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

RAFFLE WINNER: $50.00 Café Intermezzo

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

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

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

Gary Glasser – North Druid Hills

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 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

Matt Herman – Johns Creek

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

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 RAFFLE WINNER: $100.00 Buckhead Life Restaurant Group

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

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

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

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! “

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

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.

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 By Robyn Spizman Gerson and memorable when passed 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 comments on things without the facts, refusing to pontificate. “Like my dad, I like to only venture an opinion when I have a factual basis to reply.”

Melvin A. (Mel) Brown passed away at the young age of 61 and was a true gentleman and entrepreneur whose varied interests were in real estate, liquor stores and film as the owner-operator of the Peachtree Art Theatre, an Atlanta icon. Brown was a

nationally recognized expert on art films, and a few Emory University professors would make some movies required viewing for their students.

Famed Atlanta author Margaret Mitchell of “Gone with the Wind” fame was on her way to his theater in 1949 when struck 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 memorialized them in shadow boxes for the family. Mel and Hannah, who both graduated college in the early 1930s, set a legacy that continues to be met by their children and grandchildren.

And still swinging at 95, in the words of the most optimistic, upbeat father you could ever know, Leon Goldstein inspired many with his positive attitude about life. Goldstein enjoys sitting at Chastain Park with 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 14th, 2021.” And on a personal 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 Morris Freedman, for whom an Atlanta BBYO AZA chapter was named, when asked, “Dad, why are you so good?” He replied without hesitation, “I don’t know how to be bad.’”

On that note, wishing dads, fathers and fathers-to-be good thoughts, good times and a very Happy Father’s Day. ì

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Debbie@SonenshineTeam.com | www.SonenshineTeam.com The Goldstein family sticks together with Leon at the helm with his positive attitude.

Al Garber’s legacy of Jack Freedman shared his gratitude and giving lives insights about kindness and on through his family. was sweeter than “honey.” Melvin Brown left a loving David Gerson, right, with wife legacy as a well-dressed Francis, needed all the facts gentleman and devoted dad. before answering a question.

FATHER'S DAY

Father’s Day Gift Guide

By Robyn Spizman Gerson

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.

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 Picture Perfect – Storyboards, a pictureperfect 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

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

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.

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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