Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCVII NO. 11, June 15, 2021

NEXT ISSUE: HEALTH & WELLNESS AND TRAVEL

VOL. XCVI NO. 11

JUNE 15, 2021 | 5 TAMUZ 5781

Father's Day & Parenting

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CONTRIBUTORS THIS WEEK ALFRED SCHLICHT ALLA UMANSKIY ALLEN H. LIPIS BOB BAHR CHANA SHAPIRO DAVE SCHECHTER FLORA ROSEFSKY JAN JABEN-EILON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON SHAINDLE SCHMUCKLER

THIS WEEK All in the Family In honor of the upcoming Father’s Day, we pay tribute this week to dear old Dad or our parents, in general. First, perhaps starting a new tradition, the AJT asked Jewish Atlanta what makes their father the best, coolest or funniest. You can read their responses, along with our Father’s Day gift guide to help you express your appreciation. And a few community members share the wisdom learned from their dad.

He will love our business and sports briefs and a story about the age-old and now lucrative hobby of baseball card collecting. Plus, we take a behind-the-scenes look at a Toco Hills group that meets regularly for Texas Hold ’em with the top two winners competing in the World Series of Poker later this year.

Learn about single dads who are “all in," hands-on and in some cases the primary caretaker. We explore the different parenting styles of some Atlanta Jews, how family life changed during the pandemic and offer remedies for restless children to keep them engaged, educated and entertained when they complain of boredom. There’s also a piece on a family that navigated life with a child suffering from addiction.

Check out our Keeping it Kosher recipe

for “Ima’s Burgers” and our Treasure Trove on angels.

Our news section is packed with stories about politics. John Eaves, former Fulton County Board of Commissioners chair and active member of The Temple, is running for secretary of state. A federal judge denied an injunction sought by a small business advocacy group requesting that the MLB All-Star Game be returned to Truist Field in Cobb County. The MLB had moved the game to Denver in response to Georgia’s controversial new voting law.

The AJT also discusses the latest ruling by a federal judge declaring unconstitutional Georgia’s law preventing anti-Israel boycotts. And we discuss Georgia’s commitment to the Jewish state with plans to nearly double its investment in Israel Bonds.

Speaking of investments, meet the new full-time medical director of The Marcus Foundation, cementing the philanthropic organization’s commitment to funding cutting-edge breakthroughs in medical science.

Get ready for more health and wellness next issue along with travel, as we branch out and test our luck at exploring the world again from cruising to glamping. ì

Cover Image: A collage of the dads featured in this issue in celebration of Father’s Day.

CONTENTS NEWS ���������������������������������������������� 6 BUSINESS ������������������������������������ 18 ISRAEL �����������������������������������������20 OPINION ��������������������������������������24 SPORTS ���������������������������������������28 FATHER'S DAY ���������������������������� 32 PARENTING �������������������������������� 40 DINING ����������������������������������������� 46 LOWDOWN ������������������������������������ 47 CALENDAR ���������������������������������� 48 COMMUNITY ������������������������������� 52 KEEPING IT KOSHER ����������������� 54 BRAIN FOOD �������������������������������� 55 OBITUARIES �������������������������������� 56 CLOSING THOUGHTS ���������������� 59

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NEWS Georgia’s Anti-BDS Law Imperiled

By Dave Schechter

The case before Cohen began in September 2019, when independent journalist and filmmaker Abby Martin was invited to be the keynote speaker at the February 2020 International Critical Media Literacy Conference at Georgia Southern University’s Savannah campus. Martin was to receive a $1,000 honorarium and travel expenses. A “Memorandum of Agreement” sent to Martin included a requirement that “You certify that you are not currently engaged in, and agree for the duration of this agreement not

been violated. Named as defendants were Steve Wrigley, chancellor of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia; Kyle Marrero, the president of GS, and three GS staff employees.

Cohen rejected a motion by the state’s lawyers to dismiss the case, writing in a 29-page option that: “The requirement contained in [the Georgia law] that parties seeking to contract with the state of Georgia sign a certification that they are not engaged in a boycott of Israel also is unconstitutional

several of which have been challenged in federal courts on First Amendment, free speech grounds.

Georgia has the option of asking a federal appellate court to reverse Cohen’s ruling.

The state attorney general’s office said that it had no immediate comment, but a spokeswoman pointed the AJT to a brief it filed in July, rejecting Martin’s argument that law restricted her free speech and rights of association. In that filing, the state said: “Had Martin contracted with GS (and had the conference

Mark Cohen is a U.S. District Court judge.

Abby Martin is an independent journalist and filmmaker.

Marc Stern is chief legal officer of the American Jewish Committee.

Dov Wilker is regional director of AJC Atlanta.

down the law, “It’s clear enough what’s going to happen eventually,” Marc Stern, chief legal officer of the American Jewish Committee, told the AJT. The Georgia law took effect April 26, 2016, when then-Gov. Nathan Deal signed SB 327. The measures requires that any person or company contracting with the state for services valued at $1,000 or more agree not to boycott Israel. The legislation was the General Assembly’s response to the BDS [Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions] movement, which seeks to use economic pressure to force change in Israeli policies regarding the Palestinians.

to engage in, a boycott of Israel.”

Martin, an outspoken critic of Israel, responded to the contact with an email that said: “I’m sure you know, a lot of my work advocates the boycott of Israel, and my new film features that call to action. I cannot sign any form promising not to boycott Israel.”

Martin’s invitation was withdrawn, and the conference was canceled.

The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the CAIR Legal Defense Fund, and the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund filed suit Jan. 10, 2020, alleging that Martin’s rights under the First and Fourteenth amendments of the Constitution had

compelled speech. ... Similarly, the State may not condition employment on an oath denying past, or abjuring future/protected speech and associational activities. ... The certification that one is not engaged in a boycott of Israel is no different than requiring a person to espouse certain political beliefs or to engage in certain political associations. The Supreme Court has found similar requirements to be unconstitutional on their face.”

Cohen, whose undergraduate and law school degrees are from Emory University, was nominated to the federal bench by thenPresident Barack Obama in December 2013 and confirmed on a voice vote by the Senate in November 2014.

In a May 24 statement, Martin pronounced herself “thrilled” by Cohen’s statement about the law’s constitutionality. “My first amendment rights were restricted on behalf of a foreign government, which flies in the face of the principles of freedom and democracy. The government of Israel has pushed state legislatures to enact these laws only because they know that sympathy and support for the population they brutalize, occupy, ethnically cleanse and subject to apartheid, is finally growing in popular consciousness — they want to hold back the tide of justice by preemptively restricting the right of American citizens to peacefully take a stand against their crimes,” she said.

At least 35 states have some form of anti-BDS law, resolution or executive order,

not been canceled), nothing would have precluded her from devoting her entire keynote speech to criticism of Israel and its policies, to expressions of support for the BDS movement, to criticism of [Georgia’s law] or any other topic. … The statute requires only that those who desire to contract with Georgia be open to dealing, and not terminate any business activities, with Israel-affiliated persons or entities absent a valid business reason.”

During this year’s General Assembly session, the legislature considered a bill that would have raised the threshold for triggering the anti-boycott pledge from the existing $1,000 to $100,000. That bill passed the House, then was amended in the Senate, but the legislature adjourned without a final House vote. Georgia’s legislature works on a two-year cycle, thus the measure could return when the General Assembly reconvenes in January 2022.

The AJC said that the amended measure, designated House Bill 383, would not infringe on an individual’s right to free expression.

Stern said that while increasing the threshold to $100,000 would not change the constitutionality question, the legislature could amend other language to address that issue.

Dov Wilker, regional director of AJC Atlanta, said, “It received tremendous bipartisan support in both chambers. We look forward to the law being updated, which will enable it to withstand legal challenges.” ì

The viability of the Georgia law designed to thwart anti-Israel boycotts is in doubt after a federal judge declared the measure to be unconstitutional.

That finding came in a May 21 ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Mark Cohen in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, as he rejected a request to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the law.

Though Cohen did not formally strike

6 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

NEWS

Georgia Buys $10 Million More Israel Bonds

By Dave Schechter The state of Georgia recently made a statement about Israel, as Gov. Brian Kemp announced plans to purchase $10 million in Israel Bonds, bringing the state’s current

of Israel Bonds.

The money raised by the sale of the bonds “provides Israel with the funds they need for their infrastructure needs, which could include a whole variety of things,” he said.

Gov. Brian Kemp directed state to increase investment in Israel.

holdings to $25 million. “I am proud to join efforts across the country to support our friend & ally, Israel!” Kemp said in a June 2 Twitter post.

In a statement to the AJT, Kemp said, “Georgia will continue to stand with our friend and ally, Israel. By nearly doubling our investment in Israel bonds to $25

Georgia is among 26 states currently holding Israel Bonds, Young said. The state first bought Israel Bonds nearly two decades ago under Gov. Sonny Perdue. The purchase of Israel Bonds continued under Gov. Nathan Deal, who authorized the purchase of $15 million in bonds in April 2019, bringing the state’s investment at the

Brad Young is the Southeast region executive director of Israel Bonds.

Chuck Berk is chair of the Israel Bonds National Campaign Advisory Council.

million, we are helping our Israeli allies, strengthening the Georgia economy, and wisely investing taxpayer funds.”

Kemp announced the purchase two weeks after the end of a 10-day war in Israel in which Islamic groups in Gaza fired some 4,300 rockets toward Israel, and the Israeli Air Force countered with air strikes against some 1,500 targets.

“It is a timely and strong statement of support for the state of Israel,” said Brad Young, Southeast region executive director

time to $35 million. The fixed-rate, five-year bonds purchased in April 2019 have an interest rate of 3.11 percent and a maturation date of April 2024.

During his successful 2018 campaign for governor and in appearances before Jewish audiences, Kemp had promised to continue the state’s buying of Israel bonds.

The bonds can be purchased in amounts as small as $36, though some classes of the investment require a larger outlay. According to the Israel Bonds web-

site, as of this month, the interest rates currently available range from 0.55 percent to 0.70 percent on a two-year note, up to 2.83 percent to 2.98 percent on a 15-year note.

Interest earned on Israel Bonds is taxable.

Using a baseball analogy, Young likened the purchase of Israel Bonds to hitting a single, rather than swinging for the fences and a home run.

There are investors who value that more conservative play, Young said, calling the bonds a “safe haven, . . . a way to preserve capital.”

Young said Israel Bonds have another appeal. “If you’re Jewish and you care about the state of Israel, it doesn’t matter how big a portion of your portfolio is Israel Bonds, but you must have Israel bonds in your portfolio.”

Georgia is one of eight states in the Southeast region — along with Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama — in which states, individuals and institutions combined hold $45 million in Israel Bonds.

The history of Israel Bonds dates to September 1950, and a meeting in Jerusa-

lem at which Prime Minister David BenGurion sold American Jewish leaders on the idea of selling bonds to help his fledgling country build an economy capable of absorbing hundreds of thousands of new immigrants and recovering from effects of the 1948 War of Independence. The official launch of the Independence Issue of Israel Bonds came eight months later, when Ben-Gurion addressed a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Since Israel Bonds’ inception, Israel has never failed to repay the principal and interest on the bonds.

Last year, more than $1.5 billion of Israel Bonds were purchased in the United States by individuals and institutions, the ninth consecutive year of domestic sales topping $1 billion.

Chuck Berk is an Atlantan and current chair of the Israel Bonds National Campaign Advisory Council. He said, “It’s the one organization supporting Israel in which I’m helping Israel by asking people to support Israel, not by making a donation, but by investing in Israel, helping Israel by buying bonds which, at maturity, return your investment with interest.” ì

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NEWS

Greene Apologizes for ‘Offensive’ Holocaust Remarks

By Dave Schechter Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has apologized for her “offensive” comments linking COVID-19 prevention measures to the horrors of the Holocaust.

Following a visit Monday to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the representative from northwest Georgia’s 14th district recalled advice from her late father.

“One of the best lessons that my father always taught me was, when you make a mistake, you should own it,” she said, talking to reporters outside the Capitol. “So I should own it. I made a mistake.”

Greene said, “The Holocaust is — there’s nothing comparable to it. It’s — it happened, and, you know, over 6 million Jewish people were murdered.

More than that, there were not just Jewish people — Black people, Christians, all kinds of groups. Children. People that the Nazis didn’t believe were good enough or perfect enough.”

About her controversial comments, Greene said, “But there is no comparison to the Holocaust. And there are words that I have said, remarks that I have made, that I know are offensive, and for that, I want to apologize.”

Greene came under fire twice in May for twice likening aspects of the COVID-19 response to the cruelty of the Nazis’ “Final Solution to the Jewish Question.”

Those comments met with widespread rebuke, including from the Republican House leadership, Republicans and Democrats in the House, the Republican Jewish Coalition, a USHMM board member, and the AuschwitzBirkenau memorial museum.

The first controversial comment came May 21 during an interview on “The Water Cooler with David Brody” a podcast presented by Real America’s Voice. Greene compared a requirement, instituted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, that masks be worn on the House floor to Jewish suffering during the Holocaust. “You know, we can look back in a time in history where people were told to wear a gold star and they were definitely treated like second-class citizens, so much so that they were put in trains and taken to gas chambers in Nazi Germany, and this is exactly the type of abuse that Nancy Pelosi is talking about,” Greene said.

Greene’s second attention-grab8 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Marjorie Taylor Greene apologizes at Capitol.

Matt Brooks called Greene “an embarrassment to yourself and the GOP.”

Linking Holocaust “with wearing masks is appalling,” Kevin McCarthy said.

bing remark came in a May 25 Twitter post about a logo that a Knoxville, Tenn., supermarket added to the badges of vaccinated employees. “Vaccinated employees get a vaccination logo just like the Nazi’s [sic] forced Jewish people to wear a gold star,” she wrote.

Between 1939 and 1945, various entities under Nazi control required Jews to wear a Star of David emblem on their clothing, the most prominent example being a yellow star bearing the word “Jude,” German for Jew. According to the USHMM website, the stars were “a key element of their larger plan to persecute and eventually to annihilate the Jewish population of Europe. They used the badge not only to stigmatize and humiliate Jews but also to segregate them, to watch and control their

movements, and to prepare for deportation.”

In a May 25 statement, House minority leader Kevin McCarthy of California said, “Marjorie is wrong, and her intentional decision to compare the horrors of the Holocaust with wearing masks is appalling. The Holocaust is the greatest atrocity committed in history. The fact that this needs to be stated today is deeply troubling. At a time when the Jewish people face increased violence and threats, anti-Semitism is on the rise in the Democrat Party and is completely ignored by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Americans must stand together to defeat anti-Semitism and any attempt to diminish the history of the Holocaust. Let me be clear: the House Republican Conference condemns this

language.”

A particularly blunt response to Greene was posted on Twitter by Jeff Miller, a board member of both USHMM and the RJC. Miller, who has been a political advisor to McCarthy and a Republican Party fundraiser, is the founder and CEO of a political consulting firm, and the principal of a global tax services firm.

“WTF is wrong with you?” Miller asked in his post, which continued: “I think you need to pay a visit to the US Holocaust Museum.I’d be happy to arrange.Then maybe going forward you wouldn’t make anymore disgusting, ignorant and offensive tweets.If I’m wrong and you’re not ignorant about Holocaust..then you are disgusting.”

Greene was reproached similarly

by RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks.

“Please educate yourself so that you can realize how absolutely wrong and inappropriate it is to compare proof of vaccination with the 6 million Jews who were exterminated by the Nazis.

You’re an embarrassment to yourself and the GOP,” Brooks wrote on Twitter.

The RJC endorsed her August 2020 Republican runoff opponent and did not endorse her as the Republican candidate in November’s general election.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial museum, which maintains the site of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp in southern Poland, also responded on Twitter: “The instrumentalization of the tragedy of Jews who suffered, were humiliated, marked with a yellow star, isolated in ghettos & murdered during the Holocaust, in a debate on different systems that aim at protecting public health is a sad symptom of moral and intellectual decline.”

On Monday, however, Greene did not walk back previous comments comparing the Democratic Party to the National Socialist Party.

“You know the Nazis were the National Sociality Party. Just like the Democrats are now a national socialist party,” Greene told an America First rally May 27 in Dalton, Ga. Illinois Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider planned Wednesday to introduce a resolution to censure Greene because of her Holocaust comparison.

On Feb 4, the Democrat-controlled House stripped Greene of her committee assignments following a series of incendiary comments. ì

NEWS

Federal Judge Nixes All-Star Game Return

By Dave Schechter A legal effort to force return of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game to Cobb County has been rejected by a federal judge in New York.

U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni denied an injunction sought by the Job Creators Network, ruling that the small business advocacy group lacked standing to file suit.

JCN, in turn, said that it may appeal to a higher umpire, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit or directly to the Supreme Court.

At issue is MLB’s decision to remove the July 13 game from Truist Field, home of the Atlanta Braves, in response to Georgia’s controversial new voting law.

The game will be played at Coors Field in Denver, home of the Colorado Rockies.

Following a June 10 hearing, Caproni was unsparing in her assessment of the case presented by JCN’s lawyer Howard Kleinhendler. “To say that the legal underpinnings of this lawsuit are weak and muddled is an understatement,” Caproni said. She’s a University of Georgia School of Law graduate who was nominated to the federal bench by President Barack Obama.

JNC reacted with a baseball analogy. “The judge’s disappointing ruling is just one strike against us, and we are still up to bat, . . . To be clear, JCN lost on standing; MLB did not win on the merits. By demonstrating clear harm to our members and us as an organization, we believe that the judge erred in her decision, and we do have standing,” Alfredo Ortiz, president and CEO of the Job Creators Network, said in a statement issued June 11. JCN was formed in 2011 by Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus.

Caproni said that JCN “has failed to demonstrate that it is likely to suffer irreparable harm in the absence of an injunction.”

JCN had sought $100 million on behalf of local and state businesses and $1 billion in punitive damages as well as an order that MLB be ordered to “immediately transfer the 2021 All-Star Game back to Truist Park with all pre-game events.”

The June 10 hearing dealt with the motion for an injunction requiring return of the game to Cobb County. A pretrial conference on the financial damages issue is scheduled for July 9.

The JCN filed suit May 31, naming as defendants MLB Commissioner Robert M. Manfred Jr.; Tony Clark, executive di-

ing to do with the honest, hard-working men and women of Georgia who relied on MLB’s promise to hold the All-Star Game at Truist Park.”

The JCN suit said that MLB’s “purposeful and outrageous conduct” violated federal protections against being deprived “of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws” or depriving “any person or class of persons of the equal MLB Commissioner Robert M. Among named defendants U.S. District Judge Valerie E. protection of the laws.”

Manfred Jr. is named as a defendant. are Tony Clark.

Caproni denied the injuction.

Caproni disagreed, stating, “MLB voted with its feet when politicians in Georgia made a policy decision with which [MLB] strongly disagreed. For all this court knows, many of the small business owners in the Atlanta area agree with MLB that the policy decisions reflected in the new Georgia election law are poor policy choices. But whether small business owners as a group agree or disagree, are deeply divided or are agnostic on that issue, it is hard to see how MLB’s decision had an impact on the equal protection rights of small business owners as a group.”

JCN also claimed that MLB’s deciThe suit asks MLB to “transfer the 2021 All-Star Game back to Truist Park.” sion damaged the group itself, requiring it to spend $1.6 million to support metro rector of the Major League Baseball Play- sion,” alleging that the measure violates Atlanta members, as well as leasing signs ers Association; and 50 “John Does.” The the Fourteenth Amendment of the Con- in New York’s Times Square and advertising in The New York Times. latter were identified as “businesses, cor- stitution and the Voting Rights Act. Caproni rejected that argument, According to the JCN suit, Cobb porations and individuals that conspired with Defendants to violate [federal law] County budgeted $2 million “to meet the stating that such activity was not differand participated in committing the other expected influx of tourists and fans for ent than JCN’s normal operations and tortious claims. … However, at present the the big event. Businesses in the Atlanta did not grant the group legal standing.

The judge appeared unimpressed identities of these persons are unknown.” metro region stood to earn $100 million.

In a June 7 filing, MLB referred to the Multiple municipalities were counting by argument in the JCN suit that beon millions more in tax revenues . . . . The cause Georgia has a larger population of suit as “political theatrics.”

The Georgia law was passed in the damages resulting from the cancellation African Americans than Colorado, the wake of elections in which Democrat Joe of the All-Star Game in Atlanta are stag- suit discriminated against Blacks. “You Biden defeated incumbent Republican gering. More than 8,000 hotel reserva- haven’t shown that there’s a disproporPresident Donald Trump and Senate run- tions were canceled; revenues from ticket tionate impact on minority members of offs in which Democrats Jon Ossoff and sales and stadium food by the more than JCN. You haven’t even alleged that there Rev. Raphael Warnock unseated Republi- 41,000 expected to attend the events at are any minority members of JCN,” Caproni said. cans. The state audited, recounted by ma- Truist Park were lost.

In his statement, JCN president and “Defendants took this all away in the chine, and recounted by hand the presidential vote, each time verifying Biden’s blink of an eye,” after Gov. Brian Kemp CEO Ortiz said, “If we don’t continue to victory by about 12,000 votes. Secretary signed the Election Integrity Act on fight for small businesses, they will conof State Brad Raffensperger, a Republi- March 26, the suit said. “The law intend- tinue to be victimized as they have been can, said that Georgia experienced “safe, ed to strengthen the integrity of mail-in by the MLB, destroying the backbone of ballots and added other measures to our communities. JCN is still at the plate secure, honest elections.”

Multiple challenges have been filed Georgia’s voting laws. The Act had noth- in this case. And when it comes to fightin federal courts against the Georgia law, ing to do with baseball. It had nothing to ing for small businesses, we will always which critics have labeled “voter suppres- do with the All-Star Game. It had noth- swing for the fences.” ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 9

NEWS

John Eaves Announces Bid for Secretary of State

By Dave Schechter

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Former Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chair John Eaves announced June 2 that he will seek the Democratic nomination for secretary of state in the 2022 election.

Eaves, 59, is a member of The Temple and the African American grandson of a Jamaican immigrant who came to the United States in the early 20th century and converted to Judaism.

“This is a natural for me,” Eaves told the AJT. “Voting is sacred to me, and I don’t like what’s happening, not only in the state of Georgia, in terms of voting access and restrictions, but around the country.”

Eaves served as the Fulton County board chair from 2007 to 2017, when he resigned to launch an ultimately unsuccessful campaign for mayor of Atlanta. He also sought the Democratic nomination to Congress from the 7th District in 2020, losing in a crowded primary field to current Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux.

Eaves is the second announced Democratic candidate, following state Rep. Bee Nguyen, who represents the 89th District in the state House.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican elected in 2018, has not formally announced a re-election bid, but has been quoted as saying that is his intention. Republican congressman Jody Hice, who represents the 10th District, has announced that he will seek the Republican nomination and has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Former Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle also has announced that he will enter the race.

The role of Georgia’s secretary of state in overseeing elections wound up in the national spotlight in 2020, when Raffensperger resisted pressure to change results of the contest between Republican incumbent Trump and Democratic former vice president Joe Biden.

Eaves said of Raffensperger: “I like him. He stood on grounds of integrity, but of course, he had to follow the law. I think he and his team did what was expected. You have to commend him, given the pressure. He’s also consistent with other secretaries of state, but he got the pressure from the big cheese,” referring to the Jan. 2, hourlong telephone call in which Trump told Raffensperger, “I just want to find 11,780 votes” to overturn Biden’s win in Georgia.

Otherwise, secretary of state “is a lowprofile position, but it’s incredibly important in terms of economic development, incorporation of businesses, licensing of professionals, the securities industry, a whole other side of that office that people don’t think about,” Eaves said.

John Eaves announced his candidacy for secretary of state June 2.

Eaves said that he is “someone who understands the importance of voting in general and certainly the Jewish community sees the value of voting, which is consistent with a lot of teachings that we have in terms of fairness and equality.”

One focus of his campaign will be “reimagining voting in the 21st century,” Eaves said. Noting that he had just deposited a check in his bank account using his phone, he said, “Voting should be like that. If we can trust our money to be deposited in a bank and there’s a certification, why can’t we think of voting that way?"

About Georgia’s controversial new voting law — one part of which removed the secretary of state as chair of the state elections board — Eaves said, “It was unnecessary. It was restrictive. The intent and spirit of it is restrictive. It was targeted toward people of color.”

He continued, “It’s a national narrative.

We’re the epicenter of it. We’re a microcosm of the whole. It’s a pattern. It’s a playbook that’s being executed by a conservative group of folks who don’t want a more inclusive approach.”

Eaves is looking forward to running a statewide campaign. “I’m a coalition builder.

I feel very strongly that I have crossover appeal.” He added that he can attract voters in southern rural Georgia, as well as garner support across racial, ethnic and religious lines.

Eaves has been a lecturer in political science at Spelman College and recently hosted an interview program on the AIB Network.

In a first-person article for the AJT in February 2017, Eaves wrote: “My grandfather, Cecil Reginald Eaves, converted to Judaism after immigrating to America from Jamaica in 1913.

He passed his faith to my father, John Henry Eaves Sr., who in turn passed it on to me.

“I am part of a racial group that has experienced oppression and discrimination but through it all persevered. I am also part of a religious lineage that has equally experienced oppression and discrimination but through it all persevered,” Eaves wrote. ì

NEWS

Marcus Foundation’s New Medical Director

By Roni Robbins You wouldn’t think a self-proclaimed Episcopalian Zionist would choose the term tikkun olam, the Jewish concept of repairing the world, to describe his internationally recognized medical career. But Dr. Jonathan Simons, The Marcus Foundation’s new fulltime medical director and chief science officer, has it on good authority that his 30 years of entrepreneurial philanthropy for medical research, helping to channel new breakthrough therapies to market, qualifies as bringing about universal change.

In the new role he begins Aug. 1, Simons said he is excited about “the awesome opportunity and the awesome responsibility to leverage philanthropic awards, additional partners and teams of expert relationships to bring new lifesaving medicines and diagnostics” to market.

The founding director of Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute was most recently CEO and president for 14 years of the Prostate Cancer Foundation in Santa Monica, Calif. There he led a team of scientists to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of 16 new therapies and formed the kind of “leveraged relationships” between medical scientists and funders he expects to develop in his new role.

He is looking forward to bringing his skills back to Atlanta, where he also taught and led medical programs at Emory and Georgia Tech. Simons will take over the Marcus Foundation role held for eight years

by Dr. Fred Sanfilippo, who is retiring as a consultant and part-time medical director.

The two share similar links to Johns Hopkins University, Emory and Georgia Tech.

Simons refers to Bernie Marcus, the founder of the Atlanta philanthropic organization, as a “genius” for his risk-taking when it comes to banking on “first-in-field” discoveries with the potential to move therapies from “test tube to clinic” to save, extend and improve quality of lives. “Bernie is a citizen-scientist … he has a real interest and appetite for strategic R&D risk-taking” when it comes to early clinical research, Simons said.

Healthcare and medical research represent the Marcus Foundation’s largest portfolio, with a focus on regenerative medicine and cellular therapy, integrative medicine, cancer, autism, heart and vascular health, stroke and neuroscience.

While Simons has been largely focused on cancer research, he said he is excited to apply his expertise to the Foundation’s other focus areas.

He added that he met Marcus when he funded the Marcus Nanotech Building at Georgia Tech. Simons co-directed the

with his advisory role as medical director. The benefits of having a full-time medical director and chief science officer, Simons believes, is creating more opportunities for collaboration, which should speed new diDr. Jonathan Simons is eager A full-time medical director will agnostics and to expand from prostate cancer help manage the Foundation’s treatments to treatment to other focus areas. expanding medical investments, market “beBernie Marcus said. cause that’s a beautiful and Emory-Georgia Tech Center of Cancer Nan- historic moment for patients.” otechnology Excellence. Marcus also asked In terms of what the future holds for Simons to advise over the years on various medical science, Simons points to immumedical considerations. notherapy and T-cell bioengineering, along Marcus said Simons was a natural fit with how some of the same immune system for the position because of his previous rela- research that went into creating the COVID tionship with the foundation as a member vaccine can be applied to treating cancer, as of its medical advisory committee for many years. “He’s pretty familiar with a lot of the things we’ve been doing up until now. … He knows our history and now he’s beginning to see all the things we are invested in, and the portfolio is very extensive,” Marcus said.

“Our medical science, our medical approach has gotten broader and in the years to come we are going to be spending more effort, more time and we needed a full-time doctor, medical director … and that’s why he’s on board now.”

He described Simons as extremely qualified, having made a major impact in lowering the number of deaths from prostate cancer, with an eagerness to expand his focus to the foundation’s wider medical scope. “He’s a very intense guy and very serious about medicine and I think all the things we are involved in are fascinating to him and things he wants to be involved with.”

Simons, a graduate of Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, is considered a globally acclaimed physician-scientist, oncologist, investigator and “leader who brings a wealth of expertise in precision medicine drug discovery and development, cancer nanotechnology and genomics, and immunology, as well as healthcare administration,” according to the Foundation’s announcement about his hiring.

As chief science officer, Simons expects to better evaluate early biotech and early science in the clinic and combine that

an alternative to chemotherapy.

Among the areas Marcus sees the foundation continuing to target are traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorders among service personnel.

In February, Marcus and Arthur Blank, cofounders of The Home Depot, partnered with actor Gary Sinise of “Forrest Gump” fame and his foundation’s Avalon Network to care for veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and substance abuse.

“Twenty to 22 [veterans] a day are committing suicide and we really have to stop that, stop it in its tracks. There doesn’t seem to be an answer out there and the federal government and certainly the Veterans Administration does not have an answer.”

Another future focus area is using stem cells for COVID treatment, the clinical trials of which are underway, Marcus said.

“But I hope to G-d COVID is not going to be the same issue as it’s been over the last two years. We need a reprieve. We need time off, all of us, and we need time to heal.” ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 11

NEWS

MTV Airs Program Against Hate

By Bob Bahr MTV, the cable channel that usually devotes its programming to the latest trends in popular music, got more serious for Jewish American Heritage Month. The channel, owned by the same company as

idea how many Jews died in the Holocaust.

Almost half couldn’t name a single concentration camp. Seventeen percent said it was acceptable to hold neo-Nazi views. Time and time again historians and survivors have urged us to never forget that we’re in danger of doing just that.”

Laurie Segall, CBS “60 Minutes” correspondent, hosts the MTV program.

Paramount Pictures and the CBS television network, aired a documentary during the heritage month of May that can still be viewed about hate in America and what a group of young Jews is doing about it.

The hour-long documentary, titled “With One Voice: Fighting Hatred Together,” was aimed at reminding the mostly youthful viewers of the channel of the consequences of all forms of hatred, but specially the hatred that was directed at Jews

by Nazi Germany.

Laurie Segall, who hosted the program and is also a correspondent on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” reminded MTV’s young audience that one young person in 10 claimed they had never heard the word Holocaust.

Those that had, Segall pointed out, knew little more.

“Two thirds of young people have no

That is why the local office of the ADL has accelerated its programs in schools across the country and in Atlanta, where the Southeast region of the organization is headquartered.

Heading the office here is Allison Padilla-Goodman, vice president of ADL Southern division. She pointed out that one of the group’s most important programs is found in thousands of schools across the country. The ADL’s No Place for Hate campaign can be found in 250 schools in the Southeast, including the Atlanta-Fulton County School system and Newton County schools in the metropolitan area.

“The No Place for Hate program is an educational framework that really guides schools on increasing dialogue and discussion around diversity and identity, whether it be anti-Semitism in Judaism or race or

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gender or sexual orientation or whatever it might be.”

It is that broader framework that the MTV program explores as it follows four young Jewish community activists in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Minneapolis and Miami.

ate LUNAR, The Jewish-Asian Film Project.

It’s a Los Angeles-based film production group affiliated with Be’chol Lashon, the online community of globaljews.org.

Yet despite her deep commitment to that work, she mentioned that it still took her some time to react when she learned that six Asian women had been murdered in Atlanta in March.

“I couldn’t bring myself to do anything. Then finally, I just cried. I couldn’t stop crying.

And I knew I had to be with my people, Asian-American Jews. I got to work organizing a healing Shabbat for Asian American Jews. I called up all Gen Slosberg is a young Asian-American the major leaders in the JewJewish activist in Los Angeles. ish community who are AsianAmericans and asked will you give a d’var Torah, would you come do a prayer, would you come speak to the community?

We need you, all of us. We need each other because if we have each other, we will get through this.”

As the narrator, Segall pointed out “our best weapADL’s Allison Padilla-Goodman works with on against hate is connectschool districts in the Southeast to educate ion, compassion and common young people about anti-Semitism. ground.”

According to PadillaGoodman, the ADL is working to do just that by harnessing the power of social media to target young people. It opened the Center For Technology and Society in California’s Silicon Valley and launched a campaign to Stop Hate for Profit with a coalition of social media providers and others. The ADL has been particularly active in “With One Voice: Fighting Hatred recent weeks to stop online platTogether” is available on MTV. forms that have incited hate durSignificantly, they are all racially diverse ing the recent conflict between Israel and and several either are gay or lesbians active- Hamas extremists in Gaza. ly working on gender rights issues.

“We were just seeing anti-Semitism In fact, host Segall recorded her re- surge on social media, and many platmarks standing in front of the Torah ark forms are not responding appropriately of Beth Chayim Chadashim, the Los Ange- and regulating the hatred. And we know les synagogue that in 1972 became what it that young people have more access and claims is the first congregation founded by reliance and are growing up with soand for the LGBTQ+ community. cial media being part of their day to day.

She described it as “a physical embodi- And so, you know, we need 21st century ment of the longstanding Jewish tradition solutions to 21st century problems.” ì of creating safe intersectional spaces for “With One Voice” is now available in the marginalized groups.”

U.S. on MTV.com, MTV apps and MTV VOD. For Gen Slosberg, an Asian American MTV Canada, MTV Australia and MTV Israel Jew living in Los Angeles, seeing what she will also be airing the program later this sumdescribes as the “deep seated hatred of Jews” mer. in this country is what motivated her to cre-

NEWS

Texas Hold ’em Poker Is Back

By Allen H. Lipis A Jewish group, the Toco Hills Poker League, has been playing Texas Hold ’em poker for years but has been on hold for months because of the pandemic. Because all the players are now vaccinated, poker is back this month in person, and the group is excited to see each other to play face-to-face with masking optional.

When the pandemic started spreading a year ago, the group had to stop playing entirely for a while. They tried to play in the garage of one of their members, but the virus made that unacceptable.

Some players tried playing online, using the online poker system offered by PokerStars, one of the well-known poker companies, but it wasn’t the same as being there in person. No one could kibbitz, you had a restricted skill set about other players, making it difficult to tell if they were bluffing. It wasn’t as much fun or exciting.

Under Texas Hold ’em rules, you appreciate the fun of bluffing, the ability to size up other players, especially over time as play continues hour after hour.

You can bet all your money on a single hand, with the excitement that arrives as the last card determines the winner. It is even more exciting when the winning hand had a small likelihood of winning and wins.

To deal with COVID, the leaders in the group set out a series of rules under which the poker tournament will now take place.

Here are some of them: ■ Each player pays $250 for the entire year of poker playing.

■ Everyone starts with the same amount of money chips. When you lose all your money, you receive a number of points according to when you are “out.”

The longer you stay in the game, the more points you get.

■ After all the games are played, the top two winners with the most points go with the money to Vegas to play in a $500 or $1,000 World Series of Poker event this fall. If they win money in their tournament, they keep half the proceeds and split the other half with all the other players.

Matt Lewis had this to say about playing once again in person: “It’s been hard not to be together for the last 15 months.

We are kind of a family for each other, and the quality of our play has increased over the years. We have had several players cash in [during] the World Series.”

A Vegas tournament usually has a

Matt Lewis, Marci Joel and Henry Benamram kibbitzing during a game.

Toco Hills players, from bottom left clockwise, Neil Kalnitz, Matt Lewis, Marci Joel, Henry Benamram, Jeremy Goldman and Seth Lynn.

over by midnight. Justin Katz said, “The great thing about poker is that it allows people from all backgrounds to come together, socialize and compete. Our group, in particular, gives an outlet to a wide range of individuals who enjoy getting together to build friendships while focusing on the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas.

The best part is not winning, but rooting on those that have made it to the WSOP.” In 2020, when Vegas was closed, the $10,000 entry fee “Main Event” online poker tournament generated a $27.5 million prize pool for a single event. Nearly

$150 million in prize money was awarded across the online poker festival, including seven-figure prize pools in 45 events, making it what is claimed by the WSOP to be the biggest tournament series in

history.

Winners also receive the prestigious gold bracelet. Although Arieh always focused on the money, he also recognized the value of the bracelet. “There are only about 100 poker players that have won two gold bracelets.”

This fall, the WSOP will be back in-person at the Rio All-Suite Las Vegas Hotel & Casino for a diverse calendar of events beginning Sept. 30 with all play concluding Nov. 23. The top players in the Toco Hills League will be there. ì

Justin Katz shows off his aces.

thousand or more players with the top 8 percent finishers “in the money.” With a thousand players paying their $1,000 entry fee, there is $1 million or more to split among the 80 or so top finishers. The top winner could receive several hundredthousand bucks with less and less paid down the line.

To provide a real success story about playing, I spoke with Josh Arieh, who is originally from Toco Hills but lives now in Alpharetta. He finished third place in the 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event, where the entry fee was $10,000.

At the 2005 WSOP, he won his second gold bracelet, the top prize. His total live tournament winnings exceed $6.8 million.

When I asked him why he got involved in playing poker professionally, he said, “I love to gamble and compete. However, the game has evolved.” It is obvious why, there is so much money to be made.

“Professionals use a computer tool that analyzes millions of poker hands to determine the optimal way to play for every conceivable situation.”

The Toco Hills league begins its game at 7:45 p.m. on Sundays, and it’s usually

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NEWS

Federation Presents 2021 Community Awards

By Jan Jaben-Eilon The Atlanta Jewish community “is a melting pot,” Eric Robbins, CEO and president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, stated at its virtual annual meeting June 2. Although the community still has its core families that have “always been pillars of the community, everyone else is from somewhere else. And that is what makes this community unique.”

He was referring to the Federation’s 2021 community award winners, honored at the meeting.

Dismissing the idea of conducting a demographic study of the local Jewish community to place a number and location on those Jews, Robbins acknowledged that “we’re guessing numbers and where Jews live.” He said he knows it’s more than 125,000 and “closer to 150,000,” and that they concentrate in clusters such as Sandy Springs, “but I’m not sure much would change in our approach” if a study was conducted. “There are a ton of unaffiliated Jews; most are not affiliated.”

He said that the Federation’s challenge is to help the “broadest swath of people … identify Jewishly. We live in a world that is quite divisive. In the Jewish community, it’s in politics and level of observance. So how do we build a sense of what we agree on, that we’re one people and not people of many different tribes?”

In announcing the latest award winners at the Federation’s annual meeting, the community’s umbrella organization succeeded in heralding the pillars of the Atlanta Jewish world – because the awards are named after several – as well as focusing on both the younger generation and some newcomers. All the award winners were chosen democratically, and with difficulty, Robbins said. “We had 15 times the number of nominees this year than before. People really stepped up more” during the pandemic.

14 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

as a strength. Calling Cleveland’s Jewish community insular and a shtetl, Korach said the Atlanta Jewish community has a “greater depth and breadth which gives us great power. We need to leverage that power.”

According to Korach, the fact that she comes from a Federation “where the old model still works, I appreciate the innovation” prevalent in the Atlanta Jewish community.

games, he recalled. “I didn’t want to stick out, but I didn’t recite it.”

That feeling of being an outsider contrasts with The Epstein School environment that includes “Hebrew everywhere and prayers every day. The kids here get to be so excited about being Jewish,” he exclaimed.

Noting that all Jewish communities are relatively small, Welsher emphasized the “need to open up our arms and accept everyone’s ideas. We all fall under the Jewish umbrella. We need to continue to use all of our resources and put egos aside and understand we’re all Jewish people.”

Jennifer Korach, The Gerald H. Cohen Community Development Award As an award winner, Jennifer Korach represents both an Atlanta core family, while being a newcomer. The Gerald H. Cohen Community Development Award “celebrates outstanding community involvement by a non-native Atlantan that has lived here less than seven years,” according to the Federation. Primary consideration in choosing the winner of this annual award is the person’s level of Federation activity.

In August it will be three years since Korach moved to Atlanta from Cleveland, Ohio. There she was on the local Federation board of trustees and a “million committees over the years.” She told the AJT that she was representing Cleveland with the Jewish Federations of North America and hadn’t completed her term when she moved to Atlanta. “Atlanta asked me to finish my term representing Atlanta. I’m just now cycling off,” she said.

Despite that JFNA representation, Korach said her involvement in the Atlanta Jewish community got off to a slow start because of the COVID pandemic. “I’m still getting my feet wet,” she said. From her perspective, the biggest challenge facing her new community is that it is so spread out. In Cleveland, she explained, the Jewish community numbers only about 80,000, but 90 percent live within seven miles of the Federation. Also in Cleveland, most Jews are either born there or married to someone born there. “One couldn’t be invisible in the Cleveland Jewish community,” she said, unlike in the Atlanta Jewish world.

But she sees the size and scatteredness of the Atlanta Jewish community

David Welsher, The Marilyn Shubin Professional Staff Development Award Another newcomer to Atlanta is David Welsher who was recently named associate head of The Epstein School, effective this fall. He won the Marilyn Shubin Professional Staff Development Award, whose purpose is to “invest in the development of our rising Jewish professionals, both for their own personal growth and for the advancement of the Jewish professional field across the community,” the Federation reported.

As the winner of this award, Welsher receives a stipend up to $3,500 “to be used for the advancement of professional studies.” The nominating agency will also receive a stipend of $1,500 to be used for agency-wide professional development. The award stipulates that the recipient has to have worked in Jewish communal service for more than three years and less than 10. Welsher fits that requirement perfectly, as he is serving in his fourth academic year at Epstein.

Welsher grew up in a very small Jewish community. “I was playing in church league basketball as the only Jewish person” quietly and respectfully participating in the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ before the

Jada Garrett and Adam Hirsch, Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award Two people were named recipients of the Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award. This award “celebrates members

NEWS of the community under the age of 40 with considerable community involvement and significant leadership potential,” the Federation explained.

Jada Garrett told the AJT that she became involved, as a Black Jew, in the community because “I need to see change.

And I needed to be part of that change, a catalyst for the change. The Jewish community is my community and in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’.” She was also propelled by her young daughter. “I never want her to feel ‘othered’ or out of place in the Jewish community.

That is where she should feel most comfortable and at home.”

To accomplish that, Garrett wants the Atlanta Jewish community to “focus on initiatives that foster diversity, equity and inclusion, moving Jewish Atlanta to a community of belonging.”

Garrett said she’s particularly honored by winning this award in Atlanta, “the cradle of the civil rights movement.

I hope this shows other cities that the Atlanta Jewish community is serious about investing in belonging initiatives, where Jews of Color are acknowledged, seen, heard, respected and represented.

My true wish in receiving this award is that it will open the door for other Jews of Color.”

The other “under 40” award winner is probably more well known in the Atlanta Jewish community. Adam Hirsch is on the steering committee of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. His most recent documentary shown at the festival, “Atlanta: The City Too Busy to Wait,” documented the story of how the local Jewish community responded to the challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020.

Hirsch sees the community’s next big challenge as keeping the momentum achieved during the pandemic going.

“We came together in unthinkable and positive ways. We came together virtually and remained strong. I hope that people don’t just stay behind their computer screens and show up in person to help out in the community.”

Like Welsher, Hirsch grew up in a small Jewish community, in Nashville. “I wasn’t always fortunate to be surrounded by a large group of Jews my age,” he said. “We had to learn ways to be vocal and advocate for the needs of the Jewish community. I wanted to take that with me when I moved to Atlanta.”

As part of his volunteering, Hirsch has served the American Jewish Committee and Ahavath Achim Synagogue and is a former board member of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and Jewish Family & Career Services.

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Lauren Harris, Mary & Max London People Power Award Lauren Harris has also been a board member of JF&CS, in her case, for over 10 years. There she created The Artist Collective, an innovative, volunteer-led and-run inclusion program bringing community artists twice a month into IndependenceWorks, JF&CS’ day services program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For that work, Harris was awarded the Mary & Max London People Power Award, which celebrates a hands-on, direct service volunteer who has launched a new initiative. As the Federation explains, in March 1990, the relatives of the Londons established the award after watching how their brother, Herbert, assisted in settling a branch of the family who had immigrated to the U.S. from Russia. “And through this work, he realized many families who had immigrated to Atlanta from Russia also needed assistance,” the family said. “As a result, we concluded that there are many individuals who, like Herbert, were willing to fulfill a need within our community. This award specifically honors those individuals who make their vision a reality and, in the process, make our community and our world a better place.”

Harris said that receiving the award was “completely unexpected because this program is fairly small and under the radar, but my hope is that this recognition brings JF&CS’ Artist Collective and the talents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities more into the spotlight.”

Calling the Atlanta Jewish community both diverse and vibrant, Harris said its biggest challenge is to encourage more people to get involved. “Very often you see the same people involved in multiple organizations, so I think organizations need to be innovative and identify

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NEWS or create opportunities that are attractive, accessible and inclusive. I think there is an ever-growing demand for volunteer opportunities for teens and families, and something we should invest in now to teach the next generation about tzedakah.”

Harris said her grandmother served as a great role model. “She was an extremely active member of the Jewish community in Mexico City and then in Houston where I was raised. She used to host various committee meetings for boards she sat on in her home and would invite me to attend or take me to special events as a child. I was often the only child in the room, but I think she wanted to show me first-hand what it meant to volunteer, both giving your time and talent.”

Mimi Hall, the Tikkun Olam/ Community Impact Award Another award recipient who launched a creative organization is Mimi Hall. The Tikkun Olam/Community Impact Award is given to a Jewish member

of the community who has played a significant role in improving the world and has done innovative work at a nonprofit not directly associated with the Jewish community, according to the Federation.

Hall was the founder and early organizer of Concrete Jungle, launched in 2009 with the idea of harvesting fruit and nuts from abandoned or underutilized urban trees. Concrete Jungle makes that produce a year-round source for food banks, shelters and people in need.

The organization has grown into a food justice advocate. It organizes fruit-picking events and partners with other food justice organizations that mobilize volunteers to deliver food to needy families.

Citing her grandfather as her role model, Hall said giving to the community was “always part of my upbringing. I never thought you can not be involved in the Jewish community.” Prior to Concrete Jungle, Hall was active with JF&CS and worked for Hillels of Georgia for her first four years in Atlanta.

Her first boss at Hillel, Michael Rabkin, was her mentor. “He was a really solid leader and I have lots of empathy for him now that I’m working with entrylevel people,” Hall said. She noted that Rabkin also had connections with food insecurity. “He started my journey of voting with my dollars, spending in the local food system.”

Hall said she was “flattered and honored” to receive the community award, which comes with a $500 stipend. “It honestly feels like a lifetime achievement award because I’ve been involved with Concrete Jungle for nine years.”

She brings to the community not only her generational values of giving, she said, but also the experience of being a Southern Jew. But she and her Atlanta-born husband consider themselves representative of a younger generation.

They shul shop rather than pledge their

allegiance to any particular synagogue, pointing out that it’s still possible to be connected to the Jewish community without that affiliation.

Josh Needle and Kimberly Reingold, Sylvia Newman Memorial Teacher of the Year Awards Two teachers of supplemental Jewish education were awarded the Sylvia Newman Memorial Teacher of the Year Awards: Josh Needle from Gesher L’Torah and Kimberly Reingold from Congregation Or Hadash.

Josh Needle said he’s been active in the Alpharetta Jewish community since he moved there. “When I was asked to teach, I saw it as another way to engage and show my kids how to be part of the process.” He teaches seventh grade and is the baal tekiah (shofar blower) at Gesher L’Torah in Alpharetta.

As a teacher, he feels the biggest challenge is “us versus the internet. There are so many ways to acquire knowledge now, it is overwhelming, and finding the best

16 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

way to engage our kids in Jewish learning is constantly changing. We have to be creative in our approach and embrace the challenge.”

He said his grandfather, who emigrated from Russia to Seattle and helped found several synagogues there, was his mentor. “He always led by example,” Needle said. “I hope that by investing my time with these students for the little time I have with them, that I am planting the seeds of success for future generations.”

The fact that he received this award, he said, “means that this community is open to trying new ways to reach students.”

Emory University brought Reingold, the other award winner, to Atlanta, where she majored in math, her “passion in terms of teaching.” In fact, she said, teaching in a Jewish school was a “stretch” for her. “I chose to teach to feel connected to the community. I have a passion to be an educator and to give back to the community.” She pointed to her mother, who was “a good teacher for me. She listened to all my questions and tried to answer so that even as a child I could feel important.”

At Or Hadash, she teaches mostly fourth graders and some fifth. Reingold describes her teaching style as “non-traditional and creative. I like to think outside the box.” During the past pandemic year, she really had to improvise, teaching virtually, she said.

According to Reingold, with the internet, “we can learn anything at any time we want to.” Her teaching was “more about creating connections to the synagogue so the children will affiliate as adults. It’s all about connecting. My number one goal with every class I teach is wanting them to want to come. I feel really strongly about that: away from knowledge and more into connection.” ì

Mazel Tov to David Welsher!

2021 Recipient

Marilyn Shubin Professional Staff Development Award from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta We are so excited for David and so appreciative of all he does on behalf of our students and staff each and every day! His innovative thinking, tireless energy, and love for Epstein are treasures for our entire community.

Serving as the Epstein Elementary School Principal and taking on the additional role as Associate Head of School in fall 2021, we know David will continue to inspire and lead our professionals, students, and parents through his vision and contagious positivity.

This recognition shines a deserving light on a devoted Jewish communal professional who inspires the very best in those around him.

335 COLEWOOD WAY NW | SANDY SPRINGS, GA 30328-2956 | EPSTEINATLANTA.ORG

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 17

BUSINESS Second Helpings Gets $50,000 Alon’s is Coming to Buckhead from Rich Foundation

By Bob Bahr

The Rich Foundation has awarded Second Helpings Atlanta $50,000 to continue reducing hunger and food waste in the metro Atlanta area by rescuing healthy, nutritious surplus food and distributing it to those in need. Over the past year, the nonprofit food rescue organization reported a significant surge in need as an increasing number of Atlanta families experience food insecurity in response to the pandemic.

Andrea Jaron said the donation will help So far this year, SHA has rescued SHA “drive out hunger” in Atlanta.

1.3 million pounds of healthy, nutritious surplus food to provide over 1 million meals to those in need.

“This generous donation will help us continue to drive out hunger in metro Atlanta,” said Andrea Jaron, executive director of Second Helpings Atlanta. “We rely on our community to help us tackle the very real and debilitating issue of food insecurity every day.”

With a community of over 200 volunteers, SHA serves as the link between food donors and partner agencies who feed the hungry on a daily basis.

The Rich Foundation is a private foundation whose purpose is to benefit nonprofit organizations in the fields of arts, civic, education, health, environment and social welfare in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Established in 1943, the foundation was created to distribute a share of the profits of Rich’s, Inc., the Atlanta department store.

Through the years, the foundation has been a major supporter of Atlanta’s charitable and educational life.

Jewish HomeLife’s COO Receives National Award Jewish HomeLife’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeffrey A. Gopen, has won the Professional of the Year Award presented by the Association of Jewish Aging Services. AJAS represents more than 100 Jewishsponsored, not-for-profit senior care organizations in the United States, Canada, Israel and Australia.

The organization presented this award during its annual convention, held virtually in March.

The Professional of the Year award is given annually to an outstanding AJAS member professional who “reflects the highest standards of knowledge and expertise, shows exceptional leadership, and is highly respected by staff, residents, and families served.”

Jeffrey Gopen won national In addition, Gopen was elected treasurer of the Professional of the Year Award. board for the Georgia Center for Assisted Living at its May meeting. GCAL is the local affiliate for the National Center for Assisted Living and serves Georgia’s skilled nursing centers and assisted living communities.

“Jeff has dedicated his entire professional career to improving the lives of older adults,” said Harley Tabak, Jewish HomeLife’s president and CEO. “He has built a top notch operations team that works together, mentors and challenges each other, and has made Jewish HomeLife a stronger, more sustainable organization.”

During the past year, Gopen led Jewish HomeLife’s Incident Command Center, the organization’s COVID-19 Task Force, which managed the organization’s pandemic response and infection control efforts. Under his leadership, the organization has also been able to provide COVID testing and personal protective equipment procurement for other Jewish agencies and day schools around the metro Atlanta area.

Jewish HomeLife is a nonprofit network of nine at-home care services and residential communities.

18 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Alon Balshan is opening the third location of Alon’s Bakery & Market this month at Phipps Plaza.

The new Peachtree Road location will have the same menu and fresh bakery products as his other locations in Dunwoody and Virginia Highlands. The latest location was originally expected to open last June but was delayed because of the pandemic.

The menu will feature freshly prepared breads, pastries, chocolates and European-style cakes as well as soups, salads and sandwiches. There will also be a patio area with outdoor tables and seating. A limited selection of packaged grocery items and wines will also be offered.

The location will occupy the Alon Balshan keeps a hands-on approach former Twist restaurant space near to running his bakeries and markets.

Nordstrom on the side of the mall facing Peachtree Road. Alon’s, which first opened in 1992 is owned by Balshan, who moved here from Israel in the mid1980s.

The new 5,000-square-foot Phipps Plaza location is somewhat smaller than the location in Morningside, which is 6,500 square feet, and the Dunwoody market, which is 11,000 square feet.

The business, which also offers catering, is adding a 20,000-square-foot wholesale bakery in Doraville to expand its sales of baked goods to the more than 60 restaurants and other food service locations it now supplies.

The addition of the new Alon’s location is in line with the $300 million facelift that puts less emphasis on retailing at Phipps Plaza. The owners of the mall, the Simon Property Group, touted as the largest operator of American shopping malls, has dropped one of its three large department stores and has plans to add a luxury hotel, a 13-story office tower, a fitness center, additional restaurants and a grassy area for gatherings.

Stern Leads Matrimonial Lawyers in Georgia

By Flora Rosefsky Carla Stern, an Atlanta family law attorney, has been installed as president of the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. It is the same position her father, attorney George Stern, once held on the national level.

Carla Stern is a partner at Stern & Edlin Family Law, P.C. An Atlanta native, she received her law degree at Quinnipiac University, returning to Atlanta in 1990 to practice in her father’s law firm, ultimately becoming a partner. Stern shared with the AJT that George was not only her father but was also her mentor from the time she joined Stern & Edlin until he passed away in 2014.

Carla Stern is president of Georgia chapter of American Matrimonial Lawyers.

BUSINESS “We tried lots of cases together all over the state of Georgia, both jury and nonjury. He taught me everything I know about the practice of law and to this day, I think to myself, ‘what would George do’ when I am analyzing a case.”

Stern said she feels honored and proud to continue to carry out her father’s legacy both in her practice and her involvement in the AAML, where between 1998 and 1999 he served as AAML national president.

Prior to George’s passing, AAML Georgia chapter created the George S. Stern Achievement Award and honored him as its first recipient. Founded in 1962, AAML has chapters in 50 states, and the mission of its 1,650 domestic relations attorneys is to provide leadership that promotes the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law.

Stern, a member of Temple Sinai, is board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, is a fellow in the International Academy of Family Lawyers and has been named on the Top 50: Women Georgia Super Lawyers list for the past two years.

E-Zine for GenXers A Smyrna Jewish couple recently helped launch a weekly GenX e-zine for members of their peer group. The Fast Times, thefasttimes.net, is a subscription-based email newsletter series targeting GenX and its periphery: younger Boomers and older Millennials, “or as we like to say: GenXers and wannabes,” according to Karen (Barnett) Denker. The third generation Atlantan co-founded the publication with her husband Steve, and another Atlanta couple.

GenX is generally defined as those born between 1965 and 1980.

“At its core, the e-zine explores GenX culture and interests through a modern lens, offering a GenX take on topics, trends and issues that impact our peer group, but with a nostalgic twist and often a bit of smart snark,” Karen Denker said.

“The catalyst for the newsletter was to create something fun and informative for the often ‘forgotten generation'. As many GenXers near (or sail past) the big 5-0, we thought, there has to be something that is more exciting than getting an AARP card in

the mail, especially when we are literally decades from retirement.”

The e-zine comes out every Friday with a few core sections within each issue.

Among those: topics in the “We Got the Beat” section include the #CancelCulture, 80s tech bouncing back and Twitch gamers “as the new arcade heroes,” she said.

The “Parents Just Don’t Understand” section is “devoted to explaining and breaking down terms and topics popularized by today’s youth … so we know that Gucci is not only a brand, but also an adjective that means cool or awesome.”

“Video Killed the Radio Star” highlights a different iconic music video each week, “especially the ones that were truly groundbreaking, like ‘Kids in America,’ … Each video is paired with facts and a link to relive the experience, just like in the old MTV days,” Denker said.

“Every Monday we drop bonus content via a second e-blast entitled 'The Mixtape,’” she added. “Each issue has a curated grab-bag of links to everything ranging from film and TV to podcasts and books we think are great. This is a play on the actual mixed tapes we used to make ourselves as teenagers, waiting for a particular song to come on the radio, recording it on our own ‘boom boxes,’ and hoping that the DJ didn’t talk over our favorite song.” ì

Karen and Steve Denker, along with another couple, started an ezine for GenXers.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 19

ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME

Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90 // Thousands of people take part in the annual Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem June 3.

Pride March in Jerusalem Continues Under Security

Two 17-year-olds were detained on suspicion of hanging signs against the parade, with dozens of additional signs being found on them, per police. Another Jerusalem resident was arrested after threatening to kill attendees of the event. As part of the parade, marchers stopped to lay flowers at the spot where Banki was stabbed.

The parade came as members of the upcoming government’s coalition have said they will oppose any new LGBTQ+ rights, with the far-right Religious Zionism party now having three of their six members in the Knesset being openly hostile to the LGBTQ+ community.

Over 7,500 Israelis marched in Jerusalem’s pride parade, protected by over 3,000 police, as pride month began in June, according to The Times of Israel. Marchers held up signs and chanted for equality as part of the annual event. The parade is often overshadowed by Tel Aviv’s parade and marked by contention with religious groups, especially after the 2015 murder of 16-year-old Shira Banki by an ultraOrthodox extremist at the parade. Numerous streets throughout the city were closed for the parade, and as thousands filled the street, small demonstrations were held by protestors, including by members of the far-right and anti-gay Lehava organization, the newspaper reported.

Two Israeli Directors Compete at French Film Festival

Today in Israeli History

to Europe after most of its passengers were denied admission to Cuba and the United States.

June 15, 1970 A plot to steal a commercial aircraft to escape the Soviet Union is foiled when 12 dissidents are arrested at Leningrad’s Smolnoye Airport. The Jewish refuseniks’ court cases propel the movement to free Soviet Jewry.

June 16, 1933 Two men trap and fatally shoot Haim Arlosoroff on the beach in Tel Aviv. Arlosoroff has just returned from a mission to Germany to arrange Jewish emigration, and his political rivals are suspected but never charged.

Two Israeli film directors will be competing at the Cannes Film Festival in France in mid-July, with a third director screening his film at the event as well, according to The Times of Israel.

Nadav Lapid will showcase his latest film “Ahed’s Knee,” competing in the festival’s main competition against 22 other films, and will also screen his short film “Star.” Eran Kolirin’s “Let It Be Morning,” based on a Palestinian novel, will compete in a separate competition at the festival. Shlomi Elkabetz will be screening his film “Black Notebooks,” but will

Courtesy of Shai Goldman // From director Nadav Lapid’s latest film, “Ahed’s Knee,” which will be competing at the Cannes Film Festival next month.

not be competing in the festival.

Cannes is a renowned French film festival with numerous competitions and screenings. It is returning in-person after moving online last year due to the pandemic.

Israel’s Largest Roman Basilica to be Unveiled to Public

A massive Roman basilica is set to be unveiled to the public at the Tel Ashkelon National Park after major renovations and restorations, allowing the public to view the recently excavated 2,000-year-old Roman basilica.

The basilica was originally discovered in the 1920s but was only fully excavated in recent years. Ashkelon was a budding seaport during the Roman era, and archaeologists hope to restore parts of the edifice to its former

bosomes, which make proteins in cells.

(Emil Aladjem/ Israel Antiquities Authority // The basilica in Tel Ashkelon National Park.

ancient odeon (theater) at the site for the first time as well. Mayor of Ashkelon Tomer Glam said, “I am convinced that the restoration and conservation work in the park, the new archaeological discoveries and the development work – including new accessible paths – will contribute significantly to the park’s natural beauty and strengthen its status as the most beautiful and well-kept national park in Israel.”

capture a third, Gilad Shalit. He is held more than five years before being exchanged for 1,027 Palestinians.

June 18, 1890 Avraham Granovsky (Granot after making aliyah in 1922) is born in what is now Moldova. He leads the purchase of thousands of dunams (quarteracres) of land for the Jewish National Fund, helping define the future borders of the state.

June 26, 2004 Musician Naomi Shemer, best known for writing the song “Jerusalem of Gold,” dies at 73 after a long battle with cancer. She wrote “Jerusalem of Gold” for a festival in 1967, and singer Shuli Natan made it famous.

June 19, 1967 President Lyndon B. Johnson lays out five principles for Mideast peace in a speech at the State Department: the right of nations to live in peace; justice for refugees; maritime rights; the end of the regional arms race; and recognizable borders.

June 27, 1945 Ami Ayalon is born in Tiberias. A Medal of Valor winner, he commands the Israeli navy from 1992 to 1996, then leads the Shin Bet security service until 2000. He later represents Labor in the Knesset.

June 20, 1948 The Altalena, operated by the Irgun, reaches the coast at Kfar Vitkin with 900 immigrants and weapons. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion demands the surrender of the weapons, then orders the ship sunk June 22.

Passengers on the SS St. Louis wait in vain for admission to Cuba or the United States. One refugee on the ship committed suicide rather than return to Europe.

June 21, 1882 Filmmaker and photographer Ya’acov Ben-Dov is born in Ukraine.

He makes aliyah in 1907 and is introduced to moviemaking in 1911 at the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts. He shoots documentaries into the 1930s.

June 17, 1939 The SS St. Louis, carrying Jewish refugees from Germany and Austria, completes its crossing of the Atlantic back

June 22, 1939 Biochemist Ada Yonath is born in Jerusalem. She shares the 2009 Nobel Prize in chemistry for discovering the threedimensional structure of two subunits of ri-

20 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

glory after an earthquake in 363 CE caused damage to the site. “During the Roman period, the public life of the city revolved around its basilica, where its citizens transacted business, met for social and legal matters, and held performances and religious ceremonies,” the Israel Antiquities Authority said.

The public will also be able to view the

Orna Barbivai receives the insignia of her new rank of major general from her husband, Moshe, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz (right) on June 23, 2011. Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who announced her promotion, stands to the side.

June 23, 2011 Orna Barbivai is promoted to major general, becoming the first woman to hold the second-highest rank in the Israel Defense Forces. The 30-year IDF veteran and mother of three heads the Personnel Directorate.

June 24, 1987 Israeli Arabs hold an Equality Day strike to seek an end to discrimination. The strikers’ leading demand is for Jewish and Arab local authorities to receive the same per capita funding.

June 25, 2006 Militants enter Israel through a tunnel from Gaza, disable a tank patrolling the border, kill two soldiers, and

June 28, 1967 Israel publishes the Jerusalem Declaration, announcing the reunification of the city under Israeli sovereignty after the Six-Day War. Prime Minister Levi Eshkol promises full access to holy sites.

June 29, 1946 The British military launches Operation Agatha, a two-week series of raids against Jewish resistance fighters, on a day that comes to be known as Black Sabbath. Some 2,700 Jews are arrested.

Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 21

ISRAEL NEWS Meet Israel’s New Prime Minister

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

Francisco. As a child, he lived in Canada for a few years. And after serving in the Israel In an especially raucous Israeli legislaDefense Forces, he lived in the United States tive session, members of the Knesset voted 60 while leading a technology company, which to 59 with one abstention June 13 to replace he then sold, making millions. the government of Benjamin Netanyahu He returned to Israel to enter politics, with a unity coalition government led by eventually serving as education minister religious Zionist leader Naftali Bennett. Acand defense minister as well as chief of staff cording to the coalition agreements, Bennett to Netanyahu. Although he lives in Ra’anana will be replaced with Yair Lapid – leader of near Tel Aviv, he led a settler organization the largest party in the coalition – in August and is known for his support of annexing 2023. Until then, Lapid will serve as foreign much of the West Bank and his opposition to minister and alternate prime minister. a Palestinian state.

As newsworthy as the new government His biggest challenge as the next new Naftali Bennett is the next prime minister of Israel. is, including the largest number of female prime minister, however, will ministers, the first Israeli Arab party, and a needed to face Israel’s many challenges. All be keeping his unity governprime minister from the smallest party ever, Israelis should take pride in the vitality of ment together. According to it is the removal of the longest-serving prime our democratic traditions and the peaceful Israeli press reports, the new minister that is the biggest news. Netanyahu transition of power that will take place over government will likely avoid any served a total of 15 years, including for the the next few days.” controversial issues like those last consecutive 12 years.

Likewise, Dov Wilker, regional director involving the Palestinians. The According to Yohanan Plesner, presi- of American Jewish Committee, told the AJT, government will focus instead dent of the Israel Democracy Institute, “Ne- “I am proud of what Israel has accomplished on internal concerns such as tanyahu is leaving behind a divided Israeli by the formation of a unity government. This passing a national budget for the Mitchell Kaye blames Dov Wilker is AJC society, and the new government can play new government represents the diversity of first time in more than two years “Bibi-fatigue” regional director. an important role in reducing divisive politi- Israel and will have to address some of Isand rebuilding the country’s incal rhetoric, calming tensions in Israeli soci- rael’s most critical issues. I look forward to a talize on the incredible accomplishments frastructure as well as the econoety and fostering a unity of purpose that is stable government that will continue to capi- that Israel has achieved in its history.” my after the devastating pandemic last year.

AJC’s national CEO David Harris said This is the first government since 2015 his organization “looks forward to working without the inclusion of an ultra-Orthodox with the new coalition, as we have consis- party, so political observers believe that it tently done with every Israeli government may make headway on issues that concern since 1948, and we wish the leadership every the majority of American Jews. Israeli newssuccess.” paper Haaretz suggests that a deal to provide The Israel Policy Forum, an American the Conservative and Reform movements Jewish organization that supports a two- with improved prayer space at the Western state solution, released a statement noting Wall for egalitarian services could finally be how Israelis are “relieved to put an end to implemented. the political and governing instability that According to the deal approved by an has marked more than two years and four earlier Netanyahu government canceled in elections, and we are heartened to see a coali- 2017 due to the ultra-Orthodox parties, there tion that represents an unprecedented wide would be equal visibility and accessibility range of views and includes an Arab party to the existing gender-segregated Orthodox alongside Jewish ones.” areas. This agreement had been widely supBennett will be the country’s first reli- ported by the non-Orthodox movements in giously observant, kippah-wearing leader the U.S., as well as by Bennett, who was minand, as head of the seven-member Yamina ister of diaspora affairs at the time. party, he will be the first leader of the smallest According to Atlantan Mitchell Kaye, party to ever be appointed prime minister, the fact that Netanyahu was replaced is due Tough to shop for Dad this Father’s Day? Treat according to The Times of Israel. In contrast, more to “Bibi-fatigue,” referring to the prime him to something unbelievable that your family will never forget - a highly marbled, flavorful, the other rotating prime minister, Lapid – minister’s nickname, than his policies. “The Wetholme Wagyu Tomahawk from Farmers & scheduled to take the position about two electorate has moved rightward over the Fishermen! At $149, this monumental Wagyu years into the new government term – heads past decade,” he wrote in an email to the AJT. Tomahawk is a great value and will lead to a 17-member party.

“Despite his flaws, he has been a great leader unbelievable moments of enjoyment together.

Netanyahu is leader of Likud, the largest for Israel in providing security, a booming Japanese A5 Wagyu Ribeyes, a variety of fresh fish, party coming out of the March elections with economy and in public alliances with many truffles, and hundreds more of the best quality 30 members, but he was unable to cobble to- Arab countries,” added Kaye, who served five delectable products will also blow him away! gether a coalition. terms in the Georgia House of RepresentaAfter so many years led by one prime tives.

Visit this local father-and-son business online at www.FarmersAndFishermen.com minister, Israel supporters around the world Notable for Atlantans, the new minister of or call and speak with their knowledgeable Sales Professionals to schedule will need an introduction to the new leader. diaspora affairs is Nachman Shai, who recently your complementary home delivery today!

Born and raised in Haifa, Bennett is spent a year at the Institute for the Study of the son of American immigrants from San Modern Israel at Emory University. ì 6315 McDonough Drive, Norcross, GA 30093 | 770.441.1100 22 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ISRAEL NEWS

Israel PM Consults with Atlanta Political Adviser

By Dave Schechter When the AJT caught up with George Birnbaum, to talk about his client Naftali Bennett becoming prime minister of Israel, the Atlanta-based international political consultant was on the move.

It was late Sunday night in Atlanta and early Monday morning in Dubai, where Birnbaum had flown from Israel, en route to meet with Zimbabwe's president.

Hours earlier, by the narrowest of margins, Israel’s parliament had confirmed a new government led by Bennett, whom Birnbaum has known for 15 years and worked with for the past two. The vote in the 120-seat Knesset was 60 in favor, 59 opposed, and one abstention.

Bennett heads a government formed by often-opposing political parties and philosophies (first time an Arab party is included), that united to unseat Benjamin Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister in Israel's history. “This is the most diverse coalition you could come up with. It is a definition of diversity by anyone’s definition,” Birnbaum said.

Bennett, leader of the rightist Yamina party, is scheduled to serve as prime minister until August 2023. He will then exchange positions for two years with Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party. In the meantime, Lapid will serve as alternate prime minister and foreign minister.

Given the sometimes-volatile nature of Israeli politics, the question is whether the coalition can survive. “It can, as long as it is in everyone’s interest to stay together,” Birnbaum said. “As long as they get off to a good start. I don’t think they want early elections. They’re really going to try to work together.” If relations within the coalition become strained, they need only look to Netanyahu, now leading the opposition, as “a reminder of why they got together.”

As for Bennett’s new role, “The weight of the type of leadership, of decisions on a daily basis, life and death decisions, change a person. Your thought process is different. That’s not to say that the person changes,” but “the weight of being prime minister of Israel is very heavy,” Birnbaum said.

Bennett “has big shoes to fill” with America’s Jewish community, where “Bibi Netanyahu has been on the scene since the early 90s. He was in D.C., a known quantity, a known figure,” Birnbaum said.

He believes that Bennett, the son of “strong Zionists” who emigrated from America to Israel and who worked in the American high-tech sector, “will connect very well with the American Jewish community.”

Bennett, who is 49, becomes Israel’s 13th prime minister five months after Joe Biden took office as the 46th president of the United States. The health of the relationship is considered important in both Washington and Jerusalem.

“A lot will have to do with how the Biden administration reacts to him,” Birnbaum said. “The Biden administration should embrace this coalition, to support it,” but “not to press this coalition too early on issues that might cause it to break.”

Birnbaum said that Iran may be a difficult topic of discussion. Israel remains steadfast in opposing the multinational nuclear weapons agreement, which Trump withdrew the U.S. from but which the Biden administra-

Political consultant George Birnbaum with Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

tion has appeared interested in rejoining. “At that point, the issue will be as it always has been,” Birnbaum said.

“Israel will always do what it has to do. They’re the ones who face the existential threat, on a daily basis.”

On the new government’s stance toward the Palestinians, Birnbaum said, “A lot will depend on the Palestinians themselves. They are themselves split, between Hamas in Gaza and Fatah in the West Bank. It will be very interesting to see how this coalition and how Foreign Minister Lapid and Prime Minister Bennett deal

with both sides.”

Birnbaum otherwise expects the priorities to be domestic — the cost of housing and education, income disparity in Israeli society, and land reform — “social, economic issues that they can focus on and try to find common ground and have accomplishments early on.”

He suggested that a signature achievement for Netanyahu may have had an unintended effect at the polls.

“From a strategic point of view, the Abrahamic Accords were a fantastic accomplishment for Netanyahu,” Birnbaum said. The accords, fostered by the United States, normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. “The change in paradigm between Israel and the Gulf nations is huge,” and the new government “will work hard to strengthen” the accords and seek other countries willing to normalize relations, he said.

Birnbaum added that the accords may have changed the election equation by which “security always trumps the economy, sometimes by a little, sometimes by a lot, but it always trumps.” He explained that an improved sense of regional safety may have led to a greater emphasis on economic and social concerns and a willingness to consider leadership other than Netanyahu.

Despite his role in Bennett’s achievement, Birnbaum said, “It is very strange, having spent 25 years working in Israel and having started my career with Netanyahu” as a chief of staff. “It’s a little bittersweet.” ì

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OPINION Not Quite that Loving Feeling

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EQ UA L HOUSING OPPOR T UNI T Y

The timing of Israel going to war against Islamic groups in Gaza May 10, the day before the Pew Research Center released “Jewish Americans Dave Schechter in 2020,” made From Where I Sit that report all the more worthwhile reading.

Granted, the Pew survey — based on interviews with 4,718 adults conducted between November 2019 and June 2020 — is a snapshot of a community that numbers 7.5 million. Nonetheless, among its thoughtprovoking findings were the attitudes of younger Jewish Americans toward Israel.

Simply put, many lack that loving feeling of their elders.

In a recent interview, Rabbi Emeritus Joshua Lesser of Congregation Bet Haverim noted “the reality that more and more younger Jews . . . are feeling less connected to the state of Israel being part of a contemporary Jewish identity.” Uncomfortable as those words may be, Pew offered support for what, anecdotally, has been apparent for a while.

By age, those 18 to 29 reported the lowest level of emotional attachment to Israel, at 48 percent. Attachment increased with age: 52 percent among those 30 to 49, 63 percent for those 50 to 64, and 67 percent for those 65 and older.

Pew also asked which of 10 attributes and activities were essential to what being Jewish means. Only 35 percent of those under 30 responded that caring about Israel was essential to their Jewish identity, while 27 percent said it was not important.

Across all age groups, caring about Israel ranked sixth, behind remembering the Holocaust, leading an ethical and moral life, working for justice and equality in society, being intellectually curious, and continuing family traditions, but ahead of having a sense of humor, being part of a Jewish community, eating traditional Jewish foods, and observing Jewish religious law.

The younger generation, as is its wont, favors disruption of the status quo. For many young Jewish Americans, that includes relations between Israel and the Palestinians, and America’s role in a situation that, if anything, has calcified.

Pew reported that 37 percent of Jewish adults under age 30 took the position that United States foreign policy was too supportive of Israel, compared with 22 percent

of the overall sample. Within that cohort, 24 percent thought Israel sincere in its peace efforts (compared with 33 percent in the overall), while 18 percent said the same of the Palestinians (compared with 12 percent overall).

Younger Jewish Americans have grown up aware of a militarily robust and technologically accomplished Israel. While the latter is embedded, literally, in their lives, the former is often associated with policies that many oppose.

This sentiment may extend to future clergy. During the recent war, 100-plus rabbinic and cantorial students, representing a significant portion of students at non-Orthodox seminary institutions, signed a letter titled “Appeal to the Heart of the Jewish Community.”

They wrote: “As American Jews, our institutions tell stories of Israel rooted in hope for what could be, but oblivious to what is.

Our tzedakah money funds a story we wish were true, but perpetuates a reality that is untenable and dangerous. Our political advocacy too often puts forth a narrative of victimization, but supports violent suppression of human rights and enables apartheid in the Palestinian territories, and the threat of annexation.” Not unexpectedly, some of their elders criticized the letter as shortsighted and one-sided.

You can tell me that these trends are reflected less among the religiously observant, particularly in the Orthodox community, which continues to grow at a faster rate than American Judaism’s other movements.

You can tell me that Taglit-Birthright and other programs, from summer camps to campus organizations, are producing a generation of Israel-engaged young people.

You can tell me that the Pew report is the proverbial “30,000-foot view” and that on the ground, things are more nuanced and complex.

I won’t contest any of that.

I also have no easy answers to the question of what would engender greater emotional attachment.

There may be a clue in the Pew report: “Feelings of commonality with Jews in Israel are also tied to feelings of attachment to Israel.” Pew reported that 44 percent of Jewish Americans under 30 feel that they have not much or nothing in common with Jewish Israelis. Commonality must be a two-way street, of concern to not only the Jewish establishment in America, but also to Israel, which can look decades ahead and ponder the impact of a less emotionally invested Jewish population in America. ì

PA I D A D V E R T I S E M E N T

YOU ARE NOT ALONE CHRISTIANS UNITED FOR ISRAEL’S

10 MILLION MEMBERS STAND WITH YOU As antisemitism skyrockets around the world, Christians United for Israel will stop at nothing to stand with our Jewish brethren for such a time as this. As always, CUFI remains committed to combating antisemitism in all its forms, wherever it may be found, until it is eradicated, and Jews everywhere can live in the peace and security they deserve. We vow that Never Again will the Jewish people be alone as we stand with them, shoulder to shoulder, in the fight against this evil hatred.

At CUFI we believe that antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem—it’s everyone’s problem.

Therefore, we refuse to stand idly by while Jews are marginalized and attacked. Never Again must be more than a slogan—it is a promise to our Jewish friends that this time, overwhelming numbers of Christians will stand in their defense whenever and wherever antisemitism rears its ugly head.

If a circle must be drawn, let it be drawn around both Christians and Jews.

For Zion’s sake, we will neither rest nor be silent.

I S A IA H 4 9 : 6

W W W. C U F I . O R G

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OPINION

Anti-Jewish Attitudes in Early Islam When in May everywhere in the world demonstrations took place as a consequence of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Alfred Schlicht current opinion was that the Arab-Jewish conflict about Palestine and Israel was the cause of those events, which degenerated into riots in many places. In Berlin, Germany, for example, over 90 police officers were injured on May 16. This assumption is only partly true.

Even in the early days of Islam, after initially having shown a favorable attitude towards Jews, the Prophet Muhammad turned against the Jews of Medina, where he had founded the first Islamic State.

Muhammad was convinced that, in principle, his message was identic with the teachings Jews and Christians had received before, and that those ‘people of the book’ would eventually adopt Islam. That is why, in those very early years of Islam (until 623 C.E.), Muslims prayed towards Jerusalem, not Mecca.

Muhammad reminded his contemporaries to return to the ‘religion of Abraham,’ which had been brought by former prophets to those known as Christians and Jews. There was however one special trait to Muhammad’s role: He was the last messenger of God, the ‘seal of the prophets,’ bringing the ultimate truth. On the basis of his identity, as he perceived it himself, it was understandable that he anticipated universal recognition, acceptance by Jews who lived within the confederation, which he had founded in Yathrib, later called Medina(t al-Nabi), City of the Prophet. On the other hand, the Jews, proud of a secular tradition, of course were far from accepting and adopting this ‘new’ distorted form of their religion as it must have appeared to them. Muhammad, in whose universe the ‘people of the book’ held a privileged position, was most probably deeply disappointed by this rebuff. This proved to be a turning point: From then on, his attitude towards Jews (and Christians) underwent fundamental change.

In Surah 5, Verse 51 of the Koran we read: ‘O you Believers, don’t take Jews and Christians as friends!’

By Islamic standards, this is not the opinion of the prophet Muhammad, a hu-

man being, but this is the word of God. Those words were molded into political action: The great battles the Muslims fought in those years against their enemies were accompanied by actions against the Jews who lived within the Muslim-dominated commonwealth in Medina. Two Jewish tribes were expelled; the third one, however, met an even more tragic fate: Men were killed, women and children were enslaved.

Those harsh measures were justified by alleged Jewish treason, collaboration with the enemy and Jews having broken agreements.

We have only Muslim sources on those events, no Jewish or neutral witnesses. Even if we accept the argument that some of the Jews supported enemies of the prophet, the question remains if all Jews were ‘guilty’ and why children were ‘punished.’

In 628, Muhammad attacked Khaybar, an oasis nearly a hundred miles from Medina, where Jews had been living for centuries and where some of those expelled from Medina had taken refuge. Khaybar was taken by force, and the Jews were allowed to stay under terms dictated by the Muslims. For being allowed to remain and continue their agricultural activities, they had to pay tribute and obey Muslim rules and restrictions.

This episode is significant: A precedent was set for the treatment of non-Muslims within the emerging Empire of Islam.

From now on, based on the prophet’s practice, Jews and Christians were permitted within the Muslim state on the condition of paying a special tax and accepting an inferior status. This situation has prevailed until today; in almost all Islamic states, non-Muslims are considered inferior, even if legally they enjoy equality with Muslims.

On the other hand, we should not forget that Jews themselves preferred to live in Muslim countries. When after the Christian‚ Reconquista Spanish Jews in 1492 had the choice between conversion and exile, most left Spain for the world of Islam, not for other Christian countries. They managed to keep their religious and cultural identity in the context of the Ottoman Empire, where they practiced their own JudeoSpanish language until the 20th century. ì Alfred Schlicht, who received his doctorate from Munich University, is a former deputy consul general of Germany in Atlanta from 2010 to 2013, and author of several books on Islam and Middle Eastern history.

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, A Note of Gratitude to G-d and the Atlanta Jewish Community It was three weeks ago that I had the privilege of returning to Atlanta for the first time in many years. I was met at the airport at 2 p.m. and driven around Sandy Springs/Dunwoody for three hours. I was astounded at its growth.

My gratitude to both G-d and the Atlanta Jewish community “stems” from the fact that I humbly feel as if I’m a blessed successful gardener. I arrived in Atlanta in the mid-70s, invited by B’nai B’rith National Hillel in partnership with the Atlanta Jewish Federation, as the founding rabbi/ director of the Atlanta Hillel Federation based at Emory University and serving Georgia Tech, Georgia State and Oglethorpe universities.

As such, I was privileged to invite ANYONE in the Atlanta Jewish community to free high holiday services at Glenn Memorial. It attracted, annually, approximately 1,500 worshippers. At the conclusion of one such service, I received a call asking me if I would be interested in starting a traditional synagogue in Sandy Springs. I responded that I couldn’t think at that moment but that I would welcome a further conversation at the conclusion of Sukkot.

Congregation B’nai Torah was born shortly thereafter, with it, the creation of the second mikveh in Atlanta.

At the conclusion of my 17-year tenure as rabbi of Congregation B’nai Torah, I was privileged to be the founding rabbi of Congregation Shema Yisrael. I give gratitude to HaShem and my successors in each of these sacred four efforts, for the enormous growth of the seeds I was privileged/ blessed to plant. May they continue their success.

With gratitude, Rabbi Yehuda/Juda Mintz, Los Angeles, Calif.

Letter to the editor, This is a copy of the letter we just sent to Senator Jon Ossoff in Washington, D.C. Jacques is both an Israeli citizen and a veteran of the Israeli Yom Kippur War. Senator Ossoff, where is your outrage?

As very strong supporters of you, both politically and financially, we are very dismayed and disappointed to have read that you needed your ‘fearful relatives’ in Jeru-

salem to urge you to act to support Israel in this last conflict! Senator Ossoff, you should have known and understood this situation better, and should have taken a very strong position in the Senate, against Hamas, by introducing a bill to condemn Hamas and its latest provocations. Senator, this is not about a ceasefire! This is about standing with, and unequivocally supporting Israel and condemning Hamas! This is about a designated terrorist group firing sophisticated rockets aimed at Israeli civilians of all ages, for the sole purpose of annihilating them indiscriminately, and without any advance warning! This is not the time to be impartial and ‘wishy-washy’ about this life-and-death matter!! As a Georgia senator and a man of the Jewish faith who says he supports Israel and has close family living there, Senator Ossoff, you should have condemned these barbaric acts of Hamas, and provided moral support to Israel and to its citizens in times of need! Israel needs all supporters, both Democrats and Republicans alike, to stand up to the brutality of Hamas, and to protect the existence of the State of Israel and its citizens!

With deep concern, Amy and Jacques Elfersy, Druid Hills

Letter to the editor, Regarding the letter from Harry Stern in the May 31 issue Mr. Stern, in his recent letter, seems to have forgotten that removal of Jewish villages from Gaza created a genocidally motivated, independent Palestinian state ruled by Hamas.

It is well-known that Mahmoud Abbas canceled the scheduled 14-year-overdue election once he realized that a Hamas candidate would defeat him. Abbas called up the time-worn but always effective “Al-Aqua is under attack by Jews” canard to stoke the perpetual fires of Jew hatred.

There is nothing complex about this.

The removal of Jewish villages from Gaza gave rise, not to the start of a chimerical “two-state solution,” but to a wellarmed enemy that will use any means at its disposal to destroy Israel.

Does anyone really believe there will be eternal peace after the creation of a “demilitarized” Palestinian state? Control of the Jordan Valley is crucial to Israel’s survival.

Julia Lutch, Davis, Calif.

OPINION Letter to the editor, I must disagree with Harry Stern’s assertion that the presence of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria (dubbed “The West Bank” during nearly two decades of illegal Jordanian occupation) are an obstacle to the creation of the first-ever-to-exist Arab State of Palestine. The “settlements” sit on land of religious and historic importance to Jews, land that is of strategic importance to Israel. Yet, the land area covered by these Jewish communities is relatively small and Israel has made several offers to negotiate on setting borders, which have been flatly rejected by Palestinian leaders.

The true obstacle in the path of achieving a Two State Solution is that the term does not mean the same thing to the Israelis and the Palestinians. For Israel, Two States for Two Peoples means a Palestinian state willing to co-exist, peacefully, with the nation-state of the Jews, with members of minority groups having full civil rights in their country of residence. The Palestinian leadership wants a Palestinian state from which all Jews have been banished and a Muslim-majority Israel peopled by millions of Arabs claiming descent from Arabs who fled Palestine in the 1940's during Arab-initiated violence aimed at preventing Israel’s rebirth in the Jews’ ancestral homeland, a point that doesn’t get mentioned in proclamations about an Arab Right of Return. Unfortunately, the Palestine Refugees (UNRWA designation) have grown up seeing people highly honored and richly rewarded for killing Jews. Jews would be second-class citizens in a Muslim-majority Israel, if they were tolerated at all.

Toby F. Block, Atlanta

Letter to the editor, Letter writer Henry Stern’s attempt to connect Israel’s 73-year-old existential problem with every hot button far leftwing issue he could think of makes wonderful virtue signaling but has nothing to do with the reality Israel faces. (“From the Left”) The record is clear that Israel faces an existential situation in which the Palestinian Arabs refuse to accept the existence of Jews. On Nov. 30, 1947, the Arabs of Mandatory Palestine REJECTED an independent state of Palestine when it was offered on that proverbial silver platter by the United Nations General Assembly. Their leader, Nazi war criminal the Grand Mufti Amin al-Husseini, when he rejected Palestine, simultaneously issued his infamous sevenword genocidal command: “Murder the Jews. Murder all of them.” Since then, the Arabs have — in the Grand Mufti’s termi-

nology – murdered 26,000 Jews. Among those Jewish murder victims are 79 doctors, nurses and medical students roasted alive at Sheikh Jarrah on April 13, 1948.

In 1964 when Israel existed within the 1949 Armistice Lines, the Palestine Liberation Organization was formed. The original PLO Charter renounced any claim to the West Bank, which was illegally occupied by a foreign power, Jordan, but did mandate the annihilation of every Jew in Israel. Those annihilation clauses have never been revoked as per Article 33 of the PLO Charter. The enabling document of the Palestinian Authority is the PLO Charter with its unrevoked annihilation of the Jews of Israel clauses. When Israel raided Yasir Arafat’s lair it found millions of dollars of receipts for payments by the Palestinian Authority directly or indirectly to those Arab murderers responsible for the Second Intifada in which over 1,000 Jews were blown up at Passover seders, restaurants, pizza parlors, discos, on buses and shopping centers, … and thousands more maimed for life. This 21st century mass Palestinian Arab slaughter of Jews is described in exquisite but painful detail by historian Giulio Meotti in “A New Shoah.”

Of course, Article 7 of the Hamas Charter, which has never been revoked, requires every member and supporter of Hamas, which includes every member of SJP [Students for Justice in Palestine] to murder every Jew on earth. Israel is not mentioned in Article 7.

The record is clear to anyone who is prepared to look: the problem for the Palestinian Arabs is the existence of the Jewish people. Read the Grand Mufti’s lips. Read their enabling documents. Their foundational demand is a judenrein Middle East, if not a judenrein world. Settlements are not mentioned by the Grand Mufti or in the PLO Charter or Article 7 of the Hamas Charter. Rattling off left-wing hot button issues does not change 73 years of Palestinian Arab efforts to achieve their judenrein dream.

Richard Sherman, Margate, Fla.

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 JUNE 15, 2021| 27

SPORTS Jewish Boxer Set to Fight in Brookhaven Soon, one of Israel’s leading boxers will be back in the ring June 19 in Brookhaven after an extended hiatus. Yuri Foreman, otherwise known as the “Boxing Rabbi,” was previously the WBA super welterweight title holder from 2009 to 2010 and is now making a comeback tour with his second fight at the Buckhead Fight Club this month.

Foreman started boxing at age 7 in the Soviet Union, where he was born, before his parents made aliyah to Israel, bringing him with them. In 1999 he came to the U.S. to pursue his “American dream” to become a world champion Nathan Posner boxer, he told the AJT. He achieved that goal in 2009 but lost the title in 2010, and will now continue his boxing career.

He has even described this as his “second career,” in an interview with a boxing magazine.

As a lifelong boxer, Foreman is excited to make a return, he said in an interview with the AJT.

The varsity soccer team of Johns Creek High School is seen after winning the 6A championship.

Jewish Player Helps Johns Creek Soccer Win State

By Nathan Posner

Last month, sophomore Sara Jacobs helped Johns Creek High School’s varsity girls soccer team win the state championships. Jacobs, who anchored the team’s backline, helped the team to a record of 20 wins and one loss, only giving up nine goals all season, including 17 games with no goals given up.

Jacobs was the only sophomore on the team this year, as well as the only freshman last year. Playing outside back, she has been a two-year starter for the JCHS varsity team, including when it played rival Cambridge High School in the finals. JCHS won 2-0 in the 6A championship game.

Jacobs told the AJT, “After setting the goal in the beginning of the season to win state, we were determined and worked hard every day at practice. Once we won, I couldn’t actually believe we did it. After five months straight of hard work, it all paid off and we ended up champions.”

Federation Talks Sports with Athletes, Owners

By Nathan Posner Yuri Foreman, previous world champion boxer, returns to the ring in Brookhaven.

Foreman trained in Israel as a boxer before coming to the U.S. to compete on a higher level competitively. “Boxing is not generally very popular in Israel. … The only two groups that do training boxing in Israel are immigrants from Russia and former Soviet Republics and Arabs.” Training in a village near Haifa, Foreman became close with many Arab boxers, as they were his sparring partners. He said he “gained their respect. Nobody looks any different, from a Jew and an Arab, nobody cares. The boxing ring becomes an equalizer since you are not focusing on what is different but things we have in common.”

As a Jewish boxer in the U.S., he had different training regimens than non-Jewish boxers. Now an ordained rabbi, he described his training to the AJT, as “more 6/24, than 7/24, 6 days/24 hours.” As a religious Jew he doesn’t work on Shabbat or holidays.

“It’s the same as non-Jewish boxers unless the calendars and holidays are different, … it’s pretty much the same.” Foreman has been preparing over the past few months for the fight in Brookhaven, where he will be going up against Gordie Russ. The fight will have a crowd in attendance so supporters of Yuri can buy tickets to attend, and the fight will be streamed online for a ticketed price as well.

For tickets and more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/underground-showdown-tickets-158535633347?aff=Foreman6702

28 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta held its business casual coffee event June 8, hosting a variety of athletes and those working in sports to talk with members of the community. Moderated by WSB-TV reporter Michael Seiden, the panelists included World Series winners, ACC basketball coaches, NFL team owners and others.

The conversation largely focused on the experiences the panelists had on being Jewish in the sports industry. Josh Pastner, head coach of men’s basketball at Georgia Tech, spoke about the opportunities brought about by being a coach and Jewish, The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s business casual logo. mentioning the Hillel on campus that allowed him to be involved with the Jewish student community on campus.

A major topic of the discussion was anti-Semitism in sports, from the comments made by Los Angeles Rams wide receiver DeSean Jackson last year to the personal experiences of the panelists.

A number of the panelists, including Minnesota Vikings owner and chair of Jewish Federations of North America Mark Wilf, expressed optimism about the ability to transform remarks like Jackson’s into learning opportunities to get players and staff to understand Judaism and the dangers of anti-Semitism.

SPORTS ing Congregation B’nai Torah where she also works as a madrichah in the religious school. She has been active in the JumpSpark Strong Women Fellowship cohort, and as a member of the AJC’s Leaders for Tomorrow program. She co-founded AJOCC, a nonprofit organization that advocates to make Jewish spaces more welcoming and inclusive.

Sydney Silverstein, second from right, joins Israel’s U18 national softball team.

Atlantan to Join Israel U18 National Softball Team Atlanta native Sydney Silverstein will be joining Israel’s U18 national softball team, composed of 34 Israeli and American Jewish athletes between the ages of 17 and 26, to compete this summer at the European championships in Czechoslovakia. The team will compete against counterparts from 16 different countries including Germany, England and Russia, among others. Silverstein recently graduated from Pace Academy and will be attending Denison University in the fall, joining its softball team.

The Israel team will be coached by three-team USA gold medalist Leah O’BrienAmico, as they head to the European championship in Prague in July. Silverstein is helping to raise money for the Israel Softball Federation through the Jewish National Fund. Three years ago, she was a member of the USA Junior Maccabi team and helped lead the USA team to the softball gold medal in the Junior Maccabi games in Israel.

She now hopes to lead Team Israel to the gold medal in the European championships.

Ariel Raggs competes at the GHSA State Track & Field Championships in Carrollton.

Tel Aviv Hosts Finale of UCI Track Champions League Last month, at the unveiling of the new UCI [Union Cycliste Internationale] Track Champions League, it was announced that the finale will take place in Tel Aviv. The male and female winners of the league will be crowned at the finale, set to occur in December at the Sylvan Adams Velodrome in Tel Aviv.

The competition, featuring some of the world’s highest profile riders, is designed to build the global profile of track cycling during the normal off-years of the four-year Olympic cycle.

UCI President David Lappartient said, “The launch of the UCI Track Champions League marks an important milestone in the history of track cycling, one of cycling’s historic disciplines and one that has been part of the Olympic Games since the first modern Games in 1896.”

Sylvan Adams, an Israeli-Canadian billionaire, has had a passion for cycling for decades and helped to establish the Israel Cycling Academy and the first velodrome in the Middle East in Tel Aviv.

He said, “In a way, this will be our coming out party to the rest of the track cycling world… Looking forward to welcoming everyone to the great, exciting city of Tel Aviv.”

AJT Staff Reports

Sports leaders involved in the UCI Track Champions unveiling included David Lappartient, UCI president, second from left, and Sylvan Adams, event promoter, fourth from left.

Jewish Track and Field Athlete Breaks Barriers Ariel Raggs, a senior in Chamblee Charter High School’s gifted program, competed in state championships in four events in mid-May, breaking a 14-year record for her school. Raggs placed third in the 300-meter hurdles at the 5A state track and field championships in Carrollton.

Raggs has been her team’s co-captain for the past three years, and competed in high jump, triple jump, and 100-meter hurdles at the state championships in addition to the 300-meter hurdle. Raggs is actively involved in the Jewish community, attendATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 29

SPORTS

Hanging in the Air with Emma Kremer

Photos by Portraits by Mary Ann Pegg //

Emma Kremer uses moving hoops as part of a group act in 2019.

Climbing up to the ceiling holding onto long silk fabrics while some material is wrapped around her is Emma Kremer. This graduating seEmma Kremer nior from Milton High School was seperformed in a dance act during lected for the school’s well-recognized the 2019 show. performance group and its 15th annual Cirque show held last month.

What began as an audition at the end of eighth grade to begin the Cirque Arts fundamentals

By Flora Rosefsky class as a high school freshman became a four-year commitment culminating with Kremer becoming a performer in three acts of this year’s show.

Inspired by Cirque du Soleil’s world-famous performances, envision circus arts using rings, webs and ropes, poles and wheels as the apparatus using tumbling, trapeze and juggling skills performed to specific music with enhanced lighting.

The AJT interviewed Kremer to learn more about the program for which she auditioned, an elective class she took at the end of each school day.

First semester, the selected group spends time on strength-training skills such as situps, pushups and planks, critical to one’s success in negotiating the twists, turns and moves required in the routines that combine dance with aerial arts, she said. Second semester brings tryouts for the annual spring performance. When selected, Kremer started preparing her acts with choreography and aerial moves, deciding which

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Emma Kremer uses fabric to swing in a duo act.

Emma Kremer is held up high by a partner in the 2021 Cirque show.

apparatus to use. Plus her mother began sewing costumes for many of the student acts. Because of COVID last year, the spring performance was canceled. But fast forward to the fall, when fundamental training and preparation for a spring 2021 performance got back on track.

For the 2021 annual Cirque show entitled “Antanda,” Kremer said there was a planning group, including students who helped choreograph the individual acts. Because of COVID last year, though, there was less rehearsal time at the school, requiring online practicing. As a result, the 2021 show became more of a showcase event with shorter acts, she said.

According to the school’s website, Milton's program founded in 2010 by its director Larry Smith is one of the only public schools in the country that offers circus arts. Combining athleticism and artistry in a theatrical form with its annual spring performances, Cirque is part of the school’s theatre department.

Kremer said she feels fortunate that the redistricting of her home that sent her from Roswell High School to Milton as a freshman in 2017 opened up the opportunity for Cirque arts into her life. “I am grateful to have been a part of this amazing program and learn these unique skills.” She said she hopes to continue aerial arts at an outside gym in Athens while attending the University of Georgia. ì

SPORTS

Baseball Cards Are No Longer Child’s Play Serious baseball card investors in Atlanta are looking forward this month to one of the most valuable collections to be auctioned off in recent Bob Bahr years.

Thomas Newman, a Jewish physician from Florida who died of COVID, built his Rob Gough holds the baseball card he bought Baseball cards in their protective Lucite holders collection of over 1,000 rare vintage baseball for a record breaking $5.2 million. are part of a $20 million sports auction. cards and other sports memorabilia beginning in the 1980's, and he worked on it conBut records are being set for cards for Smith, who has been a sports collectibles from Babe Ruth’s first season as a major sistently over the next 40 years. The online much more recent stars. A one-of-a-kind retailer in Cobb County for over 20 years. league player in 1916. public auction runs from June 21 to July 10. baseball card from 2009 of Mike Trout, who We were just getting into our conversation Dr. Newman was a passionate and proIt comes at a time when such items are sell- is still playing for the Los Angeles Angels, when it was cut short by the press of busi- lific buyer. In preparing for the auction this ing at historically high levels. sold for $3.9 million last August, a big premi- ness in his East Lake Shopping Center loca- month, the auction house filled an 18-foot ULike Dr. Newman, many of those busi- um for a card that was valued at $400,000 tion in Marietta.

Haul trailer with his collection. nessmen who are active in the business of in 2018. In vintage cards, a 1909 Honus WagBuyers at the auction of the Newman Unfortunately he won’t have the satisbuying and selling high-priced sports col- ner card sold for $3.7 million last year. collection will have much to choose from. faction of watching his valuable collection lectibles are also Jewish.

The same high valua- There are highly desirable examples of go under the auction hammer. Dr. Newman JP Cohen is president of tions have been achieved by cards by such baseball greats as Ted Wil- died in February at the age of 72 from compliMemory Lane Inc, the auccards from other sports as liams, Lou Gehrig, and Ty Cobb, and a card cations resulting from a COVID infection. ì tion house that is handling well. In the past few months the Newman sale. It estia Patrick Mahomes Kansas mates the value of the hisCity Chiefs card went for toric collection at more than $861,000, one for basket$20 million. The firm is an ball legend Michael Jordan important player in a market brought $738,000 and anthat’s a far cry from the days other basketball card for the when young boys would pay Golden State Warrior’s Stea quarter to buy a card or phen Curry was auctioned two for the bubble gum that for $984,000. was packed with the cheaply But most astonishing printed cardboard cards. Tois the record for a basketThomas Newman built his day some of those the cards ball card of Luka Doncic, a collection valued at over that 50 or 60 years ago didn’t 22-year-old player from Slo$20 million over 40 years. end up between the spokes venia who is with the Dallas of bicycles wheels are high Mavericks. A card from his priced and climbing rapidly. rookie season in 2018 sold for $4.6 million.

Some of the one-of-a-kind cards and Goldin Auctions, which facilitated the sports memorabilia date back to the 1880s, sale of many of these high-priced cards, anaccording to Memory Lane’s website. nounced that it was diversifying into the in“One of the 1933 Babe Ruth cards … in vestment market. this collection is the finest known of its kind The auction house announced that it and we expect it to break the record of $5.2 had raised a capital fund of $40 million to million for any sports card,” Cohen said. buy high-grade sports collectibles. A propos“Prices for rare, historic items have explod- al for a new reality show based on Goldin’s ed in the collectibles market.” sports memorabilia business is also said to The opening bid for the Babe Ruth card be in development by the producers of the is $500,000 and Cohen expects the auction big Las Vegas-based cable hit, “Pawn Stars.” to be fierce.

For those whose pockets are not so That record for a single card was set deep, Ezra Levine, CEO of Collectable, ofjust this year by New York actor and entre- fers fractional ownership for investors who preneur Rob Gough, who has quickly gone wish to participate in the market for the through over $10 million to amass a string pricey cards. of high-priced rarities. They included the Industry observers say they cannot $5.2 million he paid for a rare 1952 Topps remember anything like the present buying Mickey Mantle card in nearly perfect condi- frenzy at the high end of the market. tion.

That was the impression, too, of J.T ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 31

FATHER'S DAY

My Dad is the Best, Coolest or Funniest in Town Perhaps starting a new tradition for Father’s Day, the AJT asked Jewish Atlanta to tell us briefly why their dad is the best, coolest or funniest father in town. Many of the responses include how fathers made their children laugh, telling “Dad jokes,” inspiring and comforting when needed. The submissions were entered into a raffle and five lucky dads won $100 and $50.00 gift certificates.

Those winners are: Matt Herman, Buckhead Life Restaurant Group; Robert Port, McKendrick’s Steak House; and Craig Richman, Fuego Mundo.

Mike Adler and Gary Glasser will receive $50 Café Intermezzo gift cards.

Mike Adler – Johns Creek My dad is the best one ever because he is funny, caring and understanding. For example, when one of my eight fish died, he would comfort me every time. If I were scared, he would reassure me, like when I was scared our dog Pj would run away, he said she wouldn’t, and gave multiple reasons why. He would understand older brother issues that I had, even though he was a younger brother. If that’s not what the best dad sounds like, I don’t know what would.

With that I conclude that my dad is the best one ever!

Jacob Adler My dad is the best dad ever! He makes dad jokes.

He is funny.

Leah Adler

RAFFLE WINNER: $50.00 Café Intermezzo

Eric Cole – Johns Creek When I was in first grade and learning how to read, I would try to read practically everything I saw: road signs, cereal boxes, ads, T-shirts, etc. One day, my dad wore a shirt that said, “Eric the Great.” Being the little, determined first grader I was, I tried to read it.

Confident in my abilities, I read it as “Eric the Grinch.”

It’s been nearly a decade since this happened and I still call my dad, Mr. Grinch. It’s a running inside joke among my family and friends— almost everyone calls him Mr. Grinch. “ Sasha Cole He calls me Velma; he actually knows how to give me space unlike my mom; he always makes dad jokes; he knows how to comfort me; he doesn’t know how to cook, we’re white; he loves cats.

Briana Cole

32 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Tim Dewey – Suwanee When you hear the term, “Dad,” many people think of a guardian of a child, but to me, it means more than that.

It is a person who is willing to do what needs to be done and care for you. Dad is more than one word. It is not just three letters; it is more than that to me. There are not enough words to describe him. If someone asked me what my dad was like, I would tell them this: ”he can’t be described.” Some people would say loving or kind, but to me, he’s more than that.

He can’t be described in one word or one sentence. Instead, he can in one action, because words serve no purpose to describe him. Having the name Dad just shows how important you are and without this person, I would be nowhere in life because he pushes me to do better and always be my best. This is why Tim Dewey is not just a dad, he is thousands of different things!

Jake Dewey My dad is the best dad ever for many reasons like giving me great advice, teaching me new life lessons, making me laugh until my stomach hurts, and most of all, just being there whenever I need him the most.

My dad grew up playing lacrosse, so as soon as it was my turn to play, he would give me any advice he could, and at any chance that he gets, he is helping me get better. He is also the king at making me laugh to feel better.

I have never seen anyone make me laugh so hard like he can, it is honestly so unique and special. He can always cheer me up from a bad day with just one look or sometimes one word. My dad and I have been through so much together, and to have him be at my side through all of it, from sports to doctors’ appointments, and from the first days of school to the last days, just means the world to me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Abby Dewey

FATHER'S DAY

Gary Glasser – North Druid Hills

Matt Herman – Johns Creek

My dad is the least awkward person I know. It is not often that somebody is called “not-awkward,” but there is no other way to describe him. He works as a male gynecologist, a career path you can only be successful in by possessing the perfect blend of nerdiness and self-confidence. He is a huge rule follower, being the only person I have ever met to get a traffic ticket for going too slow and a root canal from brushing his teeth too much.

He does not care what anyone thinks, demonstrated by showing up to my kindergarten class in only a hula skirt and coconut bra, teaching my elementary school class about the benefits of using sunscreen (dressed as his alter ego Dr. Sunwise), and embarrassing me in front of my middle school by giving the puberty talk. He is unequivocally both the best and funniest dad in town, but I would never try to convince anybody that he is the coolest.

Abe Glasser

My dad is funny and cool because he makes good dad jokes. He plays with me all the time. We sit down and play video games together and it’s always fun. We do cool things like go camping and go to the zoo. He tries teaching me his way to do math, but we seem to disagree.

He’s a great dad.

Dylan Herman

RAFFLE WINNER: $50.00 Cafe Intermezzo

Dan Goldman – Atlanta My Daddy is the Best!

My Daddy ROCKS this world!

He is the funniest, smartest, most loving father ever.

He is goofy and hilarious.

(Sometimes he acts like an alien!)

He makes me laugh when I’m upset.

He’ll even start dancing (but it’s not that good).

My Daddy is bright and wise.

He is a physicist who studies bugs and makes robots. Isn’t that cool?

Lastly, my daddy is sweet as the giant teddy bears you see at Target.

He gives me huge hugs and kisses me on the cheek. He even gave me a nickname, “Sweetpea,” but my real name is Amelia. He is so generous, and his love bursts out of his heart and comforts me when I need it.

Daddy, my gold medal, numero uno, is the best! I’m lucky he’s mine.

LOVE YOU DADDY! Amelia Goldman

RAFFLE WINNER: $100.00 Buckhead Life Restaurant Group

My dad makes hilarious but terrible dad jokes. He takes us camping every single summer. We sit down and read books together and we work on the garden together. I love my dad so much.

Alice Herman My dad is the best because he helps me do things around the house. He reads to me at night. We play tic-tac-toe and I love beating him at Sorry.

Jamie Herman

Anatoliy Iskhakov – Norcross Lots has been said about the American dream; less about the dreamer. My father can be charming, funny, silly, but no matter what, he is always determined.

He will never be satisfied. He is a dreamer and an achiever. He is half of this world and half from some magical legend. He dreams up unachievable visions and works tirelessly, overcoming obstacles and pitfalls until his goal stands sparkling and complete behind him as he set his sights onto a new adventure. The most important lesson he taught me was to not be afraid to make mistakes. I saw him fall, and lose, and shatter … and then pick up the pieces, learn, and start again with the wisdom of his experience. This freedom to fail that he gifted me … ahhh, it gave me wings! Freedom to fail zapped the fear of failure right out of me. This kind of freedom shpritzes spice into life.

I look at him in awe because, at almost 70 (shh, don’t tell him) he’s still chasing his dreams. And I am so grateful that my children are now learning from their Deda how to dream, chase, work and then celebrate … with a waltz.

Lily Iskhakova

FATHER'S DAY

Sam Katz – Atlanta Upcoming on June 20 will be Father’s Day. My dad has always been one of my main idols growing up and always will be. He taught me how to do many different activities and was a main part of my childhood. Fathers are so important because they teach you many things that other people cannot. For example, he taught me how to play baseball, basketball and football. Even when he just got surgery, we still got to spend time together watching Shark Week on TV and watching movies in his room while he recovered. Dads are a very important part of one’s childhood. My dad, even when he couldn’t do much, still managed to make sure I had a great childhood.

He had back surgery and could not do much. I was very upset when I was younger because I realized many of the things I wanted to do with my dad I couldn’t. He could not go on carnival rides or go on family runs with us. This occurrence made me realize how much I took my dad for granted, and now I appreciate every second I have with him. All dads should be celebrated and respected on this June 20.

Logan Katz

Steve Kayne – Asheville, N.C. My dad is cool in a nontraditional way. How many Long Island Jewish girls have a father who’s a blacksmith?

He started in our Hauppauge, N.Y., garage pounding iron into artwork, decorative pieces, fireplace tools and hardware. And he still crafts in Asheville, N.C., with my baby brother, also a Dad. Growing up, I didn’t find it cool that my dad and my family dressed in colonial attire – my mom, sister and I in long sweaty dresses and mob caps – as we traveled around New York for craft fairs. I also didn’t think it cool touring the country during the summer visiting historical sites, museums and blacksmith shops.

As an adult I recognize the cool factor. I knew my Dad, and my brother in recent years, did work for movie sets, including “Mr. Destiny” and “The Last of the Mohicans.” I didn’t expect when reviewing the list of Kayne & Son commissions recently that Jewish Atlanta’s own Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus would join the list of former customers along with such film celebs as Jerry Bruckheimer, Clint Eastwood and Olivia Newton-John, and the sets of “Nell” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

I'd say I inherited quite a storied legacy. Maybe someday my kids will think I’m cool too. One can hope.

Roni Robbins

34 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Lou Ladinsky – East Cobb So I have the coolest stepdad in town. He loves music and even plays the guitar almost every day; he loves to cook and is the best husband in the world to my mom. He loves to tell jokes and takes amazing care of us.

I am so thankful for you, Lou. Bradley Rudy

Robert Port – Atlanta My 64-year-old dad is the coolest because he can still keep up with me on the ski slopes. We have gone skiing every single year since I was 6 years old, and he can still rock the double black diamonds with me. He also is the most selfless person I have ever met in my life. No matter the situation he will drop everything he’s doing to help find a solution. He can basically fix anything around my condo and always has great legal advice.

Growing up, my dad NEVER missed a sporting event I played in. He would drive RAFFLE WINNER: $100.00 hours and hours to baseball McKendrick’s Steak House tournaments and was always my biggest fan no matter how good or bad I played. He also has been a saint to my mom who has had a ton of health issues over the years. He lives by his father’s words: “Never complain about the hand you were dealt.” I love you Dad. Never change.

David Port

FATHER'S DAY

Craig Richman – Dunwoody

Larry Sernovitz – Marietta

OUR DAD IS THE BEST! He’s an amazing dad, husband, son, brother, doctor and friend.

First, our dad is a great doctor because he’s amazing at what he does and also has a good bedside manner.

He’s kind to all of his patients and all of the other doctors he interacts with. Our dad has tremendous skill and always treats his patients like they were his own family.

We can talk to our RAFFLE WINNER: $100.00 Fuego Mundo Gift Card Dad about anything because he doesn’t judge us and we know we won’t be “in trouble” no matter what we tell him. He is so funny that sometimes we cry from laughing so hard at his jokes.

Finally, even though our dad works during the day, when he gets home, he never disappoints to go on a walk, play baseball, go bike riding, play tennis or play basketball with us. He loves his work as a doctor, but he also loves his time with us when he arrives home after a long day.

Our dad treats other people with kindness, which then leads others to want to do the same. This starts a chain reaction to make the world a better place!

We love our dad so much! “

Our Dad is the coolest Dad because ... he helps us every day! He tucks us in to bed and gives great hugs. He makes the best sandwiches ever and he always helps us do our homework. It’s so cool that our dad is a rabbi because he’s working with me to prepare for my bar mitzvah. He is an awesome father because he takes really good care of us by driving us to our bus stop for camp every day. Also, he is amazing because he says “yes” most of the time. He is really kind because he plays basketball with us. This is why our father is the coolest father in town.

Abigail and Daniel Richman

Ian Robbins – Marietta Name a dad that would consistently walk his children to the bus stop to perform the “chicken dance” in front of a plethora of strangers; name a dad that found out this year how an aux cord works; name a dad that likes to impress his clients by talking to Siri; name a dad that promises his wife he won’t fall asleep on the couch during the movie, but is asleep before the opening title comes on ... I’ll name that dad: Marietta’s Most Wanted, Ian Robbins.

Seth Robbins

Sammy Sernovitz

Matthew Silverman – Atlanta One of the greatest things about dads is that we all think we have the best one. And it is true. We all have the best one for us. My dad is the best for me because he supports my baking, which I have been doing for several years. It’s not just one thing that Daddy does; he supports me through the whole process. When I run out of ingredients at the last minute, he always jumps up and offers to run to the store right away. He’s the first one to taste my desserts and tells me what improvements need to be made. When he sees fun baking gadgets at the store or on Amazon, he buys them for me as a surprise. But the biggest thing he has done for me involved redoing our kitchen. He reorganized part of our kitchen and built a pull-out drawer for me to store all of my baking supplies. Now I have a dedicated space for all of my gadgets and baking supplies. He’s helped me set up my own business so I can sell baked goods in my community. I love him so much and am so happy he is my dad.

Batya Silverman

FATHER'S DAY

Father Knows Best Father knows best.

The tried-andtrue wisdom from a father, be it your dad, grandfather or uncle, is especially special and memorable

By Robyn when passed Spizman Gerson down through the ages. We asked a lineup of family members the greatest advice they received from the dads in their life. The lessons learned are certainly worthy of repeating.

Al Garber, of blessed memory, grew up in the Hebrew Orphans’ Home in Atlanta, the predecessor to the Jewish Educational Loan Fund. As a result, his son Dr. Stephen Garber shared, “Dad said the most important lesson he learned from the orphanage was gratitude and being grateful for the people who helped him and his sisters along the way. He made that lesson part of his life: helping others to get a start or by giving someone support or advice so they could get to the next step. And by word and

Leon Goldstein is “never better” and still swinging at 95 with Marilyn Landau.

deed he taught his children the importance of helping others.”

Another father’s seasoned advice, David Gerson was quick to remind son Ed whenever asked a question to which he didn’t have the answer, “Not knowing with a great degree of certainty I find it a delicacy to articulate on a matter of such momentous importance.” As a result of these prized words of wisdom, Ed rarely com-

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36 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

by a taxicab at Peachtree and 13th streets. To date, Brown’s legacy of love continues as his son Don and grandson Mark run The Wine Shop at Parkaire and son Larry has been in the real estate business for over 50 years now, joined by son Adam. After Mel and wife Hannah passed (at 92), daughter-in-law Patty took some of Mel’s trademark bow ties and The Goldstein family sticks together with Leon at memorialized them in the helm with his positive attitude. shadow boxes for the family. Mel and Hannah, who ments on things without the facts, refusing both graduated college in to pontificate. “Like my dad, I like to only the early 1930s, set a legacy that continues venture an opinion when I have a factual to be met by their children and grandchilbasis to reply.” dren.

Melvin A. (Mel) Brown passed away at And still swinging at 95, in the words of the young age of 61 and was a true gentle- the most optimistic, upbeat father you could man and entrepreneur whose varied inter- ever know, Leon Goldstein inspired many ests were in real estate, liquor stores and with his positive attitude about life. Goldfilm as the owner-operator of the Peachtree stein enjoys sitting at Chastain Park with Art Theatre, an Atlanta icon. Brown was a his significant other Marilyn Landau on a bench donated by their children and grandchildren in their honor. Above the swing is an engraved plaque that quotes Leon’s wellpreserved advice when asked how is he’s doing: “Never Better – Leon and Marilyn, February Al Garber’s legacy of Jack Freedman shared his 14th, 2021.” gratitude and giving lives insights about kindness and And on a personal on through his family. was sweeter than “honey.” note, my father Jack Freedman, lovingly called Honey by my mom Phyllis and our entire family, shared words of wisdom that summed up his life as a generous soul devoted to making life better for others. In the tradition of his father Melvin Brown left a loving David Gerson, right, with wife Morris Freedman, legacy as a well-dressed Francis, needed all the facts gentleman and devoted dad. before answering a question. for whom an Atlanta BBYO AZA chapter nationally recognized expert on art films, was named, when asked, “Dad, why are you and a few Emory University professors so good?” He replied without hesitation, “I would make some movies required viewing don’t know how to be bad.’” for their students.

On that note, wishing dads, fathers Famed Atlanta author Margaret Mitch- and fathers-to-be good thoughts, good ell of “Gone with the Wind” fame was on times and a very Happy Father’s Day. ì her way to his theater in 1949 when struck

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Fueled by your generous spirit, we ensure all Jews and their loved ones get the care, support, and services they need to thrive.

Federation’s network of partner agencies is here for all of us across the lifespan: Jewish HomeLife Communities, Jewish Family & Career Services, AVIV Older Adult Services, AgeWell Atlanta, Jewish Abilities Alliance, IndependenceWorks, and more!

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 37

Give Generously

FATHER'S DAY

Father’s Day Gift Guide

By Robyn Spizman Gerson

Picture Perfect – Storyboards, a picture-

Every father has preferences when it comes to Father’s Day. Some dads love delicious indulgences, while others prefer practical gifts that are tried and true. Give Dad the gift of listening, your time, along with something he truly values. Hit a home run with the following gift selections and make Father’s Day a day for your dad, uncle or grandfather to feel super special.

perfect company, presents a wonderful gift of 8-by-8 self-sticking photograph boards capturing Dad’s most cherished faces. Sign up on their website Storyboards (no need for any apps) and in seconds transform favorite photographs that will stick on the walls for Dad’s hall of fame. Gift cards are also available. They are offering a 50 percent discount if you use the code: HOLIDAYVIP, www.storyboards.io

Car Wash and Detail – Dad will love the Father’s Day pampering, for his car that is. Mammoth Hand Car Wash & Detail Salon in Peachtree Corners, owned and operated by Atlantan Ted Marcus, hand washes each car, every visit; no tunnel, or machine to wash your car, just good old-fashioned professional people doing the job.

They even provide a 72-hour rain wash guarantee just in case Mother Nature does not cooperate. Buy a gift card at their location or online and it will be mailed. Give Dad an IOU a car wash for a happy Father’s Day, www.mammothdetail. com

Classic Cut and Shave – Since 2012, Vintage Barber Shop has provided vintage, modern and specialty haircuts. Shop owner and master barber Yury Abramov created this Sandy Springs barber shop to have a classic touch with a modern feel. Master barbers specialize in vintage shaving and straight blade razor shaves as well as children’s haircutting services. At Vintage Barber Shop, they make it their goal to provide top notch service to everyone who walks in, and gift certificates are available in store. Tell Dad you love him from his head to his toes! www.vintagebarbershopatl.com

Who Screams for Ice Cream? Handcrafted and love-filled, Atlanta’s award-winning Jake’s Ice Cream, located at 660 Irwin Street, can also be delivered right to your door. Gift certificates can be emailed electronically in a matter of minutes.

Order two to four days ahead and Jake’s delivers your favorite flavors. For delivered orders there’s a 4-pint minimum and an extra charge, and custom orders available with advance notice, www. jakesicecream.com

Fore A Good Sport – One of the oldest private golf apparel companies in the United States, Divots Sportswear (which includes Byron Nelson Sportswear and Carnoustie Sportswear) has been recognized for decades for providing quality men’s sportswear, greengrass golf shops, corporate functions and special events.

Divots has been a Vendor Partner member of the Association of Golf Merchandisers since 1997 and is the Official Apparel Partner of the Georgia State Golf Association. Divots is locally owned by Bob Friedman and headquartered in Peachtree Corners, www.divots.com 38 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Chocoholics Dream – Chocolate heaven awaits you at Chef Brulee Chocolates and Gateaux in Roswell. This handcrafted artisan chocolate store is owned by Natalya (a professional certified chocolatier) and her husband Arthur Shapiro. Located at their eye-candy jewel-box store at 1140 Alpharetta Street (Suite 500), Chef Brulee presents the most outstanding creations in chocolate from candied oranges, apricots, bon bons to dessert truffles and specialty cakes that are truly out of this world.

They use the world’s finest ingredients and most beautiful designs, and the result is the quintessential chocolate experience, a sensual delight of delicious flavors and an experience that’s sinfully chocolate. Luscious milk chocolates, intense dark chocolates, and creamy white chocolates infused with a mesmerizing variety of exotic flavors will surely tempt Dad and you, too. Call 404-953-0369 or visit www.chefbrulee.com

Fruit Of the Vine – Treat Dad royally like a king and gift him a selection of Queen Esther wines and brandy. These divine certified kosher/organic products are produced at the oldest winery in Austria: House of Hafner. Queen Esther wines offer a broad array of sweet to dry, red and white varietals to suit every occasion, meal and mood! You can purchase these wines at many retail stores in metro Atlanta, or text for a retailer near you: 404-786-3874. Dad will also love an elegant Premium XO Brandy, aged 13 years. Ask for House of Hafner Premium XO Brandy in a gold satin-lined redwood box. All, surprisingly value priced, www.Grbinichwines.com

Compute This! Gift Dad a gift certificate to Computer House Calls, which is an insured, smart technology company dedicated to helping your computer system and other technological aspects of your home run smoothly. From streaming to laptop support, Nathaniel Lack is devoted to 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed, 770-527-3533, www.healthycomputer.com

FATHER'S DAY The Thrill of The Grill – Dad will love Farmers & Fishermen Purveyors, a father-son business that is ideal for the dad who loves to grill, is a culinary connoisseur, or all-around food lover.

Send him a Farmers & Fishermen e-gift card so he can be like a ‘little boy in the candy store’ and select from hundreds of unbelievable food products ranging from wagyu to wild game to fresh fish and kosher. Gifting a box of their USDA Prime LoveMe-Tenderloin Filets or barbecue box is a great option too! However you gift, Father’s Day and life’s many celebrations around great food will be made extra special with a complimentary home delivery from Farmers & Fishermen. Check out www.farmersandfishermen.com or call 770-441-1100 to place your order.

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For The Tech Loving Dad – The PowerEgg X is a versatile and awardwinning egg-shaped drone that features three different modes, including AI camera, handheld and drone modes, which help in capturing the specific images and footage you want. This drone is built to withstand the elements of wind and water and is considered waterproof and wind resistant. Touted as the world’s first drone with sync voice technology, it allows users to add sound to aerial video. It also includes automatic composition, facial recognition and deep learning, automatic obstacle avoidance, auto-tracking, automatic takeoff and return home, www.powervision.me.

Comfy

Kicks

– Tell Dad no one can fill his shoes!

Atlanta-based Cobbler Union’s DUE shoe awaits you with a true vintageinspired contemporary sneaker Dad will love. With maximum durability and comfort, it is fitted with some of the finest Italian leathers in the market.

For a perfect fit, take Dad’s normal shoe size. Go up to the nearest whole size if he wears a half size. Available in six colors: Vintage Oak, Vintage Blue, Nero, Cognac Suede, Navy Suede and Blanco. If you aren’t sure of Dad’s size, the website offers gift cards for purchase, www. cobbler-union.com, or visit at Ponce City Market.

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PARENTING What’s Your Parenting Style?

Chana Shapiro

Clinical p s yc h o l o g i s t Adina WeinerJagoda finds that when they become parents, couples initially rely on the tools they learned from their own

mothers and fathers.

“As we mature, we determine what to repeat or reject. Among the many ways to

Psychologist Adina Weiner-Jagoda emphasizes spending time together.

raise children successfully, the key ingredient is spending time together. My own goal is that my three children remain very connected to each other, and I set the example.

I send cards to my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and I visit them as often as possible. My husband and I attend all simchas, and I’m in touch with my entire extended family,” Weiner-Jagoda continued.

“Our most meaningful and enjoyable talking time was and is around the Shabbos table. We are a hospitable family, with an open-house policy. Our time and attention remain an intentional, deliberate investment.”

Sheryl Gurvey describes what it’s like to be the mother of three adolescent daughters, ages 13, 15 and 17. “It’s a house full of estrogen! They are close-in-age teenagers, so we frequently live in a very emotional state.

40 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

I can relate to much, if not all, of what they are going through, so I feel equipped to help them, when they want it!

Gurvey elaborates, “They have very different personalities: my oldest is inquisitive, charismatic, social, and keeps me on my toes. My middle is artistic, empathetic, intelligent, strong willed and self-sufficient.

She enjoys friends and also likes doing favorite things alone. My youngest loves hanging out with friends, is smart, organized and reliable.

“When I see them doing things that may lead to failure, I try to remember that

parent support and parent involvement are essential to the success of the whole child.

We discuss helping our children with anxiety, building resilience, developing healthy habits, navigating healthy relationships, and advocating for themselves when developmentally appropriate,” Miller said.

“Sometimes parents don’t agree, especially concerning discipline. Another issue is the natural separation that occurs when children, who were once an extension of parents, develop their own identities. We want a healthy relationship with our children, even if they’re not just like us and we

too!) and we are competitive (sports run deep in our family). There are consequences for bad choices. Every child is different and therefore each one may need something different from the others. Things in our house don’t need to be equal, but we work to make them fair. Of course, we deal with “teenatude,” meltdowns, and disagreements. We are blessed with rabbis, a community, family and friends as sounding boards when we get into a pickle,” she said.

“Team Isaacs works hard and plays harder. We support each other, attend each other’s activities and games and do highs and lows (each family member says one good thing and one that made them upset/sad) at least once a week to foster connection and empathy for one other.

We love making memories through shared experiences. I believe our children reflect our values, and I’m optimistic we can continue School counselor Sylvia Miller, top right, Sheryl Gurvey, second from right, stresses to shape our reminds us that we don’t “own” our children. allowing children to become independent. children as they grow.” failures are learning experiences for my don’t ‘get’ them.”

In the 1960s, psychologist Diana kids and myself. With their independence, Miller likes this spiritual thought from Baumrind and her followers posited four however, comes sharing things in their lives “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran: “Your chil- general categories of parenting still widely with their friends more than with me, yet, dren chose you to be their parent. Your quoted today: authoritarian, authoritative, as they do the things they enjoy, they are be- charge is to guide them, not to own them.” responsive and permissive. Her studies coming who they are meant to be. I’m excitTova and David Isaacs have five chil- at the University of California, Berkeley, ed to see where they each go,” Gurvey said. dren, ranging from 8 to 17 years old. “Our claimed that children raised by controlling “I sometimes catch myself micro- goals are to raise Torah-observant, kind authoritarian parents tend to be moody, managing, forgetting that my kids are old people with integrity, who are able to make easily annoyed and relatively aimless. On enough to find their own way in most ar- a positive impact on their families, com- the other hand, children with authoritative eas. I am open-minded and easy-going with munity, and world,” Tova said. “Our biggest parents, with clear, sensible rules, become many things. I am also a solid optimist! I concern is dealing with the negative impact socially responsible, self-reliant, cooperabelieve my job is to allow independence and of social media so that it doesn’t create pres- tive and achievement oriented. self-sufficiency so that they can be on their sure to conform to the unrealistic social Responsive parenting is associated own one day and succeed in life as adults!” media world. with children’s close attachment to parents, Sylvia Miller is a school counselor at “We take a kind, but firm approach to academic competence, healthy self-esteem, the Atlanta Jewish Academy for early child- parenting. We don’t need or want our kids good social skills and strong morality. hood development through eighth grade. to be our friends (we are the referees) but Permissive parenting can encourage imShe coordinates Parent Toolbox, classes foster a positive parent-child relationship pulsiveness, self-centeredness, rebelliousthat help parents guide and support their for the future when they are grown. We em- ness, and low levels of independence and children. “We know that parent education, phasize everyone doing their best (adults achievement. Baumrind asserted that a

PARENTING combination of authoritative and responsive parenting provides the healthiest home environment.

Lee Rothstein, who has two sons and three grandchildren, calls herself “liberalistic,” believing that listening and love built confidence and independence in her sons, who now encourage their own children to question and explore.

Rothstein stresses chinuch, Hebrew for education that forms character, manners, empathy and responsibility. Instead of reprimands and time-outs, Rothstein removes children from ‘the scene of disruption’ to find out what’s wrong “to show

that I care and understand their pain.”

Rothstein found confirmation when she read about the “chat sofa” concept, in which parents find a quiet spot where a child can speak and be comforted. “Young parents don’t always have the time or patience to do what my father did with his grandchildren. He gave them his total attention, explained things and listened to them.”

Parent Marc Goldin, the father of two young adults, offers his parenting method. “We set expectations for our children early. We kept first-grade artwork on the fridge that stated, ‘Do Your Best!’ I think

Marc Goldin, center, believes in “falling forward” when things don’t work out.

everyone, including our children, would agree that attempting to reach one’s potential is a laudable goal that resonates at every age. We encourage and support this expectation to this day.” His son is an active senior at The Weber School and his daughter is a rising freshman at Columbia University.

“Because we had ‘buy-in’ from them, it was and is easy to redirect less-thanbest behavior. Our children’s high expectations are in line with ours, so my support often looks more like ‘holding and supporting,’ rather than ‘pushing and pulling.’

“I would describe my parenting style first and foremost as supportive, and then as firm but fair. Our children have a great deal of leeway with their choices. If poor decisions are made, they understand that they are still loved and supported; therefore, they are comfortable speaking about poor decisions or failures. I encourage them to ‘fail forward,’ to learn from their mistakes and keep growing.

“I write notes to my son every morning and sent weekly texts to my daughter in Israel. We celebrate successes, and who doesn’t like a celebration?” ì

Tova and David Isaacs, left, see their family as a team who works hard and plays harder.

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PARENTING

Parenting in the Pandemic The past year shook families, testing parents as they worked and taught kids from home, debated about how close to stand Alla Umanskiy to grandparents, deliberated over wiping down groceries and other health concerns. Parenting during a pandemic was an unexpected breakdown of all the norms families have come to rely on. Having no guidebook to go by, most parents have had to make their own roadmap and figure out what works for their family.

When the pandemic began, the initial concerns seemed to center around health.

Michelle Stein, a mother of two in Dunwoody, recalls scolding one of her kids last summer because the child touched a tree branch in a park, and

thought, “What if someone who’s ill has touched that branch before her?”

Alpharetta mom Jennifer Stone remembers not knowing how to go about her daily life. “Is lunch outdoors with a friend OK? What about a playdate for our daughter in the backyard?”

Family life later transitioned to a focus on family and community life.

“What has worked best for us was establishing a new routine,” explained Julia Urshansky, a mother of two sons in Johns Creek. “That could be pool on weeknights or dinner out on the deck.

We also left the house as much as we could to be out in nature safely. We also helped kids find new activities: baking and biking for one of our sons, YouTube exercise routines and chess for the other.”

One of the most crucial aspects to figure out was managing virtual schooling and keeping children engaged with online classes while the adults worked from home. Moms interviewed for this story said they came to rely on an array of methods,

Providing money management by building relationships through financial planning for the entire family.

Inna Livits, a mother of two daughters in Marietta. “When kids went back to school and I worked from home, for the first time in my parenting life, I picked them up from the bus stop and got to hear news firsthand. That has been one of the biggest joys.”

The pandemic also strengthened neighborhood life, said Jessica Webb of Alpharetta.

Julia Urshansky is the Mariah Dantzler is “We spent the past 14 mother of two sons. a psychotherapist months with our neighbors in Atlanta. and their children, doing schoolwork, having dinners such as spouses taking turns supertogether. They’ve become like vising the kids and working. Many family to us, and I don’t see us changfamilies joined a small “quarantine ing our arrangement any time soon.” pod,” a group of neighbors with simiAtlanta psychotherapist Mariah larly aged kids who agreed to follow Dantzler summed up how the family dythe same safety protocols and only namics changed. “I think many parents spend time with each other. have tuned into their children more and “The best thing about parenting saw opportunities to parent differently during this pandemic is that I spent than they were originally.” ì more time with my kids and observed interactions with teachers,” recalls

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PARENTING

Hats Off to Single Dads

Marcia Caller Jaffe

The last census showed how non-traditional families were growing at an accelerated pace. Many grandparents today revel at how their sons have taken a more substantive role in

child-rearing.

Here a lawyer, producer and com-

Mr. Mom.” He is especially keen on focusing on what gives her joy. “I want her to know how to be happy. Her natural inclination is towards the arts.” Thus Neiman made many a trip to Michael’s art store, where they picked out projects. He has encouraged other hobbies, from horseback riding to opera and ballet. Interestingly, three of her early childhood years were spent in Rome, Italy, where she learned to read and write in Italian.

Now that she is older, Neiman has shared custody and cherishes his role as “a softy girl dad.” He shops with her online

Ed Rappaport takes pride in the successful transition into adulthood by Craig and Brooke.

mercial real estate broker wear their “super dad-ism” as a badge of pride and honor, well beyond duty.

Attorney Ed Rappaport said, “I wasn’t a helicopter or even a drone parent. I knew what they were doing, where they were, but I was the diametric opposite of a micromanager. I always had my phone on and would answer at any time [when they were] at college. We shared the uber app and at 2 a.m., my phone pinged knowing that a child had arrived safely home.”

Magazine publisher, producer and talent manager Miles Neiman is a handson “all in” father for his 12-year-old daughter. In her infant years, Neiman was a stay-at-home dad.

“I became a father in my early 40s and had a work-life balance where I could work out of my home to be very involved and super domestic. I relished the role of

tary School kindergarten. He joked, “Lucky me, when no one else volunteered, I did.” In that role, he is the chief communicator who caters to teachers’ needs like keeping the snack bin full.

Brown was committee head for “Daddy and Me” at Temple Sinai, planning activities like sand art parties. He is on the board of First Tee of Atlanta, whose goal is to teach kids life lessons through golf. "I am buying the girls [golf] clubs, going to driving ranges, and planning a golf trip to Hilton Head.

They already love putt-putt.”

In addition, Brown does “Costco

Miles Neiman encourages his daughter to pursue the arts and focuses on giving her joy.

and mused, “We are partial to Zara’s clothing line; they have great things for kids!”

Neiman recalls the years during which he drove carpool, packed lunches, and put her down for naps.

“I remember reading to her at night and sneaking out of the room carefully to not make the floor creak, and hearing her little voice, ‘Dad, where are you going?’”

Some other fun “Dad activities” are hosting sleepovers and making eggs and pancakes for breakfast. He concludes, “She is my ‘numero uno,’ and I’m happy that she still thinks of me as fun and goofy and knows that I will always be there for her, no matter what.”

Adam Brown, a commercial real estate broker, sees daughters Emerson, 6, and Brooke, 4, five to six times a week.

He coaches t-ball, cooks, and is the “Room Mom (parent)” for Heards Ferry Elemen-

the kids benefited from the independence that was thrust upon them. Craig has been a proficient launderer since 14, and Brooke handled her college applications with minimal input,” he recalled.

Rappaport’s primary objective was to provide stability. “I tailored my law practice to work from home to be readily available. If I had to identify one disappointment, it’s that they didn’t have a childhood that was idyllic as I did, but that’s probably true of most children of divorced parents who grew up in a traditional nuclear family. At times I overcompensated out of a desire to make up

Adam Brown, with Emerson and Brooke, wins raves with his Nutella fluff sandwiches and taking leadership roles in his children’s programming.

runs,” shops for clothes at Old Navy, Target and PixieLane. “Sometimes I go to my sister’s kids’ closets. We are into unicorns and tie dying!” Handy in the kitchen, Brown is known for his peanut butter Nutella fluff sandwiches, pasta, and Taco Tuesdays. He reminisces about taking Emerson to Chicago for a VIP American Girl experience.

“I make them laugh and give lots of hugs and kisses. Most importantly I am teaching them to be kind and say, ‘please’ and ‘yes, ma’am,’ and to not bully.”

When it comes to being an involved dad, Brown explained, “I am not into this because I ‘have to,’ I truly ‘want to.’”

Rappaport began single parenting when his kids were in high school. “It was challenging for all of us, and while that first year was especially difficult,

for that.

“I feel a great deal of pride and gratitude that they had a seamless transition to college and haven’t looked back since. They both took full advantage of their respective opportunities at the University of Texas and FSU [Florida State University] and thrived academically and socially. Both are prospering in their tech careers. I heard a saying that rings especially true: ‘Parenting is the one job that if you succeed at it, you’ve worked your way out of it.’”

Brooke contributed, “My dad is cool because he doesn’t take life too seriously, has been through so much and is still the happiest and most positive person.

He sings his way through life. Although his singing is embarrassing, it makes everyone around him smile.” ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 43

PARENTING

Remedies For Restless Children

By Robyn Spizman Gerson Hi ho summer! The fun has begun, and kids have more time on their hands than ever. Not an easy combination for parents and kids who have been cooped up all year.

So, what’s a parent to do? Here are some creative suggestions along with timeless toys and no-mess, no-stress activities that will make summer a bit more fun and the living (hopefully) easier!

Nationally known toy expert Chris Byrne, The Toy Guy, shared with the AJT, “As we emerge from the pandemic, we anticipate that the backyard will still be the prime vacation destination for kids and families.”

That means families can schedule outdoor familytime playdates. From backyard badminton and driveway chalk masterpieces to family walk-and-talk outings, play together. Learning new skills are also wonderful boredom-busters from riding a bike to patio chess or family checker matches.

Learning Express in Buckhead, https:// learningexpress.com/buckhead, specializes in age-appropriate backyard fun and toys that teach, some of which the AJT personally tested for this article. Here are some of the shop’s suggestions: Eezy Peezy Bike: Give a toddler (ages 1-3) this bicycle, which encourages learning to balance. Motor skills are great enhancers for little ones who are on the go, and the bike’s bright colors make this a fun first tricycle for your toddler. The three-wheel design offers added stability to help toddlers balance, maneuver and have fun.

Power of Magnets: Connect kids with this SmartMax magnetic discovery toy that helps little ones safely build. Your child will connect the building pieces together with the magic of magnetism, and this toy features colorful bars and large metal balls that lead to incredible creations. They are designed to be safe from ages 1 and up, while older kids enjoy creating increasingly complex structures with added play value.

Do It Yourself Charm Bracelet Kit for jewelry making keeps kids creating and having fun.

Melissa & Doug has a wonderful selection of sticker pad fun activities for kids on the go.

SmartMax magnetic discovery makes building fun with the magic of magnets.

Eezy Peezy My Fun Trike for tikes is a great first bike available at Learning Express in Buckhead.

Lego Friends are great for ages 6 and up and are a sure-fire winner.

Do-A-Dot Art! kit of colors hits the spot for little ones who love to paint.

series launches with “Sesame Street Monster Meditation: Being Patient with Cookie Monster.”

six washable dot markets in no spill, no splash bottles. Do A Dot Art! is ideal for developing hand-eye coordination and color recognition. Easy to grip for young hands, made in the USA and each sixpack set will create over 1,000 art projects.

Ages 3 to 103 will love it! www.dotart.com

something special.

Sticker Fun: Check out the Melissa & Doug sticker books ideal for on-the-go travel with pages of stickers for instant entertainment. The sweet shop is ready for toppings with these popular themed sticker book activities.

Jewelry Making: DIY Sparkle Charm Bracelets presents four sparkly charm bracelets that kids ages 6 and up can make with puffy stickers and no mess. This fun DIY bracelet kit has everything kids need to create jewelry for gifts or themselves.

Ready, Set, Read: Next up, summer reading lists prompt kids to read, and here are a few page-turners for restless kids. Try a series of chapter books for the middleaged reader and select books that enhance skills for little ones, too.

Lego Friends: Lego kits reign as one of the most popular activities for kids of all ages, particularly the Lego Friends kits for ages 6 and up. From Lego backyard themes to even assembling a toy electric car that is ready to roll. Kid’s imaginations run wild with Legos, and they encourage directionfollowing and the satisfaction of creating

Here Comes Sesame Street: To help kids build mindfulness skills useful in any situation, Headspace and Sesame Workshop teamed up with Random House Children’s Books to adapt their successful Sesame Street Monster Meditation series of animated shorts into a six-volume series of board books for children ages 2 to 5. The

44 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Magic Tree House Series: Regarded among parents, teachers and librarians for its power to instill a passion for reading, Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning Magic Tree House series for ages 6 to 9 and Magic Tree House Merlin Missions series for 7- to 10-year-olds are an international phenomenon. The Magic Tree House series has sold more than 143 million books worldwide since its debut in 1992 and has been translated into 35 different languages in more than 100 countries around the world. It only takes one read to be hooked on the Magic Tree House books!

Additional Resources: Dot Art Hits the Spot: Dot away with this set of Do-A-Dot Art! It just got easier to do arts and crafts and paint dots with

Create a Crafts Closet: Save cereal boxes, have (uncoated) paper plates on hand for painting, and check out reasonably priced stores, which are filled with craft supplies, activity kits, paper, brushes, pipe cleaners and art supplies. Create an arts and crafts closet filled with great options for at-home creating, www.dollartree.com Make this summer a time to renew family ties and enjoy backyard safe fun.

There is no replacement for a parent’s supervision, so put safety at the top of your list and enjoy every minute. After all, it is summer and a child’s job to play. ì

PARENTING

Gus Glasser’s Strength in Daily Sobriety Battle

By Marcia Caller Jaffe A 22-year-old Gus Glasser shares how he’s building a life of purpose and growth away from substance abuse. Once a music major, music was his reason to stop “using.”

His mother Adele recounts a long history of Gus playing the class clown, thriving

Adele Glasser and son Gus celebrate his 21st birthday.

on attention, perpetually late, and exhibiting poor judgment and impulsivity – characteristics attributed to Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

She stated, “We never saw the anxiety nor the depression for which Gus self- medicated. Looking back, it was the perfect storm for abuse.”

Gus values his parents “There wasn’t a time when I felt I couldn’t talk to my parents about my struggles; I just didn’t want to admit that I had any. In high school, they drug-tested me, took the doors off my room, grounded me, arranged counseling, took away my phone and constantly reminded me to make good choices. While being home

was safest, I would have gone anywhere to use. I’m an addict and there’s nothing my parents could have done to stop me.”

College freshman year at the University of Georgia, the physical appearance of the classical piano major deteriorated (weight gain, ungroomed, Garfield eyes), but Gus made straight As. By sophomore year, Gus

Gus Glasser sought treatment at The Cedars addiction center in South Africa.

couldn’t manage his drug use and stated, “I totally bailed on college. I would skip class, miss projects, sleep until 1 p.m., smoke, take ADHD meds to balance, make music, eat, smoke, watch TV, hang with friends, smoke, watch YouTube, hang in my dealer’s dorm room, and pass out. I was a mess and wasting my creativity, intellect and ambition.”

When Gus chose to remain at school over winter break, Dad Gary reached out to his own co-workers at the UGA’s University Health Center for an addiction specialist.

Gus was suffering and agreed to weekly sessions. He slowly surrendered to the idea of residential treatment in South Africa.

Gary said, “We expressed our grati-

tude for his bravery and found a program in South Africa that was his best chance at surviving this chronic disease.”

Gus thought he’d be home in 90 days, but spent nine months immersed in learning, implementing tools and getting to the root of “why” he used. He returned to Atlanta with a plan to find a sponsor, work a

Gus takes responsibility for his recovery and sees the benefits of living a clean life.

from life than they give, please consider help. I’m no longer stuck and feel my music is better than ever.”

Adele remarked that the family used the time Gus was “away” to learn the differences between enabling and supporting.

“Today, Gus knows we’re here for love and encouragement – that he’s solely responsi-

Gus Glasser, a burgeoning music producer, hopes to help others by sharing his experiences with conquering the demons of addiction.

humble job, and live in a sober community.

Gus conceded, “It has been extremely challenging because I’ve had to grow up.

Part of me will always miss my days of ignorance. I hated who I was becoming. At the time, I didn’t know if I could balance my passion for music and living a clean life, but I’m learning that it’s possible.“ Offering advice, Gus mused, “I don’t wish my path on anyone. Each person’s relationship with drugs is different. I drank until I passed out and couldn’t stop smoking. Most of my friends were able to manage their intake, and it hasn’t impacted their lives negatively.

“If you find that the drugs take more

ble for his recovery. Gus returned to us more present, engaged and thoughtful. We call him Gus 2.0! Each day, we watch Gus evolve as he commits to living a life without drugs.”

Gus concluded, “Without the cloud of drugs and alcohol, I’ve been forced to deal with my emotions, thoughts and decisions, which has been incredibly painful. Every day I struggle to do what’s in my best interest instead of what I want in the moment.

Just for today, I’m proud of my progress.” ì Find Gus Glasser on social media @mcgymnasty.

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DINING Banana Leaf Fills Bogartz Space

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Two experienced restaurant pros combined talent to open Banana Leaf Thai +Bar in the space vacated by Bogartz Fine Artz in City Walk Sandy Springs.

Opening during COVID with limited eating capacity led to Banana Leaf’s “defrost” to indoor dining and accommodating up to 30 on the patio.

Earning a reputation for its seafood and clean food preparation, Banana Leaf knows its way around fish, artistic plating, authenticity, and gracious hosting.

Local nutritionist Sheryl Westerman said, “Banana Leaf’s food is all fresh: fresh garlic, ginger and herbs. The chef insists on keeping it authentic, no short cuts. For those watching weight, there are many options. Ask and they will accommodate. Jewish people enjoy good

Chef Woody (Awut Pengpis) was the chef at Basil, the Bangkok Sheraton Grande’s award-winning restaurant. He focuses on the new style of Thai on top of tradition with intricate menu items that are innovative and elegant.

One example is serving stems of young pepper seeds versus the single peppercorn. Both Pengpis and General Manager Jobi (Supakorn Thanasongtrakul) came directly from the shuttered Bua Thai + Sushi in Brookhaven.

The patio wafted with Thai music and busy but not bustling servers, genial about explaining the “whats” of terms like galangal, Thai or Siamese ginger. The menu is very explicit about labeling and illustrating choices: No

What we sampled: Som Tum (Papaya Salad) $10: Freshly mixed green papaya, string beans, carrots, tomatoes, lime juice, and fish sauce topped with ground peanuts and cabbage.

Huge cabbage leaves were left to dip into the tangy dressing.

A little awkward, but who cares?

Salmon Cha Cha Cha $23: Pan-grilled salmon with galangal, kaffir lime leaves, mushrooms, Chinese eggCourtesy of Banana Leaf // 09/17/18 Chef Woody (Awut Pengpis) was the chef at Basil, the plant, red bell peppers, Bangkok Sheraton Grande’s award-winning restaurant. long hot peppers, young pepper seeds, and basil leaves. The fish was perfectly grilled and moist.

Spicy Basil Mock Duck Eggplant: Tender eggplant sautéed with white onions, red bell peppers, long hot peppers, and mock tofu duck in a spicy basil sauce. The “faux” duck was so real I challenged its authenticity. The pounded / shredded tofu even had dimpled skin to mimic poultry. Leftovers for next day.

Delightful duo: Spicy Basil Mock Duck and green curry with zucchini and broccoli won our first prize!

Salmon Cha Cha Cha with galangal, kaffir lime leaves, mushrooms, Chinese eggplant, red bell peppers, long hot peppers, young pepper seeds and basil leaves is an artful presentation. Plenty for leftovers.

Gaeng Keow Wan: Green curry, coconut milk with bamboo shoots, zucchini, long hot peppers, red bell peppers, and basil leaves. This was rich and hearty with bonus florets of broccoli not mentioned on the menu.

Noted to try on next visit: Gyoza (Japanese potstickers) $6: Pan fried vegetable dumplings.

Banana Pla Sam Rod: Sautéed chili, tamarind sauce with jumbo onions, red bell peppers, and long hot peppers served on crisp whole red snapper fillets. Touted as one of the house specialties.

Under Vegan Lovers: Loving Hut Thai Chili $18: Mock shrimp.

Photos by Marcia Caller Jaffe //

Green papaya, string beans, carrots, tomatoes, lime juice, and fish sauce are topped with ground peanuts and cabbage.

ethnic foods, Thai being a favorite. Word travels fast. I gave Banana Leaf a plug on my Facebook page. So now all my South African Jewish friends are going!”

The Sunday night we dined there, the patio was replete with lyrical Afrikaans accents and familiar faces.

46 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Many may recognize the Bogartz floor layout transformed to Banana Leaf.

gluten, what can be made vegetarian, contains shellfish or peanuts, or what’s raw; and specific measurable degrees of spiciness: mild, medium to flat-out spicy, and the ultimate, Thai spicy. Detail is in

the presentation: carved carrot flowers, sprigs and whole leaves of “this or that,” brilliant magenta orchids fit for a corsage.

Curry category: Gaeng Massaman: Sweet and mildly spicy curry, coconut milk, onions, avocado, potatoes, and cashew nuts.

Noodle and rice dishes have their own categories. A full bar operates adjacent to the front door entrance. ì Banana Leaf is located at 227 Sandy Springs Place. Lunch and dinner are served every day except Monday.

The Lowdown

I Bet You Didn’t Know …

Janece Shaffer

A third-generation Atlantan, playwright Shaffer loves the maple tree in her front yard; the wisdom of author Priya Parker; cold watermelon in summer; her husband Bill Nigut, host of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s radio show “Political Rewind;” and a great story. You might know her from her plays that have been performed on the Alliance Theatre stage including “The Geller Girls,” “Managing Maxine,” “Broke,” “Bluish,” “He Looks Great in a Hat” and her most recent work, a musical titled “Troubadour,” which featured original music by Grammy Award-winning Sugarland star Kristian Bush.

After 20 years of crafting stories for the stage, Shaffer was eager to teach others what she had learned about creating powerful stories. Instead of creating an experience that unfolded in a theater, she set out to teach storytelling strategies via workshops and one-on-one coaching with the same kind of impact, emotion, understanding and connection, whether in a boardroom or a classroom or a living room. And so in 2017 she launched her company, StoryReady, and has since worked with Georgia Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power and The Home Depot. She’s created a signature storytelling curriculum that is now required for all biomedical engineering students at Georgia Tech.

Shaffer also leads a yearlong, story-based leadership program for more than 100 engineering educators at the most respected higher ed institutions in the country.

Her writing credits also include the film, “Monster,” which debuted at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and is now featured on Netflix; presenting a reading of her adaptation of Our Town with Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey Jr.; and collaborating with Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon on a piece based on personal narratives.

Read about the possibility of running into Shaffer at a junk store …

Jaffe: Most unusual job?

Shaffer: When I was in high school you would find me perched in a glass window in Lenox Square mall dipping fruit in dark chocolate like I was the epitome of grace and elegance. I am not, and so to make things more interesting at Le Chocolat Elegant, I spoke to customers with a slight French accent.

Jaffe: The last time I cried?

Shaffer: I lost my dad, Max Shaffer, a little over a year ago, and I think I’ve cried nearly every day since his passing. Not always with sadness, but always with appreciation that I hit the lottery when it came to dads.

Jaffe: I was star stuck meeting?

Shaffer: I was overwhelmed when I met Manuel, an unparalleled clothing designer in Nashville. At the time, I was deep into my work on my musical, “Troubadour,” which is about the bedazzling of country music in 1951 by a Russian Jewish tailor. I had spent hours pouring over Manuel’s incredible designs – his gorgeous embroidery and super showy stud-work. With one look at one of his candy-colored suits, you know this was a man who wholeheartedly believes “more is more.” And when I finally met Manuel all I could do was cry because I felt I knew him, but we had never met.

Jaffe: Lesson from the lockdown.

Shaffer: We will never use all those dried beans, and that all we have is now.

Jaffe: Exotic vacay.

Shaffer: Teaching storytelling in Ireland and then going on a mad search to find out what we could about my great-grandfather Abraham Softel Birzansky, a beloved rabbi who lived in Cork.

Jaffe: The last time I danced.

Shaffer: I fell in love with Bill the first time we danced in a deserted Woodruff Arts Center after a long coffee and a showing of the Alliance’s gorgeous production of “Falsettos.” As soon as his hand was on the small of my back, I was gone. We are just back from a week on the Georgia coast, and we danced around that screen porch overlooking the marsh.

Jaffe: Guilty pleasure?

Shaffer: Wandering through junk stores in the search of treasure. I am a pirate and a magpie at heart.

Jaffe: When were you the happiest?

Shaffer: Bill and I took our kids Emma and Billy on a camping trip to celebrate my birthday. The rains were torrential and so we spent the first night in an awful hotel. The next day, the sun came out and we found a camp site. That night the four of us piled into our small tent. The night was clear and we slept with only the tent netting above us. I could see the stars and the moon, and I could touch everyone I loved most in the world with such ease. Pure bliss.

Reported by Marcia Caller Jaffe ATLANTA ATLANTA JEWISH JEWISH TIMES TIMES JULY JUNE12, 15,2019 2021|| 47 47

CALENDAR

JUNE 15 – JUNE 30

TUESDAY, JUNE 15 Virtual Resume Workshop – 10 to 11 a.m. Learn how to create an effective resume from scratch or improve the one you already have in the JF&CS free one-hour virtual Resume Workshop. This workshop will identify the different parts of a resume and their purpose, create a master profile of core competences and accomplishments and provide a checklist of resume do’s and don’ts. It will also help you develop a cover letter to accompany your resume. To register, visit https://bit.ly/2S6RsMH. The Future of Retail in Atlanta – 12 to 1 p.m. In recent years, changing consumer expectations and habits, a heightened awareness of sustainability concerns, new COVID-operating procedures, and a broader acceptance of e-commerce have redefined the retail landscape. Join industry experts and the Jewish National Fund to hear how they’ve addressed these challenges, pivoted toward a new reality, and plan to continue thriving in Atlanta’s real estate market. For further information, visit https://bit.ly/3v5tDmR. Brain Health Bootcamp – 1 to 3 p.m.

If you are recognizing symptoms of cognitive changes or have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, our fun and social class can help you strengthen your mind and body to stay sharp, especially during these times. The class from JF&CS will combine gentle physical exercise, including yoga and exercises to help reduce stress and anxiety, along with a full hour of brain exercises done in a non-stress and engaging way of learning. To sign up, contact Georgia Gunter at 770-677-9421, https://bit.ly/39hGqsM. Gaming 101 – 7 p.m. In this Introduction for Grandparents to the Digital

Gaming World of Your Tweens and Teens, learn about gaming: How it works, why it is so popular (2.7 billion people worldwide are involved; one quarter of Americans plays at least an hour a day) and how participants find meaning and connections in gaming and among the gaming community. Register at https://bit. ly/34C7OQf.

Yiddish “Vinkl” (The Yiddish Corner) – 11:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. A fun discussion group with the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta in Yiddish (mostly) to learn vocabulary and popular idioms in Yiddish. No prior Yiddish knowledge required.

Register at https://bit.ly/2S5WDwk.

ping themes, but also at tribal connections, the state of Israel during the time of the judges and the pros and cons of monarchy, particularly in the case of the People of Israel.

RSVP at https://bit.ly/3cpwgsq.

Why We Went: A Discussion on the June 18, 1964, Sit-In – 2 p.m. Join The Breman Museum to relive a landmark moment in the history of our nation’s civil rights struggle when 16 rabbis were arrested in St. Augustine, Fla., in 1964 in support of Martin Luther King’s request to Jewish leaders to help bring attention to the plight of black people in America.

The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum program will be one of the few in recent years with any of the rabbis who were arrested talking together. Register at https://bit. ly/3vTMUIj. Considering embryo donation? – 7 p.m. The Jewish Fertility Foundation will be joined by mental health,

Curious Tales of the Talmud – 8 to 9 p.m. Join Intown Jewish Academy for an epic three-part online series on the soul of Talmudic storytelling drawn from classic and mystical sources. Visit https://bit.ly/3uqu8XF to register.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16 Play Therapy Interventions with Teens and Adults – 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In this three-hour workshop from JF&CS, participants will experience a wide variety of fun play therapy activities that you can

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.

48 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

use with your teen and adult clients. Our focus will be on creative strategies that therapists can use to “hook” adolescents and adults into engaging fully in the therapeutic process. Through these play therapy interventions, clients can gain a sense of belonging, develop positive identities, increase self-esteem, build meaningful relationships, gain personal power in positive ways, and practice appropriate expression of feelings, including anger. Visit https://bit.ly/3yrjhQc to register.

Book Group: The Disharmony of Silence – 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join in a lively discussion with the Beth Shalom Sisterhood of “The Disharmony of Silence,” by Linda Rosen. The group will meet via Zoom. Visit https://bit. ly/3umJV9W for the meeting.

THURSDAY, JUNE 17 Lunch and Learn with Miriam Rosenbaum – 12:30 p.m. Why was Saul, of the tribe of Benjamin, chosen as the first king of Israel? There are hints in the text of Samuel but is that the whole story? This will be a wide-ranging study using various parts from the Tanach. Congregation Etz Chaim will look at overlap-

medical and legal experts in the field of embryo donation as well as two individuals who have donated their embryos. This is your chance to learn all about embryo donation and ask all of your questions! *This webinar is anonymous and free. Register at https://bit.ly/3z3IXD4.

SATURDAY, JUNE 19 Yuri Foreman: Underground Showdown – 5 p.m. to midnight. Yuri Foreman, a member of the global

Chabad community and only Israeli boxing champion, will be fighting in Brookhaven. Visit https://bit. ly/3c0XyVQ to purchase tickets.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Chukat Friday, June 18, 2021, light candles at 8:33 p.m.

Saturday, June 19, 2021, Shabbat ends at 9:35p.m.

Balak Friday, June 25, 2021, light candles at 8:35 p.m.

Saturday, June 26, 2021, Shabbat ends at 9:36 p.m.

SUNDAY, JUNE 20 Escape from Cairo – 7 p.m. Intown Jewish Academy presents Escape from Cairo: One Man’s Journey from Hate to Love. An online event with Hussein Aboubakr Mansour, author and human rights activist.

Growing up in Cairo, Mansour was raised to hate Israel and the Jewish people, whom he was taught were the world’s “supervillains.” But as he got older, he learned Hebrew and studied Israeli and Jewish culture.

What he discovered led him to endure reprisals and persecutions, and ultimately, to advocate on behalf of his once-sworn enemy. Join us for an evening of love, courage and the power of transformation. Register at https://bit.ly/3f YX6bY.

In her new book, “Behind the Magic Curtain: Secrets, Spies, and Unsung White Allies of Birmingham’s Civil Rights Days,” author T.K. Thorne with Atlanta Israel Coalition discusses the little-known behind-thescenes roles played by many white allies in Birmingham during the struggle for civil rights in the early 1960s, including numerous leaders in the Jewish community. Get the Zoom link, https://bit.ly/3vtXupv.

TUESDAY, JUNE 22

Workshop: Making Judaism Your Own – 8 p.m. There are many ways to discover and deepen your identity and find a community during the college years once you leave home.

In this session we’ll hear from a panel of LGBTQ+ identifying students who have found diverse Jewish places to call home. Students will share their experiences of diversity, acceptance, and equality on campus and how you can prioritize these elements in your college search. Register at https://bit.ly/3vGO7mj.

Books for Breakfast – 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Books for Breakfast meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month. The MJCCA loves to have new members!

Visit https://bit.ly/3u5n7Lw to get zoom link.

ject, creating an accessible and dynamic portrait of a tiny country of outsized relevance. Visit https://bit. ly/3yoxm0O to learn more.

THURSDAY, JUNE 24 Young Adults Kitchen How-To – 7:15 to 9 p.m. Kitchen How To’s and Making Dessert Charcuterie Boards with Chef Jules. Under the portico by the education wing parking lot at Congregation Etz Chaim. (Rain location: Hammer-Tritt Social Hall). Register at https://bit.ly/34dnnOg.

SATURDAY, JUNE 26

Atlanta Infertility Support Group – 7 to 8:15 p.m. Join Jewish Fertility Foundation for a virtual infertility support group! Open to all women experiencing medical infertility! Visit https:// bit.ly/3s7JXmc to register.

FIDF Live – 8:30 to 9:15 p.m. Moving stories, exclusive base visits, donor spotlights. Bringing the men and women of the Israel Defense Forces directly to you. Find more information at https://bit.ly/2QP5xhn.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23

MONDAY, JUNE 21 Legends, Lessons and Legacies – 8 p.m.

Her Story: Humanizing Homelessness – 7:30 to 9 p.m. The Rebecca’s Tent 2021 annual event will expand the idea of what it means for an individual to experience homelessness and provide context to the long-term impacts of remaining unhoused. Attendees will hear directly from past and present clients of the organization to reinforce the idea that homelessness is a non-defining, circumstantial state. Visit https://bit. ly/3vLZUzE to register.

Jewish National Fund-USA Reading Series – 7 to 9 p.m. Join Jewish National Fund-USA IsraelCast host Steven Shalowitz and author Noa Tishby for a live Q&A session about her book, “Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth.” While many seem to have opinions about Israel, few know all the facts. Tishby fills in the information gap by offering a fresh, allencompassing view and bringing her straight-shooting, engaging and slightly irreverent voice to the sub-

Outdoor Tot Shabbat – 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Come join Temple Emanu-El of Atlanta outdoors for a Tot Shabbat.

Registration and masks are required.

Please bring a blanket to sit on. Visit https://bit.ly/320hx1n to register.

SUNDAY, JUNE 27 Understanding Roots – 10 a.m. With Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger, an Orthodox rabbi and teacher, and a passionate Zionist settler who has been profoundly transformed by his encounters with Palestinians and the

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 49

Palestinian people, beginning in late 2013. He is joined by Noor, whose family moved from Jordan, and currently organizes joint Palestinian-Israeli activities and speaks to visiting groups about his personal experiences living through the conflict as a Palestinian who has seen much tragedy, and in such conditions is motivated to work toward a political solution. Visit https://bit.ly/2TAd3xI to register.

Re-Discovering the Land of Israel with Atlanta Israel Coalition – 10 to 11:30 a.m. One of Israel’s most scenic areas, the Golan Heights boasts extinct volcanoes, Israel’s largest mountain, sits along the border of Israel and has a rich Jewish history.

This episode will feature Maj. Yaakov Selavan, who will discuss with us the political climate of the Golan Heights. Visit https://bit.ly/30g0eIP to register.

MONDAY, JUNE 28 Lunch & Learn: Reading Torah with Rabbi Gottfried – 12 to 1 p.m. Join Your Jewish Bridge and Rabbi Pamela Gottfried from Congregation Bet Haverim as we examine classical and modern midrash (interpretations) related to the weekly Torah reading and draw lessons from Jewish wisdom about how we can live and be our best selves today. All are welcome, no previous experience necessary Visit https://bit.ly/35zg6tc for Zoom link.

Student Activism in College: Getting Your Voice Heard – Part 1 – 8 p.m.

Perhaps you’ve discovered your voice in high school, been part of a great change-making program or been inspired to help make the 50 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

world a better place. Want to know what to look for during your college search so you can really make the biggest difference during those four years? Join Repair the World as they highlight individuals and campus organizations that are speaking up and speaking out through the Jewish lens. Visit https://bit.ly/3vGO7mj to register. ì

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Synagogue Livestreaming Services:

The Temple Livestreaming Services – Find live streaming services here, www.the-temple.org.

Ahavath Achim Synagogue – Shabbat evening services at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. To watch and for more information, www.bit. ly/38dS4Ed.

Check the Atlanta Jewish Connector for updates: www.atlantajewishconnector.com.

Please send Synagogue and Temple Streaming Services to diana@atljewishtimes.com.

CONNECTOR CHATTER Directory Spotlight www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Chabad at Emory

Congregation Etz Chaim

In conversation with Rabbi Zalman Lipskier, executive director

In conversation with Marty Gilbert, executive director

How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

We have been here for 20 years.

How do you cater to the younger members of the community?

We are a home away from home for Jewish students attending Emory University. We look to kindle the hearts, minds and souls of our community by providing an open door to explore and celebrate our heritage.

■ Torah classes and discussions - Social events that turn strangers into friends for life.

■ Family warmth and a listening ear - The largest ongoing gathering for our future Jewish leaders, our signature weekly Shabbat dinner hosting about 150 to 180 weekly.

■ Holiday meals, celebrations and services.

How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

Congregation Etz Chaim was founded in 1975.

How do you cater to the younger members of the community?

Our preschool has new hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., to accommodate the needs of younger, working families. Through our Roots/Small Groups initiative and Mishpacha program, families in our community build relationships in ways that are meaningful both inside and outside of Etz Chaim.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

We continue to be delighted by an influx of suburban-bound Jewish families, retirees and others who are looking for an affordable place to live while engaging in a rich and meaningful Jewish life. We look toward a bright future as we continue to thrive in our newly renovated facility. Our community strength is driven by our preschool, religious school and strong programming for adults of all ages.

How does your organization help the community?

We are a progressive, inclusive, egalitarian Conservative synagogue that provides meaningful Jewish experiences in a welcoming and engaging environment. Besides our strong relationships with Jewish community partners – JF&CS, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, MACoM, JNF, Israel Bonds, as well as other synagogues – we also seek out broader-based community partners. We raised $4,500 in a Passover campaign to feed the hungry in conjunction with MUST Ministries. This money will feed 1,500 needy children in Marietta this summer. We are also community partners with the Catholic Church of St. Ann and Turner Chapel AME Church. These relationships help strengthen Etz Chaim and the community we live in.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

We are currently located in a souped-up outdoor tent. We hope to be in a new permanent and greatly expanded home!

How does your organization help the community?

Our students volunteer with the local friendship circles/ food drives/ clothing donations/ hospital visitations and more.

Tzedek Georgia In conversation with Jeff Willard, co-chair and lobbyist

How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

Tzedek Georgia has been in Atlanta since 2012.

How do you cater to the younger members of the community?

We include Reform Jews of all ages.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

The majority of Reform Jews who are passionate about social justice involved in our work.

How does your organization help the community?

We lobby the Georgia Legislature on social justice legislation.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 51

COMMUNITY Rabbi Revisits Jewish Civil Rights History

By Bob Bahr Temple Sinai paid tribute earlier this month to a group of largely forgotten Southern rabbis who were leaders in the civil rights struggle during the 1950s and

At Temple Sinai, Rabbi Brad Levenberg hailed the careers of five Southern rabbis.

1960s. In a scholar-in-residence program June 4-5, Associate Rabbi Brad Levenberg called the group of five religious leaders in the South “giants” whose seminal work in this critical period of American history has mainly been ignored.

Levenberg researched the careers of the rabbis for a Ph.D. dissertation he just completed. He believes that their work 60 years ago is directly relevant to the challenges rabbis face today.

In an interview after the presentation, Levenberg said, “Rabbis today have a lot to learn from the leadership examples of these rabbis of yesterday, specifically how they dealt with the contentious and divisive community issues, how they were able to read and understand the context of their community and their role in the community, and as well how unafraid they were to be able to take stands according to their moral convictions.”

Typical of the activists was Rabbi William Silverman, who led Nashville’s largest synagogue Congregation Ohabai Sholom during the 1950s, Levenberg said.

Silverman hosted a weekly radio show and was a strong supporter of racial integration in the years following the historic 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision outlawing segregated schools.

In 1958, the same year that The Tem52 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ple in Atlanta was bombed, the Nashville Jewish Community Center was also attacked. Minutes after the community center blast, a caller from the “Confederate Underground” called the Silverman home to tell the rabbi that his synagogue

were prominent retailers in the city, he issued a direct challenge to integrate their work force.

“In a really jarring example, he compelled his congregants at one point to hire more African American work-

bility for a history of supporting racial injustice but was met with less than complete success.

During his Temple Sinai presentation, Levenberg quoted Padoll’s critical words to his Charleston congregation during the 1960s.

“My request of you over these past critical years have been based primarily on your responsibilities towards your fellow man. But many of you have refused to listen. You’ve said that this is not a Jewish problem and that therefore you would not lead the way. You already lost the chance to lead the way.”

After seven years in Charleston, Padoll resigned.

According to Levenberg, the reluctance by Jewish business leaders in the South to embrace the activism of their rabbis led many religious leaders to work quietly, but effectively, behind the scenes.

He was particularly impressed by the work of Rabbi Irving Bloom, who served the Springhill Avenue Temple in Mobile, Ala. from 1960 to 1973. Bloom, like so many rabbis of the time, successfully worked in Southern Jewish communities characterized by what one commentator called an “almost possible” and “almost impossible” racial climate.

Levenberg said of Bloom during the scholar-in-residence program, “He was a convener.

He was somebody who built relationships and worked to use those relationships to make a difference in Mobile.”

Levenberg did his research over a three-year Rabbi Irving Bloom in Mobile was an effective In Nashville, Rabbi William Silverman behind-the-scenes civil rights advocate. was an activist who carried a gun program in Leadership for his personal protection. and Change at Oberlin College in Ohio. He was impressed by how his congregants see would be next. ers. And they did. But they hired them what occurred during the civil rights era Silverman answered the threats to work in the back rooms, never on the against the synagogue with a sermon the main floor,” Levenberg said during his as a reflection of much of what is happening today. following Friday night that was defiantly presentation.

“I have been receiving recurring titled “We Will Not Yield.” But he was The activist rabbis in the South were also made a deputy sheriff and carried a not always successful in convincing their comments after my presentation from people who come up to me and say, gun with him wherever he went. congregations to follow their lead.

He organized interfaith clergy and A prime example was Rabbi Burton it’s interesting, the vocabulary may participated at sit-ins and civil rights Padoll, who led the Kahal Kodesh Beth have changed and the times may have training sessions at Fisk University, Elohim congregation in Charleston, S.C., changed, but these are some of the exNashville’s historically black college. beginning in 1961. He continually exhort- act same issues we’re dealing with right To the synagogue’s members who ed his congregation to accept responsi- now.” ì

COMMUNITY

An Abundance of Angels

By Chana Shapiro Melody Euchman has lived in six different residences in several Atlanta zip codes. She found the perfect home in Huntley Hills in Chamblee, a neighborhood of 1960s ranch houses with charming colorful gardens of flowers and shrubbery.

Affable joggers, parents with toddlers and babies in strollers echo the friendly ambience, and Euchman’s collection of angels is perfectly suited to the serene environment.

A welcoming seraph greets a visitor at her driveway’s entrance, and the stage is set for an afternoon among angels.

After successfully selling real estate in New York, Euchman left the Big Apple and moved to Atlanta in December 1994, seeking a more laid-back city. She is a devoted

the only angel I ever got as a gift because I don’t encourage others to buy angels for me. I want to feel a connection before I make an angel part of my home.”

The angel lover is selective when adding to her collection.

The winged figures she treasures, while not all of great monetary worth. They vary in rarity, provenance Euchman’s favorite angel A cherub holds a plant on This wooden, carved angel was is a gift from a friend.

Euchman’s sunny deck.

Euchman’s first purchase. and materials, and collectively present a consistent benevolence. As community volunteer for citywide Jewish pretty heavy, but I wasn’t giving her up. She a visitor leaves, a protective cherub bids a events, pet rescue organizations and most resides peacefully on my back porch, in warm goodbye from its lofty post above the recently at Sandy Springs Performing Arts the company of a beautiful plaster plaque door.

Center. Euchman enjoys using her 15 years reading ‘angels welcome here.’”

“I hope that one day I will find a doorworking at The Home Depot to update her Euchman’s favorite angel sits on her 1964 home, especially applying her knowl- front porch. She has a kind, peaceful face, post mezuzah with an angel design or edge of appliances in her kitchen. “My and is holding a little bird in her hands. It shape that, completed with a kosher scroll home now feels perfect for me, my dog was a gift from a friend. “I was won over inside, will protect me and all that exists Schatzi and my angels!” as soon as I unwrapped the present. She is within my home." ì Euchman says, “I don’t recall why I started to collect angels. I was drawn to them when I moved from the hustle and pressure of New York to the less stressful Atlanta life of the ‘90s. I purchased my first angel at a folk art store in Buckhead.

What attracted me to every piece in my collection is the face of the angel; each one has a beatific smile and exudes kindness. I don’t think of them as idols, and they have no religious symbolism for me. My angels are pieces of art and handmade crafts that appeal to me esthetically and emotionally.

What I like about having angels around my home, in my car and in my garden is that they make me feel that they are watching over me,” she said.

845 JETT FERRY MANOR 1777 BALL MILL COURT “I have found angels in flea markets DUNWOODY, GA 30338 SANDY SPRINGS, GA 30350 and resale shops, looked them over long 5 BEDS • 4 FB • 1 HB | $850,000 4 BEDS • 5 FB • 2 HB | $1,125,000 and hard, intended to buy one, but something just wasn’t ‘right’ and I would finally Gorgeous Fully Renovated Brick Beauty in the Beautifully Designed and Updated Estate Home leave the angel on the shelf. I hardly ever Popular Neighborhood of Dunwoody Club Forest Nestled in Lovely Picturesque Private Setting with search online for angels. I need to see them and in the Sought After Vanderlyn School District!

Owner’s Suite on Main! in person. I don’t think of my collection as a group of ornamental objects, although they are decorative. Once I find the right place in my home for an angel, it usually remains there, where it seems to perfectly belong,” Euchman continues.

REALTOR® “I have a delightful cherub with a 404-403-6561 C | 770-394-2131 O small, attached planter that I found several Robin.Blass@HarryNorman.com years ago, as soon as I walked into ‘Tossed Out Treasures,’ a Sandy Springs yearly Harry Norman, REALTORS | 4848 Ashford Dunwoody Road | Atlanta, GA 30338 The above information is believed accurate, but is not warranted. This offer subject to errors, omissions, prior sale thrift market sale. I marched around with and withdrawals without notice. If your home is currently listed, this is not intended as a solicitation her until I was ready to check out. She was

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Melody Euchman sits among the angels with her dog Schatzi.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 53

KEEPING IT KOSHER

JEWISH JOKE

Ima’s Burgers Michal Frishman

Start to finish: 20 minutes Servings: 8 These are the burgers my mother is famous for; my parents’ visiting day barbecues are the stuff of legends in my extended family. When I asked for exact ingredients, my mother told me that it’s actually my grandmother’s recipe (we call her Ima), and of course, she never measures.

2 pounds lean ground beef 2 eggs 2 tablespoons onion soup mix 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs 8 burger buns Lettuce Beefsteak tomato, thinly sliced Red onion, thinly sliced Avocado, thinly sliced Ketchup, barbecue sauce, and/or mayonnaise, to taste Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Mix all burger ingredients by hand until just combined.

Form into burgers and grill over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until desired doneness.

Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, and condiments of your choice.

Tip: My mom makes these burgers for Pesach by grating one small potato per pound of meat in place of the bread crumbs. You can do that easily to make them gluten-free all year round.

Michal Frischman is director of marketing for Mishpacha magazine.

Source: Family Table by Mishpacha magazine, reprinted in kosher.com.

Styling and Photography: Hudi Greenberger

Abstract The story is told of a famous child psychologist who spent many hours constructing a new driveway at his home. Just after he smoothed the surface of the freshly poured concrete, his small children chased a ball across the driveway, leaving deep footprints.

The man yelled after them with a torrent of angry words. His shocked wife said, “You’re a psychologist who’s supposed to love children.”

The fuming man shouted, “I love children in the abstract, not in the concrete!”

Source: Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center

YIDDISH WORD OF THE MONTH Finster Pisher n. A gloomy young child who often breaks his parents’ hearts with his dolefulness.

“Little Melvin doesn’t whine or cry. He just sits there looking forsaken all the time. Such a finster pisher.”

From the Yiddish-via-German finster, meaning dark and despondent.

And from the Yiddish pisher, metaphorically meaning little squirt.

Source: “Schmegoogle: Yiddish Words for Modern Times” by Daniel Klein.

54 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

BRAIN FOOD

Finally!

ACROSS

By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Easy 1

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1. Most popular band ever from Down Under 5. People person's skill 9. What some anti-Semites claim Moses had (and all Jews have on their heads) 14. "Yuck" feeling 15. Kind of Torah 16. Kind of Acid 17. Love interest of Clark before Lois 18. Love interest of Simba 19. They can be picked in a conflict 20. What Moses' head actually did, requiring him to 57-Across 23. What many feel on Tisha B'Av 24. Idan Rachel hit 25. Org. that's certainly had its hand full since March 2020 28. "Bro", in Israel 31. Some hair products 34. Legendary king whose origin is likely based on Moses (seriously, look it up!)

36. Melt, in a way 38. Doesn't feel so hot 40. One from Tehran 41. What Moses could not do in public, but thankfully we now can!

44. Alpine climbing tool 45. Josephus's "Antiquities of the Jews", for one 46. "And not a ___ out of you!"

47. Larry's wife on "Curb"

49. Bursts (a balloon) 51. Jrs., eventually 52. Name of two Biblical Judges, when shortened 53. "Au revoir, ___ amis" 55. Blood letters 57. See 20-Across 63. Ancestor and daughter of David 66. Shakespeare title king 67. Something waved at many parades 68. Agnew of note 69. Kind of technicality?

70. Julia's red friend on "Sesame Street" 71. 9-Across, in Hebrew (singularly) 72. It can be considered the last Hebrew month 73. Some (Jewish) breads

11. Exterminate 12. Efrat to Jerusalem dir.

13. Help letters 21. Simple playground game 22. "... little can ___ long way" 25. Goes after 26. Obi Toppin or Clint Capela of the NBA (on offense) 27. Baked fruit desserts 28. Top floors 29. Ballroom dance from Cuba 30. NBA legend Olajuwon (who was way more than just a 26-Down) 32. Pick up 33. "John B." of song 35. Snare 37. Have on 39. It's kind of a big deal in Japan 42. "Definite maybe" or "civil war," e.g.

43. Mr. Fix-it 48. Asher of literature 50. MLB thefts 54. A twin on "The Simpsons" 56. What one hopes for after an interview, with "an" 57. Be concerned 58. Swamp grass 59. Bad Lashon?

60. Friend in war 61. Showed up 62. Roadblocks to a compromise, often 63. "For shame!" noise 64. Subject for Jane Goodall 65. Russian space station until 2001

DOWN

1. Capable 2. Treif seafood choice 3. "___ California" (Red Hot Chili Peppers hit) 4. Shmoozes 5. Like one who probably isn't the best singer 6. City near the Dead Sea 7. Give a ring 8. Rashida who doesn't exactly like Israel 9. Shir ___ (Megillah) 10. Leave ou (what this clue did with "t")

LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION 1

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friends. Many teens who wanted to go to camp but because of circumstances were unable to, will have this added chance.

Remember When

25 Years Ago// June 14, 1996 The Jewish community is getting in on Atlanta’s construction boom this summer as numerous congregations expand. Congregation Beth Tefillah began enlarging its Sandy Springs home in January, racing towards a Rosh Hashanah finish line. Temple Kehillat Chaim is expecting to see bulldozers this month and East Cobb’s Temple Kol Emeth, in August.

2

When 400 of the top students from the state of Georgia gather at Wesleyan University in Macon this summer for the Governor’s Honors Program, Fulton County will be represented by four students and DeKalb by three.

A fourth DeKalb student was accepted but had a conflict of plans.

Congregation Beth Tefillah after multiple expansions in Sandy Springs.

Atlanta Jewish Federation President David Minkin has stepped down, with a sense of accomplishment. Minkin boiled down his philosophy, which has driven metropolitan Atlanta Jewry’s agenda for the least two years, to a crumpled envelope he keeps in his pants pocket containing the new tag stickers for his car, ... He will be relinquishing the post to Steve Selig at the agency’s annual meeting Monday night.

75 Years Ago//June 21,1946 While final preparations were being made for the citywide elections to the World Zionist Congress take place here June 30, Julian Boehm, chairman of the Committee on Public Relations for the Atlanta Zionist Council, issued a statement to Atlantans urging them to “cast your vote for the slate of your choice and help elect the next Zionist Congress which must determine our future course of action in the struggle for a Jewish Palestine.”

50 Years Ago//June 18, 1971 The Atlanta Jewish Community Center and the North Carolina Association of Jewish Youth will sponsor Summer’s End, a teen camping week, Aug. 18-24, at Camp Barney Medintz in Cleveland, Ga. The program is designed to give Jewish youth a chance to develop relationships with other Jewish youth who are interested in meeting and making new

The Business and Professional Women’s Division of Hadassah held an organizational meeting June 3 at the Standard Club. Plans for the new year were discussed and new committee chairmen were elected. A transportation corps is being organized for the purpose of taking B&P members June 30 to five local voting locations designated by the Atlanta Shekel and Election Board. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 55

OBITUARIES Sandrea Bernstein 63, Acworth

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Sandrea (Sandy) Bernstein, 63, of Acworth, formerly of Smyrna, May 20, 2021. Sandy was laid to rest at Crest Lawn Memorial Park, just up the hill from her parents Bill and Joyce Bernstein, in a service officiated by her cousin, Rabbi Lydia Medwin of The Temple. Sandy grew up in The Temple in Atlanta and loved her Judaism.

Sandy was a fighter until finally losing her 12-year battle with cancer three weeks after her 63rd birthday. It has been said that some people are good most of the time, but Sandy was good all the time.

Sandy is survived by her brother Chuck (Marsha) Bernstein of Acworth, nephews Larry (Kristin) Bernstein of Grayslake, IL and Andy Bernstein of Norfolk, Va., as well as three great nephews and one great niece. She loved her family, staying in contact with as many cousins, aunts and uncles as she could. She was an accomplished artist with major subjects being Judaica and cats.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta, or The Temple in Atlanta. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Riette Hirsch Boxer 84, of Alpharetta

Riette Hirsch Boxer, 84, of Alpharetta, passed away June 11, 2021. Riette was born Dec. 13, 1935, in Savannah. She was a member of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority at the University of Georgia and held bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.

Riette taught elementary school in Savannah and Statesboro for three decades before retiring to Sun City in Okatie, S.C. She cared deeply for others during her life and lived life to its fullest. She was and will continue to be loved and adored by those who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years Dr. Robert Boxer; daughter, son-inlaw and cherished grandson Deborah, David and Joshua Lutchen of Johns Creek; and son and daughter-in-law Mark and Betsy Boxer of Pinetown, N.C. Graveside services were held June 9 at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to Temple Kehillat Chaim in Roswell, or to the educational charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Steven Werner Haas 76, Atlanta

Steven Werner Haas, 76, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, succumbed to his courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease surrounded by his loved ones in Atlanta, who will honor his legacy by continuing to live their lives with integrity, determination and humor.

Steve was born in the Washington Heights section of New York City, N.Y., Feb. 23, 1945, to German Jewish refugee immigrants Frieda Stahl Haas Weinberg and Sidney Haas.

As a child, he spent his summers by the ocean in Bradley Beach, N.J., developing a love for the beach. After passing a specialized admissions test and attending Brooklyn Technical High School, he went on to graduate with an electrical engineering degree from City University of New York, making a close group of lifelong friends that shared not only an interest in engineering but also many fun times and escapades. He later obtained his master’s in engineering at Columbia University. He continued his education at Columbia, completing a doctorate studies without the dissertation and later his MBA from Rutgers University. Professionally, he joined Bell Laboratories in New Jersey upon graduation and remained with the company transitioning to AT&T’s business division until 1998. He was known there as an impeccably dressed, caring manager and skillful negotiator. He then joined NECA (later named Solix) helping the startup thrive by guiding the organization and clients through utility program details.

Upon graduation from college, he married his college sweetheart, Renee, and had three children Sidney, Cheryl and Melissa. While they raised their family primarily in New Jersey, they had a brief stay in Denver, Colo., where he developed a love for the mountains, the Denver Broncos and exploring new places. Upon retirement, Steve and Renee 56 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

took many fabulous trips around the world.

Steve held himself to high standards and excelled at all he took on professionally, but also running long distances, maintaining a meticulous lawn, building elaborate model train setups, taking phenomenal photographs, or even finding the most delicious baked goods. Known for his quick wit and incredible energy, he will be missed by many. But having lost his own father at the age of 9, his greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Congregation Ohr HaTorah, or Emory Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Program. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Ron Lazarus 76, Atlanta

Ron Lazarus died June 5, 2021, in Atlanta. In Ron’s own words: “Lasting for a lifetime.

Our journey continues in business and devoted lasting friendships forever. Building a successful business, Affairs to Remember Caterers, these 43 years has brought us the joys of so many wonderful friends and employees along with bringing joy to clients on their special life moments. Seeing the growth of a young business into a respected entity in the Atlanta hospitality market, managed by wonderfully committed and creative individuals, is a joyful and satisfying tribute to so many. I leave this earth a grateful man. I have experienced great love in my life. My spouse of 22 years, John Wise, has always been by my side in sickness and in health. We have shared so very much in our time together – true love. My dear friend Scott Ardolino by my side in our life’s journey – true friendship and love. Friendships and love for decades. Special friends have made life a beautiful experience of living.”

Ron was predeceased by parents Jack Lazarus and Yetta Shapiro Lazarus. He is survived by a sister Barbara Emmer of Gainesville, Fla.; his spouse John Lawrence Wise; and his best friend and business partner, Scott Ardolino. No service is scheduled. A private “Celebration of Life” will be announced at a later date.

Charitable contributions may be made to PAWS Atlanta animal shelter. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Mark Bruce Kelmachter 72, Decatur

Mark Bruce Kelmachter died May 31, 2021. He was born March 11, 1949, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Jean Muraskin Kelmachter and Meyer Kelmachter.

Mark had just finished writing a book about his family. He graduated in philosophy from the University of Buffalo and came to Emory University to study philosophy as a graduate student. Mark enjoyed discussions with his groups of friends while at Emory; in Little Five Points; at Elizabeth Andrews High School, where he taught English; at the Church of Religious Science; and online.

Mark loved every book written by each of his favorite authors, from Colin Wilson’s “The Outsider” to Philip Roth’s “Our Gang.”

Mark loved to tell clever jokes. He also had a knack for finding the best tasting food in any city. Sadly, Mark leaves behind his wife Jan; his daughter Mica; his mother Jean, his sisters Leslie and Shari (Kevin); his brother-in-law Jay (Debbie); his sister-in-law Lauren (Cindy); nieces and nephews; and beloved dog.

Graveside services at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Peter Berg were held June 4.

Donations, if you like, to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999

OBITUARIES

Phyllis F. Lipton 92, Ellijay

Ms. Phyllis F. Lipton, age 92, of Ellijay, formerly of Atlanta, passed away May 27, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Ms. Lipton was born June 9, 1928, in the Bronx, N.Y., the daughter of the late Irving Lipton and the late Eleanor Krieger Lipton.

Phyllis was a very creative, sassy and whimsical lady who never met a stranger and was adored by so many. Her hobby was creating beaded jewelry. She was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Surviving Ms. Lipton are three daughters and two sons-in-law Ellie Lipton of Ellijay, Andrea Hinda and Jim Townsend of Ellijay, and Michelle and John Harris of Flowery Branch; grandchildren Tristan Shaffer, Daniel and Jamie Oster, Craig Oster, Jessica Townsend; two great-grandchildren Kobe and Jordan Oster; several nieces and nephews; and many other extended family members, relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date and will be announced. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests donations be made in Mrs. Lipson’s memory to Regency Hospice of Blairsville, Ga., or Project Chimps of Morganton.

Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.

Dr. Ira Lewis Tedoff 74, Atlanta

Beloved and caring father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend, Dr. Ira Lewis Tedoff, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones May 27, 2021 at the age of 74.

Ira was born in Somerville, N.J., on Jan. 31, 1947, and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. Ira was a doting elder brother to Paul Tedoff (of blessed memory) and Victor Alvin Tedoff. Finishing high school at the early age of 16, Ira graduated from Brooklyn College in 1967 and went on to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of South Carolina in 1972.

Ira maintained a private clinical practice in Atlanta for over 40 years up until his passing. Passionate about musical theater and singing, Ira also performed in numerous theatrical productions and sang in choirs throughout the greater Atlanta area for over 20 years.

One of the greatest joys of Ira’s life was being a devoted father. Ira instilled in his children a love of people and an avid curiosity about the world. He laid a beautiful and strong foundation upon which his children will continue to pursue their dreams. Ira was also known for the ease with which he would engage those around him, making fast friends with people from all walks of life. As he was as a father, Ira was a compassionate, nurturing and dedicated psychologist who excelled at fostering an environment where his patients felt seen and heard. He will be sorely missed by all those who sought his counsel.

Ira had a quick wit and zany sense of humor, which delighted all those who had the fortune of interacting with him. Ira was known for his astute observations, delivered with a perfect dose of irreverence. Ira encouraged his friends and family to move through the world with open hearts and engaged minds. Ira, you were bigger than life; and life will never be the same without you. We love you forever and always.

Ira was preceded in death by younger brother Paul Tedoff and loving parents Pearl Tedoff (née Wetter) and Harry Tedoff. Ira is survived by his beloved wife Dr. Lisa Ann Vinokur and their two children Bryna Pearl Tedoff and Perlman (Perly) Brice Tedoff. Ira is also survived by his eldest daughter Pauley Faran Tedoff; his younger brother Victor Alvin Tedoff; and nephews Harrison Joseph Tedoff and Truman Paul Tedoff.

Rabbi Mayer Freedman officiated at a graveside service at North Atlanta Memorial Park May 30.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ira’s memory may be made to Renewal.org, Congregation Anshei Sfard, and the Callanwolde Concert Band. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2021| 57

OBITUARIES

Leon Tuck

Herbert Larry Wolf

Leon Tuck passed away unexpectedly at his home May 26, 2021. Leon was born May 23, 1932, to Libby Kantor Tuck and Joseph Tuck.

Leon was storyteller extraordinaire, never met a stranger and was loved by all. He knew all there was to know about Atlanta and would share his knowledge with anyone.

His grandchildren and love of Congregation Shearith Israel brought him the greatest joy.

He was preceded in death by his sister Elsie and his brother Bobby. Survivors include his wife of 64 years Rhina Shaffer Tuck; brother Albert Tuck of Birmingham; sons Stuart (Helene) and Sam (Allyson); and grandchildren Jonathan, Anna, Ilene, Leah and Nolan.

A private funeral was held May 30. Donations can be made to Congregation Shearith Israel, 1180 University Drive NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30306. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Herbert Larry Wolf passed away May 11, 2021 at the age of 81 in his home in Sarasota, Fla. The cause of death was cancer. Born in Macon, Ga., in 1939, he graduated from Macon’s Lanier High School in 1960. Attending the University of Georgia, he was a member of Tau Epsilon Phi, and graduated in 1964.

Achieving the rank of captain with the United States Air Force, Herb served four years at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. He supported troops overseas as a part of the Air Force Logistics Command. He earned a National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged in August of 1968.

Herb then worked in banking before co-running a family-owned dollhouse and miniatures store in Roswell, Ga. After that, he ran his own freight expediting business until retirement. He loved to crack jokes, and had a fondness for dogs, particularly his dog Misty, who lived a long life for a canine thanks to his care. Later in life, he enjoyed playing poker with his friends, socializing and reading suspense and spy novels.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents Zelig and Slyvia Wolf and siblings Sherry Friedman and Beverly Isaac. Herb is survived by his wife Joyce Wolf; his daughters Stephanie and Jennifer Wolf; his grandchildren Essa Wolf Taylor and Madeline Wolf O’Hair; and his brother, Leonard Wolf.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or The Patterson Foundation, which supports initiatives at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

89, Atlanta

Sandra Safer Weiss 84, Atlanta

Sandra Safer Weiss, 84, passed away May 31, 2021, in Atlanta after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Sandra was born in Jacksonville, Fla., and was raised in both Jacksonville and Savannah. She attended both the University of Florida and the University of North Florida, where she received her degree in teaching. Sandra had a passion working with children with a special emphasis on speech therapy. She worked as a speech therapist for over 30 years in Jacksonville, Fla. She lived a full and vibrant life with more friends than you could count. She enjoyed volunteering at River Garden Retirement Residence for many years, working with ceramics and playing bridge. Sandra was an avid Florida Gator and Jacksonville Jaguars fan, never missing the opportunity to watch a game. Sandra’s family meant more to her than words can describe.

In 1961, Sandra married Bernie Deutsch and had two children Mark and Beth. After Bernie’s passing at such a young age, Sandra remarried to Martin Weiss in 1975. She is predeceased in death by Bernie Deutsch, Martin Weiss, Abba Safer and Eunice Safer.

She is survived by her son Mark (Debbie) Deutsch of Atlanta; daughter Beth Sparks of Atlanta; her sisters Ellie Safer and Maxine Goldberg of Jacksonville; grandchildren Josh and Megan Sparks and Mitchell and Jason Deutsch; as well as countless cousins, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held June 3 at Evergreen Cemetery with Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner of the Jacksonville Jewish Center officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home in Jacksonville, 904-288-0025.

81, Sarasota, Fla.

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.

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Mazel Tov to Lauren Harris recipient of the “Max & Mary London People Power Award,” presented by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. You have made a significant difference in the quality of Jewish life in our community. We are so grateful for your generous support and sincerely appreciate all that you do for Jewish Family & Career Services and those we serve. Congratulations!

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CLOSING THOUGHTS The Red Apple Rest My dad was hooked on high-octane black coffee. I was hooked on low-octane decaf.

E v e r y summer, as soon as school Shaindle was out, usualSchmuckler ly on my birthShaindle’s Shpiel day June 30, we would pack up my dad’s car and head up to the mountains.

I was aware there were many mountains in the world, but this one was simply known as “the mountains.” Everyone living in the New York, New Jersey and surrounding communities, unless they lived under a rock, knew to which mountains we were referring. “Bungalow colony” rolled off our tongues as easily as “more ice cream please.”

We could say things like: “we are going up to the colony.” Folks always knew what

we were referring to.

Dad left Poland as Hitler was arriving.

His yellow star I found hidden in a box in my mom’s dresser after she died was evidence of the life he would have faced.

Mom was one of an army of single Jewish women who volunteered to leave the comfort of their homes in the states, traveling by ship to Europe with the intention to marry and rescue single Jewish men.

Mom arrived, at what would turn out to be her forever love’s village, not a moment too soon. To their horror, Hitler invaded Dad’s village, killing his entire family soon after Dad and Mom arrived in the states.

Love was not a requirement for these arrangements. Marriage to an American was the only requirement for remaining in the United States, the goldene medina, the land of gold. After three months in the states the marriage could be annulled, if one so desired.

My parents fell madly in love and the rest, as we say, is history, including my sis-

ters and myself, seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Dad arrived in the USA penniless. His older brother had arrived in the states a few years earlier. As it turned out they joined the butchers’ union, and each opened their own successful shop.

Eventually my dad and one of his brothers-in-law bought a small tract of land in the mountains and built a small, lovely bungalow colony, in Highland Mills/Monroe, N.Y. Dad worked all week in his kosher butcher store, and on weekends traveled to the mountains to work on maintaining the colony. Whatever it took to give his girls a good life.

Early on in our childhood my sisters and I discovered he could sing and was a fabulous dancer. Whenever we went to events as a family, and since Mom was not a dancing kinda gal, I became his constant dance partner. We garnered much applause.

The man did not graduate high school, yet he could build almost anything, could fix almost anything, knew everything there was to know about cars, toasters, washing

machines, tractors, electrical machinery, finances, sewing machines, and he spoke three languages fluently and another two haltingly, to name just a few of his many talents.

In truth, my sisters and I don’t need Father’s Day to remember our dad. He and Mom, in eventuality, always become part of our conversations. Comparing our stories that made up our childhood could be a book in and of itself.

His grandchildren talk about his vibrant personality, the way he would lovingly hold their faces in his hands, the jokes he would tell, or the games he would play, and of course, singing and his rhythm in dance.

The Red Apple Rest is alive and doing well. Families from all over the tri-state area stop to visit on their way up to the mountains.

Dad has not been physically with us for some time now. He and Mom are together. His presence is felt every day, one way or another. ì Happy Father’s Day! Happy Every Day!

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: COMPUTER

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As Seen On

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Winner of Salesman of the Year Award for 4 out of the last 5 years!

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HOME

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Photo captured at Atlanta History Center