael (love of our fellow Jew) takes center stage, and all are welcome. That is why we offer both separate (mechitzah) and mixed seating for men and women. ì ì

Your friendly Jewish address in North Fulton Rabbi Hirshy & Devora Leah Minkowicz Rabbi Gedalya & Ruthy Hertz

www.chabadnf.org ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 33

HOLIDAY FLAVORS What’s New on Your Holiday Table?

Flora Rosefsky

How do a hairy rambutan or prickly pink dragon fruit find their way into a Jewish family’s shopping cart when gathering food for the high holi-

days? It seems to be a tradition of more observant Atlanta families. Paula Gris, a member of Congregation Beth Jacob, explained: “In addition to using a special holiday challah cloth and small dishes for the apples and honey, I always introduce a new fruit that my husband and I had not eaten during the previous Jewish year.” Ellen Filreis, another Beth Jacob member, also follows this custom. “I started the tradition of putting a new fruit on my table on Rosh Hashanah’s second day when Steve and I became observant almost 30 years ago.” A sampling of her new fruits, served raw, included dragon fruit, plumcot, quince, star fruit, passion fruit, and Asian pear. The couple also eat pomegranates during the year, so that’s on the menu too, “not having anything to do with observing the new fruits ritual,” Filreis said. Besides fruit, she serves a baked tricolor gefilte fish terrine and a fried leek patties dish. “I try to serve dishes that incorporate all of the various things you should eat on Rosh Hashanah that are called simanim [symbolic foods].” That list includes apples dipped in honey, carrots, beets, leeks, dates, pumpkin and fish. Lydia Schloss, co-owner of The Spicy Peach, places a head of a fish on her table, stuffing the carved-out smoked whitefish head with whitefish salad. But Filreis puts out whole gummy fish candies instead. Her round stuffed apple honey challah is baked just for the Jewish New Year’s celebratory meal, crediting an online Chabad site many years ago for finding the recipe. “You haven’t tasted anything like this. It’s unbelievable yum. The only calories are in the crumbs!” Many of her favorite Rosh Hashanah recipes came from a series of “Cooking for the King” cookbooks written by Atlanta friend Renee Chernin, who now lives in Jerusalem. Gris, who has passed on her tradition to her children, seeks out unusual fruits. “I end up buying the pomegranate, 34 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Raw cut-up dragon fruit is ready for tasting.

tating toward the traditional connections of apples and honey to Rosh Hashanah and are less familiar with the agricultural traditions, I think it rather lovely that despite the different reasoning, progressive and traditional Jews enact a very similar custom around the holy day.” Photo by Flora Rosefsky // Rambutan and dragon fruit are exotic new fruits.

Ellen Filreis shares her favorite Rosh Hashanah recipe: Tri-Color Gefilte Fish Servings: 10 to 12

Rabbi Brad Levenberg is associate rabbi of Temple Sinai.

Michael Berger is an associate religion professor at Emory University.

special for its significance as being one of the first fruits mentioned in Torah, and also symbolizing the 613 mitzvot with its multiple seeds,” she said. Two favorite places for finding her interesting new fruits are the DeKalb Farmers Market and the Buford Highway Farmers Market. Gris uses fruits when celebrating other Jewish holidays such as Sukkot and Tu B’Shevat. But she said that having the new fruit to eat during Rosh Hashanah is a reason to say the blessings over the fruit itself and a second prayer, the “Shehechiyanu,” traditionally recited for a new experience. “The prayer is a personal one, thanking G-d, to be able to live to this day,” she said. Michael Berger, an associate religion professor at Emory University, cites the origin of new fruit. “In the Torah, the Jewish New Year is celebrated only one day. When the rabbinic tradition expanded the holiday to two days due to questions of timing the new moon, it viewed them as a ‘single long day,’ leaving open the question, debated among medieval legal

scholars, whether the “Shehechiyanu” blessing, normally recited on holidays, needs to be repeated on the second day. “By introducing a new fruit on the second night — an act that would itself warrant reciting ‘Shehechiyanu’ — all authorities could agree that the additional blessing should be recited.” Berger explained further: “Any seasonal fruit would do. Anything available all year round wouldn’t be eligible for the ‘Shehechiyanu.’ Many trees produce their fruit in a condensed time period, so they’re ideal. In our modern world of commerce, many fruits are available all year round (though their cost fluctuates), so some say they no longer qualify for the special blessing. That’s why consumers look for exotic fruit.” While they may not observe the new fruit ritual, Rabbi Brad Levenberg of Temple Sinai said he knows many Reform Jews, especially those with younger children, who have a bowl of fruits — most often apples — on their tables. “While I imagine that they are gravi-

Two 22-ounce loaves traditional gefilte fish, frozen, defrosted in wrapper 22-ounce loaf salmon gefilte fish, frozen, defrosted in wrapper 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 1 lemon 6 cucumbers for horseradish wells, plus one extra-long cucumber for top, to garnish Prepared red horseradish (optional) Mayonnaise (optional) Yellow pepper (optional) Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with a removable bottom with nonstick vegetable spray with a heavy, even coat. Open each of the gefilte fish wrappers. Mix dill and juice from lemon into one traditional gefilte fish loaf. Mix thoroughly so dill is evenly dispersed. Set aside. Using a thin spatula, spread the second traditional gefilte fish into an even layer in bottom of springform pan. Top with an even layer of salmon, then with an even layer of the lemon-dill-fish mixture. Cover the pan with foil. Bake 1 hour. If fish does not look set in the center, remove the foil and bake 5 minutes longer. Let cool and refrigerate overnight. Can be made a few days in advance. As an optional garnish, slice a long, unpeeled cucumber by hand or by mandoline into paper-thin slices. Lay the slic-

HOLIDAY FLAVORS

Photo by John Uher/”Kosher by Design” // Tri-color gefilte fish terrine is a unique holiday recipe.

es in concentric circles around the top of the loaf.

little mayonnaise to make a pretty pink sauce. Fill cucumber wells.

Release the sides of the springform pan. For individual servings, slice into wedges, like a pie. Trim off any brown edges.

Serve a slice of the loaf on a piece of leafy lettuce with a cucumber well.

Cut cucumbers into 2- to 3-inch pieces. Hollow out the center. Mix a few tablespoons of prepared horseradish with a

Source: Modified from “Kosher by Design” by Susie Fishbein, with permission from ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications Ltd. ì

Transform your kitchen & bath into a beautiful and functional environment.

6555 Jimmy Carter Blvd.

770-441-1681 Norcross, GA

Major Home Renovations to Minor Refresh & Repair

HOLIDAY FLAVORS

What am I? Chopped Liver For over 30 onionchopping, eggboiling, livergrinding years, Ron Lipsitz has celebrated a timely, eye- and mouth-watering tradition. Robyn Spizman Not your evGerson eryday gathering, Lipsitz has put his best buddies, who wholeheartedly volunteered to help, to the task of producing multiple containers of this holiday homemade delicacy — chopped liver. Lipsitz shared, “I loved the Ashkenazic delicacy growing up in Savannah, provided by my mother and her sisters, whose parents from Romania taught them to make it. They prepared it just twice a year, for Passover and Rosh Hashanah. Now, one taste is instant nostalgia. In college, I got my mother’s recipe and started making it. Word got out and friends started telling me, ‘Hey, this is better than my grandmother’s!’

and this year I’ll make a little larger quantity with Ellen’s help, and perhaps my dedicated sous chefs will return as well.” While Lipsitz generously offered any aficionados of Eastern European shtetl cooking to pick up some of his chopped liver, his friends promptly advised him that he’d never (ever) get out of the kitchen. His response was to kindly share the recipe instead. Enjoy! Roumanian Gehokte Leiber (Chopped Liver)

Eric Jacobson, Ellen and Ron Lipsitz and Ed Gerson get ready to make chopped liver.

“That compliment is all a cook has to hear to want to make more for friends and family,” he said. “So twice a year, as I started getting more and more requests, that blossomed into ‘chopped liver par-

SOJOURN invites you to celebrate Atlanta Pride with the Jewish community from October 8-10. This year’s events will be in person, in accordance with CDC guidelines and local ordinances.

At SOJOURN: Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity, we’re dedicated to ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals are fully protected in all parts of their lives through education and advocacy within the Jewish community. We’ve put together the biggest Jewish Pride coalition in the South in years past - and we’re looking forward to doing it again this year.

Don’t waste time, you can also sign on now and be one of the first sponsors for SOJOURN’s signature fundraising event, Purim Off Ponce 2022. Save the date for March 5, 2022 to support our programs that create welcoming Jewish communities across the South.

Be an official Pride Partner by signing up now to march with our parade float and hang out at our Pride Market booth. You can sign up on our website: www.sojourngsd.org.

Check us out on Facebook and Instagram @sojourngsd!

36 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

If you have any questions, please contact communications@ sojourngsd.org.

ties,’ with as many as 40 friends coming to my house for a pre-holiday dinner or to pick up a container to-go.” Lipsitz added, “Cooking has been a long-time hobby of mine, and it is a pleasure to make something that so many people love to eat and so few others know how to cook. This effort has been joyfully satisfying. Starting in the '90s, I knew I needed help to make large quantities and that’s when I drafted two friends, Ed Gerson and Eric Jacobson as sous chefs, assigning them the job of onion-dicers, boiled egg peelers, and cleaner-uppers. Later, I promoted them to cooking and grinding, and their incentive was they could take as much as they wanted!” Over the years, Lipsitz’s fans have included a long appreciative list of chopped liver lovers such as “Eddie Goldberg, Larry Weinberg, Nancy Isenberg, Nancy and Eric Miller, Natalie and Seth Toporek, Leslie and Bobby Levy, Lori and Kirk Halpern, Brenda and Bill Rothschild, Maxine and John Perlman, Phyllis Adilman, Rita Chaiken, Terry Spector, Lee and Arlene Katz, Sarah Woelz, Natalie Sarnat, Betty and Kenny Seitz, Barbara and Mike Wolfson, Gillian and David Piha, Rhonda Schweber, Irma and Basil Margolis, Maureen and Colin Richman, Sheryl and Alan Cohn, Lesli and Fred Wachter, Nanci and David Aronstein, Rita Chaiken, Janet and Jay Alembik, Ellen and Aaron Weinstein, Vicky and Mike Miller and Z and Barbara Rosenzweig.” Lipsitz said, “This year will be the same as always, but much smaller quantities and fewer recipients.” Having married last year, Lipsitz added, “My wife Ellen was a great help for Rosh Hashanah 2020

1 pound fresh chicken liver (beef liver— feh!) 9 eggs 4 jumbo sweet onions Wesson or other vegetable oil 3 chicken-flavor bouillon cubes Onion powder Salt Sugar Cut onions into rings or dice and start frying in a generous amount of oil on medium heat in a large, deep frying pan. They will need stirring every few minutes, and need to cook until totally caramelized and brown, about 30 minutes. Rinse livers and drain thoroughly. Bring a pot of water to rapid boil, and place raw eggs in gently one at a time. (Doing it this way assures easy-to-peel eggs. Do not start eggs in cold water.) After water returns to boil, cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Place pot in sink under cold water for a couple of minutes, then peel eggs. Remove browned onions from pan and set aside. Add more oil and start frying livers. Add bouillon cubes to pan, and after a few minutes, make sure they have dissolved in the oil. (If using kosher livers, there is a pre-broil requirement). Brown livers to very well done. Set up meat grinder (hand crank or electric) and large bowl or container. (A food processor won’t work.) Use medium grinding blade. Alternatively, put liver, eggs and onions in grinder hopper until all ingredients are ground. Mix well with big spoon. You will need to add a sprinkle of onion powder and sugar, maybe more to taste. Taste frequently, and add more salt as needed, and also more oil as needed to keep it quite moist. Do not use pepper or any other spices. It will firm up, and taste less salty after refrigerating. Have a supply of cholesterol and stomach acid treatment ready and enjoy! ì

HOLIDAY FLAVORS

A New Kind of Synagogue Cookbook Many Congregation Beth Jacob home cooks are known for distinctive weekday and Shabbat recipes. Home cooks are also Chana Shapiro interested in nutrition and expanded kosher food options. It turned out that the COVID pandemic, which resulted in homebound cooks preparing non-stop meals, led the Beth Jacob Sisterhood to create a new kosher cookbook, “L’chaim.” Sarah Faygie Berkowitz, Beth Jacob communications and marketing manager, stepped up as editor. She remembers, “Congregant Chantza Lawrence had the idea of a health-conscious cookbook, and when Sisterhood co-president Tziporah Wayne and I discussed pandemic programming, she loved the idea. We thought that, during the COVID summer of 2020, women would appreciate working together on a project from the comfort of their homes, to create something useful and lasting. We put together a committee with backgrounds in food, nutrition and serving large families, and started divvying up tasks.” The cookbook committee consisted of Berkowitz, Wayne, Tanya Robbins, Mindy Caplan, Robin Saul and Temima Oratz. The women were of different ages, family backgrounds, interests and stages in life, a diversity that produced a broadly representative group of recipes. Berkowitz managed the project, employing her years of cooking demonstrations and media and writing production “with countless hours of labor, and also a lot of fun.” Recipes were solicited via an email campaign, reaching current and former Beth Jacob members in Atlanta, other states, and Israel. Most recipes are original, and recipes adapted from previously published recipes are credited. The committee limited the number of submissions per family and was overwhelmed and delighted by contributions from women and men of all ages. The result was over 200 recipes, categorized into salads, soups, fish, meat and chicken, vegetables, dairy, desserts, grains and legumes. “Teen twins Maia and Yaffa Hurwitz were our youngest contributors, and they assisted with the cookbook in many ways,” Berkowitz notes. “We received

Sarah Faygie Berkowitz edited and designed the cookbook.

Gluten-free brownies are a cookbook favorite.

made. An advantage of a home-grown cookbook is that people with questions about a recipe are comfortable reaching out to a contributor, and those who do not know the author can post a question on the Facebook group. Here’s a sample of the recipes: Gluten-free Black Bean Brownies Sarah Faygie Berkowitz

Twins Maia and Yaffa Hurwitz were the youngest members of the cookbook team.

New cookbook “L’chaim” contains more than 200 recipes by Beth Jacob home cooks.

some really delicious-looking recipes that didn’t fit this cookbook’s healthconscious guidelines. We developed a vetting process and are saving those for our next gastronomic production.” The first run of 200 copies is almost sold out. Wayne said the financial goal was to break even, with copies cost-

ing $25 each. The project netted a few thousand dollars for the synagogue, she said. Beth Jacob members were invited to sponsor a cookbook section in honor or memory of a loved one, turning the cookbook into a family keepsake. Several Beth Jacob members who live in Israel sponsored sections, and cookbooks were sent to them. Cookbook tasks included design, layout and copy; editing, recipe input, obtaining food photos; proofreading, taste testing, and producing a catchy and attractive cover. When the project was nearing completion, the fully masked committee met for a “tasting” (not easy during COVID), and Russy Tendler took pictures, which are featured on the cookbook’s cover and inside pages. Spiral binding was selected because it lays flat. Berkowitz jokes, “You don’t need to put a big can on a page to hold it down! Cooks like that.” The most popular recipes are the salads, the two- to four-ingredient section, and the healthy substitutions. The committee launched a semi-private L’chaim Facebook group for feedback, comments and photos of recipes they

15-ounce can black beans 3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 cup cocoa powder 3 tablespoons oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules 3 eggs Streusel topping: 1 cup gluten-free baking mix 1 tablespoon cinnamon 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup Earth Balance or coconut oil Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease an 8-by-8 square pan. If doubling recipe, use a rectangular brownie pan. Rinse and drain beans. Pour into food processor. Add coffee, vanilla, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and oil. Process until beans are completely ground and ingredients are blended. Add eggs to processor bowl and beat well. Pour into baking pan. With the back of a fork or your fingers, mix until combined and coarse crumbs are formed. Sprinkle over brownies. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until brownies are fully set. Doubled recipe in rectangular brownie pan will need 45 to 50 minutes ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 37

HOLIDAY FLAVORS

Sample the Tastes and Spirit of Jewish Atlanta

Kabocha Squash Curry

Lev Mebel holds plate of cod liver he and his wife prepared, paired with pita bread for serving.

Cod Liver Appetizer Submitted by Berta and Lev Mebel of Marietta, originally from Riga, Latvia Servings: 4 1 can, 190 grams of cod liver (wild caught, from Iceland, available at Buford Highway Farmers Market) 2 hardboiled eggs 1/2 medium size sweet onion 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Dash of pepper Drain cod liver. Reserve 2 teaspoons of oil. Chop eggs and onion into small pieces. Add cod liver and reserved oil. Season with pepper and lemon juice. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly, and mash it well with a fork. Transfer to serving dish and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with whole wheat pita bread or crackers.

Submitted by Robin Saul

Broccoli Salad Submitted by Iris Wynne 1 pound broccoli florets, raw. Do not blanch. 1 package ramen noodles, uncooked. Break up, toss out seasoning. 1 bunch of green onions, chopped 1 cup sunflower seeds 1/2 to 1 cup Craisins 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup veggie oil 1/3 cup cider vinegar (I prefer apple cider) In large bowl, combine broccoli, broken noodles, green onions and Craisins. Whisk together sugar, oil and vinegar. Pour over salad and toss. Refrigerate for several hours. Top with sunflower seeds before serving. I sometimes add chopped walnuts on top. Enjoy!

38 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Often called a Japanese pumpkin, this winter squash cooks up creamy, and is delicious on a bed of brown rice and/or steamed spinach. You can also substitute butternut squash. 1 large kabocha, diced, with skin 1 large leek, cleaned and sliced 5 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons fresh grated turmeric I tablespoon green (or any) curry powder 1 cup vegetable broth 1/2 cup coconut milk, lite or full fat from a can To cut squash more easily, microwave whole squash for 3 minutes.

Ceviche Submitted by Doris Goldstein 1 pound any mild, firm raw fish (such as flounder or halibut) 1 to 2 tablespoons kosher salt (start with smaller amount, adjust if needed) 4 large radishes, thinly sliced or cut into match sticks 1 large avocado, sliced or cut in small pieces 1/2 cup chopped red onion 1/2 cup fresh dill, cut in small pieces Juice of 2 limes, Juice of 1 lemon Several drops Tabasco, to taste Cut fish in small bite-sized pieces. Combine with juices and salt. Mix well in deep container so that the fish is covered by the juices. Add rest of the ingredients and mix well. Add dill last. Taste and adjust all seasoning; more Tabasco or less, or some other hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate for several hours.

In large, shallow pot, saute onion in steaming hot water until translucent.

Serve on bed of greens of any kind. Grape tomatoes can be added on top of fish for a touch of color.

Add garlic and turmeric and saute until onion is caramelized. Simmer in broth. Stir in tomato paste until dissolved.

Note: Prepare this dish early the same day you plan to serve it so that the fish can “cook” in the juices.

Add coconut milk when squash is soft enough to pierce with a fork. Simmer 20 minutes. Optional: Finish by broiling in oven.

HOLIDAY FLAVORS

Gail’s Graham Cracker Cake Submitted by Gail Solomon Cake 2 cups sugar 3 sticks margarine or 1 ½ cups shortening. 1 cup milk 5 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 pound box graham crackers, crushed fine as meal. 1 can or 1 ½ cups coconut 1 cup chopped nuts rolled in 1/3 cups flour.

Moroccan Sweet and Savory Roast Carrots

Filling/Frosting (like a glaze) 1 stick margarine or 1/2 cup fine shortening 1 box powdered sugar 1 can crushed pineapple, drained. Preheat oven to 350° F. Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.

Submitted by Michael Dresdner This dish is very flavorful and is easy to prepare. 1 pound carrots 2 tablespoons oil (a neutral oil such as grapeseed recommended) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (unsmoked may be substituted) 1 teaspoon cumin 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon turmeric 1/4 teaspoon harissa, optional, for added spice and flavor. 1 teaspoon za’atar, for flavor 10 pitted and dried dates, cut in slices, about 1/4-inch wide Honey Preheat oven to 450° F. Wash and peel the carrots. Slice diagonally about ¼-inch wide at the big end of the carrot and wider as the carrot gets smaller, which will allow all the pieces to be of equal tenderness when done. In a mixing bowl, toss and stir the carrots with all the ingredients except the dates and honey. Roast the seasoned carrots, uncovered for 20 minutes in preheated oven. At 20 minutes, pull carrots from oven and return to mixing bowl and stir in dates. If the carrots appear dry, add another tablespoon of oil. Return carrots to oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until a knife tip finds the carrots tender. Note: Cook times may vary due to oven accuracy and moisture content of carrots. Just before serving, place carrots in a serving dish and drizzle with 2 to 4 tablespoons of honey. Serve immediately.

Noodle Kugel Submitted by Susan Shapiro McCarthy This recipe was taken from the first “Oak Ridge Cooks” cookbook from the 1960s, put together by the National Council of Jewish Women chapter in my hometown of Oak Ridge, Tenn., where my mother Selma Shapiro was on the board and eventually served as president. The recipe comes from Myra Hoffman, my first Hebrew School teacher. 3 cups 1/2 inch-wide noodles 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup butter 3 eggs, well-beaten 2 apples sliced and peeled 1/4 cup raisins Salt and pepper Preheat oven to 400° F. Cook noodles in salted boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and add butter, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, apples and raisins. Grease pudding dish and heat in oven. Pour mixture in dish and bake until top of pudding is well browned. Note: I alter the recipe with less butter and sugar to make it healthier. It still tastes great!

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternately add milk and graham crackers and teaspoon of vanilla. Fold in nuts and coconut. Bake in 3 layers for 35 minutes or until layers are done. Cake Option: Use drained pineapple juice to pour over layers before frosting. Freeze layers before frosting to make frosting easier.

Cool. Frost with filling. Frosting Option: Use a box of fluffy frosting mix of your choice. Eliminate butter and after beaten to peaks, add pineapple. Prettier finished product. Note: Kroger brand has pareve graham crackers of different flavors. I have made a chocolate graham cracker cake and a honey graham cracker cake. Experiment and have fun. Both are delicious.

Mom’s Ice Cream Royale with Macaroons Submitted by Carol Nemo This is beautiful and delicious. 3 or 4 pints of different kinds of ice cream. (I favor vanilla, strawberry, butter pecan, orange sherbet, butter pecan, chocolate and/or strawberry) Bag of tiny marshmallows 1 package frozen raspberries or strawberries (I prefer fresh strawberries) 2 packages almond macaroons or homemade, cut into small pieces 1 pint whipped cream Strawberry or hot fudge sauce, optional Using an ice cream scoop, assemble balls of ice cream in a pretty bowl. (Mom used her silver soup terrine). Intermingle remaining ingredients amid the ice cream. Note: You can top with the warm sauce, depending on the kind of ice cream. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 39

ART Stein Explores Lives Shaped by Holocaust By Chana Shapiro Atlanta author Rachel Stein dedicates “To Tell the Story” to “the heroes and heroines within these pages. What gave you the strength to live through seemingly endless torture and brutality? How were you able to start anew?” Stein does her best to answer these questions. This volume contains gripping stories of 13 Holocaust survivors who came from diverse backgrounds and different European countries. Many of them eventually made their home in Atlanta where they rebuilt their lives, raised their families, and became active members and builders of the Jewish community. To present the uniqueness of each survival story, every account is treated as an entity, with its own theme and brief introduction. Pre-World War II photographs deepen the contents with pictures of family members mentioned in the narratives. The juxtapositions of survivors’ halcyon early years, the horrors of the concentration and work camps, and their subsequent fulfilling and produc-

The stories of the parents of Atlantans Marsha and Mark Strazynski are recounted n Stein’s book.

Rachel Stein displays her book at the book launch.

tive lives make each story poignant and instructive. Many of the survivors will be familiar to readers who know them as respected Atlanta business owners, community builders and educators. “To Tell the Story” opens doors into their past. Helen Borkowsky Gerson, in her

“To Tell the Story” desribes the experiences of many Atlanta Holocaust survivors.

chapter “The Laughing Bomb,” states, “We Holocaust survivors were like family. Only those who had lived through the indescribable suffering could understand. We looked forward to a fresh start, and what better way than to get married and have a family?” As in other cities, survivors in Atlanta gravitated toward each other and socialized regularly. Their children bonded as well, and some families were eager to make matches between their offspring. Dr. Mark and Marsha Strazynski are an Atlanta couple, whose survivor parents Rachmil and Pola Strazynski and John and Helen Gilmer, narrate their own separate stories in the chapters “Two Fiery Torches” and “A Storehouse of Love,” respectively. Mark’s parents returned to Poland after the war, and he grew up there, still experiencing anti-Semitism. “I like to hear the survivor stories,” he said, “because each one has its own message of courage. Now that I’m an adult, I wish I had more of an understanding of how my parents’ lives were shaped by the Holocaust.” Marsha believes that her gentle, loving father was driven to survive by his anger and desire for revenge. At the Strazynski-Gilmer “second generation” wedding, Rabbi Emanual Feldman declared, “As we stand here with these two survivors’ children under the chuppah, we’re witness to a phoenix flying out of a raging fire. This is our revenge. These two people, whom Hitler tried to prevent from ever being born, are demonstrative of our ultimate survival.” Stein successfully assumes the survivors’ personalities, emotions and be-

liefs to emphasize the individuality of each speaker by writing in their “voices,” their speaking styles. Most of the survivors in “To Tell the Story” are no longer living. Therefore, in addition to Stein’s own live interviews, their children and relatives added details and anecdotes. All the protagonists in “To Tell the Story” have their own truths and insights. Atlantan Lucy Carson, in her chapter “Behind the Walls,” reflects, “I witnessed the worst evil imaginable. Cruelty surrounded me, and I lived in constant fear. And yet, I was privileged to see the incredible greatness and kindness of the human heart. Caring strangers risked their lives time and time again to save me and so many others.” In spite of their differences, the 13 sagas share common themes. All of the survivors consider their survival a G-d-given miracle. All of them exhibited impossible endurance and all witnessed individual acts of generosity and compassion amid depravation and death. Recently, the AJT joined Holocaust survivors, their children and grandchildren, who were among the many visitors at Judaica Corner gift shop in Toco Hills for the launch and signing of “To Tell the Story.” The room resounded with iterations of “Rachel, thank you for writing these memoirs!” One slight drawback to the book is Stein’s decision to honor every personality by capturing their words with such precision. Lacking a helpful glossary, some words, phrases and concepts, which were integral to the lives of the speakers, will be unfamiliar to the reader. Nevertheless, when taken in context, a reader will be able to discern the meaning and move on, without losing the continuity of each unforgettable story. ì

ART

‘My Unorthodox Life’ Mostly Rankles By Marcia Caller Jaffe Fans of the Netflix series “Unorthodox,” wildly popular at the start of the pandemic, are reacting to a new portrayal, “My Unorthodox Life.” The new series premiered last month. The former was fictionalized but based on a real woman’s book about her decision to leave behind Hasidism in Brooklyn. The latter is reality TV, a la “Jewish Kardashians,” told through the eyes and strident voice of fashion mogul Julia Haart, who shredded her interpretation of the “burden” of charedi Orthodoxy in 2013. The drama unfolds, and perhaps the dénouement that disturbs some viewers, is deprogramming her family alongside. Special note: Haart taught at Yeshiva Atlanta under the name Talia Hendler in the late 1990s. On the one hand, Russian-born Haart, 50, is charismatic as she shares her posh office space, runway shows, multi-million-dollar Tribeca digs, her gay best friend, and one daughter’s bisexuality. Alternatively, her other daughter’s struggle to become less observant pales to Haart’s treatment of her teen son. One of the most heart-rending scenes is when he returns from summer camp with a love of Torah and she won’t relinquish her angst. “You need to date girls and go out into the world before you decide any of this. I am older. I know better.” Particularly irritating is her forced use of the “f” word, like teen boys cursing to be cool. Then there are her clothes: skirts, the shortest, and cleavage exposure. Having been in my own reality A&E show, “My Dog’s Bat Mitzvah,” I should note that the producers push to portray the most provoking and outrageous topics, like Haart’s sharing her honeymoon night details with her kids or teaching a questioning religious girl how to use a vibrator. On the other hand, we like the voyeurism of the rich lifestyle: renting a castle, closets of Balmain and Vuitton, suitcases of Chanel bags. Haart achieved success initially without speaking of her religious Monsey past. Well, sort of; new husband Silvio Scaglia turns out to be (if Googled) a toptier wealthy entrepreneur who bought the Elite World Group that she runs. At an earlier point, she did successfully launch La Perla clothing. Smart woman, no doubt. Occasionally Haart charms when she explains the meaning of Sukkot or quotes Hebrew sages, such as: “All beginnings are difficult.” At meals, she points out the ko-

Noam Galai / Getty Images for Elite World Group //

Julia Haart welcomes the crowd at the New York premiere. Her skimpy attire drives home the point of the series.

Times of Israel // Scene from

“My Unorthodox Life.”

sher food to the kids who want to remain so. Haart is emotional in explaining that she was suicidal being trapped in her first marriage and not able to control her own destiny, which is the message she is carrying forth. Interestingly, Haart appeared on “The View” on ABC July 23, very tastefully dressed from her location in Paris. Her “affect” was in contrast to her reality boss persona. Viewer Helene Cohen noted, “Watching the series made me realize how much the men feel they need to control the women under the guise that the women need protecting.” Susan Proctor remarked, “I’m honestly not sure that I am intrigued enough to watch the whole thing. I watched the documentary ‘One of Us,’ which is an accurate depiction about ultra-Orthodox trying to withdraw from the sect. I think that Julia is the exception more than the rule. She is a self-promoter. It’s interesting that they did the show, and I may watch more of it.” Dena Schusterman, executive director of Intown Jewish Preschool, recalled working with Haart (then Hendler) more than 25 years ago. “I am not watching ‘Unorthodox.’ I don’t watch reality TV; I am

Noam Galai / Getty Images for Elite World Group //

New York lit up for the show’s premiere.

Times of Israel //

Julia Haart in “My Unorthodox Life.”

loud, over-the-top way, who am I to tell them not to? One thing the ‘frum’ world can take from this hullabaloo is to pop their bubble and go out into the world. Be friendly, get curious about the general population. I think in response to our real interactions with the world, without ulterior motives, we will, by default, introduce people to our nuanced and deep observant life.” After the airing of “My Unorthodox Life” last month, social media lit up with accom-

Noam Galai / Getty Images for Elite World Group //

Julia Haart flanked by her children and son-in-law.

not going to start now. “Talia was a brilliant teacher; as her colleague at Yeshiva Atlanta, I learned a lot from her. I was in my early 20s. She was ‘wicked smart’ and confident, the same as you see today. “I really dislike labeling people, especially the label ‘Orthodox,’ in general. I would rather focus on what unites than what divides us. That we are different is a given. If American culture allows for someone to tell a story in this brazen,

plished observant women who declared, “I have a wonderful life, and no one is controlling me.” One teacher in Fort Lauderdale noted, “Some young girls do express to me their doubts about their path in Orthodoxy. I do not shut them down. I listen intently and say ‘That’s what makes Judaism so beautiful. You are allowed to question.’” Bottom line: Like it or not, I watched with keen interest; but it felt like Meghan Markle justifying her “dishing” to Oprah. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 41

CALENDAR MONDAY, AUGUST 16

AJFF Playback Interactive Film Contest – 8 to 9 a.m. Join AJFF for the return of its interactive, bracket-style film contest, Playback: Reunion Edition. Two competing films began July 12 dropping weekly for audiences to watch through the AJFF Virtual Cinema and vote for their favorite. The competition features a mix of eight films covering various topics and filmmaking styles, with a common theme of reconnection and reunion. Visit https://bit. ly/3yyAerm for more information. Shofar on Main Street (Monday through Friday until Sept. 3) – 11 a.m. The blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn, is an important part of the Jewish high holiday season. There is a special tradition of blowing the shofar in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah to remind us to “wake up,” reflect on the past year, and begin the spiritual preparation for the high holiday season. All are invited to listen as the shofar is sounded at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Visit https://bit.ly/3iuzBZt for more information. Captivating Cambodia – 2 to 3:15 p.m. China, Japan, even Thailand are popular Asian destinations for U.S. travelers. However, tucked in Southeast Asia is fascinating and – alas! – often overlooked, the Kingdom of Cambodia, which offers rich, interesting, and beautiful multilayered experiences to fulfill any curious voyager. Let trip leader James Sokol and

AUGUST 16 – AUGUST 31 the MJCCA zoom you off, across the time zones to join our terrific, local, professional guide Tek (live in Cambodia) on our “visits” to his fabulous country. Visit https://bit.ly/3eFaHW2 to purchase tickets.

Billie Jean King, Author of “All In“– 8 to 9 p.m. Book Festival of the MJCCA presents Billie Jean King with her new memoir, “All In.” An inspiring and intimate self-portrait of the champion of equality that encompasses her brilliant tennis career, unwavering activism, and an ongoing commitment to fairness and social justice. Visit https:// bit.ly/3ktFsRs to purchase tickets.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17 Day Book Club – 12 p.m. Join Congregation Shearith Israel Sisterhood Day Book Club and discuss “The Lucky One” by Sherry Ostroff. Visit https:// bit.ly/3wZBUJk for more information.

Find more events and submit items for our online and print calendars at:

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Calendar sponsored by the Atlanta Jewish Connector, an initiative of the AJT. In order to be considered for the print edition, please submit events three to four weeks in advance. Contact community relations director Diana Cole for more information at Diana@atljewishtimes.com. 42 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18 Open House: Adult Jewish Education – 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Learn about the exciting in-person and virtual classes coming to the Lisa F Brill Institute of Jewish Learning this fall at our open house. Meet us in the open-air barn at the MJCCA and enjoy light refreshments while you hear from a fascinating guest speaker and connect with other learners. Visit https://bit.ly/2TtsJTO to register. Daniel Levin, Author of “Proof of Life” – 8 to 9 p.m. Join MJCCA and Daniel Levin, author of “Proof of Life.” It is a fast-paced thriller wrapped in a memoir, a must-read for anyone interested in power dynamics, international affairs, or the Middle East. Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/3wYntFc.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19

Exploring Opera: Tuneful Trivia – 4 to 5:30 p.m. Don’t miss out on a fun, educational, and non-competitive game that is a combination of “Name That Tune”(or opera) and“Jeopardy!” Instructor James Sokol’s new two-session mini- series will touch on a wide range of operatic repertoire and singers. Answers will be found in beautiful video performance clips that bring the thrill of opera into the discussion. Visit MJCCA at https://bit.ly/2V13ubT to register. MJCCA Topgolf Tournament – 5 to 8 p.m. Have fun while giving back and join us for the Annual MJCCA Topgolf Tournament. This event takes place at Topgolf Midtown and raises funds to support vital programs and services at the MJCCA and scholarship funds for families in need in our community. The MJCCA Topgolf Tournament offers valuable networking opportunities with other young professionals from the metro Atlanta area. Visit https://bit.ly/3rntBWw to sign up.

Rewire & Refresh: 5 Steps to Career Success – 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join JF&CS Career Services for Rewire & Refresh: 5 Steps to Career Success. Andrea Holyfield, career management and transition coach will guide you through: A 5-Step process to changing careers quickly; The secret to transitioning without starting over; How to create a productive personal change strategy; A proven career transition branding plan. Visit https://bit.ly/2UTNp7U to register.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20

SOJOURN’s Drawing from the Well – 12 to 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to experience the magic of an inclusive community during Drawing from the Well, SOJOURN’s inclusive weekly meetup for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. Participants gather in community to discuss and connect around resources from Torah Queeries, Mussar teachings, holidays and happenings in the world. Visit https://bit.ly/34YpvJS for Zoom link. Back To School: Don’t Just Survive, Thrive – 12 to 1 p.m. After a year of isolation, quarantine, and modified learning, both parents and children are experiencing increased anxiety about going back to school. Jewish Family & Career Services’ licensed child therapists will share tips and strategies for parents to support their children’s resilience and successful re-entry back to school. Visit https://bit.ly/3raTM2o for more information.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 Story Time with Rabbi Jordan – 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. Join Rabbi Jordan Ottenstein for Story Time on Facebook. Visit https://bit.ly/3xfpywO for more information.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 High Holiday Festival at Ahavath Achim

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Ki Teitzei – 12 to 4 p.m. Reconnect and engage with your Ahavath Achim family at the first annual High Holiday Festival. Meet up with friends and learn about what’s happening in our AA community. Visit individual booths promoting many of AA’s committees and community organizations with which we are involved. There will be a food truck on site to purchase lunch and other fun activities for adults and kids alike. Visit https://bit.ly/3kIvtYG to register. The Sounds of Jewish America – 7 to 8 p.m. Ahavath Achim’s Cultural Arts Concert Series, in partnership with Neranenah (formerly the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival), presents The Sounds of Jewish America. Join us for a musical evening featuring a fun, fascinating and entertaining overview of Jewish contributions to American music during the 20th century. Joe Alterman, joined by Scott Glazer and Justin Chesarek, will play the works of Jewish musical legends such as Irving Berlin, Bob Dylan, and others. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3BIn8dC. IJA’s Jewish Summer Cinema II – 8 p.m. Treat yourself to a memorable experience with sunsets, gorgeous city views, great food and fun Jewish films on the Intown Jewish Academy’s huge outdoor screen! Visit https://bit.ly/3wIQfti to RSVP.

MONDAY, AUGUST 23 Francine Prose, Author of “The Vixen: A Novel” – 8 to 9 p.m. Join MJCCA and Francine Prose, author of “The Vixen, a Novel.” Join Simon Putnam, editor at a publishing firm, and be thrust into a glittering world. His first assignment was editing “The Vixen, the Patriot and the Fanatic,” a lurid bodice-ripper improbably based on the recent trial and execution of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, a potboiler intended to shore up the firm’s failing finances. Instead, it makes him question the cost of admis-

Friday, August 20, 2021, light candles at 7:59 p.m. Saturday, August 21, 2021, Shabbat ends 8:55 p.m. Ki Tavo Friday, August 27, 2021, light candles at 7:51 p.m.

Jake Cohen, “Jew-ish: A Cookbook” – 8 to 9 p.m. A brilliantly modern take on Jewish culinary traditions for a new generation of readers, from a bright new star in the culinary world. Join the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta as Jake demonstrates how to make his famous Everything Bagel Galette – just in time for the high holidays. Visit https://bit.ly/2V2QkLl to purchase tickets.

Saturday, August 28, 2021, Shabbat ends at 8:46 p.m.

sion. Visit https://bit.ly/3eGv9FI to purchase tickets.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 LimmudFest 2021 – LimmudFest at Ramah Darom is a celebration and festival of Jewish thought, arts, culture, life, learning and teaching. Join us in the North Georgia mountains with hundreds of Jews from all walks of life, Jewish backgrounds, lifestyles, and ages for a full schedule of workshops, discussions, arts, music, performances, text-study sessions, yoga, hiking, and more. Register at https://bit. ly/3imXFO0.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 24 American Red Cross Blood Drive – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The American Red Cross and blood banks throughout the country have seen blood supplies significantly dwindle. Every 2 seconds someone needs blood and your donation can make sure that happens. Help support our community and assist in restocking our blood supply. Your donation of a single pint of blood can save up to 3 lives. Donate blood at Congregation B’nai Torah. Register at https://bit. ly/2SYONoO.

Levin, an American-born Israeli soldier who immigrated in 2012 to join the Israeli army. This book takes you step-by-step on his journey as he immigrates to Israel, learns Hebrew, goes through many grueling tryouts and finally makes it into one of Israel’s special forces units – Palchan Tzanhanim. Visit https://bit.ly/3hNj4k1 to register.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26

NCJW Atlanta Luncheon with Congresswoman Nikima Williams – 12 to 1:30 p.m. NCJW luncheon with special guest Congresswoman Nikima Williams. To purchase tickets, visit https:// bit.ly/2V0fJoM.

JCRC-ISB Speakers Series: Cultural Awareness in Schools – 7 to 8:15 p.m. Join Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta for the ISB Speakers’ Series: Working Effectively with Muslim Students and their Families. This module provides valuable information and resources for preventing harassment and bullying and improving interaction with Muslim students and their families while helping build an inclusive learning environment for all students. Visit https://bit.ly/3eW6LA4 to register.

Jewish National Fund-USA Reading Series: “Under the Stretcher” – 7 to 8 p.m. Join Jewish National Fund-USA IsraelCast host Steven Shalowitz and author Max Levin for a live Q&A session about his book, “Under the Stretcher.” It takes you into Operation Protective Edge, the 2014 conflict between Israel and Gaza, shared through the eyes of

Splish Splash Shabbat – 5 to 6 p.m. Join Temple Beth Tikvah and Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta for Splish Splash Shabbat. Visit https://bit. ly/36QCX3s for more information. Selichot Weekend with Artist-in-Residence Rabbi Josh Warshawsky – 6 p.m. Aug. 27 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 28, Kick off the liturgical high holiday season with a weekend of heart-opening Torah and song. Rabbi Josh Warshawsky will lead us in uplifting prayer and song, helping Ahavath Achim Synagogue to connect deeper to ourselves, our community and our tradition as we prepare spiritually for the high holidays. Register at https://bit. ly/2Vl4nMA.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 43

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28

Play Your Heart Out 2021 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Annual Play Your Heart Out event to support Save a Child’s Heart is a multisport event run by the local Atlanta SACH adult and teen committee members at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Sports included: Swim, all youth ages; mixed double tennis, grades six to 12; 3×3 basketball, grades six to 12; Wiffle Ball, grades six to 12; spinning, all ages with a minimum height requirement of 4-foot-11; walk/run, all ages. Register at https://bit.ly/3kv7v2U.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 Shoreshim Outdoor Games Day – 1 to 3 p.m. All kindergarten through second graders are invited to the first Shoreshim youth group event. Spend the afternoon participating at Congregation Ahavath Achim in a variety of fun and silly games such as water relays, hula-hoop contests, and so much more. A kosher dairy lunch will be available to participants of both our Kesher and youth group programs. RSVP by Aug. 26 at https://bit. ly/3iehQih.

Israel and the Palestinians: A Deeper Look with Bassem Eid – 2 to 3:15 p.m. Join Atlanta Israel Coalition for an enlightening conversation with Bassem Eid to learn a perspective you may have never heard about a conflict everyone talks about. Register in advance at https://bit.ly/3BLpvvU.

MONDAY, AUGUST 30 Davis Academy 22nd Annual Community Golf Tournament – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Davis Academy 22nd Annual Community Golf Tournament honor44 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ing Sam Tuck. Register at https://bit. ly/3hR8c50.

JF&CS - Telehealth Counseling Services – Now offering telehealth options via phone or videoconference for current and new clients to help our community during this crisis. For more information about our therapy services or to make a telehealth appointment, email us at therapy@jfcsatl.org or call 770-6779474. JF&CS - Telehealth Older Adult Services – Aviv Older Adult staff are there to help provide resources, care plans and support for you and your family. Call AgeWell at 1-866-AGEWELL (1-866-243-9355) to find out how they can help. For more information, www.bit.ly/2wo5qzj.

Community Services: Anti-Defamation League – The Coronavirus Surfaces Fear, Stereotypes and Scapegoating: A blog post from ADL to help provide accurate information, explore emotions and, most importantly, play a role in reducing stereotyping and scapegoating. To read more, www.bit.ly/3dp5a3t. Atlanta Community Food Bank Text for Help SMS Function –The ACFB’s mission to provide nutritious food to the people who need it has reached a major milestone toward access to food for all. The Text for Help is ‘findfood’ (no space). Responses will include a list of three different nearby pantries and their contact information. For more information, www.acfb.org. Israeli American Council – IAC @ Home brings you the most innovative content online while helping build a national community with Israel at heart. With activities for kids, teens, young professionals and adults, you can stay connected to Hebrew, Israeli and Jewish heritage, online activism and to one another. IAC @Home lets you enjoy a coastto-coast community right from your own home. For more information, www.israeliamerican.org/home. JF&CS - Emergency Financial Assistance – JF&CS is here to provide emergency aid for individuals and families. Please call 770-677-9389 to get assistance. For more information, www.bit.ly/2wo5qzj.

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Resources – The unsettling, fast-moving and unpredictable world of life with COVID-19 is upon us. As we’re all discovering, a worldwide pandemic disrupts everyone on an unprecedented scale. For updates and more information, www.bit.ly/3ahrNVM. Please send Community Service Opportunities to diana@atljewishtimes.com.

Congregation Etz Chaim – Erev Shabbat Musical, Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. Join in for weekly livestream Shabbat services. To join, www.bit.ly/3gWL02s. Congregation Or Hadash – Shabbat services Friday at 6:30 p.m. Saturday morning services at 9:15 a.m. Minyan Sunday and Tuesday mornings. To participate and get Zoom link, www. or-hadash.org. Congregation Shearith Israel – Daily and Shabbat services will continue at regular times through Zoom. They are counting participants in these Zoom services as part of a minyan, allowing members to recite full prayer services including Mourner’s Kaddish. To participate via phone, dial 929-205-6099 and then enter the meeting code 404 873 1743. To be a part of services, visit the Zoom link, www.bit.ly/2wnFWlD. Temple Beth David — Kabbalat Shabbat services every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Shabbat morning service and Torah Study every Saturday at 11 a.m. on our YouTube channel, (https://www. youtube.com/channel/UC2GcbAI_ HdLRSG5hhpi_8Cw). Temple Beth Tikvah Livestreaming Services – Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays at 10 a.m. To join on Facebook, www. facebook.com/TempleBethTikvah/ or www.bit.ly/2ZlCvrr.

Synagogue Livestreaming Services: Ahavath Achim Synagogue – Shabbat evening services at 6:00 p.m. Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. To watch and for more information, www.bit. ly/38dS4Ed. Congregation Beth Shalom’s Virtual Services – Erev Shabbat, Fridays at 6:30 p.m., Shabbat service, Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Zoom minyan Sunday at 9:30 a.m. For more information, www. bethshalom.net. Congregation Dor Tamid - Shabbat evening services at 7:30 p.m. For more information, www.dortamid.org.

Temple Kol Emeth Services – Shabbat services on Fridays at 8 p.m. View our services on www.kolemeth.net or www.facebook.com/Temple Kol Emeth-Marietta, GA. Temple Sinai Livestream Services – Temple Sinai has live Shabbat services on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. For more information and to view services, www.bit.ly/2BXRfTF. The Temple Livestreaming Services – Find live streaming services here, www.the-temple.org. Please send Synagogue and Temple Streaming Services to diana@atljewishtimes.com. Check the Atlanta Jewish Connector for updates: www.atlantajewishconnector.com. ì

CONNECTOR CHATTER Directory Spotlight www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Atlanta Council on International Relations

In conversation with Sherry Lee, director of marketing.

How long has your organization been in Atlanta? We have a 75-year heritage in Atlanta. How do you cater to the younger members of the community? Membership is open to the younger members of our community. We have younger individuals on our board of directors. And we offer internships to area students, with an emphasis on internships for graduate students seeking degrees in foreign affairs. Where do you see your organization in 10 years? We expect the organization to continue to be a thriving community of people interested in international relations. Our aim is to bring younger professionals into the organization in the next decade. How does your organization help the community? ACIR’s educational purpose is to inform the public on subjects meaningful to individuals and beneficial to the community living in an interconnected world; to stimulate interest in and knowledge of international relations, world affairs, and foreign policies that affect the community and its economic, social, and intellectual well-being and security; and to promote understanding of international affairs through a broad dialogue on those subjects. It achieves these purposes through public discussion groups, forums, panels, lectures, and other similar programs.

SOJOURN, Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender & Sexual Diversity In conversation with Rebecca Stapel-Wax, executive director.

How long has your organization been in Atlanta? We have been doing this work for 20 years, but SOJOURN has been an independent nonprofit since 2013. How do you cater to the younger members of the community? We have a comprehensive sex education program for 10 to 13 years and one for teens. Our Tum Tum group (named for those in oral commentaries who have unknown or hidden sex characteristics) does social and social action activities. Where do you see your organization in 10 years? We will have eradicated conversion torture (aka reparative therapy), convinced our communities in the South that religious freedom should never discriminate against anyone and our presence is a source of comfort and pride. How does your organization help the community? We provide education, training and information to empower and advance gender and sexual diversity across the South.

Friendship Circle of Atlanta In conversation with Chanky Freedman, director.

How long has your organization been in Atlanta? labels and abilities don’t define the individual. Programs will be offered for all ages Friendship Circle of Atlanta was founded in 2012 out of a need for increased Jewish to experience and learn the art of kindness. engagement with individuals with special needs in the community. How does your organization help the community? How do you cater to the younger members of the community? The friendships facilitated between individuals of all abilities create a more incluOur model uniquely pairs Jewish high school students and young adult volunteers sive Jewish community. Parents get much needed respite through programs and on a 1:1 ratio with a friend with special needs for all our programming, creating support from fellow parents. Young student and adult volunteers experience a friendships that last a lifetime. Both parties enjoy life changing memories, shaping paradigm shift through meaningful Jewish interactions, seeing people for who them into the adults of tomorrow. they are. We are only a community when everyone is included and seen for the soul they have inside, uniting us with what we all have in common. When stigWhere do you see your organization in 10 years? The Atlanta community will see each other differently than they do today and mas and labels fall away, friendships can be made. And they are! truly “love your fellow as yourself.” It will provide a center of Ahavat Yisrael where

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 45

COMMUNITY Legacy of Legendary Jewish Georgians By Flora Rosefsky Sitting in front of a computer or laptop from the comfort of your home, you can now search on The Breman Museum’s website a long list of well-known local Georgia women and men who speak directly to you about their historical contribution to the community. “I treasure the oral history collection and the important insight it gives us about the lives and times of people in which they lived,” said Sherry Frank, who shared her own story for the collection. A new innovative oral history catalogue system called Aviary is currently up and running at The Breman Museum. This revolutionary platform makes it easy to learn about the local Georgia scene by seeing familiar faces and hearing voices from the past and present such as those of William Breman, himself, or Rabbi Alvin Sugarman of The Temple. The AJT spoke to the archivist at The Breman, a few interviewees and those who have supported the project to learn

Vida Goldgar is interviewed by Dr. Roberta “Bobbie” Golden in 1985. (Courtesy of Sherry Frank)

Ann Schoenberg interviewed Sherry Frank in 1993. (Courtesy of Sherry Frank)

Jeremy Katz checks out a recorded oral history tape to be catalogued.

more about the oral history collection and its 21st century makeover.

History Comes Home The Breman’s archivist Jeremy Katz explained in an AJT interview how JewDr. Mark Bauman interviews Rabbi Alvin Sugarman in 2014.

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ish local history reaches audiences beyond the museum’s walls. “Oral history interviews are now digitized from analog (physical tapes) to a digital format that can be preserved and accessed on a computer. These digital files are now being uploaded and inputted directly to The Breman’s page in Aviary so that they can be viewed and dynamically searched online,” Katz said. Soon after joining the American Jewish Committee staff, Frank saw the AJC Atlanta Chapter in 1982 create its Women of Achievement Oral History Project. Few women were in that collection at the time. In 1985, the National Council of Jewish Women Atlanta Section joined as a co-sponsor of the Women of Achievement Project. As the project grew, Atlanta’s Jewish Federation joined as a co-sponsor in 1989. And on May 16, 1990, the collection, which then included 50 women, was given to The Breman. In a recent Zoom conversation, Katz explained how those initial interviews “developed into The Esther and Herbert Taylor Oral History Collection that currently totals over 1,000 recorded interviews.” Roughly 25 percent of the collection documents Holocaust survivors who settled in Georgia and Alabama. The collection is housed in the Ida Pearle and

Joseph Cuba Archives for Southern Jewish History at The Breman. Typical ages to be interviewed today range from 60 to 90 years old, just as when earlier oral history efforts began 50 years ago. Judith and Mark Taylor have followed in the footsteps of Mark’s parents, funding this Oral History Collection for decades. “Everything we have accomplished to expand the collection and make it available to the public would not have been possible without their support,” Katz said of the Taylors. The Breman also just received a Propel Grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta to support the new oral history catalog system.

Voices from the Past AJC Women of Achievement interviews saved on cassette tapes included women such as Vida Goldgar, former editor of The Southern Israelite, today’s Atlanta Jewish Times. Judith Taylor remembered her mother-in-law Esther Taylor, who started Planned Parenthood in Georgia, being interviewed as one of those 50 selected women. In the Aviary catalog, you can hear how Esther explained her role in creating the first affiliate in the South. “I wrote to national

COMMUNITY a time-consuming and expensive effort that includes detailed annotations as well as short biographies to provide historical context. Joyce Kane, an academic advisor and graduate student in religious studies at Georgia State University, has been a parttime oral history transcriptionist at The Breman since 2015.” Working to make the oral history collection acPanelists with the 1982 Women of Achievement cessible to a mass audience oral history project were Dr. Nanette Wenger, has been a very exciting Janice Rothschild Blumberg, Phyllis Kravitz and project and has furthered Josephine Heyman. (Courtesy of Sherry Frank) my interest in local Jewish Planned Parenthood and asked if they history. I’ve also greatly enjoyed learning expected to send a representative or di- about the rich Jewish histories prior to rector for the South, which was still com- arriving in Atlanta.” pletely undeveloped with regard to famIn addition to Kane, The Breman ily planning. When and if they did, I told employs several part-time transcriptionthem I would initiate the program and I ists and cataloguers that have made onewould have the seed money and get the third of the collection accessible to indusvolunteers.” try leading standards in Aviary. By the mid-1990s, video cameras replaced cassette tapes to document interInterviews On views. In 2013, The Breman began the effort to professionally transcribe the oral a Rolling Basis histories to industry leading standards, New oral history interviews are con-

ducted on a rolling basis thanks to a team of trained volunteer interviewers. Recent oral histories include interviews with Elaine Alexander, a political and feminist activist, and Janice Rothschild Blumberg, a historian, author and wife of the famed civil rights icon Rabbi Jacob Rothschild of The Temple. During the pandemic last year, several interviews took place virtually. As of May, in-person interviews on camera have resumed including with Josh Lesser, rabbi emeritus of Congregation Bet Haverim, and past presidents of the NCJW: Barbara Sugarman, Michal Hilman and Lila Hertz. In early July, there was an inteview with Henry Bauer, legal counsel to Atlanta’s Mayor Maynard Jackson during his first term in office. When asked how people are chosen to be interviewed, Katz said that a committee led by Susan Feinberg suggests names and helps organize the interviews. Feinberg also was recently interviewed for the project.

History Networks The Breman and Yale University are reportedly the only archives in the industry to have integrated Aviary and

ArchivesSpace, the leading collection catalog system in the archives field. Johns Hopkins University will soon be the third with Emory University not far behind, Katz said. The Breman and Yale’s Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies recently launched a collective in Aviary alongside the Illinois Institute of Technology. The collective makes the Holocaust survivor testimonies housed in each institution’s holdings more accessible than ever before. To view the collective, https://testimonies.aviaryplatform. com. “Aviary makes the stories of our community more accessible and discoverable than ever before to students, teachers, genealogists, filmmakers, and researchers of all backgrounds,” said Leslie Gordon, The Breman’s executive director. Judith Taylor asked, “Just think of what it would be like if we could hear the voices of those who came before us and actually see them talking?” For those whose family members, friends, colleagues or community leaders are part of The Breman’s Esther and Herbert Taylor Oral History Collection, with a click of a few computer keys Aviary makes it easy to access their stories. To learn more, visit https://thebreman.aviaryplatform.com. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 47

COMMUNITY

How To Become A Judaica Rescuer

By Chana Shapiro In a charming home in Sandy Springs, Sheryl and Ben Blatt live with treasured art and iconic furniture. Rare sewing machines of the 19th and 20th centuries are displayed in the expansive hall. The Blatts eat their meals at an oak arts and crafts table and set of chairs (also referred to as mission-style), part of their extensive museum-quality collection of the 19th-century handmade genre. One-of-a-kind carved objects are displayed alongside family photos and other heirloom furniture. Amidst the exceptional décor, one is drawn to a display cabinet in the dining room. It is filled with engraved sterling silver Kiddush cups of many shapes and sizes, discovered over the years by Sheryl. “I love flea markets,” she noted, “but I never expected to start a new collection because I noticed something unexpected on one of my visits!” About 12 years ago, Sheryl Blatt was wandering through the huge Scott Antique Markets complex on Jonesboro Road. On a dealer’s table, which held mostly sterling silver flatware, she noticed a lone Kiddush cup. “How odd!” she thought, “What’s a Kiddush cup doing here?” She asked the vendor about it, and he claimed that it was a miniature trophy. Without bothering to correct the dealer’s incorrect attribution, Blatt decided to rescue that cup, and she bought it. Continuing on, she was on the alert. At another booth, she spotted a second silver Kiddush cup, smaller than the first one, and again asked about it. This time she was told that it was a toothpick holder. Another rescue ensued. 48 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Sheryl Blatt sits with her rescued Kiddush cup collection.

Sheryl Blatt’s favorite rescued Kiddush cup is engraved, “Mother and Dad, March 1956.”

This small commemorative cup and saucer date from 1927.

It took a month for Sheryl Blatt to remove this seder plate from its frame.

Sheryl Blatt found this washing cup in Highlands, N.C.

“You know how it goes,” she joked. “I was hooked. After I found those Kiddush cups, I was now a collector!” Blatt presently has a collection of nearly 40 sterling silver Kiddush cups that once belonged to other people, engraved with names, initials, dates, symbols and organizational abbreviations. Once her rescue radar became activated, Blatt also liberated other pieces of mis-identified Judaica. On a trip to Highlands, N.C., she stepped into an antiques shop, where she noticed a pressed glass bowl-shaped container with two handles and clearly decorated with a Jewish star. She asked the owner about it, and he explained that it was a sugar bowl that unfortunately was missing its cover. There was no lip on which a lid would have rested, and the star decoration nailed it. Blatt knew that she had found an unusual washing cup, a vessel used to ritually rinse hands before eating meals in which bread would be eaten. “Of course, I bought it!” Blatt asserted. Then on one of her trips to the Scott Antique Markets, Blatt was scouting for Kiddush cups as usual, when she was shocked to find a troubling framed vignette. On a background of black velvet, a large, goldrimmed, bone china seder plate was glued, accompanied by a complete set of matching gold-rimmed cups. The decorations and lettering were pristine. The set had never been used. “I was determined to save it in its perfect condition! It took more than a month to remove the goop from the backs of the pieces, but I did it with my own hands!” She sighed at the memory, displaying her manicured fingernails. Over the years, Blatt continued to spot Kiddush cups. “They’re not so hard to find," she said, “but every time I find one, I wonder how an engraved personalized object, something I’d expect a family to hand down from generation to generation, could end up in a resale booth. It should be a treasured family heirloom.” When asked if she has a favorite, Blatt answered, “Yes, it’s engraved, ‘Mother and Dad, March 1956.’ Can you believe that? No one held onto it?” The Blatt family uses almost all of the Kiddush cups at their family seders. “There are favorites, and sometimes one of the grandchildren wants a special one. We randomly place the cups so that everybody gets a chance to celebrate Andrew Newman’s bar mitzvah at the Westchester Jewish Center in 1973 or M.S.H.’s bar mitzvah in 1964 at Temple Israel in Lawrence, N.J. We also like one from Adam Hardy Candy, which must have been a souvenir, and I wonder where and when Ronald Lee received his Kiddush cup. Every one of them has a story!” ì

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KEEPING IT KOSHER Barbecue Brisket

JEWISH JOKE

Moist, succulent and bursting with flavor. This is more than just your bubbe’s brisket.

Start to finish: 4 hours 10 minutes Servings: 8 For Brisket 4- to 5-pound first-cut brisket 1 large onion, sliced in rings 1 tablespoon olive oil 5 cloves garlic, crushed or 5 cubes frozen garlic 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 cup beer For Barbecue Sauce 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup ketchup 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup (fish-free) Worcestershire Sauce 2 cloves garlic, crushed or 2 cubes frozen garlic Preheat oven to 325 F. Rinse meat and pat dry. Lay onion rings on the bottom of a medium-sized roasting pan and place the brisket on top. Combine olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Smear evenly over the meat. Pour beer into the pan around the meat. Combine all barbecue sauce ingredients in a small bowl and pour evenly over the brisket. Cover well with aluminum foil. Bake for 4 hours. Recipe by: Rivky Kleiman Source: Kosher.com, reprinted from Michpacha magazine’s Family Table.

The Old Man Arnold had reached the age of 105 and suddenly stopped going to synagogue. Worried by Arnold’s absence after so many years of faithful attendance, his rabbi went to see him. He found him in excellent health, so the rabbi asked, “How come after all these years we don’t see you at services anymore?” Arnold looked around and lowered his voice. “I’ll tell you, rabbi,” he whispered. “When I got to be 90, I expected G-d to take me any day. But then I got to be 95, then 100, then 105. So I figured that G-d is very busy and must have ‘forgotten’ about me and I don’t want to remind Him.” Source: Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center

YIDDISH WORD OF THE MONTH Gnoshaholic n. A person who can’t stop nibbling on food for almost the entire day. Razzie is an inveterate gnoshaholic. That’s why he wears sweatpants with an elastic waistband. Gnoshaholics tend to make a big show of eating very little at dinner, as if they are on a healthy diet; they also tend to get a bit zaftig (plump). From the Yiddish gnosh (or nosh), meaning nibble. Note that fitness types swear that eating multiple very small meals throughout the day is better for one’s health than the standard three big meals a day. It is unclear whether eating cupcakes, pizza slices, French fries and candy bars for their gnoshes has improved anyone’s health. Source: Schmegoogle: Yiddish Words for Modern Times by Daniel Klein

50 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

“Surprisingly Common Syllable” By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Medium 1

13 16

30 34

37 41

46 49

20 23

17 19

54 59

47 52

55 60

ACROSS

1. What some call Navi 5. LGA letters 8. Dr. Henry Jones Jr. might search for one 13. "Dodi" preceder 14. Debits' counterparts: Abbr. 15. Shulchan ___ 16. "B'yad ___uv'zroa netuya..." 18. "Know" Hebrew? 19. No Clue 20. Bronco-riding events 22. ___-Boy (furniture) 23. Theater co. whose stock has been a major story 25. Mess up 26. Writer Victor 27. Afternoon gathering, for some Jews 30. Astuteness 32. Pair on a slope 33. Like a hitter you want up down one run in the ninth 36. Metaphor for a no-hitter, e.g. 37. Big kashrut no-no 38. Number cruncher, briefly 41. State capital on the Colorado River 42. Iconic literary captain or Israelite king 43. Arrives a la the Iceman

BRAIN FOOD 46. Use a Hula-Hoop 48. Painter's picks 49. Letters in an APB 52. Big name in cheese balls 53. An ocean: Abbr. 54. "Come for ___" (what a guest does) 56. No Clue 58. Word between "eretz" and "chalav" 60. What yeshiva students do when going over previously learned material 63. Like many athletes in Tokyo right now 64. Novelist Follett or Kesey 65. 1984-2008 Olympic legend Torres 66. Lake Victoria country 67. Python's warning 68. Ding-a-ling

DOWN

1. No Clue 2. Post-workout feeling 3. Some shul VIPs 4. ___-mat (dangerous cargo) 5. Clothing designer Marc 6. Kind of deadline in sports 7. Portion of Israel, once 8. Some catch them on a nice summer day 9. "Din" or "ranch" ending 10. Robert who wrote about Jason Bourne 11. 2002 animated film with four sequels 12. Shabbat before Tisha B'Av 17. Part of the foot

21. Sermonizing 24. Hosts, in brief 26. "Say what?" 27. Notable arena that's gone decades without a championship team, for short 28. First name in jelly beans 29. "Now!", to Naftali 31. "Down on the Corner" band, for short 34. Rowing muscle, for short 35. Israeli weapon 37. Ripped 38. Yiddish "junk" 39. One way to stand 40. Big name in America and western religion, for short 41. '50s Dem. candidate 42. Garfunkel, for one 43. Word repeated when reading the end of a sefer in synagogue 44. Cause of a flashing alarm clock, perhaps 45. Ingram or Gordon of the NFL 47. Nincompoop 50. Plays soccer 51. Remnants of a bonfire 54. "I ___ lot and boy am I full!" 55. Holm and McKellen 57. Fruit-filled confection 59. Raisman who was the captain of two Olympic teams 61. Bring on 62. No Clue

“Biblical Disney Hits” SOLUTION 1

M O

G O

39 42

49 55

61 64 67

A M S

H O O D

10 Years Ago // Aug. 12, 2011

A M A

O U

18 21

O D

C G

E M E

30 36

R W O R

W A

H O W F

O N

A M

P L

G O

E M

The Temple’s newest rabbi Debra Landsberg is the youngest full-time member of the Reform synagogue’s rabbinic staff. The 30-year-old rabbi was expected to broaden services to women and members her age. In other synagogue rabbinic news, Rabbi Ron Segal is the new assistant rabbi of Temple Sinai, another Reform synagogue in Atlanta.

The Davis Academy is set to expand in the 2011-12 year. It began last year with the use of iPads in the classroom of kindergarten prep and first grade levels. The school named Media Center expert Stacy Brown to the new position of 21st Century Learning Coordinator and announced facility renovations at both lower and middle schools.

50 Years Ago // Aug. 13, 1976 Two Atlanta synagogues celebrated a milestone. Congregation Beth Shalom hosted dinner and dancing Aug. 21 for its “double-chai” anniversary. Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett marked its 10th anniversary at a gala Aug. 28.

Arab terrorists attacked El Al passengers in Istanbul, Turkey, waiting to board a Tel Aviv-bound plane, killing at least two passengers. As the 30 to 40 passengers in line scattered, the terrorists seized a policewoman and held her hostage for nearly an hour before surrendering.

25 Years Ago // Aug. 16, 1996

Friends of Yeshiva High School of Atlanta are sponsoring a Summer of ’76 progressive dinner Aug. 15 with couples hosting parts of the evening from cocktails to dessert. Mrs. Mark L. Fisher is chairing the event. Since the last such event drew a waiting list, Mrs. Fisher urges prompt reservations. ì

Howard Margol of Atlanta was elected to the board of directors of the Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies. Margol is a member of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Georgia. He and his wife Esther are members of Ahavath Achim Synagogue.

Ron Segal became the new assistant rabbi of Temple Sinai in 1996.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2021| 51

OBITUARIES Joel Lance Bass 68, Atlanta

Joel Lance Bass, age 68, of Atlanta, passed July 22, 2021. Joel was born March 3, 1953, in St. Louis, Mo., to Bernice Musen Bass and the late Norman Stanley Bass. He attended school in Atlanta and lived in the area his entire life. By staying close to his Atlanta roots, he was blessed with a group of close friends and family that he cherished. Joel had a big smile, a warm heart, was kind to all, and never met a stranger. He will be missed dearly by everyone who had the joy to know him. Joel is survived by his mother Bernice Bass, sister Beverly Bass (Mark Taylor), brother Brad Bass (Melinda), and nieces Madison Bass-Taylor, Sarah Bass Hall (Griffin) and Katherine Bass.

Dr. Aaron L Brody 90, Peachtree Corners

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Dr. Aaron L Brody, 90, of Peachtree Corners, passed away peacefully July 26, 2021, with family at his side. Aaron was born Aug. 23, 1930, in Boston, Mass., and lived in New England, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Georgia. He graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1951 and earned his Ph.D. from MIT in 1957. He became a worldrenowned scientist in the field of food packaging technology as his career took him to Raytheon, Birdseye, Whirlpool, M&M’s Mars, Arthur D. Little, Mead Packaging and Container Corporation of America. He subsequently transitioned to the world of independent consulting and also became a professor and lecturer at multiple universities, including the University of Georgia. Dr. Brody held numerous patents, authored dozens of books and articles on food packaging and food technology and received multiple awards during his lifetime. He was named Packaging Man of the Year in 1985. Dr. Brody received the highest industry award, the Riester-Davis Award for Lifetime Achievement in Food Packaging from The Institute of Food Technologists’ Food Packaging Division. This award was later renamed the Riester-Davis-Brody Award. He was the first recipient of the Institute of Food Technologists’ Industrial Scientist Award. In 1995, Dr. Brody was inducted into the Packaging Hall of Fame, and in 2000 he was awarded the Nicolas Appert Award by the Institute of Food Technologists in recognition of his lifetime contributions. The Michigan State University School of Packaging established the annual Aaron and Carolyn Brody Distinguished Lecture in Food Packaging endowment in recognition of his significant impact on the science of food packaging. Aaron was predeceased by his wife Carolyn in April. He is survived by his three sons Stephen, Glen, Robyn, their spouses Susan and Sharon, and his six grandchildren Michelle, Derek, Camryn, Skyler, Natalia and Pierce. The family requests contributions in Aaron’s memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the MIT General Fund, or the MSU Aaron and Carolyn Brody Distinguished Lecture in Food Packaging endowment. The funeral was held July 28 at Dressler’s Chapel followed by a procession to Arlington Memorial Park. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999. Visit www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com to sign the online guestbook.

OBITUARIES

Pauline Saul Cohen

Janet Schulman Katz

Pauline Saul Cohen of Atlanta passed away Aug. 4, 2021, at the age of 99 at the Renaissance on Peachtree. A lifelong Atlanta resident, she was born at the original Piedmont Hospital Jan. 10, 1922. She graduated from Girls High in 1938 and married the love of her life Gibby Cohen in 1943. She lived a full and wonderful life, which she thoroughly enjoyed until the end. She had so many close friends. She loved sports and still played tennis well into her 70s. Even during the last week of her life, she couldn’t wait to watch sports on TV. She saw the world, having traveled on numerous occasions to Europe and Israel. She was a true Southern lady, through and through. She will be missed. She is survived by her son Stanley; son and daughter-in-law Walter and Lisa; three grandchildren Michael (Avital), Brian and David (Julie); and five great-grandchildren Gabriella, Maya, Fiona, Ariel and Philip. She is also survived by her brother Milton Saul and sister-in-law Virginia; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins. The family gives a special thanks to her caregivers Gloria, Tiffany, Beneta and Marta, and her palliative caregiver Jenny Buckley. Graveside services were held at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs Aug. 6. Rabbi Lawrence Rosenthal will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Ahavath Achim Synagogue or The William Breman Jewish Home. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Janet Schulman Katz, a longtime resident of Marietta, died July 13, 2021, at the age of 89. Janet Katz grew up and attended Louisville Girls High School in Louisville, Ky., and college at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky. Janet Katz was described as “a girl who can’t say no” when it came to community involvement and had a lifelong devotion to public service. As a youth, Mrs. Katz was a volunteer at Brandeis University summer camp and advisor to Modern Femmes, a club for young girls. Mrs. Katz served as a leader for both Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, and taught religious school. In her tradition of public service, Mrs. Katz was an active participant of Women of Reform Judaism and B’nai B’rith Women, serving as president of her chapter. Mrs. Katz served on the board of the Louis Kahn Group Home and volunteered at both the Cohen Home and The William Bremen Jewish Home. Mrs. Katz was past president of Better Infant Births, an agency of the March of Dimes. Mrs. Katz served as a volunteer for more than 20 years at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Mrs. Katz leaves a legacy of public service that enriched lives of her family, friends and community. She was preceded in death by her husband G. Alan Katz and daughter Nancy C. Brown. She is survived by her children Sandee K. Panichi (Kevin), Stephen M. Katz (Rachel) and Robert N. Katz (Kathleen), all living in the Atlanta area; son-in-law Michael Brown of Marietta; grandchildren Laura Poteet (Michael) of Woodstock, Aaren Panichi of Marietta, Michael Panichi of Columbus, Ohio, Lisa Mendoza of Arroyo Grande, Calif., Matan Katz of Tel Aviv, Andrew Katz of Marietta, Julie Katz of Atlanta, and Daniel, Gildea and Caitlin Katz of Decatur; and great-grandchildren Logan and Savannah Poteet of Woodstock. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to March of Dimes, www.marchofdimes.org; Temple Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta, Ga. 30062, www.kolemeth.net/childrensmemorialgarden.html, or Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, www.chow.org/donorsand-volunteers/ways-to-give, choagiving@choa.org, 404-785-4483. Arrangements by H.M. Patterson & Son - Canton Hill Chapel.

99, Atlanta

Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact Editor and Managing Publisher Kaylene Ladinsky at kaylene@atljewishtimes.com or 404-883-2130, ext. 100, for details about submission, rates and payments. Death notices, which provide basic details, are free and run as space is available; send submissions to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

89, Marietta

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OBITUARIES

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Alex Hytowitz, age 42, of Atlanta, died unexpectedly July 24, 2021, of unknown causes. Alex was born in Atlanta March 23, 1979. He grew up in Norcross. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2000. He then transferred to the Georgia Army National Guard in 2004 and served his country for a total of over 20 years. Alex’s main career was that of a professional soldier. He was deployed to two major theaters of operation. His first deployment was to Kuwait in support of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. His second deployment was to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His third deployment was to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Alex was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge in Iraq and the Bronze Star Medal for actions in combat in Afghanistan. Alex achieved the rank of sergeant first class and was admired by his peers and subordinates alike. Alex married Elizabeth McIntyre Oct. 23, 2010. He was an avid Falcons fan who never wanted to miss a game. He loved the outdoors, and he and Elizabeth loved camping in the north Georgia mountains and exercising with their two dogs Stella and Able. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth McIntyre-Hytowitz; parents Allan and Sarah Gail Hytowitz; brother Neil Hytowitz; and in-laws Michael and Marjorie McIntyre. A memorial service was held Aug. 1 at Temple Sinai to be followed by interment with honors at the Georgia National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation, georgiaguardfamily.org. The foundation provides emergency relief assistance to members and families of the Georgia National Guard and federal/state civilian employees of the Georgia Department of Defense. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Carole Metzger 80, Atlanta

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Carole W. Metzger, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend died July 25, 2021. A lover of birds, bridge, books, plants, art and travel, Carole was born in the Bronx, N.Y., and raised on the Grand Concourse but lived in Atlanta long enough to claim an almostauthentic Southern accent. As a dancer, Carole attended the High School of Performing Arts in New York City. Performing in many summer stock productions, Carole worked her way through Brandeis University in three years and graduated summa cum laude. After graduation, she became the first woman believed to work as an analyst on the floor at Bear Stearns. Carole held a master’s degree in social work. She began her career at Jewish Family Services and then worked at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlanta for well over a decade. She was a docent at the High Museum of Art, served on a hospice board, and, in the wake of the 2016 election, became a passionate advocate for progressive candidates. Carole was an extraordinary bridge player and Gold Life Master. More importantly, Carole was a generous mentor who loved teaching others to improve their bridge skills. She also was an avid collector of contemporary art, including photography and ceramics. She took great pleasure in her book club, The New York Times, her garden, the theater and dance. For 57 years, Carole was married to her adoring husband Nathan Metzger — the great love of her life. She was devoted to her three daughters Pamela, Rebecca and Jennifer Metzger; nine grandchildren Cole, Grace, Phoebe, Jonah, Marley, Addie, Dash, Luca, and Bodhi; and an Australian Labradoodle Tessa that she handpicked from a litter of nine. Graveside services were held July 28 at Arlington Memorial Park. Donations in honor of Carole Metzger can be made to the Penland School of Craft, either at P.O. Box 37, Penland, N.C. 28765-0037 or online, https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=9fa07e. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

‫זיכרונה‬ ‫לברכה‬

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CLOSING THOUGHTS Does God Know from Virtual?

Shaindle Schmuckler

Shaindle’s Shpiel

Ever yone in my family, indeed my entire neighborhood, were shul goers, especially for the High Holy Days. Believe me when I tell you, virtual was not part of our vernacular; not even

close. My parents, their friends, neighbors, relatives, returned to heaven (well most of them did anyway) not ever in their wildest dreams imagining their children and grandchildren would be referring to “virtual” in the same deferential sentence as Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur. The high holidays were special on so many levels, none of them possible virtually. Feh?! Virtual is not a High Holy Day word. The holidays were special because

the advent of Rosh Hashanah reminded us that the Jewish holidays were coming, an entire fall array of them. Although this meant our summer vacation days would be coming to an end, we knew we would have a bit of a reprieve from education, given that New York Public Schools would be closed. Yes indeed, in those days we would have Jewish holidays off from school. Ah, the good ole days. Holidays were special, too, because my mom, her sisters, mom and sister-inlaw would begin chopping fish for gefilte fish – which, by the way, languished in my Mama’s (grandmother’s) bathtub for days – chopping liver for chopped liver, cutting up chickens for chicken soup, and getting flanken marinated to taste. Our homes reeked of yom tov. A deliciousness I miss to this very day. A deliciousness I resent my children and grandchildren will not be experiencing. Special as well, because all of our friends who were not members of “the tribe” were so jealous of all these days of holidays we had and would be out of school. The pride and the awe we kids

felt, in being different, being special (or so we were told over and over again) was palatable. But virtual? Vos iz dos? (What is this?) Not even a blip on our human radar screens. So where did virtual come from? Why was it born? One interpretation, one of many, many interpretations, as many interpretations as there are rabbis, is that the Temple was destroyed by Hashem, not foreign enemies. Who could blame him/ her/they/them? The world had turned on itself. People had become too unkind, so cruel to each other, finding new and innovative ways to destroy their very humanity. Well, here we are, the High Holy Days minutes away, and look around us. It would seem a repeat performance was quite evident. Consider the floods, the fires, the very air we breathe, as proxy temples. The pandemic as the destructive tool. High Holy Days are now virtual?! I ask you dear readers, what the heck!?

Where is our community? Where is our neshama? Where are our mitzvah makers? I want to feel the prayers, I want to be able to hold the spirituality of the moment in my heart. I want my children and grandchildren to have their hearts and thoughts opened to the possibilities of our New Year. I want them to be able to sit as families, witness the rabbis shuckling in prayer. I wish with all my heart they will be able to look in the eyes of their rabbi when they say with all due reverence gut yom tov Rabbi. These are days of awe, real awe. Virtual awe is not possible for me. ì

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